Never watched the show, but we were casting about for a movie on a hot night, and it was the most convenient, playing at a reasonable time in a small local theater where parking is never a problem (the Tigard Joy).
We got there with 7 minutes to spare, which didn't matter, since the entire audience numbered about 12. I think I was the only male.
I began to squirm at about the 65 minute mark, but, I'm happy to report, made it to the end.
Here's the message that I got: Most men are unbelievable jerks, but, if you give them long enough, they will eventually do what you want, and all your fantasies will come true (especially having stunning members of the opposite sex cherish your body and cater to your every whim).
This is not a bad thing, though, since the message of most summer blockbusters, aimed at men, is: most of your sworn enemies are unbelievable jerks, but, if you fight them long enough, they will eventually die horribly, and all your fantasies will come true (especially having stunning members of the opposite sex cherish your body and cater to your every whim).
So, in the end, little difference, except the clothing is definitely cleaner in girl movies.
It's all fantasy, in service to the Pax Americana, just as every other Empire's PR department has labored to produce. The best part of it all was that (thanks, American Empire!) Fred Meyer was open even after 10 pm, so we were able to buy all the food (human and dog) that we wanted, passing up anything we didn't feel like taking at the moment, simply by presenting a piece of plastic.
Now that's a genuinely amazing fantasy!
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Thursday, June 26, 2008
evidence that computers are not quite ready to take over
I am doing some Visual Basic coding, and needed to find the opposite function from the 'split' command (anyone know it, off the top of your head?). I use 'split' all the time, but, oddly, have never, until today, needed to do the opposite (which, I now remember, is the 'join' command).
But I digress.
I went to one of my standard VBscript reference sites to look up 'split'. It gave me the syntax and usage (and actually pointed to 'join' - I didn't *really* remember it). This was great, but, in the upper-right corner of the page, under the heading 'ads by Google', I see...
well heck, here's a partial screen-shot (click to enlarge):
But I digress.
I went to one of my standard VBscript reference sites to look up 'split'. It gave me the syntax and usage (and actually pointed to 'join' - I didn't *really* remember it). This was great, but, in the upper-right corner of the page, under the heading 'ads by Google', I see...
well heck, here's a partial screen-shot (click to enlarge):
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
still depressed
yes, the weather is great, and tonight I picked the first pea from my garden (many more coming soon), the string beans are up, the squash, basils, and tomatoes are doing great. There is more rhubarb to cut and the plum trees are making little green plums.
So what's the problem? I am dreading news from our friend with cancer, I am dreading the future of my species on this planet, and I am bewildered that my spouse and son are in the next room watching (and commenting on) 'So You Think You Can Dance?'
We went to Costco tonight, and I was overwhelmed by the abundance. Still thinking about 'The Road' - sorry I read it.
Work is going well. I volunteered at KBOO for a couple of hours. I had lunch with one old friend today and another tomorrow. I'm going to Wisconsin next week for a few days, to see Mom and my brother and his little family.
But I am not feeling like any of this is real. Must not be getting enough coffee.
So what's the problem? I am dreading news from our friend with cancer, I am dreading the future of my species on this planet, and I am bewildered that my spouse and son are in the next room watching (and commenting on) 'So You Think You Can Dance?'
We went to Costco tonight, and I was overwhelmed by the abundance. Still thinking about 'The Road' - sorry I read it.
Work is going well. I volunteered at KBOO for a couple of hours. I had lunch with one old friend today and another tomorrow. I'm going to Wisconsin next week for a few days, to see Mom and my brother and his little family.
But I am not feeling like any of this is real. Must not be getting enough coffee.
Monday, June 23, 2008
well, at least we were warned
uh oh
I took the dog for a little walk in the neighborhood this evening. There was incredible light on the trees, with a blue sky speckled with fluffy clouds and Mt. Hood gleaming on the horizon.
It was lovely, but George Carlin is dead, one of our best friends has serious cancer, and we are all living on borrowed time. My foot is almost back to normal, but my heart is very heavy. Just finished reading 'The Road', and it didn't do much to cheer me up.
It's all so very unreal.
I took the dog for a little walk in the neighborhood this evening. There was incredible light on the trees, with a blue sky speckled with fluffy clouds and Mt. Hood gleaming on the horizon.
It was lovely, but George Carlin is dead, one of our best friends has serious cancer, and we are all living on borrowed time. My foot is almost back to normal, but my heart is very heavy. Just finished reading 'The Road', and it didn't do much to cheer me up.
It's all so very unreal.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
driving me crazy
All the disdainful references to Jimmy Carter's presidency from the Repubs never fails to get my blood-pressure to rise.
Not only was I younger, hairier, and slimmer then, but I thrilled to Carter's speeches on energy conservation and renewables, not to mention honesty in government (a quaint notion).
All that and more was dismissed with contempt, when the 'Reagan Revolution' (sic) took hold, and it's been a downhill slide since, in just about every measure of American leadership in the world.
When the McCain talking-heads sniff that Obama is running for Jimmy Carter's 2nd term, I say 'and about time, too!' Carter was the last president that I'd like to have a beer with (as long as it's not a 'Billy').
Meanwhile, as I approach 4 months post-Op, my Left Foot continues to approach normality. I am able to walk virtually limp-free now, and the past month of physical therapy has done wonders, in reducing swelling and pain. I even had an acupuncture session on Monday (at Karen's urging) - can't tell if it made any difference, but one never knows.
I think I am about ready to post the final Before/After photos - stay tuned.
Not only was I younger, hairier, and slimmer then, but I thrilled to Carter's speeches on energy conservation and renewables, not to mention honesty in government (a quaint notion).
All that and more was dismissed with contempt, when the 'Reagan Revolution' (sic) took hold, and it's been a downhill slide since, in just about every measure of American leadership in the world.
When the McCain talking-heads sniff that Obama is running for Jimmy Carter's 2nd term, I say 'and about time, too!' Carter was the last president that I'd like to have a beer with (as long as it's not a 'Billy').
Meanwhile, as I approach 4 months post-Op, my Left Foot continues to approach normality. I am able to walk virtually limp-free now, and the past month of physical therapy has done wonders, in reducing swelling and pain. I even had an acupuncture session on Monday (at Karen's urging) - can't tell if it made any difference, but one never knows.
I think I am about ready to post the final Before/After photos - stay tuned.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
3 posts in quick succession this morning?
I can't help it - the world is too weird. The Louisiana House of Representatives just passed a bill to 'let teachers supplement school science textbooks with other materials'.
Hmmm - what 'other materials' could they be thinking about? I'm fairly certain that the intent here was NOT to enable teachers to screen those National Geographic videos proving evolution.
The vote, by the way, was 94-3.
On one blog discussing this, a Texan wrote in 'at least the Texas legislature is no longer the most stupid in the country'.
That it for now, my friends - time to head off for my bi-weekly physical therapy. Coming up on 4 months with my new Left Foot. Still a little painful - still a little swollen - but still making progress.
Also, we just received our plane tickets for Turkey in October. That kinda makes it real (as if all the charges on our credit card were only symbolic!).
Gotta run (so to speak).
Hmmm - what 'other materials' could they be thinking about? I'm fairly certain that the intent here was NOT to enable teachers to screen those National Geographic videos proving evolution.
The vote, by the way, was 94-3.
On one blog discussing this, a Texan wrote in 'at least the Texas legislature is no longer the most stupid in the country'.
That it for now, my friends - time to head off for my bi-weekly physical therapy. Coming up on 4 months with my new Left Foot. Still a little painful - still a little swollen - but still making progress.
Also, we just received our plane tickets for Turkey in October. That kinda makes it real (as if all the charges on our credit card were only symbolic!).
Gotta run (so to speak).
corruption at the highest levels
Astonishing confirmation that everything you always sensed about the Bush-Halliburton-CIA-Pentagon crowd is probably true. Apparently, Henry Waxman has the documents now - let's see if it ever comes to light, before the few remaining trillions in the Treasury are entirely siphoned off.
They are Pigs. Reminds me of when the rich guy was asked 'you already have tons of money, several houses, private jets, a private island, and everything a person could possible want. What more do you want?' And his answer: 'more'.
They are Pigs. Reminds me of when the rich guy was asked 'you already have tons of money, several houses, private jets, a private island, and everything a person could possible want. What more do you want?' And his answer: 'more'.
predictions are always dangerous, but...
I'm ready to predict today that John McCain will NOT get the Republican nomination.
I think, that, by the time their convention rolls around, the poll numbers will look so bad, and McCain's verbal gaffes too numerous, that he will either decide to 'spend more time with his family' or have a medical emergency, and Mitt Romney will step up to the plate and graciously accept.
Wacky, I know, but I just have this feeling.
UPDATE: I wrote the above before seeing a link to this, on the Huff Post just now.
I think, that, by the time their convention rolls around, the poll numbers will look so bad, and McCain's verbal gaffes too numerous, that he will either decide to 'spend more time with his family' or have a medical emergency, and Mitt Romney will step up to the plate and graciously accept.
Wacky, I know, but I just have this feeling.
UPDATE: I wrote the above before seeing a link to this, on the Huff Post just now.
Sunday, June 08, 2008
Wednesday, June 04, 2008
another milestone
My Enron stock and options were, at one point, worth $1.25 million. I watched them decline to the point where, for the past seven years, my monthly statement from UBS listed their value as $1.62 (not million).
I had grown used to seeing that $1.62 every month, but this month's invoice was different. For the first time, the official status on the statement showed as 'Worthless'.
There goes my last $1.62. So long, Enron stock, it was nice knowing you!
I had grown used to seeing that $1.62 every month, but this month's invoice was different. For the first time, the official status on the statement showed as 'Worthless'.
There goes my last $1.62. So long, Enron stock, it was nice knowing you!
I complained to KGW TV
Watching the news last night, KGW aired a couple of 'commercials' from a group calling itself the 'Center for Union Facts'. These spots depicted Union organizers as thugs and Union members as dupes. They were truly nasty.
A teeny bit of investigating revealed who these people are, and they are truly slimy.
I castigated KGW for not refusing to air these spots, as many other stations have done.
Here's the web site of these despicable bastards, where you can see some of the ads and write to them, telling them what you think of their tactics.
I know that Unions aren't perfect, but, Jeez, this is way out of line.
A teeny bit of investigating revealed who these people are, and they are truly slimy.
I castigated KGW for not refusing to air these spots, as many other stations have done.
Here's the web site of these despicable bastards, where you can see some of the ads and write to them, telling them what you think of their tactics.
I know that Unions aren't perfect, but, Jeez, this is way out of line.
Tuesday, June 03, 2008
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
dream ticket
here's my current thinking:
Barack: President for the next 8 years
Hillary: Supreme Court Justice for the next 25 years
Remember, you heard it here first.
Barack: President for the next 8 years
Hillary: Supreme Court Justice for the next 25 years
Remember, you heard it here first.
help fox news get the truth out!
This could be fun. Fox News has asked viewers to submit evidence of Voter Fraud (since the GOP efforts to prove it, to date, have been utterly disasterous).
Send an email to voterfraud@foxnews.com, reminding them that it is a matter of record that Ann Coulter committed voter fraud in Florida.
It's documented here: http://www.bradblog.com/CoulterFraud
Send an email to voterfraud@foxnews.com, reminding them that it is a matter of record that Ann Coulter committed voter fraud in Florida.
It's documented here: http://www.bradblog.com/CoulterFraud
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Monday, May 26, 2008
back from camping
We got to Rock Creek Reservoir around 1:30 pm, after making our traditional stop at the annual Wamic Rummage sale. Alas, no outstanding bargains were to be found, although Karen, as always, managed to find a couple of odd treasures.
Incredibly, we were the first in our group to get to the campground, so we snagged the most-choice space that our group had reserved - right on the water, with a gorgeous view. We set up our camp and, one by one, our friends arrived. The traditional spectacular dinner (from Anne-Marie) followed: grilled chicken and sausages, potato salad, green salad, bread, tons of wine - did I leave anything out? Oh yes, there were also nibbles before and chocolate mousse for dessert.
Campfire with kids, of course - it was a little overcast, but a few stars appeared before we turned in for the night. Around 5 am, it started raining. And raining. And raining.
By the time people roused themselves, it was still coming down pretty steadily. We gathered under our blue tarps, made our coffee, oatmeal, and small talk. Someone came up with the notion of driving to Kah-Nee-Ta to soak in the hot springs pool. Most everyone eventually headed out to do that - only I stayed behind at the campground, mostly because I didn't feel like spending a couple of hours in a car, when I'd be happier lounging around, reading, taking the dog for walks, and thinking about dinner (which I was responsible for).
