We had a few couples over last weekend for a belated ringing in of the New Year. A second annual sharing of resolutions & hopes for the coming year, lots of levity & storytelling, and a few rousing rounds of the party game "Apples to Apples." On top of other snacks & beverages, I was happy to provide a nice selection of quality craft beer from which our guests could choose. However, I made sure to tuck away a Schell's Firebrick Ale & Schell's Pale Ale, as I was not going to finish off my sampler pack without trying a couple of those notable and well-regarded brews.
I actually started the evening with a Firebrick, and it was wonderful. So wonderful, in fact, that I finished it in short order and moved on to my Pale Ale. Also wonderful. One of my guests brought over a six pack of his favorite beer, Harp Lager, and made me an offer of one, to which I acquiesced. Suddenly, I was buzzing.
Understand, I am having beer every night or every other night these days, but I am generally a one-beer guy. In fact, strictly a one-beer guy unless drinking with friends on a special occasion. So tonight, I was not really "tipsy," as they say, but definitely "feeling it," as those same people, and others besides, say. Suddenly, there was a knock at the door. Roy!!! How's it going, buddy? He stepped through the door and before I knew it, he was living it up, laughing, and regaling the assembled folks.
Now, anyone who knows the history of Roy knows that his presence used to annoy Sharon. He was a bit overbearing, exceedingly loud, and not very sensitive to how she was feeling at social events. It hit rock bottom when, returning from a party in St. Paul where Roy had been in "fine form," Roy stumbled and fell when getting out of the car and actually had to be helped to his feet and into the house. It was the next morning when I was informed that diplomatic ties with Roy were being officially severed. He was not allowed in her presence anymore. That was a promise that I kept for probably around six or seven years until, I guess, last weekend.
Whether its me getting a little wiser and softening my presentation or Sharon mellowing a bit, or just both of us understanding one other a little better, it was after beer three and before beer four (a tasty Snowstorm) that I realized that yes, Roy was there and yes, Sharon was having a good time, too. It may have even been Sharon that looked over at me and said something like, "Am I talking to Roy, here?" I may have responded with "Yeah...is Roy fun to be around?," to which she allowed a playful "Maybe..."
As further evidence of wisdom through age (and, perhaps, fatherhood), I capped it at four and rounded out a splendid evening.
Thursday, January 26, 2006
Tuesday, January 24, 2006
Employing Star Wars' "Imperial Empire Theory" of Management
from an article in today's Star-Tribune.
Criticized by some in the past for being hesitant to address the company's problems, Ford management seemed to deliver on that reputation for tentativeness Monday by not naming all of the plants it will close. The hesitation leaves thousands of workers in a fog about their future rather than committed to a new set of goals.
...
Mark Fields, head of Ford's North and South American auto division, was quoted in the Wall Street Journal as saying he wants to create "a sense of crisis, but not panic," arguing that Ford workers will find motivation in fear.
Good God. On a side note, I wonder what the odds are that Mark fucking Fields and his friends are "Bush Pioneers." Ironically, and sadly, I wonder how many of these shit-upon union workers have abandoned their union roots to vote for the tough-guy Republican party: the party of the American Dream (for about 2% of the population).
Criticized by some in the past for being hesitant to address the company's problems, Ford management seemed to deliver on that reputation for tentativeness Monday by not naming all of the plants it will close. The hesitation leaves thousands of workers in a fog about their future rather than committed to a new set of goals.
...
Mark Fields, head of Ford's North and South American auto division, was quoted in the Wall Street Journal as saying he wants to create "a sense of crisis, but not panic," arguing that Ford workers will find motivation in fear.
Good God. On a side note, I wonder what the odds are that Mark fucking Fields and his friends are "Bush Pioneers." Ironically, and sadly, I wonder how many of these shit-upon union workers have abandoned their union roots to vote for the tough-guy Republican party: the party of the American Dream (for about 2% of the population).
Monday, January 23, 2006
Battle Cry
Anyone got a favorite phrase they'd scream out when charging into battle?
I'm torn between:
"Moribund the Burgermeister!!!"
or
"Bron-Yr-Aur!!!!
I'm torn between:
"Moribund the Burgermeister!!!"
or
"Bron-Yr-Aur!!!!
Friday, January 20, 2006
Well, It's Official: Gibbsy is Out
According to T-Clog, we all got an email last night (which I haven't yet seen). Gibbs is apparently giving official word that he's out for next summer, while being a bit characteristically cryptic in his reasons.
To his credit, it sounds as though he doesn't want this to drag on like last year, for which he may feel a little guilt. Against his credit, from my standpoint anyway, is that it appears clear that this trip has simply not been even close to the priority for him that it has been for us. I just don't understand it. When I consider various things such as my age (35 with arguably fewer "prime of my life" days in front of me than behind me), and the geographic distribution of my friends (getting together once or twice a year takes some finagling; a trip like this can only happen every five years or so, tops), it can't help but to rise to the very top echelon of my dreams for this coming year. But the man has spoken.
It seems kind of crazy, considering it was his participation in a college class & getting this Escalante adventure book from it that initially spurred on this interest. But getting this word early on in the game can hopefully free us up, from a planning and logistical standpoint (e.g. less schedules to consider, earlier & better idea of rental/gas costs we're likely to incur, and easier & better understanding of our various responsibilities).
Moving on...
