BRRTHA

Tornado Warning in Discovery Bay

2010-01-24T08:37:00.000-08:00

When I thought of buying a house in Discovery Bay last year, I figured there would be HOT ass weather in the summer time ... but ... I sure as heck never counted on funnel clouds!!

Here's a video from YouTube:

We hunkered down in the garage ... under a work bench with the dogs. We figured it was the safest place in the house as there were no windows. Of course, if a tornado had struck, we probably would have been taken out by flying debris ... but oh well ... the garage was the best we could do. Seriously ... who thinks of tornadoes in Discovery Bay???

We left the tv on in the gym so we could check for updates ... here's a picture I took of the Weather Channel:

Being the geeks that we are ... we also had our laptop with us ... so we were able to update Twitter and check the status of the 'tornado warning' online via the National Weather Service website.

Fortunately, the warning was called off by 2pm PST. I'd like to believe that we'd never have to worry again about funnel clouds ... but ... I wouldn't be money on it!!

- Bertha

New Yahoo! Ad ... in the Mix

2009-10-07T15:06:00.000-07:00

New "No on Prop 8" ads parody 'mac vs pc' ...

2008-11-04T08:29:00.000-08:00

absolutely brilliant ads ... even though there is nothing funny about discrimination ... these ads do a wonderful job of poking fun at the 'yes on 8' mindset ...

Please vote against discrimination in your state! In California, please vote no on 8.

- Bertha

8 minutes on Prop 8

2008-10-31T06:59:00.000-07:00

Whether you live in California ... or any other state that is looking to ban the civil liberties of Gay Americans ... please take the time to watch this video.

It's a straight forward clip, that speaks to many. If you are undecided, confused, or thinking of voting to ban same sex marriage, I implore you to take eight minutes to watch this video.

Click here if you would like to learn more about the author of this video, Lawrence Lessig.

Thank you,

- Bertha

Every vote counts!

Wassup 2008 ...

2008-10-28T15:17:00.000-07:00

Great short video ... that parodies the old budweiser commercial ... it's funny ... and sad ... at the same time. Take the time to vote!

- Bertha

Goddess bless the Internet!!

2008-08-18T11:55:00.000-07:00

If you are looking for something so funny that you'll wet yourself ... then you need to check out this site: http://www.yearbookyourself.com.

Here is my pic ... Bertha ... ala Class of 1964:

It's about the funniest thing I've seen on the Internet since 'You Kicked My Dog'.

Enjoy ... and please try to be productive a work today!! I know I'm struggling!

- Bertha

Enjoying the calm before the storm ..

2008-07-03T17:13:00.000-07:00

Looking at this picture of the Chardonnay at makes me appreciate the more mellow moments of living in Santa Cruz. Especially ... as we approach the craziness of "Independence Day".

Living in Pleasure Point, I've already endured a couple of months of random firework explosions in the middle of the night. However, as the 4th finally approaches ... I'm thinking that I might head for higher ground during the festivities!

A few years ago ... I lived across from New Brighton State Beach. Here's a picture of what I used to wake up to in the early morning hours:

However, by dusk ... on 4th of July ... nothing like that view would be remotely possible. Instead, the sky was filled with smoke, flames, and streaks of light.

As I write this blog entry ... it's pretty chill ... but ... I assure you ... this morning ... the cops were already closing down the beaches to prepare for tomorrow night's madness.

For the past month or so ... there have been the obligatory blasts of fire crackers in the middle of the night ... but ... by tomorrow night ... the sounds of fireworks will be deafening.

With all the recent news of fires ... I can only hope that people will be safe when they ignite their toys.

short sales suck ...

2008-06-25T09:31:00.000-07:00

so ... we put a bid ... on a kick ass home last week ... and we are still waiting for the bank to accept the offer ... it blows our minds that they don't have any sense of urgency to make a decision ...

here are some pics ...

so ... for now ... we are willing to wait ... as you can tell ... this house is ROCKING ... it's a large home (3000+ sq. feet) ... nice and open downstairs ... with a deck off the master bedroom ... pool with fiber optic lights ... outdoor bbq/kitchen with granite counters ... hot tub.

the waiting is torture!!! we want to be in the pool now!!!

- Bertha

skateboarding barefoot is stupid

2008-06-05T10:00:00.001-07:00

skateboarding barefoot is stupid, originally uploaded by brrtha.

So ... last month I decided that I'm going to run with some fellow Yahoo!'s ... in the San Francisco Marathon. Fortunately ... they give the option of running a 1/2 marathon ... which is much more to my liking.

