its blowing the pinwheels off my balcony, rearranging the furniture & planters and I am singing "the highwayman' as sung by Phil Ochs. Of course our voices are a bit different, I'm an alto and he was Phil Ochs!
Unfortunately Phil Ochs died before I could hear him live, but from what I can tell he was a great guy and he wrote some amazing lyrics, although Highwayman was a poem by Alfred Noyes. My favorite album of his is "I ain't Marching anymore" which is basically a collection of his protest songs.
'The first song of his I heard was called "outside of a small circle of friends" about a woman in New York who was stabbed to death while her neighbors watched, I remember reading about it, her first name was Kitty. The refrain goes "it really wouldn't interest anybody, outside of a small circle of friends..."
Anyway, a friend of mine used play that song in the Boston subways and I would go down to listen to him. He had a voice similar to Phil's, so much so that occasionally friends of Phil's would approach us crying to say how much my friend sounded like him. This was in the summer of 1978 only a few years after his death.
I used to wonder why about his suicide when he was so loved, but now having watch a wonderful person and my kindred spirit disappear into the abyss of severe depression, I understand a bit more. It is so frustrating for those on the outside trying to help, but it can only be sheer hell on the inside trying everything and nothing working.
"The wind was a torrent of darkness
Among the gusty trees
The moon was a ghostly galleon
Tossed upon cloudy seas
And the road was a ribbon of moonlight
Over the purple moor
And the highwayman came riding, riding, riding
Yes, the highwayman came riding
Up to the old inn door
Over the cobbles he clattered
And clashed in the darkened yard
And he tapped with his whip at the window
But all was locked and barred
So he whistled a tune to the window
And who should be waiting there
But the landlord's black eyed daughter
Bess the landlord's daughter
Plaiting a dark red love knot
Into her long black hair
One kiss, my bonny sweetheart
For I'm after a prize tonight
But I shall be back with the yellow gold
Before the morning light
Yet if they press me sharply
Harry me through the day
Oh, then look for me by moonlight
Watch for me by moonlight
And I'll come to thee by moonlight
Though Hell should bar the way
He did not come at the dawning
No, he did not come at the noon
And out of the tawny sunset
before the rise of the moon
When the road was a gypsy's ribbon
Looping the purple moor
Oh a redcoat troop came marching, marching, marching
King George's men came marching
Up to the old inn door
And they bound the landlord's daughter
with many a sniggering jest
And they bound the musket beside her
With the barrel beneath her breast
Now keep good watch and they kissed her
She heard the dead man say
"Oh look for me by moonlight
Watch for me by moonlight
And I'll come to thee by moonlight
Though Hell should bar the way"
Look for me by moonlight
Hoof beats ringing clear
Watch for me by moonlight
Were they deaf that they did not hear
For he rode on the gypsy highway
She breathed one final breath
Then her finger moved in the moonlight
Her musket shattered the moonlight
And it shattered her breast in the moonlight
And warned him with her death
Oh he turned; he spurred on to the west
He did not know who stood
Out with her black hair a flowing down
Drenched with her own red blood
Oh not 'til the dawn had he heard it
And his face grew gray to hear
How Bess the landlord's daughter
The landlord's black eyed daughter
Had watched for her love in the moonlight
And died in the darkness there
Back he spurred like a madman
Shrieking a curse to the sky
With the white road smoking behind him
And his rapier brandished high
Blood red were his spurs in the golden noon
Wine red his velvet coat
When they shot him down on the highway
Down like a dog on the highway
And he lay in his blood on the highway
With a bunch of lace at his throat
And still on a winter's night they say
When the wind is in the trees
When the moon is a ghostly galleon
Tossed upon cloudy seas
When the road is a ribbon of moonlight
Over the purple moor
Oh the highwayman comes riding, riding, riding
Yes the highwayman comes riding
Up to the old inn door."
Sunday, May 6, 2007
Friday, April 27, 2007
wiped! version 1
up 9:20
10-2:55- work
3-6 cashier at food coop
6:10 on way to museum party
6:30-9 Museum
something until...?
Masaic house near musuem
Dinner at middle eastern restaurant with Belly dancer. The dancer is my Saturday morning instructor
Saturday morning instructorshopping at a Persian market
11 ish- home
Dance class at 9:30am-11 tomorrow
I hope I can move
Partied
I went last night, had a great time, made it to class okay and am going back tonight with a few more people.
The Italian treats one could buy all contained wheat AND cheese! every single one! I will have to speak to someone about that.
The Iron floral design contest was just flower arranging, amazing arrangements but for some reason I was thinking flowers made of iron, can you tell I don't watch much tv??? So I was a bit disappointed.
The friend I went with has been taking hoop dancing and her instructor was there outside doing a kids activity thing, guying playing with a diablo along with a poi swinger. I used to do diablos, but my elbows have been kind of shot since a freak accident in Vegas a few years ago, even though I have had plenty of pt with them, I still have some problems.
Anyway, I tried hoop dancing, the hoops are weighted and fairly heavy. and you kind of slowly belly dance inside them. It was okay, and I will probably start going to the free open hoop thing.
The poi swinging is SO cool!!! I am going to take that up.
The Italian treats one could buy all contained wheat AND cheese! every single one! I will have to speak to someone about that.
The Iron floral design contest was just flower arranging, amazing arrangements but for some reason I was thinking flowers made of iron, can you tell I don't watch much tv??? So I was a bit disappointed.
The friend I went with has been taking hoop dancing and her instructor was there outside doing a kids activity thing, guying playing with a diablo along with a poi swinger. I used to do diablos, but my elbows have been kind of shot since a freak accident in Vegas a few years ago, even though I have had plenty of pt with them, I still have some problems.
Anyway, I tried hoop dancing, the hoops are weighted and fairly heavy. and you kind of slowly belly dance inside them. It was okay, and I will probably start going to the free open hoop thing.
The poi swinging is SO cool!!! I am going to take that up.
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Party
Our local museum has this event called "Art in Bloom" where they place flower arrangements around the museum, hold flower centric events and have docents dressed as figures flower oriented paintings. Years ago, the museum had some wild parties, there is a new director again so maybe the parties are back.
