On the ascent of Camelback Mountain on the outskirts of Phoenix. Like Squaw Peak, this gorgeous mountain is just minutes from Traci's childhood home and is visible from her backyard (!).
Sunday, April 22, 2007
Our Hero In Another Prickly Situation
On the ascent of Camelback Mountain on the outskirts of Phoenix. Like Squaw Peak, this gorgeous mountain is just minutes from Traci's childhood home and is visible from her backyard (!).
Our Hero Ponders the SouthWest
At the top of Squaw Peak on the outskirts of Phoenix. Traci and I climbed this baby on a gorgeous Sunday morning. The mountain is 10 minutes away from her childhood home.
Saturday, April 21, 2007
Stop and Run Over the Roses
Our hero lifts Blackbird from the rack on the car. Before climbing aboard for the inaugural outing of 2007 at the Proving Grounds (aka Creve Coeur Lake), he goes through the usual checklist:
Walking his bike to the trail, he begins to spot the traffic on the path, mechanically looking for openings, holes, passing lanes. With the cool calculation, he prepares to go hybrid and become a part of a semi-organic, man-machine velocitizer.
Then, with teeth gritted, he pauses. It's a nice day: 80 F and sunny. Everyone on the path is happy. New parents walk behind strollers. Children laugh and play; some are on bicycles for the first time. Dogs bark joyfully. An old crop-duster biplane lazily banks over the lake, the throaty drone of its engine bouncing off of the calm water. Kites fly in the distance.
Our hero's grimace morphs into a smile. It's the first bike ride of the season! A true sign of spring. A new start and a throwback to the salad days of youth. He takes his mental checklist, crumples it up, and tosses it aside. Let's ride!
ps. Moments later, our hero cruises along the path. Without hesitation, he lets go of the handlebars and throws his weight onto the aerobars, assuming the classic tri position. Unfortunately, his prefrontal cortex is not yet in shape, and he and Blackbird wobble dramatically, veering off the path onto the dirt and through some flora. They narrowly miss a park bench, and certain injury, before regaining balance and riding back onto the path. Passers-by find this manuveure to be rather humourous.
- Helmet, gloves, sunglasses, suncreen: check.
- Goal visualization: check. A recovery ride after the 1/2 marathon.
- Strategy: check. Maintain moderate heart-rate, RPM, and speed.
Walking his bike to the trail, he begins to spot the traffic on the path, mechanically looking for openings, holes, passing lanes. With the cool calculation, he prepares to go hybrid and become a part of a semi-organic, man-machine velocitizer.
Then, with teeth gritted, he pauses. It's a nice day: 80 F and sunny. Everyone on the path is happy. New parents walk behind strollers. Children laugh and play; some are on bicycles for the first time. Dogs bark joyfully. An old crop-duster biplane lazily banks over the lake, the throaty drone of its engine bouncing off of the calm water. Kites fly in the distance.
Our hero's grimace morphs into a smile. It's the first bike ride of the season! A true sign of spring. A new start and a throwback to the salad days of youth. He takes his mental checklist, crumples it up, and tosses it aside. Let's ride!
ps. Moments later, our hero cruises along the path. Without hesitation, he lets go of the handlebars and throws his weight onto the aerobars, assuming the classic tri position. Unfortunately, his prefrontal cortex is not yet in shape, and he and Blackbird wobble dramatically, veering off the path onto the dirt and through some flora. They narrowly miss a park bench, and certain injury, before regaining balance and riding back onto the path. Passers-by find this manuveure to be rather humourous.
Friday, April 20, 2007
Happy Hour
Many years ago, I would fantasize about driving cool cars on a Friday night.
Then I fantasized about meeting members of The Divine Gender.
Then I fantasized about taking naps.
Now I fantasize about breaking my personal record for distance.
Alas, no records tonight, but I did run a 1/2 marathon in about 2:22 (my best time is 1:54 but c'mon now).
Here's the key to working out on a weeknight: when you get home, do not, under any circumstances, sit down. Just change and leave. At 4:30 pm today there was no way you would have told me that I was going to run long.
Then I fantasized about meeting members of The Divine Gender.
Then I fantasized about taking naps.
Now I fantasize about breaking my personal record for distance.
Alas, no records tonight, but I did run a 1/2 marathon in about 2:22 (my best time is 1:54 but c'mon now).
Here's the key to working out on a weeknight: when you get home, do not, under any circumstances, sit down. Just change and leave. At 4:30 pm today there was no way you would have told me that I was going to run long.
Thursday, April 19, 2007
Art in Phoenix
We went to an art gallery in Phoenix, which was pretty cool...
Ostensibly, we went to see a performance by a friend of Traci's. As part of his music/composition PhD, he had written a piece to accompany a work of art. Predictably, his (along with many others') work was "challenging". We heard 2 hours of music by various string musicians and not a jig or reel to be found. Ha! I would have paid anyone $500 to break out into "The Devil Went Down To Georgia".
Also at the gallery: an exhibit on Rembrandt, including some pieces from the big museum in Amsterdam. I am becoming a "Rembrandt Groupie", following his work all over the world!
I didn't know much about Rembrandt until I read a great biography prior to going to Amsterdam. Far from the rarified, academic air of intelligentsia he was (a) an unscrupulous art dealer (b) a gifted artist who continually absorbed trends in order to stay in the $ and (c) a cad, marrying the babysitter after a breakup with his wife. Anyway, it was cool to see some of his stuff again, and it gave me a new appreciation for how complete the museums were in Amster.
Another part of the gallery was "Curves of Steel". No it wasn't about boob jobs gone awry: it was on concept cars from the 1930s. Here are some pics from the gallery's website. Some really neat cars; my Uncle Roland would have loved it, and _might_ have been even stymied to identify some of them (he's exceptional at auto trivia).
Ostensibly, we went to see a performance by a friend of Traci's. As part of his music/composition PhD, he had written a piece to accompany a work of art. Predictably, his (along with many others') work was "challenging". We heard 2 hours of music by various string musicians and not a jig or reel to be found. Ha! I would have paid anyone $500 to break out into "The Devil Went Down To Georgia".
Also at the gallery: an exhibit on Rembrandt, including some pieces from the big museum in Amsterdam. I am becoming a "Rembrandt Groupie", following his work all over the world!
I didn't know much about Rembrandt until I read a great biography prior to going to Amsterdam. Far from the rarified, academic air of intelligentsia he was (a) an unscrupulous art dealer (b) a gifted artist who continually absorbed trends in order to stay in the $ and (c) a cad, marrying the babysitter after a breakup with his wife. Anyway, it was cool to see some of his stuff again, and it gave me a new appreciation for how complete the museums were in Amster.
Another part of the gallery was "Curves of Steel". No it wasn't about boob jobs gone awry: it was on concept cars from the 1930s. Here are some pics from the gallery's website. Some really neat cars; my Uncle Roland would have loved it, and _might_ have been even stymied to identify some of them (he's exceptional at auto trivia).
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
Top Brass Blogs
News from the tech world: a lot of CEOs write blogs to touch base with the masses, and to be hip.
Interestingly, it is turning corporate America on its head. Check out this article in Wired. It's terrific (which you already knew because I'm recommending it!)
Quoteth:
Which illustrates an interesting aspect of the Internet age: Google is not a search engine. Google is a reputation-management system. And that's one of the most powerful reasons so many CEOs have become more transparent: Online, your rep is quantifiable, findable, and totally unavoidable. In other words, radical transparency is a double-edged sword, but once you know the new rules, you can use it to control your image in ways you never could before.
Interestingly, it is turning corporate America on its head. Check out this article in Wired. It's terrific (which you already knew because I'm recommending it!)
Quoteth:
Which illustrates an interesting aspect of the Internet age: Google is not a search engine. Google is a reputation-management system. And that's one of the most powerful reasons so many CEOs have become more transparent: Online, your rep is quantifiable, findable, and totally unavoidable. In other words, radical transparency is a double-edged sword, but once you know the new rules, you can use it to control your image in ways you never could before.
Various and Sundry Factoids
Factoid 1
I haven't swam in a month! Gah! I swear, if you just let up for a second....
Factoid 2
Readers may recall that, 2 weeks ago, I was approached by a man who needed gas money. I gave him $25 and haven't seen a lick of it. Fleeced.
Opinionoid 3
I sure hope NBC went through a major ethical review before showing the video/pics/etc of the Virginia Tech killer. I don't get any news at work but I'm hoping there is serious outrage that NBC did basically exactly what the monster wanted.
I haven't swam in a month! Gah! I swear, if you just let up for a second....
Factoid 2
Readers may recall that, 2 weeks ago, I was approached by a man who needed gas money. I gave him $25 and haven't seen a lick of it. Fleeced.
Opinionoid 3
I sure hope NBC went through a major ethical review before showing the video/pics/etc of the Virginia Tech killer. I don't get any news at work but I'm hoping there is serious outrage that NBC did basically exactly what the monster wanted.
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Nash-ville Artistry
As mentioned, I saw my first NBA game in Phoenix. Once again, I was blown away by the joy of watching sport in person (versus TV). Because I didn't see a pro sport game until I was about 23, it still amazes me to this day that these are the same superstars we see on the tube. It is surreal, because the actual game looks much more like a vanilla high-school game than it looks like the glitz shown on TV.
It was cool to check out Steve Nash. I'm not a big basketball fan, but all Canadians know about Steve-o. He's won the MVP title twice in a row and might snag a 3rd. For a 6'3" Canadian, this is pretty crazy stuff.
I can see why he wins MVP awards. He has great fundamentals and is selfless. He can clearly dribble better than most and almost seems to prefer to pass (though he can shoot just fine). This is highly reminiscent of Wayne Gretzy's style in hockey. However, he doesn't control the game or have the same presence as #99. He certainly doesn't have the presence of Michael Jordan, or even Kobe Bryant, but he quietly gets the job done.
The other trait is speed. This guy can fly and is willing to use it. Several times the Lakers would score and Nash would come sprinting out of the zone to put on the press. I think this was common place in the past, but compared to his colleagues, Nash put on a clinic in terms of work ethic and cardio training. In this respect, he reminded me of Guy Lafleur, who also would come flying out of his own zone in hockey.
The upshot is that the guy can play.... very cool.
ps. (Note to self: I just realized that most of you are too young or too "non-Canadian" to even know who Guy Lafleur is. That's sad and will be rectified.)
It was cool to check out Steve Nash. I'm not a big basketball fan, but all Canadians know about Steve-o. He's won the MVP title twice in a row and might snag a 3rd. For a 6'3" Canadian, this is pretty crazy stuff.
I can see why he wins MVP awards. He has great fundamentals and is selfless. He can clearly dribble better than most and almost seems to prefer to pass (though he can shoot just fine). This is highly reminiscent of Wayne Gretzy's style in hockey. However, he doesn't control the game or have the same presence as #99. He certainly doesn't have the presence of Michael Jordan, or even Kobe Bryant, but he quietly gets the job done.
The other trait is speed. This guy can fly and is willing to use it. Several times the Lakers would score and Nash would come sprinting out of the zone to put on the press. I think this was common place in the past, but compared to his colleagues, Nash put on a clinic in terms of work ethic and cardio training. In this respect, he reminded me of Guy Lafleur, who also would come flying out of his own zone in hockey.
The upshot is that the guy can play.... very cool.
ps. (Note to self: I just realized that most of you are too young or too "non-Canadian" to even know who Guy Lafleur is. That's sad and will be rectified.)
Girls Nite Out at Maplewood Bicycle
hey ladies in StL, check this out!
Maplewood Bicycle is hosting a Girl's Night Out expo on Thursday, April 26th from 7-9pm. There will be food and wine from Monarch restaurant and wine bar as well as coffee and sweets from Wired Coffee. There will be discussions on personal coaching, yoga, masseuse tips, sports nutrition, running, and much more. To reserve a spot, call Mary Kay at (314) 781-9566.
Maplewood Bicycle is hosting a Girl's Night Out expo on Thursday, April 26th from 7-9pm. There will be food and wine from Monarch restaurant and wine bar as well as coffee and sweets from Wired Coffee. There will be discussions on personal coaching, yoga, masseuse tips, sports nutrition, running, and much more. To reserve a spot, call Mary Kay at (314) 781-9566.
Monday, April 16, 2007
Phoenix is My Kind of Town
I just flew in from Phoenix, and boy are my arms hot! But it's a dry heat....
I had a fantastic trip at Chez Traci's Folks. She and her fam were wonderful, generous hosts and gave me a great tour of the area. We also attended a highly weird wedding reception straight out of "My Big, Fat Goth Wedding".
Some highlights, which I hope to document soon:
-- I saw my first NBA game! The Phoenix Suns, featuring fellow Canuck and 2-time MVP Steve Nash, played at home. The seats were great. I felt like Jack Nicholson or Spike Lee. Oh, and the opponents were the LA Lakers with Kobe Bryant (can you say "kick ass" ?). Suns won.
-- We climbed 2 major summits in the Phoenix area: Squaw Peak and the famous Camelback Mountain. The ascents were about 1400 ft in elevation and 1.25 miles (about 45 minutes each way). A great workout that was really different for my body. I wasn't breathing _too_ heavily, but my legs were working hard, and I was definitely sweating by the end of it. There shall be pics, but for now, trust me when I say that the view was spectacular. Classic southwest: cactus, lizards, and desert, with the urban oasis of Phoenix in the valley.
