Off the Strip for free thinkers and adventurers

Senussi arrest in Mauritania but will he go to Libya, ICC or France?

Sandra — Sat, 17 Mar 2012 17:39:02 +0000

Al-Senussi Abdullah has been arrested in Mauritania with French cooperation

Muammar Gaddafi’s right hand man, head of Libyan intelligence and brother-in-law, Abdullah Al-Senussi, has finally been nabbed. The Mauritanian authorities reportedly arrested him in Nouakchott airport when he arrived on a flight from Casablanca, Morocco. The skivvy is that the French and Mauritania government worked together on the sting.

Responsible for the detention and death of thousands of Libyans, al-Senussi should known where a lot of bodies are buried – literally. Hundreds of Libyans are still unaccounted for.

Other questions that need answering: Where has he been since the fall of the Gaddafi regime? Who has been aiding him? And, most important, what kind of plans was he scheming to continue the counter-revolution?

There’s still no news on his extradition to Libya. Al-Senussi is wanted not only by Libya, but also by France and the ICC. Al-Senussi was sentenced in absentia for the 1989 bombing of a UTA airliner which killed 170 people. Families of the victims have demanded justice in France. Senussi is one of the three Libyans wanted by the ICC for war crimes. The other two were Muamar Gaddafi, killed in Sirte, and eldest son and heir apparent, Saif al-Islam Gaddfi being held in Zintan.

Mauritania is not a signatory to the Rome Statute governing the ICC, so is not obligated to enforce the warrant. Libya’s government spokesman confirms it is also seeking Senussi’s extradition. Senussi is suspected of a key role in the deaths in 1996 of 1,200 prisoners at Tripoli’s dreaded Abu Salim prison . The arrest of a lawyer for victims’ relatives ignited Libya’s revolt in February 2011.

The next few days should reveal more about who’s going to get their hands on this last key figure of the Gaddafi regime – Libya, France or the ICC in the Hague.

Plantronics Gamecom 780 Headset review

Rex — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 04:53:44 +0000

Plantronics GameCom 780

Plantronics Gamecom 780 Headset

Highs•

Great sound, Dolby Digital 7.1 (simulated)•
Durable construction, velour feels nice on the ears•
Noise canceling mic comes through loud and clear.•
Competitively Priced

Lows•

USB only•
Tight fit for people with big heads (tends to squeeze, getting looser with age though)•
Randomly hit volume controls when readjusting headset (at least I do)•
No software support (so those who want to tweak your headphone settings are unable)

4 out of 5 stars

As a somewhat avid PC gamer, I consider sound to be a fairly important part of the game. My very old pair of Koss Ur-20′s finally gave out after a decade of faithful listening. So, after spending hours of research weighing all the options, I finally settled on Plantronics Gamecom 780′s.

Plantronics Gamecon 780

A new headset on the market, the Plantronics Gamecon is being targeted specifically at the PC user. They’ve made several improvements over their main competitors, such as the Logitech or Turtle Beach. Most notable—everything has been integrated into the headset. Convenient volume and Doubly Digital controls are located on the left speaker housing. There is no dongle or attachment to the cord like most other headsets, making it feel light. You don’t have a box dragging the cord down.

The actual construction of the Plantronics Gamecon headset is very solid. One solid piece of flexible plastic for the headband is connected to steel supports that hold on the speaker enclosures. The headband and earmuffs are padded velour, so it feels nice and soft on the skin.
The 40mm speaker drivers themselves have good bass response and can keep up with any of the Drum and Bass or Dubstep I’ve played without getting hot or lagging. They can get loud enough to hurt the ears without distorting, but the max volume isn’t as high as some would like. (they make decent speakers worn around the neck though). One thing I’ve found is that the headphones themselves don’t insulate that well. If playing loud, others around you will be able to hear.

The noise canceling microphone pivots up and down, so you can move it out of the way when not in use. While not as impressive as some of the folding and collapsible microphones other headsets offer, the Gamecon 780 feels very sturdy and provides superior sound quality.

The wiring is thick enough to feel solid and is coated in something that makes it non sticky. It doesn’t tangle up or get caught on other cords/things in the room. The speaker enclosures also rotate 90 degrees so they can lay flat in a suitcase. My favorite thing is to wear them around my neck with them rotated out; it’s like wearing 2 speakers. Great if you want sound, but still be able to talk to people around you.
I used to consider my Koss headphones had good sound. While you audiophiles out there might say my old headphones are crap, for most of us they were above average-sounding headphones.

That being said, the Gamecom 780′s are like night-and-day when it comes to sound quality. These haven’t even been burned in yet and easily sound twice as good. You can really feel the bass. The highs and mids are super crisp and the simulated 7.l Doubly Surround actually works wonders in games and movies. My situational awareness has doubled in Battlefield 3 as now I can truly tell if someone is sneaking up from behind or which direction gunfire is coming from. Even playing movies has become a totally improved experience.

Thus far, I would have to say I am absolutely loving them, except they are a tight fit and press the sides of my head—but I have a big head. Although after a few days of wearing they have stretched out and are very comfortable.
I tend to hit the volume control when I adjust the headset around my head for comfort. There is no microphone volume control on the headset—there is an on/off switch however—disappointing as this can only be changed via the windows sound panel.

Lack of software support is also a letdown, as many other headsets have equalizers and frequency tuners so you can fine tune everything to your listening pleasure. This is also an issue when trying to figure out what windows settings to use as there are no instructions. When speaker settings are set for stereo, windows gives you a bass boost option which makes the headphones sound really nice, but when set to 7.1 surround speakers it becomes sort of flat and due to lack of instruction im not sure how well the surround effects work if set to stereo.

FINAL JUDGMENT 4 out 5 Stars: For the average person, the Plantronics Gamecon 780 headset is not only a solid purchase, but a bargain over the competition. It costs almost half what other headsets of similar quality are going for.

Product Website

http://www.plantronics.com/us/product/gamecom-780

Cheapest Places I found to order:

http://www.amazon.com/Plantronics-GameCom-780-Surround-Headset

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Plantronics+-+GameCom+780+Over-the-Ear+Headset

World of Pinot Noir Tasting at the Cliffs Shell Beach CA

Sandra — Sat, 03 Mar 2012 19:35:03 +0000

Sequena Vineyards (Russian River) pours at Pinot Noir by the Sea

We were lucky to get comped a couple of tickets to the World of Pinot Noir Tasting at the Cliffs Hotel in Shell Beach. The pinot happens to be one of my favorite grapes and the Cliffs Hotel is right down the road, so the luck gods smiled and gifted me the $95 pp entry. Pinot Noir by the Sea featured 69 wineries, each pouring their own Pinot Noirs – often three different, sometimes from bottles not available on the market, but only to their club members.

Under the big top at Pinot Noir by the Sea

There was a silent auction for about 12 different bottles. The lowest starting bid was $35. One started at $100. The prices on Pinot have really skyrocketed and I have to admit are mainly out of my price range. I’d rather have a single malt, but I certainly enjoyed the tasting.

Cheeses from the Cheese Shop at World of Pinot Noir

They did a great job on the food. I had a hard time dragging my husband away from a chicken liver mousse pate which was light as whipped cream. The Cheese Shop had an amazing array of domestic and European cheeses – something for any palette. A local baker Pan d’Oro wowed us with his croissants.

There were too many Pinots for me to list all that we sampled, but here’s a quick list of those that stood out from the crowd: I put in alphabetical order because I really couldn’t rank them. They each had their own special appeal. Some would be good with certain foods. Some great for drinking alone.

Baker Lane Sonoma bakerlanevineyards.com
Bennet Valley Cellars Santa Rosa bennettvalleycellars.com
Cargasacchi – Point Concepcion – cargasacchi.com
Handley Cellars – Anderson Valley Mendocino – handleycellers.com
Charles Heintz Vineyards – Sonoma Coast – heintzvineyards.com
Jack Creek Cellars – Templeton San Luis Obispo – jackcreekcellars.com I was partial to this one, being local vintner and all. Husband and wife owned and operated.
Kessler-Haak – Sta Rita Hills – kesslerhaakwine.com – Kessler and Haak were pouring. What a great couple realizing their dream.
Mercy Vineyards – Pebble Beach – mercywines.com Easy to remember. Have mercy on me! Great tasting Pinots.
Schug Carneros Estate – Sonoma – schugwinery.com
Wildhorse Winery and Vineyards – Paso Robles -This is the beginning of my Pinot Noir Odyssey. The very first Pinot love of my llife. wildhorsewinery.com

I’m not much of a wine snob and drink Chilean and Australian wines on a regular basis. But judging by the New Zealand, Chilean, Australian and French wines served, California has the pinot noir market cornered. Maybe it’s the terroir – or maybe its the technique – or maybe a combo, but from the Pinot Noir by the Sea Tasting at the Shore Cliffs yesterday, my money’s on California.

Pinot Noir by the Sea in Shell Beach at the Cliffs Hotel

prosciutto and figs, duck sliders, cajun shrimp Yummy!

Friendly pour Kent Jarmam from Somerston Winery

Blue sky White tent Red wine at Pinot Noir by the Sea

Dan Berkeland (on left) owner of Pan d'Oro Bakery San Luis Obispo CA

Freakin’ Frog beer bar & The Whisky Attic Las Vegas

Rex — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 18:12:33 +0000

The Whisky Attic Bookshelf at Freakin' Frog Las Vegas - 600 whiskeys to choose from

The Freakin Frog is a small, but fun bar located at 4700 S Maryland Parkway just across the street from the UNLV campus. But this is not a college hangout. You’ll find people from all walks of life… What brings them here? It’s not the free live entertainment or the décor—it’s their beer selection.

They boast of a 1000 different beers from all over the world. If you’re looking for a cheap drink, this isn’t the place. But if you want to try a beer from Argentina to Zimbabwe, they probably have it in stock.

