My wife and I leave today for a week in Mexico. Ajijic, to be specific. We'll stay with my brother and his wife, who moved there over a year ago...into what appears to be, from all the photos, a beautiful home. Another brother and a sister are already there, so this will be a miniature version of a family reunion. Another brother and another sister won't be there, but maybe we can try again next year.
This week between Christmas and New Year's Day is the only time of year that I can close my office and get away. I relish it.
We're busy packing and making sure we don't leave anything we need behind...but if this trip is like most, we'll leave something behind, though it's likely to be minor. I may or may not blog while I'm away on holiday respite. I'll blog about my trip when I return, though, that's a sure thing.
Monday, December 26, 2005
Sunday, December 25, 2005
Tradition
When I was much younger, in my high-school and college years, I felt disdain for tradition. The concept of tradition seemed to me to embody an unwillingness to recognize and acknowledge changes in the world around us. I did not understand then that we do not necessarily demonstrate a fear of change when we accept tradition but, rather, that in embracing tradition we honor those who have had an impact on our lives. In some respects, we honor those people by adopting their traditions.
In my family, we had a tradition of having tamales and chile con queso on Christmas eve. I'm pretty confident that our tradition was adopted from the Mexican culture around us, though not necessarily as a means of honoring that culture. Whatever the origins of that family tradition, I have continued it in my adult life. My wife and I enjoyed that tradition last night. But traditions change, too. When I was a child and a teenager and a young adult, we always found a Mexican lady who made homemade tamales as our source of pork & jalapeño tamales. When making the chile con queso, my mother used bacon fat as the oil in which onions and bell pepper were cooked until they were translucent. Today, I use corn oil instead of bacon fat to make the chile con queso. I try to find pork & jalapeño tamales, but rarely buy them from a Mexican lady who makes them at home. Instead, I usually buy them from a Mexican tortilla and tamale outlet. This year, though, I ran out of time trying to find a source of tamales...I waited until it was too late to order my tamales. So, I found another source, but had to settle for chicken & tomatillo & jalapeño tamales from a large grocery store. Fortunately, they were excellent! Traditions change, but their essence seems to stay the same.
My wife and I started a tradition several years ago on New Year's day...though it's not really an embedded tradition yet...it doesn't necessarily happen every year. Our tradition is to have an unusual ethnic luncheon or dinner...or to snack on the various canned foodstuffs we exchange as "stocking stuffers" at Christmas. That's another tradition we've developed over the years; I buy for her little delights like smoked oysters, liver paté, kipper snacks, herring, pickled herring, deviled meats, tiny pearl onions, bags of specialty potato chips, and other such snacks and then, on New Year's day, we munch on them all day long. It's an off & on tradition, but it's ours. If we don't do the "stocking stuffer" munching, we try to have what once was considered an unusual meal...but today is not unusual at all. In years past, we've had Chinese dim sum, Thai food, Indian food, and other dishes that were once exotic...the only requisite for me was that some part of the meal had to be very spicy...I had to start the year with fire in my belly!
Today is Christmas day, so when my wife wakes up, we will engage in another tradition. We will exchange our stocking stuffer gifts and we will make breakfast. We usually don't exchange major 'secret' gifts but, instead, we'll jointly decide to splurge on something. Last year, it was a double oven. This year, it's badly-needed repair work on the house. But we do exchange stocking stuffers. And this morning we'll have a breakfast of chorizo con juevos, with lots of cilantro and slices of tomatoes. My wife wants me to wake her up by 9:30...she wanted to sleep in today because we stayed up late watching a movie, Mr. & Mrs. Smith. And then, the tradition will continue!
In my family, we had a tradition of having tamales and chile con queso on Christmas eve. I'm pretty confident that our tradition was adopted from the Mexican culture around us, though not necessarily as a means of honoring that culture. Whatever the origins of that family tradition, I have continued it in my adult life. My wife and I enjoyed that tradition last night. But traditions change, too. When I was a child and a teenager and a young adult, we always found a Mexican lady who made homemade tamales as our source of pork & jalapeño tamales. When making the chile con queso, my mother used bacon fat as the oil in which onions and bell pepper were cooked until they were translucent. Today, I use corn oil instead of bacon fat to make the chile con queso. I try to find pork & jalapeño tamales, but rarely buy them from a Mexican lady who makes them at home. Instead, I usually buy them from a Mexican tortilla and tamale outlet. This year, though, I ran out of time trying to find a source of tamales...I waited until it was too late to order my tamales. So, I found another source, but had to settle for chicken & tomatillo & jalapeño tamales from a large grocery store. Fortunately, they were excellent! Traditions change, but their essence seems to stay the same.
My wife and I started a tradition several years ago on New Year's day...though it's not really an embedded tradition yet...it doesn't necessarily happen every year. Our tradition is to have an unusual ethnic luncheon or dinner...or to snack on the various canned foodstuffs we exchange as "stocking stuffers" at Christmas. That's another tradition we've developed over the years; I buy for her little delights like smoked oysters, liver paté, kipper snacks, herring, pickled herring, deviled meats, tiny pearl onions, bags of specialty potato chips, and other such snacks and then, on New Year's day, we munch on them all day long. It's an off & on tradition, but it's ours. If we don't do the "stocking stuffer" munching, we try to have what once was considered an unusual meal...but today is not unusual at all. In years past, we've had Chinese dim sum, Thai food, Indian food, and other dishes that were once exotic...the only requisite for me was that some part of the meal had to be very spicy...I had to start the year with fire in my belly!
Today is Christmas day, so when my wife wakes up, we will engage in another tradition. We will exchange our stocking stuffer gifts and we will make breakfast. We usually don't exchange major 'secret' gifts but, instead, we'll jointly decide to splurge on something. Last year, it was a double oven. This year, it's badly-needed repair work on the house. But we do exchange stocking stuffers. And this morning we'll have a breakfast of chorizo con juevos, with lots of cilantro and slices of tomatoes. My wife wants me to wake her up by 9:30...she wanted to sleep in today because we stayed up late watching a movie, Mr. & Mrs. Smith. And then, the tradition will continue!
Saturday, December 24, 2005
Late on Christmas Eve
It's just after 10:30 pm on Christmas eve. I don't feel that tonight, nor tomorrow, is a religious day, at least not for me. I know that for many people, though, this time of year is profoundly important. It's profoundly important for me in some ways, too, but not for the same reasons as my believer brethren. I think, though, that the roots of the import of this time of year for me and for others are found in the same glimmer of hope.
Some people turn to the supernatural for solice; they believe, or create, stories about people or beings that convey important concepts that should guide the way we live our lives. Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist...they all have specific ideas about the genesis of our planet and our lives and they all offer their interpretations of what those ideas mean. Ultimately, I think most religions have, at their core, a desire for mankind to treat other men with dignity and respect and to respect this planet and the universe surrounding us. The way they try to imbed that message in their followers varies dramatically. Some religions have, over time, become dangerous, instead of protective and comforting. Let me revise that; it's not some religions, it's most, if not all.
I know virtually nothing of Islam, but what I have read recently makes me believe it is dangerous. I believe Judaism is dangerous. I believe Christianity is dangerous. Buddhism, from what little I know, is mostly positive, if deluded. I haven't paid much attention to others. Lately, though, I hear from religious leaders the sort of vitriol and hatred that I thought was reserved for the insane. The concepts of tolerance and embrace seem to be disappearing.
I struggle with religion. I have no use for it, but then I wonder whether my own beliefs...we're born, we live, we die, and we should be good to people in the process...are religious. Mind you, I fail in my execution of my beliefs, or my wishes. But isn't religion a means for us to codify our moral codes? How do we give rationale to our moral codes without religion? I think I do, I just don't know how.
At this time of year, I hear Christmas carols and hymns and wishes for world peace and I am touched by them. It's hard to describe, though. I'm not touched out of my religious beliefs, but out of my desire, my wish, that the world were indeed modeled after what is considered by at least some religions as compassion. Part of my rejection of religions (aside from the primary, fundamental problem...belief in a superior being) is the fact that they preach tolerance and goodness, and then turn around and condone and promote hatred and prejudice and intolerance.
Happy holidays...Merry Christmas...however you see this world we live in, I wish for you and yours safety, happiness, closeness with those you love, and a better and more tolerant world in the days and years ahead.
Some people turn to the supernatural for solice; they believe, or create, stories about people or beings that convey important concepts that should guide the way we live our lives. Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist...they all have specific ideas about the genesis of our planet and our lives and they all offer their interpretations of what those ideas mean. Ultimately, I think most religions have, at their core, a desire for mankind to treat other men with dignity and respect and to respect this planet and the universe surrounding us. The way they try to imbed that message in their followers varies dramatically. Some religions have, over time, become dangerous, instead of protective and comforting. Let me revise that; it's not some religions, it's most, if not all.
I know virtually nothing of Islam, but what I have read recently makes me believe it is dangerous. I believe Judaism is dangerous. I believe Christianity is dangerous. Buddhism, from what little I know, is mostly positive, if deluded. I haven't paid much attention to others. Lately, though, I hear from religious leaders the sort of vitriol and hatred that I thought was reserved for the insane. The concepts of tolerance and embrace seem to be disappearing.
I struggle with religion. I have no use for it, but then I wonder whether my own beliefs...we're born, we live, we die, and we should be good to people in the process...are religious. Mind you, I fail in my execution of my beliefs, or my wishes. But isn't religion a means for us to codify our moral codes? How do we give rationale to our moral codes without religion? I think I do, I just don't know how.
At this time of year, I hear Christmas carols and hymns and wishes for world peace and I am touched by them. It's hard to describe, though. I'm not touched out of my religious beliefs, but out of my desire, my wish, that the world were indeed modeled after what is considered by at least some religions as compassion. Part of my rejection of religions (aside from the primary, fundamental problem...belief in a superior being) is the fact that they preach tolerance and goodness, and then turn around and condone and promote hatred and prejudice and intolerance.
Happy holidays...Merry Christmas...however you see this world we live in, I wish for you and yours safety, happiness, closeness with those you love, and a better and more tolerant world in the days and years ahead.
The Day Before Christmas
'Tis the Day before Christmas and the air smells of wassail and honey.
Most wallets are empty, but Bush keeps stealing our money.
Most credit cards are maxxed out, with creditors waiting,
To be paid for our gluttony and our bad credit rating.
The fascists are smiling, the self-assured scum,
They'd lied to the public, with more lies to come.
Bush in his stetson, and Cheney in his smirk,
Were settling down for a hard day of WORK,
When out in the country came a collective loud scream,
The people were rising up, or was this just a dream?
I turned on the TV to hear from Fox News,
Oh no, it was nothing, just Bush airing his views.
But I heard something different from CNN and NPR
They said people were tired and were opposing the war.
Words now were spoken against Bush and his tribes,
Those bastards who stole and who took all those bribes.
That set Bush to plotting a way to recover his crown
He'd hold his critics under water, hoping they'd drown.
He said it was legal, and that he had every right.
He'd checked in at Justice, they'd locked it up tight.
But the Senate had questions and the House wasn't sure
Whether Bush had good motives, and whether his motives were pure.
They acted right quickly, with applomb and good speed
To impeach and indict him and cause the bastard to bleed.
It was too bad and a shame it had taken so long
For the House and the Senate to see he was wrong.
But it finally happened, thank goodness I was still alive
To see the removal of George Bush in 2025.
Most wallets are empty, but Bush keeps stealing our money.
Most credit cards are maxxed out, with creditors waiting,
To be paid for our gluttony and our bad credit rating.
The fascists are smiling, the self-assured scum,
They'd lied to the public, with more lies to come.
Bush in his stetson, and Cheney in his smirk,
Were settling down for a hard day of WORK,
When out in the country came a collective loud scream,
The people were rising up, or was this just a dream?
I turned on the TV to hear from Fox News,
Oh no, it was nothing, just Bush airing his views.
But I heard something different from CNN and NPR
They said people were tired and were opposing the war.
Words now were spoken against Bush and his tribes,
Those bastards who stole and who took all those bribes.
That set Bush to plotting a way to recover his crown
He'd hold his critics under water, hoping they'd drown.
He said it was legal, and that he had every right.
He'd checked in at Justice, they'd locked it up tight.
But the Senate had questions and the House wasn't sure
Whether Bush had good motives, and whether his motives were pure.
They acted right quickly, with applomb and good speed
To impeach and indict him and cause the bastard to bleed.
It was too bad and a shame it had taken so long
For the House and the Senate to see he was wrong.
But it finally happened, thank goodness I was still alive
To see the removal of George Bush in 2025.
Friday, December 23, 2005
Sushi...Again
On December 10 (I think), my favorite wife and I went to a David Sedaris play. Afterward, we had sushi at a great little sushi place in Addison. Tonight, we went to the same place. But tonight, we pulled out all the stops. Tonight, we paid for the dinner on our corporate AMEX, knowing full well that we'll end the year with a huge deficit. Life's too short to worry about the little things!
Anyway, we had talked about going to a Greek restaurant, but tonight's sky looked more like sushi. So, we decided to revisit our sushi spot of recent adoration and this time we wanted to make it a corporate event, complete with board meeting, so we can write it off. And that we did.
We had two small bottles of sake, one made in the U.S. and the other in Japan. Both were good, but I much preferred the Japanes sake. Naturally, I have no idea what brands we were drinking.
But the food! We had a volcano roll, with a combination of scallops and crawfish in a very spicy sauce topping several nice crawfish rolls. Wonderful! And we had spicy salmon and spicy tuna rolls. And we had slices of raw salmon that was beyong belief! And an assortment of other wonderful stuff. Heaven! I do love sushi and sashimi. Fresh raw tuna is a gift from whoever is the latest god in control of the universe. This place has spectacular wasabi, too...it will clear your sinuses and cause your brain to bleed if you're not careful. Even the soy sauce is special. I guess you would be right if you guessed I like this place. I'd love to make it a regular stop on Friday evenings. My entire wife pointed out to me that most people tonight dropped in for one or two items, then left...unlike the two of us, who pretended we needed to eat enough to last us until December 2013. I think her point was that we can afford to do this more frequently...but only in moderation.
It's interesting that, just this afternoon, I was listening to an NPR program that suggested our diets and tastes in food have changed dramatically over the last 40 years because of the repeal of some law, which I didn't catch, that allowed a massive influx of migrants to the U.S. If that's the case, then I applaud the law. I probably won't applaud it forever, but in the spirit of welcoming the world and all the world can offer to lift us up and out of the darkness of Bushiness, I'll all for it.
Damn, every time I think of the fascist I get depressed...I need a quart of sake...
Anyway, we had talked about going to a Greek restaurant, but tonight's sky looked more like sushi. So, we decided to revisit our sushi spot of recent adoration and this time we wanted to make it a corporate event, complete with board meeting, so we can write it off. And that we did.
We had two small bottles of sake, one made in the U.S. and the other in Japan. Both were good, but I much preferred the Japanes sake. Naturally, I have no idea what brands we were drinking.
But the food! We had a volcano roll, with a combination of scallops and crawfish in a very spicy sauce topping several nice crawfish rolls. Wonderful! And we had spicy salmon and spicy tuna rolls. And we had slices of raw salmon that was beyong belief! And an assortment of other wonderful stuff. Heaven! I do love sushi and sashimi. Fresh raw tuna is a gift from whoever is the latest god in control of the universe. This place has spectacular wasabi, too...it will clear your sinuses and cause your brain to bleed if you're not careful. Even the soy sauce is special. I guess you would be right if you guessed I like this place. I'd love to make it a regular stop on Friday evenings. My entire wife pointed out to me that most people tonight dropped in for one or two items, then left...unlike the two of us, who pretended we needed to eat enough to last us until December 2013. I think her point was that we can afford to do this more frequently...but only in moderation.
It's interesting that, just this afternoon, I was listening to an NPR program that suggested our diets and tastes in food have changed dramatically over the last 40 years because of the repeal of some law, which I didn't catch, that allowed a massive influx of migrants to the U.S. If that's the case, then I applaud the law. I probably won't applaud it forever, but in the spirit of welcoming the world and all the world can offer to lift us up and out of the darkness of Bushiness, I'll all for it.
