ARIZONA SKIES

Out Of The Loop....

2011-01-20T15:38:00.001-07:00

Remember the people who said to you, "I don't have Internet and I don't want it. I don't need it". Really? The world just whizzed by and left them in the dust.

Arizona New Year's Wishes

2011-01-16T06:47:00.003-07:00

Some words from the wise to help you get the New Year started right!

An old prospector shuffled into an Arizona mining town leading his tired pack mule behind him. He headed straight for the saloon to soothe his parched throat, walked up to the bar steps and tied his old mule to the hitch rail.

As he stood there, brushing the dust from his clothes, a young gunslinger stepped out of the saloon with a gun in one hand and a half empty bottle of whiskey in the other. He looked at the miner and said...

"Hey old man, have you ever danced?"

"No, I never did ", said the miner. "Never really wanted to."

"Well, you're going to dance now", said the gunslinger and started shooting at the miner's feet.

The old man, not wanting to get a toe blown off, stared hopping around like a flea on a hot skillet. The crowd was laughing and the young gunslinger, out of bullets, turned to go back into the saloon.

The old miner walked to his pack mule, pulled out a double barreled shotgun and cocked both hammers. The loud clicks could be heard clearly in the desert air. All the laughing stopped. The gunslinger faced the miner and dropped the whiskey.

The silence was deafening.

The barrels of the shotgun never wavered in the old man's hands as he said,

"Son, have you ever wanted to kiss a mule's ass?"

The gunslinger swallowed hard and answered, "No sir....but I've always wanted to."

There are a few lessons here, that should serve everyone well in the New Year.

Never be arrogant.

Don't waste ammunition.

Whiskey makes you think you are smarter than you are.

Always, always make sure you know who has the power.

Don't mess with old folks. They didn't get old by being stupid.

Joy - A Blogging Buddy

2010-12-22T20:41:00.000-07:00

This is KJ on the left, with her partner Janet. Sitting at MY kitchen table!!! Blogging is all about reaching out and discovering a world beyond your front door. That is how KJ and I discovered each other. Never believe blogging friends aren't "real". They are as real as it gets. Look how lucky I got. Two wonderful friends that I love dearly and are now part of my life.

Reach out and hug someone.

This is my eleventh hug to you.

Pass it on.

Joy - The Digital Age

2010-12-22T07:26:00.000-07:00

Joy! What fun it is to live now. I revel in the possibilities.

This is my tenth hug to you.

Pass it on.

Love - Where You Are

2010-12-20T14:58:00.000-07:00

The Native American flute songs are haunting melodies, full of history and love of Mother Earth. The Anazasi left deep toned flutes in caves, some of which were excavated in 1931. They were dated to 600 A.D.

This is my ninth hug to you.

Pass it on.

Love - I Love The Whole World

2010-12-19T06:45:00.000-07:00

What do you love? Could you share it?

My eighth hug to you.

Pass it on.

Love - Love Stories

2010-12-18T07:26:00.000-07:00

Love is the answer. Forget Governments. We can touch each other wherever we are. Reach out.

This is my seventh hug to you.

Pass it on.

Peace - Imagine

2010-12-16T12:47:00.000-07:00

Join me. Let's try to make the world live as one people.

This is my sixth hug to you.

Pass it on.

Peace - Let It Begin With Me

2010-12-14T16:23:00.000-07:00

You and I are friends, one people. No borders.

This is my fifth hug to you.

Pass it on.

Peace - Heal The World

2010-12-13T14:14:00.000-07:00

Make the world a better place. I'll try for you. You try for me.

My fourth hug to you.

Pass it on.

Peace - Stand By Me

2010-12-12T07:33:00.000-07:00

Stand by me. I'll stand by you. I promise.

My third hug to you.

Pass it on.

Peace - Anyone Can Get Along

2010-12-11T08:13:00.000-07:00

This is my second hug to you.

Pass it on.

Peace - Straight No Chaser

2010-12-10T06:57:00.000-07:00

A group of friends and I went to see a concert by these wonderful singers recently.

They're from Indiana University, my old stomping grounds.

It's why we need the days of Peace before Christmas!

My first Hug to you.

Pass it on.

Here We Go Again

2010-12-08T09:15:00.000-07:00

Some things have a way of stopping you in your tracks. Back pain is one of them. And those caused by the aging process seem to be harder to deal with than others. Everyone gets it, sooner or later, and there are as many answers and therapies as there are people who need help.

I seem to have found a combination of therapies that appear to work and am hopeful that making them a part of my life will eliminate these nasty flare ups. Central to these is a decompression machine that stretches the spine to allow the spaces between discs to absorb liquids and nutrients and thereby make room for nerves traveling through.

If all else fails, maybe I'll just get taller.

This has made me late in my annual Christmas posts, one a day, 10 each on Peace, Love and Joy. I'm beginning now and will catch up soon. It seems that we can all use a tiny space of time to catch our breath and put some quiet moments in our days.

Peace, Love and Joy are rare commodities. It is my wish that each day, I can share a moment with you that seems like a big hug, just between you and I.

And then, pass the hug on...........

At least for these brief moments, we can have a world without borders.

Arizona State Fair

2010-11-08T19:06:00.100-07:00

Want to come along to the Arizona State Fair?

Well, what are you waiting for!

Turn on the carousel music below, then scroll through the pictures I took with my Photography Group.
I was trying out my new Canon Eos Rebel T1i.

Nice sand art.

This smells soooo good.

One dollar....see the giant pig, the smallest pony and the giant gator.

I didn't stick around to see who won this argument.

Kid with a kid.

Whew! I'm tired too!

Did you have a good time?

A Tale of Two Bags (....purses, not women!)

2010-11-06T12:41:00.020-07:00

We drove to Algodones, Mexico again, this time for eyeglasses. We were lucky. The right frames practically jumped out at us and even better, they could have the lenses in about three hours. That meant we only needed to spend a day over the border and could do a fast turn around and be home before lunch the next day.

Having finished with the important business, we turned our attention to finding a purse for Susan. She has had one bag for over five years. Just the one. A little black bag, worn and tired, needing replacement badly.

But first, we could use a Margarita.

Oh yeah, there they are! They come with diving boards.

On the way to dinner, Susan spots a handbag and wants a closer look. Before she can get her hands on it, the peddler yells "Original POLO, only $120 U.S." Well, it would have to be plated in gold before Susan was going to pay that price, but she sticks around for a few minutes shaking her head, looking unconvinced. The price dropped to $90, then $60. Actually, at this point, Susan just wanted to leave to get something to eat and headed out the door.

"For you $27.50 U.S!

Sold!" Now we can eat.

It wasn't a Polo, more like POGO, and it's not leather either, as advertised. Unless there are mutant vinyl pigs rooting around Mexico.

Yep, looks like a Margarita to me. Lots of salt.
We are discussing the purchases of the day, glad we found the glasses so quickly, and the handbag which seems to be staying in the shopping bag. It is not being taken out and proudly examined. Hmmmm?
What's up with that?

I pour my Corona and wonder why I'm not seeing the bag. She is having trouble committing to it - a new bag phobia. So, I'll just let it go for now. Besides, the food is coming.

By the way, I'm not drinking and driving - I'm drinking and walking
back over the border. No law against that. I just won't breathe on the Border Patrol.

******************************************************

So, it's been a couple weeks and we still haven't seen the bag. There is a dinner planned and I ask Susan to bring her bag. She did. She didn't actually use the bag, just brought it along. Well, this required some discussion.

Gwen (first on left) has more shoes and bags than anyone on the planet and just thinks this in a non issue.

Sandy (second from left) thinks we are all hysterical.

Pat (first on right) who buys bags four at a time, says, and I quote, "Listen, chick. The bag needs to go - now."

Rita (second from right) is convinced that Susan should just hold the bag now and again to bond with it. Move into it slowly.

And I (green top) think she has an unnatural attachment to the thing and possibly commitment issues.

Susan is standing her ground.

Of course, this is the night we all think there is a big weird, decorated egg in the wine cellar behind us and are wondering why. When we get up, we see it is actually a Super Bowl football. None of us see worth a damn. So maybe the bag issue is redundant.

***************************************************************************************

Even later and time to see "Straight, No Chaser". More on that in the next post. But, get ready! The bag is making it's debut!

I immediately remark on it's good looks and am very complimentary.

Susan stands her ground.

She fiddles with it. Snaps it open and shut and starts unzipping things and looking through pockets. It won't hold her water bottle. And the sunglasses case is too wide to fit properly. To use the built in organizer in front, the flap has to be snapped. That's not easy.

Things begin to bulge.

We circle the wagons in support. THE BAG support group. We can get her through this separation anxiety. But wait! Look at the handle, she says. Its worn after just a few hours use. Susan instantly pronounces it crap.

And it is! It has all the durability of cellophane.

***************************************************************************************

At breakfast the next morning, a triumphant Susan holds "Barbara", the five year old purse she will never give up. Something that cherished had to have a name, Barbara is as good as any other.

Inside Barbara is the black coin purse from the bag.
Barbara ate the bag!!!

Susan thinks Barbara looks better with money fanned out.
I think Barbara looks smug.

Susan is just showing off.

Never Vote For An Incumbent

2010-11-01T07:19:00.000-07:00

(The only people capable of changing the way the country is headed, is us!)

545 PEOPLE

(paraphrased from an article by Charlie Reese, a retired reporter for the Orlando Sentinel)

Politicians are the only people in the world who create problems and then rail against them.

If both Democrats and Republicans are against deficits, WHY do we have deficits?

It all the politicians are against inflation and high taxes, WHY do we have inflation and high taxes?

You and I don't propose a federal budget.

The President does.

You and I don't have the Constitutional authority to vote on appropriations.

The House of Representatives does.

You and I don't write the tax code.

Congress does.

You and I don't set fiscal policy.

Congress does.

You and I don't control monetary policy.

The Federal Reserve Bank does.

One hundred senators, 435 congressmen, one president and nine Supreme Court Justices equates to 545 human beings out of over 300 million people that are directly, legally, morally and individually responsible for the domestic problems of this country.

Special interests and lobbyists have no legal authority and no ability to coerce a political figure. It is the legislator's sole responsibility to determine how to vote.

It seems inconceivable that a nation of more than 300 million cannot replace 545 people who stand convicted, by present facts, of incompetence and irresponsibility. Every single domestic problem is traceable to those 545 people.

