Switchfoot - The Sound Song Review

The only song on Hello Hurricane that’s better than “Enough To Let Me Go” is The Sound. With the heavy Drop D intro, Switchfoot has a sweet rock song here. There is no wonder why the Blackberry company is using it on their television ads (even before the album comes out on November 10, 2009). That lick sounds a bit like the main one in the song Thunder Kiss ’65.

Jon screams the ambiguous line, “We are the voice of breaking down,” which could refer to the spiritual, the physical, the mental, etc. or all of the above! He also has a call and response part in-the-making which is repeated twice and I’m sure the crowds will get into. It goes, “Ohhhhh oh ohhh, ohhhhh oh ohhh.”

On May 15, 2009, Green Day released an album full of static (literally – they tried to recapture static radio tuning sounds and used them in between some of the songs) called 21^st Century Breakdown. Could The Sound be Jon’s volley? Billy Joe is singing the song The Static Age about “love and religion” and how they’re basically diseases that have and still are screwing up the masses. Jon mentions that static and redefines it. He says, “This is the sound of a heartbeat. This is the sound of the discontented mouths of a haunted nation. We are the voice of breaking down. Can you hear me? This is the sound of the desperation bound by our own collision. We are the voice of breaking down!”

My only criticism is the 10 second guitar solo is a little short – which gives emphasis to the rest of the song – but a 30-60 second guitar solo would have been better. I’ve posted a poll on Switchfoot’s discussion board to see if their fans would like to hear a longer one in concert. I would! The album version solo is a little like the one from the song Crazy Times. It serves a purpose with a unique, screechy guitar effect and it might grow on me, but I know Drew could play something better and longer.

Jon continues with the words, “Let it rise above. Rise above. There is no song louder than love.” Nice rhyme and interesting thought. The way Jon Foreman puts it, love doesn’t sound half bad! Whether he’s referring to God (“God is love”) or the power of human love, he gives life and meaning to the word.”

*This is likely part of an entire album review. A concert review will be forthcoming after Sunday, Nov. 8's concert in El Cajon.

Medi-Cal Sucks - Cuts Dental, Vision, etc. Coverage!

On July 1, 2009, in order to try to balance California's budget deficit, the state-run Medi-Cal insurance company cut dental care, eye exams, podiatry, chiropractic services, speech therapy and other services like marriage counseling. I guess Arnold Schwarzenegger doesn't mind if Kalyfornians' teeth look like the ones above.

Here is an article with more information.

Thinking of You (A Poem to Jordan), by Dad

Thinking of You
by Dad

You are in school
Probably reading or writing
I’m thinking of you
And how your smile is inviting

You’re such a sweet girl
And growing so fast
We should go fishing
And I’ll show you how to cast

It’s fun how you look
At the world and what’s in it
You approach it with wonder
And we all benefit

I wish I could stop time
You’re so fun and cute at 7
It’s hard to believe that
You’ll soon be 8, 9, 10 and 11!

While you’re in school
I’ll work and get things done
So we can have fun later
Outside under the sun

I'm an indeliberdemlican.

Did I pen a new word? Google can't seem to find it.

I like the Libertarian lens when it comes to less laws and government involvement in day to day affairs. I also like the Democrat's desire to care for the poor. The Republicans seem to put more money in the people's hands and the Independent Party is a bit of all three (not to mention its very name implies picking and choosing which views to have as one sees fit). That's when I discovered the word indeliberdemlican. I took "inde" from independent, "liber" from libertarian, "dem" from democrat and "lican" from republican. Genius, eh?

I think we're all indeliberdemlicans. We all have a variety of different beliefs for many different reasons. However, some people pick certain issues that they feel are more important than others and go with the party that supports those beliefs. Don't get me wrong. Being an indeliberdemlican isn't saying all issues have equal merit or importance. I suppose it's just saying I won't kill someone (probably figuratively) if they don't accept which things I think are the most important - at any one point in the journey.

U2 - The Rose Bowl Concert - October 25, 2009

On October 25, 2009, I experienced U2 at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California. They were on their 360 tour after releasing the No Line On the Horizon album. It was an awesome show and this is my story.

I’ve been a U2 fan since I was in high school. I recall listening to them with Patrick Keough. We’d play video games at his house and listen to Rattle and Hum in 1988 and 1989. I was a sophomore and junior in high school those years. I remember Pat trying to talk like Bono and saying, “This is a song Charles Manson stole from The Beatles….and we’re stealin’ it back!” We had a strange infatuation with Manson. And U2.

Another fond, distant memory of U2 is listening to the Joshua Tree album with my friend Jimmy. We went to parties together at Valhalla high school in 1991 and 1992 – my junior and senior years. Jimmy enjoyed smoking pot and subsequently grew his hair long and moved to Sonoma. I remember listening with him and the music coming alive like never before. The Edge’s picking and strumming captivated me. Bono’s piercing lyrics compelled me to listen. Adam Clayton’s pounding bass and Larry Mullen, Jr.’s chops also piqued my interest.

U2 is my favorite band of all time, so I’ll try not to get too mushy. A few months ago, I listed all of my favorite bands based solely on the number of songs I like and U2 was #2 only to Led Zeppelin. However, since U2 is still touring and producing great music – and hasn’t stopped since I first heard them – I’ll have to admit they’re my favorite. I could (and might, someday) analyze and dissect 40 or 50 of their greatest songs, but for the purposes of this paper, I’ll try to stick to the concert experience and some a few thoughts about the band.

Last night at the Rose Bowl, there were about 100,000 excited fans dancing and singing to U2. The band played for over 2 hours, returning twice for encores. This was the biggest crowd to ever attend an event at the Rose Bowl. As I looked around the stadium, it appeared that every seat was filled! Even the seats behind the stage were taken; probably because of the 360 degree video screen that allowed them to watch the show. I was fortunate enough to get on the floor, dead center, just 5 or 6 rows of people from the ramp! However, I almost didn’t go at all!

I attend about one concert a week, so I’m always looking for a great seat and an even better deal. Almost always, I’d prefer to avoid going at all over sitting in a horrible seat. I had seen U2 twice on their Elevation tour, but I regretted not seeing them on their Vertigo tour and I knew I’d regret not seeing this show.

However, I checked eBay, StubHub.com and Craigslist for a month and couldn’t find any really good deals. I didn’t want to sit in a regular seat and I’d only settle for general admission floor for this show, but the seats were going for $250 each! About 5-6 days before the show, they dipped to $180, but I figured they’d go lower, I’d buy one in front of the show for cheap or I’d simply skip this show. Well, they didn’t go lower and they actually went up! Since I had gone camping on Thursday night in Morro Bay and drove a lot on Thursday and Friday, I was somewhat content with staying home. However, right after the Chargers beat the Chiefs around 1pm, I got a call from someone responding to a Craigslist ad I posted in LA saying I wanted a ticket or two. He initially wanted $150 each, but settled for $120 a ticket!



I called Sarine (who was in Lancaster) and had her meet me in Pasadena. Next, I gathered my stuff, filled up my car with gas, hit the ATM and jumped on I-5! Texting the seller on my way up, I was concerned that he might leave after I hit traffic. Ug. Around 4pm, I made it to Starbucks in Pasadena and we all met at virtually the same time. He sold me the tickets and even agreed to take us there and back for $20! What a guy! Now, even though these tickets had a $56 face value, they were roughly $85 seats after fees and the person who bought them had to pay a yearly membership fee to get into the U2 fan club in order to buy them. So, we made out pretty good! We jumped into Henry’s car and he drove us to the show and he also drove us back to our respective cars afterwards. Now for the show.

I knew I had to get there extra early in order to get a good spot on the general admission floor. Getting super GA seats is all about getting there early! Well, I didn’t get there super early, but I was standing in my spot at 6pm on the dot. This meant I had to tolerate 90 minutes of waiting, maybe an hour of Black Eyed Peas and a little more waiting. I expected as much and it worked out well.



Even though Slash joined them for a cover of Sweet Child O Mine, The Black Eyed Peas were horrible. Besides Fergie (I suppose), they sounded and looked like the Back Street Boys if they were to start sniffing glue. Seriously, U2 is all about beautiful melodies, amazing guitar work and effects, insightful and soulful lyrics that incorporate spiritual and even biblical themes and imagery. The peas walked around the stage rapping and repeating nonsense over and over. It was pretty bad. I have no idea how these two bands were teamed up, but they couldn’t have paired two opposite bands together any worse than this. Not to mention, their constant pandering to the crowd was unbearable. “LA! LA! Montebello!” Shudder.



U2 came on at precisely 9pm. They stole the evening and took us away to a special place. The show was unlike any other because the band is unlike any other. It was more like a movie than a concert. As Bono walked across the ramp and sang, he was unfazed by the biggest crowd ever to pack the Rose Bowl. Astonishing.

U2 played a lot of songs. These songs included No Line on the Horizon, Moment of Surrender, Get On Your Boots, Magnificent, Unknown Caller, I’ll Go Crazy If I Don’t Go Crazy Tonight (an acoustic version) and Breathe from the new album. I wish they would have played Stand Up Comedy because it’s a fantastic song and one of the best from the new album. They also played older hits like Vertigo, Sometimes You Can’t Make It On Your Own, City of Blinding Lights, In A Little While, Sunday Bloody Sunday, Elevation, Beautiful Day, Walk On, I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For, Where the Streets Have No Name (with an Amazing Grace intro), One, With or Without You, Mysterious Ways, Ultraviolet (Light My Way) and Until the End of the World. They also played a cover of Stand By Me and one cover that was unknown to me (which was the only song I couldn’t recognize). That’s 22 songs (that I can recall) plus the three covers!

U2 has a huge catalog and I have 173 of their songs on my iPod! I was happy to know every song of theirs they played, but I was a little disappointed they didn’t play a few of my other favorites. I also wanted to hear All Because of You, Desire, Summer Rain, Big Girls Are Best, Bullet the Blue Sky, Do You Feel Loved, Staring at the Sun, Gone, Who’s Gonna Ride Your Wild Horses, The Fly, God Part II, Hawkmoon 269, Bad, Pride (In the Name of Love), Silver and Gold and Helter Skelter. Oddly, they played no songs from their Pop album, no songs from their Zooropa album and nothing from The Unforgettable Fire. On the flip side, I’m stoked that I was able to hear them on this tour because there are some excellent songs on No Line On the Horizon that they’ll retire after this tour and I was able to experience them live.

Midway through the show, Bono described himself as a mixture of Arnold Schwarzenegger and Danny DeVito. With a little chuckle, he proceeded to add Dennis Hopper to the list. I thought this was a quaint observation and it’s funny how I like all three of those people. Arnold is our actor turned governator. DeVito is the star of the funniest sitcom on TV and Hopper is an actor/activist and part of the hippie movement. Pretty cool combination.

The LED panels used for color and video were amazing. Above the band, hundreds of rectangular panels were suspended. Live video footage of the band performing was constantly shown on them. It was a split second off the actual volume, but it was still cool. It appeared that the video switched from black and white to color, based on the mood. These panels were also used to display some amazing colors and they moved around and flashed for certain songs like City of Blinding Lights.



In addition to those uses, the band used the panels to show a video of a man saying we needed to become one just as we’ve been one throughout the years on various other peace missions. A woman suffering in Burma was displayed and the song Walk On was dedicated to her. Masks were worn by many to display their outrage at her treatment and captors.

The band stood on a fairly normal stage. However, they also walked around on rotating bridges. There was also a steel structure that stood 150 feet tall. This structure contained what looked like a lighted rocket ship that changed from white to blue. “Space travel turns me on,” said Bono. During the concert, Bono actually communicated live with an astronaut who was on the international space station. He spoke a few lines from the song “In A Little While” (a U2 song covered by artists such as James Blunt and Hanson) and he released something into the starry night.

The guys looked great, like they were in fine physical condition. The Edge wore his signature skull cap and flannel shirt. Bono donned a short haircut along with sunglasses with clear lenses. Adam Clayton (who I never saw using a pick) sported his short, gray hair and Larry Mullen, Jr. still had earrings in both ears. There is something refreshing about watching some dudes rock who have evolved over the past 30 years, but haven’t let themselves go.



U2 was formed in 1976 in Ireland. When I visited the green island a few years ago, I was curious about their dedication and memory of U2. Everyone I spoke to seemed very fond of them. In fact, there were stickers, posters and signs of them around Dublin. They are clearly the biggest band ever to come from Ireland and I’m proud of my fellow Irish brothers.

During the concert, about ten different times, marijuana smoke wafted my way. While ingesting marahoochie may help one hear music differently, I wish these smokers would find a safer way of ingestion. Yes, a joint or bowl is better for you than smoking lots of cigarettes, but why not use a vaporizer? Better yet, why not plan ahead a bit and make or buy some pot brownies? If pot smokers would embrace and promote safe ways of ingestion, this medicine would probably be much more widely accepted and used more safely. Ok, I’m getting off my soapbox now.

As for the guitars, The Edge may have played a different guitar for every song! He played a ton of different ones, but mostly Fenders (which he mainly used on older songs) and Gibsons. He certainly has the means to buy a certain guitar for a certain song when he wants to dial in a particular sound. I also noticed Adam Clayton playing a few different basses. At least one was a Fender P bass guitar.

“Let me in the sound, let me in the sound,” sang Bono. Before the show, when I listened to the album, I thought he was saying, “Let me in the south, let me in the south.” I thought, “Why weren’t they letting Bono in the south?” Which brings me to another important aspect of U2 – the lyrics (and then I’ll end this book, I promise).

Ambiguous lyrics will stand the test of time because they mean so many different things to so many different people. They also tend to be inoffensive. This is generally true of U2’s lyrics. Bono has crafted some very interesting songs and each one could be analyzed. However, in short, this is part of U2’s mystique and mo. Sometimes their lyrics are bold and obvious – like when they’re standing up to apartheid (listen to Bullet the Blue Sky on Rattle and Hum). The stories they weave are interesting, to say the least. Bono paints beautiful pictures of peace and love and justice. While his words may not be satisfying or interesting to those who reject the spiritual, I’m sure his lyrics are captivating to everyone else. To a Christian like me, songs like Yahweh, All Because of You, Magnificent and Walk On seem to be talking directly about God and Heaven. While some say you shouldn’t mix religion with music, I think U2 finds a way to combine great music with faith and hope.

The U2 concert at the Rose Bowl was amazing. I had never been in a crowd with so many people! Even as a Chargers season ticket holder (by proxy), the largest crowd I had ever been in had around 65,000 people at Qualcomm Stadium. The 2+ hours of awesome music was amazing. Right after their concert, U2 announced they’d be playing another Southern California concert on June 6, 2010! This time, they’ll be coming to Angel Stadium in Anaheim and I can’t wait to see them again!


I'm circled in the upper right

Here are some links to videos that I took at this concert:

Sunday Bloody Sunday (clip)
Magnificent (entire song)
Vertigo (intro)
City of Blinding Lights (partial song)
Until the End of the World (entire song)
No Line on the Horizon (clip)
I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For (clip)
Get On Your Boots (clip)
A 360 degree view of the Rose Bowl crowd around me
Sweet Child O Mine (entire song - Slash with Fergie)

Parallels Between Where the Wild Things Are and the Story of Jesus

While watching Where the Wild Things Are on the big screen, I realized there were a lot of parallels between the movie and the story of Jesus. For the purposes of this list, the king represents Max and Jesus. The group represents the animals Max encountered and the people Jesus encountered.

1. A king from far away went to a group who first loved him and adored him, but later turned on him.
2. This king helped the group to come together and have joy.
3. The group wanted a different type of king – one that would rule with an iron fist and force – but he wouldn’t do it.
4. The king was only with the group for a brief time.
5. The king put his arm around the outcast and comforted her.
6. The king led the group to build something great that they couldn’t build on their own.
7. The group wanted to kill the king.
8. The king couldn’t solve all of the problems the group had, but let them work out many things on their own.
9. One person in the group wanted to destroy what the king led them to build.
10. The king knew his real home wasn’t with this group and eventually left and returned to his home.
11. The king was given the title king before he left his home.
12. The king traveled a long way to meet the group.
13. The king was not materialistic.
14. The king sailed a boat on dangerous waters, but was safe.
15. The king loved and cared for the group.
16. The king left his mark on a tree.
17. The king didn’t discriminate on the basis of looks or abilities.

These are simply some parallels I noticed and there are likely several others. I’m not saying Where the Wild Things Are is religious or anything. Many movies have spiritual overtones or at least moral principles that we find in the Bible. However, I noticed this story had more than usual, so I wanted to list some of them. It should also be noted that these two stories, like many other stories have differences as well. Furthermore, while these parallels are true on some levels, they may not be perfect on all levels.

Can you think of more parallels? Feel free to post them here as a comment.

Creed - Concert and Band Review - September 30, 2009 - Irvine Amphitheater

On September 30, 2009, I saw Creed in concert at the Verizon Wireless Amphitheater in Irvine, California. It was their first tour since their reunion. They played a fantastic set and here is my band and concert review.

I recall becoming a Creed fan after hearing their radio songs from their first album. In 1997 and 1998, I heard My Own Prison, What’s This Life For and Torn and decided to buy the CD. I was intrigued by the spiritual messages and impressed by the fast guitar work, booming bass guitar and tight drum rolls. I was also impressed by Scott Stapp’s wailing baritone voice.

In 1999, I recall listening to the Human Clay album in a Boomer’s parking lot in Escondido with my Christian college youth group friends. They were intrigued by Creed as well. Scott Stapp, being a pastor’s kid, was obviously searching for truth and meaning as he penned a number of his songs. I remember engaging in friendly debate with my friends regarding whether their lyrics were biblical or not. And my Christian friends and I would always shudder a little when Scott sang, “We don’t have to settle no God damned score” because we did all we could to refrain from taking the Lord’s name in vain (which may actually mean something entirely different, like “taking” as in “wearing” or “labeling ourselves with” God’s name and not necessarily speaking God’s name in vain).

As much as the band Creed is about the lyrics, they’re also about the music. Mark Tremonti is an excellent guitarist and he reminded me of Jimmy Page in that there are 5 or more parts in each song….multiple chord progressions, multiple picking parts, guitar solos, etc. Creed certainly is not a band who would play the same chord progression for the verse and the chorus!

Mark Tremonti looked like his old self. I noticed him doing a palm muted arpeggio in one of the songs (and a regular arpeggio in another). He played so very fast - both power chords and notes - all over the neck. He also used drop D and possibly other alternate tunings.

Random things I noticed….Mark Tremonti played the picking part in Arms Wide Open with his fingers. Their bassist Brian Marshall played his instrument with his fingers and never a pick. Scott Stapp had a buzz cut which grew on me while their drummer Scott Phillips had longer hair.

I’ve always been impressed by Scott Phillips on the drums. Wow, he manages to squeeze all kinds of rolls and funky sounds into tiny spots. He’s very fast and knows how to build a sound, when to back off and simply how to maintain a beat with the ride (like in the bridge for What If).

Creed used a lot of fire! This reminded me of their show at San Diego State University’s Cox Arena many years ago. I saw them there in 1998 and I also saw them perform in Irvine when Collective Soul opened for them. This time, they used pyrotechnics in about a quarter of their songs. It was so hot that I could feel the heat from my 19th row seat in the Orchestra section!

Scott Stapp sang like a possessed man on a mission. His energy did not seem contrived or showy. He belted out each song with conviction. After singing Faceless Man, he told the crowd it was his favorite Creed song. Walking up and down the ramp, he was an appropriately animated force to be reckoned with.

Throughout the show, they played all of their hits like My Own Prison (concert video), Torn, Say I, Never Die, Unforgiven, Beautiful, My Sacrifice and Faceless Man. Since their new album wasn’t out yet (Full Circle is scheduled to drop on October 27, 2009), they only played one or two new songs. I didn’t know their new album wasn’t out yet because I obtained a copy of it two or three weeks before the show.

After Creed’s set, they left the stage to cheers from the crowd. After a few minutes, they returned and played three songs. They opened the encore with One and finished with Higher. During their final song, I felt it was a spiritual moment of sorts for me, so I raised my hands to the heavens.

Since Scott Stapp was a pastor’s kid, I’m sure he was exposed to faith at a young age. When he wrote these Creed lyrics, he was in his yearly college years in Florida and was seeking. They’re quite interesting and I think they give some good insight to a PK who wants to find the truth – the truth that will help him, the truth that will stand the test of time.

The opening band was brutal. I was waiting in my car for the first band to end and when they did, I started to walk to the concert. If you’ve ever been to the Verizon Wireless Amphitheater in Irvine, then you’ll know that the parking is very far from the stage. Well, as I was approaching the place where they take tickets to let people in, the music started playing. Thinking it was Creed, I hurried by walking fast and going right to my seat. Unfortunately, it turned out that Staind was playing. As I could decipher their music and words, while I approached my seat, I thought they sounded different. I thought it could have been some unfamiliar new material, but it was Staind. They were pretty bad and played pretty long, so I had to wait nearly a full hour before Creed came on. Bum deal. In all fairness, I haven’t heard much of Staind and they looked talented enough. I taught one of my students one of their songs, but I forget which one. I just didn’t know any of their songs and I planned to get there right before Creed started playing and it didn’t work out.

During the show, Creed used an extra guitarist to fill in the sound. Eric Friedman, reportedly one of Mark Tremonti’s long time friends and protégés, did a good job on the electric guitar and mainly played rhythm. At one point, Tremonti was fingering a solo and walked to Eric’s side of the stage. He looked at Friedman and paused a second like he wanted him to play something, but Eric just looked back at him. He was probably a little intimidated or something. Oh well. We could have had some dueling guitar solos!

At times, while Scott Stapp sang some of the more spiritual parts of his songs, I noticed him glancing at Mark Tremonti. I found this a little peculiar and wondered why. Perhaps Tremonti is a skeptic or perhaps they’ve had friendly debates in the bus late at night. Who knows, but for whatever reason, I did notice them making eye contact and connecting and Tremonti generally staring at or shrugging off Stapp.

On the song Never Die, I was surprised to see Mark Tremonti playing the four bent notes in the main hook (D#, A#, D and A) up and down the neck. They are right next to each other on the 7th and 8th frets on the G and D strings. I imagine he knows how to play it several different ways and alternates based on his mood.
In summary, I thoroughly enjoyed this show! It’s great when I can hear a band that has been around for awhile right before their new album drops. They usually play all the old material I want to hear! That’s what happened on this night and Creed really nailed it! Great job, boys. Carry on.

Healthy Sugar Cookie Recipe

I adapted a recipe I found on the web and made these cookies with Sarine, today. They turned out really well! You could substitute the whole wheat flour for white flour, but why would you want to? The wheat worked well and tasted good. Enjoy!

Healthy Sugar Cookie Recipe

3 cups whole wheat flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1 cup white sugar
1 ½ sticks of butter
1 egg (or 2 egg whites), lightly beaten
3 tablespoons of milk or cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Mix everything together with a mixer, then use a melon baller to put the dough on a greased cookie sheet. Bake at 400 degrees for about 10-12 minutes and let cool. Enjoy!

Funnel Cake Recipe

I made funnel cake yesterday and it turned out really well! In case you're interested, here is my recipe. I'm sorry there is no picture, but I'll go back and stick one in here after I make it next time. We ate it all!

Funnel Cake

1 egg (or 2 egg whites)
2/3 cup milk
2 tbsp. sugar
1 1/4 cup flour
1/4 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking powder
Powdered sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
Olive and/or corn oils
One zip top bag
Wok, pot or fryer
Cooling rack
Tongs
Bowl
Stirring spoon
Scissors

Combine all of the wet and dry ingredients. Double everything for 4-5 servings. Mix in a bowl until blended together and put in a zip top bag. Cut a corner off the bag. Cut a tiny corner for small, crunchier funnel cake or cut a larger corner for larger, doughier tasting funnel cake.

Heat olive and/or corn oil (actually, any cooking oil will work) in a wok, pot or fryer. When it’s good and hot, squeeze the bag and make circles with the dough. Leave in the oil for a couple of minutes, then flip it once with some tongs. When it has browned, carefully pull it out of the oil and let it cool for a few minutes on a cooling rack. Sprinkle powdered sugar on it and enjoy it while it’s warm!

My New 2009 Ford Focus - 1000 Mile Review

I’ve had my 2009 Ford Focus for about 6 weeks and I’ve logged about 1000 miles in it. This is a brief review of the car and some related issues like its value now and its projected value when it’s paid off. Here goes.

On a scale of 1 to 10, I’d give this car a 9. It has been super. It drives very well and in my last tank of gas, I got over 26 miles per gallon. I’ve owned the following cars: a used, blue, four door 1985 Toyota Camry from 1990-1992, a used, red, two door 1991 Honda Prelude in 1992 (which was stolen, stripped and recovered), a new, red, two door 1993 Acura Integra from 1992-1998, a used, white 1990 Isuzu longbed truck (that died when I blew a head gasket) from 1998-2000, a used, copper 1985 Toyota van (which was stolen and recovered) from 2000-2004 and a used, two door, white 1995 Ford Thunderbird from 2004-2009. I’ve also driven a number of rental cars on various trips and vacations. Out of all of the cars I’ve owned, this one is neck and neck with my favorite – the Acura Integra.

In about 6 weeks, I’ve logged approximately 1000 miles on my new car. This extrapolates to 8666 miles for the year. After three years, when I make my final $375 payment, I will have about 25998 miles on it. According to the Kelly Blue Book online, a similar 2006 Ford Focus is worth $9580 today. This means I will have spent/lost about $4000 after paying $13500 in 3 years, which amounts to $111/month. However, this also means that $264 of my monthly payment is an investment that I will get back! Not a bad deal at all. Now for the features.

I like the Sync feature because I don’t need my wireless Bluetooth earpiece in the car. There is a little speaker under the rear view mirror and when my iPhone is synced with Sync, it uses it. I hear the other party over the speakers in my car. Quite handy. However, it is a little annoying when someone calls me. I hear the ringing and ringing over my speakers in my car – even if I have music playing! Ug.

I like the look and feel of the car. It’s simply nice to have and drive a new car. The paint is shiny and the spoiler is cool. I’m getting the windows tinted on Wednesday, so that’ll make it even nicer. Plus, the interior is very nice and soft. The new car smell is wearing off, but that’s ok. I like the cruise control feature, but I haven’t used it very much.

The two cup holders in the center of the car are very handy. However, I sometimes get a little sand in them and it would have been great if they could have been removable. Nonetheless, my newly purchased, battery powered vacuum has been helping me keep the car clean.

I like how there is a built in auxiliary jack connected to the stereo. I also like how it is conveniently located at the bottom of the console. The USB jack is also very handy. I leave an iPod/iPhone USB charge cable connected at all times, so I can charge either of those devices while I’m in my car.

The trunk has a lot of space in it. I have yet to run out of room. The back seats come down, but I haven’t put them down yet. I imagine I’ll carry something long and I’ll need to do so before too long.

