Just finished reading a great novel on the Vietnam war. Not for everybody, meaning it was a bit graphic at times. However me personally would recommend it to anyone that has any type of interest in history. This particular book was about a sniper in Vietnam . Just randomly picked it among some books I had gone through at the main library in downtown Los Angeles( a few post's back ) .However it's not for everyone. Me personally have never been in the military, or seen any type of combat. However have always had a interest in world history .Hence borrowed this book . Turned out to be quite graphic at times . Other parts of the book were a little slow. Mainly after the graphic sniper missions. However the sniper missions alone, are worth the reading. Won’t go into any details and give it away. However have to give you at least one excerpt on the novel . This page caught my attention for some reason . Thought it was really well written too give you a insight what is happening here. the author of this book came upon a south Vietnamese village with his platoon.They were trying to decipher if there were hostiles in the village.Well here it is:

“ If it was a VC village, then they fully supported the operations of the local guerrillas, many of whom were probably fathers and sons from this very village, and they couldn’t divulge who the VC were or where they were hiding. On the other hand, if it was a village that supported the South Vietnamese Government but the local VC were forcing them it provided food and shelter to our enemy, for their own protection they had to deny that the VC were present. For the village, it was a lose-lose situation. No matter how the village elders handled things they were going to lose. Such was the nature of the war in Vietnam.”

Gary D. Mitchell- A Sniper’s Journey-

Just a few after thoughts , having been around for 40 years or so, have come across my share of veterans in my time. Where it has been the time, I had a job in my hometown as a taxi driver briefly. Would get veterans in the back of my cab.My hometown seemed to have quite a few of them . We must have had a large veterans hospital or something. Or the time I was a waiter, also in my hometown. Working the night shift At the 24 hour Howard Johnson’s . There was one gentleman that used to sit alone , and my guess was he couldn'’t sleep(probably the coffee he drank all night didn’t help). Anyway he was a quiet, subdued man. However he had a gentleness about him that I liked. However I could see he was kind of amiss, something wasn’t right. Anyway one night after my shift he asked me to drive him home across town, to the east side of town. Well we talked on the way home, and he told me he was in Vietnam . Although I was only about 24 at the time. Still remember that night .Some 20 years later.


We all see our veterans , some are homeless,others are perfectly fine . I think the author said about 30%(or maybe it was higher)of veterans of Vietnam suffer from PTSD – Post traumatic stress disorder.In some form or another, Including the author himself . After reading some of his sniper missions I can understand why . Just gave me a little bit more insight into the horrors of Vietnam . However it is hard for me to comprehend all of it. Considering I was about 4 years old at the height of it. However one part of the book mentioned the disrespect he received after he came back stateside. Not sure I understand this, considering the soldiers at this time were drafted and didn’t have much of a choice in the matter. As he said” he was just following orders.” Anyway if you have any comments,feel free to leave them .

No, not literally , this blog is going to stay active , just kind of liked my previous post on twitter and I hope you did too.

Anyway have 3 e-mail accounts. Always good to have alternative accounts. And I enjoy some of the features on hotmail . Anyway after neglecting one of my accounts for quite some time. Had trouble accessing it this morning. my browser basically kept blowing up on me. Solution, opened up google chrome a entirely different browser which actually is a really good browser. Anyway solved the problem. The original browser couldn't handle 200+ e-mails or whatever the deal of the day was .However, will be definitely trying this browser more and more.Don't use it to much (hardly ever actually) .Oh kind of a short blog.However wanted to include a pic from my vacation in 2007. Was in south Florida, stayed in Fort Lauderdale, rented a car . Drove down to south beach one day took the scenic route. Along the highway that runs along the coast(think it's called the 1 or something like that). Really enjoyed south Florida and hope I can visit there again soon. Need a vacation soooo bad . It's been over 2 years. Anyway here's a pic for y'all.

Not sure why I am writing this however thought maybe I could give some input on this great program we call twitter . The title of my blog actually came from a actual tweet today. Meaning it get’s my creative thought process going and makes me write blogs (editorials) for no apparent reason. Seriously, great program .When I first came across this program it was somewhat complicated. It takes some getting used to at first. Couldn’t figure out why I wasn’t getting a influx of followers. It took a little while to get the big picture. Even till this day I learn something new everyday. When I first started tweeting my purpose was to find followers. So I would randomly would go on the twitter directory and go from state to state. This is why I to this day, have a overflow of people in one particular state. Not that I didn’t find your tweets interesting , or to hurt your feelings . Seriously didn’t know what I was doing . Until one day the twitter program actually stopped me and suspended me for a few hours. This is when I started to get more of a concept of the whole program. You see it’s not about finding followers it’s more about having them come gradually . There’s no particular need to have 5,000 followers . Me personally am really happy with my amount of followers. Weeding out the spammers, and not so legitimate tweeters is always a challenge. To this day I really don’t mind you trying to sell your product or whatever occasionally . However if all you do is spam , spam , spam . Then I usually will unfollow you. Tend to like real life people that just tweet something simple every now and then like “The dinner’s in the oven , and will ready in 10 minutes”. Something simple . The tweeters I found when I first started to look from state to state. Actually have become some of my favorite followers. Some of those folks follow me, and some don’t. You can’t take it personally, if someone doesn’t’ follow you. However to me those folks that I tweet, and don’t come back to me, for one reason or another. Are actually kind of interesting or mysterious in some ways. And some of them that don’t come back to me. And don't have any interest in following me, doesn't really bother me. Not everyone is for everyone , we all have are different opinions and such. Sometimes opposites attract sometimes they don’t . It’s a very complex program this twitter program . However I really enjoy it, and you must too, to have a account here. Anyway take care all, and see you on twitter.

