These are photos taken in 2010 on the night we went to the Maricopa County Fair. You might recall the last time we went to the fair, at least the last instance where I have photo/video evidence, was in 2007.
Unlike in 2007, this time I did take a few more photos. As you can tell by the photos that I took, the bright lights against the dark night, particularly those of the various Ferris wheels, are what caught most of my attention.
Audio: "Coin Chaser" by from Joel R. Steudler's Epic Royalty Free Music Collection Vol 2 for which I acquired the license.
Although most photos and videos that I typically take that have or feature flora are from places I'm traveling to or through, in 2009 I did take quite a bit of photos of my own plants. On this day in 2010, it appears that I realized that I hadn't taken any photos of my plants since September 2009.
As I write this in 2025, I’ve realized that because my focus shifts periodically between the things I enjoy—as you may have read in my description, the themes of my photos and videos can change dramatically from year to year. Yet, there’s an glimmering essence that ties it all together.
On this video you see the sprouts of various seeds I planted. If memory serves me right, there were basil, sunflower, marigold, and maybe eggplant, tomato, and watermelon.
Audio: "Eternal Garden" by Dan Henig from the YouTube audio library.
The Arizona Desert! Near Ajo, Arizona ~ 03 April 2010 ========================= From April 3, 2010 =========================
These are photos of that I took near Ajo, Arizona of the desert in that area. The title of the folder these photos were in was Desert Picnic. That means that I took these photos during a picnic at the desert.
If you've watched any of my previous videos that feature Arizona, you may have seen photos of the desert in various places, however, it appears these were the first set taken near Ajo, Arizona.
Here's some previously uploaded videos that include photos of the desert.
It's interesting to me that many times we take photos of places we travel, visit, etc., however rarely take photos of the areas we live, frequent, and spent most of our time in. As I've gotten older, I've learned to appreciate the places I spent my time in much more.
Audio: "Day from the Desert" by Trevor Garrod from the YouTube audio library.
Road Trip! Pine, Strawberry, Payson ~ 18 March 2010 ========================= From March 18, 2010 =========================
These are photos of a short one day road trip in celebration of my birthday to Pine, Strawberry, and Payson on the 18th of March in 2010!
My mother and Armandzraven went with me on this trip.
If you want to see the photos from her camera plus some additional ones after this, watch Memories of Yore: Photos from My Mother's Camera - 2010 ~ What a Trip! → https://youtu.be/RvCeNNTVMgU
Audio: "Morning Haze" from Joel R. Steudler's Epic Royalty Free Music Collection Vol 2 for which I acquired the license. While no attribution is necessary, I still like to include this information in most of my videos.
Birthday Cake! ~ 15 March 2010 ========================= From March 15, 2010 =========================
Photos of the birthday cake that my co-workers got for me in celebration of my birthday in 2010.
Audio: "Cafe Blend" from Joel R. Steudler's Epic Royalty Free Music Collection Vol 2 for which I acquired the license. While no attribution is necessary, I still like to include this information in most of my videos.
Table Tents for Women's History Month! - March 2010 ========================= From March 2010 =========================
On this video you see the info of the table tents we put together for Women's History Month in 2010.
During my time as a member of the Target Tempe Diversity & Inclusion Business Council, TFST Diversity Council at the time of this activity, I provided support in the implementation, creation, communication, leading and co-leading of Diversity & Inclusion events for the Target Tempe Contact Center HQ site. I also managed the internal social media platform used for employee engagement.
Our efforts included creating informational pieces for various history and heritage months. This one was created using Microsoft Publisher, folded them at the edges, and used taped the edges so they would stand up. We placed them at the tables in break rooms and cafeteria for team members to read.
Audio: "Unplugged Hi Old Friend" by Ovani Sound from their Music Sampler Mixtape Vol. 1.
Michelle Robinson Obama
Born on January 17, 1964, Michelle Robinson was raised in a one-bedroom apartment on Chicago's South Shore.
Michelle shared a "bedroom" with her brother, but it wasn't much of a bedroom. It was actually the living room with a divider down the middle.
Both children were raised with an emphasis on education. The brother and sister learned to read at home by the age of four, and both skipped second grade
Michelle Robinson majored in sociology at Princeton University, graduating with cum laude honors in 1985. In 1988 she earned her law degree from Harvard.
Michelle has mastered being a mother, career woman and the wife of a politician. She is in bed most nights by 9:30 and rises each morning at 4:30 to run on a treadmill.
Ever conscious of her family's diet and health, Michelle Obama has supported the organic food movement, instructing the White House kitchens to prepare organic food for guests and her family.
Kathryn Ann Bigelow
“I’ve spent a fair amount of time thinking about what my aptitude is, and I really think it’s to explore and push the medium. It’s not about breaking gender roles or genre traditions.” —Kathryn Bigelow 2009
Kathryn was born in San Carlos, California, a very talented painter she spent two years at the San Francisco Art Institute.
She won a scholarship to the Whitney Museum Independent Study Program. she started out as a painter and a fellow at the Whitney Museum in New York.
She later graduated with her masters from Columbia’s Film School.
Her first short film was The Set Up (1978) a 20 minute deconstruction of violence in film.
Kathryn was the first woman to be honored as Best Director by the Academy Awards for her work The Hurt Locker.
Florence Nightingale
"I think one's feelings waste themselves in words; they ought all to be distilled into actions which bring results."—Florence Nightingale
Florence Nightingale was educated by governesses and then by her father and her older sister Pantenope.
At twenty she overcame her parent’s objections to receive tutoring in mathematics.
Florence went to Kaiserwerth in Prussia to experience a German training program for girls who would serve as nurses.
She was dubbed “The lady with the lamp” after her habit of making rounds at night to tend injured soldiers.
In 1860 she founded the Nightingale School and Home for Nurses in London, England.
She was the first woman elected to the Royal Statistical Society.
