I should be in bed. With the funky January semester coming to a close on Thursday and the spring semester starting on Wednesday, and my significant underestimation regarding the time it would take to pull together a couple new class, I've been going to bed between 3:30-4 AM. That's late, even for me. There was a time when going to bed between 5-6 AM wasn't unusual, but I have places to be these days. Ah, well. It all comes out in the wash, eh? I'll catch up on sleep this weekend.
Check out the new look Friday's Feast. Snazzy.
January 27, 2006
Appetizer--Choose one: Popcorn, Pizza, Pretzels, Peanuts, or Pasta.
Rold Gold Tiny Twist Cheese pretzels to be precise. I eat some kind of pretzel--regular, cheese, or honey mustard--almost every day.
Soup--Describe your personality in terms of a particular vehicle.
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. Reliable auto with quirks in all the right places!
Salad--If you won a shopping spree, from which store would you want it to be?
Computer Microcenter. I need some new gear.
Main Course--Which television show re-runs do you enjoy watching?
DS9, STTNG, Farscape, Firefly, M*A*S*H* (Henry Blake era is exceptional; Potter era is still excellent), Dick Van Dyke Show, Gilligan's Island, Cheers.
Dessert--If you could look into the future, how far down the road would you like to see? 10 years? 100 years? A million?
100 years. If humanity makes it through this century, I'm hoping we have a chance.
Tuesday, January 31, 2006
Thursday, January 26, 2006
Tech Geeks Needed
We have a friend who needs a web design application, preferably open source or freeware. I'm completey out-of-the-loop when it comes to web design goodies. Any ideas? What application would you purchase if you decided to spend a bit of $$$? I'll forward any and all suggestions his way.
Oddities
Last weekend, while feeding TLO and channel surfing, I stumbled across Shakespeare In Love. I adore that movie! It's easily in my Top Ten Favorite Movies list, possibly in the top five. I watched the last 20 minutes or so while TLO finished a bottle quite leisurely. A couple hours later, TLO was playing in his exersaucer when I noticed a DVD on the floor. We placed the exersaucer too close to the DVD storage space and TLO snagged one off the shelf. We're still learning this whole parenting thing--we're amazed by a baby's ability to snag almost anything from anywhere. Mr Fantastic would be proud. Of the several dozen DVDs within reach, guess which one he pulled off the shelf? If you said Shakespeare in Love, give yourself a No Prize. A little too weird, don't you think?
STK and I have a new DVD obsession: Farscape! How did I manage to miss this series the first time around? Thank the Maker for Netflix. We're working our way through season two and loving every episode.
Remember the wicked cold I groaned about in December? While we're not in the balmy range like Colorado, the average temperature for January has been 15 degrees above normal. How about a blistering 33 degrees rather than 18? Tonight, we bundled up TLO and went for a one hour evening walk. If it's above 28, we're taking advantage of the "nice" weather.
The Denver Nuggets have won seven games in a row. Unbelievable. I'd given up hope of anything more than a .500 season, which isn't really all that bad considering the atrocious records posted by the Nuggets throughout the 90s and early 00s.
STK and I have a new DVD obsession: Farscape! How did I manage to miss this series the first time around? Thank the Maker for Netflix. We're working our way through season two and loving every episode.
Remember the wicked cold I groaned about in December? While we're not in the balmy range like Colorado, the average temperature for January has been 15 degrees above normal. How about a blistering 33 degrees rather than 18? Tonight, we bundled up TLO and went for a one hour evening walk. If it's above 28, we're taking advantage of the "nice" weather.
The Denver Nuggets have won seven games in a row. Unbelievable. I'd given up hope of anything more than a .500 season, which isn't really all that bad considering the atrocious records posted by the Nuggets throughout the 90s and early 00s.
Monday, January 23, 2006
Krispy Kreme Sucks
I'm not big on doughnuts. What's so great about a deep fried ball of dough? Ick. If I lived in Portland, however, I think I'd have to rethink my doughnut apathy.
VoodooDoughnut
Is that a Captain Crunchberry doughnut on the menu? Now THAT'S doughnut heaven. I think I'll pass on the I'm-getting-a-stomach-ache-just- from-looking-at-it bacon doughnut ::gags::
VoodooDoughnut
Is that a Captain Crunchberry doughnut on the menu? Now THAT'S doughnut heaven. I think I'll pass on the I'm-getting-a-stomach-ache-just- from-looking-at-it bacon doughnut ::gags::
Sunday, January 22, 2006
The Feast!
Friday's Feast, January 20, 2006
Appetizer--About how many times per day do you check your email?
183. I'm not kidding. I keep my email application running from the moment I get up to the moment I go to bed. If I'm near a computer, the email is being checked. Oddly enough, about 90 percent of my email is work related. I get very little personal email.
Soup--If you had the money to collect something really valuable, what would it be?
Comic books, comic books, and more comic books. I'd collect every comic published by Marvel & DC.
Salad--Write a sentence using the letters of your favorite beverage. (Example: The egret admires.)
Can otters feel frisky every evening?
Main Course--If you could be on a game show, which one would you want it to be?
I'd say Jeopardy, but Mike and Curtis would kill me. How about The Match Game? I used to be pretty good at that when I was kid.
Dessert--Name 3 computer programs or web sites you would hate to be without.
WordPerfect.
Alvaro's Comicboards.com.
Netflix.
Appetizer--About how many times per day do you check your email?
183. I'm not kidding. I keep my email application running from the moment I get up to the moment I go to bed. If I'm near a computer, the email is being checked. Oddly enough, about 90 percent of my email is work related. I get very little personal email.
Soup--If you had the money to collect something really valuable, what would it be?
Comic books, comic books, and more comic books. I'd collect every comic published by Marvel & DC.
Salad--Write a sentence using the letters of your favorite beverage. (Example: The egret admires.)
Can otters feel frisky every evening?