I’ve taken a few road trips and the car drives very well on the freeway. Not only does it drive straight as an arrow, but it runs quiet and cool. Plus, even though it’s a four cylinder, it has a lot of horsepower and punch. In fact, it flies about as fast as my previous TBird, even though it was a V8!

The sound system in this car is very good. I’ve been waffling on whether or not I need to improve it any. I imagine I probably will change the speakers before too long, but I still haven’t decided whether or not I need a new deck, an amp and a subwoofer or not. It currently has Sirius satellite radio (which I have only used for a couple of minutes) and a 6 CD changer.

I like the rims on this car. While they’re stock wheels, they don’t look like stock rims, so I’m sure I won’t upgrade them. The seats would be a little more convenient if they were powered. I frequently incline my seat in order to get things in the back seats and it seems that they’re a little sticky. I have to pull the handle and move the seat forward with my hand. Perhaps that will change as they break in.

The power windows are very convenient. I like how the driver’s side window can come down automatically if you press the button hard and release it. However, I think the passenger’s side window should do the same. The powered mirrors are very convenient as well.

The heater and air conditioner work very well! Lately, I’ve been getting out of the ocean and my hands have been cold from the 62 degree water. The heater warms me up quickly! Plus, the defroster works very well, too.

I like the compactness of this car. Opposed to my previous car, I can park this one anywhere. I’m able to fit into tight spaces and I’m also able to park a little further from doors that could open and ding my car.

If this car had a sunroof, I would have given it a 10. That’s the only missing feature that I would have enjoyed. I liked the sunroof in my Acura Integra and it was fun to look up and see the stars and great to get fresh air from above. I’ve looked into aftermarket sunroofs and I might get one.

All in all, I’m really happy with my new 2009 Ford Focus. It is a good investment and a fun ride. And I didn’t buy vanity plates because I figured it would be harder for the Cops to remember a random series of letters and numbers. Just kidding. Kinda.

The Beach Boys - Valley View Concert and Band Review - September 26, 2009

On Saturday, September 26, 2009 I had the opportunity to see The Beach Boys in concert at the Valley View Casino in Valley Center (San Diego), California. I actually got first row tickets from Ticketmaster because I called them right when the tickets went on sale! Here is my story.

Since I was born and raised in San Diego, I’ve known about The Beach Boys since I was a kid. I recall my Mom liking them, smiling and humming their songs when I was very young. However, my first personal experience in memory was from a Robin Williams movie in 1988. “Good Morning Vietnam!” screamed the zany actor. When I was 14, I wasn’t allowed to listen to a number of bands (e.g. Ozzy Osbourne and anyone who “looked really gross” or sang about controversial things). However, I was allowed to listen to a number of movie soundtracks and Good Morning Vietnam was one of them. I remember hearing the song, “I Get Around” and thinking it was cool. At barely 2 minutes long, I recall listening to it several times in a row.

Later that year, a song called Kokomo was released (and The Beach Boys were inducted into the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame). I liked its tropical feel and the lyrics took me away to another place like Hawaii (where I visited yearly each summer with my parents, starting in 1986). Even though it didn’t mention Hawaii, it mentioned so many tropical places that I assumed Hawaii should have been in there somewhere. Although I probably couldn’t identify them at the time, I liked the steel drums and harmonies. I even bought the cassette single (remember those?). Now I don’t even have a cassette player. Fortunately, I have the song on .mp3.

I’ve always been a huge fan of music, but I became much more critical in college because I would turn off the television and listen to it closely. I’d talk about it with my roommate Chris Clayton and we’d dissect it. He’d dutifully raise one hand in the air and put his other hand to his lips and say “Shhhhh, listen” when the best parts were coming up. As an avid surfer and a huge fan of only great music, I recall Chris liking The Beach Boys in our college dorms and in my first apartment that we shared. I valued his opinion, but I remember being a little skeptical until he pointed out the fact that they had amazing vocal harmonies and liked to sing about surfing. Even now, I cannot think of another band that has such great vocal harmonies. Only John Lennon and Paul McCartney come close.

In 2007-2008, I became serious about music again. I began to let go of some of my hobbies and focused on music – listening to music, experiencing live music and playing and teaching the guitar, bass, keyboard and drums. It became a serious passion and still is to this day. I also realized that I needed to attend far more concerts! Now, I have a list of about 18 living bands that I want to see (but have never seen) and a list of upcoming shows that I either have tickets for or want tickets for. The Beach Boys finally join four other bands that were on this list - Duran Duran, The Offspring, Green Day and Motley Crue.

Formed in 1961, The Beach Boys have released 28 albums! According to Billboard, they have sold more singles and albums than any other American band. They’ve also had thirty-six Top 40 hits in the United States! In case you were wondering, these are phenomenal numbers.

Boasting eight musicians, the current Beach Boys band is larger than most bands, helping them to create a rich, layered sound. As far as membership goes, it is much different than it was in 1961. The only founding member in the current band is Mike Love who sings lead vocals and emcees their concerts. He informed us that The Beach Boys had a doo wop influence from the 1940’s (which was made popular in the 1950’s and 60’s). Mike had and still has a fantastic voice. He is a big guy and his high vocal register doesn’t seem to fit his person, but he has a wide range and knows how to hit the right notes. He was also a pleasantly witty and cool host, as he occasionally spoke in between songs and made jokes, introduced band members and told us about their band and songs.




Even though he can’t be considered a founding member, Bruce Johnston joined the band in 1965 and he is currently touring with them. At Valley View, he sang some harmony parts and played the keyboard. His first vocal recording with The Beach Boys was on the song California Girls in 1965 (a song that Van Halen immortalized in 1985). Johnston has the ability to hit the high falsetto notes and he harmonizes very nicely with Love and the other (previous and current) band members.

The Beach Boys played about 20 of their hit songs at Valley View and I was very happy to hear all of my favorites! They included songs like California Girls, Help Me, Rhonda, Good Vibrations, I Get Around, Kokomo, Surfin’ Safari, Surfin’ USA, Surfer Girl, Be True to Your School, Fun, Fun, Fun, Little Deuce Coupe, Barbara Ann, Wouldn’t It Be Nice, 409, Catch A Wave and God Only Knows. I wondered how they could squeeze so many songs into their concert, then I remembered how a lot of their songs are two minutes long!

Living in San Diego, I’m always tickled about the way they mention several of our beaches in the song Surfin’ U.S.A. The first beach on their list is Del Mar – which is about 15 minutes from me. They also mention La Jolla (which neighbors my Pacific Beach home). I’ve been to both of those beaches and several others they mention like Waimea Bay, Trestles and Sunset (if they’re referring to Sunset Cliffs). I’ve seen Swami’s from the top of the giant cliff above the beach and I’ve visited the peaceful gardens there, but I haven’t been to that beach, yet. I’ll have to visit soon!

During The Beach Boys concert at Valley View, many of the band members took turns singing. In addition to Mike Love, both electric guitarists (Scott Totten and Christian Love) sang songs and the drummer (John Cowsill) sang. They all sounded good and were able to simultaneously play their instruments without a hitch. As I mentioned before, Johnston also sang harmonies while playing the keyboard.

While their effect-driven keyboard solos and warm, tube amp, twangy guitar solos and hooks are great, one of the more notable aspects of The Beach Boys’ music is their bass lines. I noticed the current bassist Randell Kirsch playing quickly all over the neck. If you are one of those people who like groovy bass lines and licks that aren’t easily duplicated, you’ll dig The Beach Boys because they frequently avoid settling for simplicity.

The last thing that I find notable about The Beach Boys is their lyrical content. While many of their contemporaries in the 1960’s (and over the last five decades) were talking about war, politics, sex and drugs, The Beach Boys were singing about surfing, driving cars and treating women right. Perhaps this is why there were so many older people at the concert – which is pretty sad and lame, if you think about it. Frankly, I was shocked that there weren’t more people in their 20’s and 30’s there (and even teens). This music is family-friendly and awesome and it’s a downright shame that people of all ages aren’t having fun listening to it. When you don’t want to worry or consider contentious issues and when you’re looking to think about the beach and having fun, you can always turn on The Beach Boys.

Going to The Beach Boys concert was a fantastic experience. These guys know how to bring it and they rocked Valley View on Saturday night. I hope to see them again one day!

Def Leppard and Poison Band and Concert Review - September 9, 2009 - San Diego

On Wednesday, September 9, 2009, I had the privilege of seeing Def Leppard and Poison in concert at the Cricket Wireless Amphitheater in Chula Vista, CA. Since I was a fan of these two bands for over two decades, it was a cool experience. Here’s my story.

When I was in junior high school, I had a big white writing pad on my desk. On top of it was my “ghetto blaster” and nothing else. (Below my ghetto blaster was a circle and the words “My ghetto blaster was here.” And I’d see that sad message when I got in trouble and my parents took it away to punish me….at least they knew what would work!) I’d sit at my desk and do my homework while listening to music. I’d also draw on my pad and one thing I would draw was the cryptic lettering for Def Leppard. When I was a kid, everyone tried to draw their band’s name on book covers, chairs, walls, etc.




When I was in junior high and high school, I remember getting into Poison. I first bought a cassette single or two (remember those?), then I bought their albums. Nothing But A Good Time was an important anthem for me! I remember driving in my car and listening to it, singing and screaming. It always prepared me for a good time at the end of the week.

Fast forward to 2009. While I was at the AC/DC concert on Sunday, someone from Cricket was giving away voucher tickets for the Def Leppard/Poison concert! I was in a line to redeem my AC/DC ticket and the people in front of me told me about it, so I asked them to hold my spot while I ran over and got some. The next day I decided to list them on Craigslist to sell them and I got several calls and emails about them, but eventually decided not to sell them and attend the concert.

When I got to Cricket, I parked and got in line to redeem these vouchers. At first, I thought I’d just pay $6 per ticket and enjoy the general admission lawn seating. However, the window representative offered me tickets in other areas of the stadium for a little more money. At first, she showed me Section 305 and I declined. Next, she said she had two seats in the 2nd row floor for just $26 each! So, I had to get them and I’m glad I did. I was super close to the bands!

This was a really good concert because these two bands played all of their old hits! They weren’t touring on a new album, so they didn’t try to push new songs and a new album – which was great. I hadn’t heard them in quite awhile, so I was really happy to hear the songs I liked without having to sit through a bunch of songs I didn’t know. Poison played Nothing But A Good Time, Unskinny Bop, Talk Dirty to Me, Something to Believe In and Every Rose Has It’s Thorn. Plus, CC Deville played his heart out! He played a three minute guitar solo (check it out here!) where the rest of the band left the stage! He jammed and walked around the stage and the ramp. He didn’t hit any bad notes and he played quite fast and quite well!




I noticed both bands’ bassists playing with a pick. Bret Michaels from Poison mentioned how they were borrowing Cinderella’s bassist (who appeared to be a very talented musician, based on his chops and the amount of time it took him to learn the Poison songs). Speaking of picks, I found an orange Poison pick in front of the first row. I’m sure one of the band members tossed it into the crowd, so I was stoked to find it.




Def Leppard was a better band than I thought (and after checking my iPod, I realized that both bands had about twice as many cool songs as I thought they had). They had two electric guitarists who gave it up. They also had a talented bassist and of course their drummer who has only one arm did very well. I was on the right side of the stage, so I was near Phil Collen. He played lead guitar and some rhythm guitar and did some background vocals. He’s an excellent guitarist and he made his chops look easy. Throughout the show, he played several different Jackson guitars and they sounded very good.

These guys played Pour Some Sugar On Me, Armageddon It, Hysteria, Rocket, Animal, Photograph, Love Bites, Let’s Get Rocked and several others. They also rocked a cover song called Rock On by David Essex. The way they let it creep in was cool and they used some distortion and effects that rounded out the hit.

While Joe Elliot’s voice seems a little thin sometimes, he certainly has a great stage presence. With plenty of energy, he went up and down the ramp again and again, pumping his fist and pointing while singing and shouting. Most of his lyrics were true to the album versions of their songs. His voice could have been turned up a little bit because the other instruments seemed a little louder, but it all blended pretty well. As for the lyrical content, I’ve always liked it, but some of the words just seem silly! With lyrics like “let’s get rocked!, Rock it! Yeah-ah!, Armageddon It!, Are you getting it?, Animal, And I want, And I need, Animal!” it’s clear that Def Leppard has a sense of humor and they value cadence and a syncopated delivery over deep, mysterious lyrical content, which works great for stadium rock! Not to mention, I’ve never minded mumbling lyrics I couldn’t understand or even making up my own lyrics for parts of their songs where I didn’t know what they were saying.

Def Leppard’s drummer Rick Allen is fantastic. Since his car accident in 1984, he has played with only one arm. At the concert, I noticed him doing a lot with his left foot. In fact, they have rigged a special drum set for him. Drummers typically cross their arms and play the high hat with their right drum stick and the snare with their left drum stick. They use their right foot for the bass kick drum and their left foot to open and close the high hat. When they play rolls on the toms, they use either or both drum sticks. However, it appeared to me that Allen was playing the snare with his right drum stick and the high hat with his left foot – not simply opening and closing it, but actually playing it with his left foot. I’m sure he did much more as well, but my hat is off to him for continuing to play the drums with only one arm. It’s not saying much, but he’s a far better drummer than I am and I have two arms. I imagine and hope Allen is an inspiration for those who have only one arm.

Did you know that Def Leppard isn’t an American band? If you’ve seen pictures of them or attended a concert, it would be obvious. They happily embrace their English roots with British flags and such. While the band played, all kinds of colors and graphics were played behind them on a giant screen and several times they had British flags waving.

After their initial set, the seemingly full capacity crowd at Cricket was pleased to cheer the band back for an encore. They returned and played one song – Let’s Get Rocked. Before they returned, I was trying hard to guess what they’d come back and play and I couldn’t figure it out. They left Pour Some Sugar On Me until one of their last songs, so I had thought that it would be their encore performance, but I knew it wouldn’t be after hearing it. Let’s Get Rocked is a cool song that was on their Adrenalize album and I remember purchasing both Hysteria (and really liking it) and their follow-up album Adrenalize. The crowd seemed to recognize it and rocked it with them.

Jordan liked both bands and for a six year old, she did surprisingly well. One girl who was apparently on a date came up to me and told me I was a great Dad for bringing Jordan to the show. I thought that was nice. Jordi stood on her chair and watched. At one point, she dutifully held up her little right hand with her thumb, pointer finger and pinky finger extended. It made me smile because it was awfully cute.

Not just an 80’s hair band, Def Leppard is a great rock n roll band. I believe many of the early 80’s bands (Def Leppard formed in 1977 and released their first album in 1980) strongly resemble the classic rock bands of the 70’s. Why wouldn’t they? It was the music they listened to and grew up with.

I fully enjoyed the concert. Both bands did a fantastic job and exceeded my expectations. Hats off to a great experience and I hope to catch them both again one day.

Jordan's Summer Vocabulary Words List

Over the summer, I did lots of exciting things with Jordan. We rode our bikes to the beach nearly every day. We caught waves together and swam in the ocean and at pool parties. Although many of the things we did were physically stimulating, I also tried to stimulate her mind. I did this by talking to her, listening to her, asking her questions and making her think about her thoughts, words, emotions and behaviors. I also gave her vocabulary words. These are the words she learned to spell in the summer of 2009. About half are words that I saw her misspell and the other half are simply words I thought she should know how to spell.

June 16, 2009 - Jordan’s Vocabulary Words

1. sorry

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2. going

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3. this stuff

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4. those things

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5. that stuff

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6. these things

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7. verde - green

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8. azul - blue
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9. gato - cat

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10. perro – dog

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July 7, 2009 - Jordan’s Vocabulary Words

1. water

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2. want

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3. butterfly

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4. cute

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5. adorable

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6. have

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7. skirt

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8. beautiful
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9. plants

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10. grow

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July 13, 2009 - Jordan’s Vocabulary Words

1. rojo - red

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2. alto - stop

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3. hola - hi

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4. verdad - right

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5. sí - yes

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6. pollo - chicken

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7. loco - crazy

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8. ella - she
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9. este - this

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10. ahora - now

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July 20, 2009 - Jordan’s Vocabulary Words

1. music

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2. guitar

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3. acoustic

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4. electric

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5. amp

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6. piano

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7. keyboard

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8. bass
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9. stand

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10. iPod

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July 27, 2009 - Jordan’s Vocabulary Words

1. finish

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2. Wii

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3. Nintendo

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4. PlayStation

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5. game

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6. controller

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7. remote

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8. system
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9. console

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10. stereo

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August 10, 2009 - Jordan’s Vocabulary Words

1. kitchen

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2. bedroom

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3. bathroom

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4. living room

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5. dining room

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6. balcony

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7. closet

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8. garage
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9. elevator

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10. stairs

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August 31, 2009 - Jordan’s Vocabulary Words

1. torch

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2. shell

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3. sand

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4. tide

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5. sunset

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6. current

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7. lifeguard

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8. swim
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9. surf

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10. bodyboard

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I also gave her some verses.

June 22, 2009 – Verses For the Week

1 John 4:20 – “If anyone boasts, ‘I love God,’ and goes right on hating his brother or sister, thinking nothing of it, he is a liar. If he won't love the person he can see, how can he love the God he can't see? The command we have from Christ is blunt: Loving God includes loving people. You've got to love both.”

Matthew 9:4-6 – “He answered, ‘Haven't you read in your Bible that the Creator originally made man and woman for each other, male and female? And because of this, a man leaves father and mother and is firmly bonded to his wife, becoming one flesh—no longer two bodies but one. Because God created this organic union of the two sexes, no one should desecrate his art by cutting them apart.’"

Psalm 23 – “God, my shepherd! I don't need a thing. You have bedded me down in lush meadows, you find me quiet pools to drink from. True to your word, you let me catch my breath and send me in the right direction. Even when the way goes through Death Valley, I'm not afraid when you walk at my side. Your trusty shepherd's crook makes me feel secure. You serve me a six-course dinner right in front of my enemies. You revive my drooping head; my cup brims with blessing. Your beauty and love chase after me every day of my life. I'm back home in the house of God for the rest of my life.”

1 Timothy 6:6 – “Godliness with contentment is great gain.”

Goodbye Delirious! September 5, 2009 - San Diego Concert Review

Delirious played their last Southern California show in San Diego on Saturday, September 5, 2009. They played at The Rock Church and delivered a fine performance. I was happy to have a seat in the middle floor section in the 7th row from the stage. Here is my story.

My first experience with Delirious was in the mid-90’s between my church friends and Spirit West Coast. I remember singing I Could Sing of Your Love Forever, Did You Feel the Mountains Tremble? and several other songs of theirs at church services. Even though they’re from across the pond, everyone got to know this band because they were front-runners in the modern worship movement. Along with SonicFlood, their groundbreaking music combined electric guitars and special effects with introspective rock worship music. They did what Larry Norman did in the 70’s – liberate the people from the same kind of praise music they had been used to, whether the old folks liked it or not. There is no wonder why Delirious has been compared with U2 ever since their inception. They do lack the darker side of U2, but they don’t lack sincerity or talent. If you’ve never heard Delirious’ music before, think U2 with more overtly, Christ-centered lyrics. I give them high marks as musicians and as lyricists and would recommend them over nearly all other Christian bands. In fact, their Glo album is a primer for Christian rock guitarists.

Even though this was a farewell concert of sorts, they didn’t act like it. They played many songs from their new album in lieu of many of their hits. Lead singer Martin Smith never mentioned this being their last southern California show and there were no teary goodbyes. It was a regular concert with cool lighting and interesting videos played behind the band. Sometimes the screen just showed the lyrics, but other times it showed graphics and images that pertained to their songs.

Since Delirious has a decade and a half of hits, I should have known they weren’t going to play all of my favorites. I missed hearing great songs like Bliss, Show Me Heaven, Waiting For the Summer, I Could Sing of Your Love Forever, God You Are My God and Deeper. However, I was happy to hear Solid Rock, Rain Down, Majesty and History Maker.

Over the years, I’ve seen Delirious play in concert many times. One time I was at the Irvine Ampitheater at a Habitat For Humanity concert. I recall seeing Martin sing in some sort of kilt. I also saw them in London, England. I wish I could remember the name of the venue, but it was a large, beautiful place with a bar inside and some cool architecture.

Stu G is a great electric guitarist and has been compared to The Edge from U2. He uses innovative special effects to create sounds ranging from peculiar to gentle to raw. He also uses power chords (sometimes sandwiched around some quick single notes) and distortion to emphasize different song parts. For instance, the intro/main lick to My Glorious jumps out of your speakers and slaps you in the face. Stu G plays catchy hooks, blazing guitar solos and simpler riffs. He doesn’t seem to want to blow us away with every song, but like Jars of Clay, Delirious has a good balance of instruments, cultivating just the right feel for each song in lieu of having each instrument go off in every song.

When I teach guitar lessons to experienced students, I’ll teach them cool licks from tabs. My students are into all different kinds of music, but when I have an electric guitar student who is into Christian music, I introduce them (or reacquaint them) with Delirious’ music. In fact, I’ve created a cool licks sheet (which translates into a lesson hour) of Delirious’ riffs. I don’t do this for many bands – Christian or non-Christian – so this says something about Delirious.

I’m a little saddened at Delirious’ break up. One source says they’re quitting because their drummer recently quit for family reasons. Another source says Martin is interested in pursuing other projects. Whatever the case may be, all of the band members are pursuing ministry careers and many of them will continue recording music without Delirious. For instance, Stu G (guitarist) and Jon Thatcher (bassist) have formed a new band called One Sonic Society. These two are arguably the most talented of the bunch, so it will be interesting to hear what they produce. I’ve already mentioned Stu G’s chops, but Jon Thatcher has written some very cool bass lines. I can recall back when all I had was an acoustic guitar in the early 90’s and I found his bass line to Revival Town. Thatcher is also featured on several other songs like Solid Rock and Show Me Heaven.

I like how Martin uses a megaphone to emphasize a couple of his songs like Solid Rock. He and Jean Luc from The Kry (see I Believe It) were likely the ones who inspired me to buy a megaphone. Even though you don’t need one, there is something cool and fun about talking or singing through a megaphone AND a microphone. It works as a cool voice effect.

Martin also has a knack for guttural expressions like “Hey!” On several songs, he’s belting out things to get the crowd’s attention and to emphasize different song parts. On God’s Romance, he uses a count off as well.

Something that struck me in the concert was the intense lyrical content of each song. Martin doesn’t pull any punches with his rhymes. He’s talking about Jesus’ blood or “the God who saves the day.” He’s making bold proclamations of faith and leading a generation of worshipers into the throne room. When you’re in the mood for biblically oriented lyrics and crunchy rock guitar, Delirious does not disappoint. However, they also wrote many fine ballads like Lord You Have My Heart and I Could Sing of Your Love Forever. These guys knew how to bring the house down with a rock song and how to touch your heart with a love song about Jesus. While their lyrical content didn’t have much range, they did know how to speed it up and slow it down right. With Grammy nominations and Dove awards, these guys were recognized for their talents and many of their songs will be sung in churches for decades to come.

Besides not hearing some of my personal favorites, my only other complain was with the venue. At first glance, The Rock Church seems to have Wi-Fi and they even have a nice little note on the login web page saying they’re giving attendees free Wi-Fi. However, it never connected with my iPhone and I was unable to connect to the internet at all in their building. I was also disappointed with the dude who came out when the band finished. I know I should be more gracious, but in all honesty, he was quite ignorant. First, he said the band was coming back after he finished preaching and praying and they never did. This caused many people (like myself) to stay and wait only to be disappointed. He also made up something about the soul being born again and changed and how it must happen to have eternal life. He was looking for the word spirit, as he tried to explain the passage of scripture that mentions being born once of water and once of spirit. In light of this debacle, all I can wonder is “Where was Miles McPhearson?” He had spoken for a few minutes before the show.

The other bothersome thing was this – the (un)apologetic-ly challenged chap told us all to bow our heads as he prayed, then he proceeded to talk awhile longer. When he finally got around to praying, he didn’t bow his head. So, why did he tell us to bow our heads? Do you know which form of worship is mentioned least in the Old Testament? You guessed it. In Dr. David Jeremiah’s book called Worship (see page 61 in the chapter The Body Language of Worship), he cites a study by William Hendrickson and how he counted all of the different instances of Old Testament worship. Bowing heads was conducted the least (4 times), standing with reverence was mentioned 6 times, there are 9 examples of lifting one’s eyes to God, 12 instances of kneeling in adoration, 14 descriptions of hands being raised to God and 28 references to people laying prostrate before the Lord. So, cool it with the bowing of heads, man….especially if you ain’t gonna do it. A Christian not practicing what he’s preaching – while he’s preaching – is a bit ironic (and a distasteful example).

I wish Delirious the best. They have been an inspirational Christian band and I can’t wait to see where they go with their talents. God bless you, boys.

Sex, Endorphins and Rock N Roll

Your body is put through a number of painful things every day. You exercise and tear muscle fibers. You eat poorly and your body struggles to process the food and turn it into productive energy. You sit with bad posture and put extra pressure on your organs and back. You also carry extra weight around and it damages your back, knees and ankles by putting tons of pressure on them. What? That doesn’t describe you? Well, it describes a lot of people. Whether it describes you or not, we all end up damaging our body throughout our lifetime and it generally repairs itself (although it sometimes doesn’t or cannot and you must live in a state of impaired function or pain).

One of the things it uses to heal itself is called endorphins. Endorphins are neurotransmitters, chemicals in the brain that are released at different times for different reasons. They’re produced in various parts of your body such as your spinal cord, the pituitary gland and throughout other parts of your brain and nervous system (citation). While researching endorphins, I discovered how the body produces them while doing the following things: eating chocolate, being afraid, exercising, listening to music, laughing, feeling sunshine, receiving acupuncture and having an orgasm. This paper will focus on endorphins and other positive chemicals released during sex (and exercise) and how they heal and help the body.

On a scale of 1-5 (1 being the smallest amount of endorphins and 5 being the largest amount), David Slotnick, M.D. says orgasm gets a 5. In fact, Dr. Joel Fuhrman says orgasm gets a 5 even if it’s a quickie.

Columbia University’s Ask Alice cites a Duke University study from 2000. For some people, 45 minutes of exercising three days a week was as effective in alleviating depression as was taking the antidepressant Zoloft! She also says endorphins naturally relieve pain and are chemically similar in structure to morphine.

According to Timothy Scheiman at AssociatedContent.com, in the section Sex Helps You Sleep Better, orgasm endorphins resemble tranquillizers. “These endorphins when released calm you and help you to relax.” He goes on to say these same endorphins raise your tolerance to pain by up to 70%!

Oscar McHendry is the sex education correspondent from askmen.com and he has an interesting take on endorphins. He says they are also produced during fights, horrible injuries and “almost any other exhilarating activity you partake in.” He also adds how endorphins produce feelings of euphoria and pleasure while having a calming effect.