In 1907, she was the first woman to be granted the British Order of Merit.
Hillary Rodham Clinton
Born on October 26, 1947 in Chicago and raised in Park Ridge, Illinois.
Active in young Republican groups and campaigned for Republican presidential nominee Barry Goldwater in 1964.
Inspired to work in some form of public service after hearing a speech in Chicago by the Reverend Martin Luther King and became a Democrat in 1968.
Before he proposed marriage, Bill Clinton had secretly purchased a small house that she had remarked that she liked. When he proposed to her, he revealed that they owned the house. (Fun Fact, so could delete if too much info.)
Clinton became the first wife of a president to seek and win national office and the first woman to be elected to the U.S. Senate from New York.
Early 2007, Hillary Clinton announced her plans to strive for another first—to be the first female president. Senator Clinton conceded her nomination to Barack Obama which a majority of the delegate vote.
US Secretary of State - January 21st, 2009.
Clara Barton
“A ball had passed between my body and the right arm which supported him, cutting through the sleeve and passing through his chest from shoulder to shoulder. There was no more to be done for him and I left him to his rest. I have never mended that hole in my sleeve. I wonder if a soldier ever does mend a bullet hole in his coat?” —Clara Barton
When she 40 years old, the outbreak of the Civil War launched her on her life's work.
She began to assemble and distribute supplies to the Union soldiers. Knowing that nurses were urgently needed at the battlefield, she "broke the shackles and went into the field."
She was calm and resourceful, always turning up with food and medical supplies just when they were needed most. Clara Barton gained national acclaim as "the angel of the battlefield.”
After the war she coordinated a national effort to locate soldiers who were missing in action. Barton threw herself into relief work in Europe and was impressed with the International Red Cross. She then lobbied for United States ratification of the Red Cross Treaty. She was the founder of the American Red Cross and served for many years as its president.
Rosa Parks
Born Rosa Louise McCauley on February 4, 1913, in Tuskegee, Alabama.
On December 1, 1955, after a long day at work at the Montgomery Fair department store, Rosa Parks boarded the bus for home. Her refusal to surrender her seat to a white passenger spurred a city-wide boycott and helped launch nation-wide efforts to end segregation of public facilities. She was fined $10, plus a $4 court fee.
She had become a symbol of the Civil Rights Movement, but suffered hardship as a result. She lost her job at the department store and her husband lost his after his boss forbade him to discuss his wife or their legal case. They were unable to find work and eventually left Montgomery and moved to Detroit, Michigan in 1957.
President Clinton presented Rosa Parks with the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1996 and in 1999 she received a Congressional Gold Medal..
In 1999, Time magazine named Rosa Parks one of the 20 most influential people of the 20th century.
She died in 2005 at the age of 92.
Sandra Day O’Connor
Born on March 26, 1930, in El Paso as Sandra Day. She spent part of her childhood on her family’s ranch in southeastern Arizona called the Lazy B.
Graduated from Stanford University with a bachelor’s degree in economics in 1950 and a law degree in 1952.
After graduation, O’Connor tried to find jobs in both Los Angeles and San Francisco, but because of the prejudices against women at that time she could not get a job as a lawyer but was offered a legal secretary position which she declined.
In 1981, she broke new ground for women in the legal field when she was sworn in as the first female justice on the Supreme Court.
Although she was not a strong supporter of the women's movement, O'Connor was a founder of both the Arizona Women Lawyers Association and the National Association of Women Judges.
She focused on the letter of law, not the clamoring of politicians, and voted for what she believed best fit the intentions of the U.S. Constitution.
Sandra Day O’Connor retired from the court on January 31, 2006.
Florence Allen
"It's so worth-while being a judge, because, if I make good, I can help prove that a woman's place is as much on the bench, in City Council, or in Congress, as in the home." —Florence Ellinwood Allen
Florence Ellinwood Allen opened doors in the legal profession previously closed to women. A tireless worker for women’s suffrage, international peace, and many reform causes related to women, children and families.
She gained admittance to the Ohio Bar, helped establish the Cleveland Business Women’s Club, and volunteered at the Cleveland Legal Aid Society.
In 1919, she was appointed Assistant Prosecutor for Cuyahoga County and became the first woman in the country to hold such a position.
She was the first woman elected to a judgeship in the United States.
In 1922, Judge Allen became the first woman to sit on a state supreme court.
She was the first woman to sit on any Federal bench of general jurisdiction.
In 1959, she became Chief Judge and the first woman in the nation to become a Chief Judge on a Federal Court.
In 1922, Judge Allen became the first woman to sit on a state supreme court, defeating both the Democratic and Republican candidates.
She was the first woman to sit on any Federal bench of general jurisdiction. She served 25 years with outstanding distinction. In 1959, she became Chief Judge and the first woman in the nation to become a Chief Judge on a Federal Court. Many in the profession regarded Florence Allen as one of the most distinguished jurists in the nation.
Mother Teresa
Famous Quotes:
"Do not wait for leaders; do it alone, person to person."
"If you judge people, you have no time to love them."
"Peace begins with a smile."
Born Agnes Gonxha Bojaxhiu on August 27, 1910, in Skopje, Macedonia.
At the age of 18 she went to Ireland to join the Sisters of Loretto. Six weeks later she sailed to India as a teacher. She taught for 17 years at the order's school in Calcutta (Kolkata).
She started Missionaries of Charity in 1950. The primary task of the missionary was to take care of those persons who nobody was prepared to look after. Today they have a presence in more than 100 countries.
In 1964 on his trip to India, Pope Paul VI gave Mother Theresa his ceremonial limousine, which she immediately raffled to help finance her leper colony.
She has received a number of awards - Pope John XXIII Peace Prize (1971), Nehru Prize for Promotion of International Peace & Understanding (1972), Balzan Prize (1978), Nobel Peace Prize (1979) and Bharat Ratna (1980).