Live music at the Freakin' Frog Maryland Parkway Las Vegas

The Freakin’ Frog is lively in the evenings with a wide variety of live music. I’ve seen some pretty impressive jazz, as well as fun rock bands. They serve a decent pub food menu with delicious fries. A great place all round if you’re a beer enthusiast. You’ll meet like-minded folks who love to shoot the bull about beer and can give good suggestions as to something you should try. Check the Freakin’ Frog “catalog”, a giant binder containing all their beers.

Upstairs from the Freakin’ Frog is the newly-remolded Whisky Attic which I’ll wager is more impressive than any whiskey bar you’ve ever seen—a bookshelf of almost 600 varieties of different whiskeys from Bourbon to Scotch. Stock includes complete ranges of single malt scotches from 12-year to 30-year, as well as special merchant and limited edition bottles from various distilleries. You can join the club—a lot of fun and a great $ deal—to enjoy special events and tastings. If you’re a whiskey lover, you’ll pretty much think you died and went to heaven.

Freakin' Frog beer bar on Maryland Parkway Las Vegas

If you love beer or whiskey, Freakin’ Frog’s and The Whisky Attic is the place to go in Las Vegas. I give it top rating. Stop by for the experience. Taste a few random beers and see what it’s all about.

Freakin’ Frog website

No related posts.

Khamis Gaddafi alive and captured? Al-Sanussi captured by Misrata brigade?

Sandra — Sat, 25 Feb 2012 02:57:21 +0000

Khamis Gaddafi is reported alive and captured today by Zintan forces.

Talk about nine lives. How many times has it been reported that Khamis Gaddafi has been killed? Two stories have him burned. The first time was at the beginning of the Revolution when a plane supposedly kamikazied into Bab Aziziyah and Khamis was taken to a burn hospital in Tripoli where he died. Then Khamis was burned in his car outside of Bani Walid near the end of the conflict. There were other stories of his death in between.

Now today’s Tripoli Post has Khamis Gaddafi alive and captured by Zintan militia forces near the towns of Regdalin and Jamil close to the border with Tunisia. Reports also say he has an amputated leg.

Khamis, one of Gaddafi’s sons, was head of the dreaded Mechanical 32nd Brigade responsible for brutal attacks on civilian populations during the Revolution.

Can’t wait to see how this one turns out. DNA!!!!! Or live video will do.

Also big day if truth to rumors that Abdullah Al-Sanussi was captured by Misrata brigade and on his way to Misrata.

Abdullah Al-Sanussi, Gaddafi's right hand man, wanted by ICC for war crimes, was reported captured by Misrata Brigade today.

Al-Sanussi, Muammar Gaddafi’s brother-in-law and top henchman, is wanted by the ICC for war crimes.

link to: Tripoli News: Khamis Gaddafi Captured by Zintan Forces, Another Blow to Pro-Gaddafi Remnants

Video Library of Mohamed Mo Nabbous Libya Alhurra Videocasts

Sandra — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 05:02:20 +0000

Thank you to the Libya Uprising Archive from libya17feb for putting together Mohamed Nabbous Videos from Libya Al Hurra Livestream. The First Video is from February 22. Mo Nabbous broadcasts surveillance camera footgage from his makeshift studio in Benghazi

http://www.livestream.com/libya17feb/video?clipId=pla_81925fcb-4b98-4e83-bc3d-a85b63c647f8

Mo Nabbous - Libyan Hero

See the full list at this link: http://www.libyauprisingarchive.com/mohamed-nabbous-videos.html

Free Libya! Feb 17 one year anniversary of Libyan Revolution

Sandra — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 04:35:01 +0000

I’m celebrating my one year anniversary. One year ago I got hooked on Free Libya. On Feb 17 I fell in love with Libya’s fight for freedom from the evil empire known as the Gaddafi regime. I fell in love with Mo Nabbous. I fell in love with Benghazi. I fell in love with the Victory sign and Freedom Fighters, with Zanga Zanga and Nescafe. I got sucked into Twitter and didn’t emerge for 7 months.

Epic Libyan via @ChangeinLibya

Here’s to all the beautiful people I met because of Libya. I love you all. FREE LIBYA!!! You amazed the world. You did the impossible. You will make the dream come true.

Irish Aid Convoy with James Wheeler @wheelertweets

My Twitter Station - Cyber Revolutionary and Libyan Patriot

We’ll never forget all those who lost their lives – or parts of their bodies – and members of their families. It was worth it. Freedom and justice will prevail.

Misrata

Moonshadows in Malibu

Sandra — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 22:50:07 +0000

Moonshadows neon on Malibu beach

Moonshadaows lounge with view of Pacific through windows

What’s the best way to cap off a fabulous afternoon at the Malibu Getty? Easy, hands-down answer requiring no thought at all: drinks and dinner at Moonshadows in Malibu.

It starts when you walk in the door and see the Pacific Ocean just out the window. A little on the funky side, Moonshadows is quintessential Malibu of every Hollywood dream. Beautiful people in a beautiful setting, relaxed and beach-casual as found only in LA.

Eben and Marlio welcomed us at two prime seats at the bar. I started out with a Nolets Silver Dry (gin) martini, up with two plump green olives. Usually a Plymouth or Hendrix fan, this new gin (new to me) is super smooth with a hint of pine resin.

The sun's just going down at Moonshadows on Malibu Beach

Andy, Malibu local, at Moonshadows Bar

Moonshadows by day on Pacific Coast Highway Malibu California

Full Moon over Avila Beach

Sandra — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 19:49:34 +0000

Full Moon Setting over Avila Beach - photo by Sandra

Full Moon over Avila Beach Jan 10 pre-dawn - photo by Sandra

Full Moon shining like the sun over Avila Beach - photo by Sandra

The Full Moon setting over Avila Beach begins to compete with sunrise - photo by Sandra

Obama State of the Union Address, Occupy Movement and NDAA

Frank Harbinger — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 19:17:38 +0000

Dear Mr. President Obama,

I hope you will address the concerns of the 99 Percent and the Occupy movement in your campaign, and most notably in your upcoming State of the Union message. This could be the kickoff for a surge in vital support from the same class of young and uncommitted voters who backed you in your 2008 presidential (AND Congressional) landslide. The Obama plan for the streamlining government sounds brilliant, but this by itself could be seen as a relic of the recent deficit-cutting and de-regulation frenzy. You need more.

I know you are an experienced community organizer who is accustomed to working with entrenched interests and intractable political parties. This has been the basis of your genius and the secret of your notable successes as President against unprecedented, ruthless opposition.But the question remains, can you unify the groundswell of popular sentiment against the banksters, swindlers and financial traitors, inspire the Occupiers, and lead this momentum to transform America – not to something strange, but BACK to the ideals and valued we once embraced?True, the Republicans are sucking up all the ink and airwaves with their preposterous freakshow of inept and/or exploitive presidential candidates. They are enacting poll taxes and exclusionary laws, rigging elections not just against black voters but against all of us. The new question for ordinary decent Americans is, How Does It Feel to Be Jim Crow?

I recently heard a brilliant point – that those “inalienable rights,” which the Declaration of Independence says are “endowed by our Creator,” are now arrogantly assumed by corporations, which are mere paper creations with the tolerance of government.Since the Reagan/Bush and later Bush/Cheney administrations, our nation and economy have been victimized by a series of planned failures. These S&L and bank and mortgage takedowns, similar to Bush Junior’s stock swindles, are premeditated and criminal. If your Justice Department begins to recognize this and act on it, it can go a long way toward putting America back on track and regaining the devotion of the voters. In Britain the headlines read, “Jail the Bankers.”

I expect that banking failures and their root cause will be mentioned in your State of the Union Address. The Occupy Movement deserves the voice of President Obama to speak out.

One thing I don’t understand: how did the Defense Authorization act (NDAA) pass that allows the detention or rendition of US citizens here at home by the military? Was it panic over the Arab Spring and Euro discontent? As a Constitutional scholar President Obama, are you really ready to finally sign away our Habeas Corpus and Posse Comitatus protections?

I look forward to hearing your comments about the 99% and the Occupy Movement and sincerely hope you will address them in your State of the Union Address. I also respectfully request you reconsider your position on NDAA and do all possible to amend it. NDAA poses the greatest threat to our civil liberties than any other piece of legislation in recent history.

Your loyal constituent,

Frank Harbinger

7 reasons nothing leaves Vegas

Sandra — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 22:18:08 +0000

Taken from holykaw.alltop.com

Update on Gaddafi family & ICC List. Where are they now?

Sandra — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 20:49:58 +0000

Col Muammar Gaddafi

In March 2011 the ICC (International Criminal Court) issued a travel ban and asset freeze on members of the Gaddafi family and other top officials in his Inner Circle. Safiya Gaddafi, Gaddafi’s wife and mother of his 6 sons and daughter Aisha, was added later.

10 months later, we ask ”WHERE ARE THEY NOW???”

Gaddafi Immediate Family:

DEAD
Col. Muammar Gaddafi – body was on display in Misrata with his son Mutassim
Mustassim Gaddafi – body was on display in Misrata with his father Muammar
Saif al-Arab Gaddafi - killed in a NATO airstrike on Tripoli. No DNA results confirm.
Khamis Gaddafi - reported dead more than once. burned in his vehicle outside of Bani Walid. Have DNA results ever been released?

Saif al-Islam Gaddafi under arrest Zintan

UNDER ARREST

Saif al-Islam Gaddafi - being held in Zintan. Visited by the Human Rights Watch a month ago. The ICC wants him handed over, but has granted an extension on the Jan 25 deadline. There are credible sources that say he is not being held by the NTC.