These 545 people exercise the power of the government.

What exists is what they want to exist.

They and they alone are responsible.

They and they alone had the power.

They and they alone should be held accountable by the people who are their bosses.

Do not let them con you into the belief that there exists disembodied mystical forces like the "economy", "inflation" or "politics" that prevent them from doing what they took an oath to do.

Thanks, Mr. Reese. No one says it better.

*********************************

If you really want to clean up the mess, vote them all out until it changes. They have had their chance.

Government service should be a citizen's duty.

It is NOT a career.

IT IS UP TO US!

Old West Shoot 'Em Up

2010-10-15T20:37:00.001-07:00

Former Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano, now head of Homeland Security says the border is safer than ever. Tell that to all the people getting shot down there. The federal government is turning it's back on Arizona. Instead of sending the troops needed to fight this war, they and the ALCU have decided to sue Arizona and Sheriffs Dever and Babeu.

That cannot stand.

The right of Arizona, of any state, to protect itself is inherent in the Constitution. We don't need to ask permission. This suit has no basis in law. States have rights. Ask Arizona Senator Russell Pearce. Or Jim Sharpe of KFYI radio.

Follow this here.

www.ca9.uscourts.gov/

Help our Sheriffs here.

http://www.bordersheriffs.com/

Jim Sharpe of KFYI radio organized the drive for these two hard working Sheriffs, who deserve far better treatment from Washington. I saw Jim speak this week and he is one of the best advocates you could have on your side. Not only is he bright and engaging, he has serious credentials and is committed to the cause. And he has a listener base that hears the truth. That seems to be in short supply lately. Here, in the land of the free. According to Jim, the best information is derived from a combination of ideas obtained from many sources. It is imperative to be proactive. To question and to do our own research.
Thanks, Jim.

Look for Jim here.

www.KFYI.com/pages/jimsharpe.html

And listen to Jim between 5:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. on KFYI, the "Valley's Talk Radio"-550 AM.

Arizona Senator Russell Pearce is the author of SB1070. To read the bill as well as his views on amnesty, visit his web site.

Find Senator Pearce here.

http://www.russellpearce.com/

Illegal immigration, amnesty and state's rights are just three of the topics we will be wrestling with for some time.

But Judge Keith Frankel, who is running for Justice of the Peace has encountered an insidious campaign tactic that will be more in evidence as the election nears and will explode out of all proportions before we know what happened to us. In every state.

The Supreme Court has ruled that corporations may spend unlimited funds on political campaigns. To illustrate, Judge Frankel has been attacked by group that has no named person responsible for the attack in evidence. He has hired a private investigator, an attorney and spoken to the police. The end result is that even though the signs approach, may be, libelous, they cannot be removed because of the First Amendment. There is a line that is being crossed here and we had all better pay attention. This is how we lose our rights, when we can't fight an attacker or even know who it is.

For more websites and information on illegal immigration, go to my sidebar (on the left) and scroll all the way down to "labels". Look for illegal immigration and click on it. All the posts dealing with that issue will come up.

I love Arizona. And I have a wonderful time living here in the Southwest. I'll return to all those fun places soon, but right now, there is an election coming up. And I cannot be silent when Arizona is in Washington's crosshairs.

Hunter S. Thompson

2010-10-12T06:55:00.000-07:00

This is not a guy who set good examples. He had bad personal habits, abused drugs and alcohol, smoked like a chimney, amassed a far from sterling work ethic and couldn't play well with others. Exasperating, fanciful, incredibly talented, free with opinions, light on facts. He took a lot of babysitting. The James Dean of journalism. He did have.... ability and attitude.

Thompson hailed from Louisville, Kentucky, just an hour and a half from where I grew up in Indiana. A southern gentleman. His name was always familiar to me, more as an example of what not to do with my life. And I was impressionable; just on my way to college. But by then he was working at Rolling Stone and so he passed from being the transgressor to just plain cool. Rolling Stone for crying out loud! The arbiter of all things cool in the 60's and beyond.

His writing style was referred to as "Gonzo Journalism", a first person narrative that took a sharp left turn from objective reality into, well, not so factual entertainment. It was a great read. He wrote well and often. The list of his accomplishments is truly impressive. Yet, the only steady commitment he maintained was an unrelenting hatred for Richard Nixon and George W. Bush. Wow, what's a gal to do? I fell in love.

Life came careening to an end, suicide, in 2005 after health issues. But throughout his life, in addition to his other writing duties, he wrote over 20,000 letters and kept carbons. These became the basis of "Fear and Loathing In Las Vegas" a bible of the 60's counterculture, and "Fear and Loathing On The Campaign Trail '72". The rest of the letters have been compiled and are due out in early 2011. I'll be in line.

Bill Murray portrayed Thompson in "Where The Buffalos Roam". It was a hit. He may not have been the best idea of a journalist, or a writer, even with that amazing ability. But there was no one like him. I keep thinking the world we have now is just full of aluminum siding. No real identity, no style, certainly no individuals are left. Real characters are nearly extinct. We all face a watered down life of something that was once authentic. Another reason I loved Hunter S. Thompson.

Here is Thompson's job request to the Vancouver Sun. The man was asking for a job, yet he hated authority figures.

"By the time you get this letter, I'll have gotten hold of some of the recent issues of The Sun. Unless it looks totally worthless, I'll let my offer stand. And don't think my arrogance is unintentional; it's just that I'd rather offend you now than after I started working for you.

I didn't make myself clear to the last man I worked for until after I took the job. It was as if the Marquis de Sade had suddenly found himself working for Billy Graham. The man despised me, of course, and I had nothing but contempt for him and everything he stood for. If you asked him, he'd tell you that I'm "not very likable, hate people, just want to be alone and feel too superior to mingle with the average person". (That's a direct quote from the memo he sent to the publisher.)

Nothing beats having good references"

ATTITUDE

Did he get the job? Look it up. Along the way, you're going to run into someone real.

Mad As Hell?

2010-10-09T13:12:00.000-07:00

Join the club. Really. Join the club.

Jon is a comedian, not a politician. But, he is just like us, a majority of the people who are sick of the screamers and hate mongers. The loudest voices are not the only ones who have the right to be heard. Thats what this is about. Sanity. Reason. Tolerance.

And truth. Whatever happened to truth?

Or accountability?

Maybe a little piece of that starts here.

Who Needs An Elevator!

2010-10-07T05:18:00.007-07:00

Can you remember ever being this agile?

There was a time I could jump over a split rail fence.

I was 10.

Those were the days.

Mesa Arts Center

2010-09-30T06:32:00.002-07:00

One of the joys that comes from living in a metropolitan area exceeding four million people is the extraordinary variety of entertainment options. Among my favorites is

Mesa Arts Center, consisting of two huge buildings facing one another across a serpentine courtyard, highlighting two canyon inspired water features.

The buildings curve into one another forming a cool oasis, if anything outside during a Phoenix summer can be said to be cool. Cooler, perhaps. Everything is relative. One side of the campus is devoted to the performing arts, the other houses the visual arts studios. It is here that I've found a home every week for three blissful hours. The studio is state of the art, the instructor is both highly talented and a skilled teacher. And the students? A dynamic mix of backgrounds and ages, people that are great fun to be around.

Take a look.

I've just walked in, past the slotted spaces for holding wet canvases, some projectors, and the entrance to the instructor offices to the right. Through those are the printmaking areas. There is room here for 15 or so full scale tables and floor easels.

To the left is the wet area and more storage. My table and easel are at the top right. Above are the suction fans and skylights. The gentleman in the blue shirt at the upper right is going to bring me a recipe for Mexican "carnitas", one of my top favorite foods in the world!

David, the instructor, manages to get around to everyone several times throughout the morning. He makes painting seem so easy, certainly more approachable. The lady behind the easel to the left sits between two ladies, one named Mona, the other Lisa! She is expecting inspiration.

The two garage doors let light in and can be raised when the temps are below triple digits. Then you can hear the sounds of water from one of the water features, just beyond David's right shoulder.

Along the wall opposite the doors are some really talented folks who are working on larger canvases. Among them are a sunset scene of ocean cliffs and two close ups, one of a brilliant poppy, the other cactus blossoms. Maybe they will let me photograph them before this class is over.

These are the result of the first project which was to make the objects appear as three dimensional forms using just one color and white. I arrived early; there are four more canvases to be added to this grouping. Future Monets, all. These are not finished pieces, but it is time to move on to the next project. Stiff upper lip, Meg!

And here it is. This time we get to use the three primary colors (red, blue, yellow) and from those and white, come up with the rest of these variations. We are told to paint what you see, not what you think you see. From where I sit, about 20 feet away, I don't see a pottery pitcher with a pepper in front. I see a blurred poochy pot. A problem I'll have to solve, and soon. Sometimes, what you see when you get older is a real mystery until you walk closer.

Here it is with the two light sources. This is going to be fun. But before we begin......homework!

We've done the drawing and transfered it to canvas. Now, we will have to do the underpainting in complementary colors before we start work next Tuesday. And to do that, we will have to actually know what those colors actually look like. Mixing primary, secondary and tertiary colors and their compliments. It's a slippery slope.

Then I'll work on the lower left quarter of this first project and try to finish it.

Wonder when a painting is actually finished?

Get involved!

http://www.mesaartscenter.com/

Bryce Thompson Arboretum

2010-09-19T18:37:00.000-07:00

This is Paul.

Paul is the go to guy for all things Bryce. There is nothing this man does not know about the Arboretum and he will make sure you have all the knowledge you need to make your visit memorable. He has so much information stored in his head, I'm surprised his hat doesn't fly off! And he is a really nice fellow. Make sure you find him before you start a hike.

This was my first visit to the Arboretum. I fell in love immediately. Head over heels. The desert is a real attention getter, but this place is drop dead gorgeous.

Come on, grab some coffee, and take a walk with me.

I left Phoenix before dawn. To get a sunrise shot over the Superstitions, you have to get there before the sun is up. I thought this was pretty spectacular.

Then I turned around and saw this!

Bryce Thompson Arboretum opens at 7:30 a.m and I wanted to make sure I was there when the sun was still low enough to cast nice shadows.

I have one of these in my front yard. Doesn't look this good though.