Anyway had my lunch in Chinatown .

at a place called the Golden Dragon on Broadway in the heart of Chinatown. Always usually go there . Had the Mongolian beef with a cup of won ton soup and a diet coke. The food is good there . not outstanding, but good. However not writing a review on a restaurant (at the moment).So let's move on. Anyway after lunch proceeded too the library in downtown . Had too get back on the gold line going back towards union station . Got off at union station . Down the platform too the red line. Then got off at the pershing square station i believe . Walked about a block or two to the main library. Beautiful library in downtown. One of the best I have ever seen. Check it out sometime . Proceeded down to the history dept. and finally found a book i liked . It's about a sniper in Vietnam. His experience . May have some excerpts from the book in future blogs. We will see.
Anyway closed the library . Back on the train. The train goes through some rough areas of Los Angeles . Mainly south central. However i have never had any problems.And like i said before. They have undercover police (allegedly on the trains). The trains are well what's a good way to describe it?Diverse would be a good word for it. One guy was hustling fruit juices and candy on the train (yes , through south central). He actually sold some on the train. That's OK however that one or two dollar snack. Can cost you oh $250.00 dollars and some community service. You see, you can't eat on the train . And of course the folks that purchased the food did. Anyway that's my day. Hope you enjoyed it . Not too much work on my end . You see I used too process data for a living.Now i sell fruit juices and snacks on trains. So putting out blogs is not so bad on my end. Actually kind of enjoyed it . Hope you did too ...I'm joking about selling fruit juices and snacks on train ...no really.

The green line becomes the blue line too the red line.

Parked my car at the train station and proceeded too head on downtown. Took oh i would estimate 45 minutes to reach my destination . You have to take the green line. transfer to the the blue line, too the red line.Got off at union station . Then you have to walk up the platform to the gold line . a day pass on the train makes this very easy . The funny thing about the trains in the Los Angeles area are. Growing up on the east coast you have to go through turn styles to enter the train station. In Los Angeles you initially have to purchase your ticket . After that you are on the honor system . Meaning you can randomly be spot checked by security officers ( Which I saw at my transfer point). Or by Los Angeles Sheriffs dept. So beware train stowaways. they definitely check your tickets from time to time.Anyway hopped on the gold line at union station. had too get off at the first stop , which is Chinatown.Interesting point when you are going between union station and Chinatown you have a great view of the twin towers. Which has housed many infamous criminals (or better said)defendants on trial. O.J Simpson, Robert Blake, the Mendendez brothers . OK enough said about the twin towers . However it's quite a sight.

my adventures in Los Angeles day off today 08-05-2010.

Wasn't sure if I was going to write a blog today however what the heck since it's still fresh in my mind. Started out twittering most of the day . However feeling well rested. it usually takes not one, but two days for me to recover from my work week.Anyway started to get restless around my apartment. However somebody very important started too follow me on twitter. Not going to mention who . However it's a nail biter . Meaning every day i will wonder if this gentleman will continue to follow me or one day just uncheck me . Being silly, but seriously a honor for me, and i do appreciate it . Who do you ask? well check out my followers on twitter and figure it out (Shawn777 is my twitter name).Anyway one new follower can make your whole day. After making breakfast at home. Decided too hop the metro train downtown. The public transportation has really come a long way since I moved out here in 1989. Although I have a car. Sometimes the train looks appealing . And if you do the math . Gas, parking , aggravation in traffic . Sometimes it just makes sense too take public transportation. Caught the train in Redondo Beach at the Marine / redondo beach station . Don't take the train too too often but every now and then.

Will Dana- managing editor - rolling stone - written by him Rolling stone issue 1104.