I started in training May ... and felt pretty good about my progress ... until last week ... when I totally bailed on my skateboard ... and tore up the tip of my big toe.

Not a pretty site.

So ... it's been nearly two weeks now ... and my toe is still pretty cruddy looking. I'm afraid to hammer it with a long run ... so ... i've totally been slacking on my training.

I ran four miles yesterday ... but ... at this point ... I should be up to six miles. Of course ... my poor toe was bloody and macerated afterwards. So ... what's a girl to do??? Should I sacrifice my big toe just for training??? I don't think so ...

- Bertha

Peace On Earth

2008-01-01T22:06:00.000-08:00

Peace On Earth, originally uploaded by brrtha.

Wishing you all the very best for 2008!

My Thoughts and Prayers for the Hokie Nation

2007-03-18T17:10:00.000-07:00

Richard and Bertha, originally uploaded by brrtha.

It's so completely surreal. Every single time ... that I hear 'Virginia Tech' mentioned on the TV/Radio ... it just doesn't make sense.

Here I am ... across the country in California ... not even an alumnus of VA Tech ... yet ... I still can't shake this feeling of shock and despair. I can't even come close to imagining the feelings and emotions of those affected in Virginia.

I am grateful that my brother, Richard, graduated two years ago from VA Tech ... and that his life was spared from this massacre. I shudder to think ... that two of his friends ... still at school ... could have been victims. Richard's friend, Tom ... was late to class ... just across the hall from one of the classrooms that had been terrorized by the gunman. THANK GOD for tardiness!!! Richard's other friend, David ... slept in that morning ... so ... THANK GOD for his lazy ass!!!

Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for the Resident Adviser, who gave his life at the dorm. This "Marching Virginian" was a friend of both Richard and Dave. I have no doubt ... that it will take years for them to find healing with such a senseless death of their friend.

Virginia Tech ... is a very special place. The university community ... is incredibly tight knit ... and the students wear their Hokie colors with pride. The university receives tremendous support ... not only from the students ... but .. especially from the people of Blacksburg ... the parents of students ... and the alumni.

Maybe it's part 'southern hospitality' ... but ... the Hokie Nation has always been a warm ... welcoming ... vibrant community. Since Dec 2001, I have attended all the Hokie Bowl games with my family. Each time, I was surprised ... and impressed ... by the camaraderie ... the school spirit ... and the friendship ... that each member of the Hokie Nation exuded to all wearing maroon and orange.

It will be this spirit of the Hokie Nation ... that will carry our own nation through this tragedy.

I have no doubt ... that we are all welcome as Hokies today ... and forever ... as we grieve the loss of so many fruitful lives ... and look forward to the future with hope for a better world.

Love and Peace,

Bertha

Big BRRTHA

2007-03-09T17:11:00.000-08:00

BIG BRRTHA, originally uploaded by brrtha.

OH YES!!! The weather in Santa Cruz has been so killer for the past week ... that I was finally able to bring BRRTHA out to play! Chris, myself, and Lucky spent a majority of our weekend cruising up and down the coast. It's amazing how easy it is to blow through 20 gallons of gas ... in a single weekend.

I can't wait to do it again this weekend ... I hear that it's going to be in the 70's again ... wooo hooo!

See you on the coast!

- Bertha

Could you imagine her face if she was next to the real thing ..

2007-02-22T17:12:00.000-08:00

Chris, Itzhak, and Bertha, originally uploaded by brrtha.

I feel horrible that I nearly went an entire month, without writing about Itzhak Perlman!!!

We had purchased tickets to see Itzhak Perlman in San Jose ... almost an entire year prior to the show. It was a special occasion ... that we warranted in our budget ... as a late Christmas present/early birthday present for Chris. As a child, Chris had opened with the Suzuki Children for Mr. Perlman at the Oakland Paramount. So ... I knew that this would be a very special night.

For more than two years, Chris and I have been members of the Montalvo Arts Center in Saratoga, CA. Our membership is quite dear to us, as we wholeheartedly support Montalvo's mission of bringing the arts to more than 15,000 school children. An added bonus of suporting the Montalvo Arts Center ... we also have the opportunity to see great artists such as Itzhak Perlman. In the past two years, we have enjoyed seeing a variety of artists ... inclucing Bo Diddley ... Seal ... Joshua Bell ... Caitln Tully ... and the Indigo Girls.

To see and hear Itzhak Perlman ... was truly to be in the presence of greatness. From the moment he entered the stage ... I was simply overwhelmed. I couldn't stop the tears from flowing. I wish there were words to clearlly describe the awesome yet simple power that Itzhak was able to manifest in San Jose's California Theatre that night.

