Skarlett In Transit

Update Your Bookmarks

2006-09-02T10:34:00.000-07:00

Everything has been moved to my website.

Enjoy :)

Updates-

2006-08-19T20:17:00.000-07:00

Snakes of a Plane-
One of the most fun times I've had in my life.
The last few weeks have been filled with such stress and unease, last night, sitting in a dark theater, cheering on c.g.i. snakes did wonders for my mood.

Did a photoshoot this afternoon with the lovely and talented fetish and erotica photographer Saryn Angel of Saryn Angel Photography.

One of the current series she is shooting is Pretty In Death, and I'm flattered to be her Ophelia for this series.

2006-08-12T10:12:00.000-07:00

Last night was a wonderfully fun and involved going away party here in LA-
My favorite dance club made the theme of the night 'scarlett' and there were friends and strangers, and new friends, all draped in red.

It was heartwarming and touching to see so many people acknowledge this closing chapter in my life.

Far too many drinks were had and not enough hugs were given-

Tonight will be the small dinner with my 'family', and then my good byes will have been said.

Have a hangover tonic for me today,
and then go and hug someone you are fond of.
Those we adore, and would miss, should be told how special they are.

2006-08-10T06:24:00.000-07:00

Has anyone heard the news yet?
This is horribly reminiscent of a year ago July when I was about to fly to London.

They've discovered a plot, originating in the UK, to blow up several flights to the US.
Including my favorite flight home from London that I take every few weeks.

I haven't seen the complete list, but so far they've said no liquid, no large purses, no garment bags,

Update from British Airways Club-

Following this morning's police action, security at all UK airports has been increased and additional security measures have been put in place for all flights.

With immediate effect, the following arrangements apply to all passengers starting their journey at a UK airport and to those transferring between flights at a UK airport.

All cabin baggage must be processed as hold baggage and carried in the hold of passenger aircraft departing UK airports.

Passengers may take through the airport security search point, in a single (ideally transparent) plastic carrier bag, only the following items. Nothing may be carried in pockets:

Pocket-size wallets and pocket-size purses plus contents (for example money, credit cards, identity cards etc (not handbags)

Travel documents essential for the journey (for example passports and travel tickets)

Prescription medicines and medical items sufficient and essential for the flight (eg, diabetic kit), except in liquid form unless verified as authentic

Spectacles and sunglasses, without cases

Contact lens holders, without bottles of solution

For those travelling with an infant: baby food, milk (the contents of each bottle must be tasted by the accompanying passenger) and sanitary items sufficient and essential for the flight (nappies, wipes, creams and nappy disposal bags)

Female sanitary items sufficient and essential for the flight, if unboxed (eg tampons, pads, towels and wipes)

Tissues (unboxed) and/or handkerchiefs

Keys (but no electrical key fobs). All passengers must be hand searched, and their footwear and all the items they are carrying must be X-ray screened.
Pushchairs and walking aids must be X-ray screened, and only airport-provided wheelchairs may pass through the screening point.

In addition to the above, all passengers boarding flights to the USA and all the items they are carrying, including those acquired after the central screening point, must be subjected to secondary search at the boarding gate.

Extra time

Any liquids discovered must be removed from the passenger.

There are no changes to current hold baggage security measures.

Regrettably, significant delays at airports are inevitable. Passengers are being asked to allow themselves plenty of extra time and to ensure that other than the few permitted items listed above, all their belongings are placed in their hold baggage and checked in.

These additional security measures will make travel more difficult for passengers, particularly at such a busy time of the year. But they are necessary and will continue to keep flights from UK airports properly secure.

We hope that these measures, which are being kept under review by the government, will need to be in place for a limited period only.

In light of the threat to aviation and the need to respond to it, we are asking the travelling public to be patient and understanding and to cooperate fully with airport security staff and the police.

If passengers have any questions on their travel arrangements or security in place at airports they should contact their airline or carrier.

Future homes for plastic friends

2006-08-08T18:49:00.000-07:00

More of the downsizing-
So one of my up until now secrets of the past is that I used to collect PEZ dispensers-
In going through all my stuffs, I also unpacked my 300+ dispensers from the garage.

I've started putting them up on eBay, and this is the first bit of my letting go that I'm happy about-

Happily it seems other collecters out there will give them a good home, while adding to my moving fund.

2006-08-04T09:18:00.000-07:00

26 Counties in the Republic of Ireland

Arklow Golf Club

2006-08-03T08:47:00.000-07:00

Founded 1927

No Vroom Vroom?

2006-08-02T19:48:00.000-07:00

am having a bit of a freak out-
just had an offer to buy my car.
Yes I've planned all along to sell the car before the move to the UK
BUT
now it's all so very real and upon me and I guess I'm not as ready to start a new life as I thought I was

Can one really survive for another 27 days in LA without a car?

Book of Kells plate #28

2006-08-02T12:20:00.000-07:00

2006-08-02T11:32:00.000-07:00

With Ryan on Balboa Island

Lumos Images

2006-08-02T07:35:00.000-07:00

Here are the first photos taken by our group to be posted.

