So says Gandalf about Gollum, in Fellowship of the Ring.
I can relate-not with respect to myself, but a number of other things in my life.
My Neighborhood
My Job
The Internet
The NBA
Pizza
Politics
Sleep
Relaxation
Rock and Roll
Spending the Night in a Tent
How about anyone else-what do you simultaneously love and hate?
Friday, May 13, 2005
That's My Girl
I love my little Lucy!
She is getting to an age where she's really exploring fun, creative verbal stuff. We often get in little exchanges where we go back and forth saying the zaniest thing we can; something like:
Daddy: Well, Lucy, blooba blooba bloo!
Lucy: Well, Daddy, zip zaaaaa zoga!
Daddy: Well, Lucy, nibba nibba flapbbbbbb
Lucy: Well, Daddy, ba ba ba ba wooooo!
and so on...We get laughing so hard we almost fall off our chairs.
Other awesome thing-yesterday she told Sharon she has a sister named "Feaky Bender."
She is getting to an age where she's really exploring fun, creative verbal stuff. We often get in little exchanges where we go back and forth saying the zaniest thing we can; something like:
Daddy: Well, Lucy, blooba blooba bloo!
Lucy: Well, Daddy, zip zaaaaa zoga!
Daddy: Well, Lucy, nibba nibba flapbbbbbb
Lucy: Well, Daddy, ba ba ba ba wooooo!
and so on...We get laughing so hard we almost fall off our chairs.
Other awesome thing-yesterday she told Sharon she has a sister named "Feaky Bender."
Wednesday, May 11, 2005
Hardware Wars, The Office, and Netflix vs. The Library
So, there was a 2 for 1 Sunday special at Video Universe when I picked up Motorcycle Diaries the other night. I have long wanted to see the little spoof Hardware Wars, and thought it would be a perfect free little supplement to the evening's cinema feature. Unforunately (and chalk it up as a first) I stumped the best movie rental store in the Twin Cities on that one.
What I ended up picking out was Season 1 (from which I knew I'd only have time for one episode) of "The Office," a British comedy, done documentary-style, about the inner-workings of a dysfunctional office. It was absolutely hilarious-and extremely well-done. Sort of "This is Spinal Tap" in the production, acting, and humour, though a little more subtle. Hard to believe they kept up that level of quality through the remainder of the series (which has at least two seasons under its belt), but word is that they did.
Since Mixdorf decided to go with the Netflix membership, I've been thinking about it myself. I did look at the $9.99 option, though that only allows you to keep a single movie out at a time. You have to be really on the ball about getting the thing back if you want to make that membership worth it. I have also considered just doing a better job of reserving movies I want to see from the library. They don't have the stock nor the selection that Netflix does, but it's free and they have enough of a collection to keep me watching new, quality movies as far into the future as I can imagine (they have, for instance, "The Office"). In either case, it seems like it kind of sucks that you only have a limited amount of control over what you are able to watch at any given time-seeing as you get what's available. Then there's the deal that Sharon & I simply don't end up with that much movie-watching time available to us in a month. Must think a little more.
What I ended up picking out was Season 1 (from which I knew I'd only have time for one episode) of "The Office," a British comedy, done documentary-style, about the inner-workings of a dysfunctional office. It was absolutely hilarious-and extremely well-done. Sort of "This is Spinal Tap" in the production, acting, and humour, though a little more subtle. Hard to believe they kept up that level of quality through the remainder of the series (which has at least two seasons under its belt), but word is that they did.
Since Mixdorf decided to go with the Netflix membership, I've been thinking about it myself. I did look at the $9.99 option, though that only allows you to keep a single movie out at a time. You have to be really on the ball about getting the thing back if you want to make that membership worth it. I have also considered just doing a better job of reserving movies I want to see from the library. They don't have the stock nor the selection that Netflix does, but it's free and they have enough of a collection to keep me watching new, quality movies as far into the future as I can imagine (they have, for instance, "The Office"). In either case, it seems like it kind of sucks that you only have a limited amount of control over what you are able to watch at any given time-seeing as you get what's available. Then there's the deal that Sharon & I simply don't end up with that much movie-watching time available to us in a month. Must think a little more.
Monday, May 09, 2005
(Weekend Musings) The Motorcycle Diaries, Lindenberries, 15 mph, and Other Things
Though not necesarily in that order.
Saw Phantom Menace Friday night in preparation for the upcoming release of Revenge of the Sith. It was not the best, closest, most uninterrupted viewing I'll ever have, but I'm finally quite certain of this: it is definitely a level (or two) below episodes 4 and 5, for sure.
Sharon went camping with Lucy and her cousins and I had the chance to spend Saturday afternoon through Sunday afternoon alone at home-my first night home without Lucy and/or Sharon since Lucy's birth. Kind of wild, and unbelievable how much I got done. From finishing off a brick border to our front bush/planting area, transplanting about 30 ft of wild strawberries in front of our house, mowing, sawing up brush for firewood, and a buttload of stuff inside the house. And I still had time to go sleep in till 9:30 Sunday morning (not sure I've slept past 7:00 in the last year) and go to a local coffeeshop for morning coffee, a leisurely read of The Minneapolis Observer, and a breakfast of waffle with lindenberries.
I also managed to go for a run on both days-first time running around my neighborhood without Lucy in quite a while. It was a rare treat, in the course of each run, to take a little winding half-mile trek through the woods down by the river. It's a cool little diversion that is "off-road" in the truest sense of the word-there's two little spring-fed streams to leap, as well as a couple of giant downed logs (one must be 2 1/2 to 3 feet to clear), and one other spot where you must leap atop a log and run along it for about 20 ft. Basically a lot of fun. As I was heading down my street for the final half-block, I did my usual kick into full spring mode. Then, when I stopped, a van pulled up beside me and a guy told me he clocked me at 15 mph. Not too shabby.
Last night, as part of celebration for Mothers' Day, we watching 'The Motorcycle Diaries,' which Sharon had wanted to see for a long time. It was good-possibly very good. Sharon did like it a little more than me, though I think in another time, in another mood I could have been really really taken with it. Basically, the story of Che Ernesto Guevara (a Argentine guy who became a human rights activist) during the part of his life in which he discovers some of the injustices that people in South America face that compel him to this higher calling. But the story itself (as the movie states a couple of times) is not about heroic deeds. Ernesto (who is a semester from graduating medical school) takes off on a road trip with a friend, intending to go all the way down the South American coast from Buenos Aires, up the other side all the way to Caracas, all while riding double on a shitty old motorcycle called "The Mighty One." I will say the authenticity of people they meet along the way is absolutely amazing, as is the scenery. Would definitely recommend going in "the queue," Mixxy & AJ.