In 2004, a study of men in four different cultures found that sexual intercourse was inversely related to depression. In other words, the more sex you have the less depressed you’ll be. Dan Roberts from The Independent goes on to say that sex doesn’t only produce these “happy chemicals” that make you feel good. It also produces something called Oxytocin, which is linked with pain relief. The Bulletin of Experimental Biology and Medicine pricked the fingers of 48 volunteers after they inhaled Oxytocin and they reported 50% less pain.

A five year study (with a ten year follow up) in New South Wales found that mortality rates were 50% lower for men who had frequent orgasms. However, this same chemical that reduces pain also produces a bonding effect.

The “bonding hormone” as it is sometimes called, Oxytocin is released when women give birth and they bond with their newborn baby. It is also released in those who are in long-term and secure relationships, as well as during sexual contact. This is only one positive effect of Oxytocin, though. It also produces positive physical and psychological effects, including the increased ability to sleep. Yes, sex helps you fall asleep because Oxytocin is a natural sedative.

Another thing that produces Oxytocin is touch. A study at the University of Pittsburgh found how women had higher Oxytocin levels after warm hugs from their partner. The more contact, the higher the levels were. However, touch has also been shown to decrease cortisol (the hormone that is produced when you’re under stress).

The antibody immunoglobulin A (or IgA) has also been found in those who have sex more than twice a week. This can protect you from colds and help you fight off illnesses. A study of 112 college students at Wilkes University showed how people who had frequent sex had higher levels of the immunoglobulin A antibody and I assume they had fewer colds.

In conclusion, sex has been linked with reducing lower back pain and pain from migraine headaches, arthritis and PMS. It has also been shown to reduce stress and extend your life. If we only realized how sex literally heals and helps the human body, perhaps more people would look at sex a little differently.

How I Got My New 2009 Ford Focus

On August 21, 2009, I drove a brand new Ford Focus off the lot at Drew Ford in La Mesa, California. It was the end of a process that proved to be totally worth it. Here is my story.

Part I – Cash For Clunkers

About a week ago, one of my friends rode in my car and mentioned something about trading it in with the cash for clunkers program. I hadn’t heard about it, but Derek said it could be worth it. I went home that night and checked it out and sure enough the government was giving either $3500 or $4500 to vehicles who qualified – but only in trade on a new vehicle. Hmmm. This seemed too good to pass up because my 1995 Ford Thunderbird was only worth around $500 maybe. Its door panels were broken. It had no antenna. It clunked uncontrollably every time I braked and the transmission slipped in one of the high gears. Plus, the heater and the odometer didn’t work.



About 6 months ago, I deeply considered getting rid of my car. It had a transmission problem and it stopped running. When things beyond my control happen, I usually like to take a good look around before doing something. It may have been an act of God to get me off the grid! I had moved my office into my Pacific Beach two years ago this July. I teach music lessons here and don’t have to drive to work. Plus, I ride my bike to the beach and even to the grocery store. I usually just stop by Vons on my way home from the beach. So, I was pretty convinced I didn’t need or want a car. However, I posted a Craigslist ad to see if someone would fix it on a barter and a man with an auto shop fixed it for an old laptop. I only got my car fixed because Sarine wanted my help picking Jordan up from school. Instead of making Jordan attend her after school program every day without fail, I decided to get the car fixed.

I tried improving the TBird with some rims, tint and a paint job. It actually looked pretty good, but it had some serious internal problems (mentioned above). Not only were all of those things messed up, but I had broken the original key in the ignition about a month ago and I was using the key’s nub to start the car. However, when my backpack was stolen on August 7, my keys were in it, so I could no longer start the car. I tried using a coat hanger with a tiny bit of glue on it, in order to retrieve the key piece, but it wouldn’t work. I also asked my locksmith to do it and he said he didn’t have the right tools and I needed to call someone else. Meanwhile, my Dad suggested I try starting it with a screwdriver and it worked! Woohoo! I mean, how ghetto! Haha. Well, it worked, but I didn’t want anyone to see me because if a thief were to see me turning off my car’s engine with a screwdriver, he would know it would be pretty easy to start….and he would know exactly how to do it!

Click here for a funny little video where I start my TBird engine with a screwdriver for the last time.

On my final drive to the car dealership, my clunker barely made it! I’m not sure if it was the transmission or the lack of gas (I rolled in on fumes only to get a new car full of gas!), but whatever it was, it was sputtering and barely moving as it rolled into the parking spot on the dealership lot. The sales manager who helped me (Greg Elston), who was very nice and helpful throughout the entire process said he simply needed to drive it to the other side of the lot and it would be accepted into the cash for clunkers program. I laughed and wondered if it was going to make it or not.

Part II – Choosing a Vehicle



When I was online and discovered the cash for clunkers program, I decided to shop around for a vehicle. I new I wanted something economical on gas, sporty and inexpensive. When I ran across the Ford Focus, I found all of these things. I found these cars stickered between $17,500 and $18,800 (which happened to be my car’s sticker price – although it was approximately $20,000 after tax and licensing). I figured I’d get a good deal with my trade-in and other cash incentives that would drop the price. However, I didn’t know I’d get such a great deal at Drew Ford in La Mesa!



After getting the runaround from Mossy Ford in Pacific Beach, I decided to contact my friend from High School – Bill Drew. When we played football together at Christian High School, his Dad owned and ran Drew Ford. Now, Bill is the big dog over there and he is even on TV because he does some of their advertisements. He assured me he’d help me get into a Ford Focus and he came through. I got 0% interest, 0$ down for three years! I didn’t want a long term loan and was really happy with this arrangement because the payments are under $400, the insurance is only $400/year for comprehensive through Mercury and I ended up getting a $20,000 car for $13,431 out the door! That’s a savings of about $6500 (or 32.5%!).



Part III – Analysis

So far, the car has been great for me! I know it’s not a Ferrari, but it drives really well! It’s quiet and purrs down hills like a go kart! I had so much fun driving down Balboa from Genesee (not to mention up Balboa from Mission Bay Drive! It handles well and even though it has a four cylinder engine, it still has 137 horsepower, so it’s quick. It feels almost as quick (and far less clunky) as my old V8 TBird.

I like how the 2009 Ford Focus keeps the radio on after I turn the ignition off. My old car would shut off the radio and that was annoying when I was in the middle of a song! The Focus has an auxiliary input jack built into the stereo deck and conveniently positioned at the bottom of the panel. I synced my iPhone to my car, so I can speak on the phone without holding it and without even using my Bluetooth earpiece. Now, I can simply look forward and talk and the microphone under the rear view mirror picks up my voice and I hear the other person over my car’s speakers.

The steering wheel has a volume switch right by the place where your right thumb rests! There is an up and down button for the volume. Although I haven’t used it, it appears to have cruise control on the other side of the wheel. I’m looking forward to setting that on longer trips. One thing it doesn’t have is a sunroof. I’m going to check out after market sunroofs! Maybe I can get one or barter for one. I’m also probably going to get the back three windows tinted. I wanted to try driving it for awhile first, then deciding on that and I’m sure I want it done. It’s just a question of when, now.



This Ford Focus has a spoiler, a small antenna on the roof and nice rims. Pretty cool. It’s a little lower to the ground than I realized and I found this out last night. I was driving next to Belmont Park and hit a pot hole. Ugg!

The clunker I traded in was rated at 18mph (although I’m quite certain it got much less) and the new Focus is rated at 27mpg (24 city and 35 freeway mpg)! I’m looking forward to tracking my gas mileage. I’m going to write it down for the first few times, so I can see exactly how good it is on gas. I suspect it will get more than 27mpg.

The trunk space in this vehicle is huge! I was able to put everything from my TBird in this car’s trunk. Plus, there was some space left available! Another cool feature about the Focus is it has a USB cable outlet on the bottom of the control panel! This means I can easily charge my iPhone or my iPod without using a lighter jack or AC adapter.

In conclusion, I’m extremely happy with my new purchase and the first car I’ve ever bought all on my own. I think I was blessed because I was willing to let go. When you don’t hold so tightly and worry about manmade things, your life becomes easier….and sometimes you’ll get something great you didn’t even know you needed.

Green Day Concert and Band Review - August 20, 2009

So what if their bassist’s opus is in a song about jerking off. These are the punks you can’t help but love and hate. Yes, I’m talking about Green Day. On Thursday, August 20, 2009, I experienced them in concert at the Viejas Arena in San Diego. They played lots of songs from their new album, most of their old hits and gave us two hours of powerful, jump-up-and-down and bang your head music. And this is my story.

I’ve been a Green Day fan since I heard one of my college roommates (Chris Clayton) play their CD. When I found my girlfriend Jennifer Shepherd had it too, I knew it was dope. This was 1994 at San Diego State University and the Dookie album had been released in February. I remember Chris pointing out things like the funky bass line in Longview and the impressive speed of the drums in Basket Case. Energy, energy and more energy….plus a little laughter.

Bill Joe cracks me up when he sings, “Sometimes I give myself the creeps.” Then you take a look at him and go, mmm, yeah. Ok, I can see how that could be possible. Then you think, “No!” I can’t judge him like that….then your mind goes back to the middle and says ok, he’s just a cute little, fuzzy haired, misdirected fellow. He ain’t so bad. Yeah? That’s what I thought.

No, in all seriousness….wait, why be serious? Well……dunno. Ohhh, good song just came on.

When I teach electric guitar students how to play in drop D tuning, I often teach them Brain Stew. Wow, what a powerful song!!! Dark sounding to boot.
Before I talk about some Green Day songs, the musicians in the band and their contributions, let me (oh, another great song just came on….let me make a note below this paragraph to write about that in a minute) say one thing. I enjoy how Green Day likes to have fun. For instance, for a portion of their set last night they wore crazy costumes. Dirnt had bunny ears. Trey wore a red bra over his shirt. LOL. Which brings me to something else….



Several times in the concert, they produced some mighty dissonant sounds that resonated very warmly. In fact, some of them felt downright hypnotic with the huge cartoon like yellow holograms of the musicians performing live as they played. It was also a trip how they occasionally embraced dramatic silences. I say, “…….wait for it…….Fantastico!” I can’t understand why more bands can’t give it a pause here or there. They act like it’s a race. Nonetheless, fat pauses are great for emphasis or change.

Green Day played a lot of songs from the newly released 21st Century Breakdown album like 21 Guns, Know Your Enemy and Before the Lobotomy. They also played many of their older hits such as American Idiot, Blvd. of Broken Dreams, When I Come Around, Holiday, Longview, Basket Case and Brain Stew. In most cases, they were very true to the album recordings. However, there were a couple of unique solos and arrangements. These guys never hesitated to great the crowd involved – bringing many a crowd member up on stage! No joke….I hadn’t seen so many kids on stage since an Audio Adrenaline concert. It was pretty cute, actually.

Several times, when I looked at these guys, I thought to myself “These guys don’t try to be punks, they just are.” It was after the 5,000th time they told the crowd to cheer that I started (almost affectionately) giving them the PB wave. It just seemed appropriate and I knew punks like them would appreciate it. From one punk to another. You know. Imagine that happening in church. After the 10th time the pastor panders for applause, you start giving him the finger. Heh. All I can say is this: if you deserve the finger, you deserve the finger. If you don’t, then you don’t. Plain and simple.

Did you know that the last two Green Day albums are actually rock operas? I know (in Craig Ferguson’s voice). I probably heard it somewhere before tonight, but I looked into it a bit ago and found it to be interesting. Good way to stay famous for a very long time. Students and professionals could be performing them until eternity. For what it’s worth, all of the songs on 21st Century Breakdown could be singles. They stand up very well on their own.

Funny story. On the day the 21st Century Breakdown album dropped, I listened to it. On my first listen, one of the songs inspired me, so I picked up my guitar and said, “Whatever song comes on next, I’m going to find it while it’s playing and play along, then put it on YouTube.” It happened to be the song Do You Know and it was great fun that day. Why did I do this? Not sure….maybe I wanted to punk the punks or maybe I just wanted to challenge myself.

“Ole, ole” chanted the crowd from time to time (by Billie Joe’s guidance, of course). It sounded like a soccer game! He let the crowd sing several Green Day song lines throughout the night. Must be cool to hear thousands of people singing your song.

The stage, lighting, video screen and pyrotechnics were cool. They (oops, gotta go play this song….brb. heh, one song turned into two, but that’s ok. Let me record some late night shows – just in case I need them at some point…..k, I’m back now.) However, there were about 10-15 loud explosions throughout the show and I was stoked I had my earplugs in. They protected my ears quite a bit, but I felt bad for everyone else. If these punks wanna make noise that loud, they should pop for some earplugs for the crowd. If Ticketmaster were smart, they’d require them because they could have a liability case against them one day. However, I’m sure they know hearing loss is usually a long and gradual process, so it can be difficult to tell how and when it was impaired. I hope we become more aware of how our body suffers and fix the problems before they become disabilities. Take that one to the bank. Put it in your pipe and smoke it, too.

Can you think of any songs where the band purposely leaves a mistake or two in the album recording? Me neither. But Green Day does it with the two so-called “Fuck ups” (which, despite the song title, I had to change to “Mess ups” for my younger students) in the beginning of Time of Your Life (Good Riddance). Wow, that was a powerful song to me. Bill Joe came out for the 2nd encore by himself with a white acoustic guitar and began stroking it. It made me recall the experience around that song….after meeting in Israel in Dec. of 1997, we returned home and had a whirlwind engagement and romp around the Eastern states. However, after awhile the Barbie doll-esque Rexella Richardson decided to leave me in Lynchburg and return to her parents in Atlanta, Georgia. It was a heartbreaking ordeal….and I recall playing and singing Time of Your Life on her answering machine. We haven’t spoken to each other since 1998.

Back to the concert . . . on a positive note, the hot blonde chick on my right was somehow hit by Billie Joe’s water gun….and right in the chest. Who woulda thunk it? And in a moment of insanity, the girl on my left (who was on some big dude’s shoulders) suddenly decided to flash the band. She was hot. No, not hot as in cute, but hot as in warm. I saw her fanning herself and trying to get air under her shirt just minutes earlier. She wasn’t that attractive, but she did have her boobs falling out of her shirt most of the night.

Did you know that Green Day used to be a punk band? Once upon a time, they were a trio composed of Billie Joe on guitar and vocals, Tre Cool on Drums and Mike Dirnt on bass. Even today, they exclude the other band members in their promos and most of their photographs (which is kinda lame, but then again, they are punks). The other electric guitarist (Jason White) who plays lots of leads and rhythm on nearly every song and he has been with them since 1999. Might be nice to put him on an album cover one day. Not only is he a talented dude who can play some very cool sounding guitar solos and quick power chords, he deserves some credit because he has done a lot with those power chords (wow…..I think I gotta play this song too….ok, I’m back.)

Since drumming is probably the weakest of the instruments I know how to play, I usually don’t focus on them too much in my band reviews, but Green Day’s drummer needs some recognition. This guy is a freak. He put a huge smile on my face a couple of times, just because he’s so goofy. I also like how he begins a number of songs very differently and has some cool rolls, sometimes very fast like in Basket Case and sometimes just unique. He’s clearly a creative musician and one who cares about showmanship. I like it.

The Green Day concert was a lot of fun. I got there right as it was starting and bought a ticket from someone outside. It was a General Admission ticket at face value, so I was stoked. That’s exactly what I wanted ever since I realized the tickets were on sale (and all GA tix were sold out). It just isn’t that fun when I’m confined to a seat! Outdoor venues are the best because you can move….and breathe fresh air. Anyhow, I digress.

One of the first songs I learned with power chords was the main hook to When I Come Around. I remember it actually taking me a little while to get….whew, just played it. Great fun! I’m going to have to record that one and upload it asap. Anyhow, I remember it actually taking me a little while to get that chord progression down. Hey, it uses the A string and E string power chords….but I found it in a matter of seconds now (yes, I had forgotten it….heh). I suppose one criticism of Green Day is their overuse of power chords. You could say they overuse them, but you could also just call it their signature. Does The Offspring overuse power chords? Nah, probably not….they just know how to use power chords. Green Day has done a lot with a little (so to speak). Creating the diversity of sound they do with only the top 2 strings being played on the electric guitar (on a sizeable portion of their songs, anyway) is admirable. Jason White often throws in crunchy, muted strums in between his chords (hear Brain Stew and East Jesus Nowhere) and they fill the spaces very nicely.

Whew, just put down the guitar again. Had to play Do You Know. Man, how do I do it? * chuckle * How can I stop doing it is probably a better question. ; )
In conclusion….I had a lot of fun at the Green Day concert. They played a really long set and two encores of action packed music. Hooray music! Hooray!


This is a photo of Green Day's tour bus. They parked it right in front of the entrance to the Viejas Arena

Oh yeah, and click here and search for Green Day to find my Green Day covers.

Today I realized I need a divorce

Today I realized that I need a divorce. It was Sarine’s two outstretched middle fingers and the offensive “fuck you, fuck you, fuck you, fuck you” over and over again in a somewhat calm and creepy voice that made me realize something. This is not a good place for me to be. This marriage sucks. I had been asking Sarine to forgive me for some fairly normal things I said and did in the best (a blanket sort of forgiveness, in order to be free from anger/grudges and live in the here and now), but she wouldn’t have any of it. Instead of heeding my advice, she decided to raise both arms and give me the double bird (no, not the super bird, the double bird) and repeat f u a gazillion times until I finally left the house. Good Lord….it was even His day. But it turned out it was my day too because I realized my marriage was truly over and I needed to stop trying to make it work.

I’m going to write a short series of messages. I need to sort some things out and come to some conclusions. I need to brainstorm. I should probably keep these private, but my intent is to stick them on my blog so people can know what I’m going through….

I’ll likely write three messages and I’m going to limit myself to 2-3 pages max for each one. I could ramble on for days on end about what could have been, what wasn’t and what is and what should never be. However, I think it’ll actually be fruitful in some way, shape or form if I keep it succinct. So, the first letter is below and it is called “What I hoped for in marriage.” My next one will be called “What my marriage was like” and the third one will be called “What I need now.”

I listened to a lot of U2 today. In fact, many of U2’s lyrics contained messages that seemed oddly appropriate and encouragingly spiritual. I listened to the No Line On the Horizon album several times. It actually blew me away (and I’m going to put it on again now). Don’t worry, though. It didn’t tell me to do anything crazy or anything I wouldn’t have done anyhow, but I did record three improvisational pieces to three of their songs today. I’m upload them to YouTube right now….

I wrote on Facebook that I realized I should get divorced today. I see that I have received some responses in the past few hours, but I haven’t read them. I’ve been keeping myself away from them on purpose, so I can maintain some clarity without getting too emotional. I’m looking forward to reading them later tonight or tomorrow and thanking those who wrote kind messages to me about my situation.

I had an epiphany today. I wish it weren’t so. I finally had peace in my heart that I needed to end my marriage and move on with my life. I’ve used all of my faculties to try to make things work and it simply won’t. In the past, this has only challenged me to work harder, but now I know I’m done.

When I was a kid, I had a crush on Madonna. I remember watching her videos and staring at her album cover and thinking she was beautiful and cool. I didn’t know what love was when I was 12, but I wanted to find out. I wanted to talk to a girl. I wanted to make a girl laugh. And so on and so forth. As I met girls and dated them, I began understanding girls (to a degree) and understanding myself better. I dated all kinds of girls and had an absolute blast. I had no reservations about height, hair color, eye color, skin color or anything else. The playing field was open and I was an open sponge, ready to experience it all. And I did. And I found some things that I thought I needed in a marriage (and in a relationship).

….I just took a break from writing this and now I’m back. Hope I can pick up where I left off….

Before I was married, I hoped for a lot of things in my marriage. In fact, I hoped for the same things I was seeking in my dating life. Things like laughing together, traveling the country and the world, thinking about deep issues, drinking coffee together, dreaming about the future, going to concerts and even going to church. I probably did all of these in my marriage, but in between doing them were just far too many arguments. Ups and downs. Fighting left and right. And all in front of our six year old daughter, I might add.

In the beginning, I had some serious quirks. I was anti-cell phone (probably because she had one and I didn’t) and she was talking to her relatives in Armenian on it non-stop. It made me feel awkward and not only was I upset for being unable to connect with her like her family does, but I was also concerned that she wasn’t making any friends in San Diego; which was going to cause her to be dependent on her family for her entire social life. This caused problems throughout, as you could imagine, but one thing may have been even worse. She really didn’t give a crap about Americans or our culture.

It has proven far more difficult than I would have imagined to connect with Sarine and I believe part of it has to do with the culture differences. She was born in Beirut, Lebanon and even though she came to American when she was very young, her family has maintained their culture by speaking Armenian, working with Armenian people, etc. They are so close and detached that they live in Lancaster, California (they moved there from Pasadena) and seven of them live in the same three bedroom home. I had a normal American childhood and my Dad made it clear I needed to move out after I graduated high school. So, I moved into the SDSU dorms and my (somewhat) independent life began. Anyhow, I digress….what I’m saying is that it has been difficult (if not impossible) to connect with someone who knows very little and cares nothing about Americana.

I remember dating girls who actually liked the Chargers and Padres and didn’t just go for the tailgate party. Many girls aren’t afraid of the ocean water and enjoy swimming. Lots of girls like the music I listen to and won’t put it down all day and night. And lastly, the girls I hang around do not put down my occupation or tell me I’m lazy. I think you see where this is going.

One of the biggest things I hoped for in marriage is laughter. I tend to put on a serious face and I’ve known for some time that I need someone who can loosen me up with a word or gesture. I work hard and play hard and lightening up is always welcomed (well, usually needed, let’s put it that way).

High on my hope list is someone who appreciates changes in me. I’m a dynamic person in that I’m always changing. Probably because I’m always thinking and learning. I also tend to go from one extreme to the next – which is sometimes good, as long as I don’t overdo it. Which is the nature of being extreme….but these changes are not always drastic or even noticeable. Sometimes they are, but sometimes they’re not. All I know is that I get bored with unproductive routines. Whatever way I choose to spend my time, I want it to be productive. That’s one comfort I have in this divorce – many times during our constant arguing I thought to myself (or even said out loud) that I really don’t have the time for this argument. Most times (if not every time), it was an argument we had before. Generally a worry, concern or grudge from something I said or did in the past and/or something regarding the distant future, a time when said concern could possibly happen or possibly not happen.

I was asked today to give a list to Sarine about the reasons why she should stay with me. For once, I wouldn’t give her any reasons. Why? My reply to her was a simple truth I discovered long ago. When someone comes to a conclusion in their own mind, they’re more likely to believe it than they would if they were convinced by another person. In other words, I could win an argument – I’m a seasoned (and one time) professional debater. However, winning another argument wasn’t in my sites any longer. If she wanted to know why she should stay with me, then she should make a list. I told her that and I told her I’d like a list of reasons why I should stay with her….and she balked.

I was interested in doing a couple of fun things with someone fun this weekend. I chose Sarine because I had been as nice as can be for the past week or two and it had seemed that her heart had softened toward me. I asked her out to a movie and dessert. After the movie, I mention a girl’s name who she knows and I guess Jordan told Sarine that this girl has a nice body. Well, I got ram rodded for that one. I didn’t know I had to censor myself. When I simply mentioned I was going to her birthday party – which played quite normally into our conversation – it was like I had pissed on a cross. And so goes my life….

I guess in all of this thinking about my hopes for marriage I’ve discovered something else. Something that really needs to prevail in between all of the exciting things. That thing is peace. I hoped and still hope for a peaceful relationship. There is no reason to raise your voice. There is no reason to hate and hold grudges. People don’t need to get angry at the drop of a hat. It’s really immature to speak with such vitriol. And it even loses its meaning when it’s overused like it has been. I mean, c’mon already.

I remember when I was playing my electric guitar on the bay on July 3, 2009. We had ridden our bikes there to celebrate before July 4 because I went to an STP concert on the 4th. So, I was jamming and having a blast. Jordan was talking to some people at a nearby bonfire. The fireworks were beautiful and the night was amazing. What did Sarine do? Well, for about 20 minutes straight (maybe longer, I lost track of time) she blasted me. She blasted me casually. This was a little different than the normal abuse because it wasn’t quite as loud and it didn’t peak hard like most of the other fights. It was just a long tongue lashing and I just had to laugh a few times. I’m playing the electric guitar, improvising and playing some covers – having a fun time – and here is my wife telling me how much she hates me and how much I suck at playing the guitar. Just goofy, man. I wish I was making this shit up.

Anyhow, I’m going to abide by my 3 page max rule like I stated above….no need to beat a dead horse or ramble on. Hey, that’s two Zeppelin song titles I squeezed into one letter.

I’m sure I’ll get to know myself even better over the coming weeks and months. However, I feel that I’m a pretty simple person as far as needs go. I’m not hung up on materialism. I don’t like to gossip about other people. I enjoy spending time with people who enjoy life and talking to me. I like to have peace with my friends and relax. Even though some of them have hurt me in one way or another, I see very little value in holding a grudge. In fact, one of my favorite quotes that I shared with Jordan today was that forgiveness equals freedom.

Although I hit on it a bit – or hit around it a whole lot – I am looking forward to my second article in this series….but it’ll have to wait until tomorrow. By the way, I hope nobody named or unnamed is offended by this letter. I'm simply getting out my thoughts and feelings, letting my friends and family take a glance into my soul, as I hope for some understanding, compassion and peace.

The Wailers - Concert and Band Review - Anaheim House of Blues - July 30, 2009

On Thursday, July 30, 2009, I was able to experience The Wailers in concert. They played the entire Exodus album (which was originally released by Bob Marley and The Wailers in 1977) at the Anaheim House of Blues. Here’s my story.

I’m not sure who introduced me to reggae music and Bob Marley, but I remember first hearing the Legend album with my friend Andy Herbert. I was a senior in high school at that time and I was impressed by the genre for many reasons. I felt it was happy and upbeat and distinctly different from the other music I was listening to. Andy and I had a good laugh at the song Jammin’ because he said it sounded like Bob was saying, “Pajama.” We also thought it was pretty cool that he made up the word “Hopejahwahwahwah” in the same song.

My next memory of Bob Marley and The Wailers was when I was listening to them in my car while driving to a restaurant with David St. John. Early in my college years, I took my church’s college pastor out to breakfast. He asked what we were listening to and I told him Bob Marley and reassured him Bob was cool because he sang about God. Pastor St. John laughed and mockingly said Bob was a spiritual leader. At around the same time, I recall my roommate Chris Clayton heartily approving of Bob Marley and The Wailers’ reggae music; which says a lot because Chris was highly critical of all music and could give many reasons why any band was good, great or god-awful.

Another fond reggae memory was over a decade ago when I heard Three Little Birds in Hume Lake, California. For reasons beyond my control, I was leaving the camp and heading home to San Diego. I had anticipated staying there for the summer as a lifeguard, but my path was changing and I was concerned. I remember listening to Three Little Birds on that cool crisp morning before driving home while I walked along the beautiful lake. Even today, when I wake up and stretch in my living room, I’ll play this song on my home stereo and it helps me to relax, avoid worry and maintain a positive attitude.

