tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3682492686168727212024-02-20T04:57:40.146-08:00Le visage d'avrilThe Face of AprilLe visage d'avrilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11217938810265230753noreply@blogger.comBlogger28125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-368249268616872721.post-86954764218176639482009-05-25T15:09:00.000-07:002009-05-25T15:14:00.765-07:00Physics and BuddhismI came across this video today though one of my Google searches. It was posted on Examiner.com. The video maker encourages re-posting. I enjoyed it.<br /><br /><object width="400" height="225"><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><param name="movie" value="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=2293696&server=vimeo.com&show_title=1&show_byline=1&show_portrait=0&color=&fullscreen=1"><embed src="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=2293696&server=vimeo.com&show_title=1&show_byline=1&show_portrait=0&color=&fullscreen=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" width="400" height="225"></embed></object><p><a href="http://vimeo.com/2293696">Where Science and Buddhism Meet</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/wisdom">Gerald Penilla</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.</p><br /><br />Love,<br /><br />AprilLe visage d'avrilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11217938810265230753noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-368249268616872721.post-31805843102102439362009-04-25T10:20:00.000-07:002009-04-27T14:51:42.752-07:00Another month<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Wkle3Em4siA/SfOTidYHkrI/AAAAAAAAAGA/Tqw6GW06zn8/s1600-h/April_NAB09.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Wkle3Em4siA/SfOTidYHkrI/AAAAAAAAAGA/Tqw6GW06zn8/s320/April_NAB09.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328765004320051890" /></a>I seem to be good for one blog a month these days I am sorry to say. I have gotten some nice comments on previous blogs. I thank you for those. I have a full schedule and it makes it hard to find time to sit and do it. The good news is I keep collecting ideas for future blogs. I need to put blogging on my calendar.<div><br /></div><div>We just got back from the NAB Convention (National Association of Broadcasters) in Las Vegas a couple of days ago. We drove there since I was not on the company dime and we stayed with Sandi's granddaughter and her new husband. It was pleasant to be with family away from casinos. I did not gamble at all. It was fun to just hang out at the show and not have to work the booth. I did not have a big list of toys I wanted to see. I just wanted to hang out and be social. I met some people I had talked to on the phone and caught up with friends I had not seen in a long while. I was telling a friend I prefer people over equipment these days. </div><div><br /></div><div>I think the social change took place long ago when I was freelance but I never realized it. In the past I would go around a fix equipment for people. A lot of times people would stay and chat while I worked. It was fun to meet new people. I learned how to chat with a total stranger and start a friendship. Life is such a wonderful opportunity to connect with people. I was terminally shy for many years, I heard from people later that some though I was stuck up. I was upset to hear that because it could not be farther from the truth. I worked harder to make changes to be more outgoing. I became a good listener.</div><div><br /></div><div>These days look at everything I do with the same attitude of change and improve. I love to make improvements in how I live my life. My Buddhist practice has helped me to change and grow as a person. When I see things in my life I don't feel good about I work to make it better. Projects are good for that because every time I finish one I look to see what I could have done better. I am finding the more I change and grow the easier it is to change and grow. Changes build on changes, growth on growth.</div><div><br /></div><div>My task list management has helped to calm the noise in my head. I am able to capture, manage and complete a lot of tasks. It is not to say I don't still have roadblocks. I am revising my home budgets and we filed extensions for taxes. It is interesting to note I deal with budgets at work everyday as part of my projects and I do well with them. Now I need to apply the same principles in to my personal life. I made up a budget in Excel since the one in Quicken was not to my liking. Blogging today is part of my tax avoidance plan. It's good to have a plan.</div><div><br /></div><div>I am also finding the more planning I do in my work life, the better I am at planning my home life. Back in the day I just let life unfold. Now I look at life as a projects with an end goal, risk log and a path to make it to the finish.</div><div><br /></div><div>My main point of this blog is don't give up. Don't accept your life the way it is. Change doesn't happen over night. Getting the life you want starts with a vision. As Sandi has told me over and over "It's like eating an elephant, a bite at a time". Don't accept limitations. Live the best one can in this life, in harmony with the earth and it's people.</div><div><br /></div><div>Love,</div><div><br /></div><div>April</div>Le visage d'avrilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11217938810265230753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-368249268616872721.post-21887766157204674602009-03-13T13:27:00.000-07:002009-03-16T10:10:18.334-07:00Despite Best IntentionsI have had several Blogs in my head I want to do next but I think it is catch up time. I probably should have called this Life Re-Org.<br /><br />I can't say I have been doing nothing. My life is rich with tasks to accomplish and poor with cash but I have new goals, and new found drive to make progress to completion.<br /><br />I have been reading a book called "Getting Things Done" by David Allen.<br /><br />http://www.amazon.com/Getting-Things-Done-Stress-Free-Productivity/dp/0142000280<br /><br />This book is helping me focus on being proactive and more productive at achieving my goals. The wonderful thing about goals is it costs nothing to set them. Implementing goals can be a different story but it is wonderful getting them done.<br /><br />The focus of the "Getting Things Done" is that we all have a laundry list of stuff to do constantly swirling around in our heads. This swirling list keeps us from focusing on execution. Our heads are distracted by just trying to remember stuff. The deal is to get the swirl out of your head and stored somewhere so tasks can be managed and completed. After you capture the tasks you can organize them it a way to know status. The big benefit is stress is reduced by freeing up brain time. I don’t find myself doing a task and thinking about the other 10,000 I have to do the more I off load. If I remember something working on another task I just add it to the list right then. The big key is to have the list near you and in a form so you can manage it to execution and completion.<br /><br />I have spent money on software. I bought Omnifocus for the iPhone and Mac. The software is very powerfull for organizing. You can move tasks around, check them off. I have found it work really well to input in to my iPhone and edit and sort on my Mac.<br /><a href="https://store.omnigroup.com/cgi-bin/WebObjects/OnlineStore.woa/1/wo/Q51Sv7kHefZ72DoNbzB27WuGEFT/0.0.14.1.1.1.0.0"><br />https://store.omnigroup.com/cgi-bin/WebObjects/OnlineStore.woa/1/wo/Q51Sv7kHefZ72DoNbzB27WuGEFT/0.0.14.1.1.1.0.0</a><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Wkle3Em4siA/Sb1m8rjVXPI/AAAAAAAAAFY/WnhDcfvj89w/s1600-h/Omnifocus-2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Wkle3Em4siA/Sb1m8rjVXPI/AAAAAAAAAFY/WnhDcfvj89w/s320/Omnifocus-2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313516328036162802" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Wkle3Em4siA/Sb1m1Xx2FuI/AAAAAAAAAFQ/CLRhonUXsjQ/s1600-h/Omnifocus.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Wkle3Em4siA/Sb1m1Xx2FuI/AAAAAAAAAFQ/CLRhonUXsjQ/s320/Omnifocus.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313516202469234402" border="0" /></a>It gives me an Inbox to put projects and tasks in so I can organize them. I tried putting a lot of stuff in there but I found my project binder works better for capturing work things. Later I set action items and put them in to Omnifocus. Omnifocus has deadlines and tracking ability so I can see where I am.