The Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge displays a group of Qing dynasty Chinese vases on a window sill. Lord knows that is where I display all of my fragile porcelain. My windowsill.
The priceless vases from the reign of Kangxi (1662-1722) were (and were is the correct term, keep reading) painted in enamels in the famille verte palette with traces of gilding. They were donated to the museum in 1948 and had become one of its most recognizable exhibits.
A visitor to the museum tripped on his shoelace, tumbled down a flight of stairs and crashed into the vases, smashing them into smithereens.
They is no report that Peter Bogdanovich was in town filming a sequel to What’s Up, Doc.
Whilst the method of displaying objects is always under review, it is important not to over-react and make the Museum's collections less accessible to the visiting public, museum director Duncan Robinson said on Monday.
Whilst?
Tuesday, January 31, 2006
Monday, January 30, 2006
What Gets A Woman Riled Up - Part Two
Don’t touch my brand.
It’s time to visit the Million Little opinions scandal, which the NYT’s entitled: How Oprahness Trumped Truthiness.
James Frey reported to the set of Oprah on Thursday to complete his public abasement. Ms. Winfrey turned on him with calculated efficiency, using him to mop up the floor and clean up her reputation at the same time.
What started as a mea culpa soon turned into j'accuse. Both Mr. Frey and Ms. Talese were snapped in two like dry winter twigs. A Greek chorus of media types fell into step as well.
…But she won't repair the book business by a wag of the finger. The most important thing that Ms. Winfrey can do for publishing is pick better books.
It’s time to visit the Million Little opinions scandal, which the NYT’s entitled: How Oprahness Trumped Truthiness.
James Frey reported to the set of Oprah on Thursday to complete his public abasement. Ms. Winfrey turned on him with calculated efficiency, using him to mop up the floor and clean up her reputation at the same time.
What started as a mea culpa soon turned into j'accuse. Both Mr. Frey and Ms. Talese were snapped in two like dry winter twigs. A Greek chorus of media types fell into step as well.
…But she won't repair the book business by a wag of the finger. The most important thing that Ms. Winfrey can do for publishing is pick better books.
What Gets A Woman Riled Up - Part One
I saw some photos of a group of women exercising their rights to assemble and their rights to free speech. However, it was not readily apparent to me what had caused the women to make signs and come out together en masse.
What strong force had so passionately moved these women?
Iraq? Health care? Lying politicians?
Nope. The Dish Network took Lifetime off of their lineup, and the women were protesting to have their Golden Girls returned.
What strong force had so passionately moved these women?
Iraq? Health care? Lying politicians?
Nope. The Dish Network took Lifetime off of their lineup, and the women were protesting to have their Golden Girls returned.
Casting Call
With a new biography coming out, it is certainly the year for the reclusive Harper Lee.
She was recently portrayed (wonderfully) by Catherine Keener in Capote, and now I discover there is yet another Capote film on its way. And Lee will be played by…Sandra Bullock. (Not to mention Gwyneth Paltrow as Peggy Lee!)
Really. I’m not kidding. All I am saying is...Keener, Bullock...has no one seen a picture of Lee?
She was recently portrayed (wonderfully) by Catherine Keener in Capote, and now I discover there is yet another Capote film on its way. And Lee will be played by…Sandra Bullock. (Not to mention Gwyneth Paltrow as Peggy Lee!)
Really. I’m not kidding. All I am saying is...Keener, Bullock...has no one seen a picture of Lee?
Sunday, January 29, 2006
Those French
I love reading tales of travel, especially when you get to meet characters and get taken to off-the-beaten path kind of places. (Blue Highways )
So I was very interested in the review of American Vertigo: Traveling America in the Footsteps of Tocqueville,' by Bernard-Henri Lévy in the NYT this morning.
Bernard-Henri Lévy is a French writer with a spatter-paint prose style and the grandiosity of a college sophomore; he rambled around this country at the behest of The Atlantic Monthly and now has worked up his notes into a sort of book. It is the classic Freaks, Fatties, Fanatics & Faux Culture Excursion beloved of European journalists for the past 50 years.
There's nobody here whom you recognize. In more than 300 pages, nobody tells a joke. Nobody does much work. Nobody sits and eats and enjoys their food.
It dawns on you that this is a book about the French. There's no reason for it to exist in English, except as evidence that travel need not be broadening and one should be wary of books with Tocqueville in the title.
I did buy an issue or two of the Atlantic when it was running this serial, and I gave up, finding it tedious. This review amused me to death, and then, the big surprise.
The reviewer? Garrison Keillor.
This is without doubt the first thing he has done that I’ve appreciated.
So I was very interested in the review of American Vertigo: Traveling America in the Footsteps of Tocqueville,' by Bernard-Henri Lévy in the NYT this morning.
Bernard-Henri Lévy is a French writer with a spatter-paint prose style and the grandiosity of a college sophomore; he rambled around this country at the behest of The Atlantic Monthly and now has worked up his notes into a sort of book. It is the classic Freaks, Fatties, Fanatics & Faux Culture Excursion beloved of European journalists for the past 50 years.
There's nobody here whom you recognize. In more than 300 pages, nobody tells a joke. Nobody does much work. Nobody sits and eats and enjoys their food.
It dawns on you that this is a book about the French. There's no reason for it to exist in English, except as evidence that travel need not be broadening and one should be wary of books with Tocqueville in the title.
I did buy an issue or two of the Atlantic when it was running this serial, and I gave up, finding it tedious. This review amused me to death, and then, the big surprise.
The reviewer? Garrison Keillor.
This is without doubt the first thing he has done that I’ve appreciated.
Friday, January 27, 2006
Pretty As A Picture
“People do different things. This is some of the different things I do” – David Lynch
Finally got around to watching my latest NetFlix arrival – Pretty As A Picture : The Art of David Lynch.
I thought it was going to be simply an overview of David’s paintings, drawings and cartoons, when in fact it was an exhaustive artistic biography, covering everything from his early films, painting, furniture making, music collaborations with longtime associate, Angelo Badalamenti, photography, writing and his more popular films.
The film includes interviews with friends, family members and coworkers, each giving insight into David’s artistic process and telling some great tales. One of the most poignant parts is when David, Jack Nance, Catherine Coulson and Charlotte Stewart, the cast of Eraserhead, revisits the stables of the American Film Institute, where David was living illegally for the five years it took to complete the film. The easy camaraderie between the old friends is heartwarming. Not long after this visit, Jack Nance died, and the documentary is dedicated to his memory.
It was really nice to see David, relaxing with a old friend, and telling the story of the real life origins of Jack Nance’s classic line in Twin Peaks, “Fellows, don’t drink that coffee! There was a fish, IN the percolator!”
And near the end, David and his producer, Deepak Nayar, give two conflicting tales about the origin of Twin Peak’s Bob, (“About matters of money Deepak is never wrong, but he has this story very wrong.”) and Lynch goes on to acknowledging the beautiful synchronicity of “accidents”.
Ideas are the best things going. Somewhere is all the ideas. They are sitting there. And like a spark, it is seen, known, felt all at once. You get a burst of enthusiasm – you fall in love with it. An excitement. But fate plays the biggest part.
From an appearance on Jay Leno, David talks about his cheese head sculpture (which is featured on Julee Cruise’s CD The Voice Of Love), about how he took a ball of cheese and turkey and encased it in clay, and then exposed the cheese and meat by making holes for the mouth, eyes and ears. He then “mounted it on a small wire hanger” and it was his complete Gordon Cole / Dale Cooper tone of voice that sent me over the edge. It was great. He left this sculpture in his kitchen, where he was being invaded by ants (sugar ants, he says, that were looking for water), and watched and photographed the ants over a period of the four days it took for them to empty the head. In talking about the ants, a group he has great respect for, David says, “Ants are tireless workers. If you give them a project they can do, they’ll do it. No questions asked, no unions.” He still refers to himself as an “ant wrangler”, and his son, Austin, chimes in saying that to this day, any ant discovered in the Lynch household is escorted outside to safety.
Jack Fisk, Lynch’s old friend tells a wonderful story, one that gave me shivers, because I immediately agreed with Lynch…
One day he was showing me a painting he made of a dock or a wharf in greens and blacks. It was thick with oil, and right as he showed it to me a moth flew into the painting and got stuck - it flew around and its wings created a little circle in his painting, spiral patterns - sort of like the death of a moth ... I thought David would pull the moth out and repaint it, but he fell in love with it the way it was.
So would I.
This revelation leads to a discussion about how Lynch uses bugs and dead animals and meat and maggots as texture in his works. He is fascinated by organic textures and claims that it needs to be looked at just as much as anything else.
One of the best summations of Lynch’s work comes from Mel Brooks. He explains that Lynch is like Braque, Picasso or Seurat, painting and filmmaking in strange globs and dots. If you stay in the middle of it, it all looks like unconnected globs of paint, but if you get a way back, get an overview, you can then see “the brilliant patterns in his soul.”
Absolutely lovely.
Finally got around to watching my latest NetFlix arrival – Pretty As A Picture : The Art of David Lynch.
I thought it was going to be simply an overview of David’s paintings, drawings and cartoons, when in fact it was an exhaustive artistic biography, covering everything from his early films, painting, furniture making, music collaborations with longtime associate, Angelo Badalamenti, photography, writing and his more popular films.
The film includes interviews with friends, family members and coworkers, each giving insight into David’s artistic process and telling some great tales. One of the most poignant parts is when David, Jack Nance, Catherine Coulson and Charlotte Stewart, the cast of Eraserhead, revisits the stables of the American Film Institute, where David was living illegally for the five years it took to complete the film. The easy camaraderie between the old friends is heartwarming. Not long after this visit, Jack Nance died, and the documentary is dedicated to his memory.
It was really nice to see David, relaxing with a old friend, and telling the story of the real life origins of Jack Nance’s classic line in Twin Peaks, “Fellows, don’t drink that coffee! There was a fish, IN the percolator!”
And near the end, David and his producer, Deepak Nayar, give two conflicting tales about the origin of Twin Peak’s Bob, (“About matters of money Deepak is never wrong, but he has this story very wrong.”) and Lynch goes on to acknowledging the beautiful synchronicity of “accidents”.
Ideas are the best things going. Somewhere is all the ideas. They are sitting there. And like a spark, it is seen, known, felt all at once. You get a burst of enthusiasm – you fall in love with it. An excitement. But fate plays the biggest part.
From an appearance on Jay Leno, David talks about his cheese head sculpture (which is featured on Julee Cruise’s CD The Voice Of Love), about how he took a ball of cheese and turkey and encased it in clay, and then exposed the cheese and meat by making holes for the mouth, eyes and ears. He then “mounted it on a small wire hanger” and it was his complete Gordon Cole / Dale Cooper tone of voice that sent me over the edge. It was great. He left this sculpture in his kitchen, where he was being invaded by ants (sugar ants, he says, that were looking for water), and watched and photographed the ants over a period of the four days it took for them to empty the head. In talking about the ants, a group he has great respect for, David says, “Ants are tireless workers. If you give them a project they can do, they’ll do it. No questions asked, no unions.” He still refers to himself as an “ant wrangler”, and his son, Austin, chimes in saying that to this day, any ant discovered in the Lynch household is escorted outside to safety.
Jack Fisk, Lynch’s old friend tells a wonderful story, one that gave me shivers, because I immediately agreed with Lynch…
One day he was showing me a painting he made of a dock or a wharf in greens and blacks. It was thick with oil, and right as he showed it to me a moth flew into the painting and got stuck - it flew around and its wings created a little circle in his painting, spiral patterns - sort of like the death of a moth ... I thought David would pull the moth out and repaint it, but he fell in love with it the way it was.
So would I.
This revelation leads to a discussion about how Lynch uses bugs and dead animals and meat and maggots as texture in his works. He is fascinated by organic textures and claims that it needs to be looked at just as much as anything else.
One of the best summations of Lynch’s work comes from Mel Brooks. He explains that Lynch is like Braque, Picasso or Seurat, painting and filmmaking in strange globs and dots. If you stay in the middle of it, it all looks like unconnected globs of paint, but if you get a way back, get an overview, you can then see “the brilliant patterns in his soul.”
Absolutely lovely.
Thursday, January 26, 2006
Meet The Bloggers
Hollywood Stafford invited me to a gathering of local bloggers this evening. It was held at Pearl of the Orient in Rocky River.