This wasn't written by me however having lived in the greater Los Angeles area for well over 20 years(since 1989) couldn't have said it better:



For the past couple of years, Kirn has been making regular trips to Hollywood through the making of up in the air. What he found there was something he hardly expected. . "Hollywood's a lot more like Detroit in the Fifties than you'd think, "he says." it likes to portray itself as the world capital of glamour and decadence, but it's a company town- a highly ordered and highly structured world where people got to bed early, watch their weight obsessively and schedule every second of their day, They probably have better parties in Iowa City."


Will Dana, Managing Editor.Rolling Stone Magazine issue 1104

Day three.

After waking up early .got myself showered and shaved, being well rested Felt so much better.Headed on over to my Dad's apartment and proceded to the Va's hospital in Livermore. Spent the whole day there and was a very long day(considering i dread hospitals). Anyway things didn't go so well with my Dad, and they had to transfer him to a larger facility. The Doctor's gave me the address to where he was being transferred so i was able to go there the next day. Left the hospital after being there for most of the day. Drove back to my Dad's apartment ( he gave me the keys). And was able to save a bit of money by staying there overnight.Woke up the next day and went to the local Starbucks. had myself some coffee and a muffin and mapped out where the hospital was( don't know the San Francisco area very well). Ended up driving towards the Silicon Valley to a town called Palo Alto( by the silicon valley).On the freeway saw Microsoft , pay pal and ebay among others. This is why it is called the (now i forgot what the nickname for the silicon valley was)hmmm .Oh well interesting area. Was able to see where my dad was staying and talk to some of the doctors. He is in good hands for now.Made my way back towards Los Angeles via the coastal route which couldn't ask for a better day in July. Took some pics and made the best out of a sad situation . Anyway stopped at a few places on the way home had a great dinner at the Apple Farm Restaurant in San Luis Obispo. Had a turkey dinner and a great glass of Cabernet. Here's a pic of the first hospital I brought my dad too. Anyway that's my getaway . unfortunately not on good circumstances.

Day Two.

Well I had found got myself sidetracked along the way and ended up on the 99. It's Ok got back via the 46 on back to the 5 North. saw a large correctional institute on the 46 in a town called Wasco.Jumped back on the 5 North and made my way up to the bay area .remember stopping for gas in a town called Santa Nella and had myself some lunch.What did i have lunch that day ? let me think about it . Oh when I woke up just got some coffee in Bakersfield and stopped at a Jack in the box for a breakfast sandwich.Anyway finally after gassing up in Santa Nella continued up to the Pleasanton area. Made some calls and got a hold of my Dad picked up some groceries at the store for him and visited him. Knew we had a long day the next day so thought it would be best to get a good nights rest . Decided to get a motel 6 room in Livermore CA. (have stayed there before). Checked in put on my bathing suit it was around 6 pm PST . however had a few hours left of the sun so just chilled by the pool( left my phone in my room and all gadgets).fell asleep by the pool for a bit and then jumped in . After my swim jumped in the shower and headed to the local Chili's for dinner had a few stiff Margarita's ( remember y'all family matters hard tequila ). Anyway got back to my room took a walk around my motel. It's so pretty in Northern CA. in July . At night it cools down and there is just a slight brisk in the air . Needed my sweat jacket on. Remember in Wine Country. Here's a pic of a the motel I always stay in when I visit there.

The long drive up North.

after just getting back from my road trip thought i would keep you all up to date on my adventures. Unfortunately my Dad is having some issues so needed to get up to Northern California for family matters. won't go to much into the details and bore y'all ( know we all have are problems ,it's part of life ). however just letting y'all know what i have been up to the last few days. after a long shift on Tues . night that delayed my trip for a few hours. Finally got on the open road at around 1:30 am Tues - Wednesday am.Had to get out of town and beat the traffic in Los Angeles . Loaded up the minivan and headed North via the 405 N which becomes the 5 North all the way up the grapevine ( a big hill you have to climb to get into Bakersfield). After you get over the grapevine it's always such a nice change of scenery . mainly because of the change in population (less populated than the Los Angeles area). And start to see vast landscapes and Farmland. Bakersfield is a large Agricultural area as is a big part of my destination.Decided this trip to make some cutbacks on expenses so thought i would rough it and sleep in my van . Well as I was driving up the 5 north saw a sign for camping . Started my journey and exited the freeway towards the 99 (not intentionally this is where it took me). Found the camping spot however the office was closed (it was late maybe 3:30 am PST time) and the park was mostly for RVs anyway. Continued on and had some trouble looking for a safe spot.Found one finally and got a few hours rest. The drawback of staying in the van was as soon as the sun rose it kind of woke me up being out in the open . saved my self maybe 30-40 dollars on lodging however had lack of sleep the next day.The picture above was maybe another 100 miles up north taken the next day however close enough wanted to add a pic here it is . Have been there in the past and is a great place for beef. They are a big distributor around the area for fine beef. They have a hotel and restaurant about halfway up from my destination.

my day of driving today.

