Blu-Ray vs. HD DVD

I'm clearly on the side of Blu-Ray in their technology death match with HD DVD, primarily since I'm almost sure to purchase a PS3. So a little good news is welcome, no matter how small. The Yahoo News article also lines up the big players behind each technology:

Blu-ray is backed by Sony; Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., which makes Panasonic brand products; Sharp Corp.; Hitachi and Pioneer Corp. in Japan, along with Samsung Electronics Co., Apple Computer Inc. and Dell Inc. HD DVD has the support of Japanese electronics makers Toshiba Corp. and NEC Corp., as well as Intel Corp. and Microsoft Corp.

I wonder how things will turn out. Wasn't Sony the backer of Betamax, who of course lost out to VHS in the 1980's? And while there are generally agreed upon business reasons for what happened, I always thought the name Betamax sounded so second place. And unfortunately, if I were to apply my name test, I think HD DVD sounds more appealing to the casual consumer.

Container Chic

Cargo containers are large lego blocks with context. Your stuff is shipped in them. You can live in them. And now, modern casual Japanese fashion will be sold out of them in SoHo, NY -- linked from Jean Snow.

Uniqlo is nice stuff. It gives me warm fuzzies. And I know people who would look good in this.

Mary Worth

My cousin Karen Moy writes Mary Worth. You probably pass by her work in the funny pages of the daily fishwrap. It's an old school comic but things are heating up. See Mary's stalker here!!! I love how his name is an anagram too. My cousin discusses the upcoming changes in an interview with the Palm Beach Post:

Q: What happens at the end of this story line?

A: It's going to be something very dramatic. Then that will lead to something else very dramatic. I don't know if it will delight fans. I think it will hold their interest. They'll see what character flaws can lead to.

Hm! Check out the article. It has good background information on Mary's long history plus interesting insights from my cousin.

Weekend

New friends make for a pleasant weekend indeed. Saw Pirates II (begrudgingly) and was pleasantly surprised. Played some Saturday morning basketball in San Pedro. Explored a little of Griffith Park the next day, which was alright too.

For a lonely soul, I'm having such a nice time.

Baseketball Quiz

And on my second try, I am...
Dwayne Wade
Take Which NBA player are you? today!
Created with Rum and Monkey's Personality Test Generator.

Japanese Places in LA

The Japanese food in LA is so much better than most cities (SF, for example). And the places around Gardena are hands down better than anywhere else in LA.

Allison and Brian took me to Azuma, which doesn't even have a citysearch link. Here's all I can find. Suffice to say that it is authentic izakaya and oh so good.

In a way, I'm fearful that all these great places won't last much longer. Immigration from Japan has declined for a while now. Lots of the salary men that moved to LA are leaving with auto-maker offices. My Japanese friends who know these things better than I all agree: Places like Azuma might not be around in 5 to 10 years.

I plan to go as often as I can.

Pictures

I've posted a few new pictures on my flickr. My technique is poor but at least the content is great.

99% Decided

I'm not going to cross the picket line. A lot of people will so it might not be such a big deal if I do but even so, I'll stay home.

At least I'll get to take Matthew to the airport as he heads off to Japan.

The LA Times speculates on what I think will actually happen:

As odd as it may seem for Los Angeles' labor Democrat mayor to be facing off against his union allies, the conflict offers vivid evidence of the changed expectations for America's progressive city leaders — and the expected walkout could actually end up benefiting the mayor against whom it is directed.

There was a simpler time for liberal mayors of America's big cities, a time when patronage trumped most other priorities. Tammany Hall supplied jobs to its legions of New York City supporters; the first Richard Daley staffed Chicago with loyal Democrats; breakthrough mayors such as Maynard Jackson in Atlanta and Tom Bradley in Los Angeles made their mark, in part, by opening their city workforces to African Americans.

Liberal mayors today, however, carry a larger agenda, one that encompasses education, environmental protection and public safety, among other things. [Emphasis added]

This is all new to me so we'll see what really happens.

Downtown

The fight continues over Skid Row. The LA Times calls this a key moment for Skid Row's future:

The court-ordered, closed-door session is designed to forge a compromise between the city and the ACLU, which filed suit three years ago to prevent the LAPD from arresting homeless people for camping on sidewalks. In April, a federal appeals court ruled in the ACLU's favor, creating division among city leaders on an issue that they had vowed to tackle with a united front.

It's Chief Bratton vs. Mayor Villaraigosa on this one. This is a significant hurdle for those who want to improve downtown in LA. Personally, I don't see how the ACLU is helping anybody, homeless included, by keeping them in the crack alleys of skid row.

