As I haven't posted anything for a couple of days, I thought I'd better take a minute and get something out into the blogosphere. Thankfully, I ran across Friday's Feast a few days ago. A regular feature perhaps? Anyway, today's feast:
Appetizer: What does the color pink make you think of?
Blossom of the PowerPuff Girls
Soup: Name something you have lost but later found.
My silver, wire-framed sunglasses. I couldn't find them for several months, but STK discovered them under the seat of my car. I looked there a dozan times!
Salad: In 3 words, describe this past week.
Studious. Hectic. Aggravating.
Main Course: What are you obsessed with?
Green Lantern. Star Wars. Each sentence of my dissertation (Wednesday night: 1.5 hours to write 9 sentences. Damn good sentences, in retrospect, but I've got to speed it up.)
Dessert: What kind of perfume or cologne do you like to wear?
Fahrenheit. Bulgari. Lolita Lempicka.
Friday, August 20, 2004
Wednesday, August 18, 2004
Prep Time
With the start of school one week away, I sat down today and pulled together various syllabi. Believe it or not, I think I'm about ready to go. I need to make a phone call tomorrow and make sure e-reserve readings are in place sometime in the next week or two. As I'm using the same readings as last semester, that shouldn't be much trouble for the library staff. Here's a list of the classes I'm teaching along with a basic description of the course.
SPCC 100: Communication and Popular Culture
Course Objectives: This course traces the evolution of popular culture studies in the twentieth century. Through a decade by decade analysis of pop culture artifacts, as well as the approaches taken by popular culture researchers and critics, we will examine how dominant societal discourses, cultural myths, individual identities, and institutional ideologies are reified and subverted.
The goals of this class are to: 1. introduce students to a theoretical vocabulary for analyzing how people use popular culture; 2. examine the tension between popular culture’s powerful impact on our culture versus people’s ability to use the media actively in their everyday lives; 3. explore how popular culture in the post-World War II United States, particularly in regard to representations of gender, race, sexual orientation, and class, has both reinforced and shaped our history and culture; 4. encourage students to view themselves as critical consumers and users of popular culture.
SP 310: Interpersonal Communication Skills
This class is designed to help you become more aware of the processes, nuances, and skills of interpersonal communication. The basic philosophy of the course is that you should be able to make reasoned and responsible choices in your interpersonal relationships. In order to make these choices, you must know what is functional and dysfunctional in relationships and possess a repertoire of skills to select from to perform the alternatives you choose. In addition, knowing who you are, including your strengths and weaknesses, and having a positive, realistic self concept is essential to successful interpersonal relationships. As such, course objectives include the following: 1) to increase your understanding of interpersonal communication processes in relationships, 2) to increase your understanding of your own strengths and weaknesses in interpersonal communication, and 3) to develop your skills in interpersonal communication.
SP 317: Women and Communication
The issue on which this class focuses is the relationship between women and communication. The course is designed to explore three general areas: conceptual foundations in the study of gender, gendered communication in practice, and communication in women's culture. Each area is designed to give students an understanding of the ways in which language functions to create or prohibit identities, the ways in which communication is used differently and similarly between genders, and the ways in which some communication styles and practices may be unique to women. The course also is designed to assist students in appreciating and understanding communication not only as it relates to white, heterosexual women, but also as it relates to lesbian women and women of color.
How's that for a variety of classes?
SPCC 100: Communication and Popular Culture
Course Objectives: This course traces the evolution of popular culture studies in the twentieth century. Through a decade by decade analysis of pop culture artifacts, as well as the approaches taken by popular culture researchers and critics, we will examine how dominant societal discourses, cultural myths, individual identities, and institutional ideologies are reified and subverted.
The goals of this class are to: 1. introduce students to a theoretical vocabulary for analyzing how people use popular culture; 2. examine the tension between popular culture’s powerful impact on our culture versus people’s ability to use the media actively in their everyday lives; 3. explore how popular culture in the post-World War II United States, particularly in regard to representations of gender, race, sexual orientation, and class, has both reinforced and shaped our history and culture; 4. encourage students to view themselves as critical consumers and users of popular culture.
SP 310: Interpersonal Communication Skills
This class is designed to help you become more aware of the processes, nuances, and skills of interpersonal communication. The basic philosophy of the course is that you should be able to make reasoned and responsible choices in your interpersonal relationships. In order to make these choices, you must know what is functional and dysfunctional in relationships and possess a repertoire of skills to select from to perform the alternatives you choose. In addition, knowing who you are, including your strengths and weaknesses, and having a positive, realistic self concept is essential to successful interpersonal relationships. As such, course objectives include the following: 1) to increase your understanding of interpersonal communication processes in relationships, 2) to increase your understanding of your own strengths and weaknesses in interpersonal communication, and 3) to develop your skills in interpersonal communication.