It was a perfect night. My gratitude goes out to Itzhak ... of course ... but ... I am also beholden to all the volunteers and staff at Montalvo ... to the magnificence and glory of the San Jose California Theatre ... and especially to the kind couple who sat in front of us at the show ... as they were kind enough to give us their 'dessert/reception' tickets for after the show.

Chris and I took FULL advantage of those reception tickets ... as we tasted all the desserts ... and drank more wine!!! Fortunately ... there was also coffee to assist me with making the drive back over the hill to Santa Cruz. Another key part of this reception ... was that Chris and I made two new friends ... a mother/daughter pair ... Shelby and Wendy.

We enjoyed their company as we talked about the show ... and laughed about lots of other fun stuff. We look forward to having them over for brunch ... SOON!

- Bertha

http://www.brrtha.com

Happy Birthday to Chris

2007-02-15T17:18:00.000-08:00

Girls at the Beach, originally uploaded by brrtha.

This weekend was one heck of a celebration for Chris' 43rd birthday! I had such a great time ... it felt like it was my birthday!

Bettina still has pictures on her camera that we need to upload ... but ... in the meantime ... you can check out all my pictures on my .mac photo album ... or my flickr album.

The celebration was kicked off on Thursday night ... when Chris picked up her best friend, Bettina at the airport. Bettina was kind enough to leave the sunny weather in Seattle ... to commiserate with us in the rain in California. After weeks and weeks of beautiful ... dry ... sunny ... weather ... Mother Nature decided to let it pour for our friend from Seattle. Fortunately ... we did have some breaks in the rain on Sunday .. which allowed us to be extra obnoxious in the sun ... as we cruised the coast in the Caddie.

As is typical ... Bettina came ... bearing all sorts of gifts for Chris, myself, and Lucky!!! The favorite gift of all ... had to be the entire Season 1 - DVD Set - for the "Girls Next Door"!!! Now, Chris and get her "Kendra" fix any day ... anytime.

The next day, Friday ... I headed to work ... while Lucky, Bettina, and Chris headed to slothville. They napped the entire day!!!! Which I guess ... was a good thing ... because it allowed them to have all the energy they could muster ... to deal with my hyper ass when I returned home from work.

Saturday we did what we could ... to take advantage of the breaks in the rain ... yet we had to pace ourselves so that we wouldn't be RUINED before dinner at Shadowbrook that night. Chris made us a fantastic breakfast ... and picked up coffee at Coffeetopia ... while I went for a champagne/wine/vodka run at Albertson's. After breakfast and booze ... we headed out ... to make the most of the day. The weather couldn't stop us ... as we took pictures and strolled through the "Casino" at the Boardwalk. Afterwards, we enjoyed lunch and drinks at Cafe Palomar by the Harbor ... and then ... it was time to go home ... so that Bettina and Chris could enjoy a final nap before dinner at the Shadowbrook.

For those of you who haven't been to the Shadowbrook in a while ... lemme tell you ... this place is better than ever!!!! Props to our server, Phillippe, and the rest of the staff at Shadowbrook. The service ... the food ... the wine ... the ambience ... were absolutely superb!!! Moreover, the restaurant was absolutely packed ... so ... the fact that they were able to give us such a special night ... while so completely slammed ... was quite impressive.

Needless to say ... we didn't make it to church the next morning. Even still ... we felt quite blessed ... as the SUN finally came out!!!! We didn't waste much time ... piling in the Caddie ... so that we could soak up the rays ... as we cruised up and down Santa Cruz ... from Capitola Village to Natural Bridges. One of the most magical times ... we when we frollicked with the Monarch butterflies at Lighthouse Field.

Monday was a SAD day ... as it was time for Bettina to head back to Seattle. We will miss her ... but ... we can't wait for her next visit ... or better yet ... Chris and I can't WAIT to head up to Seattle!!! ROAD TRIP!!!!!

- Bertha

This will be the last beach picture on this blog ..

2007-02-08T17:20:00.000-08:00

Good grab!, originally uploaded by brrtha.

From now on ... i'm going to save all my 'pleasure point' ... beach ... ocean ... 'santa cruz' pics ... for my new blog ... http://blog.coastal-local.com.

I posted this particular picture on both blogs ... and starting tomorrow ... all my 'beach' pictures ... will be posted to the Coastal Local blog.

I figure that since Coastal Local celebrates life on the beach ... then ... I might as well utilize my 'santa cruz' pics for that blog.

So ... what's going to happen to blog.brrtha.com???? Good question. This blog certainly isn't going anywhere ... but ... I definitely want to work on a new direction. Perhaps I'll focus on all the other joys/quests in my life ... music ... family ... running ... work ... etc ...