Strike: The Legal Side

Today's LA Times reports that Mayor Villaraigosa is going legal:

The mayor said the city would ask a state court Monday to bar walkouts by employees assigned to "essential departments." According to the mayor, that includes workers at Los Angeles and Ontario international airports, as well as in police dispatch, crime data analysts, the Hyperion sewage treatment plant and a few other functions.

Planners aren't essential?

Mayor to EAA

When it comes to my union, our Mayor is a tough guy.

Meow

I'm going to quickly lose my anti-cat credentials. After I had packed up to go home for the weekend, I moved to pet and say goodbye to two(!) of the cats. One let me.

Work Update

The past two days have been very busy at work. All's well that ends well and it's so far so good but every day is a new day and what comes up must go down so... huh?

I was going to be off tomorrow but was asked come to the office. I agreed to it even though I wanted to research my fantasy draft with Jason that morning. It's just as well. I could use the money. The strike is next Tuesday and Wednesday. Word has already spread that I'm not in support of the action and my friends are joking(?) that I'll be the first person they will beat up -- because "nothing shows your serious like beating up your friends."

Expect More On Kelo

The Weekly Standard summarizes the nationwide Kelo backlash. There is only a brief mention of California.

Six states--including California and New Jersey, where eminent domain abuse is rampant--have reform legislation pending. But in most of these states, the odds of reforms being enacted are relatively poor.

And from what I'm hearing, the reason that the odds of reform are low is NOT because there isn't enough voter support but because of legal and procedural funny business that California judges are sympathetic to that can counter the measure -- which annoys me (and I don't like Measure 90).

On a political note, the article also explains how the divide isn't along party lines but within party constituents. Granted, the lawyer cited here has an opinion on who is "good" or "bad".

As Scott Bullock, an attorney at the Institute for Justice (and the lawyer who argued Kelo before the Supreme Court), notes: "Republicans who are limited government types are typically good on eminent domain, but those who are tied too deeply to big business are bad. With Democrats, those who are keyed into the rights of the oppressed and the effects of power structures are typically good, but Democrats who are into good government and civil planning are bad on the issue."

Of course, I'm a limited government guy myself I'm no friend of Kelo but even putting limits on government can be done in a better or worse way...

Fashion

I'm liking fashion more and more! I check the Sartorialist almost daily now. I still don't have a taste for shopping, but I'm not sure I want that anyway.

Maturity

UCLA professor and resident psychiatrist of the Dennis Prager show, Dr. Steven Marmer provided one definition of maturity today (apologies if I summarize this wrong):

1. The capacity to endure adversity and not break or react in an unhealthy manner.
2. Choosing not to being a prisoner of bad experiences in the past and instead crafting a better future by learning from it.
3. Deriving satisfaction and enjoyment from the fulfillment of obligations.

Tonight's Ride

Wow. That was nice. A bookish time with a friend bookended with nighttime bike rides. It was a full moon too. Thankfully nothing crazy happened -- though I did spot a few crazies.

Long Beach is wonderful for pedestrians. There were just enough people out and about. I could ride as fast or slow as I wanted but was never alone. People walked around, rode skateboards, or were also on bikes themselves. One guy was able to talk on the phone at the same time. I'm still learning to change gears again.

Like Riding a Bike

With Matthew headed to Japan later this month, this is an opportune time for me to borrow his bicycle. Last night I took my first ride in years. The 20 minute walk I usually take became a quick breezy roll down the street. It's hardly a ride but I'm hoping to visit a friend near Belmont Shores tonight. That three mile trip will hit the spot perfectly.

Out & Up

LAist dot com has a nice blog about Esther Snyder, co-founder of In-N-Out, who passed last week.

There are many reasons why I'm fond of In-N-Out, including their delicious and affordable cheeseburgers. One inedible tidbit that I've always appreciated about them are the tasteful Christian references on the bottom of cups and wrappers. If you're curious about them, wikipedia has the scoop.

Big Billy

Whenever I've felt confused about a certain point of faith, I always go to a few specific resources for guidance. At those times, Billy Graham has consistently provided straightforward help for which I am very grateful. So when I saw that Newsweek did a cover story on him, my affection for the man outweighed my distaste for the magazine and I checked it out. Neither Mr. Graham nor the magazine failed to disappoint.

Weekend Recap

First of all, Cham dot net received a very elegant overhaul by my brother, James. Go there to see Colin's norcal party pictures and meet other (more interesting than mike) Cham members.

The weekend was great, but far too full to appropriately enjoy all the summertime fun.

Friday:

Matthew and I confirmed reports that Clearman's Galley (otherwise known as "The Boat") has excellent fried chicken and then watched the Dodgers win and Angels lose.