Know it's a holiday weekend and not always the best day to travel however just made it back to Los Angeles and actually wasn't too bad . Made it in about 5 hours or so . After a good nights rest in Livermore. made it to the Starbucks in Livermore, had my usual coffee. Went to the CVS pharmacy stocked up my cooler with caffeine free coke. Had a light lunch of tomato soup at the Safeway in Pleasanton. Then was on my way southbound. Was pretty uneventful stopped for gas about half way, and had a teriyaki chicken sandwich at Carl's Jr.On the outskirts of Bakersfield. Made it over the dreaded grapevine ( a large mountain you have to drive through to get into Los Angeles).Glad to be home safely and back to work for a bit .However always nice to see a change of scenery and my family . Stay tuned for my next road trip. Here's a picture of my niece.

Northen California advenutres.

Actually not really a adventure more of a family visit. Things at work are getting kind of weird. so I thought I would take a road trip and see some family, before I have to work throughout the summer months.My adventure started Tuesday night early Wednesday morning. packed up my minivan and headed North out of Los Angeles and towards the bay area .Nice time to travel after midnight in the Los Angeles area. Mainly because of you guessed it, the traffic.The first evening was able to stay outside of Bakersfield. Motels are usually pretty reasonable.Got one about after 100 miles or so from my residence in Los Angeles. Needed a good nights rest so got myself a motel room (have a mini van always a option to sleep in it).Woke up the next day refreshed and had breakfast close to my motel on the California 5.Topped off my gas and noticed you have to be aware of things on the road. Mainly the gas is marked for $2.99 a gallon . However when you put your card in this is the CASH price. it's kind of deceiving , however payed $3.13 or something because I used my debit card. Did the same thing on the way back . you think I would of learned .oh well live and learn.Had about another 300 miles to go or so , however the ride is nice if there's no traffic. there wasn't any to speak of, so wasn't so bad. My only thing about the 5 north is it's kind of barren . Meaning you see a lot of open land and such, however your pretty much on your own . Not too much out there, except for big trucks and agriculture farms. The 99 parallels the 5 and there is much more on the 99 as far as places to stop . Talking about places to eat and shop. However the 5 is more of a direct shot.Anyway got to my destination and checked into another motel in Livermore . This town is in the east bay of San Francisco . Not really a big city or anything, just a suburb of San Francisco . However very quiet safe area.Got settled in and got myself lunch at a place called Applebee's . Went back to my room got on the Internet at my motel(said a few things on Twitter ) then took a nap. After reading this blog your probably ready for a nap. Not the most exciting trip, however wanted to document it .more of a family visit.After my nap was getting bored of my motel room so thought I would go to the TGIF restaurant in Pleasanton CA. Had some perrier water at the bar (not drinking at the moment) and ordered a buffalo chicken sandwich. Then went back to my motel room and watched half of the Hangover movie (yes I know the ending is the best) however HBO was in my motel so had to take full advantage of it.Anyway got tired and only had a chance to watch half of it. The next day went to local Starbucks had my cup of coffee. Called my father and arranged a lunch at the Black Angus in Dublin. Food was good ( we always go there) my father always has a coupon. My father seems to be doing OK . however he looked kind of pale and thin. He's in his early seventy's . After seeing my dad got back to my motel . Showered then called my nephew who lives in the same area ( my brother's child). Drove about another half hour to Brentwood and saw my nephew and niece and the in laws. Had another dinner at Mimi's Cafe. bought my niece a book at Barne's and Noble . then brought them back to the house. Said my good byes and trucked on back to my motel room. Got a good nights rest. That brings me to today.

After being talked into attending a seminiar from a co-worker. the economy.

is worse than i thought. Haven't' been actively looking for a job recently. However today was in for a shock. My co-worker that used to be a government worker suggested I attend a seminar today. Was kind of hesitant , just because haven't really been in a corporate - environment job in some time. Currently work for a small business and we are having are struggles. Anyway has been kind of sluggish at work and need some type of change. Anyway this job was for a Part - time TSA agent working at the airport. Currently I live very close to the airport in Los Angeles.Don't think this would be a very high paying job initially. however would have benefits and would be a government job. Anyway was able to manage to get some time free to go check it out. Well words can't describe the turnout. Actually did not make the seminar because although I thought I had given myself ample time. The seminar was held at a local restaurant in a industrial area. the scene resembled a college football game. Massive traffic, people walking miles from their cars to attend this , Part time only (no full time was ever mentioned).initially low paying job I would imagine. Very discourging to see such a turnout . Although I have a job, the chances of me jumping into a new one in a different field are low in my estimation. Anyway the seminar started promptly at 4:30 pm . Was in the area about 45 minutes before. The traffic was soooo bad wasn't able to park and attend (the ad said promptly at 4:30pm- PST)Just saying the turnout was off the charts! and it's a horrible reflection of our current economy. We are talking about in my estimation a 9:00 per hour job. Anyway that was my day . Hope things turn around soon for our country.

