The Korean Bell of Friendship at Angels Gate Park

I don't get around much any more, but when I do
you can bet you'll hear about it. Some of my pics taken
in October '09 of a truly unique place to visit when in the L.A.,
California area.


Mountains and hills, the Blue Pacific Ocean below,
Blue skies above, 365 days a year.

Well, almost....it was damp, drizzly and overcast on the
day that I re-visited this modern-day structure that
consists of a Pavilion that houses the enormous Bronze
Korean Bell of Friendship

Situated in Angels Gate Park in San Pedro, close to L.A.,
the bell was presented in 1976 by the Republic of Korea
to the American people to celebrate the bicentennial of
the United States, to honor American veterans of the
Korean War, and to symbolize friendship between the
two nations.

On the day I was there a Photo shoot was in progress
literally at the steps of the Bell.

Angels Gate Park that houses this starkly beautiful
monument has been a favorite location for Hollywood
film cast and crews due to its picturesque surroundings.
'The Usual Suspects' starring Kevin Spacey and Giancarlo
Esposito was filmed here, as were parts of The Titanic.
The secluded and peaceful area attracts people like
Johnny Depp, who is noted for hanging around the
San Pedro area. Notable area residents past and present
include actress Sharon Tate, Author Charles Bukowski,
Comedian D.L. Hughley and Art Pepper, Jazz Saxophonist.


But don't take my word for it. Just check out this

Korean Bell of Friendship Fabulous Full-screen Panoramic
Slideshow
by Carol Struycken

I consider this place an instant favorite for anyone who visits
and I highly recommend it for its serene and meditative
atmosphere.

View my pics The Korean Bell of Friendship in San Pedro
- a set on Flickr

San Pedro : A Whale of a Town

The Korean Bell at wikipedia

And Now, I Give You All...The (USB) Finger ! | The News is NowPublic.com

A weird oldie about an implant that doubles as a gadget, one
that I wrote about during my short-lived connection with
Now Public.com....

And Now, I Give You All...The (USB) Finger ! |
The News is NowPublic.com

Pink Rules in October

October is the one month in the USA that many Retail stores find
it in their hearts to give up their precious display space to promote
awareness for Breast Cancer. The color Pink is Everywhere !
Pink is the distinguishing color for hats, bracelets, mugs, shirts,
pens, cosmetics, you name it - an increasing number of products
are tied to Breast Cancer awareness, and with good reason :

" Women in the United States have the highest incidence rates
of breast cancer in the world; 141 among white women and
122 among African American women." ~wikipedia

Today there are over 2.5 million breast cancer survivors, which
mean 2.5 million Survivor stories, many of which remain untold.


DOVE Chocolate Promises of Hope include special messages
of hope, inspiration and strength, written by survivors. Look for
their personal, motivational messages under each DOVE Promises
wrapper.

After eating these chocolates and reading the survivors' inspirational
messages, I sought inspiration in sharing their message in my own
little way. What I came up with is above : two pics of Dove wrappers
that I took and then uploaded to Flickr
Full size Wrapper Images: Outer Inner

I'd best let the Komen.org team tell their story :
" Susan G. Komen fought breast cancer with her heart, body and soul.
Throughout her diagnosis, treatments, and endless days in the hospital,
she spent her time thinking of ways to make life better for other women
battling breast cancer instead of worrying about her own situation.
That concern for others continued even as Susan neared the end of
her fight. Moved by Susan’s compassion for others and committed
to making a difference, Nancy G. Brinker promised her sister that
she would do everything in her power to end breast cancer forever.

That promise is now Susan G. Komen for the Cure®,
the global leader of the breast cancer movement, having
invested more than $1 billion since inception in 1982. As the
world’s largest grassroots network of breast cancer
survivors and activists, we’re working together to save lives,
empower people, ensure quality care for all and energize
science to find the cures.

Thanks to events like the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure®,
and generous contributions from our partners, sponsors and
fellow supporters, we have become the largest source of
nonprofit funds dedicated to the fight against breast cancer in
the world. "
~ ww5.komen.org/

Houston Texans : Real Men in Pink
In early March, 2009, American Football Running Back
Ryan Moats's mother-in-law, Jonetta Collinsworth, died
from breast cancer. When they were informed that Ms.
Collinsworth was close to death, Moats, his wife Tamishia
(Collinsworth's daughter) and other family members
rushed to Baylor Regional Medical Center in
Plano, Texas. After driving through a red light, Moats
was stopped by a Dallas Police Department officer,
who delayed him for 13 minutes outside the hospital's
emergency room, after Moats's explanation was
corroborated by a hospital nurse. The officer drew his
weapon during the incident. By the time Moats reached
Collinsworth, she had died.

Now Moats and other members of the NFL are daring
to wear Pink during their Sunday matches, and all for the
cause of raising Breast Cancer Awareness.
~ story from KHOU Texas