SP 317: Women and Communication
The issue on which this class focuses is the relationship between women and communication. The course is designed to explore three general areas: conceptual foundations in the study of gender, gendered communication in practice, and communication in women's culture. Each area is designed to give students an understanding of the ways in which language functions to create or prohibit identities, the ways in which communication is used differently and similarly between genders, and the ways in which some communication styles and practices may be unique to women. The course also is designed to assist students in appreciating and understanding communication not only as it relates to white, heterosexual women, but also as it relates to lesbian women and women of color.
How's that for a variety of classes?
Tuesday, August 17, 2004
Wolverine as Galactus's New Herald!
Herbie reported if first.
I heard this at the Chi-con that not only will there be 4 She-wolverines in the all- new -all- wolverine new avengers, but that the surfer wolverine is being developed! Yep that's right a wolverine will be Galactus's new herald! This "cosmic" wolverine will be coated in adamantium and will cruise the spaceways in some kind of cosmic suv /big rig looking for planets for Galactus and then he'll slice 'em in half for Galactus to munch on. The new cosmic wolverine will be kind of like Galactus's planetary oyster shucker. he could also hang out with that guy PIp the space troll. the first mini-series to spin out of this great all- new -all -wolverine- New Avenger comically cosmical comic book!Come on Marvel put the fun back in comics! Anyway, so what kind of powers do we want the she wolverines to have besides being able to lick their owm forehead that is? I can't wait for this comic it will just be loaded with backhair!Hopefully, this all-new-all-wolverine New avengers series will last as long as The Heroes Reborn! Classic stuff there!
This guy is on a roll.
I heard this at the Chi-con that not only will there be 4 She-wolverines in the all- new -all- wolverine new avengers, but that the surfer wolverine is being developed! Yep that's right a wolverine will be Galactus's new herald! This "cosmic" wolverine will be coated in adamantium and will cruise the spaceways in some kind of cosmic suv /big rig looking for planets for Galactus and then he'll slice 'em in half for Galactus to munch on. The new cosmic wolverine will be kind of like Galactus's planetary oyster shucker. he could also hang out with that guy PIp the space troll. the first mini-series to spin out of this great all- new -all -wolverine- New Avenger comically cosmical comic book!Come on Marvel put the fun back in comics! Anyway, so what kind of powers do we want the she wolverines to have besides being able to lick their owm forehead that is? I can't wait for this comic it will just be loaded with backhair!Hopefully, this all-new-all-wolverine New avengers series will last as long as The Heroes Reborn! Classic stuff there!
This guy is on a roll.
Waiting for Neverland
Just found out that I missed an opportunity to particpate in a last second screening of J.M. BARRIE'S NEVERLAND followed by a Q&A with the director. The Denver Film Society sent out an email yesterday afternoon and you had to respond within an hour to attend. Unfortunately, I check the email address I use for DFS mail once a day. Damn. Here's a description of the film:
NEVERLAND, a tale of magic and fantasy inspired by the life of James Barrie, the real-life author of the children’s classic Peter Pan. Set in London in 1904, the film is a fictional account of Barrie’s creative journey to bring Peter Pan to life, from his first inspiration for the story up until the play’s premiere at the Duke of York’s Theatre - a night that will change not only Barrie’s own life, but the lives of everyone close to him. David Magee’s screenplay is based on the play "The Man Who Was Peter Pan" written by Allan Knee. The film stars Johnny Depp, Kate Winslet , Julie Christie, Radha Mitchell and Dustin Hoffman.
I would have really liked to see that film. Guess I'll have to wait for the general release with everyone else.
NEVERLAND, a tale of magic and fantasy inspired by the life of James Barrie, the real-life author of the children’s classic Peter Pan. Set in London in 1904, the film is a fictional account of Barrie’s creative journey to bring Peter Pan to life, from his first inspiration for the story up until the play’s premiere at the Duke of York’s Theatre - a night that will change not only Barrie’s own life, but the lives of everyone close to him. David Magee’s screenplay is based on the play "The Man Who Was Peter Pan" written by Allan Knee. The film stars Johnny Depp, Kate Winslet , Julie Christie, Radha Mitchell and Dustin Hoffman.
I would have really liked to see that film. Guess I'll have to wait for the general release with everyone else.
Monday, August 16, 2004
More on the All Woverine Avengers!
This Herbie poster just cracks me up.
