What makes home?
Not a home. Just home. Home is, famously, where the heart is. But it's also where your stuff is. Is home a place, a building, or just a state of mind? And how does one decide.
As we travel to Portland this weekend to consider it as "home," I find myself thinking about my home here. Not the house, although I love that old place. But it's not mine. No, I think of home as where the people I love are. Where I know the best places to get pot stickers and used CDs. Where I know the backroads in case of traffic, where I have my favorite radio stations, where I have a doctor I trust, a dentist I like, and a favorite place to walk.
In order to be home, does home need all these things? If we left here, we'd have a house -- the one thing I've always, always wanted and the one thing that always, always seems impossible here. But would I have home? Is being able to paint walls, plant flowers and say "ours," worth not having anyone to invite to the housewarming party?
I don't want to go. But if I don't, I'm admitting to "never" in terms of a house. It seems ironic that poor people can, with help from the wonderful folks at Habitat for Humanity, achieve what I cannot do -- in spite of being gainfully employed at a salary that is overpaid compared to the rest of the world.
I feel like I'm in a no-win situation. If I stay I get to keep seeing the people I love, but I never get a house of my own. If I leave, I get the house, but I have to leave home. And yes, it's possible to make a new home, people do it all the time. But is it worth it?
Friday, July 08, 2005
Thursday, July 07, 2005
Please do yourself a favor...
And buy Up & Down by The Palm Wine Boys. It's my new favorite CD. They're a local band, and their music is sweet, joyful, fun, light, playful, and perfect for summer. I really love this and I think you will too.
And buy Up & Down by The Palm Wine Boys. It's my new favorite CD. They're a local band, and their music is sweet, joyful, fun, light, playful, and perfect for summer. I really love this and I think you will too.
Tuesday, July 05, 2005
Guilty pleasures
On this quarter's application for a show on KZSU the random question was "what's your guilty pleasure?'
I don't know about you, but it's hard to name only one. I mentioned three. The first was La Mujer en el Espejo on the Telemundo network. It's a cheesy Spanish-language soap opera that I can't understand (not speaking Spanish being a great hindrance in this case), but to which I and my husband are completely addicted. The discussion board for this show is a riot, and includes comments from some very funny, very smart people.
My other guilty pleasure....Oreos. No explanation needed.
Musically my guilty pleasure is Garth Brooks. OK, he's a mega star and nothing to be ashamed of. But hey, when you're a world music DJ and you're surrounded by people to live and breathe music, admitting to liking Garth Brooks is like admitting to liking Fear Factor. (Please, no irate mail from Fear Factor addicts.
But my list of guilty pleasures is really huge. Captain Crunch cereal, cozy British mysteries I've seen dozens of times, ice cream, naps, popcorn, mummy movies, reruns of I Love Lucy, Jeopardy, trashy books, sometimes reading only the comics in the morning paper, country music, watching documentaries about cute animals...
So, what are your guilty pleasures?
On this quarter's application for a show on KZSU the random question was "what's your guilty pleasure?'
I don't know about you, but it's hard to name only one. I mentioned three. The first was La Mujer en el Espejo on the Telemundo network. It's a cheesy Spanish-language soap opera that I can't understand (not speaking Spanish being a great hindrance in this case), but to which I and my husband are completely addicted. The discussion board for this show is a riot, and includes comments from some very funny, very smart people.
My other guilty pleasure....Oreos. No explanation needed.
Musically my guilty pleasure is Garth Brooks. OK, he's a mega star and nothing to be ashamed of. But hey, when you're a world music DJ and you're surrounded by people to live and breathe music, admitting to liking Garth Brooks is like admitting to liking Fear Factor. (Please, no irate mail from Fear Factor addicts.
But my list of guilty pleasures is really huge. Captain Crunch cereal, cozy British mysteries I've seen dozens of times, ice cream, naps, popcorn, mummy movies, reruns of I Love Lucy, Jeopardy, trashy books, sometimes reading only the comics in the morning paper, country music, watching documentaries about cute animals...
So, what are your guilty pleasures?
Monday, July 04, 2005
What's in a noun?
The National Commission on Writing (why is there a National Commission on Writing?) has issued a report stating that poor writing skills costs Americans millions of dollars a year. To which, as a writer, I can only say, "duh."
