tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22967920414948474922024-02-19T14:00:00.294-08:00Signal Hill ViewsCOMMUNITY & THE ARTSRichard (RCH) and Maria Harris (MEH)http://www.blogger.com/profile/15895800965359484360noreply@blogger.comBlogger51125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2296792041494847492.post-53316203535822178322014-03-23T20:01:00.001-07:002014-03-23T20:01:22.371-07:00<br />
To see new Pleasant Encounters on Signal Hill go to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pleasantencountersonsignalhill">this FaceBook page</a><br />
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PLEASE!Richard (RCH) and Maria Harris (MEH)http://www.blogger.com/profile/15895800965359484360noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2296792041494847492.post-39189118272883206312012-05-13T10:36:00.000-07:002012-05-13T20:49:09.360-07:00Signal Hill Art Scene<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTuwSUT5FqxA2Ohvvthwg0sfNM48EMXTPVEX4iVb0ENfaPJCS4jGbUJmsHIxc9rtjfWREr0NuRqAOxtZ22zMHAJ-OC5Xh7GMhPhhAoP5ptaHPrzmSDaGuMuA3pvnlPBGGfa4JHFc9TUMTh/s1600/Aggregate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTuwSUT5FqxA2Ohvvthwg0sfNM48EMXTPVEX4iVb0ENfaPJCS4jGbUJmsHIxc9rtjfWREr0NuRqAOxtZ22zMHAJ-OC5Xh7GMhPhhAoP5ptaHPrzmSDaGuMuA3pvnlPBGGfa4JHFc9TUMTh/s400/Aggregate.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Aggregate" photo by Lisa Connell</td></tr>
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The tiny City of Signal Hill has become a mecca for art. The newest addition to the art scene in the city is<a href="http://greenlyartspace.com/"> <b>Greenly Art Space</b></a> where the good folks at this non-profit gallery are mounting an exciting new exhibition of two local artists--photographer Lisa Connell and mixed-media artist Kurt Hantzch.<br />
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And we are all invited to the opening reception this coming Saturday:<br />
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<b>Saturday, May 19th, 7-9 pm</b><br />
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<b>The Greenly Art Space</b><br />
<b>2698 Junipero Ave., Suite 113</b><br />
<b>Signal Hill, CA 90755 </b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinCBZ-bIwvDH7ZH33yV0BM0so38IghJ6qhqKS91uNi5-oUAWVMj5IpD8aFYR39tci28rj24bn4Q0JZgtPstATUOjxWwcQOY9XTodf-7qcnW0WAR3R7wzHhRXtXx-JjFVt2FMwrs4oUQBjx/s1600/IMG_9401.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinCBZ-bIwvDH7ZH33yV0BM0so38IghJ6qhqKS91uNi5-oUAWVMj5IpD8aFYR39tci28rj24bn4Q0JZgtPstATUOjxWwcQOY9XTodf-7qcnW0WAR3R7wzHhRXtXx-JjFVt2FMwrs4oUQBjx/s400/IMG_9401.jpg" width="290" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Eclexia" mixed-media by Kurt Hantzch </td></tr>
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Lisa Connel, an award-winning photographer, finds inspiration going back to the 1890s photographic work of her great grandfather. In today's digital age, she artistically views and interprets her world through the lens and by "Massaging the pixels in a way that could compare to dark room developing."</div>
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The mixed-media artist Kurt Hantzch finds inspiration in the work of the renowned--some would say infamous--author and artist Henry Miller, who said "Paint as you like and die happy."</div>
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We'll be reporting more on the Signal Hill art scene in coming posts; there's so much going on in our little town of 11,000 residents, on the outskirts of L.A. </div>
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To whet your appetite, let me give you a brief preview of what's in the works here: </div>
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-- Beginning in the early 90s, the City has been steadily installing public art in connection with parks and other public and private spaces. We want to take a closer look at those installations, perhaps interview a few people who can tell us how this came about, and something more about the artists, themselves.</div>
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-- In addition to the <a href="http://greenlyartspace.com/">Greenly Art Space</a> mentioned above, there are other organizations in the city devoted to the promotion of art. We want to get to know these organizations better: how they were organized, what are their missions, what are they accomplishing, who are their leaders, what is their art. Among them are the <a href="http://www.everythinglongbeach.com/lb/friends-of-signal-hill-cultural-arts/">Friends of Signal Hill Cultural Arts</a>, led by Denise Damrow and <a href="http://www.dramaticresults.org/">Dramatic Results</a>, led by Board of Directors President, Julie Mendell.<br />
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-- Further, as libraries struggle to remain relevant in this digital age, many are re-defining themselves as "cultural centers." We heard this during recent discussions to build a new library in Signal Hill. The <a href="http://www.cityofsignalhill.org/index.aspx?nid=119">Signal Hill Library</a> already promotes many cultural events. We'd like to learn more. </div>
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-- Our interests do not stop at the city boundaries, nor are they limited to the visual arts. Not too far from our city limits--in the Los Altos district of Long Beach--can be found a used bookstore that has become a cultural and community center. We want to get to know more about <a href="http://www.gatsbybooks.com/Meet_the_Gatsbys.html">Gatsby Books</a>, and its proprietors, Sean and Alisha Moor.</div>
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-- And we will continue to share our interest in <a href="http://www.musiccenter.org/events/activearts.html">Active Arts of the Los Angeles Music Center</a>, and in the arts, culture and heritage being promoted at the <a href="http://www.ocgp.org/visit/info/">Orange County Great Park</a> in Irvine.<br />
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-- Finally, we are very interested in all the things we, as individuals, do to express our creativity--the jewelry we wear, the flowers we plant; and the little things we do to brighten up our lives--perhaps the plastic pink flamingo in the front yard, that weekly bouquet of flowers from Trader Joe's, or the wind chime that brings back pleasant memories of a distant summer vacation.</div>
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So stay tuned for more. In the meantime, let's meet up at the Greenly Art Space on Saturday, the 19th.</div>
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-- RCH</div>
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</div>Richard (RCH) and Maria Harris (MEH)http://www.blogger.com/profile/15895800965359484360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2296792041494847492.post-48032370842603563222011-11-30T06:48:00.000-08:002012-11-27T09:00:10.983-08:00Can Art Change the World? Become Part of a Global Art Project to Create Community Join Me<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz1kv0ZbNBj5B9yBxiv9pFVX_LnFB8wwEnvghyphenhyphenLZ6vMpImMe4drpIrp3_gm9pPijBuZgYLQn3lLhaCb_Ty6dfqLx6N8J88ZVWc9MyrJpBY1aVJBz7TPuLFGQq8ir3a91U7T2xE3xhMsnmk/s1600/images.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz1kv0ZbNBj5B9yBxiv9pFVX_LnFB8wwEnvghyphenhyphenLZ6vMpImMe4drpIrp3_gm9pPijBuZgYLQn3lLhaCb_Ty6dfqLx6N8J88ZVWc9MyrJpBY1aVJBz7TPuLFGQq8ir3a91U7T2xE3xhMsnmk/s400/images.jpeg" width="400" /></a>The anonymous French street artist,"JR," won the 2011 Annual TED prize given to "exceptional individuals" devoted to changing the world. He has discovered the "power of paper and glue," installing large-scale conceptual art projects worldwide to celebrate--for better or worse--social connectedness, or what has been dubbed "relational art." In each of his projects the participation of local residents is central--not a means to an end. (See the YouTube video of JR's TED acceptance speech <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0PAy1zBtTbw">here</a>.)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJJK_SRjVcyRbN_6r5Y8y0_Hl0QShX2oEJAZmWDF7HUJY9uqaqXMPmM0fUZKCOWUMAhEzdvsQebpjvSlHZ53IEQzTCteaHH1k3bEOZDGUXA3cHU5VN7ATs7KUZ9GMEicBhq8mU4l4JEJef/s1600/thumbnail-750-070-939-cn90e7b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJJK_SRjVcyRbN_6r5Y8y0_Hl0QShX2oEJAZmWDF7HUJY9uqaqXMPmM0fUZKCOWUMAhEzdvsQebpjvSlHZ53IEQzTCteaHH1k3bEOZDGUXA3cHU5VN7ATs7KUZ9GMEicBhq8mU4l4JEJef/s1600/thumbnail-750-070-939-cn90e7b.jpg" /></a>His images have graced the wall separating Jews and Palestinians, homes of Rio de Janeiro's oldest favela (seen in photo above) and the walls of Paris, New York, L.A. and Long Beach, among others. They present images of human beings saying "Take notice. I am here. I am not a statistic. This is what I stand for." And behind each image is a story to be revealed or to be imagined.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdxPXkDPMt8XkZ2UMMfWnZ0lQwaJEh1OHnPDaFrtbDBQ3VZD6HY1b8ZLKZ8ECDuSS5z_xfihyphenhyphenM5oCGqrIIHqByWCtUiU6PmtiqLeuZPaXWP5on7uhT51LnYG9PXb_Fkp8wrJ6zKLxEbOeZ/s1600/thumbnail-459-929-036-bYj664b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdxPXkDPMt8XkZ2UMMfWnZ0lQwaJEh1OHnPDaFrtbDBQ3VZD6HY1b8ZLKZ8ECDuSS5z_xfihyphenhyphenM5oCGqrIIHqByWCtUiU6PmtiqLeuZPaXWP5on7uhT51LnYG9PXb_Fkp8wrJ6zKLxEbOeZ/s1600/thumbnail-459-929-036-bYj664b.jpg" /></a></div>
Now, as the remaining photos show, we can craft our own stories of our own communities. JR has organized a worldwide art project called "Inside Out" where individuals and groups are encouraged to send in photos of individuals to be reproduced in large, black and white format, for displaying in public spaces. You can click <a href="http://www.insideoutproject.net/#%21">here</a> to get a general pictorial idea of JR's "Inside Out" global art project, or go directly to his <a href="http://www.insideoutproject.net/">website</a> to see how you can participate.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0yYmkhCS0QacBPSUOK85ZY7avnhZ-jJffB1C7osxvM_s-JFDmkG-D1hHr-_EsGuPZpTpz6vA12gEF_DwwrE9tQvMSKoebhwhqlAsZ0C4TM8Quh0MhMk5swrEAwtclpM3sU2zpvrobwcFT/s1600/thumbnail-732-998-904-4n293b3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0yYmkhCS0QacBPSUOK85ZY7avnhZ-jJffB1C7osxvM_s-JFDmkG-D1hHr-_EsGuPZpTpz6vA12gEF_DwwrE9tQvMSKoebhwhqlAsZ0C4TM8Quh0MhMk5swrEAwtclpM3sU2zpvrobwcFT/s1600/thumbnail-732-998-904-4n293b3.jpg" /></a>I am forming a group to participate in Inside Out. So if you in any way relate to the community of Signal Hill, California and would like to participate, leave me a comment or send me an email expressing your interest. I'm planning to have something up within the city by the end of February 2012.</div>
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I believe art can change our little corner of the world.<br />
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If you want to read more about JR and his art, look for the <a href="http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2011/11/28/111128fa_fact_khatchadourian">Nov 28 issue of The New Yorker</a> magazine.<br />
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Also, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?annotation_id=annotation_716372&feature=iv&src_vid=uebxlIrosiM&v=Gn2W3X_pGh4">here</a> , one year later, is an update to JR's work, his "Inside Out" global project that is changing the world. </div>
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----RCH<br />
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Richard (RCH) and Maria Harris (MEH)http://www.blogger.com/profile/15895800965359484360noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2296792041494847492.post-17361163112184432742011-11-23T01:16:00.000-08:002011-11-26T10:05:12.804-08:00Community Art & Gift-Making for the Holidays<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: right;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEJAoYqNpLMVuvMltsoK-M7pddVYS0pGa-coVI2BLnl_OQcqQMldpK2hMbl2iD1j7j2rrz4r4vd76Y3GW5KS_9xOucgL2_UmmVREJSlO8VHpTmvS8JWd-gBHa5KEds8fwByod47rEnH7Rd/s1600/Finger_Knitting-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEJAoYqNpLMVuvMltsoK-M7pddVYS0pGa-coVI2BLnl_OQcqQMldpK2hMbl2iD1j7j2rrz4r4vd76Y3GW5KS_9xOucgL2_UmmVREJSlO8VHpTmvS8JWd-gBHa5KEds8fwByod47rEnH7Rd/s200/Finger_Knitting-1.jpg" width="132" /></a></div></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: right;">Finger Scarves, no knitting</div><div style="text-align: right;">required; yarn will be</div><div style="text-align: right;">available for purchase</div><div style="text-align: right;">or bring your own</div></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: right;">The late musicologist Christopher Small (<a href="http://signalhillvoices.blogspot.com/search/label/Christopher%20Small">see earlier posts</a>) spent most of his 84 years trying to understand the meaning and significance of art. In the process of writing three seminal books on the subject, he said, "All art is action--performance art, if you like--and its meaning lies not in created objects but in the acts of creating, displaying and perceiving." Objects can be commodified and sold on a hungry and acquisitive market; but the more meaningful and personal processes of art making cannot.</div><div style="text-align: right;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: right;">From the earliest cave drawings to the anarchy of today's street art, Small observes, "It is an activity--an urge-- in which human beings take part in order that they may come to understand their relationships--with one another and with the great pattern that connects."</div><br />