Herbie: I really think that with the appearance of the all new all wolverine avengers that there must be at least one or two females in the group. I think it is possible to change the gender via cloning of wolverine and that way we could have She-Wolverine(s). One could be an ex-olympic wrestler becoming She-Wolverine via doping and maybe one could be an ex-trucker or hooker that way we could have some real life drama like the ultimshmoos. We could have a hairy naked sweaty She-Wolverine to go along with the male version of the HNS wolverine! maybe one of the Wolverine clones could be a hermaphrodite that way we could have He-She Wolverine too! I love this New Avengers! Wait till the Action figures come out!
ElCoyote: X-23, modified clone-child of Wolverine with 2 claws on each hand. Appeared on that X-Men:Evolution cartoon, now being integrated into the X-Universe
Herbie: Nope! Never heard of no X-23. However, what about a wolverine baby too in the all new all wolverine avengers? He could have eight-arms and wear an admantium diaper. He would also always have a stoogie in his mouth and wear a bowler. Rumor has it that he could be the love child of Nick Fury and one of the She-Wolverines! Now that's action!
Herbie: I really think that with the appearance of the all new all wolverine avengers that there must be at least one or two females in the group. I think it is possible to change the gender via cloning of wolverine and that way we could have She-Wolverine(s). One could be an ex-olympic wrestler becoming She-Wolverine via doping and maybe one could be an ex-trucker or hooker that way we could have some real life drama like the ultimshmoos. We could have a hairy naked sweaty She-Wolverine to go along with the male version of the HNS wolverine! maybe one of the Wolverine clones could be a hermaphrodite that way we could have He-She Wolverine too! I love this New Avengers! Wait till the Action figures come out!
ElCoyote: X-23, modified clone-child of Wolverine with 2 claws on each hand. Appeared on that X-Men:Evolution cartoon, now being integrated into the X-Universe
Herbie: Nope! Never heard of no X-23. However, what about a wolverine baby too in the all new all wolverine avengers? He could have eight-arms and wear an admantium diaper. He would also always have a stoogie in his mouth and wear a bowler. Rumor has it that he could be the love child of Nick Fury and one of the She-Wolverines! Now that's action!
The New Avengers: All Wolverine, All the Time!
Herbie posts his thoughts about the New Avengers on Alvaro's Comic Book Message Boards:
I think The New Avengers should just be Wolverine. The government or a secret organization could make clones of him with different powers and it would be awesome. He could also have special cigars that he could carry like in bandolier and each cigar would have special abilities once lit or smoked like time travel, super growth or shrinkage, super intellect, atomic farts whatever the writer bendix can think of. Each Wolverine dude would have a different uniform like the yellow one from back when he fought Hulk or the orangie-brown one or just the black leather like from the movies and of copurse there'd have to be a naked one too. All hairy and sweaty. H'd be the one that gets killed all the time. One wolverine avenger could carry a shield and one could shoot adamantium webs from his claws, one could have a big hammer probably the naked guy and one could carry a bow and arrow and be part cyborg and then you could have on that lives underwater and is blind and also mystical. I think it would be cool to have some she-wolverines too! I don't know what kind of powers they'd have but I'm sure bendick could think of something cool for them. Now that's the New Aengers everyone could live with!
That's a classic!
I think The New Avengers should just be Wolverine. The government or a secret organization could make clones of him with different powers and it would be awesome. He could also have special cigars that he could carry like in bandolier and each cigar would have special abilities once lit or smoked like time travel, super growth or shrinkage, super intellect, atomic farts whatever the writer bendix can think of. Each Wolverine dude would have a different uniform like the yellow one from back when he fought Hulk or the orangie-brown one or just the black leather like from the movies and of copurse there'd have to be a naked one too. All hairy and sweaty. H'd be the one that gets killed all the time. One wolverine avenger could carry a shield and one could shoot adamantium webs from his claws, one could have a big hammer probably the naked guy and one could carry a bow and arrow and be part cyborg and then you could have on that lives underwater and is blind and also mystical. I think it would be cool to have some she-wolverines too! I don't know what kind of powers they'd have but I'm sure bendick could think of something cool for them. Now that's the New Aengers everyone could live with!
That's a classic!
Earth's Mightiest Whozits? The Green Whatdidyoucallhim?!
I'm an unabashed comic book geek. On the last Wednesday of every month, I drive across town to an independently owned comic book store and empty my pull file.* Years ago, I read every book published by Marvel. And I mean every book. These days, I'm a little more picky in my comic book reading. Without sitting down and counting every title, I probably have 20 comics on my present pull file list. When I get my comics home, I sit down at the dining room table and organize them in the order they'll be read. I start with the comics about which I'm most excited and move down in decreasing order. I like all the comics I buy, but I enjoy some more than others. These days, the pile goes something like this:
Green Lantern
Iron Man
Astonishing X-men
The Avengers
Teen Titan
The Outsiders
Star Wars: Republic
Justice League
Justice Society
Star Wars: Empire
For the last several months, I've been hearing internet rumblings about significant changes for at least two of favorites: The Avengers and Green Lantern. Both comics have always been at the top of my monthly pile for the better part of ten years. As one might imagine, I'm not thrilled to hear the changes are real. If you read comics and don't want to be spoiled, don't read any further.