-- We also toured some areas around PHX, including Scottsdale (very fancy, with world-class resorts and some seriously high-end homes) and Cave Creek (on the fringe of the hardcore desert). And some great food throughout the trip....
Stay tuned for pics....
I had a fantastic trip at Chez Traci's Folks. She and her fam were wonderful, generous hosts and gave me a great tour of the area. We also attended a highly weird wedding reception straight out of "My Big, Fat Goth Wedding".
Some highlights, which I hope to document soon:
-- I saw my first NBA game! The Phoenix Suns, featuring fellow Canuck and 2-time MVP Steve Nash, played at home. The seats were great. I felt like Jack Nicholson or Spike Lee. Oh, and the opponents were the LA Lakers with Kobe Bryant (can you say "kick ass" ?). Suns won.
-- We climbed 2 major summits in the Phoenix area: Squaw Peak and the famous Camelback Mountain. The ascents were about 1400 ft in elevation and 1.25 miles (about 45 minutes each way). A great workout that was really different for my body. I wasn't breathing _too_ heavily, but my legs were working hard, and I was definitely sweating by the end of it. There shall be pics, but for now, trust me when I say that the view was spectacular. Classic southwest: cactus, lizards, and desert, with the urban oasis of Phoenix in the valley.
-- We also toured some areas around PHX, including Scottsdale (very fancy, with world-class resorts and some seriously high-end homes) and Cave Creek (on the fringe of the hardcore desert). And some great food throughout the trip....
Stay tuned for pics....
Thursday, April 12, 2007
Enough is enough
Random thoughts on the latest media swarm (which has all of the random irrationality of a swarm of locusts):
-- Don Imus's comment was offensive but I'm amazed at the reaction. I don't know if he should lose his job, but people certainly have the right to demand that.
-- It is unfortunate that every sports commentator in the country now thinks s/he can comment on social justice and race relations. Almost all of them are outraged and rant incessantly about Al Sharpton and Jessie Jackson as being hypocrites. Whatever.
-- Some commentators cry "double jeopardy" because Imus was suspended and then fired "without new evidence". Heaven, help us. He wasn't thrown in prison! You'd think this was Nelson Mandela or someone who actually suffered.
-- If even 10% of this energy was applied to the issue of domestic violence then we'd be getting somewhere.
-- Don Imus's comment was offensive but I'm amazed at the reaction. I don't know if he should lose his job, but people certainly have the right to demand that.
-- It is unfortunate that every sports commentator in the country now thinks s/he can comment on social justice and race relations. Almost all of them are outraged and rant incessantly about Al Sharpton and Jessie Jackson as being hypocrites. Whatever.
-- Some commentators cry "double jeopardy" because Imus was suspended and then fired "without new evidence". Heaven, help us. He wasn't thrown in prison! You'd think this was Nelson Mandela or someone who actually suffered.
-- If even 10% of this energy was applied to the issue of domestic violence then we'd be getting somewhere.
The Tractor Pull
Here's my new favorite workout. It can be tailored for people of all levels:
-- start walking/running at a comfortable pace (e.g. where you can have a conversation)
-- up the speed by X mph at regular intervals
-- keep going until you can't anymore
If we were all to do this every day for 6 weeks, the gains would be amazing.
I don't normally quote numbers but tonight's workout started at 6 mph and bumped 0.2 mph every minute. I stopped after 9.6 mph.
I did this twice tonight. I only mention it because back in 2000 I probably would have topped out at 5.5 mph after starting at a walk. It doesn't take much to get fit, but it does take discipline.
ps. I also call this workout "Feeling the Bang" and "Boiling Frogs" (LOL).
-- start walking/running at a comfortable pace (e.g. where you can have a conversation)
-- up the speed by X mph at regular intervals
-- keep going until you can't anymore
If we were all to do this every day for 6 weeks, the gains would be amazing.
I don't normally quote numbers but tonight's workout started at 6 mph and bumped 0.2 mph every minute. I stopped after 9.6 mph.
I did this twice tonight. I only mention it because back in 2000 I probably would have topped out at 5.5 mph after starting at a walk. It doesn't take much to get fit, but it does take discipline.
ps. I also call this workout "Feeling the Bang" and "Boiling Frogs" (LOL).
Lyric Appreciation
You seem very well, things look peaceful
I'm not quite as well, I thought you should know
Did you forget about me, Mr. Duplicity?
I hate to bug you in the middle of dinner
It was a slap in the face how quickly I was replaced
Are you thinking of me when....
You Oughta Know -- Alanis Morrisette
To quote Melissa Etheridge re: the italicized line: "genius... genius!"
I'm not quite as well, I thought you should know
Did you forget about me, Mr. Duplicity?
I hate to bug you in the middle of dinner
It was a slap in the face how quickly I was replaced
Are you thinking of me when....
You Oughta Know -- Alanis Morrisette
To quote Melissa Etheridge re: the italicized line: "genius... genius!"
Wednesday Redux
The first day at the New Gig went relatively well... And the surgery went smoothly too.
I once read a quote that I haven't been able to find again. I think it was by Schopenhauer. I'm paraphrasing but:
I once read a quote that I haven't been able to find again. I think it was by Schopenhauer. I'm paraphrasing but:
My life has been a series of worries and fears about things which ultimately never came to pass.
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
Wednesday
It's a big day on several fronts in the CC family.
After a couple of weeks of trepidation and preparation, I'm starting a new The New Gig, and, more importantly, some close family are having (non-emergency) surgery.
Send us your positive energy, eh?
ps. I will be going back on total lockdown with respect to email during the day, at least for the first while.
After a couple of weeks of trepidation and preparation, I'm starting a new The New Gig, and, more importantly, some close family are having (non-emergency) surgery.
Send us your positive energy, eh?
ps. I will be going back on total lockdown with respect to email during the day, at least for the first while.
Friday, April 06, 2007
Friday Night's Alright For Fighting
Enrique has another bout!
Sadly, I will be out of town but if you want to see some real action on Friday, 4/13, then Fischer's in Belleville, IL is the place to be. Zee website ist here
This is another Muay Thai bout (kickboxing). I believe it will be Enrique's 2nd non-exhibition bout. That is to say, both participants will be bringing the heat....
Good luck, Enrique!
Sadly, I will be out of town but if you want to see some real action on Friday, 4/13, then Fischer's in Belleville, IL is the place to be. Zee website ist here
This is another Muay Thai bout (kickboxing). I believe it will be Enrique's 2nd non-exhibition bout. That is to say, both participants will be bringing the heat....
Good luck, Enrique!
Thursday, April 05, 2007
Making a Chore Less Taxing
St Louisans,
If you want a good, solid tax-preparer, check out Stephen Zenk at H&R Block on Olive near Mason. (Click here)
If you want, contact me and we can both get $15. If you like T-Dogg better, contact her and you'll both get $15.
But incentives aside, he's a kind man and a fine tax-prep. I had forgotten a coupon, and he kindly worked on my paperwork while I red-lined Herbie back to my apartment...
If you want a good, solid tax-preparer, check out Stephen Zenk at H&R Block on Olive near Mason. (Click here)
If you want, contact me and we can both get $15. If you like T-Dogg better, contact her and you'll both get $15.
But incentives aside, he's a kind man and a fine tax-prep. I had forgotten a coupon, and he kindly worked on my paperwork while I red-lined Herbie back to my apartment...
Wednesday, April 04, 2007
Volcanic Disruption
Due to some physical ailments, studying for work, great road-trips, etc, I haven't worked out in 12 days: not since the epic 15 miler.
It's killing me. I'm irritable as hell. I'm also highly stressed so I've been eating like a fiend. I've probably only gained 3-4 lbs but it feels like 50.
I have never experienced a "runner's high" but I do think that intense exercise is psychologically addictive: the after-glow is awesome, but the real hook is the joy of a new personal best. I was really hoping to break past 15 miles last week but it wasn't to be.
The good news is that I took my beloved Blackbird to the shop this week. I hadn't touched it in SIX months (how is Oct 1 thru Apr 1 six months long? i keep redoing the math). It was so nice to saddle up Herbie again (which I can do blindfolded) and lift that gossamer-light steed out of its stable.
I can't wait for it to get warm again and go for a ride. Out of the 3 sports, the biking is a high-maintenance prima donna. It's expensive and it's relatively hard to do (weather, schlepping stuff to the lake, etc) but it's by far the most fun. A bike brings out the kid in us every time.
No wonder Amsterdam is so peaceful...
ps. This entry is a rambler. The gist (vis-a-vis the title) was going to be the importance of continuity with respect to hobbies/passions. Kinda like "habit" only more powerful. More later...
It's killing me. I'm irritable as hell. I'm also highly stressed so I've been eating like a fiend. I've probably only gained 3-4 lbs but it feels like 50.
I have never experienced a "runner's high" but I do think that intense exercise is psychologically addictive: the after-glow is awesome, but the real hook is the joy of a new personal best. I was really hoping to break past 15 miles last week but it wasn't to be.
The good news is that I took my beloved Blackbird to the shop this week. I hadn't touched it in SIX months (how is Oct 1 thru Apr 1 six months long? i keep redoing the math). It was so nice to saddle up Herbie again (which I can do blindfolded) and lift that gossamer-light steed out of its stable.
I can't wait for it to get warm again and go for a ride. Out of the 3 sports, the biking is a high-maintenance prima donna. It's expensive and it's relatively hard to do (weather, schlepping stuff to the lake, etc) but it's by far the most fun. A bike brings out the kid in us every time.
No wonder Amsterdam is so peaceful...
ps. This entry is a rambler. The gist (vis-a-vis the title) was going to be the importance of continuity with respect to hobbies/passions. Kinda like "habit" only more powerful. More later...
Saturday, March 31, 2007
The Poll of Trust -- What Would You Do?
Today, in the parking lot of a grocery store, I was approached by a man who said he and his wife needed money. He had lost his wallet while driving from Effingham, IL, headed toward Branson, MO. He asked for $25 gas money.
His pitch seemed honest and yet smooth. He was dressed in crisp jeans and a plaid shirt, and claimed to be a carpenter back in southern MO. I was tempted to challenge him with some hardcore carpentry questions but that seemed to relish the power dynamic in the situation. And, despite working in a hardware store for several summers and helping many carpentry projects, I don't have any hardcore carpentry quizzes at hand.
What to do? A scam? He asked for my address so that he could repay me. So he would have $25, my name and address, and (possibly) my license plate info. He also gave me his address.
Sounds like a fun psych experiment to me (and a nice theme-of-the-week for CC dot com). But essentially, I tend to trust people until they give me reason not to.
I gave him the money. We'll see what happens..... Stay tuned.
What what you have done?
His pitch seemed honest and yet smooth. He was dressed in crisp jeans and a plaid shirt, and claimed to be a carpenter back in southern MO. I was tempted to challenge him with some hardcore carpentry questions but that seemed to relish the power dynamic in the situation. And, despite working in a hardware store for several summers and helping many carpentry projects, I don't have any hardcore carpentry quizzes at hand.
What to do? A scam? He asked for my address so that he could repay me. So he would have $25, my name and address, and (possibly) my license plate info. He also gave me his address.
Sounds like a fun psych experiment to me (and a nice theme-of-the-week for CC dot com). But essentially, I tend to trust people until they give me reason not to.
I gave him the money. We'll see what happens..... Stay tuned.
What what you have done?
Talk Nerdy To Me
A fun parlour game among geeks is to compare the power of current gadgets to the toys of yore.
This thing is a USB drive. It is like a modern-day floppy disk, often called a thumb-drive (for its size), and, less frequently, a portable porn pendant.
This one in particular is $160 which is pretty crazy, but get this: it holds 8 Gigabytes. Yow.
In the tradition of the parlour game, I bought a computer in 1996 that had a cavernous, whatcha-gonna-do-with-all-that-space 6 GB hard-drive.
Thursday, March 29, 2007
My Girl's Gonna Play in the Big League
Taking a break from the nervous preps for the New Gig, I went to the St Louis Tri Club meeting the other night.
St Louisans, be proud: your own Sarah Haskins graduated from Parkway South and is now a pro ITU triathlete, ranked #2 in the US and #16 in the world. She spoke at the club meeting at the great Maplewood Bicycle. She was really cool and answered our questions way longer than the alloted time.
Factoid: Drafting on the bikes is illegal in triathlons, but it is impossible to enforce, and causes a lot of controversy. The ITU tri's reverse the problem and encourage drafting, making it a very different, bike-oriented event. ITU came out of the Olympics; the courses often have several "laps" to make the race more spectator friendly.
CC
ps. The title is an allusion to a "cool" song by a Canadian artist. 1000 free CC points for anyone who nails it! Stay tuned for a new campaign on how to cash in your CC points! At CC, we provide "your portal to the Internet" and now "the CC point club".
CC dot com just appears to be all about me, but it's really all about you enjoying things about me.
St Louisans, be proud: your own Sarah Haskins graduated from Parkway South and is now a pro ITU triathlete, ranked #2 in the US and #16 in the world. She spoke at the club meeting at the great Maplewood Bicycle. She was really cool and answered our questions way longer than the alloted time.
Factoid: Drafting on the bikes is illegal in triathlons, but it is impossible to enforce, and causes a lot of controversy. The ITU tri's reverse the problem and encourage drafting, making it a very different, bike-oriented event. ITU came out of the Olympics; the courses often have several "laps" to make the race more spectator friendly.