Ethel Percy Andrus
“The human contribution is the essential ingredient. It is only in the giving of oneself to others that we truly live.” —Ethel Andrus
Ethel Percy Andrus, founder of the National Retired Teachers Association and the American Association of Retired Persons, created two national organizations that provide support to older Americans to achieve independence, purpose and dignity.
Andrus discovered the plight of retired educators struggling to survive on meager pensions. She founded NRTA to use group strength to provide low-cost insurance programs and in 1956, the first health insurance program for educators over age 65.
Andrus founded AARP in 1958, becoming president and leading the organization's rapid growth by creating an array of programs to help mature Americans with many aspects of their lives, including second careers, health insurance, travel, and more.
My Sister
I would like to honor and celebrate my sister for: being a woman, being my sister, for being one of my best friends, for her knowing when to offer advice and for knowing when to keep her mouth shut, for her thoughtfulness and generosity, for her being there for me when I needed her the most! Growing up this wasn’t always the case and I am thankful that I now have the experiences and maturity to realize this!
Toni Morrison
"I'm a Midwesterner, and everyone in Ohio is excited. I'm also a New Yorker, and a New Jerseyan, and an American, plus I'm an African-American, and a woman. I know it seems like I'm spreading like algae when I put it this way, but I'd like to think of the prize being distributed to these regions and nations and races." —Toni Morrison
Born February 18, 1931 as Chloe Anthony Wofford in Lorain, Ohio
Attended Howard University for her B.A. and Cornell University for her M.A.
Toni Morrison was the first African American woman to receive the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1993, her citation reads "who in novels characterized by visionary force and poetic import, gives life to an essential aspect of American reality."
Her first novel was published in 1970, The Bluest Eye. Teaching at the State University of New York at Purchase in 1971 and 1972, she wrote her second novel, Sula, published in 1973.
Major General Jeanne Holm
“If you want to succeed, you'd better look as if you mean business”—Major General Jeanne Holm
In 1971, Holm became the first Air Force woman to be promoted to Brigadier General.
Two years later, she became the first woman in all the armed forces to achieve the rank of Major General.
She served in World War II 1939-1946 and the Korean War 1950-1955.
From 1965 to 1973 she served as Director of Women in the Air Force, she worked to enhance the status and expand the roles and opportunities for women in the armed services.
She led efforts to remove outdated laws and policies that discriminated against women in the military.
Upon her retirement from the military, Holm served President Gerald Ford as a Special Assistant focusing on women's issues.
During the Reagan Administration, she became the first chairperson of the Veterans Administration's Committee on Women Veterans, successfully advocating parity for women veterans, their benefits and needs.
My Mother
When I was six, my parents divorced. My Mom had three kids to raise and no child support coming in. Rather than give up and let our house go, she took on a 2nd job and scrimped wherever possible to keep us fed, clothed, and in a warm home. I know she sacrificed a lot throughout the years, but somehow she did it. Her dedication and discipline to me is remarkable.
Mildred Zaharias
Study the rules so that you won't beat yourself by not knowing something.
Mildred "Babe" Didrikson Zaharias
Mildred "Babe" Didrikson Zaharias, the female athletic phenomenon of the century, was the child of Norwegian immigrants.
Reared in poverty in South Texas, she began her extraordinarily versatile athletic career in high school basketball.
After Babe switched to track and field and collected gold medals at the 1932 Olympics, her fame enabled her to barnstorm the country with a team called "Babe Didrikson's All Americans."
When she first took up golf she hit over a thousand balls a day, eight to ten hours a day. Drives of two hundred and fifty yards were not unusual for her.
Babe went on to sweep the major ladies' titles.
In 1949 she became one of the founding members of the Ladies' Professional Golf Association.
A fierce competitor with a free-wheeling style, she closed her career with a courageous, losing battle against cancer.
Matsuri: A Festival of Japan - 27 February 2010 ========================= From February 27, 2010 =========================
Matsuri: A Festival of Japan is a two day festival that that celebrates and features the culture of Japan. In 2010, the event was at the Heritage and Science Park in Phoenix, Arizona, USA. Although it was held at this location for several years, it is now held at Steele Indian School Park. For more info, go to https://azmatsuri.org/
On this video you see the collage of photos that I took and the digital flyer for the event. This was the second time we attended this festival.
Original short blog post about it.→ https://elkirbster.blogspot.com/2010/02/matsuri-festival-of-japan.html
Below are the links to the short video & original blog from 2008, the first time I'd attended this event
To celebrate Pride Month 2025, I decided to create a daily post with phrases that inspire.
I'll usually post something during pride month on at least one of the socials. However, I've wanted to do a daily Pride post during the month of June at least once. The closest I got to do this was was in 2022 via Instagram with 28 posts.
Initially, I was going to make just one post on June 1st because I had some questions to answer:
Could I come up with 30 phrases?
Should they be just the phrases, phrases with images/photos/drawings, phrases with videos, long or short videos?
On which of the social platforms should I post them?
And, it was June 1st already!
First, I decided to create the phrases. I had some already in the works, but I used the assistance of deepseek to create and rework my thoughts. The results provided the additional ideas that I used in combination with my own words and rephrasing many of them. Then, I arranged them in the order I wanted to share them.
Second, I decided that they would include an image. I used phrase as a prompt via perchance to formulate the images. In addition to the phrase, I included words like pride, pride month, LGBTQ+, rainbow, etc. I chose the image that provided a good representation of the phrase.
Third, I decided that I would make them short videos. Making them short videos would allow for them to be posted across my socials (except myspace). I also posted them on my blogs, which you can link through my bio.
Finally, instead of using stock music or popular music, I decided to create my own audio/music. To create them I used audio loops with a mix of EDM 80s Jazzy Drums type feel for them. I created a total of three tracks of which the results are what you hear across each post. IMO the audio/music tracks are much better appreciated hearing them in their entirety. In this post, you can listen to the complete first two tracks and part of the third.