Cory: expedition planner (where we go, where we camp, timing of it all, considerations such as temp, rain, flooding, wilde beastes)
Dan: logistics of getting there (timing, vehicle rental), coordination of gear
PMix: getting self to Midwest, meal planning (though Dan secures foodstuffs)
To his credit, it sounds as though he doesn't want this to drag on like last year, for which he may feel a little guilt. Against his credit, from my standpoint anyway, is that it appears clear that this trip has simply not been even close to the priority for him that it has been for us. I just don't understand it. When I consider various things such as my age (35 with arguably fewer "prime of my life" days in front of me than behind me), and the geographic distribution of my friends (getting together once or twice a year takes some finagling; a trip like this can only happen every five years or so, tops), it can't help but to rise to the very top echelon of my dreams for this coming year. But the man has spoken.
It seems kind of crazy, considering it was his participation in a college class & getting this Escalante adventure book from it that initially spurred on this interest. But getting this word early on in the game can hopefully free us up, from a planning and logistical standpoint (e.g. less schedules to consider, earlier & better idea of rental/gas costs we're likely to incur, and easier & better understanding of our various responsibilities).
Moving on...
Cory: expedition planner (where we go, where we camp, timing of it all, considerations such as temp, rain, flooding, wilde beastes)
Dan: logistics of getting there (timing, vehicle rental), coordination of gear
PMix: getting self to Midwest, meal planning (though Dan secures foodstuffs)
Thursday, January 19, 2006
Wingin', Just a Bit
I'm trying to grow my hair out really long over the top & front, ala Professor Snape or the kid from Thumbsucker. But there's a really kind of crazy middle ground, before you can tuck your hair behind your ears. Aaron claims to have had to wear a baseball hat for about a year before he could pull it off. I don't have that luxury at Big Buy (business casual), so things might get a little ugly in the meantime. The hair that grows over my left ear also has this tendency to sort of *wing out* just a little. More pictures to follow as the experiment warrants.
A Record High Here Today
That's right, I have a new highest score in my BeerAdvocacy. It's the Samuel Adams Holiday Porter (and my review should be at or near the top). It's a kind of weird situation, since (as I explain in the review) I'm giving it high scores partially due to understanding what they were going for, rather than judging purely on personal taste. The beer I've flat out enjoyed the most so far is the plain ol' Sam Adams Boston Lager, for which I haven't yet posted a review. I am up to 9 reviews, though, and so moving through my personal world tour at a respectable clip.
Dan Speaks Out Again
The Danphoenix rises again from the ashes to offer forth more words on Escalante before disappearing once more into flame:
Noted on T-Clog's refusal to get trekking poles. Indeed, I remembered one of the things we had talked about early on, and which we should maybe return to; which is the idea of this trip more as a retreat into one of the world's most peaceful and beautiful places, rather than a test of our physical limits. Some of us have a tendency to turn most the most ordinary of backpacking trips into an homage to the Bataan Death March, but I think could benefit greatly from resisting that urge more often. Not only is there the obvious issue of not indulging one's self in the environment, there's also the reality that we simply cannot assume that we'll all be in the same physical condition when we get together.
I'm back on board with the idea of backpacking to a "base camp" sort of place in a day or day & a half and doing day hikes from there (which would mean packing along a day pack for toting lunches, water bottles, field guides, etc.).
Noted on T-Clog's refusal to get trekking poles. Indeed, I remembered one of the things we had talked about early on, and which we should maybe return to; which is the idea of this trip more as a retreat into one of the world's most peaceful and beautiful places, rather than a test of our physical limits. Some of us have a tendency to turn most the most ordinary of backpacking trips into an homage to the Bataan Death March, but I think could benefit greatly from resisting that urge more often. Not only is there the obvious issue of not indulging one's self in the environment, there's also the reality that we simply cannot assume that we'll all be in the same physical condition when we get together.
I'm back on board with the idea of backpacking to a "base camp" sort of place in a day or day & a half and doing day hikes from there (which would mean packing along a day pack for toting lunches, water bottles, field guides, etc.).
Wednesday, January 18, 2006
The Health Coalescence
So, this post is sort of the coalescence of a number of other posts & thoughts I've had over the past number of months. It is about health and how aspects of my lifestyle need to be changed in order to better it.
1. Fitness: I was sure I had made a post on it recently, but couldn't find one; maybe I've just been thinking about it a lot. I've had a sort of "wake-up" moment regarding my level of fitness. I've always considered myself relatively fit and active. Well, I'm not sure the evidence of the past few years (or more) really bears that out. In the same way some people might get a lot of"mileage" out of, say, a single trip to France; others (like me) might get an awful lot of "mileage" out of a single, relatively brief fitness training period per year. In recent years (and maybe before that), I usually have one or two long distance running event during the course of the year that demands a very intense training program, but in the big scheme of things, it's only a small portion of the year (12 weeks for my standard 25k trail run, but a paltry, condensed seven-week training period last year). Seven to 12 weeks out of 52 in a year? Granted, there are certainly runs I am going on for the rest of the year, but my commitment to keeping that regular and sustained is just not there. Considering most health experts recommend three to four 30-minute cardiovascular workouts a week, it's time for me to stop getting "mileage" out of my narrow window of regular running and commit to regular activity and fitness for the long term. So far, so good this year. I am going out for short (1 1/2 to 2 mile) runs, which seem surprisingly long (they're not all that tough, but when you only set out for a run that short it seems to take an amazingly long time), in an attempt to embark upon something that won't burn me out, can fit into my schedule, and do all the other things that are the recipe for something I can stick with, long-term. right now, I either run during lunch at work or after Lucy goes down on my "off-Lucy" nights. My runs around home are limited to more or less straight north, as I just don't think it would be all that safe to take to the trails after dark. As the weather changes (and the sun stays out longer), I'd like to mix in trail running, biking, and some other cross training to keep it interesting. Also, Sharon & I are going to try to incorporate a family hike on Sunday afternoons. A brisk, long one; it's time for me to stop being a running dick and stop poo-poo-ing the good health effects of walking.