A month or two ago, one of my advanced electric guitar students asked me to teach him some reggae. I happily obliged, but I also told him that I wasn’t a Rastafarian. I appreciate reggae and enjoy it, but I also think playing reggae music daily and/or as a profession requires something I do not have. It would be very difficult for someone like me because I’d want to play rolls on the drums and fill in the spaces with varying licks and hooks on electric guitar or bass. One of the peculiar challenges of reggae music is to play a hook over and over without filling in the spaces and without any variation. In doing so, the musician creates a beautiful melody and invokes a cool, danceable and somewhat trancelike beat. I also understand that while I’m a reggae enthusiast, there are people who take the genre and the lifestyle much more seriously and probably don’t care too much for people like me who don’t live it every day. I think Gene understood my hesitations and appreciated my honesty. He also enjoyed his lesson of reggae licks on electric guitar.

When I heard The Wailers were still around, it piqued my interest. Could Bob Marley’s original band still be touring and playing music? While I thought that was awesome, I wasn’t as interested in hearing them play new reggae music. When I found they were playing the entire Exodus album from 1977, I was stoked and quickly looked up the track list. Could I actually hear Bob Marley’s band play five or six of my favorite reggae songs that were released 32 years ago? The answer, to my excitement, was yes!

I arrived at the House of Blues in Anaheim (which is very close to Disneyland) around 8:30pm. The opening band had a few songs left, but that simply gave me and my cousin Amber time to hit the bathroom and get a drink. Shortly after we finished imbibing, we headed downstairs and began our crawl to the middle front of the stage. By the time The Wailers took the stage, we were front and center and in a great spot to view this historic band.

Examining the crowd, I was amazed at how white it was. Seriously, I figured we would stand out as the minority white people in a crowd full of red-eyed, black men adorning red, yellow and green headgear. This assumption couldn’t have been further from the truth. I noticed just four or five black people in the entire place and the crowd was very white! I turned to my cousin and asked her how different this would have been in Jamaica. I’m not racist in the slightest, being born and raised in California with a Christian background, but I was hoping to glean some rhythm, insight and understanding from actual Rastafarians. While I was able to look to The Wailers for this sort of inspiration, I may have to travel to Jamaica for a cultural lesson in reggae.

The Wailers looked great and very different from your average band. Most bands have a singer, a bassist, a guitarist and a drummer. Those three pieces are essential to modern day rock bands. Many bands have a second guitarist and some have another musician like a keyboardist. The Wailers featured two horn players, a keyboardist, a singer, an electric guitar, a bassist, drummer, two female dancers who also sang background vocals and a percussionist who primarily played congas and the cowbell. This group led us through the Exodus experience and played a sensational encore of original hits by Bob Marley and The Wailers.

The concert began with horns blasting, notifying us it was time to listen and dance. The lead singer was absent at the beginning, but ran out and started the show a minute or two later. I didn’t know all of the songs on the Exodus album, but One Love/People Get Ready, Exodus, Waiting in Vain, Jammin’ and Three Little Birds are awesome songs. They are all on the Legend album, so I had been enjoying them since at least 1992. Somewhere along my journey, I had also heard the song Natural Mystic and thought it was cool, so I was happy to hear that one as well. From the repetitious bass line in Exodus to the funky keyboard in Three Little Birds to the classic, warm-sounding guitar solo in Waiting in Vain, The Wailers gave the crowded venue all they wanted and more.

After the band played the entire Exodus album, they took a quick break. The crowd cheered and cheered and after about 5 minutes that felt like 10 minutes, they returned and played some more great, reggae music. During this encore, The Wailers rocked two of my favorites: Stir It Up and Get Up, Stand Up. Even though these songs were first released before most of the attendees were even born, they reacted to many of them, cheering, clapping, singing along and dancing.

Toward the end of the show, The Wailers paused and the singer introduced all of the band members. Each musician played his instrument and the girls sang for about a minute each. They all sounded great and I couldn’t detect any sour notes. I noticed the bass guitarist playing his instrument awfully high and using his fingers, never a pick. He played a Fender jazz bass guitar. The electric guitarist (I think his name was Chizzy) had huge hands and made the neck of his Ibanez guitar look tiny.

One thing I noticed was the lack of slower songs/ballads. Although I wanted to hear Redemption Song and I certainly wouldn’t have minded No Woman No Cry, it was clear that The Wailers wanted to keep the tempo upbeat. Perhaps they play those songs when they aren’t rocking the entire Exodus album. At any rate, playing those songs as they were written would have required most of the band to be quiet as the singer and guitarist performed. The band wanted to keep people happily moving, so I forgave the minor infraction and understood the omission.

Having the two female singers/dancers was sweet because it gave the crowd some people to dance with. While the guys in front of me stood like stone statues (well, almost), these girls were moving the whole time! Sometimes, I find it hard to dance unless I see someone else dancing and moving and these girls certainly helped my groove along. However, I didn’t mind when those dudes left because there were some girls in front of them that knew how to move. In fact, I took a look around me and I was literally surrounded by dancing girls, but they weren’t focused on me or dancing with me per se. They were looking ahead and grooving to the music with me and everyone else. It didn’t feel like a bar, club or Tijuana meat market because the atmosphere was happier, more communal and less threatening than that. It was very chill.

I do not think I could have wanted anything more from a reggae concert. The Wailers collaborated with Bob Marley, wrote and recorded my favorite reggae songs in the 1970’s and I had a chance to hear them live in concert. Anything less wouldn’t have been nearly as sweet, mon. And one more thing….”don’t worry about a ting, cuz every little ting is gonna be alright.”

Review of Sennheiser CX6 Earbud Headphones

I bought a pair of Sennheiser CX6 earbud headphones in April from a friend who works at Sennheiser for $145.77 plus shipping and tax. Now, I'm not an earphone/earbud junkie. I don't like to spend tons of money on headphones and this was the most I've ever spent on a pair. I simply teach music lessons, so I really enjoy music AND I have to listen to different instruments in different songs in order to find the licks and teach them to my students. For instance, if I'm teaching a bass student, I may have to zero in on the bass guitar licks in several different Duran Duran songs. This is my review of the Sennheiser CX6 earbud headphones.

Before I bought these earbuds, I did some research on different brands. I was ready to spend some extra money on a pair, assuming they would really make the sound come alive. It was a toss up between this pair and another because my friend offered me a nice discount since he worked for Sennheiser. So, I went with these earbud headphones and I was really disappointed. After a few days of deliberating whether or not I should bug my old high school friend about their lack of quality, I decided I should say something. I emailed him and said the highs and mid range sounds were good, but the bass was really bad. I found myself turning up the bass in my iPod's equalizer to get even a small amount of bass....he said earbuds didn't have much bass response and that I'd have to pay more for a better pair to get more bass.

Something happened to these earbuds at a party and they became unusable. However, I really don't miss them at all. On a scale of 1 to 10, I'd give these a 2. The earbuds that come with an iPod or iPhone are MUCH better. Plus, I've found the $10 pair of Sony MDR-ED12 earbuds I bought at Walmart have just as good or better sound than the Sennheiser CX6 earbuds.

My conclusion: Avoid the Sennheiser CX6 earbuds because the bass is awful and for $150+, you should get something MUCH better.

Review of Earl Scheib Paint and Body at 3820 Rosecrans St., San Diego, CA

I had a horrible experience at this Earl Scheib. Here is my story.

Several months ago, I had my 1995 Ford Thunderbird painted. I decided to have it painted the same color it was - white. They did a very poor job and there was a ton of overspray all over the bumpers, moldings, etc. It looked horrible. Strangely, I didn't notice it too much at the time....

A couple of months ago, after I got into a fender bender and messed up the paint on my bumper, I decided it would be cool to paint my car black. So, I paid them again and this time they painted it black. Well, needless to say, when they were finished, I noticed the horrible white overspray. It was everywhere. I suppose part of the problem was the 2nd painter actually did a decent job and didn't paint the moldings a bumpers black, so they remained white from the previous paint job's overspray.

I was in a hurry when I picked up my car, but later that day I examined the paint job closely and noticed all of the white overspray. I called Earl Scheib and Anibal told me to return and they'd fix it. Well, I returned and the way he fixed it was with an index car and a can of black paint! No joke. He held the card up to the painted metal parts, and sprayed the moldings black. I had to point about 20 different spots out to him and we went over the entire car. However, there were still problems and still are to this day. I returned one more time and he painted more of them....

Another horrible problem they created was they broke both door panels off, then they denied they did it! All I know is that when I gave them my car, the panels were snuggly on and never wanted to come off and after I received my car from them, they will not stay on. They keep coming off, even after they're pushed into place. Clearly, they broke the snaps that help them snap in place.

I also notified them about the doors right after I got the car back. Anibal kept telling me the guy who can fix them wasn't around and when I finally made an appointment to see him, he wasn't there when I got there. Anibal tried to fix the door panels himself and they ended up slipping off again after a day or two.

I called Earl Scheib and asked them to fix the door panels and they denied doing it. They didn't seem to mind me calling and calling or even coming by, but they were never able to fix what they broke. Therefore, I finally got fed up and contacted my credit card company to reverse the charge. They did. However, they wanted a statement from a car painting company to confirm my story. I went down the street to Caliber Collision Center and one of their professionals examined my car. He saw the horrible overspray and the broken doors and gladly wrote me a letter saying they did an awful job. I submitted the letter to my credit card company, along with my receipt and paper work from Earl Scheib.

Several days later, I was informed that Earl Scheib was contesting the chargeback and that the money had been removed from my credit card account, again! Truly unbelievable. A few days later, I received a call from a guy who said he was one of their higher ups and wanted to see my car. However, after calling him back and asking some questions, he became argumentative and he denied breaking the doors. It was clear to me that he had no intention in fixing the problem they created, but was only going to deny everything. After a heated conversation with him, I hung up and contacted my credit card company. They said they wanted a 2nd opinion from another car painting company to confirm what the first one said! Unbelievable, again. Thanks a lot Capital One....

So, that's where this issue stands now. I don't know if I'll ever get my money refunded. However, this review should give you plenty of information about the Earl Scheib on 3820 Rosecrans in San Diego. I'll never return to that store and I will discourage anyone from going there. The service is terrible and they do a horrible job.

Jars of Clay - July 23, 2009 Concert in San Diego and Band Review

“Love is an elusive state of mind . . . . . . . . It takes more than your saline eyes to make things right . . . . . . . . I know I could turn to something other than you cuz I don’t understand you and why you’re after me . . . . . . . . I might sound like a fool, but I think I felt you moving closer to me . . . . . . . . You are the shelter from the rain and the rain to wash me away . . . . . . . . I never minded calling you a king if that meant I could count on you to give me everything.”

All of these poetic quotes came from Jars of Clay’s songs and specifically from their singer Dan Haseltine. I had the privilege of going to their concert on July 23, 2009 in San Diego. Here’s my story.

I’ve been a fan of Jars of Clay since their debut album was released in 1995. In fact, I can remember being introduced to them by my girlfriend (at that time) Stacy Nall. I can see us listening to them in that downtown La Mesa parking lot in front of the Bible book store. Her brother J.R. played their songs and since I had only picked up the guitar in late 1994, I couldn’t quite play like him, so I was impressed by their music and by his arrangements and renditions of it.

Jars of Clay has won 3 Grammy Awards and 9 Dove Awards for good reason. These guys create a beautiful sound. When you hear their music, it sounds like they put a lot of thought and energy into nearly every song. While instruments are infrequently featured over words, their music is really message/lyrically driven. Dan Haseltine could have said things a lot plainer and simpler, but he gets his point across anyway by singing in poetic, picturesque rhymes. Many of his songs like Five Candles (You Were There), Unforgetful You, Liquid and No One Loves Me Like You are declarations of faith. Others are songs about loving relationships that can be attributed to God (like Love Song For a Savior) or possibly a person of the opposite sex (see Tea and Sympathy and Crazy Times). In songs such as Flood (a fan favorite) and I Need You, Dan pines for God’s embrace and intervention. He also has a few songs like Revolution that are a call to action.

While Matthew Odmark is no slouch on the guitar, it seems that Stephen Mason is the true mastermind behind their songs’ beautiful arrangements (and their exclamation points), special effects (on guitar) and lead, intro, bridge and coda licks. When you have a catalog as large as Jars’, it can’t be easy to create songs that sound so different from song to song, but these guys do it. Stephen’s diverse talents are revealed as he picks the intros in I Need You, Fly and Revolution. He produces a cool country sound with a slide on Trouble Is, fingers a groovy coda in Weighed Down and plays a screeching guitar solo in Crazy Times. During the concert, I noticed that the two guitarists often blended their sound together by using a capo (which is the Latin word for head because it becomes the new head of your guitar) with one guitar (which changes its key) and no capo on the other guitar. The harmony of different tones, in or out of the same octave, is sweetly satisfying.

Charlie Lowell is a talented pianist and offers quite a lot to Jars of Clay as well. Unfortunately, he was unable to be present at last night’s concert. This forced the band to digitally play his tracks through their speakers instead of Charlie playing them live. The other somewhat disappointing fact about last night’s show was that they played a lot of songs from their new album in lieu of playing a few of their fantastic older songs. I was a little disappointed they didn’t play a handful of tunes such as Fly, Trouble Is, Collide and Unforgetful You. However, the concert was barely over an hour, so maybe that had something to do with it.

Part of Jars of Clay’s vibe is less is more. From the moment I walked into the church’s gymnasium, I saw a very simple stage with a cheap banner behind it. However, by using different colored lights for setting the mood throughout their set, they created something cool. I suppose pyrotechnics were out of the question indoors, but whatever the reason was for their stripped down simplicity, they did a lot with a little.

With all due respect to Gabe and Aaron (their current and former touring bassists, respectively) or Stephen Mason (who may be writing some of these bass lines), I feel the bassist often mails it in. I didn’t hear him slide a note until one of the last songs of the night. Instead of playing funky hooks, sliding some notes or using a bass effects pedal here or there, he generally settles for the mundane. He also doesn’t slap or pluck on any songs. On a positive note, the bass does blend nicely and some of the bass guitar licks sound cool. Unfortunately, it isn’t that inventive or difficult to play. Perhaps it will take a bass effects pedal, a song with repetitious notes, some meaty hooks up and down the neck, dropping the lowest bass string to C, D or Eb or simply a song or two with some eighth notes to win my vote.

I’ve seen Jars of Clay perform many (possibly 7 or 8) times. During their performance at the Vines Center in Lynchburg, Virginia in 1997, I remember simultaneously feeling happy to hear the fuzzy guitar solo in Crazy Times, but laughing at its simplicity. It’s only a handful of notes played back and forth! However, I think I appreciate it a little more now because I understand their vibe a bit more. It seems that they opt for the right sound and feel instead of trying to play something technically difficult or hard to reproduce. As Goodbye, Goodnight plays on my stereo, I consider how they may never hold a candle to Led Zeppelin, but they could possibly give The Beatles a run for their money. I would certainly rather hear Jars of Clay’s catalog before Oasis’ (remember the band who was supposed to woo us like The Beatles did?).

If these guys didn’t want to be billed as a Christian band (and if they didn’t write lyrics that would force them into that category), they would probably be filling stadiums like U2. Nonetheless, they’re one of my favorite Christian bands (and currently ranked #19 on my list of favorite bands, ranked by number of songs I enjoy) and I’ll appreciate the times when I’ve seen them with a mere 500 people in attendance. It’s always exciting to get so close to a sound so amazing. Like someone who mined for an inspiring, talented band and found gold, it also feels satisfying to experience something sweet that many people would pass up because of their prejudices or insecurities; which happens to be the same spirit that led me to enjoy phenomenal music from Zakk Wylde and Angus Young.

“Then I see you there with your arms open wide and you’re trying to embrace me. These lonely tears I’ve cried, they keep me in chains and I wish they’d release me. Cold is the night, but colder still is the heart made of stone turned from clay. And if you follow me, you’ll see all the black, all the white fade to grey.” – lyrics from Fade to Grey

A list of some of my web sites

These are some of my web sites........

Blog

Videos

Exercise journal

Want music lessons in San Diego?

SEO and internet marketing blog

Web Design, Hosting and Advertising Solutions

My beautiful daughter's site

Got a web site? Post your link for free!


Some books I wrote........

10,000 Wise Quotes and Spiritual Sayings

The Skeptic's Annotated Bible: Corrected and Explained

Maximizing the Internet: 12 Keys to Success


Some hobbies of mine........

Soccer training

Inspirational messages

Bodyboarding


Other sites........

Online First Aid and CPR Certification

DUI Lawyers in San Diego

Home Equity Loans

Duran Duran - Concert and Band Review (Costa Mesa/OC Fair - July 11, 2009)

On July 11, 2009, I had the privilege of seeing Duran Duran in concert. I had never seen them perform live before, unless you count their recorded live performance on Palladia. This 80’s mega-band knows how to bring it and here’s my story.

I remember hearing Duran Duran when I was in junior high school. The girls couldn’t stop talking about them. Most of them were in love with Simon Le Bon because of his looks and his voice. Even the parents in my private school seemed to like them because they didn’t sound or look scary. However, I never really listened closely to them and dissected them until recently.

Before the concert, my experience with the band was partly related to their greatest hits albums. First, I had heard their Decade album in high school and in college. Now, I have been listening to their Greatest album and nearly all of the 19 songs on it are excellent. If they would have performed all of those songs in the concert, I would have been overjoyed. However, they skipped a few of my favorites like Reflex, New Moon on Monday and All She Wants Is in exchange for some songs that were unknown to me. They may have been newer songs and they weren’t bad.

When I revisited Duran Duran’s music several months ago, I was listening for cool bass lines to teach one of my bass guitar students and I was not disappointed. In fact, in most of their songs, John Taylor’s chops are off the hook. If you’re unconvinced, then listen to songs like Save a Prayer, Rio or Girls On Film and you’ll hear how the bass is absolutely instrumental (no pun intended). It brings alive otherwise simple songs and makes them quite magical. I don’t think I’ve ever heard anything like the bridge in Rio where we have a dualing bass guitar and saxophone. Very, very cool and unique.

Besides Taylor’s talents, Duran Duran has a very charismatic and handsome lead singer in Simon Le Bon. In the 80’s and 90’s, these fellas experienced a sort of Beatlemania because of their music and charisma. Not many bands can say that. Not to mention, they packed the entire Universal Ampitheater in Costa Mesa last night – which was 28 years after their first album was released. People of all ages were there, although most looked between 30-50 years old, dancing and rocking out to 90 minutes of music, separated by a pause before the encore.

While Duran Duran’s electric guitar work isn’t very difficult to play, it is cool and catchy. They have found a way to do a lot with a little. Using timely effects and hum-able melodies, they’ve found a recipe for smoothness. The handful of notes in the intro/main hook on Girls On Film sound magnificent, almost like a futuristic laser gun. I found and tabbed the guitar intro to Ordinary World in a few minutes, but it will always be a beautiful melody that’s fun to hear and play. The back and forth between the melodic notes in “Is There Something I Should Know?” will have you humming their melody well after the song ends. It’s that kind of vibe that Duran Duran knows how to produce so well.

The keyboards follow a similar pattern of relatively simple, yet cool with interesting special effects. Nick Rhodes knows how to usher in a new mood with his effects and hooks. While a keyboard solo would have been awesome, the concert showcased his skills and the less is more theme. A couple of their songs that were unknown to me sounded a lot like Depeche Mode – which is a good thing, of course.

The lyrical content reminds me of a happier Robert Plant, often telling stories of girls, relationships and the quest for love. It’s very difficult to summarize their catalog of messages in a paragraph, but Simon is quite a storyteller. I Don’t Want Your Love (to bring me down) is pretty self-explanatory. We catch a glimpse of the modeling industry in Girls On Film. And who can’t recall the video on MTV with Grace Jones and Simon Le Bon running through the jungle? Rio celebrates the beauty of a woman with colorful language. Seriously, if you’re a guy and these songs don’t bring a smile to your face, you might want to check your pulse.

During the concert, most of their song changes were seamless. There was a nice flow between them, but a couple parts were a little rough. For instance, while the band was introduced mid-song, the audience didn’t seem to know when or where the song came back in. I think they could also have used a few dramatic pauses here and there. The audience was in the palm of these guys’ hand and they could have easily built a crescendo of feeling and sound at several points, but instead opted for flow and an album-like experience.

While Simon seems to have a mid-range voice (think somewhere in between Robert Plant and Jim Morrison), this is part of his appeal. Most guys don’t sing much or have amazing voices. Keeping things in the middle makes Duran Duran vocals easier to sing than Maroon 5 or Led Zeppelin, for example. Le Bon’s falsetto worked nicely in Ordinary World. While the album version has a voice over with two of his voices, the concert rendition didn’t seem forced or lacking. The softer and slower intro to A View to a Kill worked nicely as well. The crowd immediately knew the song and we were drawn in from the beginning. When the music came in, we were ready to rock!

Finally, the last item of note from the show was the stage lighting and stage presence. I found it interesting that a fairly bright light was on Simon for most of the show while a slightly lesser light was on the bassist. An even lesser light was shining on the guitarist. While they stood in a line – bassist, singer and guitarist, it produced a curious effect.

Duran Duran is an amazing band with a fantastic catalog of hits and they don’t seem to be slowing down at all. Carry on, boys! I hope I get to see you again very soon.

Stone Temple Pilots - Concert and Band Review - July 4, 2009 at Harrah's in Valley Center

Even as I write this, I’m pausing to bang my head and toss my hair to and fro to their beat. I’m listening to No Way Out from their album No. 4. Once again, I can’t avoid writing about a great band, but this one is a little greater than most. The third time I heard Stone Temple Pilots was quite magical. These guys are very talented musicians and really nailed the concert at Harrah’s in Valley Center on July 4, 2009. Here’s my story.

I was introduced to STP by my friends in high school. Graduating in 1992, I remember when the Core album was released that summer and how we listened to it all over the place. We had been born out of the Nirvana, Soundgarden, Alice in Chains and Pearl Jam vein, so this was right up our alley. Seeing how two of these five epic groups ended before most people thought they would and how the other disbanded, Stone Temple Pilots is, in a way, carrying on the Seattle sound/grunge legacy. Their longevity is admirable and I wonder if they’ll be around as long as the Stones have been.

When I listen to STP, I’m reminded of Led Zeppelin. It’s hard to put my finger on why, but it has to do with their bridges, solos, the number of different hooks in a song and the diversity of sounds and songs. While a lot of their early music used crunchy, distorted effects and Drop D tunings, they also have cleaner sounding hits like Creep and Sour Girl.

The reason why Led Zeppelin was so great is because they had a very talented quartet and all of them went off. Robert Plant didn’t ask John Paul Jones or John Bonham to quiet down and play something simple so his voice could be featured. No, not even close. He told them to play as great as they could and he’d join them. I’m reminded of this when I think of Stone Temple Pilots because the bass is so instrumental (no pun intended) it’s hard to imagine the band without the great bass guitar licks, not to mention the other half of the rhythm section.

Ok, mid-paper I had to take a quick break and play Art School Girlfriend on the electric guitar. Man, that song is funny and addicting. I really like the sound of the sliding power chord notes in the main lick. I’ll probably record it and stick it on YouTube. Back to this paper.

Drummer Eric Kretz brings it. The drums in Lounge Fly compliment the song in a powerful way. Writing a hit like Trippin’ On a Hole in a Paper Heart and co-authoring Plush was no small task. Not to mention the wicked drum accompaniment intro in Wicked Garden, where he really gets a chance to show off those cool rolls.

Scott Weiland has an amazing voice that can hit the highs, flow the vibrato and deliver the powerful notes up and down the scale. Looking at his thin frame, it’s hard to know where this amazing voice comes from. I think a cigarette after the first couple of songs may have sobered him up a bit, but it couldn’t have been good for his throat. Lyrically, although I can hear most of his words clearly, I only hold onto certain phrases of many different songs. I suppose this isn’t a band where I can say I can totally relate to the entire lyrical message (partly because some of it seems cryptic). However, I can and do do that with different phrases and choruses (and I’m sure I change a few ever so slightly to fit my mood and situation), unless I’m focusing on instruments, then I don’t really hear the words at all.

Scott has that Eddie Vedder quality where he knows how to mix vocal sounds into songs. Whether it’s humming in Pretty Penny (wait, do I hear congas? ok, I’m finally starting my iTunes Playlist called Congas), crooning in Down or “Yeahhhhhhh” in Unglued, he hits all the right notes. Using a megaphone for a cool voice effect is a unique idea that he employs on a couple of songs. He also has a way of making nearly every song sound anthemic. He’s helped form the kind of band that gets crowds excited, shaking their fist and singing different phrases and then wondering what in the hell they just said. “Time to take her home her dizzy head is conscious laden” comes to mind.

Whoa, have you ever heard Silvergun Superman? This has to be one of their best songs and they played it at Harrah’s on the 4th. What a powerful sounding song with those ripping Drop D power chords and the bass guitar joining, then playing all over the place on the chorus and bridge. Great rock song and I’m going to have to find the notes this week.

In my humble opinion, the core of the band (pun intended) could be the two brothers: Robert DeLeo on bass and Dean DeLeo on guitar. Robert can really thump that bass and in concert he made it look easy. He leaves me thinking they could have easily had a lot less from another bassist. Robert must really like to write detailed parts and play them all over the neck of his bass. You can hear him in every song, but he steals the show in Sour Girl. He wrote a fine hook there, one that isn’t easily tabbed and played. Thank you.

Dean is quite the guitarist. He has used a grip of cool special effects. Check out the intro, bridge and coda in Army Ants. Nice, eh? Sounds like something you’d try to create at home on your effects pedal with a mixture of flanger, reverb and probably something else. Lots of STP’s songs have different kinds of distortion and effects that range from screeching to whining to clean sounds. The slide creates an almost country music sound on the hits Big Empty and Interstate Love Song. You country fans don’t get too excited. I said almost.

I probably can’t say enough about Dean’s hooks and guitar solos. This guy knows how to play. In the concert, he improvised on a couple of solos and I remember hearing all good notes and it put a huge smile on my face. Beautiful and awesome. Not only am I looking forward to putting together a bass guitar lesson for my bass students, but I’m probably even more excited about finding several electric guitar hooks and licks for my electric guitar students. I can hardly wait and I already started today, tabbing and teaching one of my beginning students the main lick in Wicked Garden and the intro to Plush.

I first saw Stone Temple Pilots at San Diego State University in 1994. I was in my sophomore year at SDSU and they rocked. I remember two giant lava lamps, one on each side of the stage. I don’t remember the other details that well, but I know they played all of their hits and my friends and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

On July 27, 2008, I caught STP at Qualcomm on the Grass and they were excellent. I’m very partial to the general admission venues because I really like to walk around, move and dance. If I get bored with one section, I like having the freedom to leave and visit another one. Not only did they have a great show that night, but I ran into an old friend of mine who I hadn’t seen in years! We used to play guitar together all the time. He’s a great lead guitarist named Wally High. He also surfs daily. What a guy.

