Maybe it's my conditioning, but this sure makes my Spidey-senses tingle.
In other news, I'm proud to be an American again.
Tuesday, June 09, 2009
Sunday, June 07, 2009
synchronicity in everyday life
Yes, I know there are rational explanations for Synchronicity, but it's always jarring to be confronted with it happening.
Yesterday, I dropped by my local library to pick up a couple of videos - something to occupy my dreary evenings, until Karen returns from LA on Wednesday. There on the shelf, I saw a 50's Hitchcock film that, I am certain, I have never seen: "I Confess".
The current book I am reading is 'The Crucible of War', a long but fascinating history of the French and Indian War (or, from the perspective of the Europeans, the Seven Years War). This afternoon, I read the chapter on the battle of Quebec, which described in detail the physical features that determined the events of the battle that may have cemented the ultimate British victory (at a minimum, it provided an excuse in London for a grand celebration, with fireworks and much drinking).
Seeking a respite from the military history of the 1750s (not that it's not compelling), I loaded the DVD and fired up the special feature. I was immediately floored to find that the film takes place in....Quebec, with, apparently, many establishing shots showing the physical location of the city. What are the odds?
These things are probably happening all the time. At the moment, though, it seemed pretty eerie.
I have a meeting to go to in a couple of hours - when I return, I hope to sit down with a late dinner and a glass or two of wine, and watch the film, which promises to be an exquisite Hitchcock concoction, with amazing black-and-white photography, the usual Hitchcockian twists of guilt and innocence, and an electrifying performance by Montgomery Clift. What a treat.
Yesterday, I dropped by my local library to pick up a couple of videos - something to occupy my dreary evenings, until Karen returns from LA on Wednesday. There on the shelf, I saw a 50's Hitchcock film that, I am certain, I have never seen: "I Confess".
The current book I am reading is 'The Crucible of War', a long but fascinating history of the French and Indian War (or, from the perspective of the Europeans, the Seven Years War). This afternoon, I read the chapter on the battle of Quebec, which described in detail the physical features that determined the events of the battle that may have cemented the ultimate British victory (at a minimum, it provided an excuse in London for a grand celebration, with fireworks and much drinking).
Seeking a respite from the military history of the 1750s (not that it's not compelling), I loaded the DVD and fired up the special feature. I was immediately floored to find that the film takes place in....Quebec, with, apparently, many establishing shots showing the physical location of the city. What are the odds?
These things are probably happening all the time. At the moment, though, it seemed pretty eerie.
I have a meeting to go to in a couple of hours - when I return, I hope to sit down with a late dinner and a glass or two of wine, and watch the film, which promises to be an exquisite Hitchcock concoction, with amazing black-and-white photography, the usual Hitchcockian twists of guilt and innocence, and an electrifying performance by Montgomery Clift. What a treat.
yard work
Karen flew to LA Friday night, to spend 5 days with her mother and family down there. Sylvia is pushing 98 and, although she is still scheduled to come to Portland in early August, Karen wanted to check things out to make sure all is well.
So what do I do on my big Day Off? Yard work for hours, with the help of our regular weekend laborer, Rolando. The biggest impact I had was on one of the more-abandoned corners of the yard, that was quite overgrown with blackberries, weeds, tall grasses, and ivy. I cleared it all out, dug blackberries, hacked at ivy, dug suckers, etc. It was dirty, tiring work, and generated a whole new brush pile.
Also in that corner is our pet cemetery, now marking two cats and two guinea pigs. I gently cleared away the brush that was covering the markers, and spoke to the spirits of the animals there, thanking them for the companionship. Zacky was nearby, and, since he is to be the next resident there, I spent a long time holding him on my lap and stroking him, while he kvelled (a Yiddish word with inadequate translations) with a big smile.
To have that memory of him with me there, at that spot, being so happy and showing it, is a memory I will carry with me, long after the day I need to dig a hole and place his soon-to-be-worn-out body in it.
On that note, I need to leave now. I'm playing piano for a Jewish awards ceremony, starting in a half-hour. It's a paying gig, and I get breakfast, too. See y'all later.
So what do I do on my big Day Off? Yard work for hours, with the help of our regular weekend laborer, Rolando. The biggest impact I had was on one of the more-abandoned corners of the yard, that was quite overgrown with blackberries, weeds, tall grasses, and ivy. I cleared it all out, dug blackberries, hacked at ivy, dug suckers, etc. It was dirty, tiring work, and generated a whole new brush pile.
Also in that corner is our pet cemetery, now marking two cats and two guinea pigs. I gently cleared away the brush that was covering the markers, and spoke to the spirits of the animals there, thanking them for the companionship. Zacky was nearby, and, since he is to be the next resident there, I spent a long time holding him on my lap and stroking him, while he kvelled (a Yiddish word with inadequate translations) with a big smile.
To have that memory of him with me there, at that spot, being so happy and showing it, is a memory I will carry with me, long after the day I need to dig a hole and place his soon-to-be-worn-out body in it.
On that note, I need to leave now. I'm playing piano for a Jewish awards ceremony, starting in a half-hour. It's a paying gig, and I get breakfast, too. See y'all later.
Thursday, June 04, 2009
how time flies
Today, I just realized, is the 50th anniversary of my very first piano lesson.
How do I know that? My father carefully wrote 'June 4th, 1959' on my first lesson book, that I retained for years.
I'm finally beginning to make some progress in my playing. Must keep practicing.
Thank you, Miss Catlin - she was my teacher for many years, and I still vividly remember staring at the weird blood vessels that snaked across the backs of her hands.
How do I know that? My father carefully wrote 'June 4th, 1959' on my first lesson book, that I retained for years.
I'm finally beginning to make some progress in my playing. Must keep practicing.
Thank you, Miss Catlin - she was my teacher for many years, and I still vividly remember staring at the weird blood vessels that snaked across the backs of her hands.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
no posts recently
Sorry.
It's not as if I am swamped with work, because I am quite underemployed these days, having lost three clients due to budget cuts, my contact at my primary client (the USDA) is busy with other matters, and my potential new contract (National Park Service) is still in the proposal stage.
In the meantime, we had a delightful weekend camping near Bend over the holiday. Beautiful weather and good company, along with a substantial amount of good food and drink.
Zacky, our almost 10-year-old Corgi is really going downhill fast, with his degenerative myelopethy. His walking is quite impaired, often having to drag is hind-quarters along on the ground. I am carrying him a lot.
Still, when he's happy, that old smile appears. We are trying to monitor his quality of life, to know when it's time to pull the plug. It ain't easy.
Picking bok choy from the garden (Karen says it's the best bok choy she's ever had). Peas are climbing the trellis; tomatoes and squashes are still pretty small. Onions are starting to make little bulbs. Raspberries are coming along, although the patch could sure use a good weeding. 17 of the 20 asparagus crowns are doing well - many of them getting ready to go to seed, which is what you, want the first year.
Spending a lot of time reading tourism materials on Spain. Can't resist buying specific maps and guide-books. Four months to go!
Doing a lot of piano accompaniment, for various events around town. Some of it actually pays!
Oh yeah, I'm hosting the Yiddish Hour next Sunday (the 31st) on KBOO from 10-11 am PDT. You can stream it live here. I have some traditional stuff and some wild stuff planned - should be fun.
Gotta pretend to do some work now...
It's not as if I am swamped with work, because I am quite underemployed these days, having lost three clients due to budget cuts, my contact at my primary client (the USDA) is busy with other matters, and my potential new contract (National Park Service) is still in the proposal stage.
In the meantime, we had a delightful weekend camping near Bend over the holiday. Beautiful weather and good company, along with a substantial amount of good food and drink.
Zacky, our almost 10-year-old Corgi is really going downhill fast, with his degenerative myelopethy. His walking is quite impaired, often having to drag is hind-quarters along on the ground. I am carrying him a lot.
Still, when he's happy, that old smile appears. We are trying to monitor his quality of life, to know when it's time to pull the plug. It ain't easy.
Picking bok choy from the garden (Karen says it's the best bok choy she's ever had). Peas are climbing the trellis; tomatoes and squashes are still pretty small. Onions are starting to make little bulbs. Raspberries are coming along, although the patch could sure use a good weeding. 17 of the 20 asparagus crowns are doing well - many of them getting ready to go to seed, which is what you, want the first year.
Spending a lot of time reading tourism materials on Spain. Can't resist buying specific maps and guide-books. Four months to go!
Doing a lot of piano accompaniment, for various events around town. Some of it actually pays!
Oh yeah, I'm hosting the Yiddish Hour next Sunday (the 31st) on KBOO from 10-11 am PDT. You can stream it live here. I have some traditional stuff and some wild stuff planned - should be fun.
Gotta pretend to do some work now...
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Delight in DC
Having fun each day, visiting sights and friends.
Peak experience last night standing at the Tidal Basin at dusk, with the Washington and Jefferson monuments beautifully lit, after a magnificent dinner at a trendy restaurant.
Off to baltimore today by train, as karen's law conference begins.
Thursday, May 07, 2009
Tuesday, May 05, 2009
veggie update
Onions and bok choy doing well:
Of the 20 asparagus crowns, 15 are definitely up and 2 more are probable. This was a major relief, as I was beginning to feel that nothing would ever happen with these guys.
Transplanted the 2 zucchinis to another bed, with more room. They are about 4 inches and looking healthy. The tomatoes haven't grown much, but I'm confident that they are building roots.
The peas are just about high enough to find the trellis and start wrapping around it. I think I got 6 from the first planting, and am beginning to see a few now just appearing, from the second planting.
Planted some chard next to the bok choys, hoping that they will be up when we are eating bok choy. It's all so much more fun to think about than work (which is a tad slow these days).
Karen and I are heading to Washington DC on Saturday, where we will be all next week. She is attending a law conference and I'll be visiting with old friends and places-where-I-was-young. When we get back to Portland, the rest of May is filling up with several music obligations, so this trip will be my last chance to relax, after I get up from this afternoon's nap.
Of the 20 asparagus crowns, 15 are definitely up and 2 more are probable. This was a major relief, as I was beginning to feel that nothing would ever happen with these guys.Transplanted the 2 zucchinis to another bed, with more room. They are about 4 inches and looking healthy. The tomatoes haven't grown much, but I'm confident that they are building roots.
The peas are just about high enough to find the trellis and start wrapping around it. I think I got 6 from the first planting, and am beginning to see a few now just appearing, from the second planting.
Planted some chard next to the bok choys, hoping that they will be up when we are eating bok choy. It's all so much more fun to think about than work (which is a tad slow these days).
Karen and I are heading to Washington DC on Saturday, where we will be all next week. She is attending a law conference and I'll be visiting with old friends and places-where-I-was-young. When we get back to Portland, the rest of May is filling up with several music obligations, so this trip will be my last chance to relax, after I get up from this afternoon's nap.
fun with belief systems
Here's a fun little questionaire, that compares your beliefs with the top 50 or so religions of the world, and tells you how your beliefs stack up against each.
It shouldn't be surprising that, for me, Secular Humanism rocks.
It shouldn't be surprising that, for me, Secular Humanism rocks.
Monday, May 04, 2009
happy birthday, Pete Seeger
Sunday, May 03, 2009
best idea yet for new Supreme Court justice
I love it.
And now for something completely different.
I had heard about the low caste in traditional Japanese culture (leather workers, tanners of hides, and grave diggers), but this story reminds us that this is still an issue in that society.
The larger astounding, unavoidable fact (in that the excluded minority are ethnically indistinguishable from other Japanese) appears to suggest that discrimination is part of our socio-genetic makeup, and that a truly egalitarian society may be contrary to the role that aggressive oppression appears to have played, in the evolution of species.
Thinking here of the natural urge, in bird nests, for the runt of the litter being pecked to death by the more-robust hatchlings.
Nature ain't pretty, and no human society is immune from dastardly behavior.
Why can't we all just get along? Maybe we're programmed to be otherwise.
Just sayin'.
And now for something completely different.
I had heard about the low caste in traditional Japanese culture (leather workers, tanners of hides, and grave diggers), but this story reminds us that this is still an issue in that society.
The larger astounding, unavoidable fact (in that the excluded minority are ethnically indistinguishable from other Japanese) appears to suggest that discrimination is part of our socio-genetic makeup, and that a truly egalitarian society may be contrary to the role that aggressive oppression appears to have played, in the evolution of species.
Thinking here of the natural urge, in bird nests, for the runt of the litter being pecked to death by the more-robust hatchlings.
