Saturday, March 04, 2006
Friday, March 03, 2006
The Longest Pee
My poor cat!
So, following the surgery, Saraki is not supposed to use traditional cat litter while she still has her stitches in because of the dust factor. We were instructed to use shredded paper instead, and told that she would be able to make the adjustment.
On day one after her last return from the clinic (Sunday night), she peed on an old dog bed we had placed under the couch, where she had immediately retired, in an effort to be alone for awhile after all the stress. We attributed that somewhat to grogginess and confusion, and a little to the discomfort of trying to make her way all the way over to one of the shredded paper stations we had put out for her. The vet had also told us that there was a chance she might protest the change in litter in a couple of instances, but assured us that she would get with the program shortly thereafter.
From that point on, though, things became, "The Great Squeaky Pee Hunt." We could find no further evidence of pee in the house. There was nothing in the shredded paper litters. Ditto on the floor mats in the entryways. There was no way she could get upstairs or downstairs; those cat-holes were sealed off, tight. There were really only three rooms we left accessible to her, and we just couldn't find a thing. I was certain she had found some nook or cranny we were overlooking, but Sharon was convinced that we would have been able to smell something after two days stretched into three days and then finally on to a fourth day.
Finally, yesterday on the way home from work, Sharon picked up a new kind of litter made of recycled newspaper processed into little pebble-sized balls, called "Yesterday's News." Fresh, clean, and much like The Squeak's traditional litter, except completely dust-free and safe for her use. We got out the old litter pan, cleaned it up good, and poured in a luxurious four-inch carpet of the new stuff. Sharon set Sqeaker right in the center, where she proceeded to pee for at least 45 seconds. It was immediately followed by a crap of the size that would have made a golden retriever proud. Good Lord, but that's a stubborn cat.
So, following the surgery, Saraki is not supposed to use traditional cat litter while she still has her stitches in because of the dust factor. We were instructed to use shredded paper instead, and told that she would be able to make the adjustment.
On day one after her last return from the clinic (Sunday night), she peed on an old dog bed we had placed under the couch, where she had immediately retired, in an effort to be alone for awhile after all the stress. We attributed that somewhat to grogginess and confusion, and a little to the discomfort of trying to make her way all the way over to one of the shredded paper stations we had put out for her. The vet had also told us that there was a chance she might protest the change in litter in a couple of instances, but assured us that she would get with the program shortly thereafter.
From that point on, though, things became, "The Great Squeaky Pee Hunt." We could find no further evidence of pee in the house. There was nothing in the shredded paper litters. Ditto on the floor mats in the entryways. There was no way she could get upstairs or downstairs; those cat-holes were sealed off, tight. There were really only three rooms we left accessible to her, and we just couldn't find a thing. I was certain she had found some nook or cranny we were overlooking, but Sharon was convinced that we would have been able to smell something after two days stretched into three days and then finally on to a fourth day.
Finally, yesterday on the way home from work, Sharon picked up a new kind of litter made of recycled newspaper processed into little pebble-sized balls, called "Yesterday's News." Fresh, clean, and much like The Squeak's traditional litter, except completely dust-free and safe for her use. We got out the old litter pan, cleaned it up good, and poured in a luxurious four-inch carpet of the new stuff. Sharon set Sqeaker right in the center, where she proceeded to pee for at least 45 seconds. It was immediately followed by a crap of the size that would have made a golden retriever proud. Good Lord, but that's a stubborn cat.
Wednesday, March 01, 2006
More Local Activism: My Letter to the Mayor
Unlike my mayor, I intend to follow through on the promise I make at the bottom of the letter...
Dear Mr. Rybak,
Ordinarily I would not have assumed that you would be the contact point about development plans of the old Kowalski's building at 44th Ave & Humboldt Ave N; with it being a single, freestanding retail location. However, like many of my Camden neighbors, I was quite encouraged by a piece of campaign literature only days before the November election promising a "focus on redeveloping the Kowalsk's site."
Well, in calls to your office prior to the election and leading up until yesterday, I have been unable to find anyone in your office that is even familiar with the building in question, much less someone who has any idea of any specific work you are doing with respect to the property. Indeed, in a conversation with someone in your office yesterday, I was told that, as mayor, you would have absolutely no involvement with any change of ownership or future development at the site. I can assure you, this is an issue of great importance to us up here. The neighborhoods of Lind-Bohanon, Webber Camden, Victory, and Shingle Creek Neighborhoods are at a crossroads and we consider the survival of retail at that corner to be critical to the vitality of our community.
I'm not sure whether you've really got something in the works and I'm just not talking to the right people in your office, or whether you made an empty promise in a last-ditch effort to scrape up a few extra votes from gullible Northsiders, but I'm desperate to believe the former. Please convince me you're involved in this project and/or why you made this promise at election time, or I will most definitely put a lot of energy into turning this apparent deception and lack of follow-through into a real issue via local publications and at neighborhood organizations with which I'm involved.
Regards,
Dan Hylton
Lind-Bohanon, Camden
Dear Mr. Rybak,
Ordinarily I would not have assumed that you would be the contact point about development plans of the old Kowalski's building at 44th Ave & Humboldt Ave N; with it being a single, freestanding retail location. However, like many of my Camden neighbors, I was quite encouraged by a piece of campaign literature only days before the November election promising a "focus on redeveloping the Kowalsk's site."
Well, in calls to your office prior to the election and leading up until yesterday, I have been unable to find anyone in your office that is even familiar with the building in question, much less someone who has any idea of any specific work you are doing with respect to the property. Indeed, in a conversation with someone in your office yesterday, I was told that, as mayor, you would have absolutely no involvement with any change of ownership or future development at the site. I can assure you, this is an issue of great importance to us up here. The neighborhoods of Lind-Bohanon, Webber Camden, Victory, and Shingle Creek Neighborhoods are at a crossroads and we consider the survival of retail at that corner to be critical to the vitality of our community.
I'm not sure whether you've really got something in the works and I'm just not talking to the right people in your office, or whether you made an empty promise in a last-ditch effort to scrape up a few extra votes from gullible Northsiders, but I'm desperate to believe the former. Please convince me you're involved in this project and/or why you made this promise at election time, or I will most definitely put a lot of energy into turning this apparent deception and lack of follow-through into a real issue via local publications and at neighborhood organizations with which I'm involved.
Regards,
Dan Hylton
Lind-Bohanon, Camden
Brokeback Mountain: 5 Stars
Lost in the shuffle: post Saraki amputation and pre-diagnosis with heart failure, Sharon & I had our late Valentine's date Friday night. Dinner at the recently reopened Udupi Cafe (yay!), and a viewing of the much ballyhooed and booed, staple of light night talk show monologue move, Brokeback Mountain.