Mutassim definitely dead

IN ALGERIA
Aisha Gaddafi – last known to be staying at luxury hotel in Algers. Causing a stir with her legal complaints first about the death of her father and now the continued detention of her brother Saif al-Islam and lack of access to an attorney.
Safiya Gaddafi – last known to be staying at luxury hotel in Algers.
Hannibal Gaddafi - last known to be staying at luxury hotel in Algers.
Mohammed Gaddafi - last known to be staying at luxury hotel in Algers.

NIGER
Saadi Gaddafi - last known to be in Niamey. Niger government has granted him asylum.

Gaddfi Inner Circle:

Al-Sanussi rumored to be in Mali or Venezuela

Abdullah Al-Senussi – Rumors have him in Mali or Venezuela.
Abu Zayd Umar Dorba – Last heard to be in a hospital in Tajura
Al-Baghdadi Mahmoudi – In custody in Tunisia. May be released. Tunisian government has refused extradition due to risk of torture and death penalty.

No information on following men. WHERE ARE THEY???

Sayyid Kaddaf Al-Dam
Abdulqadar Dibri
Abu Bakr Younis Jabir – Reported in March as “Not seen since uprising began.”
Matuq Mohmamed Matuq

And what about Musa Ibrahim, the Baghdad Bob Press Secretary, famous for interviews and pressers at the Rixos Hotel? Some say to look for him in Germany or skiing in the Alps.

Musa Ibrahim at presser pre-fall of Tripoli

Life Choices: The Event at the Tropicana Hotel in Las Vegas

Sandra — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 19:16:45 +0000

Are you facing difficult choices in your life?
Are you frustrated and discouraged about the direction your life is taking?
Don’t feel you have the skills to make wise choices?

TAKE CHARGE NOW! Start your path to a dream life. Join Judi Moreo, myself and 24 other powerful authors/speakers for Life Choices: The Event, a life-affirming weekend at the Tropicana Hotel in Las Vegas.

If you don’t have the success in life that you want, it might be because you didn’t choose to have better health, the career of your dreams, a loving relationship, or money in the bank. Perhaps you didn’t realize you even had a choice – or did you decide not to make a choice?
FACE IT! Not making a choice is a choice!
It’s a choice to fail…to let life take you where it will. It’s a choice to be the passive recipient of whatever comes your way.

The life we live is a result of the choices we make. Everything in our lives exists because we made a choice about something. Our choices can be exactly right for us or very, very wrong. They can help us reach our goals or keep us from them.

Successful people make conscious choices every day. They make the choices to be in the right place, at the right time, with the right people. They make the choice to model people who have successfully done what it is they want to do. And they take decisive action on the choices they’ve made.

CHOOSE SUCCESS NOW! www.lifechoicesevent.com
Please use PYPSN in speaker code box when registering!

SPECIAL OFFER !!!!!!!!!
Conference Fee $750.00 Super Early Bird Fee $350.00
Includes welcome reception, Saturday lunch, and Sunday brunch
Register by January 31, 2012 & bring a friend for only an additional $200.00

Pay $100 deposit now and remainder in installments.
Code: PYPSN

The Life Choices Books: Navigating Difficult Paths, Putting the Pieces Together, Pursuing Your Passion, It's Never Too Late

Stuck in a situation that seems beyond your control? The Life Choices Event speakers will show you how you can make different choices and change your tomorrows – how to live with purpose every day.
Hear how they coped with crisis and uncertainty and made tough choices and positive changes in their lives. Learn how they found deeper meaning and satisfaction in relationships. These speakers are living proof that miracles can and do happen.

You can be one of these people.

Choose the life you wish to lead. Join us at Life Choices: The Event, March 23 -25, 2012 at the Tropicana Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada.

www.lifechoicesevent.com or call (702) 896-2228 for more information. Please use PYPSN in speaker code box when registering!

BIG THANKS to Judi Moreo and Turning Point Publications for the press release that created this post!

Ancient Egyptian novels in Red Mirror Series 4 Kindle & iPad

Sandra — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 17:25:58 +0000

Red Mirror Series Isis cover for Kindle & iPad

Red Mirror Series Athena Kindle & iPad

Elektra of Red Mirror Series Kindle & iPad

After a several month hiatus from writing as I supported the Libyan Revolution and Arab Spring through twitter, I’ve finally gotten back to editing my ancient Egyptian novels for the Red Mirror Series in preparation for Kindle and iPad.

Isis has been shortened and made tighter and more fast-paced. The transitions from her ancient Egyptian past life to present life in Las Vegas have also been smoothed out.

I shifted my focus from educating to entertaining. There will still plenty of meat for history buffs in the Red Mirror Series, but I’ve tried to avoid reader anxiety that there might be a test. The Red Mirror Series is meant to be enjoyed as escapes into sensuality and spiritual possibilities, but leave the reader more knowledgeable about ancient Egyptian life under the Pharaohs, the Greeks and the Romans.

Isis Every man’s dream is a racy adventure-love story of Isis the High Priestess on the Nile in Late Period Egypt just as the Persians invade (500 BCE). Expect some suprising meet-ups in Las Vegas. When one man is not enough…

Athena of Korinth is Isis more evolved. Our party girl gets smarter and more confident. She’s sensual and in control. Set in Ptolemaic Alexandria Egypt during the time of the Greek pharaohs (200 BCE), Athena is a thriller quest for the Emerald Tablet that plays out in the art auctions of New York and Copenhagen. There are many kinds of love…

Elektra is the daring story of Isis rising from slave to Goddess in Roman Egypt during the time of Emperor Hadrian (100 CE). She’ll solve one of the great murder mysteries of all time: The death of Antinous. It’s all about the Power. Worship me!

For those who don’t know, I have an author blog www.SandraGore.com.

City Ramparts and Upper Barrakka Gardens Valletta Malta

Sandra — Sun, 16 Oct 2011 19:59:40 +0000

View from Upper Barrakka Gardens Vallerta Malta

Upper Barrakka Gardens

Barrakka arches

Valletta view

guard tower

Upper Barrakka Gardens Valletta

Buried in style in Upper Barrakka Gardens

Repairing the ramparts

Modern Bench on Valletta ramparts

Rescue Ship

Upper Barrakka Gardens

Play Me piano in Upper Barrakka Gardens

Saluting Battery

Designer Trash can on the ramparts

Jesper with cat

Valletta Malta at the Valletta Boutique Hotel

Sandra — Sun, 16 Oct 2011 11:43:32 +0000

Arrival at Valleta 1:30 am

Valletta Boutique Hotel by night

Chandelier in room

View from room onto St John's Cathedral

Hotel Coffee Bar giving onto plaza

Breakfast with delicious Italian coffee

Rainy Day Valletta Malta

Valletta St John's Cathedral tower

Valletta St John's Cathedral balcony

Microbrewery amid skycrapers and open space in relaxed beautiful Perth Australia

Rex — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 18:33:03 +0000

Perth - photo by Britanny du Boulay

The most populous (and pretty much only) city on the West Coast of Australia, Perth was very different than the other Aussie cities I’ve traveled to with a much more relaxed feeling and a lot less people around. The place felt kind of empty. While there were people walking the streets and cars on the road, it seemed like a ghost town compared to Melbourne or Sydney. But this is also part of the charm of the city.

It was well developed with lots of tall buildings and a pretty fun CBD with a decent amount to do, including some good art galleries. And while there didn’t seem to be many people on the streets, anytime I went inside a place there were always customers, especially at night. The various bars I went to were always packed.

It seemed that parking was readily available wherever we went – amazing in my opinion. I don’t know if anyone else reading this has been to places like San Francisco where it can take 30 minutes or more to find parking, and often ending up in a garage that will cost you $20+.

Aesthetically the city was very beautiful. The architecture lacked any historical buildings, so most of it was built in the drab 70′s-80′s style, but a few cool looking skyscrapers did dot the skyline. There was good amount of art and little parks and fountains around town that made up for it.

The most notable thing was a huge grass expanse that went all along the river front in downtown. It made the city feel much more open; all too often massive skyscrapers are built up to water’s edge. Kings Park, located on the western side of the city, was up on a hill and provided a birds-eye view of the river and the entire downtown district. An amazing sight, especially at night. A complete unobstructed view of the downtown is a rarity in the cities I’ve visited.

I was absolutely thrilled to stumble on Perth’s microbrewery scene. Not being the biggest fan of most the Australian beers, I was very happy to be able to taste something new and have enough of a selection that I never drank the same beer twice – all on draft.

Perth Harbour - photo by Britanny du Boulay

I headed over to a town called Fremantle – about 30 minutes or so outside the city -which had a small town atmosphere and a very fun little downtown area with lots of shops, bars and restaurants. The nice little brewery called “Little Creatures” produced some of the more popular beers I saw around the city. They had a bar/restaurant on site which was completely packed. I had an amazing dinner there, even more amazing beer; there was a 20 to 30 minute wait for a table the entire evening despite the torrential downpour outside.

Far (literally) from the hustle and bustle of Sydney and Melbourne, Perth offers a much more relaxed lifestyle and slower pace of living while still offering a lot to do. I found it very attractive and would be a place I would consider living. Although I must say it helps when you have a cute local who’s willing to be a tour guide. I highly recommend trying to find one before going anywhere.

Perth Skyline - photo by Britanny du Boulay

The Barracks (Youth Hostel)
After booking my plane ticket to Perth, I needed a place to stay. Having asked the girl I was visited some suggested hostels, I had it narrowed down to the YHA Perth or a place called the Barracks. I ended up settling on the Barracks which was aptly named for it was a converted old military barracks from when the city was first founded. And while I did not experience the nightlife here at the hostel (I was always out in the city), I didn’t like this hostel at all. It was very dirty and old looking. The bathroom usually looked nasty; the night I checked in one of the sinks was just draining straight onto the floor and one of the toilets was seriously clogged. The sink was fixed the next day, but the toilet remained disgusting for the rest of the 3 days I stayed there.