The is the front of the Smith Center on the upper trail. In front of this is the Rose Garden. To the right is a Children's Garden. The Butterfly and Hummingbird Garden are to the left. The main trail begins here and is a little over 1 1/2 miles around. The upper portion is pretty sunny, so that is where you want to be in the morning, before the sun gets serious.

Don't forget your water. Let's go.

Yep, vultures. I have no idea what this rock is named. I call it "Hitchcock Point". Seriously spooky birds, but I have no plans on falling down and being breakfast.

See what I mean? Drop dead gorgeous. The desert does demand respect though. Watch were you step and stay hydrated, even here.

Along the top portion of the trail, where this is, you can go into rougher terrain to the north and explore the Chihuahuan Exhibit, arranged on either side of the Silver King Wash.

To the north of the trail here is the South American Exhibit. In the far distance are the Superstitions. Somewhere up there is the Lost Dutchman Mine. If you want to try your hand at finding the gold, you had better know what you are doing. People still disappear up there.

This is a Boojum Tree. It's one of those really odd living things that you just know had to be around at the beginning of the world. Arizona skies (where have I heard that before?) really do look like this.

This is Ayers Lake, one of the reasons I'm here. There are dragonflies around. Lots of them. I was so drop jawed amazed by this place, a dragonfly could have easily flown into my mouth. Sometimes, you just have to sit and be quiet. This was one of those times.

Here is a handsome guy.

This is the former home of Bryce Thompson, who donated the property that became Bryce Thompson Arboretum. I am almost half way around the trail here and it's getting hot. I'm looking forward to the shady walk back.

But, the trail will go on for a while before I reach the cool spots beneath those green trees in the distance.

Ever onward. I just came from the other side of that rock and am headed towards the little hole in the foliage to the left. And I'm soaking wet. You just have to love that sky.

I passed the Wing Herb Garden, but was too tired to stop. Although I haven't hiked far, I've been stopping a lot to take pictures, so I've been at it a while. All along the south side of the trail here is a rougher hike called the High Trail. At the bottom is Queen Creek, although it is actually a wash.

The old Drover's Wool Shed is here. I imagine the truck is here to stay. Nice. It is very evocative, but it was a hard life. All around here is the Australian Desert Exhibit.

The shade is lovely. I have plenty of water and have almost finished 2 liters. Do not skimp on water. There are a few water stations on the trail, but it's much better to keep sipping as you go. You don't want to wait until you actually feel thirsty.

How about an artsy fartsy black and white image!

Don't you just love the light?

I'm done in for the day. Time to go back to the Visitors Center and hit the gift shop. OK, so I'm not that done in.

Here is another image of the Drover's Shed. This lady is from the Mesa Arts League and was giving a demonstration at the Entrance. Pretty good, isn't it!

I came here with the Az. Photographers Club of which I am a member. We had the best time here. I'm coming back. Often.

Bryce Thompson Arboretum

37615 E. Hwy. 60

Superior, AZ. 85273

520-689-2723

http://arboretum.ag.arizona.edu/

Theater Girls - Arizona Broadway Theater

2010-09-16T05:44:00.006-07:00

What do you do when you want to see great Theater but don't have anyone to go with?

You start a group called Theater Girls, invite every single person you know, schedule some shows, buy some tickets, arrange some car pools and meet in the front rows.

Here is one of many venues we will visit this season.

Arizona Broadway Theater

Don't even think about not tapping your feet when you see this high energy classic. An excellent cast with great singing and dancing talent provided a rousing performance.

(Photo, Arizona Broadway Theater)

By the time this scene happened, it was hard to stay in my seat. I wanted to dance!!! And at the end, we did! The cast invited the audience to get up and move. Oh, yeah. This was great fun.

One of the many accomplishments of this acting company is the uniformly high level of talent. This extends to the construction of wonderful, movable sets and staging.

(Photo, Arizona Broadway Theater)

"He Called Me"

From the production of "I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change". These four actors are constantly in motion, providing a really hilarious look at dating, marriage and aging. Again, fabulous voices that effortlessly range over all the registers with crystal clear diction make it easy to understand every word.

These different staging islands allowed for a flexible presentation with minimal changes and transition times. Tiered table levels provide excellent views of the whole stage from anywhere in the theater.

Speaking of tables, the food is really, really good. The ABT has a 3000 square foot kitchen and a committed chef. The dinner choices are tied to the time period of the shows. How clever is that!

Theater Girls, Pat and Susan, before the show.

Two more Theater Girls, myself and Gerri, looking over the children's program for grand kids.

Give Arizona Broadway Theater a call.

Box Office 623-776-8400

Peoria, Az.

http://www.azbroadwaytheater.com/

Named "Best Playhouse" 2010

Phoenix Magazine

See you in the front row!

God Save Arizona

2010-09-08T05:10:00.003-07:00

"Though this nation has proudly thought of itself as an ethnic melting pot, in things racial we have always been and continue to be, in too many ways, essentially a nation of cowards."

Eric Holder, U.S. Attorney General

February, 2009

(speech in observation of Black History Month)

Thanks, Ray.

Governor Jan Brewer and Sheriff Joe Arpaio.

Way to go.

Eric Holder has apparently dismissed the affront to the dignity of thousands of Mexicans subjected to human trafficking across the Arizona border. Or maybe their ethnicity isn't important to him.

Once more, Arizonans are only opposed to illegal immigration.

Get it?

Historic Guadalupe Cemetery

2010-08-23T06:19:00.023-07:00

On three sides of an unpainted block wall stands an older working class neighborhood, it's houses dotted with swamp coolers and satellite dishes. Cactus and scraggly ironwood trees have grown out of bounds, crossing property lines indiscriminately. Aluminum chairs with torn webbing share the shaded carport spaces, shoulder to shoulder with faded vehicles sitting on balding tires.

The fourth side of the wall forms the eastern boundary for a mobile home park. Trailer houses with patched window screens and dented tin siding slouch over rusted wheel wells. Here they sit and here they will stay, any hint of mobility gone forever.

Yet, there is no graffiti, trash does not litter the yards and no cars sit up on blocks. It is very poor, but clean and probably safe.

Between these living arrangements, the gray walls enclose a dirt parking lot and a forest of white crosses that mark the final resting places of those who have given up living altogether.

This is Guadalupe Cemetery

Tempe, Arizona

(clicking on photos will bring them to screen size)

I came here on a white hot day a few weeks ago to see this cemetery reflecting Hispanic and Yaqui Indian cultures, established in 1904. There were people around so I asked permission to photograph the area, being careful not to include any living person in my pictures. Also, I was dressed appropriately and moved quietly. Small gestures are important, I think. Especially in these spaces.

Someone thought about this soldier recently; the flag is not yet faded. Surely his face was brought to mind when the primitive crucifix was made for him.

Even in the early morning hours, the unforgiving sun drove me towards the shady places. I was heading for the folk art on the back wall. It wasn't easy.

There are few orderly rows, convenient right angles or discrete distances between markers. I kept the backs of crosses immediately to my left, reasoning that I would be at the bottom edge of the grave to my right, only to find that I would end up at an intersection with a grave directly ahead. So, I would walk the few inches between graves and turn where I thought they ended, refusing to walk over a grave not out of fear, but respect.

Still I found myself apologizing to people long since dead and beyond caring for stepping on their toes.

When I finally arrived at the back wall, I saw this.

Isn't it wonderful! So much life and joy. It depicts El Dia de los Muertos (The Day of the Dead). Unlike Halloween and it's evil spirits with which it is wrongly associated, The Day of the Dead is a celebration of life. Life and death are intermingled. On this day, graves will be cleaned and decorated. Food may be brought and shared. Laughter and music will be in the air.

It may make it easier to bear this.

The child's grave is marked by two pots with white stones to hold flowers; one bouquet has blown away. There are two white ceramic puppies and three Christmas trees here. It's better not to speculate.

A child's grave is sad enough.

A doll and a yellow plush kitten look over this grave covered with the mementos of a young life. On The Day of the Dead, November 1, the vases will hold fresh flowers and maybe another little gift will have been found to place here.

Not everyone has family to honor their lives, but neither are they forgotten. The pieces of this cross have been carefully gathered and placed over the flag until The Day of the Dead when a new cross and flag will be erected. I only saw three broken crosses; they all looked like this, waiting to be renewed.

The town of Guadalupe is named after Our Lady of Guadalupe or in Mexico, La Morenita, depicted here appearing to the Aztec Indian, Juan Diego in 1531. From then on, Catholicism became an inextricable part of all Central American culture.

This newly placed cross was erected this past April. The hand painted decoration and carefully filigreed wood is lovely. The grave is in front of the cross. The bricks behind it line another grave beginning just inches away.

Just a couple feet away, the same family used this cross fifteen years ago. It seems to be holding up well. The wood cutting and hand painting are sealed and the colors remain bright.

Nearby, the Virgin of San Juan overlooks the far eastern part of the cemetery. Everywhere, the walls have been painted with religious representations. Effort has been made to show that this is a sacred place and to surround the dead and their visitors with comforting symbols.

Some graves are fresh and tidy with historical information on the cross.

Others have intriguingly little information.

Known only by their given names, these three appear to belong together, possibly brother and sisters? Among the many graves, some are barely remembered.

And some are forgotten. My grandmother used to say that you are truly dead when the last person who remembers you dies. You are then beyond living memory. This grave will be attended to on The Day of the Dead. Someone will show respect for an unknown one. Like other graves, this one will be cleaned, the dirt will be swept up onto the mound and any broken monuments will be replaced or repaired.

A small bench makes visiting easier. The simple palm frond roof will provide shade from the western sun. It is a place to gather and provide ease. A grave is a sorrowful thing. But here, death is not overwhelming. Life is close by.

Some grave sites are newer and much more elaborate, providing ample comfortable seating, shade and more durable masonry monuments. The deceased is still very much a part of the family.

Whatever the circumstances, all are equal now. But there is a difference here from most cemetery sites. This one is visited, routinely. It is not a forlorn and forgotten place.

Death is part of life. Traditional marigold wreaths are placed on the crosses to alert the deceased to the attention paid by the living. A face is brought to mind, a gift is left with love.

Mostly, they remember

(Anyone interested in genealogy will have to apply to the Town Clerk of Guadalupe for information.

Although this cemetery is current, raised mounds do not always indicate recent burials.)