Why is it that everyone thinks they can write? Nobody assumes that they can sit down at a piano and, without any training, practice, or experience, bang out a piece of Chopin. And yet put people at a computer, tell them to write, and everyone thinks they're Hemingway. Guess what folks? It doesn't work like that.
Writing is a skill and, sometimes, an art. And like all skills it must be learned and you must practice to keep your fluency. It's not enough to learn in 3rd grade what a verb is and where it goes. You have to learn how to string words and phrases together in a way that makes sense and is something people want to read.
Somewhere along the way, I completely lost my fluency. I used to write every single day, and I was good at it. Now I rarely write and I'm as rusty as the Tin Man. I mourn the loss of my words, but at least I'm not deluding myself that can still write. Oh sure, I can be coherent, but that's not enough. At least not for me.
I've been looking for a new job for a few months now, and not finding anything. Very few people want to hire writers (even rusty ones), because they assume anyone can string those words togather. And yet these companies would never assume that their receptionist could do some programming for them just because she uses a computer.
People, stop assuming and start recognizing that a good writer is not a luxury, it's a neccessity. Then hire me, dammit.
The National Commission on Writing (why is there a National Commission on Writing?) has issued a report stating that poor writing skills costs Americans millions of dollars a year. To which, as a writer, I can only say, "duh."
Why is it that everyone thinks they can write? Nobody assumes that they can sit down at a piano and, without any training, practice, or experience, bang out a piece of Chopin. And yet put people at a computer, tell them to write, and everyone thinks they're Hemingway. Guess what folks? It doesn't work like that.
Writing is a skill and, sometimes, an art. And like all skills it must be learned and you must practice to keep your fluency. It's not enough to learn in 3rd grade what a verb is and where it goes. You have to learn how to string words and phrases together in a way that makes sense and is something people want to read.
Somewhere along the way, I completely lost my fluency. I used to write every single day, and I was good at it. Now I rarely write and I'm as rusty as the Tin Man. I mourn the loss of my words, but at least I'm not deluding myself that can still write. Oh sure, I can be coherent, but that's not enough. At least not for me.
I've been looking for a new job for a few months now, and not finding anything. Very few people want to hire writers (even rusty ones), because they assume anyone can string those words togather. And yet these companies would never assume that their receptionist could do some programming for them just because she uses a computer.
People, stop assuming and start recognizing that a good writer is not a luxury, it's a neccessity. Then hire me, dammit.
Sunday, July 03, 2005
On wild cats and other peeves
I love animals. Pretty much all animals with the exception of ants and cockroaches. So it always bothers me when I spot yet another wild cat in our yard.
For years now the backyard has become a home away from home for the literally dozens of homeless cats in the area. We think it's the house two doors down that feeds them, and so they stick around the area. The problem is, none of them are fixed and every year our yard gets turned into a kitty nursery.
A few weeks ago, we spotted mama cat with two completely adorable kittens. One a little plaid one with a white face and a curious nature. The other, mostly gray with white feet. He was very small, and beyond adorable. Since my husband is also an animal lover, we went into our yearly worry over unsupervised kittens running free on a high-traffic street.
The day after we both pretty much fell in love with the little gray one, we were awakened at 5 am by angry, unpleasant noises in the backyard. My husband went out to investigate and scared off a rather large racoon. But it was too late. There, curled up next to our back fence was the little gray kitten. He was dead.
Having to wrap up and dispose of an adorable, newly-killed kitten at 5 am is not the way anyone should start the day.
Mama cat and the other kitten have staked out our yard as their private space and spend most days, all day, lying in the sun and chasing leaves. The kitten is growing, and having a lovely time curling up under a rose bush and generally being a cat. But whenever I think of his cute sibling, I just want to cry.
I know people think that feeding feral cats is a good thing. And I certainly don't want them to starve. But if you do that, could you also please try to catch them and get them fixed so that they don't keep breeding more generations of cats. We remember mama cat from when she was a kitten in our yard a few years ago. And last year we had to dispose of a cat that had been run over in front of our house.
We don't want to deal with your dead cats. It's upsetting and inconsiderate. Please, if you love animals enough to feed them, then love them enough to try and prevent this from happening. The local SPCA has lots of suggestions for trapping wild cats. They'll even rent you the traps and provide discount spay and neuter services. Please?