Still pretty uneventful during the workweek (then again my days off can be kind of uneventful).

What have I been listening too? Well a lot of G & R . guess to lazy to pick a individual folder. So went bananas on my G & R folder.Anyway what am I listenting too? Missed about 3 of the songs(ran out of time at the health club yesterday before they played). Getting tired of the same old omg songs. May have to pick some albums (cd's) to play .Or buy some new mp3's when I get my tax return soon! My sony bean plays albums(cd's) OK.The picture I am including was taken in November the 18 th of 2008(knows it's kind of outdated). However how much did I like this digital pic? so much I blew it up and framed it in my room (have know idea who the boogie boarder is but I loved the shot).

Playlist in my MP3 player:
10cc_20th Century Masters_ The Millennium Collection_ Best Of 10CC_I'm Not In Love.
Blue Oyster Cult_A Long Day's Night_Godzilla.
Fastball_All The Pain Money Can Buy_The Way.
Guns N' Roses_Greatest Hits_Ain't It Fun.
Guns N' Roses_Greatest Hits_Don't Cry (Original).
Guns N' Roses_Greatest Hits_November Rain.
Guns N' Roses_Greatest Hits_Patience.
Guns N' Roses_Greatest Hits_Yesterdays.
Guns N' Roses_Greatest Hits_You Could Be Mine.
Little River Band_Greatest Hits_Lady.
Patti Smith_Easter_Because The Night.
Pet Shop Boys_Discography_ The Complete Singles Collection_Opportunities (Let's Make Lots Of Money).
Red Hot Chili Peppers_Greatest Hits_Otherside.
The Cars_Candy-O_It's All I Can Do (LP Version).

OK when working during the week my days are pretty uneventful.What's playing on my Sony Bean ,and most of all Happy Easter!

Anna Nalick_Breathe (2 AM)_Breathe (2 AM).
David Bowie_Let's Dance_Cat People (Putting Out Fire).
Hamilton_ Joe Frank_Hamilton_ Joe Frank _ Reynolds-Greatest Hits_Don't Pull Your Love.
Kiss_KISS Box Set_God Gave Rock 'N' Roll To You II.
Kiss_KISS Box Set_Goin' Blind.
Kiss_KISS Box Set_I Love It Loud.
Michael Martin Murphey_Sagebrush Symphony_Wildfire.
Musical Cast Recording_Godspell - A Musical Based Upon The Gospel According To St_ Matthew_Day By Day.
Puddle Of Mudd_Come Clean_Blurry.
Ringo Starr_Ringo Starr VH1 Storytellers (Live)_It Don't Come Easy.
Ringo Starr_Ringo Starr VH1 Storytellers (Live)_Photograph.
Ringo Starr_Ringo Starr VH1 Storytellers (Live)_With A Little Help From My Friends.
The J_ Geils Band_Love Stinks_Takin' You Down.
The Kinks_Low Budget_(Wish I Could Fly Like) Superman.
The Kinks_Low Budget_(Wish I Could Fly Like) Superman (Disco Mix Extended Edit).
Yvonne Elliman_Best Of_20th Century_I Don't Know How To Love Him.

OK didn't get a chance to listen to all of them. However there were some great songs. Always sing puddle of mud song in karaoke bars(although it's been a while since i have been to one).The song by Michael Martin Murphey - Wildfire is a great song one of my favorites.Think it's a remake of a seventys song.Country is not at the top of my list of my music genre however that song is really nice.As I mentioned on one of my tweets.Great song by Mr. David Bowie- This has to be one of my favorite Bowie song's of all time.Anyway that's what I have been listening to at the health club.Actually didn't get to listen to all of them because I ran out of time.Not sure why i including the picture of Disneyland. Maybe I need to go there when i get my tax return.Anyway you all take care .

What's playing and interesting article in Rolling Stone issue 1097.

What was Shawn listening to today at the Health Club? well you hardcore followers now know.
Carly Simon_Clouds In My Coffee 1965-1995_That's The Way I've Always Heard It Should Be.
Future Retro_Future Retro_Nowhere Girl (Adam Freeland Remix).
Jimmy Buffett_Songs You Know By Heart_ Jimmy Buffett's Greatest Hits_Changes In Latitudes_ Changes In Attitudes.
Jimmy Buffett_Songs You Know By Heart_ Jimmy Buffett's Greatest Hits_Cheeseburger In Paradise.
Jimmy Buffett_Songs You Know By Heart_ Jimmy Buffett's Greatest Hits_Come Monday.
Lee Michaels_Hello_ The Very Best Of Lee Michaels_Do You Know What I Mean.
Oingo Boingo_20th Century Masters_ The Millennium Collection_ Best Of Oingo Boingo_Just Another Day.
S_W_A_T__Deep Inside A Cop's Mind_Theme From SWAT.
Scorpions_Big City Nights_Big City Nights.
Stevie Wonder_Stevie Wonder's Original Musiquarium I_Boogie On Reggae Woman.
The Association_The Assocation_ The Essentials_Never My Love (Remastered Version).
The Association_The Assocation_ The Essentials_Windy (Remastered Version).
Theory of a Deadman_Gasoline_Santa Monica.

