MOVIE REVIEW
With three you have a pattern, so I'd say there's a new breed of documentary. It focuses on competitive verbal savants, highlighting those for whom the pinnacle of the year is a wordsmithing competition. Spellbound in 2002 made the national spelling bee cute and poignant (quirky might have been a given--have you watched the finals on ESPN?). Word Wars in 2004 was less cutesy and slightly less successful at endearing its adult Scrabble fanatics to the world. Now in 2006 we have Wordplay, possibly the most cinematically together of the three. [One could argue that the genre has an earlier exemplar in Searching for Bobby Fisher, but I don't count that because it's not a documentary plus chess is not a word game, though SfBF is a lovely movie.]
Will Shortz, for those of you not in the know, is a puzzle master. He edits the ultimate crossword--the New York Times puzzle--and shares his puzzling prowess and joy on NPR, in Games magazine, and has published countless puzzle collections. Shortz is the main character here but he is surrounded by puzzle creators, competitors, and celebrity fans (Bill Clinton and Bob Dole, Indigo Girls, and Ken Burns among others). In the movie we learn the rules of a crossword, how they are created around a theme, and observe the annual tournament which Shortz began when he was in his 20's. They talk about the legendary Election Day puzzle. Wordplay is mostly interesting, well organized, and has a good soundtrack. This sort of puzzling does not seem to have the cutthroat feel that the earlier films had, and it leaves you with a pleasant if slightly unaffected feeling in the end. That and a desire to pick up the Monday Times (the week's easiest puzzle is inside).
OTHER MOVIE NEWS... Finally, I'm learning of some promising new movies. Several very intriguing trailers were shown before Wordplay: the apparently faithful rendition of Philip K. Dick's story A Scanner Darkly gets the animated treatment, Woody Allen's next movie (Scoop) features lighthearted mystery and Scarlett Johannson, plus there's a Hispanic teen story a la Real Women Have Curves (Quinceanera), and Once in a Lifetime, an ESPN documentary film about the late 70's New York Cosmos superstar soccer team. I've not seen trailers but the description of The OH in Ohio sounds quite, uh, titillating, and Little Miss Sunshine has gotten solid film festival accolades. Look for more reviews soon.
June 30, 2006
June 29, 2006
Security
LONG STORY FOR A SHORT POINT ALERT
How sad when helpfulness can be cast aside in favor of fear. At the airport yesterday I saw a laptop computer face down on the seat behind me. I had heard an announcement referencing it earlier ("A laptop has been found. If you believe it is yours, please pick up a white courtesy phone."). As I glanced at the fancy but forgotten piece of equipment a kindly old security guy came over and told me he had already tested the laptop for bomb material. It was clean, just a computer, he said, but he had put it back where it was left and would keep an eye on it for a little while, in case the owner returned soon. I was glad to know that things like bomb testing went on so unobtrusively. I was also pleased to hear that they didn't immediately whisk forgotten items away to the trash. So I turned the little computer around slightly to read the stickers on the bottom, looking for clues to its owner. It looked like a company owned computer. I gently tilted it up (my gentleness was to allay any potential fears on the part of security of an attempted theft) and saw another sticker on the front, this time a long label.
As I slowly flipped the laptop over, I realized I was being intently stared at by a woman sitting several chairs down. My immediate neighbor was intrigued but did not look stricken. This more distant fellow passenger looked like she was about to tackle me, as she sat balanced on the balls of her feet, hands pushing down on her armrest. "Don't open that!" she cried out as I turned the computer to read the name on the label. I read the name out to the security guy who immediately got on the intercom to beckon the laptop's owner by name. (I guess when security tested it, they were focusing on the test requirements not on the stickers, probably reasonable.) "Don't open it!" She was really panicked now. Her husband and another neighbor looked a little funny at me too. "I'm not opening it." I said to her clearly, calmly. I lifted my hands as a show of faith. I understood why she was afraid, but I knew I wasn't playing with fire here. I really did not want to be the cause of a scene. "It's already been tested, it's clean." I tried to reassure her, but she did not look convinced.
Next to the name was a phone number, Connecticut area code. I took the chance that this was not an undetectable, sophisticated, phone-triggered explosive device passing off as an expensive, license-sticker-laden Dell laptop. I picked up my cell phone and quickly dialed, carefully avoiding the evil eye that was directed at me. I moved away from the computer and my chair so she might think I was just making a random call. Well, it turns out the owner had just boarded his flight when I caught him on his cell phone. It took a moment for the guy to comprehend that he had left his laptop on a chair out in the terminal, but soon I saw him jogging towards me. It also took the beady-eyed woman a moment to figure out I had called a number somehow attached to the computer. When the owner arrived, the security man politely asked to see his ID before handing over the computer.