9/11 Press For Truth

2010-08-12T12:14:00.009-07:00

In the days after 9/11, everyone in the country was numb, looking for answers and offering tributes to fallen Americans. Like the Budweiser Corporation, who ran this commercial for a short time and then stopped airing it, not wanting to profit from it in any way. Their hearts were in the right place.

OUR GOVERNMENT'S HEART WAS IN A DIFFERENT PLACE.

This documentary will be airing on Aug.13, 15, 18, 19, 20 &21.

Go here to read more. It is the most important information you can have. You will have to decide what kind of country you want to live in and do something about it. Record it and then go back again to form an opinion.

http://www.linktv.org/programs/911press
(Direct TV-375 Dish Network 9410)

Paul Thompson ( "The Terror Timeline" ) puts it all together in chronological order. His interview runs concurrently with the findings of the 9/11 families who pressed for answers for years. They are still in the dark. So are we.

This is a participatory democracy. We all have to do our part. The most critical responsibility we have is to stay informed by doing our own research and watching news programs that are independent and offer the truth, not the spin.

Here is one.

http://www.linktv.org/

We have been lied to again and again.
Dig deeper, look for the facts, not the spin.

Elections are not far away. Don't let them get away with this.

The videos are on You Tube. Copy them to your blogs. Copy my text, I don't care. Spread the news.

Get rid of the spin.

New Mexico Guard Lion

2010-08-06T07:01:00.005-07:00

A garage owner in New Mexico was tired of thieves breaking into his garage and stealing his tools. He solved the problem with this New Mexico Guard Lion. From a distance, it looks like the real thing.

The poor pooch is probably wondering why his head is always hot and his rear end is always cold!
From my friend Carol, who really knows there is no such thing as a New Mexico Lion.

"ILLEGAL is not a race. It is a CRIME" (Sen. Pearce)

2010-07-31T06:30:00.007-07:00

Senator Russell Pearce

"You can't break into my country, just like you can't break into my home."

Arizona SB 1070 uses "attrition through enforcement" as one of the tools to deter illegal immigration. This means that after any lawful contact for traffic or criminal infractions is made, authorities can then determine the immigration status of those suspected of being in the country illegally.

Arizona law mirrors federal law which already requires aliens (non-citizens) to register and carry their documents with them at all times.

8 USC 1304(e) and 8 USC 1306(a)

The most controversial component of SB 1070 requires authorities to determine the status of persons believed to be in the country illegally.

So what would suspicious behavior look like? How is that recognizable to law enforcement? Since Arizona does not issue driver's licenses to illegal immigrants, the lack of a driver's license, any record of ever having had a license, or any other state or federal identification is one example of reasonable suspicion. As is crossing the border at any point that is not an official point of entry, i.e., the desert or rivers and canals. Or being recognized by law enforcement as having been a previous offender.

Those participants demonstrating against the implementation of SB 1070 refer to "racial profiling" and seem to think that police would or even could walk up to a brown skinned person and start questioning that individual without provocation. It doesn't work that way.

SB1070 states that police may not solely consider race, color or national origin when implementing the law. Read about it here:

http://www.cis.org/

Center for Immigration Studies

***************

Illegal immigration begins with crushing poverty created, in part, by U.S. corporations who moved across the border looking for cheap labor. And then moved on to Asia in search of even cheaper labor, leaving starving thousands of people unequipped to fend for themselves. The 1994/1995 Mexican privatization of banking and telecommunications created even more poverty. Most of the wealth in Mexico is owned by the top 12% of the population. Faced with a Mexican government that was unable and unwilling to provide social services, they began walking north in desperation.

The seduction is irresistible. Jobs may be north. It is beautiful...and deadly.

There is no water here and days of searing heat to endure. Thousands have died of dehydration through the years.

These numbers are now skyrocketing to the largest mass immigration in our nation's history. Damage to the environment, to National Parks, to wildlife and to residents is now spiraling out of control. The cost to the border states for emergency health care, education and the criminal justice system are bankrupting our social services.

The topography looks green; it isn't. This is an arid area of few habitations or roads, both to be avoided if you are illegal. There is a tradition in the West among desert people. No one is refused water. To that end Humane Borders have erected and maintain water stations throughout the area with blue marker flags that can be seen for miles. Even with this help, many die, as the red dots indicate. Not everyone is found. This is a low estimate for years past.

Should this humanitarian aid continue? There are those who contend that aiding and abetting illegal immigrants in this way is itself illegal. This also aids drug runners, human traffickers and returning criminals as well as the thousands entering the U.S. illegally.

http://www.humaneborders.org/

www.desertinvasion.us/info

It is estimated that nearly 3000 illegals per day are crossing the 1940 mile U.S./Mexico border. I don't know how many are destitute Mexicans or terrorists in disguise.

DO YOU?

This is just one small trail along a nearly 2000 mile border with Mexico along which illegal immigrants are pouring into the U.S. President Bush merged the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service, FEMA and the Border Patrol into Homeland Security. In 2005 Congress required Homeland Security to hire 10,000 new Border Patrol agents. It didn't. According to John Culberson (R-TX), Congress bypassed the White House twice that year to bring the number to 1500. With the economic distress of recent years, it will be an uphill battle to meet those numbers.

On March 27 of this year, Robert Krentz, a rancher on the U.S./Mexican border called his family from a VHF radio to report illegal activity on his land and asked them to call Border Patrol. They found his body hours later and followed the tracks south to the border. Mr Krentz had been shot by an armed perpetrator who didn't hesitate to kill.

Homeland Security Director and former Arizona Governor, Janet Napolitano, thinks there is adequate security on the border.

IS THIS A SECURE HOMELAND BORDER?

***************

Judge Susan Bolton has struck down parts of SB 1070. This will be appealed to the 9'th Circuit Court of Appeals, located in San Francisco. Check the Court Calendar for case number, case title, the judge's name, the location and hearing date.
www.ca9.uscourts.gov/

For a summary of SB 1070 and an explanation of immigration issues, see The Federation For American Immigration Reform.
http://www.fairus.org/

On March 14, 2010, USA Today reported that
.....three people with ties to the U.S. Consulate in Mexico were killed in a drive by shooting.
.....the U.S. official spoke to the Associated Press on condition of anonymity. (Why anonymity?)
.....the State Department said it would allow family members of diplomatic staff to leave the border cities of Tijuana, Nogales, Ciudad Juarez, Nuevo Laredo, Monterrey and Matamoros.
.....delay travel to Durango, Coahuila and Chihuahua.

www.epa.gov/usmexicoborder/

Along Arizona's part of this nearly 2000 mile border and because of Judge Bolton's decision, it is now illegal for Arizona authorities to enforce federal immigration policy even in light of the federal government's failure to do so and even though SB 1070 makes the federal and state law agree in an effort to protect our border.

So, it is illegal for police here to check the immigration status of anyone in custody before they are released.

Why?

Because that is the Fed's job and they don't have the time!

According to Judge Bolton, in agreement with the Justice Department, certain items in SB 1070 conflict with the federal government's preemption and supremacy clauses. Such checks would "swamp federal immigration officials who are pursuing other priorities".

SB 1070 mirrors federal law. It is not in opposition to it. And what "other priorities"?

"Federal resources would be taxed and diverted from federal enforcement priorities as a result of the increase in requests for immigration status determinations", causing irreparable harm to the interests of the federal government".

What?!

How is it even possible to do "irreparable harm" to the federal government, who controls all the armed services and all the intelligence agencies in the country in addition to having all the money collected from taxation?

***************

Hispanic Vote * Business Profits

Fraudulent ID and the Social Security System

These are the reasons for a U.S./Mexican border that leaks like a sieve.

Even though illegal immigrants have no vote, they have family here who do. The Hispanic community represents the largest ethnic block of voters in the U.S. Politicians on both sides of the aisle will do anything they can to get those numbers on their side.

Good business has the appearance of success, but looks are deceiving. Profits are gained by moving more legal workers out of jobs and more illegal workers into them. Workers that will accept less pay and no benefits. This decreases the median pay scale for everyone downward.

Fraudulent IDs are easy to obtain; a package containing a fake Social Security number, fake green card and sometimes, driver's licenses.

With this "documentation", employer's have themselves covered to then hire illegal immigrants at the lowest possible wages resulting in economic slavery and a downward spiral in all wages. But profits are up.

The W-2 forms with fake social security numbers are put into an earnings suspense file. This is how the Social Security Administration collects money from sources that do not appear to be valid. Hence, the SSA knows who employs illegal immigrants and even who those illegal immigrants may be. But, this is money that is collected and so far, will never be paid out in benefits to those payees. It amounts to billions and billions and billions of dollars. And it is propping up a failing social security system.

With amnesty, a motion supported by Arizona Senator John McCain, these monies will be paid out to former illegal immigrants who earned the money illegally and will add millions more to our already overburdened system.

Here is the catch. There is no money in this fund. It is just an accounting file.

Any monies paid out will come from another source. The American taxpayer who legally paid into the system.

http://www.seniorsleague.org/

The Scales of Justice are skewed.

And Not In Arizona's Favor.

(Articles quoted here include Bear Stearns in a jobs report; the New York Times in April 2005-Eduardo Porter; Dr. David Groody, Associate Professor at Notre Dame and the director of the Center for Latin American Studies; Deborah Moody of About.com; the National Drug Intelligence Center. Other attribution is included in the post.)
*Hispanic Americans who are here legally are not in any way thought of in a negative light by this writer. This refers to just one (the largest) ethnic voting blocks in the U.S.

One More Time, Ray

2010-07-24T09:46:00.001-07:00

Arizona Immigration Law - SB 1070 Hearing Today

2010-07-22T09:43:00.003-07:00

The State of Arizona is under siege and in the spotlight today. Protesters for or against the Immigration Law due to take effect on July 29 will be voicing their opinions in front of the State Capitol.

Activist groups are staking out space as I type. The last time this happened, voices were raised, shouts were heard and fists pounded the air. Yet, even with tempers flaring, it was relatively peaceable. As a protester of the 60's and a veteran of sit-in demonstrations I back both sides in their right to gather and have their opinions heard. But as an Arizonan, my feet are firmly planted beside Jan Brewer, our Arizona Governor.

Governor Jan Brewer

The Federal government will argue it's case against Arizona's right to enact laws, a State's Rights case. Arizona will stand firm in it's right to protect itself in the absence of Washington's ability to do it's job by enforcing immigration laws on the books and the failure to pass immigration reform.