27 days til Ex-Pat

2006-08-01T19:52:00.000-07:00

Am back from Lumos and starting to have a bit of a panic regarding the upcoming move.

My plan all along has been to make Vegas my last bit of play time
and then spend the weekends until fly date (Aug 28th)
to pack up what I was taking to the UK,
pack up what I'm giving to charity,
and say my goodbyes.

But I don't feel like packing-
I feel like looking up Lumos pix and catching up on some reading.
:(

countdown

2006-08-01T10:54:00.000-07:00

So much to do between now and the 30th.
Starting to freak out-

Apt is set in Dublin, and have put in notice here at the office.

Need to pack
Need to box up everything
Need to give away stuffs
Need to hug the doggie in prep of missing her :(

I opted for the 2-hour lay over in Chicago-
Wasn't going to buy the ticket yet, but prices went up $100 since the last time I checked, and figured I'd better buy now.

Now just the mantra:
Try not to panic
Try not to panic
Try not to panic

its a monkey washing a cat

2006-07-20T19:09:00.000-07:00

ah to be English during a heat wave

2006-07-20T09:21:00.000-07:00

Britain is in the midst of another hot summer.
Yesterday was the hottest recorded July temprature in British history at 36.3C.
In England last year at this time, I can attest to how un-prepared the British people are for such extreme heat.

You see lots of fans, huddled masses under shady trees, and are treated to the older generation remembering what a drizzy rainy summer day used to be like.

Growing up in Texas, I thought I'd be well adjusted to the heat and high tempratures, and for the most part I do ok.
(Not including the smell of many, many sweaty bodies on the tube during rush hour, or the British Museum's air conditioning breaking down).

Here are some of the news-worthy bits I've picked up regarding the heat wave-
I am particularly fond of the cows, and that blossoming flowers make the Brit news wire.

· London bus drivers were threatened with the sack for wearing shorts, despite on-board temperatures exceeding 50C. The Speaker in the Commons, Michael Martin, was more lenient, relaxing the dress code to let reporters in the press gallery remove their jackets.

· Train lines buckled in Birmingham, where temperatures topped 36C, causing severe delays. In the West Midlands and Staffordshire gritters were called in after road surfaces melted.

· Scores of schools closed early including 10 in central London, four in Merseyside and two in Birmingham. Hundreds of schools cancelled sports day amid fears for children's health.

· A jogger was hospitalised after a stampeding herd of cows in Dorset, thought to have been irritated by a heat-induced increase in flies, charged him. Tempers were wisely cooled in Colchester zoo, however, where lions were given blocks of ice, flavoured with blood.

· Large areas of the Peak District national park in Derbyshire were closed to the public amid fears that fires could be sparked in dry woodland.

· One of Britain's biggest ever heath fires, which began on Thursley Common, Surrey, on Friday, continued to burn. Hot, dry conditions had impeded efforts to quell the blaze, which has destroyed 370 acres of heathland.

· Gardener, Marilyn Jamieson, 71, from Cheltenham in Gloucestershire, reported that her primroses - which normally blossom only in spring - had flowered for a second time.

· The National Grid asked suppliers to increase electricity supplies following a surge in demand from air conditioning systems.

· In Cambridgeshire, members of the Spartan Rescue service distributed 400 litres of water to stranded drivers after an accident on the A14 by weaving through traffic on quad bikes.

They are due for some relief today-rain is in the forecast!

How To Do A Lay Over?

2006-07-19T08:28:00.000-07:00

So I'm booking my travel to Dublin-
I'm 4 months in Dublin before settling in Oxford-

When booking my flight, I noticed there is a farily inexpensive route via Chicago.

The question:

Would you book with a 6 hour lay over and see part of Chicago?

or

Would you book with a 2 hour layover and stay at the airport?

Disneyland 7/15/06

2006-07-17T11:50:00.000-07:00

McHotness Hooks

2006-07-11T12:33:00.000-07:00

Ah when oddities collide!

Alan Rickman as Capt Hook

Jason Isaacs as Capt Hook

and now

From Deadwood to Never Never Land
Posted by Clint Morris on July 10, 2006

Would you leave your child with Al Swearingen?

Seems you’ll no longer have a choice, with the man lending his lungs to quite a few upcoming kiddie flicks, including the next “Shrek” film.

“Deadwood” fave Ian McShane – seemingly snapping up a swarm of movie roles now that his series is coming to a close – has joined the cast of Dreamworks’ “Shrek the Third”, says Coming Soon.

McShane, who also appears in the forthcoming Woody Allen pic “Scoop”, will voice the character of Captain Hook in the movie.