The computer's owner was very gracious and appreciative and then went hustling on back down to the gate whence he came. The woman shook her head at me like I'd done a very naughty thing, but I know I didn't. How sad that we live in such fear. My neighbor commented that I did a nice thing and I told her that someone once mailed me back my wallet which I had left at Taco Bell. I do believe that what goes around comes around.
How sad when helpfulness can be cast aside in favor of fear. At the airport yesterday I saw a laptop computer face down on the seat behind me. I had heard an announcement referencing it earlier ("A laptop has been found. If you believe it is yours, please pick up a white courtesy phone."). As I glanced at the fancy but forgotten piece of equipment a kindly old security guy came over and told me he had already tested the laptop for bomb material. It was clean, just a computer, he said, but he had put it back where it was left and would keep an eye on it for a little while, in case the owner returned soon. I was glad to know that things like bomb testing went on so unobtrusively. I was also pleased to hear that they didn't immediately whisk forgotten items away to the trash. So I turned the little computer around slightly to read the stickers on the bottom, looking for clues to its owner. It looked like a company owned computer. I gently tilted it up (my gentleness was to allay any potential fears on the part of security of an attempted theft) and saw another sticker on the front, this time a long label.
As I slowly flipped the laptop over, I realized I was being intently stared at by a woman sitting several chairs down. My immediate neighbor was intrigued but did not look stricken. This more distant fellow passenger looked like she was about to tackle me, as she sat balanced on the balls of her feet, hands pushing down on her armrest. "Don't open that!" she cried out as I turned the computer to read the name on the label. I read the name out to the security guy who immediately got on the intercom to beckon the laptop's owner by name. (I guess when security tested it, they were focusing on the test requirements not on the stickers, probably reasonable.) "Don't open it!" She was really panicked now. Her husband and another neighbor looked a little funny at me too. "I'm not opening it." I said to her clearly, calmly. I lifted my hands as a show of faith. I understood why she was afraid, but I knew I wasn't playing with fire here. I really did not want to be the cause of a scene. "It's already been tested, it's clean." I tried to reassure her, but she did not look convinced.
Next to the name was a phone number, Connecticut area code. I took the chance that this was not an undetectable, sophisticated, phone-triggered explosive device passing off as an expensive, license-sticker-laden Dell laptop. I picked up my cell phone and quickly dialed, carefully avoiding the evil eye that was directed at me. I moved away from the computer and my chair so she might think I was just making a random call. Well, it turns out the owner had just boarded his flight when I caught him on his cell phone. It took a moment for the guy to comprehend that he had left his laptop on a chair out in the terminal, but soon I saw him jogging towards me. It also took the beady-eyed woman a moment to figure out I had called a number somehow attached to the computer. When the owner arrived, the security man politely asked to see his ID before handing over the computer.
The computer's owner was very gracious and appreciative and then went hustling on back down to the gate whence he came. The woman shook her head at me like I'd done a very naughty thing, but I know I didn't. How sad that we live in such fear. My neighbor commented that I did a nice thing and I told her that someone once mailed me back my wallet which I had left at Taco Bell. I do believe that what goes around comes around.
June 28, 2006
Flooding
Livingston Manor (where dad and grandpa grew up) is in the news, but not for happy events. The June 29 NY Times features a photo and news of flooding in the Manor. When I started checking around, it seems the little village is all over the regional news. Of course this happens just as I'm about to make reservations to visit the area.
AN ASIDE
Sad news abounds, this time out of my alma mater. See the official response and the initial gruesome news story about Chancellor Denice Denton's recent death.
A CHEERIER UPDATE (of sorts): In the July 1 Times is an article about a new arts center near original Woodstock site. The article offers some insight into Sullivan County economy.
The overflowing Cattail Brook in Livingston Manor, N.Y., suddenly swept one house from its foundation and, with the 15-year-old girl inside, dumped it in the water.
"I saw it just fold up and it was just gone within seconds," said a neighbor, John Parker. "It collapsed like a deck of cards."
Mr. Parker said that rescue workers had been trying to reach the girl, whom he identified as Jamie Bertholf, a classmate of his daughter. She is missing and presumed dead.
AN ASIDE
Sad news abounds, this time out of my alma mater. See the official response and the initial gruesome news story about Chancellor Denice Denton's recent death.
A CHEERIER UPDATE (of sorts): In the July 1 Times is an article about a new arts center near original Woodstock site. The article offers some insight into Sullivan County economy.
Vacation
He's too darn cute, that nephew of mine.
We just returned from a family vacation in Clearlake, just north of Napa wine country. David and I got work done in between boating, chatting, and playing with Michael. We celebrated grandma's 85th birthday by dining in and dining out. Brian even took her out for a ride on his speedboat. We got in a horseshoe game right before we left (Brian won). It's amazing how long it takes to shuffle two carloads of people from point A to point B. It's also amazing how easy it is to push family buttons (and to have buttons pushed in return).