Damn, every time I think of the fascist I get depressed...I need a quart of sake...
New Business Possibility
I received a large envelope yesterday, full of brochures, newsletters, and other such materials from an association. Along with the literature was a request for proposal for association management. The letter noted that proposals must be received by January 3 to be considered. So, I've gotta stop blogging and work on getting, or trying to get, a new piece of business!
Thursday, December 22, 2005
Improve Texas
My niece send me a bumper sticker with the words, "IMPROVE TEXAS--WITHOUT DELAY!" printed on it. She's got the right idea!
I'm getting busy trying to decide what information I need to take with me on my trip to Mexico, so very little time to write...more later tonight if I can.
I'm getting busy trying to decide what information I need to take with me on my trip to Mexico, so very little time to write...more later tonight if I can.
Wednesday, December 21, 2005
Cheney Should Not Promote the Ends Justifying the Means
Vice President Dick Cheney, in his typical fascist style of defending the illegal acts of an utterly corrupt government, had this to say about Bush's direction to NSA:
"I believe in a strong, robust executive authority and I think that the world we live in demands it." He goes on to say "I would argue that the actions that we've taken there are (the NSA spying on Americans arrangement) totally appropriate and consistent with the constitutional authority of the president...You know, it's not an accident that we haven't been hit in four years,"
Well, then, what the hell! If the ends justify the means, then let's just completely obliterate those who are threatening us! Nuke 'em, every one! Actually, Cheney should be concerned about pontificating about the ends justifying the means...we need a government that is free of fascists...we need it so much that any action, anything, should be done to ensure that it happens.
"I believe in a strong, robust executive authority and I think that the world we live in demands it." He goes on to say "I would argue that the actions that we've taken there are (the NSA spying on Americans arrangement) totally appropriate and consistent with the constitutional authority of the president...You know, it's not an accident that we haven't been hit in four years,"
Well, then, what the hell! If the ends justify the means, then let's just completely obliterate those who are threatening us! Nuke 'em, every one! Actually, Cheney should be concerned about pontificating about the ends justifying the means...we need a government that is free of fascists...we need it so much that any action, anything, should be done to ensure that it happens.
Monday, December 19, 2005
Christmas Music
Since I posted my last message about Glenn Mitchell, I found a couple of wonderful Christmas CDs created by my nearly-brother-in-law John...incredible music! I love the jazz, blues, crazy music! Just listened to Chicago do a great piece...lots more to listen to. Thanks, John!
I Still Miss Glenn Mitchell
Yesterday, KERA 90.1 (our local NPR station) broadcast a memorial, a retrospective show, of the Christmas Blockbuster show, a tribute to its creator and 30-year host, Glenn Mitchell. If you don't know who Glenn Mitchell was, let me tell you. He was a brilliant radio talk show host who spent more than 30 years on the air at KERA in Dallas. His noontime talk show was exceptional. I wrote last month about his death.
Listening to the show yesterday, I realized how I had come to look forward to it each year. It was a mixture of Christmas music and education. Glenn was, apparently, a fan of everything related to Christmas and he educated his listeners over the years. His Christmas Blockbusters often talked about the origins of various Christmas traditions...for example, the evolution of Santa Claus, how mistletoe go into the act, who some of the characters in Christmas carols were, how some carols have nothing whatsoever to do with Christmas, et. I assume he was a religious guy, but the only reason I assume that is his fascination with Christmas. He never said a word, that I recall, about his religious beliefs. I'm not a believer, but found his Chistmas Blockbusters wonderful. I love lots of Christmas music...Eartha Kitt, singing Santa Baby, is fantastic...I've come to really enjoy lots of jazz and blues versions of traditional Christmas carols. All of this is attributable to Glenn Mitchell. I admire the guy alot. I miss him and his shows. He was, as lots of people are saying, a renaissance man. Would that I were.
I really hope KERA will compile a CD of some of Glenn's interviews. He asked wonderful questions and was a wonderfully gracious host. The breadth of people he interviewed was amazing. Politicians, authors, musicians...you name it. People of every political stripe...people so different from one another it was hard to imagine this one guy speaking the same language to all of them. His Friday shows were among my favorites..."everything you ever wanted to know." People would call in with questions, and others would call in with answers. Sometimes, he'd hold those shows at the public library, where he would challenge library staff to do research and provide the answers.
If I have another career in me, I'll model it after Glenn Mitchell. He deserves to be honored by being remembered and emulated.
Listening to the show yesterday, I realized how I had come to look forward to it each year. It was a mixture of Christmas music and education. Glenn was, apparently, a fan of everything related to Christmas and he educated his listeners over the years. His Christmas Blockbusters often talked about the origins of various Christmas traditions...for example, the evolution of Santa Claus, how mistletoe go into the act, who some of the characters in Christmas carols were, how some carols have nothing whatsoever to do with Christmas, et. I assume he was a religious guy, but the only reason I assume that is his fascination with Christmas. He never said a word, that I recall, about his religious beliefs. I'm not a believer, but found his Chistmas Blockbusters wonderful. I love lots of Christmas music...Eartha Kitt, singing Santa Baby, is fantastic...I've come to really enjoy lots of jazz and blues versions of traditional Christmas carols. All of this is attributable to Glenn Mitchell. I admire the guy alot. I miss him and his shows. He was, as lots of people are saying, a renaissance man. Would that I were.
I really hope KERA will compile a CD of some of Glenn's interviews. He asked wonderful questions and was a wonderfully gracious host. The breadth of people he interviewed was amazing. Politicians, authors, musicians...you name it. People of every political stripe...people so different from one another it was hard to imagine this one guy speaking the same language to all of them. His Friday shows were among my favorites..."everything you ever wanted to know." People would call in with questions, and others would call in with answers. Sometimes, he'd hold those shows at the public library, where he would challenge library staff to do research and provide the answers.
If I have another career in me, I'll model it after Glenn Mitchell. He deserves to be honored by being remembered and emulated.
Sunday, December 18, 2005
Weekend Tradition
Yesterday, I failed to live up to my weekend tradition. I woke up at 7:30 am, instead of my usual 'up before dawn' weekend tradition. Today, not so. I was up at 5:30 am, with time to make coffee and read the day's news and ease into the day slowly, at a comfortable pace, before the sun rises. Being up in the dark house alone, with no interaction except with myself, is nice. My wife is sleeping soundly, and probably has by now taken over the middle of the bed since I am no longer there to thwart her territorial imperialistic tendencies.
There is something very comforting about being up alone at this hour on a weekend morning. Even on days like today, when I know I will have to go to the office later, it relieves stress somehow. It's very different during the week; I can get up very early during the workweek, which I rarely do, but the sense of well-being I have on the weekend just isn't there. I suppose it's the sense of imminent obligations to be met that dampens the day when there's office work and office interactions ahead.
Today, though, it's nice. The coffee has brewed and its aroma fills the kitchen and the living room, where I have my computer for now. With my first cup of coffee, I can write...empty my head of thoughts that have waited all night to spill out...and take a look at the news. Reading the news from around the world, though, is rarely pleasant. But it's real. Today, I may try to stay away from my news habit; instead, I may focus my attention away from reading online news and toward reading my newest book acquisition, Mexico's Lake Chapala & Ajijic: The Insider's Guide. I bought the book very recently, at a price I considered too high, and was disappointed not in the content but in the quality of the printing. I'll have to wait to comment about the content. I've already learned some interesting tidbits, through just a tad of casual scanning.
I'm a man nearing my middle fifties, a business-owner with responsibilities to clients and employees, a home-owner with a significant mortgage on my house...I'm not of retirement age yet nor of retirement means. Those are the facts. But the wishes are different. I want to retire now. I have no resources to enable me to do it, but I want to do it, nonetheless. I want to be out from under the responsibility of providing an income to people. I want to be out from under the responsibility for providing the year-round headquarters offices of several client organizations. Instead, I want to make a difference in the world, doing something that will matter, while simultaneously not having to worry about where the money is coming from. But that's unrealistic. I might as well say I want to be a tall, athletic British television actor. No amount of wishing will make it so. I suppose I am experiencing the 'middle age crazies.'
Enough of this. It's 6:30 am now and I need to move on to enjoy what's left of today's morning darkness.
There is something very comforting about being up alone at this hour on a weekend morning. Even on days like today, when I know I will have to go to the office later, it relieves stress somehow. It's very different during the week; I can get up very early during the workweek, which I rarely do, but the sense of well-being I have on the weekend just isn't there. I suppose it's the sense of imminent obligations to be met that dampens the day when there's office work and office interactions ahead.
Today, though, it's nice. The coffee has brewed and its aroma fills the kitchen and the living room, where I have my computer for now. With my first cup of coffee, I can write...empty my head of thoughts that have waited all night to spill out...and take a look at the news. Reading the news from around the world, though, is rarely pleasant. But it's real. Today, I may try to stay away from my news habit; instead, I may focus my attention away from reading online news and toward reading my newest book acquisition, Mexico's Lake Chapala & Ajijic: The Insider's Guide. I bought the book very recently, at a price I considered too high, and was disappointed not in the content but in the quality of the printing. I'll have to wait to comment about the content. I've already learned some interesting tidbits, through just a tad of casual scanning.
I'm a man nearing my middle fifties, a business-owner with responsibilities to clients and employees, a home-owner with a significant mortgage on my house...I'm not of retirement age yet nor of retirement means. Those are the facts. But the wishes are different. I want to retire now. I have no resources to enable me to do it, but I want to do it, nonetheless. I want to be out from under the responsibility of providing an income to people. I want to be out from under the responsibility for providing the year-round headquarters offices of several client organizations. Instead, I want to make a difference in the world, doing something that will matter, while simultaneously not having to worry about where the money is coming from. But that's unrealistic. I might as well say I want to be a tall, athletic British television actor. No amount of wishing will make it so. I suppose I am experiencing the 'middle age crazies.'
Enough of this. It's 6:30 am now and I need to move on to enjoy what's left of today's morning darkness.
Saturday, December 17, 2005
Either Bush Goes, or Democracy Goes
Today, George Bush admitted to directing the National Security Agency to eavesdrop on people inside and outside the U.S. without court authorization. He says he intends to do it again. His actions are illegal. He is not the imperial president; he is not above the law. But his hubris and his taunting threat to continue breaking the law says one thing clearly: he believes he is absolute ruler of this country, subject to no restraint. He has shown his true colors in the clearest way; he is a Fascist who intends on becoming this country's first dictator. Either he goes, or democracy goes. If our Senators and Legislators do not act to remove him from office, the only choice the rest of us have is this: retake our government using whatever means we can, or submit to dictatorship.
More from the media
My time this morning has been spent reading, not writing. Here's what I've been reading about:
- Violent protests in Hong Kong
- Thunderstorms cause havoc in Brisbane, Australia
- Bus load of Chinese tourists injured in crash in Victoria, Australia
- Italian article on how to be chic in five lessons
- Mexican government has better understanding of the causes of illegal border crossings than does the U.S. House of Representatives
- Chilean reports on the extent to which alerce (a Chilean redwood tree) forests can be harvested contributes to confusion
- Someone stole a huge Henry Moore sculpture
- India and the Suez Canal authority have signed an agreement to construct a shipping canal off the southern coast of India
- One of the leaders of an oil industry shutdown in 2002-2003 (designed to topple the government of Hugo Chavez) in Venezuela was sentenced to 16 years in prison
- An air taxi service, which will charge about 50 cents per kilometer, will be launched in Russia in 2006 to link cities that are not served by regular air service
Friday, December 16, 2005
Sexual Predators
I just watched a program on television about people who snare teens, and younger people, into sex. This stuff is awful. People who have a need to have sex with teens really need to be under psychiatric care. I try not to label them as beasts, but it is hard not to do that...anyone who has these problems needs to seek help. They won't get much sympathy from me...I try, but I'm not bleeding heart enough.
My thoughts this evening...
There is, if you would believe the religious right-wing-nut-cases, a war on Christmas. Yes, retailers, left-wingers, people who insist on being politically correct and, of course, those God-damned heathens, are all out to eliminate Christmas. They are wrong, of course. People who want to celebrate Christmas as a religious holiday are free to do it...bless 'em...but it is mighty unchristian of them to insist that the holiday season be available only to christians. I believe, still, that people who loudly proclaim their religious views and attack people who hold other views are psychopaths. They are shrieking crazy people who belong in cages, at worst, or in rehabilitation programs, at best.
While I'm talking about crazy people, some folks seem to think it is inappropriate to call them crazy. It probably is...and I regret that I did it...people with psychological problems deserve to be treated with dignity. I guess I really intend for the term to apply to be who are both psychologically challenged and are mind-numbingly stupid and very dangerous. People like George Bush and Pat Robertson.
And now, speaking of Bush, isn't it nice that he has given the National Security Agency instructions to disregard the law and not to both getting court clearance before eavesdropping on U.S. citizens and others in the U.S.? Read about his latest foray into quashing civil liberties.
I often think about the young men and women who have died, or been permanently disfigured, fighting the war in Iraq. Those men and women, and the other people who have served in Iraq, really do deserve our admiration. They are willing to fight and die for us. But it's a horrible, horrible shame that they have been sent into harm's way on the basis of a lie. We don't belong in Iraq, but our government is willing to sacrifice troops there. It's especially painful to think that these men and women are away from their families at a time of year that, traditionally, has brought families together. It doesn't matter whether religion or secular celebration is responsible, this time of year often brings family and friends together. The troops in Iraq won't be able to participate. I am a believer in "support our troops," but my way of supporting them would be to bring them home alive and never, ever ask them again to participate in a war we started.
While I'm talking about crazy people, some folks seem to think it is inappropriate to call them crazy. It probably is...and I regret that I did it...people with psychological problems deserve to be treated with dignity. I guess I really intend for the term to apply to be who are both psychologically challenged and are mind-numbingly stupid and very dangerous. People like George Bush and Pat Robertson.
And now, speaking of Bush, isn't it nice that he has given the National Security Agency instructions to disregard the law and not to both getting court clearance before eavesdropping on U.S. citizens and others in the U.S.? Read about his latest foray into quashing civil liberties.
I often think about the young men and women who have died, or been permanently disfigured, fighting the war in Iraq. Those men and women, and the other people who have served in Iraq, really do deserve our admiration. They are willing to fight and die for us. But it's a horrible, horrible shame that they have been sent into harm's way on the basis of a lie. We don't belong in Iraq, but our government is willing to sacrifice troops there. It's especially painful to think that these men and women are away from their families at a time of year that, traditionally, has brought families together. It doesn't matter whether religion or secular celebration is responsible, this time of year often brings family and friends together. The troops in Iraq won't be able to participate. I am a believer in "support our troops," but my way of supporting them would be to bring them home alive and never, ever ask them again to participate in a war we started.
Wednesday, December 14, 2005
From the news media...
- The Australian Broadcasting Corporation reports at 7:45 am on December 15 that a woman was found alive after 63 days being trapped in the rubble of the monstrous earthquake in Pakistani Kashmir.
- ABC also reports that the violent rioting in and around Sydney has subsided.
- An op-ed piece in today's New York Times argues that the Supreme Court's willingness to review the Texas redistricting debacle led by Tom DeLay is an opportunity to correct a significant wrong.
OK...have to go back to work. Maybe more later.
Tuesday, December 13, 2005
Not Enough Time to Write
If you read today's post earlier, you may have missed a few comments...very few. I decided to add a few words before I go to bed. It's nearly midnight, so in just a few minutes, this would be tomorrow's blog. We wouldn't want that.
I heard Bob Pike speak tonight. He's a very well known and highly regarded trainer and training program designer. I was impressed...his message was solid, but a bit maudlin toward the end. Mind you, I have nothing against maudlin messages, other than the fact that I'm a sucker for them and they make me cry. And THAT pisses me off; my machismo gets beat all to shit when that happens.