The role of art, he explains, is to "Explore, affirm and celebrate the relationships of the living world that bring us together."<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidDHYaFvuvpKhPmCHU0FtrRCmaoFKI67Y4enTO21jvKsBcle-fWtI1ztoropIJg2w_zNRHgd58Wk0jk3N347QiBEz_37TSSABj55pQGtR1Zlv7PCcSVTCGsvYILQr-j6ntVP0N8xIrsYLT/s1600/Origami_Box.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidDHYaFvuvpKhPmCHU0FtrRCmaoFKI67Y4enTO21jvKsBcle-fWtI1ztoropIJg2w_zNRHgd58Wk0jk3N347QiBEz_37TSSABj55pQGtR1Zlv7PCcSVTCGsvYILQr-j6ntVP0N8xIrsYLT/s320/Origami_Box.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nesting Orgami Boxes, for wrapping or as presents<br />
Will use heavy scrap booking paper</td></tr>
</tbody></table>This is made most clear during this approaching holiday season. It is interesting that at least three of the world's major religions--Christianity, Judaism, and Buddhism--celebrate sacred events in the approaching months, and their art during these times reflects a great communion amongst ourselves and with the mysterious.<br />
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You have the opportunity to add this kind of meaning to your gift-giving by crafting your personalized holiday gifts for your loved ones. While your hand-crafted gift may lack great market value, it is priceless in personal and communal value. <br />
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Two community arts organizations in Signal Hill are<br />
holding holiday gift making workshops:<br />
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--- On December 3, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. the Greenly Art Space will be holding its "Handmade Christmas Gift Workshop," for all ages, at 2698 Junipero Ave, #113 in Signal Hill. Click <a href="http://greenlyartspace.com/files/Download/Greenly_Christmas_Workshop_Flyer.pdf">here</a> for a flyer on the event, and for more information or to register call Kimberly Hocking 562-533-4020, or email her at kimhocking@aol.com. Click <a href="http://www.greenlyartspace.com/">here</a> to learn more about The Greenly Art Space.<br />
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--- On December 11, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. the Friends of Signal Hill Cultural Arts will host its "Winter Art Workshop," for children ages 4 to 15, at the Discovery Well Park. For more information you may call 562-989-7330 or go online to the City of Signal Hill <a href="http://www.cityofsignalhill.org/Calendar.aspx?EID=901">Website</a> .<br />
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Happy Holiday Creating!<br />
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--- RCH<br />
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Click on the labels "art" and "arts and culture" below for more posts on those topics.Richard (RCH) and Maria Harris (MEH)http://www.blogger.com/profile/15895800965359484360noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2296792041494847492.post-35995616436172366252011-11-17T10:56:00.000-08:002011-11-29T16:47:14.721-08:00Falconer on the Hill<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFH2hIZZTmiinC68iOkY1xHVSuFIcNkLYgtMClKQ9J8gJ-ne0OZJTk3hB3JGnozXr3Qz2V3E4_Qr3hY-Lt5T0uIZvQDLTo01sB5Mfu1R8zxK-AFBrp4Rh0x1bZUvbBTaME6kEgCNQH0Npi/s1600/IMG_4428.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFH2hIZZTmiinC68iOkY1xHVSuFIcNkLYgtMClKQ9J8gJ-ne0OZJTk3hB3JGnozXr3Qz2V3E4_Qr3hY-Lt5T0uIZvQDLTo01sB5Mfu1R8zxK-AFBrp4Rh0x1bZUvbBTaME6kEgCNQH0Npi/s320/IMG_4428.jpg" width="252" /></a>Deann was eager to share her passion for raptors with me, when I passed by her condo on this cool day on the Hilltop, where her family has lived for 28 years. <br />
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She was standing near the sidewalk, "manning" her newly captured female <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=american+kestrel&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a">American Kestrel</a> Nikita, introducing her to her new captive world--getting her used to being around people, preparing her for the day she will go on the hunt for <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/European_Starling">European Starlings</a>, that prolific non-native invading scourge of birdom, imported to New York from England in 1890.<br />
<br />
Deann has been working on this for three years, ever since the day she became enthralled by a pair of nesting Coopers Hawks, outside her office window in Huntington Beach. "It changed my life," she told me. You can read her story and see some beautiful photos on her <a href="http://iraptor.net/home">Website </a>.<br />
<br />
"One of my reasons for this journey is to educate people about raptors," she says. "Raptors are important to the environment and often are thought of as 'mean' by the uninformed. This is very far from the truth," she says, "as they help control the population of birds and rodents and rid those species of the weak and sick, helping with the process of natural selection." She goes on to say "They take life to live, not for fun or sport."<br />
<br />
She is now licensed by the State of California and the Federal Government, giving her permission to practice the art of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Falconry">falconry</a>; and is completing her two-year apprenticeship, under the supervision of a master falconer. She recommends the Website <a href="http://www.themodernapprentice.com/gen_health.htm">Modern Apprentice</a> for anyone who wants to explore becoming a falconer.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc8B_GyvpHLryHiyhDsClGAoqLufa1ZCgHhsPZh6WC-onmW_9lOverz7KyRaW3nRzkE_tTsnl7P70HguSETX-yt3C0_pT6MPCOqD1VXCT_BZApCeBJ5-LFpeMvZD0_IS7nK4gMRpkqW3BH/s1600/IMG_4417.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc8B_GyvpHLryHiyhDsClGAoqLufa1ZCgHhsPZh6WC-onmW_9lOverz7KyRaW3nRzkE_tTsnl7P70HguSETX-yt3C0_pT6MPCOqD1VXCT_BZApCeBJ5-LFpeMvZD0_IS7nK4gMRpkqW3BH/s320/IMG_4417.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
Since trapping Nikita near the Chino Airport, she has been on the arduous journey of training the bird to hunt. One reason she has chosen starlings as the prey is because of their size--larger than a sparrow, not much smaller than the Kestrel itself, making it unlikely Nikita will be able to fly off with the kill.<br />
<br />
Watching raptors in flight is a beautiful thing and, adds Deann, "The interaction of bird and human just absolutely intrigues me."<br />
<br />
---RCH<br />
<br />
<b>For more Pleasant Encounters on Signal Hill click on "Pleasant Encounters on Signal Hill" on labels and scroll down, or check out the slide show at the right.</b>Richard (RCH) and Maria Harris (MEH)http://www.blogger.com/profile/15895800965359484360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2296792041494847492.post-29751118703014992442011-10-30T13:22:00.000-07:002011-11-01T14:33:13.947-07:00Chuck Close Portraits---A Showing @ Blum & Poe in Culver City<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgewri1bZxAZVofLb_SFhuuz3kgqfbbD8P9oApbBXoOGRfl2xRjmAn5RSUrL6tg55Kw3Li96Uwti8kKmpIaA8VgaS8PYen17UpDDJVGq2C6fIvvH7S2AGCWs-llZDPrVUj4Bm-V_hyphenhyphenAChAL/s1600/Chuck+Close.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgewri1bZxAZVofLb_SFhuuz3kgqfbbD8P9oApbBXoOGRfl2xRjmAn5RSUrL6tg55Kw3Li96Uwti8kKmpIaA8VgaS8PYen17UpDDJVGq2C6fIvvH7S2AGCWs-llZDPrVUj4Bm-V_hyphenhyphenAChAL/s400/Chuck+Close.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">An evening gallery hopping in Culver City with Jeff & Elena Endlich. The highlight was a visit with the "star of the show," Chuck Close, Jeff's uncle, who does these amazing portraits in oils and </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">tapestry. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;"><a href="http://www.blumandpoe.com/exhibitionpages/close11/index.html" rel="nofollow nofollow" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://www.blumandpoe.com/exhi<wbr></wbr><span class="word_break" style="display: inline-block;"></span>bitionpages/close11/index.html</a></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">It's the cells and stitches that fascinate. Up close (pardon the pun), they are squiggles and bits of yarn. Back up and compelling character emerges. You'll see Paul Simon, Laurie Anderson and many self portraits of Close himself, among others.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">Click <a href="http://movies.nytimes.com/2007/12/26/movies/26chuc.html?ref=chuckclose">here</a> if you want to read a bit more about Chuck Close and his technique.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;"> ---RCH</span>Richard (RCH) and Maria Harris (MEH)http://www.blogger.com/profile/15895800965359484360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2296792041494847492.post-62378582732252101752011-09-18T10:42:00.000-07:002011-10-10T11:24:48.144-07:00Christopher Small IV- Musicking 1927 - 2011<h2 class="date-header" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(153, 187, 153); border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-width: 1px; color: #666633; font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font: normal normal normal 95%/normal Arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.3em; margin-bottom: 0.75em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.35em; text-transform: uppercase;">Christopher small was a gracious host when we visited him in Sitges,Spain last year.<a href="http://bit.ly/oncVfY">http://bit.ly/oncVfY</a></h2><h2 class="date-header" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(153, 187, 153); border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-width: 1px; color: #666633; font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font: normal normal normal 95%/normal Arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.3em; margin-bottom: 0.75em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.35em; text-transform: uppercase;">He changed our understanding of the meaning of music and offered the philosophical ground for the <a href="http://www.musiccenter.org/events/activearts.html">active arts</a> program of the l.a. music center</h2><h2 class="date-header" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(153, 187, 153); border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-width: 1px; color: #666633; font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font: normal normal normal 95%/normal Arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.3em; margin-bottom: 0.75em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.35em; text-transform: uppercase;">this from <a href="http://www.musicked.com/">http://www.musicked.com/</a><br />
</h2><h2 class="date-header" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(153, 187, 153); border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-width: 1px; color: #666633; font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font: normal normal normal 95%/normal Arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.3em; margin-bottom: 0.75em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.35em; text-transform: uppercase;">TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2011</h2><div class="date-posts" style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"><div class="post-outer"><div class="post hentry" style="margin-bottom: 2.5em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=2296792041494847492&postID=6237858273225210175" name="8882618551914148895"></a><br />
<h3 class="post-title entry-title" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: url(http://www1.blogblog.com/dots/bg_post_title_left.gif); background-origin: initial; background-position: 0% 0.25em; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; color: #cc0000; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; font: normal normal normal 100%/normal Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1.4em; margin-bottom: 0.25em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.25em; padding-bottom: 1px; padding-left: 45px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Christopher Small - Musicking 1927 - 2011</h3><div class="post-header"><div class="post-header-line-1"></div></div><div class="post-body entry-content" style="line-height: 1.6em; margin-bottom: 0.75em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtb2plu2-hmKo3ew9RpKvMQmZlxK8hFHbzQFBt4HcWfJVhgsksJb0bsqGSv-Y8S9GzsR1uiLj3-v6Ps9jIhU5U_ZOj_9RK_zl-5VVA4XEetRH0mOJx5aH3vfe2EzVy0TSv2pN2MSCiPpg/s1600/small-chris.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; color: #448888; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtb2plu2-hmKo3ew9RpKvMQmZlxK8hFHbzQFBt4HcWfJVhgsksJb0bsqGSv-Y8S9GzsR1uiLj3-v6Ps9jIhU5U_ZOj_9RK_zl-5VVA4XEetRH0mOJx5aH3vfe2EzVy0TSv2pN2MSCiPpg/s1600/small-chris.jpg" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(153, 187, 153); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-color: rgb(153, 187, 153); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(153, 187, 153); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(153, 187, 153); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 4px; padding-left: 4px; padding-right: 4px; padding-top: 4px;" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;">Christopher Small, a New Zealand-born writer and musicologist who argued that</span><b style="line-height: 22px;">music is above all an active ritual involving those who play and listen to it and only secondarily a matter of “black dots,”</b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"> as he once called written music, died on September 7th in Sitges, Spain. He was 84. </span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"><br />
</span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;">He coined the term 'musicking' and argued that music is a verb rather than a noun. H</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; line-height: 22px;">e wondered about the most basic questions of music: why we pick up instruments or raise our voices together in the first place and </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; line-height: 22px;">stressed that all people involved in a musical performance — the musicians, audience, roadies, publicists, cleaning crew — are part of its ritual.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"><br />