CC
ps. The title is an allusion to a "cool" song by a Canadian artist. 1000 free CC points for anyone who nails it! Stay tuned for a new campaign on how to cash in your CC points! At CC, we provide "your portal to the Internet" and now "the CC point club".
CC dot com just appears to be all about me, but it's really all about you enjoying things about me.
Monday, March 26, 2007
Sudden Seismic Shift
Well, I still work for my pimp but I'm being put on a new "corner" / client soon... The start date is April 11.
Gah! We don't like massive, work-related change here at CC but have learned how to face it. This is probably good news since the gig is a high-profile challenge, and with some cool people, including a former colleague. Right now, though, it is an adjustment.
Gah! We don't like massive, work-related change here at CC but have learned how to face it. This is probably good news since the gig is a high-profile challenge, and with some cool people, including a former colleague. Right now, though, it is an adjustment.
Sunday, March 25, 2007
Motorin' through MO to MS
This weekend involved a fun road-trip to Memphis! The itinerary included two (2) stops at Lambert's, a down-home, country restaurant that serves up famous fixin's and is a landmark in the area.
It was cool to be back "down south" -- my first jaunt was with Jennifer a few years back. (There is a still a guy who does a stunning number of cartwheels and somersaults down the famous Beale street).
'Tis too late to recap right now... but everything was great and the weather was spectacular. 73 F at 10:30 pm on Sunday night (!)
It was cool to be back "down south" -- my first jaunt was with Jennifer a few years back. (There is a still a guy who does a stunning number of cartwheels and somersaults down the famous Beale street).
'Tis too late to recap right now... but everything was great and the weather was spectacular. 73 F at 10:30 pm on Sunday night (!)
Friday, March 23, 2007
Closin' the Place Down on a Friday Night
No, I didn't close down a dive-bar: I closed the gym.
A very rare Friday night workout... no fanfare, no witty blog narrative, no applause.
I ran 15 miles. This is the furthest I've ever run, and it's a big deal (for me).
The funny thing is that I knew all week I was going to do it, on Friday night. There was no doubt... I think this was due to the psychology of breaking the dreaded 11 mile (treadmill) block a couple of weeks ago.
A very rare Friday night workout... no fanfare, no witty blog narrative, no applause.
I ran 15 miles. This is the furthest I've ever run, and it's a big deal (for me).
The funny thing is that I knew all week I was going to do it, on Friday night. There was no doubt... I think this was due to the psychology of breaking the dreaded 11 mile (treadmill) block a couple of weeks ago.
Birthdays
A happy bday-weekend shout-out to the inimitable Eric B who is leading a posse to Sin City... Here's a poker quote for the tables in Vegas: "quit your whining and help me stack these chips"
And a happy bday-weekend to our guy Bry! BryGuy is solely responsible for my visits to Paris & Amsterdam, and co-responsible for the Big Island last year. He's a master co-ordinator/party logician and has the patience of a saint for those of us that aren't...
And a happy bday-weekend to our guy Bry! BryGuy is solely responsible for my visits to Paris & Amsterdam, and co-responsible for the Big Island last year. He's a master co-ordinator/party logician and has the patience of a saint for those of us that aren't...
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
The Day The Solos Died
It's funny how music & film from the high school days eventually gets sorted out, over time, into various categories ranging from total embarrassment to the sublime.
This guy, Randy Rhoads, was sublime. He died in a tragic plane crash 25 years ago this week and is still a major influence on guitarists (including my brother-in-law and I: one of our first Christmases together was spent downloading Randy stuff). Yes, yes, we can roll our eyes: he played for Ozzy Osbourne. But if you were to pick the best, most influential guitarists of the 1980s, he would be right there with Eddie Van Halen, and yet Randy died in 1982.
Eddie was an (awesome) grinning pixie, with tons of flash and funk. Randy was more studious and cerebral: he doped up standard rock with a heavy influence of classical theory. Though it became an overblown parody, the virtuoso, neo-classical rock of the 1980s spawned from Randy's 2 studio albums. Legions of guitarists read up on weird, esoteric scales and theory, just to emulate his style. (Two of my favorite current guitarists, Joe Satriani and Steve Vai, have enormous respect for Rhoads and knowingly hint at his style on occasion.)
And yet no one could touch him. It is a sports-stadium cliche' now but listen closely to Crazy Train next time you hear it on radio. It's a great rock song with a solo that is quite inspired and yet was meticulously crafted. It's a composition onto itself.
The doubly sad fact for the rock community was that Randy was a quiet, super-nice guy. His dad died young and he supported his mom and family by teaching guitar at her music store. He wrote an instrumental, Dee, in her name (yes, it is in the key of D).
American pie, indeed.
ps. I don't like the weird shrine/religious overtones of visiting a rock-star's grave but when I was at BryGuy's in California, I was well-aware that I was only about 100 miles from the gravesite and the little music store. I'd like to visit one day.
Monday, March 19, 2007
Captaineers
It is well-documented that the Captaineers here at CC HQ are working 24x7 (or at least 8x5) to keep you coming back.
A fascinating bonus is that my tech blog keeps the Captaineers engaged as well. I have given a lot of thought lately to social engineering and the marketing of an online brand.
We, at CC, don't have time to implement all of the great ideas, so here are some freebies... Veritable crumbs from the table for y'all to fight over.
(1) Imagine a blog where author test-drives a different car every weekend. (Minor news: Herbie's heat gauge spiked over the weekend. No coolant = radiator/tube failure)
(2) If only I were younger: a blog where a guy talks to a new girl every day (at bar, grocery store, library, etc) and reports back. Actually, Wired reported that a shy nerd starting blogging about meeting a girl on the subway during their daily commute. The blog became a nationwide sensation. (Yes, he asked her out and she said yes.)
(3) Exposure dot com: some of the entry ideas (for CC and the tech) are so good, that perhaps they should be blogs in their own right. This could be big: one author, many blogs. Very cool.....
A fascinating bonus is that my tech blog keeps the Captaineers engaged as well. I have given a lot of thought lately to social engineering and the marketing of an online brand.
We, at CC, don't have time to implement all of the great ideas, so here are some freebies... Veritable crumbs from the table for y'all to fight over.
(1) Imagine a blog where author test-drives a different car every weekend. (Minor news: Herbie's heat gauge spiked over the weekend. No coolant = radiator/tube failure)
(2) If only I were younger: a blog where a guy talks to a new girl every day (at bar, grocery store, library, etc) and reports back. Actually, Wired reported that a shy nerd starting blogging about meeting a girl on the subway during their daily commute. The blog became a nationwide sensation. (Yes, he asked her out and she said yes.)
(3) Exposure dot com: some of the entry ideas (for CC and the tech) are so good, that perhaps they should be blogs in their own right. This could be big: one author, many blogs. Very cool.....
Sunday, March 18, 2007
Geeks Gone Mild
I'm not 100% sure that I have found my "calling" in computer science, but it is a damn good gig. Here's proof:
1. If I won the big lottery, I wouldn't quit my job in the forseeable future.
2. I have spent almost every waking hour since noon Friday couped up in a hotel with other Java geeks, listening to higher-ranking geeks. And loved it... 5th year in a row for this conference.
1. If I won the big lottery, I wouldn't quit my job in the forseeable future.
2. I have spent almost every waking hour since noon Friday couped up in a hotel with other Java geeks, listening to higher-ranking geeks. And loved it... 5th year in a row for this conference.
Saturday, March 17, 2007
Weirdness from Physics
I'm not a big follower of the emerging (and seemingly vast) taxonomy of sub-atomic particles, but this caught my eye.
From Wired (emphasis added):
One of the zanier notions in the world of quantum mechanics is that a pair of subatomic particles can sometimes (ed: when?) become "entangled". This means that the fate of one instantly affects the other, no matter how far apart they are. It's such a bizarre phenomenon that Einstein dissed the idea in the 1930s as "spooky action at a distance".
But it turns out that the universe is spooky after all. In 1997, scientists separated a pair of entangled photons by shooting them through fiber-optic cables to two villages 6 miles apart. Tipping one into a particular quantum state forced the other into the opposite state at a rate that is 7 million times faster than the speed of light. Of course, according to relativity, nothing travels faster than the speed of light -- not even info between particles.
Even the best theories to explain how entanglement gets around this problem seem preposterous. Ultimately, the answer is bound to be unnerving: according to a famous doctrine called Bell's Inequality, for entanglement to square with relativity, either we have no free will or reality is an illusion.
(Ed: Though perhaps it will explain why paper is strongest at the perforations)
From Wired (emphasis added):
One of the zanier notions in the world of quantum mechanics is that a pair of subatomic particles can sometimes (ed: when?) become "entangled". This means that the fate of one instantly affects the other, no matter how far apart they are. It's such a bizarre phenomenon that Einstein dissed the idea in the 1930s as "spooky action at a distance".
But it turns out that the universe is spooky after all. In 1997, scientists separated a pair of entangled photons by shooting them through fiber-optic cables to two villages 6 miles apart. Tipping one into a particular quantum state forced the other into the opposite state at a rate that is 7 million times faster than the speed of light. Of course, according to relativity, nothing travels faster than the speed of light -- not even info between particles.
Even the best theories to explain how entanglement gets around this problem seem preposterous. Ultimately, the answer is bound to be unnerving: according to a famous doctrine called Bell's Inequality, for entanglement to square with relativity, either we have no free will or reality is an illusion.
(Ed: Though perhaps it will explain why paper is strongest at the perforations)
Friday, March 16, 2007
Lyric Appreciation #2
Oh Celine Dion, you soft-rock my world
Won't you please be mine Celine
I would do anything, if you'd be my girl
Oh, be my girl Celine
I sent you cards and letters, but you don't respond
You play hard to get, but my heart goes on and on (and on and on)
I just wanna say, je aimerez
And i can see your house from my van
-- Celine Dion, The Arrogant Worms
(a soft, acoustic ballad by a band now available on iTunes!!!)
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
The Corporate Gamble
Our hero participates in a standup meeting, with staff ranging from peons to top-brass. Many have worked long hours, and look disheveled. Deadlines are slipping; bugs are found; inter-departmental relations are strained.
As the group leader wraps up the dire situation, our hero sees opportunity:
"Well, there is good news," he says as the group turns toward him.
"I just saved a bunch of money on my car insurance by switching to Geico."
As the group leader wraps up the dire situation, our hero sees opportunity:
"Well, there is good news," he says as the group turns toward him.
"I just saved a bunch of money on my car insurance by switching to Geico."
Sunday, March 11, 2007
Blog 1 Pain 0 (OT)
Our hero steps off the treadmill, panting, and hobbles toward the fountain.
Over 2 hours before, he set out to run "long": a slow, endurance run. Today there would be no swim, no racing against others on nearby treads.
Now, he stands at a crossroad. On the one hand, he has just completed mile 11, tying a personal best for indoor distance. He has tied this record several times, but has never been able to surpass it. On the other hand, all is not well: strange knee cramps at mile 8 were the first symptom in a serious decline of running enjoyment. While other exercisers happily chatted, our hero descended into his own personal hell, running a mile at a time, then stopping to drink and stretch. With each additional mile, the onset of pain began ever sooner.
He bites his lip as he debates the situation. "Injury is completely unacceptable, but where is the line between sore and injured? And yet things gets are getting pretty freaky on that thing.", he muses.
Finally, he steps back on the treadmill and revs up the speed. His thighs feel like jelly, and now the dreaded "chills" have come to visit.
He grimaces and through gritted teeth, mutters, "well, it'll make a good blog entry".
Result: 12 miles and new indoor PR for distance.
Over 2 hours before, he set out to run "long": a slow, endurance run. Today there would be no swim, no racing against others on nearby treads.
Now, he stands at a crossroad. On the one hand, he has just completed mile 11, tying a personal best for indoor distance. He has tied this record several times, but has never been able to surpass it. On the other hand, all is not well: strange knee cramps at mile 8 were the first symptom in a serious decline of running enjoyment. While other exercisers happily chatted, our hero descended into his own personal hell, running a mile at a time, then stopping to drink and stretch. With each additional mile, the onset of pain began ever sooner.
He bites his lip as he debates the situation. "Injury is completely unacceptable, but where is the line between sore and injured? And yet things gets are getting pretty freaky on that thing.", he muses.
Finally, he steps back on the treadmill and revs up the speed. His thighs feel like jelly, and now the dreaded "chills" have come to visit.
He grimaces and through gritted teeth, mutters, "well, it'll make a good blog entry".
Result: 12 miles and new indoor PR for distance.
Saturday, March 10, 2007
Laundry Experiment
I finally performed one of the last, great (if obvious) physics experiments, and am expecting to score a publication in a leading academic journal.
I put a lone sock into a dryer and stood watch over the appliance for 40 minutes, chatting casually with the other tenants of the apartment.
When the machine whirred to stop, I opened the door: empty. From a nearby room, the theme to "The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly" played in the background. In the lint trap, a tiny tumbleweed wafted into the air and onto the floor.
I'm still working out the equations (Rich, send your phone number)...
I put a lone sock into a dryer and stood watch over the appliance for 40 minutes, chatting casually with the other tenants of the apartment.
When the machine whirred to stop, I opened the door: empty. From a nearby room, the theme to "The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly" played in the background. In the lint trap, a tiny tumbleweed wafted into the air and onto the floor.
