Late Night TV or...

What's On The Tube When You Can't Sleep.

So to be honest, I've been having a lot of trouble sleeping lately. Which means I've been trying a few different solutions. I've tries counting sheep. Tried sleeping aids. Now am trying TV.

Sunday night I watched The Black Dahlia.  I flipped it on because the title sounded interesting. I've always been interested in crime, and I have my own morbid interest in seeing how people look at the unsolved ones. This movie surprised me on multiple levels. The costumes were done well, and the characters presented were believable.

But what surprised me more than anything else was the lesbian undertones in the film. Not only that it was there, but in the way that the film showed this as being accepted. It was an interesting thing to see considering how some people react to the idea now. But as with many films that are made these days about crime, it was full of fiction. There are a number of websites devoted to debunking the fictions around the crime, and many believe that the crime will never be solved. Which is unfortunately likely the sad truth.

Monday night I watched a movie from 1941 called Dive Bomber. It was a good movie, even if it was old. To be honest I didn't realize it was as old as it turns out to be. The colors in it are wonderful, and the story does provoke curiosity. Is it a fact or fiction film?

According to what I can find it's fiction. There's a number of different statements about the film that indicate this. Dive Bomber was not the usual type of film that I would watch. But it does fit in with the things that I have been writing about on the blog recently. It does reflect some points of  naval history, as well as look at some interesting concerns about flight. I think a lot of us take the secure safety of flights now for granted.

The planes in the film were really interesting, some of them were very colorful. According to what I've read there are a number of people that enjoy the film because of the planes that are shown in it. They were interesting to see. Planes are always interesting, a little more so than cars. I mean, after all, they fly.

Beyond that I've been watching a show on Animal Planet about River Monsters. I am not one that enjoys fishing, but it's fascinating to see the types of creatures that live underwater. Some of them really are monsters. But they're real. I guess in some ways that's the scariest part.

But on the most part, I'm watching a little bit of TV now and then... I wonder if it's going to do anything more than rot my brain.

The Backwater Gospel

Happy Birthday.

Happy Birthday Polke A. Dot!

Happy Birthday to the best Pookie Bear!

Comics and Inspiration

Sometimes there is a comic that really speaks to us. Whether it's humorous, serious, simple or complex doesn't matter. The effectiveness of a comic is what it portrays and whether it offers a believable story to follow. We often think of those pages that came in the Sunday papers when we were kids when we hear the word comic, or of those small booklets of printed art we could pick up telling us stories in pictures.

But now comics can be found almost anywhere. But I want to share a couple I've read recently that I enjoyed, and that also said something that I can understand. Both the comics I'm sharing with you today are about the idea of following your dream, about aspiring for more. They look at how people change what they are in order to make ends meet, instead of being happy. So read them, and hopefully they will make you smile and think about some of the dreams you had, and still have time to pursue.

In Defense of Weird from Virus Comix website (lists as Subnormality)

But every time we look through things like comics, each time we find something that has some sort of meaning to us, we often let it go. These small reminders...inspire us to want more, but frequently we are afraid to go ahead and strive to reach it. So this week, think about your dreams and what you'd like to see happen someday. There are a lot of things we can do, if we only try to do them. And we should read comics, look at art, and appreciate the talents of the people that surround us.

Zen Pencils does amazing comics like the one above, many based on inspirational quotes.

We should hold onto comics and art like these, let them remind us, that sometimes we are allowed to believe in ourselves. We're allowed to dream and hope for more in this world. Artists have often tried to help us remember this. Let them i spire us to pursue our dreams. After all, Rome was not built in a day. There are many experiences that we will have before we find the right spot. But remember, you won't find the right spot if you do not try to look.

Don't be afraid to try, if you never try, how do you know it can't be done?

Music Monday (6)

So this weeks Music Monday might seem a little scattered. But... maybe there's a reason for that. Hope you enjoy this weeks selections. Remember, there's music out there for everyone. So enjoy...

Bonnie Mckee : Somebody

Elton John : Crocodile Rock

Lesley Gore : The Old Crowd

The Rocket Summer : Brat Pack

Simple Plan : Loser of the Year

In Memoriam

Grandfather Pluyta's Song

I was going through some of my older files recently, and I stumbled upon a folder buried in my writing folder. It's of a few short things I had been working on when Maru was working on the Jinopets project. It didn't last too long, but I remember how much fun it was. So I'm going to post a few of them here to share them with you. I hope you enjoy them as much as I did then.