<br /><br />I can sync the Mac and the iPhone.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />One of the things that I feel has grown out of my chanting is a new found ability to organize things in ways I was never able to do before. I have been sorting through papers and boxes I have had for years that were just piled up on other boxes of stuff I had for years. I used to joke that my condo was "The World's Most Expensive Storage space". It was true we were always on the road. We were home long enough to recover and head back out. I spent 16 months on site a few years back. Not to mention that both of us used to have 4 bedroom houses. We were crammed in to a 1 bedroom place was it was crazy. I realized a few days ago as a child I never had organized storage for my stuff. I had a big table and everything went on that. Once a month I would do a clean up on my table.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Wkle3Em4siA/Sb1t_MurmrI/AAAAAAAAAFg/DZhwN2zIhbU/s1600-h/Tools.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Wkle3Em4siA/Sb1t_MurmrI/AAAAAAAAAFg/DZhwN2zIhbU/s320/Tools.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313524067883260594" border="0" /></a>So I have been working sorting through boxes and organizing. One night I did my tool drawers. I removed all the tools from each drawer, cleaned out the drawers and re-organized. It is so easy to find tools now. I also removed all the bits of stuff floating around in my tools. I had screws, connectors, hooks, and washers everywhere. I organized all the hardware in to other boxes.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Yesterday we swapped how the sliding glass door opens. Sandi has a new home business as a seamstress. We have had a table set up in the living room in front of the TV.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Wkle3Em4siA/Sb1yp5yAX6I/AAAAAAAAAFo/gZpsP131n8M/s1600-h/Door+Flipped.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Wkle3Em4siA/Sb1yp5yAX6I/AAAAAAAAAFo/gZpsP131n8M/s320/Door+Flipped.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313529199577816994" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />We gave up having a dining table when I needed an area for chanting. Besides normally we eat either in front of our laptops or on the coffee table.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Wkle3Em4siA/Sb1y7Mk6u0I/AAAAAAAAAFw/ogJTc2BaKG0/s1600-h/Gohonzon.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Wkle3Em4siA/Sb1y7Mk6u0I/AAAAAAAAAFw/ogJTc2BaKG0/s320/Gohonzon.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313529496680971074" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Sandi's sewing table in front of the TV reminded me of a Production Control Room. Yesterday we raised our Analog CRT TV up so it worked for the table and now it even works for the couch. Flopping the sliding glass door let us maximize the space. It was easy to do and cost really nothing. The cat is still adjusting to having her cat door moved and I have never seen so much carpet visible since we first saw the place empty.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Wkle3Em4siA/Sb10Le_zh8I/AAAAAAAAAF4/dWGX_rBhm30/s1600-h/Sandi%27s+Work+area.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Wkle3Em4siA/Sb10Le_zh8I/AAAAAAAAAF4/dWGX_rBhm30/s320/Sandi%27s+Work+area.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313530876015118274" border="0" /></a>We both feel so much better with the place clean and organized. It removes a huge level of stress. If you really want to make a difference in your life do a big purge and change your environment! Remove clutter. People that know me know I have long been a “Piler” I make piles of stuff and then ignore them. I am determined to change this bad habit. I have a plan and I am working it.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I wanted to share a few projects with you I want to take on mainly because they will be the subjects of future blogs.<br /><br />Things for home:<br />Remodel Bathroom<br />Building a Medicine cabinet.<br />New Tub / Shower<br />Flooring<br />Cottage cheese removal.<br />Composting.<br />Deck Vegetable garden.<br /><br />I find the more I have cleaned my mind of clutter, the more I can focus on real life clutter, the more I clear my mind. It's awesome.<br /><br />Oh ya I am running for the Condo Board.<br /><br />Cheers<br /><br />AprilLe visage d'avrilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11217938810265230753noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-368249268616872721.post-21087286916979292112009-02-06T19:21:00.000-08:002009-02-06T21:25:08.533-08:00My friend Sol<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Wkle3Em4siA/SY0MX3Z8AvI/AAAAAAAAAFI/C_X_wFoYpXU/s1600-h/Sol20_3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 316px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Wkle3Em4siA/SY0MX3Z8AvI/AAAAAAAAAFI/C_X_wFoYpXU/s320/Sol20_3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299905940634206962" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.sol20.org/">Meet Sol</a>. Sol was my first computer I built from a kit in 1977. I had seen the earlier computers such as the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Altair_8800">Altair</a> that in it's introduction was a basic box with blinking lights and a lot of switches. I did not really understand how blinking lights made a computer but as Altair matured it set standards such as the s-100 buss. What I liked about the Sol was it had a keyboard and a video output already built in. I also had a connection to Sol through <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_Etra">Bill Etra</a> someone I had met through work.<br /><br />Bill knew the father of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lee_Felsenstein">Sol Lee Felsenstein</a>. Bill used the Sol as the cpu for the his VMS video system he was developing which was an offshoot of the 3D video system he was developing for the Australians.<br /><br />The Sol came out in the same year as the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apple_II">Apple II</a>. I had seen both of them at the first <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/West_Coast_Computer_Faire">West Coast Computer Faire</a>. I decided on the Sol since I had met Lee in real life and Bill said that was the one to get based on the fact that Sol had S-100 buss and an Intel 8080 CPU chip. Yes it was Intel inside even back in the day.<br /><br />I took $1600.00 to the Byte Shop on Francisco Blvd. in San Rafael CA. I plunked down my money and loaded a big box in to my car. The kit was pretty easy to build. I had to solder all of the IC sockets on to the CPU board, insert the chips and build the power supply. I put the assembled CPU board and power supply in to the pretty blue case. It worked the first time I powered it up. I was very pleased and started to see what this thing did. About 5 minutes in to messing with the demo programs SOL went dead. I though I had done something wrong. I turned it off and checked the usual things I did when things broke. I pushed on the chips, wiggled connectors. I began to learn how computers work or in this case don't work. I finally loaded SOL back in to the car for the trip from Santa Rosa to San Rafael to see what the Byte Shop had to say.<br /><br />The guy at the Byte Shop said he would look at it for me. He though it was a bad solder. I was not convinced my soldering was the problem. I told him I solder for a living. He said he would look at it and I headed back home. He called me a few days later to say it was a part in the power supply that was bad. The part was a cent Zener Diode part of the power supply crowbar circuit. Already I had learned something new. I learned crowbars keep the power supply from putting out to much voltage by shutting the power supply down. He replaced the bad part for me. When I picked the computer up he told me the solders looked perfect. I took Sol back home and started seeing what a computer actually did.<br /><br />One of the programs I got did electronic music. I got the program as a gift from some friends. Back in the day you had to load the programs off of a cassette tape. From there you could load the music file also on a cassette tape. It was amazing to hear a computer making music. My roommate and I got some music books and hand loaded some other songs in to it. I remember we had it playing the Beatles song When I'm 64. It was amazing.