Nature ain't pretty, and no human society is immune from dastardly behavior.
Why can't we all just get along? Maybe we're programmed to be otherwise.
Just sayin'.
Friday, May 01, 2009
why i'm worried about swine flu
The massive media frenzy conveniently serves to direct attention away from financial-industry corruption, holding the Bush administration accountable for its crimes, global climate change, and the Blazers.
Wait, I think that last topic is being sufficiently addressed today.
Wait, I think that last topic is being sufficiently addressed today.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Andy Borowitz today
Obama Quits While Ahead
Prez Resigns After Hundred Days: ‘All Downhill From Here'
In a move that stunned both political allies and foes alike, President Barack Obama resigned today after serving 100 days in office, telling the White House press corps, "It's all downhill from here."
The reporters seemed stunned by the President's decision in light of the fawning media coverage he received during his first 100 days, but the hyperbolic nature of that reportage, ironically, may have been the prime motivator behind Mr. Obama's shocking move.
"Let's face it, I'm not going to get better coverage than I have to date," he said. "The only guy with a higher approval rating is that dude who landed the plane on the Hudson - or maybe that other dude who escaped from those pirates."
Mr. Obama may have a point, as current polls show that the only Americans with higher approval ratings are members of his immediate family.
According to the latest University of Minnesota/Opinion Research Institute survey, Mr. Obama's 67% approval rating is topped by First Lady Michelle Obama at 84%, with daughters Sasha and Malia and dog Bo tied at 98%.
Even the President's little-known half-brother George Obama, who resides in Nairobi, Kenya, garnered a 73% thumbs-up in the poll.
As the press corps reeled from the news of Mr. Obama's resignation, one White House source suggested that the First Lady may have been behind the decision: "Around Day 95 or so, Michelle was running out of wardrobe changes."
At the Supreme Court, Chief Justice John Roberts said that he stood ready to swear in the nation's new chief executive, whom he called "President Biden R. Joseph."
Mr. Biden is scheduled to deliver his Inaugural address on Friday at noon and wrap it up sometime late Sunday.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
lighten up
Two items of vast interest:
First, this atypical post from a blog I read regularly (that's normally about eating pork products in eastern Europe).
Next, a gallery of Peeps constructions, from neighbor/cousin-in-law Laurie - thanks!
Can you believe the non-stop "Be VERY Afraid" coverage of the flu thing? This goes so far beyond the "wash your hands regularly and don't panic" advice that is appropriate at this stage, and the dramatic increase in emergency-room visits, from people who are 'worried', is testimony to the power of Media.
I try to look for the silver lining: if this does turn out to be a world-wide pandemic that causes the deaths of millions, I'd prefer to think of it as a signal from the Earth that our species is getting a little too disruptive.
First, this atypical post from a blog I read regularly (that's normally about eating pork products in eastern Europe).
Next, a gallery of Peeps constructions, from neighbor/cousin-in-law Laurie - thanks!
Can you believe the non-stop "Be VERY Afraid" coverage of the flu thing? This goes so far beyond the "wash your hands regularly and don't panic" advice that is appropriate at this stage, and the dramatic increase in emergency-room visits, from people who are 'worried', is testimony to the power of Media.
I try to look for the silver lining: if this does turn out to be a world-wide pandemic that causes the deaths of millions, I'd prefer to think of it as a signal from the Earth that our species is getting a little too disruptive.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
I had to laugh
Received this in an email from Dara - many thanks!
--------------------------------------------------------------
Here is the Washington Post's Mensa Invitational which once again asked readers to take any word from the dictionary, alter it by adding, subtracting, or changing one letter, and supply a new definition.
Here are the winners:
1. Cashtration (n.): The act of buying a house, which renders the subject financially impotent for an indefinite period of time.
2. Ignoranus : A person who's both stupid and an asshole.
3. Intaxicaton : Euphoria at getting a tax refund, which lasts until you realize it was your money to start with.
4. Reintarnation : Coming back to life as a hillbilly.
5. Bozone ( n.): The substance surrounding stupid people that stops bright ideas from penetrating. The bozone layer, unfortunately, shows little sign of breaking down in the near future.
6. Foreploy : Any misrepresentation about yourself for the purpose of getting laid.
7. Giraffiti : Vandalism spray-painted very, very high
8. Sarchasm : The gulf between the author of sarcastic wit and the person who doesn't get it.
9. Inoculatte : To take coffee intravenously when you are running late.
10. Osteopornosis : A degenerate disease. (This one got extra credit.)
11. Karmageddon : It's like, when everybody is sending off all these really bad vibes, right? And then, like, the Earth explodes and it's like, a serious bummer.
12. Decafalon (n.): The grueling event of getting through the day consuming only things that are good for you.
13. Glibido : All talk and no action.
14. Dopeler Effect: The tendency of stupid ideas to seem smarter when they come at you rapidly.
15. Arachnoleptic Fit (n.): The frantic dance performed just after you've accidentally walked through a spider web.
16. Beelzebug (n.) : Satan in the form of a mosquito, that gets into your bedroom at three in the morning and cannot be cast out.
17. Caterpallor ( n.): The color you turn after finding half a worm in the fruit you're eating.
The Washington Post has also published the winning submissions to its yearly contest, in which readers are asked to supply alternate meanings for common words.
And the winners are:
1. Coffee ( n.): The person upon whom one coughs.
2. Flabbergasted ( adj.): Appalled by discovering how much weight one has gained.
3. Abdicate ( v.): To give up all hope of ever having a flat stomach.
4. esplanade ( v.): To attempt an explanation while drunk.
5. Willy-nilly ( adj.): Impotent.
6. Negligent ( adj.): Absentmindedly answering the door when wearing only a nightgown.
7. Lymph ( v.): To walk with a lisp.
8. Gargoyle ( n.): Olive-flavored mouthwash.
9. Flatulence ( n.): Emergency vehicle that picks up someone who has been run over by a steamroller.
10. Balderdash ( n.): A rapidly receding hairline.
11. Testicle ( n.): A humorous question on an exam.
12. Rectitude ( n.): The formal, dignified bearing adopted by proctologists.
13. Pokemon ( n.): A Rastafarian proctologist.
14. Oyster ( n.): A person who sprinkles his conversation with Yiddishisms.
15. Frisbeetarianism ( n.): The belief that, after death, the soul flies up onto the roof and gets stuck there.
16. Circumvent ( n.): An opening in the front of boxer shorts worn by Jewish men
--------------------------------------------------------------
Here is the Washington Post's Mensa Invitational which once again asked readers to take any word from the dictionary, alter it by adding, subtracting, or changing one letter, and supply a new definition.
Here are the winners:
1. Cashtration (n.): The act of buying a house, which renders the subject financially impotent for an indefinite period of time.
2. Ignoranus : A person who's both stupid and an asshole.
3. Intaxicaton : Euphoria at getting a tax refund, which lasts until you realize it was your money to start with.
4. Reintarnation : Coming back to life as a hillbilly.
5. Bozone ( n.): The substance surrounding stupid people that stops bright ideas from penetrating. The bozone layer, unfortunately, shows little sign of breaking down in the near future.
6. Foreploy : Any misrepresentation about yourself for the purpose of getting laid.
7. Giraffiti : Vandalism spray-painted very, very high
8. Sarchasm : The gulf between the author of sarcastic wit and the person who doesn't get it.
9. Inoculatte : To take coffee intravenously when you are running late.
10. Osteopornosis : A degenerate disease. (This one got extra credit.)
11. Karmageddon : It's like, when everybody is sending off all these really bad vibes, right? And then, like, the Earth explodes and it's like, a serious bummer.
12. Decafalon (n.): The grueling event of getting through the day consuming only things that are good for you.
13. Glibido : All talk and no action.
14. Dopeler Effect: The tendency of stupid ideas to seem smarter when they come at you rapidly.
15. Arachnoleptic Fit (n.): The frantic dance performed just after you've accidentally walked through a spider web.
16. Beelzebug (n.) : Satan in the form of a mosquito, that gets into your bedroom at three in the morning and cannot be cast out.
17. Caterpallor ( n.): The color you turn after finding half a worm in the fruit you're eating.
The Washington Post has also published the winning submissions to its yearly contest, in which readers are asked to supply alternate meanings for common words.
And the winners are:
1. Coffee ( n.): The person upon whom one coughs.
2. Flabbergasted ( adj.): Appalled by discovering how much weight one has gained.
3. Abdicate ( v.): To give up all hope of ever having a flat stomach.
4. esplanade ( v.): To attempt an explanation while drunk.
5. Willy-nilly ( adj.): Impotent.
6. Negligent ( adj.): Absentmindedly answering the door when wearing only a nightgown.
7. Lymph ( v.): To walk with a lisp.
8. Gargoyle ( n.): Olive-flavored mouthwash.
9. Flatulence ( n.): Emergency vehicle that picks up someone who has been run over by a steamroller.
10. Balderdash ( n.): A rapidly receding hairline.
11. Testicle ( n.): A humorous question on an exam.
12. Rectitude ( n.): The formal, dignified bearing adopted by proctologists.
13. Pokemon ( n.): A Rastafarian proctologist.
14. Oyster ( n.): A person who sprinkles his conversation with Yiddishisms.
15. Frisbeetarianism ( n.): The belief that, after death, the soul flies up onto the roof and gets stuck there.
16. Circumvent ( n.): An opening in the front of boxer shorts worn by Jewish men
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
un milagro!
Remember back on March 12th, when I placed 20 asparagus crowns into a newly-dug bed in our back yard? I've been fretting and watering all this time, and this morning, lo and behold, three of the crowns are sprouting. The magic worked!
Here's the largest - about 3 inches:
In other gardening news, the bok choys are doing well, as are the onions. Out of the first planting of (old) pea seeds, only 7 sprouted. I re-planted with newer seeds the other day.
I think I'll be harvesting the first rhubarb in a couple of days.
None of the lettuces, chard, cilantro, chives, or catnip came up, which is disappointing. I must have done something wrong.
Here's the largest - about 3 inches:
In other gardening news, the bok choys are doing well, as are the onions. Out of the first planting of (old) pea seeds, only 7 sprouted. I re-planted with newer seeds the other day.
I think I'll be harvesting the first rhubarb in a couple of days.
None of the lettuces, chard, cilantro, chives, or catnip came up, which is disappointing. I must have done something wrong.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
more tea-party reflections
It's too easy to laugh it off, for two reasons.
1) There is a kernel of truth to the protests: us Common Folk are uneasy to see the billions of dollars that have been funneled to banks and investment agencies who, thru their manipulations of laws, regulations, and suckers, created the mess. Will anyone from that crowd ever go to jail?
2) History has shown that, whenever the Populace is whipped into (currently, largely-unfocused) rage, things have a tendency to get out of control. The French Revolution, the Spanish Inquisition, Rwanda, and Slobodan Milosovic come to mind. In this case, we have people who appear to get their marching orders from Richard Mellon Scaife, Dick Armey and FOX, and many of them appear to be hateful and armed.
It's more and more like Spain, 1936. Just sayin'.
UPDATE: Just for grins, I looked up where in the world most of the tea comes from. Turns out that India and China are, by far, the top two. Isn't it ironic that the participants in yesterday's activities were encouraged to purchase a product from two of our top global business competitors?
What about 'Buy American'? If the organizers really wanted to give a boost to the US economy, instead of tea, why didn't they encourage everyone to buy something manufactured right here in the good ol' USA?
Oh, right, I forgot.
1) There is a kernel of truth to the protests: us Common Folk are uneasy to see the billions of dollars that have been funneled to banks and investment agencies who, thru their manipulations of laws, regulations, and suckers, created the mess. Will anyone from that crowd ever go to jail?
2) History has shown that, whenever the Populace is whipped into (currently, largely-unfocused) rage, things have a tendency to get out of control. The French Revolution, the Spanish Inquisition, Rwanda, and Slobodan Milosovic come to mind. In this case, we have people who appear to get their marching orders from Richard Mellon Scaife, Dick Armey and FOX, and many of them appear to be hateful and armed.
It's more and more like Spain, 1936. Just sayin'.
UPDATE: Just for grins, I looked up where in the world most of the tea comes from. Turns out that India and China are, by far, the top two. Isn't it ironic that the participants in yesterday's activities were encouraged to purchase a product from two of our top global business competitors?
What about 'Buy American'? If the organizers really wanted to give a boost to the US economy, instead of tea, why didn't they encourage everyone to buy something manufactured right here in the good ol' USA?
