Follow Your Bliss

"Follow your bliss. The heroic life is living the individual adventure. There is no security in following the call to adventure. Nothing is exciting if you know what the outcome is going to be. To refuse the call means stagnation. What you don’t experience positively you will experience negatively. You enter the forest at the darkest point, where there is no path. Where there is a way or path, it is someone else’s path. You are not on your own path. If you follow someone else’s way, you are not going to realize your potential." Joseph Campbell

The Iceman Cometh

(Terje Isungest-Norwegian ice musician) He'll be touring the USA in 2012.

Old Skool Hip Hop: Say it Loud-I'm Brown & I'm Proud

I don't listen to a lot of current rap or hip-hop or whatever crapola is playing on the radio nowadays, but this classic track from Boogie Down Productions (KRS-One) is still one of my favorites.

100 Facts

100 Facts

Klimchak

http://www.klimchakmusic.com/

Last night I went to see Klimchak performed at the Balzer Theater/ Theatrical Outfit in downtown Atlanta.  Here's a rundown of his playlist and some of my thoughts:

1. "To set the mood for the evening..."  Klimchak starts out at a large rustic home-built instrument upstage which consists of three 15' long PVC pipes ingeniously mounted on a see-saw device.  As soon as he plays it you can tell that these were jumbo Rain sticks specifically designed for sound effects at a theatrical performance (probably at Georgia Shakespeare.)  Klimchak continues to built more layers over the sounds with some kind of didgeridoo-like wind instrument as well as a traditional flute.

2. Next he moves on to the crowd-pleaser Marimba Lumina, (click on it for more info) which I have seen him performed many times over the last few years: outside at a park on the Atlanta Beltline and at indoor venues such as the EyeDrum space. "Country and Eastern" remains one of my favorite compositions.  It combines a catchy Chinese/Oriental melody on top of what sounds more like rock n roll than country rhythm. "The Pent" featuring some wild free jazz improv trumpet licks followed by a sort of "Scottish Jig ?" complete with the penny whistle. It's something you have to see live to appreciate how well Klimchak makes use of this electronic instrument. He plays with four percussion mallets, using both feet on pedals for drums, and then a mouth breath-controller on top of it all.

3. This was probably the first time a lot of people have seen the Theremin (click for more info) being played live.  Man, his skills on this wireless eerie electronic instrument have improved tremendously since the last time I've seen him. He could make that Theremin sing sweet expressive operatic sounds just by moving two hands.  Mesmerizing is the word I still think of whenever I see and hear Klimchak performs this instrument. Who knew that the Theremin could also be humorous?

4. "Sixteen Tons" his Afro-Cuban take on this coal miner folk/work song shows his confidence and ease playing around the acoustic drum set-up.  His vocal mic probably didn't need that much reverb, but hey that's just my opinion as an ex-sound guy.  This might be the only cover song that he does publicly.

5.  "Waterworks" worked wonderfully for its simplicity an beauty.  Just a mallet banging on some pot lids submerge in and out of a giant clear glass waterbowl. Added some Berimbau-like instrument played with a bow. The whole effect is very meditative and zen.

6.  A live dance accompaniment piece performed on a Magical Musical Desk with built-in instruments. "To Bring into Being" featuring Lori Teague from Emory University.

7. This is what I think is the essence of Klimchak: unique, imaginative, playful, incredibly inventive and creative in his approach to music. He said he did this "Tarzan on Acid" piece at an open-mic show about 3 years ago. It makes great use of the looper effect.  Starts out with a basic Tarzan yodel, loop or sample that, add some flute phrase, loop, add more instruments, various squeaky dog toys, mouth harp, more plastic toy instruments, everything plus the kitchen sink, plays the tambourine, do some more throat singing and scat singing. What is incredible is that he makes nothing seems out of place, this piece is seamless and effortless. The whole thing sounds so fun, modern, groovy and spontaneously organic. The audience can't help but get into it. I could watch and listen to it for hours.

8. "Knows No Brakes", a Rave Techno song done live without sequencer on the Marimba Lumina finished up the 2-hour performance.

Klimchak playing the Marimba Lumina at the Atlanta Beltline opening last year

Are we born to run?

Christopher McDougall: Are we born to run? | Video on TED.com

Funny Times

Comedy Time

Dat Phan, a funny guy, but that new DirectTV "The Whale" commercial is horrendous!

"Dat Phan, remember...He who laughs last, is surrounded by dead people."
Now that's comedy.