June 22, 2006
Pleasures
David pointed out some perfectly shaped mushrooms on a neighbor's lawn recently. The jungle-growth weather we've had lately has not brought out the residents' lawn mower yet (their yard is immaculate). I am glad to have been able to enjoy day after day of gigantic white mushrooms, growing in a ring-shaped show of apparent adoration for the stop sign they surround. The pleasures of nature.
In case I haven't mentioned it to you lately, it was my birthday this week. I had a fabulous piece of "classic diner" cake--yellow cake, chocolate frosting--from the Dessert Gallery in Houston. Oh my goodness, that's a profoundly different kind of pleasure than the ring of mushrooms.
David's gift to me was a patient, even encouraging, outing to the bookstore. We browsed, I hemmed and hawed over this and that, he found something not work related to read. When he saw me talking on a cell phone in the store, he busted out laughing over my apparent hypocrisy. The outing was a good gift. A deeply satisfying pleasure that is special and oh so normal at the same time.
It's been all work and play lately. Normalcy is rather low on the event log. But I've taken pleasure in the amusements of cable television (and my good friend Timminy Tivo) during break time. HBO has been good to me. Spiderman 2 lodged itself in my imagination last week and I felt this amazing need to own the DVD (it's not been purchased yet; I do have self control). I have also been unusually drawn to the first 10 or 15 minutes of War of the Worlds (forget the rest of it). I watched an unusual rendition of Pride and Prejudice (set in Provo, Utah, subtitled A Latter-Day Comedy). I've caught snippets of lots of pointless summertime girly flicks. The pleasures of mindless entertainment.
Amidst all this pleasure I was panicked with the idea of my computerized music library disappearing in some horrible natural or manmade catastrophe. I think iTunes brought this on with a warning about backing up your library. Naughty iTunes. Anyway I began creating a series of music CDs that represented favorite tunes. Called Triple Shots and Bonus Blocks it's a collection of more than 300 songs by more than 30 artists for whom I own at least 3 highly rated songs (highly rated by me; you or David might hate them). Got all that? It was a very serious endeavor and David is now subjected to listening to every last CD. Mwahaha! Such a tedious and time consuming creative project gives me great pleasure indeed.
David's birthday card to me said, "Everywhere you look...happiness." So true.
In case I haven't mentioned it to you lately, it was my birthday this week. I had a fabulous piece of "classic diner" cake--yellow cake, chocolate frosting--from the Dessert Gallery in Houston. Oh my goodness, that's a profoundly different kind of pleasure than the ring of mushrooms.
David's gift to me was a patient, even encouraging, outing to the bookstore. We browsed, I hemmed and hawed over this and that, he found something not work related to read. When he saw me talking on a cell phone in the store, he busted out laughing over my apparent hypocrisy. The outing was a good gift. A deeply satisfying pleasure that is special and oh so normal at the same time.
It's been all work and play lately. Normalcy is rather low on the event log. But I've taken pleasure in the amusements of cable television (and my good friend Timminy Tivo) during break time. HBO has been good to me. Spiderman 2 lodged itself in my imagination last week and I felt this amazing need to own the DVD (it's not been purchased yet; I do have self control). I have also been unusually drawn to the first 10 or 15 minutes of War of the Worlds (forget the rest of it). I watched an unusual rendition of Pride and Prejudice (set in Provo, Utah, subtitled A Latter-Day Comedy). I've caught snippets of lots of pointless summertime girly flicks. The pleasures of mindless entertainment.
Amidst all this pleasure I was panicked with the idea of my computerized music library disappearing in some horrible natural or manmade catastrophe. I think iTunes brought this on with a warning about backing up your library. Naughty iTunes. Anyway I began creating a series of music CDs that represented favorite tunes. Called Triple Shots and Bonus Blocks it's a collection of more than 300 songs by more than 30 artists for whom I own at least 3 highly rated songs (highly rated by me; you or David might hate them). Got all that? It was a very serious endeavor and David is now subjected to listening to every last CD. Mwahaha! Such a tedious and time consuming creative project gives me great pleasure indeed.
David's birthday card to me said, "Everywhere you look...happiness." So true.
June 16, 2006
Comical
I need a place to track all my favorite funnies. I could do it privately, but what's the fun in keeping good comics to oneself? So here I share.
Luckily for my sanity, Zippy is delivered to my inbox each day (check it out, they can deliver all sorts of your favorites), but others must be sought out. Some comics have seen better days. Calvin and Opus, in all their wonderful angst or wonder, live on in books. (You are familiar with Bloom County, I hope.) There are plenty of great-when-they're-good comics and admirably controversial or political ones to check out. The New Yorker is the clear leader in single-pane cartoons. The Far Side pioneered--and mastered--weird. Again, luckily for me these things exist.