</span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;">Those of you who are familiar with the <a href="http://www.dsminfo.com/" style="color: #448888;">Dallas School of Music</a> may remember that we call our adult student performances 'musicking' and that our original online music learning site was called <a href="http://www.musicked.com/" style="color: #448888;">MusickEd.com</a> - both an homage to Small's work. </span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"><br />
</span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;">Read the full New York Times article here: <a href="http://goo.gl/f6hpn" style="color: #448888;">http://goo.gl/f6hpn</a></span></span></span><br />
<div style="clear: both;"></div></div><div class="post-footer" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div class="post-footer-line post-footer-line-1"><span class="post-author vcard" style="color: #cc0000;">Posted by <span class="fn">MusickEd.com</span> </span><span class="post-timestamp" style="color: #cc0000;">at <a class="timestamp-link" href="http://discoverlearnplay.blogspot.com/2011/09/christopher-small-musicking-1927-2011.html" rel="bookmark" style="color: #448888;" title="permanent link"><abbr class="published" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial;" title="2011-09-13T14:50:00-05:00">2:50 PM</abbr></a> </span><span class="post-comment-link"></span><span class="post-icons"><span class="item-action"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/email-post.g?blogID=4152868183496013173&postID=8882618551914148895" style="color: #448888; text-decoration: none !important;" title="Email Post"><img alt="" class="icon-action" height="13" src="http://img1.blogblog.com/img/icon18_email.gif" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(153, 187, 153); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-color: rgb(153, 187, 153); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(153, 187, 153); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(153, 187, 153); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 4px; padding-left: 4px; padding-right: 4px; padding-top: 4px; vertical-align: middle;" width="18" /></a></span></span><br />
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<span class="post-labels"><br />
</span></div></div></div></div></div>Richard (RCH) and Maria Harris (MEH)http://www.blogger.com/profile/15895800965359484360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2296792041494847492.post-81667878828091510432011-09-12T11:29:00.000-07:002011-10-30T23:22:54.311-07:00A Decade After 9/11: We Are What We Loathe<i><b>Here is another kind of tribute to the horrors of 9/11 by philosopher and author (</b></i><b>War is a Force that Gives us Meaning</b><i><b>)</b></i><i><b> Chris Hedges--a very difficult one to read. He says, "We became the radical Islamist movement's most effective recruiting tool. We descended to its barbarity."</b></i><br />
<br />
<i><b>There is some truth here.</b></i> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpcTcZULjEK_WU1ZDfAm5bU59Wz_U-3xkriYM7lE0stoBlbcCQOOKzF9xgFF-tugMxqmZU0_Mjsrt3in3mppFPmhk4g6KMwsj8V-h3VMWGpjYQ-oq3w1-AGCD2SF8jgULOGHOOoaBV_Sbg/s1600/9-11-memorial.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpcTcZULjEK_WU1ZDfAm5bU59Wz_U-3xkriYM7lE0stoBlbcCQOOKzF9xgFF-tugMxqmZU0_Mjsrt3in3mppFPmhk4g6KMwsj8V-h3VMWGpjYQ-oq3w1-AGCD2SF8jgULOGHOOoaBV_Sbg/s400/9-11-memorial.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
A Decade After 9/11: We Are What We Loathe<br />
By Chris Hedges, Truthdig<br />
11 September 11<br />
<br />
<br />
I arrived in Times Square around 9:30 on the morning of Sept. 11, 2001. A large crowd was transfixed by the huge Jumbotron screens. Billows of smoke could be seen on the screens above us, pouring out of the two World Trade towers. Two planes, I was told by people in the crowd, had plowed into the towers. I walked quickly into the New York Times newsroom at 229 W. 43rd St., grabbed a handful of reporter's notebooks, slipped my NYPD press card, which would let me through police roadblocks, around my neck, and started down the West Side Highway to the World Trade Center. The highway was closed to traffic. I walked through knots of emergency workers, police and firemen. Fire trucks, emergency vehicles, ambulances, police cars and rescue trucks idled on the asphalt.<br />
<br />
The south tower went down around 10 a.m. with a guttural roar. Huge rolling gray clouds of noxious smoke, dust, gas, pulverized concrete, gypsum and the grit of human remains enveloped lower Manhattan. The sun was obscured. The north tower collapsed about 30 minutes later. The dust hung like a shroud over Manhattan.<br />
<br />
I headed toward the spot where the towers once stood, passing dazed, ashen and speechless groups of police officers and firefighters. I would pull out a notebook to ask questions and no sounds would come out of their mouths. They forlornly shook their heads and warded me away gently with their hands. By the time I arrived at Ground Zero it was a moonscape; whole floors of the towers had collapsed like an accordion. I pulled out pieces of paper from one floor, and a few feet below were papers from 30 floors away. Small bits of human bodies - a foot in a woman's shoe, a bit of a leg, part of a torso - lay scattered amid the wreckage.<br />
<br />
Scores of people, perhaps more than 200, pushed through the smoke and heat to jump to their deaths from windows that had broken or they had smashed. Sometimes they did this alone, sometimes in pairs. But it seems they took turns, one body cascading downward followed by another. The last acts of individuality. They fell for about 10 seconds, many flailing or replicating the motion of swimmers, reaching 150 miles an hour. Their clothes and, in a few cases, their improvised parachutes made from drapes or tablecloths shredded. They smashed into the pavement with unnerving, sickening thuds. Thump. Thump. Thump. Those who witnessed it were particularly shaken by the sounds the bodies made on impact.<br />
<br />
The images of the "jumpers" proved too gruesome for the TV networks. Even before the towers collapsed, the falling men and women were censored from live broadcasts. Isolated pictures appeared the next day in papers, including The New York Times, and then were banished. The mass suicide, one of the most pivotal and important elements in the narrative of 9/11, was expunged. It remains expunged from public consciousness.<br />
<br />
The "jumpers" did not fit into the myth the nation demanded. The fate of the "jumpers" said something so profound, so disturbing, about our own fate, smallness in the universe and fragility that it had to be banned. The "jumpers" illustrated that there are thresholds of suffering that elicit a willing embrace of death. The "jumpers" reminded us that there will come, to all of us, final moments when the only choice will be, at best, how we will choose to die, not how we are going to live. And we can die before we physically expire.<br />
<br />
The shock of 9/11, however, demanded images and stories of resilience, redemption, heroism, courage, self-sacrifice and generosity, not collective suicide in the face of overwhelming hopelessness and despair.<br />
<br />
Reporters in moments of crisis become clinicians. They collect data, facts, descriptions, basic information, and carry out interviews as swiftly as possible. We make these facts fit into familiar narratives. We do not create facts but we manipulate them. We make facts conform to our perceptions of ourselves as Americans and human beings. We work within the confines of national myth. We make journalism and history a refuge from memory. The pretense that mass murder and suicide can be transformed into a tribute to the victory of the human spirit was the lie we all told to the public that day and have been telling ever since. We make sense of the present only through the lens of the past, as the French philosopher Maurice Halbwachs pointed out, recognizing that "our conceptions of the past are affected by the mental images we employ to solve present problems, so that collective memory is essentially a reconstruction of the past in the light of the present. … Memory needs continuous feeding from collective sources and is sustained by social and moral props."<br />
<br />
I returned that night to the newsroom hacking from the fumes released by the burning asbestos, jet fuel, lead, mercury, cellulose and construction debris. I sat at my computer, my thin paper mask still hanging from my neck, trying to write and catch my breath. All who had been at the site that day were noticeable in the newsroom because they were struggling for air. Most of us were convulsed by shock and grief.<br />
<br />
There would soon, however, be another reaction. Those of us who were close to the epicenters of the 9/11 attacks would primarily grieve and mourn. Those who had some distance would indulge in the growing nationalist cant and calls for blood that would soon triumph over reason and sanity. Nationalism was a disease I knew intimately as a war correspondent. It is anti-thought. It is primarily about self-exaltation. The flip side of nationalism is always racism, the dehumanization of the enemy and all who appear to question the cause. The plague of nationalism began almost immediately. My son, who was 11, asked me what the difference was between cars flying small American flags and cars flying large American flags.<br />
<br />
"The people with the really big flags are the really big assholes," I told him.<br />
<br />
The dead in the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and a field in Pennsylvania were used to sanctify the state's lust for war. To question the rush to war became to dishonor our martyrs. Those of us who knew that the attacks were rooted in the long night of humiliation and suffering inflicted by Israel on the Palestinians, the imposition of our military bases in the Middle East and in the brutal Arab dictatorships that we funded and supported became apostates. We became defenders of the indefensible. We were apologists, as Christopher Hitchens shouted at me on a stage in Berkeley, "for suicide bombers."<br />
<br />
Because few cared to examine our activities in the Muslim world, the attacks became certified as incomprehensible by the state and its lap dogs, the press. Those who carried out the attacks were branded as rising out of a culture and religion that was at best primitive and probably evil. The Quran - although it forbids suicide as well as the murder of women and children - was painted as a manual for fanaticism and terror. The attackers embodied the titanic clash of civilizations, the cosmic battle under way between good and evil, the forces of light and darkness. Images of the planes crashing into the towers and heroic rescuers emerging from the rubble were played and replayed. We were deluged with painful stories of the survivors and victims. The deaths and falling towers became iconographic. The ceremonies of remembrance were skillfully hijacked by the purveyors of war and hatred. They became vehicles to justify doing to others what had been done to us. And as innocents died here, soon other innocents began to die in the Muslim world. A life for a life. Murder for murder. Death for death. Terror for terror.<br />
<br />
What was played out in the weeks after the attacks was the old, familiar battle between force and human imagination, between the crude instruments of violence and the capacity for empathy and understanding. Human imagination lost. Coldblooded reason, which does not speak the language of the imagination, won. We began to speak and think in the empty, mindless nationalist clichés about terror that the state handed to us. We became what we abhorred. The deaths were used to justify pre-emptive war, invasion, Shock and Awe, prolonged occupation, targeted assassinations, torture, offshore penal colonies, gunning down families at checkpoints, massive aerial bombardments, drone attacks, missile strikes and the killing of dozens and soon hundreds and then thousands and later tens of thousands and finally hundreds of thousands of innocent people. We produced piles of corpses in Afghanistan, Iraq and Pakistan, and extended the reach of our killing machine to Yemen and Somalia. And by beatifying our dead, by cementing into the national psyche fear and the imperative of permanent war, and by stoking our collective humiliation, the state carried out crimes, atrocities and killings that dwarfed anything carried out against us on 9/11. The best that force can do is impose order. It can never elicit harmony. And force was justified, and is still justified, by the first dead. Ten years later these dead haunt us like Banquo's ghost.<br />
<br />
"It is the first death which infects everyone with the feelings of being threatened," wrote Elias Canetti. "It is impossible to overrate the part played by the first dead man in the kindling of wars. Rulers who want to unleash war know very well that they must procure or invent a first victim. It needs not be anyone of particular importance, and can even be someone quite unknown. Nothing matters except his death; and it must be believed that the enemy is responsible for this. Every possible cause of his death is suppressed except one: his membership of the group to which one belongs oneself."<br />
<br />
We were unable to accept the reality of this anonymous slaughter. We were unable because it exposed the awful truth that we live in a morally neutral universe where human life, including our life, can be snuffed out in senseless and random violence. It showed us that there is no protection, not from God, fate, luck, omens or the state.<br />
<br />