Oh, right, I forgot.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
tea-party fun
A number of blogs are covering these 'spontaneous' events, and the participants are, true to form, generally hilarious.
I especially liked this photo:
'Cut Taxes, Not Defense' - I get it, because the money that funds the DoD (and all the related Defense industries) must certainly come from somewhere besides taxes, right?
Morans, indeed.
I especially liked this photo:
'Cut Taxes, Not Defense' - I get it, because the money that funds the DoD (and all the related Defense industries) must certainly come from somewhere besides taxes, right?
Morans, indeed.
Monday, April 13, 2009
Is it Spring yet?
April 13th and it's either sleeting or hailing at the moment.
Didn't last long, but it was a surprise.
Currently reading: 'When you are engulfed by Flames', by David Sidaris. Hilarious.
Friday, April 10, 2009
it's worse than you thought...
Part I, from Bill Moyers' program, on the true state of banks and the deliberate failure of regulation.
Part II, from the LA times on climate change in Australia.
Part III, it's no longer "don't drink the water" in Mexico City - it's "no water for you today".
Not only that, but, in a few hours, Jesus will die on the cross again.
Part II, from the LA times on climate change in Australia.
Part III, it's no longer "don't drink the water" in Mexico City - it's "no water for you today".
Not only that, but, in a few hours, Jesus will die on the cross again.
Wednesday, April 08, 2009
coleman/franken situation - I am confused
So, it appears that just about all authorities in Minnesota have concluded that Franken won, but the GOP is still promising further appeals. There can be no other explanation, other than their determination to keep Al out of the Senate as long as possible, to prevent the Dems from approaching the 'magic' 60 votes.
I am bewildered by the must-have-60-votes to get anything done in the Senate. Whatever happened to simple-majority? It appears that the magic 60 is simply a rule that everyone agreed to, at some point.
The Senate makes its own rules. Is there anything to prevent Harry Reid from proposing a rule change that, since there are only 99 seated senators, the new fillibuster-proof count is 59, not 60?
I am bewildered by the must-have-60-votes to get anything done in the Senate. Whatever happened to simple-majority? It appears that the magic 60 is simply a rule that everyone agreed to, at some point.
The Senate makes its own rules. Is there anything to prevent Harry Reid from proposing a rule change that, since there are only 99 seated senators, the new fillibuster-proof count is 59, not 60?
Monday, April 06, 2009
vegetable update
In the pea-lettuce-chard patch, the first peas are coming up! I had just about given up hope, but it's really happening. So far, no lettuce, spinach or chard is visible.
Also planted chives, cilantro and cat-nip last week, in the bed right outside the back-door.
Yesterday, at Fred Meyer, I couldn't resist buying a 6-pack of bok choy for $3, so now there are 14 little boks, in the ground today:
We also bought onion sets (walla-wallas) yesterday. Will plant them this afternoon. Last year, we did onions and I was so stingy with water that, although they grew, many had hollow bulbs. The ones that we got, though, were good, so I'll try to be better this time around.
So far, not much happening with the asparagus crowns. Hope they're still alive.
High of 73 expected today; 77 tomorrow.
Here's a cell-phone photo of Ben and Dylan, taken in Ashland last Thursday night. When we saw Dylan Saturday, prior to heading back to Portland, he was totally clean-shaven, so this is a historical moment:
Don't be fooled by the empty tables in the background. The cafe was jammed and we had a long wait before being seated. The beer was very good, and 3/4 of us were happy with our meals.
Also planted chives, cilantro and cat-nip last week, in the bed right outside the back-door.
Yesterday, at Fred Meyer, I couldn't resist buying a 6-pack of bok choy for $3, so now there are 14 little boks, in the ground today:
We also bought onion sets (walla-wallas) yesterday. Will plant them this afternoon. Last year, we did onions and I was so stingy with water that, although they grew, many had hollow bulbs. The ones that we got, though, were good, so I'll try to be better this time around.So far, not much happening with the asparagus crowns. Hope they're still alive.
High of 73 expected today; 77 tomorrow.
Here's a cell-phone photo of Ben and Dylan, taken in Ashland last Thursday night. When we saw Dylan Saturday, prior to heading back to Portland, he was totally clean-shaven, so this is a historical moment:
Don't be fooled by the empty tables in the background. The cafe was jammed and we had a long wait before being seated. The beer was very good, and 3/4 of us were happy with our meals.
Sunday, April 05, 2009
hmmm, what have we here?
here
Meanwhile, we are back in Portland after three fun days in Ashland. Went to a play and did a short Rogue River raft trip yesterday afternoon.
Even managed to see Dylan now and then, although he somehow didn't seem excited about spending time with family, versus his many friends.
Meanwhile, we are back in Portland after three fun days in Ashland. Went to a play and did a short Rogue River raft trip yesterday afternoon.
Even managed to see Dylan now and then, although he somehow didn't seem excited about spending time with family, versus his many friends.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Test post from my phone
In turkey last year, I tried to use a program that promised to creat blog posts from my handheld. Never could get it to work.
Now, google has a simpler way to do this. Let's see if it works...
Thursday, March 26, 2009
anybody looking for a WiFi handheld?
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Lowe's has everything you need
First of all, it's always fun to shop at Lowe's because, since all signs are in both English and Spanish, every visit creates opportunities to enhance your Spanish vocabulary.
While standing for a seeming eternity at the Customer Service desk at my local Lowe's this afternoon, I happened to notice something curious. They have a multi-page chart with, in dozens of languages, the phrase 'point to your language' and 'an interpreter will be provided for you.'
This is a very nice service they are providing, for customers from any nation on Earth. In this list, there were an astonishing variety of world languages, including (I checked) seven dialects of Chinese.
At the end of the 'European' section, after Swedish and Ukranian, I was somewhat astonished to see -- wait for it -- 'Yiddish'. Had to take a photo with my phone:
Think about it - this implies not only that a Yiddish speaker would be shopping at Lowe's for his PVC pipe, electrical fixtures, or whatever (implying a 'handy-around-the-house' Yiddish speaker), but that such a person would speak NO OTHER language, hence requiring the fairly-specialized services of a Yiddish-English translator (who, I assume, normally deals in fiction, rather than laminate).
I didn't check to see if Latin was listed, but, if they thought to include Yiddish, I wouldn't be surprised. If you get back there before I do, let me know.
While standing for a seeming eternity at the Customer Service desk at my local Lowe's this afternoon, I happened to notice something curious. They have a multi-page chart with, in dozens of languages, the phrase 'point to your language' and 'an interpreter will be provided for you.'
This is a very nice service they are providing, for customers from any nation on Earth. In this list, there were an astonishing variety of world languages, including (I checked) seven dialects of Chinese.
At the end of the 'European' section, after Swedish and Ukranian, I was somewhat astonished to see -- wait for it -- 'Yiddish'. Had to take a photo with my phone:
Think about it - this implies not only that a Yiddish speaker would be shopping at Lowe's for his PVC pipe, electrical fixtures, or whatever (implying a 'handy-around-the-house' Yiddish speaker), but that such a person would speak NO OTHER language, hence requiring the fairly-specialized services of a Yiddish-English translator (who, I assume, normally deals in fiction, rather than laminate).
I didn't check to see if Latin was listed, but, if they thought to include Yiddish, I wouldn't be surprised. If you get back there before I do, let me know.
yeager
So, Scott Yeager is asking the Supreme Court to not permit the government from retrying him on Enron fraud, since the first trial was deadlocked on multiple counts (fraud, money laundering, insider trading, etc. etc. etc).
I respect Justice Breyer and, in the interest of protecting civil liberties, I think his position is valid. The problem with protecting civil liberties, is that it protects both the innocent and the snakes.
Yeager cashed in $54 million of Enron stock and options before bailing. He was at the top of the organization, and, if this wasn't insider trading and fraud, he was a manager completely out-of-touch.
Maybe I'm naive, but I thought the philosophy of work is that you get rewarded for bringing your organization success. Yeager was fabulously enriched and his justification for keeping the loot is that he had no idea that things were going to utterly crash and burn.
What am I missing? Good thing this attitude is nowhere to be found nowadays - we have sure learned our lessons!
Here's the classic 'Enron Communications' photo (i.e. the predecessor of Enron Broadband Services) in the very early days, when this group was most of the entire company, and we were all going to be millionaires. Some of the people in this photo actually did.
That's Yeager in the middle of the Big Three (and me, two heads away, in the back row, with the gargoyle on my shoulder).
I respect Justice Breyer and, in the interest of protecting civil liberties, I think his position is valid. The problem with protecting civil liberties, is that it protects both the innocent and the snakes.
Yeager cashed in $54 million of Enron stock and options before bailing. He was at the top of the organization, and, if this wasn't insider trading and fraud, he was a manager completely out-of-touch.
Maybe I'm naive, but I thought the philosophy of work is that you get rewarded for bringing your organization success. Yeager was fabulously enriched and his justification for keeping the loot is that he had no idea that things were going to utterly crash and burn.
What am I missing? Good thing this attitude is nowhere to be found nowadays - we have sure learned our lessons!
Here's the classic 'Enron Communications' photo (i.e. the predecessor of Enron Broadband Services) in the very early days, when this group was most of the entire company, and we were all going to be millionaires. Some of the people in this photo actually did.
That's Yeager in the middle of the Big Three (and me, two heads away, in the back row, with the gargoyle on my shoulder).
Monday, March 23, 2009
want to make your blood boil?
read it and weep.
I'm currently reading a history of Spain, covering the period about 1450-1750. Right now, I am in the 1560's, a time of political and financial unrest, as Philip II dealt with the absurd Empire he inherited from his papa, the remarkable Charles V.
It's a story of an economy ruined, banks failing, shifting political alliances, finger-pointing, and public frustration, totally different from our time.
Yeah.
I'm currently reading a history of Spain, covering the period about 1450-1750. Right now, I am in the 1560's, a time of political and financial unrest, as Philip II dealt with the absurd Empire he inherited from his papa, the remarkable Charles V.
It's a story of an economy ruined, banks failing, shifting political alliances, finger-pointing, and public frustration, totally different from our time.
Yeah.
Friday, March 20, 2009
work shortage
Talked to another former client yesterday afternoon, an ecology center in Sonoma, CA. They are laying off folks and cutting hours, so it's the end of that road, too.
That makes two clients pretty much gone, and my main contact at my main client is so swamped with work that, although there is stuff to be done, I have not received the specs to get started.
Thanks to the amazing folks at Friends of Trees, though, I still get a couple of hours of little changes every week. It's barely enough to keep me sitting here at my computer, surfing around political sites, Spain tourism sites, and craigslist.
Currently reading Imperial Spain 1469-1716. I've just finished the age of Ferdinand and Isabella and am moving into the world of Charles V.
Most amazing factoid to date: F&A, as you know, mandated the expulsion of Jews and Muslims in 1492 (which deprived Spain of some of its most creative and clever folks, including my Toledo ancestors, but that's another story).
However, did you know (ready?) that Ferdinand's mother was Jewish? I always knew that Isabella and her Castile buddies called the shots in that uneasy partnership (Aragon always got a raw deal), but that's pretty creepy, eh?
Don't forget to listen to This American Life this Sunday morning, so you don't have to hear me doing my very first hosting gig on the Portland Yiddish Hour on KBOO. If you don't live in Oregon, you definitely wouldn't want to stream it live at http://kboo.fm/listen at 10 am PDT.
Cheers!
That makes two clients pretty much gone, and my main contact at my main client is so swamped with work that, although there is stuff to be done, I have not received the specs to get started.
Thanks to the amazing folks at Friends of Trees, though, I still get a couple of hours of little changes every week. It's barely enough to keep me sitting here at my computer, surfing around political sites, Spain tourism sites, and craigslist.
Currently reading Imperial Spain 1469-1716. I've just finished the age of Ferdinand and Isabella and am moving into the world of Charles V.
Most amazing factoid to date: F&A, as you know, mandated the expulsion of Jews and Muslims in 1492 (which deprived Spain of some of its most creative and clever folks, including my Toledo ancestors, but that's another story).
However, did you know (ready?) that Ferdinand's mother was Jewish? I always knew that Isabella and her Castile buddies called the shots in that uneasy partnership (Aragon always got a raw deal), but that's pretty creepy, eh?
Don't forget to listen to This American Life this Sunday morning, so you don't have to hear me doing my very first hosting gig on the Portland Yiddish Hour on KBOO. If you don't live in Oregon, you definitely wouldn't want to stream it live at http://kboo.fm/listen at 10 am PDT.