Not enough time today, though...long, long day. Now, you can read what I originally contributed to today's blog. Not much to it.
It's not that I don't want to write in this blog every day, it's just that work gets in the way. Today, busy from before dawn to well after nightfall...it's 10:01 pm and we just got home from a client meeting less than 1/2 hour ago...after we stopped at a little Mexican restaurant for dinner.
Tomorrow, workers should arrive to start patching and painting inside...cracks caused by the foundation shifting will be repaired. We will still have lots to do, but little by little, we will get it done.
As I said...no time to write. Maybe soon.
I heard Bob Pike speak tonight. He's a very well known and highly regarded trainer and training program designer. I was impressed...his message was solid, but a bit maudlin toward the end. Mind you, I have nothing against maudlin messages, other than the fact that I'm a sucker for them and they make me cry. And THAT pisses me off; my machismo gets beat all to shit when that happens.
Not enough time today, though...long, long day. Now, you can read what I originally contributed to today's blog. Not much to it.
It's not that I don't want to write in this blog every day, it's just that work gets in the way. Today, busy from before dawn to well after nightfall...it's 10:01 pm and we just got home from a client meeting less than 1/2 hour ago...after we stopped at a little Mexican restaurant for dinner.
Tomorrow, workers should arrive to start patching and painting inside...cracks caused by the foundation shifting will be repaired. We will still have lots to do, but little by little, we will get it done.
As I said...no time to write. Maybe soon.
Monday, December 12, 2005
Working
Today, I got to the office early and left late. A client event tomorrow night, coupled with the introduction of a new offering from the client, had me very busy all day long. So busy, in fact, that I've lost all interest in writing...anything. Maybe later today, but probably tomorrow, I'll try to change my attitude and my mood.
Sunday, December 11, 2005
Today, It's Tidbits
Nothing particularly meaty today. Just a few tidbits I find interesting.
- The death penalty in Mexico was officially abolished on Friday, December 9. The Mexican legal system has not executed anyone since 1961
- The Muslim Brotherhood took almost 20 percent of the Egyptian parliamentary elections, the results of which were published on December 9
- This is a great video clip...a dog apparently trained to feign anger at the encroachment of its own foot! (a fast connection is needed to view it--my DSL at home would never play it all the way through...it kept interrupting to download more of the file). There are lots of videos available to view at www.zippyvideos.com, for people who have nothing to do but watch mindless video clips...I was not the one who stumbled across this one. I found it, of all places, on the Al Jazeera website.
- According to a woman who is pursuing a doctorate in animal behavior, the sound of a dog panting is equivalent to a human laughing...and she has demonstrated that playing that reassuring sound over loadspeakers at an animal shelter reduced dogs' stress dramatically.
- You can get news from down-under online from the Australian Broadcasting Corporation and from the Special Broadcasting Service.
- You can access current cloud-cover and rainfall reports on virtually any city in the world at www.fallingrain.com
- A beta test of a combination mapping/bird's eye view photo location software in available at http://local.live.com/. Type in an address (U.S. only), then you can select road or aerial view. Interesting. Fast connection helpful.
- I am going to New York City twice next year, the first time in January to particpate in a trade show and again in October for a client's annual conference. I've been astounded by the cost of hotels...and concerned that the $349 rate we got for the client conference was not low enough...until I read this article.
- On December 11, 1931, the Statute of Westminster gave complete legislative independence to the Irish Free State, Newfoundland, Canada, New Zealand, Australia and South Africa.
Saturday, December 10, 2005
It's Like Saturday, But on a Smaller Scale
Like clockwork...here it is, about 4:30 on Saturday morning, and I'm up up and ready to face the day. I wish I had this energy and enthusiasm during the work week.
One of my brothers alerted me to a very interesting article about the Chilean social and political landscape in the December 9 edition of the New York Times. The article discusses the probability that Michelle Bachelet, a socialist and atheist, will be Chile's next president; yes, Chile, a very conservative Catholic country. The article was written by Rafael Gumucio, who's a columnist for El Diario in New York and for newspapers in Chile. It's really a fascinating article and I highly recommend it.
Today, rather than enjoy the day, my wife and I both have to spend the day in a strategic planning session for one of our clients, a local association. One of the first things the session will involve is a 'team-building' exercise. All of the participants were asked to complete a Myers-Briggs Type Indicator questionnaire in advance of the meeting. This will allow all of us to know how best to deal with others on the team. According to the MBTI, I am a "INTP." People with this personality type are described as:
Frankly, I don't care what MBTI says about my personality style. I'd rather spend the day doing something I enjoy, rather than sit cooped up in a room with people I barely know, talking about strategy for an organization that, deep down, I don't care about. And this is a client; their future matters to me and my company. I do believe I'm burned out. Well, I'd best not cry over spilled milk...it's a requirement for us to attend, and attend we shall.
Tonight, my wife and I go to see David Sedaris' 'Santaland Diaries.' Today's tight timing may not allow us to have Ethiopian food as we'd planned, which would be a shame because I'm ready for kitfo or gored-gored, but there's time for that tomorrow or in the days to come.
Enough of this...there's still time for me to have another cup of coffee and to scan a few online newspapers before we have to leave for our meeting...but not unless I sign off for now.
One of my brothers alerted me to a very interesting article about the Chilean social and political landscape in the December 9 edition of the New York Times. The article discusses the probability that Michelle Bachelet, a socialist and atheist, will be Chile's next president; yes, Chile, a very conservative Catholic country. The article was written by Rafael Gumucio, who's a columnist for El Diario in New York and for newspapers in Chile. It's really a fascinating article and I highly recommend it.
Today, rather than enjoy the day, my wife and I both have to spend the day in a strategic planning session for one of our clients, a local association. One of the first things the session will involve is a 'team-building' exercise. All of the participants were asked to complete a Myers-Briggs Type Indicator questionnaire in advance of the meeting. This will allow all of us to know how best to deal with others on the team. According to the MBTI, I am a "INTP." People with this personality type are described as:
Quiet and reserved. Especially enjoy theoretical or scientific pursuits. Like solving problems with logic and analysis. Usually interested mainly in ideas, with little liking for parties or small talk. Tend to have sharply defined interests. Need careers where some strong interest can be used and be useful.
Frankly, I don't care what MBTI says about my personality style. I'd rather spend the day doing something I enjoy, rather than sit cooped up in a room with people I barely know, talking about strategy for an organization that, deep down, I don't care about. And this is a client; their future matters to me and my company. I do believe I'm burned out. Well, I'd best not cry over spilled milk...it's a requirement for us to attend, and attend we shall.
Tonight, my wife and I go to see David Sedaris' 'Santaland Diaries.' Today's tight timing may not allow us to have Ethiopian food as we'd planned, which would be a shame because I'm ready for kitfo or gored-gored, but there's time for that tomorrow or in the days to come.
Enough of this...there's still time for me to have another cup of coffee and to scan a few online newspapers before we have to leave for our meeting...but not unless I sign off for now.
Friday, December 9, 2005
Rants, Ramblings, and Thieves
Anyone who has read my blog on a routine basis (and they are few and far between, I think), knows that I write in a sometimes disturbing stream of consciousness...one day I may talk politics, the next I may talk religion, the next I may curse mechanics for taking advantage of my lack of knowledge of what makes my car work, and the next I might write about my rose-colored view of rural life. I know it may suggest that I am schizophrenic...perhaps I am. I know it may suggest that I have undergone one too many lobotomies...maybe that's true, too. But I enjoy watching my thoughts flow from my fingers and I appreciate that, sometimes, my anger and outrage, and distrust of the world flow away, as well.
If you want consistency, this is not the place.
Today I encountered the blog of a woman who spent 6 months in the 'Red States' this year to find out what makes people vote the way they do. She is from San Francisco and decided it was time to emerge from her liberal bubble to see what the rest of the world was like. I posted a message to her blog, suggesting that her journey sounded like torture to me, a geezer turning more and more liberal (nay, socialist) every day. Her blog is at storiesinamerica.blogspot.com. You may find it interesting. I stumbled across it as I was Googling information about Chile...for some reason, Chile intrigues me more and more every day. She posted something about Chile's upcoming election for president and the candidate I wrote about recently who I believe, from Chilean news reports, is apt to be elected after a runoff with another candidate. Anyway...read it if you wish.
About a month ago (less, actually), I bought a new computer for a member of my staff...hers was a miserable hulk of useless metal and plastic. I bought it from Best Buy in Dallas. My advice: NEVER, EVER buy anything from Best Buy. Not only did the Geek Squad (really, that is the name of their tech support company) do a miserable job of installing needed spyware, virus protection, etc., they refuse to make good on fixing it or returning my money. Today, after much wrangling, I spoke to the GM of the store, who promised they would either fix the computer within 2 days or give me a replacement. Their 'policy' and their 'customer service staff' indicated I was out of luck; basically, they said, "tough shit." Even if they make it good, I will always, always, advice against doing any business with Best Buy. I think George Bush must be on their tech support team.
A woman who used to work for me was, I believe in my heart, a thief. She was also an incredible con artist. Members of the associations we manage loved her; they commented about her regularly and said how wonderful she was. But she stole money from me and from my clients. She was able to do that because I was trusting and had not put solid procedures in place to prevent it. My fault. But regardless of my failure, she is still a thief. I would like to beat her with a rubber hose until she screams in pain. And then I'd splash alcohol on her wounds and beat her again.
The thing that drives me crazy is that I could have known about her, if only I had conducted a criminal background check. See, I conducted one recently (long after I fired her for nonfinancial reasons), only to find that she has an extensive criminal record, mostly for forging checks and other financial crimes. The reason I conducted the check was that I got a call from an Oklahoma police detective, inquiring about her...she had stolen money from an Oklahoma employer, it seems, and they were looking for more dirt.
While she worked for me, more than $1500 disappeared from a client's cash and my company had to make good on it. I felt sure it was her, but couldn't prove it. And then I let her personality overcome me and I kept her on staff. I should use the rubber hose on myself, first.
But, what goes around comes around, they say. One way or the other, I will contribute to her getting her dues. I'd still like to use the rubber hose...or perhaps strangs of woven cable would be more interesting...
OK, I jest in all this...I'm increasingly feeling like a pacifist. But there are times that I get so utterly, completely pissed off that I could be the poster boy for gun control.
Enough blathering for today...
If you want consistency, this is not the place.
Today I encountered the blog of a woman who spent 6 months in the 'Red States' this year to find out what makes people vote the way they do. She is from San Francisco and decided it was time to emerge from her liberal bubble to see what the rest of the world was like. I posted a message to her blog, suggesting that her journey sounded like torture to me, a geezer turning more and more liberal (nay, socialist) every day. Her blog is at storiesinamerica.blogspot.com. You may find it interesting. I stumbled across it as I was Googling information about Chile...for some reason, Chile intrigues me more and more every day. She posted something about Chile's upcoming election for president and the candidate I wrote about recently who I believe, from Chilean news reports, is apt to be elected after a runoff with another candidate. Anyway...read it if you wish.
About a month ago (less, actually), I bought a new computer for a member of my staff...hers was a miserable hulk of useless metal and plastic. I bought it from Best Buy in Dallas. My advice: NEVER, EVER buy anything from Best Buy. Not only did the Geek Squad (really, that is the name of their tech support company) do a miserable job of installing needed spyware, virus protection, etc., they refuse to make good on fixing it or returning my money. Today, after much wrangling, I spoke to the GM of the store, who promised they would either fix the computer within 2 days or give me a replacement. Their 'policy' and their 'customer service staff' indicated I was out of luck; basically, they said, "tough shit." Even if they make it good, I will always, always, advice against doing any business with Best Buy. I think George Bush must be on their tech support team.
A woman who used to work for me was, I believe in my heart, a thief. She was also an incredible con artist. Members of the associations we manage loved her; they commented about her regularly and said how wonderful she was. But she stole money from me and from my clients. She was able to do that because I was trusting and had not put solid procedures in place to prevent it. My fault. But regardless of my failure, she is still a thief. I would like to beat her with a rubber hose until she screams in pain. And then I'd splash alcohol on her wounds and beat her again.
The thing that drives me crazy is that I could have known about her, if only I had conducted a criminal background check. See, I conducted one recently (long after I fired her for nonfinancial reasons), only to find that she has an extensive criminal record, mostly for forging checks and other financial crimes. The reason I conducted the check was that I got a call from an Oklahoma police detective, inquiring about her...she had stolen money from an Oklahoma employer, it seems, and they were looking for more dirt.
While she worked for me, more than $1500 disappeared from a client's cash and my company had to make good on it. I felt sure it was her, but couldn't prove it. And then I let her personality overcome me and I kept her on staff. I should use the rubber hose on myself, first.
But, what goes around comes around, they say. One way or the other, I will contribute to her getting her dues. I'd still like to use the rubber hose...or perhaps strangs of woven cable would be more interesting...
OK, I jest in all this...I'm increasingly feeling like a pacifist. But there are times that I get so utterly, completely pissed off that I could be the poster boy for gun control.
Enough blathering for today...
Thursday, December 8, 2005
Population Policy
The U.S Census estimates that, on December 1, 2005, the population of the earth was 6,482,257,297. That is beyond my comprehension...almost 6.5 BILLION people on the planet. What would it take for every one of those people to have material goods and medical care equivalent to the average American? Well, I can't help but think that it would take more resources than this earth can provide. Americans consume far too much...and there are too many of us. But there are far more people in China...not just in absolute terms, but with regard to people per square kilometer; 140+ in China, 32+ in the USA.
What else would it take to give everyone on earth the same standard of living as we enjoy in the USA? It could take the utter destruction of the atmosphere, as choking polution poured from millions of automobiles and factories producing massive amounts of goods spew their detritus into the atmosphere.
The point I'm trying to make is that we (Americans, the 'first world' in general) have been and continue to be arrogant consumers who have no real interest in sharing the wealth and largesse of the earth with anyone else. And we are so arrogant that we insist that our superior technologies will allow us to quench the thirst for material goods as the rest of the earth catches up with us in consumerism. This, despite the fact that petroleum reserves are being depleted. This, despite the fact that scientists have been providing evidence of impending disaster for a long, long time. It's not just an American problem, though; virtually every society ignores the need to do two important things: 1) set population targets (and establish supporting policies) at levels that would encourage low population density and 2) reduce consumption (again, through policies that encourage convervation) of natural resources.
I predict several things will happen to address our overpopulation of the earth and the rape of the planet. I don't know when, but I feel certain they will occur. Several massive depopulation events will take place; they may be wars over access to products, pandemics, genocides, religious wars...there are plenty of possibilities. These massive depopulation events will result in dramatic disruptions to or complete elimination of the power grid in many places and consequently in the inability to make or transport products.
How would this come about? Well, let's take an example. If the current fears about the bird flu pandemic were to materialize, enormous numbers of people would begin dying. The population would begin to retreat from social interaction...they would not go to work, they would not allow people to come to their homes, etc. So, the people necessary to keep the telecommunications system operational would not be available...the people who keep the power grid operating would not be willing to risk their lives going to work...the power grid and communications infrastructure would go down. Fear and frustration would rise rapidly...there would be no place to get food, no electricity, the water pumping and purification systems would be inoperable. Social order would break down very, very rapidly; governmental authorities would be unable to communicate and people would feel abandoned by their governments. More death would occur from starvation, thirst, murder, etc.
Society as we know it would effectively come to a halt. Only the strong and imaginative would survive. And they would survive on less than we eat today...they would survive without many of the amenities we take for granted. The world might not return to the middle ages, but it would be far less sophisticated than we have come to enjoy in the first few years of the 21st century.
I wish I knew whether humankind would, as a result of its shakeout, learn lessons...like keeping populations at sustainable levels, like behaving like reasonable beings with regard to their levels of consumption, like doing whatever is necessary to establish political and economic and social structures that prevent the insanity that grips the world today. I wonder if these calamities would be viewed, yet again, as God's will or would people finally abandon the crutch of religion and rely on reason and humanity instead?