I love animals. Pretty much all animals with the exception of ants and cockroaches. So it always bothers me when I spot yet another wild cat in our yard.
For years now the backyard has become a home away from home for the literally dozens of homeless cats in the area. We think it's the house two doors down that feeds them, and so they stick around the area. The problem is, none of them are fixed and every year our yard gets turned into a kitty nursery.
A few weeks ago, we spotted mama cat with two completely adorable kittens. One a little plaid one with a white face and a curious nature. The other, mostly gray with white feet. He was very small, and beyond adorable. Since my husband is also an animal lover, we went into our yearly worry over unsupervised kittens running free on a high-traffic street.
The day after we both pretty much fell in love with the little gray one, we were awakened at 5 am by angry, unpleasant noises in the backyard. My husband went out to investigate and scared off a rather large racoon. But it was too late. There, curled up next to our back fence was the little gray kitten. He was dead.
Having to wrap up and dispose of an adorable, newly-killed kitten at 5 am is not the way anyone should start the day.
Mama cat and the other kitten have staked out our yard as their private space and spend most days, all day, lying in the sun and chasing leaves. The kitten is growing, and having a lovely time curling up under a rose bush and generally being a cat. But whenever I think of his cute sibling, I just want to cry.
I know people think that feeding feral cats is a good thing. And I certainly don't want them to starve. But if you do that, could you also please try to catch them and get them fixed so that they don't keep breeding more generations of cats. We remember mama cat from when she was a kitten in our yard a few years ago. And last year we had to dispose of a cat that had been run over in front of our house.
We don't want to deal with your dead cats. It's upsetting and inconsiderate. Please, if you love animals enough to feed them, then love them enough to try and prevent this from happening. The local SPCA has lots of suggestions for trapping wild cats. They'll even rent you the traps and provide discount spay and neuter services. Please?
Friday, July 01, 2005
Blech
So I've been sick. Not deathly ill sick. But sick enough that going to the emergency room kept being tossed around as a suggestion. (Hey, you try not eating for 3 days.) Thankfully I'm better due to time and a wonderful doctor. (I love my doctor.)
But now that I'm back to semi-normal, I find myself thinking that you know your job sucks when being home throwing up every 30 minutes is less stressful than actually being in the office.
So I've been sick. Not deathly ill sick. But sick enough that going to the emergency room kept being tossed around as a suggestion. (Hey, you try not eating for 3 days.) Thankfully I'm better due to time and a wonderful doctor. (I love my doctor.)
But now that I'm back to semi-normal, I find myself thinking that you know your job sucks when being home throwing up every 30 minutes is less stressful than actually being in the office.
Wednesday, June 22, 2005
Lost and found
So they found that missing kid in Utah. OK. Good. Glad he's alive and unhurt.
But it turns out that having been told not to "talk to strangers," he was actually avoiding the people who were searching for him. He'd hear a horse, or a hiker or something and get off the trail and hide. Um...is it just me, or is that just dumb? OK, he's only 11. And yes, it's a scary, sadly unsafe world. But hell, he had to know he was lost and in trouble and it didn't occur to him to ask for help? Just a "hey, I'm over here," and he'd have been back eating ice cream a few days ago. Instead his family is terrified and hundreds of people are inconveinenced (not to mention the cost!) all because Bucky was too stupid to use a little common sense and realize that extraordinary circumstances call for breaking the rules.
I know, I'm harsh. Deal with it.
So they found that missing kid in Utah. OK. Good. Glad he's alive and unhurt.
But it turns out that having been told not to "talk to strangers," he was actually avoiding the people who were searching for him. He'd hear a horse, or a hiker or something and get off the trail and hide. Um...is it just me, or is that just dumb? OK, he's only 11. And yes, it's a scary, sadly unsafe world. But hell, he had to know he was lost and in trouble and it didn't occur to him to ask for help? Just a "hey, I'm over here," and he'd have been back eating ice cream a few days ago. Instead his family is terrified and hundreds of people are inconveinenced (not to mention the cost!) all because Bucky was too stupid to use a little common sense and realize that extraordinary circumstances call for breaking the rules.
I know, I'm harsh. Deal with it.
Tuesday, June 21, 2005
Lollipots!
Just what we need. Marijuana-flavored lollipops. Who decided this was a good idea? They're made with hemp oil, so they have the taste but not the effects of the real thing. OK, a) lousy idea to sell to children; and b) why in the world is medical marijuana still illegal?