2: Diet: I've actually made strides in this in the past few years. Since Lucy's been born, we have been buying a lot of natural, un-processed foods. But it was only recently, when I finally read up on the science behind fat & cholesterol (detailed in a recent post), that I really comitted to an extra effort in avoiding empty carbs, hydrogenized foods, and excess sweets. That stuff freaks me out enough now that I think this is going to be one that I can really stick with. My major issues in the realm of diet remain 1) the "binge," particularly those that occur late at night, and with peanut butter 2) overeating at supper. There are other things that I could tweak (more but smaller meals, a little more vegetable matter) down the line, but I think if I get those two major ones under control, I'll be in pretty good shape. Oh yeah, there's the coffee thing, too. That's one of my resolutions, so I won't dwell on it here. But other things, like pop at mealtime, has already made a significant decline in light of my new strides in avoiding the bad stuff. I plan to continue to have a beer about two out of every three nights-a good things in many health respects, but certainly a lot of empty calories (don't even say "light beer" to me). That is something I truly, truly enjoy and really want as part of my lifestyle, and so will just have to be compensated for by my fitness. Nothing like a nice beer as a reward for a day where you've done the right thing at meals & in excercise.
3. Stress: This is related to health. Since it's only fairly recently recognized as such by the medical community, I think we may someday discover that it's far more influential than we currently know. Sometimes I think I'm good at letting stress roll off my back, and sometimes I think I let it consume me. Truth is, I just can't get in other people's heads, so I really don't know how I compare. I worry and overanalyze things, but I'm also really good at living for the moment and putting all my concerns on the shelf when I am engaged in an activity. I think resolving some of the unresolved issues my family faces (also part resolution project) will help in this area, as will continuing to indulge myself in those things that I enjoy will allow me to manage this.
1. Fitness: I was sure I had made a post on it recently, but couldn't find one; maybe I've just been thinking about it a lot. I've had a sort of "wake-up" moment regarding my level of fitness. I've always considered myself relatively fit and active. Well, I'm not sure the evidence of the past few years (or more) really bears that out. In the same way some people might get a lot of"mileage" out of, say, a single trip to France; others (like me) might get an awful lot of "mileage" out of a single, relatively brief fitness training period per year. In recent years (and maybe before that), I usually have one or two long distance running event during the course of the year that demands a very intense training program, but in the big scheme of things, it's only a small portion of the year (12 weeks for my standard 25k trail run, but a paltry, condensed seven-week training period last year). Seven to 12 weeks out of 52 in a year? Granted, there are certainly runs I am going on for the rest of the year, but my commitment to keeping that regular and sustained is just not there. Considering most health experts recommend three to four 30-minute cardiovascular workouts a week, it's time for me to stop getting "mileage" out of my narrow window of regular running and commit to regular activity and fitness for the long term. So far, so good this year. I am going out for short (1 1/2 to 2 mile) runs, which seem surprisingly long (they're not all that tough, but when you only set out for a run that short it seems to take an amazingly long time), in an attempt to embark upon something that won't burn me out, can fit into my schedule, and do all the other things that are the recipe for something I can stick with, long-term. right now, I either run during lunch at work or after Lucy goes down on my "off-Lucy" nights. My runs around home are limited to more or less straight north, as I just don't think it would be all that safe to take to the trails after dark. As the weather changes (and the sun stays out longer), I'd like to mix in trail running, biking, and some other cross training to keep it interesting. Also, Sharon & I are going to try to incorporate a family hike on Sunday afternoons. A brisk, long one; it's time for me to stop being a running dick and stop poo-poo-ing the good health effects of walking.
2: Diet: I've actually made strides in this in the past few years. Since Lucy's been born, we have been buying a lot of natural, un-processed foods. But it was only recently, when I finally read up on the science behind fat & cholesterol (detailed in a recent post), that I really comitted to an extra effort in avoiding empty carbs, hydrogenized foods, and excess sweets. That stuff freaks me out enough now that I think this is going to be one that I can really stick with. My major issues in the realm of diet remain 1) the "binge," particularly those that occur late at night, and with peanut butter 2) overeating at supper. There are other things that I could tweak (more but smaller meals, a little more vegetable matter) down the line, but I think if I get those two major ones under control, I'll be in pretty good shape. Oh yeah, there's the coffee thing, too. That's one of my resolutions, so I won't dwell on it here. But other things, like pop at mealtime, has already made a significant decline in light of my new strides in avoiding the bad stuff. I plan to continue to have a beer about two out of every three nights-a good things in many health respects, but certainly a lot of empty calories (don't even say "light beer" to me). That is something I truly, truly enjoy and really want as part of my lifestyle, and so will just have to be compensated for by my fitness. Nothing like a nice beer as a reward for a day where you've done the right thing at meals & in excercise.
