when in march: yes to l.a.

the month of february came and left and many of you probably are wondering where i went. well --certainly between the world exploding in the middle east (and wisconsin) and keeping up with the band: the yes team, it's been busy. but here we are and ready to step up the month of march.

a few words about the yes team:

this past weekend, i joined them in l.a --.in preparation for their show at molly malone's near beverly hills. i took a train from san diego to union station ...for the glorious price of 23 dollars. yes, that's right, i refused to drive in downtown los angeles, california.

my groupies picked me up in what they call - "purple reign," and truly it's royal, - a rather unsensible color of violet that just overpowers you. the trusty dodge van safely shauffered 5 dirty hippies (myself included) to a nearby hole-in-the-wall mexican joint for breakfast burriotos. talk about full.

after the tasty eats, we rushed off to a studio for a band rehearsal - and-it-was-solid. the yes team picked up jackson price on electric, ben "skinny" cummings on violin along with a drummer and bass player. the other musicians picked up the music quickly and they rolled through the music while i snapped pictures in a timely two hour rehearsal.

but it was a newer song --for the band, that had us all heavy hearted...emotional, creative and connected, so much so, that afterward we all needed a break and kinnie suggested, none other than beverly hills park.

so off we went - to find a patch of grass in the sun. the afternoon could be described as playful...and simply -rest. lazy acoustic songs rose melodiously from carefree friends - while a little yoga engulfed the souls of some and well then there was the shirtless kid with the hair...and we all had a hearty chuckle.

finally - dinner and show ~ we stopped in with angie, an old friend of tj moss and kinnie dye, who made cheese ravioli, salad and ...."crack" cheesy garlic bread. no, i'm not kidding. watch out kids: this stuff was explosive - you've never had cheesy garlic bread until you've had manufactured kraft dinner dried cheese on top. that's right, powdered cheese, fake, in all its glory and...yum: so much so, it was wrong. between that and trader's joes iced tea, we were geared up for the evening.

the yes team definitely brought in the biggest crowd of the night. friends, families and friends of friends all showed up to show their support. everyone had beer in hand and a few of their best screams handy for tunes. jonathan even got the crowd around their folger's commericial...live and in concert. the day was a success - for the yes team, for their music and for me.

sunday only proved to be an extention as we made our way home in the purple reign --of course, not before we swerved through an l.a. maze, only to settle on mc'ds coffee, sing a few tunes around a hippie fire pit in hunnington beach and or course - settle in with a little swell season.

reporting egypt on twitter

cnnbrk: Journalists reported arrested amid #Egypt protests.http://on.cnn.com/fouY7a 

some say the journalists in egypt - risking their lives - are frankly, out of their mind. there are some who think it is not wise for media to send their people to such a hostile places. but - it's beyond their job - it's what they live for and while fears may exist, it is a profession of  passion and honestly? nothing more. so to my fellow journalists doing what it takes to give the egyptian people - of all persuasions - a voice - i commend you.

as for those being rounded up, whether they're being arrested or mobbed (& missing) - i think that it is a despicable act - and if the government is involved - they should know that restricting press during such an intense situation never worked well for anyone. the press are the ones who set the stage for dialogue and so in my mind - it is one of the most grueling professions - but it is one of great value for the world.

one in particular, i have been following on twitter, is a woman by the name of sarah el sirgany. she spoke to cnn by phone a few days ago, and since i have watched her report by twitter - trying to get the word out about what's going on. clearly, she is anti murbarak protester - but the events she is witnessing and experiencing are up close and personal and with - some of her latest --

Ssirgany Shorta 3askaria? RT @raniadailynews: @ElFoulio what do you mean by military police? It's either the military or the police?

Ssirgany RT @beleidy: Just went through army checkpoint on galaa bridge, on my way to tahrir square #jan25 egypt

Ssirgany Last night two brave female friends took medical supplies to Tahrir & were harassed by pro-mubarak mob on the way. Now area is totally safe

Ssirgany All of our reporters and editors want to be in Tahrir today, but someone needs to put the stories together & post online.

Ssirgany All of our reporters and editors want to be in Tahrir today, but someone needs to put the stories together & post online.

Ssirgany We are all with you RT @Gsquare86: hmmm activists disappearing and journalists are being beaten up, keep an eye on me, i might be next

egypt: the people unite

"it's a sign of weakness......it's makes the people the stronger."

(mos, answering question from ivan watson, cnn about the military air warning)

i find it interesting --that the u.s. government keeps talking about encouraging the egyptian government to give the people what they want in terms of economic change and maintain democracy. 

secretary of state, clinton told fox news sunday: "we do not want to see a change or a regime that would actually continue to foment violence or chaos -- either because it didn't exist or because it had a different view in which to pose on the egyptian people." (link) and "this is a very serious time for egypt and we are going to do all we can to support an orderly transition to support a situation in which the aspirations of the egyptians are addressed,"

when candy crowley of cnn asked clinton, "we are seeing signs that say 'u.s., stop back mubarak, what side is the us on- mubarak or the people in the streets?" clinton answered, "well there's another choice- it's the egyptian people, we are on the side - as we have been for more than 30 years, a democratic egypt that provides both political and economic rights that respects its people... "

she went on to talk about supporting "concrete steps" for reform in egypt - but failed to  lay out what those might look like in the eyes of the u.s. government - after all, they've done so much to support various rights groups in egypt. then of course there's the "complexities" because the u.s. has been a partner an ally and that reform should start with mubarak have dialogue with the people.