Arizona can show that expenditures for education, criminal justice and emergency medical care are significant and paid almost entirely by border States.

The ACLU (American Civil Liberties Union) maintains that the problem with the immigration system isn't the immigrants, it is that immigration quotas provide so few opportunities for most immigrants to enter to country legally. There are only 5000 visas available for unskilled foreigners seeking work.

Which leads to the notion that the illegal immigrants whose first act in the United States was to break it's laws, have some inherent right to amnesty. This is nonsensical.

John McCain, our Senator, estimated that 4,000,000 illegal immigrants entered the country across the Arizona border just in 2004. It is estimated that 15 to 20 million illegal immigrants are living in the United States today. That means one in every seventeen people are here illegally. If this isn't the Government's primary focus, we are ruined as a nation.

How is it that billion dollar corporations through the lack of timely FDA oversight perpetrate health risks resulting in deaths? Why is this increasing despite all the red flags regarding food and medical drug health issues in the U.S? Let one whiff of Mad Cow Disease threaten the multi billion dollar U.S. meat industry and they will tell you they have tracked the problem to a specific animal's gene line and can even tell you which herd any animal remotely related to it is now living. Yet, they can't find almost 20,000,000 illegal immigrants?

Are you getting this?

Why do illegal immigrants have any rights? As opposed to legal immigrants who are welcomed and respected as citizens of the U.S. This used to be the crowning glory of the Republic, the embracing of many beliefs and many cultures resulting in a heady brew of language, ability and ambition - all working together.

What right does the elected official of a foreign country have to tell me what is appropriate in my county?

Mexico's President Felipe Calderon calls Arizona Law SB1070 "racial discrimination" a "violation of human rights". I suppose it's easier to rule a country when you, by inference, encourage the lesser skilled of your people to leave. Then you won't be so pushed to provide social services for your own countrymen. Their human rights don't seem to mean much in Mexico.

Mexico's immigration laws are strict. The General Law on Population enacted by Mexico in 2000 mandates federal, state and municipal police cooperate with immigration authorities in the arrest of illegal immigrants. Illegal immigration is a felony punishable by a fine of $2,000.00 and two years in jail. Reentry will cost you ten years in prison. Visa violators will get six years in prison. Mexicans who help illegal immigrants are viewed as criminals.

President Felipe Calderon is a hypocrite of the highest order.

So, if the U.S. laws on immigration are not upheld here,

they will have to be enforced here.

It's Sheriff Joe's deputies who are on the line and he is a very protective boss. Especially when his men are out in the desert looking for illegals. Because the fence won't stop everyone - even if it's completed.

ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) have only so many officers, spread over too much territory. U.S. citizens have been killed close to the border, on their own property. Families sleep in shifts to protect their homes, their families and their livestock. Automobiles routinely disappear. Arizonans on the border live in a dangerous war zone, insufficiently protected and marginalized by their own country, while politicians line up for camera time spouting the latest "sounds good" sound byte. Talk is so damn cheap. Action is the only thing that means anything at all and in Washington, the government failed to enact immigration reform or improve border security.

A drug was is raging just across the border in Mexico. The violence around drug activities is accelerating. There are those who believe that if the need wasn't there, the drugs wouldn't appear and the violence would subside.

This is a simplistic, visionary and total unrealistic assessment of a very real situation. People are dying now on both sides of the border.

Think about this. Do you honestly believe illegal Mexican immigrants, the drug runners and the human trafikkers are the only people capable of crossing our borders?

THINK AGAIN.

Temper, Temper

2010-07-19T13:32:00.003-07:00

I can't help it....I'm laughing so hard I can hardly breathe.

This is from Susan (Stupid Earring Day).

Stupid Motorist Law

2010-07-15T09:12:00.001-07:00

Arizona Revised Statutes

Sec. 28-910

"Stupid Motorist Law"

....by driving around barricades or otherwise ignoring posted warnings and entering a flooded area will subject the motorist who needs assistance to charges for the cost of rescue.

Costs can be up to $2,000.00

The rescue will probably appear on nightly news, with your name publicly broad casted. How embarrassing would that be?

You would deserve it. Why should the taxpayer foot the bill for stupid arrogance?

The flat hard scape of the desert Southwest will not absorb the amount of rain that quickly collects during a monsoon. Many Arizona roads, even primary roads, cross dry stream beds. It can be sunny without a raindrop in sight, but higher up and miles away a wall of water could be heading your way. As it spreads over flatter ground, the force dissipates. But even shallow water is dangerous.

It is the force of water, not the depth, that is dangerous.

6" of water will cause you to lose control of your vehicle.

10" of water will float a SUV downstream.

If you are caught in rushing water, do not open doors until the vehicle stops. Try to get to the roof of the vehicle and call 911.

We have excellent emergency services that do an amazing job when disaster strikes. People who, through no fault of their own, need a quick response from trained personnel will be pulled from cars quickly and safely.

Don't be the stupid motorist who takes their time away from other people. It will cost you. And it should.

It's A Hot Heat - Again

2010-07-13T20:25:00.001-07:00

Feeling a little peckish? Maybe it's the heat. How can you rise and shine when the overnight low was 95F? By mid afternoon, the temps this week will soar to 116F. Wonder how hot that is when your walking across the parking lot to a car that has been in the sun all day? Upwards of 155F I'm told. The seat belt will burn your hand when you try to buckle it and the seat will require a towel before you sit.

Everyone is waiting for the monsoon to begin, which has been defined as official when the dew point reaches 55 three days in a row. That is usually mid July and continues until mid September, a period when most of the rainfall is supposed to occur. Unfortunately, there are upwards of 4,000,000 folks in the area and that adds up to a lot of concrete. Enough radiant heat to send a tower of heat sky high. So, some times when we expect rain, what we get is this.

Which is why we wash our windows in October and March. Can you imagine what this does to a swimming pool? Not to mention some pretty nasty freeway pile ups. A desert is supposed to be a hard scape, but rampant building has produced miles of displaced soil and eventually, it is airborne. What one wants is a true rain event, which is preceded by lightning.

And then, a major gully washer, which looks like this.

Temps will drop from 105F to just 60F in minutes. Imagine what that does to the atmosphere. Water doesn't sink in here. It comes too fast to too heavy to do much besides create dangerous washes and street flooding which while brief, is dangerous. You have to pay attention, because if you try to drive through rushing water, you may end up needing to be rescued. And since Arizona passed the "Stupid Motorist Law", that is going to be both embarrassing and expensive.

So, if you are going to visit the Southwest, take a look at a map, obey the flood warning signs and keep a check on the temperature.

Because you will want to be here for this.

Summer Tootsies

2010-07-09T15:45:00.001-07:00

How 'bout these tootsies?!

There nothing like a pedicure to perk you up when the thermometer reads 107F. I opted for daisies.

Wonder what my granddaughter will think of these?

Cactus Flower

2010-07-02T07:09:00.001-07:00

There is incredible beauty in the Southwest deserts of the U.S. From the largest panoramas of azure blue skies and red rock mountains to the fleeting glimpse of color so intense it looks otherworldly, alien, in such an environment. Yet, there it is. Lasting a day, two at most, and then gone. But while the flowers are here, their color broadcasts a location to the pollinating insects, ensuring next year's show.

I did nothing to this photo, it doesn't need help. The color is so brilliant that it appears liquid, as if you could dip your hand into it and then have hot pink dripping from your fingertips.

This is on my screen saver. It will be nice to look at today when the shades are almost closed to the sun's heat. It will be 115/117 degrees today in the shade. Reflected heat will be off the charts.

How is the weather where you are?

Alone With IZ

2010-06-26T11:53:00.002-07:00

Israel Kawiwo'ole

"IZ"

My playlist includes many songs by this larger than life young man. Iz died in 1997 at the age of 38, almost 12 years before I discovered the sweetest voice I had ever heard. After he was cremated, his ashes were spread on the water. That day appears at the end of this video. He was accompanied by thousands of fans who sent their love along with him. You can still get his CDs or download songs separately into an MP3 player. There are two songs that I thought would never be sung as well as the original artists. "Over the Rainbow" by Judy Garland, and "Wonderful World" by Louis Armstrong. I've changed my mind.

I'll bet you become a fan too.

Things That Are Too Dang High

2010-06-24T23:24:00.002-07:00

Barj Al Arab

This is an incredible piece of architecture. We've all seen it in National Geographic. But, have you really seen it? Take a look at the tennis court. There it is, that little piece of green, several miles up in the air. There are more (frightening) shots, just Google the hotel name above. I can't. It gives me the heebie jeebies as it is.

(Photo from PicApp)

Preikestolen, Norway

It took all I had to post this picture - because to do that, I had to actually look at several photos, all of them with people swinging their legs over the edge!!!! That is insane! Again, there are lots of intense photos of this place, but you will have to find them yourselves. My nerves are shot.

Feeling queasy? Well, OK then. I've done my job.

Really Tacky, Tony

2010-06-22T21:01:00.002-07:00

(Photo from PicApp)

Tony Hayward, BP CEO, testifying before Congress. BP will put $20 billion aside for Gulf Coast Residents and not pay dividends for at least a year. Tony looks like he's having a bad day. Guess what he does.

(Photo from PicApp)
He goes sailing on his yacht, Bob, in the sparkling clean waters around the Isle of Wight.

ZERO points for public relations skills, Tony.

Stupid Earring Day

2010-06-17T20:05:00.004-07:00

Gerri

Oh yeah. You've got a drawer full of this stuff too. Don't even try to tell me otherwise. You needed it for a special outfit or a costume, something that provided that extra little punch. It took a look from just okay, to pizazz! I had to twist Gerri's arm to get her to put these back on. Those clips just kill your earlobes. Remember?

Susan

Susan has drawers full of this stuff. There were tea parties and garden parties and birthday bashes and, well, you get the idea. She still has the dress that goes with these earrings. Stupid Earring Day was her idea. We thought it sounded like fun. Where else are we going to wear our "jewels"? But we don't encourage her. Who knows what will be next!

Virginia

Virginia said she didn't have any tacky jewelry and had to go shopping for these. We didn't believe her. Every woman has some tacky stuff hidden somewhere. Then she came in these drop dead gorgeous Betsy Johnson earrings which I love. I'll have to find out where she got these.

Gwen

Yes, she always looks like this. Gwen makes most of her jewelry. She has more jewelry than all the other women in our group put together. Serious jewelry. So this wasn't a stretch for her. But none of it is tacky. Just really big. For her own good, we don't let her near water.