"They've done Captain Hook before like in the background playing the piano, but Captain Hook finally speaks, so it's something my grandkids can finally see," he told the site. "It's very strange doing those things, because you usually go in… I think I've done three days and I've got another day to do… you don't meet anybody else, you do all your lines on your own. But there are all these animators, 17 nerds, looking at you from the screen. They're very nice, because it's an extraordinary place. DreamWorks have this incredible campus out in Glendale, they call it "nerd heaven" and they only do animation there, it's beautiful. They try to physically adapt the character a little to what you do when they're doing the drawings."

McShane also revealed that he’s lent his voice to a character in “Kung Fu Panda” with Jack Black and Dustin Hoffman, as well as that of a Russian Giant in the highly anticipated “Coraline”, based on the children’s book of the same name.

It's almost as good as Jeremy Irons as Snape :)

Nifty Mile Counters

2006-07-10T12:02:00.000-07:00

Husband #1 shared with me this wonderful little google map tool

Type in your starting address.
Or zoom and drag to begin where you wish to begin.
Click on the map to draw your route.
Use map view, satellite view, or hybrid view with both streets and satellite photo.
See the distance in miles or kilometers
Use the Workout Calculator for calories burned, pace, and speed
tool-

I found out that my normal dog walk is 1 mile, and far too long in the heat of a SoCal early summer.

My evening walk is 4 miles-takes about 45 mins, and explains why I'm always tired at the end of it.
:)

Dublin Night Bus-

2006-07-10T10:50:00.000-07:00

Banksy in London-

2006-07-09T17:15:00.000-07:00

Taken near the London Bridge tube station

“I hear, I know. I see, I remember. I do, I understand.”

2006-07-07T11:19:00.000-07:00

One year since that day of panic and fear.
Searching every means possible to confirm loved ones were safe.
Waiting for a phone call from Colin. Insane with worry that he had gone to town that day.
Finally learning that everyone was safe, and that M was at the hospital, tending to C.

A year later and I'm reminded of how things have changed, whats developed-whats evolved.

Pause and reflect-be nice to someone.

Puberty and Predictions

2006-07-05T09:22:00.000-07:00

Am at the dentist waiting for Husband #1 to have his wisdom teeth pulled.
Blessedly the dentist has a wireless network that is enabling me to chat and surf.

(Though it is keeping me from transcribing the writing I did over the weekend)

At any rate, found myself in a chat with Husband #2, and we were chattting about childhood nudges into puberty.

(He was watching The Avengers, and mooning over Emma Peel)

He says he has always had a thing for "women who are as smart as they are sexy"

and then

"the sort who wears a catsuit and dosen't mind you looking"

on to youtube to try and find a clip to illustrate his point-
what does he send?

Yes-thats a clip that shows how smart she is :)

I shared that Husband #1 has an odd thing for tiny flannel night gowns much for the same reason-

for him it was Samantha Stevens, not Emma Peel, but that early impression on a young boy made a lasting impact-

Then I confessed that I think it all went to Hell for me when my Mother took me to see RHPS way too young-
I developed a mad crush on:

To this day I have a thing for boys in eyeliner-
and boys with black hair
and boys in fishnets?
(sadly, yes)

Also of particular crush-inducement:

and

Does that explain why I have no crushes on American men?

Ok-I'll go with that-
by whats with the 50+ year old British men?

any way-
the dental asst has just come out and said Husband #1 is ready to go-
off to drive the drugged, toothless home :)

Beckham,butter, and bots

2006-07-05T09:06:00.000-07:00

Ask a Ninja- Do Ninja's Need Love?

2006-06-30T06:24:00.000-07:00

“Just as a picture is drawn by an artist, surroundings are created by the activities of the mind.”

2006-06-28T12:18:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago I wrote about someone here at the office having a crush.

And how it was a little wierd.

Just now,
The mail cart comes along, and they drop off an envelope not addressed to me.

Not that big a deal-
Sometimes happens, and I just look up the person in the directory, phone them, find out where they sit, and walk it over.

OK-

So I look up this persons name, call them, and leave a VM saying something to the effect of, "Hi. Someone delivered a piece of mail for you by mistake. My extention is 4448, give me a call to tell me where you sit and I'll bring it over."

A couple of minutes later, the phone rings, I answer it with my normal, 'Hi this is' blah blah blah and am hung up on.

Odd

A few seconds later phone rings again, Give my normal, hi this is me, and there's a strange pause.
Then the guy identifies himself as the person I left the VM for, says he's not in the office today, and asks if he can just pick it up from me tomorrow.

I say sure, or if he'll just tell me where he sits, I'll drop it off on his desk for him.

Another strange pause.

Then he gives me directions, but asks me to wait 15 minutes before I take it over.

ooooooook

I hang up, don't wait 15 mintues, follow the directions and find myself in a row of cubes just off the main stairwell for the building.

Look around...
find his name on a posted sign on a cube....
Drop the envelope...
start to leave...

Then notice a desk calendar with little stick figures on each day-
and the stick figure for yesterday had drawn on and colored clothes like what I wore yesterday-
and so on
and so on

Right as I'm turning around someone runs into the cube full speed, stops, and says, "oh fuck" and walks away.