It turned out that the weather cleared a half-hour after everyone left. I had a wonderful, quiet day, doing camp chores, talking to and walking the dog, reading, and snoozing in the sun. It was so damn relaxing that I couldn't believe it.
Around 4, I started sauteeing the onions, celery, and red pepper, and building my fishy stew, with canned clams, smoked salmon, imitation crab, canned tomatoes, and canned diced green chilies. While all this was simmering, I peeled a couple of bags of frozen shrimp and added a big jar of cioppino sauce, a big shake of Old Bay seafood seasoning, and a big splash of white wine. It was looking pretty good when the gang got back from their expedition, which saw a lot of rain.
I cooked up a big pot of seasoned rice (Zatarain's jambalaya mix) and everybody plunged into dinner. It was proclaimed a success.
Another great campfire, with lots of singing, guitar playing, marshmallows, and Jiffy Pop. Around 11, we finally called it a night and headed off to our tents. Early this morning: rain, rain, rain.
Another damp breakfast under cover, then it was time to pack up and head home. By the time we were ready to leave, the rain had stopped but the trees were still dripping. We came back over Mt. Hood, which still had plenty of snow up at the passes. Slow holiday weekend traffic - seemed to take a long time.
Now we've been home for a few hours - most of the gear is either put away or hanging up in the shed to dry, before being put away. All in all, great fun - good crowd of friends. Many of them won't be seen again until the Labor Day camping trip!
Back to work tomorrow.
Incredibly, we were the first in our group to get to the campground, so we snagged the most-choice space that our group had reserved - right on the water, with a gorgeous view. We set up our camp and, one by one, our friends arrived. The traditional spectacular dinner (from Anne-Marie) followed: grilled chicken and sausages, potato salad, green salad, bread, tons of wine - did I leave anything out? Oh yes, there were also nibbles before and chocolate mousse for dessert.
Campfire with kids, of course - it was a little overcast, but a few stars appeared before we turned in for the night. Around 5 am, it started raining. And raining. And raining.
By the time people roused themselves, it was still coming down pretty steadily. We gathered under our blue tarps, made our coffee, oatmeal, and small talk. Someone came up with the notion of driving to Kah-Nee-Ta to soak in the hot springs pool. Most everyone eventually headed out to do that - only I stayed behind at the campground, mostly because I didn't feel like spending a couple of hours in a car, when I'd be happier lounging around, reading, taking the dog for walks, and thinking about dinner (which I was responsible for).
It turned out that the weather cleared a half-hour after everyone left. I had a wonderful, quiet day, doing camp chores, talking to and walking the dog, reading, and snoozing in the sun. It was so damn relaxing that I couldn't believe it.
Around 4, I started sauteeing the onions, celery, and red pepper, and building my fishy stew, with canned clams, smoked salmon, imitation crab, canned tomatoes, and canned diced green chilies. While all this was simmering, I peeled a couple of bags of frozen shrimp and added a big jar of cioppino sauce, a big shake of Old Bay seafood seasoning, and a big splash of white wine. It was looking pretty good when the gang got back from their expedition, which saw a lot of rain.
I cooked up a big pot of seasoned rice (Zatarain's jambalaya mix) and everybody plunged into dinner. It was proclaimed a success.
Another great campfire, with lots of singing, guitar playing, marshmallows, and Jiffy Pop. Around 11, we finally called it a night and headed off to our tents. Early this morning: rain, rain, rain.
Another damp breakfast under cover, then it was time to pack up and head home. By the time we were ready to leave, the rain had stopped but the trees were still dripping. We came back over Mt. Hood, which still had plenty of snow up at the passes. Slow holiday weekend traffic - seemed to take a long time.
Now we've been home for a few hours - most of the gear is either put away or hanging up in the shed to dry, before being put away. All in all, great fun - good crowd of friends. Many of them won't be seen again until the Labor Day camping trip!
Back to work tomorrow.
Saturday, May 24, 2008
hillary's assassination remark
there's no story here - it was clear she was only using RFK as a reference point, to remind us that, in the past, the Democratic nominee was still uncertain in June. The Obama people should have jumped to her defense, after this trumped-up non-controversy was manufactured by a media machine that will do anything to avoid talking about John McCain's many weaknesses.
I'm no fan of the Bill and Hillary Show (current season) but this is pathetic.
On the other hand, talking about that stuff is sure a lot more fun than talking about this.
I'm no fan of the Bill and Hillary Show (current season) but this is pathetic.
On the other hand, talking about that stuff is sure a lot more fun than talking about this.
Friday, May 23, 2008
a billion here, a billion there
and pretty soon you are talking about real corruption.
another foot milestone last night: took the dog for a long walk around the neighborhood. Doesn't sound like much, but it's the first time in 3 months, and he sure appreciated it! The best part - no recriminations for having abandoned our evening rambles all these weeks.
another foot milestone last night: took the dog for a long walk around the neighborhood. Doesn't sound like much, but it's the first time in 3 months, and he sure appreciated it! The best part - no recriminations for having abandoned our evening rambles all these weeks.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
my Left Foot - 3 months today!
I've been bothered by the continued swelling lately - last night I actually brought out the ice-pack again. I had my first physical therapy session today. The nice attendant started out by massaging the swollen areas, pushing the accumulated fluid up the foot. It felt pretty good.
Then, he attached the electrodes and turned on the electric stimulator. It was a gently-tingling sensation - not unpleasant. It was about 15 minutes of lying on the gurney, and then I was done. Five more therapy sessions over the next three weeks.
Then, he attached the electrodes and turned on the electric stimulator. It was a gently-tingling sensation - not unpleasant. It was about 15 minutes of lying on the gurney, and then I was done. Five more therapy sessions over the next three weeks.
attention: Clinton supporters
hmm - if substantiated, it appears that a major Clinton donor was trying to bribe a political youth group with two superdelegates, to support Hillary.
seems sleazy and very sad.
seems sleazy and very sad.
OR primary day!
that's actually a misnomer - it's really the 'close of the OR Primary' day, since voting's been open for a couple of weeks.
Heard on the radio this morning that only 38% of the ballots had been received as of today, but they expect to hit 60% by tonight.
Good luck, Steve Novick! Wonder if David Wu is nervous?
Heading to my first physical therapy session this morning, then to client meetings this afternoon. Busy day.
Heard on the radio this morning that only 38% of the ballots had been received as of today, but they expect to hit 60% by tonight.
Good luck, Steve Novick! Wonder if David Wu is nervous?
Heading to my first physical therapy session this morning, then to client meetings this afternoon. Busy day.
Monday, May 19, 2008
typical sunday in Portland
Karen and I did yard-work for a few hours, then went to a play last night. Not much happens in Portland on Sundays. Oops - I almost forgot:
what's this? -- more info here.
Coverage from local TV stations here.
Even made the NY Times!
ya gotta love it.
what's this? -- more info here.
Coverage from local TV stations here.
Even made the NY Times!
ya gotta love it.
Friday, May 16, 2008
dropping off my ballot this afternoon
I voted Obama - Karen is voting Hillary (even though she knows that the Math says 'no way').
Dylan voted Obama - Ben apparently registered as an independent, so his ballot didn't have a choice for President.
Minutes ago, I got a call from a local Obama volunteer who was following up on my ballot and mentioning the big rally planned for Sunday, at the Portland waterfront. It ought to be amazing - I expect it to be one of the largest outdoor crowds in Oregon history.
Dylan voted Obama - Ben apparently registered as an independent, so his ballot didn't have a choice for President.
Minutes ago, I got a call from a local Obama volunteer who was following up on my ballot and mentioning the big rally planned for Sunday, at the Portland waterfront. It ought to be amazing - I expect it to be one of the largest outdoor crowds in Oregon history.
Monday, May 12, 2008
my Left Foot - a big milestone!
So, before today, only one of my shoes was wide enough to fit over my swollen toes. Today, I had to dress up, to play piano for a performance of the Jewish Home choir, for whom I play every Monday.
As I was getting dressed, I thought I'd try to get on a dress shoe, and, glory be:
Yes, it was a tight fit, but this is the first time I've worn a pair of matched shoes since February 20th, when I rode the bus to the outpatient Surgery Center. This is very good.
As I was getting dressed, I thought I'd try to get on a dress shoe, and, glory be:
Yes, it was a tight fit, but this is the first time I've worn a pair of matched shoes since February 20th, when I rode the bus to the outpatient Surgery Center. This is very good.Sunday, May 11, 2008
it's right there in the copy
It seems like an innocuous feel-good story about a professional successfully achieving something that others deemed impossible (i.e. recovering data from the hard-drive of a disintegrated Space Shuttle), but right there in the copy is the plain fact that the US Space Shuttle, in 2003, had an on-board computer that was running DOS on a 348 MB hard-drive.
There is much wrong with this picture.
There is much wrong with this picture.
Friday, May 09, 2008
my Left Foot - coming up on 3 months!
My last regularly-scheduled appointment was today. We took fresh x-rays:
I'm going to sign up for a couple of weeks of PT, and expect that everything will be back to being fully operational in another couple of relatively hassle-free months.
Yea!
...and my progress was pronounced very good. It's not time to say goodbye to The Boot just yet, but I am clearly walking more and more comfortably, in a shoe, every day.
I'm going to sign up for a couple of weeks of PT, and expect that everything will be back to being fully operational in another couple of relatively hassle-free months.
Yea!
Wednesday, May 07, 2008
still here
It's been a busy few days.
Sunday was our 23rd anniversary, and, after many hours of back-breaking weeding, I got cleaned up, accompanied Karen to her afternoon tap-dance class, then we drove downtown to a fancy restaurant, had a nice too-expensive meal, and went to a play ("Streetcar Named Desire" - Stanley was good; Blanche was too tall).
The next morning, Monday, I got up early, drove to Astoria, and met my cousins at their cruise ship. I took them sight-seeing to my favorite places and the weather was very cooperative. I think they liked it. Got them back to the ship by 3 (they are headed to Alaska), and got myself back to Portland around 5 pm, having driven over 250 miles that day. What gas crisis?
Tuesday, got up early and drove (there's that word again) downtown to the Convention Center, to attend a Microsoft dog-and-pony (mostly to be able to claim the prize - CDs with Vista Ultimate, Microsoft Server 2008, and SQL Server 2008 (local readers - want any of these?) and (the real reason I went) Visual Studio 2008. Nice morning - good swag.
Last night, I attended my first training session at KBOO, our local community radio station. Next training Thursday night. Stay tuned for further details.
Finally able to get back to work today. Fighting a cold for a week now, and it has been winning.
Gotta run...
Sunday was our 23rd anniversary, and, after many hours of back-breaking weeding, I got cleaned up, accompanied Karen to her afternoon tap-dance class, then we drove downtown to a fancy restaurant, had a nice too-expensive meal, and went to a play ("Streetcar Named Desire" - Stanley was good; Blanche was too tall).
The next morning, Monday, I got up early, drove to Astoria, and met my cousins at their cruise ship. I took them sight-seeing to my favorite places and the weather was very cooperative. I think they liked it. Got them back to the ship by 3 (they are headed to Alaska), and got myself back to Portland around 5 pm, having driven over 250 miles that day. What gas crisis?
Tuesday, got up early and drove (there's that word again) downtown to the Convention Center, to attend a Microsoft dog-and-pony (mostly to be able to claim the prize - CDs with Vista Ultimate, Microsoft Server 2008, and SQL Server 2008 (local readers - want any of these?) and (the real reason I went) Visual Studio 2008. Nice morning - good swag.
Last night, I attended my first training session at KBOO, our local community radio station. Next training Thursday night. Stay tuned for further details.
Finally able to get back to work today. Fighting a cold for a week now, and it has been winning.
Gotta run...
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
my Left Foot - another milestone!
I just got back from a car trip to the library and back - total distance: less than 2 miles. So what?
I wore on my left foot the one shoe that fits over my swollen toes, and successfully drove my old, manual Subaru - the first time I've driven a stick since mid-February.
No discomfort - no uncertainty. No question - the end of this is in sight!
I wore on my left foot the one shoe that fits over my swollen toes, and successfully drove my old, manual Subaru - the first time I've driven a stick since mid-February.
No discomfort - no uncertainty. No question - the end of this is in sight!