Now that June has passed and each daily post completed, I wanted to share this longer video that includes all the phrases, images, audio, and "the making of" details that you'll hopefully enjoy.
❤️🧡💛💚💙💜 June is Pride Month! ❤️🧡💛💚💙💜
00:00 - 01 "Pride is for everyone—love loudly, love proudly." 00:08 - 02 "You are valid, you are loved, you belong." 00:15 - 03 "Pride started as a protest—never forget the fight for equality." 00:23 - 04 "Be yourself—the world needs your rainbow." 🌈 00:30 - 05 "Pride isn’t just a month; it’s a mindset." 00:38 - 06 "Love is love—full stop." ❤️ 00:45 - 07 "Unapologetically you is the best you." 00:52 - 08 "Pride is power—own your truth." ✊🏳️🌈 01:00 - 09 "Your identity is a masterpiece—paint it boldly." 01:08 - 10 "Love wins—today and always." ❤️ 01:15 - 11 "Take up space. You deserve it." 01:23 - 12 "Out, proud, and fabulous!" 01:30 - 13 "Two-spirit, nonbinary, trans—the earth dreamed us first." 01:38 - 14 "Pride is a protest, a party, and a promise." 01:48 - 15 "Visibility is our armor against erasure." 01:53 - 16 "Pride is love, courage, and freedom—wear it proudly!" 🌈 02:00 - 17 "Every time we show up as ourselves, we change the world." 02:08 - 18 "You are enough, exactly as you are." 02:15 - 19 "Happy Pride! Sparkle harder." ✨ 02:23 - 20 "We stand on the shoulders of queer elders—thank them." 02:30 - 21 "LGBTQ+ rights are human rights." 02:38 - 22 "Trans rights are human rights." 02:45 - 23 "Queer joy is resistance." 02:53 - 24 "Pride includes Black, Indigenous, and POC LGBTQ+ voices." 03:00 - 25 "Intersectionality matters—equality must include everyone." 03:07 - 26 "Your identity is beautiful—never shrink for others." 03:15 - 27 "Coming out is personal—there’s no ‘right’ way or time." 03:23 - 28 "You are not alone. Community is here for you." 03:30 - 29 "Be proud of your story—it inspires others." 03:37 - 30 "Pride doesn’t end in June—keep advocating year-round."
Audio: Three automated loop creations where I chose a mix of EDM 80s Jazzy Drums type feel for them.
This is a photo of a vehicle that had clearly been in an collision. Saw this car when heading home after decorating a hotel room for a c-worker's wedding night.
Decorated Room for Wedding Night - 13 February 2010
Spreading Joy with Childsplay One Book at a Time!- 30 January 2010 ========================= From January 30, 2010 =========================
These are photos from the fourth time I participated alongside #TargetVolunteers at one of Target Storybook Season’s plays by Childsplay. As usual, we applied stickers and handed out a children’s book—this time, A Bargain for Frances. We also shared details about the upcoming Target-sponsored Storybook Season preview. After volunteering, we had the chance to stay and watch that evening’s play, Peter and the Wolf.
If you want to read/watch more about the previous times I volunteered for this, follow the links listed below.
1st time - From October 19, 2008 Volunteer Spotlight: Childsplay’s ‘Getting Near To Baby’ Shines in Target’s Storybook Season! https://youtu.be/-7STWnr9NrM Book we stickered & passed: The Velveteen Rabbit Play we watched: Getting Near to Baby
Car Wetness - 23 January 2010 ========================= From January 23, 2010 =========================
There was no rain but my vehicle at the time had lots of wetness the morning of the 23rd of January before heading to work. It really was just the dew.
Why the photos? It is because there weren't many mornings when living in South Phoenix where this would occur. Also, I'm not usually a morning person, so I wouldn't have noticed if there was dew before.
Audio: "Chasing Waves" by Karneef from the YouTube audio library.
Rock 'n' Roll Arizon Marahon! ~ 17 January 2010 ========================= From January 17, 2010 =========================
In 2010, I was one of the Target Volunteers for the Target sponsored water station at the Rock 'n' Roll Arizona Marathon. That year the event itself was sponsored by P.F. Chang's and so the full name was P.F. Chang's Rock N' Roll Arizona Marathon and 1/2 Marathon.
I only took two photos during the event itself (including the group photo), so I also snapped pictures of the volunteer t-shirt and goodie bag. I’ve included a snippet of the thank-you note we received, which highlights that 92 #TargetVolunteers participated, plus the map showing our water station location.
Audio: "Target Practice" by The Riot from the YouTube audio library.
Watering Can Award! ~ 14 January 2010 ========================= From January 14, 2010 =========================
We won the Watering Can Award! The award was a type of rotating trophy that was awarded to the team that met certain goals. These are photos taken the time that the team that I was a part of won the distinguished recognition.
Audio: "Back in The City" by The 126ers from the YouTube audio library.
For a while now, I’ve wanted to create a short channel intro or trailer, but I kept putting it off because I wasn’t sure how to briefly capture the wide variety my channel includes. However, after deciding on the 📟 Analog to Digital: A Time Warp Journey , I realized it was time to also create a TikTok for No Tan Diario Chronicles—both to expand my audience and for cross-posting opportunities.
Today, I finally took the time to create a TikTok for No Tan Diario Chronicles. For the first video, I decided to make a short intro/trailer using my current YouTube banner. It includes:
The channel name: No Tan Diario Chronicles
The slogan that hints at my channel’s theme: El Diario No Tan Diario de Kirby.
Five photos of me from different life stages
Audio I originally made for Amalgam Creative Arts
The banner’s background is a fusion of flags I identify with: the U.S., Mexico, Texas, Arizona, and Rainbow Pride flags. This design was previously featured in the AI Flag Fusion video on Amalgam Creative Arts (watch here).