One thing I think is certain; the population of the earth, if there is any population left, would be far closer to a sustainable level than it is at today. Are there solutions to the overpopulation of the planet? At this stage in the evolution of humankind, I think the only solutions left are similar to the ones I described above. Maybe I'm just a pessimist, but I think it is far too late for any rational, humanitarian, responsible solution. We have just insisted as a species on ignoring the problem and, even more arrogantly, insisting that it isn't there.
What else would it take to give everyone on earth the same standard of living as we enjoy in the USA? It could take the utter destruction of the atmosphere, as choking polution poured from millions of automobiles and factories producing massive amounts of goods spew their detritus into the atmosphere.
The point I'm trying to make is that we (Americans, the 'first world' in general) have been and continue to be arrogant consumers who have no real interest in sharing the wealth and largesse of the earth with anyone else. And we are so arrogant that we insist that our superior technologies will allow us to quench the thirst for material goods as the rest of the earth catches up with us in consumerism. This, despite the fact that petroleum reserves are being depleted. This, despite the fact that scientists have been providing evidence of impending disaster for a long, long time. It's not just an American problem, though; virtually every society ignores the need to do two important things: 1) set population targets (and establish supporting policies) at levels that would encourage low population density and 2) reduce consumption (again, through policies that encourage convervation) of natural resources.
I predict several things will happen to address our overpopulation of the earth and the rape of the planet. I don't know when, but I feel certain they will occur. Several massive depopulation events will take place; they may be wars over access to products, pandemics, genocides, religious wars...there are plenty of possibilities. These massive depopulation events will result in dramatic disruptions to or complete elimination of the power grid in many places and consequently in the inability to make or transport products.
How would this come about? Well, let's take an example. If the current fears about the bird flu pandemic were to materialize, enormous numbers of people would begin dying. The population would begin to retreat from social interaction...they would not go to work, they would not allow people to come to their homes, etc. So, the people necessary to keep the telecommunications system operational would not be available...the people who keep the power grid operating would not be willing to risk their lives going to work...the power grid and communications infrastructure would go down. Fear and frustration would rise rapidly...there would be no place to get food, no electricity, the water pumping and purification systems would be inoperable. Social order would break down very, very rapidly; governmental authorities would be unable to communicate and people would feel abandoned by their governments. More death would occur from starvation, thirst, murder, etc.
Society as we know it would effectively come to a halt. Only the strong and imaginative would survive. And they would survive on less than we eat today...they would survive without many of the amenities we take for granted. The world might not return to the middle ages, but it would be far less sophisticated than we have come to enjoy in the first few years of the 21st century.
I wish I knew whether humankind would, as a result of its shakeout, learn lessons...like keeping populations at sustainable levels, like behaving like reasonable beings with regard to their levels of consumption, like doing whatever is necessary to establish political and economic and social structures that prevent the insanity that grips the world today. I wonder if these calamities would be viewed, yet again, as God's will or would people finally abandon the crutch of religion and rely on reason and humanity instead?
One thing I think is certain; the population of the earth, if there is any population left, would be far closer to a sustainable level than it is at today. Are there solutions to the overpopulation of the planet? At this stage in the evolution of humankind, I think the only solutions left are similar to the ones I described above. Maybe I'm just a pessimist, but I think it is far too late for any rational, humanitarian, responsible solution. We have just insisted as a species on ignoring the problem and, even more arrogantly, insisting that it isn't there.
Wednesday, December 7, 2005
It's Cold...Very Cold! And Icy!
On Saturday, December 3, it was unseasonably warm, with temperatures in the 80s. Today, four days later, it's frigid. A cold front swept through last night, dropping temperatures into the 30s by this morning. The temperature has been dropping ever since. Forecasts called for sleet and freezing rain by this afternoon, so this morning I told my staff that I would shut the office early...but would wait to see how the weather progressed. I kept looking outside the windoe for signs of sleet, snow, or freezing rain. I saw a few snow flakes, a bit of sleet, but nothing that looked too bad. About 2:30 this afternoon, I decided I should shut down at 3:00 pm so that, were there any treacherous conditions on the way, we could avoid them...particularly in dark weather.
So, aat 3:00 pm most folks left. My wife and I stayed a bit (mostly because of me trying to finish up some odds & ends), as did another lady. By 3:25, I was ready to go, so we went outside...to find the car completely enveloped in a sheet of ice. I had taken the ice scraper out of the trunk this morning, so I pulled it out and scraped the windows...a very challenging task. Another woman who works in our building had come out about the same time and was parked nearby; as I was scraping our window, my wife went to offer my assistance in getting her windshield clear, which she appreciated. I cleared her windshield, then my wife suggested I do the same for our staff member, who remained inside. While I cleared her window, my wife called her on her cell phone, suggesting she leave soon because ice was building up.
The ride home was uneventful, until we reached a bridge over a creek. As the forecasters had prediced, it was covered in ice and was extremely dangerous...I hate driving on black ice. We were doing fine heading east, though, as everyone else in front of us and behind us was driving very, very carefully. People heading west, though, weren't as bright. Fortunately for us, a large concrete barrier separates the opposing traffic lanes. A car came sailing toward us, the driver oblivous to the fact that the bridge was covered in slick black ice. Immediately upon hitting the ice, the car started to skid; the driver responded by hitting the breaks, making the skid even worse. The car, a little white Japanese car, starting spinning around and the other cars following on the bridge behind it started skidding as the drivers hit their brakes. Fortunately, no one collided with another car...but the night is still young...I expect that bridge to be the site of many crashes tonight, unless the road crews slather the bridges with sand and salt.
We're in for the night. I'm having a toddy and am eagerly awaiting our roast cauliflower and carrot soup...a spicy Indian soup, the recipe for which my wife found on the internet. My wife is doing the cooking tonight...I anticpate a wonderful hot soup on a very cold night! This is chile season. I really want to have a great chile cookoff like we did at the office (last year?). My wife made wonderful stuff...mine was good, but not like hers. All worth trying, though. And this weather is positively SCREAMING at me to cook some chile. Here's a thought...maybe I could make Chile using Ethiopian spices! I don't remember if I 've written about finding the Ethiopian spice website. If not, my link will enable you to see all the interesting things they offer.
Stay warm...or at least comfortable!
So, aat 3:00 pm most folks left. My wife and I stayed a bit (mostly because of me trying to finish up some odds & ends), as did another lady. By 3:25, I was ready to go, so we went outside...to find the car completely enveloped in a sheet of ice. I had taken the ice scraper out of the trunk this morning, so I pulled it out and scraped the windows...a very challenging task. Another woman who works in our building had come out about the same time and was parked nearby; as I was scraping our window, my wife went to offer my assistance in getting her windshield clear, which she appreciated. I cleared her windshield, then my wife suggested I do the same for our staff member, who remained inside. While I cleared her window, my wife called her on her cell phone, suggesting she leave soon because ice was building up.
The ride home was uneventful, until we reached a bridge over a creek. As the forecasters had prediced, it was covered in ice and was extremely dangerous...I hate driving on black ice. We were doing fine heading east, though, as everyone else in front of us and behind us was driving very, very carefully. People heading west, though, weren't as bright. Fortunately for us, a large concrete barrier separates the opposing traffic lanes. A car came sailing toward us, the driver oblivous to the fact that the bridge was covered in slick black ice. Immediately upon hitting the ice, the car started to skid; the driver responded by hitting the breaks, making the skid even worse. The car, a little white Japanese car, starting spinning around and the other cars following on the bridge behind it started skidding as the drivers hit their brakes. Fortunately, no one collided with another car...but the night is still young...I expect that bridge to be the site of many crashes tonight, unless the road crews slather the bridges with sand and salt.
We're in for the night. I'm having a toddy and am eagerly awaiting our roast cauliflower and carrot soup...a spicy Indian soup, the recipe for which my wife found on the internet. My wife is doing the cooking tonight...I anticpate a wonderful hot soup on a very cold night! This is chile season. I really want to have a great chile cookoff like we did at the office (last year?). My wife made wonderful stuff...mine was good, but not like hers. All worth trying, though. And this weather is positively SCREAMING at me to cook some chile. Here's a thought...maybe I could make Chile using Ethiopian spices! I don't remember if I 've written about finding the Ethiopian spice website. If not, my link will enable you to see all the interesting things they offer.
Stay warm...or at least comfortable!
Tuesday, December 6, 2005
An Interesting Film
Last night, my wife and I watched a video that I have been wanting to see for months and months (but someone had checked out Blockbuster's only copy and kept it for, literally, months). It was finally returned, and we snatched it up when we saw it in the store. The movie is an Icelandic production, entitled Nói (pronounced 'noy') [I think the full title is Nói Albínói.] It's about a 17-year-old kid named Nói who is very bright, but who doesn't have any interest in school. He gets into trouble, mostly not serious, at school on a regular basis, usually because of excessive absences. His n'er-do-well father is a bit of a drunk, but a nice-enough guy; he does not live with his father, though, he lives with his grandmother, an odd old duck who shoots a shotgun out of his bedroom window in an early scene in the movie to awaken him in time to go to school.
Nói dreams of escaping the remoteness of Iceland and he wishes he could find his way, along with a young lady who the viewer is led to believe is his first and only girlfriend. But he fails at every attempt to improve his lot in life, and the people who could intervene in a meaningful way fail him, as well. They seem to think he's a bit 'off,' but not sufficiently so to warrant doing anything of consequence to help or restrain him.
I won't give anything more away. It's a very slow-moving film, but I believe it's worth dealing with the slow pace to watch it; the slow pace is, in part, what makes it really very interesting. I've found a few bits and pieces about the film online, in case you have an interest in learning more:
Summary & review
Another one
Another, from Rotten Tomatoes
Incidentally, the movie is in Icelandic, with English subtitles.
Nói dreams of escaping the remoteness of Iceland and he wishes he could find his way, along with a young lady who the viewer is led to believe is his first and only girlfriend. But he fails at every attempt to improve his lot in life, and the people who could intervene in a meaningful way fail him, as well. They seem to think he's a bit 'off,' but not sufficiently so to warrant doing anything of consequence to help or restrain him.
I won't give anything more away. It's a very slow-moving film, but I believe it's worth dealing with the slow pace to watch it; the slow pace is, in part, what makes it really very interesting. I've found a few bits and pieces about the film online, in case you have an interest in learning more:
Summary & review
Another one
Another, from Rotten Tomatoes
Incidentally, the movie is in Icelandic, with English subtitles.
American Hiroshima
David Dionisi is a former U.S. intelligence officer. From what I have read, he was once a solid Republican. Now, though, he is a very different person. I just read an interview with him published on the Al Jazeera website. I also read an interview published in May this year in the Davis Enterprise in California.
If the American people would simply be willing to listen to what people around the world, even domestically, are saying about our policies, if we would just acknowledge our horrendous history and take action to correct our many, many, many mistakes, the horrors of war, terrorism, and the like could be drastically reduced. Dionisi's book, American Hiroshima, sounds to me like required reading.
If the American people would simply be willing to listen to what people around the world, even domestically, are saying about our policies, if we would just acknowledge our horrendous history and take action to correct our many, many, many mistakes, the horrors of war, terrorism, and the like could be drastically reduced. Dionisi's book, American Hiroshima, sounds to me like required reading.
Monday, December 5, 2005
So Certain...But Then Again...Maybe Not
Second post today...maybe I'm in another productive period...
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My mind can change in an instant. I can revert from rabid atheist to wishful agnostic in a heartbeat. I can go from miltant death penalty proponent to weeping bleeding-heart liberal in the blink of an eye. My sensitivities can switch between hard-nosed, skeptical, distrusting employer to union-boosting socialist in a butterfly's breath. I am nothing, if not wishy-washy. But, By God, I am utterly certain about my opinions for as long as I hold them!
Either I am susceptible to persuasive, logical arguments or my attitudes and opinions are shaped by emotional manipulation. Naturally, I'd prefer the former, but the latter is probably responsible, in part, to the shifting tides of my beliefs. I am experiencing the world as a teenager experiences the world; looking for my own personality, but shaped by so many others' viewpoints. I'm going through my second puberty, I think, forty years late.
I didn't hear Norman Corwin's 'This I Believe' program on NPR last April, but I think I heard him being interviewed by Terry Gross recently on Fresh Air. I wrote recently about someone whose impromptu obituary prompted my own bizzare blog recently; I cannot find confirmation on the NPR website that it was Norman Corwin, but I think it was. Anyway, I found his 'This I Believe' comments to be so right.
I'm certain I find the policies of the United States utterly reprehensible...punishing to developing countries and their peoples, arrogant and self-aggrandizing. I'm certain I enjoy the benefits of living in this immoral society...I have material wealth (far less than many here, but I have more than most in developing companies anyway) and I like it and don't want to abandon it.
I'm certain I feel embarrassed and ashamed of being so comfortable, but I'm equally sure I don't want to give it up so I can help bring 90 Nigerian families to a level of wealth they cannot even dream of. How can I feel shame for my country, when I cannot act on the shame I feel about my own unwillingness to contribute to the greater good?
I wish I could either abandon my pretenses and simply enjoy my luxuries without regard for people who are starving, or that I could become the kind of person I wish we all were, and share my largesse with those who need it far more than I.
I'm certain I want to change...but maybe not.
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My mind can change in an instant. I can revert from rabid atheist to wishful agnostic in a heartbeat. I can go from miltant death penalty proponent to weeping bleeding-heart liberal in the blink of an eye. My sensitivities can switch between hard-nosed, skeptical, distrusting employer to union-boosting socialist in a butterfly's breath. I am nothing, if not wishy-washy. But, By God, I am utterly certain about my opinions for as long as I hold them!
Either I am susceptible to persuasive, logical arguments or my attitudes and opinions are shaped by emotional manipulation. Naturally, I'd prefer the former, but the latter is probably responsible, in part, to the shifting tides of my beliefs. I am experiencing the world as a teenager experiences the world; looking for my own personality, but shaped by so many others' viewpoints. I'm going through my second puberty, I think, forty years late.
I didn't hear Norman Corwin's 'This I Believe' program on NPR last April, but I think I heard him being interviewed by Terry Gross recently on Fresh Air. I wrote recently about someone whose impromptu obituary prompted my own bizzare blog recently; I cannot find confirmation on the NPR website that it was Norman Corwin, but I think it was. Anyway, I found his 'This I Believe' comments to be so right.
I'm certain I find the policies of the United States utterly reprehensible...punishing to developing countries and their peoples, arrogant and self-aggrandizing. I'm certain I enjoy the benefits of living in this immoral society...I have material wealth (far less than many here, but I have more than most in developing companies anyway) and I like it and don't want to abandon it.
I'm certain I feel embarrassed and ashamed of being so comfortable, but I'm equally sure I don't want to give it up so I can help bring 90 Nigerian families to a level of wealth they cannot even dream of. How can I feel shame for my country, when I cannot act on the shame I feel about my own unwillingness to contribute to the greater good?
I wish I could either abandon my pretenses and simply enjoy my luxuries without regard for people who are starving, or that I could become the kind of person I wish we all were, and share my largesse with those who need it far more than I.
I'm certain I want to change...but maybe not.
Ideology and Chile...more or less unrelated comments
I've been reading assessments of the modern world's economic and social agendas from the perspectives of people who live outside the United States and whose perspectives I trust more than I trust this country's political leaders. The perspectives I have been reading are offered by people who seem very bright and whose arguments about globalization, imperialism, and the United States' real global agenda seem more and more believable to me. I have for too long not questioned the U.S. media as I believe I should; I have believed what it reports. In many cases, I think the media reports what it believes is accurate, but its portrayals of 'reality' are based on the media's perception of the world in which it lives. And that perception is based on the media's belief in some of the fundamental 'facts' presented by the government of this country...not just the current government, but the government of past administrations, Republican and Democratic alike. One piece I've read recently was eye-opening to me, though I will admit to an equal amount of skepticism about far-left-leaning positions as to far-right-leaning positions. The piece to which I refer was written by James Petras, (click here to open it). Another piece, also from Counterpunch, suggests another case of media myopia; Norman Solomon wrote today that the U.S. is working on drawing down troop strength in Iraq, while simultaneously planning a massively enhanced air war. Is the media simply blind, or is it complicit?