We have still not woken up to whom we have become, to the fatal erosion of domestic and international law and the senseless waste of lives, resources and trillions of dollars to wage wars that ultimately we can never win. We do not see that our own faces have become as contorted as the faces of the demented hijackers who seized the three commercial jetliners a decade ago. We do not grasp that Osama bin Laden's twisted vision of a world of indiscriminate violence and terror has triumphed. The attacks turned us into monsters, grotesque ghouls, sadists and killers who drop bombs on village children and waterboard those we kidnap, strip of their rights and hold for years without due process. We acted before we were able to think. And it is the satanic lust of violence that has us locked in its grip.<br />
<br />
As Wordsworth wrote:<br />
<br />
Action is transitory - a step, a blow, <br />
The motion of a muscle - this way or that - <br />
'Tis done; and in the after-vacancy <br />
We wonder at ourselves like men betrayed: <br />
Suffering is permanent, obscure and dark, <br />
And has the nature of infinity.<br />
<br />
We could have gone another route. We could have built on the profound sympathy and empathy that swept through the world following the attacks. The revulsion over the crimes that took place 10 years ago, including in the Muslim world, where I was working in the weeks and months after 9/11, was nearly universal. The attacks, if we had turned them over to intelligence agencies and diplomats, might have opened possibilities not of war and death but ultimately reconciliation and communication, of redressing the wrongs that we commit in the Middle East and that are committed by Israel with our blessing. It was a moment we squandered. Our brutality and triumphalism, the byproducts of nationalism and our infantile pride, revived the jihadist movement. We became the radical Islamist movement's most effective recruiting tool. We descended to its barbarity. We became terrorists too. The sad legacy of 9/11 is that the assholes, on each side, won.Richard (RCH) and Maria Harris (MEH)http://www.blogger.com/profile/15895800965359484360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2296792041494847492.post-83886582058741419802011-09-12T00:00:00.000-07:002011-10-30T23:23:39.818-07:009/11 "Cry," another artist's response to that tragic day<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf0UWzjsol0BVxSVwjNV_v4d_HMgJb-9Hvbk3BQ4CHQktF8ZTUiWPRL1ka-sXe-1iawnFDI0skzJKZJF5OFrk1DBGfbbHGxkoaI972IdVmev4dYeVwF6a6k3ARlgXSqEsJ8Q8Fmi2mdwn_/s1600/Cry+%25282%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf0UWzjsol0BVxSVwjNV_v4d_HMgJb-9Hvbk3BQ4CHQktF8ZTUiWPRL1ka-sXe-1iawnFDI0skzJKZJF5OFrk1DBGfbbHGxkoaI972IdVmev4dYeVwF6a6k3ARlgXSqEsJ8Q8Fmi2mdwn_/s400/Cry+%25282%2529.png" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Annie Stromquist, Long Beach artist, produced a series of mixed media pieces on paper.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilrdk4B2Gq1ptMXirhQRuegHOVONzm__JyiRtkYNQGP6O2mla4sCJ9g2wAaQkWRHqm7fBfBuKvBrmNNfm5ztiCE6joegb9Yvx22aMJOVzyZVeY9mSrlDdQmOpOhKC4DTyMGu3EkCVKWVwY/s1600/Cry+%25281%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilrdk4B2Gq1ptMXirhQRuegHOVONzm__JyiRtkYNQGP6O2mla4sCJ9g2wAaQkWRHqm7fBfBuKvBrmNNfm5ztiCE6joegb9Yvx22aMJOVzyZVeY9mSrlDdQmOpOhKC4DTyMGu3EkCVKWVwY/s320/Cry+%25281%2529.png" width="320" /></a></div>Here are two. Go to her <a href="http://anniestromquist.blogspot.com/">One Artist's Life blog</a> for much more of her fine work.Richard (RCH) and Maria Harris (MEH)http://www.blogger.com/profile/15895800965359484360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2296792041494847492.post-44477645341447230602011-09-11T08:53:00.000-07:002011-10-30T23:24:27.975-07:009/11, one artist's response<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-sZo6Ws4E7bERrajQgorNSEQ9SSh-Qmwacx43uCJVh4_xd0KZqMoVyDNykQW-DbIkTaKdlehBIBiOTNbTTzEcVnU_NWB6Huzk_1gpI87syxaxclw-B2HnqwxEGqCpOvHN5KziLAskwtbn/s1600/IMG_4121_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-sZo6Ws4E7bERrajQgorNSEQ9SSh-Qmwacx43uCJVh4_xd0KZqMoVyDNykQW-DbIkTaKdlehBIBiOTNbTTzEcVnU_NWB6Huzk_1gpI87syxaxclw-B2HnqwxEGqCpOvHN5KziLAskwtbn/s400/IMG_4121_2.jpg" width="300" /></a>Ten years ago, as we were trying to come to grips with the horrors of the World Trade Center attacks, artists throughout the world were coping with the tragedy. Here is the response of Sacramento artist Maggie Jimenez.<br />
<br />
A somber figure, hands thrust helplessly into the air. And written on its torso:<br />
<br />
"We have seen a sight we will not forget<br />
<br />
There are ashes everywhere<br />
<br />
The souls of lost lovers are everywhere<br />
<br />
A flag is planted in rubble<br />
<br />
There will be war somewhere<br />
<br />
A land united in sorrow<br />
<br />
There is sadness everywhere<br />
<br />
SEPT 11 20001"<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj62jPVcCQZkHCMEaPH94uQ6V4UvAhbol6JKc1ERyfUoIHShOObP4sNALSODxTGUEVuDkF6_nTZ7i3EgcZYWJvr-SOYZq5xzTc07xCDin85o0IkcCe6RW1XvvGSrte8JaOr392ubNtQHjUo/s1600/IMG_4180.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj62jPVcCQZkHCMEaPH94uQ6V4UvAhbol6JKc1ERyfUoIHShOObP4sNALSODxTGUEVuDkF6_nTZ7i3EgcZYWJvr-SOYZq5xzTc07xCDin85o0IkcCe6RW1XvvGSrte8JaOr392ubNtQHjUo/s320/IMG_4180.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
(RCH)Richard (RCH) and Maria Harris (MEH)http://www.blogger.com/profile/15895800965359484360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2296792041494847492.post-42569074846894565672011-09-10T10:26:00.000-07:002011-10-30T23:25:09.177-07:00Leonard Cohen's "Anthem"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioy4xSVS3nMaPj3em-Ihyfw1vkAWjc0qypAcwqDAnb1FI0sC17YA4rewBqaUa_GwKaWbqqOh87eGyRGzmaSWwlxQacJf9kcNhC_7OUzVLODSEjNLRjk-FZEu50A6XvvsX42JecT7LTjDM3/s1600/wtc_9-11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioy4xSVS3nMaPj3em-Ihyfw1vkAWjc0qypAcwqDAnb1FI0sC17YA4rewBqaUa_GwKaWbqqOh87eGyRGzmaSWwlxQacJf9kcNhC_7OUzVLODSEjNLRjk-FZEu50A6XvvsX42JecT7LTjDM3/s320/wtc_9-11.jpg" width="271" /></a></div>Click on <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_e39UmEnqY8">"There's a crack in everything, that's how the light gets in,"</a> to hear and see the wisdom and grace of Leonard Cohen:<br />
<br />
<b>"Anthem"</b><br />
<br />
The birds they sang <br />
at the break of day <br />
Start again <br />
I heard them say <br />
Don't dwell on what <br />
has passed away <br />
or what is yet to be. <br />
Ah the wars they will <br />
be fought again <br />
The holy dove <br />
She will be caught again <br />
bought and sold <br />
and bought again <br />
the dove is never free. <br />
<br />
Ring the bells that still can ring <br />
Forget your perfect offering <br />
There is a crack in everything <br />
That's how the light gets in. <br />
<br />
We asked for signs <br />
the signs were sent: <br />
the birth betrayed <br />
the marriage spent <br />
Yeah the widowhood <br />
of every government -- <br />
signs for all to see. <br />
<br />
I can't run no more <br />
with that lawless crowd <br />
while the killers in high places <br />
say their prayers out loud. <br />
But they've summoned, they've summoned up <br />
a thundercloud <br />
and they're going to hear from me.<br />
<br />
Ring the bells that still can ring ... <br />
<br />
You can add up the parts <br />
but you won't have the sum <br />
You can strike up the march, <br />
there is no drum <br />
Every heart, every heart <br />
to love will come <br />
but like a refugee. <br />
<br />
Ring the bells that still can ring <br />
Forget your perfect offering <br />
There is a crack, a crack in everything <br />
That's how the light gets in. <br />
<br />
Ring the bells that still can ring <br />
Forget your perfect offering <br />
There is a crack, a crack in everything <br />
That's how the light gets in. <br />
That's how the light gets in. <br />
That's how the light gets in.<br />
<br />
<br />
(RCH)Richard (RCH) and Maria Harris (MEH)http://www.blogger.com/profile/15895800965359484360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2296792041494847492.post-47157103388979835482011-08-11T13:42:00.000-07:002011-12-01T07:52:45.403-08:00"Signal Hill Community First," a New Local Non-Profit Organization is Launched<h2 class="date-header" style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font: normal normal bold 11px/normal Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; min-height: 0px; position: relative; text-transform: uppercase;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; letter-spacing: inherit; margin: inherit; padding: inherit;">Working together to put the interests of the community first</span></h2><h2 class="title">Working Together</h2><h2 class="date-header" style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font: normal normal bold 11px/normal Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; min-height: 0px; position: relative; text-transform: uppercase;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-transform: none;">We all share a responsibility to keep city governments accountable to local residents and businesses. Working together we can keep Signal Hill an affordable, pleasant, and safe place to live and do business.</span></span></h2><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK49QfEzoA0RX_GyWgorLoQpVdrjWoutzBaijMv8xKCzM6ATLS-R2Z3wdh_dxQ8badxL9sGt7I2IUwulLbiw10rWYerhWIOEaWRUrtN1A-jhcJaHiePoWaHUldD2nTFwdmhurrIg7KGkOm/s1600/diversity.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK49QfEzoA0RX_GyWgorLoQpVdrjWoutzBaijMv8xKCzM6ATLS-R2Z3wdh_dxQ8badxL9sGt7I2IUwulLbiw10rWYerhWIOEaWRUrtN1A-jhcJaHiePoWaHUldD2nTFwdmhurrIg7KGkOm/s320/diversity.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><h2 class="date-header" style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font: normal normal bold 11px/normal Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; min-height: 0px; position: relative; text-transform: uppercase;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-transform: none;"></span>To subscribe go to: <a href="http://signalhillcommunityfirst.blogspot.com/">Signal Hill Community First</a> , leave a comment</span></h2><h2 class="date-header" style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font: normal normal bold 11px/normal Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; min-height: 0px; position: relative; text-transform: uppercase;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222;">MONDAY, AUGUST 8, 2011</span></h2><div class="date-posts" style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"><div class="post-outer"><div class="post hentry" style="margin-bottom: 25px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; min-height: 0px; position: relative;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=2296792041494847492&postID=4715710338897983548&from=pencil" name="4473492214191536329"></a><br />
<h3 class="post-title entry-title" style="font: normal normal normal 22px/normal Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.75em; position: relative;"><a href="http://signalhillcommunityfirst.blogspot.com/2011/08/mission-statement.html" style="color: #2288bb; text-decoration: none;">Mission Statement</a></h3><div class="post-header" style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div class="post-header-line-1"></div></div><div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-4473492214191536329" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.4; position: relative; width: 520px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 13px;">Working to put the interests of the community of Signal Hill, California first in the decisions that affect our Quality of Life, Property Values and the Cost of Living in this small city.</span><br />
<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 13px;">We do this by making our voices heard through increased public participation in city affairs to:</span></div><div><ul style="line-height: 1.4; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.5em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 2.5em; padding-right: 2.5em; padding-top: 0px;"><li style="margin-bottom: 0.25em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-indent: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 13px;">Achieve greater transparency and open government.</span></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.25em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-indent: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 13px;">Achieve greater fiscal responsibility to keep public service costs down and create new revenue sources.</span></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.25em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-indent: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 13px;">Ensure that all impacts of development be included in project costs.</span></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.25em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-indent: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 13px;">Ensure fairness, responsiveness, efficiency and effectiveness in city operations.</span></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.25em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-indent: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 13px;">Inspire and empower residents to participate in city affairs.</span></li>