Stay tuned.

Bertha

Winter is BACK!

2007-02-04T01:09:00.000-08:00

So this morning, I decided to cruise in flip flops and a jacket ... because the weather has been so mild this week. Let me tell you ... I was wrong!!! It's freaking cold today!

In my house ... the temp was 46 degrees when I got back from the beach ... so ... who even know how cold the blessed water was in the ocean! Even still ... it doesn't seem that this guy seemed to mind as he caught this sweet wave at It's Beach.

On the other side of the Lighthouse, Volcom was sponsoring a surf competition. Despite the cold weather, there was a pretty good crowd ... the waves were pushing pretty strong ... and of course ... the tent were blasting some sweet tunes.

Definitely a great morning. Now I gotta get ready for work.

- Bertha

p.s. If you want to see more pictures from my morning .... just click on the pic ... and you'll be taken to my flickr site.

Happy Groundhog Day

2007-02-03T01:20:00.000-08:00

The view from Lighthouse Field, originally uploaded by brrtha.

It sure has heck doesn't feel like February ... but hey ... I'm not complaining. The weather today ... and lately has been so mild ... it's difficult to realize that it's WINTER!!!

I feel so blessed ... because I turned on the tv this morning ... and saw the stories about all the beautiful homes that were destroyed in Florida overnight. Crazy!!! Thank goodness we don't have 'earthquake season' in California!

Have a great Friday!

- Bertha

One of Lucky's Greatest Gifts

2007-02-02T17:24:00.000-08:00

Morning World, originally uploaded by brrtha.

Another beautiful morning ... hanging out with Lucky and Chris at 27th Ave. It's been so warm lately ... that today ... we decided to take the trail past Moran Lake ... to the beach at 27th Ave.

If it wasn't for Lucky ... I would never take the opportunities to witness such beauty on a daily basis. I love my dog.

- Bertha

Pleasure Cruise

2007-01-29T17:27:00.000-08:00

Pleasure Cruise, originally uploaded by brrtha.

Oh my goodness ... what a beautiful day it is today!!! I love how the rain just seems to clear everything bad out of the air. Pleasure Point ... is literally off the hook today ... at "The Hook" ... there's an NSSA surf competition ... up and down East Cliff, people are everywhere ... cruising ... walking ... drinking ... surfing ... it's incredible!

I hope everyone has a great day today!

Bertha

http://www.brrtha.com

A Stick Does the Trick

2007-01-27T17:28:00.000-08:00

A Stick Does the Trick, originally uploaded by brrtha.

Another excellent morning for Lucky and his mommas. We took a chance that 27th Ave might be open ... but ... it was pretty closed out. Even still Lucky had a great time playing with his stick.

A storm definitely seems to be coming in ... as the waves were surging in ... and surfers were jumping in the water to take advantage of the swells.

We drove past Pleasure Point ... and it saw plenty of peeps enjoying the surf. The waves weren't necessarily high this morning ... but ... the tide was in far enough ... that the surfers didn't have to paddle too far out to get a fun ride on a fast moving swell.

January has been such a mellow month as far as weather is concerned ... it's nice to chll out in the sun ... but ... it would be even NICER if a big ass storm would come in ... and bring in a big ASS swell ... hopefully big enough to warrant a call to start the Maverick's Surf Competition.

- Bertha

http://www.brrtha.com

A Great Way to Start the Morning

2007-01-26T17:29:00.000-08:00

A great way to start the morning, originally uploaded by brrtha.

Thank GOD for our mornings! Every day ... it truly is a blessing to go to the beach and play with Lucky.

Peace,

Bertha

http://www.brrtha.com

2007 - So Far ... So Great

2007-01-14T13:15:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving at Pleasure Point, originally uploaded by brrtha.

Here's a pic of me ... Chris ... and Lucky ... in Pleasure Point. We love our new neighborhood so much!!!

Even though the weather has been BUT ASS cold lately ... the skies have been crisp and clear. Every morning has been simply beautiful. Today was particularly cold ... as there were sheets of ice on Moran Lake. I'm kicking myself for not taking a picture ... but oh well ... I'll try to remember my camera next time it freezes in Santa Cruz.

After several stressful months ... it seems that we finally have time to enjoy ourselves ... and our new 'hood. Whew! Thank goodness!

- Bertha
http://www.brrtha.com

Honey Bear and Lucky Get Their Chew On ...

2007-01-02T17:26:00.000-08:00

Honey Bear and Lucky get their "chew on", originally uploaded by brrtha.

