"First Kiss" at Cambridge University

Recorded live at the first podcast forum at Cambridge University on February 21, 2006.

Feeling You (Part 1) "Mind, Body & Soul"

On Monday I was stuck in a dank shipping container sorting large and grimy aircraft engine parts when my favorite radio show, The Loose Cannons came on with an announcement that they were broadcasting live from the Hooters in Pasadena. Since I live in Altadena (in the foothills above Pasadena) I decided to stop by on my way home from work. I wanted to see the guys, who the truth be told, are often the highlight of my day, especially when I'm sorting greasy engine parts near the Bob's Airport.

The Loose Cannons is a local LA sports talk radio show that comes on from noon to four each weekday. There are three main hosts of the show, lead by the brilliant stat man, Steve "Devo Hair Helmet" Hartman. Although I often find Steve's negative opinions and transplanted hair frustrating, he is undoubtedly the master "mind" and ringmaster of the show. Steve's deep knowledge of most sports, certainly the major sports in the U.S., keeps everyone in line, including the listeners.

Then there is Mychal "No Tip" Thompson. Mychal (pronounced Michael, don't ask) is a former professional basketball player who towards the end of his career played for the World Champion Los Angeles Lakers. This lead to his current gig as one of the radio announcers for Lakers games. Since he is the a former athlete, he severs as the "body" of the show. He chimes in with comments that only a professional athlete would know, so it helps to give the show credibility. As a Conservative Christian, Mychal can also be extremely annoying with his reactionary politics and superficial understanding of the world's other major faiths. Plus he's a notoriously horrible tipper.

Then there is the "soul" of the show, Vic "The Brick" Jacobs (VTB). Initially, Vic was simply the sports update guy, but now he is officially the third host and in my opinion, the best part of the show. He is both mystical and totally wacky. VTB is easily the most eclectic and interesting guy in sports talk radio. Vic is a man of the people, a modern day Bodhisattva of sports talk. His signature line of "Feeling You" is a shout out to all the fans in Los Angeles ("La Ciudad") who he represents on a daily basis. When VTB shouts "Lakers Fans... Feeling You!" You can actually "feel" Vic (not in a bad way!)

Vic was the guy I went to see at (the overpriced) Hooters in Pasadena. When I walked in, I was sure the place was going to be packed. Instead, it was totally low-key, which is the way I like it. There were a few tables of listeners, but I was able to stroll in at 2:30 and sit just a couple tables away from where the Cannons.

Steve and Vic (Mychal was traveling with the Lakers) were recording with the guys from the afternoon show, The Petros & Money Show (PMS). Vic and Steve faced the "audience" while Petros and "Money" had their backs to us. In fact, Petros' skanky crack was spilling out of the back of his jeans. It must have been some sort of health violation. I know for a fact that it was making me sick. Literally. Unfortunately I had already ordered my overpriced burger (that doesn't even come with fries) so I tried to block "P's" moon out of my mind in order to stomach my "meal."

The bottom line is, I was there to see Vic, so at the commercial break, I walked up and gave him a quick "Feeling You." As anyone who has ever met Vic knows, he is always super cool to the listeners and always gives a personalized "in the moment" interaction with his fans. "He's one good Dude."

After the show, Vic looked over to acknowledge my presence and even posed for the goofy "Feeling You" shot that I took with my camera phone and used for blog art.

Next time, I'll tell you about Steve's "semi" confidential secret of "Eternal Youth" overheard after the show at the Hooters in Pasadena...

What Do You See?

File this one under Ripley's.

(View enlarged photo here)

On Halloween, Marisol and I presented our neighborhood with an "Organic Spooky House."

(Hear more hear)

Our place is an English Cottage (little on the inside) built in 1924. So in our minds, the place has a bit of an "energy" from those who have lived in our house before us, maybe even from the Roaring Twenties. So with that firmly in mind, we embraced the Twenties feel for our "Organic Spooky House" with dry ice and galvanized buckets. Yet it was the dolls in vintage style dresses "hanging" from our old Cedar, that really sealed the deal. It was super creepy....

So back to Ripley. That night, Marisol took a photo that captured a spooky image, a specter if you will, of a child in a vintage dress.... Personally, I see an actual woman holding her child. But Marisol swears that no one was in the frame when she shot the picture. I think in the chaos of that night, a woman holding her child slipped into the frame.

What do you see?

Top Image on Google for "Nautical Star Tattoo" (without quotes!)

I just discovered a bit of "Good News" on "the getting My Vibe out into the World Front." I "Googled" the term "Star Tattoo" (without quotes!) and my "self-portrait" came up as the second image.... Then I tried "Nautical Star Tattoo" (again without quotes!) it came up as the first image.

I have to tell you, it really took me by surprise. To think about all of the "Star Tattoo" images that are slapped all over the internet, and to rise above the clutter, even if only by chance. That is something (I don't know what!)

Then to be the top image for "Nautical Star Tattoo" feels like a real honor. Long before me, there have been many a "Drunken Sailor" who earned the star the "real" and "old school" way.

To all the "Sailors and Warriors" who have worn the Nautical Star now and into eternity.... During dark storms, in the dead of night, alone in the middle of the Sea. I salute you.

Cheers!

Haunted Corner

All Photos Shot by Marisol Martinez