Cruising off the coast

of L. A. on a luxury yacht

“White wind” is crewed by the other group from SoCal Social Club on a cruise of Santa Monica Bay on Sunday. Click image to enlarge. © SGE, Inc. All rights reserved.

THERE ARE FEW BETTER WAYS to spend a summer’s afternoon than lazing on the deck of a 40-foot luxury yacht a mile or two off the beaches of Santa Monica Bay in Southern California.
The region is world famous for its outdoors sports offerings.
If one is so inclined, they can be combined – even on the same day!
Golf in the morning, tennis in the afternoon. Hiking up an 8,000-foot mountain at sunrise, basking on the beach at sunset.
On Sunday, for about 25 members of the SoCal Social Club it was bicycle riding and sailing on a luxury yacht – all in the same glorious day.
After day a 20-mile bike ride from West Hollywood, Calif., to Marina Del Rey, it was time to hit the water.

To read Part I of this saga click here

WHAT WILL THE CHURCH DO TO REVERSE MILLENNIA OF BIGOTRY AND HATRED?
The latest attempt by the Pope at window dressing is far too little, far too late.
After millennia of denial, the leader of the Catholic Church has finally acknowledged the existence of gays among the flock.
But the history of the institution he leads has already been written. And it is not a pretty story.
Get In the (K)now … here, now

Southern California is famous for its outdoors sports offerings. What’s not so well known is how – if you wish – you can combine them on the same day!
On Sunday, it was bicycle riding and sailing on a luxury yacht – all in the same glorious day as about 25 members of the SoCal Social Club enjoyed this rare combination of two fabulous sports in one day.
Get In the (K)now here, now.

This is a sad day for the U.S., the American people and the freedom of the press in the self-described bastion of free speech.
Bradley Manning still could spend much of the rest of his young life in prison. He is only 26 years old.
He is an American hero for bringing to the world’s attention the misdeeds of the U.S. government under the worst president ever.
Get In the (K)now here now.

SECURITY HASSLES ARE JUST ABSURD THEATER
If it made any difference to safety in the skies, U.S. airport screening of passengers may all be worth the hassle, but it doesn’t, researchers say.
Everyone ¬– infants, grandparents, quadriplegics – has to take off shoes, unbuckle belts and put laptops in separate containers.
The lines are long and unpredictable.
It doesn’t have to be that way. It is time for a reassessment.
Get In the (K)now here now.

PERSECUTION OF WHISTLEBLOWERS DRYING UP DATA FOR INVESTIGATIVE REPORTERS
The time has come for federal protection for journalists, or the American public will never know what it does NOT know because whistleblowers fear reporters will be compelled to reveal confidential sources.
The relentless persecution of government whistleblowers by the Obama administration is drying up sources of vital information. Many are fearful of communicating with journalists, who increasingly are being forced to divulge their anonymous sources.
Get In the (K)now here, now.

BE DISREET: RECHARGE BEHIND A TREE
You may just be able to charge your phone while hiking in the woods – just take plenty of beer!
A group of six scientists has just announced successful development of a phone battery powered by urine! Pee is for power!
Get In the (K)now here, now.

SCENIC ROUTE POPULAR WITH BIKERS IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA (WATCH THE MOVIE)
The Angeles crest Highway from La Canada-Flintridge is a two-lane stretch of road winding its way through the San Gabriel Mountains some 66 miles to Phelan, a tiny village in the Mohave Desert.
On most weekend days, throngs of bikers from all over the region pack it full; auto drivers, beware!
Watch a video of the route from a motorcycle riders perspective. Get In the (K)now here now.

RESEARCH SHOWS LUNAR CYCLE AFFECTS SLEEP, HORMONE LEVELS
So next time you – or a friend – starts acting strangely when the moon is full (like it will be again on Aug. 20), this time you will have a scientific basis for thinking they’re crazy!
A team of Swiss researchers has found that, under carefully controlled conditions, the full moon does indeed affect us: it alters sleep patterns and changes an important chemical in the body related to sleep and mood.
Get In the (K)now here, now.

YOU WONT FIND THESE AUTOS ON CRAIGSLIST! (with video)
The Los Angeles Times was obliged to correct an article critical of the world famous Petersen Automotive Museum that is selling more than 100 cars to raise funds for an expansion of the facility.
The museum is fighting back with huge headlines “setting the record straight” on its web site.
Get In the (K)now here and watch a video of the auction.