Don't know if that was the artist in question, or a friend who didn't make it in time to hide the calendar.

Am now debating going up and introducing myself in hopes he doesn't feel wierd,
or
leaving a different shade of red colored pencil for him that better matches my hair.

Sam Jackson is my Bro

2006-06-27T17:00:00.000-07:00

New Crush-

2006-06-25T17:40:00.000-07:00

and he's only 43-
so there!

2006-06-23T15:40:00.000-07:00

From Cynthia

2006-06-21T18:31:00.000-07:00

She's not only clever with videos, but she makes great stuff!

Buy some of her Red Tango stuff and keep a talented LA designer and artist in business :)

Explaining the off-sides rule for World Cup-thanks to Fimb :)

2006-06-19T08:35:00.000-07:00

You’re in a shoe shop, second in the queue for the till.
Behind the shop assistant on the till is a pair of shoes which you have seen and which you must have.
The shopper in front of you has seen them also and is eyeing them with desire.
Both of you have forgotten your purses.

It would be totally rude to push in front of the first woman if you had no money to pay for the shoes.

The shop assistant remains at the till waiting.

Your friend is trying on another pair of shoes at the back of the shop and sees your dilemma.
She prepares to throw her purse to you.

If she does so, you can catch the purse, then walk round the other shopper and buy the shoes.

At a pinch she could throw the purse ahead of the other shopper and, whilst it is in flight you could nip around the other shopper, catch the purse and buy the shoes.

Always remembering that until the purse has actually been thrown it would be plain wrong to be forward of the other shopper.”

Took this for Jeff in Paris and forgot to post it

2006-06-19T06:14:00.000-07:00

Paris in 24 Hours Part 1

2006-06-14T19:03:00.000-07:00

They city of lights, the city of love.
Can you really do the entire city in 24 hours?
You can!
If you wake up early, stay out late, and rush the Louvre, it can be done!

Arrive Paris Thursday night 11:30 p.m. via Eurostar-
Wander around train station-
Find your way outside, pick a hotel at random.

Drop your bags and head out into the Paris night to grab a glass of wine before the local cafe closes.

Head back to the hotel, set the alarm, get some sleep.

When I say wake up early, I mean EARLY. Whatever time it takes you to get up and get ready, plan accordingly so that you are ON your first Metro by 7 a.m. We got up at 5:30.

Paris is not an early riser.

You'll have no morning rush hour starting out at this time of the morning.

The Metro can be confusing, and exiting the station sometimes a scavenger hunt for the way out.

Carry a map with you, and remember that Metros list direction by the final stop on that particular line.
Also, the color of the line on the map will not be the same as the color on the signs to find the train.
Pay attention to your map, and don't rely on riding the purple to the green, because while it will be purple on the map, the signs leading to the train platform will be orange, yellow, or some other color that will seem the farthest away from purple possible.

First Metro stop- Pierre La Chaise.
We caught the 2 train at Gore De Nord.

Find the Metro exit and turn right.
The large wall along one side of the street is Pierre La Chaise.
Cross the road and follow the wall to the front gates.
They will be locked.

Go past the gates, turn left, and go towards the gate house door.
This will also be locked.
Read the sign.
Realize it is not 8:00 a.m. yet, and walk back towards the main road.

Across the street you'll see a flower shop.
Left of that is a grave marker salon, and left of that is a cafe.
Go there for sweet coffee and a croisant.
It will cost 1.95 Euro.
Take a seat and watch sleepy Paris for a few minutes.

You'll be able to see the large front gates open.
The gates will open at 8:00 (or 8:30 in the winter).
Enter the main gates, say Bon Jour to the attendent, and ask for a map.
There will be a large map posted near the entrance, but trust me that you will NEED the map to carry with you.

Colin and I have visited La Chaise before, had an idea where we were going, looked it up on the internet before we left the hotel, had the hand map, and STILL got turned around.

Pierre La Chaise is a city of the dead. There are roads, addresses, and one can easily end up walking in circles without realizing it.

With map in hand, head up the center road, and up one of the sets of stairs. Stay along the center til you come to the chapel. You'll want to make the long hike to visit Oscar, then as you make your way downhill, you'll find Chopin, bizet, and Morrison.

Don't be afraid to ask for directions, EVEN directions in French.

They all speak with their hands and you'll understand what direction to go, even if you don't understand the directions you're given to get there.

Return your map back to the attendent and say and extra thank you.

Follow the wall back to the Metro, and figure out which train to catch to get you to the Louvre!

a Flurry of Travel or Pet Travel Scheme

2006-06-13T09:57:00.000-07:00

Got a call and a fax from the Immigration Attorney today-
The list of what to do in prep of sending The Flurry to England...

PETS only applies to dogs, cats and ferrets travelling between the UK and certain countries and territories. Dogs, cats and ferrets must not have been outside any of these countries in the 6 calendar months before entering the UK.

Dogs, cats and ferrets entering the UK under PETS may only do so on certain sea, air and rail routes.