Main Course--If you could be on a game show, which one would you want it to be?
I'd say Jeopardy, but Mike and Curtis would kill me. How about The Match Game? I used to be pretty good at that when I was kid.
Dessert--Name 3 computer programs or web sites you would hate to be without.
WordPerfect.
Alvaro's Comicboards.com.
Netflix.
Friday, January 20, 2006
Nightmare
My stepson called a couple days ago. I don't write about TPO (the prodigal one) very often as our contact over the last couple years has been extremely sporadic. Lately, however, we've been talking more and more frequently and that's pretty darn cool. Anyway, TPO called to give me some significant news.
TPO: I called to tell you something.
Me: Oh, yeah? What?
TPO: I got accepted into the Air Force. I leave . . .
Me: AAAAAHHHHHHHHHH
TPO: I knew you'd freak out! I knew you'd think I'm making a horrible decision.
Me: ::regains composure:: Listen to me. I'm not mad. I don't think you've made a bad decision. Given the circumstances, this might be a good thing for you. I'm freaked out because I don't want anything to happen to you. I love you and can't stand the thought of you winding up in Iraq or something. That terrifies me.
TPO: Yeah, that's a possibility. I hope it doesn't happen either. I don't know what else to do and this is a way I can try and get my shit together.
Me: You've made the decision that's right for you. I'm proud of you and I love you.
The military. Fuck.
TPO: I called to tell you something.
Me: Oh, yeah? What?
TPO: I got accepted into the Air Force. I leave . . .
Me: AAAAAHHHHHHHHHH
TPO: I knew you'd freak out! I knew you'd think I'm making a horrible decision.
Me: ::regains composure:: Listen to me. I'm not mad. I don't think you've made a bad decision. Given the circumstances, this might be a good thing for you. I'm freaked out because I don't want anything to happen to you. I love you and can't stand the thought of you winding up in Iraq or something. That terrifies me.
TPO: Yeah, that's a possibility. I hope it doesn't happen either. I don't know what else to do and this is a way I can try and get my shit together.
Me: You've made the decision that's right for you. I'm proud of you and I love you.
The military. Fuck.
Yuck
The following quote, uttered by former CIA official Michael Scheuer, should be replayed and reprinted until every single U.S. American citizen has it memorized.
U.S. officials continue to describe these people (al Qaeda) as a small bunch of gangsters and crazy people. They have no apparent conception that so much of the Islamic world is angry with America, not because of our freedoms or liberties but because of our foreign policies.
Why is it so difficult for people to realize that our past foreign policy decisions have contributed to the current state of affairs?
Actually, I do know why. If most people can't fathom that their personal problems are at least partially a result of their own making, why on earth would they hold the government to the same level of accountability?
"My last three relationships have been a disaster. I keep hooking up with crazy people!"
Uh, you might want to consider the common denominator.
"My friends are real jerks!"
You picked well, eh?
"I'm so in debt. Damn credit card companies!"
And you just couldn't stop yourself from making those charges.
"My life sucks! I'm so unloveable!"
If you believe that, then that's your reality. Your life does suck and you're unloveable.
Now, before I come across as completely unsympathetic to the suffering of others, I acknowledge that some people do hurt others for no apparent reason and bad things do happen to good people. Still, the way we react to those events is our responsibility. It's also been my experience that there isn't a single situation in my own life when I haven't been at least partially responsible for the sad state of affairs. And I think our current foreign policy mess falls in this same category. Our country incurred the wrath of many around the globe, at least in part, as a result of irresponsible policy. Once we acknowledge that fact, we'll be on the road to discovering a real solution to the problem. Until that time, and I think it will be a cold day in Hell before anyone steps up and takes any responsibility, prepare for more of the same. Yuck.
U.S. officials continue to describe these people (al Qaeda) as a small bunch of gangsters and crazy people. They have no apparent conception that so much of the Islamic world is angry with America, not because of our freedoms or liberties but because of our foreign policies.
Why is it so difficult for people to realize that our past foreign policy decisions have contributed to the current state of affairs?
Actually, I do know why. If most people can't fathom that their personal problems are at least partially a result of their own making, why on earth would they hold the government to the same level of accountability?
"My last three relationships have been a disaster. I keep hooking up with crazy people!"
Uh, you might want to consider the common denominator.
"My friends are real jerks!"
You picked well, eh?
"I'm so in debt. Damn credit card companies!"
And you just couldn't stop yourself from making those charges.
"My life sucks! I'm so unloveable!"
If you believe that, then that's your reality. Your life does suck and you're unloveable.
Now, before I come across as completely unsympathetic to the suffering of others, I acknowledge that some people do hurt others for no apparent reason and bad things do happen to good people. Still, the way we react to those events is our responsibility. It's also been my experience that there isn't a single situation in my own life when I haven't been at least partially responsible for the sad state of affairs. And I think our current foreign policy mess falls in this same category. Our country incurred the wrath of many around the globe, at least in part, as a result of irresponsible policy. Once we acknowledge that fact, we'll be on the road to discovering a real solution to the problem. Until that time, and I think it will be a cold day in Hell before anyone steps up and takes any responsibility, prepare for more of the same. Yuck.
Thursday, January 19, 2006
The Late Feast
The Feast, Friday, January 13, 2006
Appetizer--Name one chore you don't really mind doing.
Shovelling snow. I used to hate it but I find I enjoy the early morning exercise. Ask me if I feel the same after we get a good blizzard.
Soup--How many times have you moved homes in your life?
Too many times to remember. 7 times with the folks and I don't know how many times as an adult. Let's hope the moving is about finished.
Salad--How old were you when you had your very first kiss?
12? 13? Somewhere in there.
Main Course--What time of day do you usually feel your best?
Between 11 PM and 3 AM.
Dessert--Using three words or less, describe your current local weather.
Clear. Brisk. Calm.