I'm still working out the equations (Rich, send your phone number)...
Attack-Cat Returns!
Chicago, the feral feline who generally approaches like a streak of black lightning, is alive and well. I was getting worried after the cold snaps of January and February. I don't know what the little bugger is doing but he is clearly resourceful.
And vocal. Friday night, I was walking in my parking lot and heard the familiar mournful howl. I sometimes suspect that Chicago is a "she" and in heat (seriously). Maybe the fiesty fireball imprinted on me as a kitten, and is doomed to some vain, unrequited love. That would be a perfect reversal of my high-school years.
Anyway, I brought out the good stuff -- a tin of Fancy Feast (salmon). Chicago was skittish at first but as I backed away, the power of seafood took over.
And vocal. Friday night, I was walking in my parking lot and heard the familiar mournful howl. I sometimes suspect that Chicago is a "she" and in heat (seriously). Maybe the fiesty fireball imprinted on me as a kitten, and is doomed to some vain, unrequited love. That would be a perfect reversal of my high-school years.
Anyway, I brought out the good stuff -- a tin of Fancy Feast (salmon). Chicago was skittish at first but as I backed away, the power of seafood took over.
Thursday, March 08, 2007
Lyric Appreciation #1
I guess I should've known
By the way you parked your car sideways
That it wouldn't last
-- Prince, Little Red Corvette
By the way you parked your car sideways
That it wouldn't last
-- Prince, Little Red Corvette
Wednesday, March 07, 2007
Feelin' the Bang
Was at work Sunday, Monday until 1 am, and Tuesday until 8 pm.
I once read that for an Islander, there is no greater compliment than to be called a "good worker". No doubt this harkens back to the days of fishing and farming.
True that, whether it be running the "cook crew" at a lobster plant, or displaying Japanese characters correctly on a computer.
CC
I once read that for an Islander, there is no greater compliment than to be called a "good worker". No doubt this harkens back to the days of fishing and farming.
True that, whether it be running the "cook crew" at a lobster plant, or displaying Japanese characters correctly on a computer.
CC
Friday, March 02, 2007
CC Skunkworks: New Themes
At CC, our staff remain committed to innovation and design. During long workouts and meetings, we dream up new ways to slake your thirst for all things "Captain". Hell, we write blog entries on Friday nights.
Keen, longtime readers know that there are certain recurring themes: the Calvin-n-Hobbes triathlon reviews, the rare poems, and Chicago-The-Attack-Cat's escapades.
Here's some more ideas that our "Captaineers" are dreaming up:
-- More polls! The ring poll was a smashing success. The only surprise here is that it took 14 months to do one (polling in bars is a 2nd career).
-- The Picasso book has inspired a new "Enigmatic Art Theme". This will be a post with some work of art, with nary any text and no comments. Intended to present an edgy side of CC, the interpretation will be left to you, dear reader. (This is in stark contrast to issues of politics and taste, where your opinion will be left to me.) There has already been one such posting on this theme. Are these personal comments? Political comments? Who knows?
-- The Confessional: stay tuned for the occasional blog entry where a previously unspoken thought/fear/hope is revealed...
-- The Reality Romance: for some reason, this one may be to much for CC dot com. We are entertaining the thought of documenting interaction with a potential new flame. It gives me the creeps to post such things, for a variety of reasons, but this could be a big lode of material.
As always, feedback is welcome, though possibly ignored or corrected! Please use these themes for your own blogs... they are a good way to inspire entries.
Keen, longtime readers know that there are certain recurring themes: the Calvin-n-Hobbes triathlon reviews, the rare poems, and Chicago-The-Attack-Cat's escapades.
Here's some more ideas that our "Captaineers" are dreaming up:
-- More polls! The ring poll was a smashing success. The only surprise here is that it took 14 months to do one (polling in bars is a 2nd career).
-- The Picasso book has inspired a new "Enigmatic Art Theme". This will be a post with some work of art, with nary any text and no comments. Intended to present an edgy side of CC, the interpretation will be left to you, dear reader. (This is in stark contrast to issues of politics and taste, where your opinion will be left to me.) There has already been one such posting on this theme. Are these personal comments? Political comments? Who knows?
-- The Confessional: stay tuned for the occasional blog entry where a previously unspoken thought/fear/hope is revealed...
-- The Reality Romance: for some reason, this one may be to much for CC dot com. We are entertaining the thought of documenting interaction with a potential new flame. It gives me the creeps to post such things, for a variety of reasons, but this could be a big lode of material.
As always, feedback is welcome, though possibly ignored or corrected! Please use these themes for your own blogs... they are a good way to inspire entries.
To the Critics: Bring It to the Gym
Lately, and yet again last night, I have received several greetings from people where the first thing they say is "OMG you are so thin". With ultra-short hair these days (compared to the long mane of yore), some people even speculate that I'm on chemo. What a pleasant way to catch up with someone.
I also regularly receive unsolicited dieting and hydration advice with respect to working out.
I realize that most of these comments come from those who care, but I assure you that if you plucked a random person from a bar and compared our respective health or fitness levels: chances are good that I win.
I generally have an open-offer to anyone -- who thinks I'm weak or sickly -- to come to the gym and work out with me. We'll have a good old time.... :-)
I also regularly receive unsolicited dieting and hydration advice with respect to working out.
I realize that most of these comments come from those who care, but I assure you that if you plucked a random person from a bar and compared our respective health or fitness levels: chances are good that I win.
I generally have an open-offer to anyone -- who thinks I'm weak or sickly -- to come to the gym and work out with me. We'll have a good old time.... :-)
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
26.2 in the City of Angels
Good luck to BryGuy, his bro (aka Kevster), and his Dad (aka Hilario)... They are walking the LA Marathon this weekend.
If you think that walking a marathon is just like a bad day at the mall with your girlfriend, think again: it's wicked. I did it last year and though it was a lot of fun (due to our gang), by mile 20, I thought the tendons in my feet were pulling away from the bone.
It is still the largest event I've been in yet: thousands and thousands of people. Really great event.
Give 'em hell, BryGuy!
If you think that walking a marathon is just like a bad day at the mall with your girlfriend, think again: it's wicked. I did it last year and though it was a lot of fun (due to our gang), by mile 20, I thought the tendons in my feet were pulling away from the bone.
It is still the largest event I've been in yet: thousands and thousands of people. Really great event.
Give 'em hell, BryGuy!
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
Random Poll
Is there any circumstance where a 30ish woman can wear a ring on her left ring-finger and yet not be married/attached? Not a classic big ol' diamond ring, necessarily -- just a ring.
Let's assume that she's not Batwoman. Actually, as I start to anticipate the answers from the "peanut gallery", I'm beginning to question the wisdom of this poll. Not that the finest blog on the web doesn't have the finest readership, but many of you frighten me.
Let's assume that she's not Batwoman. Actually, as I start to anticipate the answers from the "peanut gallery", I'm beginning to question the wisdom of this poll. Not that the finest blog on the web doesn't have the finest readership, but many of you frighten me.
Monday, February 26, 2007
Go Canada #2
I recently watched a concert video of Rush. They were playing in Frankfurt, Germany. When he addressed the crowd, Geddy Lee said "hello Frankfurt! Let me try this on you..." and then gave a warm welcome in German that sounded well-practiced and authentic.
One got the feeling that they learn the language of most of their host countries. Along with the Barenaked Ladies (who can charm a crowd like nobody's business), they made me proud to be from the Motherland.
One got the feeling that they learn the language of most of their host countries. Along with the Barenaked Ladies (who can charm a crowd like nobody's business), they made me proud to be from the Motherland.
Go Canada #1
There have been a zillion computer languages since the 1950s, but there are relatively few Hall Of Fame languages. There are even fewer Monumentally Important languages.
I will argue that there are 3 languages that are absolutely monumental: Cobol, C, and Java. (Let the flame wars begin!)
Java was invented by a Canadian, who recently received major recognition: the Order of Canada. Many thanks to Fred for passing along the link (from the CBC no less!)
I will argue that there are 3 languages that are absolutely monumental: Cobol, C, and Java. (Let the flame wars begin!)
Java was invented by a Canadian, who recently received major recognition: the Order of Canada. Many thanks to Fred for passing along the link (from the CBC no less!)
Saturday, February 24, 2007
A Good Day in a Good Life
8 am -- swam 2000 meters (1.6 miles)
10:30 am -- piano class. Choked on Danny Boy, rocked Loch Lomond.
12:30 pm -- library, lunch, nap
2:30 pm -- rare 2nd trip to gym. Ran 7 miles
4:30 pm -- read blogs and write this entry
5 pm -- catch up on magazines/taped political news
7:30 pm -- spend time with dear friend and his bro
10:30 am -- piano class. Choked on Danny Boy, rocked Loch Lomond.
12:30 pm -- library, lunch, nap
2:30 pm -- rare 2nd trip to gym. Ran 7 miles
4:30 pm -- read blogs and write this entry
5 pm -- catch up on magazines/taped political news
7:30 pm -- spend time with dear friend and his bro
Thursday, February 22, 2007
Loch Lomond
I've quietly started taking piano lessons again with my beloved, crazy teacher (aka Elton Ron). I'm almost back to where I was in March of 2005. (I essentially took the summer off due to triathlon and other pursuits, which explains my sheepish silence on one of my purportedly "favorite" hobbies).
This story isn't new, but it's a favorite. A couple of years ago in class, ol' Ron cranked out a little number from book 2. I had never heard of it before: Loch Lomond. As he played it, it struck me as being amazingly familiar to the Scot/Celtic tunes from back home. As usual, he made the piano sing blissfully, but there was just something about this particular day. It was also a new key for me (Eb major). I nearly teared up at the way he played the piece. The melody was gorgeous and the arrangement used deep, resonant chords way down low.
I quickly skipped ahead in the book to learn the tune. It was wicked arrangement but I got it in about 2 weeks. Delighted, I wrote to some people back home about my discovery of this "new" song. My Mom replied to the email saying that she was very familiar with the tune: it was a favorite of my grandfather.
I still love cranking it out. It uses a Scot pentatonic scale that gives it the distinctive melody, and I still love, love, love Eb major. I have always thought that the "brightness" and "darkness" of individual keys was just beyond my sensabilities but I have come to understand some of the keys (e.g. C major, G major, and now Eb major). It is a wonderfully warm key.
This story isn't new, but it's a favorite. A couple of years ago in class, ol' Ron cranked out a little number from book 2. I had never heard of it before: Loch Lomond. As he played it, it struck me as being amazingly familiar to the Scot/Celtic tunes from back home. As usual, he made the piano sing blissfully, but there was just something about this particular day. It was also a new key for me (Eb major). I nearly teared up at the way he played the piece. The melody was gorgeous and the arrangement used deep, resonant chords way down low.
I quickly skipped ahead in the book to learn the tune. It was wicked arrangement but I got it in about 2 weeks. Delighted, I wrote to some people back home about my discovery of this "new" song. My Mom replied to the email saying that she was very familiar with the tune: it was a favorite of my grandfather.
I still love cranking it out. It uses a Scot pentatonic scale that gives it the distinctive melody, and I still love, love, love Eb major. I have always thought that the "brightness" and "darkness" of individual keys was just beyond my sensabilities but I have come to understand some of the keys (e.g. C major, G major, and now Eb major). It is a wonderfully warm key.
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Review: Picasso's War
What do you think an artist is? An imbecile who has only eyes? Far from it: he is also a political being, constantly aware of the heartbreaking, the passionate, the delightful... How could it be possible to feel no interest in other people? No, painting is not done to decorate apartments. It is an instrument of war.
-- Pablo Picasso (paraphrased from 1945)
Picasso's War is the story of the 1937 bombing of Gernika, Spain. The attack was executed by nascent Nazi Germany, as a "dry run" of blitzkrieg, on behalf of Franco's rebel forces. There was no advance warning; the Nazis bombed and strafed the defenseless city into ruins in 3 hours. Hundreds of men, women, and children perished.
In particular, the book describes a painting by Picasso -- a rare political statement created in direct response to the attack. Though subject to mixed reviews at its opening in Paris, the work became a legend throughout Spain and, eventually, throughout the world. The Japanese (Hiroshima), Vietnamese (My Lai), and Americans (NYC) all claim a certain kinship with the sentiment.
Based on the strength of Beethoven's Hair, I have bought this book as a gift for friends. I think it is tremendously important work, and I'm grateful to have read it (*whispers* though Beethoven's Hair was more interesting on the whole). Definitely a must-read, but perhaps through the library.
Russell Martin
Russell Martin is another excellent nonfiction writer. He picks the most unusual topics: he has a book dedicated to a painting and another devoted to the story behind a lock of Beethoven's Hair.
Miss Gila gave me Beethoven's Hair as a gift sometime back. Delightful book, though perhaps not as "important" the next entry.
Miss Gila gave me Beethoven's Hair as a gift sometime back. Delightful book, though perhaps not as "important" the next entry.
Monday, February 19, 2007
Good cops, Bad cops, and Vanity
I once heard an excellent description of Bugs Bunny versus Daffy Duck. The secure, happy-go-lucky Bugs was the one you wanted to be; the vain, petty Daffy was the one you feared you were.