Monday, April 28, 2008
episode IV - A New Hope
Woke up this morning with my Left Foot in a normal-person sock, with just a small bandage. Put on one of my regular shoes (the widest, of course) and walked downstairs with it. This is the first time since Feb 20th, that I can wear a normal shoe. It's pretty tight, and my foot is not all the way in, but it's a start.
I am still supposed to use The Boot extensively the next couple of weeks, but I will try to drive my old (manual) Subaru today. If successful, I will consider swapping cars back with my wonderful friend Barbara today.
It's a busy day (4 separate events, all over town) but it feels like a watershed day.
I am still supposed to use The Boot extensively the next couple of weeks, but I will try to drive my old (manual) Subaru today. If successful, I will consider swapping cars back with my wonderful friend Barbara today.
It's a busy day (4 separate events, all over town) but it feels like a watershed day.
Friday, April 25, 2008
my Left Foot - 9 1/2 weeks
That's just over 2 months. Today was the day I've been waiting for.
First, let's take a look at the inside story. Those 4 parallel lines are the pins that are today's target. The vertical thing is the external fixator. The doc was pleased with bone growth that his educated eyes could plainly see.
And here's the outside story. Got it? (Love those happy feet!)
First, whip out the hypodermic and inject a little anesthesia.
Then, a few twists of the allen wrench and the fixator is off! Its destiny is to be sterilized, and then shipped off to somebody else in the world, who's in need of fixation. This is a good thing.
Now, I hold my breath as each of the 4 pins is carefully unscrewed and pulled out of my foot. It wasn't bad - an odd sensation - not painful, but definitely weird.
OK, two down - two to go.
And we're done! Each little hole quickly filled with blood, which will scab over soon. I need to keep it dry for 2-3 days, but still wear The Boot for another couple of weeks.
The big news is that I am cleared to try driving a manual transmission car, as long as I wear a stiff-soled shoe. Will try that Monday.
Nice work, doc!
He wrapped it all up again, with some antibiotic creme. No more 'cage-rage'!
Next appointment in two weeks, and it may be the final visit. Then I can go back to writing about the decline and fall of human civilization. Time to make some rice.
First, let's take a look at the inside story. Those 4 parallel lines are the pins that are today's target. The vertical thing is the external fixator. The doc was pleased with bone growth that his educated eyes could plainly see.
And here's the outside story. Got it? (Love those happy feet!)
First, whip out the hypodermic and inject a little anesthesia.
Then, a few twists of the allen wrench and the fixator is off! Its destiny is to be sterilized, and then shipped off to somebody else in the world, who's in need of fixation. This is a good thing.
Now, I hold my breath as each of the 4 pins is carefully unscrewed and pulled out of my foot. It wasn't bad - an odd sensation - not painful, but definitely weird.
OK, two down - two to go. 
And we're done! Each little hole quickly filled with blood, which will scab over soon. I need to keep it dry for 2-3 days, but still wear The Boot for another couple of weeks. The big news is that I am cleared to try driving a manual transmission car, as long as I wear a stiff-soled shoe. Will try that Monday.
Nice work, doc!
He wrapped it all up again, with some antibiotic creme. No more 'cage-rage'!Next appointment in two weeks, and it may be the final visit. Then I can go back to writing about the decline and fall of human civilization. Time to make some rice.
warning - new foot photos coming soon
Finally, I am scheduled to return to my podiatrist this morning, hopefully to get the external fixator removed. I am really getting weary of this thing - still trudging/clomping around with The Boot is getting very old.
In economic news, I will need to buy gas today. On KPOJ this morning, they mentioned surveys where most people, when asked 'how much of the price of gas goes to your service station?' answer 'over a dollar per gallon'. Of course, the reality is that only about 8 cents of each dollar go to your local business owner, and the bulk goes to Exxon/Mobile, Royal Dutch Shell, Chevron, etc.
Happy Birthday, Dr. Ken - my college buddy. You are still older than me.
In economic news, I will need to buy gas today. On KPOJ this morning, they mentioned surveys where most people, when asked 'how much of the price of gas goes to your service station?' answer 'over a dollar per gallon'. Of course, the reality is that only about 8 cents of each dollar go to your local business owner, and the bulk goes to Exxon/Mobile, Royal Dutch Shell, Chevron, etc.
Happy Birthday, Dr. Ken - my college buddy. You are still older than me.
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Sunday, April 20, 2008
I made the Oregonian!
Letter to the Editor - published today. This was a campaign for the Progressive Voter Network, the grassroots group with which I have been active for almost a year. Our mission was to mobilize members to write letters, to pressure Gordon Smith to sign on to the Lieberman-Warner bill. Dale, also in the group, also got a letter published.
Will it make a difference? I doubt it.
In the meantime, this morning I picked rhubarb and greens from our garden, while it was lightly sleeting. There is nothing like Springtime in Oregon.
Will it make a difference? I doubt it.
In the meantime, this morning I picked rhubarb and greens from our garden, while it was lightly sleeting. There is nothing like Springtime in Oregon.
Saturday, April 19, 2008
home again
It's a wonderful thing to wake up in your bed, and know that you will be traveling that day. It's even more special, as it was this morning, to wake up somewhere else, and know that, that day, you are heading home.
It was a little overcast in Santa Cruz, as we packed up and headed to the airport in San Jose. Flying logistics were smooth - there was no major hassle with my surgical boot, although they did carefully swipe it, looking for tell-tale signs of high explosives.
We landed in Portland and it was sunny and cool. By the time we were heading west on I-84, the skies were darkening, and by the time we hit the Terwilliger Curves, the temperature had dropped 15 degrees and it was sleeting. There was a dusting of snow on the ground in our neighborhood, with a few flurries coming down.
The house, in the care of two young men for six days, was a mess, and we've just spent three hours cleaning. I guess that was to be expected.
It is now chow time for animals, and they are letting us know it. Nice to be home.
It was a little overcast in Santa Cruz, as we packed up and headed to the airport in San Jose. Flying logistics were smooth - there was no major hassle with my surgical boot, although they did carefully swipe it, looking for tell-tale signs of high explosives.
We landed in Portland and it was sunny and cool. By the time we were heading west on I-84, the skies were darkening, and by the time we hit the Terwilliger Curves, the temperature had dropped 15 degrees and it was sleeting. There was a dusting of snow on the ground in our neighborhood, with a few flurries coming down.
The house, in the care of two young men for six days, was a mess, and we've just spent three hours cleaning. I guess that was to be expected.
It is now chow time for animals, and they are letting us know it. Nice to be home.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
boning up on Turkish
Did I mention that Karen and I are going to Turkey in October? We're taking this tour, from the same company that did our trip to Costa Rica, a few years ago.
I found a website from a traveler who did that same trip a couple of years ago, with photos and descriptions. The email address on his site bounced, but a WhoIs search eventually revealed his true address. I wrote and he responded with some useful comments and tips. The Internet is a wondrous place.
Meanwhile, the compulsive that I am, I am doing a lot of reading in Greek/Byzantine/Ottoman/Lycian history, which is most entertaining. The big hurdle, of course, is the Turkish language, which is linguistically related to such arcane tongues as Finnish and Hungarian (who've have guessed?).
At any rate, I found an interesting Web site titled 'Useful Turkish Phrases', complete with many sound files. Many of the standard traveler phrases are here, but I have to admit that I laughed out loud as I approached the bottom of the page, and there, after Where's the toilet?, Help!, Call the police!, and Would you like to dance with me?, the author has thoughtfully included the classic Monty Python line My hovercraft is full of eels, which, in case you're interested, renders as 'Hoverkraftimin ici yılan balıǧı dolu'. Useful indeed.
I found a website from a traveler who did that same trip a couple of years ago, with photos and descriptions. The email address on his site bounced, but a WhoIs search eventually revealed his true address. I wrote and he responded with some useful comments and tips. The Internet is a wondrous place.
Meanwhile, the compulsive that I am, I am doing a lot of reading in Greek/Byzantine/Ottoman/Lycian history, which is most entertaining. The big hurdle, of course, is the Turkish language, which is linguistically related to such arcane tongues as Finnish and Hungarian (who've have guessed?).
At any rate, I found an interesting Web site titled 'Useful Turkish Phrases', complete with many sound files. Many of the standard traveler phrases are here, but I have to admit that I laughed out loud as I approached the bottom of the page, and there, after Where's the toilet?, Help!, Call the police!, and Would you like to dance with me?, the author has thoughtfully included the classic Monty Python line My hovercraft is full of eels, which, in case you're interested, renders as 'Hoverkraftimin ici yılan balıǧı dolu'. Useful indeed.
Monday, April 14, 2008
off to vacation-land
Karen and I leave for the airport in an hour, to spend a few days with family in Santa Cruz. Her 97 year-old mother is flying up from Pasadena, and we all converge in San Jose around 2 pm, hopefully to be met by Karen's brother, who will drive us all to Santa Cruz.
With my foot still encased in The Boot, my mobility is limited, so I anticipate a lot of reading and card-playing coming up. Suits me.
With the past weekend having had the most gorgeous weather in about a year, we took the opportunity to do a lot of yard-work. Although it's great to see the yard in good condition, I'm ready for a break.
Not sure what the wifi situation down there will be - the last time I was at my brother-in-law's house, I was able to poach a very weak wifi signal from a neighbor, that was barely adequate. It will be interesting to see what's available and open in his neighborhood these days. If not, there are a number of hotspots at coffee places a few blocks away.
In the old days, travellers worried about robbers - nowadays we worry about finding a strong, non-encrypted path to the Internet. This is progress.
By the way, Obama was right - bitterness is in the air, with growing consciousness of the past 28 years of successful class warfare (perpetrated by the rich).
With my foot still encased in The Boot, my mobility is limited, so I anticipate a lot of reading and card-playing coming up. Suits me.
With the past weekend having had the most gorgeous weather in about a year, we took the opportunity to do a lot of yard-work. Although it's great to see the yard in good condition, I'm ready for a break.
Not sure what the wifi situation down there will be - the last time I was at my brother-in-law's house, I was able to poach a very weak wifi signal from a neighbor, that was barely adequate. It will be interesting to see what's available and open in his neighborhood these days. If not, there are a number of hotspots at coffee places a few blocks away.
In the old days, travellers worried about robbers - nowadays we worry about finding a strong, non-encrypted path to the Internet. This is progress.
By the way, Obama was right - bitterness is in the air, with growing consciousness of the past 28 years of successful class warfare (perpetrated by the rich).
Friday, April 11, 2008
friday funnies
Daily Show's John Oliver profiles Fox News - hysterical.
So, it might get up to 70 degrees in PDX today. Dylan is headed up to Mt. Hood to go snow-boarding; maybe I'll mow the lawn later.
The peas, rhubarb, and raspberries are under way - the beets that I planted last fall survived and have a great head-start on Spring.
Trying to get work and life loose-ends tied up, before Karen and I head to Santa Cruz on Monday, for 5 days with family. The boys stay here, to take care of animals and the house.
I visited my podiatrist yesterday, and got an official-looking note, which will, hopefully, get me thru airport Security without having to unwrap the dressing on my left foot. It will be a chance to see how much trust they place in my words, a piece of paper and my security profile (oops), versus their compelling mission to Keep America Safe.
Have I mentioned war crimes yet today? Who could have predicted that John Ashcroft would turn out to be the conscience of America?
This might be interesting...
So, it might get up to 70 degrees in PDX today. Dylan is headed up to Mt. Hood to go snow-boarding; maybe I'll mow the lawn later.
The peas, rhubarb, and raspberries are under way - the beets that I planted last fall survived and have a great head-start on Spring.
Trying to get work and life loose-ends tied up, before Karen and I head to Santa Cruz on Monday, for 5 days with family. The boys stay here, to take care of animals and the house.
I visited my podiatrist yesterday, and got an official-looking note, which will, hopefully, get me thru airport Security without having to unwrap the dressing on my left foot. It will be a chance to see how much trust they place in my words, a piece of paper and my security profile (oops), versus their compelling mission to Keep America Safe.
Have I mentioned war crimes yet today? Who could have predicted that John Ashcroft would turn out to be the conscience of America?
This might be interesting...
Thursday, April 10, 2008
coming soon to a city near you?
hope not, but what happens when the truckers decide that the price of diesel precludes them making their regular trips to restock the local Safeway, and our fellow citizens panic and start hoarding, and, instead, start stocking up on ammo, and...
OK, it's science-fiction. Can't happen here. Americans would always be totally generous and share whatever we have, right?
Reminds me of a line from the graphic novel Maus, where the father, who survived Aushwitz, says to his incredulous son something like, "you'd be amazed at what people are capable of, when they haven't eaten in a couple of days."