I though I'd heard, going in, the whole "gay thing" was secondary to the plot, which is a love story. I totally must have misheard that. In anything approaching mainstream cinema, I realize now we're probably about twenty years out yet from something like that; and the subject was right out, front and center.
Ang Lee, the director, did a really interesting and quite amazing thing thing in Brokeback: he placed this scene about 15 minutes in that just assaults your sensitivities, even if it's something you think you're prepared for. I couldn't help but to squirm in the ever-so slightly uncomfortable way and exlaim a low, "whoa..." After that, I think the movie kind of says, "Are you still with me? Good..." It's like it just wanted to say, "I think I know what you're afraid of, so let me just throw this at you, so we can just get it out in the open and you don't have to be wondering in the back of your mind what's going to happen, when." From that point on, the movie becomes one of the (choose to believe it or not) most accurrately portrayed Westerns I have ever seen, as well as an incredible, beautiful, heart-rending love story. It is also, maybe, the best acted movie I have ever seen. I can't specifically recall any better. I cannot recommend it enough.
On a side note: these cowboys in this movie are badasses. T-Clog would love almost everything about the Heath Ledger character. He's just like a young Woodrow Call, except he gets fucked up the butt.
I though I'd heard, going in, the whole "gay thing" was secondary to the plot, which is a love story. I totally must have misheard that. In anything approaching mainstream cinema, I realize now we're probably about twenty years out yet from something like that; and the subject was right out, front and center.
Ang Lee, the director, did a really interesting and quite amazing thing thing in Brokeback: he placed this scene about 15 minutes in that just assaults your sensitivities, even if it's something you think you're prepared for. I couldn't help but to squirm in the ever-so slightly uncomfortable way and exlaim a low, "whoa..." After that, I think the movie kind of says, "Are you still with me? Good..." It's like it just wanted to say, "I think I know what you're afraid of, so let me just throw this at you, so we can just get it out in the open and you don't have to be wondering in the back of your mind what's going to happen, when." From that point on, the movie becomes one of the (choose to believe it or not) most accurrately portrayed Westerns I have ever seen, as well as an incredible, beautiful, heart-rending love story. It is also, maybe, the best acted movie I have ever seen. I can't specifically recall any better. I cannot recommend it enough.
On a side note: these cowboys in this movie are badasses. T-Clog would love almost everything about the Heath Ledger character. He's just like a young Woodrow Call, except he gets fucked up the butt.
Monday, February 27, 2006
New Links
A couple of new blog links to the right:
- Stephen's From the Edge to Center: Stephen being, again, the dude who tracked me down after 16 or some odd years to find that we both had some interest in what was going on in one anothers' lives. Check in to see what books he's discussing and what cool pictures he has taken to document his latest doings down in Iowa City and beyond. Welcome, Stephen!
- The Good Doctor: Also from a recent post, this is the spring production of Camden Civic Theatre. Valerie, a founding member of the fledgling CCT, a profilic blogger, & wonderful writer, will be posting regular updates to chronicle not only the technical steps, but the thought processes of our company as we throw together our inagural production. Of course I'll still be sure to catch major happenings for this play, as they relate to me, within this forum. Welcome, Valerie and CCT company members!
- Stephen's From the Edge to Center: Stephen being, again, the dude who tracked me down after 16 or some odd years to find that we both had some interest in what was going on in one anothers' lives. Check in to see what books he's discussing and what cool pictures he has taken to document his latest doings down in Iowa City and beyond. Welcome, Stephen!
- The Good Doctor: Also from a recent post, this is the spring production of Camden Civic Theatre. Valerie, a founding member of the fledgling CCT, a profilic blogger, & wonderful writer, will be posting regular updates to chronicle not only the technical steps, but the thought processes of our company as we throw together our inagural production. Of course I'll still be sure to catch major happenings for this play, as they relate to me, within this forum. Welcome, Valerie and CCT company members!
Sunday, February 26, 2006
Home & Stable
Before...
and After...
head tucked in to the right, spot of missing leg is obvious, and
adhesive pain patch on her back
As the title indicates, her condition stabilized; to the point where we were able to bring her home today. We will keep her on a medication called Lasix which is intended to keep fluid out of her heart and lungs. In talking with a number of folks over the past day, there's few people out there who have not had their lives touched in some way by someone (human, that is) who has suffered congential heart failure. In addition to putting things in perspective (dearly though we love our cat), it also confirmed-if there are to be assumed any similarities between human & feline cases-what the vet has been telling us, which is that the success of this type of treatment varies wildly.
What I stated in my last post is what we're going to hold to, here. We simply want her be relaxed and comfortable, regardless of whether she has two weeks or two years (less than two years and it would be real, real hard to find a silver lining). As you can see in the second photo, she is relaxed and comfortable. So far so good.
and After...
head tucked in to the right, spot of missing leg is obvious, and
adhesive pain patch on her back
As the title indicates, her condition stabilized; to the point where we were able to bring her home today. We will keep her on a medication called Lasix which is intended to keep fluid out of her heart and lungs. In talking with a number of folks over the past day, there's few people out there who have not had their lives touched in some way by someone (human, that is) who has suffered congential heart failure. In addition to putting things in perspective (dearly though we love our cat), it also confirmed-if there are to be assumed any similarities between human & feline cases-what the vet has been telling us, which is that the success of this type of treatment varies wildly.
What I stated in my last post is what we're going to hold to, here. We simply want her be relaxed and comfortable, regardless of whether she has two weeks or two years (less than two years and it would be real, real hard to find a silver lining). As you can see in the second photo, she is relaxed and comfortable. So far so good.
Saturday, February 25, 2006
Somebody Up There Hates My Pets...Or Me, Part 3
So, in the roller coaster of news concerning my cat, she started having labored breathing with a kind of rattley sound last night and, concerned, Sharon ran her back in at about 3 am. First they found that she had fluid in her lungs and later, after having confined her to an oxygen tent and running myriad tests, determined she is experiencing congestive heart failure; probably due to the physiological stress her body has undergone over the past few days.
She's responding to some treatment they're giving her in order to relieve the lung fluid, but it remains to be seen how she will respond to heart medication. She could live from a few days to a couple of years, depending on how manageable is the condition. Looking back, we can't see a single point where we've misstepped in terms of getting her treated. Nevertheless, we're once again faced with a pet that's experiencing an insanely unfair and untimely set of life-shortening health issues. The omnipresent realization, also, is that we're into this a dollar amount which, like the national deficit, has exceeded our capacity to even plan paying, and is into the realm of numbers better wrangled by astronomers and geologists.