First, a minute to talk about that. I've never been to Rocky River, and I am really looking forward to spending some time there. It has a great feel to it, and it is a charming and lovely place. What a cool discovery.
So, Hollywood and I had a glass of wine, served by celebrity blogger bartenders - one looking dashing in his kilt - and some nice appetizers and hobnobbed with the locals. A politician even dropped by the meet us, and I was sent off with the CD Unilluminated by the band Word Of Mouth. More detail about that will be showing up here on a future Tuesday...
It was a very nice night, and very nice to meet the folks behind the blogs. And contrary to the pre-conceived notions of some, this was not a room filled with geeks and nerds like a Star Trek convention. For the most part, bloggers seem to be a group of well-educated, well-dressed types who, by the nature of the endeavor, have a command over the language and can type, spell and read. This makes them a unique group, and I was pleased to be made to feel so welcome.
And by the way, Hollywood is a snappy dresser in real life, folks.
To close, a shameless steal from Scott:
First, a minute to talk about that. I've never been to Rocky River, and I am really looking forward to spending some time there. It has a great feel to it, and it is a charming and lovely place. What a cool discovery.
So, Hollywood and I had a glass of wine, served by celebrity blogger bartenders - one looking dashing in his kilt - and some nice appetizers and hobnobbed with the locals. A politician even dropped by the meet us, and I was sent off with the CD Unilluminated by the band Word Of Mouth. More detail about that will be showing up here on a future Tuesday...
It was a very nice night, and very nice to meet the folks behind the blogs. And contrary to the pre-conceived notions of some, this was not a room filled with geeks and nerds like a Star Trek convention. For the most part, bloggers seem to be a group of well-educated, well-dressed types who, by the nature of the endeavor, have a command over the language and can type, spell and read. This makes them a unique group, and I was pleased to be made to feel so welcome.
And by the way, Hollywood is a snappy dresser in real life, folks.
To close, a shameless steal from Scott:
And then in the End all the Sushi'd been eated
The drinks had been drink-ed
The Bloggers was Meeted.
Wednesday, January 25, 2006
A Steaming Plate Of Haggis
It's Burns' Night -excellent! No, not that Burn's, I mean Bobby Burns, as my grandma referred to him (apparently she was close to him).
The traditional Scottish celebration of the life and work of poet Robert Burns (who gave us Auld Lang Syne for one - and, as a cool coincidence, my grandma lived on LANG DRIVE) involves the drinking of whiskey and the eating of haggis:
According to health officials in Scotland, the delicacy -- a sheep's stomach lining stuffed with offal, oatmeal, onions and seasoning -- contains too much fat and salt and should only be given to youngsters once a week.
Haggis was placed on a "restricted" list of foods issued to nurseries, playgroups and childminders as part of a drive by the Scottish Executive in Edinburgh to improve the health of pre-school children under five.
Once a week still sounds like child abuse to me.
And a final note, my favorite pet was a Border Terrier I named Duncan, after the Scottish king Duncan the Gracious as seen in Macbeth. (Border Terriers originated on the Scottish / English border, although Duncan came from Alaska...) He was the cutest, smartest fellow. When Scout met him, she immediately took to calling him Haggis, which really was the perfect name for him...
The traditional Scottish celebration of the life and work of poet Robert Burns (who gave us Auld Lang Syne for one - and, as a cool coincidence, my grandma lived on LANG DRIVE) involves the drinking of whiskey and the eating of haggis:
According to health officials in Scotland, the delicacy -- a sheep's stomach lining stuffed with offal, oatmeal, onions and seasoning -- contains too much fat and salt and should only be given to youngsters once a week.
Haggis was placed on a "restricted" list of foods issued to nurseries, playgroups and childminders as part of a drive by the Scottish Executive in Edinburgh to improve the health of pre-school children under five.
Once a week still sounds like child abuse to me.
And a final note, my favorite pet was a Border Terrier I named Duncan, after the Scottish king Duncan the Gracious as seen in Macbeth. (Border Terriers originated on the Scottish / English border, although Duncan came from Alaska...) He was the cutest, smartest fellow. When Scout met him, she immediately took to calling him Haggis, which really was the perfect name for him...
How To Be A More Successful Public Speaker
It gives one pause to think of the how and why of some research projects.
Nonetheless, Scottish scientists have done their part to ease the stress of one of mankind's most frightening events - speechmaking.
Researchers from the University of Paisley in Scotland (an unlikely name, unless it was sponsered by Prince, which I have not ruled out), released this little bit of helpful information, which deserves to read in its entirety.
And what is the connection between that, and this, from the front page of their website:
University of Paisley Initiative Enhancing Women’s Careers The University of Paisley’s innovative Winning Women initiative, which aims to help women enter the workplace or add to their existing skills to aid career progression, has places available this February.
New opportunities for pick up lines: "No really, I have to give a speech tomorrow, and I have high blood pressure..."
Nonetheless, Scottish scientists have done their part to ease the stress of one of mankind's most frightening events - speechmaking.
Researchers from the University of Paisley in Scotland (an unlikely name, unless it was sponsered by Prince, which I have not ruled out), released this little bit of helpful information, which deserves to read in its entirety.
And what is the connection between that, and this, from the front page of their website:
University of Paisley Initiative Enhancing Women’s Careers The University of Paisley’s innovative Winning Women initiative, which aims to help women enter the workplace or add to their existing skills to aid career progression, has places available this February.
New opportunities for pick up lines: "No really, I have to give a speech tomorrow, and I have high blood pressure..."
Tuesday, January 24, 2006
New Music Tuesday - Black Cadillac
There are performers. Musicians. Entertainers.
Then there are artists.
Ms. Rosanne Cash is an artist. Breathtakingly talented and gifted. Her new release is Black Cadillac, which is the artistic culmination of her recent life experience - losing three parents in one year: her stepmother (June Carter Cash) in May, and then, of course, her father's (Johnny Cash) death on September 12. Then two years later, again in May, her mother passed away.
Rosanne has been doing a lot of press recently (The NYT, TIME Magazine, etc.) but I really need to quote a line from the NYT article, because she siccintly summed up exactly what I had been feeling, dealing with losing my mother...
You kind of get transformed when you lose your parents. There's nobody to rebel against, nobody to report to.
This album is stunning and gorgeous. I've only had a chance to listen to it once, but the standouts are Black Cadillac, House On The Hill, and Burn Down This Town. The enhanced CD features a "video portrait" which is also beautiful and magnificently done.
Superlatives fail me. Go buy it.
Then there are artists.
Ms. Rosanne Cash is an artist. Breathtakingly talented and gifted. Her new release is Black Cadillac, which is the artistic culmination of her recent life experience - losing three parents in one year: her stepmother (June Carter Cash) in May, and then, of course, her father's (Johnny Cash) death on September 12. Then two years later, again in May, her mother passed away.
Rosanne has been doing a lot of press recently (The NYT, TIME Magazine, etc.) but I really need to quote a line from the NYT article, because she siccintly summed up exactly what I had been feeling, dealing with losing my mother...
You kind of get transformed when you lose your parents. There's nobody to rebel against, nobody to report to.
This album is stunning and gorgeous. I've only had a chance to listen to it once, but the standouts are Black Cadillac, House On The Hill, and Burn Down This Town. The enhanced CD features a "video portrait" which is also beautiful and magnificently done.
Superlatives fail me. Go buy it.
Monday, January 23, 2006
A More Discriminating Palate
I really don't not know how this current posting theme emerged, but let's recap, shall we?
The world's largest catfish (as big as a GRIZZLY BEAR, PEOPLE!) was caught in Thailand. It weighed 646 pounds. What did the fishermen who caught it do? Ate it. No mention how many hushpuppies accompanied the meal.
Then there was the fisherman who caught the rainbow trout with two mouths. He put it in his freezer and - again - he ate it.
(I am sure Cy, the cyclops kitten, currently being stored in a freezer in Oregon, is going to suffer the same fate...)
And of course, we have the alligator-eating python and the Siamese cat-eating python.
So, thanks to Scout for this little tidbit (or should I say Gohan!):
Seems that a Japanese rat snake refused to eat freeze-dried mice, so the keepers introduced a dwarf hamster into the snake's habitat. The keepers named the doomed hamster GOHAN, which means "meal" (I told you it was Doomed!)
But, the snake (named Aochan -which I think means "vegetarian"- in case you are curious) took a liking to the fur ball, and not in the "my what big eyes you have" sense. The predator and prey are best pals, so much so that the hamster crawls up on the snake to sleep sometimes.
Awwww...
And now for the final quote: “Let this be a lesson to humans. You don't have to eat everything.”
We'll see how the rest of the year goes. I am expecting the big story to break that hunter's in the backwoods shot a Bigfoot, but they BBQ'd it...
The world's largest catfish (as big as a GRIZZLY BEAR, PEOPLE!) was caught in Thailand. It weighed 646 pounds. What did the fishermen who caught it do? Ate it. No mention how many hushpuppies accompanied the meal.
Then there was the fisherman who caught the rainbow trout with two mouths. He put it in his freezer and - again - he ate it.
(I am sure Cy, the cyclops kitten, currently being stored in a freezer in Oregon, is going to suffer the same fate...)
And of course, we have the alligator-eating python and the Siamese cat-eating python.
So, thanks to Scout for this little tidbit (or should I say Gohan!):
Seems that a Japanese rat snake refused to eat freeze-dried mice, so the keepers introduced a dwarf hamster into the snake's habitat. The keepers named the doomed hamster GOHAN, which means "meal" (I told you it was Doomed!)
But, the snake (named Aochan -which I think means "vegetarian"- in case you are curious) took a liking to the fur ball, and not in the "my what big eyes you have" sense. The predator and prey are best pals, so much so that the hamster crawls up on the snake to sleep sometimes.
Awwww...
And now for the final quote: “Let this be a lesson to humans. You don't have to eat everything.”
We'll see how the rest of the year goes. I am expecting the big story to break that hunter's in the backwoods shot a Bigfoot, but they BBQ'd it...
Sunday, January 22, 2006
The Award For The Boldest Statement Of The Obvious Goes To...
Ok, I really wasn't going to write about the cyclops kitten born in Oregon, but then I saw this article and the headline was just, well, TOO perfect. And it is SO early to be handing out awards for the Boldest Statement Of The Obvious...
One-Eyed Cat Had Medical Condition
The other somewhat concerning part of this particular article, that others have not reported, is that the "owner" still has Cy's corpse - in her freezer. As these things go, you just know Cy is going to get eaten. However, there may be a saving grace:
She said one thing's for certain: "I'm not going to put it on eBay."
One-Eyed Cat Had Medical Condition
The other somewhat concerning part of this particular article, that others have not reported, is that the "owner" still has Cy's corpse - in her freezer. As these things go, you just know Cy is going to get eaten. However, there may be a saving grace:
She said one thing's for certain: "I'm not going to put it on eBay."
Saturday, January 21, 2006
Warning Signs Of A New Obsession
As those of you who know and love the Captain StL are aware, I have been suffering from an overwhelming urge to do nothing but stay at home and feed my iPod. Yep. That and drink coffee. No eating, no housework, no writing, no watching Netflix offerings. Just feeding the iPod.
Then, I stumble across this site (where have you been?) and realize there is yet a whole new world of things to obsess about.
Following the great Francis Francis espresso machine debacle in September, the thought of owning my own machine has been rattling about my brain. I still believe that making espresso is something I would rather leave to professionals, and not a task that I wish to perform for myself. However, the extremely civilized after-dinner espresso at Scout’s place, and the wish to start drinking Teeccino lattes (Teeccino brewed like coffee is undrinkable) again, makes me think that a machine might grace my counters one day…
BUT, here’s the thing…according to Mark Prince, founder and reviewer at Coffeegeek.com, what you need to invest in is a coffee grinder!
“A good grinder is far more important, but people always skimp on it. I’ve made far better espresso with a $300 grinder and a $250 espresso machine than with a $50 grinder and a $2,000 espresso machine.”
It’s always something…
Then, I stumble across this site (where have you been?) and realize there is yet a whole new world of things to obsess about.