The Independence Day show (see my pics here) on July 4, 2009 was really cool. I was blasting STP on the 1 hour drive from Pacific Beach to Valley Center. I even recorded a few YouTube chuckles and uploaded them. It worked pretty much like clockwork. I parked, walked to the venue, waited in the bathroom and beer lines, then found a good spot in front of the stage. 5 minutes later the band came on. Absolutely perfect timing.



I was so happy to hear so many great STP songs! They played Dead and Bloated, Wicked Garden, Plush, Creep, Sour Girl, Down, Sex Type Thing, Interstate Love Song, Big Empty, Vasoline, Trippin’ On a Hole in a Paper Heart, Seven Caged Tigers, Silvergun Superman, Piece of Pie, Unglued and No Way Out. I like every one of those songs! I was hoping they’d play A Song For Sleeping, but oh well. They had one encore and it was an energy-packed show from beginning to end! So much so that I took my electric guitar and battery powered amplifier to the Ocean Beach seawall and played guitar until 4am, then came home and watched the sunrise before falling asleep.

I think it’s notable that Scott and most of the band likes to play in the dark for most of the show. This was the case in the 2008 and 2009 shows (but I can’t remember the 1994 one, although I think they did the same). I often wear sunglasses out because I don’t like bright lights in my eyes - especially when my eyes are resting at night and it’s dark, the last thing I want is a quick, blinding light. It hurts my eyes and makes me cringe!

Stone Temple Pilots are an amazing band and I’m looking forward to their upcoming album in December, 2009. I’ll get over the fact that I had tickets to the San Diego Velvet Revolver concert that never was, I guess. Scott checked into rehab the day of the show (which was the day after the Los Angeles show). It’s much easier to get over since STP reunited! Still, it would have been sweet to hear Slash and the guys from Guns N Roses with Scott singing. Slash is a helluva guitarist.

Not only can STP play a wide variety of rock/alternative/grunge music, but they also have the ability to incorporate dissonant sounds into their songs. Many of their songs ended on a pleasantly sour note. Several of their songs “broke the rules” and used notes in more than one key in the same song. Think Dazed and Confused.

It’s gonna be hard to listen to these guys less and become consumed by Duran Duran, but I’m seeing the 80’s mega-band for the first time on July 11, 2009 at the OC Fair. I’m sure I’ll ride this wave until the show and afterwards, though. STP is a force to be reckoned with - a throwback whose sound is slowly evolving, always inspiring and giving us an awesome catalog of music along the way. Play on, boys. Play on.

The Amazing Month of July '09 in San Diego

I've found that if I'm not moving forward toward a physical fitness goal, I tend to move backwards. In other words, it seems easier for me to be on a path toward a goal than on a maintenance program. Not sure why, but that's just the way it is.

During the last day or two of June, I decided to kick my butt in July. I've gained around 10 pounds since April 1 (from approximately 144.5 to 154.6) and I'm not too happy about it. Sure, I still fit into all of my clothes, but I'm very vain and want to see my abs. Just kidding. Kinda. Anyhow, I want to lose 5+ pounds in July, so I'm going to do it. Here's how.

1. No marshmallows (since I drink about 2 iced espresso mochas each day with tiny marshmallows in them, I will lose close to a pound in July by cutting these out)
2. No eating anything after 10pm (only liquids) - no more eating in the middle of the night, thank God
3. Only eat out 1 time per week max
4. Eat no more than 2500 calories per day (which is about what I burn without exercising)
5. Stretch all muscle groups every day
6. Eat some fruit and vegetables in the morning before any other food
7. Exercise 5-7 times per week

I'm very determined to reach my goals this month and I'm excited to see how fit I can be. After I kick butt in July, I should be able to coast through August on July's successes. And when I say coast, of course I mean eat a little extra each day. Or who knows, maybe I'll actually be able to maintain my weight instead of the old tack and sail routine.

Today, I start my weight loss program at 154.6 pounds. I anticipate being at least 2 pounds lighter on the scale tomorrow morning; partly because I'll be retaining less water (from eating less food, hence less salt) and from not eating late at night (cuz I weigh myself in the morning). Sticking to my plan for the entire month and exercising like I do, I should easily lose 5 pounds of fat. I may lose an additional pound or two from extra exercise and simply eating less (partly because I'll forget to eat and it'll be 10pm before I know it). So, I anticipate losing 7-8 actual pounds of fat, possibly gaining a pound of muscle and probably retaining a pound or two less than I am right now . . . bringing me to (a predicted weight of) 146 and an actual weight of about 148. GAME ON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Third Eye Blind - Band Review

“I believe in the sand beneath my toes, the beach gives a feeling, an earthy feeling. I believe in the faith that grows.” These quotes were one reason why I liked Third Eye Blind, but last Thursday I found many more reasons. Here’s my story.

Lyrical syncopation. Those are two words that describe Stephan Jenkins’ singing. Not only does he have some pipes, but his delivery is quite unique for rock singers. For instance, the well placed words in Palm Reader’s verses and especially the chorus are noteworthy. Read the lyrics, listen to the song a few times, then try to sing in his timing and you’ll see what I’m saying. All throughout their songs, Jenkins is singing and utilizing the intriguing vocal styles of sprechgesang and sprechstimme.

One draw for me is Stephan’s honesty and transparency. Real quick. Can you think of any other songs that address the tragedy of (potential) suicide like Jumper does? A crowd favorite, they played that song on Thursday at the Hollywood Palladium and used the bridge to play several different instrumental solos. It was quite cool. Plus, whenever a band can make only a handful of notes sound really cool, you have to hand it to them. Instrumental syncopation, you could say. Not to mention, How’s it Gonna Be; a great song about the reality and sadness of a relationship that is soon to end.

If you were the singer in a rock band, what would you sing about? No really, think about it. Would you only sing about your successes? Would you admit your failures? Could you tell about your heartbreaking break-ups? How about your hopes and dreams? What about intimate issues? Despite your hesitations, when I listen to 3EB, I hear an uncensored fellow telling us the stories of his life to brilliantly beautiful guitar melodies and it’s an intriguing and compelling package.

Now, if you’re the kind of person who shudders when they hear veiled references to oral sex, then maybe 3EB isn’t for you because Stephan does this exactly twice (that I know of), once for each sex. He drops exactly one curse word on Crystal Baller. Would you censor yourself if you sang in a rock band? Oh yeah, you’ve never cursed, right? Keep it real. Anyone ever tell you that?

Jenkins also makes some references to marijuana, crystal meth and cocaine. I appreciate his honesty as every reference is simply sandwiched inside a story from his past. None of his references are mantras or anthems about how wonderful drugs are, how they never cause any problems or how everybody should do them. Nope, no naïve pie-in-the-sky invitations. He simply did them and he’s mentioning them in his stories because they were parts of the story of his life. Simple as that.

Whether it’s “bop, bop-bop, bop, bop-bop”, “do do do, do do-do do” or “oh, ooo, oh ooo”, Jenkins has a way with sounds. Numerous songs have melodic notes like those. Countering Eddie Vedder’s guttural noises, Stephan’s are equally as cool, but less screamy and much more upbeat and heady. He can also effortlessly (and unashamedly) move from his normal vocal range to falsetto. Although he does it well and in possibly a quarter of his songs, he doesn’t wear out the effect.

“Freud said that love was a good psychosis . . . he’s a creep and we all know that he probably made it up,” are some of the lyrics in the new anthem of my life. No, seriously. I think this is my song. While my wife threatened to file for divorce last week (for lame reasons I won’t get into here or else I might end up convincing myself to go file papers myself) and even got the paperwork from the court, I’m listening to this song and thinking it says something special just to me. In fact, to make matters more interesting (well, to me anyway), while I was taking my crash course in 3EB songs before the concert, I picked up my guitar and played to this song without ever hearing it before. It probably turned out fine, but I was reeling from the untimely passing of Michael Jackson at that time . . . so I had to multi-task. What kind of world do I live in where I have to multi-task like that? Anyhow, I digress and I’m sure you’re dying to hear the lyrics from my new favorite song . . .

“Believe. In me. And this lie. Tell me everything will be all right. Cuz it’s so good…….to believe…….we could turn it all around in a night. You and I. Yeah, it’s so good, but you turn my hope into a weapon.” Two days later, my wife and I patched things up (although they’re nearly back to their normal, unhappy self as of 6pm today). So, the song continues to mean something to me . . . maybe. After I get this paper out, I’m sure 3EB will release their grip on me a bit. Like a musician, this paper must be written in order for me to set my thoughts straight about this band . . . that’s pretty much why I write anything. To decipher. And in case you’re wondering about this song’s original intent and meaning, rumor has it that it was about Jenkins’ breakup with Charlize Theron.

Not only is Third Eye Blind vocally impressive they’re also musically impressive. If you only know their hits, you may assume they overuse power chords, but if you listen to their entire catalog, you’ll know they’re much more than that. Sure, the three power chords in Never Let You Go could stick in your head until you pick up a guitar and play them, but they also have songs like Faster where guitarist Tony Fredianelli plucks multiple strings at once with quick muting – a cool technique. From the picking to the quickly dampened power chords on Crystal Baller, they have a gem there. “I can show you how it ends,” Jenkins says.

The reggae style upstrokes in Wake for Your Souls is different and cool. The soft lullaby called Self Righteous, along with the female accompaniment is a refreshing departure from their signature sound. Fredianelli also makes good use of harmonics in several songs. The mixture of single strums, picking and three quick strums works quite nicely in Deep Inside of You. If I had a gifted electric guitar student right now, I’d be putting together a licks sheet from their music.

On Thursday, I was preparing to go to the Third Eye Blind concert at the Hollywood Palladium. I don’t like going to concerts if I don’t know a bunch of the songs being played, so I finally found time to download their Out of the Vein album and their Red Star EP and I was really impressed. Although I had their greatest hits, I only listened to three or four songs before that day. Now, they must have 15 cool songs that I’d listen to any time. Not to mention I’ll be teaching one of my bass guitar students from their bass lines, tomorrow. Yep, it’s a tab file I just started called, “Cool Bass Lines32 – Third Eye Blind.” Maybe I’ll post this one online, even though I never post my tabs online.

Even though this article could have ended with the previous paragraph, I’d be remiss if I didn’t give their bassist and drummer some props. The bassist Abe Millet (who is filling in for the original bassist Arion Salazar while he is on some sort of leave of absence) is probably underrated because he often harmonizes with the electric guitarist; which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. I don’t know if they write the bass lines or the electric guitar parts first, but either way, when the bass backs up the guitar like that, it adds some nice punch and emphasis. They certainly aren’t a band that features the bass guitar, but they do make good use of it.

Brad Hargreaves is an excellent drummer, laying down one of the most recognizable drum beats at the beginning of Semi-Charmed Life. I like to listen to and examine the way bands begin the songs they write. That’s one cool drum beat and it gives that “off and running” feeling from the beginning. Brad also throws in plenty of cool rolls and intros in various other songs. Well done, mate.

So, as if you cared, that’s why I like Third Eye Blind. Feels good to figure it out. Who’s next?

Avoid Aspartame and Splenda/Sucralose, Use Stevia Instead

While the Equal and NutraSweet sugar substitutes (aka Aspartame) are being converted into formaldehyde inside your body and while the Splenda sugar substitute (aka Sucralose) is being converted into bleach inside your body, the Stevia sugar substitute does neither. In fact, in all of the studies and tests, Stevia has no harmful side effects. On the contrary, Aspartame and Sucralose are very likely contributing to all kinds of degenerative health diseases and problems. According to ABC News, Coke and Pepsi probably know this already and smell lawsuits coming because they've started to use and patent Stevia sugar in their newest soft drinks.

In case the formaldehyde and bleach claims are not common knowledge to you yet, here are some links for further review:

Aspartame Dangers

For further research on Equal/NutraSweet/aspartame

Splenda Exposed - there is a book offer on this page, but there is also a lot of free, useful information on the same page

For further research on Splenda/sucralose

While other countries have been using the Stevia artificial sweetener for years, one has to wonder why it hasn't been offered in the United States. Perhaps it has to do with the lobbying by the companies who make huge money by selling their sugar substitutes based on the harmful artificial sweeteners.

As for me, I'm avoiding foods and drinks with harmful sugars in them. I've been reading the labels of the foods I've previously trusted by reading the labels once already. Yoplait and most other brands of non-fat and low fat yogurt contain aspartame, so I've been buying organic yogurt from CostCo. Instead of using the rest of my Sweet N Low (saccharine - which is the least damaging, non-stevia sugar substitute)sugar packets, I've purchased some Stevia sugar packets from NuNaturals and it is very good. I find I use 2 packets of this sugar where I used to use 4 packets of either Equal or Sweet N Low for my espresso mochas.

I was shocked to find aspartame sugar in my kid's chewable vitamins! I first noticed it in the generic brand from Walmart that was nearly empty, then I read the label on the new Flintstone's brand chewable vitamins and it's in there, too! I suppose I'll have to order them online or visit a health food store to find some vitamins that don't contain poison. A pretty sad state of affairs.

Most diet sodas contain aspartame. This includes Diet Coke (and Diet Pepsi), Diet Mountain Dew and Diet Red Bull. Plus, the generic diet lemon-lime soda from Walmart contains aspartame (and I've yet to find another suitable mixer). I've stopped drinking those drinks, even though I was drinking them all on a regular basis.

Please read the labels and be aware of what you're putting into your body.

The Search for Pastor John Maynard the Pedophile

In the year 1996, Pastor John Maynard molested Sarine Hamalian. She was a 17 year old girl who wanted some help with her college application paperwork. Maynard was a pastor at the Christian and Missionary Alliance Church in Pasadena, California.

John Maynard was likely born between 1963-1966. If you have any information about his whereabouts, please contact me. There are a lot of John Maynards in Southern California, but here are the results of my search so far.


JOHN A MAYNARD Born 1962 More Info about JOHN A MAYNARD
12175 13TH ST Map It Recorded: Unknown Check White Page Listings Check Yellow Pages
YUCAIPA, CA 92399 (909) 797-0997 Check messages for John Maynard Leave a message
Google John A Maynard JOHN A MAYNARD Background Check


*Answering machine - 1-28-08
JOHN R MAYNARD More Info about JOHN R MAYNARD
201 ORANGE GROVE BLVD Map It Recorded: Unknown Check White Page Listings Check Yellow Pages
PASADENA, CA 91103 (626) 796-0710 Check messages for John Maynard Leave a message
Google John R Maynard JOHN R MAYNARD Background Check

JOHN R MAYNARD Born May 1923 More Info about JOHN R MAYNARD
532 ORANGE GROVE BLVD Map It Recorded: 03/01/2006 Check White Page Listings Check Yellow Pages
PASADENA, CA 91103 (626) 796-0710 Check messages for John Maynard Leave a message
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***Answering machine - 1-28-08
JOHN J MAYNARD Born Feb 1959 More Info about JOHN J MAYNARD
366 HAYWORTH AVE Map It Recorded: 09/01/2005 Check White Page Listings Check Yellow Pages
LOS ANGELES, CA 90048 (323) 653-8362 Check messages for John Maynard Leave a message
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*Answering machine - 1-28-08
JOHN H MAYNARD Born 1960 More Info about JOHN H MAYNARD
1338 24TH ST Map It Recorded: 11/27/2003 Check White Page Listings Check Yellow Pages
SAN DIEGO, CA 92102 (619) 287-5051 Check messages for John Maynard Leave a message
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JOHN H MAYNARD Born 1960 More Info about JOHN H MAYNARD
5473 DROVER DR Map It Recorded: Unknown Check White Page Listings Check Yellow Pages
SAN DIEGO, CA 92115 (619) 287-5051 Check messages for John Maynard Leave a message
Google John H Maynard JOHN H MAYNARD Background Check


*Rings and rings - 1-28-08
JOHN E MAYNARD Born Sep 1950 More Info about JOHN E MAYNARD
2617 CORNELIA AVE Map It Recorded: 03/01/2006 Check White Page Listings Check Yellow Pages
FRESNO, CA 93722 (559) 277-8634 Check messages for John Maynard Leave a message
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JOHN G MAYNARD Born 1960 More Info about JOHN G MAYNARD
6287 QUARTZ LN Map It Recorded: Unknown Check White Page Listings Check Yellow Pages
ANAHEIM, CA 92807 Check messages for John Maynard Leave a message
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JOHN G MAYNARD Born Jan 1960 More Info about JOHN G MAYNARD
960 APPALOOSA WAY Map It Recorded: 06/14/2000 Check White Page Listings Check Yellow Pages
ANAHEIM, CA 92808 Check messages for John Maynard Leave a message
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JOHN G MAYNARD More Info about JOHN C MAYNARD
(209) 795-1721 Check messages for John Maynard Leave a message
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JOHN G MAYNARD More Info about JOHN MAYNARD
(661) 398-8506 Check messages for John Maynard Leave a message
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JOHN A MAYNARD More Info about JOHN A MAYNARD
10119 WENTWORTH CT Map It Recorded: Unknown Check White Page Listings Check Yellow Pages
BAKERSFIELD, CA 93311 Check messages for John Maynard Leave a message
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JOHN A MAYNARD More Info about JOHN A MAYNARD
7850 WHITE LN Map It Recorded: 03/12/2002 Check White Page Listings Check Yellow Pages
BAKERSFIELD, CA 93309 Check messages for John Maynard Leave a message
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JOHN T MAYNARD More Info about JOHN MAYNARD
(909) 790-2570 Check messages for John Maynard Leave a message
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JOHN T MAYNARD More Info about JOHN R MAYNARD
(805) 927-5495 Check messages for John Maynard Leave a message
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JOHN A MAYNARD Born 1977 More Info about JOHN A MAYNARD
2024 MANCHESTER AVE Map It Recorded: 10/15/2003 Check White Page Listings Check Yellow Pages
CARDIFF BY THE SEA, CA 92007 Check messages for John Maynard Leave a message
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JOHN A MAYNARD Born 1977 More Info about JOHN A MAYNARD
2841 CEBU PL Map It Recorded: Unknown Check White Page Listings Check Yellow Pages
CARLSBAD, CA 92009 Check messages for John Maynard Leave a message
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JOHN J MAYNARD Born Sep 1965 More Info about JOHN J MAYNARD
1359 9TH AVE Map It Recorded: 01/25/2002 Check White Page Listings Check Yellow Pages
ESCONDIDO, CA 92029 Check messages for John Maynard Leave a message
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JOHN J MAYNARD More Info about JOHN J MAYNARD
301 VERMONT AVE Map It Recorded: 04/15/2001 Check White Page Listings Check Yellow Pages
ESCONDIDO, CA 92025 Check messages for John Maynard Leave a message
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JOHN K MAYNARD Born Jun 1952 More Info about JOHN K MAYNARD
810 FELICITA AVE Map It Recorded: 03/01/2006 Check White Page Listings Check Yellow Pages
ESCONDIDO, CA 92025 Check messages for John Maynard Leave a message
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JOHN K MAYNARD More Info about JOHN E MAYNARD
(559) 277-8634 Check messages for John Maynard Leave a message
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JOHN E MAYNARD More Info about JOHN E MAYNARD
3949 CLARK ST Map It Recorded: Unknown Check White Page Listings Check Yellow Pages
FRESNO, CA 93726 Check messages for John Maynard Leave a message
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JOHN A MAYNARD More Info about JOHN A MAYNARD
10007 TORREY PINES RD Map It Recorded: 04/15/2001 Check White Page Listings Check Yellow Pages
LA JOLLA, CA 92037 (858) 457-5106 Check messages for John Maynard Leave a message
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JOHN A MAYNARD Born Dec 1977 More Info about JOHN A MAYNARD
2163 AVENIDA DE LA RIBERA Map It Recorded: 11/18/2003 Check White Page Listings Check Yellow Pages
LA JOLLA, CA 92037 (858) 459-3516 Check messages for John Maynard Leave a message
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JOHN A MAYNARD Born Dec 1977 More Info about JOHN A MAYNARD
2163 DE LA RIBERA Map It Recorded: 02/26/2003 Check White Page Listings Check Yellow Pages
LA JOLLA, CA 92037 (858) 459-3516 Check messages for John Maynard Leave a message
Google John A Maynard JOHN A MAYNARD Background Check

JOHN A MAYNARD More Info about JOHN A MAYNARD
9440 LA JOLLA SHORES DR Map It Recorded: 06/14/2000 Check White Page Listings Check Yellow Pages
LA JOLLA, CA 92037 Check messages for John Maynard Leave a message
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JOHN W MAYNARD Born Sep 1934 More Info about JOHN W MAYNARD
26402 LA SCALA Map It Recorded: 03/12/2002 Check White Page Listings Check Yellow Pages
LAGUNA HILLS, CA 92653 (949) 348-0842 Check messages for John Maynard Leave a message
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JOHN R MAYNARD More Info about JOHN R MAYNARD
122 HONOLULU ST Map It Recorded: 01/15/2001 Check White Page Listings Check Yellow Pages
LINDSAY, CA 93247 Check messages for John Maynard Leave a message
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JOHN R MAYNARD Born Jul 1925 More Info about JOHN R MAYNARD
773 HONOLULU ST Map It Recorded: 01/14/2001 Check White Page Listings Check Yellow Pages
LINDSAY, CA 93247 (559) 562-3757 Check messages for John Maynard Leave a message
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JOHN R MAYNARD More Info about JOHN R MAYNARD
11152 WALLINGSFORD RD Map It Recorded: 03/12/2002 Check White Page Listings Check Yellow Pages
LOS ALAMITOS, CA 90720 (562) 430-2200 Check messages for John Maynard Leave a message
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JOHN R MAYNARD Born Jul 1925 More Info about JOHN R MAYNARD
11521 DAVENPORT RD Map It Recorded: 03/12/2002 Check White Page Listings Check Yellow Pages
LOS ALAMITOS, CA 90720 Check messages for John Maynard Leave a message
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JOHN R MAYNARD More Info about JOHN MAYNARD
(650) 941-2201 Check messages for John Maynard Leave a message
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JOHN MAYNARD More Info about JOHN MAYNARD
2821 KENSINGTON RD Map It Recorded: 06/14/2000 Check White Page Listings Check Yellow Pages
LOS ALTOS, CA 94022 Check messages for John Maynard Leave a message
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JOHN J MAYNARD More Info about JOHN MAYNARD
(949) 348-0842 Check messages for John Maynard Leave a message
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JOHN S MAYNARD More Info about JOHN S MAYNARD
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*Disconnected - 1-28-08
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*Rings and rings - 1-28-08
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*No longer in service
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International Alliance Church
C/O Josiah Ang
16510 Devonshire St
Granada Hills, CA 91344

Location Address:
2113 E Villa St
Pasadena, 91107
»View A Map
Phone: 626-585-1497
Fax:
Email:
Web Site:
---------
C&MA Church
2113 E Villa St
Pasadena, CA 91107-2436

»View A Map
Phone: 626-796-9504
Fax: 626-449-3241
Email: pascma@sbcglobal.net
Web Site:

DOB: 1963-1966

John, if you're reading this, you damaged a girl and she's now a damaged woman. You better apologize to her - or hope I never find you.

My Favorite Bands - Based on # of Songs I Like

My Favorite Bands - Based on # of Songs I Like

1. U2
2. Led Zeppelin
3. Switchfoot
4. Kevin Max
5. The Beatles
6. Guns N Roses
7. Depeche Mode
8. Stone Temple Pilots
9. The Offspring
10. Duran Duran
11. DC Talk
12. Pearl Jam
13. Newsboys
14. AC/DC
15. Green Day
16. Audio Adrenaline
17. Pink Floyd
18. Bob Marley
19. Jars of Clay
20. Madonna
21. The Cure
22. The Cult
23. INXS
24. Caedmon’s Call
25. The Goo Goo Dolls
26. The Doors

Bands I'd Like to See Reunite and Tour

10. Oingo Boingo
9. Gaurdian
8. Van Halen
7. Creed
6. Audio Adrenaline
5. Pink Floyd
4. Soundgarden
3. Guns N Roses
2. DC Talk
1. Led Zeppelin

My Surf Trip to Lower Trestles Beach

After hearing about this famed surf spot for years, I finally had the chance to visit. It is only about an hour from my home, so I don’t know why it took me so long to check it out; probably because the surf is awfully good down the street from where I live. Anyhow, this is my story.



I parked my car behind the Carl’s Jr. parking lot, with many other cars that were there in the beach parking lot. Popping a caffeine pill in my mouth and swallowing down some water, I grabbed my gear and started walking. Recently, I had a couple friends warn me about drinking aspartame, so I rarely drink Diet Red Bull and opt for a simple caffeine pill these days.



The walk took about 10-15 minutes, over a bridge and the freeway, down an asphalt path and a street. Some of it was green and nice. The end of the asphalt path revealed a couple of portable bathrooms and a train track. I could barely see the beach from beneath the tracks. I crossed over them and made my way to the beach.



Apparently, Trestles is a good break because of the river that deposits sediment on the ocean floor near the beach. This means many things. First, there were lots of tiny rocks in ankle deep water. I walked few steps, then ran bag to my bag to put on my neoprene socks. There were precious few shells at this beach. I think I found three. However, there were lots of interesting little rocks and some dead aquatic life. I’m not sure how the crabs and things died, though. The place didn’t stink, but it smelled a little like the crawdad creek I used to visit when I was a kid. It meanders behind my parents’ house.

Finally, the surf. The surf was good because it was consistently breaking without much wind. There was a tiny bit of texture and that was it. It was also breaking in virtually the same spot and way each time at Lower Trestles. I took some nice lefts and rights and flipped some 360s. However, most of the time, I caught waves in waist-chest deep water and finished my ride in ankle-knee deep water. This was a little unusual. I found myself doing the side paddle – where I don’t paddle deep, but paddle with my arms fully extended, barely cupping the water on the surface because I didn’t want to hit the bottom with my hands. The peculiar thing (to me, anyway) was that this was high tide. I wonder what low tide would have been like! The sign at the entrance to the beaches said this part of Trestles was for the most advanced wave-catchers (e.g. "intermediate to expert), so this could be why. I’m sure surfers have broken skegs in the shallow water.





While I was in the water catching waves with my daughter Jordan (who did amazingly well for a 6 year old in this world class surf spot), we caught a glimpse of a large sea creature on the sand. It looked like a seal or a sea lion from where we were, so we caught the next wave in and checked it out. To our dismay, it was a dead sea lion and I could tell that it hadn’t been dead very long. Its eyes were missing, but the rest of its body was intact. It was pretty gross and we wondered what killed the poor animal.



We caught waves for about an hour and they were almost 5’ tall. It was a fun session and a good break. There was almost nobody there on this cool, cloudy day, but on a warm, summer’s day, I could imagine thousands of people there riding and watching.