What we're wishing for at this point is that she can return home at least be with us until she has the chance to heal from the discomfort of her surgery and be able to have a period of leisure & relaxation before the end.
Of course, that is trusting to hope, which has long since forsaken these lands.
She's responding to some treatment they're giving her in order to relieve the lung fluid, but it remains to be seen how she will respond to heart medication. She could live from a few days to a couple of years, depending on how manageable is the condition. Looking back, we can't see a single point where we've misstepped in terms of getting her treated. Nevertheless, we're once again faced with a pet that's experiencing an insanely unfair and untimely set of life-shortening health issues. The omnipresent realization, also, is that we're into this a dollar amount which, like the national deficit, has exceeded our capacity to even plan paying, and is into the realm of numbers better wrangled by astronomers and geologists.
What we're wishing for at this point is that she can return home at least be with us until she has the chance to heal from the discomfort of her surgery and be able to have a period of leisure & relaxation before the end.
Of course, that is trusting to hope, which has long since forsaken these lands.
Friday, February 24, 2006
My Cat She's Got Three Legs and Other News
The surgery went well, though we won't find out until later today whether Saraki is ready to come home. We're to keep her from jumping for a couple of weeks (quite a challenge-how are we supposed to make all elevated horizontal surfaces in our house inaccessible?), and keep her only on the main level of our house. Cats traditionally adjust very well to being amputees, and we'll make sure that she gets back into her routine of lounging & luxuriating as seamlessly as possible. Pictures will follow in the next few days.
We've been under a lot of stress. Tonight we're finally getting around to our Valentine's Day night away from home. We'll be going to our favorite restaurant, Udupi Cafe, which is recently remodeled, I guess; and then heading to a performance of "Raisin in the Sun" at the Alchemy Theater. Members in my theatre company are all going to check out this play and compare notes on what is regarded as a community-based theatre company that really took off and did things the right way.
On a side note, we have landed on a spring production: Neil Simon's "The Good Doctor." Those who have followed my acting career since my early days may recall that Round Town Players took on this play in 1989, with five or six cast members taking on all 20-25 roles in the play. We feel like it's an ideal play as a premier show for our company for a number of reasons, from flexibility it gives us in cast & technical considerations, to the publicity benefit of Neil Simon-name recognition. But mostly, it's a fast-paced, hilarious play with a style of humor that we feel will be accessbile and well-received by a Camden audience. Company members, our troupe de facto leader has informed us that we more or less can pick and choose what roles we wish to play, rather than having to go through an audition process. It's a kind of weird feeling, like I will have not earned the part. But, despite the practice being new to me, I guess it's standard in groups like ours for the company members to take the main roles, then have open audition for the rest. Certainly, there will be more to follow on all this in the next couple months as things heat up, and eventually, we're going to have updates here.
We've been under a lot of stress. Tonight we're finally getting around to our Valentine's Day night away from home. We'll be going to our favorite restaurant, Udupi Cafe, which is recently remodeled, I guess; and then heading to a performance of "Raisin in the Sun" at the Alchemy Theater. Members in my theatre company are all going to check out this play and compare notes on what is regarded as a community-based theatre company that really took off and did things the right way.
On a side note, we have landed on a spring production: Neil Simon's "The Good Doctor." Those who have followed my acting career since my early days may recall that Round Town Players took on this play in 1989, with five or six cast members taking on all 20-25 roles in the play. We feel like it's an ideal play as a premier show for our company for a number of reasons, from flexibility it gives us in cast & technical considerations, to the publicity benefit of Neil Simon-name recognition. But mostly, it's a fast-paced, hilarious play with a style of humor that we feel will be accessbile and well-received by a Camden audience. Company members, our troupe de facto leader has informed us that we more or less can pick and choose what roles we wish to play, rather than having to go through an audition process. It's a kind of weird feeling, like I will have not earned the part. But, despite the practice being new to me, I guess it's standard in groups like ours for the company members to take the main roles, then have open audition for the rest. Certainly, there will be more to follow on all this in the next couple months as things heat up, and eventually, we're going to have updates here.
Wednesday, February 22, 2006
Interesting Topic Brewing, There...Let's Post It
First off, I should mention, it's full-steam ahead with Plan A. Everything checked out OK (with the exception of the cancerous tumor, of course), and The Squeak should be fine for the surgery. Within 24 hours, you'll be talking to a guy with a three-legged cat.
But back to the topic that was taking legs in the previous post's comments: I'm not sure whether I really do seem to run into a tremendous number of ridiculous challenges, or whether I just have a little too much of the "woe is me" syndrome. What do you think? Certainly, we all have our own crosses to bear. I've never been one to bear mine in a manner uncharacteristic with anything else I do...in silence.
I will also add this-if my blog makes me come across as a Sad Guy, then it is misrepresenting me. I am a guy with very high highs, but I definitely hit bumps in the road. I was thinking about the "money doesn't buy happiness" quote the other day, and thinking of a very ironic & kind of funny thing: for me, it just might. I look at the various things in my life, from my personal relationships to my interests, and I see nothing but things that bring me joy (or, net joy, anyway). The only thing that ever gets in the way is when I run into one of my little, frequent financial setbacks. Then I start worrying about whether we're going to be able to pull of the move we're contemplating, get out of this debt in which we've been trapped for years, etc. etc. I suppose it might be more accurate to say that I'm happy but I don't have a ton of peace of mind. But again, it's only with the money thing that there's no peace of mind.
I'm sure it's true that if you're just a bastard and/or miserable and surrounded by a lot of other miserable bastards, money is not going to fix everything. But to think that having more money to pay the bills wouldn't make a happy person all the more happy-well, whoever made the quote really should have stuck an asterisk at the end.
But back to the topic that was taking legs in the previous post's comments: I'm not sure whether I really do seem to run into a tremendous number of ridiculous challenges, or whether I just have a little too much of the "woe is me" syndrome. What do you think? Certainly, we all have our own crosses to bear. I've never been one to bear mine in a manner uncharacteristic with anything else I do...in silence.
I will also add this-if my blog makes me come across as a Sad Guy, then it is misrepresenting me. I am a guy with very high highs, but I definitely hit bumps in the road. I was thinking about the "money doesn't buy happiness" quote the other day, and thinking of a very ironic & kind of funny thing: for me, it just might. I look at the various things in my life, from my personal relationships to my interests, and I see nothing but things that bring me joy (or, net joy, anyway). The only thing that ever gets in the way is when I run into one of my little, frequent financial setbacks. Then I start worrying about whether we're going to be able to pull of the move we're contemplating, get out of this debt in which we've been trapped for years, etc. etc. I suppose it might be more accurate to say that I'm happy but I don't have a ton of peace of mind. But again, it's only with the money thing that there's no peace of mind.