Luckily for my sanity, Zippy is delivered to my inbox each day (check it out, they can deliver all sorts of your favorites), but others must be sought out. Some comics have seen better days. Calvin and Opus, in all their wonderful angst or wonder, live on in books. (You are familiar with Bloom County, I hope.) There are plenty of great-when-they're-good comics and admirably controversial or political ones to check out. The New Yorker is the clear leader in single-pane cartoons. The Far Side pioneered--and mastered--weird. Again, luckily for me these things exist.
June 15, 2006
Learning
If Bill Gates' money can't do it, then what money can? Maybe it's time to consider that something other than funding is at the center of differences in student achievement. Just a thought....
June 11, 2006
Education
Looking up info on self efficacy studies I happened upon the most amusingly useful website ever for grad students or fans of Calvin & Hobbes, philosophy, The Little Prince, art, cinema, and on and on. You have to click on pictures and quotes at various points to get to something more traditionally useful or sensical, but the entire journey left me inspired. This Frank Pajares guy has become my favorite person of the day, maybe even the month.
June 05, 2006
Mawwiage
Argh, why are we talking about this again?!? Calm, breathe, calm.
Okay, I understand the President's definition of things is quite different from my own. And I understand that there are a lot of people out there who feel similarly (and that "fact" depends tremendously on what sample of the population you're looking at, not to mention that the feeling is one based in hatred and fear). What I don't get is why so-called gay marriage is such a threat to any of these people. In what way would "changing the definition of marriage...undermine the family structure"? That I do not get.
Seriously, intolerance makes me sick. Believe what you want (truly!), but why oh why do you have to be hateful towards others who hold different beliefs? I can't help but get worked up over it. See, I'm intolerant of intolerance. So perfect.
There are lots of open letters for and against the gay marriage Constitutional ban (oh how I shudder--do we really have that much disrespect for the Constitution of this land?). I've already written to my Senators about that; I took a slightly different approach with a June 5 letter to G.W. I don't expect much, but I said my piece (or is it peace?). Anyway, it's all about being tallied, for that's the next best thing to being heard. ;)
August UPDATE: Is this considered judicial activism? If so I am all for it. How sad when people who plan for the happy upbringing of children are prevented but the biologically capable procreate and abandon or abuse without any legal battle so long as it's not overt.
Okay, I understand the President's definition of things is quite different from my own. And I understand that there are a lot of people out there who feel similarly (and that "fact" depends tremendously on what sample of the population you're looking at, not to mention that the feeling is one based in hatred and fear). What I don't get is why so-called gay marriage is such a threat to any of these people. In what way would "changing the definition of marriage...undermine the family structure"? That I do not get.
Seriously, intolerance makes me sick. Believe what you want (truly!), but why oh why do you have to be hateful towards others who hold different beliefs? I can't help but get worked up over it. See, I'm intolerant of intolerance. So perfect.
There are lots of open letters for and against the gay marriage Constitutional ban (oh how I shudder--do we really have that much disrespect for the Constitution of this land?). I've already written to my Senators about that; I took a slightly different approach with a June 5 letter to G.W. I don't expect much, but I said my piece (or is it peace?). Anyway, it's all about being tallied, for that's the next best thing to being heard. ;)
August UPDATE: Is this considered judicial activism? If so I am all for it. How sad when people who plan for the happy upbringing of children are prevented but the biologically capable procreate and abandon or abuse without any legal battle so long as it's not overt.
June 01, 2006
Capricorn
The June 2006 issue of Fortune Small Business features David's dad Michael on the cover. The related article inside includes a reference to David's burgeoning company, CivicSpace. Pretty darn cool.
May 29, 2006
Rudeness
So I went to Cracker Barrel today with Rod and family for a farewell luncheon before they head back to Florida. The friendly young, presumably new waitress (she had only one star on her apron) asked Rod, "Where are you from?" He replied Trinidad, to which she responded, "Where's that?" So he explained. Then others ordered and I ordered and she asked me, "Are you from Trinidad too?" Now I'm not sure what about me seemed foreign exactly, and maybe she was being sweet and new and friendly, and I really should start with the nice reply rather than the funny one, but whatever the reason I responded, "No, I'm from another world entirely." I was going to follow up with, "I'm from California" but Rod had busted up laughing and the waitress had already moved on in her job and I was left having just replied to her perfectly nice question, well, rudely. I mean, it was funny in the moment, but on later thought I realized, man that was uncalled for. Luckily the waitress appeared to take no offense and delivered our food as perkily as she took our order. Of course, a bit of spittle would be undetectable in my bowl of chicken and dumplings. Hmmm.