I've created both horizontal and vertical versions of the intro. In addition to adding this to the 'An Evolving Upload' playlist, I’ll also include it in 'A Chronological Journey' and 'Artsy Craftsy Dishy Folksy' playlists since it’s an artsy creation with today’s date.
Another thing to note: With TikTok now in the mix, I'll be sharing some of my newly uploaded content. I may edit and enhance some posts, so stay tuned to relive past videos on YouTube too!
Audio: "A Tale of Fantasy" by Amalgam Creative Arts
The Last of the Target Magazines! ~ 10 January 2010 ========================= From January 10, 2010 =========================
For a period of time I had been saving Target magazines with the intention of making various different crafts with them. Though I did make some, ultimately there were just too many so I tossed them all. This is a photo I took of the last of the Target magazines as a sort of memento to remember that period of time.
Audio: "Back in The City" by The 126ers from the YouTube audio library.
You may remember when I wrote about the creation of my 📼 Analog Musings playlist/label was due to my desire to digitize my small collection of music and videos that came from Cassettes, VHS, Vinyl, and maybe even some DVDs and early Blu-Ray Discs.
While working on 📼 Analog Musings it was still on the back of my mind what those other playlists/labels would be, how would they be categorized, a catchy name for each, and what would that section within my YouTube channel and perhaps even on other socials would be named.
Over the past week or so I've come up with the names for the other playlist/label categories and today I finalized the name of the section, which will be 📟 Analog to Digital: A Time Warp Journey.
Though I don't have videos yet for all the playlists/labels, below is the list of what that section will encompass. Future posts on the specifics of each, except 📼 Analog Musings which I've previously shared about.
Ponytails for Locks of Love! ~ 2 January 2010 ========================= From January 2, 2010 =========================
It's a new year and the start of it began with me cutting off my hair on the 2nd of January. I'd been growing out my hair the previous year to donate to Locks of Love.
Here you have a couple of photos of my hair in ponytails.
If you've noticed, I recently uploaded content from the year 2009 at a much faster pace than usual here on No Tan Diario Chronicles. This sudden burst of activity had a reason behind it: On March 13th, I experienced a strange heart issue that, after several doctor visits, turned out to be tachycardia. Following some dietary adjustments and other changes, I’m doing much better now. However, in that moment, I genuinely feared the worst—that my time might be up. That fear spurred me to upload as much as I could, resulting in finishing the last few uploads from 2008 and completing all of 2009.
That same period also allowed me to post more consistently on Amalgam Creative Arts. By the time I wrapped everything up at the end of March, my health had improved significantly, so I decided to step back and take a short break. During that time, I realized I hadn’t uploaded anything for Analog Musings. Even though these are just simple mixtape extractions, they usually require more focused effort from me because I like to include track titles and artist names—details that sometimes take a while to track down if I didn’t originally write them on the cassette sleeve.
Mega Mix is the title I gave to this particular mixtape, which is made up of songs that reflect my unique musical preferences at the time. These old mixtapes bring back nostalgic memories of my younger days and the excitement of musical discovery.
As was typical, only Side A contained a mix of songs—and thankfully, on this one, I wrote down each title.Also, like many of my mixtapes, this one doesn’t have the creation date written on it. But if you read the descriptions of the previous mixtapes I’ve shared, this was likely made in the mid-to-late nineties.
This mix takes you on another voyage into my teenage years.
00:00 Mega Mix
00:05 DJ Girl by Katalina 03:38 Soy by Lorena Herrera 07:45 El Tigeron by Garibaldi 12:42 Max Mix USA 2 (RV) by Various 17:45 Staying Alive by N-Trance 21:50 La Niña Fresa / Macarena / Colegiala / Marina by Garibaldi 25:26 Evening Bells 26:18 Scatman's World by Scatman John 30:00 Love by Thalia 34:12 Saturday Night by Whigfield 37:56 Be My Lover by La Bouche 41:54 Sex Machine by 20 Fingers feat. Katrina
This is the vertical version of From RCA Cassette Player to Sony Boombox | Analog Musings https://youtu.be/0SqXdZy3bXM
You may have noticed that it’s been a while since I last uploaded anything related to Analog Musings. Part of the reason is that my RCA cassette player stopped playing cassettes. While the radio still works and the player spins when no cassette is inserted, it refuses to do so when one is loaded.
I found a Sony Boombox that belonged to my mother to use, and I even remember helping her pick it out in the early 2000s at a Target Store in Phoenix, AZ. Because I couldn't find the ac cable to it, had to go get six C batteries.
If all goes well, I hope to add a few newly digitized mix tapes to the Analog Musings playlist this year for you to enjoy! For now, I hope you like this short video post which includes snippets from one of those upcoming mix tapes.
Audio: Snippets of "Evening Bells" , "Love" by Thalia, "Saturday Night" by Whigfield, "Sex Machine" by 20 Fingers feat. Katrina, & "Unforgettable" Piano/Sax.
From RCA Cassette Player to Sony Boombox | Analog Musings
You may have noticed that it’s been a while since I last uploaded anything related to Analog Musings. Part of the reason is that my RCA cassette player stopped playing cassettes. While the radio still works and the player spins when no cassette is inserted, it refuses to do so when one is loaded.
I found a Sony Boombox that belonged to my mother to use, and I even remember helping her pick it out in the early 2000s at a Target Store in Phoenix, AZ. Because I couldn't find the ac cable to it, had to go get six C batteries.
If all goes well, I hope to add a few newly digitized mix tapes to the Analog Musings playlist this year for you to enjoy! For now, I hope you like this short video post which includes snippets from one of those upcoming mix tapes.
Audio: Snippets of "Evening Bells" , "Love" by Thalia, "Saturday Night" by Whigfield, "Sex Machine" by 20 Fingers feat. Katrina, & "Unforgettable" Piano/Sax.
Ice on Car - 24 December 2009 ========================= From December 24, 2009 =========================
Another year coming to an end and we wake up to some ice on our vehicle again. If you remember back on the 5th of February of 2008 I was also able to capture ice on my car.