3. Stress: This is related to health. Since it's only fairly recently recognized as such by the medical community, I think we may someday discover that it's far more influential than we currently know. Sometimes I think I'm good at letting stress roll off my back, and sometimes I think I let it consume me. Truth is, I just can't get in other people's heads, so I really don't know how I compare. I worry and overanalyze things, but I'm also really good at living for the moment and putting all my concerns on the shelf when I am engaged in an activity. I think resolving some of the unresolved issues my family faces (also part resolution project) will help in this area, as will continuing to indulge myself in those things that I enjoy will allow me to manage this.
Monday, January 16, 2006
Dan Speaks out on Escalante
I'm speaking out on gear.
First, Raincoats: I think I've mentioned that I've been considering an upgrade on raincoat for some time. I've been using a jacket I got (Columbia, but a good, top-of-the-line one) in 1996, just prior to my trip to Paraguay. It has since gone through use in every camping trip on which I've been in the past 10 years, as well as being my winter-coat overlayer (over an REI fleece). It has holes burned in the sleeves from embers during long-forgotten February freeze-offs, is down to a zipper stub (easily worth replacing -if the jacket was a lot more new & functional), and no longer holds a waterproof treatment. It work OK-but only OK during the Mixdorf/Dan rain romp on Maine's coast, with its current inability to shed water combined with a lack of pit zippers & adequate ventilation (always an issue with this coat) it pretty much performs an "anti-wick;"inviting rain in to mix with the sweat that can't get out.
I finally went for it and got a really nice Marmot raincoat. T-Clog will appreciate the fact that I tried the model on at REI, then went for the same thing, but $25 cheaper at Campmor. Here it is:
"Angel Wing" feature under the arms to allow for natural movement. Breathable. Waterproof. Pit (and other) zippers for ventilation. Marmot reputation. It's awesome and I can't wait to use it.
Next, Trail Pad: So, I've got the same (or very similar) trail pad that we all do-the eggshell foam thing. I'm just going to say it: I haven't had a comfortable night's sleep on a camping trip for about six years. For a guy that likes to think he's pretty decent at "roughing it" and who once went about a half year sleeping only on a trail pad at Johnson Street, it was a little tough to first recognize, and then admit; but the simple fact is that as my body ages, it is less and less capable of finding sleep on hard surfaces comfy. And I don't want to "rough it." I want to have a wonderful, comfortable sleep out in the wilds. A luxurious sleep listening to night sounds, and eventual luxurious, drawn-out waking, listening to morning sounds. I'm going to invest the $40-$50 in a self-inflatable matress (trail pad variety, obviously; not "twin-sized"). I would highly recommend everyone else going on this trip and planning to sleep on rock do the same.
Next, Head Lamp: I may end up being the only guy without one of those headlamps (around $35, right?). I plan to get one of those headbands that can hold a mag-lite. I would like to have a nice, fresh new bulb for the maggie, though.
Next, Dishes: Seems like it would be a cool idea for us all to have the same dish/cup. That way, they could stack together for packing. Considering we'll all be toting 1 1/2 gallons of water apiece, it would be nice to conserve space in that way. Thoughts?
Next, Trekking Poles: Clogger, I'd still really recommend this. I know Target has these for under $30. I love mine-you know what they say, "Once trek, never back."
Other thoughts?
First, Raincoats: I think I've mentioned that I've been considering an upgrade on raincoat for some time. I've been using a jacket I got (Columbia, but a good, top-of-the-line one) in 1996, just prior to my trip to Paraguay. It has since gone through use in every camping trip on which I've been in the past 10 years, as well as being my winter-coat overlayer (over an REI fleece). It has holes burned in the sleeves from embers during long-forgotten February freeze-offs, is down to a zipper stub (easily worth replacing -if the jacket was a lot more new & functional), and no longer holds a waterproof treatment. It work OK-but only OK during the Mixdorf/Dan rain romp on Maine's coast, with its current inability to shed water combined with a lack of pit zippers & adequate ventilation (always an issue with this coat) it pretty much performs an "anti-wick;"inviting rain in to mix with the sweat that can't get out.
I finally went for it and got a really nice Marmot raincoat. T-Clog will appreciate the fact that I tried the model on at REI, then went for the same thing, but $25 cheaper at Campmor. Here it is:
"Angel Wing" feature under the arms to allow for natural movement. Breathable. Waterproof. Pit (and other) zippers for ventilation. Marmot reputation. It's awesome and I can't wait to use it.
Next, Trail Pad: So, I've got the same (or very similar) trail pad that we all do-the eggshell foam thing. I'm just going to say it: I haven't had a comfortable night's sleep on a camping trip for about six years. For a guy that likes to think he's pretty decent at "roughing it" and who once went about a half year sleeping only on a trail pad at Johnson Street, it was a little tough to first recognize, and then admit; but the simple fact is that as my body ages, it is less and less capable of finding sleep on hard surfaces comfy. And I don't want to "rough it." I want to have a wonderful, comfortable sleep out in the wilds. A luxurious sleep listening to night sounds, and eventual luxurious, drawn-out waking, listening to morning sounds. I'm going to invest the $40-$50 in a self-inflatable matress (trail pad variety, obviously; not "twin-sized"). I would highly recommend everyone else going on this trip and planning to sleep on rock do the same.