This is what a Pluyta was.

 The dawn of time

Was not long past

When our story first began

And the phoenix Aeroh took to flight

Giving the day its light

But not to be outdone by her

The silver Nigard took to the sky

And where the shadows fell at night

Made stars, and phoenix he reflected.

The waters bubbled and broiled as deep beneath the sea

The Nasinar started to chant

And creatures filled the sea

On the land the earth was barren

 But the Metak saw to that

Forest soon were growing

And the scent of flowers filled the land.

Khaurn though scorned the daylight

And took to making caves

Kenja being quick to the chase took to the plains

The others all divided, living close and far

And each of them was different

But no single one can be called the star

For in truth as is reality

To be fruitful and have joy

There must be some interaction

And everyone must have a voice

After the jino’s had taken to the world

Humans seemed to just appear and populate

Far corners of their earth

And as we find now, as we see

Jino’s and humans are family

For together there is much to learn

Together they can destroy or build

Which brings us to today

Remember that the choice you make

Can affect another’s day

Just Visiting : SeaWorld San Diego

Summer is almost here and it's getting warm. Soon it'll be time to hit the beach to enjoy the warm sand, the cool waters, and the good company of friends. But there is a new option opening here in San Diego, the Aquatica SeaWorld Waterpark. Which is supposedly located just a few minutes from the SeaWorld Park here. But what's interesting about them?

The water park is opening on June first.Aquatica boasts a number of new atractions including a 1,250-foot long lazy river named Loggerhead Lane. For those looking for a steep thrill, they offer the HooRoo Run, their steepest 80-foot slide. The Walhalla Wave rode offers a different kind of experiance. Rafts similar to those in the lazy river enable 2-3 passengers to enjoy a 78-foot long run of twists, turns, and watery waves. The website lists about 13 attractions that will be at the new water park.

SeaWorld itself here in San Diego offers over 27 different attractions and entertainment options. Madagascar Live! Operation : Vacation brings the familiar characters of the Madagascar series to the stage, Where they party on vacation at the park. Or if you prefer something a bit more traditional there is Journey to Atlantis. This water ride combines the classic flume ride soaking fun, with roller coaster type action and special effects. It offers a 60-foot plunge, and the opportunity to sea some interesting sea creatures. Then there's Shipwreck Rapids, which is a tube type raft ride on a winding river. For those who will know the reference, they make it sound similar to Grizzly Run.

SeaWorld offers a Coaster called Manta

7 Eleven is offering a discount promotion coupon for the park. This coupon can either reduce admission to SeaWorld itself by fifteen dollars and add a free second visit (it lists adult or child admission with this promotion as being $63). Or it can be used to save seven dollars on admission to the new Aquatica Park(admission for adult then being $31, child $23). There is some fine print though, these discounts are only available online. The offer for SeaWorld itself ends 9/1/13, while the discount offer for Aquatica ends 9/30/13. There is also a limit of 6 admissions per park.

Music Monday (5)

So this Monday is a Disney Monday. Mostly older songs though, but you should enjoy them. I hope you have a great week.

Pete's Dragon : Brazzle Dazzle Day

Bedknobs and Broomsticks : Age of Not Believing

The Jungle Book : I Wanna Be Like You

101 Dalmations : Cruella De Vil

The Parent Trap : Let's Get Together

Freedom's Lost

Freedoms are no longer free
they all come with a cost.
people have become unwise
common senses lost.

There is a certain hunger
driving common man,
looking for a wealth
without a cause to understand.

Freedom once meant flying
on wings of fancy free
now our wings are clipped
and the skies only to be seen.

Kept grounded from our purpose,
lost in others dreams.
things are more confusing
our own ripped at the seams.

but even in this madness
and the sadness that we see
there is still a chance there
that we all yet can be free

The chains may yet be broken
of the grounding we have gained
if we realize and see now
That we are the ones to blame.