10 Reasons Ocean Beach in San Diego (aka OB) is Cool

10. The tidepools at low tide
9. Catching waves through the pier
8. The opportunity to help the homeless
7. Beautiful sunsets
6. Cool shells and sand dollars
5. Friendly and engaging people (I've walked right into bonfires where I've known nobody and I've been welcomed, played guitar and socialized with the locals all night)
4. The unique rock bottom break
3. The giant American flag that waves (and tells me which way the wind is blowing)
2. The way the city lights look from the water, just after sunset
1. The free sea wall parking where you can see the waves and sunset

Tubed in a 360 Spin at Kaiser's in Waikiki, Hawaii

Ever since I got to my hotel room in the Rainbow Tower at the Hilton Hawaiian Village in Waikiki, I noticed a break in the distance that looked interesting. There were about 15 surfers in a small clump,





taking waves that appeared to be 5+ feet tall. Today, I joined them for a session. This is my story.

Earlier in the day, I rented some snorkel gear from Snorkel Bob’s. I got a great deal on a snorkel and mask and bought some earplugs. Since the surf was supposed to be small and because their boards were poorly made, I decided to avoid renting a board. I figured I could just body surf this break near my hotel.

Around 5:30pm, I made it to this break and noticed the people coming in and out of the water were not tourists, but locals. I also noticed a nice board on the sand, near a man who was sleeping. I decided to try to wake him and offer him $5 to rent his board for an hour, but he wouldn’t wake up. While speaking to him, another local noticed and told me that the board actually belonged to a different fellow and he pointed him out. This friendly man even walked toward the kid and beckoned him to come to us. A few minutes later, I was talking to him and offering him some cash and he obliged. His name was Niu and he was friendly. We shot the breeze for a bit and I asked him which break he’d recommend. He asked me if I wanted lefts or rights and I said either would be fine, so he suggested I sit inside and take some lefts in front of some local surfers. He even asked me my shoe size because he had some mismatched fins he was going to offer me, but I told him I brought my Churchill fins and thanked him.

Upon entering the 78 degree water, I confirmed it was a rock and coral break. It appeared to be rock, but the locals had identified it as coral. It may have been both. I could see the bottom the entire time (although I never opened my eyes underwater), but I never saw any fish or fins. It must have been a 400+ yard paddle to the waves. It took me several minutes, but was worth the trip.

This was a peculiar break to me. There were about three or four lines of waves. The initial two were smaller than the deeper two, but I pulled up and took a long look at the smaller ones. I didn’t want to pass up good surf, even if the majority of the surfers were catching the deeper waves. However, after a minute or two, I realized I wouldn’t be missing anything if I carried on, so I did.

After I reached the bigger breaks, I watched them very closely to see which way they were breaking, which parts of the wave were only rolling and so on and so forth. On the first wave I took, I flipped a 360 spin. On my next wave, I waited until the last second to see if the two local girls were going to take it or not and when they didn’t, I spun 180 degrees and caught it.

On one of my subsequent waves, I had first position on a 3-4’ left and a local had second position. I could tell he wasn’t getting off, so I pulled up instead of dropping in on him. I figured it was his break and I could use an ally out there instead of an enemy. About 10-20 seconds later, I caught a very similar wave, so it was all good.

About 5-10 minutes later, I couldn’t quite decide whether or not to take a wave left or right. I was looking left pretty hard, but it was closing up, so I looked right and quickly took it. That same surfer was right in my path, in a spot so close that I couldn’t avoid him. He bailed off his board and went under the water as I sped over his head and board. I think he knew that I could not avoid him because after this nice ride, he waved at me and I shot him a peace sign.

When I catch waves, I like to pick three spots – one on my left, one on my right and one on the shore – in order to stay where I want to be and in order to know whether or not a current is trying to take me somewhere else. Usually, I pick something like my backpack, Lahaina Beach House or a lifeguard tower, a spot on Crystal Pier, and a mountain toward La Jolla or Ocean Beach. This time, it was pretty cool to pick the giant Rainbow Tower on the shore, Diamond Head on my left and what appeared to be an island (although I later found it was just part of Oahu) on my right.

The sunset was beautiful. I can’t remember seeing the sun set behind an island, but it did today. I must have been catching waves from a South swell because the sun was directly to my right. As it descended behind the section of island in the distance, pinks, oranges and reds flooded the sky. It was a very beautiful scene, as I sat on my board and watched in awe.

Something cool happened this session that had never happened to me before (at least not as far as I can remember). I flipped a 360 spin and the wave tubed me! Midway through the spin, I paused for a couple of seconds as the water flew over my head and allowed me to stare down the tube. After a bit, I flipped the remaining 180 degrees and continued the ride. The sun had set and I figured this was the highlight of my session, so I screamed in excitement and started paddling back in.

When I got to the shore, I couldn’t find Niu, but I did see the sleeping man and the other local, so I thanked him and left the board there. I also asked him to thank Niu again for me.

One Amazingly Beautiful Sunset

This was today's sunset in Pacific Beach.

The Beatles and Me

I don’t pretend to be an expert, but I’m certainly a fan. They’ve inspired me musically and otherwise since 1992. In fact, some even put them inside the musical trinity with Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd. Of course I’m talking about The Beatles.

The first time I came into contact with this amazing band, I didn’t even realize it was them. In the summer of 1986, I was I was captivated by Ferris Bueller and how he could ditch school and have such an exciting day! When he howled and danced in that New York parade, I thought it he was singing a fun song by a cool rock band. I remember looking at his lips closely to try to determine whether or not he was lip syncing. I didn’t know if he was singing or if it was some other band, but I liked the song’s energy and how the movie embraced the song’s care-free theme by showing people doing silly dances to it.

The second time I ran into the boys from Liverpool, I also didn’t realize it was them. A cute girl with one name sang a catchy love song in 1988. I found myself tapping my toes and bobbing my head to it as I watched Tiffany dance around and sing. Dancing through the night, holding each other tight sounded like a cool prospect to me at age 14.

My third introduction felt much more deliberate and even arranged. I was living in the Tarastec, co-ed dormitory at San Diego State University and I became friends with the guys on my wing. I’m thankful to one Mr. Chris Clayton who took the time to introduce me to some amazing music. Before that time, I had been a fan of good music, but I had never analyzed great music. I had enjoyed moving my body to the beat, yet I never really considered musicianship. And like most Americans, I was addicted to television and wasn’t thinking about turning off the television to listen to music – to feel the music – and to think about and discuss the music.

Growing up, my parents realized how much I liked music and would actually put me on music restriction because it was a meaningful punishment that got through to me. If it was a minor infraction, I was sent to my room and I would listen to hours of music. My ghetto blaster (some call it a boom box) would sit on my desk, on top of a giant paper drawing pad. One time when it was taken away for bad behavior, I drew a giant oval where it used to sit and I wrote in it, “My ghetto blaster was here.” Back to The Beatles.

While I was in the dorms, Chris introduced me to several talented bands and not only did he say they were good, but he knew why. We sat and he showed me time changes, intros, codas, solos, bridges, choruses, special effects, walkdowns, screaming vocals, whispering vocals, drum solos, cowbells and everything in between. Of course, I was occasionally the squirmy or distracted student. However, this usually wouldn’t deter Chris. He knew the songs and he’d raise his hand, look at me and put his finger to his lips right before the killer part I needed to hear. Enter The Beatles.

The Beatles’ music is amazing for so many different reasons. I always consider how a song begins and ends. Maybe it’s the primacy and recency effects that I believe in. Or maybe it intrigues me because this is the part of the song where an innovative band can be distinctly different. Whatever the case may be, The Beatles know how to usher us into a fresh mood and perspective with not only a few melodic notes, a bouncy baseline, a timely drum roll and a cool lick, but with the way they began each song. Whether it was the screaming, distorted electric guitar in Revolution, the pressing piano opening with muted cymbals in While My Guitar Gently Weeps, the circus feeling at the beginning of The Magical Mystery Tour, the plane landing before Back In the USSR, the classic count off to introduce how I Saw Her Standing There or the bluesy harmonica wailing on Love Me Do, these guys knew how to let us know they were coming and they did not disappoint. You’d be hard-pressed to find two Beatles songs that start the same way. While chirping birds introduce Across the Universe, some goofy horns let us know All You Need is Love is coming.

In between the different sections of a song, we usually hear a band play some sort of walkdown (or walk up). A few “interim notes” between the intro and the first verse is one option. Sometimes a band will use a drum roll (hear the first 5 seconds of Semi-Charmed Life) or a special effect or a fast chord progression or bass line. The Beatles were the masters of the in between notes. They didn’t waste time or space. They created blatantly mystifying effects in between A Day in the Life (which I vow to learn the bass line for asap). This sarcastic masterpiece could really be two songs, if you think about it. Funky breathing noises in Come Together accompany the meaty bass line. Obla-di-Obla-da has a number of smile-inducing effects all throughout while a voice screams “I got blisters on my fingers!” at the very end of Helter Skelter.

Listen to some popular bands and see how many different parts their songs contain. Do they sound similar? One hallmark of an amazing band is that a good deal of their catalog has interesting and diverse parts. A number of Beatles and Zeppelin songs could have been several songs, but they chose to make one great song instead.

The Beatles knew how to let it be. The band was about a lot of things, but they took time to either wrap them in fairy tales and nursery rhymes or they just dreamed sometimes and told us all about it. Songs like I Am the Walrus, Octopus’ Garden, Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds and Strawberry Fields Forever remind us that we can still be about a lot of important things and still let go. There is no reason why we can’t reunite with that childhood moment where we dreamed about breathing under water and playing with the fish. Yes, adults write, read and even publish children’s stories sometimes. When a band is too tied up with its genre where it can’t unleash and write a few songs about nothing (kinda like the show about nothing), we get burnt out by all the causes and dilemmas. The human mind has to have a release or what I like to call a reset button. The Beatles knew how to press this button and turn us on to something special.

Once a band creates a killer hook, lick or melody, the temptation is always to overuse it. The Beatles knew how to use those things and special effects, peculiar sounds and mysterious noises without overusing them. The sliding note that sounds like an arrow flying through the air on Hello Goodbye leaves you wanting to hear more. The Ballad of John and Yoko’s groovy bent notes beautifully accompanied John’s rapid fire delivery and the monstrous walking base line. The horns in Sgt. Pepper’s were used sparingly as they chimed in and out throughout.

George Harrison was a gunslinger. Even though his band didn’t rely on him as much as Zeppelin relied on Page, he was still a vital part and when they called his number, he was ready to play. From his excited and innovative solo in Octopus’ Garden to his screaming solo (that sounds a lot like noodling, something he could probably do for hours) in While My Guitar Gently Weeps, George knew how to bring it. The picking in Here Comes the Sun is captivating.

When The Beatles sang, their voices were genuine and interesting. John screamed on Revolution and The Ballad of John and Yoko, but sang sweetly on Here Comes the Sun. You could hear Ringo’s tongue-in-cheek seriousness in With A Little Help From My Friends and his vibrant imagination in Octopus’ Garden. Paul’s passionate, sing-in-the-showeresque Hey Jude’s electrifying ending is, as Paris Hilton may say “hot”.

Finally, Paul McCartney was an amazing bassist for The Beatles. When I teach music lessons, my students enjoy learning songs that feature their instrument. A piano student may want to learn Right Now by Van Halen or the intro to While My Guitar Gently Weeps (which I vow to learn asap). An electric guitar student may want to learn the intro to Money For Nothing, while an acoustic guitar student may want to learn Blackbird. When it comes to “bass songs”, The Beatles have a number of great ones. Most of their songs have a cool bass line, but the bass really smacks you in the face in songs like Come Together, Obla-di-Obla-da and Octopus’ Garden.

In the end, the ones who inspire you are the ones you let inspire you. However, if you like music, you shouldn’t have to try very hard to let the fab four inspire you. They covered all the bases and raised the bar for all other rock music, a bar that most bands don’t even try to reach.

Whole Wheat Berry Bread

Here is a recipe I've adapted and used a few times. It renders yummy bread and it's pretty healthy. Check it out.


Whole Wheat Berry Bread

2 cups whole wheat flour
1/2 cup granulated white sugar
3 teaspoons of baking powder
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
3/4 cup nonfat milk
1/3 cup of vegetable oil (corn, olive, etc.)
1 egg (or 2 egg whites)
1 1/4 cup of fresh blueberries (or blackberries, raspberries, etc.)

1. Pre-heat your oven to 400 degrees F (205 degrees C). Use nonstick cooking spray to grease the bottom of some Pyrex glass bakeware (or something similar).
2. In a medium bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, milk, oil, egg and salt. Mix everything together, then fold in the blueberries.
3. Bake for 20 minutes, then insert a toothpick or similar device into the center. If it comes out dry, it’s finished and if it comes out moist, it needs more cooking time.
4. When your bread has reached the desired consistency, let cool for 3 minutes, then cut into squares with a pizza cutter.

This healthy recipe made 21 small squares and rectangles. Enjoy!

It's Time to Get Serious, Again

Well, my weight loss program worked really well until recently. I'm not sure what happened over the past 2 weeks. Maybe I was celebrating. Maybe I was eating nervously. Whatever the case may be, I found myself eating Pop Tarts in the middle of the night, eating way too much ice cream at one sitting and simply eating a bit too much in general. In fact, I sometimes binged on peanut butter and I'd hunt down chocolate, throw it in the peanut butter and eat it. Wow, it was really good! Eventually, I had to give the CostCo-sized container to my wife and I had to ask her to hide it from me. No joke. Pretty pathetic, eh?

I've been forthright about my successful weight loss program, so I figured I should be forthright about my failures as well. I've been failing a bit on the caloric intake front. I'm exercising about the same amount and even more than usual, lately. So, that's a good thing . . . but here's the thing. I found myself failing in a similar way in March, so I slacked off for the first 1-2 weeks and worked hard for the last 2+ weeks and ended up finishing the month in great shape (losing about 3.5 pounds). This time, my plan is to work very hard until I leave for Hawaii on May 7. My starting weight today is 152, but I think that's a bit inflated as I'm likely retaining some water. My goal weight is 140. It won't be easy to get there in 30 days (it would probably mean losing 8-10 actual pounds), but I'm going to do my very best and see what happens.

I've found a few guidelines that help me lose weight. I've been printing these on a sheet that I keep in a visible place. On this sheet, I also have daily boxes for recording my weight. They're pretty simple and yours might be a little different than mine, but here are my guidelines:

1. Don’t eat after 9pm.
2. Don’t eat when you wake up in the middle of the night! Drink lots of ice cool water instead!
3. Weigh yourself every day and write it below!
4. Drink plenty of water, especially when you don’t need to eat food.
5. Exercise 5-7 days each week and eat healthy foods.
6. Eat reasonable portions.
7. Avoid eating out too much and eating too many fried and fatty foods.

By the way, if anyone reading is thinking about starting an exercise or weight loss program, let me make one suggestion. Exercise in a way where you like what you do and you'll find yourself doing it far more often. For example, right now, I don't really enjoy running or lifting weights, so if that were a part of my program, I wouldn't be very happy and I'd probably quit. However, riding my bike (and sometimes an exercise bike) and surfing are primary components of my exercise regimen because I enjoy them and look forward to doing them. When you find a sport or a particular exercise that you enjoy a lot and can do on a regular basis (e.g. don't choose snow skiing if you have to drive 2 hours to the snow), you're on the right path.

The Coolest Wave and the Scariest Dolphin

Well, like the title says, I encountered the coolest wave and the scariest dolphin, today! Here’s my story . . . and I’m stickin’ with it. ; )

Today was foggy and overcast. The marine layer had crept in well before I woke up and was sticking around all day. Every once in awhile this happens and it might not be as nice as a sunny day, but it’s definitely cool and different! Thankfully, I recognized this before I left my house, so I not only wore my wet suit, but I also wore my 5mm neoprene socks, a sweatshirt, a hat, a hood and gloves. Everything kept me very comfortable in the 63 degree weather.

The 2 mile ride to the beach was fantastic. Seeing things in a slightly different light was nice for a change. And for some reason, I felt an inner peace and happiness. As rode my bike with my board under my arm, I looked around at the locals driving their cars and I felt them saying, “Thata boy. Don’t let slightly inclement weather get you down. Go get ‘em.” Or something like that.

Upon reaching the boardwalk at Diamond St., I examined the surf. It was pretty good from Crystal Pier to Tourmaline. I watched a couple surfers try to catch some of the waves and fail. Shaking my head, I rode my bike South and didn’t stop until I got to PB Surf Shop on Garnet. I noticed Mackey standing outside, so I pulled up my cruiser for a chat. I love talking to him. He always seems like such a simply genuine dude. Plus, I feel his kindness and gentle encouragement helped me get my butt down here to exercise, beginning last March, when I hungered for a change and some much needed discipline and love. I used to change into a free rental wet suit in their shop and leave my stuff in there before catching waves. In fact, he and Danny even let me keep my board in their shop! Extremely nice of them, especially because I was and am undeserving of such kindness and privilege.

So, Mackey and I talked about whatever for awhile. Sometimes, I hear about crazy surfing adventures. Sometimes, I tell him true stories about my surfing escapades. Today, I almost forgot to tell him I’m going to Hawaii next month, but I turned my cruiser around after driving off about 10 yards and told him. He was stoked to hear it and began telling me about a secret surf spot he found on the North Shore. San Diego is beautiful and the surf is great, but I’m deeply excited about this upcoming trip to Oahu!!! Even small waves would be welcome because I won’t have to wear any wet suit. If memory serves me correctly, the water is in the 70’s.

I noticed the tide was very low and it reminded me that there was a super low tide around 10:30am. Super low tide is great for tide pools, but usually not for catching waves. It was about 2 hours later, so the tide was rising, but still low. I discovered (or rediscovered) how difficult it was to waste time! I ended up doing my same routine of riding my bike to about Tower 24, checking the wind direction and thinking about the best break to take, then choosing and doing it.

After I parked my bike, hopped the boardwalk wall and walked in front of Tower 23, I felt a bit apathetic. I wasn’t entirely sure why, but I knew the weather and lack of people had something to do with it. I tend to feed off the energy of others. When the beaches are packed or when there are lots of people working hard to catch waves, it inspires me to give everything I’ve got. This time, I had to drink my Red Bull before I felt that way. I had to change my mind too and realize again that just because today was different, it wasn’t necessarily bad and it could even be better in some ways.

I only had a 30 minute surf session this time, but it was both unique and fantastic. The waves were a bit bumpy because we had a serious South eddy. The wind was probably around 10mph. I would normally know the exact amount and direction, but for some reason my iPhone’s Weatherbug application wasn’t working. Surfline.com said it was 8-14 knots, but that was just an estimate. I believe it was gusting a bit because it certainly wasn’t howling or 10mph the whole time. In fact, it seemed pretty calm most of the time and it didn’t freeze my cheeks like it had done before.

When I’m in the water catching waves, I become extremely analytical. No, I’m not talking about life’s deepest questions, but I’m referring to analyzing every wave. There is probably nothing worse than paddling out over, under and through whitewash, fighting to get out and then taking a wave that quickly closes out and provides no real ride. This is why I become very picky and look at the texture of every way. Should I take this one left or right? Is this one going to break on me, past me or right with me? Is this wave going to wall up and close out fast? Nearly every session, by being picky, I find good waves to ride. This session was no different and I even rode one amazing wave that I can hardly describe. But I’ll try.

As I looked at this wave rolling in, I realized I needed to take it right. If you’re looking at the wave from the beach, I’ll be going to your left (my right while riding). Taking it right was the right choice because the left side was walling up and wouldn’t have given me a ride. So, I take this 5’+ wave right and immediately want to spin, so I spin the board, but for some reason my body didn’t spin with it and the board did a 180 degree turn. My weight must have been positioned just right to do this. I actually spun the board with my hands and promptly sat on it with my butt, riding it quickly and to the right all along. If I had been positioned any differently, I would have eaten it. So, I’m riding this wave like I said and I figure, let’s do more spins! So, I do a 360 spin and I’m still riding it with good speed! So, I do another 360 spin and I’m still riding! It was truly phenomenal. I had never ridden a wave like this before. The wave finally ended and as I was being pushed along by the whitewash, I flipped another 360. Finally, I hopped off and shot my board out from under me. Wow, what a ride . . . it was absolutely nuts!

Before this wild ride, something else very cool (yet a little scary) happened to me that had never happened before. I see dolphins and sea lions swimming around from time to time; perhaps once a week on average. Every time except one, they were swimming either North/South or South/North, parallel to the beach. That one other time, a sea lion was swimming from waist deep water out into the deep sea (which was a little unnerving). Well, this time, a dolphin was swimming right at me! From about 20 yards ahead of me, this dolphin was swimming directly East and directly at me. Now, I’m not an oceanographer or anything, so I’m not entirely sure it was a dolphin (I never am), but I’m pretty sure it was. Nonetheless, it made me a bit uncomfortable because I figured this animal could swim awfully fast and I wasn’t sure about his intentions. I guess I haven’t heard of any dolphin attacks . . . but you don’t really take comfort in that when you’re by yourself in the water, on a board, about 100 yards from shore. So, I took the next wave very far, into knee deep water and turned to look for the dolphin . . . and never saw him again.

For what it’s worth, this made me realize something important. I had just been thinking about the phrase “it takes a village.” It deserves more thought and attention, but in short, I believe our position in life relies partly on the people around us who either love and “promote” us or hate and “detract” us from reaching our goals and our potential. We all need other people to love and help us, just as they need us to love and help them. Well, the water is another, similar community. I exist in the water because the creatures who live there accept me. They do not eat me, but they allow me to live there with them and they even fascinate me. Likewise, they exist because humankind has allowed them to do so by taking care of the environment, not preying on them too much, cleaning up after mistakes (e.g. oil spills), etc.

Here’s to another great day (even though I only shared a small part of it here). I thank my community and my Creator and hope that I can be a light to them as they have been a light to me.

Oh yeah, one more thing. After my session, I got a cup of coffee at Be Curious and I relaxed. There were four kids with rented, foam surfboards trying to stand and immediately falling in all different directions. Dude, I was tempted to run down there with my iPhone video camera and record them! It was so funny! I laughed out loud several times. Thanks again to the lil c and the big C for loving on me. I certainly don’t deserve so much so often.

My Secret Surfing Session

Today was a great day for lots of reasons. One highlight was riding my cruiser to the beach and catching waves. Here’s my story.

The surf report said 2-3 ft., occ. 4 ft., but it was WAY wrong. In fact, it was equally as wrong yesterday. I don’t think I’ll tell anyone though. If people don’t know how epic it actually is, then maybe there will be more waves and fewer people!

It was about 75 degrees today, possibly up to 78 here at the beach. Absolutely gorgeous, except there was a big chunk of fog that rolled in and hung around. The marine layer does that from time to time! It wasn’t at my home, which is about 2 miles from the beach sand. I saw it while riding on my cruiser when I was about 3 blocks from the beach. It was like a wall of translucent white that cloaked the coast. In fact, the line of white started very near the board walk. As I sat on my bike and surveyed the surf up and down the coast, I was under the line. However, it didn’t seem to effect las touristas! There were plenty of those blessed howlie-like folks here today. It’s Spring Break!

For some reason, catching waves in front of a crowded beach is more exciting than catching waves before an empty beach. My adrenaline flows a little more. I paddle a little bit harder, a little more often. It’s even a bit more fun because you can see mouths drop when you cut across a wave and do 360s.

Today, I had a secret 1 hour session. Well, not totally secret, but I used that in the title cuz it sounded cool. The fog was so thick that there were times when I could not see the people on the shore without squinting. It made me realize they probably couldn’t see me more the giant surf! The surf was sometimes flat, sometimes 2-4 ft. and sometimes 5-7 ft.! I was thrilled that the surf report was WAY off for the second day in a row. I’m not sure why, but I think they think my breaks are cut off from the South storm swell that we’re getting (seemingly crossed up with another big swell).

During this session, I entered the water directly in front of Tower 23. There were several nice waves there I wanted to check out and they were completely ignored by the tourists trying to surf and the locals. I wasn’t sure why, but why hassle it?

I zipped up my wet suit, put on my boots and gloves and started out. I did my usual routine of walking out as far as possible, hopping under a couple big waves, then paddling my butt off until I was in the right spot to catch a wave. This usually means duck diving a wave or two as well. Before too long, the current took me to Tower 22 (which is pretty close to Mission Beach or it might even be in Mission Beach, I’m not sure where the official border is). Several months ago, I had been blown North from Pacific Beach at Diamond St. to Tourmaline and this time I was blown South nearly the same distance.

This was a very exciting session because the waves were big and staying open plenty long enough for me to cut around and even do 360s while continuing on the wave! I also found something else interesting. There are some rules in surfing and I hope everyone who catches waves knows them, but more or less, the person furthest out and closest to the start of the wave have priority. If someone else wants to get on the wave somewhere else, they shouldn’t because it’s not there wave. Well, I was blown into a group of kids who were obviously friends because a nice wave was coming, the kid with priority was taking it and he yelled the name of one of the other two kids and they took the wave together! I wondered if this was a game they played or what.

I didn’t see any animals in the water this time. About two or three days ago, I saw a sea lion swimming East from the beach. This was unique and a little unnerving. When I usually see these guys, they’re swimming North/South, but this animal was coming from the beach! I don’t know why he was in so shallow, but I’d prefer if they didn’t do that. That’s where I swim! These creatures and the dolphins tend to get really close to me, so I wonder if one day I’ll be able to pet one. If I ever do, I’m sure my heart will be racing and I hope I’m wearing my gloves.

A Pretty Sweet Session and Day!

Today was one heck of a day . . . I won't recall every bit of it, but what I consider some of "the highlights."

I had bought a Rip Curl Classic LS 3/2 wet suit in mid-October and used it for approximately 82 hours (no joke, I keep a tight exercise log). I had to glue it with wet seal two or three times, but it was no big deal. It served me well and if it weren't for the fact it was too loose and letting water in (I've lost 20 pounds since I bought it), I would have used it until the summer.

Today I bought a Rip Curl e3Bomb M 4/3 wet suit and it's fantastic. It fits like a condom, keeping the water out and keeping me toasty warm. It's totally sealed inside, too. Normally, it's $300, but it was marked down 40% at Southcoast Surf Shop, so I bought it out the door for under $200. It's a small price to pay for warmth.

After my purchase and after picking up Jordan, I had an interesting session just North of the Crystal Pier in PB. There was a distant storm causing an infrequent 4-6 foot swell to roll through. Sometimes, I waited 5-10 minutes for three big waves, but sometimes 10 giant ones would come at me like no tomorrow! Then it would go nearly flat for several minutes. Quite a trip, but I was able to pick off a number of corners and even a couple of big waves in my 90 minute session.

That's it. Now, get back to what you were doing before you read this. It was probably more important anyway . . . unless . . .

Later,
Jason

Chocolate Milk by The Lemonade Stand Band (no joke!)

Chocolate Milk

This is a great song from a great band. In fact, I'm good friends with the bassist and got to sit in on a few sessions of theirs. They even threw me onstage during a show in Phoenix . . . that was nuts. Anyway, take a listen!