Next, Head Lamp: I may end up being the only guy without one of those headlamps (around $35, right?). I plan to get one of those headbands that can hold a mag-lite. I would like to have a nice, fresh new bulb for the maggie, though.
Next, Dishes: Seems like it would be a cool idea for us all to have the same dish/cup. That way, they could stack together for packing. Considering we'll all be toting 1 1/2 gallons of water apiece, it would be nice to conserve space in that way. Thoughts?
Next, Trekking Poles: Clogger, I'd still really recommend this. I know Target has these for under $30. I love mine-you know what they say, "Once trek, never back."
Other thoughts?
Sunday, January 15, 2006
Behold! The Trumpeter Swans!
Sharon had meant for some time to get us all up to this interesting little "park" area in Monticello. It's about four miles downstream of a power plant, where the river never freezes over (erg...that park kind of freaks me out), that a resident began feeding a breeding pair or two of trumpeter swans (the enormous, six-foot from beak to end of feet all white kind). They came back for more and brought friends, as well as all their cousins (Canada geese, mallards, goldeneyes, coots, and mergansers) until the regular flock grew to hundreds (up to 900 swans frequent the place according to a recent DNR count). Of course, the cost of food & so on got completely out of control; I guess she gets an enormous grant to keep it up, and now puts the food on a conveyor belt to cart it out to the banks of the river. Not sure how the racket sits with the neighbors, but the city of Monticello has turned the place into a little public access point to the river with an observation deck. A multitude of camera toting folks were there alongside us. My camera was put to shame, but I got a few shots that could pass for chronologically following some swans through their flight in, landing, feeding, and display. 
I think these birds are the largest in North America, outside of the condor. For more information on this place and these amazing creatures, check out the brochure. Most interesting fact, I thought: they weight between 20-30 lbs. That's 4-6 times the weight of a large Great Horned Owl. Crimney, how do they get into the air using only feathers?!
I think these birds are the largest in North America, outside of the condor. For more information on this place and these amazing creatures, check out the brochure. Most interesting fact, I thought: they weight between 20-30 lbs. That's 4-6 times the weight of a large Great Horned Owl. Crimney, how do they get into the air using only feathers?!
Thursday, January 12, 2006
I Would Let Her Bear the Ring, Yes I Would...
To summarize discussions of well over a year ago with Mixdorf and one just this morning with Cory; of all the people I know, I would trust Sharon to go into the very shadow of Mordor (where the shadows lie), bearing the ring. To her, alone, I would entrust the task of carrying the ring up the mountain and casting it into the fire.
But I would not want her as captain of my starship.
But I would not want her as captain of my starship.
Wednesday, January 11, 2006
Well, I'm a Wonk
I'm sitting here, listening to the Samuel Alito hearings. Every time NPR says, "We'll return to the hearings in a little while" I'm thinking that they can't return soon enough. I can listen to this shit all day.
On a side note, I'm finding it repeatedly disheartening and enlightening, over the past few years, to really see how weasely & questionably-motivated folks can truly rise to the highest levels of "public service" in this country. These folks are not always all that respectable. That part is obvious. But, more surprisingly, they don't always appear to be all that much more knowledgable and well-thought-out on issues than me & my friends, considering the obvious advantage of being in the midst of thsee issues by virtue of their careers. Potentially a followup post or posts to this down the line...
On a side note, I'm finding it repeatedly disheartening and enlightening, over the past few years, to really see how weasely & questionably-motivated folks can truly rise to the highest levels of "public service" in this country. These folks are not always all that respectable. That part is obvious. But, more surprisingly, they don't always appear to be all that much more knowledgable and well-thought-out on issues than me & my friends, considering the obvious advantage of being in the midst of thsee issues by virtue of their careers. Potentially a followup post or posts to this down the line...
Tuesday, January 10, 2006
Intrigue and Inspiration
One thing I found very intriguing last fall was when a local indie theatre troupe, Hardcover Theatre undertook an ambitious serial endeavor called "London After Midnight." Basically, a vampire tale that is presented one chapter at a time, one chapter per season. A cross between Dickens and a soap opera, it has the potential of bringing patrons back to find out what happens next, as well as giving actors & crew a chance to really develop characters over a long period of time. For me, hearing about this was inspirational as well as ingriguing.
Another thing I find intriguing is non-traditional theatre. By that, I mean theatre that is presented in non-traditional spaces. Possibilities are nearly endless, and it also frees a low-budget company from the financial requirement of securing an actual theatre space (which can run into the multi-thousands of dollars through rehearsals & performance) and being bound by traditional lighting/sound considerations.
Two more things I find inspirational as well as intruiging are the movie My Dinner with Andre and the Simon & Garfunkel song, The Dangling Conversation. Both deal with sort of the cafe/coffeehouse "intellectual" conversation; the former examining it and celebrating it, and the latter taking a little dig at it.
WHAT IF someone wrote a serial play called "The Dangling Conversation" that took place IN a coffeeshop? I think there have been moments when all of us have sat around just bullshitting with one another and thought "boy, what a shame that no-one else will ever get to appreciate the richness/humour/etc. of this conversation." I have, anyway. Of course, My Dinner with Andre sets an incredibly high standard for a writer, and The Dangling Conversation serves as warning as to how such a performance might be perceived by an audience if it wasn't pulled off just right. I think it would be a lot easier and more compelling if there were some sort of hook involved-some sort of plot or event unfolding as a new character or two are introduced through subsequent "chapters."