<br /><br />The original computer came with 16k of memory. A fraction what we use today. When I retired Sol he had 48k of memory. 64K was the limit in those days. I had to build the memory boards as well. With the financial help of my brother we later added the Daisy Wheel printer and a couple of 5.25 in floppy drives along with a CPM operating system. With the CPM and disk drives SOL could then run a database, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electric_Pencil">Electric Pencil</a> (word Processor) and a thing called What's It. What's It was a kick. It was sort of a funny database you could type phrases in to and you could could ask it questions as it learned. My roommate also made a program that would put out a silly story after you input a bunch of questions. I used the data base to do my taxes for my business. I would input all the checks and it would spit out reports I took to my CPA.<br /><br />People that saw SOL just shook their head. "Why?" they would ask "do you need a computer?". Some of the people did not understand included my electronics teacher and my boss. I explained that the little CPU chip in my computer was going to someday be embedded in to everything. My profession has always been the video industry. As the video industry matured so did video machines with CPUs. Just about every new product had a CPU chip and software. The interesting bit was my confused boss later started a company called <a href="http://www.diaquest.com/">Diaquest</a> than made software that interfaced the Apple Macintosh with VTRs and Video Disk Recorders. My sister worked for Diaquest doing testing of the product.<br /><br />I later built an interface to a <a href="http://www.labguysworld.com/VR-7800_001.jpg">Ampex VTR</a> I had with the intention of building up a video editing system. One of my clients saw SOL controlling the VTR and ran out an bought an Apple II.<br /><br />The experience I gained from having a computer so early has paid off many times for me in my professional career. It is amazing to look at something like my iPhone and see how much computing power you can hold in your hand.Le visage d'avrilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11217938810265230753noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-368249268616872721.post-91740675595682648792009-01-17T07:36:00.000-08:002009-01-17T15:06:27.020-08:00It all seems different<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Wkle3Em4siA/SXJVUR7imVI/AAAAAAAAAE4/SUg47e3rU7M/s1600-h/April_Geko.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Wkle3Em4siA/SXJVUR7imVI/AAAAAAAAAE4/SUg47e3rU7M/s320/April_Geko.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292386319012632914" border="0" /></a>What a busy couple of weeks. So much has gone on to blog about. I have mainly been Tweeting it all so if you are a follower you got it all. I am loving taking pictures with the iPhone and posting them.<br /><br />I downloaded a iPhone Twitter program called TwitterFON that is way better then Twitterrific which keeps prompting me to spend $9.99. I did not mind the ads. I am sorry maybe for $4.99 but TwitterFon is free and it is a lot better. Props to TwitterFon!<br /><br />Follow me on Twitter<br /><a href="http://twitter.com/levisagedavril">http://twitter.com/levisagedavri</a>l<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I went to MacWorld last week. I walked the show with my friend Gene. We had a good time. I made him put on the glasses and he added the text.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Wkle3Em4siA/SXIT8td4TXI/AAAAAAAAAEg/JgLMGuWsxAQ/s1600-h/Takemeto.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 242px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Wkle3Em4siA/SXIT8td4TXI/AAAAAAAAAEg/JgLMGuWsxAQ/s320/Takemeto.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292314445831753074" border="0" /></a><br /><br />We saw lots of new Mac things. I ran in to people I had not seen in a while it is always fun to reconnect with lost friends. I met some people from Apple and talked about the challenges of system integration at a lunch put on by Advanced Systems Group. I will post some more MacWorld pics in another blog.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />This last week I have been working on several projects. There are three proposals I am either project managing or helping out on. All good news after wondering what was going to happen after the holidays. I also have been doing some engineering for the ongoing VZ project. It was my initiation to the project that has been going on for quite a while. It got me outside my normal world which is always a good environment for learning new stuff.<br /><br />I added two more iPhone apps for learning Japanese. I am set up to go to Japan for our Buddhist Temple's Tozon pilgrimage in October. I am so excited. I always wanted to go to Japan and while I hoped to do it while I was at Sony I never got the chance before Sony sold our division. I have a plate my grandparents brought back from Japan on their trip around the world in 1956. It had a picture of Mount Fuji. I have always had a strong attraction to Japan, Japanese culture and Mt. Fuji. The temple is at the foot of Mt. Fuji.<br /><br />Check out the plate picture.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Wkle3Em4siA/SXIhwgaMIGI/AAAAAAAAAEo/7Rrqm74vCiY/s1600-h/Mtfuji.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Wkle3Em4siA/SXIhwgaMIGI/AAAAAAAAAEo/7Rrqm74vCiY/s320/Mtfuji.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292329629330972770" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Ohhh Awesome I can't wait.<br /><br />I have also been working hard to improve my practice by chanting with the recordings I have. I want to be able to pronounce it right since chanting is all in Japanese. I am making progress I can see now. I think I'm turning Japanese and loving it.<br /><br />I am very excited about the inauguration of our new president. I just watched the latest video he sent out. I like the idea of a continuing grass roots effort.<br /><a href="http://my.barackobama.com/future"><br />http://my.barackobama.com/future</a><br /><br />It is interesting to have the first Internet President. Someone that gets it. I think Open Social, Twitter, and Facebook are going to make a huge impact. I have seen multiple ads for streaming of the inauguration. I am wondering how the Internet will hold up for all that. Ustream is going to have a client ready for the iPhone to watch it.<br /><a href="http://www.ustream.tv/"><br />http://www.ustream.tv/</a><br /><br />I watched a bit of the Bush farewell. Bye George! It was too stupid to watch the whole thing. If I were him I would just say. Sorry and leave. It would make a nice live shot moment when he gets on that big helicopter.<br /><br />I am giving a talk for the PMI about the DTV Tranistion. I have been putting together the presentation using Keynote. I need to keep working at it. You know that plane that landed in the Hudson? Well now they want another reprieve to push back the date. Another crash landing. They are worried not enough people have a way to watch TV once it happens. They ran out of converter box coupons (blame George and the stooges) I swear for as much as they talk about Intelligence in Washington it is sorely lacking.<br /><br />I am all ready for the transition. I am on the waiting list for a coupon. I am thinking of converting to DirecTV. Goodbye Comcast.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Wkle3Em4siA/SXJOd14CgdI/AAAAAAAAAEw/lhmNlm6jhQA/s1600-h/TEEVEE.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Wkle3Em4siA/SXJOd14CgdI/AAAAAAAAAEw/lhmNlm6jhQA/s320/TEEVEE.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292378786699051474" border="0" /></a><br />Ya I work in TV can't you tell? I am waiting for the prices to come down.<br /><br />We have become addicted to Kitty-Cam. Sandi has been chatting with Josh and others on the site. Cat people!! Good times!<br /><br />http://www.ustream.tv/channel/kittens-cam<br /><br />We both have Ustream accounts now. So cool! Stay tuned!Le visage d'avrilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11217938810265230753noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-368249268616872721.post-78199988401126785232009-01-02T10:18:00.000-08:002009-01-02T10:27:24.041-08:00Happy New YearFor New Years we stayed in stuffing ourselves and watching Food Network. Ya we had a food orgy. It was too painful to watch poor Dick Clark after eating.<br /><br />Time for some fun!