Allegiance A New American Musical by George Takei

Allegiance Musical

I came across this on my Facebook with George Takei talks Allegiance on NPR. I hope this play makes it up this way. My family was interned and my Uncles were in the 442 nd. May this never happen again.

Allegiance A New American Musical by George Takei starts September 7, 2012 in San Diego.

Links to Japanese Internment Camp info.

Helping on the Pacific Rim Film Festival set for October 19 -24 in Santa Cruz. Can't help but talk to Jeannie Houston about the camps and stories my parents share once in awhile. I have to ask questions because non one will talk about it unless you ask.




The Tag Project

The Tag Project from Xavier Vasquez on Vimeo.

Video

Tonights Opening at the Monterey Bay Aquarium

It was nice to see the big tank open again. The turtles had been eating the tiles. They redid the tank and added more great areas. It will be open to the public tomorrow. Got to go thanks to my mom and her husband Curt Bowman who has been a volunteer since day one and has over 5,000 hours under his belt. An avid diver and local Soquel person. We always enjoy going to these events. Great food and a great feel especially at night.






Monterey Bay Aquarium
MBA Facebook page
‪Monterey Aquarium's Outer Bay Exhibit Reopens‬
KSBW video

My heart hurts today

Peter Lenz has been in my thoughts all day. I've known his father Michael Lenz since he was a teen working in his parents store making photo stats back in the late 80's just before computers changed the graphics industry into a digital one. I spent many hours in the back of the Lenz Art Store chatting with Michael.

Michael Lenz, Peter's father is sharp and super sweet and a great father. I kept in touch with him and Peter's career. I got calls as they were on their road trips out to Florida or heading back and was super stoked to hear about Peters racing. It was a family adventure and they were having a great time. I know Michael put Peter's best interest first and wanted to be sure he was enjoying it and never put any pressure on him.

I believe anything can happen at anytime so live everyday to the fullest. NO regrets.

No words can really help to ease the loss. My thoughts are with Michael and his family and friends.


Go fast Peter!

Racing World.com
Memorial Fund for Peter Lenz

Good article about young racers.

Shame on all the networks and companies laying blame to this sport and speed. You should be requiring skateboarders and bmx riders to wear helmets during the Xgames and other televised sports.

Handmade bags by Little O

A few of the handmade gifts that I have created over the past few days. Over the years I have consulted with many actions sports brands. I enjoy keeping in touch with colors, graphics, patterns and trends. Nothing like putting a few little creations together for family and friends kids. I designed a fashion diaper bag in 2001 that had a cellphone pocket, water bottle slot...before there were any cool bags. Designed skate shorts in the 70's for Steve Olson and Steve Caballero. Feels good to sew and design unique one off items.

I'd rather make a gift for someone if I have the time then buy one.

Rainstorm damage Lance Armstrong Collection

These got saved. Poster I did for Interbike 2007.


These did not. My kids asked me which ones were the most valuable to me. I honestly couldn't say since I realized it is just paper. Our house stayed safe, my kids are safe. These poster would probably go to them someday and they really don't care about them so it meant less. My skate stuff on the other hand has more meaning and memories.

Beyond Barbed Wire

In honor of my family and what they have gone through. I work and play without the memories of internment. Unlike my parents and relatives that were interned. My uncle Yukio Sumida helped fund this documentary about the Japanese American Camps. My mom was at Poston 2 my dad at Poston 1 when they were just young kids. Lost everything they own and had to start over when they got out.

This exceptional documentary outlines the WWII battlefield accomplishments of the 100th Infantry Battalion/442 Regimental Combat Team, featuring stories recounted by Japanese Americans who fought in these segregated units and proved their loyalty to their country. The ironies are not lost as the revelations unfold. As their civil liberties and rights were stripped away and their families imprisoned in internment camps in the US, they faced further prejudice from the upper ranks of the military, in the trenches of Europe and in the Pacific Theatre. Personal accounts begin with the bombing of Pearl Harbor, continue through Italy and France, building to the rescue of the Texas "Lost Battalion" in northern France. Also included are the recollections of the little known MIS (Military Intelligence Service) linguists who served in the Pacific interrogating POWs, intercepting radio messages and translating .

My brother and I Pleasure Point 1963

My grandma raised five girls and a son in Monterey, worked at the fish canneries in Cannery Row with her two eldest daughters, my dad's father was a fisherman. She lost everything she owned to a house fire, rebounded, lost her son, lost everything again when the family was put in Internment Camps during World War II, pregnant with her daughter, she lost her husband and raised her family solo. My mom was 12 years old my dad in his own camp with his family was 14. The untold story Beyond Barbed Wire movie a documentary my Uncle Yukio helped fund tells what happened during this time. Something my parents never spoke to us about until this movie came out. I saw my dad cry for the second time in my life while watching this movie at the Pacific Film Festival, the only other time I saw him cry was at his mother's funeral when I was 8 years old. My parents Americanized us, spoiled us and encouraged us to do things they could not. I know that is part of what drives and fuels my passion to make life better and to do more then just sit and watch it go by.