Now, on to Chile. In Chile, a Socialist (Ricardo Lagos) is president, leading the center-left Concertación coalition. His successor is very likely to be Michelle Bachelet, also of the Concertación coalition; according to English-language media from Santiago, there is likely to be a run-off, but Bachelet is highly favored to be elected. If so, she will be the first female president of a Latin American country, proving yet again that the United States lags behind its so-called 'third world' counterparts. I don't think anyone would argue that Chile is the model democracy, but it is improving the lot of its citizens. I like much of what I hear about Chile. But I don't like what I hear about the air pollution in Santiago...it's said to be horrible. But Michelle Bachelet apparently has in mind focusing attention on pollution issues early on, which is a good thing.
Now, on to Chile. In Chile, a Socialist (Ricardo Lagos) is president, leading the center-left Concertación coalition. His successor is very likely to be Michelle Bachelet, also of the Concertación coalition; according to English-language media from Santiago, there is likely to be a run-off, but Bachelet is highly favored to be elected. If so, she will be the first female president of a Latin American country, proving yet again that the United States lags behind its so-called 'third world' counterparts. I don't think anyone would argue that Chile is the model democracy, but it is improving the lot of its citizens. I like much of what I hear about Chile. But I don't like what I hear about the air pollution in Santiago...it's said to be horrible. But Michelle Bachelet apparently has in mind focusing attention on pollution issues early on, which is a good thing.
Sunday, December 4, 2005
International News
Here's a sampling of what I found when I took a look this morning at headlines of various English-language newspaper and news center websites based in other countries:
Some times, I think the English-language versions of news I find on the internet do not give a true picture of the viewpoints of other cultures. Not sure just how to get that.
- China Daily says Chinese economy to grow by 9.4% this year(if you click on the link, you'll be asked if you want to install language pack...I chose to cancel/ignore)
- Majorca [Spain] Daily Bulletin says high winds have interfered with shipping in the Balearics.
- The Straits [Singapore] Times says tens of thousands of protestors marched in Hong Kong for Hong Kong democracy
- The Jerusalem Post said Sharon offered Peres his pick of appointments
- The Moscow News reports on an interview with Shukhrat Masirokhunov, awaiting trial on charges of terrorism in connection with the attacks in Andizhan of May, 12-13, 2005.
- The Globe & Mail [Canada] reports that NDP leader Jack Layton says Canada should threaten tariffs on oil and gas exports to the United States as a way of dealing with the ongoing softwood lumber battle.
- El Universal [Venezeuela] reports on meetings between Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez and his Argentinian and Columbian counterparts, designed to send messages of unity against the U.S. actions to stop the sale of jet fighters from Spain to Venezuela.
- The Sophia Echo [Bulgaria] reports that Bulgarian ministers have to accept at least two EU-related measures daily during the coming year, to meet the requirements for Bulgaria to join the EU as scheduled on January 1 2007.
- The Guadalajara Reporter [Mexico] reports that the three top contenders for the country's presidency spoke at the same event (American Chamber's annual convention in Mexico city), but that probably most people in the audience wanted to hear what Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador of the Democratic Revolutionary Party (PRD), the left-leaning frontrunner, had to say.
- The Times of London reports that Major-General Peter Wall faces criminal charges relating to alleged attempts by officers to prevent an investigation into the deaths of a British tank commander and an unarmed Iraqi civilian.
- Aljazeera reports that a large crowd at the Imam Ali mosque in Najaf hurled sandals and shoes at Iyad Allawi - what they say is a grave insult in the Iraqi culture.
Some times, I think the English-language versions of news I find on the internet do not give a true picture of the viewpoints of other cultures. Not sure just how to get that.
Saturday, December 3, 2005
Ethiopian Food Again
My wife and I discovered, a number of years ago, that we like Ethiopian food. Our first taste of Ethiopian food was in Chicago, when we went with friends to an Ethiopian restaurant on the north side of the city. I still remember what I had: zil zil tibse, strips of beef marinated in a very spicy butter-based sauce.
Since then, we've eaten at a few Ethiopian places in Dallas, but they tend not to last. The first place we ate at in Dallas was called Queen of Sheba and they had wonderful food...and a very nice staff. But one day when we went there for dinner, it was gone! Then, another place popped up in the seedier section of North Dallas/Garland, and it too had good food, but it was gone in a flash, as well. We went there with my nephew and, among the the dishes we had, gored-gored was one of our favorites...or maybe it was kitfo. I can't decide which was which. The one I liked was made of raw chunks of beef in a very, very spicy sauce. The waitress asked repeatedly if we were sure we wanted raw meat...hard to convince her, but she finally acquiesced. The place closed, though...so we found another, but we were concerned that it, too, would close because we had visited it. We felt some sense of responsibility for putting all the Ethiopian restaurants in Dallas out of business simply by visiting.
Anyway, Queen of Sheba just came back...same owners, so we assume the food is the same. We hope. I stopped by today to pick up a menu. Sure enough, zil zil tibse, kitfo, gored-gored, and another old favorite, doro wott, are all on the menu. My wife and I have tickets to a play in mid-December in Addison, and we discussed tonight having dinner at Queen of Sheba that night. I'm ready to go there for breakfast tomorrow! But they are not open for breakfast.
Most Ethiopian foods are, in my admittedly limited experience, rather spicy, though not necessarily hot. I like the hot stuff, but it doesn't have to be hot for me to like it. Oh, I'm looking forward to eating Ethiopian food again! The food is served on large platters, which are covered with a large piece of injera bread (a sponge-like, thin bread that tears easily). The food ordered is placed in little piles on the injera bread; you then tear up pieces of injera bread that is delivered separately, using the bread as a utensil to pick up morsels of the food. It's delightful!
I think I've written about Ethiopian food on my blog before. Such is life. I am limited in my experiences; just a dull guy.
I can't remember the names, but there are a couple of Ethiopian restaurants (at least) in the Adams Morgan district of Washington, DC that are superb...in case you're in the area!
Since then, we've eaten at a few Ethiopian places in Dallas, but they tend not to last. The first place we ate at in Dallas was called Queen of Sheba and they had wonderful food...and a very nice staff. But one day when we went there for dinner, it was gone! Then, another place popped up in the seedier section of North Dallas/Garland, and it too had good food, but it was gone in a flash, as well. We went there with my nephew and, among the the dishes we had, gored-gored was one of our favorites...or maybe it was kitfo. I can't decide which was which. The one I liked was made of raw chunks of beef in a very, very spicy sauce. The waitress asked repeatedly if we were sure we wanted raw meat...hard to convince her, but she finally acquiesced. The place closed, though...so we found another, but we were concerned that it, too, would close because we had visited it. We felt some sense of responsibility for putting all the Ethiopian restaurants in Dallas out of business simply by visiting.
Anyway, Queen of Sheba just came back...same owners, so we assume the food is the same. We hope. I stopped by today to pick up a menu. Sure enough, zil zil tibse, kitfo, gored-gored, and another old favorite, doro wott, are all on the menu. My wife and I have tickets to a play in mid-December in Addison, and we discussed tonight having dinner at Queen of Sheba that night. I'm ready to go there for breakfast tomorrow! But they are not open for breakfast.
Most Ethiopian foods are, in my admittedly limited experience, rather spicy, though not necessarily hot. I like the hot stuff, but it doesn't have to be hot for me to like it. Oh, I'm looking forward to eating Ethiopian food again! The food is served on large platters, which are covered with a large piece of injera bread (a sponge-like, thin bread that tears easily). The food ordered is placed in little piles on the injera bread; you then tear up pieces of injera bread that is delivered separately, using the bread as a utensil to pick up morsels of the food. It's delightful!
I think I've written about Ethiopian food on my blog before. Such is life. I am limited in my experiences; just a dull guy.
I can't remember the names, but there are a couple of Ethiopian restaurants (at least) in the Adams Morgan district of Washington, DC that are superb...in case you're in the area!
The Price of Transportation
My Avalon has been repaired, at enormous cost, and should...better...last at least another year or two or three. I want it to be reliable, not simply last. That is key.
The repairs were finished on Thursday afternoon. New front struts, front & rear brake pads, new timing belt, new power steering line to replace the leaking line, new rack & pinion to replace the blown one on the front right side, new water pump...lots of stuff. When I noticed the 'check engine' light come on yesterday morning on the way to work, it annoyed me...I assumed something had not be put back together correctly. I stopped by the garage and they gave me ride to work. The service manager called later to tell me the bad news; the problem had absolutely nothing whatsoever to do with what they had done to my car, it was just an unfortunate coincidence that an oxygen sensor, a $300+ repair, had gone bad. Needless to say, I was very, very skeptical. After an extended conversation with the guy, he asked if I wanted them to pick up the entire cost...would that make me feel better? I said yes. He said it was important that I understand that it had nothing to do with their work...it was just coincidental. Frankly, I don't know whether it was or not, but the guy had convinced me to have the work done, rather than ditch my car, by telling me my investment in the car would be worthwhile and it would keep on running for a long, long time. So, his willingness to eat the cost was just fine...regardless of whether it was coincidental or not.
I've added independent Japanese auto repair shops to my list of people and organizations not to trust.
It's just after 6:00 am and I've been up for almost two hours...it's odd, so easy to get up on the weekends, very early, and so tough to drag myself out of bed during the workweek.
The repairs were finished on Thursday afternoon. New front struts, front & rear brake pads, new timing belt, new power steering line to replace the leaking line, new rack & pinion to replace the blown one on the front right side, new water pump...lots of stuff. When I noticed the 'check engine' light come on yesterday morning on the way to work, it annoyed me...I assumed something had not be put back together correctly. I stopped by the garage and they gave me ride to work. The service manager called later to tell me the bad news; the problem had absolutely nothing whatsoever to do with what they had done to my car, it was just an unfortunate coincidence that an oxygen sensor, a $300+ repair, had gone bad. Needless to say, I was very, very skeptical. After an extended conversation with the guy, he asked if I wanted them to pick up the entire cost...would that make me feel better? I said yes. He said it was important that I understand that it had nothing to do with their work...it was just coincidental. Frankly, I don't know whether it was or not, but the guy had convinced me to have the work done, rather than ditch my car, by telling me my investment in the car would be worthwhile and it would keep on running for a long, long time. So, his willingness to eat the cost was just fine...regardless of whether it was coincidental or not.
I've added independent Japanese auto repair shops to my list of people and organizations not to trust.
It's just after 6:00 am and I've been up for almost two hours...it's odd, so easy to get up on the weekends, very early, and so tough to drag myself out of bed during the workweek.
Friday, December 2, 2005
Up from the Bad Days
Old people. Old people looking for the perfect 'out' in the streets of Mexico. They weren't really old. They were middle-aged, some even younger. But they wanted out of the American dream. Or, rather, they wanted out of the dream articulated by The Idiot.
It was a a good day, though none of us felt like we should celebrate, at least not at the start. Early in the day, The Idiot had vomited his stupid platitudes and had promised that the American dream was on the cusp of fulfillment. By day's end, though, The Idiot was sitting on the side of a gritty Mexican street; he looked like someone had fed him drugs or alcohol, but it was he who had done it to himself. People passing by could have offered to help, but brief hesitations were all he got. He was the bastard who took their future. Angry old people have very, very sharp claws. It was obvious to the viejos what had to be done; decapitate the bastard and launch a celebration! But they had to be careful. No one could know where he died, because the others would start to explore the place and then...it would be over. It was bad enough what he did. It would have been worse if the others knew.
Up at 5 a.m. the next day, the Geezers, as they called themselves, transported his lifeless body through the dark streets of the tiny Mexican village. No one was the wiser, not even the old Mexican servants who lived there. The old woman leaning on the lightpole, sleeping intermittently, heard them pass, but she didn't bother to acknowledge them or to call attention to their presence. They were, after all, people with money, and they shared their money with her. She didn't notice that the Geezers were transporting a body, or what could be a body, and she didn't care. Through the old iron gates of a compound off the main road, the body in its ugly makeshift coffin was passed from one van to another, as knowing glances were exchanged by the old men whose vans had been placed into service that night. The body reached its final domestic destination and the other American took over. He would drive the van into the U.S. and take the body to Dallas and beyond.
The American pulled his seatbelts tight, slipped the Greg Brown disk into the CD player, and started his trek north. The night was empty, the highway was emptier still. He had to stay awake, so he lowered the window and put his left arm out to the side of the car, directing the crisp breeze with his hands to blow into his face.
Hours later, the border was in sight. U.S. Immigration and the Customs Service can both spell the end of the line for the American. One wrong move, one mispoken word here could end the odyssey. It's imperative; do not act nervous, but don't attempt to act too nonchalant. The dogs, the men in their sharp pressed uniforms, even the men selling flavored shaved ice, all of them, they can smell fear and nerves. The dogs will smell your fear, they always do, but it won't matter. They will know only that you are afraid, as everyone crossing the border is, but they won't know you are transporting The Idiot.
Once you cross the border, you mmove quickly toward San Antonio, then north toward Dallas. You want coffee, but there will bed no stopping this trip. Never stop, because that can be the end of you; the body in the trunk can mean a murder rap for you, no matter that The Idiot died from choking on his own vomit and no matter that you didn't decapitate the bastard. It doesn't matter, if they catch you, you are to blame.
You pull into the parking lot of an abandoned K-Mart store just after 2:00 am and shut off your engine. The new driver knows the body is there, waiting, but he hesitates, wondering why you drove so long, so far, to bring it back.
As the driver takes The Idiot from your trunk into his van, he asks what happened. "What do you think? The asshole drank himself to death. He was just lying to us about himself. We should have known better."
The American left the body and the new driver and found a bar. The patrons were bikers who echoed the attitudes of The Idiot, but they tried their best to present themselves as smart. Geezers know, though, so the American gave the bikers the finger and found another place, this one a folk music pub that served a variety of ales and lots of liquor. The American Geezer threw down a few drinks, then tried his hand at beating the locals with pool cues. Geezers can be stupid. Locals can be unforgiving. It had been his last trip.
It was a a good day, though none of us felt like we should celebrate, at least not at the start. Early in the day, The Idiot had vomited his stupid platitudes and had promised that the American dream was on the cusp of fulfillment. By day's end, though, The Idiot was sitting on the side of a gritty Mexican street; he looked like someone had fed him drugs or alcohol, but it was he who had done it to himself. People passing by could have offered to help, but brief hesitations were all he got. He was the bastard who took their future. Angry old people have very, very sharp claws. It was obvious to the viejos what had to be done; decapitate the bastard and launch a celebration! But they had to be careful. No one could know where he died, because the others would start to explore the place and then...it would be over. It was bad enough what he did. It would have been worse if the others knew.
Up at 5 a.m. the next day, the Geezers, as they called themselves, transported his lifeless body through the dark streets of the tiny Mexican village. No one was the wiser, not even the old Mexican servants who lived there. The old woman leaning on the lightpole, sleeping intermittently, heard them pass, but she didn't bother to acknowledge them or to call attention to their presence. They were, after all, people with money, and they shared their money with her. She didn't notice that the Geezers were transporting a body, or what could be a body, and she didn't care. Through the old iron gates of a compound off the main road, the body in its ugly makeshift coffin was passed from one van to another, as knowing glances were exchanged by the old men whose vans had been placed into service that night. The body reached its final domestic destination and the other American took over. He would drive the van into the U.S. and take the body to Dallas and beyond.
The American pulled his seatbelts tight, slipped the Greg Brown disk into the CD player, and started his trek north. The night was empty, the highway was emptier still. He had to stay awake, so he lowered the window and put his left arm out to the side of the car, directing the crisp breeze with his hands to blow into his face.