Born To Run Barefoot

Hey that should be the new title of this blog: Born To Run Barefoot.  Think someone will sue me?  Chris McDougal trademarked his book?
Today marks the 227 straight days of my current running streak.  Ran about 5 miles, with the last mile barefoot on the cement sidewalk on East West Connector.  This stretch of sidewalk is part of the Silver Comet trail Cumberland Connector, which will eventually connect the Silver Comet trail to Cumberland Mall and the Chattahoochee River.
If someone ever ask me why I run barefoot, these are some answers I have:

1. Times are tough, man!
2. Forgot my shoes at home.
3. Ran so fast that my shoes slipped out somewhere back there.
4. It's too frigging hot out here.
5. It's fun and feels wonderful.
6. Why the heck not?

The first & hopefully last ever Tosh.0 Treadmill Marathon

Tosh.0
Get More: Tosh.0 Videos,Daniel Tosh,Web Redemption

Another Sexist sport

Why aren't there any female riders in the Tour De France?
And, the whole thing really doesn't just take place in France, there are some legs outside of the country, right?  Sorry, cycling is another white elitist Yuppie sport like Golf that I just won't take up.  On that note, why are the Spelling Bee and Poker Tournaments shown on ESPN?  Are these even considered sports?

Brother West

Stay Classy my friends!

Or go back into the hole you crawled out of, Allen West- you ain't no Gentleman, bro.
"Family values, traditional values, Christian virtues, restoring decency"...anything else?

DWS stands for Debbie Wasserman Schultz

Mr. Imeldo Marcos

All the running shoes (& aqua socks, huaraches) in my closet at the moment:

Free Thinking

Savannah, Georgia

Reasons why I still love this city: it's mellow, rustic, mystical, unpretentious and quirky.  No matter how crowded it gets here on the weekends, I can  always find a quiet spot to sit and relax.  I watch people, read, listen, observe and just take in all the sights, sounds, and smells of this place.
I think what I really love most about Savannah is that it's pedestrian-friendly, I could walk around for hours like I did today and still not see everything there is.  I'm constantly discovering new buildings, churches, stores, restaurants and I've been coming here regularly since 1995.
The historic downtown district has changed a lot over the last few years with new construction of parking structures, restaurants, hotels, tourist attractions and everything connected with tourism. There are now way too many cars, tour buses, pedicabs, and bars. The architecture, the squares, the cobblestone streets, the churches, the old oak trees with Spanish moss, and the old houses are still abundant around here.  The locals here are polite, friendly, and talkative for the most part.  Even a homeless man said Good Morning to me when I ran past him early one day last week.

Update Minimalist Shoes

• Saucony Hattori- size 9.5
• Brooks Green Silence- 9
• Vivobarefoot Achilles M (running sandals)
• New Balance MT101 (trail) Size 9.5
• Altra Adam or Instinct (zero drop)
• Vivobarefoot Ultra M
• Brooks Mach 12 XC Spikeless- Size 9.5

Barefoot running, so easy, a caveman did it.

Tips for next year's Peachtree Road Race

1. Continue to park somewhere around Piedmont Park/ Midtown/ 10th St area (close to the finish line).  This year I found a metered space and parked for free, it's a holiday. The super secret spot was on Cypress Rd and 8th St, right by the Midtown MARTA station.  I've learned this after my first couple of years: at the end of the race when you're tired, you don't want to walk a mile and a half to get on a packed MARTA train and then ride another 15 minutes to get your car. So one year, I parked at the Arts Center station Kiss-n-Ride parking lot, another year I paid to park in the Woodruff Arts Center parking garage, still worth it.  This year I just drove around the 10th and West Peachtree St area looking for any free spaces. There were plenty at 5:30 AM. Then I simply walked one block over to the train station, paid $2.50 for a Breeze Card, and waited about 5 minutes for a Gold Line train heading North to the Lennox station in Buckhead. It took about 7 minutes.
2. Hydrate the days and nights before but not too much on the morning of the race.  This year I downed a couple of cups of water about an hour before the start. I read somewhere that it was a good idea to drink a cup right before you start the race. Well, I was about an hour early so had time to walk around, warm up, used the porta-potty. I felt bloated and heavy during the first couple of miles.  It was not a comfortable feeling. But the good thing was I didn't get overheated or thirsty for the last 4 miles. I took one cup of water to dunk on my head at the half way point.
3. Running through all the water sprays was a good idea, contrary to what many people may say about your socks getting wet and blisters.  Bah! Didn't happen. Water felt great!
4. Relax, listen, pay attention, smile, enjoy the experience.  It will go by amazingly fast.
5. Wave, high five the kids on the sidewalk.  Greet the spectators.  Cheer with them. Make a fool out of yourself. 6.2 miles of FREEDOM.
6. Stay away from those free T-shirts & frisbee throwers at Moe's, Williie's and others.  Grab free popsicles, coffees, juices, fruits, beers, yes BEER at around Mile 4. Try to run in the middle of the street if you can, I tend to straddle the double yellow lines whenever possible.
7. After being together for 20 years and being married for 14 years, maybe my wife will attempt to run her fist ever Peachtree Road Race with me next summer. It will be my 5th.
8. Wear my Statue of Liberty Green headpiece I got in New York City. Run Barefoot. Dress up as a caveman and wear a sign: "So Easy, a Caveman did it."