Appetizer--Name one chore you don't really mind doing.
Shovelling snow. I used to hate it but I find I enjoy the early morning exercise. Ask me if I feel the same after we get a good blizzard.
Soup--How many times have you moved homes in your life?
Too many times to remember. 7 times with the folks and I don't know how many times as an adult. Let's hope the moving is about finished.
Salad--How old were you when you had your very first kiss?
12? 13? Somewhere in there.
Main Course--What time of day do you usually feel your best?
Between 11 PM and 3 AM.
Dessert--Using three words or less, describe your current local weather.
Clear. Brisk. Calm.
Saturday, January 14, 2006
Potpourri
I tried reading Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell but only made it half way through. I'm not sure exactly what to say about the book other than that it didn't capture my attention. Maybe I'll revisit it in a few months. I'm presently reading one of the recent Star Wars novels, Dark Nest: Unseen Queen.
My science fiction/fantasy media class is going well. At the halfway point we've watched and analyzed:
The Thing From Another World
The Day the Earth Stood Still
War of the Worlds
Forbidden Planet
T2: Judgment Day
The Matrix
Ghost in the Shell
Ella Enchanted
The students seem to enjoy the class. I think I already have a title for next year's class: Kryptonite, Cowls, and Caped Crusaders: Superheroes & Superheroines as Equipment for Living. The entire class will focus on various incarnations, and the critique of, superpowered characters in television & film. Who knows, maybe I'll have them read a graphic novel, too.
Anyone who hasn't been living under a rock now knows that James Frey's substance abuse/recovery memoir, A Million Little Pieces, isn't really an authentic piece of non-fiction. Frey took a bit of artistic license and exaggerated key components in his story.* From what I've read, and I haven't spent a ton of time following this story, he spiced up a handful of his drinking stories and made his bottom look lower than it really was. If his book helps other people get and stay sober, who cares if Frey took a bit of artistic license. I sure don't. What I am concerned about is Frey's personal program of recovery. When I first started down the road to recovery, my sponsor demanded honesty. By his way of thinking, we told half-truths and lies for most of our drinking/drugging careers. When we decided to get sober, we made the decision to not only quit drinking but to start being truthful with ourselves and others. This is one of the fundamental principles of most recovery programs. Maybe Frey's program of recovery doesn't require rigorous honesty. To each their own. Still, since learning of Frey's exaggerations I've wondered how many other parts of his story he doctored. I've even asked myself, "Is he really sober?" I hope he is.
*In recovery talk, your "story" is the series of events leading up to your decision to get sober. A good story talks about a person's bottom but, more importantly, tells the tale of getting and living sober. All too often, people get wrapped up in their "drunkalog" and forget to share about staying sober. That's the important part, folks. Drinking/drugging is the easy part; getting sober and staying that way is the part that takes courage, strength, and determination.
My science fiction/fantasy media class is going well. At the halfway point we've watched and analyzed:
The Thing From Another World
The Day the Earth Stood Still
War of the Worlds
Forbidden Planet
T2: Judgment Day
The Matrix
Ghost in the Shell
Ella Enchanted
The students seem to enjoy the class. I think I already have a title for next year's class: Kryptonite, Cowls, and Caped Crusaders: Superheroes & Superheroines as Equipment for Living. The entire class will focus on various incarnations, and the critique of, superpowered characters in television & film. Who knows, maybe I'll have them read a graphic novel, too.
Anyone who hasn't been living under a rock now knows that James Frey's substance abuse/recovery memoir, A Million Little Pieces, isn't really an authentic piece of non-fiction. Frey took a bit of artistic license and exaggerated key components in his story.* From what I've read, and I haven't spent a ton of time following this story, he spiced up a handful of his drinking stories and made his bottom look lower than it really was. If his book helps other people get and stay sober, who cares if Frey took a bit of artistic license. I sure don't. What I am concerned about is Frey's personal program of recovery. When I first started down the road to recovery, my sponsor demanded honesty. By his way of thinking, we told half-truths and lies for most of our drinking/drugging careers. When we decided to get sober, we made the decision to not only quit drinking but to start being truthful with ourselves and others. This is one of the fundamental principles of most recovery programs. Maybe Frey's program of recovery doesn't require rigorous honesty. To each their own. Still, since learning of Frey's exaggerations I've wondered how many other parts of his story he doctored. I've even asked myself, "Is he really sober?" I hope he is.
*In recovery talk, your "story" is the series of events leading up to your decision to get sober. A good story talks about a person's bottom but, more importantly, tells the tale of getting and living sober. All too often, people get wrapped up in their "drunkalog" and forget to share about staying sober. That's the important part, folks. Drinking/drugging is the easy part; getting sober and staying that way is the part that takes courage, strength, and determination.
Tuesday, January 10, 2006
WTF Dept: Brown Sugar?
The following email, sent to STK, is so strange I couldn't NOT post it.
I had the weirdest/funniest dream about you the other night. I dreamt that we flew out to visit you and you had this pet turkey named Brown Sugar. You took him everywhere you went. We even went to a swimming pool and you took him down the waterslide! Isn't that strange? I have NO idea why I dreamt that....
A turkey named Brown Sugar going down a waterslide? WTF?
I had the weirdest/funniest dream about you the other night. I dreamt that we flew out to visit you and you had this pet turkey named Brown Sugar. You took him everywhere you went. We even went to a swimming pool and you took him down the waterslide! Isn't that strange? I have NO idea why I dreamt that....
A turkey named Brown Sugar going down a waterslide? WTF?
Monday, January 09, 2006
Conversation Realities: Pants!
Me: I like those pants.*
Him: Thanks.
Me: Do you mind if I ask where you got them? I've been looking for pants that color?
Him: These? ::points to pants::
Me: Yes.
Him: Uh, no. My mother buys most of my clothes.**
Me: Shoot. Well, I'll keep looking!