Following the great Francis Francis espresso machine debacle in September, the thought of owning my own machine has been rattling about my brain. I still believe that making espresso is something I would rather leave to professionals, and not a task that I wish to perform for myself. However, the extremely civilized after-dinner espresso at Scout’s place, and the wish to start drinking Teeccino lattes (Teeccino brewed like coffee is undrinkable) again, makes me think that a machine might grace my counters one day…
BUT, here’s the thing…according to Mark Prince, founder and reviewer at Coffeegeek.com, what you need to invest in is a coffee grinder!
“A good grinder is far more important, but people always skimp on it. I’ve made far better espresso with a $300 grinder and a $250 espresso machine than with a $50 grinder and a $2,000 espresso machine.”
It’s always something…
Friday, January 20, 2006
Extinction
Everyone knows that in our machine-age zeal, hundreds if not thousands of species of animals and plants disappear forever every day. But no one seems to acknowledge the slow demise of a way of life, of childhood familiarity and those simple comforting THINGS that we rely on to make sense of the world.
So. When was the last time you held or saw a flash cube? Do you even remember them? There are more distant from most people’s experience than TV’s without a remote.
At the same time you could purchase flashcubes in your local drugstore, 35mm film came in small metal containers with a screw-on lid. I remember everyday heading off to elementary school with one of my mom's film canisters in my pocket, screwed tight, holding my lunch money. I thought I was so cool with that little canister.
So it was with a heavy heart that I read the news of the second strike of the executioner this morning. On the 12th of January, Nikon (who made its first film camera in 1948) announced that it is going to stop making 5 of its seven film cameras and most lenses. Yes, my beloved and worshipped N70 will soon be a dinosaur (not to mention his geriatric older brother, the FE, and his European cousin, the Rollei).
To add insult to all of this nonsense, Konica Minolta jumped on the abandonment bandwagon yesterday and announced that it is stopping production of film and photographic paper by March 20th. Konica produced Japan's first photographic paper in 1903 and the country's first color film in 1940. So I suppose the 100 year run of photo paper should be something to be proud of, but it pains me to see the manual tools of creation and experience being replaced by voyeuristic screengazing.
Also by March (does this have something to do with the ides?) Konica Minolta said it would stop production of minilabs, the machines installed in photo shops and retail stores for developing and printing photos.
I am thinking that soon in places like Medieval Times and other recreated living environments you will be able to visit the glassblower and the blacksmith, and then stop by the photographer’s darkroom …
So. When was the last time you held or saw a flash cube? Do you even remember them? There are more distant from most people’s experience than TV’s without a remote.
At the same time you could purchase flashcubes in your local drugstore, 35mm film came in small metal containers with a screw-on lid. I remember everyday heading off to elementary school with one of my mom's film canisters in my pocket, screwed tight, holding my lunch money. I thought I was so cool with that little canister.
So it was with a heavy heart that I read the news of the second strike of the executioner this morning. On the 12th of January, Nikon (who made its first film camera in 1948) announced that it is going to stop making 5 of its seven film cameras and most lenses. Yes, my beloved and worshipped N70 will soon be a dinosaur (not to mention his geriatric older brother, the FE, and his European cousin, the Rollei).
To add insult to all of this nonsense, Konica Minolta jumped on the abandonment bandwagon yesterday and announced that it is stopping production of film and photographic paper by March 20th. Konica produced Japan's first photographic paper in 1903 and the country's first color film in 1940. So I suppose the 100 year run of photo paper should be something to be proud of, but it pains me to see the manual tools of creation and experience being replaced by voyeuristic screengazing.
Also by March (does this have something to do with the ides?) Konica Minolta said it would stop production of minilabs, the machines installed in photo shops and retail stores for developing and printing photos.
I am thinking that soon in places like Medieval Times and other recreated living environments you will be able to visit the glassblower and the blacksmith, and then stop by the photographer’s darkroom …
Thursday, January 19, 2006
News About My Hero, JJJIII
The official Vatican newspaper published an article labeling as "correct" the recent decision by a judge (my man!) in Pennsylvania that intelligent design should not be taught as a scientific alternative to evolution.
Fiorenzo Facchini, a professor of evolutionary biology at the University of Bologna, wrote in L'Osservatore Romano:
"If the model proposed by Darwin is not considered sufficient, one should search for another. But it is not correct from a methodological point of view to stray from the field of science while pretending to do science."
And as much as I love that comment, I can’t help but think that Mr. Facchini is either a closet Dexter’s Lab fan, or has been watching The Lost Skeleton of Cadavera…maybe both.
Fiorenzo Facchini, a professor of evolutionary biology at the University of Bologna, wrote in L'Osservatore Romano:
"If the model proposed by Darwin is not considered sufficient, one should search for another. But it is not correct from a methodological point of view to stray from the field of science while pretending to do science."
And as much as I love that comment, I can’t help but think that Mr. Facchini is either a closet Dexter’s Lab fan, or has been watching The Lost Skeleton of Cadavera…maybe both.
The Kind of Thing You Savor
Ah, those long ago days in Seattle, when for a couple of weeks I took up smoking, hanging out with the beautiful people in cigar bars, luxuriously whiling the evening away with a fine cigar and a single malt Scotch…my smoking phase was brief to be sure, but for those that do smoke, here is an interesting little development...
With the demise of locations to smoke, including most the outdoors, Chicago announced the opening of the Marshall McGearty Tobacco Lounge, a tobacco retail store also selling alcoholic drinks, cheese plates and espresso drinks and one of the few places in the city where you can sit and read the newspaper and smoke.
"This is about a select, super premium brand of cigarettes, just like what we've seen with the super premium tier of beer, wine, chocolate and pastries. It's about elegance and having fun. No one is going to stop smoking because of a ban, but maybe people can start treating cigarettes like this more like alcohol - the kind of thing you savor."
With the demise of locations to smoke, including most the outdoors, Chicago announced the opening of the Marshall McGearty Tobacco Lounge, a tobacco retail store also selling alcoholic drinks, cheese plates and espresso drinks and one of the few places in the city where you can sit and read the newspaper and smoke.
"This is about a select, super premium brand of cigarettes, just like what we've seen with the super premium tier of beer, wine, chocolate and pastries. It's about elegance and having fun. No one is going to stop smoking because of a ban, but maybe people can start treating cigarettes like this more like alcohol - the kind of thing you savor."
Wednesday, January 18, 2006
Homeward Bound - Just A Sittin' And A Rockin'
It was with a heavy spirit that I roused myself this morning to leave San Diego and get on the plane home to Cleveland.
I breezed through the security lines and was on my way to the gate, blessedly clutching a warm Starbuck's triple grande latte and two magazines when I noticed the coolest thing I've ever seen in an airport.
Across the aisle from the gates were about 10 black rocking chairs. It was gorgeously(sorry to use the term Ms. Buffante) surreal. In the midst of jetliners and laptops and cellphones and flat screen tv's reporting world news, there were these inviting, antiquated rocking chairs. Beautiful.
Scout was off to the doctor's after dropping me off at the airport, and while I was waiting to board, she called reporting that what was supposed to be a meeting turned into a full-blown "procedure", complete with scapels and stitches. So she was taking the day off from work to recuperate, and again, I was overwhelmed with the feeling that I was most definitely not where I was supposed to be...There are few feelings that are worse than knowing that someone you love is suffering and alone, and that there is nothing that you can do to care for them in a practical way.
I hate that.
It seems that the route from Phoenix to Cleveland is not so popular, as I had a whole row to myself, and my laptop got its own seat. About the time we were passing over Illinois, the sun had set, and the ground was covered with snow as far as I could see - it was a view that Santa must enjoy as he travels on Christmas Eve.
I had, in my haste to leave Ohio, left without firm plans as to how I was going to retrieve my vehicle from MyAdoringPublic's house, as she was diligently working ( it was inventory night which I had unknowingly managed to duck the noose). So when I arrived, I was planning to get a towncar to take me there, and while there were several signs posted for "LIMOS", they never really directed you to any location to hire said vehicle.
I became annoyed and walked outside, where immediately a nice fellow leaped from his cab and offered to take me to my car. I knew this was going to be pricey, but I was really ready to just be done with my adventure. Ten minutes later, when we pulled into MAP's driveway, where my faithful Corolla was awaiting me, the meter read: $10.50. That is cheaper than parking, folks.
I breezed through the security lines and was on my way to the gate, blessedly clutching a warm Starbuck's triple grande latte and two magazines when I noticed the coolest thing I've ever seen in an airport.
Across the aisle from the gates were about 10 black rocking chairs. It was gorgeously(sorry to use the term Ms. Buffante) surreal. In the midst of jetliners and laptops and cellphones and flat screen tv's reporting world news, there were these inviting, antiquated rocking chairs. Beautiful.
Scout was off to the doctor's after dropping me off at the airport, and while I was waiting to board, she called reporting that what was supposed to be a meeting turned into a full-blown "procedure", complete with scapels and stitches. So she was taking the day off from work to recuperate, and again, I was overwhelmed with the feeling that I was most definitely not where I was supposed to be...There are few feelings that are worse than knowing that someone you love is suffering and alone, and that there is nothing that you can do to care for them in a practical way.
I hate that.
It seems that the route from Phoenix to Cleveland is not so popular, as I had a whole row to myself, and my laptop got its own seat. About the time we were passing over Illinois, the sun had set, and the ground was covered with snow as far as I could see - it was a view that Santa must enjoy as he travels on Christmas Eve.
I had, in my haste to leave Ohio, left without firm plans as to how I was going to retrieve my vehicle from MyAdoringPublic's house, as she was diligently working ( it was inventory night which I had unknowingly managed to duck the noose). So when I arrived, I was planning to get a towncar to take me there, and while there were several signs posted for "LIMOS", they never really directed you to any location to hire said vehicle.
I became annoyed and walked outside, where immediately a nice fellow leaped from his cab and offered to take me to my car. I knew this was going to be pricey, but I was really ready to just be done with my adventure. Ten minutes later, when we pulled into MAP's driveway, where my faithful Corolla was awaiting me, the meter read: $10.50. That is cheaper than parking, folks.
Tuesday, January 17, 2006
A Change Of Plans
Vacation days are not supposed to start with plans to go to the doctor, especially at eight in the morning, but what can you do? I was glad that I was there so that Scout did not have to go alone.
Following her appointment, we had plans to go to San Clemente and have lunch with MsBuffante then to walk around Laguna Beach with Scout's BigSis. Well, as soon as Scout emerged from the exam room I knew that wasn't going to happen.
Scout called and cancelled with her sister, and I phoned MsB, who wisely preminisced that our plans were not going to materialize, and was prepared to journey down south to see us for dinner. Scout thought this was a great alternative plan, and offered to whip up my favorite salad and spaghetti dinner. It was a go.
We set to some minor chores about the house - I replaced some lightbulbs and then did some neglected gardening work and random heavy lifting and errand-running. It was then time for napping, one of my favorite parts of vacationing and being with Scout.
MsBuffante arrived, and even though it had been about ten years since we last had seen each other, it felt as though no time had passed at all. She told us a hilarious story of how she was impaled like a unicorn with six feet of blinds coming out of her forehead, and her quest to just get a stitch or two (it took 28 stitches) and make it to her son's school function. Funny gal that MsBuffante.
The Rombauer Zinfandel was a hit, being a favorite of both Scout and MsB. Who knew? She was also a big fan of the Glorious Salad, which is good to know because it is a tedious process to hand toast those pepitas on an electric stove. Scout is a saint for doing it without complaint. I took over for her this evening, and let me tell you, it gets boring right quick.
It certainly was a pleasant, warm evening with great food, company and a chance to reminisce about days gone by.
Following her appointment, we had plans to go to San Clemente and have lunch with MsBuffante then to walk around Laguna Beach with Scout's BigSis. Well, as soon as Scout emerged from the exam room I knew that wasn't going to happen.
Scout called and cancelled with her sister, and I phoned MsB, who wisely preminisced that our plans were not going to materialize, and was prepared to journey down south to see us for dinner. Scout thought this was a great alternative plan, and offered to whip up my favorite salad and spaghetti dinner. It was a go.
We set to some minor chores about the house - I replaced some lightbulbs and then did some neglected gardening work and random heavy lifting and errand-running. It was then time for napping, one of my favorite parts of vacationing and being with Scout.