Anniversary
In honor of the approaching 1-year anniversary of this blog I provide a partner to one of my earliest posts. Oh, and I love balloons. And my birthday is sort of soon too; balloons are associated with birthdays in my world. And I'm some kind of genius I'm sure. And I never suck the helium. For these reasons I present this Fresh Ink card:
Somewhere within one of my dozens of travel bags I tote back and forth to Houston I've got another card that makes me giggle. It's about worrying that as an astronaut calling Houston I'd sound all needy. You'd think it's funny too, if I could just find it....
Somewhere within one of my dozens of travel bags I tote back and forth to Houston I've got another card that makes me giggle. It's about worrying that as an astronaut calling Houston I'd sound all needy. You'd think it's funny too, if I could just find it....
May 28, 2006
Kismet
Barry Bonds hit home run number 715, passing Babe Ruth on the all-time home runs hit list.
The ball glanced off a fan's hands about 15 rows up and then dropped onto an elevated platform beyond the fence. The souvenir sat there for a few minutes before rolling off the roof to an unidentified man waiting for a hot dog, and he was quickly ushered away by security.The idea that some guy ended up with a coveted home run ball while he waited in line for food, well, it amuses me. Firstly, that it ended up in the hands of someone who obviously was either oblivious or didn't care that Bonds was coming up to bat soon, and secondly because I imagine this poor oblivious guy being rushed away and going, "Hey, can I just get my food first?"
May 25, 2006
Computers
Today's book quote comes from David Sedaris' essay "Nutcracker.com" in Me Talk Pretty One Day. A perfect example of what makes Sedaris such a fun read: flies that are casualties of art, the smell of computers (or lack thereof), inexplicable adhesive needs, and designers as dealers. Enjoy.
I wasn't really aware of computers until the mid-1980s. For some reason, I seemed to know quite a few graphic designers whose homes and offices pleasantly stank of Spray Mount. Their floors were always collaged with stray bits of paper, and trapped flies waved for help from the gummy killing fields of their tabletops. I had always counted on these friends to loan me the adhesive of my choice, but then, seemingly overnight, their Scotch tape and rubber cement were gone, replaced with odorless computers and spongy mouse pads. They had nothing left that I wanted to borrow, and so I dropped them and fell in with a group of typesetters who ultimately betrayed me as well.
May 24, 2006
Next
Yet another pointless post: I love, no, I adore--which is different--the Next Blog button. Try it. Discover some of the many devoted Christians and graphic artists/photographers and random Spanish/Portuguese/Italian bloggers out there. I'm guessing that within five clicks you'll find two out of three. Or you might come across some beautiful flower photography. It's a crap shoot.
Follow up: I do not appreciate it when bloggers remove the Next Blog button from their page. How am I to keep on keepin on?
Follow up: I do not appreciate it when bloggers remove the Next Blog button from their page. How am I to keep on keepin on?
Blogosphere
Not that you asked, but...
Confession: I am a perpetrator of blogthings.
And these two things I always knew; in fact, they are part of my life plan....
In thoroughly unrelated news, my fortune cookie fortune yesterday did not amuse me.
Confession: I am a perpetrator of blogthings.
What gender is your brain?
My brain is 60% female, 40% male
My brain is a healthy mix of male and female. I am both sensitive and savvy. Rational and reasonable, I tend to keep level headed, but I also tend to wear my heart on my sleeve
And these two things I always knew; in fact, they are part of my life plan....
What European city do you belong in?
I belong in Paris
I enjoy all that life has to offer, and I can appreciate the fine tastes and sites of Paris.
I'm the perfect person to wander the streets of Paris aimlessly, enjoying architecture and a crepe.What language should you learn?
I should learn Chinese
In thoroughly unrelated news, my fortune cookie fortune yesterday did not amuse me.
May 23, 2006
Drivel
It's been ages since I produced a News from Another World message to friends. House-bound musings have apparently disappeared from my life and I am left with drivel. Yet I don't feel devoid of amusement. In fact, smaller and smaller things amuse me these days, like the way the ceiling fan blows dust bunnies around the wood floor. Somehow not such compelling news. I used to fill my spare time writing movie reviews and updating my now defunct website. Okay, herein an attempt to recapture the fun that comes from being a critic...
Thank You for Smoking stars Aaron Eckhart as a successful tobacco lobbyist who happens to be a pretty good dad too. His character, Nick Naylor, deals with the constant challenges of promoting obviously harmful products by focusing on winning the argument. He meets weekly with lobbyists for alcohol and firearms; they discuss the difficulties of their work like any other group of friends, but of course the subject matter makes it absurdly funny. Nick's presentation at a school career day is pretty good too. I enjoyed the satire, the main characters were well played, and I thoroughly appreciated that in a movie about smoking you never once see anyone actually smoking. But alas the cleverness of the story and characters could not last forever and the movie loses a bit of steam towards the end. Still, this is a smartly told cautionary tale that never feels preachy and is visually amusing.
* Take note of the cigarette-wrapper themed title credits (there should be an award for such things; this and Napoleon Dynamite could compete).