*Corduroy pants somewhere between olive green and kelly green. A moss green, maybe?
**This is 30ish man, married and two kids. His mother buys most of his clothes? Granted, my folks drop an item of clothing my way a couple times a year but its usually something simple like a flannel shirt or thermal underwear. Oh, and my mother is awesome about always including a gift receipt. My family is under strict order to not attempt to buy any everyday work or non-work clothes for me. Why the hell doesn't he know where his mom got those pants. I REALLY liked the color and style.
Him: Thanks.
Me: Do you mind if I ask where you got them? I've been looking for pants that color?
Him: These? ::points to pants::
Me: Yes.
Him: Uh, no. My mother buys most of my clothes.**
Me: Shoot. Well, I'll keep looking!
*Corduroy pants somewhere between olive green and kelly green. A moss green, maybe?
**This is 30ish man, married and two kids. His mother buys most of his clothes? Granted, my folks drop an item of clothing my way a couple times a year but its usually something simple like a flannel shirt or thermal underwear. Oh, and my mother is awesome about always including a gift receipt. My family is under strict order to not attempt to buy any everyday work or non-work clothes for me. Why the hell doesn't he know where his mom got those pants. I REALLY liked the color and style.
Saturday, January 07, 2006
King of the Feasts
I haven't participated in Friday's Feast for a bit and thought I'd get back in the groove.
Appetizer--Have you ever seen a ghost or an angel?
I'm not sure. I've seen/heard some odd things happen that don't appear to have a direct explanation, the mysterious closing door in our new place comes to mind, but I've never observed anything directly. I'd love run into a ghost someday.
Soup--What is your favorite board game?
Although I haven't played in years, I've always been a big fan of Axis and Allies.
Salad--What was the last movie you saw that made you cry?
King Kong. I'm a sucker for the big ape.
Main Course--What would you do if you had 3 months off from your job?
The same thing I do every summer. Stay up late, sleep late, and do a lot of fun reading.
Dessert--What kind of shoes are you wearing today?
Doc Marten combat boots, of course.
Appetizer--Have you ever seen a ghost or an angel?
I'm not sure. I've seen/heard some odd things happen that don't appear to have a direct explanation, the mysterious closing door in our new place comes to mind, but I've never observed anything directly. I'd love run into a ghost someday.
Soup--What is your favorite board game?
Although I haven't played in years, I've always been a big fan of Axis and Allies.
Salad--What was the last movie you saw that made you cry?
King Kong. I'm a sucker for the big ape.
Main Course--What would you do if you had 3 months off from your job?
The same thing I do every summer. Stay up late, sleep late, and do a lot of fun reading.
Dessert--What kind of shoes are you wearing today?
Doc Marten combat boots, of course.
Tuesday, January 03, 2006
You Say You Want a Resolution
It's January 2 and the blogosphere is filled with all sorts of "resolution" posts. Over the years, I've never been one to make New Year's resolutions. After making a couple during my 20s, and learning how quickly I'm willing to throw that kind of thing to the side, I stopped the madness. I made a resolution, caved after a couple days, and felt guilty for caving. Ish. So, I made a resolution to never make another resolution and I've managed to stay true to my word.
While I haven't rescinded my resolution to not make resolutions, I am trying to make some minor adjustments in my life. Since the great move of 2005, STK and I haven't made much of an effort to establish a new circle of friends. We really liked the group of people we left in Denver (and Utah, and Alabama, and Michigan) and manage to stay in touch with most, mainly through phone, email, and blogs. Thank The Maker for unlimited long distance and the internets. Still, we both understand the need to develop a local cohort. Easier said than done, right? A month ago, we re-established contact with the Unitarian Universalists. I'm pretty sure I mentioned that in another post. A couple days ago we enjoyed another Sunday morning with the local UUAers. The group meets every other Sunday--it's a small congregation of 40 or so regular attendees. I suspect this group of spiritually minded, socially conscious folk might work their way into our regular routine. Actually, they seem to have taken to us (especially TLO) and have already welcomed us into their fold.
We also reached out to another spiritual community on Sunday afternoon. Thanks to a contact at work, STK suggested we visit a local Buddhist monastery. We live in a very isolated part of the midwest; the closest city of more than 8500 folks is 60 miles away. Imagine our suprise when we discovered a new Buddhist monastery less than 20 minutes from our home. The monastery started the New Year with an open house and invited any and all to stop by for an informal tour and refreshments. We arrived about a 1/2 hour before the end of the open house and received a personal tour from the attending monk. TLO was absolutely fascinated by the altar, milled from trees removed from the monastery's site, and wouldn't allow anyone to distract him from gazing at the Buddha. He stared, and stared, and stared. When it was time to leave the monastery and retreat to the on-site farmhouse for refreshments, STK and I started the complicated task of passing TLO back and forth as we tried to put on our shoes (shoes are always removed when entering a Buddhist holy space). The monk gently lifted TLO from our arms and talked to him quietyly as the two glided about the monastery shutting off lights and locking doors. TLO loved the attention and his parents loved the fact that he experienced the calm, peaceful presence of a spiritual leader. Open meditation practice occurs at the monastery every Thursday night; STK and I talked about arranging for a regular sitter every Thursday. We'll see if we're able to pull that off.
Later this week the local co-op holds its monthly potluck. The members of the co-op gather, share food, and affirm the uniqueness of the cooperative community. Several people have mentioned we should attend. What better place to meet a few freaks and geeks, eh?