MsBuffante arrived, and even though it had been about ten years since we last had seen each other, it felt as though no time had passed at all. She told us a hilarious story of how she was impaled like a unicorn with six feet of blinds coming out of her forehead, and her quest to just get a stitch or two (it took 28 stitches) and make it to her son's school function. Funny gal that MsBuffante.
The Rombauer Zinfandel was a hit, being a favorite of both Scout and MsB. Who knew? She was also a big fan of the Glorious Salad, which is good to know because it is a tedious process to hand toast those pepitas on an electric stove. Scout is a saint for doing it without complaint. I took over for her this evening, and let me tell you, it gets boring right quick.
It certainly was a pleasant, warm evening with great food, company and a chance to reminisce about days gone by.
Monday, January 16, 2006
Correcting An Egregious Error
When Scout learned that I had never been to Disneyland, she took that as an opportunity to correct what she felt was an egregious error in my childhood.
So, we stopped at the Starbuck's and off we went to Anaheim. When you arrive near the park, you que up to pay the parking fee of ten dollars...Then...You drive for what feels like another half an hour before you get to a parking garage. Then you walk and wait for a shuttle to take you to the gates, where you wait in line to have your bags checked by security, then you are free to wait in line to buy your tickets, then, tickets in hand, you wait in line to go through the turnstile and get a free map of the park, and then and only then, do you get any semblance of personal space back. Just getting in was exhausting and tedious.
However, all of that changed once you do get inside the place. For all of the traffic and lines and congestion, it was pretty vacant in the park - at any rate, there were less folks milling about than I was expecting. We needed to take care of some necessities, one of which was eating something, and stopped into a deli type place for sandwiches. We had to eat standing up at the condiment counter because there were no tables or seats in the place, and "Main Street" has no benches. But the sandwich was pretty acceptable.
As we wandered down the street passing the Penny Arcade, I spied a penny squishing machine! My day was on the upswing! I dragged Scout in and got my souvenir Magic Kingdom 50th Anniversary penny. Squished pennies are the best souvenir of all in my opinion, because A.) it is fun to do B.) it costs fifty one cents and C.) they are easy to pack! and D.) you can have a somewhat enormous collection and keep it in an Altoids tin. I was feeling flush, and sported Scout a squished QUARTER featuring Tinkerbelle. What can I say? She's worth it. MyAdoringPublic will be receiving a squished penny of Nemo. We played a cheesy bowling game, where you aim the arm of a GI Joe sized bowler, and tried a couple of strength tests and love meter type machines. I was having a great, care-free time.
Next we went over to the castle, and Scout was bemoaning the lack of swans out in the moat. I tried to console her by telling her they were the new animatronic invisible swans to no avail. Then it was time for my first Disney ride, Snow White's Scary Adventure. It was fun and cute and cheesy and a great introduction to the park. I especially liked the moving shadow of the raven on the wall of the dungeon as you are waiting in line for the car. It was an exquisite, subtle touch.
As we were strolling about, directionless, we happened upon a churros stand. I had never heard of these things, and Scout again insisted that it was time to correct these flaws in my upbringing. Churros are a wonderful footlong pastry covered with cinnamon sugar. Yum!
We stopped into the Shootin' Exposition where Scout proved that she is one sharpshooter. She's a gal good with a rifle, folks!
Then we decided to take a boat ride on the Sailing Ship Columbia - I love being out on the water. We went right up to the bow, and were standing next to a sailor when she fired the cannon! OOHH! The cruise (more like a leisurely stroll on the water) takes you past some Indian encampments and scenes of Indian life. There was even a SCARY bear scratching his back on a tree off on our left! We also ducked below decks and saw what it would have been like to be a sailor. Being the captain wouldn't have been so bad...but if you were a crew member, let me tell you, those bunks were TINY. Maybe sailors used to be retired jockeys...
And then, we went to Pirates Of The Caribbean! Most excellent, and impressive. I really liked the Blue Bayou restaurant, where you can eat outside on a patio in permanent dusk, with the sounds of frogs and crickets and lapping water. We thought about dining there, but decided there was too much to see and do. It looked lovely though. I think my favorite part of the ride was the underground pirate grotto, where the sky is stormy. Or the great battle scene because the space seems so huge...or the animatronic dog holding the keys to the cell in front of three pirate prisoners...great ride. And here are the lyrics to Yo Ho, if you want to sing along as you read the rest...
Next door was the Haunted Mansion, which I was excited to see, but it ended up being kind of disappointing as they have made it into the Nightmare Before Christmas mansion. The best part was the talking head in crystal ball and the hologram ghost dancers in the banquet hall. Scout was annoyed that it had been changed, because change is not good when it comes to revisiting your memories. She was especially peeved about not seeming a ghost riding along with in your car when you pass a mirror, which I have to admit would be pretty darn cool. Put it back, Mickey!
Completing our stay in New Orleans, I was very interested in visiting a place on the map that advertised gourmet coffees. We found it, sat down and I had a a very passably good latte and Scout enjoyed a hot cocoa.
The next ride was Indiana Jones, which impressed me the most as to the level of detail and thought put into it. Just the LONG maze you go through before even getting to the ride is exciting. I loved the enormous snake headed pillars outside the entrance, and the tactile sense of being in the jungle, with the generators and faulty lighting. I got to "drive" the "Jeep" on the ride, and it was super fun and silly and exciting. It was my favorite for sure. After the ride we stopped in the gift shop and I impressed Scout with my pinball skills (I really did have a great game!) and it would have even been better had the left flipper not been stuck!
We then strolled back to Main Street to catch the parade. I was most impressed by the sea-life costumes of the people walking with the Little Mermaid float, and their fish kites, and then the Lion King float second.
As the evening drew to a close, Scout determined it was time to do the "little kid's rides", so we started with Peter Pan. While waiting in line, Scout struck up a conversation with the woman standing in front of her, also a longtime Disney-goer. When it came time to get into the "flying ship" she got in by herself. It made you wonder why she was there, traveling alone. But I loved the ride, flying over London, with magical stars twinkling everywhere, and of course, the Captain Hook and the Croc. It was great.
Next was Mr. Toad's Wild Ride, a silly thing to be sure, but we did get to ride in the Mr. Toad car (the cars are all named for characters in Wind In The Willows), which was the ride's highlight for me.
Then the moment Scout had been waiting for. She loves It's A Small World, so we made our way toward it, only to discover that it was CLOSED! So disappointing.
We passed by the Mad Tea Party and it was fun to see the teacups spinning, one of the most ubiquitous images from the park I think. Scout can't do the spinning thing, so we just watched, then got in line for Alice In Wonderland. There were two young men in front of us, handsome blonde basketball player types and they talked to us while we waited. They were the nicest young men - it gave me hope for the future. As our caterpillar cars passed each other on the ride, one of them actually waved to us! Scout told me she had a picture of her on this ride with her mother, and in the picture she was VERY excited, and promised to show it to me when we got home. I really liked being there, on that ride with her, kind of reliving that moment.
Kinda magical.
So then I decided I wanted to stop into the Mad Hatter's shop, because I have always had a fondest for the guy, and I was thinking that even though I absolutely can't wear hats, I really wanted a Mad Hatter's top hat. I tried it on and it was not for me. We browsed a bit and tried on all kinds of headgear and were leaving when I spied Peter Pan's green felt cap, complete with a big red feather. I put it on, and Scout immediately let me know that THAT was my hat. So I spent the rest of the evening trying to avoid poking people's eyes out with my feather. I can't wait to wear it at work. Fun, fun, fun.
We were told not to miss the evening's water show, FantasMic, by our neighbor at the parade, so we started to wander over in that direction. People had actually been staking their spots several hours prior to the show. We noticed that there was no line for Pirates of the Caribbean, and so we walked right in and did it again. It was still great the second time around. We watched a few minutes of the laser water show, which included a watery parade. The part of Captain Hook chasing Peter Pan (real people) through the rigging of the Columbia was pretty thrilling, since we had been on the ship and knew just how high they were climbing. That took some guts. But we were not impressed with the show and left.
We walked about Main Street, and got some shortbread cookies that were the shape of Mickey's shorts. So wonderfully wrong, but excellent shortbread, and some coffee and some souvenirs for MyAdoringPublic that I cannot disclose at this time. The fireworks show was really spectacular, and as a treat for Scout, Tinkerbelle (a real woman) was flying about the sky. I guess that was a special moment from her past, and following an accident they stopped having Tink fly.
After our full day, the drive home was difficult as both of us were falling asleep. Scout asked if I wanted to stop at Denny's, but I said "not really" and she knew I was REALLY sleepy because I never turn down an opportunity to go out for breakfast, no matter what time it is. We stopped anyway, and I refrained from wearing my new hat into the restaurant.
So, we stopped at the Starbuck's and off we went to Anaheim. When you arrive near the park, you que up to pay the parking fee of ten dollars...Then...You drive for what feels like another half an hour before you get to a parking garage. Then you walk and wait for a shuttle to take you to the gates, where you wait in line to have your bags checked by security, then you are free to wait in line to buy your tickets, then, tickets in hand, you wait in line to go through the turnstile and get a free map of the park, and then and only then, do you get any semblance of personal space back. Just getting in was exhausting and tedious.
However, all of that changed once you do get inside the place. For all of the traffic and lines and congestion, it was pretty vacant in the park - at any rate, there were less folks milling about than I was expecting. We needed to take care of some necessities, one of which was eating something, and stopped into a deli type place for sandwiches. We had to eat standing up at the condiment counter because there were no tables or seats in the place, and "Main Street" has no benches. But the sandwich was pretty acceptable.
As we wandered down the street passing the Penny Arcade, I spied a penny squishing machine! My day was on the upswing! I dragged Scout in and got my souvenir Magic Kingdom 50th Anniversary penny. Squished pennies are the best souvenir of all in my opinion, because A.) it is fun to do B.) it costs fifty one cents and C.) they are easy to pack! and D.) you can have a somewhat enormous collection and keep it in an Altoids tin. I was feeling flush, and sported Scout a squished QUARTER featuring Tinkerbelle. What can I say? She's worth it. MyAdoringPublic will be receiving a squished penny of Nemo. We played a cheesy bowling game, where you aim the arm of a GI Joe sized bowler, and tried a couple of strength tests and love meter type machines. I was having a great, care-free time.
Next we went over to the castle, and Scout was bemoaning the lack of swans out in the moat. I tried to console her by telling her they were the new animatronic invisible swans to no avail. Then it was time for my first Disney ride, Snow White's Scary Adventure. It was fun and cute and cheesy and a great introduction to the park. I especially liked the moving shadow of the raven on the wall of the dungeon as you are waiting in line for the car. It was an exquisite, subtle touch.
As we were strolling about, directionless, we happened upon a churros stand. I had never heard of these things, and Scout again insisted that it was time to correct these flaws in my upbringing. Churros are a wonderful footlong pastry covered with cinnamon sugar. Yum!
We stopped into the Shootin' Exposition where Scout proved that she is one sharpshooter. She's a gal good with a rifle, folks!
Then we decided to take a boat ride on the Sailing Ship Columbia - I love being out on the water. We went right up to the bow, and were standing next to a sailor when she fired the cannon! OOHH! The cruise (more like a leisurely stroll on the water) takes you past some Indian encampments and scenes of Indian life. There was even a SCARY bear scratching his back on a tree off on our left! We also ducked below decks and saw what it would have been like to be a sailor. Being the captain wouldn't have been so bad...but if you were a crew member, let me tell you, those bunks were TINY. Maybe sailors used to be retired jockeys...
And then, we went to Pirates Of The Caribbean! Most excellent, and impressive. I really liked the Blue Bayou restaurant, where you can eat outside on a patio in permanent dusk, with the sounds of frogs and crickets and lapping water. We thought about dining there, but decided there was too much to see and do. It looked lovely though. I think my favorite part of the ride was the underground pirate grotto, where the sky is stormy. Or the great battle scene because the space seems so huge...or the animatronic dog holding the keys to the cell in front of three pirate prisoners...great ride. And here are the lyrics to Yo Ho, if you want to sing along as you read the rest...
Next door was the Haunted Mansion, which I was excited to see, but it ended up being kind of disappointing as they have made it into the Nightmare Before Christmas mansion. The best part was the talking head in crystal ball and the hologram ghost dancers in the banquet hall. Scout was annoyed that it had been changed, because change is not good when it comes to revisiting your memories. She was especially peeved about not seeming a ghost riding along with in your car when you pass a mirror, which I have to admit would be pretty darn cool. Put it back, Mickey!