OK, it's science-fiction. Can't happen here. Americans would always be totally generous and share whatever we have, right?
Reminds me of a line from the graphic novel Maus, where the father, who survived Aushwitz, says to his incredulous son something like, "you'd be amazed at what people are capable of, when they haven't eaten in a couple of days."
Tuesday, April 08, 2008
new monitor
My old 19" big old-fashioned monitor ($25 at a garage sale, many years ago) has been making periodic clicking noises for the past, oh, six months. Last night, it went into a Sudden Death frenzy, clicking and flashing, and finally dying.
I plugged in an old, spare 15" monitor, popped onto craigslist, saw a 19" widescreen LCD (this model) that a guy was selling for $100 (he's moving out of state) 20 minutes after he posted it. I was the first to call, went to see it this afternoon, and here I am typing the first blog entry on this very wide monitor.
Of course, Karen wants it for her office, so maybe I'll be a good guy and swap this one for her non-widescreen 19" LCD. That should earn me some temporary good will, right?
At any rate, I'm enjoying it while I can!
I plugged in an old, spare 15" monitor, popped onto craigslist, saw a 19" widescreen LCD (this model) that a guy was selling for $100 (he's moving out of state) 20 minutes after he posted it. I was the first to call, went to see it this afternoon, and here I am typing the first blog entry on this very wide monitor.
Of course, Karen wants it for her office, so maybe I'll be a good guy and swap this one for her non-widescreen 19" LCD. That should earn me some temporary good will, right?
At any rate, I'm enjoying it while I can!
Wednesday, April 02, 2008
my Left Foot - 7 weeks
Time to visit with Dr. Gentile again! We took new X-rays today. He looked things over and said that he definitely sees evidence of new bone growth. This is a good thing.
Here you can see that there is still a lot of swelling, but it's nice to know that there is progress.
Uh oh - is that a mini-bunion that's suddenly more obvious over there on the right foot? Yikes! Not again!
Time to clean everything and reapply the dressing.
Now for the bad news. He felt it was too soon to remove the pins and external fixator. We are planning on a short trip to Santa Cruz in a couple of weeks. Maybe we'll get the fixator off on April 11th, before we leave.
Here you can see that there is still a lot of swelling, but it's nice to know that there is progress.Uh oh - is that a mini-bunion that's suddenly more obvious over there on the right foot? Yikes! Not again!
Time to clean everything and reapply the dressing.
Now for the bad news. He felt it was too soon to remove the pins and external fixator. We are planning on a short trip to Santa Cruz in a couple of weeks. Maybe we'll get the fixator off on April 11th, before we leave.Even so, it looks like I'm going to be wearing The Boot for another 4 weeks. I am getting a little tired of clomping around with it, but the Doc calls the shots.
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Monday, March 24, 2008
what? again with the Spitzer?
follow the money, and then think of how frequently the sins of Democrats (real or imagined - think Howard Dean) are trumpeted by the Media and result in the loss of political power, and the sins of Republicans either hushed up (did you forget about "Jeff Gannon's" 200 White House visits) or (Larry Craig) conveniently forgotten?
Whenever a high-profile sex case against a Democrat comes to light, you have to ask yourself who that person had pissed off. Can you name a single such case, where that person had not pissed off Big Money? It's so predictable.
And speaking of attempted political assassinations, I happened to hear yet another playing of Rev. Wright's now-famous out-of-context remarks on the news last night. What's the point, other than to intentionally keep the issue alive and the ignorant sheep riled up, despite the fact that it was properly and eloquently handled last week, in what 'some people' are calling the most important American speech since "I Have a Dream"?
They (you know who) are scared of Obama, and are trusting that, as so many times before, the minds of white, easily-frightened, non-politically-savvy citizens are so easily poisoned. It's a phony issue (like most of these big campaign 'controversies') and it has done immeasurable damage (Mission Accomplished).
This is how they work, and they will not give up.
However, whenever I hear someone bring up the Obama pastor issue, my reaction, to quote Dick Cheney, is 'So?'
Whenever a high-profile sex case against a Democrat comes to light, you have to ask yourself who that person had pissed off. Can you name a single such case, where that person had not pissed off Big Money? It's so predictable.
And speaking of attempted political assassinations, I happened to hear yet another playing of Rev. Wright's now-famous out-of-context remarks on the news last night. What's the point, other than to intentionally keep the issue alive and the ignorant sheep riled up, despite the fact that it was properly and eloquently handled last week, in what 'some people' are calling the most important American speech since "I Have a Dream"?
They (you know who) are scared of Obama, and are trusting that, as so many times before, the minds of white, easily-frightened, non-politically-savvy citizens are so easily poisoned. It's a phony issue (like most of these big campaign 'controversies') and it has done immeasurable damage (Mission Accomplished).
This is how they work, and they will not give up.
However, whenever I hear someone bring up the Obama pastor issue, my reaction, to quote Dick Cheney, is 'So?'
Saturday, March 22, 2008
pretty good video
here.
I didn't make it to the Obama rally in Portland yesterday, but I did watch it on TV and taped it. I thought he was pretty convincing, and a bunch of other Portlanders appeared to agree.
Beautiful spring day coming up - still chilly, but promises to be sunny and mild later. I've had piano gigs the past two nights, for assorted Purim skits (actually got paid for last night's). Next big milestone is the Jewish Choral Festival, on April 6 - I am accompanying 3 different choruses, and have a bunch of music to learn before the next rehearsal, Monday night.
Reading Paul Theroux's 'Pillars of Hercules'. I had wanted to just check out the sections of Turkey, to see what might overlap with our planned trip, next October, but, as with all his wonderful travel books, got sucked in. I actually saw him in person, at a Portland book store, many years ago when he was promoting this very book - I didn't buy a copy that night.
Gotta go check out today's blogs, for my daily outrage...
I didn't make it to the Obama rally in Portland yesterday, but I did watch it on TV and taped it. I thought he was pretty convincing, and a bunch of other Portlanders appeared to agree.
Beautiful spring day coming up - still chilly, but promises to be sunny and mild later. I've had piano gigs the past two nights, for assorted Purim skits (actually got paid for last night's). Next big milestone is the Jewish Choral Festival, on April 6 - I am accompanying 3 different choruses, and have a bunch of music to learn before the next rehearsal, Monday night.
Reading Paul Theroux's 'Pillars of Hercules'. I had wanted to just check out the sections of Turkey, to see what might overlap with our planned trip, next October, but, as with all his wonderful travel books, got sucked in. I actually saw him in person, at a Portland book store, many years ago when he was promoting this very book - I didn't buy a copy that night.
Gotta go check out today's blogs, for my daily outrage...
Thursday, March 20, 2008
coincidences are fun
Last night, we took Dylan out to dinner for his 20th birthday. That's right, as of yesterday, I no longer have teenagers in the house!
We went to Montage, a quirky little restaurant under the Morrison Bridge. Karen and I had only been there once before, a couple of years ago.
We arrived early and there were plenty of tables. However, by the time we were finishing up dessert (an amazing cake Karen bought at Market of Choice, with chocolate, cinnamon, and cayenne!), the place was packed and noisy.
We hardly noticed that two people were led to the newly-vacated table-for-two right next to ours, until I glanced over and saw -- my foot surgeon (with whom I had been, five hours before, chatting pleasantly, in his office) and (I assume) his charming spouse.
We each did a double-take - it was quite amusing. Doc, hope you enjoyed your dinner.
What are the odds?
We went to Montage, a quirky little restaurant under the Morrison Bridge. Karen and I had only been there once before, a couple of years ago.
We arrived early and there were plenty of tables. However, by the time we were finishing up dessert (an amazing cake Karen bought at Market of Choice, with chocolate, cinnamon, and cayenne!), the place was packed and noisy.
We hardly noticed that two people were led to the newly-vacated table-for-two right next to ours, until I glanced over and saw -- my foot surgeon (with whom I had been, five hours before, chatting pleasantly, in his office) and (I assume) his charming spouse.
We each did a double-take - it was quite amusing. Doc, hope you enjoyed your dinner.
What are the odds?
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
my left foot - end of month 1
Well, here we are at the end of the first month. Time to visit the doc again.
I had my very first acupuncture session on Monday, out of curiosity. Not sure it made any difference in the swelling, or was related to the soreness I felt yesterday, but it was interesting to see all those little needles sticking out of my feet, legs, and (curiously) tummy.
Here's how it looks today - a little less swollen, right?
Check out the X-rays. Here you see the top view, clearly showing the pins attached to the external fixator, and a couple of the big screws.
Here's a side view. Sorry that it's a little blurry, but, rest assured, the inside of my foot resembles a hardware store after an earthquake.
I had my very first acupuncture session on Monday, out of curiosity. Not sure it made any difference in the swelling, or was related to the soreness I felt yesterday, but it was interesting to see all those little needles sticking out of my feet, legs, and (curiously) tummy.
Here's how it looks today - a little less swollen, right?
Check out the X-rays. Here you see the top view, clearly showing the pins attached to the external fixator, and a couple of the big screws.
Here's a side view. Sorry that it's a little blurry, but, rest assured, the inside of my foot resembles a hardware store after an earthquake.
Time to get out the Allen wrench and make some adjustments to the external fixator. My next office visit is in two weeks, and (I'm excited getting ready to type this), if things look good at that point, the external fixator and pins come out and I can drive my manual transmission car again!
There are times when I get very impatient with this recovery, but, with the next big milestone in view, I am encouraged.
Not only that, but I have my (free) ticket to see Barack Obama in Portland, Friday morning! Will have to get up absurdly early to take mass transit, but it should be amazing.
There are times when I get very impatient with this recovery, but, with the next big milestone in view, I am encouraged.Not only that, but I have my (free) ticket to see Barack Obama in Portland, Friday morning! Will have to get up absurdly early to take mass transit, but it should be amazing.
Monday, March 17, 2008
robert novak - spreading left-wing conspiracy theories again
Novak on the Spitzer case: 'entrapment'
as Roger Stone says, 'no comment'.
In the meantime, isn't is great how the same folks who say that the solution to the Health Care crisis is to simply let the 'wisdom of the Free Market' to sort everything out, are now shoveling YOUR tax dollars into profligate Wall Street firms, to protect the careers of well-connected investment bankers? God forbid that tax dollars should go to help drowning Just Plain Folks (who already pay a far higher proportion of their income as taxes, than investment bankers).
Maybe, in the interest of honesty, we need a slight adjustment to the concept of 'Government of the people, by the people, for the people'. It seems to have perished from the Earth.
as Roger Stone says, 'no comment'.
In the meantime, isn't is great how the same folks who say that the solution to the Health Care crisis is to simply let the 'wisdom of the Free Market' to sort everything out, are now shoveling YOUR tax dollars into profligate Wall Street firms, to protect the careers of well-connected investment bankers? God forbid that tax dollars should go to help drowning Just Plain Folks (who already pay a far higher proportion of their income as taxes, than investment bankers).
Maybe, in the interest of honesty, we need a slight adjustment to the concept of 'Government of the people, by the people, for the people'. It seems to have perished from the Earth.
Sunday, March 16, 2008
walk away from the book...
As a prodigious reader, it is rare for me to begin a book and give up within the first 25 pages. Some months ago, a copy of 'The Old Curiosity Shop' (Dickens) came my way. I've resisted opening it until a couple of days ago.
I read the first 3 chapters, and a sense of dread filled me. Do I really want to devote the precious hours to these characters, when there are other history/travel books still stacked up at the bedside? This morning, I thought I'd let Wikipedia decide for me, by glancing at its summary. What I found was permission to put it aside:
Oscar Wilde once observed that "One would have to have a heart of stone to read the death of Little Nell without laughing." The Old Curiosity Shop is now one of Dickens' less esteemed novels.
That's good enough for me - it goes into the 'return to Powells' box. I feel like I have been reborn. Aside from 'Great Expectations' in high-school, I haven't read very much Dickens. Am I missing anything essential, anyone?
Meanwhile, we had a fun evening last night at Tony Starlight's Supper Club and Lounge. It's an intentionally light-hearted throwback to the lounge scene/acts of the 50s and 60s. To me, the high point was 'Tony' singing, with great feeling, an hilariously-nonPC parody called 'The Girl with Emphysema (goes coughing)". Before the show started, there was piano music by an 81 year-old dapper guy - I could easily see myself in that role (except for the dapper part).
Hey - a blog entry sans politics or grisly foot photos - a first!