Let's start with The Avengers. Since the 1960s, The Avengers have always been recognized as THE super team of Marvel Comics. With Captain America, Iron Man, and Thor as the big three, joined by 2nd tier characters as Wasp, Antman/Yellowjacket/Goliath/Dr. Pym, Hawkeye, The Scarlet Witch, Quicksilver, Vision, Hercules, The Black Knight, She-Hulk, Wonder Man, The Falcon, Gilgamesh and a host of others, the team lineup has remained fairly consistent for the better part of 40 years. There have been some deviations, of course, but the core of the team has remained fairly stable. Last Friday, Marvel unveiled a new line-up for The Avengers: Captain America, Iron Man, Spider-man, Spider-woman, Wolverine, and The Sentry. What?! Captain American and Iron Man aside, the remaining characters AREN'T AVENGERS. The Spider characters work best as loners and always have. That's part of who they are as characters. I don't even know this Sentry character. He apparently appeared in some off-beat mini series several years back. Such an obscure character isn't Avenger material. And do I even need to rant about Wolverine?! Not only will he be an Avenger, but he'll also remain active in a million X-books. Aaarrrggghhhh! Where's Hawkeye, Hercules, or She-Hulk? Where's the Vision, Crystal, or the Black Knight? This New Avengers team (yes, that's what they're calling it) isn't Earth's Mightiest Heroes. I don't know what they are, but I'm giving serious consideration to dropping The Avengers as a monthly comic. Changing the dynamics isn't the solution to low sales--hiring proficient writers is the solution to low sales. Good writers=good stories=increased sales.
What's up with the Green Lantern? DC is bringing back Hal Jordan, the Silver Age Green Lantern. For the last decade, Kyle Rayner has been the wielder of the last remaining Oan power ring . . . and I've loved every minute of it. From what little is known, Hal Jordan will become the focus of the main Green Lantern comic, John Stewart will remain the JLA Green Lantern, and nobody knows what's going to happen to Kyle. If he doesn't get his own book or join one of the team books, I'll be extremely miffed with the DC powers-that-be. So much for my all-time favorite comic book character, eh?
*A pull file is just like a subscription except the comic book store pulls the comics off the rack and saves them for you behind the counter. For comic book purists, this keep the comics from getting damaged in the mail ala regular subscription.
Green Lantern
Iron Man
Astonishing X-men
The Avengers
Teen Titan
The Outsiders
Star Wars: Republic
Justice League
Justice Society
Star Wars: Empire
For the last several months, I've been hearing internet rumblings about significant changes for at least two of favorites: The Avengers and Green Lantern. Both comics have always been at the top of my monthly pile for the better part of ten years. As one might imagine, I'm not thrilled to hear the changes are real. If you read comics and don't want to be spoiled, don't read any further.
Let's start with The Avengers. Since the 1960s, The Avengers have always been recognized as THE super team of Marvel Comics. With Captain America, Iron Man, and Thor as the big three, joined by 2nd tier characters as Wasp, Antman/Yellowjacket/Goliath/Dr. Pym, Hawkeye, The Scarlet Witch, Quicksilver, Vision, Hercules, The Black Knight, She-Hulk, Wonder Man, The Falcon, Gilgamesh and a host of others, the team lineup has remained fairly consistent for the better part of 40 years. There have been some deviations, of course, but the core of the team has remained fairly stable. Last Friday, Marvel unveiled a new line-up for The Avengers: Captain America, Iron Man, Spider-man, Spider-woman, Wolverine, and The Sentry. What?! Captain American and Iron Man aside, the remaining characters AREN'T AVENGERS. The Spider characters work best as loners and always have. That's part of who they are as characters. I don't even know this Sentry character. He apparently appeared in some off-beat mini series several years back. Such an obscure character isn't Avenger material. And do I even need to rant about Wolverine?! Not only will he be an Avenger, but he'll also remain active in a million X-books. Aaarrrggghhhh! Where's Hawkeye, Hercules, or She-Hulk? Where's the Vision, Crystal, or the Black Knight? This New Avengers team (yes, that's what they're calling it) isn't Earth's Mightiest Heroes. I don't know what they are, but I'm giving serious consideration to dropping The Avengers as a monthly comic. Changing the dynamics isn't the solution to low sales--hiring proficient writers is the solution to low sales. Good writers=good stories=increased sales.