145 - Yet Another Goal Reached

As if you didn't hate me before . . . I reached my next goal today! On December 6, when I weighed 153 pounds, I vowed to get to 145 and I finally made it. It took me about 12 weeks to lose the last 8-9 pounds (I'm actually 144.2 today). Slow and gradual weight loss over the holidays was the best I could do.

The bad news? Well, I'm still not where I want to be. I guess that's not necessarily bad news. Right? If I was where I wanted to be . . . where would I go?

Anyhow, I was 14% body fat a couple of days ago and I think I need to lose about 8-9 more pounds. 135 is my new goal. Nothing will stop me as usual, but your prayers and well wishes are always appreciated. I'd like to get there by May 1, but we'll see!

By the way, I have no secret to this weight loss except discipline and hard work over time. It has been an exciting process and I'm looking forward to today and tomorrow.

Sincerely,
Jason

P.S. If you want something to pray for, it's that I stretch on a regular basis. It always makes my body (especially my back and pinched nerve) feel much better. I want to stretch every day, which was my New Year's Resolution. I even enrolled my daughter to stretch with me! But it's a daily thing . . . and as long as I look at it that way and not that I've been defeated by the past few days of being lazy, I can do it today . . . and so can you (whatever your goal may be).

Whole Wheat Blueberry Bread Recipe

Whole Wheat Blueberry Bread Recipe

I made this bread yesterday and it turned out well! I found a recipe on the internet and adapted it, to make it healthier.

Ingredients:
3/4 cup of sugar
1/8 cup of butter
2 egg whites (or 1 egg)
2 cups of whole wheat flour
2 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
3/4 cup of nonfat milk
2 cups of blueberries (or 2 bananas)

Instructions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease pan with no-stick spray. Mix sugar, butter and egg whites. Mix in dry ingredients and add milk. Fold in blueberries. Fill pan 2/3 full. Bake for approximately 1 hour.

Variations:
I haven’t tried any variations yet, but you may want to try using Splenda sugar to decrease calories. You may also want to add chopped nuts to the mixture and/or a topping or icing.

Top 10 Things You Probably Can't Do Too Much Of

10. Think.
9. Stretch.
8. Exercise.
7. Pray/Meditate.
6. Smile.
5. Help.
4. Listen.
3. Give.
2. Learn.
1. Love.

Being in the Zone is Even Better Than Being “Back in the Day”

First, I don’t write these things to brag. Please don’t take my excitement or candor as boasting. I see no point in such things. I’m simply writing to journal and gather my thoughts on something I’ve been thinking about for awhile: Today is even better than “back in the day.”

Talk to anyone 20+ and sooner or later they’ll reflect on a previous time in their life and talk about it like it was the pinnacle of their existence. There is nothing wrong with looking back and being excited about stuff you did. Heck, we all have good memories (and bad). What I’m talking about here is when a person, possibly in their 30’s or 40’s or even older refers to some epoch in their life as the best. This obviously implies that their plans have went somehow wrong and their current existence is less satisfactory. Yes?

Now that we have that out of the way, it’s time for the stuff that I warned you about in the beginning. As much as I’ve longed to have my high school years back, as much as I enjoyed my college years and as much as I dug single life and the dating scene, I’m in the best place I’ve ever been right now.

There are so many reasons why I’m in the position I’m in right now. I cannot take all of the credit, although I had a hand in it. Circumstances and forces have forced themselves on me and I’ve used my time and resources to respond appropriately.

I live in Pacific Beach, which is an unincorporated city inside San Diego, California. My wife, daughter and I live in a condo on the 4th floor and it’s approximately 1 mile from Mission Bay and 2 miles from the beach sand. It’s an optimal location for countless reasons.

The 4th floor location of our condo is perfect for a noisy musician like me! We have no neighbors above us and we have a stairwell to our West. Our South wall is shared by a couple who works (one is in the military) a whole lot and are rarely there. Our neighbor below us is also a musician who plays an instrument that sounds like a flute. She is a nice woman from Germany. By the way, did you know that I’m German? My last name is Gastrich (and used to be Gastreich and Gastrick respectively many years ago).

The location of our condo causes me to ride my bike 2 full miles to the beach. If we lived further away, it would either be harder or more difficult to bike to the beach and I wouldn’t do it on a regular basis. If I lived closer to the beach, my ride would be shorter and I wouldn’t get as much exercise. To illustrate why this matters, I’m going to look in my exercise log and see how many hours I ride my bike to the beach and back on a regular basis. BRB. Ok, during November and December 2008 and January 2009, I averaged 17.5 hours a month on my bike. Nearly all of these hours are to the beach and back to catch waves.

I’m in the best physical condition of my life. I weigh 147 pounds and I just lost 40 pounds. Wow, it feels good! : ) I just bought a new wardrobe at The Gap, Old Navy and somewhere else. I had a size 38 waist and now I have a size 28 waist. As you can imagine, I’m a helluva lot faster in the water; which is critical when you have huge surf wanting to crash down on you. I can paddle faster, so I can catch more waves and fewer waves crash on or in front of me.

I cannot remember when I weighed 147 pounds. Looking back, I think it was in 9th or 10th grade. I was 135 before and presumably during 8th grade because of Pop Warner football. And I remember being 187 pounds in 12th grade at the football weigh ins because I was eating tons of stuff to try to get to 190 in roster. My pictures in 8th, 9th and 10th grade show me as a fit and toned guy, but pictures from 11th, 12th and my Freshman year of college indicate an overweight body. From my Junior year through my first year of graduate school, I got into very good shape and was 153 pounds.

I’m married with a loving wife and a cool daughter. I seriously have no need to be on the prowl. My needs are repeatedly met and I’m there when they need me. Things aren’t always peachy, but overall things are good and moving in the right direction on the homefront.

I really like my car. My Dad gave me a Ford Thunderbird a few years ago and it runs well. It’s not worth a fortune, but that’s fine by me. I recently considered selling it and buying something else, something newer, but I decided against it because my car runs very well and I like it. I decided to give it a new paint job, rims and tint (which is what I did with my first car – a 1985 Toyota Camry – when my Mom gave it to me when I was 16 years old). It has a very good stereo and it’s fun to drive!

My daughter goes to an excellent private school. She is getting a Christian education from teachers who care deeply about her. The classes also have a smaller teacher to student ratio than public schools.

I’m making enough money with my jobs that I’m able to pay all of my bills, use some money for fun stuff and save a little! I don’t think I was put on this Earth to work 70 hours a week until I die, just so I can be a little richer. On the contrary, I’m pretty sure I’m here now to work 30-40 hours and use the rest of my time very wisely.

I frequently catch waves at the beach. It has been a little more difficult to have the discipline necessary to get myself down there every day in the winter, though. The water is currently 55-56 degrees and the cool winds in the afternoons will make you super cold after you get out of the water. Nonetheless, I’ve still been going and I did go and will go religiously when it warms up a little.

Surfing is a privilege and a curse. It’s a blessing and a beast. Some people will consider my chosen form of exercise and occupation and still say I don’t work or do anything. On the contrary, I do everything, all the time, over and over again.

Until a few months ago, the only thing really lacking in my life was a social life and I’m happy to have one again. I was in a fraternity in college and hung around with the guys nearly every night. I was in the youth group at my church from birth until college. There were always people to see and things to do! However, you move a few times (once to Virginia and back) and you get married and a little older and you might realize your friends are gone! Like I did! Then I found them all on Facebook. : )

In all seriousness, I didn’t find them ALL, but I found a good percentage of them! I’ve been so happy to reconnect with people I used to hang out with. I’m pretty self-confident and I generally don’t mind doing stuff alone – from driving across country to going to the gym – but I do like talking to my buddies and going out with friends from time to time! Facebook helped fill this void.

My in-laws live three hours away and my parents live 30 minutes away. For my wife’s sake, I wish my in-laws lived closer. However, for my sake, the current situation is good. We don’t have to worry about drop-ins and we aren’t expected to visit all the time. It should be said that I do love my in-laws and my parents very much and enjoy spending time with them, though.

I’m self-employed and do not work 9 to 5. In fact, I work whatever hours I want to work. Now, this may seem great and wonderful – and it is – but it only works if you actually work. And the first thing people normally want to do when they don’t have to work is not work. Think about it. So, whether you believe it or not, I’m telling you it takes far more discipline to work when you’re self-employed. I really don’t mind, though. Lots of things take discipline and like someone once said to me, “You get nothing worthwhile without hard work.”

I really enjoy my schedule because I like change. Sometimes I go to bed at 11:30pm or 12:30am. Sometimes I go to bed at 3am. That’s just how I roll. I don’t like a set routine when it comes to sleep because inspiration can strike at any time. For instance, if I’m working on a web site that needs to be fixed or finished, I don’t want to stop until it is complete. If I’m trying to find some songs on my guitar, I’m not going to stop until I finish. And so on and so forth. There are a handful of things that really need to be done when they come up. I have enough lists of things to do, why add onto them if you don’t have to?

As for the past . . . . . there was a lot of joy, but also a lot of pain. High school was amazing! Being around so many different people was awesome. I enjoyed talking to people in the halls, at lunch, during class, after school, etc. It seemed that there was always something new to do and someone new to talk to. Great fun! However, it wasn’t all fun.

I had a curfew, so I couldn’t be out all night. I had break-ups and sad times with various girls. My football team sucked. I got thrown out of my private school twice and had to start over at the public school and I obviously didn’t graduate with the friends I had hung out with for years and years.

During college, I experimented for a bit, then got very religious. Experimented probably isn’t the right word because that’s not really what I did. I simply abused alcohol and drugs and sex far more than I should have. It was a lot of foolishness going nowhere for no good reason. This, of course, was followed by several years of the other extreme.

During graduate school, I thirsted for knowledge. However, I also hungered for a wife. This led me to get thrown out of Liberty Seminary in Virginia. I found a girl in Israel who lived a few hours from my school and we, um, shacked up and they didn’t like it and dismissed me.

Marriage was a great thing for me. I got married to a great, Christian girl when I was 26 and I felt like I waited plenty long. The first few years were rough, but we’ve worked through them and are in a good place now. Our 8th anniversary is in April of this year.

I’ve written a few books and I’m in the process of writing a couple more. I’ve visited exciting places like Israel, Greece, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Mexico, Canada, Hawaii and La Paz. I’ve written songs and recorded them. I’ve embarked on two 40 day fasts. I’ve tripped on ecstasy and acid (about a decade ago), I’ve run for Governor of California as a Republican and I’ve earned an M.A. and Ph.D. in Biblical Studies. There isn’t a whole lot I haven’t done (besides the horrible things I’ve ruled out and stayed away from on purpose).

Well, I’m going to bring this “dear diary” “book” to an end in a minute. Looking back at this letter and my overwhelming feelings of contentment and joy, I suppose I have simple needs. While I have big personal aspirations, I don’t feel like I have to do anything I cannot immediately do in order to have these feelings. I have them every day. Perhaps it’s simply self-actualization now.

Don’t get me wrong. My life isn’t perfect. In fact, it’s far from it. It consists of a lot of hard work, discipline and even some pain. However, after a lot of tedious tacking and sailing, it’s awesome to be in the zone.

Walking On the Moon

Well, I’m back, baby! After a 2 week hiatus (i.e. San Diego’s oceans finally had their contamination warnings lifted on Friday), I kicked some butt in OB. I opted for a morning session because it was the best – no wind and big surf. The high tide was a little higher than I would have liked for that break, making some of the waves roll out of reach, but I still caught 5 or 6 waves through the pier. On one ride, the wave started breaking as soon as I caught it and it literally threw me through the pier! I was really close to hitting one of those barnacle-ridden posts. Thank God I missed it. It must have looked gnarly because a surfer on the other side asked if I was ok! I assured him I was fine and I paddled back to my spot.
Sarine tried to film me catching waves through the pier, but had camera issues or something. Apparently, it happens too fast and I’m on the other side. I’m not sure why this has stopped her from filming fast or at least the first part, but what do I know.
The waves were 3-5 ft. with occasional 6-7 footers. Very nice and big, crazy and fun. I was in the water for 1 hour, then had to get back to reality. I can’t wait to check it out tomorrow, but I’ll probably do my home break in PB.
I have all kinds of thoughts and feelings about the last 2 weeks of our ocean’s contamination – and how it affected me and other non-aquatic and aquatic life – but I don’t want to get into it. I guess the bright side is that it’s the coldest part of the year with water temps around 55-56 degrees. Brrr. If there HAS to be pollution from urban runoff – and there doesn’t have to be – I guess it’s best to be in mid/late February instead of May or August.

6 Endearing Things About Me (You May Wish You Didn't Know)

I think Arnold Schwarzenegger should make a few movies and donate the money to the State of California’s budget problems he hasn’t been able to fix.

A very old millionaire (with janitor access and keys) used to break into my office that I was renting from a local church. He would snoop around and leave after dropping some silver dollars in my change jar. I politely asked the church receptionist to have the locks changed. After waiting several days, I changed them myself and gave a spare key to the receptionist.

I prefer listening to music over watching TV.

I wear sunglasses whenever I want.

I’ll put something on TV I don’t like, so I won’t watch it and I’ll work instead. I do the same thing with music I don’t like.

Back in high school, while driving around El Cajon in the back of a truck, I punched through one of those wood, dangling Century 21 signs that people stick in their yard to sell their house.

Sunray by Riley Armstrong

This is a sweet song, so put on your head phones and take a listen.

Sunray by Riley Armstrong

Where else would it go
The sky is all it seemed to ever know
Caught up in the day
Quietly shines the day away
Maybe we'll cast another shadow
And measure the minutes by the hours
Build a bridge with the air
And breathe away the bonds that hold us there

Chorus:
Keep the day awake, i don't want it to end
By the time Orion rises, we'll be on the move again
Send a letter to tomorrow and let it say
That off the ocean blows inspiration with every warm sunray

Can't help but squint my eyes
The purpose only seems to magnify
I feel it in my bones
I see it and it's blowing down the road

Maybe we'll run along the hilltops
And in the tall green grass we'll drop
At the clouds we'll stare
And see what pictures the clouds might bare

Bridge:
Sunray, sunray
And we'll give to all the people just the same
Sunray
And we will never ever ever want to change.

Sweet Session @ Sunset Cliffs!

Today was supposed to be a special day and it already has been. Storm surf from three storms was arriving. On special days, I like to go to the Ocean Beach pier because it’s usually a foot bigger than my home break in PB and shooting the pier makes catching waves doubly exciting! So, when I saw the report a few days ago and knew a storm was coming, I had to plan things accordingly. The trick was going to be to catch some meaty waves before the storm actually hits, rains all over us and washes shit into the water. So far, so good.

I rolled down to my adopted break at the OB pier. I got there first thing in the morning at 11am. As the report said, there were some lulls and the big sets were a little inconsistent. However, I eventually saw a wave or two that would probably power me through the pier. I wasn’t satisfied with this today, so I went down to Sunset Cliffs. To me, Sunset Cliffs was a place I went a few times with Mark Baldwin and a couple of girls when I was 16 years old. Good times. But it was never a place where I caught waves. This all changed today.

The cliffs stretch for several miles along the coast above Ocean Beach. They’re quite beautiful and the views are amazing. I took the picture above with a new iPhone application that improved the mexapixels from 2 to 4. I just downloaded it last night and it seems to work nicely.

The first place I stopped at the cliffs had some nice, big, rolly waves. It looked excellent, but nobody was in the water. I even saw a spot where I could climb down the cliffs and hop in. This puzzled me a bit because there were a number of surfers about 100 yards North and 100 yards South of this area. I watched for awhile, listened to some music and even talked to a passerby about the break. He said someone died last year in this part and that it was a bit dangerous because of the rocks. If there were just a person or two in the water here, I would have went for it. I don’t like it crowded, but I also don’t like to be the only person in the water. As far as I’m concerned, that could be a warning sign that this location isn’t good.

As I was perplexed at this seemingly perfect place, I looked to the next one South and noticed a surfer trying to enter the water. He paused and walked cautiously down some wet rocks and hopped into the water. Bingo! That’s what I’m doing!

I rolled to the next location, got my wet suit and gear on and followed this dude’s route. It worked perfectly. However, I did wait as the big set was finishing before I jumped in the water. This was both a good and a bad idea. It was a bad idea because there was 2-3 ft. of water and a few feet of spray hitting and pushing me as I stood on a rock full of coral and shells. However, it proved to be a good idea because after the set was finished, I had a clearer and easier path to paddle out.

This break was very different. In fact, I believe it is either a rock or coral break. It broke consistently in the same spots (and inconsistently in others). I don’t know if I can describe the breaking wave bowl that kept coming, but I wish I could. I can picture it in my mind and it was horseshoe-shaped, generally breaking both right and left, with some crumble and a spot toward the middle that broke the slowest. See, I told you I probably couldn’t describe it that well. Guess you had to be there.

Anyhow, I spent about 90 minutes catching waves here. It was awesome. I caught some super long rides and the waves stayed open plenty long, so I was able to cut around on them and spin. I did a really clean and quick 360 degree spin on one 5’+ wave and kept on riding after the spin. Sweet. Dude.

I wanted to stay out a little longer than I did, but this break was especially tiring. Why? Well, the rides were so long, if you actually took the wave for what it was worth (which I routinely did), you’d find yourself about 100 yards away from where you were (and where you needed to be for the next set). So, after each wave, I immediately paddled hard right back out.

Getting back in and up the rocks was a little tricky. At first, I thought I entered about 50 yards from where I actually did, so I had to paddle in very shallow water to the right spot. Fortunately, two surfers were exciting right ahead of me! I saw how they climbed out and it enabled me to do the same. Some dick sped in front of me and forced his way up ahead of me quickly, almost hitting me with his board. Not cool. I was actually a bit offended, but didn’t say anything to him.

The waves were over 6’ and the form was good. It was actually an epic session! So much so that I decided not to have a double session. Well, I also decided it was enough because I rolled back to the OB pier and it was the same size as before: not that impressive. I figured it would be awfully anti-climactic to finish at the pier.

Motley Crue Concert Review – San Diego, CA – February 2, 2009

Motley Crue’s concert was on Monday night at 6:30pm. Doesn’t sound very “Motley Crue”, does it? Here is my story and review. Disclaimer: There will be profanity in this review. If you’re under 18 or 13 or if profanity makes your ears bleed, stop reading.
“When I say Motley, you say Crue! Motley! (the crowd chants Crue!) Motley! (Crue!),” were Tommy Lee’s last words as his shadowy tattooed frame bounced around the stage and vanished. This was the end of the show of all shows, or something like that. I don’t have too many friends like these fuckers, but I have (and have had) a few. It’s pretty rare when you have a buddy who can call you that and laugh and still be your buddy. But that’s what Motley Crue is all about. They simply encourage giving and getting the middle finger. Peculiar, yet liberating and even a bit refreshing all at the same time.
As for the music, I was unfamiliar with their new stuff, but it sounded good. Definitely on the same wavelength of their older music. I’ll have to check it out asap. Normally, I would have heard it before the show, but I’ve been super busy and couldn’t find time to do it.
I would have liked to hear longer intros to Kickstart My Heart, Dr. Feelgood and Looks That Kill (although they did have a different and slightly longer intro for this one). On the other hand, their music was pretty true to their album versions. They brought out a piano for Home Sweet Home and Tommy Lee jumped out from behind the drums and played the intro. There were also brief moments of (straight talk?) from Tommy Lee and Vince Neil. A bit heartwarming.
Mars was a better guitarist than I realized. He obviously enjoys experimenting with different effects. He has come up with some very interesting hooks. I was impressed when he played Jimi Hendrix’ “Voodoo Chile” for a minute or two. Six seemed pretty good too, but I couldn’t tell if his hair was real or not.
I was fortune to buy an $80 ticket at Cox Arena for just $40. Someone was trying to dump it and I’m glad I got there early because I probably spent 15 minutes waiting for this opportunity. Everything worked like clockwork though because after I got the ticket and a beer and found my seat, the band came on 10 minutes later! I was disappointed to discover they stopped serving beer about midway through the show. Insanity.
There was a very coarse and disappointing moment in the show though. Towards the middle, someone threw a bottle of water at Nikki Six and he had the poor girl thrown out of the stadium. It was clear she was just trying to be cool and join in the mayhem. Nikki even had some very disparaging things to say to her as she cried and left. Very uncool, dude. It was just a water bottle, you pussy.
Anyhow, this show was a lot of fun and really nothing more. I was thinking about going to the seawall at the Ocean Beach pier to ponder life’s deepest questions after the concert. I didn’t go and decided to go home instead because I didn’t have any new nuggets of wisdom to chew on. The messages here were enjoy, keep it simple and less is more . . . among other enlightening messages. Carry on boys, you motherfuckers (with two middle fingers held high in the air)!

Someone Teach Larry Fitzgerald How to Tackle

I wanted the Arizona Cardinals to win because the Pittsburgh Steelers had beaten my San Diego Chargers in the playoffs. The Cardinals had two explosive weapons in Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald. With Kurt Warner at the helm, I figured they would get 500 yards and 5TDs. But it was a great game anyway.

Check this out. During the live game, I thought Larry Fitzgerald held up a bit on the 100 yard touchdown return (which was really the key play of the entire game). The Arizona Cardinals were going to score either 3 or 7 right before the half (and then get the ball from the 2nd half kickoff), but with 18 seconds remaining James Harrison intercepted it on the goal line and returned it 100 yards with no time remaining. In a game that ended 27-23, that play meant everything.

I found the video clip on YouTube and analyzed the play. I'm not putting all the blame on Larry Fitzgerald, but he does have some very peculiar ideas in this situation. First, he runs out of bounds around the 50 yard line, then he runs into his own player and slows up a bit around the 25 yard line, then around the 5 yard line he slows down a bit to try to strip the ball! The strip would have been unnecessary because there was no time left. In fact, I saw the replay and watched the clip over and over and Harrison was almost down at the 1 inch line. If a fast player (perhaps Larry Fitzgerald?) would have taken a better route down the field, Harrison would have been tackled. Just my 2 cents.

Hats off to the Pittsburgh Steelers! In a different year, I probably would have been cheering for you guys!

My Stretching Video - Full Body Stretch for Major Muscle Groups

When I started catching waves on a regular basis, I began stretching my muscles a lot more often. Stretching feels so good! My New Year's Resolution for 2009 is to stretch my entire body each day because it keeps me limber. It also helps me avoid having to get a deep tissue massage each week, too.

On Super Bowl Sunday, I recorded my first 20 minute stretching video. I do not speak in the video, so I decided to write all of my stretches. You can check out the video and follow along below if you want a really good, full body stretch!

Jason Gastrich's Full Body Stretching Instructions
(Click here for the video)

Take a deep breath, sit down and put your feet together. Stretch your groin by gently pulling your heals toward your butt and by pushing down gently with your elbows on your knees.
Look down at your stomach and chest and stretch your neck. Push your chin into your chest. Slowly raise your head and turn it all the way to the right. Turn your head all the way to the left.
Try to touch your right ear to your right shoulder. Gently pull your left shoulder down. Try to touch your left ear to your left shoulder. Gently pull your right shoulder down.
Reach up with your right hand and reach over your head and to your left. This will stretch your right side. Repeat with your left hand.
Put your right hand on the middle of your back and gently press your elbow back to stretch your triceps. Repeat with your left hand.
Reach your right arm across your body and to the left. Gently press your right shoulder and arm into your body to stretch your shoulder. Repeat with your left hand.
Reach straight ahead with both hands. Try to touch a spot just out of reach.
Give yourself big bear hug. Go down and hold, then gently roll a few inches to your right and hold. Repeat to your left.
Grab your right foot and stretch your toes back and hold. Stretch your toes forward and hold. Repeat with your left foot.
Straighten your left leg and grab your right ankle. Pull toward your body to stretch your right quad. Repeat with your left.
With your right foot straight and your left foot bent in (not out), touch your foot and gently lower your head to your knee (or past your knee, if you can). Hold for as long as it takes. If it begins to cramp, back off a few inches and go slower. Repeat with your left hamstring.
Roll back and stretch your lower back by pulling both knees to your chest. Hold and pull closer as your back allows, then gently lift your head and touch your chin to your chest as you pull your legs in.
Lie on your back and put both legs on your right side. Twist your body left while gently pushing down on your left knee. Repeat on the other side.
Stretch your right hip flexor by turning your body left and taking your left leg, putting it on top of your right leg and gently pushing down. Repeat on the other side.
Stretch your right forearm by pulling your fingers back. Do it both ways, then switch and do the other arm.
Roll over on your knees and hands and arch your back and hold. Arch your back the other way and hold, then repeat.
Go down on your chest from your knees. Put your arms on the ground in front of you and gently push up a little, stretching your feet under you.
Go forward and lay flat on the ground. Slowly bend your body up by pressing your hands and lower body into the floor. Hold and stretch further as your body allows.
Stand up and go to a wall. Put your right forward on the wall and stretch your chest. Repeat with the other side.
Putting both hands on a wall, stretch your right calf. Repeat with your left calf.

- The music in this stretching video is from Craig Chaquico’s Acoustic Highway album. The songs include Acoustic Highway, Return of the Eagle, Summers End and Sacred Ground.

Switchfoot's Rare Single - Daylight to Daybreak

One of Switchfoot's coolest songs isn't on any album. In fact, it was a free gift to people who signed up for Switchfoot's mailing list a few years ago! I was fortunate enough to be one of those people. This song is called Daylight to Daybreak. Since they gave it to me, I don't see why I can't give it to you. There is one condition, though. If you like it, you must go sign up for their mailing list!

Daylight to Daybreak
Switchfoot's mailing list

Enjoy!
Jason

My Two Bike Treks - 1-23-09

On Friday, Jordan and I rode our bikes to her school. For about a week or so, I've been wanting to take the 3.5 mile trek with her. She walked her bike up Balboa because it's a big, steep hill. However, she did very well and enjoyed it. I think it was a good test of her mental and physical fitness and I also think it'll benefit her now and in the future. Exercise is always good and pushing yourself a little further than you normally do is great.

After I dropped her off, I took a 19+ mile bike ride to the El Cajon/Santee area. It was a heck of a ride! I even recorded the last, downhill stretch with my iPhone. I'm uploading it to YouTube right now and I'll put it on Facebook and the left side of this blog.

Before my ride, I packed two diet sodas and a diet Red Bull.


I also packed a peanut butter and honey sandwich, but I didn't end up eating it. In addition to my large backpack with those items and some others, I attached my car bike rack to my bike's rack with bungee cords. I did this because I was riding my bike to pick up my car in El Cajon from the mechanic. He had finished working on the transmission. My Dad offered to take me and I'm sure my wife wouldn't have minded too, but I wanted to ride there on my bike.