Dogs, cats and ferrets entering the UK from non-qualifying (unlisted) countries must spend 6 months in quarantine on arrival.

Before travelling, you must make sure that your pet cats and dogs (including assistance dogs) or your ferret meets all the rules of the Scheme.

To bring your dog or cat into the UK under PETS from one of the listed countries you must have it first microchipped, then vaccinated against rabies and then blood tested. There are no exceptions to this order of preparation apart from the exemption explained in the next sentence. If your pet is resident in France, Denmark or Sweden these procedures maybe done in a different order.

There are no requirements for pets travelling directly between the UK and the Republic of Ireland.

Your pet can be fitted with a microchip in any country. The rabies vaccination (including boosters), blood sampling, issuing the PETS documentation and the tick and tapeworm treatment must all be carried out in the UK or any of the other qualifying countries

Your dog or cat may not enter the UK under PETS until six calendar months have passed from the date that your vet took the blood sample which led to a satisfactory test result (see below). Once the vet has issued the PETS documentation and that six month period has passed, the PETS documentation is valid for your pet to enter the UK.

The procedures
Have your pet microchipped

Before any of the other procedures for PETS are carried out, your pet must be fitted with a microchip so that it can be properly identified.
Have your pet vaccinated

After the microchip has been fitted your pet must be vaccinated against rabies. There is no exemption to this requirement, even if your pet has a current rabies vaccination

Arrange a blood test

After your pet has been vaccinated, it must be blood tested to make sure that the vaccine has given it a satisfactory level of protection against rabies.

Get PETS documentation

For animals being prepared in an EU country, you should get an EU pet passport. If you are preparing your animal in a non-EU listed country you will need to obtain an official third country veterinary certificate although note that Gibraltar and Switzerland are also issuing passports.

Animals can also enter the UK using a PETS certificate issued before 1 October 2004 until its “valid until” date. Certificates issued on or after that date will not be acceptable for entry to the UK.

Before your pet enters the UK, it must be treated against ticks and a tapeworm

Your pet must be treated against ticks and a tapeworm not less than 24 hours and not more than 48 hours before it is checked in with an approved transport company for its journey into the UK.

Arrange for your animal to travel with an approved transport company on an authorised route

Your pet must enter the UK from a listed country travelling with an approved transport company on an authorised route.

You may use any of the routes and transport companies on the following lists to bring your dog, cat or ferret into the UK under the Scheme, subject to the transport company’s agreement. All companies have been approved by Defra to carry dogs, cats and ferrets but not all may wish to carry ferrets. Check with the company before booking your tickets that they are prepared to carry your pet.

Your pet may travel to the UK via any qualifying country or countries. It must not have been to any non-qualifying country in the 6 months before entering the UK.

You may not bring a pet into the UK under the Pet Travel Scheme from a private boat or plane.

Please note that there are no approved routes to the UK from the following PETS countries:

EU: Slovakia, Slovenia.

Non-EU: Andorra, Aruba, Ascension Islands, Faroe Islands, Fiji, French Guyana, French Polynesia, Greenland, Grenadines, Guadeloupe, Hawaii, Iceland, Jamaica (which although rabies-free is excluded from PETS by Jamaican law), Liechtenstein, Martinique, Mauritius, Mayotte, Monaco, Montserrat, Netherlands Antilles, New Caledonia, Réunion, St Helena, St Pierre & Miquelon, St Vincent, San Marino, Vanuatu, Vatican, Wallis & Futuna.

Approved Route from Los Angeles:

Los Angeles to London Heathrow on British Airways World Cargo or Virgin Atlantic Airways

Doug points out Robot Chicken and Snape hitting on Hermione

2006-06-07T04:15:00.000-07:00

oh the email from Teh Coin

2006-06-07T04:02:00.000-07:00

fron Sofia

2006-06-07T03:50:00.000-07:00

travel updates

2006-06-07T03:35:00.000-07:00

heres the thing-
I was all set to transcribe something I'd writ while traveling-
only some unexpected interaction with an ex has gone and fucked it all up.

Paris is like ex's

You never realize how desirable you are until you set foot in Paris/run into an ex.

That may not make sense to the boys who read this, but the gals will get it.

No matter how a relationship was left, the mystery of what if is enough to make the possibility compelling-
no matter engagements or living arrangements.

I should have bought shoes and writ-

Pere Lachaise, Paris

2006-06-03T10:13:00.000-07:00

Photos

I actually took a camera with me on this trip-shocking isn't it :)

back in LA-posts to come as I recover

2006-05-30T08:58:00.000-07:00

from Jeff-

2006-05-20T11:12:00.000-07:00

10 Things I Hate About Comandments

Perfume: The Story of a Murderer

2006-05-18T07:26:00.000-07:00

Ah the book!
I've been waiting for a full trailer for months after hearing Alan Rickman was cast to play the father-

For those who have not read it-

Set in France, its the story of Jean-Baptiste Grenouille, a young man with the strongest sense of smell, though he is without scent himself.
He becomes obsessed with capturing the purity of the scent of a virgin.
By the title you can tell not all the attempts work out well for the women.