Tonight's is called Flower's After Hours. "Enjoy a taste of 'bella Italia' at this lively complimentary Carnevale, complete with a scavenger hunt and an art-trivia contest (with fabulous prizes!). Watch the 2nd-annual Celebrity Iron Florist Floral Design Contest. Meet our floral artists and discover what inspires them. Head to the MIA for a different kind of happy hour—and experience the Art in Bloom arrangements at their peak!"
Unfortunately I have dance class at 7:30 and have already missed 2 this session so far. The Iron Florist event is from 6-7, so I will go and try to catch that event with a fellow dancer, maybe go a bit early and enter the art trivia event as well. There is another party on Friday night so I might hit that one if I don't see everything tonight.
Tonight's is called Flower's After Hours. "Enjoy a taste of 'bella Italia' at this lively complimentary Carnevale, complete with a scavenger hunt and an art-trivia contest (with fabulous prizes!). Watch the 2nd-annual Celebrity Iron Florist Floral Design Contest. Meet our floral artists and discover what inspires them. Head to the MIA for a different kind of happy hour—and experience the Art in Bloom arrangements at their peak!"
Unfortunately I have dance class at 7:30 and have already missed 2 this session so far. The Iron Florist event is from 6-7, so I will go and try to catch that event with a fellow dancer, maybe go a bit early and enter the art trivia event as well. There is another party on Friday night so I might hit that one if I don't see everything tonight.
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
"Looking at the world, Through the sunset in your eyes
Trying to make the train
Through clear Moroccan skies
Ducks and pigs and chickens call
Animal carpet wall to wall
American ladies five foot tall in blue."
Its 11:30pm and I am singing and dancing... Someone shared their musical library with me and I am hearing songs I haven't heard in ages.
"four dead in Ohio" does anyone even remember? just got distracted looking for the AP photo of a protester being carried off by 4 policeman during the gym protest of 1977. I knew him, rather well in fact.
I should probably head to bed but there is so much to sing and dance to. I stayed up too late talking with a friend last night.
After I got off the phone I was violently ill for a couple more hours, I know better than to eat white chocolate really I do, but dark chocolate never makes me ill...
Fell asleep at 4, work up at 5:30 to discover that I had forgotten to do the Cpap thing, stumbled into the bathroom to fill the humidifier tank on it, only to drop and spilled about a half gallon of distilled water. That woke me up!
Through clear Moroccan skies
Ducks and pigs and chickens call
Animal carpet wall to wall
American ladies five foot tall in blue."
Its 11:30pm and I am singing and dancing... Someone shared their musical library with me and I am hearing songs I haven't heard in ages.
"four dead in Ohio" does anyone even remember? just got distracted looking for the AP photo of a protester being carried off by 4 policeman during the gym protest of 1977. I knew him, rather well in fact.
I should probably head to bed but there is so much to sing and dance to. I stayed up too late talking with a friend last night.
After I got off the phone I was violently ill for a couple more hours, I know better than to eat white chocolate really I do, but dark chocolate never makes me ill...
Fell asleep at 4, work up at 5:30 to discover that I had forgotten to do the Cpap thing, stumbled into the bathroom to fill the humidifier tank on it, only to drop and spilled about a half gallon of distilled water. That woke me up!
Monday, April 9, 2007
old blog/ new blog
I will be posting on both blogs for a few days until everything gets set up. I hope it doesn't drive anyone too nuts.
I just finished watching a PBS American Experience on Jonestown.
I found it just as disturbing almost 30 yrs later. I had always known it was murder suicide at least for the small children, but I never realized that there were so few voluntary suicides among the 900 dead. 250 of them who were children under age 18 were definitely murdered.
Survivors talk about the area being surrounded by armed guards who will kill them if they don't kill themselves. There are recordings of Jim Jones' voice during the mass murder/suicide that are just chilling, offering them this way to die or by a gun.
There were also references to Jim Jones'political power and influence. The transcript of the program will be on the site soon.
I am having an argument with someone regarding whether or not G-d warned the people who died. They are saying God would have warned them that Jones wasn't a man of God, and they should have known and not gone to Guyana if they were listening.
I am having serious problems with this. First I think it is hubris to claim to know the wisdom of G-d and secondly, it blames the victims.
Sadly, the whole Ryan visit that instigated Jonestown was over custody of a little boy whose parents wanted him back.
I found it just as disturbing almost 30 yrs later. I had always known it was murder suicide at least for the small children, but I never realized that there were so few voluntary suicides among the 900 dead. 250 of them who were children under age 18 were definitely murdered.
Survivors talk about the area being surrounded by armed guards who will kill them if they don't kill themselves. There are recordings of Jim Jones' voice during the mass murder/suicide that are just chilling, offering them this way to die or by a gun.
There were also references to Jim Jones'political power and influence. The transcript of the program will be on the site soon.
I am having an argument with someone regarding whether or not G-d warned the people who died. They are saying God would have warned them that Jones wasn't a man of God, and they should have known and not gone to Guyana if they were listening.
I am having serious problems with this. First I think it is hubris to claim to know the wisdom of G-d and secondly, it blames the victims.
Sadly, the whole Ryan visit that instigated Jonestown was over custody of a little boy whose parents wanted him back.
Jonestown
I just finished watching a PBS American Experience on Jonestown.
I found it just as disturbing almost 30 yrs later. I had always known it was murder/suicide at least for the small children, but I never realized that there were so few voluntary suicides among the 900 dead. 250 of them, who were children under age 18, were definitely murdered.
Survivors talk about the area being surrounded by armed guards who will kill them if they don't kill themselves. There are recordings of Jim Jones' voice during the mass murder/suicide that are just chilling, offering them this way to die or by a gun.
There were also references to Jim Jones'political power and influence. The transcript of the program will be on the site soon.
I am having an argument with someone regarding whether or not G-d warned the people who died. They are saying God would have warned them that Jones wasn't a man of God, and they should have known and not gone to Guyana if they were listening.
I am having serious problems with this. First I think it is hubris to claim to know the wisdom of G-d and secondly, it blames the victims.
Sadly, the whole Ryan visit that instigated Jonestown was over custody of a little boy whose parents wanted him back. He died with the other 249 children.
I found it just as disturbing almost 30 yrs later. I had always known it was murder/suicide at least for the small children, but I never realized that there were so few voluntary suicides among the 900 dead. 250 of them, who were children under age 18, were definitely murdered.