<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/sAFI1i5FIBc&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&hl=en&feature=player_embedded&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/sAFI1i5FIBc&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&hl=en&feature=player_embedded&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Le visage d'avrilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11217938810265230753noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-368249268616872721.post-79804797917553541332008-12-31T07:59:00.000-08:002008-12-31T13:44:01.846-08:00Leap second [look first]Well we saw Milk. It was really good and as with most movies (even funny ones) I cried. Sean Penn was amazing as Harvey and Josh <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Brolin</span> was downright scary as Dan White. The movie brought back memories of growing up in the bay area and seeing Harvey on the news. I had clients and friends that knew him. I was working at a bay area TV station when Mayor <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Moscone</span> and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harvey_Milk">Harvey Milk</a> were murdered by Dan White. I remember people screaming when news hit the station. It was 12 days after the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jonestown"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Jonestown</span> massacre</a> and everyone was more than a little on edge. November was a month of bad news. It seemed to me that the world had lost it. I had figured out I was bi so I <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">identifed</span> with what was going on but it was long before the LGBT umbrella. I met my first openly gay man friend in 1971 when I started doing work experience at a cable local origination TV station. I had already been with several guys by that time. He <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">committed</span> suicide in 1975. I think he would be amazed to see me now.<br /><br />I have been reading about the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leap_second">leap second</a> that will be adjusted this year. I don't think it will be as crazy as Y2K but in the TV broadcast world you might see some artifacts. Computers sometimes burp at time changes.<br /><br />We are staying in for New Years. I am going to pop the bottle of French Champagne I got as I was leaving Paris.<br /><br />I wish everyone love and strength for 2009.<br /><br />AprilLe visage d'avrilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11217938810265230753noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-368249268616872721.post-32034024537546843572008-12-26T12:46:00.000-08:002008-12-26T15:33:06.778-08:00Christmas Bash 2008Yesterday we spent the day with Sandi's family in Napa. Sandi's daughter has an awesome cottage near a vineyard in Napa. We ate well and had some nice wine to go with it. I tried posting a picture to Twitter using my iPhone and Twitterrific and wow it worked. Here is the picture.<br /><br /><a href="http://twitpic.com/whey" title="Share photos on twitter with Twitpic"><img src="http://twitpic.com/show/thumb/whey.jpg" alt="Share photos on twitter with Twitpic" height="150" width="150" /></a><br /><br />I am so happy to be done with Christmas. Yaaaaaa! Let the after Christmas sales begin.<br /><br />I topped out on Christmas music about half way though the day yesterday. I heard Run, Run Reindeer covered by every artist about every third song.<br /><br />Do you all believe the <a href="http://www.bilerico.com/2008/12/all_powerful_trannies_threaten_humanity.php">Pope, the Vatican's answer to GWB</a>? What a bunch of crap. I am so, so, so very happy to be done with that part of my former life. Just because you were born in to something and your parents made you do something does not mean you have to continue it. Oh Pope please curb your dogma.<br /><br />How people can be LGBT and continue to be Catholic is beyond me. It's like those wind up toys. Wind them up and with watch them fight with themselves. Done, done done.<br /><br />I was reading a post someone put up about how if Jesus came back and saw all the people wearing crucifixes he would freak. It is kinda like someone taking a picture on the worst day of your life and posting it everywhere.<br /><br />Hey maybe the church will come out with a special edition cross with a transwoman in a cute top and skirt.<br /><br />We are going to see Milk tonight. You might see us. I will be the trans woman with big trans cross target on my back!<br /><br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/MeSSwKffj9o&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/MeSSwKffj9o&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="344" width="425"></embed></object>Le visage d'avrilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11217938810265230753noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-368249268616872721.post-84649893962971551312008-12-17T16:41:00.000-08:002008-12-17T21:32:05.854-08:00More like Christmas than last<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Wkle3Em4siA/SUnd5xngzfI/AAAAAAAAAEY/VSHCULkTVpo/s1600-h/Napa_Xmas.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Wkle3Em4siA/SUnd5xngzfI/AAAAAAAAAEY/VSHCULkTVpo/s320/Napa_Xmas.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280996022709964274" border="0" /></a>We hit a few holiday parties over last weekend. There are still more to come. My partner brought the Christmas music along on the drive to our first party. I was driving, listening to the music and totally loving it. I was surprised how nice it was. I kept wondering why it sounded better. I thought back to last year and remembered how last year sucked. because of our salon. I remembered hating hearing Christmas music last year.<br /><br />In December of last year we were trying to decide what to do about the hair salon we owned. We had purchased it a year and a half before. The business had not exactly gone according to plan. We had one surprise after another from all the things the former owner did not disclose.<br /><br />Even though we are dealing with personal bankruptcy because of the salon, I am much happier this year .<br /><br />If anyone is dealing with the same issues right now I feel for you. It is tough running a business. I have had several and this one in this economy just did not work.<br /><br />Happy Holidays!Le visage d'avrilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11217938810265230753noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-368249268616872721.post-86933572034896192762008-12-15T21:28:00.000-08:002008-12-15T22:27:20.235-08:00Yahoo's new direction and TwitterTech Crunch posted a piece about <a href="http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/10/24/live-yahoo-previews-its-new-application-platform/">Yahoo</a> and the new <a href="http://developer.yahoo.com/yap/">open application platform</a> they are developing to develop an social open web.<br /><br />It will not be based around anything like Y360. Look for changes in your Yahoo profile in the time ahead.<br /><br />I found this today on Twitter from a person I follow. It is kind of a Hot or Not / Twitter mash up called <a href="http://www.twitorfit.com/">Twit or Fit?</a> I am going to watch it over the next few days.<br /><br />On the same line of my Blog yesterday here is a Twitter feed about the <a href="https://twitter.com/themediaisdying">Death of Media</a>. The New York Times and Gawker and others featured information and a link. After I started following that said they hit 5000 followers.<br /><br />I am thinking the fact that Yahoo stopped y360 is the best thing that ever happened. I feel like I have discovered a whole big new world outside of Yahoo.Le visage d'avrilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11217938810265230753noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-368249268616872721.post-3160742483735985242008-12-14T11:47:00.000-08:002008-12-14T14:47:11.157-08:00Laying off people and saving trees [multitasking]I have been watching in amazement as the economy unravels. I think we are going to see changes like no one has ever seen before ever.<br /><br />Magazines and newspapers are folding at a high rate ;). I stopped taking the newspaper long ago. We traveled so much it was too much work to turn the newspaper on and off so they would not pile up by our door. As much as I loved having the <a href="http://www.mercurynews.com/">Merky News</a> to have and hold they would pile up by the door after we read them. At some point we would carry them down three flights of stairs and across the parking lot to the recycle bins. It seem wasteful back even back then.