Saw Phantom Menace Friday night in preparation for the upcoming release of Revenge of the Sith. It was not the best, closest, most uninterrupted viewing I'll ever have, but I'm finally quite certain of this: it is definitely a level (or two) below episodes 4 and 5, for sure.
Sharon went camping with Lucy and her cousins and I had the chance to spend Saturday afternoon through Sunday afternoon alone at home-my first night home without Lucy and/or Sharon since Lucy's birth. Kind of wild, and unbelievable how much I got done. From finishing off a brick border to our front bush/planting area, transplanting about 30 ft of wild strawberries in front of our house, mowing, sawing up brush for firewood, and a buttload of stuff inside the house. And I still had time to go sleep in till 9:30 Sunday morning (not sure I've slept past 7:00 in the last year) and go to a local coffeeshop for morning coffee, a leisurely read of The Minneapolis Observer, and a breakfast of waffle with lindenberries.
I also managed to go for a run on both days-first time running around my neighborhood without Lucy in quite a while. It was a rare treat, in the course of each run, to take a little winding half-mile trek through the woods down by the river. It's a cool little diversion that is "off-road" in the truest sense of the word-there's two little spring-fed streams to leap, as well as a couple of giant downed logs (one must be 2 1/2 to 3 feet to clear), and one other spot where you must leap atop a log and run along it for about 20 ft. Basically a lot of fun. As I was heading down my street for the final half-block, I did my usual kick into full spring mode. Then, when I stopped, a van pulled up beside me and a guy told me he clocked me at 15 mph. Not too shabby.
Last night, as part of celebration for Mothers' Day, we watching 'The Motorcycle Diaries,' which Sharon had wanted to see for a long time. It was good-possibly very good. Sharon did like it a little more than me, though I think in another time, in another mood I could have been really really taken with it. Basically, the story of Che Ernesto Guevara (a Argentine guy who became a human rights activist) during the part of his life in which he discovers some of the injustices that people in South America face that compel him to this higher calling. But the story itself (as the movie states a couple of times) is not about heroic deeds. Ernesto (who is a semester from graduating medical school) takes off on a road trip with a friend, intending to go all the way down the South American coast from Buenos Aires, up the other side all the way to Caracas, all while riding double on a shitty old motorcycle called "The Mighty One." I will say the authenticity of people they meet along the way is absolutely amazing, as is the scenery. Would definitely recommend going in "the queue," Mixxy & AJ.
Friday, May 06, 2005
The Culture of Loud
This is a subject which I have been interested in discussing for some time (and may have touched on in past conversations with friends), but have only now decided to tackle via blog/brief essay. One reason I have not gotten into it much before now is that my first inclination was that I was treading in some dangerous waters, as far as cultural sensitivity is concerned. But I no longer think that's the case.
I have long considered myself a proponent of diversity; the idea that all of our different backgrounds and worldviews can combine to make a more interesting and, ulimately, better whole. What that presupposes, however, is that we all have a common vision of good. Of course, good-hearted people all DO share values of personal safety, low crime, etc. But I have only recently begin to really realize just how many aspects which I consider part of the "quality of life" equation are not necessarily common at all. In terms of where you actually make your residence, the title of this piece becomes quite an issue.
I suspect I'm not alone in this, but I have a tendency, when hearing a "boom car" (of which there are many in my neighborhood), to visualize the driver as someone "marking a statement." Sort of a "tell me to turn it down, I dare you!" sort of attitude. Maybe some rebellious act by a teenager, or some nose-thumbing by someone who thinks they've been done wrong by society. But I'm not so sure that's the case anymore. People like me (affiliated very loosely as, say, the "Culture of Quiet") may consider these "offenders" as as deviants to this general consensus of societal decorum. But I gotta say-the noise from these cars is so regular that the concept of them representing only a disaffected segment of society is just not one I buy anymore. At what point does a behavior become so prevalent as to become the cultural norm; or, if not the norm, as least an accepted backdrop to everyday life? These people cannot be judged as deviants, or even as people with some purposeful intent to invade my space. I know some of my neighbors personally who fit right in the "loud" category, and they are not particularly bitter or angry about anything (in fact, often quite the opposite) And it's not just the cars. We hear phone conversations through the walls of their house and on in through the walls of our house. Walk out their front walk talking loudly on cell phones. They come home loud, late at night. They leave loudly in the morning. And when their friends come to visit, they stride out into the middle of the street and greet them loudly while blocking traffic in the middle of the street, and revving their engines loudly. This is the city. You wouldn't expect to live without the buzz of people or the constant drone of cars if you lived in a New York City condo. Sure, Minneapolis ain't NYC, but it is a city. I simply live on a urban, residential street. At what point do I actually just up and realize that those sounds ARE the background sounds of life if I choose to live in a neighborhood like this?
Do I have to like it or even learn to live with it? Hell, no! It's the old "if you don't like what's on TV, turn the channel." I can choose to live in a place where others share my values, provided I can find one. In my ideal environment, neighbors know one another, genuinely like & trust one another, and greet each other with a smile. They also have an appreciation of a blessed quiet drifting on the breeze through an open window on a summer evening.
As I mentioned at the beginning, I was a little afraid to tackle this subject-racial overtones or undertones? God knows the white-dominated suburbs have their own "Culture of Loud": blaring gas-powered lawn care devices and the drone of power tools from every garage. I've been reasonably content in my neighborhood for seven years, but I don't think I could last one week in Woodbury without beginning to climb the walls, so great would be the cultural differences. So actually the COL correlation probably has more to do with socio-economic status. In any event, I'd rather chalk it up to lifestyle. People that are content to live like that simply have a different notion of what constitutes quality of life. No longer feeling as though there's a problem that needs fixed, or as though I have a duty to judge what it going on around me has led to a certain peace about this whole subject. I've been saying along that I prefer to move because of what opportunities are there in the new locale, not because I am running away from anything. If I am, indeed, going to take my leave of the city (the direction to which I am now-and perhaps finally-leaning), I wish to do it in peace and without any resentment. I definitely feel as though this is a bold step in that direction.