</ul></div><div style="clear: both;"></div></div><div class="post-footer" style="background-color: #f9f9f9; border-bottom-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; color: #666666; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: -2px; margin-right: -2px; margin-top: 20px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px;">-- RCH</div></div></div></div>Richard (RCH) and Maria Harris (MEH)http://www.blogger.com/profile/15895800965359484360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2296792041494847492.post-12432638744297168022011-07-29T10:48:00.000-07:002011-11-20T23:08:54.813-08:0082-Year-Old Biochemist & Trekker Knows About Exercise"I like to measure things," says retired scientist Mort Civen, as he describes the benefits of walking on Signal Hill. He can tell you exactly how much his blood pressure is reduced with his time on the Hill. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcIl6Vu_5GovwvG0gvrQRFBEEx4Mru7pYkK-DgvVCf7kSsa97eMGD35tqjclXFgbEpq-5ipdsYr-xYX0ay1Ih6w3Bb-gR4M4uST_DHq2s-LCed0VJFcRjFNXCsqZzPTDyGlkY4k0A_0-A_/s1600/IMG_4013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcIl6Vu_5GovwvG0gvrQRFBEEx4Mru7pYkK-DgvVCf7kSsa97eMGD35tqjclXFgbEpq-5ipdsYr-xYX0ay1Ih6w3Bb-gR4M4uST_DHq2s-LCed0VJFcRjFNXCsqZzPTDyGlkY4k0A_0-A_/s400/IMG_4013.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>With a Harvard Ph.D. in Biochemistry and 28 years conducting research on <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adrenal_gland">the adrenal gland</a> (A "key to life," he says.) in his lab at the Long Beach Veterans Administration facility, you expect this 82-year-old trekker and fitness advocate to know what he's talking about.<br />
<br />
Civen points to the physical, mental and emotional benefits of exercise; just a little time on the trail, he says, and any hint of depression vanishes.<br />
<br />
He's lived in Signal Hill for 25 years and now that he is retired, he walks daily on the Hill, alternating between trails on the north and south sides of the Hill, while listening to classical music on his iPod. He is very grateful to the City of Signal Hill for making its semi-rustic trails available to all.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1J3uMyRUbFAWMtJJBGEnVt959N06aUhsq-CNkrBTsRnts9uawqzE2UoVOvWN96SJj4VbajBo5Qh3GJPisyqe3WuK6eWNJXi-FJ-FJJrk9xgLMSCLTu-Mw1FeM_XH7Z9vfgiyJkla7sPr-/s1600/IMG_4015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1J3uMyRUbFAWMtJJBGEnVt959N06aUhsq-CNkrBTsRnts9uawqzE2UoVOvWN96SJj4VbajBo5Qh3GJPisyqe3WuK6eWNJXi-FJ-FJJrk9xgLMSCLTu-Mw1FeM_XH7Z9vfgiyJkla7sPr-/s320/IMG_4015.jpg" width="180" /></a>He walks with two lightweight, German-made <a href="http://www.rei.com/gear/feature/search/Google/Leki?s_kwcid=TC%7C13029%7Cleki%20trekking%20poles%7C%7CS%7Ce%7C7282360925&cm_mmc=ps_google_CH-_-Category%20-%20BackPacks-_-BackPacks_Staffs_Poles_Brand_Leki-_-leki%20trekking%20poles&gclid=CPbN-5Skp6oCFUsZQgoda2g8WQ">LEKI trekking poles</a>, with built-in shock absorbers, to give himself an upper body workout and to take a little pressure off his legs. <br />
<br />
Civen is no newcomer to trekking, however. Several times, he took extended hikes in <a href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/nepal">Nepal</a>, including a visit to the famous<a href="http://www.google.com/search?q=mt.+everest+base+camp&hl=en&rlz=1G1GGLQ_ENUS306&prmd=ivnsm&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=wQkzTv3nIeTWiALQvajDCA&ved=0CHwQsAQ&biw=1280&bih=664"> Mt. Everest Base Camp</a>. He has also bagged peaks in Patagonia, Peru, Bolivia, California Sierras, and used to regularly hike up our local Mt. Wilson. <br />
<br />
When talking with Civen, you understand its not just about physical health. It's clear he's considered carefully what's important in this life, and he's willing to share it. He reads--<a href="http://www.newscientist.com/">mostly about science</a>--he walks, he listens to music, he enjoys the beauty of nature, and travels to distant lands and visits exotic cultures. He's currently planning his next overseas trip to New Zealand.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlsDIO821qIOClA0hrBO7ZWgGKr4vYuifKyaY0csOu_BzHAVm8byV6Yxt5XT1nFbAkj6epXBDJala082Lf0TZZkaEuk3TfIggfqEHjUEmobmdiV7Um42kTE0Lf9GDKaKkdGBs7cCP7htmE/s1600/IMG_4017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlsDIO821qIOClA0hrBO7ZWgGKr4vYuifKyaY0csOu_BzHAVm8byV6Yxt5XT1nFbAkj6epXBDJala082Lf0TZZkaEuk3TfIggfqEHjUEmobmdiV7Um42kTE0Lf9GDKaKkdGBs7cCP7htmE/s320/IMG_4017.jpg" width="198" /></a>"I feel lucky," he says, to be healthy and so fully engaged in life. He shares all this with his two daughters--a teacher and a medical doctor--living in Southern California, grand children, and his <a href="http://anniestromquist.blogspot.com/2010/05/astonishing-katherine-gross.html">artist partner-companion</a> with whom he lives.<br />
<br />
And <i><b>I</b></i> feel lucky to have had this Pleasant Encounter with one of Signal Hill's "regulars."<br />
<br />
He also wears a <a href="http://www.tilley.com/LTM3-AIRFLO-Nylamtium-Hat.aspx">cool hat</a>, just laundered.<br />
<br />
<br />
--- RCH<br />
<br />
<b>(For more, click on the <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/104956502635641193071/PleasantEncountersOnSignalHill">Pleasant Encounters </a>label below or the slide show above right.)</b>Richard (RCH) and Maria Harris (MEH)http://www.blogger.com/profile/15895800965359484360noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2296792041494847492.post-50838384775193626522011-07-21T15:38:00.000-07:002011-08-08T17:26:03.023-07:00Can't Let Signal Hill be the next Bell<div id="wrap"><div id="header"><div class="wrap"><div id="title-area"><h1 id="title"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><span class="date published time" title="2011-07-21T12:49:47-0700">July 21, 2011</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"> By </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><span class="author vcard"><span class="fn"><a href="http://www.signalhillvoice.com/author/maria-harris/" rel="author" title="Posts by Maria Harris">Maria Harris</a></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"> </span></h1></div></div></div><div id="inner"><div id="content-sidebar-wrap"><div class="hfeed" id="content"><div class="post-1807 post type-post status-publish format-standard sticky hentry category-budget-2 category-city-council genesis-feature genesis-feature-1 genesis-feature-odd"><div class="entry-content"><div style="clear: both; height: 2px; min-height: 1px; width: 100%;"></div><div class="shareaholic-like-buttonset" style="float: none; height: 30px;"><div style="float: left; margin: 0px 5px ! important; padding-top: 0px ! important;"><fb:like action="like" class=" fb_edge_widget_with_comment fb_iframe_widget" font="" href="http://www.signalhillvoice.com/http%3A%2F%2Fwww.signalhillvoice.com%2F2011%2F07%2F21%2Fsignal-hill-the-next-bell%2F" layout="button_count" send="false" show_faces="false" width="60"><iframe class="fb_ltr" id="fc28f29afda198" name="f282bf994a1367c" scrolling="no" src="http://www.facebook.com/plugins/like.php?action=like&api_key=337255590733&channel_url=http%3A%2F%2Fstatic.ak.fbcdn.net%2Fconnect%2Fxd_proxy.php%3Fversion%3D3%23cb%3Df1cb077248b8452%26origin%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.signalhillvoice.com%252Ff391e1f3969e472%26relation%3Dparent.parent%26transport%3Dpostmessage&href=http%253A%252F%252Fwww.signalhillvoice.com%252F2011%252F07%252F21%252Fsignal-hill-the-next-bell%252F&layout=button_count&locale=en_US&node_type=link&sdk=joey&send=false&show_faces=false&width=90" style="border: medium none; height: 20px; overflow: hidden; width: 90px;" title="Like this content on Facebook."></iframe></fb:like></div><div style="float: left; margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px ! important; padding-top: 1px ! important;"><div id="___plusone_0" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border-style: none; display: inline-block; float: none; height: 20px; margin: 0pt; padding: 0pt; text-indent: 0pt; width: 90px;"><iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" hspace="0" id="I1_1311287510455" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" name="I1_1311287510455" scrolling="no" src="https://plusone.google.com/u/0/_/+1/fastbutton?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.signalhillvoice.com%2F&size=medium&count=true&hl=en-US&jsh=r%3Bgc%2F22431124-0a127465#id=I1_1311287510455&parent=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.signalhillvoice.com&rpctoken=99588289&_methods=onPlusOne%2C_ready%2C_close%2C_open%2C_resizeMe" style="height: 20px; left: 0pt; position: static; top: 0pt; visibility: visible; width: 90px;" tabindex="-1" vspace="0" width="100%"></iframe></div></div></div><div style="clear: both; height: 2px; min-height: 1px; width: 100%;"></div><a href="http://www.signalhillvoice.com/2011/07/21/signal-hill-the-next-bell/maria-harris/" rel="attachment wp-att-1816" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-1816" height="192" src="http://www.signalhillvoice.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/Maria-Harris.jpg" title="Maria Harris" width="175" /></a><strong>The lifeblood of an open, transparent and accountable democracy is active citizen participation</strong>. Just look at what happened in the cities of Bell, Montebello, Cudahy or Vernon where those residents/citizens were not paying attention. We can’t let that happen in Signal Hill. We need to ask tough questions, give fair and reasoned criticism, and suggest alternatives. Keep the city government accountable to us.<br />
In a recent council meeting, I pointed out that the 2011/2012 budget is based on “rosy” assumptions about revenues and other questionable budgeting practices. None of these tactics are illegal. But, they hide the true state of the city’s financial health. <strong> THE CITY IS SPENDING MORE THEN IT RECEIVES IN REVENUE.</strong> Councilman Ed Wilson publicly acknowledged this fact. It wasn’t news to him.<br />
But, it is news to us — Signal Hill residents, businesses, property owners and taxpayers. It took an active citizenry to bring that fact to light. And, it’s the sort of information that is vital to know in order for us to protect our quality of life, public safety, property values and the cost of living in this small city.<br />
<a href="http://www.signalhillvoice.com/2011/07/01/signal-hill-budget-woes/#comments" target="_blank">Click here to view Maria Harris’s commentary in its original context.</a><br />
<br />
<br />
--- MEH, Originally Posted on <a href="http://www.signalhillvoice.com/">Signal Hill Voice</a> by Matt Simmons of Signal Hill<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwdp-7va2gUO0RsnWzpNEMevvZJaNJQmUB3lEcUtQnVbkxEx676diXCvw3_LLb-pC33Gz-LZIu4HarE15EwEnZ7daFXXF45948q0IsBQDlzQx8FK1vX3sUpzgXPRddAZBM16FHNMDKGdwQ/s1600/guitarheroes_40_L.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwdp-7va2gUO0RsnWzpNEMevvZJaNJQmUB3lEcUtQnVbkxEx676diXCvw3_LLb-pC33Gz-LZIu4HarE15EwEnZ7daFXXF45948q0IsBQDlzQx8FK1vX3sUpzgXPRddAZBM16FHNMDKGdwQ/s320/guitarheroes_40_L.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">John Monteleone, "Grand Triport<br />
Model," Archtop Guitar, 1999</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The Metropolitan Museum of New York just wrapped up an exhibit that<br />
thrilled guitarists and art lovers, alike. To see this wonderful show, click on <a href="http://blog.metmuseum.org/guitarheroes/">Guitar Heroes: Legendary Craftsmen from Italy to New York</a>.<br />
<br />
<br />
My nephew and niece just returned a few days ago from a visit to the East Coast and the Met, and brought me a copy of the exhibit's catalogue. I'm enthralled.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: right;"></div>We've all heard about Antonio Stradivari violins from Italy, known for their magical tone and sensual beauty. Less known is the lineage of equally-talented, fine Italian-American acoustic archtop guitar makers--luthiers--from the New York area, that blossomed in the jazz age and continues today.<br />
<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaZMqx2KoEQ_6Yo9fpRsLJ8BQOWJNPaARaSx46WoVN-XhgVcj11B99Ai0phsErGArCC2hDExdk4P7wUsVPkguZPy0keQ7kZq8SQDtFtJR8XJRhkajfmYMFg8mk23BmgmRqkblh_rRKV3ut/s1600/guitarheroes_37_L.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaZMqx2KoEQ_6Yo9fpRsLJ8BQOWJNPaARaSx46WoVN-XhgVcj11B99Ai0phsErGArCC2hDExdk4P7wUsVPkguZPy0keQ7kZq8SQDtFtJR8XJRhkajfmYMFg8mk23BmgmRqkblh_rRKV3ut/s320/guitarheroes_37_L.jpg" width="230" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">James D'Aquisto, "Blue Centura Deluxe"<br />
Archtop Guitar, 1994</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The acoustic archtop guitar, like the violin, is crafted by carving the top of the instrument, requiring more skill and craftsmanship from its builder than for the more common flattop guitar. The edges of the top are thicker than the middle, achieving the resonance--with strength--required for a rich, balanced acoustic sound. <br />
<br />
<br />
The iconic Gibson L-5 was the original archtop, built in the early 1920s, and provided a big, "punchy" sound for the rhythm sections of big jazz bands of the era. Jazz guitarists like Charlie Christian and Eddy Lang made the instrument a mainstay of the jazz tradition. It also sold at a higher price than flattops, giving the transplanted Italian luthiers an opportunity to apply their consummate skills, by first copying the L-5, then improving upon it. <br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggMBVws4ahOfSx3-LKcf02zSaQUOKgXqoKyaZMWXS7VNkD85E2jPald6pQx43SL9mBHxLUL1FL5fv8RzTqN5gKS0v6c5GoZJwJjWnYpi00edIsTaF9GsuMuPMhQq5wUmgt_ptR-Cb7FXA1/s1600/guitarheroes_02_L.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggMBVws4ahOfSx3-LKcf02zSaQUOKgXqoKyaZMWXS7VNkD85E2jPald6pQx43SL9mBHxLUL1FL5fv8RzTqN5gKS0v6c5GoZJwJjWnYpi00edIsTaF9GsuMuPMhQq5wUmgt_ptR-Cb7FXA1/s320/guitarheroes_02_L.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">John D'Agelico, "Excel"<br />
Archtop Guitar, 1951</td></tr>
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The Met show featured three master luthiers--John D'Angelico (1905-1964); his protege, James D'Aquisto (1935-1995) and John Monteleone (b. 1947)--who crafted these commissioned works of art for the likes of Pete Townshend, Grant Green, Chet Atkins, George Benson, Anthony Wilson, Mark Knopfler, Eric Clapton, guitarists for Frank Sinatra, Perry Como and Nat "King" Cole, and many more.<br />
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Click on this <a href="http://blog.metmuseum.org/guitarheroes/">link</a> to learn more, and to see and hear some of these beauties.<br />
