***BE THE CHANGE***

Friday, May 30, 2008

Green: Well, You Don't Say...

From Grist.org:

White House Admits Humans Causing Climate Change...
"The White House has begrudgingly admitted that "most of the recent global warming is very likely due to human-generated increases in greenhouse-gas concentrations." In a 271-page report -- court-ordered and four years late -- federal scientists have created a "one-stop shop" summary of potential climate impacts on the U.S. environment, economy, and public health. The report predicts stop-us-if-you've-heard-this-one heat waves, water shortages, and severe weather (oh my!), and notes that "many of the expected health effects are likely to fall disproportionately on the poor, the elderly, the disabled, and the uninsured." It also foresees a high-cost expansion of electricity capacity. "It basically says the America we've known we can no longer count on," says biologist Thomas Lovejoy, who reviewed the document. "It's a pretty dramatic picture of all kinds of change rippling through natural systems across the country. And all of that has implications for people."

A couple of years ago I have a rather frustrating debate on this very topic with an uber-ignorant conservative peer who resides in my fairly conservative hometown in Central California.  So to that Knucklehead...I TOLD YOU SO, Sucka!!!  

Thursday, May 29, 2008

Tech: Common Craft - Social Media In Plain English


Social Media in Plain English from leelefever on Vimeo.

The LeFevers are at it again!  Gotta love any instructional video that uses ICE CREAM as an example.  Yum City!  Okay, Lee, only 9,999,993 more vids to go before you've officially taught me EVERYTHING...as promised!

Fashion: Boing Boing @ Second Skin Fashion Show

Wednesday, May 28, 2008

LOST: Fast-forward Compilation



I'll give you one guess at what I'll be doing tomorrow night...

Etsy: My New Spats!


















I just had to share my most recent acquisition from Etsy.  Totally loving my new Spats!  Straight Razor Slasher is a sewing goddess.  Once I received my spats and saw first-hand how well they were made I felt much better about the $40 price tag (includes shipping).

Saturday, May 24, 2008

Travel: Why It's Been So Quiet...

...because I can't Blog from the Jacuzzi!

Heaven!

Where I will be for the next couple of days...

Jacuzzi'd:
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Hope you're all having a fabulous long weekend as well!

Thursday, May 22, 2008

Travel: One Month And Counting...




























Every Memorial Day weekend The Colonel heads off to Yosemite National Park with a group of old friends from High School.  Last year I had the pleasure of joining his crew.  Too much fun, indeed!  

I just received the above photo which he took this afternoon right before his final ascent to the top of Half Dome.  It's kind of tough to see but there are tiny little specks of people climbing the cables just beyond TC's head.

From TC:
"Left at 7:45, got up top about noon, back in camp at 5:00 -- and I was jamming the whole way. It's a long-long hike. And it was FREEZING up there! "

Congrats, Colonel!  TOTALLY inspiring!

In exactly one month I'll be heading up those same cables for the second time.  It's been too long...super excited, yo!!!

Music: The Kills - U R A Fever



Meet a clown, fall in love...

(The circus, I tell you...it's calling!)

Art: Banksy, Ron English & Chase Group Show 5.24.08



From Chase:

"I’m part of a group-show this Saturday May 24th at the LA Contemporary, located in the Culver City Arts District. Aside from my work, the show features work from Defer, Heaven, Joex2, Kofie, Hashim Thomas and special guest artists Ron English and BANKSY.

The opening reception is from 6PM – 9PM
So if you’re in LA, swing by and say hello!"


More info @ lacontemporary.com

Friends: Happy Birthday DJ Jazzy Beth!

This one's for you:



I hope you have a deliciously splendid day!  And I can assure you that the following few days will most definitely be Palm Springs FABULOUS!  

Love love love you Guerrettes like crazy.  I'm so very blessed to call you family.  Thanks for being so Rad! ;-)

Happiest of Happy Days, Lady!

B-day 2005, Hollywood, CA:
(Photos are under lock & key.)



B-day 2008, Palm Springs, CA...to be continued:     

Wednesday, May 21, 2008

Life: It Sure Can Be Rough Sometimes...


Life: It Sure Can Be Rough Sometimes
Originally uploaded by
Sanctuary-Studio

Friends: Free Advice By Tony Edwards



Free Advice #6 - Tony Edwards from Brave New Media on Vimeo.

I LOVE what DaBomb over at Brave New Media is doing here with her Free Advice snippets.  And when I saw this one with Tony I knew I had to post it with a Happy Birthday shout out to my favorite Genius!  

Happy Birthweek, Tony!  I wish we were all heading back out to Granite Pass to celebrate your most recent twirl around the sun!  Mad Mad Love...

Art: This American Life...Animated


Reality is in the mind of the beholder.

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

Etsy: Things I'm Currently Eyeing

Etsy
Buy Handmade

Travel: Palm Springs Weather

Could we ask for better weather this weekend? 

Hmm, I don't think so....

