Joshua G. Squirrel

Dubuque

2010-07-02T06:43:00.001-07:00

Having been raised in the Mohave, I have an appreciation for green. Show me a palm tree and I'll toss you some synonyms for "lush", but, Iowa is a whole other world. You like green? This place redefines it.

Julien Dubuque's grave, a monument to the town's founding father, looks over a spectacular river vista. You can sit on the memorial bench of one of Dubuque's other greats, Tim Miller, to contemplate Mark Twain quotes while taking in what must be the best view in town.

Lunch at Catfish Charlies. Cool building, nice patio dining, not the best food, but ambiance counts for something.

High powered meeting at a coffee shop on bluff st. with local mover and shaker, Bryce Parks. For everything going on in town you can check out his regional network and @ http://www.dubuque365.com or pick up the free 365ink at most local hotspots. Bryce and I strolled past the famous 4th st. cable car elevator over to Outside the Lines Gallery http://www.otlag.com which specializes in fine art by local artists. It may just be the best place to pick up a souvenir. (I mean, wouldn't you prefer to take home an object that appreciates?)

YouTube Video

And of course no trip to the wholesome Midwest is complete without a drive in the country.

And puppies.

- Posted by Joshua from my iPhone

National River Museum Dubuque, IA

2010-07-02T05:41:00.001-07:00

This is the Mississippi.

She's a beaut.

YouTube Video

A barge, just past lock & damn #11. This is how they move grain down to the gulf.

Here I am outside the National River Museum in Dubuque, IA

It's got a fun new kids section.

See the kids

Informative exhibits

Like this one on Native American trade

And this

Showing the effects of the recent BP oil spill/disaster in the gulf. They took the fish out. I missed the fish.

Luckily they still had some in the river section. Big, ugly, fish.

YouTube Video

Big, scary, alligator

What? You see what behind me?

Just kidd'n. See, I survived and here I am with a paddle wheel boat.

-Posted by Joshua from my iPhone

Is now reporting from Iowa

2010-06-28T06:56:00.001-07:00

Who wants to hang at the beach when you can trapse through a cornfield?

The homestead. See the lace curtains? Wait 'till you see the green hills. It's like exploring the old country without needing to cross an ocean.

- Posted by Joshua from my iPhone

Little Squirrel, Big City

2010-06-11T15:21:00.000-07:00

My friend had a lot of meetings, so mostly I wandered around town taking in the sights.

(see that behind me, that's the EMPIRE STATE BUILDING, the real one, not the Vegas version)

After three days I decided New Yorkers are totally misrepresented by their surly reputations. I found them to be pretty much AWESOME. Here's a few of my favorites:

Sanjoy: Brilliant Financial Guru/Regular Good Guy

Jennifer: Brilliant Editor Director/Most Genuine Person Ever

Alvina: Brilliant Senior Editor/Best Lunch Meeting Resteraunt Picker EVER

and here's where Alvina took us:

http://www.charliepalmer.com/properties/metrazur

(this is me with my full belly smiling down at all the people in Grand Central Station)

(there's many, many, more fabulous people I met on my trip, but I got so excited to be in the city I sorta forgot to document it... sorry!)

Finally it was time to go home. Farewell great metropolis.

(sigh)

BTW, red eyes actually do make your eyes red.

Start spreading the news...

2010-06-07T22:09:00.001-07:00

I'm leaving today... A friend of mine is going to New York City and I'm totally excited, because she's letting me tag along. Best thing is, she's in the children's lit buis. I happen to be well on my way to becoming a minor celebrity (insert posative affirmations here) And everyone knows that when you're a celebrity you get write kids books. So I'm taking this as a research opportunity for the side career I'll someday have.

Here I am leaving LA

And here I am arriving in NYC
Cabby, get off the phone and watch the...oops.

- Posted by Joshua from my iPhone

Huntington Beach Hyatt

2010-05-31T22:27:00.001-07:00

The money shot

Spitting fish

Meeting the fans

Getting use to heights

Complimentary chocolate beach.

- Posted by Joshua from my iPhone

Festival of Books- I hate crowds, but I love books, so its worth it

2010-04-24T14:45:00.001-07:00

Me at the festival... I'm blurry becase I'm shaking, because there are WAY too many people here!

Kidlit panel (Kadir Nelson, Pam Munoz Ryan, David Shannon)

Seething masses. Did I mention that I'm an introvert?