I'm sure it's true that if you're just a bastard and/or miserable and surrounded by a lot of other miserable bastards, money is not going to fix everything. But to think that having more money to pay the bills wouldn't make a happy person all the more happy-well, whoever made the quote really should have stuck an asterisk at the end.
Tuesday, February 21, 2006
Somebody Up There Hates My Pets, Or Me Part 2
Goodbye tax return, indeed. In the immortal words of Nick the Dick, "...and then some."
We consulted with the Veterinary Oncologist today: the most personable, easy-going health practicioner I have ever encountered, though that is neither here nor there. We will be proceeding to do a number of tests tomorrow to determine (to the best of technology's ability) whether the cancer is isolated in Saraki's back leg, or has reached other parts of her body. "Prognosis A," which is more likely , is if it is localized in the leg. We then will submit her to a battery of tests, then amputate the leg on Thursday. Final bill: about $3,500.
"Prognosis B," is...well, I'm not going to go down the road of Prognosis B unless I have to. We're just hoping we aren't looking at "Somebody Up There Hates My Pets, Or Me Part 3 which, given our history, wouldn't be all that surprising despite our current optimism.
Christ, our optimistism is reduced to spending $3,500 and chopping off the leg our our cat. Somebody up there really hates my pets, or me.
We consulted with the Veterinary Oncologist today: the most personable, easy-going health practicioner I have ever encountered, though that is neither here nor there. We will be proceeding to do a number of tests tomorrow to determine (to the best of technology's ability) whether the cancer is isolated in Saraki's back leg, or has reached other parts of her body. "Prognosis A," which is more likely , is if it is localized in the leg. We then will submit her to a battery of tests, then amputate the leg on Thursday. Final bill: about $3,500.
"Prognosis B," is...well, I'm not going to go down the road of Prognosis B unless I have to. We're just hoping we aren't looking at "Somebody Up There Hates My Pets, Or Me Part 3 which, given our history, wouldn't be all that surprising despite our current optimism.
Christ, our optimistism is reduced to spending $3,500 and chopping off the leg our our cat. Somebody up there really hates my pets, or me.
Monday, February 20, 2006
Steve! (or is it "Stephen" now?)
So, less than a week ago, I checked the obsolete-but-still-operational email at Pat_and_Dan@yahoo.com. I direct most of my music related "business" through my "hylton44" presence, but there are still a few contact points for the old musical duo out there in the w.w.w., not the least of which is the Pat and Dan website. I'm only in there sporadically now, and then usually just to clean out the overflowing spam folder and sift through a few various unsigned band venture invitations that probably belong in the spam folder.
In this particular visit, however, was a "hey guys" message from an old high school friend that tracked either Pat or me (or both of us) down and was interested in seeing what we were up to. I got back to him and we had a little exchange in which we filled each other in a general overview of our 17-odd years since high school and 15-odd years since our last contact. Though it may have been of some interest that I carried a then-bourgeoning music interest into a lifelong pursuit and recently found myself back into the arena of theatre (we both acted in high school plays "back in the day"), I think what was probably most amazing to Steve was that I still carried with me a group of some of my closest associations from my high school days: Pat M, Pat G, and Cory L.
What I found, both in our emails, and when I reversed the role of investigator and checked out Steve's blog (is it Stephen now?), is that his experience since high school is remarkably similar to my own. Not many, or nearly any, of the actual events (he taught English in Japan for three years, then later returned and got a masters degree in literature, I think from the University of Iowa), but kind of in the overall "personal journey" sort of way. In his post regarding the intial overture, he refers to the earlier, high school version of himself as the "stupid version," one that he resisted coming face to face with. It was a sentiment with which I could totally identify. As many of my closest friends of these days can attest, my own journey from this earlier version of myself has been so long and crazy that I truly feel like I don't even know who that old verison of Dan was. Of course, I needed for him to exist to get here, and yaya yada, but that doesn't mean that I look back on those years with comfort or pride. In fact, one of my greatest goals in life is to try to prepare my daughter to take that introspective journey about seven to eight years earlier than I did.
So, it was refreshing to have a voice from the past announce that he, too, has arrived at some kind of destination, if maybe by a different route, and is now waving to me from far off, atop his own mountaintop. That is, as opposed to some sort of creepy reminder of a past I'd rather forget (like, say, an insane publication put together by a desperate, former homecoming queen wannabe trying to assemble a "where are they now?" guide arriving in my mailbox). So, hi Steve! (Stephen?)
As an aside, I see that Steve checked in on my last post; great to see, not only in that maybe there is some sort of re-establishment of our relationship, but also because it ups my readership by a significant percentage. Though I can't guarantee a constant string of comments, I will start checking in on his blog, as well. Maybe the next time Steve is in the Twin Cities, we can hook up for a visit, beer, and/or bad movie and some pizza.
In this particular visit, however, was a "hey guys" message from an old high school friend that tracked either Pat or me (or both of us) down and was interested in seeing what we were up to. I got back to him and we had a little exchange in which we filled each other in a general overview of our 17-odd years since high school and 15-odd years since our last contact. Though it may have been of some interest that I carried a then-bourgeoning music interest into a lifelong pursuit and recently found myself back into the arena of theatre (we both acted in high school plays "back in the day"), I think what was probably most amazing to Steve was that I still carried with me a group of some of my closest associations from my high school days: Pat M, Pat G, and Cory L.
What I found, both in our emails, and when I reversed the role of investigator and checked out Steve's blog (is it Stephen now?), is that his experience since high school is remarkably similar to my own. Not many, or nearly any, of the actual events (he taught English in Japan for three years, then later returned and got a masters degree in literature, I think from the University of Iowa), but kind of in the overall "personal journey" sort of way. In his post regarding the intial overture, he refers to the earlier, high school version of himself as the "stupid version," one that he resisted coming face to face with. It was a sentiment with which I could totally identify. As many of my closest friends of these days can attest, my own journey from this earlier version of myself has been so long and crazy that I truly feel like I don't even know who that old verison of Dan was. Of course, I needed for him to exist to get here, and yaya yada, but that doesn't mean that I look back on those years with comfort or pride. In fact, one of my greatest goals in life is to try to prepare my daughter to take that introspective journey about seven to eight years earlier than I did.
So, it was refreshing to have a voice from the past announce that he, too, has arrived at some kind of destination, if maybe by a different route, and is now waving to me from far off, atop his own mountaintop. That is, as opposed to some sort of creepy reminder of a past I'd rather forget (like, say, an insane publication put together by a desperate, former homecoming queen wannabe trying to assemble a "where are they now?" guide arriving in my mailbox). So, hi Steve! (Stephen?)