I've also discovered a new AA meeting, a meeting that seems to focus more on the solution than the problem. That's always a potential issue with recovery groups. All too often, the group becomes about wallowing in the misery of not drinking or the wreckage incurred from heavy drinking. Been there, done that. Once you've been sober for a while, you learn that not drinking is wonderful thing; there's little misery to be had in that regard. AA meetings are supposed to focus on the steps of recovery, on the way to stay sober, repair the mess created by alcoholism, and learn a new way of living life. Discussion of specific problems ("My wife hates me!") should occur outside the group meeting context. My first sponsor used to refer to this as the meeting after the meeting. Anyway, personal problems should be discussed over coffee, with your sponsor, etc. I was thrilled to see this particular meeting emphasize the 12 steps, the 12 traditions, and the solution. When someone started drifting into personal problems, they were gently reminded to take these issues to a sponsor. As it's a weekly meeting, I'm going to try and make this a regular part of my routine. While I stay in touch with people in recovery via phone and email, it's probably a good idea to make some local contacts. And, to be honest, I had two with significant sobriety remind me that I need to give back what was so freely given to me. Unfortunately, people with my length of sobriety aren't all that common. By simply attending meetings and sharing my experience, strength, and hope, I'm helping others see that long term sobriety is possible. Who knows, mabye someone will ask me to be their sponsor. I haven't done that kind of recovery work in quite some time.
As if all these other attempts to broaden our contacts weren't enough, STK received a call earlier today from a couple just a couple doors down who have an infant a month younger than TLO. So, STK and TLO journeyed down the street for a play date. I'm in an academic reading group with the Dad, another professor at my school, and Mom is a former high school teacher. I think they're roughly our age, too. See any parallels? How funny is that? It turns out the couple also like Buffy the Vampire Slayer and want to check out Firefly and Serenity. STK are going to invite them over for an introduction to the expanded worlds of The Whedonverse. Everyone on the planet should bow before the brilliance of Joss Whedon. All your base are belong to us.
We turn our energy toward meeting new people and what do we get? A full social calendar. Imagine that.
While I haven't rescinded my resolution to not make resolutions, I am trying to make some minor adjustments in my life. Since the great move of 2005, STK and I haven't made much of an effort to establish a new circle of friends. We really liked the group of people we left in Denver (and Utah, and Alabama, and Michigan) and manage to stay in touch with most, mainly through phone, email, and blogs. Thank The Maker for unlimited long distance and the internets. Still, we both understand the need to develop a local cohort. Easier said than done, right? A month ago, we re-established contact with the Unitarian Universalists. I'm pretty sure I mentioned that in another post. A couple days ago we enjoyed another Sunday morning with the local UUAers. The group meets every other Sunday--it's a small congregation of 40 or so regular attendees. I suspect this group of spiritually minded, socially conscious folk might work their way into our regular routine. Actually, they seem to have taken to us (especially TLO) and have already welcomed us into their fold.
We also reached out to another spiritual community on Sunday afternoon. Thanks to a contact at work, STK suggested we visit a local Buddhist monastery. We live in a very isolated part of the midwest; the closest city of more than 8500 folks is 60 miles away. Imagine our suprise when we discovered a new Buddhist monastery less than 20 minutes from our home. The monastery started the New Year with an open house and invited any and all to stop by for an informal tour and refreshments. We arrived about a 1/2 hour before the end of the open house and received a personal tour from the attending monk. TLO was absolutely fascinated by the altar, milled from trees removed from the monastery's site, and wouldn't allow anyone to distract him from gazing at the Buddha. He stared, and stared, and stared. When it was time to leave the monastery and retreat to the on-site farmhouse for refreshments, STK and I started the complicated task of passing TLO back and forth as we tried to put on our shoes (shoes are always removed when entering a Buddhist holy space). The monk gently lifted TLO from our arms and talked to him quietyly as the two glided about the monastery shutting off lights and locking doors. TLO loved the attention and his parents loved the fact that he experienced the calm, peaceful presence of a spiritual leader. Open meditation practice occurs at the monastery every Thursday night; STK and I talked about arranging for a regular sitter every Thursday. We'll see if we're able to pull that off.
Later this week the local co-op holds its monthly potluck. The members of the co-op gather, share food, and affirm the uniqueness of the cooperative community. Several people have mentioned we should attend. What better place to meet a few freaks and geeks, eh?
I've also discovered a new AA meeting, a meeting that seems to focus more on the solution than the problem. That's always a potential issue with recovery groups. All too often, the group becomes about wallowing in the misery of not drinking or the wreckage incurred from heavy drinking. Been there, done that. Once you've been sober for a while, you learn that not drinking is wonderful thing; there's little misery to be had in that regard. AA meetings are supposed to focus on the steps of recovery, on the way to stay sober, repair the mess created by alcoholism, and learn a new way of living life. Discussion of specific problems ("My wife hates me!") should occur outside the group meeting context. My first sponsor used to refer to this as the meeting after the meeting. Anyway, personal problems should be discussed over coffee, with your sponsor, etc. I was thrilled to see this particular meeting emphasize the 12 steps, the 12 traditions, and the solution. When someone started drifting into personal problems, they were gently reminded to take these issues to a sponsor. As it's a weekly meeting, I'm going to try and make this a regular part of my routine. While I stay in touch with people in recovery via phone and email, it's probably a good idea to make some local contacts. And, to be honest, I had two with significant sobriety remind me that I need to give back what was so freely given to me. Unfortunately, people with my length of sobriety aren't all that common. By simply attending meetings and sharing my experience, strength, and hope, I'm helping others see that long term sobriety is possible. Who knows, mabye someone will ask me to be their sponsor. I haven't done that kind of recovery work in quite some time.
As if all these other attempts to broaden our contacts weren't enough, STK received a call earlier today from a couple just a couple doors down who have an infant a month younger than TLO. So, STK and TLO journeyed down the street for a play date. I'm in an academic reading group with the Dad, another professor at my school, and Mom is a former high school teacher. I think they're roughly our age, too. See any parallels? How funny is that? It turns out the couple also like Buffy the Vampire Slayer and want to check out Firefly and Serenity. STK are going to invite them over for an introduction to the expanded worlds of The Whedonverse. Everyone on the planet should bow before the brilliance of Joss Whedon. All your base are belong to us.