* Visit the official website, watch the trailer or find where it's playing.
Thank You for Smoking stars Aaron Eckhart as a successful tobacco lobbyist who happens to be a pretty good dad too. His character, Nick Naylor, deals with the constant challenges of promoting obviously harmful products by focusing on winning the argument. He meets weekly with lobbyists for alcohol and firearms; they discuss the difficulties of their work like any other group of friends, but of course the subject matter makes it absurdly funny. Nick's presentation at a school career day is pretty good too. I enjoyed the satire, the main characters were well played, and I thoroughly appreciated that in a movie about smoking you never once see anyone actually smoking. But alas the cleverness of the story and characters could not last forever and the movie loses a bit of steam towards the end. Still, this is a smartly told cautionary tale that never feels preachy and is visually amusing.
* Take note of the cigarette-wrapper themed title credits (there should be an award for such things; this and Napoleon Dynamite could compete).
* Visit the official website, watch the trailer or find where it's playing.
May 21, 2006
Malaise
There's a big deadline looming over my head, but now it's break time. I shall remain safely indoors lest I escape to the wilds of east Texas or my backyard. Maybe I've had too much Gilmore Girls season 1 viewing and nostalgic summer longing or maybe the atypically beautiful spring and then summer weather we've had here has melted my brain. It could also be too many consecutive days of working on school and work and home, or the utter lack of a routine...whatever it is, I'm in a funk. Unfortunately, when in that mood it pervades everything I see and feel like doing. Looking at my webpages I see that I've not posted pics in ages, and yet I do have pictures...somewhere. Now I find them but my access to webpages is not cooperating. Sadly for you, our entire trip to Greece last summer is missing from the web. Getting away sounds so good. I've been thinking about planned trips to New York and midwest later this summer and in my head I am on the road, picking the soundtrack and rest stop amusements and matching travel dates to baseball schedules. I read about this new history-minded walking path (de Anza expedition trail) in Cupertino hills and I long to be there or be anywhere with trees and fresh smells and my hiking boots on. But I'm supposed to be working. Deadlines really cramp my style.
May 01, 2006
Breathe
Smoking is being banned in public places in Beaumont. Wouldn't you just know that such a policy would take effect after I am leaving the city?
I think Jason's Deli is the best invention to come out of Beaumont ever. There's not much competition, I suppose. Frankie's Italian Grill is heavenly but I could find nice homestyle Italian food lots of places. I won't really miss anything about Beaumont except our adorable house and associated cardinals and lizards and tropical plants. Isn't that sad?
May 20 follow up: After four years, our issue of The New Yorker actually arrived in the mail before the date listed on the issue. David was speechless. I had tears in my eyes. Again, we are leaving soon.
I think Jason's Deli is the best invention to come out of Beaumont ever. There's not much competition, I suppose. Frankie's Italian Grill is heavenly but I could find nice homestyle Italian food lots of places. I won't really miss anything about Beaumont except our adorable house and associated cardinals and lizards and tropical plants. Isn't that sad?
May 20 follow up: After four years, our issue of The New Yorker actually arrived in the mail before the date listed on the issue. David was speechless. I had tears in my eyes. Again, we are leaving soon.
Rhymetime
It's May Day everybody! (Not to be confused with mayday.) Dance around a maypole or celebrate International Workers' Day or just flip your calendar page, but do acknowledge the date somehow. Again, like my other post--what's it hurt to have a little fun? And on May 5th, you can celebrate No Pants Day as well as Cinco de Mayo. That should make for an interesting dress-down Friday. By the way, Cinco de Mayo is not Mexican independence day.
Numerology
My dad sent me the link to this birthday calculator thing which amused me and might amuse you. It tells you your spiritual numbers, and says how old you are in days, months, etc. It also gives moon phase for your birth date, holiday dates the year you were born, and some personal characteristics. From there you can have your full name numerically analyzed. Apparently my numbers are odd ones, as in 3, 6, 9, and 1, 5, 7. I know we can all find some aspect of ourselves in any Zodiacal descrption (we focus on those things that we believe are true of ourselves and ignore all the false predictions), but I still find it fun. Sue me.
April 30, 2006
Ideation
I'm just full of ideas for spending my time: write novels, create a stirring blog that more than 3 people might want to visit, do stats analysis for nonprofits, collect music-inspired poetry from people I know. But those ideas are so dull. Finally, I've come up with a brilliant idea: month-by-month religious adoption! Over a year, I could spend a month at a time learning and practicing the lifestyle of a particular religious group. Whatever the observant religious person would do, I would do, following gender customs and so on. I would do it from a respectful stand point, not a critical one. I'd need a mentor in each community lined up before I began, I would think. Ideally, it would be organized such that a major holy-day or period would be included in the month. In some cases, more than a month might be necessary. The more I play with this idea, the more it intrigues me. Of course, it's sort of like one episode of Morgan Spurlock's show 30 Days. And of course, it will have to wait at least 12 months. *sigh* So many good ideas, so little time.
