James Cameron on the Science of Avatar

Is Pandora Possible?

A Discussion of the Science, Technology and Environmental

Messages Behind AVATAR

Avatar's director James Cameron at a CalTech panel discussion:

(Caltech, Pasadena - May, 2010)

It was my second time to see JC since I worked with a project for Digital Domain the company he founded. I was glad to see him again and had an opportunity to ask him questions about the film Avatar.

David Letterman - Teri Garr (June-19-2008)

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Yes, "Mr. Miyagi" from The Karate Kid!
With Pat Morita at a karaoke bar in Sacramento, CA. (1990)

I ran into Pat Morita by chance one night when my friends and I went out for karaoke.
He was, indeed, Mr. Miyagi as he showed me how to "wax on, wax off!"

The Karate Kid (1984)

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With Graham Kerr at his lecture for a non-profit organization where
I managed an organic farm.
(Woodinville, WA - May, 2012)

The Galloping Gourmet - Treacle Tart

I used to watch GK's cooking show The Galloping Gourmet years ago....lots of butter and cream! Now GK lives in WA, gardening, growing organic food and teaching/promoting healthy diet and locally grown food. He still enjoys cooking, with fresh veggies and herbs, and not much with butter and cream!

GK gave me his book GROWING AT THE SPEED OF LIFE with his autograph.

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JESUS CHRIST SUPESTAR

Jesus Christ Superstar is one of my most favorite musicals since we played it in college.
It was great to meet Ted Neeley who originally played Jesus Christ in the film
Jesus Christ Superstar (1973).

With Ted Neeley after the show Jesus Christ Superstar US A.D. Tour.

(San Francisco, CA - May, 1993)

With Ted Neeley

(Pasadena, CA - June, 1994)

Jesus Christ Superstar: The AD Tour 1994 - Ted Neeley & Carl Anderson

My college production of JCS!

Jesus Christ Superstar produced by Sophia Model Production (SMP)

Directed by Fr. D. Mason, S.J.

(Sophia University, Tokyo, Japan - May, 1986)

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December 30, 2011

My 1994 HONDA Accord marks 300,000 miles! Original engine and transmission and still running great! That's HONDA! Yahoo!!

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January 19, 2012

Trekking in Seattle "snowed in"!

Seattle - Jan. 19, 2012. A little more snow flurry into the third day here in Seattle, but not so significant accumulation today.....just a touch. My guess is that the total snow precipitation in Seattle area for the last 3 days is about a half foot or so. Temperature is expected to rise to 42 degrees by late tonight and 90% chance of rain tomorrow and for the rest of the week. Hence, the snow will be mostly gone by this weekend. With that scenario in mind, the flip side of that would be.....potential flood. Once temperature rises and rain falls, snow and ice melts quickly, which could trigger flooding water in some urban areas and small streams. Hopefully that would not be the case.

This winter's first serious snow storm hit Seattle early this week and who knows.....maybe more coming(?) Well, only mother nature can tell. Last few years Seattle was hit by a series of an ice storm, a wind storm and a snow storm one after another. By comparison, this winter has been relatively less wet winter so far. I can say this with confidence because I've been hiking in Mt. Rainier and Mt. Baker and have noticed the snow depth has been a lot less than previous years. Finally Seattle saw this wintery snow storm hitting the region this week.

People in Seattle become pretty nervous when it snows....."snow whimps"!? OK, Seattle is a RAIN city, not a SNOW country, you need to understand that right. It's like Southern Californians freaking out when it rains...accidents all over! So, not many cars on the road today....highways and main strips were well plowed, but the rest remained pretty much snow covered, which resulted in "snowed in" condition....staying home, no work, daddy!....no school, kids! Interestingly, it is said that Seattle doesn't have a large number of plowing trucks to cover the entire urban area, so they have to prioritize main arteries first.

Knowing the snow will melt soon as rain comes back, I was intrigued by this idea - trekking to the "happening" place for an adventure. Geared up like going for snow hiking, I jokingly said to my friend, " do I need crampons and ice axe?" Out on the street I saw quite a few people walking, carrying a shopping bag, even skiing! and enjoying Seattle's snow night before it melts away. The night was calm with a gentle flurry of snow. The air felt comfortably chilly. I was sweating soon after I began trekking up and down along the streets.

Walking through all white snow covered residential area about 3.5 miles, .I reached "where it's happening".....where warm foods and drinks are, and that's where people are. This phrase fit so well tonight when I got to University District. Lots of people....mostly UW students and some locals. The university closed the school for a couple of days due to the snow, which is "unheard-of"!? They may continue to close well into Friday, perhaps. As many grocery stores and food venues closed early today due to the snow, fast food chains were packed with people and restaurants that decided to remain open looked busy. Does snow stimulate appetite? Well, perhaps, the excitement of seeing snow might have done it to this "rain city".

When we walk instead of driving, it's not only good for "carbon foot print", but also we often come to notice small things that we don't normally notice when we are driving. And here I am eating a "hand-made" burger at E. J. Burger on the Ave. I never knew there was a burger joint here who served a "handmade" burger. If I hadn't taken this trekking adventure tonight, I wouldn't have discovered this tiny burger joint!

Well, it's time to get going now.....almost midnight and the joint is closing. I have 3.5 miles to walk back. I'm looking forward to more interesting encounters on the way....trek, trek!!

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