<br /><br />Yesterday when we were shopping for treats to bring to a holiday party a nice woman asked me if I had a second. [Pet Peeve Alert] I could feel that get ready for the sales pitch feeling coming on. She asked me if I wanted to take the <a href="http://www.mercurynews.com/">Merky News</a> for 30 days for free and as a bonus I would get a $50.00 gift card to Safeway. I love to chat with people even over stuff they are trying to sell. I have played this game on the phone with sales people over this same thing. I explained I am morally opposed to wasting paper since the Internet is where I get news from these days. I can travel anywhere I have a connection and get the news I like. I followed the pre-election festivities from France so when I came home I was not it total culture shock.<br /><br />I recently revamped my Yahoo home page and made some adjustments to my news. I had some feeds that had died like <a href="http://www.planetout.com/">Planet Out</a>. They must had a falling out with Yahoo or something. I added a bunch of blog sites feeds I like and reformatted the page. I have a lot of those new feeds now in to my <a href="http://www.google.com/reader">Google reader</a> so when Yahoo fully tanks I will still have a place to read news.<br /><br />News is moving away from the heavy hitters. The Tribune filed for bankruptcy the New York Times is getting there.<br /><br />You can see a lot of my favorite blogs over on my list to the right. One of my favorites is <a href="http://gawker.com/">Gawker</a>. They have been following the <a href="http://gawker.com/341807/the-simpsons-announces-the-death-of-print">death of print</a>. They have had some challenges as well. They have cut back on <a href="http://valleywag.com/5096408/sorry-but-caption-contest-is-no-longer-with-the-company">Valleywag writers</a>.<br /><br />I remember as a kid getting the Sunday <a href="http://www.sfgate.com/">SF Chronicle</a> comics and sitting on the family room heater vent in my bathrobe reading the Sunday comics. I used to get <a href="http://www.sciam.com/">Scientific American</a>, <a href="http://www.popularmechanics.com/">Popular Mechanics</a>, <a href="http://www.popsci.com/">Popular Science</a>, <a href="http://www.swtpc.com/mholley/PopularElectronics/Popular_Electronics.htm">Popular Electronics</a> and oh remember <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/08/business/media/08guide.html?ref=television">TV Guide</a>? I learned a lot of my electronics knowledge from Popular Electronics.<br /><br />Gawker has some memories as well of some other magazines some with <a href="http://gawker.com/5109378/three-magazines-i-actually-miss">interesting covers</a>. Even skin mags like <a href="http://gawker.com/5064599/playboy-slashing-staff-expenses">Playboy</a> are not safe from the crunch.<br /><br />Check out how <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/66071596@N00/3104026395/in/photostream/">Mac World</a> has slimmed down.<br /><br />Do you have any favorite magazines you remember? Are they still alive?Le visage d'avrilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11217938810265230753noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-368249268616872721.post-27895092109146009192008-12-13T09:50:00.000-08:002008-12-13T09:57:55.315-08:002000 year old brainI was just reading how scientists found a well preserved 2000 year old brain.<br /><br /><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081212/ap_on_re_eu/eu_britain_ancient_brain">http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081212/ap_on_re_eu/eu_britain_ancient_brain</a><br /><br />I remembered the interview with the 2000 year old man that Carl Reiner and Mel Brooks did. What is he smoking?<br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/TB2S4hzYdAk&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/TB2S4hzYdAk&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="344" width="425"></embed></object>Le visage d'avrilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11217938810265230753noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-368249268616872721.post-4621539013783827602008-12-11T22:56:00.000-08:002008-12-16T06:44:42.622-08:00LinkedinI am a member of <a href="http://www.linkedin.com/home">Linkedin</a>. It is a cool way to find work by networking with people you know. It is a social network you can keep up with friends but also find new work. They also have groups on it now.<br /><br />I was reading on someone's tweet a link about a super connected people on Linkedin. Check it out.<br /><br /><h1><a href="http://cio.com/article/470122/LinkedIn_s_Most_Unusual_Members_Meet_The_Super_Connected?page=1">LinkedIn's Most Unusual Members: Meet The Super-Connected</a></h1>Le visage d'avrilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11217938810265230753noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-368249268616872721.post-26663472573786958652008-12-09T21:05:00.000-08:002008-12-10T22:39:41.895-08:00ONE YEAR AGO TODAY<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Wkle3Em4siA/ST9TYHNRHbI/AAAAAAAAAEQ/rsKVUvkkb4E/s1600-h/April_Gojikai_6_copy.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 191px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Wkle3Em4siA/ST9TYHNRHbI/AAAAAAAAAEQ/rsKVUvkkb4E/s320/April_Gojikai_6_copy.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278028962018172338" border="0" /></a><br />One year ago today I converted to Buddhism. It has been such an amazing year. A lot of really wonderful things have taken place in my life. I am very thankful for all of it.<br /><br />I am planning on going to the 2009 Tozan in Japan. It is the 750th year anniversary of the Buddhism I practice. I have always wanted to go to Japan and now I will be able to go to the head temple and chant. Chanting gives me such peace and happiness. I am so excited about going. I am hoping I will get to see some of the people I met at the temple in France there at the head temple. I am traveling with the friend who introduced me to Buddhism.<br /><br />One of the wonderful things we get when we transition is the opportunity to examine everything in our lives and decide if we want to keep it or not. It's not just about clothes and flesh. It's about being happy and having everything fit together. I realized after talking to my friend I had been living as a Buddhist for a long time but did not know it. Being Catholic just did not give me what I needed and becoming Buddhist has given me more than I ever expected. I have met a lot of wonderful people that live true to themselves. Isn't that what it's about?Le visage d'avrilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11217938810265230753noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-368249268616872721.post-56249494113990699242008-11-30T23:16:00.000-08:002008-12-01T00:40:46.792-08:00I am being followed<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Wkle3Em4siA/STOhKxWHv8I/AAAAAAAAAEI/mEBKpl1wFLw/s1600-h/April_waterball.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 172px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Wkle3Em4siA/STOhKxWHv8I/AAAAAAAAAEI/mEBKpl1wFLw/s320/April_waterball.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274736794997866434" border="0" /></a>I got on Twitter a couple of weeks ago and have been playing around with it to link up my status on my sites. It is kind of stupid because a lot of what it has been used for has been 'What's April eating?" when I put our sumptuous brunch of leftover apple pie and bacon up on Friday. I also posted about how I was on vacation the week before.<br /><br />The last couple of days have been very interesting on Twitter. Twitter was the source a lot of the news coming out of the India Mumbai tragedy. It was like a stream of mini blogs. The topic #Mumbai is there if you <a href="http://search.twitter.com/search?q=%23Mumbai">search for it on Twitter</a> it is where I found the link to the live TV coverage. I watched a lot of it. I also looked at all the Twitter messages. There lots of messages posted and there was and still is a dialog going on about who is responsible and what should happen next using Twitter. Between the video and the postings the world has shrunk yet again.