Once I opened my eyes to this "good cop/bad cop" duality, it becomes apparent everywhere in pop culture:
-- Bugs and Daffy, as mentioned
-- Hawkeye and Major Frank Burns on MASH
-- Jerry and George Constanza on Seinfeld
-- Jim and Dwight on The Office
and the list goes on. This isn't a list of mere rivals: they are actually psychological archetypes who represent polar opposites on a spectrum of personality "attractiveness". Jim could not be more comfortable in his skin: he is smiley, affable; one senses that he doesn't startle easily. Dwight is wound up tighter than an underwater Swiss watch, and lusts for power and status.
An interesting tie-in to the recent book review (A Mind of Its Own): not only do I identify with the laidback member of these duos, I have actually fancied that I _look_ like some of these guys. I still have a cowboy hat that is a direct knockoff from Hawkeye's; Jim's antics and status in The Office is highly reminiscent to me of my previous regime at "the library company".
And yet, when I look in the mirror and am honest about it, I don't think I especially look like them at all. The vain brain strikes again.
CC
ps. With the exception of Burns, I love, love, love the bad cop in all the duos above. Daffy is awesome. George killed me far more than Kramer ever did. And Dwight is simply divine: there is one show where he dons a volunteer deputy-sheriff outfit so that he can interrogate the staff over drug-testing, due to a half-smoked joint that was found in the parking lot. I haven't actually laughed-out-loud so much in years. He's in an conference room, towering over a petite woman and yells "Your ass is on the line, mister... My ass is on the line!"
I don't want to be like those characters but they are wonderfully ridiculous.
Once I opened my eyes to this "good cop/bad cop" duality, it becomes apparent everywhere in pop culture:
-- Bugs and Daffy, as mentioned
-- Hawkeye and Major Frank Burns on MASH
-- Jerry and George Constanza on Seinfeld
-- Jim and Dwight on The Office
and the list goes on. This isn't a list of mere rivals: they are actually psychological archetypes who represent polar opposites on a spectrum of personality "attractiveness". Jim could not be more comfortable in his skin: he is smiley, affable; one senses that he doesn't startle easily. Dwight is wound up tighter than an underwater Swiss watch, and lusts for power and status.
An interesting tie-in to the recent book review (A Mind of Its Own): not only do I identify with the laidback member of these duos, I have actually fancied that I _look_ like some of these guys. I still have a cowboy hat that is a direct knockoff from Hawkeye's; Jim's antics and status in The Office is highly reminiscent to me of my previous regime at "the library company".
And yet, when I look in the mirror and am honest about it, I don't think I especially look like them at all. The vain brain strikes again.
CC
ps. With the exception of Burns, I love, love, love the bad cop in all the duos above. Daffy is awesome. George killed me far more than Kramer ever did. And Dwight is simply divine: there is one show where he dons a volunteer deputy-sheriff outfit so that he can interrogate the staff over drug-testing, due to a half-smoked joint that was found in the parking lot. I haven't actually laughed-out-loud so much in years. He's in an conference room, towering over a petite woman and yells "Your ass is on the line, mister... My ass is on the line!"
I don't want to be like those characters but they are wonderfully ridiculous.
Thursday, February 15, 2007
Blast from the Past
Oh, YouTube, how I love thee! Let me count the ways.... Twelve. Yes, indeed, 12 ways.
Click here for a blast from the past on Sesame Street
Props to Jess (aka JLC, artiste) for the link...
Looking back, who knew that we grew up on hardcore bop jazz and funk!
Click here for a blast from the past on Sesame Street
Props to Jess (aka JLC, artiste) for the link...
Looking back, who knew that we grew up on hardcore bop jazz and funk!
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
DVD Junkie: Season 2
We be feelin' quite unwell at CC HQ lately, but found time to devour most of Season 2 of The Office.
For years now, I haven't understood watching fiction shows and certainly not Netflix/Tivo etc. I remain on guard against the "cult of Tivo" but having just watched four episodes of said program (from Netflix) and one full commentary, I have clearly ceded the shoreline to the Dark Side.
I blame BryGuy. You are on notice, sir!
Some thoughts (other than the usual plot-spoilers):
-- The theme song has gotta go. I like it as an instrumental though.
-- Less time spent on Michael the manager, please!
-- Of course, Jim and Pam have the most interesting interactions, but I love, love, love Jim and Dwight. Dwight is a Hall of Fame character and an excellent actor, against a backdrop of fantastic actors. Even as I write this, I'm not sure I can say he's my favorite.
-- So many plotlines and shots are fresh... They will hint at something or just get to it without a major song-and-dance. E.g. on Halloween, the staff shows up for work in costume. The manager chides the co-ordinators for not decorating. One woman says
that they had put up all kind of stuff. The shot goes to an ultra-brief flashback of the night before, where the cleaning crew dispassionately vacuum up a bunch of cobwebs. Genius but doubly-so because of the brevity.
I'm hooked.
For years now, I haven't understood watching fiction shows and certainly not Netflix/Tivo etc. I remain on guard against the "cult of Tivo" but having just watched four episodes of said program (from Netflix) and one full commentary, I have clearly ceded the shoreline to the Dark Side.
I blame BryGuy. You are on notice, sir!
Some thoughts (other than the usual plot-spoilers):
-- The theme song has gotta go. I like it as an instrumental though.
-- Less time spent on Michael the manager, please!
-- Of course, Jim and Pam have the most interesting interactions, but I love, love, love Jim and Dwight. Dwight is a Hall of Fame character and an excellent actor, against a backdrop of fantastic actors. Even as I write this, I'm not sure I can say he's my favorite.
-- So many plotlines and shots are fresh... They will hint at something or just get to it without a major song-and-dance. E.g. on Halloween, the staff shows up for work in costume. The manager chides the co-ordinators for not decorating. One woman says
that they had put up all kind of stuff. The shot goes to an ultra-brief flashback of the night before, where the cleaning crew dispassionately vacuum up a bunch of cobwebs. Genius but doubly-so because of the brevity.
I'm hooked.
Monday, February 12, 2007
Tri Results
Gah... what a day. I feel like I have been hit by a bus. I thought I had trained for the 1st tri but man today was a rough day. "Feeling the bang" indeed.
The results are in! I was 9th out of 28. But poignantly, I was 5th out of 6 in my agegroup with 2 dudes finishing within 15 seconds ahead of me. There are no words for the remorse of not pushing it a bit more. Grrr. It will irk me for days to come.
I forgot to mention that the dreaded Jim G was not in this contest. He's more into run-mode to get ready for the StL marathon.
The results are in! I was 9th out of 28. But poignantly, I was 5th out of 6 in my agegroup with 2 dudes finishing within 15 seconds ahead of me. There are no words for the remorse of not pushing it a bit more. Grrr. It will irk me for days to come.
I forgot to mention that the dreaded Jim G was not in this contest. He's more into run-mode to get ready for the StL marathon.
Sunday, February 11, 2007
Sunday Services
Our hero rises before daybreak and travels to the temple.
He is warmly greeted by the congregation. After the introductions, the group bows their head. Introspectively, they reflect on peace, on sin, on suffering. In fact, they suffer. Humbled, many completely accept the Original Sin and other trespasses.
After the service, in the glorious light of day, there is relief and merriment. The members of the congregation break bread together, and warmly exude the manifestations of their reflections, and yet somehow cannot fully express their experience, their soul-searching. It is a peaceful time.
A triathlon is not only a sporting event: it is a church.
He is warmly greeted by the congregation. After the introductions, the group bows their head. Introspectively, they reflect on peace, on sin, on suffering. In fact, they suffer. Humbled, many completely accept the Original Sin and other trespasses.
After the service, in the glorious light of day, there is relief and merriment. The members of the congregation break bread together, and warmly exude the manifestations of their reflections, and yet somehow cannot fully express their experience, their soul-searching. It is a peaceful time.
A triathlon is not only a sporting event: it is a church.
Saturday, February 10, 2007
Indoor Tri
The first tri of the season is Sunday! The swim is at 6:50 am which is pretty crazy, considering I have to be at the Chesterfield JCC 45 minutes prior to the swim. Gah!
I have to start to think about "packing" soon. Some advantages of an indoor:
-- no need for sunscreen, hat, sunglasses
-- no need for bike, pump, helmet, gloves
And, as I say every year, the major downside:
-- placing the treadmill on the back of the car
I have to start to think about "packing" soon. Some advantages of an indoor:
-- no need for sunscreen, hat, sunglasses
-- no need for bike, pump, helmet, gloves
And, as I say every year, the major downside:
-- placing the treadmill on the back of the car
Car Talk
At a gas station, I noticed a guy filling a shiny, black Mini Cooper S. He was about 60, presumably traveling with his wife, and didn't look especially happy.
I wasn't feeling gregarious, but finally decided to stray over and hazard a "how do you like your ride?".
Well. The guy lit up into a broad smile and went on for 5 full minutes about his pride and joy. He was delighted to chat about the ride quality, the 17-inch wheels, the acceleration -- you name it. As our respective pumps shut off, he thanked me profusely for showing interest. His enthusiasm was great (and contagious).
I had forgotten one of my observations as a "street psychologist" -- everyone loves to talk about their ride.
I wasn't feeling gregarious, but finally decided to stray over and hazard a "how do you like your ride?".
Well. The guy lit up into a broad smile and went on for 5 full minutes about his pride and joy. He was delighted to chat about the ride quality, the 17-inch wheels, the acceleration -- you name it. As our respective pumps shut off, he thanked me profusely for showing interest. His enthusiasm was great (and contagious).
I had forgotten one of my observations as a "street psychologist" -- everyone loves to talk about their ride.
Friday, February 09, 2007
Book Review: Thunderstruck
Every so often there is a book that makes me re-realize that TV is a scam, and spurs me to devour the author's oeuvre. This is one.
'Tis a pop history that weaves a murder mystery with the early days of wireless communication. To quote the Esquire review, "So good, you ask yourself how you could not know this already." Highly recommended.
Many thanks to my Uncle Jim and Aunt Barb who gave it to me for Christmas, probably on the recommendation of my sister (whose recommendations over the last few years have been stunning).
Wednesday, February 07, 2007
Nous Bloggons 2
1. Another addition to the blog family... This one from Kendall, a cousin from The Island, and a bit of a kindred spirit, only weirder and far more of an entrepeneur.
I have often thought that K could launch a "prior art" lawsuit against Seinfeld for the Kramer character. Growing up, we had our own young "Cosmo" long before that TV show.
Check it out here
2. Speaking of blogs, there is a major absence in cyberspace. BryGuy is planning a New Year's Eve wedding (which I think is brilliant) and is an uncle (again -- congrats to the fam!). But where's the blog, the portal to his universe?
I have often thought that K could launch a "prior art" lawsuit against Seinfeld for the Kramer character. Growing up, we had our own young "Cosmo" long before that TV show.
Check it out here
2. Speaking of blogs, there is a major absence in cyberspace. BryGuy is planning a New Year's Eve wedding (which I think is brilliant) and is an uncle (again -- congrats to the fam!). But where's the blog, the portal to his universe?
Sunday, February 04, 2007
Prescient of the United States
Long time readers will remember that in Vegas, July 2006, I picked the St Louis Cardinals to win the World Series.
I made 2 other bets that weekend, with BryGuy's bookie tutelage, in July 2006. One was for the Indianapolis Colts to win the Superbowl.
Though these weren't for big money, they do allow me to claim "Sports Prognosticator of the Year".
More proof positive that if my dear readers need help with their sports gambling, investment strategies, career planning, or personal lives: just turn to the Captain. We have you covered.
Saturday, February 03, 2007
January Book Review
A Mind of its Own is a non-fiction work about psychology -- particularly how the brain is spectacularly emotional and vain, to the point that it behaves in its own interests. The audience is the layperson, but there are zillions of references to scholarly works. The writing style is delightful: laidback, yet compelling, and with wonderful wit.
The gist is that many people tend to:
Bend statistics and logic towards reasoning that favours themselves
Abandon strong moral beliefs under certain (yet reasonable) circumstances
React in accordance to learned racial/gender stereotypes before the conscious mind has a chance to vote on the reaction
As one example, note that I wrote "many people" above. Chances are, you read the above list and thought "yes it is sad that so many people are guilty of that. Thank God my friends and I are educated and moved past that reptilian phase". Well, that very thinking is exactly what the book is about. The author argues that everyone has these behaviours, on a deep fundamental level. It is our burden to spot these traits and have the conscious brain override them.
Friday, February 02, 2007
Restaurant Recommendation
If you are in St Louis, go to Queen of Sheba at Olive and Kingsland. The cuisine is east-African food, and it's great stuff.
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Hallelujah
A double Hallelujah today:
First, it isn't January! yes! Happy February, and happy birthday to our dear Ms Traci, dog (and Canadian) rescuer.
And second, 2-3 weeks of surprisingly intense writing/researching have come to fruition. Check out the byline on the latest posting on this website. I'm can't say (yet) that I'm happy with the results but I am definitely happy that the article is written.
The funny thing is, it's not especially long or detailed, and it was considerable work. One is reminded of the quote by Twain, "My apologies for the length of this letter -- I don't have time to make it brief".
First, it isn't January! yes! Happy February, and happy birthday to our dear Ms Traci, dog (and Canadian) rescuer.
And second, 2-3 weeks of surprisingly intense writing/researching have come to fruition. Check out the byline on the latest posting on this website. I'm can't say (yet) that I'm happy with the results but I am definitely happy that the article is written.