Nothing major to comment ... just wanted to share this pic of Lucky and his neighbor, Honey Bear ... enjoying their 'bully sticks' yesterday.

If you have a Costco membership ... I highly recommend purchasing your dog treats there!!

- Bertha

Weird 'holiday' link of the day ...

2006-12-24T06:28:00.000-08:00

This was just too nerdy ... and weird to pass up:

http://todbot.com/blog/2006/12/21/roombas-go-caroling/

Enjoy.

Bertha

http://www.brrtha.com

Announcing - Coastal Local

2006-12-16T21:00:00.000-08:00

New designs … and a new brand … inspired by my life in Santa Cruz. If I haven’t talked to you about it yet … check out my latest designs … for my newest brand … Coastal Local.

Most people who know me … know how MUCH I love being on the coast. I’ve lived in various areas of Santa Cruz County … Downtown SC … Westside (the circles) … Capitola … Soquel … and now … Pleasure Point. What can I say … I am stoked!!!! I live a 5 minute walk from one of the greatest surf spots in the United States. More importantly … I’m super close to a trail … that takes me along a creek … through glorious trees where Monarch butterflies flitter around … that spits me out at Moran Lake … right by one of the best ‘dog beaches’ in Santa Cruz. It’s absolutely divine.

So … of course … given the amazing surroundings … I’ve been inspired … to create a different line of designs … hence … Coastal Local. Moreover … most of the ’surf attire’ available for women … is designed for ‘12 year old bodies’ … rather than ’size 12 bodies’ … so … that was another inspiration for me to create some gear that will actually fit me!

I obviously have much to do with both Coastal Local … and Tease, Inc. … so … please be patient … and send me your ideas!

Stay tuned!

- Bertha

http://www.brrtha.com

Camping in Big Sur --- DO IT!!

2006-07-20T21:01:00.000-07:00

If you are ever in the mood to camp … but … not really rough it too hard core … then … I have to recommend camping in Big Sur.

Big Sur is close enough to ‘civilization’ … yet … the geographic features are magnificent enough … that one can’t help but feel completely amazed and dwarfed by the beauty. The weather on the coast is so mild … that it hardly matters whether the rest of California is experiencing triple digit weather temps … as it was during the weekend I went camping there … after July 4th.

There are plenty of camping destinations in Big Sur … for this particular camping trip … we chose to stay at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. This park is great for families … and newbie campers. There are plenty of amenities … and even a swimming hole.

This was the first EVER camping trip for my partner, Chris. She is now a full-fledged … card carrying member of the lesbian faction! She earned her camping wings in grand style … preparing and cooking amazing feasts during dinner … and breakfast the next day. Chris even suffered the humliation of not bringing all the tent poles … which fortunately … wasn’t too painful … as our friends had brought an extra tent with them. Whew!

A word of warning … regarding the swimming hole … yes … there a big rocks to jump off of … but … please be cautious of the ugly submerged tree stumps! I had an unfortunate accident … that could/should have been a LOT worse. I’m amazed that I wasn’t impaled! So … please heed the warning!

We are still waiting for pictures from the disposable camera … but … in the meantime … here are some digital pics for your enjoyment. You’ll find the pic of my bruised ‘trunk’ … from my accident with the submerged ‘trunk’. Stay tuned for video footage!

- Bertha

http://www.brrtha.com

Gnarls Barkley

2006-07-07T21:02:00.000-07:00

OKAY … so … I misplaced my mp3 player … and I was forced to listen to commercial radio … FORTUNATELY … I came across ‘crazy’ … by Gnarls Barkley … and I immediately went home and downloaded the album on iTunes.

Now … by now … I’m already getting tired of the original radio song … but sheece … when a song is played to death on Live 105, Alice, and KFOG … there really isn’t much hope for the song to survive.

Even still … I’m definitely stoked on this eclectic album. If you aren’t familiar with Gnarls Barkley … it’s an interesting little ’super’ group … comprised of Danger Mouse … and Cee-Lo. I first came across Danger Mouse a few years ago … when he ‘released’ the Grey Album … a fascinating album length mash-up of The Beatles, White Album … and Jay-Z’s Black Album.
So … back to the Gnarl’s Barkley album …you’ll find all sorts of souldful funkiness … it’s a very diverse album … that I reckon will take me all summer to completely digest. Just don’t be surprised … if some songs remind you of Al Green … Stevie Wonder … and the like. There are some jams that are reminiscent of Sly Stone … P-FUNK … and others that remind me of Outcast. There’s a lovely sense of hip hop … and drum and bass that flows throughout the album.