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--RCH<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlTxmnQcHJEP9Q26EBvW8so3Cn-kiYJ8WIATVm0TLRc_RIxlINsklvPWN0Y8_60V_MXeWXoKIlhxf0XZvrNxA8Nwk0xnEPwmU1j3XSi2vVt-TFuipuLaTVBPjJ81pULcfdwWfAwEWcaZUB/s1600/guitarheroes_23_L.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlTxmnQcHJEP9Q26EBvW8so3Cn-kiYJ8WIATVm0TLRc_RIxlINsklvPWN0Y8_60V_MXeWXoKIlhxf0XZvrNxA8Nwk0xnEPwmU1j3XSi2vVt-TFuipuLaTVBPjJ81pULcfdwWfAwEWcaZUB/s400/guitarheroes_23_L.jpg" width="297" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gibson K-5 Archtop Guitar, 1928</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Richard (RCH) and Maria Harris (MEH)http://www.blogger.com/profile/15895800965359484360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2296792041494847492.post-21467437545928077292011-06-27T11:05:00.000-07:002011-11-20T23:10:01.319-08:00Aviator Performs Flying Filagrees Over Signal Hill<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMCtsWh1zyZXJspaJTrY6b5aKzrpdBVwHlkCtGFMFtCV3S-6hyemD6C-SwbSB6eqsAgcSiLCLhx_2NQOPV5Afml-LtFw6qvJFe2rUy4-rjMQIdIWTkqWtX4mkE8G9fXNtsK-MZCALXv6J7/s1600/IMG_3699.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMCtsWh1zyZXJspaJTrY6b5aKzrpdBVwHlkCtGFMFtCV3S-6hyemD6C-SwbSB6eqsAgcSiLCLhx_2NQOPV5Afml-LtFw6qvJFe2rUy4-rjMQIdIWTkqWtX4mkE8G9fXNtsK-MZCALXv6J7/s320/IMG_3699.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">"I've tried almost everything," says Dr. Brian Pham, "speed planes, jets, sail-planes, helicopters, war birds, etc., but the thing that gets the adrenaline pumping for me is aerobatics. It never gets boring." This was pretty clear the day we had our Pleasant Encounter on the Hilltop. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After performing a fantastic filagree of spins and loops and rolls, he brought his plane down to eye level, directed it into the wind, turned the nose up to vertical, and let the breeze gently guide it into his waiting hand. "Nice landing," I said. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Brian is an optometrist with his own practice in downtown Long Beach, a business he started five years ago, upon completing his studies. In addition to his profession, his "passions" in life are aviation (full-scale and radio control), racing cars at a track, and <a href="http://www.tm.org/blog/">Transcendental Meditation</a>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The light-weight, styrofoam plane Brian holds in the above picture, he built, and is his "fly anywhere, practice plane," one he can take to small parks, the beach, and Signal Hill. But what he enjoys most is performing giant-scale aerobatics, flying planes that are typically 25-50% scale replicas of their full-size counterparts, and require a runway.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjROpRCPtItbSBoL4o_zHWJbk1k8aNMg0_ATDOA2ZqUf4weCtHdY5UBmUNl20H9qeAvv-WT-Mj0kxPSLa7igNoUAJ-qI1L1xk3lOseAH4EM8rI5P2m4c6MM-AW4li-slTMDCkyXRcXy0bDp/s1600/120.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjROpRCPtItbSBoL4o_zHWJbk1k8aNMg0_ATDOA2ZqUf4weCtHdY5UBmUNl20H9qeAvv-WT-Mj0kxPSLa7igNoUAJ-qI1L1xk3lOseAH4EM8rI5P2m4c6MM-AW4li-slTMDCkyXRcXy0bDp/s320/120.jpg" width="320" /></a>One of these is Brian's Sbach 342, shown here. It is 36% of the size of the real thing, having a wingspan of nine feet, a fuselage the length of a minivan, and weighing in at a very light 27 pounds. It is made primarily of balsa wood and is powered by a 111 cc twin cylinder gas engine, making about 12 horsepower. (Brian participates in a forum dedicated to these <a href="http://www.flyinggiants.com/">Flying Giants</a>.)</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">To perform aerobatics with these behemoths of the radio control world--as well as with the smaller planes--takes a lot of hand-eye-brain coordination. He described these complexities, saying the controls required are each time reversed, depending if the plane is approaching or going away; whether it is ascending or descending. "You need fast reaction, and most importantly, good visual-spatial skills for higher-level aerobatics," he said. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJJaZY-ivIHK4ik-Sxx5RnKb6I0-2Bxdi1TTnrRD66B-dRXwGDbmU3AjZyGbSj7G15MxfTfW5FhWL-k9gQn6m3NCHDqtgeeUkeHdADV7atR-FoMBT5Px9UZqIwuIdUzGTFy1aMaAzhUt4L/s1600/103resize.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJJaZY-ivIHK4ik-Sxx5RnKb6I0-2Bxdi1TTnrRD66B-dRXwGDbmU3AjZyGbSj7G15MxfTfW5FhWL-k9gQn6m3NCHDqtgeeUkeHdADV7atR-FoMBT5Px9UZqIwuIdUzGTFy1aMaAzhUt4L/s320/103resize.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BGR8s8866vU">Here's a link</a> to a short onboard video of Brian performing aerobatics with one of his smaller balsa planes. Be sure to turn up the volume.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Our Pleasant Encounter on Signal Hill introduced me to the aviation sub-culture, which seems more inclusive than I had imagined. Brian told me of meeting many of his fellow enthusiasts who are pilots of both full-scale, as well as remote control aircraft. Some have invited him to fly with them on the "real thing."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I'm looking forward to seeing more flying filagrees above the Hill.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div>Richard (RCH) and Maria Harris (MEH)http://www.blogger.com/profile/15895800965359484360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2296792041494847492.post-54428618686052623542011-05-18T11:51:00.000-07:002011-08-08T17:26:39.157-07:00Celebrate the Pulse of L.A.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.musiccenter.org/images/patron/0511/241pulse2_bgphoto.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="103" src="http://www.musiccenter.org/images/patron/0511/241pulse2_bgphoto.gif" width="320" /></a></div>Click here to <a href="http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.musiccenter.org%2Fevents%2Faa_pulse.html&h=2af38">Celebrate the Pulse of LA</a><br />
<br />
And if you want, look for my story "Come Walk With Me," on Signal Hill. On Page 4 of <a href="http://musiccenter.org/events/241gallery.html">this link.</a><br />
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--- RCHRichard (RCH) and Maria Harris (MEH)http://www.blogger.com/profile/15895800965359484360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2296792041494847492.post-35921102179613208282011-04-21T12:47:00.000-07:002011-08-08T16:16:56.359-07:00I Have Lived for Love, I Have Lived for Art<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHL6uGC0TQSPcdu30bVvzu79sjIDOFiDoWEG1ppRWvT8y0rjBe04hcuxSntnUwma9BNwxv0a3glCkwd6WTpive0xMNw-zF7esMbVdHCLY5N2AZ_r4mGQap2eMvqMaFvPxuuCQswFuzDVcF/s1600/IMG_3506.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHL6uGC0TQSPcdu30bVvzu79sjIDOFiDoWEG1ppRWvT8y0rjBe04hcuxSntnUwma9BNwxv0a3glCkwd6WTpive0xMNw-zF7esMbVdHCLY5N2AZ_r4mGQap2eMvqMaFvPxuuCQswFuzDVcF/s320/IMG_3506.jpg" width="240" /></a>Poet and rocker Patti Smith has written an intimate memoir worthy of an opera--a tale of love, artistic triumph and personal loss.<br />
<br />
The book, "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_0_31?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=patti+smith+just+kids+paperback&sprefix=patti+smith+just+kids+paperback">Just Kids</a>," is Smith's long, loving song-poem chronicling the mutual relationship of artist and muse she had with photographer Robert Mapplethorpe in the late sixties and seventies, in New York. She begins her narrative with the call from Robert's brother, announcing her former lover's death from AIDS-related pneumonia. She writes:<br />
<br />
"I stood motionless, frozen; then slowly, as in a dream, returned to my chair. At that moment, [Puccini's] Tosca<i> </i>began the great aria '<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NNx6hh-cCa8">Vissi d'arte</a>.' <i>I have lived for love, I have lived for art. </i>I closed my eyes and folded my hands. Providence had determined how I would say goodbye."<br />
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Give a listen to the aria performed by Renee Flemming and linked above, for a hint of the drama Patti and Robert played out together, from Coney Island to Forty-second street; from their tiny rooms in Brooklyn and then in the infamous Chelsea Hotel; crossing paths with the famous and notorious of the era, including Allen Ginsberg, Andy Warhol, Janis Joplin, and Jimi Hendrix; and touched by the ghosts of Rimbaud, James Joyce, Genet, and Dylan Thomas.<br />
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Our friend and opera buff Kevin Lin says we should have linked to the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7g21UHxcasc">Maria Callas version</a> of the aria. Callas, he says, sings it "with absolute pathos, and she absolutely embodies the character of Tosca." I had chosen the Flemming version for its clarity, warm sound and her impeccable technique.<br />
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Listen to the two versions and tell us what <i>you</i> think.<br />
<br />
-- RCHRichard (RCH) and Maria Harris (MEH)http://www.blogger.com/profile/15895800965359484360noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2296792041494847492.post-3465276726222530012011-04-17T11:32:00.000-07:002011-08-08T16:17:23.726-07:00Jazz Pianist's 23-Year Gig at Nordstrom Terminated<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg3Azn9c-wpIbEFBVNfoF0K1Dzx7R91VoWupq75DLUmjpMtWa3z7_x01wW289i5DptT4gg_fXkCVqT5xrDDd8MWO2JsmSP8mLlEV0snx24-VfLBPC30rmmrd4eTQfhJ889z2cTgThPOCjj/s1600/Kobayashi_Ron_Steemers04034.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg3Azn9c-wpIbEFBVNfoF0K1Dzx7R91VoWupq75DLUmjpMtWa3z7_x01wW289i5DptT4gg_fXkCVqT5xrDDd8MWO2JsmSP8mLlEV0snx24-VfLBPC30rmmrd4eTQfhJ889z2cTgThPOCjj/s1600/Kobayashi_Ron_Steemers04034.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
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</tbody></table>Ron Kobayashi, jazz pianist and long-time fixture at Orange County's premier jazz club, Steamers, has been fired--along with most other Nordstrom pianists around the nation. (See<a href="http://lat.ms/fJ79rK"> L.A. Times article</a> on the subject.)<br />
<div><br />
</div><div>This is another blow sending lovers of live jazz music reeling, and questioning Nordstom's loyalty to its long-time employees.</div><div><br />
</div><div>And for many of us who, while shopping, delight in the refined sounds coming from a baby grand, it is one more incentive for not spending the extra bucks at this up-scale department store.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Ron is also leader of the Ron Kobayashi Trio, and has composed, recorded and performed for decades in the Southern California region. To see and hear what a treasure we have, click <a href="http://www.myspace.com/ronkobayashi">here</a> for a link to his MySpace page and to view a few videos of the trio.</div><div><br />
</div><div>If you want to tell Norstrom how misguided their new policy is, you can e-mail them at <a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/c/customer-service-contact-us?origin=footer">http://shop.nordstrom.com/c/customer-service-contact-us?origin=footer</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=54yyBGRpZZ8">Here</a> you can see an old video from Dan Rather's CBS News discussing pianists at Nordstrom, and hearing Ron play a little jazz Christmas music.</div><div><br />
</div><div>-- RCH</div><div><br />
</div>Richard (RCH) and Maria Harris (MEH)http://www.blogger.com/profile/15895800965359484360noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2296792041494847492.post-60693889529085811542011-01-18T16:34:00.000-08:002011-11-23T08:33:36.496-08:00Spain: Meeting Christopher Small, III<b><i>This is the final post of our meeting with Professor Christopher Small in Sitges, Spain. Again, those of you with an interest in the Arts in Our Communities may find this particularly interesting. Next we move on to Madrid and Andalucía.</i></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyb9lT2xO0LoZ6cJdUetvElrtYUvy4OdGoPeZpYSl_BrvzFwW5QBi87vCtAbmn97WaGBcx95WtJvBfHQjJbZ5Fd4KsI6vL5MdWfcsvn5ZOkJRTter8ROXNMhgbpRDBW3Lgr4kPZ4Sn9wSA/s1600/IMG_2128.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyb9lT2xO0LoZ6cJdUetvElrtYUvy4OdGoPeZpYSl_BrvzFwW5QBi87vCtAbmn97WaGBcx95WtJvBfHQjJbZ5Fd4KsI6vL5MdWfcsvn5ZOkJRTter8ROXNMhgbpRDBW3Lgr4kPZ4Sn9wSA/s320/IMG_2128.JPG" width="253" /></a><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Once in Barcelona, I telephoned Small and arranged a day, time and location where we would meet. He said he would be waiting for me at the train station. Instead of the giant man of letters I expected to meet, I found a small, somewhat shy, graying older man holding a cane; a gentleman of delicacy and reticence, ready to receive strangers from abroad as his guests. It was this meeting of Christopher Small, the person, that explained the "heart" I had seen in his work -- its deep core of humanity and compassion that is evident throughout.</span></b><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">As we gathered in the living room of his apartment filled with books, artwork and a piano, Chris (at his initiative, we quickly moved to using our first names) talked about Sitges, a charming seaside village, where there is always something interesting to do, usually something connected with the arts. He also talked fondly of his long-time partner, Neville, who died in a local hospital some four years ago, from a brain tumor. He dedicates <u>Music of the Common Tongue</u> -- which I think is his most passionate work -- to Neville, writing: "To Neville Braithwaite, who taught me what it was all about." Chris praised the Spanish healthcare system, thankful that their European Union passports gave them both access to it.