Survivors talk about the area being surrounded by armed guards who will kill them if they don't kill themselves. There are recordings of Jim Jones' voice during the mass murder/suicide that are just chilling, offering them this way to die or by a gun.
There were also references to Jim Jones'political power and influence. The transcript of the program will be on the site soon.
I am having an argument with someone regarding whether or not G-d warned the people who died. They are saying God would have warned them that Jones wasn't a man of God, and they should have known and not gone to Guyana if they were listening.
I am having serious problems with this. First I think it is hubris to claim to know the wisdom of G-d and secondly, it blames the victims.
Sadly, the whole Ryan visit that instigated Jonestown was over custody of a little boy whose parents wanted him back. He died with the other 249 children.
Back from Texas
where its 27 degrees Fahrenheit and snowing. Wind chill about 12 and I didn't have a coat, mittens or a hat with me. Luckily my ride home had a warm car and a coat I could use.
It took me a LONG time to get back, first Houston to Atlanta was running late due to weather, then I had a long lovely layover in Atlanta with an extra hour thrown in due to weather. Then we went a slightly longer route to avoid weather, but still ended up with some exciting turbulence of the roller coaster variety.
Do you know that there was literally no lunch type food I could get at the Atlanta that didn't have major milk or wheat in it? Good thing I still had some cashews and some cadbury mini eggs that a very swell man gave me before I left.
Things I liked about my trip
Jack
Laurie
the hell hole
the washing machine which I got to witness dumping water on the floor
the weather
the warmth
the moisture
the rain
everything so green
the plants
the weird way houses sit off the ground on stones or bricks or something
the sock
Baby complete with an early am disappearing act (luckily no dog catchers were involved.)
sightseeing with Laurie
stuff with Jack
Due South
cds
Pickle
the very funny mystery I got to read over the two days I was at UH
the food-Luby's, Spindletop, Tokyo, Chaba (thanks Laurie!), Chez Jacque's, Pickle's UH dorm
the peace
relaxing
chocolate
lots of cadbury mini eggs
walking with John
turtles, lizards, strange aquatic birds, big ass aligator
seeing all the stuff I have heard about over the years
feeling comfortable and safe
It took me a LONG time to get back, first Houston to Atlanta was running late due to weather, then I had a long lovely layover in Atlanta with an extra hour thrown in due to weather. Then we went a slightly longer route to avoid weather, but still ended up with some exciting turbulence of the roller coaster variety.
Do you know that there was literally no lunch type food I could get at the Atlanta that didn't have major milk or wheat in it? Good thing I still had some cashews and some cadbury mini eggs that a very swell man gave me before I left.
Things I liked about my trip
Jack
Laurie
the hell hole
the washing machine which I got to witness dumping water on the floor
the weather
the warmth
the moisture
the rain
everything so green
the plants
the weird way houses sit off the ground on stones or bricks or something
the sock
Baby complete with an early am disappearing act (luckily no dog catchers were involved.)
sightseeing with Laurie
stuff with Jack
Due South
cds
Pickle
the very funny mystery I got to read over the two days I was at UH
the food-Luby's, Spindletop, Tokyo, Chaba (thanks Laurie!), Chez Jacque's, Pickle's UH dorm
the peace
relaxing
chocolate
lots of cadbury mini eggs
walking with John
turtles, lizards, strange aquatic birds, big ass aligator
seeing all the stuff I have heard about over the years
feeling comfortable and safe
Thursday, April 5, 2007
off kilter
today I went to work, then the conservatory where I finished writing my thank you notes from my Texas trip, and sent pictures of plants via cell phone. I may have to include translations with my notes as my hand writing is pretty bad.
A few months ago it was non-existent, but after lots of PT I can get through more than a few sentences now. I started one of them on one of the planes back here and it isn't pretty. I was always taught one should hand write them, like one does condolence cards but what is more important the form or the message?
The trip back was long and delayed. Storms from Houston to Atlanta, big stop over the Midwest, ait tran gave me a flying bear which I thought that might be a nice thank gift.
I started a post the other day about things I liked about my trip, but it was just a long list with links, so I thought maybe I will list a few each day.
I have belly dance class in about 20 mins and its going to be bad. I missed the first class last week, and although I practiced some while I was away, I didn't do enough. Also I ate about 30 mins ago, bad idea, undulations on full stomach is at best painful. Oh well off I go...
A few months ago it was non-existent, but after lots of PT I can get through more than a few sentences now. I started one of them on one of the planes back here and it isn't pretty. I was always taught one should hand write them, like one does condolence cards but what is more important the form or the message?
The trip back was long and delayed. Storms from Houston to Atlanta, big stop over the Midwest, ait tran gave me a flying bear which I thought that might be a nice thank gift.
I started a post the other day about things I liked about my trip, but it was just a long list with links, so I thought maybe I will list a few each day.
I have belly dance class in about 20 mins and its going to be bad. I missed the first class last week, and although I practiced some while I was away, I didn't do enough. Also I ate about 30 mins ago, bad idea, undulations on full stomach is at best painful. Oh well off I go...
Wednesday, April 4, 2007
missing Texas
This morning it was in the teens. I put on my wind pants, parka, neck gator, hat with boa, mittens and trudged outside to my car. I brushed the snow off the head lights then found the driver's door was frozen shut, so I got in the passenger's side. I parked it in the sun and I hope it defrosts by the time I leave work.
I can just feel my skin drying out already...
I can just feel my skin drying out already...
Tuesday, April 3, 2007
Back in St. Paul
where its 27 degrees fahrenheit and snowing. Windchill about 12 and I didn't have a coat, mittens or a hat with me. Luckily my ride home had a warm car and a coat I could use.
It took me a LONG time to get back, first Houston to Atlanta was running late due to weather, then I had a long lovely layover in Atlanta with an extra hour thrown in due to weather. Then we went a slightly longer route to avoid weather, but still ended up with some exciting turberlance of the roller coaster variety.
Do you know that there was literally no lunch type food I could get at the Atlanta that didn't have major milk or wheat in it? Good thing I still had some cashews and some cadbury mini eggs that a very swell man gave me before I left.