I read the first 3 chapters, and a sense of dread filled me. Do I really want to devote the precious hours to these characters, when there are other history/travel books still stacked up at the bedside? This morning, I thought I'd let Wikipedia decide for me, by glancing at its summary. What I found was permission to put it aside:
Oscar Wilde once observed that "One would have to have a heart of stone to read the death of Little Nell without laughing." The Old Curiosity Shop is now one of Dickens' less esteemed novels.
That's good enough for me - it goes into the 'return to Powells' box. I feel like I have been reborn. Aside from 'Great Expectations' in high-school, I haven't read very much Dickens. Am I missing anything essential, anyone?
Meanwhile, we had a fun evening last night at Tony Starlight's Supper Club and Lounge. It's an intentionally light-hearted throwback to the lounge scene/acts of the 50s and 60s. To me, the high point was 'Tony' singing, with great feeling, an hilariously-nonPC parody called 'The Girl with Emphysema (goes coughing)". Before the show started, there was piano music by an 81 year-old dapper guy - I could easily see myself in that role (except for the dapper part).
Hey - a blog entry sans politics or grisly foot photos - a first!
Saturday, March 15, 2008
Friday, March 14, 2008
hey, Tom, case not closed yet
If you scroll down a bit, you will see a comment thread between me and my former Enron comrade, Duffbert, where we toss around my feeling that Spitzer's exposure (eeeeew!) was triggered by a politically-motivated "destroy that guy" directive from On High.
Naturally, I took the side that the smell of the Bush DoJ pervades this affair. Tom argued that evidence of criminal actions was uncovered and that's that.
Scott Horton, the reporter who first wrote about his suspicions that politics was at the bottom of the investigation, has refined his arguments, which are worth reading here. Yes, it's the 'New Republic', and, therefore, a partisan forum. Still, I think there is much here that merits thought, specifically:
"The IRS, according to the official line, noting that the matter related to a public official, turned it over to the Public Integrity Section (PIN) at the Department of Justice. In theory, PIN exists to avoid an appearance that prosecutions are politically motivated by insuring the application of uniform national standards. Practice at PIN has, however, been difficult to reconcile with theory. PIN has emerged as one of the most highly politicized branches of a highly politicized Justice Department. According to a study done by two university professors, under President Bush PIN has initiated 5.6 cases involving Democrats for every one case involving a Republican. This statistical data strongly suggest that PIN has a habit of aggressively pushing cases on the basis of partisan political criteria."
Read the whole thing. We don't think we are being completely paranoid here.
UPDATE: Ace reporter Greg Palast has more.
Naturally, I took the side that the smell of the Bush DoJ pervades this affair. Tom argued that evidence of criminal actions was uncovered and that's that.
Scott Horton, the reporter who first wrote about his suspicions that politics was at the bottom of the investigation, has refined his arguments, which are worth reading here. Yes, it's the 'New Republic', and, therefore, a partisan forum. Still, I think there is much here that merits thought, specifically:
"The IRS, according to the official line, noting that the matter related to a public official, turned it over to the Public Integrity Section (PIN) at the Department of Justice. In theory, PIN exists to avoid an appearance that prosecutions are politically motivated by insuring the application of uniform national standards. Practice at PIN has, however, been difficult to reconcile with theory. PIN has emerged as one of the most highly politicized branches of a highly politicized Justice Department. According to a study done by two university professors, under President Bush PIN has initiated 5.6 cases involving Democrats for every one case involving a Republican. This statistical data strongly suggest that PIN has a habit of aggressively pushing cases on the basis of partisan political criteria."
Read the whole thing. We don't think we are being completely paranoid here.
UPDATE: Ace reporter Greg Palast has more.
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
my Left Foot - 3 weeks down!
Vast stretches of the day go by without my thinking about my darn foot. I wear the Boot all day long (even sitting here at the computer, see?):
I clomp around the house, going about my business. It does feel good to take it off every 4 hours or so, and put my foot up for a while, but, really, I find myself concentrating on other matters most of the time.
My wonderful friend, Barbara S, has a Subaru identical to mine, except that hers is an automatic transmission. On Monday, she came over and we have traded cars, for the next couple of weeks. Last night, I actually drove my boys out to a restaurant (Karen is still in LA). It was the first time I drove since Wisconsin, in mid-February.
Today, I have a list of shopping, banking, and post-office chores to do, and am meeting another friend for a late lunch. Tomorrow, I begin a 10-day stretch of frequent and numerous musical/social events/activities. This is living!
Next doctor appointment - one week from today. I can get thru this.
I clomp around the house, going about my business. It does feel good to take it off every 4 hours or so, and put my foot up for a while, but, really, I find myself concentrating on other matters most of the time.
My wonderful friend, Barbara S, has a Subaru identical to mine, except that hers is an automatic transmission. On Monday, she came over and we have traded cars, for the next couple of weeks. Last night, I actually drove my boys out to a restaurant (Karen is still in LA). It was the first time I drove since Wisconsin, in mid-February.
Today, I have a list of shopping, banking, and post-office chores to do, and am meeting another friend for a late lunch. Tomorrow, I begin a 10-day stretch of frequent and numerous musical/social events/activities. This is living!
Next doctor appointment - one week from today. I can get thru this.
i'm rambling again
In Albany, the NY State Republicans are yelling 'Impeachment', and, to avoid a protracted, nasty trial, Spitzer resigns. I guess those devoted public servants felt that, having a majority, they have the right to insist on the removal of their chief executive, for what they judge to be unforgivable crimes.
OK.
what about this?
or this?
how about this?
there's always this?
Yeah, I know - none of these issues are nearly as serious as hiding money spent on high-priced hookers. What was I thinking?
So, the question becomes 'why is this, Democrats'?
The only possible answer, that comes to my paranoid mind (tempered by observing how the Rove White House operates), is that the Congressional Democrats know that Rove has a file listing at least one evil/shameful act that each of them has committed, and, if they dare to attack Bush or any of his buddies (as Spitzer did), they will be destroyed.
The message is 'see, we can bring anyone down that we choose and shame them for life, so just Shut up and live'. Far-fetched? I think not. It's the way they operate - harness every facet of government to destroy anyone who obstructs their efforts to drain the US treasury.
Impossible, you say? How about the US attorney purge? Old news, right? How about this minor example, from today's Washington Post? Got it? Anyone who doesn't play along is destroyed.
"Land of the Free; Home of the Brave." Always wear your flag pin!
OK.
what about this?
or this?
how about this?
there's always this?
Yeah, I know - none of these issues are nearly as serious as hiding money spent on high-priced hookers. What was I thinking?
So, the question becomes 'why is this, Democrats'?
The only possible answer, that comes to my paranoid mind (tempered by observing how the Rove White House operates), is that the Congressional Democrats know that Rove has a file listing at least one evil/shameful act that each of them has committed, and, if they dare to attack Bush or any of his buddies (as Spitzer did), they will be destroyed.
The message is 'see, we can bring anyone down that we choose and shame them for life, so just Shut up and live'. Far-fetched? I think not. It's the way they operate - harness every facet of government to destroy anyone who obstructs their efforts to drain the US treasury.
Impossible, you say? How about the US attorney purge? Old news, right? How about this minor example, from today's Washington Post? Got it? Anyone who doesn't play along is destroyed.
"Land of the Free; Home of the Brave." Always wear your flag pin!
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
spitzer
Can there be any doubt that Spitzer was targeted by a politically-motivated Justice Dept, and that his principal crime, for which he must exit from the public stage, is stupidity?
Why don't Democrats realize that they need to be absolutely squeaky-clean, and that ANY human failing or suspicious action will be seized upon and publicized, by the ruthless BushCo/Media Complex?
Does it all boil down to the fact that anyone with the personality that makes them want to be a Honcho is, by definition, an ego-driven, careless, arrogant Servant of Testosterone?
Evolution has given us our Leader class - 'twas ever thus. They will always be flawed, and the rest of us will always just shake our heads and think back on the people who ran for Student Council in high school. Where are they now? Many are probably CEOs, laughing at us.
Spitzer is tragic, but he should have known the rules and he should have kept his pants zipped. It's another sordid victory for Rovism.
Barack? Are you listening? Keep 'em zipped! They are watching your every move.
Why don't Democrats realize that they need to be absolutely squeaky-clean, and that ANY human failing or suspicious action will be seized upon and publicized, by the ruthless BushCo/Media Complex?
Does it all boil down to the fact that anyone with the personality that makes them want to be a Honcho is, by definition, an ego-driven, careless, arrogant Servant of Testosterone?
Evolution has given us our Leader class - 'twas ever thus. They will always be flawed, and the rest of us will always just shake our heads and think back on the people who ran for Student Council in high school. Where are they now? Many are probably CEOs, laughing at us.
Spitzer is tragic, but he should have known the rules and he should have kept his pants zipped. It's another sordid victory for Rovism.
Barack? Are you listening? Keep 'em zipped! They are watching your every move.
Sunday, March 09, 2008
joke of the week
From Bill Maher:
Q: How do we know for sure that Bush was NOT behind 9-11?
A: It worked.
Q: How do we know for sure that Bush was NOT behind 9-11?
A: It worked.
Friday, March 07, 2008
my left foot - Just (Over)Do It!
Yesterday, I wore The Boot all day, clomping up and down stairs many times, as I tried to have a 'normal' work day, working in my basement computer room. Then, last night, I attended a political meeting with my Progressive Voter Network buddies.
By the time I got home last night, my foot was obviously swollen and really uncomfortable. Today, I did some work again downstairs, but, this afternoon, I am lying on the couch, with foot elevated and laptop here on my lap.
Clearly my ambitions for yesterday were a little beyond what I was ready for. When will They ever learn?
Karen heads to LA in a few hours, for 5 days visiting with her mother, so it will be pretty darn quiet around here.
By the time I got home last night, my foot was obviously swollen and really uncomfortable. Today, I did some work again downstairs, but, this afternoon, I am lying on the couch, with foot elevated and laptop here on my lap.
Clearly my ambitions for yesterday were a little beyond what I was ready for. When will They ever learn?
Karen heads to LA in a few hours, for 5 days visiting with her mother, so it will be pretty darn quiet around here.
Wednesday, March 05, 2008
my Left Foot - 2 weeks! (UPDATED - 6 pm)
Yes, two weeks ago at this time, I was just coming out of the anesthesia. Today, I had my 2nd post-op doctor visit and got the stitches out (I couldn't watch).
I am cleared to begin putting weight on my foot, as long as I am wearing The Boot. I am reluctant to take this step (literally), but I know that it's important to try. The doc seems to feel that everything is proceeding as it should.
Also, I am now to begin the once-a-day regimen of unwrapping the dressing and cleaning the pin/skin interface with isopropyl alcohol. Next appointment in 2 weeks.
Now for the latest photos:
Want a closer look? Still pretty swollen!
Dr. Gentile is pleased that he got the stitches out, without me fainting!
Let's take a nostalgic look at the 'before' photo, just to reinforce the sense that this is all worthwhile:
Update: Late this afternoon, I put The Boot on and I'M WALKING!! It's not elegant and not painless, but I am hobbling around the kitchen, sans crutches. Now, the trick is not to over-do it. Stay tuned...
I am cleared to begin putting weight on my foot, as long as I am wearing The Boot. I am reluctant to take this step (literally), but I know that it's important to try. The doc seems to feel that everything is proceeding as it should.
Also, I am now to begin the once-a-day regimen of unwrapping the dressing and cleaning the pin/skin interface with isopropyl alcohol. Next appointment in 2 weeks.
Now for the latest photos:
Want a closer look? Still pretty swollen!
Dr. Gentile is pleased that he got the stitches out, without me fainting!
Let's take a nostalgic look at the 'before' photo, just to reinforce the sense that this is all worthwhile:
Update: Late this afternoon, I put The Boot on and I'M WALKING!! It's not elegant and not painless, but I am hobbling around the kitchen, sans crutches. Now, the trick is not to over-do it. Stay tuned...
Tuesday, March 04, 2008
no pain meds since Saturday!
Not only have I stopped taking the meds, but I actually got out of the house twice yesterday - to my normal piano-playing volunteer work at the Jewish Home (i.e. Rose Schnitzer Manor), and downtown to a lecture in the 'Brain Awareness' series.
Of course, driving is still out of the question - that will be a welcome return. I get the stitches out tomorrow, which will be an opportunity to take another photo to see what's changed. I feel a major reduction in swelling has happened over the past 3-4 days, and, although my foot is kept elevated most of the time, I no longer feel that blood-rushing discomfort when I get upright.