The place appeared to be more of a working house for the Irish as there were work boots everywhere out in the hallway (they stank from being in the yard all day) and about 75% of the people I talked to were from Ireland working construction. My room was all Irish working, which meant they got up just before 6 to get ready for work. Which doesn’t matter that much but when I stay at hostels, I like to meet other travelers and vacationers so I can hear stories or exchange information on good things to see.

The beds were surprisingly comfortable but the walls were paper thin. It’s not bad enough when the person in your room snores really loud but when you can hear the person on the next room snoring at about the same volume… lets just say Thank God for industrial grade ear plugs.

The place did have some amenities such as computers, 2 TV areas and a very large bar area in what used to be the main staging area for the barracks. And like I said, I didn’t get to experience the night life here, but it seemed very lively with people singing songs and carrying on til 1 or 2 in the morning. (I did say Irish, didn’t I?)

Overall however I was happy I only needed to use this place as a bed. I wouldn’t recommend it as there are plenty of other hostels in Perth charging the same rate.

The Zen of picking grapes in Avila Valley

Rex — Sat, 01 Oct 2011 19:20:23 +0000

Rex the grape-picker

Since being back in the country, I’ve been trying to find work and like everyone knows, it’s not easy. Might even be said to be almost impossible for someone without a specific skill that’s in demand. That’d be me.

Following up on a tip from a family friend, and after submitting my resume, filling out a detailed application and going for an interview in my suit and tie, I managed to land a seasonal job picking grapes at a local vineyard in Avila Valley. The suit and tie was a little over the top, but my mom told me it always pays to dress and if nothing else, they’d remember the guy who came in a suit.

This year the owner of the winery John Salisbury decided that with the high unemployment rate, he would give Americans a chance to earn an honest hard-working wage. While I think this was very altruistic and I’m happy he did – otherwise I wouldn’t have a job – it’s been a bumpy ride.

We started with about 16 of us, mostly young men in their 20′s or late teens with a few others such as an older preacher and a spunky lady. On the first day we were issued a pair of gloves, some sheers and started cutting. Three Mexican guys who are part owners in the winery and very experienced grape cutters, jumped in and out of the lines, showing us how to do it. On the job training. It was much harder and way more physically taxing than one might think. We were very slow compared to what Mr. Salisbury needed.

When we asked our crew chief what he thinks about working with a bunch of gringos, he said he didn’t mind but had warned Mr. Salisbury that it would take us about 3 days to get up to speed. But the grapes have to be picked and daily quotas met for the crusher. We were told to go faster and we did try. But believe me, this is not easy work. It’s a lot harder to cut the grapes embedded in a web of vines than I imagined.

At the end of the first day we had four crates done when we should have had ten. The next day we were told we needed to pick up the pace. I think we got six done that day. On the third day, they brought in a team of Mexican pickers to speed things up. By Monday over half the “gringo” crew had been replaced. There are about 8 of us left. I somehow made the cut! I still had a job! So does the minister and the lady.

I was warned by Mr. Salisbury that the work is repetitive. It’s also extremely grueling. You have to appreciate every vegetable or piece of fruit you put in your mouth. And every glass of wine you drink. A lot of human sweat has gone into getting it to you.

Yellow Jacket Wasp

It’s by far the hardest job I’ve ever done and a far cry from scuba diving in Bali. Even drinking gallons of water and wearing a wet bandana and sun hut, I felt close to getting heat stroke a couple of times. From start to finish, all you do is cut grapes off the vine and put them into a box you lug around with you. And you have to be fast the entire time; there is no room for slacking. You’re lucky if it’s foggy in the morning because it keeps the temperature down. But not only does it get HOT in Avila Valley when the sun comes out, with it come the bees and yellow jackets. And they feed by the thousands on the grapes. You just have to try and ignore them and work through them in a Zen kind of way. Everyone has been stung or bitten at least once.

It’s hard keeping up with the Mexican migrant workers who’ve been doing this for years. But I must say that after a week, our (the Gringos’) speed is for the most part on par with them. There are a few speed demons out there that I try to avoid partnering with (each work one side of the vine) because they make me look bad.

The Mexican workers emphasize speed. We “green gringos” had been careful not to leave “Mummies.” Mummies (unpicked grapes) can mildew and cause problems for the vine. So the first two days we were cutting everything off which definitely slowed us down. The Mexicans tend to only cut the bigger clusters, often leaving good groups on the vine, but with only 3 or 4 grapes on them. We also cleaned out the leaves that fell into our boxes, while they tend to leave the cleaning for the sorters. We now realize how they manage to crank out 12 crates a day. I think our original crew of gringos might have done much better if we’d taken more shortcuts. But we were new and wanted to do it right. The key, of course, is to hit the right balance, knowing what is absolutely necessary and where you can speed up. It’s all about the Zen.

It’s an advantage that the slow people are gone because we actually hit our quotas now. We get paid 80 dollars a day and get to leave when the quota is met. But the hours are always long, especially if the sun is shining down hard. Which it usually is in sunny Avila Valley California.

Gaddafi the Nomad wanders Libya and Niger

Sandra — Sat, 10 Sep 2011 05:58:28 +0000

Toureg soldier

Everyone’s all excited about figuring out where Gaddafi is. But he is not anywhere for very long. Tonight in Libya, tomorrow in Niger. The borders are seamless sand dunes or craggy rock gullies in the Sahara.

Gaddafi is the desert Nomad, roaming southern Libyan sands, never staying more than one or two nights in any place. He travels in a caravan of armored cars and sleeps in a tent each night. He’s in his element.

Illusive, the desert fox, he is enjoying the last days of his mythological life. There never has been anyone quite like him, you can’t deny that. A real snake-charmer and medicine man. But he’s almost run out of charms.

Aisha, Safiya, Mohammed and Hannibal Gaddafi held in luxury house arrest at Sheraton near Algiers

Sandra — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 23:05:19 +0000

Sheraton de Pins, new home of Gaddafi wife Safiya, daughter Aisha, and sons Mohammed and Hannibal

Information is starting to trickle out about the whereabouts of at least some of the Gaddafi family members. Wife Safiya, daughter Aisha and two sons Mohammed and Hannibal are “guests” of the Algerian government in a luxury Sheraton villa on the Mediterranean about 20 kilometers west of the capital Algiers.

Aisha gave birth to a baby girl (Safiya) in the desert oasis of Djanet. Her birth surely thwrated the plans of the Mercedes cavalcade to traverse Algeria and enter Niger. It’s still a mystery why the Algerian authorities allowed the Gaddafi group to enter Algeria and head south, only to fly them to Algiers on a private jet when Aisha was released from the desert clinic.

A report in the Telegraph says that Algeria refused to allow the 12 member Gaddafi family to bring a “big sack of money” and their own bodyguards. This is certainly a different story than the one told of a South African mercenary 35-man guard that accompanied them from Libya. And the other story that they were joined at the border by an Algerian escort. So many rumors…

But it seems fairly certain that the family is now housed (read house arrest) at the Sheraton Club Des Pins Resort & Towers in Staoueli, a seaside resort suburb of Algiers. Here’s a webcam of the hotel beach http://www.sheratonclubdespinsview.com/. No doubt they are being held for their own protection. We can only speculate what the future will bring.

It has not been disclosed who of the family traveled with them other than the four names mentioned. Gaddafi grandchildren? Sons’ wives? Where is Aisha’s husband?

Said to be cut off the world both physically and electronically, the Telegraph reports that Aisha Gaddafi has been on a Google Talk account to complain about the war on her father’s regime.

Referenced Telegraph article: Libya: Gaddafi wife and children holed up in Algerian villa http://tgr.ph/pd6usI

Could Gaddafi be hiding in deep desert Libya with his Toureg Praetorian Guard?

Sandra — Sat, 03 Sep 2011 23:44:50 +0000

Ghat

If you read my story on Aisha Gaddafi and the escape of the brothers and Gaddafi sons, Mohammed and Hannibal, with Gaddafi’s wife Safiya, you should draw the same conclusion that I have. Gaddafi planned to escape to Niger with his family. The Algerian government thwarted those plans by refusing Gaddafi entry into the country. The only question I have is at which border crossing this happened.

Like an earlier article that I wrote on Touregs, it is also obvious to me that Gaddafi is left with his Praetorian Guard of desert warriors whose loyalty is based on gold. Those are the only loyalists left to him now.

That Aisha gave birth deep in the desert at Djanet demonstrates clearly that the Gaddafi family was on its way to Niger. The desert was their last resort — also now thrwarted by the Algerian government which has moved them to Algiers and put them under house arrest.

Gaddafi himself is near to that border crossing, in my opinion since he was refused entrance about a week ago. He’s hiding out, protected by the Touregs. I like Ghat, but we’ll soon see.

Ghat Libya – Google Maps http://bit.ly/qGDFnY

South African Mercenaries and Algeria: Aisha Gaddafi, baby Safiya, 2 brothers Hannibal & Mohammed taken to Algiers with Mrs Safiya Gaddafi

Sandra — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 19:38:38 +0000

Aisha not many weeks ago in Tripoli

This has been quite an odyssey for the princess Aisha Gaddafi. From Sorbonne-trained attorney and Claudia Schiffer-beauty to renegade in the Sahara and birth of a baby girl deep in the desert, the shift in her life could be fairly described as melodramatic. But the mystery surrounding the escape of Aisha, her mother, Safiya and two of the Gaddafi sons (her brother Hannibal and half-brother Mohammed) is proving most intriguing.