If you are tempted to purchase this album … then I recommend the digital album on Itunes … as it includes a instrumental version of Crazy … which is certain to be used in MANY remixes this summer!My final thought on this album … is that there is an AMAZING rendition of The Violent Femmes’ - Gone Daddy Gone … definitely my new favorite song of the week!
So … if you are a YME subscriber … check this album out … otherwise … buy it on ITunes!

- Bertha

http://www.brrtha.com

Oh my goodness ... I survived PRIDE ... now what????

2006-06-29T21:03:00.000-07:00

Well … the weekend I had been prepping for the past 2 months … finally arrived! If you haven’t seen the pics yet … you’ve got to check them out! Both Saturday and Sunday were hours and hours of organized chaos!

Even still it was so much fun … and it was so great to meet so many peeps who enjoyed the shirts. I definitely got a kick out of watching people walk by the booth … laughing … and pointing at the shirts. Some folks took pictures of the designs … other people BOUGHT them … thank goodness!!! Chris and I still need to take a final inventory of everything that sold … but … so far … my estimates are that we sold at least 30 shirts on Sat … and at least 100 shirts on Sun. I feel pretty comfortable in saying that both days were pretty successful.

Something fun that happened Saturday … was that Chris was interviewed by the Oakland Tribune. Funny thing is … the reporter was drawn to our booth because we had our dog, Lucky there with us … pooor dog!!! We had previously made arrangements for Lucky to be with a ‘dog-sitter’ … and unfortunately … those plans fell through … so … we did whatever we could to make him comfy … even still … it was obvious that he was a little stressed out by all the noise … and the people.

Chris and I were such an amazing team this weekend! I am very grateful that I’m in a strong relationship … with such a smart … dynamic woman. Her personality was PERFECT for meeting … and greeting … and selling t-shirts!

Well … I could go on and on and on and on … about how great PRIDE was … but … now … I figure it’s time for me to move forward. Now it’s time to take care of all the items in my life that I have been neglecting for the past two months.

Unfortunately … my sister is still stuck in New York … she has not been allowed to take her babies to Virginia … so … please keep her and my family in your prayers. Even though it’s tough that she has not been able to go HOME with her family … at least she is no longer in that abusive relationship with her ‘husband’.

As for me … I’m starting to work on designs for the Folsom St. fair … please let me know if you have any ideas!!! I also need to officially finish up with my business plan … it’s getting to the point where credit cards are no longer going to float the business … so … I’m hoping that a good old SBA backed loan will do the trick.

Take care everyone … sorry for the delayed postings in this blog … but I’m sure you understand.

- Bertha

http://www.brrtha.com

Friday’s Best - Playlist … for 5/12/2006

2006-05-14T17:03:00.000-07:00

So … if you are familiar with last Friday’s post … you know what this is … for those of you who have NO IDEA what this post is about … check out the ‘Cinco de Mayo’ post.

Here are the jams … feel free to listen to them on my playlist on Y! Music Engine … Friday’s
Best - 5/12/2006:

Drifing Away - Faithless:

Is it just me … or did Tiesto, Van Dyk, or Oakenfold create a remix of this song???? I don’t even know how to classify it … but I love it!! Faithless never disappoints.

Blame - EBTG:

I nice little drum and bass ditty. If you ever listened to the much more acoustic version of EBTG in the 80’s … you would never recognize them for how they sound now … if it weren’t for the haunting vocals of Tracey Thorne. She is the mistress of regret, loss, and longing.

First Down - Fatboy Slim:

Who knew that a former Housemartin could come up with such sweet breaks and beats!!???? This album … Better Living through Chemistry … was IMHO … ground-breaking!

Winning Style - Propellerheads:

Soon after I was turned onto Mr. Norman Cook aka Fatboy Slim … I discovered these guys … and feel in love! This tune is funky AND chunky!

World Looking In - Moorcheeba:

This is one of those eclectic groups that I can never quite pin down … sometimes … I consider them trip-hop … other times chill … other times … just plain funky. Here is a taste of some of their goodness.

Little Girl Blue - Nina Simone:

There is just something unique and special about Nina’s eloquent, voice … I could listen to her sing all day long.

That’s My Desire - Louis Armsrong:

A FUN little duet between Louis Armstrong and Velma Middleton … I wish I could have been there for this to hear/see it live … what a good time it must have been!

Got My Mojo Working - Pinetop Perkins:

If this jam doesn’t make you want to get up and boogie … you must be DEAD!