During a meeting of my theatre company on Sunday, I just tossed the idea out, and everyone else was intrigued. At this point, it's still an instance of "belling the cat," but my wheels are turning. I toss out the idea here to see if anyone has any kind of plot idea they would toss into such a setting?
Another thing I find intriguing is non-traditional theatre. By that, I mean theatre that is presented in non-traditional spaces. Possibilities are nearly endless, and it also frees a low-budget company from the financial requirement of securing an actual theatre space (which can run into the multi-thousands of dollars through rehearsals & performance) and being bound by traditional lighting/sound considerations.
Two more things I find inspirational as well as intruiging are the movie My Dinner with Andre and the Simon & Garfunkel song, The Dangling Conversation. Both deal with sort of the cafe/coffeehouse "intellectual" conversation; the former examining it and celebrating it, and the latter taking a little dig at it.
WHAT IF someone wrote a serial play called "The Dangling Conversation" that took place IN a coffeeshop? I think there have been moments when all of us have sat around just bullshitting with one another and thought "boy, what a shame that no-one else will ever get to appreciate the richness/humour/etc. of this conversation." I have, anyway. Of course, My Dinner with Andre sets an incredibly high standard for a writer, and The Dangling Conversation serves as warning as to how such a performance might be perceived by an audience if it wasn't pulled off just right. I think it would be a lot easier and more compelling if there were some sort of hook involved-some sort of plot or event unfolding as a new character or two are introduced through subsequent "chapters."
During a meeting of my theatre company on Sunday, I just tossed the idea out, and everyone else was intrigued. At this point, it's still an instance of "belling the cat," but my wheels are turning. I toss out the idea here to see if anyone has any kind of plot idea they would toss into such a setting?
Monday, January 09, 2006
Link Blogthrob
Particularly careful observers may have noticed I've added links to my Blog in recent times. It seemed natural to group them into three sections, and I'll say a little about them today
Sister Cities to the Oliopolis:
Other Blogs in my Blogring (those Blogs of friends I will check daily or at least on a very regular basis). There's a couple of other "2nd tier" Blogs: ones that I know, incidentally, as a result of them commenting or being linked to from A Blog of His Own (Byzantium's Shores and Dirigiblog), but I really don't currently have enough of a regular association with those authors to include them at this time. Perhaps, if they (or others) check into the Oliopolis from time to time, I will do the same and we can mutually grow our readership a little. I guess that's how this usually works, right?
The Oliopolis of Ventures:
Personal artistic/creative ventures of mine; in particular, my music and theatre endeavors. I may add photo or map galleries at some point in the future, depending on how seriously I take on that pursuit.
In This I Believe:
OK, so I'm not just a voice in the wilderness that rants from time to time. I do put my money and/or voice into action and these are some of the charitable social/environmental causes in which I am the most deeply personally connected and involved.
Sister Cities to the Oliopolis:
Other Blogs in my Blogring (those Blogs of friends I will check daily or at least on a very regular basis). There's a couple of other "2nd tier" Blogs: ones that I know, incidentally, as a result of them commenting or being linked to from A Blog of His Own (Byzantium's Shores and Dirigiblog), but I really don't currently have enough of a regular association with those authors to include them at this time. Perhaps, if they (or others) check into the Oliopolis from time to time, I will do the same and we can mutually grow our readership a little. I guess that's how this usually works, right?
The Oliopolis of Ventures:
Personal artistic/creative ventures of mine; in particular, my music and theatre endeavors. I may add photo or map galleries at some point in the future, depending on how seriously I take on that pursuit.
In This I Believe:
OK, so I'm not just a voice in the wilderness that rants from time to time. I do put my money and/or voice into action and these are some of the charitable social/environmental causes in which I am the most deeply personally connected and involved.
- Childreach: I have been involved with Childreach since shortly after college (even back in the days of netting $400 biweekly at my TV job). I sponsored one child from about 5th grade all the way through high school and am now sponsoring a little boy, Elian, in Bolivia, who is entering grammar school this year. Childreach is part of Plan International, sort of an international Peace Corps that works on community development projects in addition to individually sponsoring children. You want to know what a committed invididual acts of kindness and giving from people around the world can do that a $500 billion/year defense budget cannot? Well, it's about peace on earth and right here it is.
- The Humane Society: In the past 10 years, my contributions to the Ramsey County Humane Society (now the Humane Society for Companion Animals) have gone from volunteering time to volunteering money, as the availability of extra amounts of one to the other has gradually shifted. But I appreciate the hard, thankless, and often unbelievably depressing work that committed organizations just like this do throughout the world. I love and care for my own pets. What of the millions of potential pets in this country alone that sleep without shelter or companionship every night? Oof. Rough to think about, but I will continue to humbly support those people working to find and care for them.
- The ONE Campaign: Based on the belief that there is enough money in the first world to overcome AIDS and extreme poverty worldwide. As Mixdorf has stated (and as most charity organizations already know), the root of most problems in the world are not really religion or political differences. It's economic disparity.