Holiday Play! - 19 December 2009 ========================= From November 19, 2009 =========================
These are the photos that I took at a Holiday Play that Armandzraven's niece Kateri participated in. It was held at a house and as you can see it was packed with parents and family members. Decided to add a frame on the ones where you see Kateri to better focus on her.
Audio: "Christmas Village" by Aaron Kenny from the YouTube audio library.
Profile Photo Flashback! - 05 December 2009 ========================= From December 04, 2009 =========================
Although I'm not one who changes/updates profile photo often, I do update it from time to time. When I do update it, I like for it to be unique. On the 4th of December of 2009 I trimmed my face from a photo that was taken by Rocio during the road trip for Reventon Super Estrella from 2008.
After cropping the photo to be just my face, I turned it into grayscale, then changed it to a black and white silhouette. Those are the images you see on this collage
The chronology follows the creation/edit date.
If you want to see the original unedited photo, go to minute Four Fifty One of the Reventon Super Estrella 2008! ~ From Rocio https://youtu.be/XcLWlJ4Qgpo
Audio: "Uh Oh" by Slynk from the YouTube audio library.
Fruit - 04 December 2009 ========================= From December 04, 2009 =========================
A random photo that I took of fruit in a bowl.
One thing I've noticed as I've gone through my photo albums, and perhaps you may have too as I share them via these photo/video collages, is that many times the random photos are something I found interesting at the time. Perhaps it's appreciating and capturing the small little moments. Life passes by so quickly that we need to pause from time to time to just take it all in.
Hopefully, you are enjoying a small view of my life as seen through my lens, occasionally through the lens of family & friends, as well as the occasional audio/video/game/etc. that has shaped and continues to shape my life.
Audio: "Carried" by Lauren Duski from the YouTube audio library.
Celebrate American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month! - November 2009
=========================
From November 2009
=========================
This is from the November 2009 diversity calendar where we provided information American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month. Read below for the information.
American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month
• At the turn of the 20th century, people began making proposals for a day to honor Native Americans.
• In 1914, Red Fox James, a member of the Blackfoot tribe, rode horseback from state to state in the hope of gaining support for a day of tribute.
• The following year, Dr. Arthur C. Parker, a member of the Seneca tribe, persuaded the Boy Scouts of America to designate a day of recognition for Native Americans.
• New York was the first state to observe American Indian Day in 1916. Over the years, other states followed suit in designating a day to honor Native Americans.
• In 1976, Jerry Elliott (High Eagle of the Cherokee/Osage tribe) authored congressional legislation that was signed by President Gerald R. Ford. The legislation declared the week of October 10-16, 1976, as Native American Awareness Week. Elliott served as national chairperson of the event.
• The celebration was expanded to a month in 1990.
Theatre for Everyone! - 12 October 2009 ========================= From October 12, 2009 =========================
This is a photo of the booklet and ticket stub I received for the play "Honus and Me," a play adapted from the book, which was part of Childsplay's 2009-2010 season of Strikingly Original Theater for Young Audiences and Families.
I was able to watch the play at not cost because I volunteered along with #TargetVolunteers to help stamp and pass out books for the upcoming shows that were part of the Target Storybook Season.
This was photo taken a day or so after the event, was my third time participating in this type of volunteer event, and originally blogged about it a few days after the event.
Fresh & Easy Lamb! - 04 October 2009 ========================= From October 04, 2009 =========================
These are photos taken of lamb purchased at Fresh & Easy back on the 4th of October of 2009. There's a bit more story on original blog post from the 12th of October about a search for lamb.
Dinner at Pan Asia! - 03 October 2009 ========================= From October 03, 2009 =========================
These are photos of dinner at Pan Asia, a restaurant that no longer exists. It was a sushi Chinese fusion restaurant located in the South Phoenix area at 2485 E Baseline Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85042.
As you can see, the photos came out much better than the previous time because I used the better of the cameras I had at the time. It was a Sony Cybershot DSCW100 camera.
After the previously leading foundation of the walk, AIDS Project Arizona, went bankrupt, the AIDS Walk didn’t happen from 2002 to 2007. The event returned to Phoenix in 2008 when Aunt Rita’s Foundation became involved.
You may have seen the photo I'd previously shared from 2008.
These are the handful of photos that I took at the AIDS Walk Arizona 2009. I participated along with #TargetVolunteers and forgot to take a group photo.
Audio: "Gently, Onwards" by ELPHNY from the YouTube audio library.
Official Xbox Magazine! - 26 September 2009 ========================= From September 26, 2009 =========================
These were a couple photos taken of my Official Xbox Magazine taken on the 26th of September after I had decided to cancel my subscription to the magazine.
Para el Recuerdo! Updated - 23 September 2009 ========================= From September 23, 2009 =========================
This is an updated/edited version of a video that my Tia Magda made in celebration of her son turning 14 years old. He is of course my cousin and also my godson.
Although my cousin's birthday is in July, because the 23rd of September of 2009 is when they shared the video with me, that's the date I've used as far as my chronology.
The original video that my aunt made had the song "First Touch" by Yanni as background that when originally uploaded showed a worldwide block when I had uploaded it as is back on the 9th of September of 2018. Such was the block that it was considered a copyright violation by an entity with the name Private Music that I chose to use the remove the music option provided by YouTube.
Now that I've reached the chronology of updates for my video uploads I decided to add music from the YouTube audio library. I've left that original upload without the music available.
Pizza Sunday! - 06 September 2009 ========================= From September 06, 2009 =========================
The pizza dough recipe is the same one I've used now for while. The only difference is that I included whole wheat flour for these. As you can see we made two types of pizzas. A typical American style pizza with the red sauce, mozzarella cheese, and pepperoni but with an addition of sliced black olives and one with homemade pesto sauce topped with chicken and fresh tomato slices. Additional Mozzarella cheese was sprinkled on top of both. Delicious!!