As an aside, I see that Steve checked in on my last post; great to see, not only in that maybe there is some sort of re-establishment of our relationship, but also because it ups my readership by a significant percentage. Though I can't guarantee a constant string of comments, I will start checking in on his blog, as well. Maybe the next time Steve is in the Twin Cities, we can hook up for a visit, beer, and/or bad movie and some pizza.
River Gift, Not Answer: The Lessons of PrairyErth
Around a week ago, I finished up what was an extraordinary journey for me: the reading of PrairyErth, by William Least Heat-Moon. As I stated in a post last summer, this was the best work of nonfiction I have ever read, bar none. For more about the content of the book, read my earlier post or information at Amazon. But to summarize my experience once more, the read was deeply philosohpical, reflective, meditative, introspective and mind-blowing, and I can't recommend it enough.
In the final chapter, he is walking with a friend very near the end of his time researching the book and he is asked,
"Did you find the answers you were looking for?"
His response, a life-altering:
"I found a place that was willing to reveal itself to me."
I just love that.
In the final chapter, he is walking with a friend very near the end of his time researching the book and he is asked,
"Did you find the answers you were looking for?"
His response, a life-altering:
"I found a place that was willing to reveal itself to me."
I just love that.
Tuesday, February 14, 2006
It's No Jumanji Window, But...
My Johari Window.
Please visit and contribute your perspective.
Thanks in advance, and thanks, Amanda.
Please visit and contribute your perspective.
Thanks in advance, and thanks, Amanda.
Somebody Up There Doesn't Like My Pets, or Me
Our cat, Saraki (aka Squeaky) has a cancerous tumor in her leg.
The last month and a half since Kuna-i's passing have been kind of a honeymoon period for us with our cat. We've been able to give her all kinds of attention and love, without the burden of a high-needs dog diverting all of our time and energy. She has responded by "luxuriating" and spending lots of time on laps, in beds, and/or in front of heat sources. It's been really nice. In this sense of newfound companionship, Sharon remarked to Squeaky a couple of days ago, "I hope you live a long, long time." That, unfortunately, was the morning of the day when Sharon discovered a large lump in her hind leg.
Still unknown as yet how advanced the condition is. The only thing we know for sure is that we're going to be out probably multiple thousands of dollars before the situation is resolved, for better or worse. With Kuna-i, there was always overriding knowledge that we were throwing money towards treatment of a dog that was declining and losing quality of life at a rate that would finally overtake our ability to keep up. With Saraki, there is really no debate: her quality of life has been pretty much top-notch. If there is a way to completely rid her body of this cancer, we've got to try. Doesn't mean we've got to love the expense of it, but simply that we've got to absorb it, somehow. Our first step is an appointment with an veterinary oncologist at the U of M early next week. Goodbye tax return.
The last month and a half since Kuna-i's passing have been kind of a honeymoon period for us with our cat. We've been able to give her all kinds of attention and love, without the burden of a high-needs dog diverting all of our time and energy. She has responded by "luxuriating" and spending lots of time on laps, in beds, and/or in front of heat sources. It's been really nice. In this sense of newfound companionship, Sharon remarked to Squeaky a couple of days ago, "I hope you live a long, long time." That, unfortunately, was the morning of the day when Sharon discovered a large lump in her hind leg.
Still unknown as yet how advanced the condition is. The only thing we know for sure is that we're going to be out probably multiple thousands of dollars before the situation is resolved, for better or worse. With Kuna-i, there was always overriding knowledge that we were throwing money towards treatment of a dog that was declining and losing quality of life at a rate that would finally overtake our ability to keep up. With Saraki, there is really no debate: her quality of life has been pretty much top-notch. If there is a way to completely rid her body of this cancer, we've got to try. Doesn't mean we've got to love the expense of it, but simply that we've got to absorb it, somehow. Our first step is an appointment with an veterinary oncologist at the U of M early next week. Goodbye tax return.
Monday, February 13, 2006
What the Hell
"Thanks," Aaron.
1. Smoked cigarettes - Yep. Only once, semi regularly (1993-1994). Other than that, purely as a lark in nights of debauchery.
2. Smoked a cigar -Yep.
3. Broken a CD - Yep.
4. Crashed a friend's car - No.
5. Stolen a car - No.
6. Been in love - God, yeah.
7. Been dumped - Not per se. Though I was cheated on a couple of times in inconsequential relationship to begin with. Both ended mutually, as much as anything else.
8. Shoplifted - No.
9. Been fired - No, but laid off.
10. Been in a fist fight - Only at age seven or so.
11. Snuck out of your house - Oh yeah. Had a club based on that premise in junior high.
12. Had feelings for someone who didn't have them back -God, yeah, infatuation though it was.
13. Been arrested - No, though been told "freeze!" by a cop on two occasions.
14. Made out with a stranger - Yup.
15. Gone on a blind date - Only as the wingman.
16. Lied to a friend - Yup. Though not for years, and I definitely do not make a practice of lying these days.
17. Had a crush on a teacher - Only slightly, if at all.
18. Skipped school - Are you kidding? A practice I took relish in through the age of 33.
19. Slept with a coworker - Former coworker count?
20. Seen someone die - No.
21. Been on a plane - What? Yes.
22. Thrown up in a bar - IN a bar, no. In the bathroom of the hotel lobby right next to the bar from which I emerged, yes, with some force.
23. Taken painkillers - What? Over the counter? Yes. Prescription? Yes. Illegally? No.
24. Love someone or miss someone right now - Yes and yes.
25. Laid on your back and watched cloud shapes go by - Yes.
26. Made a snow angel - Yes.
27. Played dress up - As an adult? Yes.
28. Cheated while playing a game - As an adult? No.
29. Been lonely - Who hasn't? That's a really stupid question.
30. Fallen asleep at work/school - Yes and yes.
31. Used a fake id - No.
32. Felt an earthquake - No.
33. Touched a snake - Yes.
34. Ran a red light - On purpose? Yes. Though I don't condone or endorse the practice.
35. Been suspended from school - No.
36. Had detention - Yes.
37. Been in a car accident - Yes.
38. Hated the way you look - Yes.
39. Witnessed a crime - Other than minor traffic infractions? Yes.
40. Pole danced - No.
41. Been lost - Yes. Both in civilization and in the wilderness.
42. Been to the opposite side of the country - Yes.
43. Felt like dying - Yes.
44. Cried yourself to sleep - Probably technically, no. But in a literary sense, probably yes.
45. Played cops and robbers - Yes. As an adult? No.
46. Sang karaoke - Yep.
47. Done something you told yourself you wouldn't - Not sure, though I'm generally not in the habit of telling myself I wouldn't do something.