(Gordon Korman, D.J. Machale, Neal Shusterman and the Pseudonyous Bosch)

I enjoy books. LOVE them. I love authors too, and sunny days, and news papers, and the Bruin’s campus. I mean, who wouldn’t love the UCLA campus? Even die hard USC fans have to admit the Westwood campus is about as close as you’re going to get to bucolic glory this side of the Mississippi. So of course I planned to attend the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books. And it was, as you’d expect; crowded and therefore far less bucolic than I’d hoped. And me, I’m a squirrel. I like to hide from crowds. So I had to really, really be motivated to stay once I saw all the chaos. But, with panels that included Kadir Nelson, Pam Munoz Ryan, David Shannon, Gordon Korman, D.J. Machale, Neal Shusterman and the infamous Pseudonyous Bosch, I stayed and am happy I did, because, like I said, I do love books.

- Posted by Joshua from my iPhone

LA Times Festival of Books

2010-04-24T09:00:00.001-07:00

I'm think I've figured out my route for today's festival activities, no easy task; all those feet, dangerous strollers... I'm hoping to run across a few distant cousins that might help navigate. Wish me luck!

- Posted by Joshua from my iPhone

Welcome Back Flat Stanley!

2010-04-21T19:15:00.001-07:00

A little party to welcome back our wayward friend.

- Posted by Joshua from my iPhone

Andrew Garcia - Straight Up_ by Paula Abdul on American Idol 2010 Hollyw...

2010-04-16T23:48:00.000-07:00

FYI- even though Andrew Garcia got kicked off American Idol this week, he's still the bees knees... not that I'd ever watch American Idol, 1-866-IDOLS-02 (866 436 5702) Text “Vote” to 5702, umm OK, I do watch it, but I'm not a fan; I just have three extra hours to kill a week, OK four if you count the voting time. Well anyway, Peace Andrew.

Flat Stanley gets stuck in London

2010-04-16T14:36:00.001-07:00

My friend Flat Stanley came to visit me here in California (he's a dead ringer for that famous character in the books, but my guy's from Iowa) So Stanley was kick'n it here and the opportunity arose to fly to London and I was like, 'dude, you should totaly do that!' So he did. And now this whole volcano thing's going on and my little friend Stanley is stuck in the UK. (and I'm feeling horrible.) And this kid from the midwest is eating chips with vinegar and saying 'cheers' instead of 'thank you' and I'm hoping when (and if) he gets back he'll ever be able to drop that limey accent and say 'you's guys like' the red blooded Dubuquer that he is. Bummer.

Thankfully, it does seem like he's enjoying his adventure. He's e-mailed the following:

Hang in there Stanley! Hope to see you soon!

- Posted by Joshua from my iPhone

Oliver Jeffers Reading- Every Picture Tells a Story

2010-04-14T12:18:00.000-07:00

Every Picture Tells a Story http://www.everypicture.com/ is one of the most unique stores in the Los Angeles area; part book store, part illustration gallery, and all kids’ books. Naturally I love it. So, when I heard Oliver Jeffers, (one of the best and brightest talents working today) would be reading from his new book THE HEART IN THE BOTTLE, I was more than a little excited. Jeffer's presentation included an amazing performance where he drew the spreads for his book THE GREAT PAPER CAPER in real time while another person read it for him. Seriously impressive! After that, he taught us how to make paper airplanes and we had a contest to see who could throw theirs the farthest. Mine didn't win. But then, mine was like two inches big and all those west side kids are crazy competitive. Note to self: contact the bear in the PAPER CAPER's forest for some folding lessons.

Catalina Coffee Company

2010-04-12T13:25:00.001-07:00

There are only a few decent independent coffee joints in the South Bay so I consider it my responsibility as temporary resident rodent of Redondo Beach to patronize all those that I can. Catalina Coffee Company http://www.catalinacoffee.com/ is especially rewarding because it not only serves some decent brew, it has a fireplace, lots of books, and yes, a mean egg salad sandwich.

I have no idea why these are here, but I like 'em.

This is a giant bean grinder.

This is a giant head... no just kidd'n, this is the somewhat large head of my very good friend Namaka. (bit of an inside joke there, it's probably more funny if you know us) She does have a large head though, especially when compared to me and many of my friends, but it is in proportion to her and she looks good. So anyway, back on topic...