The pizza dough recipe can be found on the following posts and below.
1 package active dry yeast 1 cup warm water(105°F to 115°F) 1/2 teaspoon salt 2 teaspoons olive oil 2 1/2-3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1 tablespoon cornmeal
Dissolve yeast in warm water in warmed mixer bowl. Add salt, olive oil, and 2 1/2 cups flour. Attach bowl and dough hook to mixer. Turn to Speed 2 and mix about 1 minute.
Continuing on Speed 2, add remaining flour, 1/2 cup at a time, and mix about 1 1/2 minutes, or until dough starts to clean sides of bowl. Knead on Speed 2 about 2 minutes longer.
Place dough in greased bowl, turning to grease top.
Cover. Let rise in warm place, free from draft, about 1 hour, or until doubled in bulk. Punch dough down.
Brush 14-inch pizza pan with oil. Sprinkle with cornmeal. Press dough across bottom of pan, forming a collar around edge to hold toppings.
Add toppings, as desired. Bake at 450°F for 15 to 20 minutes.
Yield: 4 servings (1/4 pizza per serving).
Audio: "Sunday Plans" by Silent Partner from the YouTube audio library.
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month! - September 2009 ========================= From September 2009 =========================
This is a from the September 2009 diversity calendar where we provided information about Hispanic Heritage Month. Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated from the 15th of September through the 15th of October. The first image is what it looked like originally. The second is with some slight edit for readability.
The info from this image snap:
Hispanic Heritage Month begins on September 15, the anniversary of independence for five Latin American countries—Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico declared its independence on September 16, and Chile on September 18.
The term Hispanic, as defined by the U.S. Census Bureau, refers to Spanish-speaking people in the United States of any race. On the 2000 Census form, people of Spanish/Hispanic/Latino origin could identify themselves as Mexican, Puerto Rican, Cuban, or "other Spanish/Hispanic/Latino." More than 35 million people identified themselves as Hispanic or Latino on the 2000 Census
If you'd like more specific information about the countries generally featured, go watch—and pause as needed—my video of the Celebration at Work for Hispanic Heritage Month, which took place on September 17, 2008.
These are photos of the Target Oahu-Honolulu West Store that a co-worker took during their trip to Hawaii and shared on August 21. This was one of the first two stores Target opened in Hawaii on March 4, 2009.
Audio: "Easy Seas" by Chris Haugen from the YouTube audio library.
These are photos of the event we put together to celebrate the Rakhi Festival. For the event we set up a table with the materials needed in order for participants to be able to create their own embellished threads.
A brief summary of Rakhi:
Rakhi, also known as Raksha Bandhan, is a traditional Hindu festival that celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters. It typically falls on the full moon day of the Hindu lunar month of Shravana (usually in August). On this day, sisters tie a sacred thread called rakhi around their brothers' wrists, symbolizing love, protection, and lifelong commitment. In return, brothers offer gifts and promise to protect their sisters. The festival transcends biological relationships, often extending to cousins and close friends, and emphasizes the values of family, unity, and care.
Audio: "Bageshri" by Aditya Verma from the YouTube audio library.
My Collage Art Piece! - 03 August 2009 ========================= From August 03, 2009 =========================
These are photos of a collage art piece that I started working on. This was to be part of a larger overall piece, however didn't get to complete the rest. Perhaps one day I may finish the rest, however first I would need to locate this portion of it.
Audio: "Drifting Sands" by JAde Wii from the YouTube audio library.
Celebrate Obon! - August 2009 ========================= From August 2009 =========================
This is from the August 2009 diversity calendar where we provided information about the Obon Festival. Read below for the information.
Obon Festival
Obon is one of the most important traditions for Japanese people. It is a Buddhist event and is the period of praying for the repose of the souls of one's ancestors. People believe that their ancestors' spirits come back to their homes to be reunited with their family during obon. Obon is an important family gathering time and many people return to their hometowns.
People clean their houses and offer a variety of food such as vegetables and fruits to the spirits of ancestors in front of butsudan (Buddhist families altar). Butsudan is decorated with flower and chouchin (paper lanterns). On the 13th, chouchin are lit inside houses, and people go to their family's graves to call their ancestors' spirits back home. It's called mukaebon. In some regions, fires called mukaebi are lit at the entrances to homes to guide the ancestor's spirits. On the 16th, people bring the ancestor's spirits back to graves, hanging
chouchin painted with the family crest to guide the ancestors' spirits. It's called okuribon. In some regions, fires called okuribi are lit at entrances of homes to send the ancestors' spirits. During obon, the air in houses and cemeteries in Japan are filled with the smell of incense called senko.
Toro Nagashi (floating paper lanterns) is a custom often held during obon. On the evening of the 15th, people send off ancestor's spirits with a paper lantern, lit by a candle inside and floated down a river to the ocean.
Audio: "Ether Real" by Density & Time from the YouTube audio library.
Random Car Accident I Spotted! - 29 July 2009 ========================= From July 29, 2009 =========================
As I was heading home after work on the 29th of July, I spotted a random car accident that happened at the intersection of Baseline Rd. and 16th St. in South Phoenix. These are the two photos that I took.
Audio: "Carried" by Lauren Duski from the YouTube audio library.
Ice Cream Social! - 29 July 2009 ========================= From July 29, 2009 =========================
These are photos of a social event at my then place of employment where we encouraged fellow employees to celebrate, learn, and provide ideas for diversity activities. The below is what we had sent as an invite communication.
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Diversity Ice Cream Social!
When: Wednesday July 29, 2009 Times: 11am – 1pm & 4pm – 6pm Where: Building A in the café Why:
• To celebrate Diversity! • Learn more about how you can participate in upcoming Diversity activities! • Opportunity to offer suggestions for upcoming activities and possibly win a prize in the process! • Share your email address to stay informed on current Diversity initiatives. • Foster an inclusive culture in which people from diverse backgrounds are respected and valued!