First we hear that they were held up for 8 hours at the Algerian border near to the Libyan town of Ghadames before being allowed to cross. Then we hear that the entire Gaddafi family fled Tripoli in such a rush that Aisha even left behind her wedding pictures. The homes of the various family members looked to have been vacated on a moment’s notice. Apparently they had no idea the Freedom Fighters were coming. Seems implausible that they could be so isolated or delusional, but we have come to believe almost anything about this enigmatic family.

Next is revealed the startling news that Col Muammar Gaddafi himself was with the long caravan of cars that attempted to cross the border, but that he was refused entrance to Algeria. Stranger still is the story coming from Algerian media that the President of Algeria, Abdelaziz Bouteflika, refused phone calls from Gaddafi asking for his help.

Bourg Messaouda is across border from Ghadames Libya. Note how far south Djanet is.

As if all that weren’t enough, Aisha Gaddafi supposedly gave birth to a baby girl just hours after arriving in Algeria. Odd thing is, the hospital was named as one in a desert oasis town of Djanet which is far to the south of the border crossing at Ghadames. In fact, it is not that far from the Niger border. So here is yet another mystery. Why would they travel so far south if she was in labor? Why not head to a closer hospital? Djanet Map | Algeria Google Satellite Maps http://bit.ly/ooyivQ

One: they did not cross at Ghadames, but crossed further south in an unknown sector. Likely at Tinkarine south of Ghat. http://bit.ly/pxclbl Two: They were headed south out of Algeria to another country, likely Niger. Three: She didn’t have a baby at all, which some Libyans have suggested. Four: She didn’t have the baby at Djanet which is unlikely. There seems no advantage to invent that part of the story.

Aisha named the girl after her mother, Safiya or Safia, by the way. Some of us were hoping for Mermaid Dawn or Desert Rose.

Now, if all that weren’t enough, the story comes out today that 35 South African mercenaries helped them escape into Algeria. The Algerian authorities have already admitted that they gave the family travelling in six Mercedes asylum based on humanitarian reasons. I have a hard time reconciling 35 mercenaries and a family of Gaddafi women and children plus brothers & Gaddafi sons Hannibal and Mohammed traveling in six Mercedes. See link to mercenary story out of South African media. http://bloom.bg/pUVb68 and http://bit.ly/oFqnKY

Why is any of this important? Well, if the part of the story about Gaddafi being with the family is true, and the family crossed over at Ghat, it could mean that Gaddafi was much further south in Libya than anyone reckoned. Of course, they still could have crossed further north at Ghadames and then attempted to follow an escape route to Niger which might have been Gaddafi’s plan for himself. And might still be.

There are so many parts of this story that don’t jive. I left out one part that has the group wandering around in Tunisia before finally finding the right road to Algeria. Whole saga reads like the pieces of a jigsaw that have been thrown up in the air and you’re not even sure if they’re all from the same box.

Final installment at this very moment is that the Gaddafi family members have been moved to Algiers for safekeeping and are under house arrest. Source: Algeria moves Gaddafi’s family to capital – media « Shabab Libya http://bit.ly/ngNb3G

By the way, the questions over Aisha’s birth of baby girl Safiya arise from her claim that her 4 month-old daughter, Mastoora, was killed in the NATO airstrike that killed her youngest brother Saif al-Arab. See here for background: The curious case of Aisha Qaddafi’s birthing powers « Shabab Libya http://bit.ly/ok4pR6

Martyr (Green) Square in Tripoli Aug 29 before Eid. FREEDOM!

Sandra — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 01:25:48 +0000

Eid Mubarak to Free Libya!

Gaddafi Wife Safiya, daughter Aisha and two sons Mohammed and Hannibal in Algeria

Sandra — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 22:39:43 +0000

Daughter Aisha with mother Safiya Gaddafi. Aisha has gone thru transformation.

The Algerian government has notified the United Nations and the Libyan interim government (NTC) that Gaddafi’s wife Safiya, his daughter Aisha and his two sons Mohammed and Hannibal fled into Algeria today.

None of the escaping family members have ICC arrest warrants issued on them, but they are all under ICC travel ban and supposedly must be stopped at the border and refused entry. Algeria did not sign the Rome Agreement recognizing the authority of the International Criminal Court.

Algeria will allow the Gaddafi family members to transit on their way to a third country. Their final destination is not yet known. According to the Algerian official, they were admitted to the country for humanitarian reasons.

As a side note, Safiya Gaddafi is mother to 6 Gaddafi sons. Saif al-Arab was killed in Tripoli by alleged NATO strike. Her son Khamis is currently reported as having been killed as result of firefight with Freedom Fighters outside Tarhouna. His death has not been confirmed. Her eldest son is Saif al-Islam who is rumored to be with her next eldest son Saadi and Muammar Gaddafi himself in a town in Central Libya, south of Tripoli, called Bani Walid. The remaining son Mutassim is head of the Gaddafi forces in Sirte, Gaddafi’s home town and assumed to soon be the last major battle of the Libyan Revolution

Hannibal Gaddafi

Mohammed Gaddafi, eldest son and born of Gaddafi's first wife.

Here a more photos of the four members of the Gaddafi family who escaped into Algeria.

Aisha in her mink coat at beginning of uprising when Libyans being slaughtered by her father.

Here's Aisha pre-revolution in her Claudia Schiffa incarnation

The lovely Safiya with her husband Muammar Gaddafi

Safiya Gaddafi, mother of 6 sons & 1 daughter with Muammar Gaddafi

Mohammed Gaddafi in happier days

Hannibal Gaddafi was arrested in Switzerland for beating up a maid. His wife Aline is accused of scalding their children's nanny in Tripoli.

Aisha Gaddafi, Mermaid of Tripoli, and her gold

Sandra — Sat, 27 Aug 2011 17:42:55 +0000

Pure gold sofa of Aisha Gaddafi as the Mermaid of Tripoli. From her home.

Aisha Gaddafi's portrait medallion crafted in pure gold. Found in her home.

Aisha's swimming pool in her compound in Ben Ashour, Tripoli

See the splendor of Aisha’s home as Libyans now see it:
Don’t miss Aisha’s wedding reception Aisha Gaddafis wedding reception WILD!

YouTube Amer Mustaf Bu’amood sings nasheed he wrote just before he died in battle Libya

Sandra — Fri, 26 Aug 2011 07:14:56 +0000

In this YouTube, Amer Mustafa Bu’amood sings a nasheed he wrote not long before he died in battle fighting for Free Libya. @Cyrenaican calls it before his martyrdom.

YouTube Gaddafi-mobile (golf cart) paraded thru streets of Tripoli

Sandra — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 18:39:06 +0000

Freedom Fighter (FF) wears Gaddafi hat and gold chain from G’s bedroom

Sandra — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 18:36:08 +0000

Libya deGaddafinated

Sandra — Sun, 14 Aug 2011 01:50:12 +0000

thanx to Fissa's Free Libyan Voice

YouTube Aisha Gaddafi’s wedding reception – WILD!

Sandra — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 06:59:41 +0000

WILD WILD WILD. You must see this YouTube of Aisha Gaddafi’s wedding reception. Rarely is so much bad taste convened under one tent. First they are carried through the air on some kind of crane. The Groom’s white tux looks like he borrowed it from Gaddafi himself. After half way – check out her dress. Her boobs are falling out of the decollete. The cameraman just can’t get enough. Note: The Aisha song is a popular 90′s release by Cheb Khalid (Moroccan-French) singer. ~~~~~~~~~ Sorry, Have to say it again. WILD! WILD! WILD!

Fear Itself – GOP Politics in Our Century – OpEd

Frank Harbinger — Wed, 10 Aug 2011 15:22:39 +0000

Going into the presidential election of 2012, as in all recent elections, the Republican Party has NO positive accomplishments to run on. Eight years of their policies at the start of this 21st century have left America at war, our economy in chaos, our local governments crippled, our elections and Supreme Court and news media corrupt, and our national spirit demoralized.

But to the GOP, Bush never happened, and our truly and popularly elected President Obama is to blame. He is the finest man in public service in this century, while their former anointed leader W cannot even speak in public. The Bush name is now a synonym for lies, planned failures and malicious ignorance, yet these benighted reactionaries seem more fanatical than ever. They’ve become the RepubliCANT obstructionists, the party of “Hell No You Can’t” as voiced by their leader Boehner.

With nothing positive to run on, the GOP must appeal to Fear. Their whole campaign is to regress America’s thinking to a primal reptilian level, destroy hope and faith in our constitutional government, and Keep Fear Alive.

Fear is always irrational and prey to manipulation. Here are some of the principal fears the GOP plays on:

Racism, a divide-and-conquer tactic.
Fear of Government: health reform, death panels, gun control, taxation, etc. This appeals to paranoid anti-social tendencies that have been carefully nurtured. It used to be real fear of the draft. Now it’s the fear-brokers who impose airport strip searches, the War on Drugs, right-to-life laws and other intrusive measures.
Economic fears: The National Debt, money policy. FNMA and FRDC (oddly, these crusaders ignore real threats of private bank collusion and corruption, Wall Street fraud and speculation, and “corporate welfare” tax handouts and bailouts.
Religious fears, mostly of Moslems and other “foreign” faiths (when Islam, Judaism and Christianity all share the same basic books of the Bible/ Torah/ Koran.) This fear used to be directed against Jews only, and still may be. When you talk to a self-proclaimed Christian, you often find that you’re really talking to a Pre-Christian, since all their fears are based on the Old Testament and Book of Revelations, penned by a mad monk who castrated himself, and have nothing to do with the charitable and loving teachings of Jesus Christ.
Fear of Immigrants. This Nativist fear combines xenophobia and primate territoriality with real socio-economic concerns – which, like many GOP fears, can be aggravated by capitalists who import cheap labor and then targeted against “liberals” who want labor fairness and social equality.
Terrorism, the notion of an evil global conspiracy “out there” targeting “us” when the real danger is fear itself, and our own people lashing out in a frenzy of fear. 9/11 was the mysterious covert intelligence operation funded by oil-rich governments, that saved the Bush administration and empowered them to bankrupt our government. The Republicans loved this terror and played on it for as long as they could, becoming terror-brokers. This fear is old but will be back.
War scares, WMDs, Yellow Cake, mobile anthrax labs. This required carefully orchestrated lies, both to frighten our people and demonize the voices of reason such as Weapons Inspector Scott Ritter and Ambassador Joseph Wilson.
Jealousy: The fear that some “minority” or “under-privileged” group is getting benefits that oneself is denied by a paternalistic government. This “Welfare Cadillac Mom” myth is rooted in childhood sibling-rivalry/insecurity issues and is now deftly targeted against teachers, public workers, minorities and the elderly.
Wedge issues: Guns, Gays, God, abortion, and now contraception. These fears of Apocalypse involve a reactionary dread of technology and its resultant social changes. This Future Shock is especially hard on the elderly and the devout, i.e., fanatics who want to reserve all government powers to God and the Church.
The Republican War on Women. This fear that women may someday be equal is shared by insecure men and insecure women.