Things I liked about my trip
Jack
Laurie
the hell hole
the washing machine which I got to witness dumping water on the floor
the weather
the warmth
the moisture
the rain
everything so green
the plants
the weird way houses sit off the ground on stones or bricks or something
the sock
Baby complete with an early am disappearing act (luckily no dog catchers were involved.)
sightseeing with Laurie
stuff with Jack
Due South
cds
Pickle
the very funny mystery I got to read over the two days I was at UH
the food-Luby's, Spindletop, Tokyo, Chaba (thanks Laurie!), Chez Jacque's, Pickle's UH dorm
the peace
relaxing
chocolate
lots of cadbury mini eggs
walking with John
turtles, lizards, strange aquatic birds, big ass aligator
seeing all the stuff I have heard about over the years
feeling comfortable and safe
It took me a LONG time to get back, first Houston to Atlanta was running late due to weather, then I had a long lovely layover in Atlanta with an extra hour thrown in due to weather. Then we went a slightly longer route to avoid weather, but still ended up with some exciting turberlance of the roller coaster variety.
Do you know that there was literally no lunch type food I could get at the Atlanta that didn't have major milk or wheat in it? Good thing I still had some cashews and some cadbury mini eggs that a very swell man gave me before I left.
Things I liked about my trip
Jack
Laurie
the hell hole
the washing machine which I got to witness dumping water on the floor
the weather
the warmth
the moisture
the rain
everything so green
the plants
the weird way houses sit off the ground on stones or bricks or something
the sock
Baby complete with an early am disappearing act (luckily no dog catchers were involved.)
sightseeing with Laurie
stuff with Jack
Due South
cds
Pickle
the very funny mystery I got to read over the two days I was at UH
the food-Luby's, Spindletop, Tokyo, Chaba (thanks Laurie!), Chez Jacque's, Pickle's UH dorm
the peace
relaxing
chocolate
lots of cadbury mini eggs
walking with John
turtles, lizards, strange aquatic birds, big ass aligator
seeing all the stuff I have heard about over the years
feeling comfortable and safe
Monday, April 2, 2007
New Blog!
My current blog is A silly man at blogcity and over the new few months I will be making a general migratory movement here.
I am in Texas in the moment, not on dial-up! so I am using this opportunity to actually begin.
I have had some interesting adventurers here in Texas, some of which you can read about on Laurie's blog here.
Blogger seems much easier to use so far and I hope to be blogging a lot more often. I plan on posting more pictures too, unfortunately I was too interested in moving away to get any of the "big ass" alligator, but I did get some others.
I am in Texas in the moment, not on dial-up! so I am using this opportunity to actually begin.
I have had some interesting adventurers here in Texas, some of which you can read about on Laurie's blog here.
Blogger seems much easier to use so far and I hope to be blogging a lot more often. I plan on posting more pictures too, unfortunately I was too interested in moving away to get any of the "big ass" alligator, but I did get some others.
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
To lose one blog is a misfortune. To lose two is carelessness.
With apologies to Mr. Wilde
So I happily go over to Blogger at the recommendation of Jack and Laurie only to find I already have a blog there, well.. now..umm.. actually 2 blogs. Nothing in either of them yet, but I will slowly migrate over there. Anyone know how to explore my old posts to blogger?
Well I am off bunburying for a bit.
So I happily go over to Blogger at the recommendation of Jack and Laurie only to find I already have a blog there, well.. now..umm.. actually 2 blogs. Nothing in either of them yet, but I will slowly migrate over there. Anyone know how to explore my old posts to blogger?
Well I am off bunburying for a bit.
I am taking the Pledge
I am taking the Pledge for 4 months. I do not anticipate using any Get out of Refashionista Jail Free cards. I already refashion a fair amount but it will be fun to be doing it with intent rather than a spur of the moment thing.
The Pledge
I __________________ pledge that I shall abstain from the purchase of "new" manufactured items of clothing, for the period of 2 / 4 / 6 months. I pledge that i shall refashion, renovate, recycle preloved items for myself with my own hands in fabric, yarn or other medium for the term of my contract. I pledge that I will share the love and post a photo of my refashioned, renovoated, recylcled, crafted or created item of clothing on the Wardrobe Refashion blog, so that others may share the joy that thy thriftyness brings! Signed__________________.
The Rules
1.
No buying new! (handmade is excepted; So this allows for Etsy purchases etc!!) All clothing must be Recycled, Renovated, Preloved or Thrifted, or Handmade only for the term. Employment related and special needs clothing (ie sports, school), shoes and undies are excepted from the rules, although you are encouraged to have a go at making these.
2.
In extreme circumstances, maybe a special event, or the worlds greatest and most amazing never to be repeated sale that you simply can not pass up, you may use the Get out of Refashionista Jail Free card. You are able to use this card once during the 2 month part of your contract; ie 1 for 2 months, 2 for 4 months etc. Of course you need to fess up on the blog and display the button!
3.
You must post on the blog at least once a week to let the community know what you've been up to. This will not only give you brag points, but inspire and encorouge others! Of course you need to display the button on your blog and have copied the pledge in at least one post, and provide a link to your pledge under the button.
4.
You need to be honest and admit when you've fallen off the Refashionista Wagon! Go directly to Refashionista Jail, do not pass GO and do not collect $200! Apply for parole once there.
The Pledge
I __________________ pledge that I shall abstain from the purchase of "new" manufactured items of clothing, for the period of 2 / 4 / 6 months. I pledge that i shall refashion, renovate, recycle preloved items for myself with my own hands in fabric, yarn or other medium for the term of my contract. I pledge that I will share the love and post a photo of my refashioned, renovoated, recylcled, crafted or created item of clothing on the Wardrobe Refashion blog, so that others may share the joy that thy thriftyness brings! Signed__________________.
The Rules
1.
No buying new! (handmade is excepted; So this allows for Etsy purchases etc!!) All clothing must be Recycled, Renovated, Preloved or Thrifted, or Handmade only for the term. Employment related and special needs clothing (ie sports, school), shoes and undies are excepted from the rules, although you are encouraged to have a go at making these.
2.
In extreme circumstances, maybe a special event, or the worlds greatest and most amazing never to be repeated sale that you simply can not pass up, you may use the Get out of Refashionista Jail Free card. You are able to use this card once during the 2 month part of your contract; ie 1 for 2 months, 2 for 4 months etc. Of course you need to fess up on the blog and display the button!
3.