We turn our energy toward meeting new people and what do we get? A full social calendar. Imagine that.
Sunday, January 01, 2006
2006
First, my fundamental belief is that human nature lies in gentleness. Human nature is compassionate, is affectionate. Therefore using violence is against human nature. Secondly, because of this factor, violence creates a lot of hurt in the human mind.
The Dalai Lama
Happy New Year, everyone. May your 2006 be filled with gentleness, compassion, and affection.
The Dalai Lama
Happy New Year, everyone. May your 2006 be filled with gentleness, compassion, and affection.
Wednesday, December 28, 2005
Fish Sticks and Classical Music
Before getting to Part II of Mass Madness, I want to address something Mike brought up in a recent comment. Responding to Mass Madness Part I, Mike wrote:
"This whole thing makes me wonder to what degree the 'culture industry' is following the populace, and to what degree it's leading it. Suppose the powers that be in entertainment decided that we all needed to be listening to Mozart...."
This is an interesting question. What would happen if the powers that be decided to mass market Mozart? Not a whole lot, I think. I doubt very much that Mozart, in his classical form, would catch on with the general populace. Hooked on Classics (remember that classical music set to a disco beat drivel?), on the other hand, might make a splash.
If an artifact is to catch on with the masses, it must be both physically and psychologically accessible. Physically accessible means an artifact must be both available (carried in stores) and affordable (priced so that most people could purchase the product). Fish sticks are physically accessible for most us; caviar is not. A product that's psychologically accessible is one that most people can comprehend; the product isn't too intellectual, complex, outlandish, offensive, or different. Once again, most of us can wrap our minds around the idea of eating fish sticks. Caviar is a little too different for a great many people.
The idea of a High Culture/Mass Culture/Low culture hierarchy or continuum compliments the notions of physical and psychological accessibility. An artifact that falls in the category of high culture is something that's inaccessible to most of the mass public. A high culture artifact might be too intellectual, complex, or expensive for the average person. For instance, most of the general populace doesn't have the knowledge necessary to really understand and appreciate a Jackson Pollock or Matisse. At the opposite end of the spectrum, low culture, are artifacts from street and folk culture. While most of the these artifacts meet the affordability requirement, they might not be available or easily understood. New musical genres often start as low culture art forms; bluegrass, jazz, punk, and hip hop all started as folk practices. Jazz, even though it's readily accessible in most music stores, perplexes the average listener. Certain styles of fashion, like Goth or Punk, are considered too different or abrasive and never clear the psychological accessibility hurdle. Mass culture, then, is the area occupied by those artifacts generally accessible, both physically and psychologically, to most people.
Back to Mike's question. Classical music, despite its widespread physical availability, is psychologically inaccessible to a great many people. Oh, they enjoy a good classical score to a movie, but they're unlikely to sit down and listen to Mozart. Why? Classical music is extremely complex and requires at least some musical training to fully understand the nuances. So, even if the cultural industry started marketing Mozart like mad, I doubt we'd see classical music rise to the level of pop music. People treat Shakespeare in a similar way; they won't attend a classic performance ("I can't understand a thing they're saying!"), but they'll sit down and watch West Side Story (Romeo & Juliet), 10 Things I Hate About You (Taming of the Shrew), or O (Othello).
My question as a popular culture critic is this: Are we in danger of losing an art form when we see classic literature "rewritten" in what many consider a watered-down form?
"This whole thing makes me wonder to what degree the 'culture industry' is following the populace, and to what degree it's leading it. Suppose the powers that be in entertainment decided that we all needed to be listening to Mozart...."
This is an interesting question. What would happen if the powers that be decided to mass market Mozart? Not a whole lot, I think. I doubt very much that Mozart, in his classical form, would catch on with the general populace. Hooked on Classics (remember that classical music set to a disco beat drivel?), on the other hand, might make a splash.
If an artifact is to catch on with the masses, it must be both physically and psychologically accessible. Physically accessible means an artifact must be both available (carried in stores) and affordable (priced so that most people could purchase the product). Fish sticks are physically accessible for most us; caviar is not. A product that's psychologically accessible is one that most people can comprehend; the product isn't too intellectual, complex, outlandish, offensive, or different. Once again, most of us can wrap our minds around the idea of eating fish sticks. Caviar is a little too different for a great many people.
The idea of a High Culture/Mass Culture/Low culture hierarchy or continuum compliments the notions of physical and psychological accessibility. An artifact that falls in the category of high culture is something that's inaccessible to most of the mass public. A high culture artifact might be too intellectual, complex, or expensive for the average person. For instance, most of the general populace doesn't have the knowledge necessary to really understand and appreciate a Jackson Pollock or Matisse. At the opposite end of the spectrum, low culture, are artifacts from street and folk culture. While most of the these artifacts meet the affordability requirement, they might not be available or easily understood. New musical genres often start as low culture art forms; bluegrass, jazz, punk, and hip hop all started as folk practices. Jazz, even though it's readily accessible in most music stores, perplexes the average listener. Certain styles of fashion, like Goth or Punk, are considered too different or abrasive and never clear the psychological accessibility hurdle. Mass culture, then, is the area occupied by those artifacts generally accessible, both physically and psychologically, to most people.
Back to Mike's question. Classical music, despite its widespread physical availability, is psychologically inaccessible to a great many people. Oh, they enjoy a good classical score to a movie, but they're unlikely to sit down and listen to Mozart. Why? Classical music is extremely complex and requires at least some musical training to fully understand the nuances. So, even if the cultural industry started marketing Mozart like mad, I doubt we'd see classical music rise to the level of pop music. People treat Shakespeare in a similar way; they won't attend a classic performance ("I can't understand a thing they're saying!"), but they'll sit down and watch West Side Story (Romeo & Juliet), 10 Things I Hate About You (Taming of the Shrew), or O (Othello).