Some Girls are Bigger than Others - The Smiths:

One of my absolute favorites! I can still hear Catie Coman, one of my best friends from SJSU, singing the chorus … ’some girls MUTHAS … are bigger than other girls MUTHAS …’

You Can’t Always Get What You Want - Rolling Stones:

My first memory of this song … was from the The Big Chill. I believe it played during the funeral scene at the beginning of the movie … remember Kevin Costner? He was the dead guy. The Big Chill … which came out in the 80’s … was my introduction to 1960’s music … it was … and still is … a phenomenal soundtrack.

- Bertha

My first gay bar … Cafe San Marcos … isn’t that everyone’s first gay bar??

2006-05-11T17:01:00.000-07:00

So … this morning … as I was walking my dog, Lucky … I chuckled to myself about the completely inappropriate gay joke that I posted on my last blog entry.

I laughed at myself for a couple of reasons … the first reason being … that at 35 years old … I still find such tasteless jokes funny … the second reason being … about how ’breeders’ (straight people) … seem to be FASCINATED with anal sex. It truly seems to me … that straight people talk and joke about anal sex more than any gay men I’ve ever hung out with. So often … straight guys will boast … about how they try they get women to ‘do anal’ … these men talk about it … like it’s some sort of holy grail. Funny funny straight boys.

So … along with the misconception that gay sex is all about anal sex … my mind drifted to the fears and ridiculous ideas that straight people have about gay bars. I mean … if I walked into a bar … and the bar stools were turned upside down … I would just figure that the bar was closed … bah ha!! But seriously … for anyone who hasn’t been to a gay bar … I seriously recommend the experience … you might actually enjoy yourself … not because it means you are secretly a homo … RATHER … you might just relax … and let go of your fears and myths of the gay community.

I went to my first gay bar … when I was 24 … I went with my ’then-girlfriend’ … Shirin. I believe that she was 18 at the time … and ironically … she had been going to this bar … Cafe San Marcos … for quite some time before I ever met her. It was pretty ironic that my girlfriend … who was still in high school at the time … bah ha … had soooo much more ‘life experience’ than me … when it came to this sort of urban outing. I used to joke that Shirin was the ‘designated lesbian’ … ha … that’s funny that I can remember that! I haven’t thought of that for years!!

I WISH I had a picture of me in my outfit from that night!!! Please keep in mind … this is a total early 90’s outfit … tight BONGO jeans … a ‘velvet-type’ body suit … that was a mock turtlenck … with big holes where the shoulders would be … and those shoes from back in the day that looked like boots … do you remember those??

So … anyways … my lasting memory of that night … was how ‘free’ how I felt to be there … NOT just because I was a budding lesbian … but … also because I was able to look men in the eye … from across the dance floor … without worrying that they were going to think I wanted them to pick up on me. It seemed like everyone who was there … regardless of sexuality … was there to dance … and party … and be free. It truly was a liberating experience.

If you have been to a gay bar … then I’m guessing you know what I’m talking about … when I mention this ‘freedom’. If you haven’t been to a gay bar … then … go to Cafe San Marcos … and let me know what you think.

- Bertha

Gay joke of the day …

2006-05-07T17:00:00.000-07:00

When I was a kid … I moved around alot because my dad was in the military. Along the way … I figured out … that if I told jokes … it was an easy way to make new friends. SO … whenever I moved anywhere … I would buy the latest ‘Gross Jokes’ book … and memorize all the dirty jokes.

Here’s a horrible joke … that I used to tell when I was a kid … and it still cracks me up today:

Q: How do you know when you have walked into a gay bar?

A: The bar stools have been turned upside down.

Bah ha ha …

- Bertha

Liner notes … to Friday’s Best … Cinco de Mayo

2006-05-06T16:58:00.001-07:00

Today was an EXCELLENT music day … the Yahoo! LaunchCast was very very kind to me! It must have known that it was ‘cinco de mayo’ … holiday time!!

To listen to the list … just check out my public playlist on YME … I titled it, “Friday’s Best” … so you shouldn’t have too much trouble finding it.

If you don’t already have YME … I seriously recommend it!!!! As an application … it can be a memory hog … but … I have faith … that with every new release … it will eventually be a much more sound application.

I was a musicmatch subscriber for years … but now … I primarily use YME … the features are absolutely incredible … i.e. my ability to create a playlist for your streaming pleasure … the library ROCKS … it’s simply fantastic for ‘music discovery’ … if that is your thing.

Yes … I also use Itunes … but only to update my ipod … other than that Itunes SUCKS!! The search engine on Itunes absolutely blows … and … Itunes is absolutely NO MATCH for the features offered by YME. Furthermore, YME makes a much better podcatcher than Itunes … because … like I said before … the Itunes search engine sucks!! With YME … you can search … apply tags … all sorts of good stuff.