<br /><br />In reading all the Twitter posts and reading peoples profile I found a link to Barack Obama and decided to follow it. I got a notice today that now I am being followed. Here is the email.<br /><br />Hi, April.<br /><br />Barack Obama (BarackObama) is now following your updates on Twitter.<br /><br />Check out Barack Obama's profile here:<br /><br /><a href="http://twitter.com/BarackObama">http://twitter.com/BarackObama</a><br /><br /><br />Best,<br />Twitter<br /><br /><br />It is amazing to have a connected president. Using Twitter you could have a lot of people voice their opinion on a given subject with some visibility.<br /><br />So then I started thinking about how if Obama can see my tweet (that's what you call a Twitter post) I would say how I would love to be the US ambassador to France. I was also reading about the gentleman Bush appointed. OMG! Can you say thanks for the donation any louder W?<br /><br /><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Craig_Roberts_Stapleton">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Craig_Roberts_Stapleton</a><br /><br />I think I probably speak more French than Mr. Stapleton after reading that article. I have roots in France. Who do you think President Sarkosy would rather see at a meeting? Me or somebody like Craig Stapleton. Well Craig is on the way out anyway.<br /><br />You can link to me on Twitter as levisagedavril<br /><br />It's a lot of fun.Le visage d'avrilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11217938810265230753noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-368249268616872721.post-91504702838463083752008-11-28T17:34:00.000-08:002008-11-28T17:37:25.736-08:00Live TV from Mumbai<a href="http://www.ndtv.com/convergence/ndtv/video/video_live.aspx?id=0">http://www.ndtv.com/convergence/ndtv/video/video_live.aspx?id=0</a>Le visage d'avrilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11217938810265230753noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-368249268616872721.post-61589146123139200082008-11-26T21:54:00.000-08:002008-11-29T08:23:09.870-08:00Thanksgiving 2008<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Wkle3Em4siA/SS7U0okYF1I/AAAAAAAAAEA/gZyxHG5YtMA/s1600-h/April_in_Agapes_2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Wkle3Em4siA/SS7U0okYF1I/AAAAAAAAAEA/gZyxHG5YtMA/s320/April_in_Agapes_2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5273386214405707602" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I am sorry for what is still happening in India.<br /><br />I am thankful to be back home with my honey. I am thankful for my kids. I am thankful I still have a job. I am thankful we have a new President. I think this is an exciting time watching the economy evolve. I think of it as being like that feeling when you are at the very top of a roller coaster looking down there is that rush of adrenaline and all of a sudden you are racing down hill at a high rate of speed.<br /><br />I wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving.<br /><br />Warm regards,<br /><br />AprilLe visage d'avrilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11217938810265230753noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-368249268616872721.post-78680182139733474782008-11-11T23:38:00.000-08:002008-11-14T07:05:15.624-08:00Some Paris Pics<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Wkle3Em4siA/SRvIk8zHfuI/AAAAAAAAAD4/Sir_aXoES0g/s1600-h/Road_to_Provins_France_Rental_car22.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Wkle3Em4siA/SRvIk8zHfuI/AAAAAAAAAD4/Sir_aXoES0g/s320/Road_to_Provins_France_Rental_car22.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268024726261300962" border="0" /></a> Our Ford Mini Van<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Wkle3Em4siA/SRqJpYjMXRI/AAAAAAAAADw/yqesVpyCWNs/s1600-h/IMG_0232.JPG.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Wkle3Em4siA/SRqJpYjMXRI/AAAAAAAAADw/yqesVpyCWNs/s320/IMG_0232.JPG.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267674058220920082" border="0" /></a>Road to Meudon at rush hour<br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Wkle3Em4siA/SRqJjD_lVBI/AAAAAAAAADo/Um2qVTydl3M/s1600-h/Metro+-+2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Wkle3Em4siA/SRqJjD_lVBI/AAAAAAAAADo/Um2qVTydl3M/s320/Metro+-+2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267673949623637010" border="0" /></a>Metro Station<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Wkle3Em4siA/SRqJWKMffcI/AAAAAAAAADg/YRnR7PAV0sg/s1600-h/IMG_0265.JPG.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Wkle3Em4siA/SRqJWKMffcI/AAAAAAAAADg/YRnR7PAV0sg/s320/IMG_0265.JPG.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267673727950093762" border="0" /></a>Champs Elysées<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Wkle3Em4siA/SRqJQDtcn9I/AAAAAAAAADY/JQo5I2xCvvY/s1600-h/IMG_0267.JPG.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Wkle3Em4siA/SRqJQDtcn9I/AAAAAAAAADY/JQo5I2xCvvY/s320/IMG_0267.JPG.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267673623130054610" border="0" /></a>Near Champs Elysées<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Wkle3Em4siA/SRqJJjl47KI/AAAAAAAAADQ/d2oIbHdy68o/s1600-h/Metro+-+1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Wkle3Em4siA/SRqJJjl47KI/AAAAAAAAADQ/d2oIbHdy68o/s320/Metro+-+1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267673511429205154" border="0" /></a>My Metro stop<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Wkle3Em4siA/SRqJCVy2QrI/AAAAAAAAADI/lDPxMnug48w/s1600-h/Metro+-+3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Wkle3Em4siA/SRqJCVy2QrI/AAAAAAAAADI/lDPxMnug48w/s320/Metro+-+3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267673387466375858" border="0" /></a>Hallways in Porte de Saint-Cloud Metro Station<br /><br /><br /></div>Le visage d'avrilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11217938810265230753noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-368249268616872721.post-76575066000375095632008-11-03T07:58:00.000-08:002008-11-03T08:01:26.761-08:00Out of State Mormon Money Funds Yes on 8NEWS RELEASE <br /><br />Out of State Mormons Just Gave $3 Million More to End Gay Marriage<br />New Mormon Total = $22 Million!!!<br /><br />LOS ANGELES, CA – With days to go before the second most watched election in the nation, the really big Mormon money has been pouring in from Utah, Idaho, Nevada and Arizona like never before.<br /><br />Led by Alan Ashton of Lindon, Utah who gave $1,000,000 on October 29th, the Mormon Power Grab by funding 77% of the Yes on Prop. 8 campaign has gone off the charts. Ashton is a Mormon and grandson of David O. McKay, President of the Mormon Church from 1951-1970. He made his fortune in software.<br /><br />The new Mormon money total contributed to pass California’s Proposition 8 is now a staggering $22 million dollars!<br /><br />Just 8 out of state Mormons have given $2 million of the $3 million total in the last week alone. These are the 8 who have given $100,000 and more:<br /><br />Alan Ashton, Lindon, Utah $1,000,000<br />Hartford Holdings, Provo, Utah $300,000<br />David Moon, Alpine, Utah $200,000<br />Michelle Adams Watterson, Cache, Utah $100,000<br />Roger Bayer, Salt Lake City, Utah $100,000<br />Katharine, Garff, Bountiful, Utah, $100,000<br />Belinda Vandersloot, Idaho Falls, Idaho $100,000<br />The Vineyard Group (Cardon & Haitt Families), Mesa, Arizona $100,000<br /><br />There are dozens and dozens of more Utah, Idaho, Nevada and Arizona individuals and businesses that have given between $1000 and $50,000 since our last Mormon Money Watch on October 24th for an additional $1 million. They are listed on the California Secretary of State’s web site: <a href="http://cal-access.ss.ca.gov/Campaign/Candidates/list.aspx?view=intention" onmousedown="'UntrustedLink.bootstrap($(this)," target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><span>http://cal-access.ss.ca.go</span><wbr><span class="word_break"></span><span>v/Campaign/Candidates/list</span><wbr><span class="word_break"></span>.aspx?view=intention</a><br /><br /><br />Now with the additional $3 million of late Mormon money contributed over the last 9 days added to the $19.15 million previously given by over 59,000 Mormon families, the new total is over $22 million. This makes Prop. 8 the largest Mormon political undertaking in the 178 year history of the Mormon Church.<br /><br />There were reports circulating on the blogs recently that the big out of state Mormon money was going to come in late to avoid scrutiny, and that of course is just what has happened.