These fears have been crafted by think tanks and generously spread by talk radio and Fox News. They now dominate commercial and public TV and radio and have contributed to the demise of newspaper. They have grown to a national pathology, a complex of delusions and defense mechanisms that threatens our existence as a constitutional democracy.

Legalize it! Medical Marijuana in Venice Beach

Sandra — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 23:55:28 +0000

We all do know what I”m talking about, right? Medical Marijuana in Venice Beach is about as close as you can get without just legalizing it.

Venice Beach Couples – All shapes and all beautiful in the Sun

Sandra — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 23:45:26 +0000

Couples in Venice Beach come is all shapes and ages. They are all beautiful in the California sun.

Venice Beach Street Life – What I call Freedom

Sandra — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 23:18:31 +0000

The Land of the Free - California USA - Venice Beach

I’m going to let the pictures tell a thousand words. When I watched the people in Venice Beach California, I couldn’t help but think this spot has got to be one of the most free places on the planet.

I’m dividing my photos from this glorious Friday afternoon into three articles: Street Life, Legalize it! and Couples

Peter Demian Drummer Street Smart

The Sidewalk Cafe

Rex going going…back back…to Cali Cali

Rex — Mon, 08 Aug 2011 04:43:00 +0000

I’ve landed in Korea and have a 6 hour layover now. Think I’ll just pay and hit up one of the transit lounges where they got wifi, powerports and free food. Just gotta find it and see how much it costs.

The airport here in Korea is very nice! Im using a computer right now for free in a mini internet cafe, but theres a 30 min limit so others can use it as well.

Korean Air was a very very nice airline. I highly recommend taking them if you need to fly anywhere. Lots of leg room, personal TV with a huge movie selection as well as various TV shows. Got a bunch of episodes of the Tutors, as well as games such as solitare, casino, puzzle stuff, crosswords etc. They cruise by with water, fruit juice and peanuts like every half hour. Even got beer available on trays, but just wanted to sleep last night. I felt very first class!

Right now chillin in the Korean Airlines lounge in Seoul, South Korea for the next 5 hours… buffet of food, keg of beer, bottles of Johnny Black, expresso machine, Hagen-Daz ice cream and most importantly, super comfy seats. Korean air fliers get a 40% discount. It’s the best 20 bucks I think I’ve ever spent.

Last days in Bali and a killer cheap hotel

Rex — Mon, 08 Aug 2011 04:29:56 +0000

Found a new place to stay for the last days in Trawangan for 150K [$17.60] a night with a ceiling fan and two beds. We found it just by walking around the back areas of town. The villagers are more than happy to try and show you rooms; the place I booked was the 2nd one I looked at and was a much nicer room than the first place.

Make sure you negotiate though, as with everything in Bali, you never need to pay as much as they quote you.

Postcards for Libya – Love Heals All Wounds

Sandra — Thu, 04 Aug 2011 05:24:19 +0000

There are a lot of heroes in the Libyan revolution but also a lot of pain and heartbreak. Many victims of the war, civilian and freedom fighters alike, have gone to Tunisia for medical treatment. Some are children, some are women, some are men young and old – all have terrible injuries and are far from their families and support system. Family is so important in this part of the world – it’s important everywhere, but more so when in pain and a foreign country.

A group of people, who tweet about Libya and support the Libyan people in any way that they can, have gotten together under the leadership and through the energy and dedication of @Carolv27 to send happy cards to these wounded Lions of Libya.

You can help ease the pain. You can help heal the wounds. It’s so easy. Just go to the site, which has instructions in several languages, and get the post box address in Tunis to send a card. You won’t want to address it to anyone specific.

Just remember that a few minutes of your time to choose a card (or several!), get the right postage, and send some love will mean everything to those braving through surgeries and isolation. It will tell them that there are people all over the world who support and care for them.

LOVE HEALS ALL WOUNDS. http://postcardsforlibya.org/

About James Wheeler and @WheelerTweets.

James Wheeler with 3 FF from Kikla. Tunis Hospital July 2011

It’s thanks to the work of James Wheeler (@WheelerTweets) that the stories of injured and disabled brave Libyans have come to the world. You can read about these courageous young freedom fighters on my blog under several titles with @WheelerTweets.

I’ve posted a collection of photos and personal stories tweeted by James Wheeler, an American hero who dropped his life in the States to go to the Nafusa Mountains and later to Tunis, to help the Libyan Revolution. His work with the Freedom Fighters is the epic stuff of Hollywood. Hard to believe that real life heroes like him exist. I am so proud to “know” him through twitter.

FACEBOOK PAGE: Wounded Lions of Libya
You can also check out a facebook page dedicated to sending cyber messages to freedom fighters. You can post photos or comments expressing your love and regards: Wounded Lions of Libya

What Libyan Freedom Fighters in Nafusa Mountains accomplished in less than 3 months

Sandra — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 21:40:11 +0000

Some talk about a stalemate in Libya, but just check out this map showing the progress of the Revolutionaries, otherwise known as Libyan Freedom Fighters, in the battle for the Nafusa Mountains in the western part of the country.

Please remember these guys started out with knives and hunting rifles less than three months ago; their weapons have largely been seized from Gaddafi forces after their defeat and retreat.

Thank you to the Libyan Revolution Central Feb17.info website.

Advanced Open Water Dives in Trawangan

Rex — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 15:57:06 +0000

I’ve been progressing well in my dive course. I got two more dives left: nitrox (enriched air) and a night dive. The underwater photography course I did today was real basic, but they loaned me a camera, so should be getting a CD tommorow with my photos. I’ll try to post them online.

Going to do one more additional dive on top of packet. The one more nitrox dive will certify me for nitrox tanks, which allows for longer times at deeper depths. Because I’m doing the first dive as part of my Advanced Open Water, I save $80 on the certification. I figured why the hell not.

BTW -Have moved to a new place to stay today that is cheaper. I’ll find out name when I go back tonight.

Dive Shops in Trawangan Gili Islands Bali

Rex — Mon, 01 Aug 2011 01:13:27 +0000

The diving is apparently very good here on the island with several dive shops all with identical prices. It was explained to me that they all decided on a set price to keep compeitition between the shops friendly and prevent a pricewar from breaking out.

So their main focus now is to provide the best service to attract customers. It is 2,700,000 or about $315 all inclusive for the advanced padi, which is cheaper than most places I could find in Bali where it was about $375. Also if you are already certified, the dive trips themslves are very cheap and you get discounts if you book multiple dives with one shop, making it even cheaper.

Some Swiss girls I met at the bar said they just finished their open water and are getting an even better deal on their advanced, something that BaliScuba where I got mine done failed to do. I first stopped at the Blue Marlin Dive which has a really nice building and pool and looks fancy. I went in and asked for information. The staff was friendly, but services very basic.

Deciding to price shop, I found a much smaller place called Manta Dive — just two small, beachy-looking huts really, with outdoor tables. As I walked up the path, someone immediately approached me and asked if they could help. I said I was interested in Advanced Open Water. He sat me down at one of the tables and gave me a 1-on-1 interview. He explained all the prices were the same at the shops and gave me detailed information on their upcoming dive schedules and places he personally recommended for each type of dive. I also had questions about getting my Nitrox certification as well, and he suggested that I pick Nitrox as one of my 3 optional dives and they would be able to give me a discount on my certifcation should I choose to pursue it. I really like the personal touch this place had and have decided to go with them. More info to come as I complete my course.

First impressions of Trawangan, Gili Islands, Bali

Sandra — Mon, 01 Aug 2011 00:55:54 +0000

The Gili Island of Trawangan itself is much much different from what I was expecting. I think the good old days of relaxed backpackers, drinking mushroom shakes and hanging out on the beach in bean bags like what was described to me by Indonesian locals in Sanur is long gone.

I’m not sure how often they update the Lonely Planet guide, but the one we have is from 2009 and it says there is one restaurant with wi-fi, and one intenet cafe and no ATMs. Now there are at least 5 netcafes, tons of restaurants with wi-fi and every major bank has an ATM onsite. Most the resturants look fairly new and modern and serve all type of western food. Half the resturants in the guide I don’t even think are here anymore.

Prices for accommodations are much much higher than the guide states as well, saying high season prices are 100k [$12] a night, but they are more like 250k to 400k [$30-$47] and that’s not even the higher class resorts that now dot the main strip.

There are alot of older couples walking around, some with families, but the Island still has its fill of young backpackers looking to party at one of the few bars on the main strip.

Prices are quite reasonable. Most restaurants offer food in the 40k [$5] or higher range, which is about what you would expect to pay in Sanur. You can find it even cheaper sometimes. We found Tir na Nog Irish Bar and most of its drinks are actually cheaper than anywhere I’ve found in Bali. It was pumping last night with a 100+ backpackers partying til 3am.