Cheers!
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
powers of 10
Yes, the AIG executive bonuses are a prime example of hubris and insiders gaming the system - we knew that already - and recovering that money would be nice (especially from those who are no longer with the company, which shoots down the 'retention incentive' argument).
However, let us keep in mind that we are talking about a couple hundred million dollars. Although that sum might make a difference in YOUR life, and the lives of 50 of your friends, don't forget that:
We have poured hundreds of BILLIONS of dollars into AIG, and 1 Billion = 1,000 Million. Think about it and you'll realize that the sums over which the punditry is expending all its moral outrage this week is 1/10th of 1 percent of the actual money (OUR money) being forked over.
Remember, any time The Media repeatedly says 'Hey, Look at THIS!", it's a sure sign that it's a diversion.
However, let us keep in mind that we are talking about a couple hundred million dollars. Although that sum might make a difference in YOUR life, and the lives of 50 of your friends, don't forget that:
We have poured hundreds of BILLIONS of dollars into AIG, and 1 Billion = 1,000 Million. Think about it and you'll realize that the sums over which the punditry is expending all its moral outrage this week is 1/10th of 1 percent of the actual money (OUR money) being forked over.
Remember, any time The Media repeatedly says 'Hey, Look at THIS!", it's a sure sign that it's a diversion.
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Friday, March 13, 2009
a beautiful day in Portland
yet, I am filled with the sense that the American Dream of endless consumer delights has been a Matrix fantasy, fueled by our own eagerness to accept the illusion and the accumulated momentum of scientific and technological progress over the past 200 years (which, like a giant wave, is about to come crashing down on us surfers).
I could be wrong. Maybe we are on the cusp of a transformational wake-up.
However, considering the new Britney video, maybe not.
Still, it's Spring today, and I have no paying work to do (times are lean).
At least Jon Stewart speaks truth.
I could be wrong. Maybe we are on the cusp of a transformational wake-up.
However, considering the new Britney video, maybe not.
Still, it's Spring today, and I have no paying work to do (times are lean).
At least Jon Stewart speaks truth.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
and so, it begins...
52 degrees and sunny today, with rain coming this weekend - the perfect opportunity to do what needs to be done: 3 varieties of peas, 2 varieties of spinach, 2 varieties of lettuce, and a few leftover arugula seeds are now in the ground.
Will plant another couple of rows in a couple of weeks.
Also, forgot to mention that, last week, we finally completed a project we've been talking about for many years - an asparagus bed that, providing the 20 crowns you see here survive, should last for 15 years. Now, to wait 2 years until the first harvest - I'll let you know if anything comes up.
Will plant another couple of rows in a couple of weeks.
Also, forgot to mention that, last week, we finally completed a project we've been talking about for many years - an asparagus bed that, providing the 20 crowns you see here survive, should last for 15 years. Now, to wait 2 years until the first harvest - I'll let you know if anything comes up.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Monday, March 09, 2009
the joke's on me
ha ha ha ha ha...
laptop battery totally dead today! it appeared to be charging, but stopped at 34%.
Now, the power meter says 'unknown'.
laptop battery totally dead today! it appeared to be charging, but stopped at 34%.
Now, the power meter says 'unknown'.
Friday, March 06, 2009
you learn something new every day
At the risk of appearing stupid, I must confess that, even though I've owned various laptops for several years, nobody ever told me that it's very bad to leave your laptop plugged into the AC charger all the time, with the battery inserted.
Who knew?
I had bought a new battery when I got my most-recent used laptop, and was frustrated when, a year later, it would never charge more than 4%, and always appeared to be on the verge of running out. Likewise the battery in Karen's laptop (again, always plugged into the AC), which also, should you unplug the power cord, showed little juice remaining.
I recently did some googling on laptop batteries and charging problems, and came across a site that offered a suggestion for laptop batteries that appear to be virtually dead and unable to recharge. It seemed preposterous.
1) Remove battery from laptop.
2) Slip it inside a ziplock plastic bag.
3) Wrap a dishtowel around it and place in your freezer for at least 13 hours.
4) Remove from freezer and let it slowly come up to room temperature.
5) Insert battery back into laptop, plug in the AC cord, and power up.
6) Go to 'Control Panel | Power Options | Power Meter' and prepare for a shock.
My battery, which never showed more than 4% charged (9 minutes remaining), immediately showed 97% charged, and charging.
I let it sit for a while and when I looked back, it was up to 98% charged!
I unplugged the AC and the control panel updated, to inform me that 'Total time remaining' is now 3.57 hours.
Amazing.
Who knew?
I had bought a new battery when I got my most-recent used laptop, and was frustrated when, a year later, it would never charge more than 4%, and always appeared to be on the verge of running out. Likewise the battery in Karen's laptop (again, always plugged into the AC), which also, should you unplug the power cord, showed little juice remaining.
I recently did some googling on laptop batteries and charging problems, and came across a site that offered a suggestion for laptop batteries that appear to be virtually dead and unable to recharge. It seemed preposterous.
1) Remove battery from laptop.
2) Slip it inside a ziplock plastic bag.
3) Wrap a dishtowel around it and place in your freezer for at least 13 hours.
4) Remove from freezer and let it slowly come up to room temperature.
5) Insert battery back into laptop, plug in the AC cord, and power up.
6) Go to 'Control Panel | Power Options | Power Meter' and prepare for a shock.
My battery, which never showed more than 4% charged (9 minutes remaining), immediately showed 97% charged, and charging.
I let it sit for a while and when I looked back, it was up to 98% charged!
I unplugged the AC and the control panel updated, to inform me that 'Total time remaining' is now 3.57 hours.
Amazing.
Tuesday, March 03, 2009
can you find the twins?
Is it just my imagination, or is there a distinct resemblance between these two schnooks?
Saturday, February 28, 2009
saw 'gran torino' last night
not perfect, but very entertaining and frequently moving.
worth seeing - nobody snarls like Clint.
worth seeing - nobody snarls like Clint.
Friday, February 27, 2009
here's a thought
since the US taxpayers are about to embark on a multi-year incredibly major drain, to mend the mistakes of the greedy, arrogant, and incompetent, wouldn't this be an opportunity for The People to get organized and mandate an end to the Defense Department's (sic) stranglehold on over half of our GDP?
just sayin'...
just sayin'...
Thursday, February 26, 2009
what an amazing world
As some of you may know, my main work project is a database application for the US Dept of Agriculture. My development contacts are in Las Cruces, New Mexico.
A couple of days ago, I sent them a new build of the database, for them to test the latest new capability (pull GPS data from an attached device directly into an Access form). It was working great for me, and I needed them to test it on their hardware.
Alas, they saw weird problems that I could not reproduce in Portland. We had a number of phone conversations - finally, it occurred to me to set up a screen-sharing session, so I could see exactly what they were seeing (and even control their machine to diagnose things).
A quick Web search led me to Adobe's free 'ConnectNow' application, which works GREAT. Highly recommended.
So, there I was, in my computer dungeon here, taking over a laptop connected wirelessly to a network in New Mexico. After messing around and thinking it thru, I figured out my problem (I needed to *register* a DLL, not just add it to the Access app as a Reference - doh!).
I grabbed some code from another application, pasted it in and tweaked a tiny bit, then uploaded a new build for my contact in NM to install on the laptop.
Then we set up another screen-sharing session in her office, and I was able to watch as we got beyond the previous brick-wall. It was very cool.
Then, Ericha took the laptop outside, to get a real GPS fix. Amazingly, she was still in range of their WiFi, so I was able to witness the final test. When the good results came in, it was a moment of sheer delight.
Here's a screen shot of what I saw (it's the numbers in the Latitude/Longitude that signal 'SUCCESS'):
A couple of days ago, I sent them a new build of the database, for them to test the latest new capability (pull GPS data from an attached device directly into an Access form). It was working great for me, and I needed them to test it on their hardware.
Alas, they saw weird problems that I could not reproduce in Portland. We had a number of phone conversations - finally, it occurred to me to set up a screen-sharing session, so I could see exactly what they were seeing (and even control their machine to diagnose things).
A quick Web search led me to Adobe's free 'ConnectNow' application, which works GREAT. Highly recommended.
So, there I was, in my computer dungeon here, taking over a laptop connected wirelessly to a network in New Mexico. After messing around and thinking it thru, I figured out my problem (I needed to *register* a DLL, not just add it to the Access app as a Reference - doh!).
I grabbed some code from another application, pasted it in and tweaked a tiny bit, then uploaded a new build for my contact in NM to install on the laptop.
Then we set up another screen-sharing session in her office, and I was able to watch as we got beyond the previous brick-wall. It was very cool.
Then, Ericha took the laptop outside, to get a real GPS fix. Amazingly, she was still in range of their WiFi, so I was able to witness the final test. When the good results came in, it was a moment of sheer delight.
Here's a screen shot of what I saw (it's the numbers in the Latitude/Longitude that signal 'SUCCESS'):
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
just watched Obama's speech to Congress
If there was ever any doubt that this is a remarkable guy, that doubt is ended now.
Isn't it great to have a President again?
UPDATE: is this the kind of innovative thinking that BHO was talking about?
Isn't it great to have a President again?
UPDATE: is this the kind of innovative thinking that BHO was talking about?
Monday, February 23, 2009
you know you're short of work when...
...the task of cleaning your desk makes it to the top of the daily to-do list.
One of my major clients for the past seven years has been The Nature Conservancy, for whom I have contributed to several interesting database projects, notably the Invasive Weeds application.
Last week, I heard from my primary contact that TNC is abandoning support for the Global Invasives initiative, and that she is losing her job next month. This probably translates into no more work for me on the project, unless they can get the NRDC, USGS, National Parks, or BLM (all of whom use WIMS) to take on ownership.
I hope it's not the BLM, since my dealings with them over the years has led me to conclude that they model their office regulations and procedures on the Byzantine Empire.
Now, the big decision of the day is going to be, which side of the desk do I attack first?
You think I'm kidding?
One of my major clients for the past seven years has been The Nature Conservancy, for whom I have contributed to several interesting database projects, notably the Invasive Weeds application.
Last week, I heard from my primary contact that TNC is abandoning support for the Global Invasives initiative, and that she is losing her job next month. This probably translates into no more work for me on the project, unless they can get the NRDC, USGS, National Parks, or BLM (all of whom use WIMS) to take on ownership.
I hope it's not the BLM, since my dealings with them over the years has led me to conclude that they model their office regulations and procedures on the Byzantine Empire.
Now, the big decision of the day is going to be, which side of the desk do I attack first?
You think I'm kidding?
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
feb 18th will never be the same
My mother, who died on December 11th, would have been 95 today. My brother is taking a cake over to the folks at her assisted living place in Wisconsin.
Here she is with a young Dylan in our kitchen in Portland, on her last visit here, a few years ago.
Here she is with a young Dylan in our kitchen in Portland, on her last visit here, a few years ago.
conspiracy theory of the day
This just hit me. The price for a barrel of oil continues its incredible slump, and appears to be headed to $32, less than one quarter of what it was a year ago.
As these prices for oil, the urge to move to (i.e. fund) renewable energy development decreases significantly, just as the Obama Administration needs to rally political support for the Green Economy.
Coincidence?
As these prices for oil, the urge to move to (i.e. fund) renewable energy development decreases significantly, just as the Obama Administration needs to rally political support for the Green Economy.
Coincidence?
quick quiz
Q: at what point in World History was the Earth's population half of what it is today? 1400? 1700? 1800?
A: 1963. Yes, the world in which I learned to walk, talk, appreciate Ruff and Ready, watch Lee Harvey Oswald get shot on live TV, and prepare for my Bar Mitzvah had less than half the number of people it does today, and it's expected to double again before you know it.
Maybe that's one of the reasons why the world economic condition is deemed more a security threat to the world than the 'GWOT'.
This issue dwarfs all others. Too many people and not enough Earths to go around, when everyone expects a 50 inch television, not to mention something to eat every day (with a glass of water).
A: 1963. Yes, the world in which I learned to walk, talk, appreciate Ruff and Ready, watch Lee Harvey Oswald get shot on live TV, and prepare for my Bar Mitzvah had less than half the number of people it does today, and it's expected to double again before you know it.
Maybe that's one of the reasons why the world economic condition is deemed more a security threat to the world than the 'GWOT'.
This issue dwarfs all others. Too many people and not enough Earths to go around, when everyone expects a 50 inch television, not to mention something to eat every day (with a glass of water).