What's up with the Green Lantern? DC is bringing back Hal Jordan, the Silver Age Green Lantern. For the last decade, Kyle Rayner has been the wielder of the last remaining Oan power ring . . . and I've loved every minute of it. From what little is known, Hal Jordan will become the focus of the main Green Lantern comic, John Stewart will remain the JLA Green Lantern, and nobody knows what's going to happen to Kyle. If he doesn't get his own book or join one of the team books, I'll be extremely miffed with the DC powers-that-be. So much for my all-time favorite comic book character, eh?
*A pull file is just like a subscription except the comic book store pulls the comics off the rack and saves them for you behind the counter. For comic book purists, this keep the comics from getting damaged in the mail ala regular subscription.
Sunday, August 15, 2004
The Moon Card
You are the Moon card. Entering the Moon we enter
the intuitive and psychic realms. This is the
stuff dreams are made on. And like dreams the
imagery we find here may inspire us or torment
us. Understanding the moon requires looking
within. Our own bodily rhythms are echoed in
this luminary that circles the earth every
month and reflects the sun in its progress.
Listening to those rhythms may produce visions
and lead you towards insight. The Moon is a
force that has legends attached to it. It
carries with it both romance and insanity.
Moonlight reveals itself as an illusion and it
is only those willing to work with the force of
dreams that are able to withstand this
reflective light. Image from: Stevee Postman.
http://www.stevee.com/
Which Tarot Card Are You?
brought to you by Quizilla
Cool quiz. One of the best I've encounterd.
Friday, August 13, 2004
Practice
When we come into contact with the other person, our thoughts and actions should express our mind of compassion, even if that person says and does things that are not easy to accept. We practice in this way until we see clearly that our love is not contingent upon the other person being lovable.
--Thich Nhat Hanh
--Thich Nhat Hanh
Thursday, August 12, 2004
The Insensitive Cheney's
Senator Kerry recently stated he could fight a "more sensitive war on terror" than the Bush administration. Lynne Cheney, spouse of VP Dick "Go-Fuck-Yourself" Cheney (no, I will never let that little gaff slide into oblivion), responded with comments of her own.
"With all due respect to the senator, it just sounded so foolish," she said. "I can't imagine that al Qaeda will be impressed by sensitivity."
al Qaeda might not be impressed, but the innocent civilians who keep finding their homes destroyed and loved ones killed might be mightily impressed by a bit of sensitivity on the part of the US military.
"With all due respect to the senator, it just sounded so foolish," she said. "I can't imagine that al Qaeda will be impressed by sensitivity."
al Qaeda might not be impressed, but the innocent civilians who keep finding their homes destroyed and loved ones killed might be mightily impressed by a bit of sensitivity on the part of the US military.
Wednesday, August 11, 2004
Lack of Motivation
I can't seem to get into writing mode, today. I had to get up early this morning and run a bunch of errands. Of course, I'm now in the habit of staying up late and couldn't sleep when I tried to retire around 1:30 AM. So, I layed in bed and acted like I was asleep. At least my body was resting, right? I got up, picked up heartworm meds at the vet, stopped at school to deal with continuous enrollment status, picked up a couple pounds of my favorite Kaladi Bros coffees (pound each of Puravida & Trieste blends . . . mmmmmm), snagged The Muffs new album (also found the Cardigans latest in a used bin), and made it home around noon with the intention of writing all afternoon. AHAHAHAHAHA!
Rather than writing, I spent the afternoon napping (quick power nap--I can't do long naps for some reason), cleaning the office (okay, shifting piles of books around would be more accurate), web surfing, and blogging (obviously). I'm leaving to work out in about 10 minutes so the afternoon hasn't been a total wash. Looks like I'll have to do some writing tonight. Yippee!
Rather than writing, I spent the afternoon napping (quick power nap--I can't do long naps for some reason), cleaning the office (okay, shifting piles of books around would be more accurate), web surfing, and blogging (obviously). I'm leaving to work out in about 10 minutes so the afternoon hasn't been a total wash. Looks like I'll have to do some writing tonight. Yippee!
No Happiness In Anger
Even in the case of individuals, there is no possibility to feel happiness through anger. If in a difficult situation one becomes disturbed internally, overwhelmed by mental discomfort, then external things will not help at all. However, if despite external difficulties or problems, internally one’s attitude is of love, warmth, and kindheartedness, then problems can be faced and accepted.