Its a first time novel from Patrick Suskind, and when published was often cited as the most important German literature in decades.

Be warned the trailor IS in German, but still worth the watch :)

fucking German engineering!

2006-05-16T17:33:00.000-07:00

The 2 photos above were taken at Volkswagen's new storage facility in Wolfsburg, Germany. The actual space that the facility occupies is approximately only 20% of a comparable facility with the traditional design that is used primarily in the US. Not only is the German structure less expensive to build, but vehicles are also "retrieved" in less time and without the potential of being damaged by an attendant. Collecting your new car is an event in itself. "In a fully automated procedure, your new car is brought down to you from one of the 20-story Car Towers. Large signboards in the Customer Center show you when your turn has come. Then, you're handed the keys, your picture is taken, the glass doors open and your brand-new car appears. You're all set to go". Also, check out the transparent factory in Dresden by Billy T

Hooplehead Cocksuckers!

2006-05-12T15:25:00.000-07:00

'Deadwood' may be done
HBO not picking up options on actors

Friday, May 12, 2006; Posted: 8:36 a.m. EDT (12:36 GMT)

LOS ANGELES, California (Hollywood Reporter) -- The upcoming third season of HBO's "Deadwood" might mark the end of the dark Western.
The pay cable network has opted not to pick up the options of the actors on the show, releasing them to pursue other projects.
"Deadwood" creator David Milch is shifting his attention to "John From Cincinnati," a one-hour project he is writing for HBO. The surfing-themed drama has been ordered as a pilot, subject to finalizing deals on the financial and talent side.
HBO sources said there are conversations about the future of "Deadwood" beyond the third season, which premieres June 11. But with the actors moving on to other commitments, it is highly unlikely that all the main cast members would be available to do additional episodes in the future.
HBO is a unit of Time Warner, as is CNN.
Copyright 2006 Reuters. All rights reserved.This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

and there's this from cast member W. Earl Brown:

Having not slept for much of last night, I sit staring bleary-eyed at my computer. That phone call last evening floored me. Never, in my wildest dreams, did I see it coming.

I feel cheated.

I am cheated as an person because the way I was brought up a man's word is his bond. We were given word in Dec. that we'd be back for a fourth season. A formal annoucement of that fourth season was trumpeted in the press in March. Lives were planned accordingly.

I am cheated as an artist because something that I poured my lifeblood into has been given short-shrift and not allowed to conclude properly.I am cheated as a fan because the verbally fleet and intricately plotted show shall just cease to be. It will just stop. No wrap up. No farewells.

It isn't like DEADWOOD had a tiny audience. No, our ratings -- based on what I've read -- were good, better than all HBO shows but one. They were not SOPRANOS huge, but then again, SOPRANOS did not become the cultural phenomenon until it's third season.

This is not the fault of David Milch. Given his druthers, he would never just leave a show hanging like this. I feel nothing but gratitude toward his largess. As for the coporate bean-counters...

It has been a high-water mark of my career. I seriously doubt I will ever again be a part of something so unique, so daring, and so special. I hang my head in sorrow

...W. Earl Brown

“The only reason for time is so that everything doesn't happen at once.”

2006-05-06T08:29:00.000-07:00

What an odd 24 hours.
At the office yesterday, my friend Michelle giddilie told me that a friend of hers "likes me".
And of course the obvious response from me was, "He must not know me then, or he wouldn't like me."
And he does not.
She said she had promised not to tell me who he was, but thought I'd be flattered that she AIMs him to tell him when I am leaving my desk, so he can see me walk by.
-That was sort of flattering.
Someone has a crush on you, and they ask their friends to let them know when you're walking by.
Sort of cute.
Then later, she calls me over to her desk to show me that they are chatting about me.
And he was typing about the dress I had on.
A little too intently to not be creepy.
Then it got really odd-
He typed that he liked the green top I had on two weeks ago Thursday.
"Two weeks ago?" I asked Michelle.
So she typed asking how he knew what I had on two weeks ago-
"I draw little pictures of her on my calendar each day."

ummm

What?

He what?

OK-
NOT flattering.

THEN this morning I found out my Darling R spent time in the big house yesterday.
WHAT?!?!?

Distraction-
I need distraction.

This will be an amusing if not disturbing distraction.
"Black Dog" is my favorite.

Pause a moment

2006-05-04T13:38:00.000-07:00

sometimes people send me things and its obvious why-
sometimes Colin send me things and I have no idea why-

like this

I'm pondering-
ponder with me.

“Humans are not proud of their ancestors, and rarely invite them round to dinner.”

2006-05-03T15:03:00.000-07:00

I've been so very good today.

Spoke to our immigration attorney,
reviewed my VISA requirements paperwork,
spoke to the British consulate,
practiced my French,
and actually stepped away from my desk to take a break and a personal phone call.