I have long considered myself a proponent of diversity; the idea that all of our different backgrounds and worldviews can combine to make a more interesting and, ulimately, better whole. What that presupposes, however, is that we all have a common vision of good. Of course, good-hearted people all DO share values of personal safety, low crime, etc. But I have only recently begin to really realize just how many aspects which I consider part of the "quality of life" equation are not necessarily common at all. In terms of where you actually make your residence, the title of this piece becomes quite an issue.
I suspect I'm not alone in this, but I have a tendency, when hearing a "boom car" (of which there are many in my neighborhood), to visualize the driver as someone "marking a statement." Sort of a "tell me to turn it down, I dare you!" sort of attitude. Maybe some rebellious act by a teenager, or some nose-thumbing by someone who thinks they've been done wrong by society. But I'm not so sure that's the case anymore. People like me (affiliated very loosely as, say, the "Culture of Quiet") may consider these "offenders" as as deviants to this general consensus of societal decorum. But I gotta say-the noise from these cars is so regular that the concept of them representing only a disaffected segment of society is just not one I buy anymore. At what point does a behavior become so prevalent as to become the cultural norm; or, if not the norm, as least an accepted backdrop to everyday life? These people cannot be judged as deviants, or even as people with some purposeful intent to invade my space. I know some of my neighbors personally who fit right in the "loud" category, and they are not particularly bitter or angry about anything (in fact, often quite the opposite) And it's not just the cars. We hear phone conversations through the walls of their house and on in through the walls of our house. Walk out their front walk talking loudly on cell phones. They come home loud, late at night. They leave loudly in the morning. And when their friends come to visit, they stride out into the middle of the street and greet them loudly while blocking traffic in the middle of the street, and revving their engines loudly. This is the city. You wouldn't expect to live without the buzz of people or the constant drone of cars if you lived in a New York City condo. Sure, Minneapolis ain't NYC, but it is a city. I simply live on a urban, residential street. At what point do I actually just up and realize that those sounds ARE the background sounds of life if I choose to live in a neighborhood like this?
Do I have to like it or even learn to live with it? Hell, no! It's the old "if you don't like what's on TV, turn the channel." I can choose to live in a place where others share my values, provided I can find one. In my ideal environment, neighbors know one another, genuinely like & trust one another, and greet each other with a smile. They also have an appreciation of a blessed quiet drifting on the breeze through an open window on a summer evening.
As I mentioned at the beginning, I was a little afraid to tackle this subject-racial overtones or undertones? God knows the white-dominated suburbs have their own "Culture of Loud": blaring gas-powered lawn care devices and the drone of power tools from every garage. I've been reasonably content in my neighborhood for seven years, but I don't think I could last one week in Woodbury without beginning to climb the walls, so great would be the cultural differences. So actually the COL correlation probably has more to do with socio-economic status. In any event, I'd rather chalk it up to lifestyle. People that are content to live like that simply have a different notion of what constitutes quality of life. No longer feeling as though there's a problem that needs fixed, or as though I have a duty to judge what it going on around me has led to a certain peace about this whole subject. I've been saying along that I prefer to move because of what opportunities are there in the new locale, not because I am running away from anything. If I am, indeed, going to take my leave of the city (the direction to which I am now-and perhaps finally-leaning), I wish to do it in peace and without any resentment. I definitely feel as though this is a bold step in that direction.
Wednesday, May 04, 2005
Sorry for the Couple of Activist Posts
I promise I'll be back to the mundane in short order, but...another issue that I could not ignore.
So, in an "action notice" I received from a progressive political organization with which I am affiliated, I just read this:
On Sunday morning, Christian Coalition founder Pat Robertson told TV viewers nation-wide that the threat posed by liberal judges is "probably more serious than a few bearded terrorists who fly into buildings." When an incredulous George Stephanopoulos asked if Robertson really believed that these judges posed "the most serious threat America has faced in nearly 400 years of history, more serious than al Qaeda, more serious than Nazi Germany and Japan, more serious than the Civil War?," he responded, "George, I really believe that."
So...all this hatred, fear mongering, and activism...all on behalf of what? 2 things: The ability for same-sex couples to marry, and abortion rights. This is what reality-based people in this country are up against-a vociferous and maddeningly effective group of nutcases that are out to impose their morality on the rest of the world, and for whom no tactic is over the line. Boy, I sure like Christianity, such as it was conceived. But for anyone who wonders what has driven me away from the church in recent years, look no further. There's nothing Christian about hate, lies, and bigotry.
So, in an "action notice" I received from a progressive political organization with which I am affiliated, I just read this:
On Sunday morning, Christian Coalition founder Pat Robertson told TV viewers nation-wide that the threat posed by liberal judges is "probably more serious than a few bearded terrorists who fly into buildings." When an incredulous George Stephanopoulos asked if Robertson really believed that these judges posed "the most serious threat America has faced in nearly 400 years of history, more serious than al Qaeda, more serious than Nazi Germany and Japan, more serious than the Civil War?," he responded, "George, I really believe that."
So...all this hatred, fear mongering, and activism...all on behalf of what? 2 things: The ability for same-sex couples to marry, and abortion rights. This is what reality-based people in this country are up against-a vociferous and maddeningly effective group of nutcases that are out to impose their morality on the rest of the world, and for whom no tactic is over the line. Boy, I sure like Christianity, such as it was conceived. But for anyone who wonders what has driven me away from the church in recent years, look no further. There's nothing Christian about hate, lies, and bigotry.
Tuesday, May 03, 2005
If This Doesn't Motivate You Against G.W. Bush, Nothing Will
Plan to log Sequoia National Monument. Jesus Christ, please give to the Sierra Club NOW.
http://www.sierraclub.org/wildlands/wildlandsatrisk/sequoia.asp
http://www.sierraclub.org/wildlands/wildlandsatrisk/sequoia.asp
Exasperation, Then Levity
Here where I work there's these banks of computers where these guys are working on store interior autocad stuff. Kind of in their own little world, hunkered down there, but I pass by on my way to the fridge/microwave area, so I sort of half-see them on a daily basis.