again didn't give it much thought and picked these songs randomly. Still no podcasts, However am getting close. Just subscribed to nobody likes onions on my itunes . So just basically have to research it.Also in reference to the picture I am going to post. The article in this Rolling Stone about Son of Bin Laden was outstanding(if someone is reading this from Rolling Stone). Hopefully will be able to send my subscription Money soon. Anyway check it out at the library or wherever. As you can see I am behind in my reading .The Rolling Stone issue is from Febuary 4,2010.

Bangkok Samurai-15714 Hawthorne Blvd. Lawndale , CA. 90260

happened to be in there today for lunch. Ordered the yellow curry with chicken(my usual) The service was very good. The food was very good to excellent. Glad this place seems to being doing good ,it was fairly busy for lunch . When I put my money down to pay .The waitress automatically brought my change when she approached the table.Also very reasonably priced for the quality. will be back .

the playlist.

Barbra Streisand_The Essential Barbra Streisand_Evergreen.
Billy Joel_The Essential Billy Joel_Honesty.
Billy Joel_The Essential Billy Joel_Movin' Out (Anthony's Song).
Dolly Parton_The Essential Dolly Parton_ Volume 2_Here You Come Again.
Eric Carmen_The Definitive Collection_Never Gonna Fall In Love Again.
Firefall_The Essentials_ Firefall_Just Remember I Love You (LP Version).
Firefall_The Essentials_ Firefall_You Are The Woman (LP Version).
Four Tops_Their Greatest Love Songs_Ain't No Woman (Like The One I've Got).
Kansas_The Ultimate Kansas_Dust In The Wind.
Little River Band_The Definitive Collection_Help Is On Its Way.
Live_Awake_ The Best Of Live_Lightning Crashes.
Matchbox Twenty_Yourself Or Someone Like You_Push.
Tears For Fears_The Hurting (Remastered Extra Tracks)_Pale Shelter (Long Version).
The Doobie Brothers_The Captain And Me_Dark Eyed Cajun Woman.
The Fifth Dimension_Ultimate 5th Dimension_(Last Night) I Didn't Get To Sleep At All.

OK picked these songs randomly and did not give it much thought . However you ask my top two .. what got me going. would say number one would be little river band-Help is on the way (great lyrics). Second place would be Tears for fears-Pale Shelter-Anyway tend to like seventies and eighties music as you can see.No podcasts on my mp3's as you can see.Without my Playstation 3 have a lot of free time on the computer as you can see.

My mp3 player the sony bean.

My life is pretty uneventful during the week . This is why I am writing this blog . However some may find it entertaining.Just want to keep my blog going. My mp3 player is kind of complicated. Let's start with loading it. It's kind of a older model however it sounds excellent and with the bose in-ear headphones incredible.There's a old sony program that is now obsolete, called sonic stage. Purchased around 60 or so (maybe more)mp'3 couple years back. Anyway the only way these omg files would play is if I got the songs on my external hard drive.Then i put them on a portable storage device.Go in my room on the laptop. This is where the sonic stage program is. Take the portable device , Put the songs on the laptop , transfer the file. Kind of complicated. Nobody likes onions used to have their podcast's on a mp3 style file. Now it seems to be on the web. Anyway still in the process of fiquring it out.However at the moment they are not on my sony bean. Anyway could listen to Marc Maron however he is on Itunes. Which is complicated because it's on mp4 format. Have to research it . Marc Maron sent me a e-mail and actually Patrick from nobody likes onions sent me a tweet. So go check them out. Anyway here's what i listened to at the health club yesterday.

Where was I , oh at San Onofre state beach.