You must post on the blog at least once a week to let the community know what you've been up to. This will not only give you brag points, but inspire and encorouge others! Of course you need to display the button on your blog and have copied the pledge in at least one post, and provide a link to your pledge under the button.
4.
You need to be honest and admit when you've fallen off the Refashionista Wagon! Go directly to Refashionista Jail, do not pass GO and do not collect $200! Apply for parole once there.
Monday, March 12, 2007
Looking for a new place to blog for free
Recieved this when I logged in:
"!! ATTENTION !!
Regarding your Free Blogging Account
We are no longer offering free blogging accounts.
Your blog will therefore expire at the end of the year.
Instead we are offering a 30-day free trial of our new updated software, to which you are welcome to try out. If you do decide to keep your trial site we can migrate your existing entries from this site over to your new site.
EXPIRATION DATE
31st Dec 2007"
I hate change like this. If anyone can recommend a nice place to blog, where I can put up pictures and no changes...
First the tightcircle went pay only and I did for 2 yrs, then it went downhill fast, now blog-city, oh well...
Jack made this comment,
Blogger is still free, and since it seems to have been acquired by Google, I expect it will stay that way. Picture posting and unwanted changes aren't a problem. Or at least they haven't been so far.
comment added :: {ts '2007-03-13 07:37:21'} GMT-06 :: http://wchop.blogspot.com/
Laurie made this comment,
I haven't had any problems with Blogger at all.
"!! ATTENTION !!
Regarding your Free Blogging Account
We are no longer offering free blogging accounts.
Your blog will therefore expire at the end of the year.
Instead we are offering a 30-day free trial of our new updated software, to which you are welcome to try out. If you do decide to keep your trial site we can migrate your existing entries from this site over to your new site.
EXPIRATION DATE
31st Dec 2007"
I hate change like this. If anyone can recommend a nice place to blog, where I can put up pictures and no changes...
First the tightcircle went pay only and I did for 2 yrs, then it went downhill fast, now blog-city, oh well...
Jack made this comment,
Blogger is still free, and since it seems to have been acquired by Google, I expect it will stay that way. Picture posting and unwanted changes aren't a problem. Or at least they haven't been so far.
comment added :: {ts '2007-03-13 07:37:21'} GMT-06 :: http://wchop.blogspot.com/
Laurie made this comment,
I haven't had any problems with Blogger at all.
Talent, Lifer, or Mandarin?
I'm a Talent!
You're a risk-taker, and you follow your passions. You're determined to take on the world and succeed on your own terms. Whether in the arts, science, engineering, business, or politics, you fearlessly express your own vision of the world. You're not afraid of a fight, and you're not afraid to bet your future on your own abilities. If you find a job boring or stifling, you're already preparing your resume. You believe in doing what you love, and you're not willing to settle for an ordinary life.
Talent: 59%
Lifer: 21%
Mandarin: 51%
Take the Talent, Lifer, or Mandarin quiz.
A quiz with an Al Stewart connection, how cool is that?
Laurie made this comment,
I'm a Lifer. Blah.
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
In this world it is survival of the silliest
Just got a blog or else notice. I didn't realize it has been 90 days since I blogged. I actually have written some blog entries but haven't published them, getting a couple hours a sleep at most a night kind of puts you into subsistence mode. I will try to start putting them up.
I have not been sleeping much for a while, practically a year, I guess. Been knocking off possible reasons for it one by one:
Face itched-saw derm, got cream, face stopped itching.
Elbows hurt-got xrays, currently in hand/elbow pt, taking celebrex, elbows not hurting at night. Left leg numb, top of leg burned-got MRI, currently in foot therapy-numbness gone, no burning. Three more major losses in my seemingly endless life of loss, dealing with them as best I can.
Not enough silliness, making time for silliness, creativity, art, friends, museums.
A few weeks ago I fell asleep for a few moments WHILE dancing. I was trying something new and was monotonously thinking "right hip, right hip, right hip.." So I went to my internist, got some tests, so far everything is okay, except I wake up a lot when I sleep ( I knew this but now we have proof), so anyway I am off to a sleep clinic in February. Then I plan a bit of traveling in March. Thinking of perhaps moving in April or May. Hoping for new work soon as well.
I tried an interesting drug, Ambien, for 5 days. I liked it but at 6-10 days you can go through withdrawal. Its weird, you can't even feel it.
You are awake, then asleep, and when you wake up later you are awake, clear, no hangover or drug feeling.
I think during those 5 days I was more awake than I have been in years. I was getting more things done in 2 hrs than I usually would in a couple days. It was like having your mind from when you were late 20's back. I got one strange sort of dream nightmare after day 2 off but otherwise no side effects. I think its a great drug for serious upsets and/or grief. I wish I had some starting a year ago.
Laurie made this comment,
Wow. I sure hope you feel better soon.
comment added :: {ts '2007-01-24 18:29:58'} GMT-06 :: http://www.missneworleans.blogspot.com
Susan made this comment,
Thanks Laurie! I am hoping the sleep clinic will be able to help. Someone suggested taking Ambien once a week, to reset their sleep schedule after the weekend, and that might not be a bad idea. I could take one every weekend and try to sleep around the clock, I have 5 left. ;-)
I have not been sleeping much for a while, practically a year, I guess. Been knocking off possible reasons for it one by one:
Face itched-saw derm, got cream, face stopped itching.
Elbows hurt-got xrays, currently in hand/elbow pt, taking celebrex, elbows not hurting at night. Left leg numb, top of leg burned-got MRI, currently in foot therapy-numbness gone, no burning. Three more major losses in my seemingly endless life of loss, dealing with them as best I can.
Not enough silliness, making time for silliness, creativity, art, friends, museums.
A few weeks ago I fell asleep for a few moments WHILE dancing. I was trying something new and was monotonously thinking "right hip, right hip, right hip.." So I went to my internist, got some tests, so far everything is okay, except I wake up a lot when I sleep ( I knew this but now we have proof), so anyway I am off to a sleep clinic in February. Then I plan a bit of traveling in March. Thinking of perhaps moving in April or May. Hoping for new work soon as well.
I tried an interesting drug, Ambien, for 5 days. I liked it but at 6-10 days you can go through withdrawal. Its weird, you can't even feel it.
You are awake, then asleep, and when you wake up later you are awake, clear, no hangover or drug feeling.