April 16, 2006
Coffee
It's ironic given the following, but I do not like coffee in any form, even mocha or mud pie, and I'm pretty sure I don't inspire impulsive action; nonetheless, apparently...
| I Am Mud Pie |
 I'm the perfect combo of flavor and depth Those who like me give into their impulses |
Wrongs
Okay, so five posts in 24 hours is a bit frenetic, I agree. But I just had to add this fifth one. You know that Next Blog button in top right corner? Well, today's meanderings brought me to this fabulous posting entitled "10 rules for knowing you're wrong". It's about scripture and faith, told with apparently deep conviction plus a desire to throw stones at glass houses. The author and commenters are clearly very serious about their faith. Anyway, it's a thought provoking list, check it out.
Someday I will post on why on earth I spend so much of my blogtime exploring religion. I'll have to figure out the answer to that first.
And while I'm at the Next Blog button, here's another interesting post I found using that button. It's a reprint of an article and then blogger's response to the incident involving Congresswoman McKinney, who claimed racism when she was stopped at House office building a few weeks back. Point of the post: using issue card to highlight one's own idiocy just detracts from efforts to actually address the issue.
Your thoughts on either of the above?
Someday I will post on why on earth I spend so much of my blogtime exploring religion. I'll have to figure out the answer to that first.
And while I'm at the Next Blog button, here's another interesting post I found using that button. It's a reprint of an article and then blogger's response to the incident involving Congresswoman McKinney, who claimed racism when she was stopped at House office building a few weeks back. Point of the post: using issue card to highlight one's own idiocy just detracts from efforts to actually address the issue.
Your thoughts on either of the above?
Co-opted
It's that time of year. Yes, some Christians are complaining that Easter has become too secular, coopted by candy and kitsch makers. I totally understand that Easter is a more significant Christian holiday than Christmas, plus I'm not a big fan of consumerism (not to mention that I'm not a Christian, per se). But I do enjoy the odd Cadbury egg (original, not the caramel version-blech) and oversized Reese's pb "egg". And I enjoy coloring eggs and putting out my trio of bunnies (aka The Bunny Brigade). At least the bunny giving out candy thing has some relation to spring and abundance. And I don't claim to be celebrating Easter, really, but Spring, so bunnies and candy in moderation works for me personally.
All this reminds me of abortion arguments. "Against Easter candy and kitsch? Then don't buy it." Okay, that is rather hard line of me. I know it's tough to instill a sense of piety in your child when friends and consumerist relatives inculcate expectations for stuff rather than substance on this, like many other, occasions. It's not just a problem with consumerized holy-days. And wow was that a strange juxtaposition or what? But I seriously digress...
Scandinavia takes the cake on head-scratchingly random Easter activities. Check out the Easter link below for more on that....
The Bunny Brigade and I send pleasant Passover and Easter greetings to our Judeo-Christian friends out there. Don't worry about us missing out though--we will enjoy some secular revelry of our own, fear not, for spring is afoot!
By the way, David, we got you a Yummy chocolate bunny (this is a test to see if he's reading along). The bunny's name is Yummy, thus making the act of eating him a bit easier. I mean, he's made to be eaten.
Oh dear, I just pictured those cows in Coalinga and felt my argument go out the window. They were made to be eaten too. sigh Time to go...
All this reminds me of abortion arguments. "Against Easter candy and kitsch? Then don't buy it." Okay, that is rather hard line of me. I know it's tough to instill a sense of piety in your child when friends and consumerist relatives inculcate expectations for stuff rather than substance on this, like many other, occasions. It's not just a problem with consumerized holy-days. And wow was that a strange juxtaposition or what? But I seriously digress...
Scandinavia takes the cake on head-scratchingly random Easter activities. Check out the Easter link below for more on that....
The Bunny Brigade and I send pleasant Passover and Easter greetings to our Judeo-Christian friends out there. Don't worry about us missing out though--we will enjoy some secular revelry of our own, fear not, for spring is afoot!
By the way, David, we got you a Yummy chocolate bunny (this is a test to see if he's reading along). The bunny's name is Yummy, thus making the act of eating him a bit easier. I mean, he's made to be eaten.
Oh dear, I just pictured those cows in Coalinga and felt my argument go out the window. They were made to be eaten too. sigh Time to go...
Purview
Since when did management of professional sports become a matter for the voters? An opinion poll of voters found most support sanctions against Barry Bonds. Correct me if I'm wrong, but Major League Baseball did not have a suspension policy for steroid use during the time in question. Sure, Barry Bonds sure seems to be a jerk, arrogant, standoffish, and so on; but asking voters? And before you go all, "But he lied" on me, the issue of his committing perjury is perfectly fair to discuss. However, that was NOT part of the opinion poll and hence my indignation over its uselessness is justified. Sorry, just had to get that off my chest.