As i made it into the park parked my vehicle literally right at the beach. Took a long walk towards the nuclear power plant saw some no trespassing sighs asked a girl walking her dog if it was OK to continue walking south. she said it was (the no trespassing sighs were for the actual plant).Walked back to my car and started talking to the guy next to me. he was about my age and was solo like myself . Asked him a few questions like, "why is this place so popular" he replied "it's the only place around where you can park your car right on the beach".Great point because at one point, after paying fifteen dollars considered leaving just because didn't have a surfboard or a paddle.However had my camping chair that i am so glad i packed, and decided to stay .Ended up laying out on a towel and fell asleep on the beach for about a hour .because as I earlier stated, had very little sleep.After i woke up felt better and decided to go in the water . The beach was very rocky and it was very uncomfortable on my feet . Went back to my van and grabbed my sandals .Better, went in the water. Was kind of chilly however it felt so refreshing.Took some pictures and listened to my neighbors next to me talk surf talk. mainly gnarly can't believe folks still use that word, but they do... and the only think i forget to purchase at the Ralph's I went to earlier was food. Those bbq's smelled so good and was eyeing my neighbor's potato chips.. guess what i am trying to say I was getting hungry. Before i move on my want to mention thinking of buying a surfboard and paddle just because it looked so fun.And have always wanted to surf... i basically just body surf in the summer months out here..

anyway continuing with my adventures.

Was so rudely interrupted however got up on a little over 2 hours sleep. Found myself at a Starbucks had my coffee. And ended up looking for a place for breakfast. Found a place i had scouted out from the previous evening of driving by it.It was called Honey's cafe and the food turned out to be very good. Had the Spanish omelet and was very satisfied with the food and service. Found my Bally's health club (actually had to backtrack towards Hillcrest). Found it took my shower, see how folks get creative in recessionary times and don't get hotels .Anyway left Bally's and started driving up the 163N to the 805 to the 5 north. Got off on Lomas Santa Fe exit i believe and started taking the scenic drive. Nice small town southern California beach communities up the S21(pacific coast highway).Drove though Leucadia and towards Carlsbad got off in Carlsbad stopped at a place called the Poinseitta village stopped at a Ralph's (major southern California supermarket).loaded up my mini cooler with a soda and a energy drink and purchased some suntan lotion and hair gel. Proceeded up the 5 north and got caught in some horrible traffic. Then got off at the Basilone road exit. San Onofre state park here i come.Paid 15 dollars for admission ouch and proceeded in the park....

the rest of my evening.

Anyway stayed in that club for roughly a hour. Ended up walking around the block and ended up at another nightclub. Had a red bull and noticed the club was predominately Latin. The music was strictly Spanish , however it sounded very nice , even though i don't speak any Spanish.Finished my red bull and was getting towards last call time.Got my camera out of my van and attached the external flash so I could take some night pictures. Got em and that's how they got on my blog. Anyway left the Hillcrest area and went North.the picture I will attach will tell you exactly which direction i went.Had in the back of mind where i wanted to sleep however wanted to scout it out. Drove North and ended up driving though clairemont section of San Diego, ended up taking a wrong turn and ended up in Pacific beach.Drove back to the location i was thinking about sleeping and scouted it out. It was off Mission bay drive a huge park. As i thought couldn't sleep there till 4 am and also no overnight camping drove back to Pacific beach for a hour or so (it wasn't to far from the park).Then drove back to clairemont section and looked for a place to sleep.Found a place to sleep looked like a nice spot, however come 7 am it turned into a construction zone(a construction crew literally parked within 5 feet of me).

Well it was due time to get out of town.

On Monday did my usual the errands, spin class, made myself dinner at home. However haven't actually found anytime just to get out of Los Angeles for just a day or two.So packed up my minivan and decided to take a long overdue road trip.The adventure started Monday evening and lasted till Tuesday night.Here's how it went.Started driving down the 405 south towards San Diego. (almost went east towards Palm Springs).However San Diego was my choice after thinking it out.As I was driving down the 405 heard what I thought was a police car . You know the sound of sirens . Anyway continued driving and then looked over my left shoulder and sure enough, a unmarked car and he put his back lights on .Shook me up a bit , and he did his job because the rest of the drive tried to watch my speed. However it wasn't California Highway Patrol so I don't think he had any jurisdiction. However you never know.Anyway no ticket and continued my journey.Ended up in the Hillcrest section of San Diego around a hour and a half later. Do not know San Diego very well, however have been though it several times.Anyway asked someone in the 7-11 what was going on and he suggested a club. Ended up at a cool club and listened to some really good DJ's play some old eighties songs. wasn't drinking cause i was driving. running out of room... let me start another post.

Mulberry Street Pizzeria-240 S Beverly Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90212

User Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
by kevin 03/11/2010
Happened to be in Beverly Hills this evening and literally had no idea i would end up here.When i first walked in noticed the special board and asked the cashier what the meatball torpedo was (it was called something to that effect).Turned out to be a meatball sub(sandwich, hoagie, grinder to you folks in other parts of the world).Also included a drink and a house salad or ceaser salad.Ordered the ceaser.The food came out maybe 8-12 minutes later and have to say the ceaser was very good to excellent.just the right amount of dressing and very flavorful. The sub however could of been better however it wasn't bad.The bread was good and the meatballs were good the sauce in my opinion could of been a little better.However can't really tell by a sandwich.So i will be back to try their pizza next time.

just a couple thoughts on the book i borrowed....