     9.  Thank the volunteers, the police people, and the Atlanta Track Club workers.

Make and carry this sign: Slow Runners

The Real National Anthem

At least for me:

America the Beautiful

Words by Katharine Lee Bates,
Melody by Samuel Ward

O Beautiful for spacious skies,
For amber waves of grain,
For purple mountain majesties
Above the fruited plain!
America! America!
God shed his grace on thee
And crown thy good with brotherhood
From sea to shining sea!

The Ray Charles' Version

Peachtree Road Race

Some of these runners are way too serious. They take themselves too seriously about this upcoming Peachtree Road Race, the world's largest 6.2 mile race.  Except for the few hundreds elites and seeded runners starting at the front, the rest of the field of 60,000 participants will have absolutely no shot of winning anything.  There is more to life than winning a competition, someone said that somewhere, maybe Gandhi. There are just too damn many people around you to even try for a fast 10K time. Not gonna happen.
Now this is going to be my 4th Peachtree, my first one was in 2001, and I've ran the last two years in a row. My top priority will be to enjoy myself, enjoy the company, the atmosphere, and mostly the event itself as a celebration, a six-mile long non-stop party on the Fourth of July. That's all, no more no less. Not hoping for a PR, or win my age-group or anything silly like that.  Maybe next year my goal will change to run my age: 47 minutes.  But this time I think I'll keep it simple, short and sweet: Celebrate fitness, Have fun running in the middle of Peachtree Road. Enjoy the Experience.

Hello New York!

Of course it's ART

My kind of art

....DDDDDDrrrrrop!

This is quickly becoming my favorite Beastie Boys song: "In a World Gone Mad"

Competition

"It's very hard in the beginning to understand that the whole idea is not to beat the other runners." Dr. George Sheehan

Mind Gone Mad Mashup

Mashup of 2 of my favorite bands: Pixies and Beastie Boys

Finally...

....with 7 business days to spare. My 4th Peachtree 10K.

The Barefoot Running Book

The Barefoot Running Book 2nd Edition is available for download for FREE at:
http://www.mediafire.com/?mvlk66bp7i5lh7a
I already bought the first edition for the Kindle and iPad a few weeks back (for only $2.99).
The Barefoot Running Book: A practical Guide to Learning the art and Science of Barefoot and Minimalist shoe running by Jason Robillard.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution/ Atlanta Track Club Peachtree Road Race 10K is in 2 weeks. It's a race for the few hundreds of elite runners and maybe several thousands of serious running snobs. But really for the rest of us (55,000+) casual runners/ joggers/ exercise enthusiasts/ recreational athletes/ weekend warriors/ walkers, it is a giant enormous big 'ol glorified Group Run.  As in one 6 mile long party/ celebration/ cheering fans/ water firehose spraying/ bands playing/ people watching/ costume wearing/ beer drinking/ walkers puffing huffing/ cellphone talking/ picture taking spectacle. I caught the running bug after finishing the 2009 Peachtree, and started running regularly after that.  This year's race will be my 4th P'tree Road Race.
Even if I'm not running, who knows?  (I'm still waiting for my number in the mail, we moved recently and the ATC won't send it to our new address, so have to depend on the US Postal Service)  I will still be celebrating my 2nd anniversary of running. Road running, as in outdoor street running, trails running, racing 5K occasionally. Today marks the 193 straight days of running for me. My last rest day was December 10, 2010. For almost 7 months, I have not missed a single day.
My goal remains the same: to run every day.  I keep it simple, no training plan, no strict formal regimented program.  I pace myself accordingly, slow down when I get tired or strained, speed up if I feel better, and maintain the same pace if I feel good. Running should be pleasurable, enjoyable, and manageable.  It should not be a chore or a job that you got to do.  I wake up every day looking forward to going out for a run, I make time do go run for at least a mile.  That first mile is always the toughest, it gets easier after the first 10 minutes.  I usually stop after about 30 minutes or 3.1 miles on most days.  Lately, I've been doing about 4 miles minimum but slowed down my pace slightly because of the summer heat and humidity. It's just harder to breathe.