Hours later, the border was in sight. U.S. Immigration and the Customs Service can both spell the end of the line for the American. One wrong move, one mispoken word here could end the odyssey. It's imperative; do not act nervous, but don't attempt to act too nonchalant. The dogs, the men in their sharp pressed uniforms, even the men selling flavored shaved ice, all of them, they can smell fear and nerves. The dogs will smell your fear, they always do, but it won't matter. They will know only that you are afraid, as everyone crossing the border is, but they won't know you are transporting The Idiot.
Once you cross the border, you mmove quickly toward San Antonio, then north toward Dallas. You want coffee, but there will bed no stopping this trip. Never stop, because that can be the end of you; the body in the trunk can mean a murder rap for you, no matter that The Idiot died from choking on his own vomit and no matter that you didn't decapitate the bastard. It doesn't matter, if they catch you, you are to blame.
You pull into the parking lot of an abandoned K-Mart store just after 2:00 am and shut off your engine. The new driver knows the body is there, waiting, but he hesitates, wondering why you drove so long, so far, to bring it back.
As the driver takes The Idiot from your trunk into his van, he asks what happened. "What do you think? The asshole drank himself to death. He was just lying to us about himself. We should have known better."
The American left the body and the new driver and found a bar. The patrons were bikers who echoed the attitudes of The Idiot, but they tried their best to present themselves as smart. Geezers know, though, so the American gave the bikers the finger and found another place, this one a folk music pub that served a variety of ales and lots of liquor. The American Geezer threw down a few drinks, then tried his hand at beating the locals with pool cues. Geezers can be stupid. Locals can be unforgiving. It had been his last trip.
Thursday, December 1, 2005
Reading About Mexico...and other issues
I've been reading alot about Mexico...at least about what is involved with moving there, retiring there, etc. One of my brothers and his wife have already made the move and they will be great resources for me, but I'm reading about it, as well, getting other perspectives. The people who have written what I've read are almost fanatic about it...it's the best thing has ever happened to them, etc. I like the idea that, with sufficient planning and research, it may be possible to live there comfortably with a very modest amount of money. A woman who has lived in Guadalajara for several years finds it very affordable on her Social Security income. She likes it better than the more heavily 'Americanized' areas around Lake Chapala. Others seem to prefer 'Lakeside' to live, but like the fact that Guadalajara and its shopping, cosmopolitan atmosphere, etc. is close by. Others who write about San Miguel de Allende are equally rabid...they either love it or they find it to be a place dominated by Americans who speak no Spanish.
My reading about living in Mexico is not an indication that I will move there. I have a wife who may not have the same degree of interest as I. I do not speak Spanish, but have a command of enough words and pronunciation skills that I think I could learn enough to be able to communicate reasonably well. My wife speaks none and, as far as I know, has no interest in learning Spanish. We'll see, in time, I suppose. I'd rather not wait until I'm of 'retirement' age, though. I'm ready to start planning now, with a goal of 3 years hence, to be retired in some form or fashion...living less lavishly, living frugally even, is fine with me. I'm just feeling 'done' with work, at least the work I am doing. I own the company. The question is, "Why?" I make less than I did when I worked for someone else...but I DO like being in control. I am a control freak, I guess.
I've also been looking longingly at information about moving to the Santiago, Chile region. Lots of interesting stuff there, I've found. Not nearly the American support population, but there are Americans down there, getting along fine, not being persecuted simply because their president is an asshole.
Living in the United States is less and less appealing to me. Regardless of the party in power after Bush vacates the White House, this country's policies are too deeply embedded to change fast enough to suit me. I'm not really in to revolution, because revolutions are apt to be too bloody or too shocking to the system, but unless there is a revolution here, this country has no hope for the long haul. I suppose I believe in getting out while the getting is good. Radical Islam is apt to be taking over large portions of the land mass of this planet, and I have no tolerance for that, nor for fighting it. Isolationism, in the right place, seems so very, very appealing. Of course, I realize that is very selfish, but what the hell...I've a geezer...I've earned the right to be selfish, or at least curmudgeonly about my take on global society.
Besides being enamored with the idea of starting a new life somewhere else, I'm enamored of starting new businesses. My political and economic and social ideas are sometimes in opposition to one another. Over lunch with our staff the other day, I mentioned an idea that I thought had merit: set up a commercial-grade kitchen and a reasonably good-sized dining area and rent the space to people who want to show off their culinary skills but don't have the equipment and space. As usual, it wasn't an original idea. A guy in Austin has established a company called "Just Add Chef," which does just what I had in mind. My meeting planner, whose son is a restauranteur, knows the guy. I decided to contact him to inquire about how he does it...not sure just why, since I do not have the resources to replicate it in Dallas. Anyway, he finally called me back today...left a voice mail for me. I might pursue with him the idea of franchising the concept. Anyone reading this blog have money to invest? I'm ready to bring you in as part of this equation!
My reading about living in Mexico is not an indication that I will move there. I have a wife who may not have the same degree of interest as I. I do not speak Spanish, but have a command of enough words and pronunciation skills that I think I could learn enough to be able to communicate reasonably well. My wife speaks none and, as far as I know, has no interest in learning Spanish. We'll see, in time, I suppose. I'd rather not wait until I'm of 'retirement' age, though. I'm ready to start planning now, with a goal of 3 years hence, to be retired in some form or fashion...living less lavishly, living frugally even, is fine with me. I'm just feeling 'done' with work, at least the work I am doing. I own the company. The question is, "Why?" I make less than I did when I worked for someone else...but I DO like being in control. I am a control freak, I guess.
I've also been looking longingly at information about moving to the Santiago, Chile region. Lots of interesting stuff there, I've found. Not nearly the American support population, but there are Americans down there, getting along fine, not being persecuted simply because their president is an asshole.
Living in the United States is less and less appealing to me. Regardless of the party in power after Bush vacates the White House, this country's policies are too deeply embedded to change fast enough to suit me. I'm not really in to revolution, because revolutions are apt to be too bloody or too shocking to the system, but unless there is a revolution here, this country has no hope for the long haul. I suppose I believe in getting out while the getting is good. Radical Islam is apt to be taking over large portions of the land mass of this planet, and I have no tolerance for that, nor for fighting it. Isolationism, in the right place, seems so very, very appealing. Of course, I realize that is very selfish, but what the hell...I've a geezer...I've earned the right to be selfish, or at least curmudgeonly about my take on global society.
Besides being enamored with the idea of starting a new life somewhere else, I'm enamored of starting new businesses. My political and economic and social ideas are sometimes in opposition to one another. Over lunch with our staff the other day, I mentioned an idea that I thought had merit: set up a commercial-grade kitchen and a reasonably good-sized dining area and rent the space to people who want to show off their culinary skills but don't have the equipment and space. As usual, it wasn't an original idea. A guy in Austin has established a company called "Just Add Chef," which does just what I had in mind. My meeting planner, whose son is a restauranteur, knows the guy. I decided to contact him to inquire about how he does it...not sure just why, since I do not have the resources to replicate it in Dallas. Anyway, he finally called me back today...left a voice mail for me. I might pursue with him the idea of franchising the concept. Anyone reading this blog have money to invest? I'm ready to bring you in as part of this equation!
Wednesday, November 30, 2005
Angry Automobile
While my Toyota Avalon is in the shop being given a whole vehicle makeover (or nearly so), I am driving a Dodge Magnum wagon, rented for me by the company that is doing the work on my Avalon. The Dodge Magnum looks like it is pissed off...an angry automobile. It was, no doubt, designed to be bad-ass looker...something teenagers would covet and to which they would affix loud mufflers, lots of chrome, and painted flames along the sides. The one I'm driving is black, with tiny flecks of silver. I couldn't find one on the web that looks quite like that, but here's a link to a picture of a Magnum.
The black version I am driving actually is appealing, visually. Driving it, though, is like driving a tank whose steering is very, very loose. And it's loud...inside, it sounds like the engine noise has been amplified and is routed through the sound system. If I were given the opportunity, I could give Dodge some very good pointers about how to improve the vehicle's appearance and, more importantly, how to improve the driving experience. First thing, they should give the job of redesigning the car to Toyota, Honda, or some other foreign automaker that has proven itself competent. Raising the rear roofline would help, as would replacing the engine with something much more quiet. And adding sound deadening insulation would be a sure bet to improve the driving experience. Better, tighter steering, along with a less choppy ride would help.
Oh well, Dodge won't ask me. I'm not going to buy one of these beasts, but I do like the concept of the sports wagon. If I can't have a Honda Element (which I have not driven, but which I like more and more every time I see one), then at least I can dream of wagons and things.
Enough for tonight...I have time to waste!
The black version I am driving actually is appealing, visually. Driving it, though, is like driving a tank whose steering is very, very loose. And it's loud...inside, it sounds like the engine noise has been amplified and is routed through the sound system. If I were given the opportunity, I could give Dodge some very good pointers about how to improve the vehicle's appearance and, more importantly, how to improve the driving experience. First thing, they should give the job of redesigning the car to Toyota, Honda, or some other foreign automaker that has proven itself competent. Raising the rear roofline would help, as would replacing the engine with something much more quiet. And adding sound deadening insulation would be a sure bet to improve the driving experience. Better, tighter steering, along with a less choppy ride would help.
Oh well, Dodge won't ask me. I'm not going to buy one of these beasts, but I do like the concept of the sports wagon. If I can't have a Honda Element (which I have not driven, but which I like more and more every time I see one), then at least I can dream of wagons and things.
Enough for tonight...I have time to waste!
Tuesday, November 29, 2005
Another Time Tired
Not sure why, but I am tired again...enough that I won't have the energy to do another burst of words. So, no blog worth its salt tonight. Soon, I will write a big splash, but not tonight. Good night, everyone.
Sunday, November 27, 2005
Voices & Wishes & Horses & Wings & Carnage
OK, I'm becoming a bit of a geek. I stumbled across an interesting little Java script yesterday and have incorporated it into my Internet Resources Page (linked to the right where it reads "See my Internet resource page.") If you go to that page, you'll see at the bottom of the left hand column "Move your mouse over this to hear the voice of the Geezer." If you do, indeed, move your mouse over it, you will begin downloading a wav file of my voice saying something inane. It's really pretty slick, though, and seeing all of the stuff that Java script can do, along with various other sorts of programming languages, etc., makes me want to learn to do some of the "stuff."
For example, as of now, all of our databases are strictly Access-based and are not usable on or from the web. If I knew more, I could perhaps link them, but that's not the direction I want to go. I'd like to have all sorts of functionality online, enabling clients to update their own records, etc. That would enable me to streamline lots of stuff and would enable me to either have a smaller staff or accomplish more with the staff I have. Of course, this supposes I will stay in this business. No guarantee of that. I wish I could snap my fingers and make some of these things happen. Which reminds me of something my wife once said, as she was trying to remember the phrase "If wishes were horses then beggars would ride." She didn't get it quite right, though, and it came out: "If wishes were horses we'd all have wings." I laughed for a week. I still laugh whenever I remember it.
Now on to something entirely different. I heard someone, whose name escapes me, being interviewed on the radio about his life's work. He was asked whether he had ever thought how he would like his obituary to read; his response (which was wonderfully funny) led me to write my own ideal obituary in his style, absent the niceties:
If someone finds my blog by doing a search on the internet, I can find out which search words they used to find it. I've been surprised during the last couple of months; at least four times, people have landed on archived postings dealing with the pronunciation of turmeric. Their search terms? They have entered into Google, with no quotation marks, pronounce turmeric. And there it is!
For example, as of now, all of our databases are strictly Access-based and are not usable on or from the web. If I knew more, I could perhaps link them, but that's not the direction I want to go. I'd like to have all sorts of functionality online, enabling clients to update their own records, etc. That would enable me to streamline lots of stuff and would enable me to either have a smaller staff or accomplish more with the staff I have. Of course, this supposes I will stay in this business. No guarantee of that. I wish I could snap my fingers and make some of these things happen. Which reminds me of something my wife once said, as she was trying to remember the phrase "If wishes were horses then beggars would ride." She didn't get it quite right, though, and it came out: "If wishes were horses we'd all have wings." I laughed for a week. I still laugh whenever I remember it.
Now on to something entirely different. I heard someone, whose name escapes me, being interviewed on the radio about his life's work. He was asked whether he had ever thought how he would like his obituary to read; his response (which was wonderfully funny) led me to write my own ideal obituary in his style, absent the niceties:
John Geezer, age 143, was killed yesterday following a duel after being challenged over the affections of a young woman. Geezer's challenger, a man 90 years younger than he, confronted Geezer and accused him of seducing the young woman away from him with lies and treachery. Geezer denied the charge with a wink and a nod, but suggested that, had it been true, it would have been understandable that the young woman would have preferred him to the challenger, considering the scoundrel's limited intelligence and sexual inadequacy.
The challenger was the first injured in the fray, with Geezer's bullet grazing his temple, while the challenger's bullet failed to find its target. Both men abandoned their pistols after the first shots were fired, continuing on with swords. It was then that Geezer's superior age failed him, as his aggressor's agility allowed him to plunge the blade into Geezer's heart, ending his life in an instant. The challenger's sweet victory was short-lived, though, as the young woman whose honor he had questioned pulled the sword from Geezer's chest, swung it at his neck, and laughed as his head fell to the ground from his severed neck.
If someone finds my blog by doing a search on the internet, I can find out which search words they used to find it. I've been surprised during the last couple of months; at least four times, people have landed on archived postings dealing with the pronunciation of turmeric. Their search terms? They have entered into Google, with no quotation marks, pronounce turmeric. And there it is!
Internet Resource Center...Fixed
I discovered that the Internet Resource Center I wrote about yesterday was uttlerly useless to users of Mozilla...so, I recreated it using legitimate HTML coding software (previously, I had simply saved a MS Word document as a web file). Anyway, the resource center is now readable by Mozilla users...apologies to those who may have thought the problem was on their end...it was not.
Saturday, November 26, 2005
Internet Resource Center
The computers at my office all have been set to open a resource page whenever the internet browser is opened; all staff have the same resource page, which is then linked to various client resources, their websites, etc.
Having done that at my office, I thought it would be valuable to do the same for my PC at home. I'm not a fan of the "favorites," as getting them organized just the way I like is not as easy as I'd like and having an enormous drop-down list doesn't appeal to me. So, I created my own personal internet resource page. On the assumption that some who read this blog from time to time might have similar interests, I've posted a modified version of the resource page so anyone with access to the internet can access the resource page. A link to the page is posted in the upper right corner of this blog (See my Internet Resource Page). You can also view the resource page by clicking here. I'm perfectly willing to add other links that I find valuable, so if you have suggestions, by all means let me havfe them. On my personal page on my home computer, I have a long list of restaurants my wife and I have visited or want to visit, with links to their websites or reviews in local papers. I figure most readers of this blog are not local, so I removed them...so there is plenty of space for things that are of interest to you. Many of the media links are to local media, too...but I figure you can always get value by visiting media sites.
Having done that at my office, I thought it would be valuable to do the same for my PC at home. I'm not a fan of the "favorites," as getting them organized just the way I like is not as easy as I'd like and having an enormous drop-down list doesn't appeal to me. So, I created my own personal internet resource page. On the assumption that some who read this blog from time to time might have similar interests, I've posted a modified version of the resource page so anyone with access to the internet can access the resource page. A link to the page is posted in the upper right corner of this blog (See my Internet Resource Page). You can also view the resource page by clicking here. I'm perfectly willing to add other links that I find valuable, so if you have suggestions, by all means let me havfe them. On my personal page on my home computer, I have a long list of restaurants my wife and I have visited or want to visit, with links to their websites or reviews in local papers. I figure most readers of this blog are not local, so I removed them...so there is plenty of space for things that are of interest to you. Many of the media links are to local media, too...but I figure you can always get value by visiting media sites.
Friday, November 25, 2005
My Wife Makes Wonderful Food
I mentioned yesterday the menu wife and I planned for Thanksgiving...most of the work was done by my wife. She is an exceptionally good cook...chef is the better term.