Completing our stay in New Orleans, I was very interested in visiting a place on the map that advertised gourmet coffees. We found it, sat down and I had a a very passably good latte and Scout enjoyed a hot cocoa.
The next ride was Indiana Jones, which impressed me the most as to the level of detail and thought put into it. Just the LONG maze you go through before even getting to the ride is exciting. I loved the enormous snake headed pillars outside the entrance, and the tactile sense of being in the jungle, with the generators and faulty lighting. I got to "drive" the "Jeep" on the ride, and it was super fun and silly and exciting. It was my favorite for sure. After the ride we stopped in the gift shop and I impressed Scout with my pinball skills (I really did have a great game!) and it would have even been better had the left flipper not been stuck!
We then strolled back to Main Street to catch the parade. I was most impressed by the sea-life costumes of the people walking with the Little Mermaid float, and their fish kites, and then the Lion King float second.
As the evening drew to a close, Scout determined it was time to do the "little kid's rides", so we started with Peter Pan. While waiting in line, Scout struck up a conversation with the woman standing in front of her, also a longtime Disney-goer. When it came time to get into the "flying ship" she got in by herself. It made you wonder why she was there, traveling alone. But I loved the ride, flying over London, with magical stars twinkling everywhere, and of course, the Captain Hook and the Croc. It was great.
Next was Mr. Toad's Wild Ride, a silly thing to be sure, but we did get to ride in the Mr. Toad car (the cars are all named for characters in Wind In The Willows), which was the ride's highlight for me.
Then the moment Scout had been waiting for. She loves It's A Small World, so we made our way toward it, only to discover that it was CLOSED! So disappointing.
We passed by the Mad Tea Party and it was fun to see the teacups spinning, one of the most ubiquitous images from the park I think. Scout can't do the spinning thing, so we just watched, then got in line for Alice In Wonderland. There were two young men in front of us, handsome blonde basketball player types and they talked to us while we waited. They were the nicest young men - it gave me hope for the future. As our caterpillar cars passed each other on the ride, one of them actually waved to us! Scout told me she had a picture of her on this ride with her mother, and in the picture she was VERY excited, and promised to show it to me when we got home. I really liked being there, on that ride with her, kind of reliving that moment.
Kinda magical.
So then I decided I wanted to stop into the Mad Hatter's shop, because I have always had a fondest for the guy, and I was thinking that even though I absolutely can't wear hats, I really wanted a Mad Hatter's top hat. I tried it on and it was not for me. We browsed a bit and tried on all kinds of headgear and were leaving when I spied Peter Pan's green felt cap, complete with a big red feather. I put it on, and Scout immediately let me know that THAT was my hat. So I spent the rest of the evening trying to avoid poking people's eyes out with my feather. I can't wait to wear it at work. Fun, fun, fun.
We were told not to miss the evening's water show, FantasMic, by our neighbor at the parade, so we started to wander over in that direction. People had actually been staking their spots several hours prior to the show. We noticed that there was no line for Pirates of the Caribbean, and so we walked right in and did it again. It was still great the second time around. We watched a few minutes of the laser water show, which included a watery parade. The part of Captain Hook chasing Peter Pan (real people) through the rigging of the Columbia was pretty thrilling, since we had been on the ship and knew just how high they were climbing. That took some guts. But we were not impressed with the show and left.
We walked about Main Street, and got some shortbread cookies that were the shape of Mickey's shorts. So wonderfully wrong, but excellent shortbread, and some coffee and some souvenirs for MyAdoringPublic that I cannot disclose at this time. The fireworks show was really spectacular, and as a treat for Scout, Tinkerbelle (a real woman) was flying about the sky. I guess that was a special moment from her past, and following an accident they stopped having Tink fly.
After our full day, the drive home was difficult as both of us were falling asleep. Scout asked if I wanted to stop at Denny's, but I said "not really" and she knew I was REALLY sleepy because I never turn down an opportunity to go out for breakfast, no matter what time it is. We stopped anyway, and I refrained from wearing my new hat into the restaurant.
Sunday, January 15, 2006
The Urban Experience
We had to rise early today, because we had tickets for the Gospel Brunch at the House of Blues in San Diego. I would also be meeting several of Scout's co-workers, a nice little quid pro quo. Praise the Lord and pass the biscuits! The spread is lavish, with everything you can imagine from fried chicken to made-to-order omelets, fruit, desserts, and all of the side dishes you could possibly want including macaroni and cheese with a panko crumb topping. You sit at long tables in front of the stage, and my only complaint is that if you are not sitting in the area where they decide to set down the coffee pot, you are out of luck. Which I was. That annoyed me a bit.
The entertainment for the afternoon was a terrific group called Bishop John W. Haynes and Change with the host Reverend Earl Deen. The vocalists were four ladies, backed up on organ, guitar, bass and drums by relatives of one stripe or another (brothers, husbands, sons). They were quite rousing, entertaining and good. One minor observation is that they really focus on an interactive experience, and they spend a good deal of time out in the crowd, getting folks to stand up and sing. A little of this goes a long way. And just speaking for myself, I am way more interested in paying to be entertained that I am in paying to be part of the show.
Following the show, we all went upstairs to the bar and had mimosas and visited. The band was getting ready to leave, so we got to tell them once again how much we enjoyed the show. I love seeing entertainers just hanging around, waiting for their transportation. It warms my stage manager heart...
Scout and I then headed to Hillcrest where we saw Capote.The line for the theatre was tremendous, but the sun was warm, a welcome aberration for me. The gals in front of us were teasing that they were going to buy the last seats for Capote and then scalp them to us. As it turned out, I have no idea where all of the people went, but they sure weren't in Capote. We got good seats, and the show began. Sure, Philip Seymour Hoffman is transcendent. But the movie was carried by Catherine Keener, in my opinion. Her portrayal of Harper Lee (Catherine is far too attractive though) as the conscious of the film is magnificent. I found it fascinating that Capote was able to hold two completely opposite thoughts in his head at the same time, and his ability to believe both to be completely the truth simultaneously. That is, they say, the mark of genius, or insanity. I wouldn't say that it was a great film. I wouldn't even really recommend it, but I found the story very interesting. Yeah, that's it. It is an engrossing story, but it is not the makings of a great FILM. I think a stage version would have been really excellent.
We walked around the neighborhood for a bit, and I was really not impressed in anyway, except for the mandatory stop in the local Starbuck's. We determined that the area was just not for us, or we had somehow missed what all of the hype was about. Kinda the same way I felt about my daytrip to Tremont a while back...
Coming back home, Scout took me by her workplace, and that was great fun to see where she spends so much of her time. We were both getting pretty hungry and Scout really wanted to go Miyabi, a Japanese restaurant. So we did. You sit around a hibachi table with six strangers. This is destined to be problematic. And we had the misfortune of being seated at a table with the most obnoxious young "man" I have encountered in some time. He loudly and repeatedly called the chef "PingPong" or "KingKong" (his name tag said Phong). You just wanted to spank him and profusely apologize for all Americans. It was embarrassing. That being said, the food was really good, and I was very skeptical going in. I loved the fried rice and the potstickers and shrimp, and my meal of teriyaki steak was excellent. I even tried some of Scout's lobster, which I also enjoyed.
When we got home, we weren't too tired, so we started watching a movie I had brought in case Scout was going to be couch-bound, Harper Valley PTA. Ah, Barbara Eden and Nanette Fabray. They just don't make movies like that anymore (although it did in some ways remind of Elvira, Mistress of the Dark, and therevenge SHE brings about on the small-minded town folk...). Revenge is sweet. Sock it to 'em!
The entertainment for the afternoon was a terrific group called Bishop John W. Haynes and Change with the host Reverend Earl Deen. The vocalists were four ladies, backed up on organ, guitar, bass and drums by relatives of one stripe or another (brothers, husbands, sons). They were quite rousing, entertaining and good. One minor observation is that they really focus on an interactive experience, and they spend a good deal of time out in the crowd, getting folks to stand up and sing. A little of this goes a long way. And just speaking for myself, I am way more interested in paying to be entertained that I am in paying to be part of the show.
Following the show, we all went upstairs to the bar and had mimosas and visited. The band was getting ready to leave, so we got to tell them once again how much we enjoyed the show. I love seeing entertainers just hanging around, waiting for their transportation. It warms my stage manager heart...
Scout and I then headed to Hillcrest where we saw Capote.The line for the theatre was tremendous, but the sun was warm, a welcome aberration for me. The gals in front of us were teasing that they were going to buy the last seats for Capote and then scalp them to us. As it turned out, I have no idea where all of the people went, but they sure weren't in Capote. We got good seats, and the show began. Sure, Philip Seymour Hoffman is transcendent. But the movie was carried by Catherine Keener, in my opinion. Her portrayal of Harper Lee (Catherine is far too attractive though) as the conscious of the film is magnificent. I found it fascinating that Capote was able to hold two completely opposite thoughts in his head at the same time, and his ability to believe both to be completely the truth simultaneously. That is, they say, the mark of genius, or insanity. I wouldn't say that it was a great film. I wouldn't even really recommend it, but I found the story very interesting. Yeah, that's it. It is an engrossing story, but it is not the makings of a great FILM. I think a stage version would have been really excellent.
We walked around the neighborhood for a bit, and I was really not impressed in anyway, except for the mandatory stop in the local Starbuck's. We determined that the area was just not for us, or we had somehow missed what all of the hype was about. Kinda the same way I felt about my daytrip to Tremont a while back...
Coming back home, Scout took me by her workplace, and that was great fun to see where she spends so much of her time. We were both getting pretty hungry and Scout really wanted to go Miyabi, a Japanese restaurant. So we did. You sit around a hibachi table with six strangers. This is destined to be problematic. And we had the misfortune of being seated at a table with the most obnoxious young "man" I have encountered in some time. He loudly and repeatedly called the chef "PingPong" or "KingKong" (his name tag said Phong). You just wanted to spank him and profusely apologize for all Americans. It was embarrassing. That being said, the food was really good, and I was very skeptical going in. I loved the fried rice and the potstickers and shrimp, and my meal of teriyaki steak was excellent. I even tried some of Scout's lobster, which I also enjoyed.
When we got home, we weren't too tired, so we started watching a movie I had brought in case Scout was going to be couch-bound, Harper Valley PTA. Ah, Barbara Eden and Nanette Fabray. They just don't make movies like that anymore (although it did in some ways remind of Elvira, Mistress of the Dark, and therevenge SHE brings about on the small-minded town folk...). Revenge is sweet. Sock it to 'em!
Saturday, January 14, 2006
The Vacation Theory
Some folks say that a vacation is only a vacation if it meets certain criteria. Mr. Beauregard Van Horne illuminates that a vacation must involve:
1. not setting an alarm clock
2. not wearing shoes
3. not wearing underwear
4. not shaving
So I have been torn between feeling like this is a vacation, in that one must "do" and explore and see, and a visit. These long distance things are tricky, after all.
Well, today was the day to have Beau's kind of vacation. A lazy day of sleeping, eating, napping, and general sloth. I must confess that at some point showering and shaving was involved, and underwear was worn. Sorry, dude.
To take advantage of Scout's outrageous AV set-up, I had picked up some IMAX movies. We watched India: Kingdom Of The Tiger (I love tigers) based on the fascinating work of early conservationist Jim Corbett, and she had one on Alaska (Spirit Of The Wild) that was great.
Then it was dinner time, and we were having my new favorite meal, which I swear I could more than happily have everyday: foccacia bread in a homemade balsamic dipping sauce, the Glorious Salad (gorgonzola, pepitas and greens with a balsamic dressing) and spaghetti with freshly grated parmigiano reggiano, and a good red wine, of course.
For our after dinner entertainment, Scout got Just Cause, a thriller starring Sean Connery. It was a light, entertaining film, and I was stunned when I realized that the child, Sean's daughter was SCARLETT JOHANSSON! Wow. Intriguing plot, and a special appearance by TV's own Cowboy Curtis, Laurence Fishburne. The best part was the horrifically frightening, riveting performance by Ed Harris as a psycho killer. He was stunning.