- Union of Concerned Scientists: I have said it before and I will say it again. I am a man of science. Science as led us down some dark paths and has occasionally been influenced by those darker forces that prey upon the frailty of our species. But, if given the choice between following those that pursue the light of knowledge and understanding; or huddling with those living in laze, ignorance, and fear, I will choose the former every time. And not all scientists are for sale. This organization (UCS), chooses to use the fruits of their research and conclusions to make judgements on the most societally-conscious decisions in nearly all our lifestyle and consumer choices.
- New American Dream: Also very much into the "consumer choices" vein, this organization really believes that wasteful consumption (related to the whole "ecological footprint" topic, which is of great interest to me) is the single greatest aspect of our first-world lives that is within our power to contain and control if we hope to make a better world.
All great organizations. All definitely worth checking out. There's other great stuff out there, obviously: Red Cross, Greenpeace, MoveOn, Doctors without Borders, etc. etc. But I don't want to overwhelm my nation of readers.
Other Favorite Places on the Web:
So, life isn't all about activism and structured personal endeavors. Here's some of my favorite other places I like to check out.
- Wikipedia: I've quickly grown to love this resource. A wonderful, amazing, collaboratory effort (it never could have even come close to being pulled off by even a large staff) from experts and enthusiasts worldwide; it is a luxurious and almost sinful array of subjects, interlinking, and information for the intellectually curious. Quite simply, in my opinion, the best of what mankind and the web has to offer.
- Snopes: A myth and rumour-debunking resource that puts an end to the neverending supply of the worst of what mankind and the web has to offer.
- The Onion: In my opinion (of course), the best American humour currently going. Anywhere.
- Beer Advocate: I considered putting this advocacy group in the "In This I Believe" section but, in all seriousness, did not want to diminish the mission of the above groups. Nevertheless, furthering appreciation of this wonderful, mouth-watering liquid can only make this world a better place. Check in and learn a little more about that brew you're drinking. Check in to see what reviews I have most recently written. Better yet, start your own account.
- AllMusic: For the story behind that album and that music you're listening to, this is the place to go. A nice resource to have when doing Coalescence work, and just for putting music you hear into its overall popular music context, I've been a fan of this place for years.
There it is. If other links are added (new blog link exchanges, the potential photo exhibit, maybe something to reflect my newfound interest in chess, or just anything I may have forgotten), I will make sure to make a note.
Sunday, January 08, 2006
A Random Ten Vol. 2
1. Me & the IRS: Johnny Paycheck
2. Get that Love: Thompson Twins
3. She's Leaving Home: The Beatles
4. Too Busy Thinking About My Baby: Marvin Gaye
5. There Goes My Everything: Elvis
6. Act Naturally: The Beatles
7. I'm Looking Through You: The Beatles
8. Dancing Machine: The Jackson 5
9. One Love: Bob Marley
10. Happy Anniversary: Little River Band
Well, Beatle-heavy in a way that doesn't seem to be a very accurate reflection of my collection's diversity. And it ends on a serious dud. But, it's a random 10, so it is what it is.
2. Get that Love: Thompson Twins
3. She's Leaving Home: The Beatles
4. Too Busy Thinking About My Baby: Marvin Gaye
5. There Goes My Everything: Elvis
6. Act Naturally: The Beatles
7. I'm Looking Through You: The Beatles
8. Dancing Machine: The Jackson 5
9. One Love: Bob Marley
10. Happy Anniversary: Little River Band
Well, Beatle-heavy in a way that doesn't seem to be a very accurate reflection of my collection's diversity. And it ends on a serious dud. But, it's a random 10, so it is what it is.
Friday, January 06, 2006
Beer Appreciation 101: A+
Onto Beer Appreciation 102:
It's interesting, but I've taken definite steps forward in beer appreciation in very recent times; certainly since the "Corona is my favorite beer" days. I think in the old days, when I never truly gave myself over to enjoying the flavor of beer, I really confused "drinkability" with taste. What that often meant was that I never truly enjoyed the taste of alcohol and a lot of the other ingredients that make beer what it is, and the extent to which I "liked" a beer was quite closely correlated to how easily the beer went down. How tasteless and watery. I will cast no aspersions on Corona until I try it again from a new palette, but my opinion might be very different this time around.
Now, some of my favorite tasting beers would actually cause me to make a face if I tried to drink them too fast. In the world of fermentation & yeast and so on, there's a fine line between bitter/skunky/and delicious, and if I sip a beer slowly and really let the flavors unravel slowly, it's a totally different universe than if I quaff it. In that same vein, reading up a little on the style of beer and specific brew prior to consuming your first and having some understanding of the goal of the brewmeister can help you go distintguish some of those subtledies. Makes one realize there really is a time & place for different beers (e.g. no reason to buy high-quality beer if you're planning on having a smash-down).
It's interesting, but I've taken definite steps forward in beer appreciation in very recent times; certainly since the "Corona is my favorite beer" days. I think in the old days, when I never truly gave myself over to enjoying the flavor of beer, I really confused "drinkability" with taste. What that often meant was that I never truly enjoyed the taste of alcohol and a lot of the other ingredients that make beer what it is, and the extent to which I "liked" a beer was quite closely correlated to how easily the beer went down. How tasteless and watery. I will cast no aspersions on Corona until I try it again from a new palette, but my opinion might be very different this time around.