We had almost all of the food I described, except the yeast rolls. That turned out to be too much. Everything was fanstastic. The turkey was, indeed, very moist and tasty, courtesy I suppose of the citrus stuffing.
We had a nice wine with dinner, too, a German white wine called Grauer Burgunder Trocken, which I learned by a bit of internet research is the same thing as what is known as Pinot Grigio in Italian wines. Nice dry wine, held up well to the spiciness of the brocolli and rice casserole (lots of hot stuff in it).
It's late in the evening (actually, it may still be Thanksgiving, but it's almost morning), so I am going to call it a night. Maybe I'll write more mundane stuff tomorrow, maybe not.
We had almost all of the food I described, except the yeast rolls. That turned out to be too much. Everything was fanstastic. The turkey was, indeed, very moist and tasty, courtesy I suppose of the citrus stuffing.
We had a nice wine with dinner, too, a German white wine called Grauer Burgunder Trocken, which I learned by a bit of internet research is the same thing as what is known as Pinot Grigio in Italian wines. Nice dry wine, held up well to the spiciness of the brocolli and rice casserole (lots of hot stuff in it).
It's late in the evening (actually, it may still be Thanksgiving, but it's almost morning), so I am going to call it a night. Maybe I'll write more mundane stuff tomorrow, maybe not.
Thursday, November 24, 2005
Taste Buds Waiting Impatiently
Happy Thanksgiving!
Today, my wife and I will make a traditional Thanksgiving dinner, something we have not done for quite awhile. The menu will include a roast 10-3/4 pound turkey, pumpkin soup, gravy, cornbread stuffing (outside the bird), cranberry sauce (whole berry version for me, gellatined version for my wife), broccoli & rice casserole, and yeast rolls. Last year, at Christmas, I gave my wife a gift she had long sought; a double oven. Two ovens will come in handy for today's meal.
A woman who works for us mentioned the way she roasts turkey and she swears it makes the entire bird really moist, so we're going to give it a shot (though not exactly the way she does it). She advises peeling an orange, a grapefruit, and a lemon, cutting them up into chunks, and stuffing the bird's cavity with them. She then cooks the bird at 250F, one hour per pound. We'll probably kick up the heat and reduce the cooking time, but we will do the citrus.
Speaking of food, I have a hankering for highly spiced vegetarian stir-fry of my own creation and for seafood. Not today, of course. But soon, perhaps this weekend, I will create my own version of stir-fry: broccoli, cauliflower, water chestnuts, onions, carrots, cabbage, zuccini, radishes, cilantro, snow peas, and assorted other stuff that may come to mind. I cook all but the last five ingredients in a mixture of fish oil, hoison sauce, and vegetable oil (a tablespoon or two each) on medium-high heat, stirring constantly until the veggies just begin to soften, then I add the remaining ingredients, plus various peppers (red Thai peppers are good, but crushed red pepper flakes will do the trick, too). When the entire mixture is of the proper degree of tenderness (it's a personal thing, I think), dish it up. Sometimes I eat it with steamed rice, but it's fine on its own. If a bit more zip is required, drizzle on some Srirachi sauce (the orange sauce in a bottle with a rooster on it).
As for seafood...lots of possibilities. Shrimp ceviche is wonderful and easy...peel and devein shrimp and cover them with lime juice, diced jalapeños, diced onion, cilantro, diced tomatoes, and refrigerate overnight. If you can get your hands on fine Alaskan halibut, it's even better than shrimp. Ahi tuna, encrusted with cracked pepper and quickly seared but left very rare is wonderful. Poblano pepper stuffed with a mixture of shrimp, flounder, and feta cheese and baked quickly so the pepper is still a bit crunchy but the seafood is cooked and the cheese melted is also good. I could go on for years about seafood...or any food, I suppose. That's the reason I have to get into a regular exercise regimen.
Today, my wife and I will make a traditional Thanksgiving dinner, something we have not done for quite awhile. The menu will include a roast 10-3/4 pound turkey, pumpkin soup, gravy, cornbread stuffing (outside the bird), cranberry sauce (whole berry version for me, gellatined version for my wife), broccoli & rice casserole, and yeast rolls. Last year, at Christmas, I gave my wife a gift she had long sought; a double oven. Two ovens will come in handy for today's meal.
A woman who works for us mentioned the way she roasts turkey and she swears it makes the entire bird really moist, so we're going to give it a shot (though not exactly the way she does it). She advises peeling an orange, a grapefruit, and a lemon, cutting them up into chunks, and stuffing the bird's cavity with them. She then cooks the bird at 250F, one hour per pound. We'll probably kick up the heat and reduce the cooking time, but we will do the citrus.
Speaking of food, I have a hankering for highly spiced vegetarian stir-fry of my own creation and for seafood. Not today, of course. But soon, perhaps this weekend, I will create my own version of stir-fry: broccoli, cauliflower, water chestnuts, onions, carrots, cabbage, zuccini, radishes, cilantro, snow peas, and assorted other stuff that may come to mind. I cook all but the last five ingredients in a mixture of fish oil, hoison sauce, and vegetable oil (a tablespoon or two each) on medium-high heat, stirring constantly until the veggies just begin to soften, then I add the remaining ingredients, plus various peppers (red Thai peppers are good, but crushed red pepper flakes will do the trick, too). When the entire mixture is of the proper degree of tenderness (it's a personal thing, I think), dish it up. Sometimes I eat it with steamed rice, but it's fine on its own. If a bit more zip is required, drizzle on some Srirachi sauce (the orange sauce in a bottle with a rooster on it).
As for seafood...lots of possibilities. Shrimp ceviche is wonderful and easy...peel and devein shrimp and cover them with lime juice, diced jalapeños, diced onion, cilantro, diced tomatoes, and refrigerate overnight. If you can get your hands on fine Alaskan halibut, it's even better than shrimp. Ahi tuna, encrusted with cracked pepper and quickly seared but left very rare is wonderful. Poblano pepper stuffed with a mixture of shrimp, flounder, and feta cheese and baked quickly so the pepper is still a bit crunchy but the seafood is cooked and the cheese melted is also good. I could go on for years about seafood...or any food, I suppose. That's the reason I have to get into a regular exercise regimen.
Wednesday, November 23, 2005
Man says they're not rats...they're squirrels
Pest control guy came back this morning...they had put out traps, poison, etc. two or more weeks ago, yet I continue to hear scraping, galloping, running, THINGS up in the attic. I called pest control guy, explaining my deep unhappiness with the results of their efforts. He came by this morning. He checked the poison stations (they don't like using poison...afraid rats corpses will get trapped inside walls, creating horrific odors; I share the concern, but since traps were ineffective, I allowed as how they should invade the attic with shotguns or use poison and they opted for the latter) and found that they hadn't been touched. So, he announced, our intruders are not rats, but squirrels.
I'm a little less concerned, but only slightly. I want the bastards gone. I want them out. I want to know where they get in and I want it fixed. I want to blow in new insulation, as the beasts have beat it down so every leaf falling onto the roof now sounds like a nuclear explosion. I'm certain the electricity and gas bills are higher as a result of the beasts, too.
Maybe Friday or Saturday, I will go to Home Depot or some such place and get a squirrel trap. The pest control guy doesn't do squirrels, but he says the traps are effective and don't harm the animals. At this point, I'm ready to have squirrel chile, but I guess I don't want the little buggers to squeel in pain, either.
That's my pre-Thanksgiving-Day story. What an amazingly exciting life I lead. It's almost too much to deal with. Oh boy.
I'm a little less concerned, but only slightly. I want the bastards gone. I want them out. I want to know where they get in and I want it fixed. I want to blow in new insulation, as the beasts have beat it down so every leaf falling onto the roof now sounds like a nuclear explosion. I'm certain the electricity and gas bills are higher as a result of the beasts, too.
Maybe Friday or Saturday, I will go to Home Depot or some such place and get a squirrel trap. The pest control guy doesn't do squirrels, but he says the traps are effective and don't harm the animals. At this point, I'm ready to have squirrel chile, but I guess I don't want the little buggers to squeel in pain, either.
That's my pre-Thanksgiving-Day story. What an amazingly exciting life I lead. It's almost too much to deal with. Oh boy.
Clearing the Weeds in the Office
The three work days this week are dedicated, at least in part, to turning my office into a more livable place. I have allowed everyone, including myself, to be messy to the point of insanity...boxes strewn all about the office, piles upon piles of papers, nothing organized in any sort of logical fashion. Things are hidden in plain sight. Supplies are purchased because we cannot find those that are right before us. In my defense, and in the defense of our staff, we have been godawful busy. But that's no defense. So, this week we are throwing unused materials out (thanks to Marilyn on our staff and her engineer boyfriend, most of the paper goods have been carted away to be recycled). And we have an enormous pile of boxes in my office that will be hauled away tomorrow to the storage space we rent nearby.
Velma, our steady, hardworking lady who is unflappable in the most trying circumstances, has invited her son-in-law to visit with his pickup truck and take the boxes to the storage space. Velma was born and reared in the Rio Grande Valley; she is of Mexican descent and speaks Spanish fluently (though many in her family do not speak English and she seems to refuse to require her children to speak Spanish).
I suspect that, once the weeds are cleared, our office will be a friendlier place to be and an easier place to like. It just gets depressing seeing masses upon masses of paper, strewn about in utter randomness.
I have plans to paint the walls in the office in the near-term. Another effort to elevate the mood (mostly mine) and get people feeling good about being shut inside.
Next steps will include, most decidedly, heavy efforts to find new business. That's a must. We're looking at ending this year with at least a $16,000 loss, not something we can tolerate long. We need new business and we need someone to devote fulltime to our own for-profit association. Absent that, we will go under, no doubt. How I will pay for that someone is anyone's guess. How I will find someone I can trust is even tougher. I have had two...make that three...people dedicated to the association and none of them have done anything like the job they should have done. I MUST stop talking about it and do something...fast.
I have to clear all the weeds and redirect, fast, or lose more than I can afford to lose. Focus. Focus. That means I need to devote blog time to business. Or I need a new life.
I have an idea...how does "Street Coffee" sound? Don't share the term...don't share the idea. More on this Australian-inspired idea soon.
Velma, our steady, hardworking lady who is unflappable in the most trying circumstances, has invited her son-in-law to visit with his pickup truck and take the boxes to the storage space. Velma was born and reared in the Rio Grande Valley; she is of Mexican descent and speaks Spanish fluently (though many in her family do not speak English and she seems to refuse to require her children to speak Spanish).
I suspect that, once the weeds are cleared, our office will be a friendlier place to be and an easier place to like. It just gets depressing seeing masses upon masses of paper, strewn about in utter randomness.
I have plans to paint the walls in the office in the near-term. Another effort to elevate the mood (mostly mine) and get people feeling good about being shut inside.
Next steps will include, most decidedly, heavy efforts to find new business. That's a must. We're looking at ending this year with at least a $16,000 loss, not something we can tolerate long. We need new business and we need someone to devote fulltime to our own for-profit association. Absent that, we will go under, no doubt. How I will pay for that someone is anyone's guess. How I will find someone I can trust is even tougher. I have had two...make that three...people dedicated to the association and none of them have done anything like the job they should have done. I MUST stop talking about it and do something...fast.
I have to clear all the weeds and redirect, fast, or lose more than I can afford to lose. Focus. Focus. That means I need to devote blog time to business. Or I need a new life.
I have an idea...how does "Street Coffee" sound? Don't share the term...don't share the idea. More on this Australian-inspired idea soon.
Monday, November 21, 2005
Glenn Mitchell Died
I'm writing this to document the day I learned Glenn Mitchell died. He actually died yesterday at his home.
I never met Glenn Mitchell, but I felt like I knew him well and I truly enjoyed his company. He was host of a noon-time talk show on KERA 90.1, an NPR station in Dallas. His daily shows were always interesting, due in part to his very interesting guests but due, in larger part, to his ease with them and his intellect. On Fridays, the first half of his two-hour show would be the "Anything You Ever Wanted to Know..." portion. Listeners would call in with questions...about anything...and other listeners or Glenn or someone on the KERA staff would attempt to answer them. Those shows were wonderful. His 'Christmas Blockbuster' was an annual event; 20 hours, I think, of nonstop Christmas music, most of it very odd and off-beat. That's where I first heard 'Santa, I Want a Goat for Christmas.' I had, for years, thought his show would be a shoo-in favorite if it went national. I learned today that a trial was scheduled for XM satellite radio, beginning next February.
When I heard that he had died, my first reaction was disbelief, then an amazing sadness. Tears came to my eyes; this guy I've never met was like a good friend. Today, I have read and heard so many others say the same thing. He'll be sorely missed.
I never met Glenn Mitchell, but I felt like I knew him well and I truly enjoyed his company. He was host of a noon-time talk show on KERA 90.1, an NPR station in Dallas. His daily shows were always interesting, due in part to his very interesting guests but due, in larger part, to his ease with them and his intellect. On Fridays, the first half of his two-hour show would be the "Anything You Ever Wanted to Know..." portion. Listeners would call in with questions...about anything...and other listeners or Glenn or someone on the KERA staff would attempt to answer them. Those shows were wonderful. His 'Christmas Blockbuster' was an annual event; 20 hours, I think, of nonstop Christmas music, most of it very odd and off-beat. That's where I first heard 'Santa, I Want a Goat for Christmas.' I had, for years, thought his show would be a shoo-in favorite if it went national. I learned today that a trial was scheduled for XM satellite radio, beginning next February.
When I heard that he had died, my first reaction was disbelief, then an amazing sadness. Tears came to my eyes; this guy I've never met was like a good friend. Today, I have read and heard so many others say the same thing. He'll be sorely missed.
Sunday, November 20, 2005
Theatre
Last night, my wife and I went to a play entitled Humpty Dumpty at the WaterTower Theatre in Addison. The play, which was written by Eric Bogosian, was staged by a company called Second Thought Theatre, which was formed in 2003 by a group of five actors and playwrights, most of whom got their theatrical training in the Baylor University fine arts department program. The fact that the play was held in a very small theatre, with an audience of no more than 60 people crammed into the tiny hall, made it especially interesting.
The play was interesting. While some of the changes in characters' personalities seemed abrupt and implausible (I assume the playwright can be blamed for those foibles), the actors were very good at directing attention away from those abrupt transitions and toward the characters. The company's website describes the play as follows:
Their next production will be The Caucasian Chalk Circle, by Bertolt Brecht. I've not seen it, nor have I read it, but what little I read about it at the company's website does not appeal to me.
It was a bit on the long side. It started at 8:00 pm and we did not get out of the theatre until 10:30. Being out at an unusually late hour (for us) gave us the opportunity to indulge our need for a snack. Rather than go through the hubbub of finding a restaurant that serves appetizers, we stopped at the local Kroger's and bought doritos and jalapeno bean dip to eat at home.
Anyway, going to a play made me think of the fact that my wife has been wanting to get season tickets to the theatre and I think that's a likely candidate for a present for her sometime soon. In the meantime, I got tickets to see The
Santaland Diaries, the David Sedaris piece about his stint acting as a Santa's elf at Macy's during the holiday season. We've heard Sedaris reading his piece on National Public Radio; it was hilarious. He won't be in the play, of course, so it remains to be seen whether it will be as entertaining. Unlike last night's play, The Santaland Diaries will be held on the WaterTower Theatre's main stage, which is considerably larger and has room for many, many more audience members (though it's not a huge facility; I'd guess the main stage theatre will hold about 200 people...though it could be double that, considering it has a second level).
I've often thought of volunteering at a theatre company...doing anything...to get a behind-the-scenes look at how a play is planned and produced. While I have a good idea of how it comes together, my idea is based on my perception and it may have nothing to do with reality. I've thought about it, but never acted on it; maybe it's time to actually explore that.
