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You in Monterey

You, a tangerine dream wearing all of my favorite flavors and stalking the edges of a fence that we crossed once, twice, and again and again, the childhood place where children can’t reach when they’re not sleeping, an empress of flavors who whispers violet rain when the sky is growing dark, and our feet are covered with seaweed.

You, an image of fever in the summer storms, a summer dream in the middle of winter, a legend tracing shadows on the necks of gods, a way of floating between here and heaven when the earth is too far beneath our feet, and the skies are not willing to open up to let us in.

You, grateful at the edges of a day, afraid to wake too soon, a soft storm in a warm hotel , making shadows across my eyebrows when we’re too moved to speak about the things that are moving us, and something in the corner moves, and your gypsy spirit starts to fill her throat with glass and she’s laughing.

You, crossing back between the rows of the cemetery where we saw something touching us, nothing touches us, nothing but us can touch us, as the ocean decides to hold its breaath before she rains on us, and reigns over us, and reins us in, laughing, and she’s laughing because we aren’t silent here.

You, teaching me irreverence and secret portals between this day and the one we left behind, making dresses from the handkerchiefs of the dead, gifts for dolls that children can’t hold in their small hands, like rocks at the end of the bed to keep from floating too far too fast, flying over our own heads in visions of ourselves made sacred, visions of ourselves like we are.

You, chasing ghosts that wake us up again and again, the ones who are waking up without bodies, jealous of our archaeologies and geographies traced after midnight, the hour that the rains come, the come seeping through the rivers of coffee spilling out of the edges between clasped fingers, tracing the hauntings of those things that are not yet born, and not afraid to die.


March 30, 2010 at 3:10 pm Comments (0)

Miami Beaches

Miami’s tropical beaches offer a great opportunity to enjoy some time in the sun and get some exercise. There are even some lesser known spots where you can go to avoid the tourist crowds provided you don’t mind venturing off the beaten path and doing a bit of exploring to find them.

South Beach is the ultimate Miami beach experience and not to be missed when you visit . It’s the place to see and be seen and show off the product of months in the gym. While South Beach isn’t clothing optional, like parts of Haulover beach, topless bathing is permitted. This is the perfect beach if you like to people watch as during the day you can easily see vintage cars, models, and rollerblading people of all ages from the sand. The beach is located right across the street from many of Miami’s nightclubs. Once you feel you’ve had enough sun or it’s set and you’re not ready to head back to the hotel room just yet, remember to have a change of clothes ready to slip into so you can hit those clubs .

One of the most interesting beaches in South Florida is Virginia Key Beach which was once the southern end of a barrier island. It’s near the Miami Seaquarium located on both the north and south sides of the Rickenbacker Causeway. This beach can be crowded in areas due to the easy access this location presents but secluded spots can be found if you’re willing to explore. This beach also has the benefit of the only beach in the region that allows dogs if you enjoy travel with your pet.

Haulover Beach , between Sunny Isles Beach and Bal Harbour on Miami beach is known for 2 things. As a fantastic surf spot and more world wide as Florida’s only full nudity beach. Don’t worry if bathing in the buff isn’t up your alley the nude portion of the beach is marked with signs to prevent unintended eye-fulls. South Florida Free Beaches/Florida Naturist Association founded Haulover Beach’s clothing optional section in 1991. Keep in mind that though this is a nude beach there are laws against public lewdness, meaning you probably should wait and get back to your hotel room for more intense affection than hand holding or kissing or at least put your bathing suits back on.


March 27, 2010 at 3:10 pm Comment (1)

Los Angeles Band Local Natives Gains Critical Attention

The Los Angeles based band Local Natives was featured on NPR due to their concert at the SXSW Music and Media Conference in Austin, Texas. NPR covered their return to this major spring event in Austin. Also known as South By Southwest, the festival took place from March 12 through the 21 and the final events occurred tonight. The festival began in 1987 and continues its tradition of recognition of excellence at the downtown Austin Convention Center. It is one of the city’s ongoing events that has turned into something of a local tradition that can make careers for talented musicians.