By giving others power
over the choices we may have
we've given them our freedoms
Becoming societies slaves

They take away our reason
leave us barely to survive
but even as they grieve us
they leave us yet alive

Ours eyes can see
our ears still hear
our days go moving on
The time is marching swiftly
As the years fly seasonally on

Don't despair of freedom
there is no true loss you see
you're only ever as free
as you believe yourself to be

k.m.b. 2013

Studies : Child Nutrition and Cooking

So today is Saturday. This week was the second week of the online course I'm participating in on cooking and child nutrition. I know that there is a lot of different ideas about how to cook for kids, and what they will enjoy. The idea of this specific course is to bring families back to the table together. As well as open peoples eyes to what they're eating.

Why is this something that I'm interested in? Well for one thing what you feed a kid isn't really any different than what you'll feed yourself. You want your food to look good, taste good, and be good for you as well. This course intends to help us learn how to prepare a meal that is nutritious as well as balanced.

The course has gone over a few different topics so far. The teacher posts videos and explains how different things can be used to improve taste as well as create a healthier meal. She advises that it's better to use some butter rather than use an excessive amount of margarine. Another thing that was interesting to learn was how fresh garlic and onion can be used in small amounts to add a nice flavor to the food.

Some of the topics this course has gone over include: Egg, Six Ingredients, Vegetable Stir fry, Smoothie, Balanced Meal, Oatmeal, Pasta, and Almond Cake. How is the material presented? It's presented in a series of short videos in this course. What kind of work do you need to do for this course? You take small quizzes, and you are asked to complete one meal during the week following some specifications from class. (I made a salad and french toast to meet these so far.) So it isn't really all that difficult.

There are a number of free courses to be taken in Coursera I definitely recommend having a look. It doesn't hurt to see what is available. Educating yourself, whether for college credit or not is still good. Many of the free online courses offer a certificate stating that you completed it. So give it a look, maybe you will learn something new.

Through The Camera Lens

The world we live in is a place full of beautiful things. We often take it for granted, used to it's existence in our lives. When someone takes a moment to reflect on it though, we are amazed. Sometimes we have forgotten that the world can be beautiful. We get into this space in our minds where it is all ugly. But it is only as ugly as we want it to be. There is always something beautiful to be seen.

When I have a camera in my hands, I want to take pictures of everything I see. It doesn't matter what it is. I just want to be able to remember it. I will admit here, that my memory isn't all that good, I forget things very fast, and pictures are one of the things I have figured out that helps me to stay cohesive. But that's a whole different bushel of bananas.

When it comes to taking a picture, there is no right or wrong in my opinion. The purpose of the picture is to capture something that you see with your own eyes,enabling you to see this view in the future. Cloud formations, plants, animals, they are all different every time you see them. Although some people will say that they aren't I pose this questions. Are they permanent fixtures? Clouds move, rain falls, animals run and burrow. Plants change as the seasons move in turn. What you see one day may be gone the next, in some cases far faster than in others.

So what do we take pictures of? Should we just take them haphazardly for no reason? No, that's not what I'm trying to get  you to do. Instead you should think about what you're taking a picture of. Because when someone asks you what a picture is of or what it is for, you should have something to say.

An example. The other day Polke A. Dot and I went to Balboa Park. It was a rather busy day at the park, and there were a lot of people there. I was very surprised by this fact. We ended up slightly lost, though it meant we got to see a few areas in the park I hadn't seen yet. I was impressed by the beautiful buildings there (I always seem to be, every time I go there something new pops out at me).

We were walking around enjoying the slight breeze and people watching. When I noticed the interesting detailing along the building that houses the Sporting Museum here in San Diego. It's reminiscent of Aztec or Mayan work, and it's lovely. So here are two of the pictures that I took. They are very simple, and focus mostly on one thing.

Now why is it that out of all the pictures I took that day(around 15), These are the two that I like? For one thing they are timeless. There is no time in the picture, no people, no animals, nothing living. The top one does have some shadowing and light dabbling from the sunlight getting through the trees, but it adds to the shadowing in the sculpt detailing. The second one though, with the shift from the usual perspective is probably my favorite picture I took while we were at the park. I just like the way it feels.

You don't have to just take pictures people will immediately recognize. I wouldn't have a clue what these pictures were actually of if I hadn't taken them myself. So remember that what you see through your camera lens can be used for many things. Don't play it safe forever, especially now that many of us are using digital cameras. There's no film to develop, it's a low commitment level...