The South

Neal Boortz: “ We Got Too Damn Many Urban Thugs, Yo ... We Need More Dead Thugs“ In Atlanta

Racism.  Talk Radio. Atlanta.  Thugs.  Hillbillies Rednecks.

Neal Boortz: lawyer, talk show host, newspaper columnist or comedian who tells racist jokes?

I was just wondering what happened to his little Saturday anti-Obama rant in the Atlanta-Journal Constitution paper this past week. It wasn't there.  It seemed that the loud "Mouth of the South" just revealed a little too much of his racist self and went off about gunning down thugs (code for blacks) in Atlanta.  Man, the Republican candidate Herman Cain's meeting with Boortz is going to be awkward.

Happy Monday

Weird Al Yankovic's latest: "Perform This Way"  'cause everyday is Halloween for me...

Fathers' Day - Dia de los Padres

"My father had a profound influence on me.  He was a lunatic."  Spike Milligan

"Dad always thought Laughter was the best medicine, which I guess is why several of us died of tuberculosis."  Deep Thoughts by Jack Handey

"Don't be so humble.  You're not that great."

Laugh o' the Day

Classic "Weird Al" Yankovic:  Smells Like Nirvana

Thoughts on Washington DC

My tips for living in DC:

1)  Pay attention.
2)  Be patient
3)  Wear comfortable walking shoes

Washington DC, our nation's capital is a dump. It has that trifecta: crowded, dirty and ugly.  Not to mention boring, soulless, unfriendly and confusing as heck to drive.  I've been here for 3 days now and have been walking a lot to get around the city.  There were lots of tourists around the National Mall area. The Reflecting Pool is empty right now, being rehabilitated or something.  These Smithsonian museums are all free. I was especially impressed with the Hirshhorn Museum, they had lots of sculptures by my favorite modern artists: David Smith, Henry Moore, Jean Arp,and Brancusi. Also loved the National Gallery, Freer, Air & Space, and Natural History Museum.
The Metro is the only other  saving grace as it runs pretty smoothly and efficiently underground.  I was able to get around using the Metro one-day pass. The trains were fast, on time and it seems like there was one coming every 5 minutes.  You could get to most places using the transfer stations.

DC= Dumpy City, everyone is always so stressed, so full of fear, tension, anger, frustration and anxiety.  You couldn't pay me enough to live and work in this city.  DuPont Circle, the supposedly hip, cool and trendy neighborhood AKA Gayborhood is pretentious, overcrowded, overrated and expensive. We're staying at Thomas Circle, the closest Metro is McPherson Square, basically smack dab in the middle of DC. I've been running down Vermont or 14th St to get to the National Mall where at least I can run on the grassy and gravel area without stopping and waiting for the lights to change at every block.

I Want You

Barefoot Running Video

An Art Education

Guess who's the token Asian person?

Atlanta Track Club 3000M

My first race on a high school track since......1982, Hoover High in San Diego, California.
ATC's 3000M Track & Field Classic. This was at Westlake High School in Atlanta.

unofficial 3K Time= 14:10

Funny Sign

I should put this sign in my Art Room at school.

A regular Einstein

 Einstein Quote of the Day:

"Give up the idea of a personal God in favor of cultivating the Good, the True, and the Beautiful in humanity itself"


Education is what remains after one has forgotten what one has learned in school. ~Albert Einstein

Heaven

kd Lang & the Siss Boom Bang performs Talking Head's "Heaven"

This Rapture Thing

I'm kinda hoping that "The Rapture" would really happen tomorrow.

Imagine how light the traffic would be on Monday morning.  And Work, man, nobody at my school will be there. It's gonna be one helluva nice party every day.  But really I've been enjoying some funny writings in the blogs and music on the radio about this Apocalypse, Armageddon, End Times, Doomsday, Judgment Day, End of the World as we know it. People really just got to lighten up.