This one guy has a poster of a Hummer on his cube wall. Nothing else on his walls. Just the poster. Let me repeat: A poster of a Hummer. These guys aren't top brass or anything; I wouldn't think this guy would make anywhere near the amount needed to buy a vehicle like that, so it must be one of two things: Unable to afford it, he simply idolizes it, which is sickness at some level that I can't begin to comprehend. Perhaps every penny he can scrape up is used to pay for it, so keen is his intent on the status and self-esteem boost that it bestows upon its owner. I guess a third possibility is that his significant other's salary is huge. That's almost the sickest case of all-he's a sugar daddy that prefers a picture of goods to a picture of his wife.
This guy is my nemesis, though he doesn't know it. It's not a serious deal-I only really give it a thought when I pass by (or right now as I'm typing), but the issues of environmentalism, commercialism, greed, power-struggle, and status are so embodied by that monstrosity, that my only conclusion of those who choose to buy it is that they are either unbelievably ignorant or unbelievably selfish.
So there it is-that little dark spot in my walk to the common area every day. I started wondering if it was just a little conclave of assholes-my attitude about that whole area started to escalate. Funny, though; a couple days ago, there I am passing along and seeing it once again, staring right back at my from the wall opposite the cube entrance, and then I see it: in the next cube over, in the cube of his neighbor. The guy had apparently just stepped away, as his monitor was still fired up and not in a screensaver mode. His desktop: The Bridge of the NCC-1701.
This one guy has a poster of a Hummer on his cube wall. Nothing else on his walls. Just the poster. Let me repeat: A poster of a Hummer. These guys aren't top brass or anything; I wouldn't think this guy would make anywhere near the amount needed to buy a vehicle like that, so it must be one of two things: Unable to afford it, he simply idolizes it, which is sickness at some level that I can't begin to comprehend. Perhaps every penny he can scrape up is used to pay for it, so keen is his intent on the status and self-esteem boost that it bestows upon its owner. I guess a third possibility is that his significant other's salary is huge. That's almost the sickest case of all-he's a sugar daddy that prefers a picture of goods to a picture of his wife.
This guy is my nemesis, though he doesn't know it. It's not a serious deal-I only really give it a thought when I pass by (or right now as I'm typing), but the issues of environmentalism, commercialism, greed, power-struggle, and status are so embodied by that monstrosity, that my only conclusion of those who choose to buy it is that they are either unbelievably ignorant or unbelievably selfish.
So there it is-that little dark spot in my walk to the common area every day. I started wondering if it was just a little conclave of assholes-my attitude about that whole area started to escalate. Funny, though; a couple days ago, there I am passing along and seeing it once again, staring right back at my from the wall opposite the cube entrance, and then I see it: in the next cube over, in the cube of his neighbor. The guy had apparently just stepped away, as his monitor was still fired up and not in a screensaver mode. His desktop: The Bridge of the NCC-1701.
Monday, May 02, 2005
King Leo and the Vector King?
For the last couple of Saturdays, Sharon & I have gone to the coffee shop down the street to watch this jazz pianist, "King Leo." He is one of those musicians that can't read music, but uses popular music songbooks that have chords literally written above the notation; then he just improvises and fills in the measures how he feels-only very loosely following the original arrangement. He's quite amazing at what he does-very fast, very free, and with an incredible autonomy between his two hands.
Hardly anyone's there to see him-he plays from 4-6 as a "talent show," where neighborhood kids get up and sing along. Then, from 6-8 he plays more of a set. A lot of old-school r&b and Mowtown songs-stuff I really like. We also found out just this last weekend that (unles he's lying) he is one of the original members of the Ohio Players. Whoa! And here he is now, playing for 5-7 people on a Saturday night in a coffee shop.
Anyway, the guy's around 60 years old, recently (about 3 weeks ago) relocated to the Twin Cities, and now he wants to make a go of it in the music business once again. But he doesn't have a clue what he needs to do. And if he has any interest in making it in music, he started a conversation that night with exactly the wrong person. When he found out I was a musician and had played there a couple of times, he started asking me questions. I did tell him to check out clubs in the City Pages, and that a good place to start (especially with his talent and style) would be the Freight House-a place downtown with a semblance of a regular audience.
Then the funny thing happened. The previous week, just to see how good he was, I had asked him if he could play Bill Withers' "Use Me" (one of my favorite songs). It took him only about eight seconds of experimenting around before he had it-then he started trying to get me to sing. I simply didn't know the words, so I declined. But this last Saturday, he kept asking me again to get up there to sing. He was playing "Son of a Preacher Man." I was finally like, "What the hell?" and I went up to try. Unfortunately, I quickly realized that I only knew how the chorus went, so that first attempt went awry. Then he started playing "Unchained Melody," and asked me if I could do that. I felt a little foolish, but launched into it. Apparently, this was his way of staging a tryout. From that point on, he was trying to convince me to join up with him, saying that he can play and play, but what he really needs is a guy that can sing along with him. He said, "a lot of white guys don't sing like that-you've got a lot of soul." Kind of funny-to extract that from my little nervous experiment. The guy is funky and old school, but he might also be completely and certifiably insane.
Still-I must confess being tempted. I've always had this keen, keen desire to sing r&b songs, but the chords are always f*d-up 7ths, 9ths, and diminishes. Crazy stuff that would require bending my guitar fingers in places they can't go. Better for keyboards. But this is also a perfect opportunity for me to fight against one of my greatest weaknesses, which is to have 20 ongoing creative projects, only one or two of which I have time for in actuality. He thinks we'd only need to get together a couple of times to practice, but I think I'm just going to have to say no.
Hardly anyone's there to see him-he plays from 4-6 as a "talent show," where neighborhood kids get up and sing along. Then, from 6-8 he plays more of a set. A lot of old-school r&b and Mowtown songs-stuff I really like. We also found out just this last weekend that (unles he's lying) he is one of the original members of the Ohio Players. Whoa! And here he is now, playing for 5-7 people on a Saturday night in a coffee shop.
Anyway, the guy's around 60 years old, recently (about 3 weeks ago) relocated to the Twin Cities, and now he wants to make a go of it in the music business once again. But he doesn't have a clue what he needs to do. And if he has any interest in making it in music, he started a conversation that night with exactly the wrong person. When he found out I was a musician and had played there a couple of times, he started asking me questions. I did tell him to check out clubs in the City Pages, and that a good place to start (especially with his talent and style) would be the Freight House-a place downtown with a semblance of a regular audience.