Take the picture!

The God

Want to know a Secret about Polke a Dot?

 

Polke A Dots birthday is coming up in two weeks. Which means he's getting OLD! So here's the plan, I'd LOVE for you all to drop him a message or an ecard into his email. Or if you're braver you can send him a birthday card at home (if you need the address email me and we can see about it)

So here's is his email address : polke(DOT)a(DOT)dot(AT)gmail(DOT)com

Just replace the (dot) with a . and the (at) with an @ and you can send him wishes for his birthday.

Now, if you know  him a little more and think you would like to really make his day, he's mentioned a few things that he would like for his birthday. He'd love to see the new Iron Man 3 movie. He'd really enjoy some Yankee Candle Apple scented things, or their chocolate scented items. Or clothes, he could use some new socks or a few t-shirts. He wears an XL these days >.<.

So anyways, thanks for reading, and I know he isn't going to appreciate that I posted this, but tough potatoes.

Interesting History : The Lily Pond in Balboa Park

History can be a very peculiar place. There are many things that happen in the past that some people would refer to as unbelievable, as well as rumor. But today's installment of interesting history is no rumor, though it was a bit unbelievable at first. In some of our earlier posts you learned about the Botanical Building in Balboa Park. A pretty building full of gorgeous flowers. You heard us babbling about the large Koi in the pond, but would you think they'd have used that pond for swimming?

I never would have believed it myself. Why? Well for one thing, to my personal view the pond looked rather shallow when we were there. But it is possible that there is dirt and residue at the bottom of the pond now that was not there in the past. But if you look at the picture below, it is evidence that they did use the pond for swimming for a period of time.

According to what I've read the koi lily pond in Balboa park was used by the navy during 2 seperate times as a pool. They moved the plants and fish out and used it to train. The second time they used the pool, they actually made it deeper, sealing the bottom off. Which is why now when they put the plants into the lily pond now, they have to be in a box or pot. Otherwise they won't be able to stay in place.

So that's that for this interesting and odd history tid bit.
----------------------------------------------
http://www.sandiegohistory.org/bpbuildings/botanical.htm
http://www.tanglewoodconservatories.com/heritage/balboa-botanical-building.htm
http://www.sandiegoyesterday.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/Navy-Swimming-Pool-in-Balboa-Park.pdf
http://www.sandiegoyesterday.com/?p=317

Music Monday (4)

So it was brought to my attention that I was going to burn through my whole music library if I keep posting Music Mondays as full length playlists for  you all. Now, in truth it would take a very long time to burn through my whole music library, but I have been wondering how many people are actually listening to the music if they have to look it up themselves. So, I'm going to take the advice I was given, and cut the list down to five songs for the week, and post a video for each one. (So you get one song for each day of the work week). So here's the 5 songs for the week ^_^ Enjoy!

Kelly Clarkson : People Like Us

Halestorm : Love Bites

Syntax : Pride

The Pretty Reckless : Hit Me Like A Man

Vermillion Lies : Bonnie and Clyde

Happy Mothers Day

Happy Mothers Day.

And because I know she sings super fast, am going to post the lyrics here, so you can read them in case you can't keep up with what she says.