Music: Amy Kuney - All DownHill From Here


I met Amy last night at a fundraiser in the WeHo Whole Foods Lifestyle Store benefiting the FEED 100 Bag campaign.  She was providing the entertainment for the event.  I absolutely love her sound.  Such a melodic and soulful voice!  After asking around to find out her name (and getting nowhere) I took the opportunity to say hello and tell her how much I was enjoying her music.  Very sweet gal...her manager was equally as nice.  Of course she said I could find her on Myspace (der!) but she also mentioned that she could be heard on last night's Season Finale of One Tree Hill.  Which, yes, I watch!  Shhh...

Monday, May 19, 2008

Humor: It's Spelled I-R-O-N-I-C!

Spelled I-r-o-n-i-c?

I was hanging with The Lofties on the Eastside yesterday afternoon in the comfort of their A/C when this visual on their tele caught my attention.  I couldn't resist...totally made me Laugh Out Loud!  And you know I'm being serious when I spell it out!

Art: HEEL Wheat Pastes Popping Up Around LA

What what?

Apparently Disney has run out of original movie marketing ideas.  With this HEEL campaign they've resorted to ripping off Shepard Fairey.  I guess I can't blame them considering Shepard is on fire right now due to the success of his Obama prints.

Humor: The (ORIGINAL) Office

Sunday, May 18, 2008

Maker Faire: Jack Sparx Shocked Me, Literally!


I just peeped this vid on Boing Boing this morning and thought it worth mentioning that Jack Sparx (who is interviewed by Xeni near the end) SHOCKED ME at the Maker Faire a couple weekends ago.  

It was the end of our day and we were heading back to the car when I realized that we hadn't yet visited the Dark Room.  We popped in the back door and just as we slipped into the darkness I heard a voice over my left shoulder ask if I wanted a shock.  I looked over and saw a man with his hair sticking straight up and simply replied "sure".  I stuck my elbow out and BAM...I received quite the jolt!  In fact I can tell you EXACTLY where on both of my feet the electricity left my body.  Yes, it was that powerful.  

I, like Xeni, wasn't at all prepared for the jolt I received from Mr. Sparx but I'm glad to report that it wasn't painful by any means...just a bit shocking. (Pun completely intended.)

Saturday, May 17, 2008

Green: Santa Monica Ficus Tree Debate Comes To A Close


Having lived for a few years on a street in Santa Monica lined by these trees I can truly appreciate how destructive the Ficus root systems can be to one's property.  The sidewalk in front of the Red House was completely buckled and our sewer-line was in shambles and in need of replacing immediately upon move in.  Nonetheless it's quite heartbreaking to see these images of such beautiful specimens (in downtown Santa Monica) being chopped down last week.  For those of you who may not be aware this has been a hot debate around town for the past many weeks.  The Ficus trees are going to be replaced with Gingkoes.


Thursday, May 15, 2008

Politics: Keith Olbermann Hammers Bush


Can I get an Amen?!

Running: 9 Miles To Go


Hmm, I think I need to recalibrate my Nike+.  It logged mile number 2 at a 9'58" pace and mile number 3 at a 5'01" pace.  Ya, I don't think so...

Nine more miles until I hit my 200 mile benchmark. w00t!

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Art: The Robot Movie


Who's your stinky now?

Plastics: Well Look What I Have Here!

Well Look What I Have Here!

Yep, the guys came in yesterday and installed my 5 stage Reverse Osmosis water
filter. Couldn't be happier about achieving one more goal towards eliminating BPA-leaching and environmentally unfriendly plastic water bottles from my life.

After TONS of research I decided on this unit by California based APEC Water Systems. It was pretty easy for the plumber to install.  I'm sure that anyone who is even remotely handy could install this unit (detailed installation instructions were enclosed) in no more than a couple of hours.

Running: It's About Time...


Ugh...I feel like such a slacker.  Only two runs last week.  No boot camp due to travel this past weekend.  And now on Wednesday I finally get my first run in of the week!  Granted Mondays are my walking nights (3 miles) with Erin but I just don't get the same cardio workout on these evenings as I do with running.  

Felt really good at the start of this run, as you can see, but started to poop out early.  With the temps expected to hit the 90's later this week I'm going to TRY to get my workouts over with in the mornings.  We'll see how that goes. 

Only 14 more miles to go until I hit my 200 mile benchmark!  w00t!

Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Photos: Granite Pass 5/2008

It's hard to believe that it was TWO YEARS AGO this month that I last (and first) set foot on Granite Pass.  And I seriously can't think of a better reintroduction to the place where the most incredible Makers of Magic come to converge.  

The Dark Elf-
Commander

Church-
Most Amazing Church Ever

Saturday Afternoon Mass-
Saturday Afternoon Mass

The Making of Magic-
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Liz-botics-
Liz-<span class=

Twinkle Twinkle-
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Thank you, thank you, thank you...to my new and old friends, alike.  Your magic will stay with me forever...