— His Holiness the Dalai Lama
This is a tough one for me. Although I'm light years beyond where I once was, I still experience a great deal of anger. I get angry at the fact that war is still considered a viable conflict resolution technique. I get angry when I see and hear people deny significant social injustices. I get angry when someone cuts me off in traffic. And what is the end result of that anger? Nothing. I used to think that anger could be harnessed, focused, and directed toward positive ends. The older I get and the more I think about it, however, I find I believe that less and less.
A wise friend of mine once suggested that the only way to ever move beyond anger was to recognize the emotion and then let if flow right through you. This is similar to a technique taught in conjuction with some styles of meditation. Every time you have a thought during meditation, you acknowledge the thought (comment mentally: Thinking")and let it evaporate. When I'm particularly distracted during meditation, I visualize my thoughts disappearing like whisps of smoke. The same things can be done with anger, supposedly. So, the next time I get angry I'm going to acknowledge my mental state ("I'm angry") and let the emotion drift away into the ether. This should lead my thinking closer to the internal attitude described by the Dalai Lama.
— His Holiness the Dalai Lama
This is a tough one for me. Although I'm light years beyond where I once was, I still experience a great deal of anger. I get angry at the fact that war is still considered a viable conflict resolution technique. I get angry when I see and hear people deny significant social injustices. I get angry when someone cuts me off in traffic. And what is the end result of that anger? Nothing. I used to think that anger could be harnessed, focused, and directed toward positive ends. The older I get and the more I think about it, however, I find I believe that less and less.
A wise friend of mine once suggested that the only way to ever move beyond anger was to recognize the emotion and then let if flow right through you. This is similar to a technique taught in conjuction with some styles of meditation. Every time you have a thought during meditation, you acknowledge the thought (comment mentally: Thinking")and let it evaporate. When I'm particularly distracted during meditation, I visualize my thoughts disappearing like whisps of smoke. The same things can be done with anger, supposedly. So, the next time I get angry I'm going to acknowledge my mental state ("I'm angry") and let the emotion drift away into the ether. This should lead my thinking closer to the internal attitude described by the Dalai Lama.
Monday, August 09, 2004
Nag, Nag, Nag.
I'm sitting here with ibuprofen coursing through my veins, new Asics on my feet, and a bag of frozen peas down my pants. No, I haven't developed a bizarre sexual fetish involving anti-inflammatory meds, running shoes, and frozen vegetables. I wish. Instead, I've added a nagging, and very painful, hip injury to my never ending list of running-induced aches and pains. After adding several new stretches and strengthening exercises to my daily routine, all of which will remain, I broke down and bought a new pair of shoes. I don't think my shoes are the root of the problem, but a new pair certainly won't hurt. I also bought a new pair of inserts to go in my shoes (I buy my running shoes .5-1.0 size bigger than normal to accomodate foot swelling and inserts). The hip problem has been around for several weeks and has finally reached the point where it's affecting my running. Normally, the muscles loosen up after a mile or so. The last three days, that hasn't been the case. So, intense rehab is the order of the week. Lots of ibuprofen, ice, and light exercise.
The weekend wasn't completely filled with hip pain. While running errands a couple days ago, STK and I stumbled across a treasure chest of cool toys. The following items made it home with us:
Obi-wan Kenobi Unleashed
RingWraith on Horseback
Teen Titans 3.5" Figures*
*I was going to wait to buy these. STK decided I needed to make sure I grabbed all the figures when I had the chance. End result: I now have all six of the figures pictured on the linked site.
The weekend wasn't completely filled with hip pain. While running errands a couple days ago, STK and I stumbled across a treasure chest of cool toys. The following items made it home with us:
Obi-wan Kenobi Unleashed
RingWraith on Horseback
Teen Titans 3.5" Figures*
*I was going to wait to buy these. STK decided I needed to make sure I grabbed all the figures when I had the chance. End result: I now have all six of the figures pictured on the linked site.
Music Quiz: Songs A-Z
Mike came up with a bit of a twist on the music quiz. This time, the goal is to generate a list of songs beginning with each letter of the alphabet. The only limitation, as per Mike's instructions: you cannot use more than one song from any artist.
Curtis completed the task in short order. Unlike Curtis, this one took me quite a while. In fact, I got so frustrated at one point that I almost quit. Almost. Here's the deal: when it comes to music, I rarely pay attention to song titles. When I hear something playing, I can identify the album and usually the track #, but I'll be damned if I can remember the title.
Here's my list.