1. not setting an alarm clock
2. not wearing shoes
3. not wearing underwear
4. not shaving
So I have been torn between feeling like this is a vacation, in that one must "do" and explore and see, and a visit. These long distance things are tricky, after all.
Well, today was the day to have Beau's kind of vacation. A lazy day of sleeping, eating, napping, and general sloth. I must confess that at some point showering and shaving was involved, and underwear was worn. Sorry, dude.
To take advantage of Scout's outrageous AV set-up, I had picked up some IMAX movies. We watched India: Kingdom Of The Tiger (I love tigers) based on the fascinating work of early conservationist Jim Corbett, and she had one on Alaska (Spirit Of The Wild) that was great.
Then it was dinner time, and we were having my new favorite meal, which I swear I could more than happily have everyday: foccacia bread in a homemade balsamic dipping sauce, the Glorious Salad (gorgonzola, pepitas and greens with a balsamic dressing) and spaghetti with freshly grated parmigiano reggiano, and a good red wine, of course.
For our after dinner entertainment, Scout got Just Cause, a thriller starring Sean Connery. It was a light, entertaining film, and I was stunned when I realized that the child, Sean's daughter was SCARLETT JOHANSSON! Wow. Intriguing plot, and a special appearance by TV's own Cowboy Curtis, Laurence Fishburne. The best part was the horrifically frightening, riveting performance by Ed Harris as a psycho killer. He was stunning.
My Personal Correspondence and Contradictions
I wrote to my senator, Mike DeWine, congratulating him on voting against drilling for oil in Alaska, and received a nice email message in response, part of which I include here:
Over the past several months, a healthy debate has occurred in our country about drilling for oil in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR). I appreciated knowing your views on this important issue.
As you know, after a great deal of thought, I voted against drilling in the ANWR. I thought the risks outweighed the potential benefits. The United States will never be petroleum independent-we simply do not have the oil. Department of Energy (DOE) figures show that we are currently 56 percent dependent on foreign oil. The DOE estimates that the ANWR would reach full production by the year 2020, and even then, it would only decrease our dependence on foreign oil by about 2%.
How odd that on the very same day, I come across this report in the NYT:
The Interior Department has decided to open 389,000 acres of Alaskan lakes, tundra and shoreline to oil exploration, reversing an eight-year-old compromise intended to protect the habitat of hundreds of thousands of migratory birds and the hunting grounds of Inupiat natives who live near the Beaufort Sea.
The world goes 'round.
Over the past several months, a healthy debate has occurred in our country about drilling for oil in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR). I appreciated knowing your views on this important issue.
As you know, after a great deal of thought, I voted against drilling in the ANWR. I thought the risks outweighed the potential benefits. The United States will never be petroleum independent-we simply do not have the oil. Department of Energy (DOE) figures show that we are currently 56 percent dependent on foreign oil. The DOE estimates that the ANWR would reach full production by the year 2020, and even then, it would only decrease our dependence on foreign oil by about 2%.
How odd that on the very same day, I come across this report in the NYT:
The Interior Department has decided to open 389,000 acres of Alaskan lakes, tundra and shoreline to oil exploration, reversing an eight-year-old compromise intended to protect the habitat of hundreds of thousands of migratory birds and the hunting grounds of Inupiat natives who live near the Beaufort Sea.
The world goes 'round.
Friday, January 13, 2006
Vacation - Day One
Scout had to work today, which meant I spent the morning drinking coffee and reading the NYT, a fairly perfect way to begin a vacation.
When she was finally turned loose, she came by and we went out for a quick brunch at Hershel’s Deli. They have the most eye-popping cakes - they are at least six inches tall! Amazing.
After our meal we stopped into the Trader Joe's across the street and browsed. I am a huge fan of their dehydrated pineapple. I have to point this out because as I rule I don't like pineapple or dried fruit. Yet I can't get enough of the stuff, and I had finished my last bag on the flight out.
It was time for a little bit of walking and exploring, so Scout took me to the Cedros Design District. We had a great time just poking around and looking at stuff. Scout admired a truly lovely chambered nautilus shell at one of the shops, which miraculously appeared on her end table later that evening...
We ordered dinner from a local delivery place, and settled in to watch some TV. Scout had thoughtfully recorded Lackawanna Blues and Prince of Tides on her DVR.
I really liked Lackawanna. And S. Epatha Merkerson was utterly magnificent, a fact readily apparent to anyway since her days as Reba the Mail Lady on Pee-Wee's Playhouse.
As for my darling Barbra, she was still stunning. And how in the world did she get that performance from Nolte and George Carlin? I read the novel after seeing the film, and I was very impressed - in my opinion her treatment is much better. She pared it down to the essentials, and kept it more focused, yet treated it with compassion and didn't shy away from pain. And there are a few good shots of those legs of hers in power suits. See it again.
When she was finally turned loose, she came by and we went out for a quick brunch at Hershel’s Deli. They have the most eye-popping cakes - they are at least six inches tall! Amazing.
After our meal we stopped into the Trader Joe's across the street and browsed. I am a huge fan of their dehydrated pineapple. I have to point this out because as I rule I don't like pineapple or dried fruit. Yet I can't get enough of the stuff, and I had finished my last bag on the flight out.
It was time for a little bit of walking and exploring, so Scout took me to the Cedros Design District. We had a great time just poking around and looking at stuff. Scout admired a truly lovely chambered nautilus shell at one of the shops, which miraculously appeared on her end table later that evening...
We ordered dinner from a local delivery place, and settled in to watch some TV. Scout had thoughtfully recorded Lackawanna Blues and Prince of Tides on her DVR.
I really liked Lackawanna. And S. Epatha Merkerson was utterly magnificent, a fact readily apparent to anyway since her days as Reba the Mail Lady on Pee-Wee's Playhouse.
As for my darling Barbra, she was still stunning. And how in the world did she get that performance from Nolte and George Carlin? I read the novel after seeing the film, and I was very impressed - in my opinion her treatment is much better. She pared it down to the essentials, and kept it more focused, yet treated it with compassion and didn't shy away from pain. And there are a few good shots of those legs of hers in power suits. See it again.
Not Such Bad Luck -or- This Is To Go, Please
For one of our bovine friends, this Friday the 13th was all about good luck.
Seems that Molly the heifer escaped from the slaughterhouse and ran through town and even crossed the Missouri River and THEN she refused to be subdued by three tranquilizer darts.
She has been granted immunity, and gets to live out her life either in an sanctuary in Washington state, or on pastureland near the plant in Montana. I am rooting for Washington. It has to be more relaxing than being near the plant after all. She made the break, I think that deserves a change of scenery.
"I've been around cattle all my life, and it's just totally amazing," Del Morris, the plant manager, said, adding that it is a rare cow that escapes slaughter. "I watched her do things that are just not possible for a cow."
Sadly, Mr. Morris does not really illuminate what those things are, but it did conjure up a fair number of humorous tableaux in my mind.
Seems that Molly the heifer escaped from the slaughterhouse and ran through town and even crossed the Missouri River and THEN she refused to be subdued by three tranquilizer darts.
She has been granted immunity, and gets to live out her life either in an sanctuary in Washington state, or on pastureland near the plant in Montana. I am rooting for Washington. It has to be more relaxing than being near the plant after all. She made the break, I think that deserves a change of scenery.
"I've been around cattle all my life, and it's just totally amazing," Del Morris, the plant manager, said, adding that it is a rare cow that escapes slaughter. "I watched her do things that are just not possible for a cow."
Sadly, Mr. Morris does not really illuminate what those things are, but it did conjure up a fair number of humorous tableaux in my mind.
Thursday, January 12, 2006
Airborne
Everyone in the world is sick it seems.
And lately I've noticed an increased preoccupation folks have with a product called Airborne. The big selling, marketing, and advertising point is that it is "Made by a teacher."
I'd rather place my hopes of wellness on a product made by a chemist.
That being said, I arrived at MyAdoringPublic's house this morning, as she graciously offered to take me to the airport, to find her on the first stages of what looks to be a most nasty illness. Then she hands me a note wishing me a pleasant trip from Kitty Griffing, the "new" fiancée (after patiently waiting for thirteen years - yeah - 13!) of one ScubaSteve - who, that's right, is sick.
Now, for many reasons, I preferred to do stuff last night rather than sleep (sleep is considered non-doing stuff, the way I saw it). So I got a whopping 45 minute nap. So my well-made plans of catching up on my magazine reading, having cached six unread mags aside over the past couple of weeks, was not going to happen. I pretty much slept my way across the country.
I had a layover in Phoenix, where there was no Starbuck's in my gate area, and I was forced to eat Burger King at twice the normal cost, but I did get a surprisingly good cup of coffee from the Cinnabon. I foolishly ignored the warning signs of impending doom when my flight to San Diego was delayed for maintenance reasons for a half an hour. I thought all would be well. Oh no, Faithful Readers, I was forced into experiencing the Traveler's Hell - I was sitting in the back 1/3 of the plane, on the aisle and diagonally behind me was the SCREAMING CHILD. For a good solid twenty minutes he screamed and carried on, until he screamed himself into puking, sobbing and finally, blessedly, sleep. Again, not a chance of reading.
Ah, but then we touched down in sunny San Diego, and I could emerge from my accustomed many fleecy, thermally layers. And there was Scout, looking mighty attractive, fresh from work in a great black blazer, dress slacks and boots. How lucky can I get?
We stopped for drinks at Poseidon Restaurant On The Beach, and we got to watch the sun set over the ocean. Right outside the deck was a huge pile of sand, and I had to keep reminding myself that is was SAND, and not snow. Nicely disconcerting.
And then I got to go to Scout's house. It is a remarkable feeling to have reality come in and replace all of the sights you have been imagining over the phone for so long. You know, "Oh, there's the gas station you stop it, there's the market..." It is great to have pictures in my head of the places Scout frequents.
As we were driving around, we saw the huge blue and gold tent that signals the Cirque du Soleil is coming to town, and I saw the Del Mar racetrack, which I read about in Jane Smiley's book earlier in the year. I can't remember clearly if it is the right racetrack, but I was also overcome with images of Angelica Huston looking gorgeous prior to getting the living daylights beaten out of her with oranges wrapped in a towel from the Grifters. Racetracks will never be the same for me.
So, after we got all settled in, we decided to watch Mike Nichol's Closer. That was a really bad decision. If I can do any good with this blog at all, it just may be saving you Faithful Readers from the hideous waste of a couple hours of your life that endeavor would entail. Hateful film.
To Jude, Julia, Clive, and Natalie: You should be ashamed of yourselves.
And lately I've noticed an increased preoccupation folks have with a product called Airborne. The big selling, marketing, and advertising point is that it is "Made by a teacher."
I'd rather place my hopes of wellness on a product made by a chemist.
That being said, I arrived at MyAdoringPublic's house this morning, as she graciously offered to take me to the airport, to find her on the first stages of what looks to be a most nasty illness. Then she hands me a note wishing me a pleasant trip from Kitty Griffing, the "new" fiancée (after patiently waiting for thirteen years - yeah - 13!) of one ScubaSteve - who, that's right, is sick.
Now, for many reasons, I preferred to do stuff last night rather than sleep (sleep is considered non-doing stuff, the way I saw it). So I got a whopping 45 minute nap. So my well-made plans of catching up on my magazine reading, having cached six unread mags aside over the past couple of weeks, was not going to happen. I pretty much slept my way across the country.
I had a layover in Phoenix, where there was no Starbuck's in my gate area, and I was forced to eat Burger King at twice the normal cost, but I did get a surprisingly good cup of coffee from the Cinnabon. I foolishly ignored the warning signs of impending doom when my flight to San Diego was delayed for maintenance reasons for a half an hour. I thought all would be well. Oh no, Faithful Readers, I was forced into experiencing the Traveler's Hell - I was sitting in the back 1/3 of the plane, on the aisle and diagonally behind me was the SCREAMING CHILD. For a good solid twenty minutes he screamed and carried on, until he screamed himself into puking, sobbing and finally, blessedly, sleep. Again, not a chance of reading.
Ah, but then we touched down in sunny San Diego, and I could emerge from my accustomed many fleecy, thermally layers. And there was Scout, looking mighty attractive, fresh from work in a great black blazer, dress slacks and boots. How lucky can I get?