Speaking of exploring things, my wife and I visited an artglass shop a week or two ago and marveled at the wonderful artwork on display. In addition to sophisticated art in glass, the shop had stained glass on display, as well as complete stained glass projects. What I found most appealing was the fact that they offer classes. I have talked...for years, and that is not exaggeration...about learning stained glass, but have never found a class that was convenient, affordable, fit my schedule, etc. This time, though, I think I found it. They've not published their 2006 schedule yet, but my guess is that I'll be taking at least one class sometime next year. I'd further guess that it might be a present from my wife, who tends to remember such things as gift possibilities.
Enough for today, at least enough nonfiction. Maybe I'll turn my attention, later today, to some of the fiction pieces I've started. Rather than post snippets on the blog, though, I think I'll try to come closer to finishing some of them before releasing them to the world.
The play was interesting. While some of the changes in characters' personalities seemed abrupt and implausible (I assume the playwright can be blamed for those foibles), the actors were very good at directing attention away from those abrupt transitions and toward the characters. The company's website describes the play as follows:
Humpty Dumpty tells the story of a group of young urban over-achievers on a weekend country outing equipped with everything but survival skills. After a huge disaster of an unknown nature strikes, they are forced to reconsider the meaning and purpose within their lives and relationships once the protective shell of modern goods - both material and social - has been broken.
Their next production will be The Caucasian Chalk Circle, by Bertolt Brecht. I've not seen it, nor have I read it, but what little I read about it at the company's website does not appeal to me.
It was a bit on the long side. It started at 8:00 pm and we did not get out of the theatre until 10:30. Being out at an unusually late hour (for us) gave us the opportunity to indulge our need for a snack. Rather than go through the hubbub of finding a restaurant that serves appetizers, we stopped at the local Kroger's and bought doritos and jalapeno bean dip to eat at home.
Anyway, going to a play made me think of the fact that my wife has been wanting to get season tickets to the theatre and I think that's a likely candidate for a present for her sometime soon. In the meantime, I got tickets to see The
Santaland Diaries, the David Sedaris piece about his stint acting as a Santa's elf at Macy's during the holiday season. We've heard Sedaris reading his piece on National Public Radio; it was hilarious. He won't be in the play, of course, so it remains to be seen whether it will be as entertaining. Unlike last night's play, The Santaland Diaries will be held on the WaterTower Theatre's main stage, which is considerably larger and has room for many, many more audience members (though it's not a huge facility; I'd guess the main stage theatre will hold about 200 people...though it could be double that, considering it has a second level).
I've often thought of volunteering at a theatre company...doing anything...to get a behind-the-scenes look at how a play is planned and produced. While I have a good idea of how it comes together, my idea is based on my perception and it may have nothing to do with reality. I've thought about it, but never acted on it; maybe it's time to actually explore that.
Speaking of exploring things, my wife and I visited an artglass shop a week or two ago and marveled at the wonderful artwork on display. In addition to sophisticated art in glass, the shop had stained glass on display, as well as complete stained glass projects. What I found most appealing was the fact that they offer classes. I have talked...for years, and that is not exaggeration...about learning stained glass, but have never found a class that was convenient, affordable, fit my schedule, etc. This time, though, I think I found it. They've not published their 2006 schedule yet, but my guess is that I'll be taking at least one class sometime next year. I'd further guess that it might be a present from my wife, who tends to remember such things as gift possibilities.
Enough for today, at least enough nonfiction. Maybe I'll turn my attention, later today, to some of the fiction pieces I've started. Rather than post snippets on the blog, though, I think I'll try to come closer to finishing some of them before releasing them to the world.
Saturday, November 19, 2005
Respite
I'm back to blog briefly, though don't know how long it will last. I needed time away from it...probably still do. I was away from Thursday afternoon until yesterday (Friday) afternoon at a client association board retreat. It was held at the incoming chair's lake home about two hours east of Dallas, on Lake Holbrook. The intended "let's bond" atmosphere did not emerge for me, probably because of my contribution to the "share a secret" game the host set up. Each person was to share something interesting about themselves that others at the event would be unlikely to know. I decided to share that "I lean to the far left, politically." I knew that would go over well with this group, many of whom avow their super-patriotism by making verbal assaults against victims of hurricane Katrina, countries that do not readily roll over to U.S. imperialistic demands, etc.
Anyway, the response was predictable. "You're in business for yourself and you're a liberal?!" How could that be, they wondered? My revelation simply goaded them to their worst. I took it all without comment; I just thought to myself, "what a bunch of utterly uninformed idiots!" I did, that is, until one of the most demonic republicans among them talked at length about how great a person Paul Newman is for all he does for the world. I pointed out that what Paul Newman does in lending his name to good causes and contributing money from his salad dressing sales to charities is suspiciously liberal in tone. "Not all liberals are bad, but most of them are," the ugly American responded.
Anyway, the response was predictable. "You're in business for yourself and you're a liberal?!" How could that be, they wondered? My revelation simply goaded them to their worst. I took it all without comment; I just thought to myself, "what a bunch of utterly uninformed idiots!" I did, that is, until one of the most demonic republicans among them talked at length about how great a person Paul Newman is for all he does for the world. I pointed out that what Paul Newman does in lending his name to good causes and contributing money from his salad dressing sales to charities is suspiciously liberal in tone. "Not all liberals are bad, but most of them are," the ugly American responded.
Tuesday, November 15, 2005
I Am Loudon Wainwright III
Sometimes, I wonder who I am and how I get here. The last few evenings, I have been listening to a CD my oldest brother made for me. An entire CD of Loudon Wainwright III music.
Mind you, I have had this stuff for well over two years now. But somehow, I just got around to listening...really listening...to it. I've listened to it before, but it didn't catch me then. It has now.
I think I know, now, that I am Loudon Wainwright III. I know, I know, that cannot be. But maybe it is. You see, I think I wrote all of his music. And I think I'm the one singing. I realize my voice is very different from his, but I must have been possessed when I made the album. Have you ever seen Loudon Wainwright at the same time you've seen me? I rest my case.
Seriously, the guy's music is absolutely outstanding. It's music I wish I had written. It is storytelling at its pinnacle. Would that I could do what he has done.
OK, so now you know. Loudon Wainwright III. Bob Dylan. Greg Brown. Leo Kottke. I'm a groupie, I guess. It's disgusting, but fun!
Mind you, I have had this stuff for well over two years now. But somehow, I just got around to listening...really listening...to it. I've listened to it before, but it didn't catch me then. It has now.
I think I know, now, that I am Loudon Wainwright III. I know, I know, that cannot be. But maybe it is. You see, I think I wrote all of his music. And I think I'm the one singing. I realize my voice is very different from his, but I must have been possessed when I made the album. Have you ever seen Loudon Wainwright at the same time you've seen me? I rest my case.
Seriously, the guy's music is absolutely outstanding. It's music I wish I had written. It is storytelling at its pinnacle. Would that I could do what he has done.
OK, so now you know. Loudon Wainwright III. Bob Dylan. Greg Brown. Leo Kottke. I'm a groupie, I guess. It's disgusting, but fun!
For the Love of Spyware
Today, after quite awhile of dealing with problems on the computer in use by the young Australian lady who joined my staff recently, I decided I had to give up. No one could figure out how to remove all the adware, spam, etc., etc. that had found their way into the machine. Reinstalling Windows, getting the latest and greatest virus and spyware killers...nothing worked. So, after screaming silently for hours and hours, I went to Best Buy to get a new computer. I bought one...one day I'll write why Best Buy is destined to go down in flames like Service Merchandise...and it is now in the back seat of my car. When my wife arrives home from a client monthly meeting tonight, I'll transfer it to her car. Tomorrow, my little (actually, quite tall) Australian will spend her time loading all sorts of software on the computer. I will spend my time at Municipal Court, wondering if I will be selected to be on a petit jury.
Spyware is worse, in many ways, than malicious viruses. The writers of both deserve one thing: to be slowly butchered, in stages, and forced to watch as ravens, buzzards, rats, and wolverines tear away their wounded flesh. These dudes write nasty code just because they can. Code that does immeasurable harm to businesses, individuals...lots of people. They are the same sorts of vermin who join gangs so they can attack and abuse people. I'm opposed, in principal, to the death penalty in most cases...for these guys, though, I'd take pride in throwing the switch, jamming the needle into their tight little arms, or plunging the dagger into their neck.
Jesus, I'm testy today! I'll stop writing so my natural mellowness will envelope me again. Deep breath...slowly exhale.
Spyware is worse, in many ways, than malicious viruses. The writers of both deserve one thing: to be slowly butchered, in stages, and forced to watch as ravens, buzzards, rats, and wolverines tear away their wounded flesh. These dudes write nasty code just because they can. Code that does immeasurable harm to businesses, individuals...lots of people. They are the same sorts of vermin who join gangs so they can attack and abuse people. I'm opposed, in principal, to the death penalty in most cases...for these guys, though, I'd take pride in throwing the switch, jamming the needle into their tight little arms, or plunging the dagger into their neck.
Jesus, I'm testy today! I'll stop writing so my natural mellowness will envelope me again. Deep breath...slowly exhale.
Demons and Daylight
I wrote bizarre little piece about 'my demons' on Saturday, but it was over the top. I might be able to sell it, though...some people lap that stuff up.
Yesterday, I walked 7.6 miles...far beyond what I should...and today I'm paying the price. Wounded lower back, still chafed, wanting to know the appropriate middle ground. But still wishing I could do more of it. Do it more often. Walk instead of drink and eat when I get home from work. I should do it.
Wednesday this week I have jury duty. Thursday afternoon and Friday I go on a board 'retreat' to a board member's lake home about 1.5 hours east of Dallas. I'd rather eat nails. Saturday evening, my wife and I are going to a play. I can't walk myself into a bleeding, chafed, worn-out idiot before the play, that's for sure.
Recently, I decided that dawn and dusk are the times the roof-rats are active in the attic. Not sure whether they leave in the morning and come back in the evening, or vice versa. I wish they would leave, never to return. I don't care whether they leave at daylight or dusk...I just want them gone. Daylight. That's an odd word, isn't it? The word is no doubt older than artificial light...or I think it is. So, why attach 'day' to light? Surely there were no night lights before electricity.
I received an interesting email this morning entitled carrot, egg, coffee. A young woman asked her mother how she could deal with her demons and her bad luck. Her mother used three pans of water to boil a carrot, an egg, and coffee. After 20 minutes, she asked her daughter to tell her about what was in each pan, then explained the point of the exercise: The hard, unbending carrot, when faced with the adversity of boiling water, became soft. The fragile egg, when faced with the adversity of boiling water, became hard and unyielding. The coffee, when faced with the adversity of boiling water, merged with the water to yield a pleasant aroma and a wonderful taste. The mother asked her daughter to explain the lesson. It was as expected: when faced with adversity, are the you sort of person who will yield and be molded by adversity, will you because hard and brittle, or will you make the most of the situation? Not a particularly attractive lesson, but a lesson nonetheless.
My wife, out of the clear blue (and without reading my blog...I know, she never does), showed me an ad from the D/FW Ethical Fellowship, "a non-theist, ethics-centered community of people dedicated to deed before creed." We'll see..."
Yesterday, I walked 7.6 miles...far beyond what I should...and today I'm paying the price. Wounded lower back, still chafed, wanting to know the appropriate middle ground. But still wishing I could do more of it. Do it more often. Walk instead of drink and eat when I get home from work. I should do it.
Wednesday this week I have jury duty. Thursday afternoon and Friday I go on a board 'retreat' to a board member's lake home about 1.5 hours east of Dallas. I'd rather eat nails. Saturday evening, my wife and I are going to a play. I can't walk myself into a bleeding, chafed, worn-out idiot before the play, that's for sure.
Recently, I decided that dawn and dusk are the times the roof-rats are active in the attic. Not sure whether they leave in the morning and come back in the evening, or vice versa. I wish they would leave, never to return. I don't care whether they leave at daylight or dusk...I just want them gone. Daylight. That's an odd word, isn't it? The word is no doubt older than artificial light...or I think it is. So, why attach 'day' to light? Surely there were no night lights before electricity.
I received an interesting email this morning entitled carrot, egg, coffee. A young woman asked her mother how she could deal with her demons and her bad luck. Her mother used three pans of water to boil a carrot, an egg, and coffee. After 20 minutes, she asked her daughter to tell her about what was in each pan, then explained the point of the exercise: The hard, unbending carrot, when faced with the adversity of boiling water, became soft. The fragile egg, when faced with the adversity of boiling water, became hard and unyielding. The coffee, when faced with the adversity of boiling water, merged with the water to yield a pleasant aroma and a wonderful taste. The mother asked her daughter to explain the lesson. It was as expected: when faced with adversity, are the you sort of person who will yield and be molded by adversity, will you because hard and brittle, or will you make the most of the situation? Not a particularly attractive lesson, but a lesson nonetheless.
My wife, out of the clear blue (and without reading my blog...I know, she never does), showed me an ad from the D/FW Ethical Fellowship, "a non-theist, ethics-centered community of people dedicated to deed before creed." We'll see..."
Sunday, November 13, 2005
Walking
Well, I guess I have to use the blog for something, so I'll record the occasional accomplishment. Yesterday's walk was probably 3 miles, if that. Today, though, I did a long one, indeed. I walked 7.6 miles and have the aching feet, angry knees, and badly chafed inner thighs to prove it. The walking shoes are goners...I finally threw them out when I got home from the walk; should have done it ages ago.
I've been reading about walking shoes, how to prevent chafing, how to deal with it, the best clothes to wear to avoid chafing, etc. I bought another pair of shoes today, since the old backup pair actually was worse than the ones I wore out.
Now, I just need to get into the habit of walking daily...I was in the habit for a long while, but got out of it.
I've been reading about walking shoes, how to prevent chafing, how to deal with it, the best clothes to wear to avoid chafing, etc. I bought another pair of shoes today, since the old backup pair actually was worse than the ones I wore out.
Now, I just need to get into the habit of walking daily...I was in the habit for a long while, but got out of it.
Time Out
I may take some time out from blogging. I wrote some things yesterday that I chose not to post...one a snippet from a piece of fiction I am calling 'The Sacred Civil War' and another a piece I called 'Veterinary Priest.' Neither were satisfactory. It's possible that both of them will be stuffed into a closet, never to see the light of day. I think I need to decide what I want to write about...personal travelogues, personal poetry, novels, short stories, political diatribes, or all of the above. If the latter, I need to get better across the board.
I have yet to finish my personal travelogues of the shrimp-fest in Falba and a couple of others. Maybe I have adult onset ADD. I can't seem to finish one project before I move on to the next. I think, though, it's more likely that I just want a different environment. The heat and hate of Texas are taking their toll on me. I'm perhaps the worst of the haters, but that's getting old. I want to mellow a bit...treat everyone better, including myself. I'd love to move somewhere else and start over. If only I could figure out how to get my wife on board with the idea...just drop it all and start anew! I think we could have a wonderful life, if we could just risk it all. I'm feeling a need for church, without the religion.
Anyway, I may continue to write a little on a daily basis, or I may not. I just want to remove yet another little obligation. I should spend my writing time walking, anyway. And I should reduce the booze and the food. Speaking of food, lunch today was not bad...fish tacos for me, fried oysters for my lovely wife...there I go again! I have to get back to cucumber and radish mode!
I have yet to finish my personal travelogues of the shrimp-fest in Falba and a couple of others. Maybe I have adult onset ADD. I can't seem to finish one project before I move on to the next. I think, though, it's more likely that I just want a different environment. The heat and hate of Texas are taking their toll on me. I'm perhaps the worst of the haters, but that's getting old. I want to mellow a bit...treat everyone better, including myself. I'd love to move somewhere else and start over. If only I could figure out how to get my wife on board with the idea...just drop it all and start anew! I think we could have a wonderful life, if we could just risk it all. I'm feeling a need for church, without the religion.
Anyway, I may continue to write a little on a daily basis, or I may not. I just want to remove yet another little obligation. I should spend my writing time walking, anyway. And I should reduce the booze and the food. Speaking of food, lunch today was not bad...fish tacos for me, fried oysters for my lovely wife...there I go again! I have to get back to cucumber and radish mode!