Then the funny thing happened. The previous week, just to see how good he was, I had asked him if he could play Bill Withers' "Use Me" (one of my favorite songs). It took him only about eight seconds of experimenting around before he had it-then he started trying to get me to sing. I simply didn't know the words, so I declined. But this last Saturday, he kept asking me again to get up there to sing. He was playing "Son of a Preacher Man." I was finally like, "What the hell?" and I went up to try. Unfortunately, I quickly realized that I only knew how the chorus went, so that first attempt went awry. Then he started playing "Unchained Melody," and asked me if I could do that. I felt a little foolish, but launched into it. Apparently, this was his way of staging a tryout. From that point on, he was trying to convince me to join up with him, saying that he can play and play, but what he really needs is a guy that can sing along with him. He said, "a lot of white guys don't sing like that-you've got a lot of soul." Kind of funny-to extract that from my little nervous experiment. The guy is funky and old school, but he might also be completely and certifiably insane.
Still-I must confess being tempted. I've always had this keen, keen desire to sing r&b songs, but the chords are always f*d-up 7ths, 9ths, and diminishes. Crazy stuff that would require bending my guitar fingers in places they can't go. Better for keyboards. But this is also a perfect opportunity for me to fight against one of my greatest weaknesses, which is to have 20 ongoing creative projects, only one or two of which I have time for in actuality. He thinks we'd only need to get together a couple of times to practice, but I think I'm just going to have to say no.
Friday, April 29, 2005
Tell Me More About This "Dark Side"...
One thing that must not be lost in all the discussion about the dark arts and Jedi training and all that is that the Dark Side clearly is more powerful. We see it in the movies, time and again; badly outnumbered Sith kicking Jedi Council asses left and right.
Tell the truth, Yoda! It's easier AND better. It's just that most people approach it in the wrong way. Why couldn't I just give in to my emotions and employ the dark arts, as long as I know I am still in control? It would still be me in there; I'd know right from wrong. I am positive that I would have the strength of will to harness the dark side and use it for good.
Tell the truth, Yoda! It's easier AND better. It's just that most people approach it in the wrong way. Why couldn't I just give in to my emotions and employ the dark arts, as long as I know I am still in control? It would still be me in there; I'd know right from wrong. I am positive that I would have the strength of will to harness the dark side and use it for good.
Wednesday, April 27, 2005
So Much for the Breakthrough
So, those running trips that helped put Lucy to sleep? Started working a little more inconsistantly, which resulted in me getting home all sweaty with a girl who was all of a sudden going to bed quite a bit later than I intended.
Another breakthrough, though, came about as I was just too tired to embark on stage three (with stages one & two being a failed run and laying for a few minutes upstairs). Lucy (as I was expecting) popped up in the bed after a couple of minutes and said, "I want to go in the car!"
To which I replied, "You know, Loo, Daddy's just too tired. We're just going to lay down and try to go to sleep here for awhile." It was a longshot, but I was exhausted and just trying to eke out a few minutes of laying down prior to what I saw was the inevitable failure. Lucy protested and then began a little back and forth that will go down in history (and that has transpired in a form very similar to what is below, every night since):
First, understand that my little girl does not hate me-this whole "going down" procedure is preceded by a 15-30 minute ritual of brushing teeth, changing into jammies, holding hands up the stairs, then crawling into the bedroom like lions "bed-a-RRRRooom!" then reading stories and/or a session of "talk about it." All magical, wonderful times. But then, a mere few minutes later, when the lights go out...
Lucy (in tears): "I want momma, I want momma, I want momma, I want momma, I want momma, I want momma..."
Daddy: "Lucy, I know you want momma. But it's daddy's turn."
Lucy: "But it's momma turn!"
Daddy: "No, Loo, I know you want it to be momma's turn, but it's daddy's turn tonight."
Lucy: "But it's momma's turn tonight!" (continues crying-tears are genuine, but the vocalizations are about 50% forced)
Daddy: "I know you're sad Lucy. But daddy's right here and he loves you." Can daddy put his arm here? (try to put arm around her-she flings it off)
Lucy: "I want momma!" (continues crying)
Daddy: "Lucy, I know you're sad. But even if you're sad, and even if you're crying, it's still momma's turn."
and so on & so forth. It usually includes a moment when I am told I'm on momma's pillow and I have to move over to daddy's pillow and be far away from her. She also flops her leg up on a safety bed rail and there's a little testing of boundaries that I indulge until I eventually tell her the foot must come down. Then, after I've apparently been insulted sufficiently, she relaxes a bit. After a few more minutes, she flops her little bottom across the bed and nestles against me and says, "Put a arm around you" (put your arm around me). Then, after a few more minutes, the blessed drift has overtaken her. Gornack has returned to his underground cavern, and flights of angels are carrying May Smallburrow gently off to sleep.
Total procedure once lights go off: 30-45 minutes.
Another breakthrough, though, came about as I was just too tired to embark on stage three (with stages one & two being a failed run and laying for a few minutes upstairs). Lucy (as I was expecting) popped up in the bed after a couple of minutes and said, "I want to go in the car!"
To which I replied, "You know, Loo, Daddy's just too tired. We're just going to lay down and try to go to sleep here for awhile." It was a longshot, but I was exhausted and just trying to eke out a few minutes of laying down prior to what I saw was the inevitable failure. Lucy protested and then began a little back and forth that will go down in history (and that has transpired in a form very similar to what is below, every night since):
First, understand that my little girl does not hate me-this whole "going down" procedure is preceded by a 15-30 minute ritual of brushing teeth, changing into jammies, holding hands up the stairs, then crawling into the bedroom like lions "bed-a-RRRRooom!" then reading stories and/or a session of "talk about it." All magical, wonderful times. But then, a mere few minutes later, when the lights go out...
Lucy (in tears): "I want momma, I want momma, I want momma, I want momma, I want momma, I want momma..."
Daddy: "Lucy, I know you want momma. But it's daddy's turn."
Lucy: "But it's momma turn!"
Daddy: "No, Loo, I know you want it to be momma's turn, but it's daddy's turn tonight."