Here we are basking in sunshine on the outdoor patio, enjoying the hip 1950's architecture while we wait for our...
special of the day. Egg Salad Sandwich on toasted sourdough bread with lettuce tomatoe and onion (I picked that off)

Yum, yum, yum.

- Posted by Joshua from my iPhone

Hibachi Hermosa

2010-04-10T19:55:00.001-07:00

California is all about Artichokes, and some of the best artichokes in the state can be found at Hibachi’s in Hermosa Beach (On the north side of Pier Ave, just up from the beach) With a simple menu and a warm staff (Hi Bob) this place is one of those local happy places where you can chill out and watch a game after surfing or yogaing or whatever it is you like to do before eating and drinking and eating.

If I wasn't a vegetarian squirrel I'd be all over that beef kabob.

Simple perfection... (eating)

We Californians enjoy our aged grape juice. (drinking)

Almond cookies.. because that's how every meal should end. (eating)

-Posted by Joshua from my iPhone

Coachella Lineup

2010-04-09T10:03:00.001-07:00

It's here! The best music festival in all the desert! http://www.coachella.com/event/lineup

- Posted by Joshua from my iPhone

Wisdom for a Wednesday

2010-04-07T15:46:00.000-07:00

In the confrontation between the stream and the rock, the stream always wins

Monkey Boys

2010-04-07T13:54:00.000-07:00

Creepy Monkey Boy Carvings... Um cool (?)

Earthquake

2010-04-04T18:39:00.001-07:00

Dude. Serious earthquake earlier today. Things were shak'n in San Clemente.

- Posted by Joshua from my iPhone

Happy Easter

2010-04-04T12:50:00.001-07:00

Did you know that once a year a magical bunny hops around the world distributing colored eggs and candy? It's true. I met him last night. Nice guy, goes by the name Pete.

- Posted by Joshua from my iPhone

Ground Squirrels are Afraid of Heights

2010-04-02T10:44:00.001-07:00

So ya got to do it once, that's what they say about the Palm Springs Tram, but I'll tell you something...FYI. Burrow dwelling creatures are not comfortable riding rotating trams up a 2.5 mile mountain face while suspended from a ridiculously small wire that sways a bit too easily. Just so ya know.

Going up.

Up.

And up...

And up...

Starting to feel sick...

...praying for solid ground.

Ahhhh. Made it to the top.

Down already, really? @&$@!!!!!!
Still, I recommend the tram, truly; once.

- Posted by Joshua from my iPhone

Back to my roots

2010-03-30T18:52:00.001-07:00

friends are cashing in on some hotel points, that means yours truly got a free trip home to the desert...yay!

Ok, maybe not the most arid of places, but it is in the desert, honest...

Now where is that waiter... garçon, garçon!!

mmmm, olives.

Sure it looks comfortable, but make sure your roomates don't kick in their sleep.

OK, reality check, this high brow hotel is a far cry from my hood, but it is down the street and I ain't complaining.

- Posted by Joshua from my iPhone

Saturday Night San Fran

2010-03-21T23:06:00.001-07:00

Bright lights, biggish city.

To chill out at nice table with a superb view, try The View.

To observe awkward social rituals of human tourists, the (in)famous Starlight Lounge's your place. Both; equally entertaining.

- Posted by Joshua from my iPhone

Japanese Tea Garden

2010-03-20T15:52:00.001-07:00

Blossoms in March

Pagoda

Enlightened Being.

This is where the Hagawara's lived until the war, now it's a pond.

Pretty.

Ocha and sembe at the Tea House.

Check out da bruddas.

- Posted by Joshua from my iPhone

Going to the Gardens

2010-03-20T08:29:00.001-07:00

Glad I'm not a mouse...

Today's adventure: the Japanese garden in the Golden Gate Park.

Did you know that Mr. Hagawara, who created and lived in the gardens was the first person to adapt what we now know as fortune cookies to American tastes. That's right Chinese fortune cookies are Japanese.

- Posted by Joshua from my iPhone

Day Tripping

2010-03-19T21:59:00.001-07:00

What do you do on a sunny day? Take the ferry across the Bay...

Container ships are cool.

As are big crane thingys.

This is where you board the Ferry.

Hi.
I took this picture. I'm good,

Nice, oddly patriotic, concert with sparkely dressed girls twirling flags.