Meanwhile, I am thinking about the good voters in today's primary states. Can't wait for the evening news, to hear about turnout levels, demographics, and results. I don't care who ultimately gets the Democratic nomination, but am really encouraged to hear about participation levels - to me, that's the big news.
Of course, driving is still out of the question - that will be a welcome return. I get the stitches out tomorrow, which will be an opportunity to take another photo to see what's changed. I feel a major reduction in swelling has happened over the past 3-4 days, and, although my foot is kept elevated most of the time, I no longer feel that blood-rushing discomfort when I get upright.
Meanwhile, I am thinking about the good voters in today's primary states. Can't wait for the evening news, to hear about turnout levels, demographics, and results. I don't care who ultimately gets the Democratic nomination, but am really encouraged to hear about participation levels - to me, that's the big news.
Saturday, March 01, 2008
my left foot - a week and a half
Some milestones today.
Using the shower-chair that my friends Chris and Scott loaned me (along with the indispensable crutches), I wrapped my foot in a secured plastic bag and gave myself a real, hot shower for the first time in 10 days. It felt great.
Then, I got myself upstairs to the bedroom for the first time, and changed my clothes. I bumped back downstairs and got the living room changed back into a living room - stripped the bedding on the fold-out couch, cleaned up the accumulated stuff of living in this room for 10 days, and collapsed the fold-out couch back into a couch.
I am ready to move back upstairs for sleeping tonight, and this is a welcome move.
My mood is good - progress is now obvious in the externals of daily life. I offered to cook dinner tomorrow night for a family meal, while Karen is at her afternoon dance class. For the first time, I can envision an end to this recovery, although, realistically, full normality is several weeks away.
Still having the expected discomfort from time to time, and I had to go to bed for 2 hours after being out and about for 2 hours this morning. Every day is easier.
Using the shower-chair that my friends Chris and Scott loaned me (along with the indispensable crutches), I wrapped my foot in a secured plastic bag and gave myself a real, hot shower for the first time in 10 days. It felt great.
Then, I got myself upstairs to the bedroom for the first time, and changed my clothes. I bumped back downstairs and got the living room changed back into a living room - stripped the bedding on the fold-out couch, cleaned up the accumulated stuff of living in this room for 10 days, and collapsed the fold-out couch back into a couch.
I am ready to move back upstairs for sleeping tonight, and this is a welcome move.
My mood is good - progress is now obvious in the externals of daily life. I offered to cook dinner tomorrow night for a family meal, while Karen is at her afternoon dance class. For the first time, I can envision an end to this recovery, although, realistically, full normality is several weeks away.
Still having the expected discomfort from time to time, and I had to go to bed for 2 hours after being out and about for 2 hours this morning. Every day is easier.
Thursday, February 28, 2008
my left foot - day 8
Thursday morning - into week #2. I am settled into a routine now, each day able to do more and more around the house. I am still instructed to put NO weight on the foot, and to keep it elevated (that part is easy, since it starts throbbing 30 seconds after it's lowered).
Yesterday, I not only hobbled downstairs to my computer room to send a fax, but also had Ben drive me around the neighborhood on a couple of chores. Still, when I got back home after a 1 hour outing, I was wiped out and went to bed.
Here's how the dressing looks now, after Tuesday's doctor visit:
It gets changed again next Wednesday, when the stitches come out.
I am still continually aware of discomfort, but the level of pain is greatly reduced, and my Vicodin consumption is down to one-A-day (generally in the late afternoon).
I think that, today, I will start working on the taxes - I placed a pile of papers within reach two weeks ago, but have not had the will to dig in until now. I guess that's a sign of growing boredom with reading, web surfing, and applying ice.
Current events time! I read this on the web this morning. So, according to the specific language of the Constitution, John McCain cannot be President. Of course, it would be preposterous to disqualify him on this basis, but I'm sure that the same folks who argue that we should never adjust our interpretation of the Constitution based on modern realities ("there is no Right to Privacy in the Constitution" -- Scalia) would argue that "the Constitution's words are very clear on this point, so McCain is out." Hypocrites.
Yesterday, I not only hobbled downstairs to my computer room to send a fax, but also had Ben drive me around the neighborhood on a couple of chores. Still, when I got back home after a 1 hour outing, I was wiped out and went to bed.
Here's how the dressing looks now, after Tuesday's doctor visit:
It gets changed again next Wednesday, when the stitches come out.I am still continually aware of discomfort, but the level of pain is greatly reduced, and my Vicodin consumption is down to one-A-day (generally in the late afternoon).
I think that, today, I will start working on the taxes - I placed a pile of papers within reach two weeks ago, but have not had the will to dig in until now. I guess that's a sign of growing boredom with reading, web surfing, and applying ice.
Current events time! I read this on the web this morning. So, according to the specific language of the Constitution, John McCain cannot be President. Of course, it would be preposterous to disqualify him on this basis, but I'm sure that the same folks who argue that we should never adjust our interpretation of the Constitution based on modern realities ("there is no Right to Privacy in the Constitution" -- Scalia) would argue that "the Constitution's words are very clear on this point, so McCain is out." Hypocrites.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
my left foot - the big unveiling!
Just got home from my first post-op exam, and I am wiped out.
That being said, my doctor was pleased with how things are progressing, and answered all my questions about what to expect for the next week. It was actually somewhat simple: more of the same.
I asked why I was given a general anesthesia, instead of the local that was planned. As I understand it, once the operation was underway and I was very lightly sedated, I was in obvious discomfort as they were manipulating things and they decided to put me all the way out. Of course, I have no recollection whatsoever of any of this.
The actual procedure I had was a 'Lapidus bunionectomy with an Akin osteotomy of the large toe'. I have no idea what that means.
At any rate, they removed the dressing, took x-rays, cleaned up and checked everything out, cleaned the external fixation apparatus with alcohol, applied a new dressing, and then made modifications to my boot, to accommodate the large bulge of the external torture device.
Naturally, during this entire process, I was taking pictures, and here you go:
Unwrapping the dressing:
My first glimpse of the external fixation (i.e. torture) device:
Feel free to bypass this one:
Dr. Gentile (a heck of a nice guy) seems pleased with his handiwork (or is that 'footwork'):
Here I am, with crutches and 'the boot'. Time to hop back into bed:
That being said, my doctor was pleased with how things are progressing, and answered all my questions about what to expect for the next week. It was actually somewhat simple: more of the same.
I asked why I was given a general anesthesia, instead of the local that was planned. As I understand it, once the operation was underway and I was very lightly sedated, I was in obvious discomfort as they were manipulating things and they decided to put me all the way out. Of course, I have no recollection whatsoever of any of this.
The actual procedure I had was a 'Lapidus bunionectomy with an Akin osteotomy of the large toe'. I have no idea what that means.
At any rate, they removed the dressing, took x-rays, cleaned up and checked everything out, cleaned the external fixation apparatus with alcohol, applied a new dressing, and then made modifications to my boot, to accommodate the large bulge of the external torture device.
Naturally, during this entire process, I was taking pictures, and here you go:
Unwrapping the dressing:
My first glimpse of the external fixation (i.e. torture) device:
Feel free to bypass this one:
Dr. Gentile (a heck of a nice guy) seems pleased with his handiwork (or is that 'footwork'):
Here I am, with crutches and 'the boot'. Time to hop back into bed:
Monday, February 25, 2008
my left foot - day 5
Ah, Dr. Vicodin worked wonders last night - slept great and woke up physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight.
Now for the exciting news. Last night, I was complaining about the restrictiveness of the dressing, and Karen removed the outer layer, a compression stocking, revealing the very tips of my toes for the very first time. It felt wonderful, just having the skin come in contact with the cool air.
In this morning's light, I got a closer look and, behold, the big toe is clearly NO LONGER behind the 2nd toe:
How encouraging.
Now, just to tamp down your mounting joy, let me remind you that the Fascist Dictatorship is still in effect. Let's stay on task, people.
Now for the exciting news. Last night, I was complaining about the restrictiveness of the dressing, and Karen removed the outer layer, a compression stocking, revealing the very tips of my toes for the very first time. It felt wonderful, just having the skin come in contact with the cool air.
In this morning's light, I got a closer look and, behold, the big toe is clearly NO LONGER behind the 2nd toe:
How encouraging.Now, just to tamp down your mounting joy, let me remind you that the Fascist Dictatorship is still in effect. Let's stay on task, people.
Sunday, February 24, 2008
the day without pain meds
Well, I had the best intentions, and lasted most of the day, but now, at 5 pm, it's down the hatch for Dr. Vicodin.
my left foot - day 4
Sunday morning.
Today, I actually washed my hair and body, and changed my clothes, all by myself -- a genuine mood-elevator. To celebrate, I wheeled myself over to the piano and played for about a half-hour, until the lowered foot began to throb. Back to bed and ice.
Looking forward to my first post-op doctor appointment, Tuesday morning, when the temporary splint and dressing will be changed. Will I have the courage to look at the naked truth? Stay tuned.
Now, about Ralph Nader. Being the charitable individual that I am, I can only interpret this move as his ploy to inject a discussion of corporatism and corruption into the presidential conversation, rather than a bold-faced ego-driven insistence of relevance (which we've come to expect from Bush, and are quite able to get beyond).
I am trying to get thru today with no meds - haven't taken any since last night before bed. So far, so good - no bad pain, and no withdrawal issues.
Stop by if you're in the neighborhood.
Today, I actually washed my hair and body, and changed my clothes, all by myself -- a genuine mood-elevator. To celebrate, I wheeled myself over to the piano and played for about a half-hour, until the lowered foot began to throb. Back to bed and ice.
Looking forward to my first post-op doctor appointment, Tuesday morning, when the temporary splint and dressing will be changed. Will I have the courage to look at the naked truth? Stay tuned.
Now, about Ralph Nader. Being the charitable individual that I am, I can only interpret this move as his ploy to inject a discussion of corporatism and corruption into the presidential conversation, rather than a bold-faced ego-driven insistence of relevance (which we've come to expect from Bush, and are quite able to get beyond).
I am trying to get thru today with no meds - haven't taken any since last night before bed. So far, so good - no bad pain, and no withdrawal issues.
Stop by if you're in the neighborhood.
Saturday, February 23, 2008
my left foot - start of day 3
Progress is happening fast.
Last night, I slept for one uninterrupted 5 hour stretch. During part of the night, I could sleep on my side, instead of back only.
Last night, I was actually hungry for the first time, and used the crutches for the first time to navigate both to the bathroom and the kitchen, where I assembled my own bowl of cereal and milk, and got it over to the TV room couch - my first destination Beyond Bed and Bath.
I suppose the hours of icing have paid off, since the obvious swollen feeling is much reduced.
Finally, the constipation that everyone said would be a byproduct of the painkillers has, ahem, been surmounted. Took almost 3 days.
Today, more practice with crutches - maybe even a brief appearance outside (the sunrise now flooding the living room suggests a BEAUTIFUL day ahead), and general testing of my limits, which I will no doubt reach and exceed.
I can safely say that my low point was Thursday night, when the pain and nausea were peaking.
And, the final sweetness, it appears that Hillary is beginning to accept that she's not going to win First Prize and is rebuilding the bridges that Bill and her misguided campaign staff had torched. It's sort of sad - the Womens Movement has been waiting a long time for this campaign, but other events have overtaken her historical ascent.
Last night, I slept for one uninterrupted 5 hour stretch. During part of the night, I could sleep on my side, instead of back only.
Last night, I was actually hungry for the first time, and used the crutches for the first time to navigate both to the bathroom and the kitchen, where I assembled my own bowl of cereal and milk, and got it over to the TV room couch - my first destination Beyond Bed and Bath.
I suppose the hours of icing have paid off, since the obvious swollen feeling is much reduced.
Finally, the constipation that everyone said would be a byproduct of the painkillers has, ahem, been surmounted. Took almost 3 days.
Today, more practice with crutches - maybe even a brief appearance outside (the sunrise now flooding the living room suggests a BEAUTIFUL day ahead), and general testing of my limits, which I will no doubt reach and exceed.
I can safely say that my low point was Thursday night, when the pain and nausea were peaking.
And, the final sweetness, it appears that Hillary is beginning to accept that she's not going to win First Prize and is rebuilding the bridges that Bill and her misguided campaign staff had torched. It's sort of sad - the Womens Movement has been waiting a long time for this campaign, but other events have overtaken her historical ascent.
Friday, February 22, 2008
my left foot - day 2
Friday 6:30 am.