Just what we need. Marijuana-flavored lollipops. Who decided this was a good idea? They're made with hemp oil, so they have the taste but not the effects of the real thing. OK, a) lousy idea to sell to children; and b) why in the world is medical marijuana still illegal?
Friday, June 17, 2005
Keep building!
We live down the street from the Winchester Mystery House. OK, not the real one, but there is a house up the block that seems to be in a perpetual state of construction.
Over a year ago they tore down everything but the garage and started from scratch. It went slowly at first...but gradually a house appeared. Then things just got out of hand. Let's just say the word "moderation" is not in the vocabulary of these people. It's as if they decided to throw into/onto/near this house every since feature they could think of.
It started with brick facing. OK, nice enough I guess. And attractive in the garden terrace out in front of the house. But then they kept going. Higher walls. Facing on the house. More facing on the house. Oh yes, and a few more on the house. It now looks wildly out of place as brick is not normally used on houses in an earthquake zone. So all of a sudden in this steet full of 19050's stucco tract homes you this brick thing with walls of brick and columns of brick and facing of brick and brick lamp posts.
Then they moved to wood. A fence. OK fine, but then the fence kept going hire. Screens. Grills. A gate suitable for public park. And, god help us, a gazebo.
About 6 months ago this house looked fine. And now every time I drive by I laugh because it just keeps getting worse and worse.
We live down the street from the Winchester Mystery House. OK, not the real one, but there is a house up the block that seems to be in a perpetual state of construction.
Over a year ago they tore down everything but the garage and started from scratch. It went slowly at first...but gradually a house appeared. Then things just got out of hand. Let's just say the word "moderation" is not in the vocabulary of these people. It's as if they decided to throw into/onto/near this house every since feature they could think of.
It started with brick facing. OK, nice enough I guess. And attractive in the garden terrace out in front of the house. But then they kept going. Higher walls. Facing on the house. More facing on the house. Oh yes, and a few more on the house. It now looks wildly out of place as brick is not normally used on houses in an earthquake zone. So all of a sudden in this steet full of 19050's stucco tract homes you this brick thing with walls of brick and columns of brick and facing of brick and brick lamp posts.
Then they moved to wood. A fence. OK fine, but then the fence kept going hire. Screens. Grills. A gate suitable for public park. And, god help us, a gazebo.
About 6 months ago this house looked fine. And now every time I drive by I laugh because it just keeps getting worse and worse.
Thursday, June 16, 2005
What Ever Happened to Good Behavior?
In a not-at-all groundbreaking poll a majority of Americans have decided that movie stars make bad role models. To which I can only reply "duh!"
In semi-related news the so-called "runaway bride" just sold her story for a cool $1 million.
So what ever happened to good behavior? When did we start rewarding bad behavior and ignoring the good stuff?
Who decided that Tom Cruise would make a good role model anyway? Or Brad Pitt? Or, god help us, Terrell Owens?
Role models should not be people who get paid $80 million for fun and easy work. And people who intentionally lie and cause distress to hundreds of people should not be rewarded for their actions.
Role models should be people who do good in the world. People you've never heard of who work in refugee camps and AIDS hospitals in Africa. People who sit down every week and write checks to the causes that are close to their heart (provided those causes don't include the KKK). Role models are people who turn their back on the high tech dollar in order to teach high school, or who become cops because they truly like to help people.
I'm so tired of the glorification of those who deserve only to be ignored. Why does the "finger in the chili" lady deserve front-page coverage across the Nation, but the "low income lady who saves all year to provide Christmas gifts for the poor kids in the neighborhood" gets lost. Why is there an entire culture addicted to "reality TV" which does nothing but reward backstabbing and game-playing, and yet so few people willing to volunteer their time at soup kitchens and afterschool programs?
Our priorities are seriously screwed up, folks.
In a not-at-all groundbreaking poll a majority of Americans have decided that movie stars make bad role models. To which I can only reply "duh!"
In semi-related news the so-called "runaway bride" just sold her story for a cool $1 million.
So what ever happened to good behavior? When did we start rewarding bad behavior and ignoring the good stuff?
Who decided that Tom Cruise would make a good role model anyway? Or Brad Pitt? Or, god help us, Terrell Owens?