The funny thing is, it's not especially long or detailed, and it was considerable work. One is reminded of the quote by Twain, "My apologies for the length of this letter -- I don't have time to make it brief".
Monday, January 29, 2007
Phraseology, eh?
From the back of a Clearly Canadian mineral-water bottle. The example actually made me laugh out-loud.
Give'er n. 1: Canadian colloquialism indicating a desire for something to be put into action. e.g. "Just pop the clutch and give'er"
I miss home sometimes.
Give'er n. 1: Canadian colloquialism indicating a desire for something to be put into action. e.g. "Just pop the clutch and give'er"
I miss home sometimes.
Saturday, January 27, 2007
Resolution 1 January 0
One of my (unstated) goals was to start a technical blog. This is a semi-pro endeavour and a far cry from the chaos and mayhem here at CC HQ.
Like most fields, there are computer science blogs that have become "must-read" websites for us in the discipline. Though many of the authors also write books, the blogs have elevated some of them to rock-star status. That goal is a bit lofty for me, but it would be nice if I was eventually quoted/linked by one of the premier sites.
Longtime readers know that I have transformed the art of mainstream blogging, but do I have "game" when it comes to tech writing? We'll see. If you are interested (and you may not be for long), it is called Code To Joy.
CC
ps. January has been trying to hold me back all month, hence the score. Take this you wretched month! Ha HA!
Like most fields, there are computer science blogs that have become "must-read" websites for us in the discipline. Though many of the authors also write books, the blogs have elevated some of them to rock-star status. That goal is a bit lofty for me, but it would be nice if I was eventually quoted/linked by one of the premier sites.
Longtime readers know that I have transformed the art of mainstream blogging, but do I have "game" when it comes to tech writing? We'll see. If you are interested (and you may not be for long), it is called Code To Joy.
CC
ps. January has been trying to hold me back all month, hence the score. Take this you wretched month! Ha HA!
And The Winner Is...
Enrique won a split-decision last night! His opponent was slightly taller and heavier but after a tentative start, Enrique came right at him, reminiscent of Roberto Duran's old style. Enrique was more disciplined than Duran, though, and only rarely hinted at a wide-open brawl.
His opponent had a large cheering contingent but we tried to make up for it. By the end of it, I felt that Enrique had won but naturally there was a bias. But in the end, after 3 rounds, by a 2-1 decision: E in the blue corner! I think the dissenting judge was in fact the other guy's sister.
Congrats! It was a great night.... Enrique came out to see friends and family afterwards and he was (understandably) stoked. I wonder if he slept last night.
His opponent had a large cheering contingent but we tried to make up for it. By the end of it, I felt that Enrique had won but naturally there was a bias. But in the end, after 3 rounds, by a 2-1 decision: E in the blue corner! I think the dissenting judge was in fact the other guy's sister.
Congrats! It was a great night.... Enrique came out to see friends and family afterwards and he was (understandably) stoked. I wonder if he slept last night.
Thursday, January 25, 2007
Tying the Knot
There's a lot of wedding action going on lately....
Today is my folks' anniversary. Happy Anniversary!
January 26 is quite a day. Some icons have been born on this day, including Wayne Gretzky, Eddie Van Halen, and (in my world) Mozart. (Mozart was probably Jan 27 but time was such an in-exact science back then, eh?). Three dudes who are synonymous with their craft.
Today is my folks' anniversary. Happy Anniversary!
January 26 is quite a day. Some icons have been born on this day, including Wayne Gretzky, Eddie Van Halen, and (in my world) Mozart. (Mozart was probably Jan 27 but time was such an in-exact science back then, eh?). Three dudes who are synonymous with their craft.
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
Another Brick in the Wall
I just realized that the first indoor tri is in 2 weeks or so. Gah!
I picked the "long" course so that I would train more. Unfortunately, I feel into a time-warp so it's crammin' time.... I haven't been on a bike in 4 months!
Tonight I did a brick -- a tri term for a bike-run workout. No one knows the word origin for sure, but it is believed that the "br" comes from "bike-run" and that "brick" is fitting because it's a "hard" workout.
8.25 miles on the bike and a 5 mile run. Not fast, but not bad either...
I picked the "long" course so that I would train more. Unfortunately, I feel into a time-warp so it's crammin' time.... I haven't been on a bike in 4 months!
Tonight I did a brick -- a tri term for a bike-run workout. No one knows the word origin for sure, but it is believed that the "br" comes from "bike-run" and that "brick" is fitting because it's a "hard" workout.
8.25 miles on the bike and a 5 mile run. Not fast, but not bad either...
Monday, January 22, 2007
Smackdown (Corrected)
Editor's note: the match this weekend is in fact a Muay Thai (kickboxing) bout, not MMA. If boxing is checkers, then Muay Thai is Backgammon.
If y'all know Enrique here in StL, then listen up: he's in a martial-art match this weekend! This is finally it: a real bout (not an exhibition).
For those who don't know, MMA (aka UFC) is basically a combination of kick-boxing, wrestling, and a variety of marital arts. As one wag put it: MMA is chess to boxing's checkers. (Though violent it has moments of true beauty and surprising sportsmanship. Unlike boxing, there is no shame in calling "uncle" when in a submission hold -- esp. considering your arm or leg is about to be broken.)
Everyone who knows Enrique knows that he is passionate about training. He's a student, a teacher, a gent, a warrior, and not bloody likely to see me in the octagon against him.
Email me (or him) for details...
And for Enrique, I wish him Wensei-Wabe-Wanabi: will it, wage it, win it.
If y'all know Enrique here in StL, then listen up: he's in a martial-art match this weekend! This is finally it: a real bout (not an exhibition).
For those who don't know, MMA (aka UFC) is basically a combination of kick-boxing, wrestling, and a variety of marital arts. As one wag put it: MMA is chess to boxing's checkers. (Though violent it has moments of true beauty and surprising sportsmanship. Unlike boxing, there is no shame in calling "uncle" when in a submission hold -- esp. considering your arm or leg is about to be broken.)
Everyone who knows Enrique knows that he is passionate about training. He's a student, a teacher, a gent, a warrior, and not bloody likely to see me in the octagon against him.
Email me (or him) for details...
And for Enrique, I wish him Wensei-Wabe-Wanabi: will it, wage it, win it.
Sunday, January 21, 2007
2007's Stock Is Going Up
Here's the ingredients for a great weekend:
-- a fun lunch with Jennifer/JAK at House of India, with a random run-in with BryGuy and KimPossible
-- a big 3-0 bday bash at The Melting Pot (fondue place) with Jess/Judgie and her crew, with the soundtrack of the evening being the 1980s hit "Final Countdown"
-- a wonderful brunch with Fred, Stacey, and the ever-adorable Liv
-- monstrous progress on a writing assignment for work
-- add some gym and piano to taste, sprinkle heat and car electricity on top
2007 is getting better....
-- a fun lunch with Jennifer/JAK at House of India, with a random run-in with BryGuy and KimPossible
-- a big 3-0 bday bash at The Melting Pot (fondue place) with Jess/Judgie and her crew, with the soundtrack of the evening being the 1980s hit "Final Countdown"
-- a wonderful brunch with Fred, Stacey, and the ever-adorable Liv
-- monstrous progress on a writing assignment for work
-- add some gym and piano to taste, sprinkle heat and car electricity on top
2007 is getting better....
Till Laser-Removal Do Us Part
I'm a fan of various ways that people get married and esp. how marriage proposals are made. There are often great stories in such moments.
I heard one about a friend-of-a-friend on Friday: the guy, a tattoo-artist, had a tattoo done on his arm. Yes, you guessed it: "will you marry me?". He unveiled it at a romantic dinner. Quite a gamble, n'est-ce-pas?
She said "yes". No word yet on whether they will ask the guests to RSVP with ink of their own. Though I think he should get "She said yes" on his other arm.
I heard one about a friend-of-a-friend on Friday: the guy, a tattoo-artist, had a tattoo done on his arm. Yes, you guessed it: "will you marry me?". He unveiled it at a romantic dinner. Quite a gamble, n'est-ce-pas?
She said "yes". No word yet on whether they will ask the guests to RSVP with ink of their own. Though I think he should get "She said yes" on his other arm.
Thursday, January 18, 2007
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
Back in Black
Herbie (the car) has had the battery replaced, and the maintenance crew at the apartment changed the thermostat, so we return to our usual level of webcasting excellence here at CC HQ, basking in a balmy 68 F.
I have taken on a writing assignment for work, which is not making much progress, due to the delays of real life. This is the source for much of the stress latent in the other posting. But once I make some headway (tonight?!), and get a few good workouts in at the gym, life will be Grand once more.
Many thanks to Traci who has been fantastic through all this...
I have taken on a writing assignment for work, which is not making much progress, due to the delays of real life. This is the source for much of the stress latent in the other posting. But once I make some headway (tonight?!), and get a few good workouts in at the gym, life will be Grand once more.
Many thanks to Traci who has been fantastic through all this...
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Impulsive Reflection on 2007
Our hero writes again from Traci's, who is drafting a lease and rental agreement (and duly so).
Woke up Tuesday am... apartment had power but it was 53 F.
Car wouldn't start. Taxi to work.
Mercifully, the car started later in the afternoon, but the apt was 45 F. That's about 7 C.
2007 had better start getting a whole lot better for me and others, or I'm returning to last year. I will spare readers profanity but this was not a fun day.
Woke up Tuesday am... apartment had power but it was 53 F.
Car wouldn't start. Taxi to work.
Mercifully, the car started later in the afternoon, but the apt was 45 F. That's about 7 C.
2007 had better start getting a whole lot better for me and others, or I'm returning to last year. I will spare readers profanity but this was not a fun day.
Monday, January 15, 2007
Dean K revisited
This dispatch is from CC HQ, where there is light and it's 68 F....
I've written on Dean Karnazes in the past. He's a freak. He did 50 marathons in 50 days in the fall of '06, starting with Missouri's own Lewis & Clark (which was walked by many friends).
I knew that he eats everything when he runs (cheeseburgers, pizza, sundaes), but I didn't know that he keeps a super-strict diet when not on the road/trail. It makes perfect sense though: this is how he stays buff and, especially, enhances positive-reinforcement for running. Imagine eating salad for 2 days and knowing that you can eat junk once you hit the road. Brilliant... No wonder he runs for so long.
I've written on Dean Karnazes in the past. He's a freak. He did 50 marathons in 50 days in the fall of '06, starting with Missouri's own Lewis & Clark (which was walked by many friends).
I knew that he eats everything when he runs (cheeseburgers, pizza, sundaes), but I didn't know that he keeps a super-strict diet when not on the road/trail. It makes perfect sense though: this is how he stays buff and, especially, enhances positive-reinforcement for running. Imagine eating salad for 2 days and knowing that you can eat junk once you hit the road. Brilliant... No wonder he runs for so long.
Sunday, January 14, 2007
On The Road Again
Your humble cyber-scriber writes from T-Dog's yet again. No, it isn't car trouble: it's a power outage back at CC HQ. The timing is not great, but I'm grateful (greatful?) to be sharing home and hearth with Traci.
peace out from Olivette
CC
peace out from Olivette
CC
Random Holiday Memories #1
Some random thoughts...
My friend Phil and I go back until about 2 years old. He and his lovely wife, Tanya, have a child, Erika, who I met while back home. It's pretty wild to see an old chum enter a whole new stage of life.... esp. since I am happily frozen (spiritually, emotionally, grammatically) in 1988!
My cousin, Richard, is the Indiana Jones of the family. He has been to Korea, Britain, Greece, and, in 2006, Egypt. He regaled us with stories of his adventures. Double-the-fun: he's a high-school teacher and his trip are often as chaperone, which amps the hijinx factor.
Biggest regret: not hearing my bro-in-law, Dave, play guitar. He's very good. Though we had a fun day at Christmas.
My friend Phil and I go back until about 2 years old. He and his lovely wife, Tanya, have a child, Erika, who I met while back home. It's pretty wild to see an old chum enter a whole new stage of life.... esp. since I am happily frozen (spiritually, emotionally, grammatically) in 1988!
My cousin, Richard, is the Indiana Jones of the family. He has been to Korea, Britain, Greece, and, in 2006, Egypt. He regaled us with stories of his adventures. Double-the-fun: he's a high-school teacher and his trip are often as chaperone, which amps the hijinx factor.
Biggest regret: not hearing my bro-in-law, Dave, play guitar. He's very good. Though we had a fun day at Christmas.
Saturday, January 13, 2007
Seinfeld, Live
I saw Jerry Seinfeld at The Fabulous Fox Theatre last night. It was overpriced and we sat in the nosebleeds, and yet it was completely worth it. Hilarious.... A true master at work. Though I do think George Carlin should get a residual royalty check (Carlin's act pioneered "everyday things", I think....).
CC
ps. A downer at the end of the night was more car woes... I think a frozen starter/solenoid or possibly a old battery that doesn't have enough chutpzah to turn a cold engine. gah! Writing this blog entry at T-Dog's Bed and Breakfast
CC
ps. A downer at the end of the night was more car woes... I think a frozen starter/solenoid or possibly a old battery that doesn't have enough chutpzah to turn a cold engine. gah! Writing this blog entry at T-Dog's Bed and Breakfast
Thursday, January 11, 2007
Announcing micro-posts
The Canadian news magazine, Maclean's, did a complete redesign last year. One new feature is the apostro-leaf. The apostrophe in the title is a maple leaf; they claim that each month it will be different.