I think during those 5 days I was more awake than I have been in years. I was getting more things done in 2 hrs than I usually would in a couple days. It was like having your mind from when you were late 20's back. I got one strange sort of dream nightmare after day 2 off but otherwise no side effects. I think its a great drug for serious upsets and/or grief. I wish I had some starting a year ago.
Laurie made this comment,
Wow. I sure hope you feel better soon.
comment added :: {ts '2007-01-24 18:29:58'} GMT-06 :: http://www.missneworleans.blogspot.com
Susan made this comment,
Thanks Laurie! I am hoping the sleep clinic will be able to help. Someone suggested taking Ambien once a week, to reset their sleep schedule after the weekend, and that might not be a bad idea. I could take one every weekend and try to sleep around the clock, I have 5 left. ;-)
Friday, November 24, 2006
"If I can't have your money, I'll just have to bag your Bunny!"
 | "Wallace & Gromit" Curse of the Were-rabbit (Wallace & Gromit S.) Date: 2005-09-01 — DVD / VHS Rating: |
Only a year and a few months after it opened I finally got to see Wallace & Gromit in The Curse of the Were-Rabbit. I requested it from the library many moons ago and it came in this week!
It is a cracking good movie! Loaded with visual jokes, I will be watching it again because I know I missed some of them. The bunnies are so cute, and I am allergic to rabbits! It is primarily clay animation, but there is one scene with the Bun-Vac 6000 where that was computer aided I can't imagine how one would float cute little bunnies in the air otherwise.
The whole film is shot from Gromit's perspective. I just watched it again it with the commentary. The commentary is a love fest of sorts. They talk about the little bits, their influences, and they are just bumbling with joy. There was one scene that took a year to do!
"my home, a safe haven for all things floppy"
hmm floppy, fluffy, sake?
Thursday, November 16, 2006
A Prince rant
This is in response to a report that Prince was crazy because he was offering exotic dancers money to not dance and do something else with their lives based on this Sun article. :
Okay, I know people who have worked with and for Prince over the past 20 yrs. He likes dancers, his first wife was a belly dancer.
From my knowledge, he has always been a religious, non-drinking, non-drugging, pro-sex guy, that doesn't like women selling themselves for sex.
It has been several decades since I have seen him in the flesh sans makeup in blue jeans and a tshirt, but I am sure the man is as hot as he ever was. When I first saw him up close it took severe restraint on my part not to reach out and touch him ;-)
He is also not stupid. He has made a fortune for himself and helped set up the music industry in Minnesota without ever compromising his values or beliefs. He did it right in his home state. He has set up numerous other bands and businesses as well.
He maybe crazy, but it is of the "crazy like a fox" variety.
Jack made this comment,
Well good for him. Lots of people are perfectly willing to tell other people what to do, as long as t doesn't cost them anything. I appreciate a man who's willing to put his money whre his mouth is, especially when he doesn't have anything to gain by it (at least in this world).
comment added :: {ts '2006-11-17 00:38:59'} GMT-06
Jack made this comment,
Seems like I read recently that Prince is a JW now. NTTAWWT, TIKO. BTINRUOJW. Oh. That's in the article you linked to.
*
Freakin JWs. I got no use for them.
*
But still, JW or not, I'm with "☮" on this one. In principal, anyway. Except that I don't know why he'd go to a titty bar if he doesn't drink, doesn't like the music, and doesn't like nekkid women. But it's nice that he gave the opportunityto do something different with their lives. IMO. YMMV, OC.
(BTW: your blog software make it really hard to leave comments.)
comment added :: {ts '2006-11-17 00:50:53'} GMT-06
Susan made this comment,
I am glad you were able to overcome the software and not just leave one but TWO comments! Maybe he likes the lighting?
comment added :: {ts '2006-11-17 00:55:32'} GMT-06
Jack made this comment,
"From my knowledge, he has always been a religious, non-drinking, non-drugging, pro-sex guy." Except for that non-drinking, non-drugging stuff, he soiunds like my kind of guy.
Okay, I know people who have worked with and for Prince over the past 20 yrs. He likes dancers, his first wife was a belly dancer.
From my knowledge, he has always been a religious, non-drinking, non-drugging, pro-sex guy, that doesn't like women selling themselves for sex.
It has been several decades since I have seen him in the flesh sans makeup in blue jeans and a tshirt, but I am sure the man is as hot as he ever was. When I first saw him up close it took severe restraint on my part not to reach out and touch him ;-)
He is also not stupid. He has made a fortune for himself and helped set up the music industry in Minnesota without ever compromising his values or beliefs. He did it right in his home state. He has set up numerous other bands and businesses as well.
He maybe crazy, but it is of the "crazy like a fox" variety.
Jack made this comment,
Well good for him. Lots of people are perfectly willing to tell other people what to do, as long as t doesn't cost them anything. I appreciate a man who's willing to put his money whre his mouth is, especially when he doesn't have anything to gain by it (at least in this world).
comment added :: {ts '2006-11-17 00:38:59'} GMT-06
Jack made this comment,
Seems like I read recently that Prince is a JW now. NTTAWWT, TIKO. BTINRUOJW. Oh. That's in the article you linked to.
*
Freakin JWs. I got no use for them.
*
But still, JW or not, I'm with "☮" on this one. In principal, anyway. Except that I don't know why he'd go to a titty bar if he doesn't drink, doesn't like the music, and doesn't like nekkid women. But it's nice that he gave the opportunityto do something different with their lives. IMO. YMMV, OC.
(BTW: your blog software make it really hard to leave comments.)
comment added :: {ts '2006-11-17 00:50:53'} GMT-06
Susan made this comment,
I am glad you were able to overcome the software and not just leave one but TWO comments! Maybe he likes the lighting?
comment added :: {ts '2006-11-17 00:55:32'} GMT-06
Jack made this comment,
"From my knowledge, he has always been a religious, non-drinking, non-drugging, pro-sex guy." Except for that non-drinking, non-drugging stuff, he soiunds like my kind of guy.