Role models should not be people who get paid $80 million for fun and easy work. And people who intentionally lie and cause distress to hundreds of people should not be rewarded for their actions.
Role models should be people who do good in the world. People you've never heard of who work in refugee camps and AIDS hospitals in Africa. People who sit down every week and write checks to the causes that are close to their heart (provided those causes don't include the KKK). Role models are people who turn their back on the high tech dollar in order to teach high school, or who become cops because they truly like to help people.
I'm so tired of the glorification of those who deserve only to be ignored. Why does the "finger in the chili" lady deserve front-page coverage across the Nation, but the "low income lady who saves all year to provide Christmas gifts for the poor kids in the neighborhood" gets lost. Why is there an entire culture addicted to "reality TV" which does nothing but reward backstabbing and game-playing, and yet so few people willing to volunteer their time at soup kitchens and afterschool programs?
Our priorities are seriously screwed up, folks.
Wednesday, June 15, 2005
2, Two, Too!
Today marks our 2nd anniversary as married people. Two years ago today my sweetie and I, and two of our dearest friends, went to an incredibly tacky wedding chapel in Lake Tahoe and got married under the watchful gaze of about a dozen plastic garden animals. The ceremony was followed by the traditional post-wedding margaritas and a trek to the top of Heavenly Mountain.
I never thought I'd get married once, let alone twice. And after the first time, I said "never again." But you see...I met this guy. And I have to admit, he's pretty damned wonderful. In addition to being brilliant and talented, sweet and funny, generous and kind, and altogether great, he's also persistent. And patient. And braver than hell for wanting to take me on.
I don't know how I got so lucky.
Today marks our 2nd anniversary as married people. Two years ago today my sweetie and I, and two of our dearest friends, went to an incredibly tacky wedding chapel in Lake Tahoe and got married under the watchful gaze of about a dozen plastic garden animals. The ceremony was followed by the traditional post-wedding margaritas and a trek to the top of Heavenly Mountain.
I never thought I'd get married once, let alone twice. And after the first time, I said "never again." But you see...I met this guy. And I have to admit, he's pretty damned wonderful. In addition to being brilliant and talented, sweet and funny, generous and kind, and altogether great, he's also persistent. And patient. And braver than hell for wanting to take me on.
I don't know how I got so lucky.
Tuesday, June 14, 2005
No more sleepovers!
So Michael Jackson was found not guilty. Hmmmm....forgive me for being dubious. I mean I don't know if he's guilty as charged, but I do think he's guilty of being incredibly freaky. And what's with his legions of devoted fans talking about how sweet he is and all he's done for the children of the world.
You want to help children? Great. Invite them to your odd estate and let them play with your chimp and ride your carousel. Throw parties for underpriviledged childdren. Give money to children's hospitals and AIDS orphans. But, and this is key, don't sleep with them!
Normal men do NOT routinely have sleepovers for 12-year old boys. They don't think pajama parties are a great way to relax after a hard day of denying you've ever had plastic surgery.
I know there are a lot of people who love this man (I have no idea why!), and I know he was found innocent. But good heavens, I think there's a lot of evidence to provve he's just plain weird. And not "good" weird, but weird in a "he gives me the creeps" kind of way.
So Michael Jackson was found not guilty. Hmmmm....forgive me for being dubious. I mean I don't know if he's guilty as charged, but I do think he's guilty of being incredibly freaky. And what's with his legions of devoted fans talking about how sweet he is and all he's done for the children of the world.
You want to help children? Great. Invite them to your odd estate and let them play with your chimp and ride your carousel. Throw parties for underpriviledged childdren. Give money to children's hospitals and AIDS orphans. But, and this is key, don't sleep with them!
Normal men do NOT routinely have sleepovers for 12-year old boys. They don't think pajama parties are a great way to relax after a hard day of denying you've ever had plastic surgery.
I know there are a lot of people who love this man (I have no idea why!), and I know he was found innocent. But good heavens, I think there's a lot of evidence to provve he's just plain weird. And not "good" weird, but weird in a "he gives me the creeps" kind of way.
Monday, June 13, 2005
Oh no, TO!
Even if you're not a Philadelphia Eagles fan, you've got to hand it to the nerve of Terrell Owens. The poor man just can't make it on the $49 million over 7-year contract he signed only last year. In his own words he has to "feed his family" and needs more money. Just how big is his family and how much do they eat? Is he related to Zambia? Great ESPN article about how he's pissing off lots of people.