A) Atomic-Blondie
B) Blackbird-The Beatles
C) Calling Occupants Of Interplanetary Craft-Klaatu
D) Death to the Post-Rock Elite-Glitter Mini 9
E) Everywhere I Go-The Muffs
F) Feed the Tree-Belly
G) Gorgeous-The Start
H) Halloween-Siouxsie and the Banshees
I) I Wish You Well-Josie and the Pussycats (& Anna Waronker)
J) Johnny Feelgood-Liz Phair
K) Killer Queen-Queen
L) Lavender-Fifty Foot Wave
M) Moment of Weakness-Bif Naked
N) New-No Doubt
O) Oh Bondage Up Yours-X-Ray Spex
P) Peace Of Mind-Boston
Q) Queer-Garbage
R) Rebel Yell-Billy Idol
S) Songbird-Fleetwood Mac
T) Tonight-Sixpence None the Richer
U) Untiedundone-The Creatures
V) Volcano Girls-Veruca Salt
W) When I’m Thinking About You-The Sundays
X) Xanadu-Olivia Netwon John (I was a kid. Sue me.)
Y) You’re No Rock and Roll Fun-Sleater-Kinney
Z) Zirconium Gun-Visqueen
Okay, I had to go back to my childhood for Xanadu. Either that or I was going to put X-Files Theme or X-jet (an obscure track from the X-men Soundtrack). Yes, I really did like Olivia Newton John--she was my first celebrity crush.
::sings to self::
Hopelessly devoted to yooouuuuuu . . .
Curtis completed the task in short order. Unlike Curtis, this one took me quite a while. In fact, I got so frustrated at one point that I almost quit. Almost. Here's the deal: when it comes to music, I rarely pay attention to song titles. When I hear something playing, I can identify the album and usually the track #, but I'll be damned if I can remember the title.
Here's my list.
A) Atomic-Blondie
B) Blackbird-The Beatles
C) Calling Occupants Of Interplanetary Craft-Klaatu
D) Death to the Post-Rock Elite-Glitter Mini 9
E) Everywhere I Go-The Muffs
F) Feed the Tree-Belly
G) Gorgeous-The Start
H) Halloween-Siouxsie and the Banshees
I) I Wish You Well-Josie and the Pussycats (& Anna Waronker)
J) Johnny Feelgood-Liz Phair
K) Killer Queen-Queen
L) Lavender-Fifty Foot Wave
M) Moment of Weakness-Bif Naked
N) New-No Doubt
O) Oh Bondage Up Yours-X-Ray Spex
P) Peace Of Mind-Boston
Q) Queer-Garbage
R) Rebel Yell-Billy Idol
S) Songbird-Fleetwood Mac
T) Tonight-Sixpence None the Richer
U) Untiedundone-The Creatures
V) Volcano Girls-Veruca Salt
W) When I’m Thinking About You-The Sundays
X) Xanadu-Olivia Netwon John (I was a kid. Sue me.)
Y) You’re No Rock and Roll Fun-Sleater-Kinney
Z) Zirconium Gun-Visqueen
Okay, I had to go back to my childhood for Xanadu. Either that or I was going to put X-Files Theme or X-jet (an obscure track from the X-men Soundtrack). Yes, I really did like Olivia Newton John--she was my first celebrity crush.
::sings to self::
Hopelessly devoted to yooouuuuuu . . .
Saturday, August 07, 2004
Yesworld
While writing today, I had Classic Yes playing in the background. I'm not sure why, but it's not often that I revisit the music that comprised the soundtrack of my high school years. Truth be told, I'd forgotten how much I love Yes. Fantastic music. You gotta love a rock and roll band that composes songs with three movements. Anyway, while taking a break from writing I surfed around for a Yes website and discovered:
Yesworld.
Finally, I can take a look at all those bizarre lyrics. Click on "sitemap" to access the entire site. It's quite extensive.
Memory of the Day: Jay and I attended the 90125 show at the CU Event Center in 1984 (or 1985--I can't remember which). We smoked cigarettes and some kind of cheap cigars (Swisher Sweets or Dutch Master). If we had beer, and I'm sure we did, I don't remember what kind. Strohs? I do remember drinking room temp Strohs that was hidden beneath Jay's bed, but I think I might be blurring our adventures. Anyway, the concert was most excellent and I became a Yes follower from that day forward.
Yesworld.
Finally, I can take a look at all those bizarre lyrics. Click on "sitemap" to access the entire site. It's quite extensive.
Memory of the Day: Jay and I attended the 90125 show at the CU Event Center in 1984 (or 1985--I can't remember which). We smoked cigarettes and some kind of cheap cigars (Swisher Sweets or Dutch Master). If we had beer, and I'm sure we did, I don't remember what kind. Strohs? I do remember drinking room temp Strohs that was hidden beneath Jay's bed, but I think I might be blurring our adventures. Anyway, the concert was most excellent and I became a Yes follower from that day forward.
Friday, August 06, 2004
Teen Titans: Pizza Humor
Pizza humor from the Teen Titans TV program.