Lucy: "But it's momma's turn tonight!" (continues crying-tears are genuine, but the vocalizations are about 50% forced)
Daddy: "I know you're sad Lucy. But daddy's right here and he loves you." Can daddy put his arm here? (try to put arm around her-she flings it off)
Lucy: "I want momma!" (continues crying)
Daddy: "Lucy, I know you're sad. But even if you're sad, and even if you're crying, it's still momma's turn."
and so on & so forth. It usually includes a moment when I am told I'm on momma's pillow and I have to move over to daddy's pillow and be far away from her. She also flops her leg up on a safety bed rail and there's a little testing of boundaries that I indulge until I eventually tell her the foot must come down. Then, after I've apparently been insulted sufficiently, she relaxes a bit. After a few more minutes, she flops her little bottom across the bed and nestles against me and says, "Put a arm around you" (put your arm around me). Then, after a few more minutes, the blessed drift has overtaken her. Gornack has returned to his underground cavern, and flights of angels are carrying May Smallburrow gently off to sleep.
Total procedure once lights go off: 30-45 minutes.
Tuesday, April 26, 2005
Life is Good!
Thus, continues the dilemma (of Zephyr or Minneapolis). The pendulum swung back a little the other way in the last couple of days, as Sharon & I discussed some of the ways in which we are currently sharing a relatively blessed existence. I may be currently experiencing the best years of my life so far.
We love our little house! We bought at just the right time and are paying less per month than any of our peers. Obviously, we carry that equity forward with us wherever else we may choose to go, but we also face the risk of burning through that equity through bad decisions, etc. Right now it's tied up in the house and we simply face a 5.25% interest rate on a $70,000 mortgage. On top of that, the various little home projects we are interested in doing are pretty much within our means and not too outrageous.
I have recently discovered this theatre opportunity. Sharon has been considering joining the Camden Garden Club (no relation to the album of that name). Those couple of associations, while not compelling enough on their own, are part of a larger sort of realisation we've had concerning our neighborhood. We're discovering, in our own ways, that community is where you find it. Especially in a big city like this-it doesn't necessarily just come to you.
My art renaissance: since not being in school, I've had time to explore more recording, more performing music, and acting. Opportunities for any of these in Zephyr (well, not the recording, I guess) would be a lot tougher to come by.
We just love love LOVE Lucy's new school. Looking back, we were under an enormous amount of stress, when Lucy was in a less-than-ideal situation, daycare-wise. But now, the environment she is in is wholesome, engaging, and constructive; and the head instructor is patient, loving, and wise. BAM-what was previously a huge boner for city living that has gone totally out the window.
One of the biggest detractions remaining is my current work situation. But Sharon & I have vowed:. if we decide to go, we want it to be because Zephyr is compelling enough that it wins out in the end, NOT because we're running away from anything (job for me at the head of that list).
Man-it just gets tougher and tougher. But at least nobody has to pity me-it really looks like we're choosing between the good life and the good life.
We love our little house! We bought at just the right time and are paying less per month than any of our peers. Obviously, we carry that equity forward with us wherever else we may choose to go, but we also face the risk of burning through that equity through bad decisions, etc. Right now it's tied up in the house and we simply face a 5.25% interest rate on a $70,000 mortgage. On top of that, the various little home projects we are interested in doing are pretty much within our means and not too outrageous.
I have recently discovered this theatre opportunity. Sharon has been considering joining the Camden Garden Club (no relation to the album of that name). Those couple of associations, while not compelling enough on their own, are part of a larger sort of realisation we've had concerning our neighborhood. We're discovering, in our own ways, that community is where you find it. Especially in a big city like this-it doesn't necessarily just come to you.
My art renaissance: since not being in school, I've had time to explore more recording, more performing music, and acting. Opportunities for any of these in Zephyr (well, not the recording, I guess) would be a lot tougher to come by.
We just love love LOVE Lucy's new school. Looking back, we were under an enormous amount of stress, when Lucy was in a less-than-ideal situation, daycare-wise. But now, the environment she is in is wholesome, engaging, and constructive; and the head instructor is patient, loving, and wise. BAM-what was previously a huge boner for city living that has gone totally out the window.
One of the biggest detractions remaining is my current work situation. But Sharon & I have vowed:. if we decide to go, we want it to be because Zephyr is compelling enough that it wins out in the end, NOT because we're running away from anything (job for me at the head of that list).
Man-it just gets tougher and tougher. But at least nobody has to pity me-it really looks like we're choosing between the good life and the good life.
Monday, April 25, 2005
The Unholy Alliance
Inexplicably, I turned on the TV last night. I was rearranging the living room and for some reason desired the company of the tube. There was some sort of MTV-ish thing happening on Fox and, for the 2nd inexplicable act, I started half-watching while I worked.
It used to be that I thought the Unholy Alliance was between the corporate fat cats and the religious right. Now, having seen a live duet between Tim McGraw and Nelly, I'm not so sure.
It used to be that I thought the Unholy Alliance was between the corporate fat cats and the religious right. Now, having seen a live duet between Tim McGraw and Nelly, I'm not so sure.
Friday, April 22, 2005
An Open Invitation
Be my guest, be my guest,
Put my magic to the test!
In anticipation of Escalante, I've been sort of banking my vacation hours. Since that's not happening this year, though, I've got a few to burn. And I just checked my paystub-I'm at 102 hours and still accruing (at the rate of 4.9 hours per pay period).
In the past, when I shared the city with Gibbons, I also had to share all out-of-town visitors. Since the Twin Cities are now mine and mine alone, I crave the opportunity to tailor my hosting to each unique visitor, and give you the extended weekend (or however long-hell, I don't care) of a lifetime.
Come, visit me and experience the wealth of nonstop excitement the great city of Minneapolis has to offer. In light of recent developments concerning southeast Minnesota, this may be a limited-time offer...
Put my magic to the test!
In anticipation of Escalante, I've been sort of banking my vacation hours. Since that's not happening this year, though, I've got a few to burn. And I just checked my paystub-I'm at 102 hours and still accruing (at the rate of 4.9 hours per pay period).
In the past, when I shared the city with Gibbons, I also had to share all out-of-town visitors. Since the Twin Cities are now mine and mine alone, I crave the opportunity to tailor my hosting to each unique visitor, and give you the extended weekend (or however long-hell, I don't care) of a lifetime.
Come, visit me and experience the wealth of nonstop excitement the great city of Minneapolis has to offer. In light of recent developments concerning southeast Minnesota, this may be a limited-time offer...
Wednesday, April 20, 2005
Well, Now! Look Who Waltzed in and Got the Lead!