Even if you're not a Philadelphia Eagles fan, you've got to hand it to the nerve of Terrell Owens. The poor man just can't make it on the $49 million over 7-year contract he signed only last year. In his own words he has to "feed his family" and needs more money. Just how big is his family and how much do they eat? Is he related to Zambia? Great ESPN article about how he's pissing off lots of people.
Wanna destroy the earth?
Sam's practical advice for doing so. Useful for Bond villians anyone fed up with life in general.
Sam's practical advice for doing so. Useful for Bond villians anyone fed up with life in general.
Friday, June 10, 2005
Sounds of Africa
Being a world music DJ, most of the music I listen to for pleasure comes from outside of the US. I am particuarly fond of Arican music. There are some truly amazing artists from there. Henri Dikongue, Oliver Mtukudzi, Angelique Kidjo, Wasis Diop, and...oh....about a hundred others. (Femi Kuti, Cool Crooners of Buluwayo, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Zap Mama, Youssou N'Dour...etc.
Anyway, the wonderful folks at the BBC have come up with a fine Echoes of Africa section to introduce you to the basics of African sounds. If you want to know more about world music, especially if you're looking for suggestions, check out their broader world music section.
Being a world music DJ, most of the music I listen to for pleasure comes from outside of the US. I am particuarly fond of Arican music. There are some truly amazing artists from there. Henri Dikongue, Oliver Mtukudzi, Angelique Kidjo, Wasis Diop, and...oh....about a hundred others. (Femi Kuti, Cool Crooners of Buluwayo, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Zap Mama, Youssou N'Dour...etc.
Anyway, the wonderful folks at the BBC have come up with a fine Echoes of Africa section to introduce you to the basics of African sounds. If you want to know more about world music, especially if you're looking for suggestions, check out their broader world music section.
Friday, June 03, 2005
Caution!
Ok, this one is odd. Go to the Amadana site. Click on the product pages. When the products appear, select any of them and scroll to the bottom to the "Caution" section. Each product page has a different caution area, and each one is freakishly weird.
Ok, this one is odd. Go to the Amadana site. Click on the product pages. When the products appear, select any of them and scroll to the bottom to the "Caution" section. Each product page has a different caution area, and each one is freakishly weird.
Wednesday, June 01, 2005
Sometimes magic does happen
Last night I volunteered the 7 o'clock hour of my radio show to my husband so that he could interview jazz guitarists Howard Alden and Robin Nolan. Robin Nolan and his trio will be performing as part of Djangofest SF a tribute to the late, great Django Reinhardt and a celebration of gypsy jazz. (Running at the Little Fox Theatre in Redwood City, June 9-12, 2005.)
Expecting only Robin and Howard to show up, we were deliciously surprised that the entire Robin Nolan trio arrived. Thanks to the wonderful, invaluable help of fellow DJ The Bawd of Euphony, an impromptu concert of delicious gypsy jazz happened in the studio at KZSU. It was amazing! One of my all-time favorite forms of music, suddenly appearing and performed by incredibly talented, wonderfully charismatic artists. It was truly magic.
Go see Djangofest. I can highly recommend the Robin Nolan trio, you'll have a great time. But no matter who you see, please go out and support this great music and a wonderful venue.
Thank you to Howard, Robin, and all the guys and especially to the Bawd for a great surprise. I'll remember this one for a while.
Last night I volunteered the 7 o'clock hour of my radio show to my husband so that he could interview jazz guitarists Howard Alden and Robin Nolan. Robin Nolan and his trio will be performing as part of Djangofest SF a tribute to the late, great Django Reinhardt and a celebration of gypsy jazz. (Running at the Little Fox Theatre in Redwood City, June 9-12, 2005.)
Expecting only Robin and Howard to show up, we were deliciously surprised that the entire Robin Nolan trio arrived. Thanks to the wonderful, invaluable help of fellow DJ The Bawd of Euphony, an impromptu concert of delicious gypsy jazz happened in the studio at KZSU. It was amazing! One of my all-time favorite forms of music, suddenly appearing and performed by incredibly talented, wonderfully charismatic artists. It was truly magic.