Sandi

These are the kind of earrings that keep hitting your shoulder when you turn your head, so they are a real pain in the neck. But they look good. And Sandi bought the earrings for this floor length dress. She looks fabulous.

Pat

Pat is consistent. She and her house look alike. If you took her earring and blew it up a hundred times, she would put it on her wall as modern art. She loves it and it does look great. Virginia thinks Pat is the whitest white woman she has ever seen. We think so too. She doesn't get out much until the sun goes down.

Linda

Yep, it's me. I had huge hoop earrings that had bananas and pineapples in them. They went with my Carmen Miranda Halloween costume. There was nothing tackier than those earrings. But, I couldn't find them. So, I bought these at a Dollar Store sale - now that's cheap! Maybe I'll use them for Valentine's Day....

Cracks Me Up!

2010-06-14T05:29:00.001-07:00

We've Come A Long Way, Baby.

2010-06-07T20:31:00.002-07:00

It's almost impossible to imagine how insulting and downright lethal advertising used to be. Corporations would never get away with this now, right? Don't you believe it.

They just hired slick ad agencies to move billions of dollars of products that will continue to be sold until they are forced off the market. Remember ephedra, the weight loss miracle? It was named in several deaths. How about lead? That is gone, but a host of other metals remain in goods sold every day, especially in children's jewelry and beading toys. Consumer Reports talks about supplements and drugs that are too unsafe to be on the market, but they are.

Any simple Google search using words such as "unsafe products removed from the market" will return pages of information about the condition of articles sold here, in the most consumer oriented nation on the planet.

Cancer is on the rise. Take a good look at the ingredient list on some of the food you buy. You won't know what 95% of it is. Just because advertising got slicker, doesn't mean the product got better.

Isn't she cute with her dolly and her.....gun?

Right, don't scold the baby, just blow smoke in his face.

EEEEEWWWW! EEWW!

"Nourishing qualities" from vitamins? Fiber? What?

And what does this say? No one that smart would do anything unhealthy? What did they know then that they were trying to hide?

Now, this is the ad that would sell the handgun. I'll take two.

And make your own damn coffee.

Oh, please.

I'm going to be sick now.........

Put Out The Red Carpet

2010-06-04T17:07:00.001-07:00

Better dust the guest bedroom. We've got company.

Happy Birthday Arizona Skies!

2010-06-03T18:16:00.003-07:00

Arizona Skies is one year old today!

Only another blogger would understand the utter amazement that happens when, after a year, I haven't even begun to search for something to say. For better or worse, it all rolls on and on, almost effortlessly. I'm still tweaking, but I've achieved what I intended from the beginning. Getting to know you and hearing all the amazing things you tell me each day.

The best gifts are mine! Who knew that I would make so many friends with such interesting opinions on so many topics? It really is a small world after all. There are no national borders, no artificial barriers. Just people having a conversation and getting to know some of the other people and opinions on this planet we all call home.

I know so much more than I did a year ago. From writing and gardening, to poetry and photography. Traveling and history, small town news to the Hubbell Telescope and beyond. All the pictures and comments about your families and recipes from 92 (and counting) foreign countries. Political views and religious persuasions, jokes and tears, fears and joys. New friends that show up weekly and some that die and break our hearts.

Thanks to all of you that came before me and showed me the ropes; I hope I can return the favor to those that come along this year. I want you to know that it's an exciting moment every morning when I bring my coffee and turn on the computer. And every morning I happily wonder the same thing.

Who will I talk to today?

A Swift Kick in the A$$ETS

2010-06-01T06:32:00.004-07:00

(Photo by Justin Thomas)

"It's relatively tiny", said BP CEO Tony Hayward, "compared to the very big ocean". Gee, Tony, I don't think many fishermen live in the middle of the Atlantic, so who really cares how much ocean is out there when the oil is up to your ankles at home?

This "tiny" event has already been judged as the worst oil spill and possibly the worst financial disaster in U.S. history, although with billions in tax breaks, you probably wouldn't notice. Fishing is at a standstill - who knows if it will ever recover. The estuaries and wetlands will be mired in killing ooze and the marshes may not be able to regenerate themselves. These are the marshes that protect Louisiana from storm surges. Part of the "very big ocean".

So, Tony, with that in mind, today's date may be of some interest to you.

June 1st. The beginning of hurricane season.

Your problems are just beginning.

Hey, BP!

2010-05-28T06:18:00.001-07:00

Can you stand one more word from BP about how they are acting responsibly to clean up their mess? The people in Louisiana have about had it. One businessman received $5000 from BP, not enough to pay the light bill, but he was lucky. He got a check. The oil isn't the only smelly thing along the Gulf. Maybe they can use this to hold their other spill.

The folks along the Gulf Coast know it when they hear it.

We feel your pain, neighbors.

Japan - Tokyo, Part 7

2010-05-23T10:06:00.001-07:00

Tokyo National Museum

Japanese buildings hold their secrets close. Viewed from the front, they present a solid facade, a barrier. Approached slowly and discretely from an angle, they begin to reveal their subtle beauty in successive layers. Charming icons perch on gleaming tile roof lines that seem to scoop up handfuls of blue sky with each soaring curve. You will be shown small pieces to savor fully before another another piece can be considered. And so you must take time to appreciate what is being offered.

Tucked into a garden area between the larger buildings of the museum is the centuries old guard gate of the Ikeda feudal family. Called Kuromon (Black Gate), it now offers the opportunity to be quiet. Walk slowly, listen to birdsong, watch cherry blossoms float on the water. Tokyo bustles outside, but this is not that place.

Will your mind to be still so that you are open to all that you can observe in the Gallery of Horyuji Treasures just across the reflecting pool. Turn around and enter softly, for inside rests the soul of a people.

(Photo from Tokyo National Museum Brochure)

To create art is to communicate more than an image; the work before you is only the beginning of what is being conveyed. In this single collection are over 300 pieces from the 6'th and 7'th centuries that use the language of art as metaphors for their aesthetic visions of themselves, their world and their views of life. Of all the riches available, this is the one that speaks to me.

(Photo from Tokyo National Museum Brochure)

Lady Maya and the Three Heavenly Beings

According to legend, Lady (Queen) Maya hears that she will bear a son who will be a great king or a visionary leader of all peoples. She dreams of a good omen, a white elephant, who enters her side and will be reborn into this world of illusion one last time. The child who would become the Buddha was born in 532BCE. It was a world changing event.

Next door stands the Hyokeikan Asian Gallery containing archaeological objects from continental Asia.

It is the home my favorite image of the Buddha.

A harsher light was coming from above, but I worked with my camera to get a softer piece. This glowing Buddha appears illuminated from within by his own radiance. Art communicates on many levels, perhaps this Buddha was calling to me.

Just a few steps away lies the Honkan Japanese Gallery, the largest building on the grounds, where the main collection is housed.

My first experience with the Japanese culture was over 35 years ago when I saw an exhibition of antique textiles in Washington, D.C. It began a lifelong fascination with Japanese quilting and embroidery. That was when I saw my first kimono.

There is nothing quite as grand as a kimono. The vibrancy of silk materials combined with the artistry of perfect subject and color selections. The glitter of judiciously placed silver and gold metallic threads. Impossibly tiny quilting stitches designed to recall natural elements that resemble ocean waves, clouds or petals to name a few. The design continues uninterrupted over the folds harmonizing with the drape of the material. It is a walking masterpiece.

Just down the corridor is an exhibition of painting styles to include hanging scrolls, woodblock prints and folding screens. Here is a wonderful example.

The Japanese are more interested in their actual lives, rather than an afterlife. This screen depicting everyday life acted both to arrange space and provide a pleasant scene to observe. Brighter colors and liberal use of gold leaf made a rich addition to the living areas.

There are so many lights in our world; the light of creativity, the light of illumination and the light that shows us the way like this one leading to the second floor.

But there is one light that shines above all others. It is this.

Writing allows learning to be passed on to future generations, it preserves culture and is literally the field of all our dreams. Japanese calligraphy evolved into two styles. Wayo followed the classic Chinese form and was used by the nobility. Karayo allowed sensibility to be conveyed in the written character. I am intrigued by a temperament that would appreciate such a distinction.

This is my copy of the Tale of Genji which I have been reading for 30 years. Written by the Lady Murasaki Shikibu of the Heian court in the 11'th century, it is recognized as the greatest masterpiece of Japanese narrative prose. It is thought to be the earliest novel in the world. This picture of day to day courtly life does not follow a plot, rather it is a glimpse into another world, 1500 years ago. It extends to over 1000 pages, but dipped into a few chapters at a time, it offers an insight into the Japanese character unmatched by any other media. This version is easy to read and is illustrated with many historic woodblock prints.

I could suggest no better introduction of a people than this work that brims with intelligence, elegance of expression and sophistication. Consider Prince Genji and a companion as they reflect on mourning. His companion departs and Genji picks up the fan she unobtrusively left by his side and on which she has written:

"This day, we are told, announces an end to mourning.

How can it be, when there is no end to tears?"

Genji writes an answer on the fan, replaces it where it had lain and takes his leave. On it he has answered:

"The days are numbered for him who yet must mourn.

And are they numbered, the tears that yet remain?"

Yes, he tells her gently, there is an end to sadness.

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In the preceding Tokyo posts, I have tried to touch very lightly on philosophy, religion, art, the military mind, food, temperament, historic precedence and modern day Japan. It was meant to put the succeeding pieces in some contextual frame and act as a preamble to shorter, less detailed posts.

(All editorial and photographic rights reserved by Arizona Skies.)

Tokyo National Museum - April 10, 2010

Japan - Tokyo, Part 6

2010-05-17T10:54:00.031-07:00

After the Senso-Ji Temple, we took this delightful cruise to connect with the Shinkansen train that would deliver us to our hotel station in Shinagawa. I was trying to picture my current position relative to the hotel and the river's course through Tokyo when this happened.....

Isn't that a jaw dropper! I was so stunned, it was almost past when I snapped this photo. And just beyond the boat, behind the elevated freeway, stand an impressive pair of buildings, one gold and the other black, that I will return to later in this post. It's a great story.