We stopped for drinks at Poseidon Restaurant On The Beach, and we got to watch the sun set over the ocean. Right outside the deck was a huge pile of sand, and I had to keep reminding myself that is was SAND, and not snow. Nicely disconcerting.
And then I got to go to Scout's house. It is a remarkable feeling to have reality come in and replace all of the sights you have been imagining over the phone for so long. You know, "Oh, there's the gas station you stop it, there's the market..." It is great to have pictures in my head of the places Scout frequents.
As we were driving around, we saw the huge blue and gold tent that signals the Cirque du Soleil is coming to town, and I saw the Del Mar racetrack, which I read about in Jane Smiley's book earlier in the year. I can't remember clearly if it is the right racetrack, but I was also overcome with images of Angelica Huston looking gorgeous prior to getting the living daylights beaten out of her with oranges wrapped in a towel from the Grifters. Racetracks will never be the same for me.
So, after we got all settled in, we decided to watch Mike Nichol's Closer. That was a really bad decision. If I can do any good with this blog at all, it just may be saving you Faithful Readers from the hideous waste of a couple hours of your life that endeavor would entail. Hateful film.
To Jude, Julia, Clive, and Natalie: You should be ashamed of yourselves.
Wednesday, January 11, 2006
The Naming Of iPods - A Nod To Eliot
The Naming of iPods is a difficult matter,
It isn't just one of your holiday games;
You may think at first I'm as a mad as a hatter
When I tell you , an iPod must have THREE DIFFERENT NAMES
So when you have an iPod, one of the first tasks is to name it.
And since the iPod and I have become inseparable, I've come to discover that my iPod has a welcome, wicked sense of humor.
To wit, I leave it on shuffle songs, and allow it to play whichever of its current selection of 1,003 songs it desires. So, tonight it gave me Adam Ant's Stand and Deliver, followed by Yodeling Overtures by Australia's Queen of Yodeling, Mary Schneider.
This is the kind of artificial intelligence that makes a piece of machinery a cherished pal.
So, as for the naming, I considered Norman, because of its aforementioned psycho sense of humor, and Leopold, for maestro sensibilities. Then there was Grendel, because that was the name I was reserving for my next dog which looks more and more unlikely to be realized.
But the iPod's name is....Vincent.
It isn't just one of your holiday games;
You may think at first I'm as a mad as a hatter
When I tell you , an iPod must have THREE DIFFERENT NAMES
So when you have an iPod, one of the first tasks is to name it.
And since the iPod and I have become inseparable, I've come to discover that my iPod has a welcome, wicked sense of humor.
To wit, I leave it on shuffle songs, and allow it to play whichever of its current selection of 1,003 songs it desires. So, tonight it gave me Adam Ant's Stand and Deliver, followed by Yodeling Overtures by Australia's Queen of Yodeling, Mary Schneider.
This is the kind of artificial intelligence that makes a piece of machinery a cherished pal.
So, as for the naming, I considered Norman, because of its aforementioned psycho sense of humor, and Leopold, for maestro sensibilities. Then there was Grendel, because that was the name I was reserving for my next dog which looks more and more unlikely to be realized.
But the iPod's name is....Vincent.
Tuesday, January 10, 2006
New Music Tuesday – Let Me Sing
You know, I always find out about these things too bloody late.
Annie Ross, the greatest of the jazz divas in my opinion, had been performing a cabaret show at Danny's Skylight Room in New York City. Here is an excerpt from a review of her show:
Annie Ross is an accomplished and experienced actress as well as singer; her enunciation is clear, the stress and phrasing acute, and with her easy charm, the package is complete. She dives deep into the lyrics and brings out the core with a sure sense of rhythm, stress, and savvy so personal you'll feel you're hearing her soul.
So I missed the show, but that didn't stop me from getting her NEW CD, Let Me Sing, which was recorded over two nights using solely head arrangements. What else should you expect from such embodiments of jazz performance?
Sure, she is sounding a bit her age. But listening to her is like listening to a living encyclopedia of jazz singing and performance. Music really is in her, and you can hear it in each subtle infliction, intonation and phrase.
The woman is a treasure. Thanks, Annie.
Annie Ross, the greatest of the jazz divas in my opinion, had been performing a cabaret show at Danny's Skylight Room in New York City. Here is an excerpt from a review of her show:
Annie Ross is an accomplished and experienced actress as well as singer; her enunciation is clear, the stress and phrasing acute, and with her easy charm, the package is complete. She dives deep into the lyrics and brings out the core with a sure sense of rhythm, stress, and savvy so personal you'll feel you're hearing her soul.
So I missed the show, but that didn't stop me from getting her NEW CD, Let Me Sing, which was recorded over two nights using solely head arrangements. What else should you expect from such embodiments of jazz performance?
Sure, she is sounding a bit her age. But listening to her is like listening to a living encyclopedia of jazz singing and performance. Music really is in her, and you can hear it in each subtle infliction, intonation and phrase.
The woman is a treasure. Thanks, Annie.
Monday, January 09, 2006
Ten Best Books I Read In 2005
And here is the list for this year. My only trouble was in ranking them, because it seems that this year, almost every book I read was good...
1. History of Love by Nicole Krauss
2. A Short History Of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson (now I want the illustrated version!)
3. Guitar: An American Life by Tim Brookes
4. The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova
5. Assassination Vacation by Sarah Vowell (+ Partly Cloudy Patriot and Take The Cannoli as I read all three sequentially but I liked Vacation best)
6. The Trouble With Poetry and Other Poems by Billy Collins
7. Death And The Sun by Edward Lewine
8. Bushworld by Maureen Dowd
9. Take Big Bites by Linda Ellerbee
10. The Volcano Lover by Susan Sontag
Odd how three out of the top four books of the year have history in the title...
1. History of Love by Nicole Krauss
2. A Short History Of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson (now I want the illustrated version!)
3. Guitar: An American Life by Tim Brookes
4. The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova
5. Assassination Vacation by Sarah Vowell (+ Partly Cloudy Patriot and Take The Cannoli as I read all three sequentially but I liked Vacation best)
6. The Trouble With Poetry and Other Poems by Billy Collins
7. Death And The Sun by Edward Lewine
8. Bushworld by Maureen Dowd
9. Take Big Bites by Linda Ellerbee
10. The Volcano Lover by Susan Sontag
Odd how three out of the top four books of the year have history in the title...
Sunday, January 08, 2006
First Of The Obligatory YEL {Year End Lists}
Herewith I present the best films I saw in 2005:
1. Fast Runner (2000) - far and away the best, most moving, lingering film. Incredible.
2. Downfall (2004)
3. Five Obstructions (2003)
4. Batman Begins (2005)
5. Crash (2005)
6. The Final Cut (2004)
7. Watermarks (2004)
8. Open Water (2004) - yeah, so I like it. Kill me.
9. March Of The Penguins (2005)
10. Ray (2004)
1. Fast Runner (2000) - far and away the best, most moving, lingering film. Incredible.
2. Downfall (2004)
3. Five Obstructions (2003)
4. Batman Begins (2005)
5. Crash (2005)
6. The Final Cut (2004)
7. Watermarks (2004)
8. Open Water (2004) - yeah, so I like it. Kill me.
9. March Of The Penguins (2005)
10. Ray (2004)
Saturday, January 07, 2006
Friday, January 06, 2006
NYT Mac and Cheese Roundup
What an amazing news day for me.
There I was, reading the NYT and having the latte, and I come across two articles and two recieps for macaroni and cheese, one of the top three food items that is responsible for my being alive ( the others being JIF Peanut butter and grilled cheese sandwiches).
The articles are great reading and offer expert tips to avoiding adult temptations to fancify the dish. Simplicity rules the world of mac and cheese.
PLUS, here are the facts once and for all to that ageless question, What IS cheese food?
In descending order of their relationship to natural cheese, they are cheese food, cheese spread (such as Velveeta) and cheese product.
There I was, reading the NYT and having the latte, and I come across two articles and two recieps for macaroni and cheese, one of the top three food items that is responsible for my being alive ( the others being JIF Peanut butter and grilled cheese sandwiches).
The articles are great reading and offer expert tips to avoiding adult temptations to fancify the dish. Simplicity rules the world of mac and cheese.
PLUS, here are the facts once and for all to that ageless question, What IS cheese food?
In descending order of their relationship to natural cheese, they are cheese food, cheese spread (such as Velveeta) and cheese product.
Thursday, January 05, 2006
First News About Snakes For 2006!
Well, it looks like Burmese pythons have given up their brief flirtation with the headlines. It's been some time now since I've read anything about pythons devouring alligators or house cats, and I must say, I think that has made me a wee bit morose.
Never fear, this just in from CNN...
A two-headed albino rat snake is going up for sale on eBay, for the low, low reserve of $150,000.
"We expect the sale of We to be on the same level of demand as a priceless art object."
Uh-huh.
Two things (one for each head!) about the article need to be discussed:
First, the current owners named the snake "We". Insulting and stupid. Let's think a moment...come on. They could have done better. My choice would have been "Ettin."
Feel free to leave your suggestions.
Now, the second thing.
CNN is featuring a poll about this subject, asking if you had a spare $150,000 would you:
A. buy a two headed snake
B. pay off debts
C. squander it
Seems to me that A & C are redundant. (For the record 86% of respondants are paying off their debts.)
However, the saving grace of this story is that the current owner has chosen NOT to eat the snake.
Speaking of that, it seems that two headed snakes are not as rare as one might suppose (I KNOW!). And life could be pretty hard for the fellow...
"Snakes operate a good deal by smell, if one head catches the scent of prey on the other's head, it will attack and try to swallow its second head. "
Now THAT is the picture I am waiting for. Get on it, Blog Folk.
Never fear, this just in from CNN...
A two-headed albino rat snake is going up for sale on eBay, for the low, low reserve of $150,000.
"We expect the sale of We to be on the same level of demand as a priceless art object."
Uh-huh.
Two things (one for each head!) about the article need to be discussed:
First, the current owners named the snake "We". Insulting and stupid. Let's think a moment...come on. They could have done better. My choice would have been "Ettin."
Feel free to leave your suggestions.
Now, the second thing.
CNN is featuring a poll about this subject, asking if you had a spare $150,000 would you:
A. buy a two headed snake
B. pay off debts
C. squander it
Seems to me that A & C are redundant. (For the record 86% of respondants are paying off their debts.)
However, the saving grace of this story is that the current owner has chosen NOT to eat the snake.
Speaking of that, it seems that two headed snakes are not as rare as one might suppose (I KNOW!). And life could be pretty hard for the fellow...
"Snakes operate a good deal by smell, if one head catches the scent of prey on the other's head, it will attack and try to swallow its second head. "
Now THAT is the picture I am waiting for. Get on it, Blog Folk.
Wednesday, January 04, 2006
Four
Faithful Readers may recall that tonight marks the fourth anniversary of my mother's passing.
Tonight I am remembering the many, many evenings spent in noisy, smoke-filled bars of the 60's. I went to a lot of them with my mom, mostly in hotels, before I was even old enough to go to school.
One of her favorite things to do was a riff on the old "trained animal" routine - she would have her new-found friend at the bar ask me what another name for "Elephant" was. To which I had been trained to reply, "Pachyderm." This retort was met with unfailing gales of laughter, and potentially free drinks for my mom, I'm not sure.
Anyway, tonight I will play Laura Fygi (and if I can stand it, maybe the The Carpenters) and raise a glass in your memory, Mom. You were truly one of a kind.
And I will try my best to work "pachyderm" into a conversation...
Tonight I am remembering the many, many evenings spent in noisy, smoke-filled bars of the 60's. I went to a lot of them with my mom, mostly in hotels, before I was even old enough to go to school.
One of her favorite things to do was a riff on the old "trained animal" routine - she would have her new-found friend at the bar ask me what another name for "Elephant" was. To which I had been trained to reply, "Pachyderm." This retort was met with unfailing gales of laughter, and potentially free drinks for my mom, I'm not sure.
Anyway, tonight I will play Laura Fygi (and if I can stand it, maybe the The Carpenters) and raise a glass in your memory, Mom. You were truly one of a kind.
And I will try my best to work "pachyderm" into a conversation...
Tuesday, January 03, 2006
Back To The Grind
Scout and I had a nice morning together before we had to get on up to the airport.