I'm really rather proud of myself.

"We gots a hairy chicken!"

2006-04-27T13:05:00.000-07:00

At the office today, there is a sort of fair thing going on.
It's a celebration for the town that the office campus is in.
Every year the Conejo Valley has a weekend event, old west themed, and businesses in the area also recognize and celebrate the event.
So today, for lunch, there is grilling, and carnival games, cotton candy, cookies, ice cream, and a petting zoo.

My walk up the hill to the building I work in warned me that it was going to be an odd day.

First, the shuttle that drives between buildings was no where to be seen.
Second, a huge section of the parking lot was blocked off.

I hike to the top of the hill and see the shuttle.
What appears to be a large cow is looking out the back window.
I watch amused as folks dressed in Western wear wrestle this life-sized heifer.

Then the crowds of folks who have apparently been waiting for the shuttle have drudged up the hill and start complaining to the shuttle driver about having been waiting, and demanding to know where he'd been, and wanting to know what was going on.
His reply?

"I couldn't make the COW walk up the hill!"

The cow.
The fiberglass cow that took half a dozen people to move and carry into the building.

Later in the morning we hear several helicopters buzzing the building and much time is spent looking up local breaking news to find out what was going on, and watching the helicopters gather near by.

Michael (Hot Mikey on the Bikey), Michelle, and I head down to check out the fair and grab some lunch.
It's all very organized and there is a que set up like you're in line for a roller coaster, and very annoying banjo music is playing.

We're going down the line, making small talk and saying hello to people, when Michael leans over and says,
"Oh NO! You just started your period didn't you?!?!"

You'd think by now he would not be able to surprise me, but no-
There I am shocked by what's just come out of his mouth and all I can think to say is,
"WHAT?!!?"

"Every time you start and I'm around you I get a hard on and you smell like cookies."
(this is what he says to me waiting to have lunch)
"Michael Darling, there is a rather large platter of cookies on that table over there."
"OH THANK GAWD!"
(yes, he yelled it)
"Cookie hard ons are fine. I thought I was getting it for a hoo ha!"

A "hoo ha".
That's what the gay boys are calling it these days.

We start to head outside to where the tables are set up and Michael tries to decide where to sit (which means who he does NOT want to sit with) there's some shuffeling around and pleasantries exchanged and somehow two conversations are going on.

I say I want to go see the petting zoo, and Michelle says, "there's a bear"
"There's a BEAR?!" I say excitedly.
"There's a BEAR at the petting zoo?!?!"
This I must have said very loudly because I hear the waves as it gets repeated behind me with different voices all the way back into the caffeteria repeating, "There's a bear at the petting zoo!"

Suddenly a surge of people started making their way out of the caffeteria, spilling past us, and headed for what must have been the petting zoo.

"Forget lunch! Let's go see the bear!" I say, trying to tempt my friends.

"With all those helicopters I doubt they are letting anyone get close." says Michelle.

"Helicopters?" I asked.

"Around the bear." she explains.

This is as we are following the crowd to a portion of the asphalt with some hay thrown down and small fencing put up.

"There's no bear at the petting zoo?" I ask disapointedly

"We gots a hairy chicken!" I guess the man working the petting zoo finds hairy chickens as exciting as a bear.

Skip this if you're not interested in La Boheme :)

2006-04-27T08:03:00.000-07:00

“Vecchia Zimarra”

Giacomo Puccini's La Boheme has been hailed as the greatest operatic work of all time. Set in and around the Latin Quarter, it is the account of the adventures of a close-knit bank of Parisian artists cheerfully enduring all the hardships and privations customarily dictated by their career choices. Reading of Puccini's life, one can easily see how the composer was reminded of his own student days in Milan where he too underwent the Bohemian period so traditional among struggling young painters, poets-and musicians. He too once matched wits with avaricious landlords and sharp-eyed tavern keepers, and staving off frostbite and hunger pangs with liberal doses of watered wine and bean stew, passed his free hours playing cards with his fellow garreteers danding with shop girls, boasting of great futures not yet secured and falling in and out of love dozens of times. That hardly a false note sounds as the music of La Boheme evokes the high-spirited camaraderie of the opera's protagonists and illuminates their joys, sorrows, hopes and dreams owes much to Puccini's intimate acquaintance with that way of life. Knowledge of what is true and untrue to the heart of the Bohemian enables Puccini to perfectly portray the Bohemian ideals near the end of Act IV of La Boheme with the powerful aria of Colline, "Vecchia Zimarra". Affection for material objects was anti-Bohemian, but in this tightly constructed aria, confessions of appreciation are professed with an understated beauty highlighting the true Bohemian ideals of truth, beauty, freedom, and love.