Is it art? Is it a fountain? Is it an insanely slippery death trap/walkway?

Kinda feeling guilty about the $8 sugar cookie.

Back on the boat. Hanging out on the lifeboats (you know, just in case...)

- Posted by Joshua from my iPhone

Heading North

2010-03-19T16:43:00.001-07:00

Having spent my youth in the deserts of So Cal I thought it was time to go North. I hitched a ride with some friends.

Wohoooo!

Rest Stop #1

The big gulp drink stand

Rest stop #2

Hour 5...ok, getting bored

Windmills. How to make a squirrel homesick. Arrival time at the Bay 8:09 PM

-Posted by Joshua from my iPhone

It's been a while

2010-03-19T16:24:00.001-07:00

I'm back.

It's been a while. Things have changed. (more on that later) You may notice I'm drawing myeself less these days. It turns out that illustration, while still a superior form of communication, is time consuming, expensive, and not all that prestigious. Also I learned how to use the camera AP on my I-phone. Sweet.

- Posted by Joshua from my iPhone

June 22, 2009

2009-06-22T11:48:00.000-07:00

Still anxiously awaiting the arrival of my remote control 1956 Chevy Nomad … To kill time, I spent the weekend watching the US Open. I was pulling for Mickelson, but alas, it wasn’t meant to be. I’m thinking I should take up golf. Apparently there are a lot of courses down near Palm Springs. I’m telling you, according to the web, Palm Springs is this just this side of utopia. I'm thinking that if the car works out a road trip is in order.

My Version of an Egg Chair

2009-06-19T16:41:00.000-07:00

Ta DA!!!

The box of craft supplies arrived. I cast the plastic base over a mound of dirt, attached a bit of quilt batting and red fabric with a glue gun, and voila. I gotta admit, I'm pretty happy with myself right now.

A Freak'n Car!

2009-06-19T10:13:00.000-07:00

I just found this ad for an honest to goodness working car. I am so flipp’n out!!! I’m going to buy me an automobile. I’m living the American dream. Freedom I tell you, freedom!

The specs are as follows:

Product Detail
Rubber wheelsWorking HeadlightsGlossy exterior paintScale: 1:10 Custom wheelsSpeed around 15 mph/hrRemote Control Range 80 metersGoes Forward,backward,left,rightVariable Speed ControlColors may vary (green,red)Package Includes:AntennaBattery Pack Charger (120V)9.6V Battery Pack (29.95 Value)AntennaWireless Radio Control TransmitterDimensions: Length: 16 Inches (approximate) Width: 6 Inches (approximate) Height: 6 Inches (approximate)

Birth of the Blues

2009-06-19T08:49:00.000-07:00

These dudes are cool:

The Chair

2009-06-19T08:37:00.001-07:00

Did you know you can buy reproduction Arne Jacobson Egg chairs online? You can buy anything online. I tried all night to find a chair in suitable proportions, but couldn’t. Instead I’ve ordered craft supplies and intend to fashion my own version. The packages should arrive today.

This Summer's Theme Song

2009-06-17T22:59:00.000-07:00

Every summer requires a theme song. I bring you my choice for 2009:

(give it a couple seconds to start)

The Saturday Knights - "Count It Off" from Lincoln Leopard Films on Vimeo.

Evening View

2009-06-17T17:11:00.000-07:00

...and here's my view in the evening. sigh. Gotta love it.

Midday View

2009-06-17T11:58:00.000-07:00

Here's my favorite view at about noon. Notice the change in light, the colors here are constantly changing. That's why I love the desert so much. Of course, we ground squirrels live in burrows. You can miss all kinds of things while hiding in the ground. I've been thinking about that a lot lately.

Morning View

2009-06-17T11:48:00.000-07:00

To begin, a little about where I live. This is the view this morning from my favorite rock. Isn't it beautiful! I love the desert light, it's always changing.

Hello

2009-06-17T10:53:00.000-07:00

I'd like to introduce myself. My name is Joshua G. Squirrel and I live West of Las Vegas in the high desert. No doubt some readers may question how a ground squirrel living in the Mohave has access to the web. Suffice it to say, the story involves a flat tire on a greyhound bus, a spoiled tween, and a precocious toddler. But, what’s important isn’t so much how I came across this fantastically designed bit of engineering they call an i-phone, what’s important is that I have mastered its use. The world is open, I’ve found the door.