Using that as inspiration, this blog announces the micro-post: a rotating tagline as the title. As more and more people set their home page to be this blog, it is becoming a portal to the Internet. With the "micro-post", people can enjoy a little news blurb more often, quenching their thirst for CC updates. An added bonus: the micro-post will change at a random schedule: who knows when the next bite will show up?!
Using that as inspiration, this blog announces the micro-post: a rotating tagline as the title. As more and more people set their home page to be this blog, it is becoming a portal to the Internet. With the "micro-post", people can enjoy a little news blurb more often, quenching their thirst for CC updates. An added bonus: the micro-post will change at a random schedule: who knows when the next bite will show up?!
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
It's Knot Magic
Here is an interesting article: ancient Incan strings/ropes may have been a form of writing.
Quoteth:
Yet, if centuries of scholarship are to be believed, the Inca, whose rule began 2,000 years after Homer, never figured out how to write. It's an enigma known as the Inca paradox, and for nearly 500 years it has stood as one of the great historical puzzles of the Americas. But now a Harvard anthropologist named Gary Urton may be close to untangling the mystery.
Quoteth:
Yet, if centuries of scholarship are to be believed, the Inca, whose rule began 2,000 years after Homer, never figured out how to write. It's an enigma known as the Inca paradox, and for nearly 500 years it has stood as one of the great historical puzzles of the Americas. But now a Harvard anthropologist named Gary Urton may be close to untangling the mystery.
Tuesday, January 09, 2007
Cupid Went Down To Georgia
Some dear friends had a much better New Year's than I...
BryGuy and his delightful flame, Ms C, went down to balmy Georgia, and came back all smiles. They are gettin' hitched! Rejoice!!!!! This is fantastic news.
BryGuy and his delightful flame, Ms C, went down to balmy Georgia, and came back all smiles. They are gettin' hitched! Rejoice!!!!! This is fantastic news.
I Fold
I have uninstalled an "online poker" game from my computer. It was a game to play the ubiquitous Texas Hold Em on the net (for fake money).
This is very good news for me, blog fans, and the other players online, who might start winning again.
CC
ps. I whole-heartedly recommend spontaneous, impulsive un-installation of software. Think about your time-killer, then delete it!
This is very good news for me, blog fans, and the other players online, who might start winning again.
CC
ps. I whole-heartedly recommend spontaneous, impulsive un-installation of software. Think about your time-killer, then delete it!
Sunday, January 07, 2007
Year of the Captain
Due to illness, I have been remiss in writing about goals for 2007.
However, now, as I look around, it's just you and I in this giant ballroom. The faux-resolutioners are gone. There's nothing here but a mess of plates and wine glasses; streamers and balloons lay scattered on the floor; a tattered "Happy 2007" banner hangs awkwardly from the ceiling. You can hear echoes reverberating through the place as the band packs their equipment onto the bus.
Since the poseurs are gone, let's get serious, shall we? None of these "I'd like to lose weight" vagueries. No "I might volunteer for some non-determined charitable cause". Let's get down with some serious accountability and realism.
Here are mine:
-- Finish the 1/2 Ironman triathlon in Mattoon, IL, Sept 07
-- Complete a full marathon without walking
-- Figure out how to post "What I'm Reading" on blogspot and keep it active: at least a book a month (on top of tech books and the zillion magazines)
-- Learn at least one song (on piano) a month. No longer than a week straight without playing.
-- Get back to Europe and/or Paris.
and yours? They don't have to be anything like mine: just share 'em!
C.C.
ps. Bonus points if I do the 1/3 Ironman tri in Aug 07 and then the 1/2. I think I can do the 1/3 but both fitness goals listed above are definitely outside my comfort-zone. And yet possibly achievable. We'll see.
However, now, as I look around, it's just you and I in this giant ballroom. The faux-resolutioners are gone. There's nothing here but a mess of plates and wine glasses; streamers and balloons lay scattered on the floor; a tattered "Happy 2007" banner hangs awkwardly from the ceiling. You can hear echoes reverberating through the place as the band packs their equipment onto the bus.
Since the poseurs are gone, let's get serious, shall we? None of these "I'd like to lose weight" vagueries. No "I might volunteer for some non-determined charitable cause". Let's get down with some serious accountability and realism.
Here are mine:
-- Finish the 1/2 Ironman triathlon in Mattoon, IL, Sept 07
-- Complete a full marathon without walking
-- Figure out how to post "What I'm Reading" on blogspot and keep it active: at least a book a month (on top of tech books and the zillion magazines)
-- Learn at least one song (on piano) a month. No longer than a week straight without playing.
-- Get back to Europe and/or Paris.
and yours? They don't have to be anything like mine: just share 'em!
C.C.
ps. Bonus points if I do the 1/3 Ironman tri in Aug 07 and then the 1/2. I think I can do the 1/3 but both fitness goals listed above are definitely outside my comfort-zone. And yet possibly achievable. We'll see.
Three-peat
Pro sports can differ greatly in finding the "Next One" -- the next prodigy. Football's talent pool is college; baseball's pool is Latin America.
Hockey's talent tool is comprised of "the junior leagues": amateur leagues for kids of ages 17-19 (roughly). This is real hockey: testosterone-fueled offense and, at times, intense "discussions" with the gloves off.
The biggest stage for these kids is the World Junior Championships. Canada is almost always in the finals, but the late 1990s, we lost our way, often losing to Russia (very bad) and once to the USA (much, much worse).
But universe is starting to correct itself, and 2007 is starting off right... Canada won its 3rd straight championship on Friday (over Russia, no less) !
Hockey's talent tool is comprised of "the junior leagues": amateur leagues for kids of ages 17-19 (roughly). This is real hockey: testosterone-fueled offense and, at times, intense "discussions" with the gloves off.
The biggest stage for these kids is the World Junior Championships. Canada is almost always in the finals, but the late 1990s, we lost our way, often losing to Russia (very bad) and once to the USA (much, much worse).
But universe is starting to correct itself, and 2007 is starting off right... Canada won its 3rd straight championship on Friday (over Russia, no less) !
Thursday, January 04, 2007
Comparing Bricks and Clicks
I went to Blockbuster this weekend.
They carry season 2 of The Office but not season 1. Strike.
I rented season 2 only to find out that there are only a few episodes per disc. Strike (ok, against me for thinking that they put entire seasons on one disc).
I could have gone to their website, but instead tried Netflix. I tried searching for 5 titles, getting increasingly esoteric from my art-house days (has anyone seen Tous Les Matins Du Monde -- anyone, anyone?). They had all of 'em.
Strike. See ya Blockbuster!?! I never thought I would subscribe to Netflix but this was impressive.... I also saw a spot on them on 60 Minutes -- the power of pseudo-advertising?
They carry season 2 of The Office but not season 1. Strike.
I rented season 2 only to find out that there are only a few episodes per disc. Strike (ok, against me for thinking that they put entire seasons on one disc).
I could have gone to their website, but instead tried Netflix. I tried searching for 5 titles, getting increasingly esoteric from my art-house days (has anyone seen Tous Les Matins Du Monde -- anyone, anyone?). They had all of 'em.
Strike. See ya Blockbuster!?! I never thought I would subscribe to Netflix but this was impressive.... I also saw a spot on them on 60 Minutes -- the power of pseudo-advertising?
Wednesday, January 03, 2007
The Original Arch-Rival
It was a great marketing campaign back home. Generally, people were very responsive to the CaptainCanuck brand -- I coerced some to even set their browser defaults to be the blog. Everything was going great... Part of me couldn't wait to get to StL in 07 and write. After all, I have fans in 2 countries who would be turning to me for guidance in the new year: resolutions, fitness tips, philosophy -- you name it.
Then the cold, and then the flu, and now the malaise. I'm in a colossal struggle with a foe far worse than the nefarious Jim G. It is a virulent strain of complacency. Though I feel much better and am reasonably rested, I am hacking/coughing constantly and couldn't care less about writing, exercise, or music. Not good.
This is how is starts... Sickness is a great excuse for a few days but then the days turn into a week and then it is just a "bad month". I always straighten the course after a couple of months but there's too much at stake for a layoff like that this time....
So I sat at the keyboard (piano) tonight and just played something: anything. Just fun stuff. And I sit here now writing a blog entry. Neither profound, nor amusing, but something.
And in so doing I have just driven my elbow into complacency's gut, in an attempt to free myself from its grip.
This weekend: the gym, the resolutions, and a new blog. The CC brand catapaults into the new year!
Then the cold, and then the flu, and now the malaise. I'm in a colossal struggle with a foe far worse than the nefarious Jim G. It is a virulent strain of complacency. Though I feel much better and am reasonably rested, I am hacking/coughing constantly and couldn't care less about writing, exercise, or music. Not good.
This is how is starts... Sickness is a great excuse for a few days but then the days turn into a week and then it is just a "bad month". I always straighten the course after a couple of months but there's too much at stake for a layoff like that this time....
So I sat at the keyboard (piano) tonight and just played something: anything. Just fun stuff. And I sit here now writing a blog entry. Neither profound, nor amusing, but something.
And in so doing I have just driven my elbow into complacency's gut, in an attempt to free myself from its grip.
This weekend: the gym, the resolutions, and a new blog. The CC brand catapaults into the new year!
Monday, January 01, 2007
The Proverbial Blank Slate
It was good to be home and good to be back. Sadly a wicked combo of cold/flu made the trip iffy, but no worries in Zee Grand Schemen....
I had hoped to write about the new year, both from a personal standpoint, and for the future of the blog. Alas, today's not the day for that.
Happy New Year! We all have a giant, blank canvas in front of us with tons of fingerpaint... What will we draw this year?
I had hoped to write about the new year, both from a personal standpoint, and for the future of the blog. Alas, today's not the day for that.
Happy New Year! We all have a giant, blank canvas in front of us with tons of fingerpaint... What will we draw this year?
Back in the USSA
(sung to the tune of the Beatles song)
Flew in from Charlottetown BOAC
Didn't get to bed last night.
On the way a paperbag was on my knee,
man, I had a dreadful flight.
I'm back in the USSA
You don't know how lucky you are boy
Been away so long I hardly new the place
Gee I have to clean my home.
Leave it till tomorrow to unpack my case,
Honey I'll lie here and groan.
I'm back in the USSA
Flew in from Charlottetown BOAC
Didn't get to bed last night.
On the way a paperbag was on my knee,
man, I had a dreadful flight.
I'm back in the USSA
You don't know how lucky you are boy
Been away so long I hardly new the place
Gee I have to clean my home.
Leave it till tomorrow to unpack my case,
Honey I'll lie here and groan.
I'm back in the USSA
Thursday, December 28, 2006
Captain Canuck 2007
Our hero gently tings his fork against the wine glass. Family and friends, dining at the festive Christmas dinner table, pause with anticipation; he stands for his big announcement:
"I want to proudly unveil plans for a new, subscription-based blog that highlights the adventures of Captain Canuck. This blog would build on the current offering with all-new anecdotes, video files (in collaboration with YouTube), message alerts with the latest news about CC, and a modest monthly fee. Some of the proceeds might go to World Vision (to help those in need in Africa)! "
Our hero flees the room, shielding his head from the deluge of dinner rolls that rain down.
"I have to find a different focus group", he sighs...
"I want to proudly unveil plans for a new, subscription-based blog that highlights the adventures of Captain Canuck. This blog would build on the current offering with all-new anecdotes, video files (in collaboration with YouTube), message alerts with the latest news about CC, and a modest monthly fee. Some of the proceeds might go to World Vision (to help those in need in Africa)! "
Our hero flees the room, shielding his head from the deluge of dinner rolls that rain down.
"I have to find a different focus group", he sighs...
Brother, can you spare some time? (on your tread)
To mitigate the caloric onslaught of the holidays, I brought home some workout attire. I have been beg/borrow/stealing workouts everywhere, esp. at the new CARI complex at UPEI which is fantastic.
So far: 2000 m swim , 13 miles run, over 3 days.
An unexpected bonus is that I have re-discovered the importance of doing normal stuff on extended trips. It really reduces the "culture shock" and being immersed in a different world (even if it is the venerated "home home").
So far: 2000 m swim , 13 miles run, over 3 days.
An unexpected bonus is that I have re-discovered the importance of doing normal stuff on extended trips. It really reduces the "culture shock" and being immersed in a different world (even if it is the venerated "home home").
iPod Newbie
Does anyone (e.g. Binky) know if the iPod Shuffle has an accessory to play it through speakers/stereo? Just curious... Of course the iPod has tons of 'em but I'm not sure about the shuffle.
Gift Cage-Match
This is a tale of 2 gifts that I received from my immediate family.
In the left corner, it's the iPod Shuffle. This tiny micro-player is my first entry into the next generation of media players. I have long been hooked on the musical crack of iTunes, but now I can get a fix on the fly. There is even potential that ol' Herbie (the car) will be catapaulted into the 21st century (via an adapter).
In the right corner, it's World Vision Canada. Binky, my sister, and others have been giving gifts to needy families in the 3rd world. A family in Africa received a rooster and 2 hens in my name. Very cool indeed....