<br /><br />On June 20th, three days after same-sex marriage became legal in California, the top leadership in the Church, known as the First Presidency, sent a letter to be read to all Mormons to "do all you can to pass Proposition 8." The Wall Street Journal reported on September 20th, that church members were told "their souls would be in jeopardy" if they do not donate money. Since then they have pushed the other leadership of the Yes on Prop. 8 campaign aside, and have taken over all facets of the campaign.<br /><br />Please take a minute to read this excellent column from today’s Salt Lake Tribune by Columnist Rebecca Walsh: <br /><a href="http://www.sltrib.com/News/ci_10879061" onmousedown="'UntrustedLink.bootstrap($(this)," target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><br /><span>http://www.sltrib.com/News</span><wbr><span class="word_break"></span>/ci_10879061</a> It details why the Mormon Church has taken over this campaign and raises many questions as to its motivation. <br /><br />Californians Against Hate was organized by veteran political consultant Fred Karger in July of this year to act as a truth squad, and tell the world who is funding California’s Yes on 8 campaign. It has recommended certain actions against some of the major contributors, and continued to publish its “Dishonor Roll” of all the $5,000 and over contributors to the Yes on 8 campaign which it posted on its web site: <a href="http://californiansagainsthate.com/" onmousedown="'UntrustedLink.bootstrap($(this)," target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><span>http://californiansagainst</span><wbr><span class="word_break"></span>hate.com/</a><br />-- end --Le visage d'avrilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11217938810265230753noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-368249268616872721.post-29655553515893255132008-10-30T18:41:00.000-07:002008-10-30T18:44:16.692-07:00Remember when you had to worry about crazy neighbors altering your Halloween candy?<br /><br />We have a big problem.<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/nUB79WJ9ktQ&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/nUB79WJ9ktQ&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Le visage d'avrilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11217938810265230753noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-368249268616872721.post-7522821266795638172008-10-30T08:52:00.000-07:002008-10-30T09:07:22.186-07:00No On 8 needs moneyI just send another $100.00 to support the No On 8 campain. The opposition is pouring millions of out of state dollars in to yes. Oh did I mention it is mainly the Mormon church behind all the contributions to yes on 8?<br /><br />They have even launched DoS attacks on the No on 8 website.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.noonprop8.com/">http://www.noonprop8.com/</a><br /><br />We need to come up with 3 million in 3 days.<br /><br /><a href="https://www.kintera.org/site/c.krLRKXPBLqF/b.4710633/apps/ka/sd/donor.asp?c=krLRKXPBLqF&b=4710633&en=8gIOIWPrEeKMLNNzFgKEKUPGKnIZK1PBJjJRJWNyFdIMJXOFKuH">https://www.kintera.org/site/c.krLRKXPBLqF/b.4710633/apps/ka/sd/donor.asp?c=krLRKXPBLqF&b=4710633&en=8gIOIWPrEeKMLNNzFgKEKUPGKnIZK1PBJjJRJWNyFdIMJXOFKuH</a><br /><br />If 8 passes here it will impact other states. We need to act now. Even if you live out of California please contribute.<br /><br />AprilLe visage d'avrilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11217938810265230753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-368249268616872721.post-59193327378380724662008-10-17T14:02:00.000-07:002008-10-24T19:43:00.301-07:00Hardest two days ever<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Wkle3Em4siA/SQKHLkwszlI/AAAAAAAAADA/uKZSljnIY8I/s1600-h/April_Paris_Working.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Wkle3Em4siA/SQKHLkwszlI/AAAAAAAAADA/uKZSljnIY8I/s320/April_Paris_Working.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260915947638410834" border="0" /></a>The last two days in Paris were thick with emotion. In the short time I have been in France I have come to love the country of my great-grandfather. I wonder why he left such a wonderful place where he had such deep roots. I guess the grass always looks greener on the other side of the fence. I am thankful he did come to the US because I am thankful to be going home to the US. I told my friend Anna last night I will cry on the plane about leaving France and the friends I have made here. It's normal, I have been through it before. Leaving and saying goodbye are always hard. But this time there seems to be something different. Maybe I will figure it out maybe not. I felt it when I first got here. I felt a very deep with France and the French people.<br /><br />Thursday I packed. I have excess baggage and it is always easier to send it back Fed Ex. It took me a while to get three boxes ready. I moved most everything from my closet to my suitcases except the clothes I was going to wear on the plane. I filled out the forms and put the boxes down at the front desk for pick up.<br /><br />Later on I headed out to the perfume store I had been in a couple of days before when I asked about a particular scent I was looking for. It was closed by the time I got there. My client had called while I was walking there about coming over for a drink. They were at a place not far from work we lunched at a few times. I hung out with them and we chatted about many things not about work. I told them how much I loved France and how I was going to cry on the plane tomorrow. One of the gentlemen told me how at another company he worked for the people from the US could not wait to be out of France. I don't get it, how could someone even think that. We finished our drinks and I headed off to dinner.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Wkle3Em4siA/SQI4Tlou42I/AAAAAAAAACw/KRF081O8qHM/s1600-h/Agapes.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Wkle3Em4siA/SQI4Tlou42I/AAAAAAAAACw/KRF081O8qHM/s320/Agapes.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260829223893787490" border="0" /></a>We have a regular place we have used as a meeting place and watering hole called Les Agapes. As I walked over that way I soaked in the sights and smells of a walk I had made many times. I saw the Taxi stand, the rental bikes and the cat on a leash. We have seen this cat many times out with the man and woman who own her. As I approached Agapes I could feel it coming. I felt the tears start to flow. I had to stop a couple of times pull my self back. One of the owners of Les Agapes Joel has been so sweet to me. We went from the French air kisses on each cheek to one day he decided to kiss me on the lips. It has continued that way until tonight when I came in and did the air kisses. I could barely speak tonight let alone speak in French. I knew this was going to be my last meal in Paris. Tears were flowing freely now and he sat me at my table. I was at such a loss for words especially French words to tell him I am going home. I called one of my friends to explain to him what was up. He knows this women. I met her when I first arrived and she speaks French and English.<br /><br />I had very nice dinner with some mushrooms in a garlic cream sauce. Yummy! For the main course I ordered the calamari. See the picture.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Wkle3Em4siA/SQDytF96yiI/AAAAAAAAACo/HtuVl3yCJ9k/s1600-h/Calimari.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Wkle3Em4siA/SQDytF96yiI/AAAAAAAAACo/HtuVl3yCJ9k/s320/Calimari.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260471221278657058" border="0" /></a>I was lucky there was only one other customer in the place so it was a perfect night to be there and not worry about everyone seeing me so upset. I was eating and I heard Bob Marley's No Woman No Cry come on the music he keeps behind the bar. Joel came over and said he put it on for me. More tears.<br /><br />For dessert I ordered a little chocolate cake that was warm and has melted chocolate inside. Joel's daughter Melanie who is the chef brought it to me. She said "Chocolate is good for morale" I knew she was right from the first bite. It was a perfect dessert for my last night in Paris.<br /><br />I gathered my self up and kissed Joel goodbye. As he was seeing me out the door I snapped our picture with my iPhone.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Wkle3Em4siA/SQI6EEGTmiI/AAAAAAAAAC4/6ULrh373dNQ/s1600-h/April_Joel.