Spent a pretty comfortable night. I think I have a pain-killer routine that is working well.
This morning, I managed to get to the bathroom, brush teeth, change my clothes for the first time since Wednesday, begin the ice-under-the-knee routine, drink a chilled can of Slim-fast ('cappuccino delight'), find my digital camera, take a photo of my bandaged foot, and transfer it to my laptop, all without assistance.
Hope to get some reading done today, with a little less mental fog than yesterday.
Here's how it looks - no doubt what is under the bandages is too gruesome to look at. This dressing gets changed next Tuesday.
Spent a pretty comfortable night. I think I have a pain-killer routine that is working well.
This morning, I managed to get to the bathroom, brush teeth, change my clothes for the first time since Wednesday, begin the ice-under-the-knee routine, drink a chilled can of Slim-fast ('cappuccino delight'), find my digital camera, take a photo of my bandaged foot, and transfer it to my laptop, all without assistance.
Hope to get some reading done today, with a little less mental fog than yesterday.
Here's how it looks - no doubt what is under the bandages is too gruesome to look at. This dressing gets changed next Tuesday.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
falling into the rhythm
As predicted, I didn't move from bed all day, except for periodic trips to the bathroom. Haven't felt like eating, although Karen came home at noon and made me a great sandwich: veggie burger on a bagel, with mustard, onions, and salsa. I'm still full from that.
I've been taking my narcotics regularly, and am getting a sense of how much and how often does the job. My foot feels quite swollen, but I am icing it for 20 minutes out of EVERY hour, and keeping it elevated.
Haven't done much reading today -- spent most of the last 2 hours largely snoozing and listening to the radio, so I should be awake for a while now.
It does ache, but it's not horrible, except when it's time to pop another pill, which, now that I think about it, will be here again shortly.
The oddest thing is how much my world has shrunk into this room, after spending those days in Wisconsin, walking along frozen suburban streets, in a galaxy far, far away.
I've been taking my narcotics regularly, and am getting a sense of how much and how often does the job. My foot feels quite swollen, but I am icing it for 20 minutes out of EVERY hour, and keeping it elevated.
Haven't done much reading today -- spent most of the last 2 hours largely snoozing and listening to the radio, so I should be awake for a while now.
It does ache, but it's not horrible, except when it's time to pop another pill, which, now that I think about it, will be here again shortly.
The oddest thing is how much my world has shrunk into this room, after spending those days in Wisconsin, walking along frozen suburban streets, in a galaxy far, far away.
my left foot - the first 12 hours
It's 3:30 am Thursday. I am wide awake, having had a couple of solid sleep periods since 11 pm.
At one point last night, I was feeling quite miserable, and Karen helped me understand that this means that narcotics are necessary. An hour later, my color and attitude were restored, and I actually was hungry enough to eat some scrambled eggs and toast - the first substantial food since Wednesday night.
A half-hour ago, I successfully got myself into the bathroom to pee, and back to bed. I am treating this as a major accomplishment, although it was the third time I've done it. Somehow it seems more amazing, knowing that everyone else in the house is sleeping.
My foot is constantly painful - I am aware of the ache at every moment. However, my bed is surrounded by many books, remotes, snacks, electronic devices, and my trusty water bottle and drugs. I can visualize the next 24 hours pretty easily.
Time for a sip of water and, perhaps, lights out again.
Last night, before turning in herself, Karen said she wasn't sure I'd really go thru with the surgery, when I was trying to make the final decision, last week. Nobody could be more surprised than me.
At one point last night, I was feeling quite miserable, and Karen helped me understand that this means that narcotics are necessary. An hour later, my color and attitude were restored, and I actually was hungry enough to eat some scrambled eggs and toast - the first substantial food since Wednesday night.
A half-hour ago, I successfully got myself into the bathroom to pee, and back to bed. I am treating this as a major accomplishment, although it was the third time I've done it. Somehow it seems more amazing, knowing that everyone else in the house is sleeping.
My foot is constantly painful - I am aware of the ache at every moment. However, my bed is surrounded by many books, remotes, snacks, electronic devices, and my trusty water bottle and drugs. I can visualize the next 24 hours pretty easily.
Time for a sip of water and, perhaps, lights out again.
Last night, before turning in herself, Karen said she wasn't sure I'd really go thru with the surgery, when I was trying to make the final decision, last week. Nobody could be more surprised than me.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
post-op time
The last thing I remember is being wheeled into the OR, looking up at the ceiling, just like in the movies.
Then, I was waking up, with my foot wrapped up. Elapsed time, over three hours.
Karen walked in and helped with the discharge steps - instructions, paperwork, getting dressed, and into the car. She had spoken briefly with the surgeon, asking him if, in his opinion, this was really necessary. "Sure," he said, "his foot was really deformed".
Finally, we got home, into the house, and, thankfully, I dropped onto the bed.
I managed to arrange pillows so that I was reasonably comfortable (the drugs from the surgery were still in effect), and settled in for at least 24 hours of uninterrupted inaction. Within the first 10 minutes, the following happened:
1) I turned on the little TV, which had been all set up, only to discover that someone had removed the plug-in antenna. No reception. Dylan had to be called, to ask where he had relocated the antenna. The question 'why' was not asked.
2) Karen went back outside to finish unloading her car, and (ready?) actually locked herself out of the house. I had to hobble over to the door, to let her in.
It's kinda funny, when you think about it.
It's 8 pm now, and I am on my first oxycodone. It's beginning to hurt.
The cats have come by to visit me - in fact, Sasha is here in bed with me. I ate a couple of dried apricots - first food in 24 hours.
I am feeling pain. Just 8 weeks to go.
I'd like to take a photo of my bandaged foot, but Ben has apparently taken my camera, which, the other day, I had placed within easy reach of the bed.
I see a pattern developing.
Then, I was waking up, with my foot wrapped up. Elapsed time, over three hours.
Karen walked in and helped with the discharge steps - instructions, paperwork, getting dressed, and into the car. She had spoken briefly with the surgeon, asking him if, in his opinion, this was really necessary. "Sure," he said, "his foot was really deformed".
Finally, we got home, into the house, and, thankfully, I dropped onto the bed.
I managed to arrange pillows so that I was reasonably comfortable (the drugs from the surgery were still in effect), and settled in for at least 24 hours of uninterrupted inaction. Within the first 10 minutes, the following happened:
1) I turned on the little TV, which had been all set up, only to discover that someone had removed the plug-in antenna. No reception. Dylan had to be called, to ask where he had relocated the antenna. The question 'why' was not asked.
2) Karen went back outside to finish unloading her car, and (ready?) actually locked herself out of the house. I had to hobble over to the door, to let her in.
It's kinda funny, when you think about it.
It's 8 pm now, and I am on my first oxycodone. It's beginning to hurt.
The cats have come by to visit me - in fact, Sasha is here in bed with me. I ate a couple of dried apricots - first food in 24 hours.
I am feeling pain. Just 8 weeks to go.
I'd like to take a photo of my bandaged foot, but Ben has apparently taken my camera, which, the other day, I had placed within easy reach of the bed.
I see a pattern developing.
happy B-Day to me
No, not birthday, it's BUNION Day! I leave for the surgery center in less than an hour.
Have been busy preparing my recovery station in the living room - undoubtedly I will forget something critical and end up hopping around gracelessly to find some essential accessory.
Will post photos eventually, but I suspect they will not be for the squeamish!
Have been busy preparing my recovery station in the living room - undoubtedly I will forget something critical and end up hopping around gracelessly to find some essential accessory.
Will post photos eventually, but I suspect they will not be for the squeamish!
Monday, February 18, 2008
actually heard over the dinner table
So, my brother and I got into a rather heated 'discussion' about Inheritance Taxes (believe it or not), and things degenerated to the point where this phrase was actually directed to me:
"Maybe you should move to Russia."
So, it's come to that.
"Maybe you should move to Russia."
So, it's come to that.
happy birthday to Mom
94 today. Everyone at her facility is stopping by to congratulate her - she is beaming with the attention. At lunch, we had a large sheet-cake prepared and served everyone a piece.
It was pretty good cake, too - thanks, Costco!
It was a raging blizzard this morning, with several inches of new snow on the ground, covering up all the ice from yesterday. Travel tomorrow ought to be OK - glad I'm not flying today.
Expected to be damn cold here tonight and tomorrow. What an odd place to live (unless you like cheese).
It was pretty good cake, too - thanks, Costco!
It was a raging blizzard this morning, with several inches of new snow on the ground, covering up all the ice from yesterday. Travel tomorrow ought to be OK - glad I'm not flying today.
Expected to be damn cold here tonight and tomorrow. What an odd place to live (unless you like cheese).
Sunday, February 17, 2008
say it ain't so, Hillary
So, the Clinton campaign is apparently lobbying for the awarding of delegates from the Michigan and Florida voting, despite the clear statement from the Party that no delegates would be seated from those states.
This is wrong on so many levels. The whole point of purging our nation of the incalculable damage of the Bush regime, was to restore an atmosphere where laws and rules are no longer bent or discarded for political expediency.
If the 300 delegates from those two states are awarded to Clinton, and she goes on to win the nomination largely due to this margin, her candidacy is forever tainted, and the stain will haunt her history as the stain of the 2000 coup must surely haunt the Bush family (I intentionally didn't mention W by name, since he's incapable of being haunted by anything he's ever done that was unlawful, sleazy, or incompetent).
This truly stinks. It is a bad move, that may produce a short-term victory, at an ultimately great cost.
This is wrong on so many levels. The whole point of purging our nation of the incalculable damage of the Bush regime, was to restore an atmosphere where laws and rules are no longer bent or discarded for political expediency.
If the 300 delegates from those two states are awarded to Clinton, and she goes on to win the nomination largely due to this margin, her candidacy is forever tainted, and the stain will haunt her history as the stain of the 2000 coup must surely haunt the Bush family (I intentionally didn't mention W by name, since he's incapable of being haunted by anything he's ever done that was unlawful, sleazy, or incompetent).
This truly stinks. It is a bad move, that may produce a short-term victory, at an ultimately great cost.
a death in the family
Yesterday, as I was sitting in my mother's overheated room, looking out over impossible piles of snow, a call came thru from Karen, in Portland.
She had just heard that my Uncle, who lived in Hawaii for many years, had died. This was mom's first cousin, with whom she had a lifelong relationship. He was a truly remarkable fellow, and here's his obit from the Honolulu Advertiser.
I corresponded with him irregularly over the years, and visited with him whenever we went to Hawaii. We knew he was declining and sinking fast, but it still came as a shock. These things always do.
She had just heard that my Uncle, who lived in Hawaii for many years, had died. This was mom's first cousin, with whom she had a lifelong relationship. He was a truly remarkable fellow, and here's his obit from the Honolulu Advertiser.
I corresponded with him irregularly over the years, and visited with him whenever we went to Hawaii. We knew he was declining and sinking fast, but it still came as a shock. These things always do.
Friday, February 15, 2008
oh, brother, where art thou?
In my brother's house. He picked me up at the airport (air temp: 10 degrees), and we chatted about this and that (mostly our medical problems) on the drive up to Mequon.
We sat around the kitchen table, chatting with Ellen, and a political ad for Obama came on (remember, the Wisconsin primary is next Tuesday). I mentioned that I had just changed my party affiliation from Green to Democrat, so that I could vote in the Oregon primary, and that I would certainly vote for Obama.
Ellen casually mentioned that she's a Democrat, but that Allen (with whom I share a considerable number of genes), is a Republican.
I am shocked, but, in retrospect, statements he's made over the past couple of years gave me pause. I fear my brother is among the brain-washed, and here's the capper:
He said to me: "Don't you know that Obama is a secret Muslim, and that the Muslims are behind his candidacy so they can take over?"
WTF?
Can it be that my dense brother has been drinking the kool-aid of Internet smears? It is apparently so.
Restraining my rage and disgust, I firmly let loose with a rant, asking if he's been watching Fox News. He then asked me, would I ever consider voting for Hillary and I said, of course, if she is the Democratic nominee. He was incredulous, and listed several unflattering adjectives that are commonly used to disparage the Clintons, most of which perfectly suit the Bush crime family.
I gave my stock answer, that the future of the Supreme Court demands that a Democrat take the White House in 2008, and nothing else matters.
I retired up to my room, and, with Google assisting, immediately found two websites that convincingly debunk the Obama/Muslim smear. I emailed them to Allen, but I sense that it may be judicious to avoid politics for the next couple of days.