It's time to board our craft which can easily hold 200 people or more. Every seat is sure to be taken so try to arrive early at the departure dock. There are two levels and with all the people, the bottom level will ride low in the water. Kay and I were on this level and while I had no reservations, I made sure I was close to the exit. Although there are many craft on the river, these boats cut through swells very well and the ride is smooth and easy.

This lady and her sister were waiting for their daughters. In quite a good pantomime, she made it known that she wanted me to reserve the seats on my bench for them. I smiled and responded with the universal closed fist and raised thumb to indicate I understood. Once we were all situated, she raised her hand above her head, then using her index finger in a sweeping circular motion to include everyone else on board, said "Jap-pan-eese". With a toothy grin, she used my thumbs up sign to point to herself, saying "CHIN-eese" and reached across the table to touch my thumb. Well, all right! Chinese! Go team!

Views along the Sumida River are difficult to capture. This watercraft, like all transportation in Japan, moves fast. If one began at either end of the route, you would travel under fifteen bridges. Hinode Pier on the Tokyo Bay end of the cruise connects with at least four alternate boat lines going to various tourist destinations around the inner bay area. We found that planes, trains, buses, taxis and boats were uniformly fast, clean and efficient.

Two more views of the boat, fully occupied, riding low in the water.

.............................................................................................

At the beginning of the post, I mentioned that I would be returning to these two buildings. The business area of the historic Asakusa District has always been the home of Asahi Beer corporate offices. This is their new home. Asahi Beer wanted the best designer in the world so they retained Phillipe Starck. One could almost say there is the eclectic genius of Phillpe Starck and then there is everyone else. For an insight into his incredible range, click here.

The shimmering building on the left holds the corporate offices. It is designed to look like a glass of beer with white foam at the top. The black building on the right contains the retail sales of Asahi Beer and upscale restaurants. It is built to look like the packaging of Asahi Super Dry beer. The lustrous black granite surface has dozens of tiny light portholes that resemble bubbling effervescence at night. At the top is the golden foam as it appears when being blown off the surface of the beer.

Not everyone is impressed. With people firmly in both camps, opinions differ and it has stirred quite a controversy. There are those that are amazed at the creative ingenuity and like the skyscraper's impressive size. Others feel it is a jarring note, too modern and tall for historic Asakusa, and look upward with a critical eye at Asahi's Super Dry golden foam.

They call it "O Gon No Unko"

"The Golden Pooh"

Asahi Beer and Tokyo River Cruise - April 10, 2010

All editorial and photographic rights reserved by Arizona Skies.

Japan - Tokyo, Part 5

2010-05-11T13:14:00.073-07:00

(Photo from Wikipedia)

Hozomon Gate of the Buddhist Senso-ji Temple

Home of Kannon Bosatsu

Pagoda (not open to public)

Asakusa District, Tokyo

Asakusa district has been preserved as the historic old Tokyo. Within this area lie the largest percentage of shrines and temples in the city. The Meiji Shrine in the previous post is Shinto, entered through the tori gate indicating the sacred ground of a nature religion. Here we enter through the first gate, Kaminarimon Gate or the "Thunder Gate" proceeding through Hozomon Gate or the "Treasure House Gate" pictured above, to an inner courtyard. From there forward we enter the Senso-ji Temple, which is Buddhist, a religion of personal enlightenment. Far from conflicting, these two disciplines compliment each other well.

Buddhism came to Japan from India through China. It follows the teachings of Gautama Siddartha, an Indian Prince who rose from the sufferings of all sentient beings through to true enlightenment or Nirvana. Because it is unfamiliar, most westerners view Buddhism as being far more complicated than it really is.

Like Christianity with it's many denominations, Buddhism has several sects. And like Catholicism with it's saints, Buddhism has it's gods or helpmates. The Buddha is not a God. He is One Who Has Reached Enlightenment, a state which is possible for every human being. Buddhism's gods (in Japan, 'Kannons') are not historical beings as was the Buddha nor are they worshipped as gods in and of themselves. Rather, they are viewed with tremendous honor and respect and used as a vehicle for supplications through which relief is sought from human affliction. They are capable of Buddhahood, but have postponed that final step to stay in the world to help all humanity achieve Nirvana as well. The same diety may be either male or female and assume the characteristics peculiar to the Asian country where it is located. Thus there appear many manifestations of the same god throughout many Eastern countries.

Shrines and Temples should be treated primarily with respect as sacred spaces. Historically and architecturally they are illustrative of the building capability and aesthetic preferences of the various shogunate periods. However, their true brilliance is evident in the soaring heights of human imagination when contemplating the unknown. They are all, truly, works of art.

.....................................................................................

Due to crowds and accessibility issues on the Saturday I visited, my entrance was directly into the inner courtyard through an unremarkable side gate watched over by two guardian pigeons.

The incense burner is typical of temple furniture. The incense is burned as an offering and the smoke is then fanned toward oneself as a good luck omen. Senso-ji Temple is through the entrance and to the right.

Senso-ji Temple is the oldest temple in Tokyo originating in the year 645AD, although a large part was destroyed in W.W. ll and rebuilt. A form of Mahayana Buddhism called Tendai is practiced here. The Temple has traditionally been the primary focus of several Shoguns in what has always been the most densely inhabited area of Japan, so it is far more ornate than most.

The Kannon Bosatsu is Guan Yin, the Goddess of Love, Mercy and Compassion, whose duty it is to listen or witness the cries of those in distress in this earthly realm. The image would normally sit in the red throne under it's gold canopy, however a 17th century Temple priest had a dream in which he was told that the Kannon should be hidden from public view. And so for the last 300 years, it has remained behind the curtain.

Coins in supplication may be placed in the receptacle. Arrange your hands in prayer and clap twice. Then chant, "namu kanzeon bosatsu".

"Kannon Bosatsu, I place my trust in you."

With the Temple behind us, my traveling companion, Kay, and I are now preparing ourselves to jump into this sea of humanity in the courtyard, pass through the Treasure Gate with it's three hanging lanterns in the distance and into the Nakamise-dori shopping area beyond. The crowds will be even more condensed than where we are now. The Nakamise-dori, which sells typical Japanese food and souvenirs, connects the Treasure Gate with the Thunder Gate more than a half mile away. We will need to negotiate this in an hour and half to rejoin the rest of the group.

Lets go!

And here we are, about to pass through the Treasure Gate to Nakamise-dori.

This pair of straw sandals, one on either side of the gate, are called O-Waraji, a charm against evil. If they came in my size with arch support, I might have considered them for the plane ride home.

Hmmmm....what's over here?

"Ah," said I, nodding and smiling enthusiastically while taking two unobtrusive steps backward. I will be forever thankful for the young couple who appeared between myself and this display a moment later. Please understand, my seafood sensibility was formed in the Midwest. Mrs. Paul's fish sticks were an adventure to us. I will not try to identify these creatures. I will never need that information.

This is fun. All the little charms here will find a home on cell phones. Actually, the furry ones make a lot of sense. If you feel that texture among all the things a purse may hold, the phone will always be on the other end.

A break in the crowd! We have a chance to see what's on the other side.

What a surprise. The backyard of a little school peeks through between the busy stalls on the street.

Kay, in the foreground, is busy checking out a stall where we found some lovely postcards. And in the distance is Thunder Gate. We made it!

This smiling guardian god is a real cupcake compared to the slashing swords and fearsome glares those on the other side.

Here we are on the other side of Thunder Gate looking into one of the many streets that radiate out from Nakamise-dori. Although it is important to keep track of your bearings and the time, both Kay and I felt perfectly safe in crowds like these all through Japan. I would take the time to experience the sights and sounds of Tokyo, a vibrant city just on the other side of the Pacific Rim from us here in the U.S. You will part as friends.

All editorial and photographic rights reserved by Arizona Skies.

Senso-ji Temple and Nakamise-dori, April 10, 2010

Japan - Tokyo, Part 4

2010-05-07T09:06:00.005-07:00

Welcome to Meiji Jingu

Magokoro

(Sincere Heart)

This is a Shinto Shrine, conceived and dedicated as a dwelling place for the divine souls of Emperor Meiji and His consort, Empress Shoken. Shinto, Japan's ancient belief system, has no originator, no holy book and no sense of a religious conversion. It is recognition of the gratitude felt for Kami (divine spirits) who inhabit natural living things including human beings. It can be thought of as a benign, positive force of pure energy and witnessed as good virtue.

To pay respect at a shrine, you must cleanse yourself.

Fill the dipper, then rinse your left hand.

Rinse your right hand.

Pour water into your left hand and rinse your mouth.

Rinse your left hand again.

Raise the dipper and let the water run down the handle, cleansing it for the next user.

Now we are ready to pass through the tori gate, the largest in Japan, and enter Meiji Shrine.

Lanterns begin long before the tori gate and continue along long paths to the shrine. These must have been lovely at dusk, with flickering candlelight guiding you along the twists and turns.

The way has been prepared. People view the Kami with awe and gratitude. Offerings may be left by throwing coins in the receptacle for this purpose. The coin with the most significance is the 5 yen coin. It is believed that offering these coins will connect you to a person who is still invisible to you but will be important in your life.

The shiniest, newest coins are kept aside for this purpose.

To make an offering:

Put some coins in the receptacle box.

Bow twice.

Clap your hands twice.

Bow once again.

You have now alerted the Kami, with respect, to your presence.

(the receptacle box is inside, a lady is standing in front of it)

(photos are not allowed inside the actual shrine)

I put a Ema here for my grandchildren.

As I was walking out, I was very fortunate to see a bride and groom in traditional dress who had come to the shrine for their traditional wedding portrait. It is believed to be good luck as Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken excelled in matrimonial harmony.

(I asked permission to take these pictures and they may not be used by anyone else without this couple's permission.)

Aren't they a lovely couple!

Meiji Shrine uses the proceeds from saki to preserve the grounds for prosperity. The graphics on the barrels are works of art.

The Emperor and Empress excelled at writing traditional Japanese waku poetry, a verse of 31 syllables. Here are two examples that have a philosophic thread.

Even while yielding

To it's container's form,

Water too can pierce

Entirely through the hardest rock;

Such is it's enduring strength.

(Emperor Meiji, died 1912)

By self reflection

And questioning our own hearts

We should then perceive

The proper path to pursue

And nothing would confuse us.