Victor and Karena visited, attended to my ailing shoulder, and supplied tips on good eating in Vegas.

Saturday:

Clement celebrated 29 excellent years. I cut the pineapple.

My church "Life Group" hosted a pool party. Despite my shoulder, I got in the water and was as helpless as baby Jordan.

Went to NocTOURnals. Wandered MOCA, RedCat and toured the Music Center with good company.

Sunday:

Attended Epicentre Church's first bylaws meeting. I'm excited to be part of the first wave of official members.

Finished the weekend relaxing and was inspired to purchase face lotion. The stuff ain't cheap.

Injured

With my basketball obsession of the past few months, it was only a matter of time before I got injured. Yesterday, I slammed into another player when we were both going for a loose ball. I finished the game but now my shoulder hurts. I can hardly move it without feeling pain. From what I can tell, I strained or tore my ligaments located above the clavicle bone around where the trapezuis muscle is. The area is swollen and tight and my neck hurts. I've got quite a low tolerance for pain too. Ugh.

Strike on the Horizon?

My union just sent an email suggesting that we will be striking on August 22 and 23. There aren't many details just yet. All I know is that apparently "We are also engaging in a work slow down effective immediately." In my 6 years of civil service, this is a new situation for me. It's a bit surreal.

Prayer for the Middle East

I try to be deeply concerned about world affairs. My primary response is gratitude for being dealt the embarrassingly good cards I've been given, but there is also sadness and some anger.

These situations are complicated and as I try to respond in prayer, I'm distracted by political subtext. Last Sunday at church, one prayer point on the middle east was to intercede for Israel, Lebanon, and Hezbollah. For some reason, that riled me up and it took a moment before I could focus enough to pray.

I understand the good intentions of the request. I've heard the passage about Jesus praying for his enemies. I know church organizers are in a no win situation because maybe someone would have been annoyed if Hezbollah wasn't included. I know these things. I just didn't like it. I feel it is at the very least callous. Or am I missing the point? Maybe.

For now, the point for this foolish christian is simply that more prayer is better than less prayer. I shouldn't let distractions prevent me from participating in this essential activity. So when it came to this prayer point, I asked for Israel to be victorious, Lebanon to be free from Syrian control, Hezbollah to have changed hearts, and grace and guidance for me.

Not Funny? Hilarious!

I think this is great but not everyone appreciates this kind of humor. It's Samuel L. Jackson talking to YOU about Snakes On A Plane! Now if only Christopher Walken could do one. Thanks for the link, John.

Getting Used To Leaving

High on the short list of good things about an unsettled living situation are sojourns in new parts of LA. Gone is Koreatown because I'm now living in Long Beach. I've just started exploring and took a brisk walk from the room I'm renting through downtown to the convention center. The total trip was about 9 blocks but within a span of 3, I went from the more "gritty" parts of town into the newly redeveloped commercial area. Before long, I found myself among the glassy waterfront high rise condos and hotels. I liked the progression. There wasn't a chance for a more in depth exploration but I'm liking what I've seen.

As with everything else, I'm ultimately looking for opportunities for permanence but until then, I might as well enjoy the sights.

Kelo Strikes Again

Continuing the national backlash against the Supreme Court's Kelo v. New London redevelopment decision, the California November 2006 ballot will include the Protect Our Homes Act (Proposition 90). This is the next big urban planning controversy in California Planning.

Here is the California Secretary of State website summary:

Government Acquisition, Regulation of Private Property. Initiative Constitutional Amendment.
Proponent: Anita S. Anderson

Bars state and local governments from condemning or damaging private property to promote other private projects, uses. Limits government's authority to adopt certain land use, housing, consumer, environmental and workplace laws and regulations, except when necessary to preserve public health or safety. Voids unpublished eminent domain court decisions. Defines "just compensation." Government must occupy condemned property or lease property for public use. Condemned private property must be offered for resale to prior owner or owner's heir at current fair market value if government abandons condemnation's objective. Exempts certain governmental actions. Summary of estimate by Legislative Analyst and Director of Finance of fiscal impact on state and local governments: Unknown, but potentially significant major future costs for state and local governments to pay damages and/or modify regulatory or other policies to conform to the measure's provisions. Unknown, potentially major changes in governmental costs to acquire property for public purposes. (SA2005RF0146.)

Proposition 90 language severely limits redevelopment, but Section 3(b)(8) also establishes most major urban planning tools as "damage" subject to monetary compensation. I'm still learning about possible implications of Proposition 90 but it sure sounds ominous to this urban planner.

Here's a "Yes" site. I have yet to find a good "No" site.