Get up now
Get up now
Get up out of bed
Wash your face
Brush your teeth
Comb your sleepy head
Here's your clothes
And your shoes
Hear the words I said
Get up now
Get up and make your bed
Are you hot?
Are you cold?
Are you wearing that?
Where's your books and your lunch and your homework at?
Grab your coat and your gloves and your scarf and hat
Don't forget you gotta feed the cat
Eat your breakfast
The experts tell us it's the most important meal of all
Take your vitamins so you will grow up one day to be big and tall
Please remember the orthodon'tist will be seeing you at three today?
Don't forget your piano lesson is this afternoon
So you must play
Don't shovel
Chew slowly
But hurry
The bus is here
Be careful
Come back here
Did you wash behind your ears?
Play outside
Don't play rough
Would you just play fair?
Be polite
Make a friend
Don't forget to share
Work it out
Wait your turn
Never take a dare
Get along
Don't make me come down there
Clean your room
Fold your clothes
Put your stuff away
Make your bed
Do it now
Do we have all day?
Were you born in a barn?
Would you like some hay
Can you even hear a word I say?
Answer the phone
Get Off the phone
Don't sit so close
Turn it down
No texting at the table
No more computer time tonight
Your iPod's my iPod if you don't listen up
Where you going and with whom and what time do you think you're coming home?
Saying thank you, please, excuse me
Makes you welcome everywhere you roam
You'll appreciate my wisdom
Someday when you're older and you're grown
Can't wait 'til you have a couple little children of your own
You'll thank me for the counsel I gave you so willingly
But right now
I thank you NOT to roll your eyes at me
Close your mouth when you chew
Would appreciate
Take a bite
Maybe two
Of the stuff you hate
Use your fork
Do not you burp
Or I'll set you straight
Eat the food I put upon your plate
Get an A, Get the door
Don't get smart with me
Get a Grip
Get in here I'll count to 3
Get a job
Get a life
Get a PhD
Get a dose of...
I don't care who started it
You're grounded until your 36
Get your story straight
And tell the truth for once for heaven's sake
And if all your friends jumped off a cliff
Would you jump too?
If I've said it once, I've said at least a thousand times before that
You're too old to act this way
It must be your father's DNA
Look at me when I am talking
Stand up straight when you walk
A place for everything
And everything must be in place
Stop crying or I'll give you something real to cry about
Oh!
Brush your teeth
Wash your face
Get your PJs on
Get in bed
Get a hug
Say a prayer with Mom
Don't forget
I love you
**KISS**
And tomorrow we will do this all again because a mom's work never ends
You don't need the reason why
Because
Because
Because
Because
I said so
I said so
I said so
I said so
I'm the Mom
The mom
The mom
The mom
The mom

Awesome Fish and Chocolate Scented Flowers

I hope you enjoy this bit of footage we took when we visited the Botanical Building last week (on May 1st), the same day that we visited the MOPA. We were tickled by the large koi to be seen in the lily pond.

Now the MOPA was no camera's allowed, so sorry... No images inside..... next time we go somewhere We will let you know about it.

Just Visiting : Balboa Park Botanical Building

Today's Just Visiting installment is about the Balboa Park Botanical Building. This beautiful building has a wide variety of plants available for viewing. As well as an interactive touch and smell garden. This is a beautiful building to do photographs in, as well as a kid friendly educational area. Many children will enjoy the touch and smell garden, and the chance to view the carnivorous plants.

The Botanical building was originally built for the Panamerican Exposition which opened in 1915. It was billed as the largest Lath House, as well as being called the Lath Palace. It has a rather unique place in history in the way that the Lily pond in front of it has been used through the years. But that's a story for another day. We just wanted to let you know that this beautiful building exists.

I highly recommend it as a a place to stop if you're visiting in the balboa park area. It's beautiful, and the plants smell lovely. Not to mention the large Koi in the Lily ponds in front of the building. It's an all around lovely stop. It is also located close to a number of other museums in the park.

Botanical Building
1549 El Prado
San Diego, CA 92101

Open Daily from 10:00am - 4:00pm (Closed Thursdays and Holidays)
Admission to the Botanical Building is Free

Just Visiting : The Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens

Plants are interesting things. They make oxygen, can be used in cooking, and have all kinds of uses in our daily lives. We don't really know all of them. Well, some people may know a number of their  uses, but no one knows every secret that a plant might have. This Friday, May 10th, is National Public Gardens Day. So to celebrate this holiday The Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens is having a special discounted admission where it is only a dollar to come in and view the beautiful plants and displays inside. The Garden is open from 10 am until 5pm that day, so remember to plan your visit accordingly.

The tri-dome greenhouse was built between the years 1897-1899, and at the time it was one of the largest greenhouses in the United States.  It is one of less than twelve Victorian conservatories in America, and there is only one other tri-dome garden, the New York Botanical Gardens which is in the Bronx. The building itself was based on famous gardens of the time period that were in England.

Since then it has grown, and currently covers 11.4 acres of the Buffalo South Park. It isn't only the three domed greenhouse, but also nine other greenhouses. They also have a 9 hole golf course in the area, which was settled into an area of the park called the meadow in 1915. The garden houses plants not only from the temperate climate it is located in, but also the tropic and sub tropic climates. They hold a variety of events there through the year.