My question as a popular culture critic is this: Are we in danger of losing an art form when we see classic literature "rewritten" in what many consider a watered-down form?
Walk
I like to walk alone on country paths, rice plants and wild grasses on both sides, putting each foot down on the earth in mindfulness, knowing that I walk on the wondrous earth. In such moments, existence is a miraculous and mysterious reality.
People usually consider walking on water or in thin air a miracle. But I think the real miracle is not to walk either on water or in thin air, but to walk on earth. Every day we are engaged in a miracle which we don't even recognize: a blue sky, white clouds, green leaves, the black, curious eyes of a child--our own two eyes. All is a miracle.
-Thich Nhat Hanh, "Miracle of Mindfulness"
People usually consider walking on water or in thin air a miracle. But I think the real miracle is not to walk either on water or in thin air, but to walk on earth. Every day we are engaged in a miracle which we don't even recognize: a blue sky, white clouds, green leaves, the black, curious eyes of a child--our own two eyes. All is a miracle.
-Thich Nhat Hanh, "Miracle of Mindfulness"
Friday, December 23, 2005
Mass Madness: Part I
This piece, devoted to the supposed death of mass culture, and this piece, discussing another down year for the motion picture industry, got me thinking. Is mass culture really dead? Have consumers finally grown tired of stale, repetitive Hollywood fare?
Part I
The basic argument underlying the notion of mass culture isn't difficult to understand. In the early 20th century, largely as a result of the Industrial Revolution, the United States experienced a significant population migration from agrarian to urban communities. When this shift occurred, and continued through most of the 20th century, people lost many of the socializing institutions and organizations that contribute to the development of cultural attitudes, values, and beliefs. Becoming increasingly distant from our comrades, we see a reduction of face-to-face interactions (e.g. cell phones, email, text messaging), have less contact with extended family, and we might not know our neighbors (e.g. tall fences separate property where there used to be known). As a result of this atomization, mass culture theorists argue we've become more susceptible to the influences of institutions like popular culture. With fewer friends, family members, and socializing institutions in our lives, we turn to popular culture to learn appropriate behavior, fashion, and the like.
With me to this point? Okay, the culture industry, the producers of cultural products for consumption by the masses (e.g. television programs, films, books, music), have one basic goal: profit. As such, the powers-that-be within the culture industry almost always strive to make their product as consumable by as many people as possible. More people buying a product = more profit. Economics 101. Here's the rub: most people within the culture industry don't care that popular culture has become a major socializing institution. Money becomes the driving force and healthy cultural values, a sense of ethics, takes a back seat.
What we wind up with, and I think there's evidence of this just about everywhere we turn, is a kind of cultural homogeneity; our cultural products become vapid and vacuous, devoid of any significant meaning. The trend is toward producing another highly consumable My Humps, The Dukes of Hazzard, or yet another horrifyingly bad reality television show, rather than a product that asks us to consider important moral or ethical questions. In the hopes of making loads of money, everything starts to look the same. We see one boy band start to cash in, we see a dozen boy bands flood the market. Art, music, and fashion that doesn't prove immediately profitable gets pushed to the side making it more difficult for consumers to procure. The end result is bland, non-intellectual, morally ambiguous fare foisted upon a consuming public comprised of cultural dopes. In essence, people within the culture industry say to the consuming public, "If you'll keep lapping this crap up, and pay big bucks for it, we'll keep pumping it out."
Ultimately, mass culture critics ask a fundamental question: if our society lacks significant socializing influences and popular culture has become a major variable in socialization, should the cultural industry be more congnizant of their role in society? Should the culture industry strive to produce quality material that takes more than the bottom line into consideration? This doesn't mean the culture industry has to agree on what values are good for our society; a variety of viewpoints encourages consumers to engage in public dialogues about issues of importance.
Time for a break and some holiday errands. In Part II I'll return to the original question at hand: Is mass culture dead?
Part I
The basic argument underlying the notion of mass culture isn't difficult to understand. In the early 20th century, largely as a result of the Industrial Revolution, the United States experienced a significant population migration from agrarian to urban communities. When this shift occurred, and continued through most of the 20th century, people lost many of the socializing institutions and organizations that contribute to the development of cultural attitudes, values, and beliefs. Becoming increasingly distant from our comrades, we see a reduction of face-to-face interactions (e.g. cell phones, email, text messaging), have less contact with extended family, and we might not know our neighbors (e.g. tall fences separate property where there used to be known). As a result of this atomization, mass culture theorists argue we've become more susceptible to the influences of institutions like popular culture. With fewer friends, family members, and socializing institutions in our lives, we turn to popular culture to learn appropriate behavior, fashion, and the like.
With me to this point? Okay, the culture industry, the producers of cultural products for consumption by the masses (e.g. television programs, films, books, music), have one basic goal: profit. As such, the powers-that-be within the culture industry almost always strive to make their product as consumable by as many people as possible. More people buying a product = more profit. Economics 101. Here's the rub: most people within the culture industry don't care that popular culture has become a major socializing institution. Money becomes the driving force and healthy cultural values, a sense of ethics, takes a back seat.
What we wind up with, and I think there's evidence of this just about everywhere we turn, is a kind of cultural homogeneity; our cultural products become vapid and vacuous, devoid of any significant meaning. The trend is toward producing another highly consumable My Humps, The Dukes of Hazzard, or yet another horrifyingly bad reality television show, rather than a product that asks us to consider important moral or ethical questions. In the hopes of making loads of money, everything starts to look the same. We see one boy band start to cash in, we see a dozen boy bands flood the market. Art, music, and fashion that doesn't prove immediately profitable gets pushed to the side making it more difficult for consumers to procure. The end result is bland, non-intellectual, morally ambiguous fare foisted upon a consuming public comprised of cultural dopes. In essence, people within the culture industry say to the consuming public, "If you'll keep lapping this crap up, and pay big bucks for it, we'll keep pumping it out."