Cyborg: I want a double-pepperoni.
Raven: I don't eat meat.
Cyborg: There's no meat in pepperoni.
Cyborg: Man, how could you deny me the all meat experience pizza?
Beast Boy: Dude, I've been most of those animals!
Starfire: I think we should order a large pizza with pickles, bananas, and mint frosting.
RobIin: Uh, Starfire? Not everything is a pizza topping.
Cyborg: I want a double-pepperoni.
Raven: I don't eat meat.
Cyborg: There's no meat in pepperoni.
Cyborg: Man, how could you deny me the all meat experience pizza?
Beast Boy: Dude, I've been most of those animals!
Starfire: I think we should order a large pizza with pickles, bananas, and mint frosting.
RobIin: Uh, Starfire? Not everything is a pizza topping.
Thursday, August 05, 2004
Religion vs Spirituality
I believe there is an important distinction to be made between religion and spirituality. Religion I take to be concerned with belief in the claims to salvation of one faith tradition or another--an aspect of which is acceptance of some form of meta-physical or philosophical reality, including perhaps an idea of heaven or hell. Connected with this are religious teachings or dogma, ritual, prayers and so on. Spirituality I take to be concerned with those qualities of the human spirit--such as love and compassion, patience, tolerance, forgiveness, contentment, a sense of responsibility, a sense of harmony, which bring happiness to both self and others.
-His Holiness the Dalai Lama
-His Holiness the Dalai Lama
He'll Save Every One of Us!
Looks like one of my favorite heroes, Flash Gordon, is about to get a makeover. I have mixed emotions about this. I'm not sure anyone can improve on the 1980 version.
Forget it, Ming! Dale's with me!
Forget it, Ming! Dale's with me!
Tuesday, August 03, 2004
Facing Your Fears
Facing your fears is probably a good thing; but if you're going to face them, you should probably try to be smart about it.
--Stephen R. Donaldson
--Stephen R. Donaldson
Multiplex Personae
Posts may be rather sparse for the next couple weeks. With the Fall semester quickly approaching, I'm under a bit of pressure to meet my self-imposed deadline of completing a draft of all six dissertation chapters by the end of summer. With a bit of luck, I should have Chapter Five, the mother of all chapters, finished by early next week. I've finished 10 pages of what I'm thinking will be a 50 page chapter. Here's a bit from the introduction to Chapter Five: If it Walks Like a Goth and Talks Like a Goth . . .
The simultaneous identification with, and differentiation from, "being GOTH" is the focal point of my dissertation project. Given that Devon and Trent’s messages appear on a goth email list, I position them as subjects "within the human drama of discourse and social practices" (Schrag, 1986, p. 138). By responding to other email list participants, by inserting their thoughts into an ongoing conversation regarding goth subjectivity, both involve themselves in the rhetorical negotiation of the subcultural self. Likewise, Devon and Trent also suggest there is more to the subcultural self than a collective subjectivity. Neither Devon or Trent, it would seem, are content with just "being Goth." Instead, their messages suggest a desire to be recognized as complex subcultural selves. Schrag describes this public performance of individual and collective subjectivities, to this constitution of the Self, as "a portrait of the subject as an ensemble of multiplex personae . . ." (p. 148). Situated as the author (or artist, if I continue Schrag’s metaphor) of her own life story, an individual negotiates, manages, and performs her multiplex personae through discourse and action. Informed by cultural attitudes, beliefs, and institutions, the Self and Other co-author a complex, richly textured narrative consisting of protagonists, antagonists, supporting characters, and plot complications.
The simultaneous identification with, and differentiation from, "being GOTH" is the focal point of my dissertation project. Given that Devon and Trent’s messages appear on a goth email list, I position them as subjects "within the human drama of discourse and social practices" (Schrag, 1986, p. 138). By responding to other email list participants, by inserting their thoughts into an ongoing conversation regarding goth subjectivity, both involve themselves in the rhetorical negotiation of the subcultural self. Likewise, Devon and Trent also suggest there is more to the subcultural self than a collective subjectivity. Neither Devon or Trent, it would seem, are content with just "being Goth." Instead, their messages suggest a desire to be recognized as complex subcultural selves. Schrag describes this public performance of individual and collective subjectivities, to this constitution of the Self, as "a portrait of the subject as an ensemble of multiplex personae . . ." (p. 148). Situated as the author (or artist, if I continue Schrag’s metaphor) of her own life story, an individual negotiates, manages, and performs her multiplex personae through discourse and action. Informed by cultural attitudes, beliefs, and institutions, the Self and Other co-author a complex, richly textured narrative consisting of protagonists, antagonists, supporting characters, and plot complications.
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