</span></b><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Sitting comfortably in the living room and sipping the good local red wine Chris brought out, we began talking about his work, and I gave him the letter of gratitude Irvine Foundation's Director for the Arts, Josephine Ramirez, had asked me to deliver. As he read, it was clear that he was moved. He quietly said he is pleased that his work is being put into practice, not limited to being read in academia. It has been only in the last ten years that his books have received much attention, which still surprises him, he said. He pointed out, too, that none of the books have ever gone out of print.</span></b><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Chris seemed reluctant to talk much about the substance of his work, seemingly satisfied with my simple -- perhaps simplistic -- summary of it. He refuses to be pigeonholed, however. When I asked if he considers himself a musicologist, he simply said, "I'm a musician who thinks about his music," refusing, even, to contend that his music is art -- maybe because even that would be too much of an abstraction.</span></b><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">He did venture one strong opinion: He said he doesn't much care for the music of John Cage. He said music requires "human intentionality" that is missing in the chance and random ambient-sound orientation of much of Cage's work. He didn't say this, but from his comments in <u>Music of the Common Tongue</u>, I think Chris might have added, if given the chance, that Cage is too much the precious and disingenuous elitist for his taste.</span></b><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Chris disagreed with me on one point. I had suggested that lagging ticket sales at performing arts centers would make for a good reason to apply his ideas. My argument was the more "everyday" people are encouraged to engage personally in the arts, the more likely they will also increasingly support and attend professional performances that arts centers promote. He wasn't specific about his reasons for challenging this, but Josephine Ramirez agreed with him in a later letter to me, saying "[E]verybody wants to do that but, at least originally, when we created it, our [Active Arts] program was never supposed to do that." Further, she said "In my years of looking at these things, there's no data yet to solidly suggest that programs like Active Arts ... are helping to remedy falling attendance at PACs." She also expressed concern that the acceptance of that argument might even lead to giving undue attention to "the old butts in the seats" model of PACs.</span></b><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">After finishing the bottle of wine, we moved from Chris' apartment to an Argentine restaurant on the water, just a half block away. Several people warmly greeted Chris as we strolled by, asking not only about him, but also about local activities that they shared an interest in. Chris is clearly well known and an engaged local favorite.</span></b><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Returning after lunch, and as I gathered my things to leave, I snapped a few photos -- the ones you see here -- and turned to ask: "And what about your <i>own</i> music, Chris?", pointing to his piano. "I'm afraid I haven't been much inspired since Neville's passing," he said.</span></b><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">We said our goodbyes and expressed our appreciation for each other with a big "abrazo," a bear hug. And, as I worked my way through Sitges, back to the train station -- a tad tipsy from the wine -- I couldn't help marveling at this experience; at having come from a half a world away to meet this giant man of letters, with a heart to match.</span></b><br />
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<b><i><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/rharris410/ChristopherSmallVisit#">Here are a few more photos from our time in Sitges</a>.</i></b><br />
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<b><i></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">--RCH </span></b><br />
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</span></b>Richard (RCH) and Maria Harris (MEH)http://www.blogger.com/profile/15895800965359484360noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2296792041494847492.post-40554692439682169682011-01-12T02:02:00.000-08:002011-11-23T08:35:03.292-08:00Spain: Meeting Christopher Small, II<b><i>This post continues the discussion of our meeting with Christopher Small in Sitges, Spain. Once again, those of you with an interest in the Arts in Our Communities, may find this particularly interesting.</i></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhphtm_GL5b7BOF2v7kwhFQ7AzkUjuhQiuB-5j6f5QSi_e3Rz9CzYI0PycFUeE1C92dkW-a5E7fA1KJDqoqJRW_0PneGbrmWJYxf8Nn5_Xu-Z97KoKvkyubiUDiLoZH05VPeQFoeEmJ9Hpc/s1600/IMG_2128.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhphtm_GL5b7BOF2v7kwhFQ7AzkUjuhQiuB-5j6f5QSi_e3Rz9CzYI0PycFUeE1C92dkW-a5E7fA1KJDqoqJRW_0PneGbrmWJYxf8Nn5_Xu-Z97KoKvkyubiUDiLoZH05VPeQFoeEmJ9Hpc/s320/IMG_2128.JPG" width="253" /></a>Christopher Small was born in New Zealand where he studied piano and, despite difficulties locating a teacher in the then-sparcely populated country, some violin. On the strengths of a ballet he wrote as a young man, he received a scholarship to study in England. He completed his studies there and remained, eventually becoming a Senior Lecturer at Ealing College of Higher Education in London. He retired in 1986 and moved to Sitges, with his partner Neville, a Jamaican-born dancer and promoter of community arts in London.<br />
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Small's life's work is reflected in three books. They are: <u><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Music-Society-Education-Culture/dp/0819563072/ref=sr_1_4?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1294536083&sr=1-4">Music, Society, Education</a></u>; <u><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Music-Common-Tongue-Survival-Celebration/dp/0819563579/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1294536083&sr=1-3">Music of the Common Tongue: Survival and Celebration in African American Music</a></u>; and his manifesto, <u><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Musicking-Meanings-Performing-Listening-Culture/dp/0819522570/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1294536083&sr=1-1">Musicking: The Meaning of Performance and Listening</a>;</u> published in 1977, 1987 and 1998, respectively.<br />
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These are scholarly works organized around two broad questions: "What is the nature of music?" and "What is its function in human life?" He has thought about these questions for years. Instead of applying conventional abstractions, ideologies or theories to explore these themes, he questions old assumptions and turns to what he sees (and hears) <i>directly</i> in the world. For Small, music's significant meaning lies in the vernacular.<br />
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He draws heavily on the thinking of anthropologist <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gregory_bateson">Gregory Bateson</a> and his notion of the "pattern that connects," and finds the significance of music in our social processes that are much more personal, and much more pervasive than those found in the concert hall or on a CD. Music is not a thing, he would say, not limited to the work or the score, or even the performance. Rather, when seen broadly, music is a <i>process </i>that explores, affirms and celebrates human relationship. He coined the term "musicking" to show this.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI1mOWUrXI4F3JQv4ZGHYg8e2KCNlRuade1OvtJd_VeY2OCjKWOcNIVkpqJpAh1p56AG2AIstJ0xkBOylTfmMfRob0gyaWPC73QX2s1W_73a0xi3BhqNQuR1J7YE7KakULbz6arJCEBZhm/s1600/IMG_2127.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI1mOWUrXI4F3JQv4ZGHYg8e2KCNlRuade1OvtJd_VeY2OCjKWOcNIVkpqJpAh1p56AG2AIstJ0xkBOylTfmMfRob0gyaWPC73QX2s1W_73a0xi3BhqNQuR1J7YE7KakULbz6arJCEBZhm/s320/IMG_2127.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
To fully appreciate these ideas, Small's books -- linked above -- need to be read. For a quick introduction, and for a taste of Christopher Small, the man and scholar, I suggest reading his <a href="http://www.musekids.org/musicking.html">lecture</a> given at the University of Melbourne in 1995, linked here.<br />
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<b><i>The next post -- our final installment of our Meeting with Christopher Small -- will describe our actual encounter with him in Sitges, Spain.</i></b><br />
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-- RCHRichard (RCH) and Maria Harris (MEH)http://www.blogger.com/profile/15895800965359484360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2296792041494847492.post-66116909309867484892011-01-08T19:11:00.000-08:002011-11-23T08:35:58.766-08:00Spain: Meeting Christopher Small, I<b><i>This launches a series of three posts about a meeting that began in Los Angeles and culminated, a half a world away, in Sitges, Spain. Those of you interested in the </i>Arts in Our Communities<i> may find this worth reading.</i></b><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoN9BNSsf0oHukeOzd4d13O0OXlpCOjgtbY0qADg1gzO2UKc5ve0T_PHGel-hve64-j0gUyNi4RaFslITORxp5DAAkF5hQfz6-my4qAHl9Bzt8zVMBo0Ez0XMw3FH5TVeWIeAK3vTlsEbu/s1600/IMG_2128.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoN9BNSsf0oHukeOzd4d13O0OXlpCOjgtbY0qADg1gzO2UKc5ve0T_PHGel-hve64-j0gUyNi4RaFslITORxp5DAAkF5hQfz6-my4qAHl9Bzt8zVMBo0Ez0XMw3FH5TVeWIeAK3vTlsEbu/s320/IMG_2128.JPG" width="253" /></a><br />
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<b><i></i></b>Meet 83 year-old professor and much respected author Christopher Small, who devotes his life to trying to understand the meaning and significance of music in our lives.<br />
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I learned of Small at the Los Angeles Music Center where I volunteer in its <a href="http://www.musiccenter.org/events/activearts.html">Active Arts</a> program. Small's works, among those of others, provide the intellectual grounding for this program that promotes amateur music making in Los Angeles.<br />
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When I learned that the now-retired Professor Small lives in Sitges, just 30 minutes by train southwest of Barcelona, I resolved to visit him -- a sort of mission of our tour of Spain. To do this, I contacted his publisher, <a href="http://www.wesleyan.edu/wespress/">Wesleyan University Press</a>, then started a communication with him via e-mail, and also contacted others influenced by his work, including Josephine Ramirez, to make this visit a reality. She eagerly offered to write a letter of gratitude to him for me to deliver -- this becoming a poignant focal point of the visit.<br />
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Ramirez is the individual most responsible for the creation of Active Arts and is the former Vice President for Programing and Planning for the Music Center. She is now the Arts Program Director for the <a href="http://www.irvine.org/">Irvine Foundation</a>, administering more than $20 million each year for the arts in California. (You can see her on the video at the Active Arts Web site linked above.) She discovered Small's works while on a year's sabbatical at Harvard in 2002-03, and from that created a loose theoretical framework about building arts policies and programming with "everyday" people as its focus.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiafkNC-AF034tx1IwRBeYeBcf810i2-mN2TEjSG1lo-gMSDKZz-2oBnSndCYfDWO4ih3i5PwaezYM2N5mqF5S1MSls0RlPTx3AmewitfRZwzW-LqMZeV465prYMyTaRkgKSrGAOuDHXty/s1600/IMG_1497.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiafkNC-AF034tx1IwRBeYeBcf810i2-mN2TEjSG1lo-gMSDKZz-2oBnSndCYfDWO4ih3i5PwaezYM2N5mqF5S1MSls0RlPTx3AmewitfRZwzW-LqMZeV465prYMyTaRkgKSrGAOuDHXty/s320/IMG_1497.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
The Active Arts program at the Los Angeles Music Center is putting Christopher Small's ideas into practice, as the Center broadens its mission from being a performing arts center to becoming a civic cultural center for the city. The program challenges our passive, detached-connoisseurship orientation to music, so often encouraged by performing arts centers, and exhorts us to personally engage in the arts -- to unleash the artist in each of us. It encourages us to step back to an earlier time of parlors and dusty porches, when we actually <i>made </i>music, rather than simply purchased it. Small's work provides both a catalyst and rationale for this.<br />
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A couple of years ago, I was asked to give brief remarks to the Music Center board of directors, to share what Active Arts means to one of its volunteers. At the meeting I heard one of the directors ask, "How does this relate to our core programs?" Josephine Ramirez, who was moderating the meeting, replied spontaneously, "This <i>is</i> a core program."<br />
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<b><i>In our next post, we will present some background on Christopher Small and try to summarize his thinking.</i></b><br />
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-- RCHRichard (RCH) and Maria Harris (MEH)http://www.blogger.com/profile/15895800965359484360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2296792041494847492.post-4183505385201080192010-12-27T01:41:00.000-08:002011-11-20T23:10:53.725-08:008-Month-Old Emily Absorbs the View From Signal Hill ... in Father Felipe's Arms<span id="goog_1269329858"></span><span id="goog_1269329859"></span><br />