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During the event we had a table with a tri-fold display that included photos of past events, a sign up sheet for employees to provide their email to stay informed, a drop-box where they could leave their ideas and if they provided their name they could win a prize, and of course we had ice cream for all to enjoy.
After the event, we sent an email with photos of the event and winner of a prize.
The photos you see at the beginning of this video were taken by Robin who sent me the images to share with the communication. She inadvertently sent me some images of her pets at the time. I decided to leave those in and include the photos that I myself took of the event following them. My photos also show a bit of the prep work inflating balloons.
Audio: "Ice Cream" by Joey Pecoraro from the YouTube audio library.
Coffee! - 24 July 2009 ========================= From July 24, 2009 =========================
These are photos that I took on the 24th of July. I named the folder I saved them in, "My coffee with Splenda and organic vanilla soy milk." By now, you may have watched some of my videos featuring random photos. Often, I take photos like these with the intention of posting them on one of the social media at the time, even if I never end up doing so. Now that I finally have some time, we get to revisit them in a sort of throwback.
Audio: "Coffee Stains" by Riot from the YouTube audio library.
Exploring Los Angeles! - 19 July 2009 ========================= From July 19, 2009 =========================
These are the photos that I took during the road trip to Los Angeles with Rocio and Ene to attend Reventon Super Estrella 2009!
Because I didn’t take my camera to the concert, there are no photos of the concert taken by me. Thankfully, Rocio and Ene did bring theirs. Below are the videos I made with the photos they each shared.
Reventon Super Estrella 2009! - From Ene ========================= From July 18-19, 2009 =========================
These photos were taken by Ene from July 18th through the 19th during a weekend road trip taken from Phoenix, Arizona to Los Angeles, California for the Reventon Super Estrella 2009 concert that took place at The Staples Center.
Rocio and Ene drove from Phoenix, AZ to Los Angeles and I flew in from Las Vegas, where I had been celebrating Armnadzraven's birthday, to meet them.
Because I didn’t take my camera to the concert, there are no photos of the concert taken by me. Thankfully, Rocio and Ene did bring theirs. Additionally, I don’t have any memorabilia from this concert; however, these photos and the memories they bring are fantastic.
We then drove back together from Los Angeles, California to Phoenix, Arizona.
Audio: "Fin de la Noche" by Luna Cantina, "Bailando con el Viento" by Luna Cantina, "Latin Lover" by Quincas Moreira, and "Mariachiando" by Doug Maxwell and Jimmy fontanez, all from the YouTube audio library.
Reventon Super Estrella 2009! - From Rocio ========================= From July 18-19, 2009 =========================
These photos were taken by Rocio from July 18th through the 19th during a weekend road trip taken from Phoenix, Arizona to Los Angeles, California for the Reventon Super Estrella 2009 concert that took place at The Staples Center.
Rocio and Ene drove from Phoenix, AZ to Los Angeles and I flew in from Las Vegas, where I had been celebrating Armnadzraven's birthday, to meet them.
Because I didn’t take my camera to the concert, there are no photos of the concert taken by me. Thankfully, Rocio and Ene did bring theirs. Additionally, I don’t have any memorabilia from this concert; however, these photos and the memories they bring are fantastic.
We then drove back together from Los Angeles to Phoenix.
Audio: "Bailando con el Viento" By Luna Cantina from the YouTube audio library.
Las Vegas Birthday Trip! - 16 & 17 July 2009 ========================= From July 16-17, 2009 =========================
Photos from the birthday trip to Las Vegas, celebrating Armandzraven's birthday. My memories of this trip include a great birthday dinner at a Japanese restaurant, followed by hanging out at the pool and hot tub with Armandzraven, their brother, and their brother's girlfriend at the time.
Audio: "Uh Oh" by Slynk from the YouTube audio library and the ambient of the one video section that is very typical Las Vegas traffic honking.
Make Your Mark on Diversity! - July 2009 ========================= From July 2009 =========================
These are photos of a banner that was created with the help of participants by encouraging them to trace their hands and color them as they wished. What you see is the final result. Once completed, it was hung from the second-floor railing of the most trafficked building for all to see.
Though I can’t remember exactly when we originally placed the banner out for participants, I was in charge of sending out the wrap-up email communication, which included a photo. I took photos of the banner on the 4th and 5th of July and then sent the corresponding communication. The first image is of the communication, and the rest are the photos.
Audio: "Lost and Found" by Jeremy Blake from the YouTube audio library.
Celebrating Independence Day in Yuma! - 03 July 2009 ========================= From July 03, 2009 =========================
These are the photos and videos (previously uploaded individually) from the Independence Day celebration in Yuma that took place on the 3rd of July. It was a day and afternoon at the Colorado River by Pivot Point Plaza. We then watched the fireworks from parking lot of the Fort Yuma Quechan Tribe office that is up on the hill and overlooks Paradise Casino.
Audio: "Water Lily" by The 126ers from the YouTube audio library on the photo sections and the music/ambient of the videos.
Celebrating Independence! - July 2009 ========================= From July 2009 =========================
This is from the July 2009 calendar that as you may have guessed is Celebrating Independence.
The Declaration of Independence
“We hold these truths to be self-evident: That all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness; that, to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed; that whenever any form of government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new government, laying its foundation on such principles, and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their safety and happiness.”
The Declaration of Independence document proclaimed the independence of the 13 British colonies in America and was adopted by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776. The declaration recounted the grievances of the colonies against the British crown and declared the colonies to be free and independent states. The proclamation of independence marked the culmination of a political process that had begun as a protest against oppressive restrictions imposed by the mother country on colonial trade, manufacturing, and political liberty and had developed into a revolutionary struggle resulting in the establishment of a new nation.
Audio: "True to the Flag" by United States Marine Band from the YouTube audio library