And so the showdown comes down to benevolent charity versus hip marketing. It seems like a lock, but if anyone can out-hip social justice, it's Steve Jobs, wearing black. Zounds! The contest looks like it will end in an uneasy draw, save for the fact that the rooster, being the beneficiary of an aviary menage-a-trois, tips the scales.... Rejoice!
World Vision 1 Apple 0
In the left corner, it's the iPod Shuffle. This tiny micro-player is my first entry into the next generation of media players. I have long been hooked on the musical crack of iTunes, but now I can get a fix on the fly. There is even potential that ol' Herbie (the car) will be catapaulted into the 21st century (via an adapter).
In the right corner, it's World Vision Canada. Binky, my sister, and others have been giving gifts to needy families in the 3rd world. A family in Africa received a rooster and 2 hens in my name. Very cool indeed....
And so the showdown comes down to benevolent charity versus hip marketing. It seems like a lock, but if anyone can out-hip social justice, it's Steve Jobs, wearing black. Zounds! The contest looks like it will end in an uneasy draw, save for the fact that the rooster, being the beneficiary of an aviary menage-a-trois, tips the scales.... Rejoice!
World Vision 1 Apple 0
Wednesday, December 27, 2006
Year in Review #3
Random Highlights of 2006
-- Hawaii. Esp. sitting in a car with 3 dear friends, listening to the waves crash into the volcanic rock at twilight. Jeff Buckley's version of Hallelujah playing on the stereo. It was something to be near the ocean (i.e. home) and yet not, listening to a familiar song (and yet not).
-- Summer. An evening in the middle of Missouri. Booze, guns, 4-wheelers. Bombing along a dark country road on the 4-wheeler with my Bobbi McGee, a blonde bombshell, holding on to me for dear life. The summer was one of those that they write songs about. It will always seem 10 times longer than it really was. A la Calvin and Hobbes: the days were just packed.
-- Career. Finally changing employers! Jump!
-- Fitness. As is well-documented, catching my arch-rival on the run after overcoming a 20-minute deficit in the longest tri to-date. It was my own modest Olympic gold.
-- Music. It is cheesy but I learned a gorgeous arrangement of "Danny Boy" in the spring on keys, before abandoning the instrument for the summer adventure. Often, the old die-hard tunes are that way for good reason.
-- Hawaii. Esp. sitting in a car with 3 dear friends, listening to the waves crash into the volcanic rock at twilight. Jeff Buckley's version of Hallelujah playing on the stereo. It was something to be near the ocean (i.e. home) and yet not, listening to a familiar song (and yet not).
-- Summer. An evening in the middle of Missouri. Booze, guns, 4-wheelers. Bombing along a dark country road on the 4-wheeler with my Bobbi McGee, a blonde bombshell, holding on to me for dear life. The summer was one of those that they write songs about. It will always seem 10 times longer than it really was. A la Calvin and Hobbes: the days were just packed.
-- Career. Finally changing employers! Jump!
-- Fitness. As is well-documented, catching my arch-rival on the run after overcoming a 20-minute deficit in the longest tri to-date. It was my own modest Olympic gold.
-- Music. It is cheesy but I learned a gorgeous arrangement of "Danny Boy" in the spring on keys, before abandoning the instrument for the summer adventure. Often, the old die-hard tunes are that way for good reason.
Monday, December 25, 2006
Upon Further Review
Doug Greene 1 Bing Crosby 0
Original here
ps. Mrs Stacey voted for Angels We Have Heard On High -- 'twas the last carol sung at our service.
Original here
ps. Mrs Stacey voted for Angels We Have Heard On High -- 'twas the last carol sung at our service.
Saturday, December 23, 2006
Travel Observations
-- All women in Chicago wear a black, 3/4-length winter coat. Personal style is manifested via fabric selection: sleek leather, suede, wool, etc.
-- If the creationists want evidence that humans evolved from primates, here it is: watch a group of people de-board an aircraft.
-- Montreal's airport could really use some clocks, and perhaps baggage-handlers who made the big leap to walking erect. (You can make up your own jokes here).
-- It's good to be home! It won't be a white Christmas this year, but c'est la vie, n'est-ce-pas?
-- If the creationists want evidence that humans evolved from primates, here it is: watch a group of people de-board an aircraft.
-- Montreal's airport could really use some clocks, and perhaps baggage-handlers who made the big leap to walking erect. (You can make up your own jokes here).
-- It's good to be home! It won't be a white Christmas this year, but c'est la vie, n'est-ce-pas?
Friday, December 22, 2006
A Hallucenogenic Christmas
I wrote a blog entry about "Christmas in the Trenches" but I'm not in an "earnest" mood. So:
I believed in Santa until I was 12, long after the other kids cynically huffed on their cigarettes and laughed mirthlessly at the bitter revelation.
My belief was mostly predicated on the fact that on Christmas Eve, when I was 5, I awoke late at night and, beside myself with excitement, I looked out my bedroom window. I swear, I saw him in the sky, just like in the poem.
It is not clear if I had drunk from the wrong punch bowl that evening, or if Mom had perhaps dropped some acid while I was in the womb. Maybe I was having a "rite of passage" vision, like the Iroquois. I don't know, but I saw him...
And to be honest, I'm still not convinced it's a scam. Though from the excerpt below I wonder if he uses cocaine.
Excerpteth:
And filled all the stockings; then turned with a jerk,
And laying his finger aside of his nose,
And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose;
He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,
And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.
But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight,
"Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night."
I'm outta here... The next dispatch will be from The Island. Have a peaceful holiday, everyone.
I believed in Santa until I was 12, long after the other kids cynically huffed on their cigarettes and laughed mirthlessly at the bitter revelation.
My belief was mostly predicated on the fact that on Christmas Eve, when I was 5, I awoke late at night and, beside myself with excitement, I looked out my bedroom window. I swear, I saw him in the sky, just like in the poem.
It is not clear if I had drunk from the wrong punch bowl that evening, or if Mom had perhaps dropped some acid while I was in the womb. Maybe I was having a "rite of passage" vision, like the Iroquois. I don't know, but I saw him...
And to be honest, I'm still not convinced it's a scam. Though from the excerpt below I wonder if he uses cocaine.
Excerpteth:
And filled all the stockings; then turned with a jerk,
And laying his finger aside of his nose,
And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose;
He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,
And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.
But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight,
"Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night."
I'm outta here... The next dispatch will be from The Island. Have a peaceful holiday, everyone.
Loss
I don't think it is my place to blog on this, and yet I can't write without acknowledging it.
The Island lost a good man this week. He will be missed.
I could blog a dandy story that I will remember forever, but it feels wrong. Many of you have heard it.
The Island lost a good man this week. He will be missed.
I could blog a dandy story that I will remember forever, but it feels wrong. Many of you have heard it.
Wednesday, December 20, 2006
Confessions of A Pirate
I found a tune called "He's A Pirate" on iTunes from the Pirates of the Caribbean soundtrack. I listen to it way more than I should -- I have it on repeat while I shave lately (!).
It's a heroic, orchestral piece, in a bombastic, "classical" style, but this is not great art -- it's total popcorn (and yet you or I should try and write something as good), but I've come to realize how big the music was for those Pirate movies.
It also has me re-evaluating my stance of not listening to music when working out or competing. The absolute highlight of the year from a physical standpoint was overcoming a 20 minute headstart by my arch-rival during the Lake StL tri. This tune would have been perfectuoso when he came into view on the road ahead during the run.
My delusions of grandeur probably would have caught fire and I would have just burned up on the spot.
It's a heroic, orchestral piece, in a bombastic, "classical" style, but this is not great art -- it's total popcorn (and yet you or I should try and write something as good), but I've come to realize how big the music was for those Pirate movies.
It also has me re-evaluating my stance of not listening to music when working out or competing. The absolute highlight of the year from a physical standpoint was overcoming a 20 minute headstart by my arch-rival during the Lake StL tri. This tune would have been perfectuoso when he came into view on the road ahead during the run.
My delusions of grandeur probably would have caught fire and I would have just burned up on the spot.
Monday, December 18, 2006
It's Beginning To Sound Like Christmas
Binky has a lovely post about favorite Christmas carols.
Here are some of mine... It's hard to pick because so many of them are brilliant.
4. The Little Drummer Boy. I remember watching some animated TV special when I was 7 and this song choked me up before I even knew what "choked up" was. Naturally the best version is with Bing Crosby and David Bowie.
3. I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas. Berlin was fantastic and this tune is the one for being away from family. I've been away a couple of times and it is so true that "i'll be there in my dreams". I generally don't have sad Christmas's when away, because I just think of all the great ones.
2. O Holy Night. You haven't lived until you come out to the late (11 pm!) Christmas Eve service at a small church back on PEI, and see the soloist (Doug Green) do this one up right. More than once, when he nails it, I have whispered, breathlessly, to myself that it was worth the entire trip home.
1. Christmas in Killarney. I can't believe this is #1. My sister and I used to play an ancient LP called Merry Christmas (NOT White Christmas) by Bing Crosby and the Andrews sisters. One side was devotional; the other side was secular. Many tunes had that big band sound. Two of them were so cheesy that I wonder if they were written especially for the album: Mele Kalikimaka (a Hawaiian romp) and Christmas in Killarney, an Irish wannabe. Both are incredibly cheesy but C in K is delightful.
and yours?
Here are some of mine... It's hard to pick because so many of them are brilliant.
4. The Little Drummer Boy. I remember watching some animated TV special when I was 7 and this song choked me up before I even knew what "choked up" was. Naturally the best version is with Bing Crosby and David Bowie.
3. I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas. Berlin was fantastic and this tune is the one for being away from family. I've been away a couple of times and it is so true that "i'll be there in my dreams". I generally don't have sad Christmas's when away, because I just think of all the great ones.
2. O Holy Night. You haven't lived until you come out to the late (11 pm!) Christmas Eve service at a small church back on PEI, and see the soloist (Doug Green) do this one up right. More than once, when he nails it, I have whispered, breathlessly, to myself that it was worth the entire trip home.
1. Christmas in Killarney. I can't believe this is #1. My sister and I used to play an ancient LP called Merry Christmas (NOT White Christmas) by Bing Crosby and the Andrews sisters. One side was devotional; the other side was secular. Many tunes had that big band sound. Two of them were so cheesy that I wonder if they were written especially for the album: Mele Kalikimaka (a Hawaiian romp) and Christmas in Killarney, an Irish wannabe. Both are incredibly cheesy but C in K is delightful.
and yours?
Happy Hanukkah
A belated Happy Hanukkah to everyone! My friends J and Stef hosted their annual "party of the year" / Hanukkah party which was a blast and also a great way to introduce newbies like me to the holiday tradition.
Saturday, December 16, 2006
Year in Review #2
I'm not done just yet, but here are the year's numbers.
Swim: 45.8 miles (74 km)
Bike: 520 miles (837 km)
Run: 332.4 miles (535 km)
Walk: 52.4 miles (84 km)
Total: 950.6 miles (1520 km)
It's been a great year...
Swim: 45.8 miles (74 km)
Bike: 520 miles (837 km)
Run: 332.4 miles (535 km)
Walk: 52.4 miles (84 km)
Total: 950.6 miles (1520 km)
It's been a great year...
Wednesday, December 13, 2006
Attack Cat Returns
I came home this evening to see a black, feral furball on the steps: Chicago is well!
I had been very worried recently, especially after the ice storm.
He's bigger: probably a year old now. And I think he has a food source because he's not as scrawny as he was before. Though he was still very vocal about getting some chow.
I had been very worried recently, especially after the ice storm.
He's bigger: probably a year old now. And I think he has a food source because he's not as scrawny as he was before. Though he was still very vocal about getting some chow.
Tuesday, December 12, 2006
Year In Review #1
I've been blogging for about a year.
Some thoughts:
-- The top two comments from people, in conversation, regarding the blog are (1) it is all about the author and (2) there's not enough about the author
-- I didn't know what my writing style would be like. Looking back, I don't write diary entries, "Happy Birthday Bob!" messages (except a vague message on my own birthday), or much about my personal life. Hardly a mention of sex, politics, or religion -- no wonder my numbers are dwindling.
-- Blogs are perhaps best-suited for those who live far away. They can get details that one would never think to mention in conversation. It's hard to summarize 9 triathlons over Christmas dinner.
-- A lot of people hate blogs and find them to be quite self-centered and impersonal: an online, cut-n-paste form letter to the masses. I'm thinking of sending them a direct email announcing my new subscription service for 2007 -- for just $14.95 a month, you can get all the CaptainCanuck news straight to your mailbox! I can make jokes like this here because they won't read this blog.
Some thoughts:
-- The top two comments from people, in conversation, regarding the blog are (1) it is all about the author and (2) there's not enough about the author
-- I didn't know what my writing style would be like. Looking back, I don't write diary entries, "Happy Birthday Bob!" messages (except a vague message on my own birthday), or much about my personal life. Hardly a mention of sex, politics, or religion -- no wonder my numbers are dwindling.
-- Blogs are perhaps best-suited for those who live far away. They can get details that one would never think to mention in conversation. It's hard to summarize 9 triathlons over Christmas dinner.
-- A lot of people hate blogs and find them to be quite self-centered and impersonal: an online, cut-n-paste form letter to the masses. I'm thinking of sending them a direct email announcing my new subscription service for 2007 -- for just $14.95 a month, you can get all the CaptainCanuck news straight to your mailbox! I can make jokes like this here because they won't read this blog.
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