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><b><i>Here's a brief interlude to the Spain blog series</i></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0lQPPjSiPx3YQag5C7hz9j1GxZXudkCE1wpjAWjJyIasXTAyfP9dNsMEoSX4v2tdHmqEYxt9-kfFt4NukrF8-fCE1uWQ5DGE0dWSF9rysT4hyFoCtW_o8KbYAom9N527wFN0j_CtlyLB1/s1600/IMG_2771_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0lQPPjSiPx3YQag5C7hz9j1GxZXudkCE1wpjAWjJyIasXTAyfP9dNsMEoSX4v2tdHmqEYxt9-kfFt4NukrF8-fCE1uWQ5DGE0dWSF9rysT4hyFoCtW_o8KbYAom9N527wFN0j_CtlyLB1/s320/IMG_2771_3.jpg" width="320" /></a><b><i></i></b>Infants are totally into the view; without thought, they <i><b>are</b></i> the view, absorbed fully by it. We adults, on the other hand, live mostly in our heads and worry about "our view" when we want to sell our pricey view property. At least this is what Signal Hill city planning staff tell us.</div><div class="" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">We met 8-month-old Emily, held high in her father Felipe's arms, briskly climbing the Hill, escaping TV and the seductions of the couch. "This hill and its trails are a wonderful thing to find in the middle of the city," he said. "Not as wild as the Whittier Hills" where he used to walk, but a "wonderful resource" nonetheless. "I've been bringing my children up here for years, he said; the boys complained at first, but now they love it;" absorbed by the view, I'm guessing.<br />
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Before we parted, we said we'll see each other on the Hill and online. <br />
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Another Pleasant Encounter on Signal Hill. See more Pleasant Encounters on Signal Hill in slide show in the sidebar to the right.<br />
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<b><i>We return to Spain in the next post.</i></b><br />
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--- RCH</div><div class="" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div>Richard (RCH) and Maria Harris (MEH)http://www.blogger.com/profile/15895800965359484360noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2296792041494847492.post-5576138087623445072010-12-10T14:46:00.000-08:002011-08-08T17:12:25.798-07:00Spain: Humor and Generosity at the Tobelos Winery in La Rioja<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXZK4SIfv3cQ-mu33J-D8uv6HbCezkWVjuWQ81DeiFV_ZSZ8YIN3lPofvjL0VsZEpy6XnOQoXLIbykVBp9HtVH3Rdp8WkOV7266NTvrzNBqkPKmiPqoURGovK9dnzDreAu9CURwIv8SSjn/s1600/IMG_2400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkBAAda_HeeM7p_fsnrcFVuWGZZp8HusbxDlJNMIZMKrUJ4sFoQ2qNnExl2ynPlnUkXjAqmpPHQ0C0jyzVHRdsCE63VwIo8VwGtom9PFV6wX3ELF_bJbtCIkLozMoSrxf2N1peKqhgjvE_/s1600/IMG_2388.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkBAAda_HeeM7p_fsnrcFVuWGZZp8HusbxDlJNMIZMKrUJ4sFoQ2qNnExl2ynPlnUkXjAqmpPHQ0C0jyzVHRdsCE63VwIo8VwGtom9PFV6wX3ELF_bJbtCIkLozMoSrxf2N1peKqhgjvE_/s320/IMG_2388.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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While dining at the Restaurante Echaurren in Ezcaray, we tasted a fine white wine from the Bodega Tobelos. Once we learned that it was bottled in Briñas, a small village alongside the River Ebro (seen here), just a few kilometers from our <a href="http://www.hotellosagustinos.com/">hotel in Haro</a>, we decided to see if we could find it; maybe do a little tasting there, even purchase a few bottles.<br />
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Maria knocked on a locked door of an imposing, modernist and very functional building. A silver-headed gentleman shouted out of a second-story window, "May I help you?" "We were hoping to taste some of your wines," Maria answered, in Spanish.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXZK4SIfv3cQ-mu33J-D8uv6HbCezkWVjuWQ81DeiFV_ZSZ8YIN3lPofvjL0VsZEpy6XnOQoXLIbykVBp9HtVH3Rdp8WkOV7266NTvrzNBqkPKmiPqoURGovK9dnzDreAu9CURwIv8SSjn/s1600/IMG_2400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXZK4SIfv3cQ-mu33J-D8uv6HbCezkWVjuWQ81DeiFV_ZSZ8YIN3lPofvjL0VsZEpy6XnOQoXLIbykVBp9HtVH3Rdp8WkOV7266NTvrzNBqkPKmiPqoURGovK9dnzDreAu9CURwIv8SSjn/s320/IMG_2400.jpg" width="140" /></a><br />
Then we heard, "I was hoping you wanted to buy the winery; everything has its price, you know."<br />
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We were lucky to meet Ricardo Reinoso Casado, Director and Manager and part owner of the Bodega Tobelos, who soon appeared at the first-floor entrance. We imagined that we had given him a welcomed break from some dispiriting bookkeeping.<br />
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He gave us an hour-long tour, even providing some glasses for tasting wines in their fermenting process, <i>directly </i>from the large stainless steel vats and the French oak "gaining," or aging barrels you see here. After tasting one ripe red wine he said, "This lacks a few weeks before it is ready for the oak barrel." Similar evaluations were made at each of four or five other stainless steel vats we sampled. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKxQ3hxXzRD9GcReS82-S0lrJ1T51_y-60tY3WMbOIwvY9dBUhN9VgJICvP3bMNjHM0THpfLvrVCpzKjmlzbCrbBUoqNtHHyuUhJ-BSacehRY4D0VPNH9-v2XU3XC7-gSetxjzmHfra6pg/s1600/IMG_2394.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKxQ3hxXzRD9GcReS82-S0lrJ1T51_y-60tY3WMbOIwvY9dBUhN9VgJICvP3bMNjHM0THpfLvrVCpzKjmlzbCrbBUoqNtHHyuUhJ-BSacehRY4D0VPNH9-v2XU3XC7-gSetxjzmHfra6pg/s320/IMG_2394.JPG" width="320" /></a>Throughout the tour, Ricardo--who has family in the United States--showed the Spanish humor, generosity and grace we had seen in Barcelona and Ezcaray. He knew we were typical tourists and that his company had little to gain financially from us. Nonetheless, he engaged with us and welcomed our curiosity and appreciation for his craft.<br />
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When he learned that Larry does not speak Spanish, he took pains to include him with his own, halting English.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSxBeepqk1kuONJffnNC0H-v9J4ZtR56cP5AzYEbP-e1I8w2UuAxXuV84VnrSV5RjOgLwWESrldzc_D17m1tqA_lA7tVcgXWgwh1THZc3wcoTlJ1PCiHhtJZyHrMO3uq3IeQbYxFRgSZFZ/s1600/IMG_2401_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSxBeepqk1kuONJffnNC0H-v9J4ZtR56cP5AzYEbP-e1I8w2UuAxXuV84VnrSV5RjOgLwWESrldzc_D17m1tqA_lA7tVcgXWgwh1THZc3wcoTlJ1PCiHhtJZyHrMO3uq3IeQbYxFRgSZFZ/s320/IMG_2401_2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><a href="http://www.tobelos.com/encinaEnglish.html">Bodegas Tobelos</a> produces various wines of Garnacha and Tempranillo grapes grown locally. They export to England and Germany, as well as distribute domestically, within Spain. We learned that the white wine we tasted at the Restaurante Echaurren had been left there by the bodega's marketing team a couple of weeks earlier. Ricardo said the bodega is better known for its reds.<br />
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They are exploring the possibility of exporting to California and elsewhere in the U.S., a potentially large but difficult market, due to the competition and the various import fees that vary state by state.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8rfg1i3n-JMmXL__68nrfFVTfe88qRUTF1DmyH4qC7zVxg6JNsOFij-sefYMxQUxT3agKVoMzDcNOZuNqYshgoJsii5hb3b050Glz-Ok-fl9Hk5Q8z343ukcmoRr5p08zNpfRz06IlWds/s1600/IMG_2392.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8rfg1i3n-JMmXL__68nrfFVTfe88qRUTF1DmyH4qC7zVxg6JNsOFij-sefYMxQUxT3agKVoMzDcNOZuNqYshgoJsii5hb3b050Glz-Ok-fl9Hk5Q8z343ukcmoRr5p08zNpfRz06IlWds/s320/IMG_2392.JPG" width="320" /></a>The wine grapes come from small plots of vineyards located around the bodega, near the Rio Ebro and at the foot of the Sierra and Obarenes Mountains.<br />
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In the photo to the left you see, through a window that is the entire wall of the tasting room, some of the bodega's vineyards, with the mountains in the background. Grape vines are deciduous, so the cool, fall weather was bringing out a palate of oranges and reds, much like the beautiful change of colors you see in New England in the fall.<br />
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Click <a href="http://bit.ly/gVsX4o">here</a> to see a few more photos, with captions, of our visit to La Rioja. --- RCH Richard (RCH) and Maria Harris (MEH)http://www.blogger.com/profile/15895800965359484360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2296792041494847492.post-81661020095631316132010-12-07T00:03:00.000-08:002011-08-08T17:12:56.955-07:00Spain: The Spanish are "Muy Cultos."<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpxUYFYCNE22O8RHIz4HF4RYBrHO3qO7DRoVoc5XR44Bs4bsEGkpG9_qXkZnW7zI7PbQvYKcMUGMxzV7UXRJPcNreGMSWWJwSmdlnduv6_8QXICI4SAXx8Q4G100bSOzJGolBVBz9TEy1t/s1600/IMG_2373.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="253" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpxUYFYCNE22O8RHIz4HF4RYBrHO3qO7DRoVoc5XR44Bs4bsEGkpG9_qXkZnW7zI7PbQvYKcMUGMxzV7UXRJPcNreGMSWWJwSmdlnduv6_8QXICI4SAXx8Q4G100bSOzJGolBVBz9TEy1t/s320/IMG_2373.JPG" width="320" /></a>Our Seattle friend Gene Nutt says the Spanish are <i>muy cultos</i>, meaning very cultured, refined, civilized. He would know, being a Spanish speaker himself, raised in Latin America and a seasoned traveler in Spain. We agree with him. <br />
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We'd add "warm-hearted," "eager to engage" and "generous" to Gene's observations, after meeting Carlos, Cristina and their one-month-old daughter Inés, in a sunny plaza in <a href="http://www.spain.info/en/ven/otros-destinos/ezcaray.html">Ezcaray</a>, a Basque-influenced village (the name comes from the Basque language) in La Rioja. <br />
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Above is another photo that says it all: Carlos, Cristina and Inés in the town's premier restaurant <a href="http://www.echaurren.com/">Echaurren</a>.<br />
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We had departed the big city of Barcelona, enthralled by the Art Deco genius of Gaudí and others we saw there. First, by high-speed train, we headed west to Zaragoza, and then north to<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haro,_La_Rioja"> Haro</a> in a rented car, looking for some open countryside and a little wine tasting. On our second day there, we visited Ezcaray, on the western edge of La Rioja.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyT_l8LecQBjfymBc6JdAAG3-vKvDO6kaNN1OdPtq0jm76giaMjV3t0yQPleZiQii_kFqotLL5GO_dbEfd7e2GKBwprRRxBTkA1cZS6MpoT7rTRU8cHVRRcGlh_u81Rub-utgudLhijypY/s1600/IMG_2372.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyT_l8LecQBjfymBc6JdAAG3-vKvDO6kaNN1OdPtq0jm76giaMjV3t0yQPleZiQii_kFqotLL5GO_dbEfd7e2GKBwprRRxBTkA1cZS6MpoT7rTRU8cHVRRcGlh_u81Rub-utgudLhijypY/s320/IMG_2372.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>It was a bright and sunny day as we drove through the town and up to a hilltop overlooking the village. This is La Rioja's only ski area but snow had yet to fall. At this elevation, though, it was chilly enough to seek out a sunny spot on the town's square, when we dropped back down to visit Ezcaray and get a bite to eat.<br />
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As we struggled over a menu of unfamiliar tapas, we heard "May we help you," in very good English.<br />
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After we ordered the tasty tapa suggested by Carlos, we learned that he has long been spending his holidays on his grandfather's farm in the area. Originally from the northern Basque city of Bilbao, he now lives in Madrid where he works for a Swiss bank. His wife Cristina, also in the financial services business, is employed by J.P. Morgan. She is now on parenthood leave, however, and will continue for some time. Carlos, himself, took a leave of a couple of weeks after Inés was born. <br />
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Learning this led to a discussion on the expanding role of the Spanish husband in the birthing and parenting process. I told the couple of the data showing this nascent trend presented by Giles Tremlett in his fascinating book <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Ghosts-Spain-Travels-Through-Silent/dp/B001G7R9DC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1291237835&sr=1-1">"Ghosts of Spain: Travels Through Spain and its Silent Past."</a> Back in the 1990s, he reports, "Only some 5,000 men a year ... take up their right to up to ten weeks' paternity leave in Spain, compared to 250,000 women who take maternity leave." Carlos and Cristina indicated that the larger role for the father is just now seems to becoming a norm for their generation. We also briefly talked about our observation of how calm the Spanish child is, in comparison with the a<i>nglosajón,</i> the anglo saxon, and the Latin American child, a point also made by Tremlett. Tremlett points out that the Spanish child is less likely to rebel than his/her Latin American or American counterpart. (Pick up a copy of "Ghosts of Spain" and read Tremlett's chapter "Men and Children First," for a discussion of the Spanish family, the medical profession, death and dying, and the Spanish communal spirit since Franco; it's fascinating.)<br />
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As we gathered ourselves to leave our little sunny spot on the plaza, Carlos recommended dinner at Restaurante Echaurren. We took him up on it, and as we later entered the restaurant, we were greeted by them again, as you see in the above photo. Not long after settling in at our own table, the waiter arrived with a plate of croquettes, compliments of our new friends.<br />
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<i>Muy</i> <i>cultos</i> indeed.<br />
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We are now Facebook friends.<br />
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Click <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/rharris410/EzcarayLaRiojaSpain#">here</a> for a few more photos of Ezcaray, with captions.Richard (RCH) and Maria Harris (MEH)http://www.blogger.com/profile/15895800965359484360noreply@blogger.com0