Big snow-storm expected Saturday night and Sunday, but things should be tidied up by the time I need to head back to Portland Tuesday afternoon. For the moment, though, I feel storm warnings here in my brother's house.
We sat around the kitchen table, chatting with Ellen, and a political ad for Obama came on (remember, the Wisconsin primary is next Tuesday). I mentioned that I had just changed my party affiliation from Green to Democrat, so that I could vote in the Oregon primary, and that I would certainly vote for Obama.
Ellen casually mentioned that she's a Democrat, but that Allen (with whom I share a considerable number of genes), is a Republican.
I am shocked, but, in retrospect, statements he's made over the past couple of years gave me pause. I fear my brother is among the brain-washed, and here's the capper:
He said to me: "Don't you know that Obama is a secret Muslim, and that the Muslims are behind his candidacy so they can take over?"
WTF?
Can it be that my dense brother has been drinking the kool-aid of Internet smears? It is apparently so.
Restraining my rage and disgust, I firmly let loose with a rant, asking if he's been watching Fox News. He then asked me, would I ever consider voting for Hillary and I said, of course, if she is the Democratic nominee. He was incredulous, and listed several unflattering adjectives that are commonly used to disparage the Clintons, most of which perfectly suit the Bush crime family.
I gave my stock answer, that the future of the Supreme Court demands that a Democrat take the White House in 2008, and nothing else matters.
I retired up to my room, and, with Google assisting, immediately found two websites that convincingly debunk the Obama/Muslim smear. I emailed them to Allen, but I sense that it may be judicious to avoid politics for the next couple of days.
Big snow-storm expected Saturday night and Sunday, but things should be tidied up by the time I need to head back to Portland Tuesday afternoon. For the moment, though, I feel storm warnings here in my brother's house.
on the ground in Minneapolis
...waiting for my flight to Milwaukee.
In Portland, wifi is free, which is great, as I was able to check my mail and respond to two current clients and one potential client, while sipping my pre-flight coffee.
Here in Minneapolis, it's costing me $5 for one hour of access. I needed to get online to respond to some last-minute matters, but not only do I not have a full hour before my next flight boards, but I was able to finish my business in about 15 minutes.
At least it's tax-deductible!
Therefore, so as not to waste my money, I am posting this here, to waste *your* time. Life just isn't fair.
In Portland, wifi is free, which is great, as I was able to check my mail and respond to two current clients and one potential client, while sipping my pre-flight coffee.
Here in Minneapolis, it's costing me $5 for one hour of access. I needed to get online to respond to some last-minute matters, but not only do I not have a full hour before my next flight boards, but I was able to finish my business in about 15 minutes.
At least it's tax-deductible!
Therefore, so as not to waste my money, I am posting this here, to waste *your* time. Life just isn't fair.
the wedding
I mentioned yesterday that, last night, I was to play piano for a wedding at the Jewish home, where I accompany the chorus. It was a wonderful evening, with the Bride's and Groom's extended families (i.e. children and grandchildren) all taking part.
The chorus sang several numbers before and during the ceremony (including "Making Whoopee"), and I played a bunch of old songs afterwards, while many folks danced. Three local TV stations sent cameramen to film it - we watched two of the reports on the 10:00 pm news. Here's a little story that The Oregonian carried.
Ruth and Frank were cute and just glowing last night, and the spirits of the entire place were soaring. It was an amazing evening.
Off to the airport in an hour. Tomorrow, I'll be playing the piano at my mother's facility in Milwaukee!
Beautiful sunrise this morning - the eastern sky is on fire. I sure hate to leave Portland.
The chorus sang several numbers before and during the ceremony (including "Making Whoopee"), and I played a bunch of old songs afterwards, while many folks danced. Three local TV stations sent cameramen to film it - we watched two of the reports on the 10:00 pm news. Here's a little story that The Oregonian carried.
Ruth and Frank were cute and just glowing last night, and the spirits of the entire place were soaring. It was an amazing evening.
Off to the airport in an hour. Tomorrow, I'll be playing the piano at my mother's facility in Milwaukee!
Beautiful sunrise this morning - the eastern sky is on fire. I sure hate to leave Portland.
Thursday, February 14, 2008
My Left Foot - the saga begins
Among all the things you know about me, you probably don't know that Karen has been making fun of my deformed left foot for years.
When I was a little kid, I remember hearing my grandmother complaining incessantly about her bunions. I always thought that was such a funny-sounding word.
It stopped being funny about 15 years ago.
About a month ago, I looked at the calendar, and realized I have a window where I can get it corrected and deal with the 6-8 weeks of general discomfort, inactivity, and restricted mobility.
Tomorrow, I fly to Wisconsin for my mom's 94th birthday. I return to Portland next Tuesday night, weather permitting.
Wednesday afternoon, I'm getting a bunionectomy. The surgical method is called 'external fixation', which means that there will be screws protruding thru the skin, attached to an external metal device that resembles a medieval torture accessory, but is supposed to permit me to walk in two weeks. The alternative is to have all the screws internal, but that requires no weight-bearing for 6-8 weeks, and I think that would drive me nuts.
It will be the end of March before everything is healed.
It's going to be a long stretch, but presents ample opportunity to solicit pity.
Today, I spent hours driving around to pick up my X-rays at the podiatrist, get an EKG, get my blood tested, get a handicapped parking permit from DMV, meet with the surgeon to answer my final questions and clarify what to expect once I'm post-op, and pick up Vicodin and Oxycodyn prescriptions.
I have set up our living room as my temporary bedroom, with the fold-out couch, a little TV and stereo (both with remotes), my laptop, a rolling office-chair (for navigating to the bathroom), and a nice stack of books. Here is the stack of books (the one under 'River Town' is 'The Old Curiosity Shop', by Charles Dickens):
When I was a little kid, I remember hearing my grandmother complaining incessantly about her bunions. I always thought that was such a funny-sounding word.
It stopped being funny about 15 years ago.
About a month ago, I looked at the calendar, and realized I have a window where I can get it corrected and deal with the 6-8 weeks of general discomfort, inactivity, and restricted mobility.
Tomorrow, I fly to Wisconsin for my mom's 94th birthday. I return to Portland next Tuesday night, weather permitting.
Wednesday afternoon, I'm getting a bunionectomy. The surgical method is called 'external fixation', which means that there will be screws protruding thru the skin, attached to an external metal device that resembles a medieval torture accessory, but is supposed to permit me to walk in two weeks. The alternative is to have all the screws internal, but that requires no weight-bearing for 6-8 weeks, and I think that would drive me nuts.
It will be the end of March before everything is healed.
It's going to be a long stretch, but presents ample opportunity to solicit pity.
Today, I spent hours driving around to pick up my X-rays at the podiatrist, get an EKG, get my blood tested, get a handicapped parking permit from DMV, meet with the surgeon to answer my final questions and clarify what to expect once I'm post-op, and pick up Vicodin and Oxycodyn prescriptions.
I have set up our living room as my temporary bedroom, with the fold-out couch, a little TV and stereo (both with remotes), my laptop, a rolling office-chair (for navigating to the bathroom), and a nice stack of books. Here is the stack of books (the one under 'River Town' is 'The Old Curiosity Shop', by Charles Dickens):
In the freezer, are 6 packages of frozen peas and corn, since I have to (ready for this?) ice my foot for 20 minutes out of every waking hour, for at least the first week. In the bathroom are the two vials of narcotics (one ominously marked 'for severe pain').
Upstairs is my mostly-packed suitcase. Four days in frozen Wisconsin, hanging around Mom and her cronies, and a long day of travel on Tuesday, and then, once I get back home Tuesday night, a few hours to make the final plans and get some sleep, before heading into surgery. It's going to be a whirlwind, between this moment, and when I arrive back home Wednesday afternoon, and sink into bed for a few days.
In the meantime, I am playing piano this evening at the Jewish Old Folks home, where two of the members of the chorus (that I accompany every week) are getting married tonight. Last month, the 88 year-old bride was in the hospital, and, last week, the 90 year-old groom had a heart-attack. When they announced their engagement last November (and intent to get married on Valentines Day), everybody said "what are you waiting for?".
Finally, you didn't think you'd get away from this without having to see the 'before' photo, right? Bye-bye, bunion. 
Pretty weird, eh?
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Visited the Multnomah County board of elections today
And I changed my party affiliation from 'Green' to 'Democratic'. I've been a Green since 2000, but, this year, I kinda want to vote in the Oregon Democratic primary, in May.
I asked the election guy if he's seen a lot of activity like this, and he said 'I sure have!'
Haven't heard any news from Maryland, Virginia and DC today. Wonder how things are going there? If Barack makes a clean sweep today, we have some authentic momentum going on.
If Hillary manages to pull out victories, more power to her. However, I have to say that recent Clinton campaign tactics are mighty disturbing. Anyone disagree?
I asked the election guy if he's seen a lot of activity like this, and he said 'I sure have!'
Haven't heard any news from Maryland, Virginia and DC today. Wonder how things are going there? If Barack makes a clean sweep today, we have some authentic momentum going on.
If Hillary manages to pull out victories, more power to her. However, I have to say that recent Clinton campaign tactics are mighty disturbing. Anyone disagree?
Friday, February 08, 2008
Wednesday, February 06, 2008
SuperDuper Tuesday bottom line
As one of the blogs proclaimed, "the only thing that was settled on Tuesday is that Mitt Romney is indeed a LOSER."
Tuesday, February 05, 2008
I was excited when I saw the headline:
'Grateful Dead reunite for concert in support of Obama'.
Unfortunately, the 2nd word in the copy, 'surviving', dashed all my hopes. Damn, Jerry's still dead.
Should be an interesting evening, especially with the California polling all over the place. Plus, since CA has eschewed electronic voting machines (yea!), the public is being 'warned' that the results won't be fully 'tabulated', as we have come to expect, at 8:04 pm, as can so easily be done with Diebold machines (heck, they're so advanced you know the outcome BEFORE the polls close!).
Meanwhile, compare and contrast two headlines I see on 'My Yahoo" this morning:
"Tipping point" on horizon for Greenland ice
Spears' father retained as conservator
Unfortunately, the 2nd word in the copy, 'surviving', dashed all my hopes. Damn, Jerry's still dead.
Should be an interesting evening, especially with the California polling all over the place. Plus, since CA has eschewed electronic voting machines (yea!), the public is being 'warned' that the results won't be fully 'tabulated', as we have come to expect, at 8:04 pm, as can so easily be done with Diebold machines (heck, they're so advanced you know the outcome BEFORE the polls close!).
Meanwhile, compare and contrast two headlines I see on 'My Yahoo" this morning:
"Tipping point" on horizon for Greenland ice
Spears' father retained as conservator
Friday, February 01, 2008
it's not easy being godless
Yes, Jesus is Love. Seems like a case-study in Abnormal Psychology 101.
On the other end of the religious spectrum, however, there is hope. Last night, I was part of a huge crowd at the wonderful Bagdad Theater, to see Jim Wallis, the left-wing evangelical, who is out spreading the good news in his new book.
It's not often I find myself in a crowd of people wearing large crucifixes (and not being nervous), but this was a sympathetic group, and the message, that the Christian Right is ebbing and the evangelical movement now shifting to issues of poverty, environmental sanity, and social justice, is encouraging.
I was invited to the talk by a friend who is a left-wing evangelical. Being a McMenamin facility, I was able to enjoy a pint of beer during the talk, which was refreshingly ironic, too.
It's great to think that POF (People of Faith) will bond together to reject the right-wing politics to which they have been associated for the past 25 years, and take us into a new Age where the true message of You-Know-Who will spread across the public landscape.
As a Jewish agnostic cynic, I say 'bring it on'.
On the other end of the religious spectrum, however, there is hope. Last night, I was part of a huge crowd at the wonderful Bagdad Theater, to see Jim Wallis, the left-wing evangelical, who is out spreading the good news in his new book.
It's not often I find myself in a crowd of people wearing large crucifixes (and not being nervous), but this was a sympathetic group, and the message, that the Christian Right is ebbing and the evangelical movement now shifting to issues of poverty, environmental sanity, and social justice, is encouraging.
I was invited to the talk by a friend who is a left-wing evangelical. Being a McMenamin facility, I was able to enjoy a pint of beer during the talk, which was refreshingly ironic, too.
It's great to think that POF (People of Faith) will bond together to reject the right-wing politics to which they have been associated for the past 25 years, and take us into a new Age where the true message of You-Know-Who will spread across the public landscape.
As a Jewish agnostic cynic, I say 'bring it on'.
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