Monday, February 16, 2009
broken record
not just me.
Cokie Roberts did it again on NPR this morning. They play Lindsey Graham's hissy fit about the 'Democratic lack of bipartisanship' and she says, "he's correct". Uh, Cokie, the measure of bipartisanship ultimately is not the degree of compromises that get made, but the final vote tally.
The House significantly diluted their original stimulus outline, bringing in ridiculous tax-cuts and trimming of the stimulus features that put the most money into the economy the fastest (i.e. food stamps, unemployment assistance, and infrastructure repairs) and, in the spirit of bipartisanship, they received NO GOP votes. Ditto in the Senate, except they managed to eke out 3 out of 48 votes.
Finally, Cokie mentions that the new stimulus programs that the Democrats now 'own' are likely to produce some stories of waste and corruption, and the Democrats will 'own' that responsibility, to the Republicans' benefit.
Uh, what about a trillion Iraq dollars, that have vanished with incredible waste and corruption? Who owns that? Who even mentions that, Cokie? What about the looting of the Social Security trust fund that has happened during the Bush years? Military contracting under Bush? KBR cost over-runs and shoddy work (that actually took the lives of American soldiers?
Cokie, you are a hack now, and NPR is a whore. As Barbara Bush famously said to Al Franken once (you can look it up), "I'm done with you."
UPDATE: how timely
UPDATE 2: hey, Cokie, look here
UPDATE 3: try this
Cokie Roberts did it again on NPR this morning. They play Lindsey Graham's hissy fit about the 'Democratic lack of bipartisanship' and she says, "he's correct". Uh, Cokie, the measure of bipartisanship ultimately is not the degree of compromises that get made, but the final vote tally.
The House significantly diluted their original stimulus outline, bringing in ridiculous tax-cuts and trimming of the stimulus features that put the most money into the economy the fastest (i.e. food stamps, unemployment assistance, and infrastructure repairs) and, in the spirit of bipartisanship, they received NO GOP votes. Ditto in the Senate, except they managed to eke out 3 out of 48 votes.
Finally, Cokie mentions that the new stimulus programs that the Democrats now 'own' are likely to produce some stories of waste and corruption, and the Democrats will 'own' that responsibility, to the Republicans' benefit.
Uh, what about a trillion Iraq dollars, that have vanished with incredible waste and corruption? Who owns that? Who even mentions that, Cokie? What about the looting of the Social Security trust fund that has happened during the Bush years? Military contracting under Bush? KBR cost over-runs and shoddy work (that actually took the lives of American soldiers?
Cokie, you are a hack now, and NPR is a whore. As Barbara Bush famously said to Al Franken once (you can look it up), "I'm done with you."
UPDATE: how timely
UPDATE 2: hey, Cokie, look here
UPDATE 3: try this
Saturday, February 14, 2009
saturday morning
Had a fun evening last night, listening to a jazz duo at RiverPlace and chatting with two delightful ladies who happened to share our table.
It was the opening of the Portland Jazz Festival and I suspect we'll be sampling a lot of the offerings over the next few days. The problem, of course, is that I spend too much time envisioning myself sitting at the keyboard, rather than concentrating on the professionals up there creating good stuff.
Finally, I have to say a few words about how distressing it was listening to NPR this morning. They repeat the GOP talking points as if they are reasonable arguments (instead of the disingenuous, evil balderdash they are) then, for commentary, they have on Jonah Goldberg, someone from The New Republic and Juan Williams. Sheesh! I turned it off in disgust.
It was the opening of the Portland Jazz Festival and I suspect we'll be sampling a lot of the offerings over the next few days. The problem, of course, is that I spend too much time envisioning myself sitting at the keyboard, rather than concentrating on the professionals up there creating good stuff.
Finally, I have to say a few words about how distressing it was listening to NPR this morning. They repeat the GOP talking points as if they are reasonable arguments (instead of the disingenuous, evil balderdash they are) then, for commentary, they have on Jonah Goldberg, someone from The New Republic and Juan Williams. Sheesh! I turned it off in disgust.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
slavery in the 21st century
Yes, it's great that slavery is a thing of the past, but the need for slaves has not gone away - we just don't have humans in that role.
Case in point: at the moment, machines in this house are washing and drying my clothes, washing my dishes, baking some bread, simmering some soup, and heating my house. These are all functions that, 200 years ago, I would have employed someone to do.
No wonder our economy is so screwed up - it evolved from a time when there was plenty of work for humans to do, and now, in this credit economy, there are many more people needing to make a living, but fewer things for humans to do.
There's only so much new employment that technological advances can be expected to create (or is it unlimited?). Seems like a dilemma.
OK, it's true, I have to stir the soup myself, but the bread machine is starting to send out some wonderful aromas...
Case in point: at the moment, machines in this house are washing and drying my clothes, washing my dishes, baking some bread, simmering some soup, and heating my house. These are all functions that, 200 years ago, I would have employed someone to do.
No wonder our economy is so screwed up - it evolved from a time when there was plenty of work for humans to do, and now, in this credit economy, there are many more people needing to make a living, but fewer things for humans to do.
There's only so much new employment that technological advances can be expected to create (or is it unlimited?). Seems like a dilemma.
OK, it's true, I have to stir the soup myself, but the bread machine is starting to send out some wonderful aromas...
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
attention, folks who are ignorant about money and credit
which includes me. watch this. It's a pretty darn interesting 47 minutes.
Sunday, February 08, 2009
Friday, February 06, 2009
exactly what i've been thinking
Isn't it about time to concede that it's time to downsize the American military Empire?
Finally, there is some growing recognition (not yet in the highest circles, apparently), that the Cold War had two losers, rather than one supreme Winner, and that every army that ever marched confidently into Afghanistan has inevitably marched back out humbled and bankrupt.
Our hubris has, as it has Time and Time again, to Empire after Empire, led to rot. This time, though, it's difficult to predict where the next Empire will arise? Most of the rest of the world has now Been There, Done That.
I say shut down the American military-industrial complex, re-tool the factories to produce the hardware for widespread solar electricity and wind electricity, train a million folks to install and maintain the above, and train another million to give medical care to Baby Boomers, and educate the rest of us on how to grow beans, tomatoes, squash, and potatoes.
And garlic.
Also on CommonDreams this morning is this important post on climate change. Here's the take-away sentence:
"There is a profound disconnect between actions that policy circles are considering and what the science demands for preservation of the planet."
Think about it.
Finally, there is some growing recognition (not yet in the highest circles, apparently), that the Cold War had two losers, rather than one supreme Winner, and that every army that ever marched confidently into Afghanistan has inevitably marched back out humbled and bankrupt.
Our hubris has, as it has Time and Time again, to Empire after Empire, led to rot. This time, though, it's difficult to predict where the next Empire will arise? Most of the rest of the world has now Been There, Done That.
I say shut down the American military-industrial complex, re-tool the factories to produce the hardware for widespread solar electricity and wind electricity, train a million folks to install and maintain the above, and train another million to give medical care to Baby Boomers, and educate the rest of us on how to grow beans, tomatoes, squash, and potatoes.
And garlic.
Also on CommonDreams this morning is this important post on climate change. Here's the take-away sentence:
"There is a profound disconnect between actions that policy circles are considering and what the science demands for preservation of the planet."
Think about it.
Thursday, February 05, 2009
anyone need tickets to Winterfolk?
See my craigslist ad. This generally sold-out concert is THIS Saturday night.
We go every year, but this year we were invited to a friend's special birthday party that night, so we can't go.
We have 2 tickets and other friends have 2 more they'd like to sell. We paid $30 (admission + $2 service charge) each - asking $28 (face value).
There is a guy in Vancouver who is interested, but, if you act now, and don't make me drive to Vancouver, I'll knock off another couple of dollars.
UPDATE: Sorry, the guy in Vancouver is definitely taking my 2 tickets, but I think the other 2 are still available. Let me know if interested.
We go every year, but this year we were invited to a friend's special birthday party that night, so we can't go.
We have 2 tickets and other friends have 2 more they'd like to sell. We paid $30 (admission + $2 service charge) each - asking $28 (face value).
There is a guy in Vancouver who is interested, but, if you act now, and don't make me drive to Vancouver, I'll knock off another couple of dollars.
UPDATE: Sorry, the guy in Vancouver is definitely taking my 2 tickets, but I think the other 2 are still available. Let me know if interested.
Tuesday, February 03, 2009
grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr
I just don't get it. Obama appoints a Republican Senator from a state with a Democratic governor to head Commerce, and permits the Republicans to insist that another Republican be appointed to take the vacant Senate seat.
What part of "we won the election and Republicans are totally discredited" does he not understand? Seems like a GOPer in charge of Commerce would be a reasonable tradeoff for the Dems to get that magic 60 Senate seats (assuming Franken finally makes it). Instead, they get one of Their Own in a significant cabinet position and the go-ahead to continue their Obstruct-Without-Shame policies.
Yes, we are being bi-partisan, but they must think we are total patsies.
It's extremely frustrating.
What part of "we won the election and Republicans are totally discredited" does he not understand? Seems like a GOPer in charge of Commerce would be a reasonable tradeoff for the Dems to get that magic 60 Senate seats (assuming Franken finally makes it). Instead, they get one of Their Own in a significant cabinet position and the go-ahead to continue their Obstruct-Without-Shame policies.
Yes, we are being bi-partisan, but they must think we are total patsies.
It's extremely frustrating.
Monday, February 02, 2009
worth reading
David Neiwert's blog is always thought-provoking. Latest post has this conclusion:
"In fact, all this shouting is just cover for Republicans' greatest and deepest fear: That Obama in fact will succeed. That progressive "socialism" (as they call it) actually will make people's lives better, heal the economy, and get the nation back on its feet. That the nation's working people will finally get a clear view of which side is on their side. That the public will finally see that not only is Conservatism an abject failure, it's a fraud."
Yes, more of this, please.
"In fact, all this shouting is just cover for Republicans' greatest and deepest fear: That Obama in fact will succeed. That progressive "socialism" (as they call it) actually will make people's lives better, heal the economy, and get the nation back on its feet. That the nation's working people will finally get a clear view of which side is on their side. That the public will finally see that not only is Conservatism an abject failure, it's a fraud."
Yes, more of this, please.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
boo hoo
So, every House republican voted against the stimulus bill, because it did not follow Republican dogma?
Are they totally clueless or totally shameless? I vote for a nasty combination of the two.
Are they totally clueless or totally shameless? I vote for a nasty combination of the two.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
good news and bad news
Good:
I got in touch with the amazing people at CorgiAid, Inc. (http://www.corgiaid.org/cart) and they appear to have a cart that will fit Zacky. It he adjusts to it, it could really enhance his quality of life, as his DM progresses over the next few months.
Not so good:
yikes. For a good (not) laugh, check out the comments from the 'skeptics'.
I got in touch with the amazing people at CorgiAid, Inc. (http://www.corgiaid.org/cart) and they appear to have a cart that will fit Zacky. It he adjusts to it, it could really enhance his quality of life, as his DM progresses over the next few months.
Not so good:
yikes. For a good (not) laugh, check out the comments from the 'skeptics'.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
somewhat low productivity today...
Here is our house this morning. The snow seems to be tapering off:
Went for a walk in our neighborhood park with Zacky, who loves the snow.
As I may have previously written, he has a degenerative neurological disease, that is causing him to slowly lose control of his hind legs. We just applied for a cart for him, from these amazing people.
He did pretty well today, though, and was SO happy to be out there walking with me.
Pretty slow work day for me, obviously, so I cleaned my desk. Karen returns from LA tomorrow night.
Went for a walk in our neighborhood park with Zacky, who loves the snow.
As I may have previously written, he has a degenerative neurological disease, that is causing him to slowly lose control of his hind legs. We just applied for a cart for him, from these amazing people.He did pretty well today, though, and was SO happy to be out there walking with me.
Pretty slow work day for me, obviously, so I cleaned my desk. Karen returns from LA tomorrow night.
i should be working...
...instead of enjoying the snow this morning, not to mention this.
Here's the view of our back yard, with the tool shed and my car, taken with my crappy cell-phone camera...
Here's the view of our back yard, with the tool shed and my car, taken with my crappy cell-phone camera...
Sunday, January 25, 2009
a loud movie
Ben has been after me to see 'The Dark Knight' ever since it came out, and it was just re-released, to our neighborhood IMAX theater. We went to the noon show today.
There were probably no more than 10 people in the giant theater, watching the giant screen, and overwhelmed by the giant speakers pounding out giant sound-effects.