April 15, 2006
Messages
In California recently I saw several quotable bumper stickers. The first was an amusing reminder that irresponsible behavior is in the eye of the beholder, and there are some behaviors that really are reprehensible.
Along with those bumper stickers, I was excited to see this United Church of Christ commercial. I thought it was a California thing (watch the ad and you'll understand why I might think that), but I saw it on Houston tv too. Wow, almost makes me want to join a UCC church.
I'd rather hunt with Dick CheneyThe other bumper sticker was pointed in a different way:
Than fish with Ted Kennedy.
When Jesus said "Love thy enemy"I was checking the wording for the last one and came across this blogger's twisted variation:
I think he meant to not kill them.
When Allah said "Kill the infidels"Another instance of something being bad and funny at the same time.
he meant you too.
Along with those bumper stickers, I was excited to see this United Church of Christ commercial. I thought it was a California thing (watch the ad and you'll understand why I might think that), but I saw it on Houston tv too. Wow, almost makes me want to join a UCC church.
Meanings, update
More odd dreams. Last week I dreamt that I was drowning. There are certainly books on what such dreams mean, but I don't take these things to be so symbolic. The dream just spooked me because I've never had that sort of a sensation before. I could feel myself not having enough breath in my lungs and wanting to inhale, but sensing that I wouldn't be able to. I was close to the surface but I couldn't get my mouth up to the air. I remember thinking, am I going to die?
Anyway, my last message entitled Meanings started with a strange dream (President Bush and the mooses) and ended with a personality test. I won't let you down...
I recently took the short version Enneagram test and came out to be equal parts Reformer (type 1) and Loyalist (type 6). Upon examination, I think the former is dominant for me. I'm guessing David would be a Peacemaker (type 9). Once upon a time I disliked taking the Meyers Briggs test; after completing it, my profile said people of that type often got frustrated taking such tests. It earned my respect. I've since been through many professional development trainings meant to illuminate various personality and behavior tendencies, and each time I find it useful. From what I recall, I am creatively analytical, introverted, seek order, and willingly face confrontation. Odd combo, eh?
If you complete such assessments, keep track of your type(s). Find out the type of those around you, especially parents, siblings, partners. Use it as a way of reminding yourself that there are many types of people out there. And as a way of understanding why those people do such annoying things. ;)
Check out my type. Or find your own.
Anyway, my last message entitled Meanings started with a strange dream (President Bush and the mooses) and ended with a personality test. I won't let you down...
I recently took the short version Enneagram test and came out to be equal parts Reformer (type 1) and Loyalist (type 6). Upon examination, I think the former is dominant for me. I'm guessing David would be a Peacemaker (type 9). Once upon a time I disliked taking the Meyers Briggs test; after completing it, my profile said people of that type often got frustrated taking such tests. It earned my respect. I've since been through many professional development trainings meant to illuminate various personality and behavior tendencies, and each time I find it useful. From what I recall, I am creatively analytical, introverted, seek order, and willingly face confrontation. Odd combo, eh?
If you complete such assessments, keep track of your type(s). Find out the type of those around you, especially parents, siblings, partners. Use it as a way of reminding yourself that there are many types of people out there. And as a way of understanding why those people do such annoying things. ;)
Check out my type. Or find your own.March 23, 2006
Identity
Help! My name has been stolen! I've long operated under some delusional assumption that my name was unique. That's right, there is another ME out there. I had previously seen her name show up, but hyphenated, so not really ME. A recent Google of my name however showed her to have dropped the hyphen. This is a sad day for me (nee ME).
March 11, 2006
Craziness
Reports of snow back in the Bay Area, long periods of dry weather in Houston, and an utter lack of desire to eat Egg Beaters for breakfast. This is a crazy time for me. Luckily I embark on a spring break adventure next week. Woo hoo! Alas I just recalled the last--and only--time I ventured off on a spring break adventure before. It must have been 1991 and it involved a sailboat, very poor weather, and one contagiously vomiting infant. Thus I clarify...I embark next week on a fabulous spring break vacation.
We've heard news of some chocolate lab-English springer spaniel puppies available in the area. David and I might go view them with the idea of taking one. Fortunately, for this is the most important prep work, I've got a name all picked out--Cadbury. Do you get it? And since I was in a naming mood, I gave the whining ceiling fan in the bedroom the moniker Hiram. Do you get that one too?
We've heard news of some chocolate lab-English springer spaniel puppies available in the area. David and I might go view them with the idea of taking one. Fortunately, for this is the most important prep work, I've got a name all picked out--Cadbury. Do you get it? And since I was in a naming mood, I gave the whining ceiling fan in the bedroom the moniker Hiram. Do you get that one too?
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