But I would say get here quick, because the glory of Trawangan is rapidly fading, and it won’t be long before all the character is stripped from this place by rich tourists with money to spend. While reseaching this place, I read a blog online by a man who has been coming here since the 80′s who said he believes it’s due to the newer speedboat services which cater to the richer tourist and generally exclude the backpackers who cannot afford the $120 roundtrip ticket to the Island. It has brought a new influx of money and different style to the Island, and it’s only going to get worse. I was here on a Saturday night and didn’t see a single person partying on the beach or a beanbag.

But don’t get me wrong. I like this Island alot and think I’m going to have a blast in the few days I have here. I just don’t know how long its special magic will last.

Rex, hustled, hassled and hot, arrives safe in Gili Trawangan

Rex — Mon, 01 Aug 2011 00:27:20 +0000

Trawangen Ferry

At last I have arrived safely on Gili Trawangan. It was a real mission to get here. Got into a cab at 8am and arrived at the island probably about 6:30pm, so almost a full 12 hours of traveling.

We pretty much got hustled by a “tour” company which really pissed me off, but overall cost wasn’t too bad getting here. It’s just the hassle and travel time wasn’t really worth the money I saved, in my opinion.

The cab fare was 200,000 [$24] to the ferry (split 2 ways) and took about an hour (Sanur to Padang Bai). The ferry ticket was 36,000 rupiah [$4.25] and the ride took 4.5 hours. The ferry landed in Lembar port on Lombok island — and this is where it gets tricky — from there you need to travel overland to the nothern part of Lombak to Bangsal. Arriving at about 3pm in Lembar, we only had 2 hours to get to Bangsal before the ports closed. (That’s what we read online anyway.)

So getting off the ferry in Lembar, a man with a tour company offered us a bus ticket for 75,000 each [$8.80], which was ok considering what we paid for a 1 hour cab ride in Bali. We asked how long it would take to get there and he said an hour, maybe 1.5 hours, so we agreed and paid. While on the bus the man asked if we would like a return ticket for 200,000 [$24], which included all fares and a drop off to our location of choice in Bali. The price was much cheaper than the cab ride and stuff we had already paid, and he claimed the services once on the island would be 250k to 300k [$30-$35], so much cheaper to book now.

I didn’t really wanna do it, but let the girl I was with talk me into it. 200k [$24] is a good deal regardless, but my gut feeling was skeptical. Most people on the bus had purchased an inclusive ticket for 200k that provided all transport from Bali to the islands.

So we take the bus and it stops somewhere at an ATM for people to use and they ask if I would like a boat ticket as well for 75,000 a person [$8.82]. I said no, as the boat only costs 10k [$1.17] at the harbor. We travel a bit more, stop somewhere for 20 minutes and I started getting concerned as it was 4pm already. Well, we didn’t arrive at Bansal til 5:30, which made it almost a 3-hour bus ride — not the hour we were promised.

They then told us that the port was closed and our only option was to pay the 75,000 [$8.82], and having read online that the boats stop at 5pm, we reluctantly agreed. Walking the 100 meters or so to the harbor, it seemed to me that the ticket office was still open and our “boat captain” for the private chartered boat was nowhere to be seen.

We showed our ticket at the port and they ushered us onto a boat with many other backpackers and I’m pretty sure it was just a 10k [$1.17] public boat that they hustled us into paying 75,000 for, but with none of them to be seen, and it being the last boat to leave, there wasn’t much we could do. Barbara (the Polish girl I’m traveling with) was furious as she is on a strict budget and wanted to punch the “travel” agent in the face.

As soon as we got off on the island of Trawangen, we were approached by a young guy who asked if we needed a room. Pissed off from getting hustled and traveling all day, we kind of ignored him. But he said he could get us a clean room for 250,000 [$30] a night. Online research had showed the island was pretty much booked and rooms were 400,000 [$47] or more. So we said, “Sure we’ll look at it.”

A bit off the main drag, but still a short 10 minute walk, Barbara and I were actually delighted when we arrived. The beach bungalows, brand-new looking, were furnished with a king size bed and open air bathroom with new looking tile and wood. The bathroom had a nice overhead, rain-style shower which only dispenses cold salt water, but a real toliet. We were very happy with this, as I honestly thought we would probably end up crashing on the beach that night.

But a message to travelers trying to take the cheap method. Avoid the Pt. Nuansa Lombok Agung Tours Company and any bus that says Bus Pariwasita on it, as they will pretty much screw you out of 150,000 [$18] you don’t need to pay. They lied about arrival time and I’m pretty sure they lied about still being able to catch a public boat.

Sadly, I already have a return ticket with them despite my gut feeling, and while 200k is still a good deal, I honestly don’t even want to use it because of the way we were treated. Besides that, the fast boats cost around 600k [$70] and take 2 hours direct back to Bali. In my opinion, unless you have an unlimited amount of time, the extra 40 or so dollars is worth the 8 or 9 hours less travel time with no headaches, no lies, and no hustle. It’s probably how I am going to return to Sanur. I will only have 4 or 5 days left in Bali when I leave this island and seems like a waste to spend a whole day of those in miserable hot transport.

Rex taking off for Trawangan Gili Islands

Rex — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 21:06:26 +0000

Everything affordable on Trawangan island is booked. I got a Lonely Planet and tried to find some places that don’t have websites. It seems a lot more people want to go there than there is accommodation. Affordable places to stay, that is, like not $150 a night! Perhaps that’s a business opportunity? Open a backpackers! haha

Decided just to head out tomorrow and wing it. I’ve been trying to do research all day on the cheapest way to get there and the info is very varied and scarce, so guess I will just find out first hand. Should make for a good article though, since I will be able to compile everything into one place.

No accommodation yet, but will just figure it out when we arrive. Hopefully we’ll be able to find something! Talked to some locals I know today when passing the bar and they said it should be a blast and that we can always just crash on the beach. Some of them had done it.

The trip over sounds like a nightmare with an estimated 8 or more hours of traveling. First a bus to a ferry to a bus and then to another ferry. Total cost should only be around 100 to 150 thousand rupiah [$12-$18] vs. the 600k [$70] it costs for the 2-hour speed boat. The speed boat would be nice, but figured the money I’m saving taking the long way will pay for the accommodation. Maybe take the speed boat or some quicker travel method back!

Little Ethiopia on Fairfax south of LACMA

Sandra — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 04:19:36 +0000

Messob's on Fairfax Ave

There’s a string of Ethiopian restaurants and food shops in one short block on Fairfax south of LACMA on the Miracle Mile in LA. In fact, you don’t really need the sign that says you’ve arrived in Little Ethiopia.

Picking a spot to eat was strictly right-brained and we were so lucky to stumble into a lively eatery filled with a Saturday night crowd of Los Angelinos and quite a few authentic looking Ethiopians. That’s always a good sign.

The natives eat here. Black beauties in long dresses and elaborate ethnic jewelry convinced us we made the right choice.

Typical serving style. Note the folded-over, pancake-like bread.

What’s Ethiopian food like? Many describe it as like Indian, but I found that the taste was nothing the same. Visually, it has the same browny-greeny-yellowy-mushy look of Indian food, but the spicing is quite different. Ethiopians are very liberal with the hot pepper, ginger and garlic.

We ordered a combo platter ($40) with a taste of everything, which included a lot of meat dishes – parts of chicken, chunks of lamb, chunks of beef, strips of beef and a ground beef cooked with yoghurt. A favorite vegetable is a kind of collard green, prepared like spinach.

Oddest of all was the bread, which was pancake-like and served folded over several times. The consistency was gelatinous and the taste a bit sour. No knives and forks, so you better like it. I’d consider it an acquired taste and kept thinking I would have enjoyed some nam.

The beer was tasty and ice-cold.

Ceiling light

best table in the house

A social day at LACMA with Ray’s Stark et al

Sandra — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 03:39:51 +0000

There’s plenty of art to see, but there’s also a social life to be enjoyed at LACMA (Los Angeles County Art Museum).

Ray's for lunch

White sails in the noon sky

Topiary in the plaza

Kinetic interactive sculpture

Free Afro-American-Latino Jazz concert

Stark's bar with video of The Mourners Ballet

Happy Hour

Rex looking at a quick trip to Gili Islands off the beaten path

Rex — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 02:55:49 +0000

On a side note, I may be traveling over to one of the Gili islands near Bali with someone from the hostel. Going to do some research today, but the main island, Trawangan, largest of the three, is supposed to be full of backpackers, bars and just a really friendly fun atmosphere. Lots going on. It’s both a romantic getaway location and a party destination for backpackers.

Most people don’t even go there who come to Bali, which is why it doesn’t have the same heavy tourist vibe and is restricted to hardy backpacker type travelers. But I think thats what Im looking for… getting very tired of the middle-aged families and young couples that seem to dominate this place.

Getting over there is kinda hard, but there are several options… not sure about internet once I arrive on the island, so might have to wait until I get back to send news. I’m not even sure if there is vacancy over there yet.

Most of Bali seems to be booked up at the moment; I tried to find a room in Ubud (town in the mountains with lots of art etc) to go stay for a night and it’s completely booked over the weekend.

The girl I’m going with has a camera as well, so that’s always a plus. I bought a phone the other day too that has a camera phone on it. I’m not sure how to get the photos off the phone yet, but at least I can take some shots and deal with it later.

LACMA permanent collection of Islamic Art is almost as impressive as Gifts of the Sultan

Sandra — Thu, 28 Jul 2011 23:21:23 +0000

Carved Ivory tusk, Moghul India with human figures from the permanent LACMA Islamic art collection (as all photos on this page.)