I have to admit that both the writing and photography were pretty darn impressive, and Heath Ledger's Joker truly amazing. It's not the kind of movie I generally love, but I'm happy to have seen it.
It's getting cold out there. Time to fix some dinner and settle in for the evening. If only the echoes of gunshots and other assorted explosions would die down in my head...
There were probably no more than 10 people in the giant theater, watching the giant screen, and overwhelmed by the giant speakers pounding out giant sound-effects.
I have to admit that both the writing and photography were pretty darn impressive, and Heath Ledger's Joker truly amazing. It's not the kind of movie I generally love, but I'm happy to have seen it.
It's getting cold out there. Time to fix some dinner and settle in for the evening. If only the echoes of gunshots and other assorted explosions would die down in my head...
Saturday, January 24, 2009
don't-do-it-yourself
There was a big wind-storm around here last week - lots of trees down and roofs damaged, mostly in East Multnomah county. However, our renters in Garden Home left a phone message that a couple of shingles had blown off the roof.
I could probably have attempted to do the repair myself, but not only would the work quality be suspect, but Karen would be angry if I fell off the roof and became a quadriplegic. I called a local roofing company and they sent over a young, limber guy, who did the repair in about 45 minutes.
Here's what I didn't have to do this afternoon:
I could probably have attempted to do the repair myself, but not only would the work quality be suspect, but Karen would be angry if I fell off the roof and became a quadriplegic. I called a local roofing company and they sent over a young, limber guy, who did the repair in about 45 minutes.
Here's what I didn't have to do this afternoon:
Friday, January 23, 2009
i pass a test
During today's countless moments of significant activity, let me describe one particular minute.
THE SET UP
For months, Ben has been singing the praises of Kenny and Zuk's, a downtown deli. I took him there for lunch today, arriving around 12:10 and the place was crazy with lunchers.
One of Ben's good High School friends (Lincoln HS) works as a counter-man and cashier there. We had our fabulous lunch (1/2 of a pastrami, chopped liver, cole slaw and russian dressing and a bowl of hot borsht for me, and an impossibly large turkey-pastrami sandwich with a mound of fries for Ben), paid, and got ready to leave. On the way out, we stopped to chat with Ben's friend.
Noah asked me if I'd like a complementary dessert, as a Dad-of-a-friend. I instantly turned my eyes to the plate of familiar objects, labeled 'Hamantaschen'.
THE MOMENT OF TRUTH
Noticing my obvious interest, Noah (not a Jew) asked me, 'poppy or prune'?
I PASS A TEST
Without having to think, I instantly replied, 'poppy, of course'.
THE PROOF
Noah said, "everyone who knows what those are always chooses 'poppy'".
QED
THE SHOCKING EPILOGUE
nice buttery cookie, but too dry
THE SET UP
For months, Ben has been singing the praises of Kenny and Zuk's, a downtown deli. I took him there for lunch today, arriving around 12:10 and the place was crazy with lunchers.
One of Ben's good High School friends (Lincoln HS) works as a counter-man and cashier there. We had our fabulous lunch (1/2 of a pastrami, chopped liver, cole slaw and russian dressing and a bowl of hot borsht for me, and an impossibly large turkey-pastrami sandwich with a mound of fries for Ben), paid, and got ready to leave. On the way out, we stopped to chat with Ben's friend.
Noah asked me if I'd like a complementary dessert, as a Dad-of-a-friend. I instantly turned my eyes to the plate of familiar objects, labeled 'Hamantaschen'.
THE MOMENT OF TRUTH
Noticing my obvious interest, Noah (not a Jew) asked me, 'poppy or prune'?
I PASS A TEST
Without having to think, I instantly replied, 'poppy, of course'.
THE PROOF
Noah said, "everyone who knows what those are always chooses 'poppy'".
QED
THE SHOCKING EPILOGUE
nice buttery cookie, but too dry
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
nice speech
Simultaneously, at its conclusion, I received three phone calls (none of which related to Obama) and one text message (that was).
The poet is speaking now, and nothing seems to rhyme, but it was short.
Just a benediction to go and I can get to work...
The poet is speaking now, and nothing seems to rhyme, but it was short.
Just a benediction to go and I can get to work...
finally, it's official
yea!
Actually, Katie Couric just reminded us that Joe Biden was officially the acting president for about 5 minutes.
Actually, Katie Couric just reminded us that Joe Biden was officially the acting president for about 5 minutes.
musical interlude
You can just imagine the millions of people, around the world, thinking to themselves, "c'mon, get on with it", and the folks standing in the cold in DC wondering if they have time to make it to the port-a-potty.
rick warren speaking now
Sorry, but the image of all these folks, bowing their heads in apparent prayer to a Big Guy in the Sky is quite embarrassing. What year is this?
Thank you, Jesus.
Thank you, Jesus.
live-blogging the innauguration coverage
CBS just cut to a shot of the unloading of the moving van, by the White House back door, with the information that folks are hurriedly moving the Obamas' clothes and furniture in right now.
Now that's a change of underwear I can believe in.
Now that's a change of underwear I can believe in.
the perfect headline as Bush leaves town
Sums up the W years pretty well, I think. Watching the TV coverage now.
Monday, January 19, 2009
i challenge you
watch this without tears in your eyes.
didn't think you could do it.
UPDATE: well, what do you know? Corporate America is not amused.
LATER UPDATE: Here it is, with Italian TV intro.
didn't think you could do it.
UPDATE: well, what do you know? Corporate America is not amused.
LATER UPDATE: Here it is, with Italian TV intro.
Saturday, January 17, 2009
good shabbos
a chilly Saturday morning, but golden sunlight is streaming into the kitchen, where my first cup of coffee is finished, the kitchen is cleaned, the cornbread is just about done, the dog and cats are fed, and I can go food-shopping later this morning, and buy anything I want.
And it's the last weekend where George Bush can do damage.
It doesn't get much better than this, or does it?
And it's the last weekend where George Bush can do damage.
It doesn't get much better than this, or does it?
Friday, January 16, 2009
three oaxaca photos
One of the hundreds of displays at 'Noche de los Rabenos':
Interior of Santo Domingo:
Along the trail on the 2-day mountain trek:
Interior of Santo Domingo:
Along the trail on the 2-day mountain trek:
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
humans are often stupid but...
Can't argue with this poor approximation of the incredible sunrise, visible from my driveway right now:
Monday, January 12, 2009
that voice
The first thing I do EVERY morning, before getting out of bed, is to reach for my little earphone-radio, plug in, and scan both KPOJ and KOPB for any significant news. Yes, it's compulsive, this behavior dating all the way back to Watergate, when every morning just might bring some new tidbit.
This morning, I hear George W Bush holding what must surely be his last news conference. The questions, as always, are lame, and the responses, as always, are shocking in their cluelessness, distortion, and "aw-shucks, we're all friends and insiders in this room" attitude.
And that voice. That hideous, smug, self-confident voice. His crazy way of enunciating multi-syllable words, aside from the distorted perspective the words convey. It's so grating, so insulting, so infuriating.
Begone, I say, and never darken our towels again.
This morning, I hear George W Bush holding what must surely be his last news conference. The questions, as always, are lame, and the responses, as always, are shocking in their cluelessness, distortion, and "aw-shucks, we're all friends and insiders in this room" attitude.
And that voice. That hideous, smug, self-confident voice. His crazy way of enunciating multi-syllable words, aside from the distorted perspective the words convey. It's so grating, so insulting, so infuriating.
Begone, I say, and never darken our towels again.
Thursday, January 08, 2009
israel
I have NEVER commented on Israel on this blog. Having never been there, I always felt totally unqualified to voice an opinion.
That being said, what the hell are they doing over there? Have they never opened a history book? You can't oppress and bombard a people and expect any reaction other than hardened resistance.
I don't get it - are they really that arrogant, that blind?
That being said, what the hell are they doing over there? Have they never opened a history book? You can't oppress and bombard a people and expect any reaction other than hardened resistance.
I don't get it - are they really that arrogant, that blind?
he's baaack
OK, OK, I know h0w tiresome it is to hear someone else moan about being depressed.
All it took to get me beyond it was a couple of phone calls and emails yesterday morning, from my two primary clients, throwing several complex programming challenges at me.
I spent most of the day tweaking a bunch of code I had previously written, to handle arcane data situations, inscrutable user requirements, and, yes, previously-introduced little buggies.
It was, again, totally fulfilling, and there's more to come today.
So, what is the antidote for depression? Being useful to someone. As St. Vonnegut so often reminded us, the purpose of human beings is to simply help each other get thru this.
In other news, my oldest son, Ben, came over for dinner last night. The two of us cooked together, using a jar of black mole that we bought in Oaxaca, and the chicken mole was good, as were the mashed potatoes, broccoli, avocado salad, and, yes, whole wheat fig newtons.
After dinner, Ben sat us down in front of the tube, and insisted that we watch the entire first season of 'Arrested Development', which I had never seen. I have to admit, I had to laugh out loud.
Back to the Visual Basic editor now, to work more magic. We all do what we can.
All it took to get me beyond it was a couple of phone calls and emails yesterday morning, from my two primary clients, throwing several complex programming challenges at me.
I spent most of the day tweaking a bunch of code I had previously written, to handle arcane data situations, inscrutable user requirements, and, yes, previously-introduced little buggies.
It was, again, totally fulfilling, and there's more to come today.
So, what is the antidote for depression? Being useful to someone. As St. Vonnegut so often reminded us, the purpose of human beings is to simply help each other get thru this.
In other news, my oldest son, Ben, came over for dinner last night. The two of us cooked together, using a jar of black mole that we bought in Oaxaca, and the chicken mole was good, as were the mashed potatoes, broccoli, avocado salad, and, yes, whole wheat fig newtons.
After dinner, Ben sat us down in front of the tube, and insisted that we watch the entire first season of 'Arrested Development', which I had never seen. I have to admit, I had to laugh out loud.
Back to the Visual Basic editor now, to work more magic. We all do what we can.
Tuesday, January 06, 2009
adrift
feeling very disconnected. there have been three family deaths in a row, over the past month.
getting work and life back to 'normal' is turning out to be more difficult than I expected - so many loose ends still to be resolved.
not only that, but I have a dentist appointment in a half-hour.
is bush still president? what's wrong with this picture?
getting work and life back to 'normal' is turning out to be more difficult than I expected - so many loose ends still to be resolved.
not only that, but I have a dentist appointment in a half-hour.
is bush still president? what's wrong with this picture?
Sunday, January 04, 2009
home
Woke up in Oaxaca Saturday morning, and, three flights and a scant 17 hours later, I am in my familiar computer dungeon in Portland.
It's kinda amazing, but I am too tired to appreciate it fully.
Night, night.
It's kinda amazing, but I am too tired to appreciate it fully.
Night, night.
Thursday, January 01, 2009
winding down in oaxaca
New Year's day and all is reasonably well.
Sylvia, my 97 year old mother-in-law, has been under the weather the past couple of days, and today is my turn to stay with her while the others are checking out a couple of neighboring villages.
Today is the last full day, then we have a full day of travelling on Saturday, before arriving home in Portland late Saturday night.
It has been a relaxing interesting trip, with several odd coincidences, many surprising sights, and a lot of corn tortillas, eggs, refried beans, avocados (especially wonderful) and chicken. Last night, at dinner at a local place, we ordered a bottle of wine and it (a Chilean Cabernet) was actually quite a delightful change from the frequent beers.
We've made a number of interesting purchases, and I have taken hundreds of photos, one or two of which may end up here soon.
Two weeks is a long time to be away from home, staying in the same place, but, coming after the hectic and stressful events of the past 4 months, a welcome trip. The day spent at Monte Alban was especially perfect, a major surprise being the incredible chicken-and-garlic platter we had for lunch at the airy, quiet cafe, overlooking the distant mountains, valleys and clouds.
Nothing more to say right now, except that it's another beautiful sunny afternoon in this ancient place, and my half-hour on this computer is about up.
Sylvia, my 97 year old mother-in-law, has been under the weather the past couple of days, and today is my turn to stay with her while the others are checking out a couple of neighboring villages.
Today is the last full day, then we have a full day of travelling on Saturday, before arriving home in Portland late Saturday night.
It has been a relaxing interesting trip, with several odd coincidences, many surprising sights, and a lot of corn tortillas, eggs, refried beans, avocados (especially wonderful) and chicken. Last night, at dinner at a local place, we ordered a bottle of wine and it (a Chilean Cabernet) was actually quite a delightful change from the frequent beers.