48. Laughed till some kind of beverage came out of your nose - Yup.
49. Caught a snowflake on your tongue - Yup.
50. Kissed in the rain - Not sure. But if I did, the rain was incidental.
51. Sing in the shower - Often.
52. Made love in a park - Made OUT in a park.
53. Had a dream that you married someone - Yup.
54. Glued your hand to something - Yeah, but the situation did not get serious.
55. Got your tongue stuck to a flag pole - I think so, but I'm not certain.
56. Worn the opposite sex's clothes - Perhaps in a play, but I'm not sure.
57. Had an orgasm - Yup.
58. Sat on a roof top - Yup. Mine, others', Cresthaven's, and the old, abandoned Kwick Trip's (see "Snuck out of the house," above)
59. Didn't take a shower for a week - Maybe not, but I've pushed it on more than one occasion (camping, mostly)
60. Ever too scared to watch scary movies alone - Even too scared to watch scary movies with others.
61. Played chicken - No.
62. Been pushed into a pool with all your clothes on - No.
63. Been told you're hot by a complete stranger - Not as such. I'm no JBart.
64. Broken a bone - Yes.
65. Been easily amused - Amost constantly.
66. Laugh so hard you cry - At least every few days.
67. Mooned/flashed someone - Only friends.
68. Cheated on a test - Yes, I think, but in a very minor way. Another practice I do not endorse nor condone.
69. Forgotten someone's name - Constantly. Usually moments after meeting them. A big problem with me.
70. Slept naked - I think, but I'm not sure. Not a usual practice. I get too excited.
71. Gone skinny dipping in a pool - No, but in a river.
72. Been kicked out of your house - No.
73. Blacked out from drinking - Not sure if you'd qualify it as that. Not a sudden smack of unconsciousness. I've definitely drunk myself into a state where I zonked out at what could be considered an unusual time.
74. Played a prank on someone - Yup.
75. Gone to a late night movie - Yup.
76. Made love to anything not human - What? Who's going to admit that? No.
77. Failed a class - Dropped out WHILE failing Match IV, but in time to avoid the grade.
78. Choked on something you're not supposed to eat - No.
79. Played an instrument for more than 10 hours - No.
80. Cheated on a gf/bf - Yes.
81. Ate a whole package of Oreos - One sitting? Probably close on more than one occasion, but no.
82. Thrown strange objects - What? I'm sure I have, but that's pretty vague.
83. Felt like killing someone - God, yes. Planned it, in fact.
84. Thought about running away - As a kid? Yeah.
85. Ran away - Not with the intention of staying away.
87. Had detention and not attend it - I don't think so.
88. Yelled at parents - Yup.
89. Made parent cry - Yup, sometimes inexplicably.
90. Cried over someone - Yes.
91. Owned more than 5 puppies. - No.
92. Dated someone more than once - No.
93. Have a dog - No.
94. Have a cat - Yes.
95. Own an instrument - Piano, 2 keyboards, thumb piano, bass, elec. guitar, acoustic guitar, classical guitar, snare drum, drum machine, egg shake, rattle, recorder
96. Been in a band - Yep.
97. Had more than 25 sodas in one day - No, but 56 cans in a week.
98. Made out with a member of the same sex - No, though that may come as a surprise to the Roberts Hall residents of 1991-1992.
99. Shot a gun - Yes, but only an air rifle/bb gun.
100. Been online for more than 5 hours straight - Every day at work. Other than that? I very well may have, but I'm not positive.
1. Smoked cigarettes - Yep. Only once, semi regularly (1993-1994). Other than that, purely as a lark in nights of debauchery.
2. Smoked a cigar -Yep.
3. Broken a CD - Yep.
4. Crashed a friend's car - No.
5. Stolen a car - No.
6. Been in love - God, yeah.
7. Been dumped - Not per se. Though I was cheated on a couple of times in inconsequential relationship to begin with. Both ended mutually, as much as anything else.
8. Shoplifted - No.
9. Been fired - No, but laid off.
10. Been in a fist fight - Only at age seven or so.
11. Snuck out of your house - Oh yeah. Had a club based on that premise in junior high.
12. Had feelings for someone who didn't have them back -God, yeah, infatuation though it was.
13. Been arrested - No, though been told "freeze!" by a cop on two occasions.
14. Made out with a stranger - Yup.
15. Gone on a blind date - Only as the wingman.
16. Lied to a friend - Yup. Though not for years, and I definitely do not make a practice of lying these days.
17. Had a crush on a teacher - Only slightly, if at all.
18. Skipped school - Are you kidding? A practice I took relish in through the age of 33.
19. Slept with a coworker - Former coworker count?
20. Seen someone die - No.
21. Been on a plane - What? Yes.
22. Thrown up in a bar - IN a bar, no. In the bathroom of the hotel lobby right next to the bar from which I emerged, yes, with some force.
23. Taken painkillers - What? Over the counter? Yes. Prescription? Yes. Illegally? No.
24. Love someone or miss someone right now - Yes and yes.
25. Laid on your back and watched cloud shapes go by - Yes.
26. Made a snow angel - Yes.
27. Played dress up - As an adult? Yes.
28. Cheated while playing a game - As an adult? No.
29. Been lonely - Who hasn't? That's a really stupid question.
30. Fallen asleep at work/school - Yes and yes.
31. Used a fake id - No.
32. Felt an earthquake - No.
33. Touched a snake - Yes.
34. Ran a red light - On purpose? Yes. Though I don't condone or endorse the practice.
35. Been suspended from school - No.
36. Had detention - Yes.
37. Been in a car accident - Yes.
38. Hated the way you look - Yes.
39. Witnessed a crime - Other than minor traffic infractions? Yes.
40. Pole danced - No.
41. Been lost - Yes. Both in civilization and in the wilderness.
42. Been to the opposite side of the country - Yes.
43. Felt like dying - Yes.
44. Cried yourself to sleep - Probably technically, no. But in a literary sense, probably yes.
45. Played cops and robbers - Yes. As an adult? No.
46. Sang karaoke - Yep.
47. Done something you told yourself you wouldn't - Not sure, though I'm generally not in the habit of telling myself I wouldn't do something.