there is also a lot of talk about what the people want and the government analyzing economic change and preventing extremists from taking over- even from the republican side (boehner- fox news sunday) and of course:  "we want to see an orderly transition so that no one fills a void, that there not be a void, that there be a well thought-out plan that will bring about a democratic, participatory government" (clinton link). 

what no journalist has bothered to ask is this: "the people are chanting for mubarak to step down. while their protests do want economic change etc- what they really want is for the old guy out and for a new guy to take over - they no longer feel mubarak is the best leader - and it's coming from thousands of egyptians: if you support the people: do you support their cries for a new leader?"

but no: mainstream media won't ask this question**. and the american government, like any other government that wants its fingerprints around the world ~will back away from truly supporting a people's revolution. power breeds an attitude among governments that says, "i'll scratch your back if you scratch mine." the point being - they will support a questionable government if it wins them an ally, economic advancements or affluence in a region - the middle east in particular. this is observation alone.

nevertheless: what i find more powerful, most unique and amazing - are how many american citizens (and others around the world: syria, london, and more) are reaching out to the egyptian citizens by holding protests of their own. it shows that people - respect people. it takes away governmental power, in its own way. it unites and joins citizens together. revolution isn't always a bad thing: a government by the people should work for the people - and if the people don't see it or feel it - they have a right to take it. 

on the note of terrorists taking over: i think it's too early to even assume that. and it's very important to understand: these are not religious extremists protesting. it's not the religion of islam protesting. nor is it islam running the country - it is one man who wants power - and it a people who are rejecting his power.  what's more is that eygpt's military has always been respected by its government and people - but the government has also been run by military men and this time the people are unsatisfied (discussion juan cole: link) and even pushing for a man formerly head of the international atomic energy agency (cnn-link).

certainly this is my speculation from reading, watching and listening to the events take place a half a world away. but i can say with confidence that if a country of people are demanding change and freedom - they should go after it, take it and cry for it.

--------------------------

**update since post~ stand corrected: it seems tony blair has just been asked this questions (01/31/11 - LINK CNNi) but as any other politician, he will not directly answer.

Egypt In Pictures

Thoughts to come...

the photo spread...

a few days ago, i told you about pilates plus pacific beach  - and the two inspiring women who run the studio. you can read more about them -here (link). below are just a few of the best photos from the shoot. for more - check out the fitness & dance gallery on my website: http://untamedfocus.com ~

Project Homeless: The Voice

Radio is defined - theatre of mind"

(T.Williams' Inspiration)

A word about Ted Williams:

I have been greatly moved by Williams' story. Watching his interview on the Today Show certainly had me choked up. The humility of this man - knowing his mistakes and the gratefulness for what he's been given -a second chance -- it is truly is incredible. Ted Williams worked in radio much of his adult life - and described himself as something of a "functional alcoholic." but then, he started doing drugs - and as the substance abuse became worse, so did his life's circumstances. He ended up -- on the streets. He had run-ins with the law for theft and generally, like most homeless: had to learn to survive. 

What he recognized was the fact that he had been given a talent: his golden voice. it was resounding and steady and it occurred to him that, just maybe, he could use it to earn money on the streets. Thankfully - for you and for me, the audience - a reporter in Columbus took a chance on him and found out just how talented he was, that his sign asking for money was no joke at all. 

Now Williams is being offered jobs, he is being asked to do radio commercials and someone even offered to buy him a home. He is holding onto this gift, working through the overwhelming attention with his faith, and hoping for continued great things in his life. What stunned me, however, is that throughout his interview with the Today Show, he consistently kept responding to Meredith Vieira with, "yes ma'am" - a form or respect and honor from where he was sitting. 

I hope his mother was listening and watching. I hope she comes forward to embrace him. I truly think that Mr. Williams has something to teach all of us. Everyone has a gift: and everyone has a voice, who we are not to listen? In William's case - a commanding one. 

"If you really work hard and you're kind, amazing things will happen" 

(C.O'Brien) 

I think Mr. Williams exemplifies what that quote is all about and each moment that we see him, he is showing a vigilance, gratefulness and a kind manner - that wins you over and inspires you. Whether he's advertising for Mac & Cheese, announcing the Caviler's players, or speaking from the heart: this man has a story that is worth telling, and one that is worth hearing. 

Mr. Williams, sir, I pray God's continued blessing - and thank you for sharing that amazing voice.

merry christmas

Project Homeless: Citizen's Groove

It seems that no matter the city I reside in – the very core of it can be overwhelming and certainly San Diego has its groove. From the glitz to the poor – there is activity everywhere and it doesn't seem to stop. People coming and going – looking for an answer to their complicated lives.