What American accent do you have?
| What American accent do you have? Your Result: The Midland "You have a Midland accent" is just another way of saying "you don't have an accent." You probably are from the Midland (Pennsylvania, southern Ohio, southern Indiana, southern Illinois, and Missouri) but then for all we know you could be from Florida or Charleston or one of those big southern cities like Atlanta or Dallas. You have a good voice for TV and radio. | |
| The Inland North | |
| North Central | |
| The West | |
| The South | |
| Philadelphia | |
| Boston | |
| The Northeast | |
| What American accent do you have? Take More Quizzes | |
Picked up from Dropsafe
Jack made this comment,
I find it scary that I, who have live three quarters of my life in the South, rate more of a Midwesterner than you do in this test. That just ain't right.
comment added :: {ts '2006-11-17 01:29:56'} GMT-06
Susan made this comment,
perhaps its a sign ;-)
comment added :: {ts '2006-11-17 11:02:46'} GMT-06
Friday, October 6, 2006
another time, another place, another life and why one should keep old email addresses
Written Oct 6, 2006
A few weeks ago, two young women stopped by the store, they said they were missionaries and were selling some jewelry to raise money. I knew immediately that one was Nepali, the other Thai and also that they were from the unification church. After they got over their shock, we had an interesting discussion about Minnesota, the troubles in Nepal, and where they weren't staying ;-)
The unification church has always struck me as so incredibly opportunist, they are like a giant multi-national corporation, they take advantage of all they can. During the war in Angola, they converted a Portuguese soldier who was also a musician and brought him to Boston. The house I used to live in on Beacon Hill was very close to the Unification church's headquarters there which was also the residence at the time of the Korean Ballet and the Go World band. I suppose my friend from the Unification Church never tried to convert me because I too lived in a religious residence, although I was not religious.
Where I am right now is the closest I have felt to being "home" in over 23yrs.
In some ways I have a few previous lives, my family knows as do some of my close friends. The few people who I let into my house maybe have an inkling if they recognize the signs, but then maybe not.
September 23, 2006 CST US
10:50:02 AM s: morning
10:50:20 AM t: morning
10:51:19 AM s: a helicopter with wwf and other ngos went down in Nepal, I am just checking the passenger list
10:51:38 AM s: http://www.nepalnews.com/archive/2006/sep/sep23/news07.php
10:53:53 AM s: looks okay if its accurate, only know of one of them maybe-its a common name.
10:54:09 AM t: hope it is someones else
10:54:15 AM s: okay for people in my life, not okay for the ones who maybe lost
10:54:33 AM s: I was looking to make sure not B or M
10:55:19 AM s: the ngo community is not that big in Nepal, nor is the journalist one
10:56:20 AM s: there is the funniest ad on nepalnews
10:57:23 AM s: "at 18 you came to America alone, now you are scared to fly through dehli" its for an airline LOL
10:57:34 AM t: lol
11:00:23 AM s: looks like world wildlife federation may have lost their top conservation people
11:00:51 AM sc: the directrs of uk and us were on that helicopter
11:01:17 AM t: helicopters do not allways kill people when they go down...
11:01:29 AM t: a lot depends on the skill of hte pilot
11:01:41 AM t: even if the engine quits, they can still auto rotate down
11:01:44 AM s: no, but its in a remote area in the mountains (ie real mountains)
11:01:59 AM s: the rescuers are having to walk in, also bad weather
11:04:08 AM s: I remember climbing mt Washington with B. and his asking where the mountain was when we got to the top, he said we hadn't even climbed a foothill!
11:04:31 AM s: foothills in Nepal are maybe 17000 ft
11:04:45 AM s: I hope they are all okay
11:05:42 AM t: won't know until they find them
During this conversation my mind was thinking, they are dead, they are all dead*.
Yesterday I was going through through my junk mail folder on my old email address which I have had for a long long time... I was moving emails from my dad and a certain sock to my inbox while glancing at the spam and deleting it.
For a fleeting moment before I deleted I saw an English first name with Nepali last name, I thought how interesting spam is now using Nepali names.
I was musing that the particular last name is of someone from an ethic group that is maybe 3% of Nepal's population, at most 300,000 people, when I realized it probably wasn't spam and dug it out of the trash. It wasn't spam, it was sent to many people which is why it ended up in the junk folder.
This was what it said:
"Dear respected friends, colleagues and family of my father,
As you have most likely heard by now, my father was on the helicopter that crashed in Taplejung on the 23rd of September. His funeral took place within the week, however, in accordance with Gurung tradition, a bigger and more important funeral ceremony – the "Arghun" is scheduled to take place on the 13th, 14th and 15th of October at his house in Dhapasi.
This ceremony is a three-day ritual. On the first day, the spirit of the departed is invited back, on the second, there are conversations with the spirit – accomplishments are recited and on the third day, the spirit is made to understand that although there are loved ones remaining, the ancestors are waiting and it is time for the spirit to leave. I doubt I have captured all of the significance but it is the most important ritual for Gurungs and unique to them as well.
You are all welcome to the ceremony and I'm sure my father would be very happy if you could attend. To those who need to fly across the globe I hope this email comes in time to purchase the ticket. There will be hotels listed and tariffs for your benefit (see below). We hope to have some sort of accommodation at the house but it will be limited."
It is strange reading names I haven't seen in a very long time mixed with a few with whom I am still in contact. A small world too, as some of the names I have known in separate ways from the others.
Another time, a very different, simpler life.
We all wanted to change the world, some of us did, some of us still can, 24* who did are gone now.
*They were all dead-this was another one of those times when I hate being right
A few weeks ago, two young women stopped by the store, they said they were missionaries and were selling some jewelry to raise money. I knew immediately that one was Nepali, the other Thai and also that they were from the unification church. After they got over their shock, we had an interesting discussion about Minnesota, the troubles in Nepal, and where they weren't staying ;-)
The unification church has always struck me as so incredibly opportunist, they are like a giant multi-national corporation, they take advantage of all they can. During the war in Angola, they converted a Portuguese soldier who was also a musician and brought him to Boston. The house I used to live in on Beacon Hill was very close to the Unification church's headquarters there which was also the residence at the time of the Korean Ballet and the Go World band. I suppose my friend from the Unification Church never tried to convert me because I too lived in a religious residence, although I was not religious.
Where I am right now is the closest I have felt to being "home" in over 23yrs.
In some ways I have a few previous lives, my family knows as do some of my close friends. The few people who I let into my house maybe have an inkling if they recognize the signs, but then maybe not.
