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A Golden Takin at golden hour at San Diego Zoo (Taken 10.7.2020)

This morning I made a plan for the day, which is different than usual when I kinda just go with whatever the day brings: I would sleep in, then watch the Governor's Media Briefing delayed on YouTube, watch the County briefing live, then go to the San Diego Zoo, then  watch the debate, then have post-debate cocktails in the speakeasy. And I stuck to it. So I'm wrapping up here so I can cocktail downstairs. 

But of course I have some things to say before I go.

First, one thing kinda slipped into Dr. Ghaly's briefing yesterday and was reiterated today by the governor: there is no "green" or "non-restrictive" tier in the foreseeable future. This means you should stock up on masks because they're going to be required indefinitely, don't plan on schools being "normal" in a pre-pandemic sense for a very long time, and don't expect those initial things that were on the old version of "Phase 4" to open anytime soon: large theme parks like Disneyland or Six Flags, large indoor concerts or arenas, and as we're seeing, movie theatres and small music venues are still going to be a long, long wait. The places that are having live events (like the comedy club downtown) are currently doing so against the public health order. 

Second, that debate really cemented my adoration for Kamala Harris. I don't LOVE all of her policies or historical moves, nor do I feel that way about Biden, but the decency, belief that we can be better and do better for everyone, citizens and non-citizens alike, and shutting down that horrible, horrible man tonight was impressive. I got my ballot today and I'll be filling it out tomorrow. I'll share more of my stances since I appreciate the few friends who've reached out to ask which candidates and initiatives I'm supporting. And about that debate, do not for one second believe that a person who, on his watch as the lead on the Coronavirus Task Force has watched 210+ Americans die; who on his watch is trying to take away healthcare and Social Security; who on his watch separated infants from parents and has left asylum seekers to endure the outbreaks in horrific ICE facilities; who on his watch is defending murderous cops and denying systemic racism; who on his watch forced hysterectomies on women in ICE custody; and who on his watch is failing to support millions of Americans who are out of work and at risk of losing housing, not to mention creating such scarce pandemic support that people are forced to choose between proper isolation when they do get sick or continuing in their jobs because they can't afford not to, and on and on and on. Seriously. There is no decision to make here. Any claim to being pro-life is just show and complete and utter bullshit.

Last, I'm going to make a conscious effort to chill on my social media posts/likes/comments through the election. I have this outlet (and I appreciate those of you who still read it) but the outrage posts that retweet or repost whatever crazy thing the lunatic has said still amplify his message. I will not post any polling or comment on any such things because we know what happened in 2016 and we have to be prepared for anything. I have been snoozing and unfriending completely on Facebook at a rapid clip and I'll keep doing it to maintain my sanity.  

Photos: Superorganism & Simpson @ Music Box, April 23, 2019

After double weekends at Coachella, Superorganism popped into San Diego to play a show at the Music Box on April 23rd. Darren and I were happy to finally check them out live, though it was a whole lot different live than what my photos could possibly reflect. There were near constant animated videos projected behind the collective, while the stage lighting was mostly dark or monochromatic or flashing or spinning or sparkling or all of these things at the same time. Definitely not my best work, which is unfortunate because after a show like this, I make my own roadblocks and end up not posting photos for weeks or months. Anyway, it was a great show, their music is super quirky and chill and there were a ton of people on stage making the whole show an event. Pics after the jump.

World Sea Lion Day - May 30, 2019

I mentioned I've been sick this week, but to say I didn't do anything this week would be a lie. On Wednesday, I was well enough to take Nova to soccer, and I thought the fresh air and no contact with other people would serve me well, so  I went back to La Jolla Cove to shoot the sea lions. I came to find out that the next day, May 30th, was "World Sea Lion Day," though I can't seem to find all the calendars that let us know such things.

Obviously I've been posting a lot of these lately, but since I'll be flooding you with music photos the next week, I thought I'd post some of this week's shots to celebrate the day. Though not shown, I'd also like to draw attention to their neighbors in La Jolla, the California Harbor Seals, who still need our help to sign two petitions: one is to keep up Casa Beach closed during pupping season and the other is to keep the safe distance rope up year-round. The hearing is June 12-14. I also just kinda wanted to post since I'm taking a gajillion pics each week and not really sharing them and maybe to just post something that makes me smile after getting all ranty on my last post.