At LACMA, we visited the Gifts of the Sultan exhibit with an impressive collection of gifts either given by various Sultans of the Ottoman Empire to other crown heads, such as the Tsar of Russia, or received by them.

Photography was not allowed at the Sultan display. But just upstairs is the permanent LACMA (Los Angeles County Art Museum) collection of Islamic Art which has some very similar pieces, i.e. the Sultan’s signature, and certainly worth a visit.

Islamic art is usually non-representational, the exception being art in India and Persia which freely show the human form. The Persians and Moghul Indians also depict animal forms and exploit the floral motif in every way imaginable. The more strict Islamic worlds of the Middle East express their creativity through geometry and calligraphy depicting passages from the Holy Koran.

Persian glazed ceramic tile with animal and floral motif

Kufic script calligraphy on paper

Saracen Helmet with inlaid calligraphy

Sultan's signature - blue ink is from ground lapis lazuli

Greater Iran ceramic tile with scrolling floral arabesque

Wooden medallion screen with geometric and abstract floral arabesques

Ceramic Tile with Kufic script and floral motif

Carved stone Arabic Kufic script and minimal floral motif

Ceramic plate in classical blue and white with black and white geometric center design

For more information of Gifts of the Sultan go to: www.lacma.org gifts-sultan-arts-giving-islamic-courts

1001 Inventions at LA Science Center: Islamic Science in Golden Age plus Arabia 3D

Sandra — Thu, 28 Jul 2011 22:31:20 +0000

1001 Alchemist tents

The interactive exhibit at the LA Science Center is definitely worth checking out. Geared to kids, as most of the Science Center is, there is something there for all of us children at heart. The achievements of the Islamic World during the time of the European Dark Ages are impressive. Too often we think of the Arab-speaking world as the repository of Greek and Latin writings, just waiting for the Renaissance to happen. Not so! The scientists of the Islamic world were busy with original research that laid the foundation for flight, sea exploration, time clocks, medical treatment and even the design element of the Gothic arch used throughout Europe in cathedrals.

Pavilion focusing on Arabic mathematics which includes the invention of algebra.

Elephant clock invented by al-Jazari late 12th c.

Hezarfen Ahmat Celebi made a flight of almost 1.5 km in 1638

Al-Idrisi's World Map was drawn in the 12th c, long before Marco Polo or Columbus.

The Water Wheel and Windmills are just two of the engineering accomplishments of the Islamic scientist.

This rose medallion shape was used as a pattern for the stained glass windows of European cathedrals.

The Islamic arch morphed into the Gothic arch so prevalent in Middle Age Cathedral construction.

The Silk Road Interactive Game

Medical Pavillion

Zheng He was a Muslim Chinese explorer from the early 15th c. who some say sailed as far as the Americas 50 years before Columbus.

Trade Links

Islamic and Jewish scholars translated the great works of the Greeks into Arabic and preserved them in libraries across the Islamic world from Baghdad to Cordoba.

An arch as might be found in the walls of any Islamic city of the Golden Age.

Ben Kingsley leads the exploration of 1001 Inventions of the Islamic World

Ptolemy's great treatise with 1025 stars was translated into Arabic as the Almagest. Many of the stars get their names from that book.

1001 Inventions T-shirt and books for sale in gift shop

And when you’ve finished the 1001 Inventions exhibit, you can visit the IMAX theatre for Arabia 3D with amazing footage of Saudi Arabia. It’s a bit of a propaganda film showing a great country with a lot of promise – if you are a man. The writer tries to gloss over women issues by claiming that more than half of Saudi Arabia’s university students are women – but fails to add that they are not allowed to drive. Pretty pictures though and interesting history of the Nabateans who built in live rock (Petra) and made their fortune from frankincense, the favored incense used in the thousands of pagan temples of the Roman period.

Kuta Bali Nightlife of T-shirts, Epedrine, mushrooms, and Bintangs

Rex — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 16:57:35 +0000

Kuta Nightlife Part 1

photo credit: http://www.jakarta100bars.com/2010/05/bali-nightlife-vs-jakarta-nightlife.html

Going to the core area of Kuta at night was a very different scene than the daytime beach area. There are tons of clothing and souvenir shops, all of which try to drag you inside to look around. My friend from the hostel wanted to pickup some shirts, so we mostly went into the clothing shops. The shopkeepers quoted ridiculously high prices, such as 200,000 [$23] for a t-shirt, which pissed my friend off, and he’d leave the store. After being I’d been inside several shops, I noticed that they all pretty much carried the same t-shirts. Some would have a few shirts the last place didn’t, but the next one would. They carried various brands such as Quicksilver, Fox, Billabong etc, but I personally – a big fan of these clothing lines – was hard-pressed to see anything I liked.

The streets were packed with Indonesians trying to sell Viagra and vials of Ephedrine – and I mean packed. There were times when we had 4 people shoving vials in our face trying to get us to buy and the containers didn’t even look very legitimate, so even if I was interested, I probably wouldn’t trust it. But due to the number of people selling , I suppose some must be real or there would be lots of angry 18 to 20′s Aussie tourists to contend with in the streets. They seemed to be the main group buying them.

Mushrooms and hash were a less common, but still a heavily offered street product. I would be wary purchasing these due to the strict drug laws of Indonesia , although I have been told that the mushrooms are legal. I couldnt find any information to confirm or deny this.

Heading down the street, we popped into a bar which advertised 10,000 [$1.17] Bintangs, which is a very cheap price as you can’t even go to the store for that. They also had tequila shots for 15,000 [$1.75]. The place had a good atmosphere and a small dance floor. After knocking back a couple, we noticed a Aussie guy sitting by himself, so we invited him over. He was fairly young guy from Perth, here by himself and enjoying his last night in Bali. The place was dead when we arrived, but slowly started filling up as the night went on. Pretty good place to strike up conversations I thought. We talked to some various girls of different nationalities and overall had a pretty good night – until midnight rolled around and the Bintangs went from 10,000 to 30,000 [$3.50] which was ridiculous. You can get a double tall Bingtang for that price at most resturants! Overall our bill was pretty cheap for what we drank, but make sure you only stay for the Happy Hour. When we left, however, the place was packed.

We wandered around the streets for a little while longer, but found most the bars had become outrageously expensive. Midnight is the booming time to go out. After about 30 minutes of wandering, we got really tired of being harassed by the hundreds of street dealers and headed home. I almost bought a damn vial of Ephedren just so i could wave it around as we walked to show everyone that I already had one , although doubtful that would work as they would just try to convicne you that you needed another.

Kuta, Bali beach resort

Rex — Tue, 19 Jul 2011 15:31:07 +0000

We ended up taking a taxi to Kuta for $7 over and $8 to get back. It’s always the best to negotiate before you get into the cab what the fare is going to be. Cab drivers here will often try to rip you off.

Kuta was pretty much exactly what I expected it to be. It has a very long beach with a nice surf break, but was clogged up with 100′s of people in the water, so it looked like it would be difficult to be able to actually get a good wave. But if you walked down the beach all the way to Legian, there were patches that were much better.

The beach itself was very nice, but plagued with the typical thousands of resort beach chairs, and you probably couldn’t walk 5 meters without someone harassasing you for something. We ended up walking through the water because we got really tired of “bintang? water? massage? umbrella? Go Surf?” every 5 seconds. There’s people selling drinks every 10 feet – if I wanted a drink, wouldn’t I have one by now? On top of it, they were charging high prices for everything, but what do you expect in such a heavy tourist area. We ended up popping into some Circle K’s along the way and buying beer there (which surprisingly at each location the beer was a different price), then walking back to the beach and sitting in the shade of a tree.

We made the mistake of sitting in the middle of the beach later in the day and had tons of people coming up to us trying to sell us various crap we didnt need – from bow and arrows to cheap plastic bracelets and necklaces. I actually had my eye out for some nice stone necklaces because my last one broke, but I didn’t see any, only some cheap, “made in China”-looking stuff attached to some twine. My friend got a carved stone dolphin for 30,000 [$4] which was pretty cool. It took about 30 minutes of negotiation to get it down to that price from 130.000 [$15].

Getting hungry, we walked back to the Hotel Kumala Pantai and got a wood-fired pizza at a fancy looking restaurant called Ristorante Italia across the road from the beach. We had reasonably priced pizza (50.000 to 70.000 or $5.85-$8) which was actually very very tasty, using real mozzarella and fresh ingredients.

As it got dark, people started getting out some various glow toys and I saw a man who had a green laser pen, which I’ve been wanting to get. He showed me the pen and I said 100.000 [$11]. He said 350.000 [$40] and showed that it came with a star field projector on it (scatters the light into a star looking pattern that looks very cool). My friend said someone was selling those for 80.000 down the street, so I said 80K. The salesmen then dropped to 110.000, I said 80K again, pulliing out a 100.000 rupiah note which he then accepted for 100.000 [$11] and I got a new fun toy. We had some fun in the restaurant shining it on kids’ menus while they were reading, and having them get really excited trying to figure out where it was coming from until they finally busted us.

The scene changed slightly at night; there was still plenty of harassasment, but changed to little kids begging and people trying to sell everything from hash to women to transportation. Wandering around the main part of Kuta, we couldn’t really find any clubs or bars to go to, so I’m not sure what part of town those are in. We eventually sat down on some grass to finish our beers next to some guys playing chess. They pretty much would not leave us alone for 5 minutes, despite us saying, we don’t want anything, we want you to win!

I will definitely come back to Kuta and stay for a few days just to check it out, see some clubs and places, but overall I would have to say it was not my scene. Everything was generally overpriced; it seemed like the place to go if you like staying in a big resort and don’t actually want to interact in the real Bali. Like my friend said, “You can go to resorts anywhere in the world; it just depends, I guess, on what native language you want the guy serving you drinks to speak.”