So, the Director has landed on a couple of one-act plays for the Camden Civic Theatre's next production. One is a 15-minute Woody Allen piece, and one is a 30-minute play called "The Actor's Nightmare." I have the main part in the 2nd one. There's a ton of lines to memorize, and we really only get together for four rehearsals plus a dress rehearsal before we perform on May 24. Basically a ton of work outside of the official rehearsals to get ready.
Very excited about getting my chops back into the whole thing. We did a read-through last night and I was only into it for a couple minutes before I started getting very comfortable with the whole thing again. I'm not positive the choice of plays was ideal for our neighborhood-just seems that there's a lot of obscure theatrical and literary references that might be lost on a lot of the audience. But they should both also be pretty fast-paced and slapstick, so I think they'll go over well. Theater audiences love comedy. Especially people that don't go to a ton of plays.
Anyway, for those of my readers in the area (what, all one or two of you?), if you could set aside the evening of Tuesday the 24th, I'd love to see you there.
Very excited about getting my chops back into the whole thing. We did a read-through last night and I was only into it for a couple minutes before I started getting very comfortable with the whole thing again. I'm not positive the choice of plays was ideal for our neighborhood-just seems that there's a lot of obscure theatrical and literary references that might be lost on a lot of the audience. But they should both also be pretty fast-paced and slapstick, so I think they'll go over well. Theater audiences love comedy. Especially people that don't go to a ton of plays.
Anyway, for those of my readers in the area (what, all one or two of you?), if you could set aside the evening of Tuesday the 24th, I'd love to see you there.
Tuesday, April 19, 2005
Back from Zephyr Again
Originally thought I'd either post a bunch of pictures here or create a temporary website, but I'm kind of working on life-efficiency, and am trying to cut down on those times when I expend a lot of extra effort for just a little extra impact. Thus, the photo attachments I sent out late Sunday night. Where there I accompanied the photos with some details of the actual visit, here I can maybe say a few words about where we're at in the thought process.
Somehow, there's a kind of magic and peace exuded from the valley-we get a sense of it as we wind our way down the dirt roads to Zephyr, and are really struck by it when we park & get out of the car. It reminds me very much of the feeling you get when you go camping-the last time you were out of the car is either in a city, or at a gas station along some interstate along the way with cars whizzing by. Stepping out of the car at Zephyr, we are struck by the stillness and peacefulness of the setting. Not really silence, since you hear countless insects, frogs, & birds (though the silence must be deafening in the middle of winter); but definitely a different backdrop than in the cities. A very telling sort of contrast-that when we get out of the car there we can just feel stress and pressure slipping away. When we got out of the car after the trip, we could hear sirens in the background and I got to see a Cheet-Os wrapper & some cans that someone had discarded in my front lawn.
Probably the number one hangup at this point is the general uncertainty of unknowns. Stress-free environment only carries you so far, if you have crappy employment. Right now, I'm considering quitting work to finish my masters at a college in Winona, but then what? And what of Sharon? She's got a really, really nice gig in the cities. There' s a few nature centers down there (including Eagle Bluff: where one Cory worked at near Chatfield), but the turnover is amazingly low at such places. We could be here 10 years without a permanent opening occurring. Other uncertainty revolves around the expense of either building or buying an existing structure. We have about $100,000 of equity in our current house, but a huge chunk of that is gone if we rent for a year and/or I'm not working while I go to school. Oh yeah-there's a 15-month waiting period from the time you give Zephyr a letter of intent-to avoid either you or them entering into this arrangement in a foolhardy manner. Sharon is also concerned about the commute. Right now we both commute at least the distance from Zephyr to Winona (and the drive is about 50x less scenic), but in the Twin Cities there is always at least the hope that you could land employment along public transit routes and/or biking/walking distance. At Zephyr, unless something crazy happens like Sharon ends up working on the farm (which may not be quite as crazy as it sounds), you're pretty much locked into a long commute for the rest of your life. And not just commute: for kids' school, for groceries, for coffee. Of course, no pizza delivery and no high-speed internet (though that last one's only a matter of time, I would think).
And leaving Minneapolis: I just started this new theater experiment. Wow-as unlikely as it might seem, in Minneapolis, there's the outside crazy chance that I turn acting into a career. If not that, though, at least I have this opportunity to pursue it regularly as a hobby. Maybe such opportunities exist in Winona. But as with all other amenities: coffee shops, visual art, libraries, etc; all of Winona's offerings are pretty much pale in comparison.
*sigh* Still so much to consider.
Somehow, there's a kind of magic and peace exuded from the valley-we get a sense of it as we wind our way down the dirt roads to Zephyr, and are really struck by it when we park & get out of the car. It reminds me very much of the feeling you get when you go camping-the last time you were out of the car is either in a city, or at a gas station along some interstate along the way with cars whizzing by. Stepping out of the car at Zephyr, we are struck by the stillness and peacefulness of the setting. Not really silence, since you hear countless insects, frogs, & birds (though the silence must be deafening in the middle of winter); but definitely a different backdrop than in the cities. A very telling sort of contrast-that when we get out of the car there we can just feel stress and pressure slipping away. When we got out of the car after the trip, we could hear sirens in the background and I got to see a Cheet-Os wrapper & some cans that someone had discarded in my front lawn.
Probably the number one hangup at this point is the general uncertainty of unknowns. Stress-free environment only carries you so far, if you have crappy employment. Right now, I'm considering quitting work to finish my masters at a college in Winona, but then what? And what of Sharon? She's got a really, really nice gig in the cities. There' s a few nature centers down there (including Eagle Bluff: where one Cory worked at near Chatfield), but the turnover is amazingly low at such places. We could be here 10 years without a permanent opening occurring. Other uncertainty revolves around the expense of either building or buying an existing structure. We have about $100,000 of equity in our current house, but a huge chunk of that is gone if we rent for a year and/or I'm not working while I go to school. Oh yeah-there's a 15-month waiting period from the time you give Zephyr a letter of intent-to avoid either you or them entering into this arrangement in a foolhardy manner. Sharon is also concerned about the commute. Right now we both commute at least the distance from Zephyr to Winona (and the drive is about 50x less scenic), but in the Twin Cities there is always at least the hope that you could land employment along public transit routes and/or biking/walking distance. At Zephyr, unless something crazy happens like Sharon ends up working on the farm (which may not be quite as crazy as it sounds), you're pretty much locked into a long commute for the rest of your life. And not just commute: for kids' school, for groceries, for coffee. Of course, no pizza delivery and no high-speed internet (though that last one's only a matter of time, I would think).