For 64 more shots (including this pano) from our stellar Granite Pass adventure click here.

Mad Love~

Monday, May 12, 2008

Art: Blu - Muto (New Wall Animation)



Completely wow'd!

Fashion: Wordy Tees

Introducing the two newest additions to my ever-growing wordy tee collection.  If you know me then these make perfect sense.  If you don't know me then...Dude, yer missin' out!

























(Is it just me or does this model have an uncanny resemblance to Sean Penn?)




 

























FYI-I picked up these lovely sunshine yellow tees at VintageVantage.com. VV is currently having a $10 clearance sale on some closeout shirts.  Check it...

Friday, May 9, 2008

Burning Man: Myhab-The Perfect Playa Dwelling?


"Luxury festival accommodation that's green affordable and hassle-free - that's myhab.  for uk festival-goers looking for a great alternative to a soggy tent miles from the action, we offer cool living in the day (that keeps you comfy at night) in our unique two person myhabs. you can pre-book yours and enjoy total comfort throughout the festival"

Hmm, how do we get Myhab out to the Playa?

 

Thursday, May 8, 2008

Music: Coconut Records - West Coast



For a second there I thought you disappeared...
(If after hitting play it says the video is no longer available refresh your screen and try playing it again.)

Running: 6 Miles


Farthest run!  I can't believe I ran for 45 minutes.  When I started training again back in January I couldn't even fathom running farther than 3 miles.  Little by little I continue to push myself to set a new distance record.  I ran through Brentwood and Santa  Monica last night so it's pretty easy to just keep going.  Not as many major intersections or hills to throw off my pace.  The only complication is some pain I've been getting in my hip.  I'll have the opportunity to rest it this weekend so I'll reassess the sitch next week.  180 miles down...

Wednesday, May 7, 2008

Photos: The Maker Faire 4.3.08

In case you haven't heard...the Maker Faire was STELLAR!  The Steampunks killed it!  I took my Mom (the Crafter) & my Dad (the Engineer) because I knew this would be the closest they'll ever get to experiencing what I love most about Burning Man: community, creativity and FIRE!  My Mother and Father were both so completely blown away by the event that they started planning for next year...before we got out of the gates!   And amidst all of the beautiful chaos we still managed to connect with some of my favorite Playa Peeps.  Way too much fun! 

Tesla Coils:
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Mentos & Diet Coke:
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Abney Park Steampunked Guitars:
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Me:
Me!

20 Feet Tall:
Calf

Mini-Crafter:
Mini-Crafts

Bite it:
Bite It!

Orb Swarm:
Intrigued

I returned to LA with tons of goodies that I scored at the event!  But the most significant thing I walked away with was inspiration.  The better part of Sunday was spent working on creative projects with my Mom.  One of which will make its American Dream debut out on the Playa this August.  Can't wait!

For way-too-many-more photos from our day at the Maker Faire click here.

Tuesday, May 6, 2008

Music: Ti$a - Vote Obama



My Momma say "GoBama"!

*Side note-able:  I love that Shepard Fairey is wearing an LA vs. WAR t-shirt in this vid!

Running: Morning Run


Had to get a run in this AM since I knew I wouldn't be able to do it later this afternoon.  The air was brisk and clean...perfect for running.  Feeling great...such a good way to start my day.  I'm about half a mile shy of getting 175 miles under my belt (since January)!  w00t!  Hope to log mile number 200 by next week!  Fingers crossed.

Friends: Happy Birthday Amy!

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I shot this photo about a year ago (in Seattle's Olympic Sculpture Park) and what a difference a year makes, eh?!  You're preggers AGAIN!  And you live in, yet, another new town.  Pretty soon I'm going to start placing bets on which thing you'll stop doing first...moving or having kids! ;-)

All kidding aside I want to wish you the Happiest of Happy Birthdays.  Love you like crazy, Lady!  Wish I could be there to celebrate with you but with the way you rant and rave about how much you dislike Spokane I think I'll hold off on a visit until you move on to your next destination.

Love Love Love...
Me

Monday, May 5, 2008

Music: New Nine Inch Nails Album Download...FREE!






















Yep, you know me...gotta have my free GOOD music!

From SuperTouch:

"That’s right, as promised, NINE INCH NAILS frontman TRENT REZNOR has released the next NIN record “The Slip” as another free download available with no strings HERE."

Art: Postcard Machine by Michelle Ott


Michelle was at the Maker Faire this weekend with her postcard machine...so rad!  How did I miss this?!

Music: Justice- Stress



Wow! 

POW-ER-FUL commentary on the "French minority experience".

You can read more about this new Justice video
here.

Tech: Not Sarcastic AT ALL!

Thursday, May 1, 2008

Music: Lupe Fiasco - Superstar


If you are what you say you are, a Superstar, then have no fear....

Travel: Totally Sane



(Thanks Catfish!)

"Originally built in 1901, this walkway now serves as an approach to makinodromo, the famous climbing sector of El Chorro."