Okay … before I get to the playlist … here is the link for YME … in case you don’t have it:

http://music.yahoo.com/musicengine/

Finally … the list … accompanied by my thoughts … feelings … whatever:

1. 21st Century - Weekend Players:

This song comes from on of my favorite albums … it’s the type of album … where every song is a personal hit! It’s the kind of music … that most SF downtempo attempts to replicate.

2. Country Blues #1 - Taj Mahal:

Fantastic song from one of my favorite ‘modern’ blues artists. It’s the kind of song that makes me wish I was sitting on the porch … on a sweltering day … sipping lemonade … watching Taj play guitar …

3. More Than This (Lenny B’s Extended Club Mix) - Madison Park

I never heard this remix of the Roxy Music classic … until I listened to YME … like I said … their library is AWESOME for music discovery. Excellent remake!

4. My Favorite Things - John Coltrane

What more can I say … Julie Andrews has nothing on this version.

5. Satellite - BT

I hope not to over-use this statement … BUT … this is one of my most FAVORITE songs … ever. I could listen to this song over and over … and over again!

6. Boom Boom - Big Head Todd & The Monsters

If you want to show me a good time … take me to “Dick’s Last Resort” in San Diego (Gaslamp district) … buy me a bucket of beers … and sit me close to the stage.

7. Sweet Love (Marques Wyatt’s Deep Love Remix)

Some of the best SF house … coming from an LA mainstay.

8. I Like the Way (Radio Edit) - Bodyrockers

I feel kind of lame … but this is the first time I ever heard this song … I guess it’s been out for a while … but since I RARELY listen to commericial radio … I must have missed out on this tune! I LIKE IT!!! It rocks in an elector-80s-dance music kind of way. The guitar riffs are perfect for this type of tune. It reminds me of a mash-up with AC/DC … and either Justin Timberlake … or Usher … I forget the tune … exactly.

9. Desafinado - Stan Getz

Another one of my absolute favorites

10. Last Dance - Donna Summer

How fitting … for the last song of this playlist???? The last time I heard this song in public … I was at a wedding … Rebecca Igoe and Mike … it was such an awesome party … and of course … Rebecca did an amazing job of creating the playlist for the DJ. Absolutely STELLAR!!!

Okay … that’s it …

- Bertha

The librarian has left the building …

2006-05-05T12:24:00.000-07:00

Well … I finally did it … last Tuesday … I put my eyeballs under the trusty knife of Dr. Turner.

http://www.turnereye.com/

Woo hoo! No more glasses!

I tell you … it certainly is a mental adjustment!

When I get up in the morning … even though I can see fine … I still look for my glasses so that I can put them on. Weirdo!!! And then … at the end of the day … I often say inside my head … ‘time to take out my contacts’. Yup … the brain is pretty funny!

The surgery itself was pretty funky … I felt like I was in some “B sci fi” movie … where I was being tortured/operated on … yeah … my brain can be weird like that … but HEY … what the heck else is a person to think … when I could see the instruments working on my eyeballs … and watch as the doctor pulled the flap off my cornea … very wacky stuff!!

Okay … keeping this short and sweet … chat more about this another time.

Toodles,

Bertha
http://www.brrtha.com/

Bustin' my cherry ...

2006-05-04T12:11:00.001-07:00

Well … it’s not quite THAT extreme … yet … it’s still pretty ‘interesting’ … just not as messy … or painful … ouch … did I say that?? Bah ha … sick humor aside … welcome to my FIRST entry!!!

Well … like most folks out there … I’ve been toying with a blog for years … I was first inspired by an old friend of mine … Nancy … who started her blog YEARS ago … I’m thinking 2000 or 2001?? Hmmm … not sure about the year … and I’m sure she’ll correct me if I’m wrong. I guess … that if I really wanted to GEEK out … I could perform a WHOIS …

Domain created on 25-Feb-2001

Domain expires on 25-Feb-2007

Last updated on 28-Apr-2003

Yup … 2001 … although … I just went to her site … http://nancygirl.net … and it looks like it is ‘under construction’.

Too bad her site isn’t up … otherwise … I’d make it my ‘interesting’ link of the post … but … oh well … I guess I’ll just have to use this one:

http://www.tease-inc.com/

Actually … the site SUCKS right now … but … it’s something that I wanted to get up as soon as possible … so … you’ll have to deal with the crappy/geocities template website until I have time to make a real one.

Not much time to chit chat … I promised myself … that if I was ever going to maintain a blog … I needed to limit myself … so that I don’t go on and on and on and on …

Later,

- Bertha

http://www.brrtha.com/