And leaving Minneapolis: I just started this new theater experiment. Wow-as unlikely as it might seem, in Minneapolis, there's the outside crazy chance that I turn acting into a career. If not that, though, at least I have this opportunity to pursue it regularly as a hobby. Maybe such opportunities exist in Winona. But as with all other amenities: coffee shops, visual art, libraries, etc; all of Winona's offerings are pretty much pale in comparison.
*sigh* Still so much to consider.
Friday, April 15, 2005
Down to Zephyr Again
We're heading down tonight and staying two nights. Might be a bit stormy off and on this weekend, but we're really looking forward to visiting right as Spring is getting in full swing; tromping around in the hills, exploring the farm, and just some good hanging out with some of the people we met last time that we'll be getting to know better.
A couple of other things on the adjenda: Zephyr raises 20% of their own food-tomorrow morning we're being treated to a breakfast that includes farm-fresh eggs. As Mr. Breakfast, I'm definitely looking forward to that. We also want to visit a couple of the closest small towns (Witoka, Rushford) and see what kind of character & amenities there are in what would be the closest towns to us for the rest of our lives. Also maybe explore some of the dirt roads that would be our running routes, and then have a picnic (weather permitting) on that goat prairie on top of the hill to the NE, admiring the view of the valleys surrounding it.
Anyway, as much as we're totally struggling with all these different pros & cons in our minds, we're really hoping that this weekend will make things clearer one way or the other. There will likely be some very important things discussed as Lucy snoozes on the way home Sunday night.
A couple of other things on the adjenda: Zephyr raises 20% of their own food-tomorrow morning we're being treated to a breakfast that includes farm-fresh eggs. As Mr. Breakfast, I'm definitely looking forward to that. We also want to visit a couple of the closest small towns (Witoka, Rushford) and see what kind of character & amenities there are in what would be the closest towns to us for the rest of our lives. Also maybe explore some of the dirt roads that would be our running routes, and then have a picnic (weather permitting) on that goat prairie on top of the hill to the NE, admiring the view of the valleys surrounding it.
Anyway, as much as we're totally struggling with all these different pros & cons in our minds, we're really hoping that this weekend will make things clearer one way or the other. There will likely be some very important things discussed as Lucy snoozes on the way home Sunday night.
Breaking Down Hylton
Point Guard.
Good points:
Good points:
- Good ballhandling skills. Can dribble with both hands, through the legs, around the back pretty easily.
- Pretty good at penetrating and getting a shot off. While not blinding fast or able to jump amazingly high, very good at controlling the ball and finding the basket.
- Fair amount in the offensive repertoire: scoops, lay-ins, reverse lay-ins, hook shots.
- Good ability to jump far. Can't jump all that high, but there's hang-time. This allows for some pretty decent & sometimes creative finishes near the basket.
- Knows the game well-where teammates will be/should be. How to run an offense. Positioning. How to shoot for percentage (e.g. close to the basket).
- Good passer.
- Very accurrate on mid-range jumpers.
Challenges:
- For someone this size, surprisingly not all that fast. More specifically, not all that quick, in a first step or reacting to anothers' first step. In terms of the game you like to play (slashing to the basket), this is a major boner.
- Not able to jump all that high. Definitely a hinderance in getting shot off. Would venture to say that with more speed & a better vertical, you'd be very difficult to stop. Of course, I guess who couldn't say that?
- Love of attacking the basket can lead to getting into the lane without any idea of what to do, which leads to getting in trouble and getting blocked a decent amount.
- Flying directly in the face of the infamous "perfect form" comment, jump-shot shooting form is far from it. Jump-shot, most of the time, is a bent-arm sort of flick of the wrist that doesn't look quite right.
- Effort vs. return equation historically way off balance. Much too much needless energy expended in futile actions as a result of some kooky notion it is the "honorable" way to play. Would behoove you to give up the outside shot more often, let the crazy bounces go out of bounds, and not race off after fast breaks on the 15% chance the guy will miss the layup. You probably won't get the rebound, anyway.
Wednesday, April 13, 2005
The City in my Blood?
Just talking with Mixdorf about a seemingly recent upswing in violent crime in North Minneapolis. On the surface, it definitely seems like just another of the many compelling reasons to high-tail it to Zephyr Valley.
On the other hand, I wonder if despite my oft repeated claim that I am "not a big city person," if I have actually slowly become one through the years. In addition to (and perhaps as a result of) celebrating it's wonderful and diverse offerings, do I actually feel obligated to stand with it through its assorted challenges? There's something that ties me here, and it's not just the opportunities to indulge my newfound cultural elitist fancies. It;s something more under the surface. I must sit and scratch awhile.
On the other hand, I wonder if despite my oft repeated claim that I am "not a big city person," if I have actually slowly become one through the years. In addition to (and perhaps as a result of) celebrating it's wonderful and diverse offerings, do I actually feel obligated to stand with it through its assorted challenges? There's something that ties me here, and it's not just the opportunities to indulge my newfound cultural elitist fancies. It;s something more under the surface. I must sit and scratch awhile.
Camden Civic Theatre: The Above Broadway Players
I started in on a theatre class last night-a guy here is trying to kick-start theatre for the north side of Minneapolis and is starting to get people involved through this project, which is supported by the Minneapolis School system's community ed program. I've been feeling the ache from being out of acting too long, and interested in finding out if there really is a "use it or lose it" component to the art. I felt like I was a pretty good damned actor at the end of the 80s, but haven't really done it in an official capacity since then.
Last night was a lot of getting to know each other and a few improv warmups, then readthroughs of a couple of possible one-act plays we might take on. It was a lot of fun and felt pretty natural, though character acting is not really done best on a blind read-through. Definitely looking forward to the next meeting/rehearsal though, where we'll figure out what the next performance is going to be.
Last night was a lot of getting to know each other and a few improv warmups, then readthroughs of a couple of possible one-act plays we might take on. It was a lot of fun and felt pretty natural, though character acting is not really done best on a blind read-through. Definitely looking forward to the next meeting/rehearsal though, where we'll figure out what the next performance is going to be.
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