We've made a number of interesting purchases, and I have taken hundreds of photos, one or two of which may end up here soon.
Two weeks is a long time to be away from home, staying in the same place, but, coming after the hectic and stressful events of the past 4 months, a welcome trip. The day spent at Monte Alban was especially perfect, a major surprise being the incredible chicken-and-garlic platter we had for lunch at the airy, quiet cafe, overlooking the distant mountains, valleys and clouds.
Nothing more to say right now, except that it's another beautiful sunny afternoon in this ancient place, and my half-hour on this computer is about up.
Monday, December 29, 2008
I have not disappeared
Into our 2nd week in Oaxaca and all is well.
The first week was spent in spanish classes. I am still a beginner.
The food has been largely great, except for one notable disaster dinner. The sights are fascinating. Highlights include the fiesta of the radishes (look it up) and eating fried grasshoppers (never again).
We did a 2-day trek in the mountains north of Oaxaca and that was amazing. Photos and anecdotes to follow at some point.
This afternoon we hope to visit a neighboring village where the specialty is colorful carved wooden animals. Tomorrow we hope to make it to Monte Alban.
We have encountered an amazing number of folks from the pacific northwest, and Portland in particular.
Will write more at some point (access is difficult and this mexican keyboard not quite as confusing as in Turkey).
Adios for now, everybody.
The first week was spent in spanish classes. I am still a beginner.
The food has been largely great, except for one notable disaster dinner. The sights are fascinating. Highlights include the fiesta of the radishes (look it up) and eating fried grasshoppers (never again).
We did a 2-day trek in the mountains north of Oaxaca and that was amazing. Photos and anecdotes to follow at some point.
This afternoon we hope to visit a neighboring village where the specialty is colorful carved wooden animals. Tomorrow we hope to make it to Monte Alban.
We have encountered an amazing number of folks from the pacific northwest, and Portland in particular.
Will write more at some point (access is difficult and this mexican keyboard not quite as confusing as in Turkey).
Adios for now, everybody.
Friday, December 19, 2008
countdown
Our plane to LA leaves at 6:50 Saturday morning. The Portland forecast is for snow hitting in the afternoon, so we should be OK.
We change planes in LA and Mexico City, and should arrive in Oaxaca later in the evening.
I am looking forward to this trip - a chance for a real change of scenery and pace. A chance to reflect. A chance to begin healing.
It's about time to pack and get the house ready to turn over to the house-sitter.
This is a week unlike any other.
We change planes in LA and Mexico City, and should arrive in Oaxaca later in the evening.
I am looking forward to this trip - a chance for a real change of scenery and pace. A chance to reflect. A chance to begin healing.
It's about time to pack and get the house ready to turn over to the house-sitter.
This is a week unlike any other.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
36 hours
Tuesday, Dec 16th 2008
Left the house in Portland at 6:15 am. The flight to Philadelphia was uneventful and I arrived at 3:30 pm, on schedule, fully expecting to rendezvous with the Milwaukee family members around 6:30.
There was a message from them on my phone. I called my brother, to learn that bad weather in Milwaukee had delayed them to the point where it was impossible for them to make the 8:30 to Elmira, the last flight of the day.
Over the next four hours, there were innumerable calls among us and friends and family already in Elmira. Schedules and options changed every half-hour, as more delays were announced, throughout the entire air-control system.
There was a magic hour, around 7:30 pm, when it seemed possible that the delayed arrival from Milwaukee would still be over a half-hour before the delayed departure of the Elmira flight. Feeling happy and assured, I had a very tall beer in the noisy bar, and settled into that comfort zone, where everything appears to be worked out in the best possible way.
Not to be. My phone rang and they were still in Wisconsin, thwarted by bad weather. Finally, I heard that they could make it to Rochester that night, and would drive to Elmira in the morning, the funeral having been pushed back from 10:30 to noon.
At that point, all I could do was wait and watch my departure slip farther and farther away, as the hours passed. I boarded the flight around 10:30 pm (two hours late), and a half-hour later, was descending to my frozen home-town, in which I had not spent any significant time since 1970.
Amazingly, my bag showed up and the complementary cab soon arrived to whisk me to the Holiday Inn. The driver was a young, pierced dude, who was happy to describe in detail the horrendous job situation in Elmira. We drove through the frozen, snowy streets I had not traveled for many decades, my remembering the landmarks along the way, him pointing out where certain places from my memories were either unchanged or obliterated. It was surreal.
He had gone to the same High School I attended. I was Class of ‘69 and he was Class of ‘96.
I knocked on my cousin Steve's door around 12:30 am. He and my cousin Carolyn had arrived together earlier that evening, he from Orlando and she from Phoenix. Steve and I chatted for a while. Allen called from a motel in Rochester around 2 am – they made it!
Steve and I settled into a night of very unsettled sleep. I drifted in and out, but had the sense of spending hour after hour, lying there while Steve snored. Curiously, Steve reported exactly the same sleeplessness the next morning.
Wednesday, Dec 17th 2008
Up at 7 am. Shaved and showered, then headed to the restaurant for some coffee and breakfast. Carolyn joined me (coffee only) as we got caught up on our lives and families. It turned out to be just about the happiest, most relaxed episode of the entire trip.
The three of us checked out and drove in their rental car thru the slushy, familiar streets, past their old house, and then to the synagogue.
This was a building that played a central role in my childhood. I spent many hours each week there, for my first 17 years. It was a true time-warp.
I found my 16 year-old self and my mother in several places in the many collages of historical photos, that my old optometrist had prepared some years ago. Memories and ghosts popped up with every glance.
I asked the office manager if there was a piano in the building and she said it was in one of the classrooms. Not only did it turn out to be the same classroom where I first learned Hebrew as a very young child (an event which, I believe, led directly to my lifelong facility with languages, both computer and human), but, as I expected, it was the very same piano that my parents had donated to the synagogue back in the early 60’s (the plaque was still there), and upon which I had played my first public piano performances, for an endless series of holiday skits and synagogue events over those years.
Soon, guests, friends and the funeral guys arrived, with Dottie’s casket. I was reintroduced to many folks I had not seen in 35 years, many of whom were as shocked to be seeing me again, as I was in seeing them again.
Here's a cell-phone photo of four old jews (Steve, Allen, Billy and me):
One of my old friends from elementary-thru-high school came by (we had been communicating off and on over the past few months, have been reconnected via Classmates.com), and we had a fine, but brief reunion. We had both experienced recent losses. I am so happy to have had those moments.
Mom's casket, simple and tasteful, was wheeled into the sanctuary and covered with a nice blue embroidered cover. I spent several long minutes with my hand on it, in that quiet oh-so-familiar room, again totally surrounded by ghosts.
Finally, it was time for the service. My brother and cousin Steve spoke at length. It was dignified and heartfelt, and the stories told nicely reflected the character of the woman. My little anecdote took two minutes max, as I intended.
We left for the cemetery - a line of ten or so cars. Across the river, slowly, along the white, slushy streets, to the old jewish cemetery, where so many familiar names are resting.
The service there was brief and moving, under gray skies and a hint of drizzle. We said Kaddish and we said goodbye, everyone adding a shovelful of dirt - a wonderful custom. I placed a small stone I had brought from Portland for that purpose on the marker that, for the moment, has only my father's name inscribed.
We lingered, but with an eye on the time. We visited other graves - grandparents and family friends. It was cold and overcast.
Our work there was done, for this visit. What had been a single grave plot for 26 years was now a double.
We got in our cars around 2:15 and headed for the airport and the 3:50 flight to Philadelphia that all six of us were to take. All cell phones went off at once. Flight cancelled.
At the airport, we improvised. Steve, Carolyn and I appeared lucky - there was one other flight to Philadelphia that *might* allow us to make our various connections. Allen, Ellen and Jeff bid us a hasty goodbye and sped off back to Rochester, where, three hours later, another Milwaukee flight was scheduled to depart.
I alerted Karen in Portland that it looked good for my arrival home that night, and got a beer and ate a couple of cookies that Karen had made a couple of days before. It was all going to be OK.
A half hour later - nope, another delay. They told me that, even if I got to Philadelphia that afternoon, there was no way I'd make the 6 pm Portland flight. I might make it home late Thursday. It was a tad depressing.
I lay down on the floor and closed my eyes for a few minutes, imagining spending the night in Philadelphia.
Another half hour later, though, came the surprise boarding announcement. An hour had been shaved off the delay. We would land in Philadelphia around 5:30 and, if I ran at full speed (and caught the shuttle to a different terminal just right), it was 'possible'.
We landed in Philly, I ran to the shuttle and pushed to the front of the crowd. Steve and Carolyn made the same shuttle a minute later – we stood together in the doorway, me poised for a mad dash.
Carolyn had, in the brief interim, heard from Ellen. They did make it to Rochester on time, but a mechanical problem came up and all bets were off. So near yet so far. They had the worst luck of all of us. As of this writing, I still don't know if they made it home yesterday.
When the shuttle stopped, I bade farewell to Steve and Carolyn and ran.
I ran up an escalator, around a corner and ran full-speed, thru concourse C, weaving my way through the crowds like a maniac.
About seven gates away, I heard the 'final boarding call' message and ran faster.
I made it with less than four minutes to spare, my chest heaving and my throat dry.
On Tuesday, I spent seven hours in the Philadelphia airport; on Wednesday, seven minutes.
A long, unreal flight through the dark, bumpy night. Landed in Portland around 9:30 pm, on the same day I had helped bury my mother. How could this be?
Karen was waiting for me at the curb with the dog. My bag is still in Philadelphia, but I don’t care. I went to bed.
--------------------------
Late update - 11:30 am Thursday
Just talked to Allen and Ellen, as they were pulling into their driveway in Milwaukee, almost 24 hours after we watched them drive away from the Elmira airport.
They did make it to Rochester, but were on an overbooked flight, which they missed. They were placed on a United flight, but it had a defective tire and was delayed. They switched to a Delta flight (to Atlanta!) but that had a defective door-latch and was cancelled. All efforts to get out of New York State had been thwarted.
They ended up spending the night in Rochester, getting up at 4 am and finally arriving in Milwaukee a short time ago.
-----------------------------------------
Final update: 6:15 pm
My bag, last seen at the US Air counter in Elmira 18 hours ago, is now with me again.
Left the house in Portland at 6:15 am. The flight to Philadelphia was uneventful and I arrived at 3:30 pm, on schedule, fully expecting to rendezvous with the Milwaukee family members around 6:30.
There was a message from them on my phone. I called my brother, to learn that bad weather in Milwaukee had delayed them to the point where it was impossible for them to make the 8:30 to Elmira, the last flight of the day.
Over the next four hours, there were innumerable calls among us and friends and family already in Elmira. Schedules and options changed every half-hour, as more delays were announced, throughout the entire air-control system.
There was a magic hour, around 7:30 pm, when it seemed possible that the delayed arrival from Milwaukee would still be over a half-hour before the delayed departure of the Elmira flight. Feeling happy and assured, I had a very tall beer in the noisy bar, and settled into that comfort zone, where everything appears to be worked out in the best possible way.
Not to be. My phone rang and they were still in Wisconsin, thwarted by bad weather. Finally, I heard that they could make it to Rochester that night, and would drive to Elmira in the morning, the funeral having been pushed back from 10:30 to noon.
At that point, all I could do was wait and watch my departure slip farther and farther away, as the hours passed. I boarded the flight around 10:30 pm (two hours late), and a half-hour later, was descending to my frozen home-town, in which I had not spent any significant time since 1970.
Amazingly, my bag showed up and the complementary cab soon arrived to whisk me to the Holiday Inn. The driver was a young, pierced dude, who was happy to describe in detail the horrendous job situation in Elmira. We drove through the frozen, snowy streets I had not traveled for many decades, my remembering the landmarks along the way, him pointing out where certain places from my memories were either unchanged or obliterated. It was surreal.
He had gone to the same High School I attended. I was Class of ‘69 and he was Class of ‘96.
I knocked on my cousin Steve's door around 12:30 am. He and my cousin Carolyn had arrived together earlier that evening, he from Orlando and she from Phoenix. Steve and I chatted for a while. Allen called from a motel in Rochester around 2 am – they made it!
Steve and I settled into a night of very unsettled sleep. I drifted in and out, but had the sense of spending hour after hour, lying there while Steve snored. Curiously, Steve reported exactly the same sleeplessness the next morning.