48. Laughed till some kind of beverage came out of your nose - Yup.
49. Caught a snowflake on your tongue - Yup.
50. Kissed in the rain - Not sure. But if I did, the rain was incidental.
51. Sing in the shower - Often.
52. Made love in a park - Made OUT in a park.
53. Had a dream that you married someone - Yup.
54. Glued your hand to something - Yeah, but the situation did not get serious.
55. Got your tongue stuck to a flag pole - I think so, but I'm not certain.
56. Worn the opposite sex's clothes - Perhaps in a play, but I'm not sure.
57. Had an orgasm - Yup.
58. Sat on a roof top - Yup. Mine, others', Cresthaven's, and the old, abandoned Kwick Trip's (see "Snuck out of the house," above)
59. Didn't take a shower for a week - Maybe not, but I've pushed it on more than one occasion (camping, mostly)
60. Ever too scared to watch scary movies alone - Even too scared to watch scary movies with others.
61. Played chicken - No.
62. Been pushed into a pool with all your clothes on - No.
63. Been told you're hot by a complete stranger - Not as such. I'm no JBart.
64. Broken a bone - Yes.
65. Been easily amused - Amost constantly.
66. Laugh so hard you cry - At least every few days.
67. Mooned/flashed someone - Only friends.
68. Cheated on a test - Yes, I think, but in a very minor way. Another practice I do not endorse nor condone.
69. Forgotten someone's name - Constantly. Usually moments after meeting them. A big problem with me.
70. Slept naked - I think, but I'm not sure. Not a usual practice. I get too excited.
71. Gone skinny dipping in a pool - No, but in a river.
72. Been kicked out of your house - No.
73. Blacked out from drinking - Not sure if you'd qualify it as that. Not a sudden smack of unconsciousness. I've definitely drunk myself into a state where I zonked out at what could be considered an unusual time.
74. Played a prank on someone - Yup.
75. Gone to a late night movie - Yup.
76. Made love to anything not human - What? Who's going to admit that? No.
77. Failed a class - Dropped out WHILE failing Match IV, but in time to avoid the grade.
78. Choked on something you're not supposed to eat - No.
79. Played an instrument for more than 10 hours - No.
80. Cheated on a gf/bf - Yes.
81. Ate a whole package of Oreos - One sitting? Probably close on more than one occasion, but no.
82. Thrown strange objects - What? I'm sure I have, but that's pretty vague.
83. Felt like killing someone - God, yes. Planned it, in fact.
84. Thought about running away - As a kid? Yeah.
85. Ran away - Not with the intention of staying away.
87. Had detention and not attend it - I don't think so.
88. Yelled at parents - Yup.
89. Made parent cry - Yup, sometimes inexplicably.
90. Cried over someone - Yes.
91. Owned more than 5 puppies. - No.
92. Dated someone more than once - No.
93. Have a dog - No.
94. Have a cat - Yes.
95. Own an instrument - Piano, 2 keyboards, thumb piano, bass, elec. guitar, acoustic guitar, classical guitar, snare drum, drum machine, egg shake, rattle, recorder
96. Been in a band - Yep.
97. Had more than 25 sodas in one day - No, but 56 cans in a week.
98. Made out with a member of the same sex - No, though that may come as a surprise to the Roberts Hall residents of 1991-1992.
99. Shot a gun - Yes, but only an air rifle/bb gun.
100. Been online for more than 5 hours straight - Every day at work. Other than that? I very well may have, but I'm not positive.
Thursday, February 09, 2006
Weighing In on the Mohammad Cartoon
It began with an email exchange with Mixdorf in which I suggested that:
"On one hand, you have the incredibly sad irony people protesting the depiction of Mohammad as a terrorist by burning & killing. On the other hand, I wonder what the reaction of many Catholics would have be, were there to have been, amidst the Catholic Priest/child scandal a political cartoon of a slathering, sleazy-looking Pope chasing around little kids. Or Jesus doing the same."
He replied:
"There may have been, though perhaps with some level of decorum.
There's no excuse for burning and pillaging, and they're not really helping their cause by doing so, but on the other hand there's little editorial value to something as crude as the turban shaped-like-a-bomb cartoon."
To which I now add, at the risk of invoking the wrath of the Muslim and Western world:
The appropriateness of running the cartoon originally can be debated. The fact that certain media will not show it now is absolute BS, because is TOTALLY relevant to the story OF the controversy. One might even say it is a perfect example of the oft & too often remarked claim, "...then the terrorists have already won."
Lord knows I try to call U.S. culture & policy out when I disagree with it, but it does appear that currently, the consensus of “decorum” among the masses in the Muslim world really, really appears to be lagging behind the rest of the major world religions. I acknowledge that they feel that they are under constant attack (both figuratively and literally) by the West in a number of issues, but in instances like this, all the traditional and almost defensible reasons for taking up arms (economic destitution & loss of land, life, or liberty) are stripped away and what we're left with is people that just flip out far too easily. If suppose, were I were to come from a group of people that was systematically beaten down and oppressed over a series of generations, perhaps I would be so near a boiling point that nearly anything could send me over the top. I don't and can't know, and something like that may certainly be at work here.
But from an intellectual standpoint, I can't see how anyone that looks at the sort of culture of violence that seems to be encouraged and perpetuated amongst many voices that represent the Muslim faith could possibly come away with a hopeful view of their future. Of course, I can't see how anyone in this country that supports Republican policy can see it as a hopeful view of their future either, and people over here are a lot more at liberty to spend leisurely, comfortable hours thinking about such things.
"On one hand, you have the incredibly sad irony people protesting the depiction of Mohammad as a terrorist by burning & killing. On the other hand, I wonder what the reaction of many Catholics would have be, were there to have been, amidst the Catholic Priest/child scandal a political cartoon of a slathering, sleazy-looking Pope chasing around little kids. Or Jesus doing the same."
He replied:
"There may have been, though perhaps with some level of decorum.
There's no excuse for burning and pillaging, and they're not really helping their cause by doing so, but on the other hand there's little editorial value to something as crude as the turban shaped-like-a-bomb cartoon."
To which I now add, at the risk of invoking the wrath of the Muslim and Western world:
The appropriateness of running the cartoon originally can be debated. The fact that certain media will not show it now is absolute BS, because is TOTALLY relevant to the story OF the controversy. One might even say it is a perfect example of the oft & too often remarked claim, "...then the terrorists have already won."
Lord knows I try to call U.S. culture & policy out when I disagree with it, but it does appear that currently, the consensus of “decorum” among the masses in the Muslim world really, really appears to be lagging behind the rest of the major world religions. I acknowledge that they feel that they are under constant attack (both figuratively and literally) by the West in a number of issues, but in instances like this, all the traditional and almost defensible reasons for taking up arms (economic destitution & loss of land, life, or liberty) are stripped away and what we're left with is people that just flip out far too easily. If suppose, were I were to come from a group of people that was systematically beaten down and oppressed over a series of generations, perhaps I would be so near a boiling point that nearly anything could send me over the top. I don't and can't know, and something like that may certainly be at work here.