(Empress Shoken, died 1914)

It is regrettably time to leave Meiji Shrine, but I wanted to emphasize one virtue that may be Kami inspired, cleanliness. It was evident all through Japan. This preserve is in a natural state. The trees are now approaching 100 years and it is a true forest. Nowhere, on any of the broad paths and roads, did I see any fallen leaves let alone discarded paper. This was due to the effort of gentlemen like these. (Again, I asked permission for this picture. You are not allowed to reproduce it.)

The broom is made from dried brush from the forest.

Meiji Shrine, April 9, 2010.

All editorial and photographic rights reserved.

Japan - Tokyo, Part 3

2010-05-05T21:52:00.004-07:00

The Samuri's Samuri

1294-1336

Kusunoki Masashige fought for the loyalist cause of Emperor Go-Haigo against the Kamakura shogunate. Admired for his devotion and unswerving loyalty, he raised an army he believed was doomed to defeat. After fighting overwhelming forces for many hours of battle, he and the surviving loyalists committed honorable suicide. This steadfast warrior was revered as the epitome of bravery and courage by the W.W.ll kamikaze pilots who saw themselves as his spiritual heirs, sacrificing their lives for the Emperor. His statue is placed on the grounds of the Imperial Palace, still protecting an Emperor today.

Emperor Akihito and his family live in the Imperial Palace in the center of Tokyo. Although the Emperor occupies Japan's Chrysanthemum Throne, it is a constitutional monarchy.

Emperor Akihito is the great grandson of Emperor Meiji, the most famous Japanese Emperor who began the transition from the feudal shogunate to an Imperial Monarchy. We will be going to his shrine next. (Remember that double clicking will give you a screen size image).

All editorial and photographic rights reserved by Arizona Skies.

Imperial Palace, Tokyo, April 9, 2010

Japan - Tokyo, Part 2

2010-05-03T12:18:00.002-07:00

On the floors below the observation deck of Roppongi Tower in the previous post lies a wonderful little modern art gallery that has some very intriguing pieces. I made sure to allow time for a stroll through the rooms.

The plaque on the wall described the scene before me, a film of this lady who exudes happiness and tranquility. As she spoke and laughed, she shooed a chicken or two out of the way or moved a basket or pot so there would be room in the tiny space to gather. The film played continually and covered a space easily 20' square.

This piece, also a film, was of various sizes of wine glasses being stroked to produce different tones. All four walls were covered with these moving images, so that the effect was one of actually walking through music. It was mesmerizing.

My favorite pieces were the shopping bags. The image on the front of the bag was cut in such a way that the shape and color suggested a tree in different seasons. The hole in the top results from standing the cut paper tree on the bottom of the bag, yet a tiny piece still connects it to the top. The one below is late fall.

The following tree, in two views, represents spring.

Shooting through Lucite without generating a glare is so difficult, so this last image of a tree in summer is from the Mori Art Museum brochure to give you better idea. Can you see where the bag originated?

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It's a McDonald's Happy Meal Bag! How cool is that!!!!

Now for some shopping in the Ginza. Hold on to your credit cards, there are some incredible stores here. And high on my list is window shopping, just because the merchandising is so fabulous. Take a look.

I'm on my way to Mikimoto Pearls. My thinking was to get just one pearl in a golden oyster for my charm bracelet. Well, it didn't work out that way. The first thing I saw was a necklace like this in the window.

About $378K, U.S. To die for. The bottom pearls are as large as acorns. The next thing I noticed was the reception desk. Got that? Reception desk.

As I was taking this in, one of my traveling companions pointed to a black Mercedes limo, with a white gloved chauffeur at the wheel pulling up at the curb. Immediately, two beautifully dressed sales associates came out to greet the older lady and escorted her into the store.

Listen honey, I felt like Daisy Mae at the White House. I rethought the pearl charm idea.

This is the most famous intersection in the Ginza, called the Scramble. Cars stop in all directions and then this happens. 2000 people cross in one mad "scramble" in one 40 second light change. This picture came from the public domain. I was sure I'd be trampled to death if I took my eyes off my destination just to snap a photo.

This is Japan's most famous department store and it does have every top designer of clothing, shoes, bags and perfumes represented here. You could easily dress a woman from head to toe and drop $10K. Really. The windows give you a taste of what's inside.

Pricey....Pucci.

Isn't this a great way to merchandise perfume!

Hold on. The real fun in below stairs, in the "sub floors". That's uppity for basement. And, that's were the food is sold.

I just don't know. Could be a veggie or a fish.

Sushi doesn't get fresher than this tuna. That doesn't mean I'm going to eat it. His head is below.

Fast food, Mitsukoshi style. Yummy.

This wonderful post card image is of the clock tower on the main intersection of the Ginza. The lights of the neon signs make it seem like daylight. It's such a high energy place, well worth the visit. All you need is money!

Japan - Tokyo, Part 1

2010-05-02T14:53:00.002-07:00

Tokyo is one of 47 prefectures in Japan, the divisions which are the overarching governing structure. Although not technically a city, Tokyo administers 23 city wards, 26 separate cities, 39 municipalities, 5 towns and 8 villages with a contiguous population of 35 million, the most populous metropolis in the world. It is one of three world economic centers, the other two being London and New York. The topography is 20% reclaimed land around Tokyo Bay and beyond, with the people living in 850 square miles of densely inhabited high rises and homes. It is beyond imagination. Tokyo is an "alpha" city.

Earthquakes are common, but in two weeks we didn't feel any. Hotels rooms are equipped with flashlights and the rating that the building can withstand. Ours was 9.5. Trains are essential to navigating this city. Consider that an express took nearly an hour to get from Shinagawa Station to Narita International Airport. Don't overlook the Japan Rail Pass. Distances around shrines and temples are considerable. Getting from the train station to the hotel was quite a hike. I found that I was walking 2/3 of the day. Crowds are part of the landscape, but it is manageable. All hotels have a little card with their address in Japanese. Present this to a taxi driver if you get lost and you have a way home. There are cards for all tourist locations, so just show it to the driver and you are on your way. I keyed in international dialing on my Verizon phone before I left so that I could communicate with my group if I got separated. It's always roaming, about $2.00 a minute. The Japanese are always on a cell phone texting. The current fad is a little "Hello Kitty" or charm hanging from it.

Tokyo tower is the red metal structure with Rainbow Bridge and the beginings of Tokyo harbor in the far horizon. The Imperial Palace and the government's Diet Building is to the left of the large green tower in the upper left. The famous Ginza shopping area is to the right of this building about 6 blocks. I'm standing at an observation deck on the 54th floor of Roppongi Hills Tower where a small 2 bedroom apartment starts at $1.5 million.

Another view of the tower with Rainbow Bridge in the far distance. The city extends far, far beyond the bridge on the other side. Tokyo Disney Resort is slightly behind and to the right of Tokyo Tower. There is no such thing as a slow day at Disney. Waits for rides can top three hours. I am standing in one place for most of these shots, pivoting around the building in the lower right with the green tower on top.

I have now moved from an easterly direction and am looking due south. In the middle of the picture is a tower designed by the same architect who designed Roppongi Hills. The next towers behind it contain the Prince Hotel where we stayed and Shinagawa Train Station next door. For an island country, I was surprised at how hazy it was, but then China is next door. It was overcast most of the time and rained a few days, but even that was an interesting experience.

This close up of the Moto-azabu Hills Tower shows what an interesting shape it has. Also notice how densely packed these buildings are. My next shot was to be due west but a group of school children were occupying that space. Had it been a clear day, I would have been able to distinguish the snow on Mt. Fuji. The fact that 35 million people live between an active volcano and the Pacific seems to me a significant fact.

This view to the left of the tower above, shows how densely packed these buildings are. There are many buildings just 20' wide with only 20" or so between the buildings on either side. Auto parking lots are not in abundance. Every inch is used.

Aoyama Cemetary, looking northwest, contains the graves of many distinguished foreigners.

They are buried here in appreciation of their help in modernizing Japan. One example is Eduardo Cheassone who introduced the printing technology for money and stamps. Just north of here is the Meiji Shrine which we will visit later. Also are two national baseball stadiums and most of the government buildings. Due north is considered midtown.

The cherry blossoms are so fleeting. Like life, they last only a short time. And so cherry trees are often found at cemeteries. I always looked for meaning in the placement of things in Japan, whether it came from philosophy, religion, habit of history or imagination. Nothing was just by chance. There is design in nature and in living a life. I think this is more obvious in such a homogeneous society where traditions live on from one generation to the next.

OOOUUUCCCHHH!!!!

2010-04-27T16:36:00.001-07:00

I'm back and loving my own bed and my own food! Japan was fabulous and I have pictures to prove it. Honestly, I walked for miles each day. So enticing was the history, architecture and culture that I just didn't notice how much ground I was covering. But my back did!

No matter how much you think you have dealt with before a trip, there is always the one thing you didn't consider that nails you in the end. Or in this case, the back. I didn't have to handle my bag much, but when I did, it was for a considerable distance. And, the hotel rooms are so small that there was no room for a suitcase to live permanently on a luggage carrier. Which meant of course, that the bag had to be hauled up onto the bed frequently. I'm seeing a chiropractor tomorrow afternoon and we will start untangling my skeleton.

So, while I'm learning to stand erect again and resting between sessions, I'll be sorting though the pictures I took to share with you all. Remember the camera manual? I read it twice. And took over 1300 photos! But, they are digital, so there could be 10 of the same thing from which I will choose one. I'm now learning my new photo handling software, suggested by my photographer son, called Adobe Light Room. Another manual.....

And, I had the greasiest bacon cheeseburger with fries that I could find within one hour of leaving the airport and before I got to the house. Japanese food is not high on my list. Sorry. I'm sure they feel that way about western food too. I didn't eat one thing where I thought, "wow, I've got to get back to that restaurant and have more of that". Nope. More about that later.

For now, I'll get the pics ready to share. And for all my Japanese friends, your country is amazing. Your culture is astonishing. Everyone I met was unfailingly polite and courteous. I hope my pictures convey the beauty I experienced. I'd go back in a heartbeat. Really. I'll just eat more Italian.

Sayonara U.S.A. - Konnichiwa, Japan

2010-04-02T08:16:00.001-07:00

I'm looking forward to my visit to Japan. The camera is packed and the manual is understood, so I hope to have some nice pictures to post when I return. It would be hard to convey how really excited I am to experience this wonderful culture. My hope is that I will be able to share that feeling with you when I return around the third week in April. I will miss you all!