Almost finished with my book , and would recommend it to anyone that has any interest in world history. Because it was such a major part of our history.Anyway I was curious about a few things and learned quite a few things.. the previous post i made was a paragragh that caught my eye .Regarding actual combat in the war.However I also learned why Japan became involved (basically they wanted more land).Another passage I will include then i will leave it to you folks to decide if you want to read.After Germany surrendered Truman made a crucial decision that affected Europe for decades .It happened and there's a reason for everything, any way here it is:


Churchill Continued to be concerned with Soviets moves in the east. He was particularly concerned about the fate of Czechoslovakia and pleaded with the Americans to get to Prague before the Russians, but Truman refused to interfere with the decisions of his military commanders.As Churchill feared, Czechoslovakia fell into Stalin's hands and became dominated by the Communist Party.

Chapter 22 Victoy in Europe-Germany Surrenders -The complete idiots guide to World War 2

Not written by me.. however very moving...D-day

Many soldiers drowned in deep water before their craft were close enough to the beach. Others struggled even in shallow water, fighting the tide and the burden of carrying packs and guns, wearing heavy boots and steel helmets, and then adding the additional weight of their drenched uniforms. Helpless in the water, still more men were killed before they could stagger ashore. The noise was deafening, and the cries of the wounded sickening.The Beach offered no Cover, the only place to go was forward, and the chances of making it across in the early stages were practically zero. Waves of landing Craft continued to drift ashore, many exploded by shells or mines, and the numbers of Allied soldiers and casualties piled up. The veterans of the landing on Omaha would later reminisce that it was a miracle they managed to get on the beach, let alone survive on it or advance beyond it…



From No day at the beach Chapter 19

The complete idiot’s guide to – World War 2

Mitchell Bard , Ph.D.

Hey Everyone it’s Kevin, Shawn777, Tweedy bird, I have several different names and one these days will decide on my one solid one. For now it is just a combination of different names. Don’t ask me why. Haven’t blogged for quite awhile and it is due time.


Lately have been super busy on the information superhighway, Twitter, a little bit of facebook, earthcam, Rotten Tomatoes…. You get the point I have various different sites I like to use.Forgot to mention audio boo. Cool program that you can record audio recordings on.However I am highly addicted to Twitter as Shawn777, didn’t give to much thought to my twitter name… however there is no perfect computer name … my playstation name is kevin444usa… you get the point all the names we choose are not for anyone. Even the person who picked it. Not sure which one is my favorite however seem to have various names and passwords. Not sure why I do that.



Well to take a moment on my past year or so since I have blogged let me mention a few things . First of all lost my Mom in June. That is probably the most difficult thing I have ever encountered in this lifetime. No don’t want any one’s sympathy just thought it was important to mention . Being it’s a day to day thing and I am dealing with it as best I can. Seem to have a little more awareness of things and see it as a eye-opener. Have suffered quite a few losses in my life. Never a immediate family member and it is definitely a hard thing.


The recession has hit a lot of people hard. Read a lot of things about people losing jobs and not to many jobs to come by. Well I currently have a job however it has been definitely slow and have made cutbacks on my own. Whether it be eating out less, driving less (gas) or just being a general recluse by being a twitter freak 24/7 . No seriously have broadened my horizons on the information super highway. Whether it be blogging ( which I haven’t done for a while ) or searching for followers and folks to follow. There I go talking and thinking about twitter again… dang .. oh well if isn’t video games .. my other addiction, it is twitter. I will admit… My playstation 3 games I like are , Socom Confrontation, NHL10 in that order.However my Playstation is in the shop so I am stuck on the internet for a while..


Well just let me mention my day … today… overslept went on twitter, made pancakes, went on twitter, cleaned my bathroom in my apartment, went on twitter, turned on Oprah for 20 minutes and saw a sad but courageous story on Roger Ebert .who I used to watch on a regular basis when I was a teenager. Cancer got him but he’s definitely a fighter … Shut off the TV…went on twitter, watched Jeopardy… Made dinner … more twitter , cleaned up after dinner.. more twitter. Went to a Starbucks in Torrance Ca. at 190th and Anza. too crowded with kids . . found another Starbucks they were closing at 10 pm it was 9:53 pst… so I found this Barnes and Noble at the del amo mall. In Torrance Ca. at one time it was the second largest mall in the country now it’s still large,just not as large as the mall of america in Minnesota . However right behind where I am typing (barnes and noble – Torrance) used to work at a place called Houlihan’s worked there for three years and made some great friends. Now it is a Lucille’s bbq place. Anyway that’s my blog feel free to make a comment or not… however see ya all on Twitter…



Shawn777 (kevin444socal) is my boo name how confusing is that….