The first half of the trip wasn't bad at all. There was a lot of city street/city sidewalk driving as I rode East on Balboa, South on Convoy, and East on Aero Dr. There were a couple of really big, fun hills I descended; one toward the North entrance of Qualcomm Stadium and one East down Friars Road. However, it wasn't all downhill.

There were two killer hills and I was only able to make it up one without walking it. The first monster hill was Mission Gorge Rd. going East from Friars Rd. It started by gently going downhill, then it was flat for awhile. After a mile or two, it became steeper and longer. I was determined not to stop and I pedaled and pedaled until I turned right on Jackson. I wasn't sure how long the Jackson hill was, but about halfway up, I decided to stop for 10 minutes for a soda break and to text my wife to tell her I was doing well. After guzzling, texting, and peeing in the bushes, I began my ascent. To my chagrin, it was shortlived. My legs were burning and I could feel the tightness from the lactic acid. I tried my best to control my breathing, but it wasn't easy. I took turns sitting on the seat of my 6 speed beach cruiser and standing while pedaling. I kept looking up the windy hill, hoping to see the end of it. Unfortunately, it kept going and going and before I could make it to the top, I had to walk my bike. Ug. Failure. Not fun, nice or good. I let out a yell of disappointment and tried to catch my breath. I couldn't remember the last time I was physically unable to perform a task like this (although there have been a handful of incidences like this throughout my life), but I later surmised it was good for me. I pushed myself a lot and reached my current limit. With more hard work, my limit will increase.

After walking my bike the remaining 1/4-1/2 mile uphill, I hopped on and coasted down Navajo toward Fletcher Parkway. I rode past a golf course that looked very familiar. In fact, I recalled ice blocking down the grassy hills when I was in high school. Great fun! For those who don't know what ice blocking is, it's when you buy a block of ice from the store, sit on it and ride it down a hill. Not great for the grass, but great fun.

Before this ride, I had been on several long bike rides. The ones that stick out in my mind the most are the two 50 mile rides from Rosarito to Ensenada and the 15 mile ride from Lahaina to Maalaea Harbor on Maui. I saw a very beautiful rainbow while riding that route in Hawaii.

Check out my video. If the rustling wind doesn't give you chills . . . .

Another Special Day

On Saturday, I did some shopping at Walmart on my way to the gym, but I changed my mind and decided to hit the beach instead. I called my house and talked to my daughter Jordan and she agreed to come along, but she wanted to go to OB to see the tidepools. It was going to be a good day for them because there was a -.72 low tide around 3pm and we'd be there by about 4pm or so.

The surf was excellent. Every time I go to OB, it looks a foot bigger than PB. The form is generally good, no matter the tide. Today it was 6'+ and the form was good.

The water temp was around 58 degrees, but it didn't feel very cold today. I wore my full 3/2 wet suit and 5mm booties and gloves. Everything doesn't really make me warm, but it makes the water tolerable for an hour or two.

As I was preparing to get in the water, there were about 30 people with surfboards nearby. They obviously knew each other and probably weren't from around here. For some reason, they paddled way past the breaking waves and got into a circle. I could hear them talking or chanting or something. Pretty odd, but at least they weren't getting in the way. Eventually, they dispersed and most of them simply paddled in while some tried to catch a wave or two.

Since there are extra rocks on the left side of the pier, I entered the water on the right side. I performed my typical routine as I walked until I was about chest deep, then put on my fins. Jumping on my board, I began paddling out. After a couple of minutes, I was deep enough, so I went through the pier to my spot. I waited about 20 yards from the pier and watched the set roll in. There were 3 or 4 good sized waves in each set. They were plenty big enough to shoot me through the pier, although some of them closed up a little, so I had to watch very closely and carefully as they approached me.

After catching waves for 80 hours since October 1 (not to mention a similar, average number of hours since March), one may think that nothing new could happen in the water. Well, a couple new things happened (as they always seem to do). This time, I ran over two surfers (which I've done before), but I was actually able to launch off the back of one of them and catch a few feet of air! He didn't seem to mind too much, but I couldn't have avoided him anyway. I shot the pier, rode the wave another 20-30 yards, then launched off the surfer and rode another 20-30 yards before hopping off the wave.

Jordan found an awesome little starfish in the tidepools!


I can't remember seeing one quite like this one. It had five pencil thin tentacles and its body was probably the size of a silver dollar. She wanted to keep it, but I ensured her that we'd only kill it if we were to take it home. I explained how the ocean had the nutrients it needed and how we'd never be able to give it everything it needed to survive. It took a little reasoning, but she understood and we returned it to the sea. I was proud of her for not crying or throwing a fit because I could tell she really wanted to keep it. I suppose that's a good measure of love; caring about someone (or something) else so much that you'd be willing to part with him to keep him alive.

Remember when . . .

you were a kid and you'd ride your bike everywhere? I think every kid had a back growing up. It was our main source of transportation! It helped me get down the street to play in the creek with the guys. My bike even took me to see girls who lived far away (so did my motor scooter when I was 15, but that's another story).

One summer I rode my bike across the street to 7-11. It was a short ride, but I was only about 12 years old. I had a GT Pro Performer and it was purple and white. I thought it was tight. But I left it outside unlocked for a few minutes and it was stolen! It happened so fast. My Dad suddenly showed up, so we jumped in his car and drove all over looking for it. Since we couldn't find it, I had to work to earn the money for another one. It taught me a lesson about locking my bike up, as I woke early in the morning and ripped ice plant out of my parents' yard. I remember listening to Z90 on my radio and the music kept my mind from going numb. It kept me groovin.


I'm going on two exciting bike rides tomorrow. First, Jordan and I are riding our bikes to her school in the morning. She starts school at 8:15am, so we'll leave early. She's six years old and this is a 3.5 mile bike ride, half of which is uphill. I imagine she'll need to walk her bike during the tough parts, but you never know. This route is slightly new to me and I see it will get us there, but it meanders up a large hill, through a residential neighborhood. It should give beautiful views of the beach, so I'll make sure to allow time to enjoy it . . . and pet stray animals, take candy from strangers and whatever else we need to stop and do.

My second exciting bike ride will involve me riding to El Cajon/Santee to get my car. My transmission was rebuilt by a mechanic out there. It says 19 miles and 35 minutes, but I know it's referring t car driving back streets. It'll likely take me 2 or 3 times that long on a beach cruiser. No matter, though. I'll be listening to my iPod and cruising! Seen my bike lately?

Blogger Buddy/Jon Foreman Interview

I've been wanting to blog smaller, more frequent blogs and I should be able to now. I just installed the Blogger Buddy application into my Windows Vista sidebar. So far, so good!

I just finished watching and hearing Jon Foreman's interview at Point Loma Nazarene University's writer's symposium. I was impressed by his answers. I was also impressed that he cited Led Zeppelin and the Beatles as inspirational musical influences. I couldn't agree with him more. Led Zeppelin is one of the most amazing bands ever and The Beatles were excellent as well. In college, I started with the Zeppelin box set and The Beatles' greatest hits. Now, I frequently listen to Zeppelin. They're one of the few bands who let every member go off, over and over again. There was no telling the drummer to chill out or the bass player to play whole notes. They all played loudly and skillfully together and I hope they get back together to do it again one day.

1-20-09

1-20-09

Run! Go! Fast! Ah, never mind.

This was the last possible minute I could leave before having to pick my daughter up from her after school program instead of directly from class (costing me $8). Oh well. I really don’t like rushing and having to drive fast. I had too much to do and still have too much to do, but now I have to write.

I had to rest and set up my new laptop today.

Real quick. Am I a bad person just because I check the 5 day surf report before I make plans?

Man, I had really mixed feelings about catching waves today. I wanted to go, but my body is pretty tired from the past 3 days of sessions. I could push myself and go, but then it would probably feel a bit worse and take a bit longer to recover. I was prescribed hydrocodone with acetaminophen, so that would certainly help, but I try not to use it. I don’t think it’s that good for my body and I think I may have to use it more often when I get much older. I might as well save my body until then.

Over the three day weekend, we had surf between 6 and 8 feet! There was a storm off Japan and it gave us the nice surge. I spent 4 total hours in the water (although it seemed like more!). My most exciting moments were shooting the OB pier. Man, that has to be the biggest rush. : ) I snapped a board and bought a new one. Rick is taking the board back to Custom X for examination. They said they had never seen anything like it. Here it is below, then my new board.



I’ve been stretching my muscles and they’ve been feeling better. I also iced my back last night. I wonder if this same amount of activity would effect other people (e.g. skinnier, fatter, older, younger, etc.) the same way. I also wonder what I can put in my body to speed recovery time. The “quaint” things I have around the house that could help are whey protein, turmeric, ginger, and fish oil pills (not to mention blackberries, blueberries, bananas, and avocados). Some of those things have natural, proven anti-inflammatory properties. I’ve already had some and I’ll have to make chicken with ginger and turmeric tonight. It’s pretty good.

I got a new laptop yesterday. That’s another reason why I’m staying home from the surf today. It has already taken a few hours to set up and I have a few more hours to go. As I type, I’m on my old computer (which I like, although it has gotten slower as I’ve increased and heightened my multi-tasking).

I bought the Toshiba E105-S1402 at BestBuy. It was just $899! I had spent the previous two days catching up on the latest computer technologies and their functions (e.g. Wireless N, Centrino 2, Dual Core, Core2Duo, and so on and so forth). This one is very fast, especially because I bought a new Wireless N router to go with it. It just screams on the internet. The webcam was pretty cool and I was messing around with it last night. It even has a record of all my fingerprints now. lol

When I buy a new computer, I try to buy one with the newest technology, without it having the very newest/highest specs. When I do this, it always drops in price a few hundred dollars and seems to last many years. For instance, this P8400 processor isn’t the very fastest (according to Dell.com), but it’s close. I simply need to do several tasks at once. If my machine is freezing up, then I’m scratching my balls and waiting.

Man, it sure is fun to transcend all of this day to day stuff. Reality calls and calls.

Hey, I felt something weird today. I was stretching my hamstrings and my abs cramped up! I put my hand on my stomach and I actually felt the muscle quickly bulge! I rubbed it and it went down pretty quickly. I don’t think I had ever felt that happen before.

Barack Obama was inaugurated as our president today. I caught it on TV by coincidence. I was actually going to watch the 2nd half of the Steelers/Ravens game. I’ve been shunning media outlets so I don’t hear the score. So, I heard Barack’s speech and it was very inspiring! It made me feel proud to be an American. No, I’m not really a Democrat (although I do share some of their viewpoints). But I didn’t hear him say anything divisive. I won’t try to summarize it, but here are links to it:

Video Part 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6-zjho9SPgA
Video Part 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u3fuXchPw60
Speech text: http://www.latimes.com/news/politics/inauguration/la-na-obama-speech21-2009jan21,0,2107548.story

He seemed resolute to make America more successful and the speech is worth hearing (or reading). His words to terrorists: “our spirit is stronger and we cannot be broken, you cannot outlast us and we will defeat you.” Putting politics aside for a moment, his hope for this country is certainly great.

By the way, working all day after the 3 day vacation is like working after coming back from Hawaii. Inauguration Day should be a holiday. ; )

Love.

Love. Which other trait, attitude or concept has turned the world on its ear as much? Everyone wants to be in love and feel loved. Knowing someone has made a loving sacrifice for us makes us feel wonderful. Also, knowing someone is currently loving us and wanting to give us great things is very compelling to say the least!

Love has revolutionized the world. It is the one lasting thing everyone wants and needs. Some people enjoy its therapeutic value more than others, just as some keep mindful of heavenly rewards.

Love is at war with the flesh because everyone has to think of their own self from time to time. We’re trained this way because nobody else lifts my fork to my mouth, feeds me, showers me, dresses me, brushes my teeth, etc. We realize there are a number of things we have to do to take care of ourselves, so when opportunities to love arise, we can miss them. The best idea is to plan ahead. If you look at your day in advance, in prayer and meditation, you can plan your actions. You can make time for the unforseen, which is diversion offering you the chance to love someone in some small way.

Married people can have a mental love chart with Him on one side and Her on the other side. Tit for tat, so to speak. One spouse does a few nice things and the other is compelled to do something of equal love and value, matching instead of going over the top.

Singles love their friends to a degree. The love is always unevenly dispersed for different reasons. Why is this so? Should love be rationed out our way or is our way corrupt? Or both?

Some kids tend to walk the thin line between “in trouble” and very close to being in trouble. (Kids can also turn around and do amazingly loving things too!) A more consistent love and respect is always a parent’s hope.

The picture of a baby being born and clinching its fists fills my head. The picture of one wanting what they want, when they want it, despite anything. Without love, isn’t that all we are?

Why use The Message Bible translation?

When I was starting college at San Diego State University, my Mom bought me a Bible. It was called The Life Application Bible, Living Translation. I still have it on my bookshelf. I was born and raised in a Christian home, attended Christian schools from grades 1-12, but I didn't read my Bible that much on my own. This all changed when I got my new Bible. I could hardly put it down! The Word finally made sense to me because it was written in a language I could easily understand. I didn't have to think about King James or wrestle with yeas, thous, mayest, shouldest, couldest, or wouldest.

After college, I attended a few different seminaries and earned graduate degrees in Biblical Studies. I studied Greek and Hebrew and took courses in them. When I study the original languages now, I like to use the KJV and the Strong's Greek and Hebrew Dictionaries and Concordances in my QuickVerse program. However, when I'm not studying, I enjoy reading The Message Bible. It really makes the scriptures come alive in a new, fresh way!

Now, I'm sure there are some people out there ready to call my Mom a heretic for giving me the Living Bible. My Mom was born and raised in North Carolina and attended Baptist churches her whole life. Today, she attends Shadow Mountain Community Church (Southern Baptist) with my Dad in El Cajon, California. She's very conservative and very devout, but not a heretic. In fact, I'm very grateful to her for her gift to me.

While I took a Greek course at Westminster Seminary in Escondido, California, I remember talking to Dr. Baugh in his office. I asked for a meeting because I wanted to know, once and for all, how much had really been changed from the original Greek when newer translations were made. I found there was precious little to be concerned about. It even gave me pause when I considered the amount of time needed to learn Greek because endeavoring to learn it seemed foolish in light of the necessity to do so. In fact, I've written an article or two on my web site that explains the changes that were made in different translations. For the most part, they're negligible. There are one or two changes or omissions that one should be aware of, but that's about it. In case you're interested, here is a link to one of these articles called, "Modern Translations of the Bible vs. the KJV".

The bottom line is this: the best Bible translation you can buy is the one you're actually going to read and use. There is no point in buying a KJV Bible if you don't read it, even though it may be the closest to the original. For these reasons, we are now using The Message Bible in our weekly inspirational emails I send through my non-profit organization. We hope you take a look at them and you can click here if you'd like to read The Message Bible online.

By the way, here is a quick example. Here is Matthew 6:33 and 34 in the KJV, the NKJV, and The Message.

KJV

33But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. 34Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.

NKJV

33But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. 34Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.

The Message

33Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don’t worry about missing out. You’ll find all your everyday human concerns will be met.

34“Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don’t get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes.

12-31-2008

I’ve been thinking about water and how I’ve been drinking a lot this year. It has filled my stomach many times when I was hungry. In fact, I’ve recently discovered that it has helped me lose weight. (After I wrote this entire entry, I removed a small portion here for my personal journal. This entire journal entry was almost kept personal, but I thought it might inspire someone, put a smile on someone's face, or help someone understand their own self or others better.)

Speaking of losing weight, my lowest weight for 2008 is now and it’s 149 pounds. What an amazing accomplishment! I’m so happy that I did it!!! Right now, as I listen to music and type this without my shirt on, I’m happy. I’m impressed. I’m pleased with myself. I give credit to God. I give thanks to my family. I’m getting there. Finally.

As I Look at myself in the mirror now, I’m much better, but I still have some fat to burn off. I’m certainly not there. I still have about 12 more pounds to lose because my goal is 137. I think that’ll remove enough fat for me to live the healthiest possible lifestyle I can live.

I start thinking about Jordan and her weight. I think about my weight when I was a kid. I was teased and felt so horrible about my weight when I was a kid. There were a number of years there, probably between 8 and 12 where I was overweight. In all of my pictures, I have a fat round face and a chubby stomach, arms, and legs. It took Pop Warner football to get rid of it.

When I was in 7th grade, I was 5' 3" tall and I weighed 153 pounds. I remember feeling insecure and wanting to be cool and talk to the popular crowd (e.g. hot 8th grade girls). I had a few things going for me like my odd sense of humor, my smile, and maybe some style, but the weight was pretty much a weight around my ankle. Everything changed that summer.

I wanted to start playing tackle football, so I would be ready when high school football began. I had played flag football, but never full contact tackle football on a team. Unfortunately, when we inquired, we found I was going to play on the Condors. Teams were divided by weight, so I was going to have to play with a team of 8th graders and 9th graders. I didn’t want to play up because I probably would have gotten killed, so I decided to lose fat. The maximum weight for the Falcons was 135 and I lost enough weight that summer to make the weigh ins and I kept it off.

That summer, I had a growth spurt and I grew 5". When 8th grade began, I was a new person! I was now 5' 8" tall! I weighed just 135 pounds, too. I was ready to live and learn and take on the world. I enjoyed this sort of health and fitness until my junior year in high school.

Although I never drank alcohol until I went to Valhalla my junior year in HS, I had started gaining weight. Less exercise and more alcohol from then (1991) until 1994 contributed to mediocre health. I don’t know why I did it to myself. In the beginning, I probably wanted to try beer. I liked the feeling it gave me and everyone at parties was drinking. It helped me fit into a new high school. It was fun and just a weekend thing until college.

When I went to SDSU, I ate dorm food for the first year and went to the gym on and off. I remember attending an abs class a few times. Mostly because of the people who went. I also had a friend named Suzanne who would ride the exercise bike with me from time to time.

I’m not that into alcohol now. I stopped drinking altogether from 1994 until 1998 and from 1999 until 2004. Clearly, I could never moderate. It was either ALL IN or ALL OUT. My motto was “go big or go home!” Ok, I stole it from my roommate. And it’s still my motta, it just doesn’t refer to getting drunk any more.

I’m so happy that I can now moderate my alcohol intake. When I began drinking again in 2004, it was only with my wife Sarine and in small amounts. Since that time, it has remained that way, except I’ll go somewhere like PB Bar and Grill or Lahaina’s Beach House and have a couple of drinks, too.

One of the more stunning things to me is the fact that my alcohol intake in 2008 was normal - perhaps 50 calories a day on average, yet it hasn’t stopped my weight loss. Another thing that is stunning to me is that I’ve lost weight over Thanksgiving and Christmas. I was reading Men’s Health Magazine and last month’s issue said people gain an average of 1.1 pounds around the holidays. I have a folder I call “Weight Control” on my computer. In it, I have some files and one of them is called “Weight” and I’ve tried to record all of my different weights throughout my life. It indicates I lost 3-4 pounds in November and 3-4 pounds in December.

A minute ago, I thought about Jordan and her current weight. She’s such a beautiful girl and the last thing I’d ever want to do is to make her cry or make her feel insecure. However, she needs to lose a few pounds. What do I do? Well, first I can model good behavior. When she sees Dad doing something, she wants to do it. I think that’s how she inherited her love for green beans. ; )

Anyhow, I don’t want her to experience the pain of being overweight; not now and not later. I should show her a picture of me when I was a kid and tell her how kids treated me and how I felt. In 2009, we are both eating healthier and exercising a lot. My wife is another story and since I’m only allowed to mention her name in here if I’m referring to something we’ve laughed at (. . . a rule I created to save my butt), I’ll keep my thoughts about her in my personal journal.

Wow . . . good song just came on. Later. Maybe I'll see you at the beach . . . or if you want to learn an instrument. ; )

Probably the Healthiest Drink in the World

I just made a very yummy and very healthy drink for the umpteenth time, so I figured I'd post the recipe. It gives me lots of energy, tastes good, and is great for you because it's filled with antioxidants, vitamins, and protein, and contains almost no fat.

In a large blender, add about 2 cups of ice. Chop it up about halfway. Using the pulse button helps. Now, add these ingredients:

1 banana
2 large handfuls of blueberries (about a cup)
12 oz. 100% orange juice
12 oz. 100% blueberry/pomegranate juice
2 cups of nonfat yogurt (use your favorite flavors, but I prefer strawberry or blueberry)
1/4 cup of whey protein (I use vanilla and it leaves a hint of vanilla in the drink)
1 unmeasured tablespoon of honey (optional)

Now blend these ingredients together and you're ready to drink up! For different variations, try 2 bananas, add some strawberries, or use other fruit juices. Just make sure your juice is 100% juice! If it isn't, you're adding vitamin-less sugar to your drink.

Does anyone want to suggest a name for it?

Barack Obama: Time Magazine's Person of the Year. Really?

Barack Obama and Joe Biden received 66.7 million votes. David Cook and David Archuleta received 97.5 million votes. Someone better call Time Magazine and tell them to change their victor (or their flimsy criteria) for "Person of the Year. If that isn't their criteria, it can't be any better.

In all seriousness, I haven't read the article, but I pledge to and I'll return and make at least a few comments, including some seriously worthy candidates of mine. I'm hopeful about Obama because I haven't seen him do anything, in or out of the white house, except win a popularity contest against a very old (yet admirable) man.

Review - Tom Morello at the Belly Up - December 11, 2008

On Thursday, December 11, 2008, I heard Tom Morello play at The Belly Up. I missed the opening acts on purpose because I hadn’t heard of them. This is my review.

Tom Morello is known for his talented guitar work in the bands Rage Against the Machine and Audioslave. He creates a lot of his own effects and makes sounds that are difficult to reproduce. Tom even has a college degree and a good understanding of music composition and theory.

For the most part, I enjoyed Tom’s music. I had been warned by a friend that he was playing an acoustic set and I thought that was silly. He’s known for his electric guitar work and effects! He ended up playing acoustic guitar on a few songs, no guitar (e.g. banging a drum while doing some spoken word), a bit of harmonica, and electric guitar on a few songs. His best ones - in my opinion and by the crowd’s reaction - were the ones that sounded like Rage or Audioslave; the ones with a solid hook or cool effects. He had Boots Reily, one of the opening acts, sing/rap on one song and it reminded me a lot of Rage Against the Machine. It was the biggest crowd-pleaser of the night.

The unfortunate part of the concert was his politics. He made a few anti-George Bush comments. He reminded me of Eddie Vedder, who did the same in 2006 at The Forum. I suppose Tom’s politics are very important to him and a motivation for him to write and play, otherwise I would expect him to focus more on music and less on politics. Even though I didn’t agree with his suggestion that George Bush be held at Guantanamo Bay and be tortured by Rage Against the Machine 24/7, I chuckled at the sentiment and shook my head.

Since I hadn’t heard his songs beforehand, I went in fresh, not knowing his lyrics or anything. It gave me a chance to simply listen to the music. It was good music and I’m glad I could appreciate it, even from someone I disagree with politically. Music should be fun and exciting and it should transcend politics, even if someone wants to try to get you to focus on them.

Why Weight Loss is Helping Me

I'm torn between writing something serious and something silly about this topic, but since I've been having both thoughts, I'll write everything. In this article, I'll focus on some serious stuff, but I'll create a Top 10 list afterwards and put it on the left of this blog and it'll be goofy.

I may have something called tinnitis. The doctor thought I had Meniere's for a bit, but I don't have dizziness. Tinnitis is a pretty simple conidition where the middle ear has too much fluid. This could have happened natural via genetics or it could have been acquired somehow, perhaps by listening to too many loud concerts. Now, I wear earplugs every single time! I can hear through them fine, but my ears don't ring afterwards (which means hearing damage, when they do). Before I started religiously wearing earplugs a couple of years ago, I remember waking up after a super loud concert and my ears were still ringing. But I digress.

Tinnitis is characterized by hearing a buzzing noise and earaches/pressure in the ears. A lot of musicians suffer from this ailment because they frequently hear very loud music. According to my doctor, the flaps above the eustachian tubes open and close to regulate the air and the pressure and mine tend to work poorly. However, he also said that when you lose weight, you lose weight all over your entire body and that those small, fleshy regulators will shrink and air will be able to get in better, resulting in less pressure and pain. Sounds good to me.

Fortunately, the only time I really notice buzzing is when I'm in a very quiet room (e.g. about to fall asleep) and it isn't too instrusive. I hope and pray it goes away completely. There is also a possibility that some of my ear problems are actually a result of the pinched nerve in my back.

Another doctor I see has told me that I don't really need chiropractic if I stretch and exercise regularly because my body will make it's own adjustments. I didn't really understand this until this year. I've been listening to my body closely and it does make adjustments while I'm on my board, stretching, and hanging! Plus, I can hear and feel my ears open a bit when I hang.

The funny thing two different chiropractors told me the things in the last paragraph. Timothy Caruthers told me to hang and Ken Gilden said my body would make its own adjustments. Both of these things are working for me and probably work better than chiropractic. I suppose it pays to listen closely!

When I stand and tighten my abs and lower back, my back sometimes cracks and adjusts itself. When I was heavier, those little muscles were too weak and there was too much fat in the way for me to do that. It was also much more difficult (if not impossible) to stretch as well with more weight on my body.

The third core reason why weight loss is helping me is becase I no longer have the extra weight on my ankles, knees, and especially my back. If you pick up a 35 pound weight, it will give you a good idea of what I've lost and how it would be much better to avoid carrying that much extra fat.

Now for my anecdotal reasons! Haha. No, I've actually read these somewhere and believe them. Things like my organs are sitting in fat when I'm overweight. Self-esteem is better when I'm not a fatso. I'm able to walk taller and straighter.

When I walked with my Mom two or three weeks ago, I was explaining to her some things about my posture. When I was heavier, my body wasn't able to stand up straight. My lower back got tired quickly and I slouched. Now, I'm losing fat, gaining muscle, and training my body to stand erect again. Don't get me wrong. I wasn't walking around like a caveman. I just settled for poor posture.

A few days ago, one of my friends asked me about my New Year's Resolutions for 2009. I couldn't think of anything! I recalled how I gave up caffeine for 2007 and that was nice. After a few days of thinking, I know what I need to do every day in 2009. Stretch!!! I'm giving this a lot of thought (I've even been thinking about making a stretching video to help those who don't know how to stretch everything effectively and safely) because if I do it, I'm going to do it for the entire year and I'm not going to forget even one day (just like the caffeine withdrawal in 2007, pun intended). I think my resolution will go like this: I'll stretch every major muscle group for at least 15 minutes every day in 2009. Wow, it's gonna feel good! Being disciplined enough to stretch is tough for me . . . partly because you really can't rush stretching. You hold the muscle and weight until it stretches, putting more pressure on it. It's actually a good deal of work, if you're doing it right, but it's TOTALLY worth it and feels so good. In fact, I was telling my wife yesterday, if I could listen to my body closely enough to know exactly when my muscles needed to be stretched, I could probably get fewer massages because I'd catch the strained muscles before they knotted up. Of course, stretching every day will probably eliminate the guesswork . . . maybe I should stretch twice a day.