Wednesday, Dec 17th 2008
Up at 7 am. Shaved and showered, then headed to the restaurant for some coffee and breakfast. Carolyn joined me (coffee only) as we got caught up on our lives and families. It turned out to be just about the happiest, most relaxed episode of the entire trip.
The three of us checked out and drove in their rental car thru the slushy, familiar streets, past their old house, and then to the synagogue.
This was a building that played a central role in my childhood. I spent many hours each week there, for my first 17 years. It was a true time-warp.
I found my 16 year-old self and my mother in several places in the many collages of historical photos, that my old optometrist had prepared some years ago. Memories and ghosts popped up with every glance.
I asked the office manager if there was a piano in the building and she said it was in one of the classrooms. Not only did it turn out to be the same classroom where I first learned Hebrew as a very young child (an event which, I believe, led directly to my lifelong facility with languages, both computer and human), but, as I expected, it was the very same piano that my parents had donated to the synagogue back in the early 60’s (the plaque was still there), and upon which I had played my first public piano performances, for an endless series of holiday skits and synagogue events over those years.
Soon, guests, friends and the funeral guys arrived, with Dottie’s casket. I was reintroduced to many folks I had not seen in 35 years, many of whom were as shocked to be seeing me again, as I was in seeing them again.
Here's a cell-phone photo of four old jews (Steve, Allen, Billy and me):
One of my old friends from elementary-thru-high school came by (we had been communicating off and on over the past few months, have been reconnected via Classmates.com), and we had a fine, but brief reunion. We had both experienced recent losses. I am so happy to have had those moments.
Mom's casket, simple and tasteful, was wheeled into the sanctuary and covered with a nice blue embroidered cover. I spent several long minutes with my hand on it, in that quiet oh-so-familiar room, again totally surrounded by ghosts.
Finally, it was time for the service. My brother and cousin Steve spoke at length. It was dignified and heartfelt, and the stories told nicely reflected the character of the woman. My little anecdote took two minutes max, as I intended.
We left for the cemetery - a line of ten or so cars. Across the river, slowly, along the white, slushy streets, to the old jewish cemetery, where so many familiar names are resting.
The service there was brief and moving, under gray skies and a hint of drizzle. We said Kaddish and we said goodbye, everyone adding a shovelful of dirt - a wonderful custom. I placed a small stone I had brought from Portland for that purpose on the marker that, for the moment, has only my father's name inscribed.
We lingered, but with an eye on the time. We visited other graves - grandparents and family friends. It was cold and overcast.
Our work there was done, for this visit. What had been a single grave plot for 26 years was now a double.
We got in our cars around 2:15 and headed for the airport and the 3:50 flight to Philadelphia that all six of us were to take. All cell phones went off at once. Flight cancelled.
At the airport, we improvised. Steve, Carolyn and I appeared lucky - there was one other flight to Philadelphia that *might* allow us to make our various connections. Allen, Ellen and Jeff bid us a hasty goodbye and sped off back to Rochester, where, three hours later, another Milwaukee flight was scheduled to depart.
I alerted Karen in Portland that it looked good for my arrival home that night, and got a beer and ate a couple of cookies that Karen had made a couple of days before. It was all going to be OK.
A half hour later - nope, another delay. They told me that, even if I got to Philadelphia that afternoon, there was no way I'd make the 6 pm Portland flight. I might make it home late Thursday. It was a tad depressing.
I lay down on the floor and closed my eyes for a few minutes, imagining spending the night in Philadelphia.
Another half hour later, though, came the surprise boarding announcement. An hour had been shaved off the delay. We would land in Philadelphia around 5:30 and, if I ran at full speed (and caught the shuttle to a different terminal just right), it was 'possible'.
We landed in Philly, I ran to the shuttle and pushed to the front of the crowd. Steve and Carolyn made the same shuttle a minute later – we stood together in the doorway, me poised for a mad dash.
Carolyn had, in the brief interim, heard from Ellen. They did make it to Rochester on time, but a mechanical problem came up and all bets were off. So near yet so far. They had the worst luck of all of us. As of this writing, I still don't know if they made it home yesterday.
When the shuttle stopped, I bade farewell to Steve and Carolyn and ran.
I ran up an escalator, around a corner and ran full-speed, thru concourse C, weaving my way through the crowds like a maniac.
About seven gates away, I heard the 'final boarding call' message and ran faster.
I made it with less than four minutes to spare, my chest heaving and my throat dry.
On Tuesday, I spent seven hours in the Philadelphia airport; on Wednesday, seven minutes.
A long, unreal flight through the dark, bumpy night. Landed in Portland around 9:30 pm, on the same day I had helped bury my mother. How could this be?
Karen was waiting for me at the curb with the dog. My bag is still in Philadelphia, but I don’t care. I went to bed.
--------------------------
Late update - 11:30 am Thursday
Just talked to Allen and Ellen, as they were pulling into their driveway in Milwaukee, almost 24 hours after we watched them drive away from the Elmira airport.
They did make it to Rochester, but were on an overbooked flight, which they missed. They were placed on a United flight, but it had a defective tire and was delayed. They switched to a Delta flight (to Atlanta!) but that had a defective door-latch and was cancelled. All efforts to get out of New York State had been thwarted.
They ended up spending the night in Rochester, getting up at 4 am and finally arriving in Milwaukee a short time ago.
-----------------------------------------
Final update: 6:15 pm
My bag, last seen at the US Air counter in Elmira 18 hours ago, is now with me again.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
early morning in elmira, new york
Left the house in Portland at 6:30 am Tuesday, and knocked on my cousin Steve's Holiday Inn room in 'downtown' Elmira around 12:45 am Wednesday.
I spent more time in the Philadelphia airport yesterday (>7 hours) than it took to fly there from Portland. Bad weather across the country prevented my brother and his family from getting out of Milwaukee until late last night, missing the last plane to Elmira (that I was on, and that was delayed almost 3 hours).
They made it as far as Rochester, and are driving down from there this morning, hoping to arrive by 11:30. The funeral was originally scheduled for 10:30, but this has now been pushed back to noon (of course, nobody but the family knows this - not the general public).
All of us are booked on the same flight out of here, at 3:50 pm. A lot has to happen between now and then, but, first, I must have some breakfast and think about the weirdness of being here, after what is essentially a 40 year absence.
I spent more time in the Philadelphia airport yesterday (>7 hours) than it took to fly there from Portland. Bad weather across the country prevented my brother and his family from getting out of Milwaukee until late last night, missing the last plane to Elmira (that I was on, and that was delayed almost 3 hours).
They made it as far as Rochester, and are driving down from there this morning, hoping to arrive by 11:30. The funeral was originally scheduled for 10:30, but this has now been pushed back to noon (of course, nobody but the family knows this - not the general public).
All of us are booked on the same flight out of here, at 3:50 pm. A lot has to happen between now and then, but, first, I must have some breakfast and think about the weirdness of being here, after what is essentially a 40 year absence.
Monday, December 15, 2008
best blog comment so far, on the Bush shoe incident
What the guy shouted, was, "This is a farewell kiss, you dog!".
A poster on Commondreams said that he expected the Mainstream media to report the story as
Grateful Iraqi offers Bush shoes and calls him "man's best friend."
I have to laugh.
A poster on Commondreams said that he expected the Mainstream media to report the story as
Grateful Iraqi offers Bush shoes and calls him "man's best friend."
I have to laugh.
Saturday, December 13, 2008
something to make you feel good
You may not know this, but, for the past 3-4 years, I head over to the local Jewish-oriented Independent Living facility (Rose Schnitzer Manor) every Monday afternoon, to accompany the chorus there, composed of residents.
We have performed many times, at other Assisted Living places nearby, at the nursing home connected to RSM, and in the annual Portland Jewish Music Festival.
The group likes a variety of tunes, from old Yiddish standards to Broadway tunes - we even did 'With a Little Help From My Friends' a couple of years ago (with the lyric 'I get high with a little help...' replaced by 'Eat some pie with a little help...').
Recently, we've been working on a group of tunes that mention various cities, and we presented that program last Monday, with an audience of other residents and family, plus the residents of a nearby facility.
The performance was taped and has been edited to show highlights, and posted to YouTube. What is there at the moment may not be the final version, but you'll get the idea.
Students of American popular song will no doubt notice that, in 'Chattanooga Choo Choo', we subtly replaced "...than to eat your ham and eggs in Carolina" with "...than to eat your scrambled eggs in Carolina". Dietary laws must be obeyed!
That is me playing the piano - I make a brief appearance around 5:53 (right after 'Little Old Lady from Pasadena' - don't miss it!).
All these years I've been accompanying this group, I have always thought that I was playing piano for them because I couldn't be in Wisconsin every week playing for Mom, and that the forces of karma and Cosmic Balance would insure that someone would also be entertaining the troops there in Milwaukee.
UPDATE: Saturday 9:40 pm
The original link was taken down and replaced with the new one, which should now work.
We have performed many times, at other Assisted Living places nearby, at the nursing home connected to RSM, and in the annual Portland Jewish Music Festival.
The group likes a variety of tunes, from old Yiddish standards to Broadway tunes - we even did 'With a Little Help From My Friends' a couple of years ago (with the lyric 'I get high with a little help...' replaced by 'Eat some pie with a little help...').
Recently, we've been working on a group of tunes that mention various cities, and we presented that program last Monday, with an audience of other residents and family, plus the residents of a nearby facility.
The performance was taped and has been edited to show highlights, and posted to YouTube. What is there at the moment may not be the final version, but you'll get the idea.
Students of American popular song will no doubt notice that, in 'Chattanooga Choo Choo', we subtly replaced "...than to eat your ham and eggs in Carolina" with "...than to eat your scrambled eggs in Carolina". Dietary laws must be obeyed!
That is me playing the piano - I make a brief appearance around 5:53 (right after 'Little Old Lady from Pasadena' - don't miss it!).
All these years I've been accompanying this group, I have always thought that I was playing piano for them because I couldn't be in Wisconsin every week playing for Mom, and that the forces of karma and Cosmic Balance would insure that someone would also be entertaining the troops there in Milwaukee.
UPDATE: Saturday 9:40 pm
The original link was taken down and replaced with the new one, which should now work.
Friday, December 12, 2008
how i remember her
The webcam photo from yesterday (how is it possible that that was only yesterday?) is not what I want to remember.
THIS is what she loved best - my playing the piano at her assisted living place, surrounded by her friends. Too bad you can't see the smile on her face:
Just before I said goodbye, three weeks ago. It's funny - back in 1953 she seemed so much taller:
She loved to sit in the sun at the front entry at Meadowmere, greeting everybody. This was early October. This is what I want to remember.
The funeral is Wednesday in Elmira, New York. It will probably be a very quick trip.
THIS is what she loved best - my playing the piano at her assisted living place, surrounded by her friends. Too bad you can't see the smile on her face:
Just before I said goodbye, three weeks ago. It's funny - back in 1953 she seemed so much taller:
She loved to sit in the sun at the front entry at Meadowmere, greeting everybody. This was early October. This is what I want to remember.
The funeral is Wednesday in Elmira, New York. It will probably be a very quick trip.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
gone
8:00 pm Thursday.
Just got the call from my brother. Dottie died a couple of hours ago.
The timing of the funeral is still uncertain, but will probably be Sunday or Monday. I'll be heading to my home-town of Elmira, New York, probably with my son, Dylan (who just arrived in Portland, on Winter Break, from Ashland, two hours ago).
I am so happy that I was there just before Thanksgiving. She was so proud to be sitting there while I played the piano and her buddies were gathered around.
I am numb.
Just got the call from my brother. Dottie died a couple of hours ago.
The timing of the funeral is still uncertain, but will probably be Sunday or Monday. I'll be heading to my home-town of Elmira, New York, probably with my son, Dylan (who just arrived in Portland, on Winter Break, from Ashland, two hours ago).
I am so happy that I was there just before Thanksgiving. She was so proud to be sitting there while I played the piano and her buddies were gathered around.
I am numb.
mom - down but not out
Just received from my sister-in-law:
"She had more medication for her pain and agitation, so she's resting comfortably. Ester and an aide helped sponge bathe her, as she's now in diapers.
While they were doing it your mom squeezed her hand and Ester asked if your mom knew who she was and she said 'Ester'."
"She had more medication for her pain and agitation, so she's resting comfortably. Ester and an aide helped sponge bathe her, as she's now in diapers.
While they were doing it your mom squeezed her hand and Ester asked if your mom knew who she was and she said 'Ester'."
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