Go see Djangofest. I can highly recommend the Robin Nolan trio, you'll have a great time. But no matter who you see, please go out and support this great music and a wonderful venue.
Thank you to Howard, Robin, and all the guys and especially to the Bawd for a great surprise. I'll remember this one for a while.
Wednesday, May 25, 2005
Malawi in the news
The last time my favorite African nation, Malawi, was in the news it was due to a rather fascinating tale of a witchdoctor, a curse, and some workers who were on strike. Today's coverage is better. Courtesy of the BBC comes this article about Jack McConnel (First Minister of Scotland), his visit to Malawi, and his pledge to bring Malawi more before the public eye. Malawi faces rampant poverty and the ever-present devastation of AIDS, so any and all help in publicizing the plight of Malawi is always appreciated.
The last time my favorite African nation, Malawi, was in the news it was due to a rather fascinating tale of a witchdoctor, a curse, and some workers who were on strike. Today's coverage is better. Courtesy of the BBC comes this article about Jack McConnel (First Minister of Scotland), his visit to Malawi, and his pledge to bring Malawi more before the public eye. Malawi faces rampant poverty and the ever-present devastation of AIDS, so any and all help in publicizing the plight of Malawi is always appreciated.
Monday, May 23, 2005
More material, please!
I am so sick at looking at 17-year old navels. The so-called "fashion" for shirts that end somewhere around the rib and pants that start mid-hip has given rise to a whole society of tummy-baring teenagers, most of whom really should just cover up.
When will it end, oh Lord? I must admit that most of the time I just look at them and laugh, but every once in a while I'm just kind of apalled. Not being sylph-like myself, I do have sympathy with the more...um...ample...of these girls, but I think that's just all the more reason to buy shirts that actually cover the stomach. Women, please, please, please do not let "fashion" dictate what you wear. Wear what looks good on or what you're comfortable in -- but in the name of all that is good, do NOT wear what "everyone else" is wearing if it makes you look ridiculous.
I am so sick at looking at 17-year old navels. The so-called "fashion" for shirts that end somewhere around the rib and pants that start mid-hip has given rise to a whole society of tummy-baring teenagers, most of whom really should just cover up.
When will it end, oh Lord? I must admit that most of the time I just look at them and laugh, but every once in a while I'm just kind of apalled. Not being sylph-like myself, I do have sympathy with the more...um...ample...of these girls, but I think that's just all the more reason to buy shirts that actually cover the stomach. Women, please, please, please do not let "fashion" dictate what you wear. Wear what looks good on or what you're comfortable in -- but in the name of all that is good, do NOT wear what "everyone else" is wearing if it makes you look ridiculous.
Thursday, May 19, 2005
Why mess with success?
Recently the PBS series Mystery! has started showing new productions of some of Agatha Christie's wonderful Miss Marple books. This latest batch starts Geraldine McEwan, who is a wonderful actress. But oh my goodness are these productions disappointing!
People who love these types of stories like them because they're "cozy" and to a true fanatic, the Christie books (while admittedly not perfect) are nonetheless fine the way they are. And yet this new series feels the need to change things, add characters, alter the plot, and generally muck about with something that needs no mucking.
I don't see the point. And I certainly don't understand why they feel the need to make these changes. Even something as small as changing a character named "John" in the book to one named "David" in the series -- um...why? And they keep throwing un unnecessary love stories, changing character relationships, and adding and/or deleting characters. It's upsetting to those of us who want the familiar. Shame on you, Mystery! stop fooling around with our beloved Miss Marple.
Recently the PBS series Mystery! has started showing new productions of some of Agatha Christie's wonderful Miss Marple books. This latest batch starts Geraldine McEwan, who is a wonderful actress. But oh my goodness are these productions disappointing!
People who love these types of stories like them because they're "cozy" and to a true fanatic, the Christie books (while admittedly not perfect) are nonetheless fine the way they are. And yet this new series feels the need to change things, add characters, alter the plot, and generally muck about with something that needs no mucking.
I don't see the point. And I certainly don't understand why they feel the need to make these changes. Even something as small as changing a character named "John" in the book to one named "David" in the series -- um...why? And they keep throwing un unnecessary love stories, changing character relationships, and adding and/or deleting characters. It's upsetting to those of us who want the familiar. Shame on you, Mystery! stop fooling around with our beloved Miss Marple.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