Los Angeles also has a major music scene and the majority of rock bands that are trying to make a name for themselves in this country and land a record deal move to this west coast entertainment mecca. Last year Local Natives performed at the festival in Austin and did a total of nine different concerts. That was when they first began to attract the attention of music critics and it was the point where they began to gain more mainstream and positive attention. They have been compared favorably to similar styled bands such as Arcade Fire and Feet Foxes. They are not the only band to make the news after performing well at the festival.

Local Natives is also not the only band from LA to gain some critical attention. Many of the LA hotels are full of people that are there to take in some of the local music scene. The Black Eyed Peas, Buckcherry, The Eagles and Guns and Roses are just a few of the major bands that are from or have come out of Los Angeles. The city has produced some of the legendary rock and roll bands and is also responsible for some of the cultural music trends that have spread across the country. Whatever Los Angeles does, it does it big. And music the music scene is no different.


March 24, 2010 at 3:10 pm Comment (1)

Summer Concerts and Open Air Markets in Palmdale

As is true for many of most of the cities and regions of southern California, summer in Palmdale is absolutely beautiful. In addition to the gorgeous weather aspects and the geographic elements in and around the city, the fun events, festivals and various activities that take place are particularly attractive. Palmdale continues to enjoy a growing number of tourists every year and the quaint inns and regional hotels are noticing not only a larger number but also more diverse population of guests. And whether you are looking for a weekend getaway or actual complete vacation destination, hotels Palmdale , California has something for you and your family.

They summer Starlight Concert Series is one of the more entertaining and popular events that occurs in this city ever year. It takes place at the Palmdale Amphitheater and features national acts that are appealing to all members of your family. The list of performing artists expands generations and music genres, which guarantees there should be something for everyone. Previous bands and musicians include Bucky Covington and The Four Tops as well as the Gregg Rolie Band and others. There is usually an expected crowd of over 20,000 people and last year’s festival had an estimated audience population of 24,000.

Other great activities and events that occur in this city include Thursday Night in Square, which features great arts and crafts, free activities for children and good food. Various entertainment events will also take place throughout the evenings.
It is also important to remember that Palmdale is part of the Antelope Valley , which is in the northern area of Los Angeles County. This means that other major cultural attractions that are associated with the greater LA area are also within a convenient distance. This makes Palmdale the perfect destination for relation, while maintaining a close proximity to other metropolitan centers.


March 22, 2010 at 3:10 pm Comments (0)

Television Show About a Radio Station Set in Cincinnati

As with most major cities in the United States, Cincinnati has been a part of the mainstream pop culture. At one time or another most of the major cities in this country have been the featured setting of a television program or movie and with places like New York, Chicago and Los Angeles, they are constantly featured in mainstream entertainment aspects. Among all of the distinguishing features of Cincinnati us the fact that it was the setting for a very popular television show that ran from the late 70s into the early 80s.

This show of course, well it may not be obvious to younger viewers, in fact there are some people who are adults today that are not even aware of this show. Perhaps it’s time to put it back in syndication. At any rate, the iconic program now in question is WKRP in Cincinnati, and anyone who is familiar with it cannot read or hear the title without hearing and/or singing the theme song that went with it. Tourists frequently look for the locations of this famous radio station when they visit Cincinnati. The boutique hotels cincinnati and resorts are used to questions about the program and are happy to talk about it and answer questions.

The program aired for four seasons from 1978 through 1982 and starred Howard Hesseman , Gary Sandy, Loni Anderson and Tim Read among others. It was a comedy series based on the misadventures of the staff of the Cincinnati radio station. The plot and much of the series humor was based on the individual quirks an personality traits of the characters rather than external story factors. Many of the characters were based on real life individuals though they were from Atlanta. Interestingly the Cincinnati stations WKRC and WKRC-TV were referenced in the series and have some similarities.


March 18, 2010 at 3:10 pm Comments (0)

Columbia Tattoos

I’m here in Columbia, Maryland specifically to hear Bill Stevenson present his ‘History and Culture of Tattoos’ at at Kalher Hall. When I heard about his lecture, I immediately went online and found this smokin’ deal for a hotel room in Columbia, which is a suburb town next to Baltimore. Since my thesis is about the art of tattoos, I thought this would be a great opportunity to see if I’ve missed anything in my research.