Amazing to me are the number of homeless I encounter every day, more so than anywhere I have lived yet. There are entire blocks that are lined with shopping carts – overflowing with possessions, recycling, trash and all covered with blue tarps and blankets. There are people – couples too, spread here or there in the middle of a sidewalk with their sleeping-bags and blankets.

The sight is one that is heartbreaking to see - “God bless” and a cheerful “Merry Christmas” do not 

ever seem to be enough. Nevertheless, - if all one can do is offer a kind word, I can only imagine they are grateful to be recognized.

Their livelihood is desperate during this season. It's cold and wet (in most of the world) and their hiding place is harder to find. But if you're one that rarely has a quarter or dime in your pocket – remember that a nod and a hello can go a long way. They, too, are our neighbors and they too understand the season's urgency - and the longing for it's peace.

Free The Press!

"I sat there a long time, and thought about a lot of things. Foremost among them was the suspicion that my strange and ungovernable instincts might do me in before I had a chance to get rich. No matter how much I wanted all those things that I needed money to buy, there was some devilish current push me off in another direction – toward anarchy and poverty and craziness.” (H.S. Thompson)

Such is the life of a journalist. It's true!


“Curiosity killed the Cat,” is a serious understatement for someone who seeks to discover the world. Whether it be investigative questions or evaluating, intensely, acquired information: the journalist knows no rest, no fortune nor any alliance. At least, this is their intended purpose.


Several weeks ago, a man by the name of Ted Koppel wrote an op-ed piece for the Washington Post coming down on the likes of FOX News and MSNBC. Though not flawless, the old time journalist had valuable things to say in the face of current media standards. In short – such broadcast networks are throwing away the pursuit and delivery of fact-based-journalism. Rather: they are corporations, one to the right, one to the left – that are touting for their audience an opinion they hope will be bought – at the price of truth.


Koppel noted that 30/40 years ago, though every journalist has their own strong opinion, the networks, the newspapers stumbled over their persuasions to deliver a story that often had many sides. The audience had only one task: decide for themselves how they felt about it. And in the modern age, a vicious cycle tit for tat has taken place to feed the audience what they should think and in turn the audience demands it.


But I find that those truly passionate about story-telling, do so in a way that makes the world a fair and just place. In the US, this means that the First Amendment becomes a clear ambition – a right that is defended and defined. Oh, it's true – FOX and MSNBC, they are using their First Amendment right, but they are also calling themselves “fair” press and they are
not.


Hunter S. Thompson, while out of his mind, most of the time, is revered by journalists for a reason: he integrated himself so far into the stories he covered – that you were only left with plot and the characters. Your distaste or your pleasure came from your observances, not because you were told.


No riches or wealth ever truly came from telling other people's stories. Rather, more appropriately, it was a passionate business that kept it's constituents in the brink of drama – and gained them public respect. 


This is not to say a journalist is not worth their time or their story per word and page, but it does mean, that the average journalist doesn't enter the profession for the flare of money falling off trees, no matter how nice that would that be for all the stuff we thing we need.


And it must be noted that we are living in a generation that feels the pains of sensational media news rather than special interest stories and investigative or critical thinking and the presentation of facts.


Where it will go: only time will tell. But certainly I set out to do journalism the write way - the way that inspired our Founding Fathers to establish my right to do it - and present each story as it is - to the best of my ability, then? Let you decide. 


My instincts are wild and take me to absurd places where outrageous people have insane ideas, but certainly nothing is out reach or impossible - and because of that alone, while it might rustle a few feathers, or "do me in before I had the chance to get rich," - I go after it anyway.

Take a Breath

"What decreases in a culture of affluence is precisely and strangely...time
-- along with wisdom and friendship." (Richard Rohr)

Time...how many opportunities in a day do you take just for...time? Those few moments to yourself where the small desperate prayer escapes your lips? Or perhaps that breath you needed during an anxious moment and didn't bother to acknowledge? The society we live in inhales busyness as if it could possibly go out of style. And each and every being that buys it – knows no exhale. It is suffocating.

Yet if you, if I – would just take a minute and let all the stress of the day pass, even if only for a moment, perhaps the peace the heart craves would exist continuously.

As of late: I have been forced to embrace those moments of time – it seems I didn't take advantage of its presence before. So, now, as I search for daily solutions to my nuances, I am confronted with the need, with the ability to avert my eyes outward and my thoughts toward forceful, crashing white waves. Perhaps it is the season beckoning me to remember what it is in the earth right now. Or perhaps, it is calling for me to still – and release, whether it lasts a minute or a day...it is time and beauty that can be the most rejuvenating and it demands my attention.

Watching the film, Anna & The King, last night, there is a moment, when she becomes flustered as to why she was not rushed to a promised home outside the palace walls. The Prime Minister responded, “In Siam, everything has it's own time.”

It is this idea that not everything is meant for a rush. Not every moment needs to be “busy” with stuff or events. And not every occasion must be surrounded by others. Rather, to be alone, and in an order that defies chaos – such carries a commanding authority that can release grace and clarity.

So in this season that celebrates the coming of Greatness, as you hustle to keep the Grinch from stealing Santa Claus: remember that small family in the barn – who's time was a breath, a moment of release and quiet, - bringing clarity to the world - one subjected to the insanity of busy-work.