Now, some of my favorite tasting beers would actually cause me to make a face if I tried to drink them too fast. In the world of fermentation & yeast and so on, there's a fine line between bitter/skunky/and delicious, and if I sip a beer slowly and really let the flavors unravel slowly, it's a totally different universe than if I quaff it. In that same vein, reading up a little on the style of beer and specific brew prior to consuming your first and having some understanding of the goal of the brewmeister can help you go distintguish some of those subtledies. Makes one realize there really is a time & place for different beers (e.g. no reason to buy high-quality beer if you're planning on having a smash-down).
Thursday, January 05, 2006
More Harry Potter and Butterbeer
1. Researching Snape a little, some links from Wikipedia:
- People from around the world asking questions of Rowling; some interesting responses scattered here and there.
- Some interesting theories as to why Snape is really good-particularly look at the Book 6 part.
- Some other Snape information given by Rowling.
2. A few new reviews up, including my highest rated beer so far: Negra Modelo, at 3.75.
35! and a Day of Frivolity
Wow. 35. We celebrated, sans-Lucy, with a day that included an eat-out breakfast, chess at the coffee shop, much enjoyable dangling conversation, dinner out, and a viewing of the latest Harry Potter; which I thought was the best so far and by far.
The directing was superb. I also think the kids have been taking acting lessons; they all did a great job. More than any of the others, it really didn't seem like a movie from kids, both in terms of the intensity and also when you consider all the scenes having fun with the awkward boy-girl dynamic of early teen years. That could have been done wincingly bad, but I think they did a really great job of it and, as adults, one can watch those scenes with warmth and humour. Got to agree with Gibbsy, though; the new Dumbledore is a nutcase. I don't know what they were thinking with that...
The directing was superb. I also think the kids have been taking acting lessons; they all did a great job. More than any of the others, it really didn't seem like a movie from kids, both in terms of the intensity and also when you consider all the scenes having fun with the awkward boy-girl dynamic of early teen years. That could have been done wincingly bad, but I think they did a really great job of it and, as adults, one can watch those scenes with warmth and humour. Got to agree with Gibbsy, though; the new Dumbledore is a nutcase. I don't know what they were thinking with that...
Tuesday, January 03, 2006
Thank God for American Animation
For if it weren't for Simpsons, King of the Hill, and South Park; humour in American comedies would be trailing about 30 years behind that of our British cousins.
It's probably not even a reflection on the talent of writers for our shows here, stateside, but simply some sort of resignation by those at all levels who are involved in putting our shows together, deciding there is an endless appetite for the lcd.
Thank God for The Onion, too, for that matter; letting our brothers & sisters worldwide know what feats of comedic brilliance yet lie in our red-blooded American arteries, waiting only for the right opportunity to spackle the walls of expectation with satire paste.
It's probably not even a reflection on the talent of writers for our shows here, stateside, but simply some sort of resignation by those at all levels who are involved in putting our shows together, deciding there is an endless appetite for the lcd.
Thank God for The Onion, too, for that matter; letting our brothers & sisters worldwide know what feats of comedic brilliance yet lie in our red-blooded American arteries, waiting only for the right opportunity to spackle the walls of expectation with satire paste.
Friday, December 30, 2005
The Resolution Project
Per inspiration by Mixdorf, my recap of 2005 and hopes for 2006:
1. 3 Resolutions for 2006:
1. 3 Resolutions for 2006:
- Future: Residence Issue Resolved.
- Health: Be on regular cardiovascular schedule AND be eating right/in moderation.
- Art: Finish SECRET OF HIM.
2. Best Moment of 2005:
- Christmas celebration evening with Sharon & Lucy (a couple days before visiting Iowa). We sang (& played on guitar & piano) Christmas songs, put up some decorations, I read The Grinch. Just a wonderful, wonderful family moment.
- Death of my beloved doggie.
4. 2005 Remembered as the Year of the...
- ...unresolved decisions
Notes on the four:
#1: The ammended one is the second goal. I made a formerly very specific and limited health goal to one that is broader and incorporates a concert of lifestyle changes (e.g. "eating right" could include the switch from coffee to tea). I have some other goals of learning more about chess, learning more about art, learning more about beer, and watching buttloads of movies, but I'll stick with these three.
#2: This was really tough. Even exluding any sexually-related "moment" (which, honestly, we must all do), this comes down to whichever of a number of really good times happens to be at the forefront. Eating a TU Bar, Drinking Old Speckled Hen, and watching ST with Gibbons at Terre Vista Drive? Football, beer, & swimming afternoon with Mixxy & Cory? Right up there. Sitting on a rock by the shore of Lake Superior with Sharon & Lucy? Talk with Cory at Wikota Creek? Pancake breakfast the last morning we visited Zephyr? The moment I dropped out of college again? Hearing the news of Helen's & Shawn's adoption? Honeymooners performance? All strong candidates and I'm undoubtedly forgetting many more...
#3: Well this was the one and it probably wasn't even close; though, of course, it was one of those worst moments/best moments, as it was definitely part of a greater good.
#4: Unresolved decisions: where to live, as well as a couple of somewhat more private, family issues. Having not reached a "resolution" (ironic, eh?) on weighty life issues really influences much of all I seem to do. The whole "half a man" effect.
All in all, I can't say as I have many regrets from 2005; though I'm hopeful on my resolutions (in more ways than one), and excited for 2006. Happy New Year's to all!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