But, before Mr. Stevenson’s presentation, I went to Baltimore to check out the Tattoo Museum . The outside of the building was great. They had two door size panels on each side of the entrance displaying beautiful tattoo artistry. Very colorful, there was no way for me to miss the entrance. The Tattoo museum was created to educate the public about the history of electric tattooing in America. They have exhibits dedicated that have preserved the stories, images, spirit, myths and truths, and anything else concerning American tattoos from its beginnings in the 19th century up to present day. The tour is free and what was really great is there is a fully functional tattoo shop. The tattoo artists do tattoos from Old School traditions to Kanji, Japanese, names, portraits, Black and Grey or custom designs.

Currently, there are seven tattoo artist on staff, and the work they do is on display so that you have a better idea of their expertise. Bill Stevenson is one of the artist! I didn’t know that. His work is superb. Very precise, clean and unique. He wasn’t in right at the moment, probably preparing for his lecture back in Columbia. Laura Rachel was there and her work is also great, she has a great eye for details, very realistic. Dave Sobel was there also, and his work is also fabulous.

It was great to know that there’s a Tattoo Museum that diligently keep a record of the history of Tattoos. Thanks to the staff of the Museum. You are doing great work.


March 15, 2010 at 5:35 am Comment (1)

Perfect Indian Curry

There is no telling how long it took to perfect the perfect curry. A good curry must be sweet and savory with a hint of heat, but not overpowering. The sweet must be noticeable and soothing, yet not turn the dish into a desert. The basic ingredients are onion, ginger, garlic, cumin, coriander and turmeric. But, here’s where it gets a little tricky, there is a whole array of other spices you can add to make it special . Cinnamon and coconut milk and lime are a definite must!

Many people do not like their curry to hot and many say it is not a true curry without some heat! Wherever you may fall on the spectrum, it is always nice to keep in mind others who will be sharing the meal with you. If it is not too much trouble, a good idea would be to make some extra sauce with a bit more heat, and keep it on the side for those who like.

Now it’s time to talk protein. Chicken and shrimp are some of the most popular, and of course, tofu. For vegetarian alternative, rustic cut vegetables will work, and again, tofu. It is best to let the protein marinate in the sauce for at least 15 min in order to absorb the flavor. The protein can also be cooked in the sauce along with the other ingredients.

Now if all of this is a little overwhelming, you may be thinking “where can I find good curry?” There are a myriad of great indian restaurants to choose from. From your neighborhood hole in the wall, to clear across the globe!

Surprisingly, Singapore has a large population of Ethnic Indians. This population has settled into its very own ‘Little India’. Because Singapore was the center of the spice trade, it is no wonder it cuisine is sophisticated and authentic. There is no doubt that you will be able to find indian restaurants which serve perfect, authentic curry. Whatever your pallet desires there is a curry that can satisfy!


March 8, 2010 at 8:43 am Comments (0)

How to Make It Through the Hard Times In College

Being a college student can be hard. You may make $1000 a month if you are lucky for a part time job, and balancing that with your school work can be rough. Luckily there are parents who will often help out with the bills and some of the tuition, but that doesn’t leave a lot of money when something big goes wrong, such as your car breaking down. Parents often can’t give too much more money to their kids who are in college, even if they would like to, and even if they can send more it will usually take some time to get to you. There is another option however, and that is the cash advance loan. It is fast and easy to apply for, and while you don’t have to have credit to get the loan, it can help improve your credit score, giving you better chances at many things such as housing, jobs and a new car when you get out of college.

Finding someone willing to give you a cash advance loan, such as money mutual , is easy. All you have to do, is what you would do for anything else. google it. There are tons of websites out there willing to give you money fast. If this doesn’t seem legitimate to you, it is almost a sure bet that there is a place in the nearest town to you that will give you a cash advance loan. You don’t have to have good credit now, or something you can give them as collateral, what you will need is a regular job and usually a bank account. This will show them that you are willing to pay them back when the time is up. Loans like this aren’t for everyday, but are for emergencies. If you use these services sparingly and only when necessary to avoid late payments or to get your computer or car fixed in times of trouble, you can even come out of college with a little bit of money to your name and some good credit.

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March 2, 2010 at 5:11 pm Comments (0)