September 23, 2006 CST US
10:50:02 AM s: morning
10:50:20 AM t: morning
10:51:19 AM s: a helicopter with wwf and other ngos went down in Nepal, I am just checking the passenger list
10:51:38 AM s: http://www.nepalnews.com/archive/2006/sep/sep23/news07.php
10:53:53 AM s: looks okay if its accurate, only know of one of them maybe-its a common name.
10:54:09 AM t: hope it is someones else
10:54:15 AM s: okay for people in my life, not okay for the ones who maybe lost
10:54:33 AM s: I was looking to make sure not B or M
10:55:19 AM s: the ngo community is not that big in Nepal, nor is the journalist one
10:56:20 AM s: there is the funniest ad on nepalnews
10:57:23 AM s: "at 18 you came to America alone, now you are scared to fly through dehli" its for an airline LOL
10:57:34 AM t: lol
11:00:23 AM s: looks like world wildlife federation may have lost their top conservation people
11:00:51 AM sc: the directrs of uk and us were on that helicopter
11:01:17 AM t: helicopters do not allways kill people when they go down...
11:01:29 AM t: a lot depends on the skill of hte pilot
11:01:41 AM t: even if the engine quits, they can still auto rotate down
11:01:44 AM s: no, but its in a remote area in the mountains (ie real mountains)
11:01:59 AM s: the rescuers are having to walk in, also bad weather
11:04:08 AM s: I remember climbing mt Washington with B. and his asking where the mountain was when we got to the top, he said we hadn't even climbed a foothill!
11:04:31 AM s: foothills in Nepal are maybe 17000 ft
11:04:45 AM s: I hope they are all okay
11:05:42 AM t: won't know until they find them
During this conversation my mind was thinking, they are dead, they are all dead*.
Yesterday I was going through through my junk mail folder on my old email address which I have had for a long long time... I was moving emails from my dad and a certain sock to my inbox while glancing at the spam and deleting it.
For a fleeting moment before I deleted I saw an English first name with Nepali last name, I thought how interesting spam is now using Nepali names.
I was musing that the particular last name is of someone from an ethic group that is maybe 3% of Nepal's population, at most 300,000 people, when I realized it probably wasn't spam and dug it out of the trash. It wasn't spam, it was sent to many people which is why it ended up in the junk folder.
This was what it said:
"Dear respected friends, colleagues and family of my father,
As you have most likely heard by now, my father was on the helicopter that crashed in Taplejung on the 23rd of September. His funeral took place within the week, however, in accordance with Gurung tradition, a bigger and more important funeral ceremony – the "Arghun" is scheduled to take place on the 13th, 14th and 15th of October at his house in Dhapasi.
This ceremony is a three-day ritual. On the first day, the spirit of the departed is invited back, on the second, there are conversations with the spirit – accomplishments are recited and on the third day, the spirit is made to understand that although there are loved ones remaining, the ancestors are waiting and it is time for the spirit to leave. I doubt I have captured all of the significance but it is the most important ritual for Gurungs and unique to them as well.
You are all welcome to the ceremony and I'm sure my father would be very happy if you could attend. To those who need to fly across the globe I hope this email comes in time to purchase the ticket. There will be hotels listed and tariffs for your benefit (see below). We hope to have some sort of accommodation at the house but it will be limited."
It is strange reading names I haven't seen in a very long time mixed with a few with whom I am still in contact. A small world too, as some of the names I have known in separate ways from the others.
Another time, a very different, simpler life.
We all wanted to change the world, some of us did, some of us still can, 24* who did are gone now.
*They were all dead-this was another one of those times when I hate being right
Tuesday, August 1, 2006
Nice guys!
Around 3pm today, I went to pick up the 77 yr old owner of the place I work since he can not drive for another few weeks. He lives out of the city where gas is cheaper, so I stopped for gas after I got him. After getting the gas, I am driving along and we hear a strange noise, I look around and don't notice anything. After a 1/2 mile down the road this guy in a huge black pick up truck motions to us. Another car honks and points at the back of my car.
Finally I notice my gas door is still open and I realize that noise was my gas cap flying off the car. I turn in across the blvd trying to decide, do I go back and look for it on a busy road or just close the door and go on? The owner and I are discussing it when the guy in the black pick up comes back. He tells me he thinks he knows where it is, he saw it fly across the medium. I am thankful I didn't hurt anyone.
So with the pick up in front, me following we slowly drive up the shoulder looking for the gas cap. The guy in the pick up finds it! brings it over, and screws it on my car, I never even got out of my car. I thank him profusely and he tells me it happened to his wife a few weeks ago and gas caps cost like $20 so he was glad to do it.
Then after work I call a friend of mine, and her husband gets on the phone and asks if he gets the tickets do I want to go with them to hear the The 5 Browns if he can get tickets. I said Yes! of course. I think he is actually going with us, normally I end up going in his place when he doesn't want to go to something. So far thanks to him I have seen some pretty strange stuff that was amazing including a benefit with Charlotte Church as the entertainment- she was lots of fun, and Neil Diamond-who had great seats for those in wheelchairs, which I was in at that point.
Laurie made this comment,
That's amazing!
Finally I notice my gas door is still open and I realize that noise was my gas cap flying off the car. I turn in across the blvd trying to decide, do I go back and look for it on a busy road or just close the door and go on? The owner and I are discussing it when the guy in the black pick up comes back. He tells me he thinks he knows where it is, he saw it fly across the medium. I am thankful I didn't hurt anyone.
So with the pick up in front, me following we slowly drive up the shoulder looking for the gas cap. The guy in the pick up finds it! brings it over, and screws it on my car, I never even got out of my car. I thank him profusely and he tells me it happened to his wife a few weeks ago and gas caps cost like $20 so he was glad to do it.
Then after work I call a friend of mine, and her husband gets on the phone and asks if he gets the tickets do I want to go with them to hear the The 5 Browns if he can get tickets. I said Yes! of course. I think he is actually going with us, normally I end up going in his place when he doesn't want to go to something. So far thanks to him I have seen some pretty strange stuff that was amazing including a benefit with Charlotte Church as the entertainment- she was lots of fun, and Neil Diamond-who had great seats for those in wheelchairs, which I was in at that point.
Laurie made this comment,
That's amazing!
Wednesday, July 5, 2006
I adopted a cyber pet!
| adopt your own virtual pet! |
He likes it when you scratch under his chin!
Laurie made this comment,
He's cute!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