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Wkle3Em4siA/SQI6EEGTmiI/AAAAAAAAAC4/6ULrh373dNQ/s320/April_Joel.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260831156216240674" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I had a wonderful last evening in Paris.Le visage d'avrilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11217938810265230753noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-368249268616872721.post-52149956345619682632008-10-17T01:11:00.000-07:002008-10-17T07:06:17.864-07:00Plumber bewareJoe the plumber, the new national celebrity had better take a hard look at the business he wants to buy. In my experience when we had our hair salon business was insurance costs, power, rent and the ever-increasing triple net where the landlord charges back to the tenants every little expense. Workers compensation insurance costs were a very big drain as well.<br /><br />Ya it's a wonderful time to be buying a business. I bet the current owner is selling it cheap since the housing market is doing so well. Joe please, take a good look at the big picture. If you are paying any taxes you are doing well.<br /><br />And Joe if you do buy the business, don't take out a loan to do it. You stand a better chance of making a profit.Le visage d'avrilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11217938810265230753noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-368249268616872721.post-37453396538145314682008-10-12T02:32:00.000-07:002008-10-14T07:24:06.199-07:00Adieu ParisI found out Thursday my project here in Paris will not continue to the next phase. It is a let down. It is also a relief. I have so enjoyed being here. My great grandfather emigrated from France to the USA in 1806. I still have relatives here. I have not had a chance to meet them. I think I will have to come back when I don’t have to be at work 5 days a week and have some money to see more of France.<br /><br /> I have made some friends here out side of work. I am happy for that. I went to go see my new friends perform last night. I spent an hour walking around looking for the place. I never found it after walking all over Saint Denis. I had a few new male friends I met that wanted to take me somewhere and do something. I know the word for drink and it wasn’t that. It’s hard not having full control of a language. I know horny it looks the same in any language.<br /><br /> The day before I met another friend after she met with her doctor to get her levels checked. The doctor did not have the results. I told her I just look online to see mine. The medical care here in France is good but same things are just like back in the day.<br /><br /> I met my friend near the Arc de Triomphe. I had another gentleman follow me like a puppy on the Metro. It’s a good thing I don’t where I am going because once I realized I was going the wrong way I did a u-turn and left him. Anyway my friend has a new Black Mercedes. I don’t know how people can spend that much money on a car. It is pretty cool though. Something about cruising down Champs-Ellysees in an expensive car is just right. It makes me forget about my personal financial struggles.<br /><br /> We ended up in the Saint Denis area. They have some shops with sexy lingerie, cute cheap boots, sex shops mixed in with other businesses. Walking is hell in Paris. Who thought cobblestones were a good idea. It is hard work walking in any kind of heel. You really risk your life or sometimes just look drunk even if you are not.<br /><br /> We had a nice dinner at a pizza place after trying to decide what and where to eat. It was pleasant and we talked about the things we all talk about, transition, ex’s, hormones, the future, the past. She is not yet full time. She has lived in Paris for 16 years and plans to complete her transition after a move and possible job change. She says she has a 4-year plan.<br /><br /> After dinner she took me on back to my place via the scenic route. In my opinion Paris by night everything is scenic. It is all so beautiful day or night.<br /><br /> I am going to miss Paris. It still seems a little like a dream to be here. I am glad my partner was able come and share it with me. Our two months here flew by. I was planning on her being back. It will be good to be home. To be able to be together again with Sandi. I miss her so much. To be able to sleep in our bed with our cats, see my kids and deal my part of the financial collapse. I am not sure exactly when I am leaving. I have some finishing up to do but it is soon.Le visage d'avrilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11217938810265230753noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-368249268616872721.post-54914819591574056052008-10-05T09:03:00.000-07:002008-10-08T23:28:57.534-07:00Farewell 360<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Wkle3Em4siA/SOjnDOrzZAI/AAAAAAAAABo/mFrlbtN0-qA/s1600-h/360.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Wkle3Em4siA/SOjnDOrzZAI/AAAAAAAAABo/mFrlbtN0-qA/s320/360.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5253703007995126786" border="0" /></a><br />I closed off my 360 page today. Deep Freeze. If they come up with a cure for 360 death I may come back.<br /><br />The early days of 360 were very amazing. I met some wonderful people not just in the trans community but from all over. In the early days it was exciting. There was nothing like it. At the time <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">MySpace</span> had grown so much it was not very stable. It was hard to get logged it with out it balking. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">YouTube</span> was in the early stages. Now I have a program on my iPhone that works really well. It changed my mind about <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">MySpace</span> that works really well so I will spend a little more time there.<br /><br />Here is the link www.<span style="z-index: 10; position: relative;"></span><a href="http://www.myspace.com/april_bunsus" class="url">myspace.com/april_bunsus</a><br /><br />I am also working on getting Blogger to be how I like. Seeing how things work and how I can make it more personal. I really like how it just works. It not only works it works fast.<br /><br />I have also been spending some time with my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">YouTube</span> today finishing my profile looking at videos I had. Figuring out how to post ones I like on my page. Looking at a lot of amazing videos that are on there. I have a lot of video I have shot I need cut <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">together</span> and post.<br /><br />Here is my like to that. http://www.youtube.com/user/aprilatvisage<br /><br />It's cold here in Paris today. I went out for a while to the farmers market for a bit. I got some lettuce, apple pastry, 2 Pain <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">au</span> Chocolate, some grapefruits, and this spicy dip I love. I have some favorite booths I stop at. The gentlemen always are happy to give me big smiles at a little flirt. My French has gotten a lot better sounding so they like to chat. One gentleman told me he likes French with a California accent.<br /><br />It is supposed to rain today but I have not seen it. I was hoping it would. I love big rain. Maybe later. I made some nice soup. I have the music on and I am just sitting looking out at Paris. I am in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Boulogune</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Billancourt</span> which is on the edge of Paris. I have a 5 min walk to work.<br /><br />I met another TS here in Paris. I am really happy to have someone to hang out with. She is very sweet and is still working on her transition. She is a guy at work and a woman the rest of the time. She has an ex and kids so we have a lot in common. She speaks several languages so she helps me to improve my French and I help with her English.<br /><br />I have been working on a political blog I have little bits and links I am putting together. I will work on it and post it pretty soon.<br /><br />Oh for those I have not met yet a little introduction. I am a 53yo TS. I have lived full time for over 4 years now for the most part stealth except for all the people that knew me already at work and life in general. Life is good and I am very happy.<br /><br />I wish happiness and success for everyone.<br /><br />Regards,<br /><br />~April~Le visage d'avrilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11217938810265230753noreply@blogger.com7