Ultimately, mass culture critics ask a fundamental question: if our society lacks significant socializing influences and popular culture has become a major variable in socialization, should the cultural industry be more congnizant of their role in society? Should the culture industry strive to produce quality material that takes more than the bottom line into consideration? This doesn't mean the culture industry has to agree on what values are good for our society; a variety of viewpoints encourages consumers to engage in public dialogues about issues of importance.
Time for a break and some holiday errands. In Part II I'll return to the original question at hand: Is mass culture dead?
Thursday, December 22, 2005
Good Day Sunshine
Happy Yule, everyone. STK, TLO, and I started our Yule celebration last weekend with the local Unitarian Universalists.* I'm drawn to the Unitarians in that the organization doesn't celebrate one particular spiritual but all of them. That's right, you'll find Christian, Earth-based, Hindu, Jewish, [insert belief system of choice here] practices throughout the year. As someone who self-identifies as a Tao Buddhist Witch, the eclectic spiritual mix from one worship service to the next appeals to me. Go figure. With the Solstice, Hannukah, Kawaanza, and Christmas celebrated in close temporal proximity, the theme for Sunday's gathering was birth and the return of light.
Last night, Wednesday, we celebrated the return of the sun and warmer weather (which can't come too soon for me) by opening our holiday gifts. Boy, did TLO clean up on the goodies. He was more interested in the wrapping paper, of course, but he'll enjoy the toys, books, and clothes for many months, maybe years, to come. STK and I didn't make out too poorly either. STK's folks hooked me up with six months of fresh Kaladi Bros coffee beans delivered right to our front door. I received a pound of Starbucks winter blend from my sister-in-law and her family. You just can't go wrong giving me coffee . . . unless you try to give me decaf anything or Folgers/Whichever-crappy-commercial-blend-packed-in-a-can/Maxwell House. That will score no points and might result in a horribly tacky gift sent your way the following year. We received an assortment of appropriate holiday ornaments and decorations; a black and silver ornament scored big points. All in all, our first Yule with the TLO proved a joyous occasion.
And for all those who think war has been declared on Christmas (I'm talking to you, O'Reilly), I wish you Happy Holidays!
*One of STK's acquaintances refers to the local Unitarian group as "The hippies." I can think of worse groups with which to be affiliated.
Last night, Wednesday, we celebrated the return of the sun and warmer weather (which can't come too soon for me) by opening our holiday gifts. Boy, did TLO clean up on the goodies. He was more interested in the wrapping paper, of course, but he'll enjoy the toys, books, and clothes for many months, maybe years, to come. STK and I didn't make out too poorly either. STK's folks hooked me up with six months of fresh Kaladi Bros coffee beans delivered right to our front door. I received a pound of Starbucks winter blend from my sister-in-law and her family. You just can't go wrong giving me coffee . . . unless you try to give me decaf anything or Folgers/Whichever-crappy-commercial-blend-packed-in-a-can/Maxwell House. That will score no points and might result in a horribly tacky gift sent your way the following year. We received an assortment of appropriate holiday ornaments and decorations; a black and silver ornament scored big points. All in all, our first Yule with the TLO proved a joyous occasion.
And for all those who think war has been declared on Christmas (I'm talking to you, O'Reilly), I wish you Happy Holidays!
*One of STK's acquaintances refers to the local Unitarian group as "The hippies." I can think of worse groups with which to be affiliated.
Tuesday, December 20, 2005
Forget it, Ming; Dale's with Me!
Someone is finally speaking some sense about the religious sham known as intelligent design.
ID is not Science.
ID is a sham in that the entire concept is faith masquerading as science. If someone believes the universe was created by a supreme being, fine by me. I don't happen to agree, but you have the right to follow your own belief system. What you don't have the right to do is expose my child to your religious beliefs in a public school classroom. Intelligent design clearly crosses that boundary and I'm thrilled to see a judge making a decision that protects my right to separation of Church and State.
ID is not Science.
ID is a sham in that the entire concept is faith masquerading as science. If someone believes the universe was created by a supreme being, fine by me. I don't happen to agree, but you have the right to follow your own belief system. What you don't have the right to do is expose my child to your religious beliefs in a public school classroom. Intelligent design clearly crosses that boundary and I'm thrilled to see a judge making a decision that protects my right to separation of Church and State.
Sunday, December 18, 2005
Hell to the Chief
The President is giving a speech this evening. Let me save you the 20 minutes. Here's what you'll hear:
The recent elections are a testament to the will and determination of the Iraqi people. Let freedom ring. Stay the course. We will not give in to terrorists. Freedom. Safety. All that jazz. Democracy is hard work. Stay the course. Victory. We will not leave the Iraqi people until the job is done. Freedom. Safety. Stay the course. Victory. Terrorists!
How many times are we going to hear the same thing? You know, I have no doubt the recent elections are an amazing accomplishment. My biggest gripe with this entire war, besides it being a violent solution to a problem that had non-violent solutions, has to do with the means by which the administration is trying to accomplish their ends. It's as if the administration decided the ends justified any means. I've been thinking about this for a couple days now; stay tuned for my discussion of ethics, means, and ends.
The recent elections are a testament to the will and determination of the Iraqi people. Let freedom ring. Stay the course. We will not give in to terrorists. Freedom. Safety. All that jazz. Democracy is hard work. Stay the course. Victory. We will not leave the Iraqi people until the job is done. Freedom. Safety. Stay the course. Victory. Terrorists!
How many times are we going to hear the same thing? You know, I have no doubt the recent elections are an amazing accomplishment. My biggest gripe with this entire war, besides it being a violent solution to a problem that had non-violent solutions, has to do with the means by which the administration is trying to accomplish their ends. It's as if the administration decided the ends justified any means. I've been thinking about this for a couple days now; stay tuned for my discussion of ethics, means, and ends.
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