The Islamic Cultural Center in NYC

Here we have another issue concocted by the right wing in their support of the money puppeteers who wish to divert our attention from their own misdeeds.
Those with financial power seek to 'run' America like an aristocracy under the radar.  They encourage the right wing 'culture warriors' to create emotional 'issues' that the rest of us can battle because our basic American liberties are being attacked.
And, like lambs to the slaughter - we do.  We battle.
While, in the background, the people who REALLY run things keep on keepin' on.

That's what I think of the Islamic Cultural Center in NYC.  It shouldn't even be a debate.
This is America.

Vacation Day!

Today was not a usual day for me!  Boating on Lake Washington and VIP passes to the final Seahawks practice open to the public.  A friend won this at last year's Chris Elliot Fund (for Glioblastoma Research) Gala.  I'm grateful to have been invited to join the group!
Here is a link to a summary of the football practice:  http://blog.seahawks.com/2010/08/16/monday-in-hawkville-23/

Here are some pictures from the day.  It was hazy after several days of heat and not much wind.  I got some sunburn on my nose and forehead.

Jet skiers using the wake of our boat to have a good time

 Bellevue from the water

 Football practice at the VMAC practice field - hot day!

 Practice in the heat

New coach Pete Carroll in all white, quarterbacks in red.  #11 is Deon Butler, a wide receiver who I got a picture with at the end of the practice (along with #29 Earl Thomas, a safety).

 Inside the Seahawks training facility.  

Practicing in the heat.  To the left of this are all the fans that sit on the hill looking down on the practice field.  It's a real party atmosphere.

You can just barely make out a rainbow in the spray as the boat got up to 50 miles per hour!  That's what cooled me off after getting overheated at the practice.  The wind and the spray felt so good.  

 New coach Pete Carroll

 More Practice

 Pete Carroll on the field.  He's all in white, but isn't he hot????

 Our boat docked at the Seahawks training facility

 On the way home

 Riding along on Lake Washington

At this point we're coming up on the Seahawk's Training Facility.  Definitely this picture is out of order!

Recent Reality Shows

Here's my two cents about some of the reality shows I've watched lately...

The Next Food Network Star: Likeable group - the top several were all pleasant to watch, particularly the top three. I thought this show did a good job of showing the competition and the judges thoughts.






So You Think You Can Dance

I didn't think it worked this season. They had the Top 11 dancing with All Stars. Clearly a good group of dancers. I realize one of the draws for the first couple seasons was the music. I liked the new styles and interesting new musical artists I discovered (Roisin Murphy for one). Lately the music, in my opinion, is bland and uninteresting. The choreography is looking bland as well. Travis Wall choreographed some great routines and what a wonderful opportunity this show has been for him. But, in general - same 'ol, same 'ol.


The Next Design Star

This show has been the most disappointing. They got rid of the host this year and have Vern essentially being the host. Genevieve and Candice are the other two judges. I have a lot of respect for each of the designer/judges and like their work. But, this show - well, none of the challenges seemed interesting. The contestants had to do mostly group challenges where they had to insert their 'inspiration'. It really didn't work for me at all. The judging segment is completely uninformative. This show has been a disappointment.

Top Chef

I've never watched this show before so I'm enjoying it for the first time. The challenges seem interesting and the contestants are talented and knowledgeable. I like this show.

Next Great Artist

First year of the show and I liked it. I'm not entirely sure I liked all the art or understand how it was judged, but I liked watching the artists discuss it and think about it and create it.

I feel there are more shows I've watched in the last couple months (because not much else is on that I'm interested in right now). But, these are the ones I remember. And really, who cares what I think about this stuff - I don't even care. Except I guess I'm noting the fact that I've watched a lot of these lately.

Rodrigo y Gabriela

Last night LJB and I went to Marymoor Park to see Rodrigo y Gabriela.  Wonderful warm evening for an outdoor concert.
I enjoyed seeing them live.  It's just the two of them on stage making powerful music - from the delicate, to the complex, to the percussive.  And there's a lot of energy and intensity in their performance.  I enjoy their music in my iTunes mix, but I think their talent is best experienced live.

Thank you for a great evening!

Blue Angels

OMG!  I LOVE THE BLUE ANGELS!
It's Seafair Blue Angel time again...practice day started today.
And WHOOSH - they fly over my house a few times.  Its FAN TAS TIC!

Honestly, I'm not the kind of fan who goes too far out of her way to see the Blue Angels.  But, when they fly by I get quivery with excitement and run to the window whenever I think they could be coming close.
Over the years I've jumped up so many times to see them only to be disappointed because by the time I hear them, they're gone.  I've usually been in a place where I only get a glance anyway.
I've gotten a little lazy now.  Sometimes I hear them coming and try to figure out if they'll come close before I jump up.  By the time I figure it out - they're really gone and I missed the chance.  

The part that gives me the thrill is the sound of power behind the jets...it sounds so... 

"You better get out of my way because with the power of my big jets and my steely determination and my superior intelligence, I will...

KICK

YOUR

ASS!"

Boo-yah!

I'm not entirely proud of that feeling - but it is glorious.
:)