Dropping her off has quickly become one of my least favorite activities. BUt we said our goodbyes and I drove off to work, and just about the time I arrived, Scout phoned with the news that the flight was overbooked and it looked like she might be staying overnight, plus getting a free round trip ticket, which would be very useful to us. I was pretty excited and hopeful. Who wouldn't want one more night? (Cue Phil Collins, a phrase I thought I would never utter)
Well, it was not to be. She made the flight and the updates of her getting further away and finally home to San Diego are not nearly as fun to receive as when she is coming east.
It is amazing how quickly you can acclimate to someone being around. And when I got home at 3 am and opened the front door, I caught a trapped whiff of her perfume, and I felt her absence acutely.
Dropping her off has quickly become one of my least favorite activities. BUt we said our goodbyes and I drove off to work, and just about the time I arrived, Scout phoned with the news that the flight was overbooked and it looked like she might be staying overnight, plus getting a free round trip ticket, which would be very useful to us. I was pretty excited and hopeful. Who wouldn't want one more night? (Cue Phil Collins, a phrase I thought I would never utter)
Well, it was not to be. She made the flight and the updates of her getting further away and finally home to San Diego are not nearly as fun to receive as when she is coming east.
It is amazing how quickly you can acclimate to someone being around. And when I got home at 3 am and opened the front door, I caught a trapped whiff of her perfume, and I felt her absence acutely.
Monday, January 02, 2006
A Day To Play With Scout
Today was our one and only full day to play. We thought we would go to the movies, and then stop into a local tea shop for tea and little sandwiches.
I decided that we should go to the big theatre, where all the screens feature reclining, stadium seating. So we get there, and seriously, the line went around the building. Is everyone off today, or what? So, we obviously weren't doing that.
We headed home and stopped into the two theatres by my house, and neither were playing anything we wanted to see. So we went to the tea place, and the hours I had written down were the HOLIDAY hours, and they weren't open.
So Scout decided she would just like a grilled cheese at home, a meal I am fairly adept at preparing.
But we passed a pet store, a place that takes in dogs and cats from shelters and lets them run around and be played with and not killed, and we decided to stop in for small animal therapy. There were zillions of kittens running about, and a few more sedate cats, and a lovely black lab was going to a new home. We had a great time watching the kitties play.
After we ate, I suggested we watch Mondovino, a documentary about winemaking and marketing. This could have been a great film, but "director" (one must use that in its most liberal sense as no direction is apparent) Nossiter's terrible editing and horrendous camera work (most of the film looks like it came from a camera strapped to the back of one of the ubiquitous dogs) made it almost unwatchable. The points he wants to discuss about the globalization of the wine industry are, indeed, fascinating, and many of the players he introduces us to are exception characters. But with little narrative and no clear direction for the film, it turns into a completely random stew that leaves the viewer constantly asking, Where is this going?" Very disappointing as a film, but I subsequently learned alot about the wine industry by doing some research.
I decided that we should go to the big theatre, where all the screens feature reclining, stadium seating. So we get there, and seriously, the line went around the building. Is everyone off today, or what? So, we obviously weren't doing that.
We headed home and stopped into the two theatres by my house, and neither were playing anything we wanted to see. So we went to the tea place, and the hours I had written down were the HOLIDAY hours, and they weren't open.
So Scout decided she would just like a grilled cheese at home, a meal I am fairly adept at preparing.
But we passed a pet store, a place that takes in dogs and cats from shelters and lets them run around and be played with and not killed, and we decided to stop in for small animal therapy. There were zillions of kittens running about, and a few more sedate cats, and a lovely black lab was going to a new home. We had a great time watching the kitties play.
After we ate, I suggested we watch Mondovino, a documentary about winemaking and marketing. This could have been a great film, but "director" (one must use that in its most liberal sense as no direction is apparent) Nossiter's terrible editing and horrendous camera work (most of the film looks like it came from a camera strapped to the back of one of the ubiquitous dogs) made it almost unwatchable. The points he wants to discuss about the globalization of the wine industry are, indeed, fascinating, and many of the players he introduces us to are exception characters. But with little narrative and no clear direction for the film, it turns into a completely random stew that leaves the viewer constantly asking, Where is this going?" Very disappointing as a film, but I subsequently learned alot about the wine industry by doing some research.
Sunday, January 01, 2006
New Beginnings
The first day of the year, and it begins with Scout. Certainly auspicious.
We got up and got ready to head south, where we would be meeting (for the first time) my PenPal and her family for a New Year's Day feast. We had to stop at the Starbuck's, of course, to get fortified for the trip. The day was already perfect. Fairly warm, sort of sunny. No chance of snow.
As we approached the PenPal's homestead, Scout got her first sighting of the Amish out on the roads in their buggies. She did not know that there is only one approved buggy style, that they were all basic black, and the only way to tell them apart is by the horse that is pulling it. I have to admit, it is kinda cool to see them out on the road, and I love the sound of the hooves clomping on the pavement. I need a sample of that...
Anyway, we arrived and were welcomed into a full house of family and food. Unbeknownst to me, Scout was thinking that a gathering centering around pork and sauerkraut was quite odd; to me, and obviously to the PenPal's family, it is just what you eat on New Year's Day. So this lead to a lot of research as to what exactly are New Year's Day traditional meals. Even though I am not German, it was always what you ate. In the South, I guess it is black-eyed peas.
Penpal's Dad gave us an extensive tour of his vast and impressive Steinbach nutcracker collection. He even has an autographed book and photo of Herr Steinbach, who really looks like he could emerge from a cuckoo clock with a tiny hammer and chime the hours... and by the way, Scout thinks PenPal's father is quite a catch, and good looking...
The Penpal's LilSis is the proud owner of a new home, and so we walked over to see it. It is a very comfortable place, and the heart of the home is the unbelievable 4-oven AGA cooker, which must be seen to be appreciated. LilSis gave us a great story of unearthing one of these behemoths very close to her home, (rather odd, since they are cast iron and made in England and she is in Amishland in Ohio after all), and that it was the color she wanted - claret- made it even more amazing. These stoves are constantly "on", and hers has four ovens that are at a constant temperature, ranging from 250 to 400 degrees. Here's a cool quote from their brochure:
Estimated Operating Life: 100+ years
I'd never seen anything like it. Very, very cool.
It was so nice to PenPal and The Mighty Bobster (as well as the other assorted aunts, uncles, cousins and grandparents). We just don't get enough time to be together now that they live in California. The PenPal gave me my Christmas gifts, one of which was very sweet - a copy of the DVD Something Wicked This Way Comes, because at one point I was a complete Ray Bradbury scholar, and I insisted she read the book, and she loved it as well. And, there was a Starbuck's gift card. Sigh. PenPal was also the recipient of an iPod (Nano) and I was showing her my (engraved!) iPod, and the amazing slideshow Scout had pre-loaded onto it. I didn't want anything to happen to that, since I am incredibly sentimental, but now that they have seen it, PenPal has publicly scolded me to "PLAY WITH IT!", so I have my work cut out for me.
On our way back, we took a detour through Sugarcreek, the "Little Switzerland" of Ohio, and the home of the Swiss Festival, which features yodeling, rock throwing and God willing, alpenhorn playing. We have to put this on our calendar for next year! Not much was happening around five o'clock in the evening on a Sunday in the heartland of Ohio. Not a soul to be seen, not a random dog prowling the streets. Restaurants all dark and deserted. And it seems that putting menus in windows or doors is just not done here. Scout was very interested to know exactly what Amish cooking entailed, but we could garner no hard evidence on this trip. But we will. And Scout must have some Heinie Cheese.
We when got home, we watched Something Wicked. Scout enjoyed it, and I , of course, still love it. And I still am somewhat leery of getting on carousels now...but man, Jonathan Pryce is superb (and quite handsome and dashing), and the scene of Jason Robards touching his son's fingertips through the grate when he is in hiding still moves me. I got October Dreams: A Celebration Of Halloween, a wonderful book of memoirs and short stories and essays this year specifically because of the essay by Gary A. Braunbeck entitled First of All, It Was October - An Overview of Halloween Films in which he states:
...this handsome, reverent and extremely well-acted adaptation of what many consider to be Bradbury's masterpiece. Something Wicked is an affectionate, respectful and at times dazzingly scary variation on one of THE classic novels in American literature.
Anyway, what a great start to the year. Good food, and PenPal and Scout all in the same place. I couldn't have been more content.
We got up and got ready to head south, where we would be meeting (for the first time) my PenPal and her family for a New Year's Day feast. We had to stop at the Starbuck's, of course, to get fortified for the trip. The day was already perfect. Fairly warm, sort of sunny. No chance of snow.
As we approached the PenPal's homestead, Scout got her first sighting of the Amish out on the roads in their buggies. She did not know that there is only one approved buggy style, that they were all basic black, and the only way to tell them apart is by the horse that is pulling it. I have to admit, it is kinda cool to see them out on the road, and I love the sound of the hooves clomping on the pavement. I need a sample of that...
Anyway, we arrived and were welcomed into a full house of family and food. Unbeknownst to me, Scout was thinking that a gathering centering around pork and sauerkraut was quite odd; to me, and obviously to the PenPal's family, it is just what you eat on New Year's Day. So this lead to a lot of research as to what exactly are New Year's Day traditional meals. Even though I am not German, it was always what you ate. In the South, I guess it is black-eyed peas.
Penpal's Dad gave us an extensive tour of his vast and impressive Steinbach nutcracker collection. He even has an autographed book and photo of Herr Steinbach, who really looks like he could emerge from a cuckoo clock with a tiny hammer and chime the hours... and by the way, Scout thinks PenPal's father is quite a catch, and good looking...
The Penpal's LilSis is the proud owner of a new home, and so we walked over to see it. It is a very comfortable place, and the heart of the home is the unbelievable 4-oven AGA cooker, which must be seen to be appreciated. LilSis gave us a great story of unearthing one of these behemoths very close to her home, (rather odd, since they are cast iron and made in England and she is in Amishland in Ohio after all), and that it was the color she wanted - claret- made it even more amazing. These stoves are constantly "on", and hers has four ovens that are at a constant temperature, ranging from 250 to 400 degrees. Here's a cool quote from their brochure:
Estimated Operating Life: 100+ years
I'd never seen anything like it. Very, very cool.
It was so nice to PenPal and The Mighty Bobster (as well as the other assorted aunts, uncles, cousins and grandparents). We just don't get enough time to be together now that they live in California. The PenPal gave me my Christmas gifts, one of which was very sweet - a copy of the DVD Something Wicked This Way Comes, because at one point I was a complete Ray Bradbury scholar, and I insisted she read the book, and she loved it as well. And, there was a Starbuck's gift card. Sigh. PenPal was also the recipient of an iPod (Nano) and I was showing her my (engraved!) iPod, and the amazing slideshow Scout had pre-loaded onto it. I didn't want anything to happen to that, since I am incredibly sentimental, but now that they have seen it, PenPal has publicly scolded me to "PLAY WITH IT!", so I have my work cut out for me.
On our way back, we took a detour through Sugarcreek, the "Little Switzerland" of Ohio, and the home of the Swiss Festival, which features yodeling, rock throwing and God willing, alpenhorn playing. We have to put this on our calendar for next year! Not much was happening around five o'clock in the evening on a Sunday in the heartland of Ohio. Not a soul to be seen, not a random dog prowling the streets. Restaurants all dark and deserted. And it seems that putting menus in windows or doors is just not done here. Scout was very interested to know exactly what Amish cooking entailed, but we could garner no hard evidence on this trip. But we will. And Scout must have some Heinie Cheese.
We when got home, we watched Something Wicked. Scout enjoyed it, and I , of course, still love it. And I still am somewhat leery of getting on carousels now...but man, Jonathan Pryce is superb (and quite handsome and dashing), and the scene of Jason Robards touching his son's fingertips through the grate when he is in hiding still moves me. I got October Dreams: A Celebration Of Halloween, a wonderful book of memoirs and short stories and essays this year specifically because of the essay by Gary A. Braunbeck entitled First of All, It Was October - An Overview of Halloween Films in which he states:
...this handsome, reverent and extremely well-acted adaptation of what many consider to be Bradbury's masterpiece. Something Wicked is an affectionate, respectful and at times dazzingly scary variation on one of THE classic novels in American literature.
Anyway, what a great start to the year. Good food, and PenPal and Scout all in the same place. I couldn't have been more content.
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