This is a historical site that is recognized nationally.

Buffalo Botanical Gardens
2655 South Park Avenue
Buffalo, New York 14218 

The Garden is Open to the Public :
10:00am - 5:00pm Monday - Sunday
Closed on Thanksgiving Day
Closed on Christmas Day
10am-12pm on Christmas Eve (December 24)
10am-12pm on New Year's Eve (December 31)


The Botanical Gardens are fully handicapped accessible.

Admission to the Garden during it's everyday operations are:
Adults - $7
Seniors (55+) - $6
Students (13+ with ID) -  $6
Children 3 to 12 are $4
Children under 3 are Free

During some special events and shows the prices may be a bit higher.

Happy Birthday Cayden!

Well Happy Birthday Kiddo! Am sorry that I haven't sent your present yet, I just haven't had a chance to. BUT here's a picture of what I got for you. I know how much you like Peter Pan so I thought you might enjoy having your very own Lost Boy Sidekick, Twins. Sorry it'll be shipped later, but at least this way you can see what we got for you.

Am glad to hear that a bunch of you are going to be celebrating your birthday with Thomas the Train Engine as well. I bet that will be a lot of fun for you. Am sorry that am going to miss it. But that's okay, am sure someone will take a few pictures. I just hope that they'll share with me.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SQUASH!

Music Monday Playlist (3)

This weeks song list is a little bit different. I hope you all enjoy listening as much as I did selecting the songs for you. The song we're going to "feature" for the video today is a mashup by Titus Jones. Enjoy, and remember to share if you find something you like. We're always looking for something new here.

Megan and Liz - Princess Charming
Jim's Big Ego - Stress
Johnny Cash & June Carter - Jackson
Beach Boys - Disney Girls
Billy Idol - Dancing With Myself
Brad Paisley - Camouflage
Christina Grimmie - Advice
Daddy Dewdrop - Chick a Boom
Jon Anderson - Loved By The Sun
Schnuffel Bunny - Snuggle Song
Titus Jones - Teenage Kids
Walk off The Earth - From Me To You
Ludo - Lake Pontchartrain
DJ Schmolli - Rock of Ages
Simple Plan - Jet Lag
Steam Powered Giraffe - I am not Alone
Greens Keepers - Lotion
Bruno Mars - The Lazy Song
Jamie-Lynn Sigler - Pressure
Kasey Chambers - Not Pretty Enough
The All American Rejects - Move Along
Plumb - Stranded
Xandria - Mermaids
Motion City Soundtrack - The Future Freaks Me Out
Tokyo Mew Mew - My Sweet Heart
Oliver and Company - Once Upon A Time In New York City
John Mayer - Waiting on the World to Change
Death Cab for Cutie - I Will Follow You into the Dark

Just Visiting : The Albright-Knox Art Gallery

The Albright-Knox Art Gallery is an interesting place to see, for both visitors and the people that live in the City of Buffalo. Like many art galleries it has visiting art pieces, as well as a number of pieces that are constantly on display there within the building. They tend to have selections that are modern and contemporary available for viewing.

During M&T FIRST FRIDAYS the gallery is open from 10 am–10 pm. These happen on the first Friday of each month. What's special about these days? Admission to the Gallery is free. And if I'm correct that means that today is the first Friday event. ( I know this one is a bit late in it's posting for planning, my bad.)

For those wondering what the current exhibits are in the Gallery (besides the ones that are there all the time);
Agnes Martin: The New York-Taos Connection
Dennis Maher: House of Collective Repair
Kelly Richardson: Legion
Looking Out and Looking In: A Selection of Contemporary Photography
Artworks in the Knox (Education Exhibition)
=REMEMBER THAT EXHIBITS CHANGE=

What's the address?
Albright-Knox Art Gallery
1285 Elmwood Avenue
Buffalo, New York 14222

Descendants

Teddy Has Surgery

Why am I posting this? Because sometimes we need a little reassurance. We're not always perfect. Sometimes we're not sweet. There are also times where we are afraid, and there are plenty of reasons we should try to get past moments like those. So keep your chin up, things will turn out just fine.