But from an intellectual standpoint, I can't see how anyone that looks at the sort of culture of violence that seems to be encouraged and perpetuated amongst many voices that represent the Muslim faith could possibly come away with a hopeful view of their future. Of course, I can't see how anyone in this country that supports Republican policy can see it as a hopeful view of their future either, and people over here are a lot more at liberty to spend leisurely, comfortable hours thinking about such things.
Wednesday, February 08, 2006
Atanarjuat: The Fast Runner
Just saw this movie last night. A low budget (entire thing shot on a digital camera) Inuit-language (English subtitles) film about love, revenge, passion, determination, and triumph that got incredible reviews upon its release a couple of years ago. Indeed, everything I read about the film made it sound like it might be one of the most amazing things to have ever been put on film.
It was good, and extremely interesting. The "Holy Shit!" factor was very high with respect to the lifestyle and harsh environment that was portrayed. The Inuit actors, almost all in their first film roles, also did a really good job. It fell a little short for me in the simplicity of the dialogue. Did the nuance & depth of the words lose something in the translation? Almost certainly. But, if this film is made for wider consumption, one would think they'd take ever step possible to preserve the craft of the original scriptwriter in the subtitling.
The culture, customs, interactions, and everything else about these people is totally in-your-face. I was put back on my heels just a bit because of the visceralness (is that a word) of everything on the screen. Perhaps it was thought that telling a story about powerful, yet basic human concepts (love, revenge, etc.) would benefit from being presented in a very stark setting using very simple dialogue. Almost fairy-tale like. Indeed, I read an AllMovie.com synopsis that indicates it was based on an Inuit legend.
All in all, I'd definitely recommend the movie. Always good to see what you can do with (relatively) little money, but a great concept. Very educational, pretty inspiring, and definitely not something you're gonna get at the local cineplex.
It was good, and extremely interesting. The "Holy Shit!" factor was very high with respect to the lifestyle and harsh environment that was portrayed. The Inuit actors, almost all in their first film roles, also did a really good job. It fell a little short for me in the simplicity of the dialogue. Did the nuance & depth of the words lose something in the translation? Almost certainly. But, if this film is made for wider consumption, one would think they'd take ever step possible to preserve the craft of the original scriptwriter in the subtitling.
The culture, customs, interactions, and everything else about these people is totally in-your-face. I was put back on my heels just a bit because of the visceralness (is that a word) of everything on the screen. Perhaps it was thought that telling a story about powerful, yet basic human concepts (love, revenge, etc.) would benefit from being presented in a very stark setting using very simple dialogue. Almost fairy-tale like. Indeed, I read an AllMovie.com synopsis that indicates it was based on an Inuit legend.
All in all, I'd definitely recommend the movie. Always good to see what you can do with (relatively) little money, but a great concept. Very educational, pretty inspiring, and definitely not something you're gonna get at the local cineplex.
Tuesday, February 07, 2006
A Couple of Musical Diversions...
1. Currently in my process of loading up all my CDs to iTunes on my work computer, I'm toting in five discs per day for import. Of course, I play selections from the "set of five" on my ride in & out, and "Beatles Anthology 2" happened to be the collection today (I'm nearly there, since I'm going Z-A, by artist). In the collection of outtakes & live recordings is a live version of "Yesterday," one made a little more famous among Beatles faithful by John Lennon's introduction of the song, "For Paul McCartney of Liverpool, opportunity knocks." Completely alone with an acoustic guitar, for the first time ever in rock and roll music, Paul nailed it. It reminded me of a very similar situation, the time when the Beatles were invited for a command performance in front of the Queen of England for the first time. Paul again was in the spotlight, this time with a little backing by the other members, as he performed 'Till There Was You. With no margin for error (due to the sparse musical backing), Paul again nailed the music and singing with one of the most brilliant live performances I've ever seen. To me, also as a fan of sports, it was the equivalent of shooting two free throws while down one in the NCAA Championship Game with no time left and swishing them both. I don't think it's on either Anthology (Aaron?), but may be in the BBC Collection, which I don't have (again, Aaron?) If anyone is particularly interested (I guess this could be in 'The Annex'), I could try to track it down and make it available. A seminal moment in the history of popular music, I think.
2. Also noticed in the "group of five" today; something that I offer us as an interesting tidbit to that fan of meaningless coincidence who reads my blog every day. I have six, maybe seven double albums in my entire collection. Four of them are in perfect alphabetical order: Beatles: Anthology I, Beatles: Anthology II, Bee Gees: Greatest Hits, Best of Both Worlds: Hannibal World Music Sampler. Though, now that I think about it, "Best of Both Worlds" should really be classified under "Various," but this is where it's sat in my collection for years and years, so I'm not quite sure I'm ready to move it yet.
2. Also noticed in the "group of five" today; something that I offer us as an interesting tidbit to that fan of meaningless coincidence who reads my blog every day. I have six, maybe seven double albums in my entire collection. Four of them are in perfect alphabetical order: Beatles: Anthology I, Beatles: Anthology II, Bee Gees: Greatest Hits, Best of Both Worlds: Hannibal World Music Sampler. Though, now that I think about it, "Best of Both Worlds" should really be classified under "Various," but this is where it's sat in my collection for years and years, so I'm not quite sure I'm ready to move it yet.
Monday, February 06, 2006
Congressional Hearings Today on NPR: Ah...ah...ah GOOOSH!
The Senate will be questioning Attorney General Alberto Gonzales today about the administration's use of the National Security Agency to monitor domestic communication. Most people in the US have heard something about this issue, but don't really know much about it and sort of assume that the government is working in their best interests and the whole thing will sort itself out. There's are many, many other gradients of knowing/caring about this issue before you get to the small percentage of people that are following this story in some form or another on a near-daily basis, and are now planning to tune in for hours of live coverage today on the radio or CSPAN.
God, I'm such a wonk.
God, I'm such a wonk.
Wednesday, February 01, 2006
Well, Add it to the List...
Yet another thing that the rest of the world seems to get that I just don't quite: beard trimming. About a month and a half of beard growth once again down the shitter as I tried again (and unsuccessfully, again) to trim my beard and make it a little neater. The combination of unkempt beard and unruly hair was starting to make me look like the lead singer to Phish.
For me, the attempt is like trying to bite a cookie into a circle. I keep trimming and trimmnig and trimming and trimming, trying to get it right; and end up with no beard at all.
On a side note, resolution ammended.
For me, the attempt is like trying to bite a cookie into a circle. I keep trimming and trimmnig and trimming and trimming, trying to get it right; and end up with no beard at all.
On a side note, resolution ammended.
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