Inspired by Henri Murger's Scènes de la vie de Bohème, Murger took the story from his own experiences as a desperately poor writer living in a Parisian attic. He was a member of a loose club of friends who called themselves "the water drinkers", so named due to never having money to buy wine. Murger based the characters of his story on the people and places of his life. Specifically to La Boheme, Rodolpho is based on Murger himself, Schaunard is Alexandre Schanne, Marcello is based on two artists named Lazare and Tabar, and the character of Colline is made up of Jean Wallon and Marc Trapadoux. Jean Wallon supplied the outward model for Colline, Tabar wrote, "I can still see him as when we were young, with his unkempt chestnut hair under his broad brimmed hat, his long brown coat of coarse cloth, his books under his arm," Schanne adds, "His thin nose, grey-blue eyes, and plump hands, completed one of those envelopes in which mystic souls love to dwell"..."His ecclesiastically-cut coat was stuffed with books at the four cardinal points, each of the pockets bore the name of one of our public libraries....After dining he came to Momus's to philosophize with Trapadoux, another library on two legs." According to Murger, the voluminous pockets of this coat were stuffed full of books and papers, the tools of a philosopher's trade; his coat was his office. This explains why the selling of Colline's coat in order to buy items for the dying Mimi is such a noble and compassionate gesture. By selling his coat, he was not only selling his protection of the ever present cold found in La Boheme, but also selling his very means of function and sustenance as a philosopher in the Bohemian world. The coat is a creative and professional necessity for him. He addresses the coat with the respect and regard befitting its importance in his life.

This duty as purveyor of idealism is thrust upon the audience almost as an afterthought only in Act IV revealing what Colline's true purpose in the opera is. In Act I he is nearly the comic relief of the libretto. He exchanges with Rodolfo and Marcello about the sparkling quality of the burning play. As Marcello comments on the lack of voice as the second act of the play burns, Colline in Philosopher character replies, "Profound Thought!” further in the exchange he pronounces, "What a vain, fragile drama!". These declarations are a hint to the cloaked perfection of representation of what the Bohemian Philosopher was. While on the surface his exchanges may seem comical or obtuse, in reality, his words are an accurate yet simplistic portrayal wonderfully presented. Throughout the opera, when Colline is on stage, he is the voice of the true Bohemian. This voice is heard most clearly in his aria, "Vecchia Zimarra".

Consider Vecchia Zimarra below:

Vecchia zimarra, senti, il resto al pian,
tu ascendere
il sacromonte or devi.

Le mie grazie ricevi.
Mai non curvasti il logoro
dorso ai ricchi ed ai potenti
Passar nelle tue tasche.

come in antri tranquilli filosoci e poeti,
Ora che i giorni lietl fuggir, ti dico addio,
fedele amico mio,
addio, addio.

Faithful old garment, listen,
I'll rest down here
you however, must climb
the sacred mount of piety.

My thanks you must receive.
Never has your poor worn back
bowed before the rich and
powerful.

Deep in your calm cavernous
pockets,
You have protected
philosophers and poets.

Now that our happy days
have fled, I must bid you
farewell,
faithful friend of mine. Farewell, farewell.

In the translation of the first stanza, "Faithful old garment" relays esteem for the physical coat, as well as everything the coat represents to this man who
chooses to live a life with little or no possessions. The choice of the term "faithful" can be read as the garment's performance to its owner, but also as the owner's regard for the garment. On a wider observation, one could argue that the word "faithful" is also an accurate testimonial for Colline and his dedication to his art. As we have read, he is forever with his books, viewed as the group's library of resource and knowledge, stating simply what is right, and what is simply true.

"I'll rest down here...” the second line of stanza one is Colline's admission that letting go of his faithful friend is the end of a journey. He shares that this sacrifice, while being the right thing to do, is exhausting of his only personal comfort. Once this sacrifice is made, he will pause, and rest, to reflect and remember.

Continuing with stanza one, "you however, must climb the sacred mount of piety." He is warning the coat of the journey about to be undertaken. In Colline's sacrifice, it is his coat that now must make the sacred journey. The coat must make the journey beyond, and carry on. However, in this statement of divine duty, Puccini carefully chooses the term, "Sacro monte". Sacro monte translates to sacred mountain, but sacro monte is also Italian slang for "pawn shop." It is to the pawn shop, or sacro monte that Colline's coat will go to help Mimi in her last moments.

The first line of stanza two reads, "My thanks you must receive." Gratitude simply expressed to a dear friend. It's as if the value Colline has placed on his coat would enable the clothing to refuse what he is offering. There is no room for debate; his thanks just must be received. Thanks for what and who the coat has been to him, as well as thanks for all the coat represents to the Bohemian Philosopher. Thanks for taking on the role of carrier of knowledge, thanks for protecting the deliverer of exchange, thanks for being available to serve its role in the sacrifice of the selling.

The second line he begins by saying, "Never has your poor worn back..." He is not only addressing the bared thread of the back of the coat, but also the burden carried by his coat. While the garment may be worn in, its responsibility to its owner has also been a wearing task to bear. The coat has likely been worn for years, through snow, rain, and bitter winds. Its age and weather punishment would surely affect its stability in regard to the enduring quality of its back. In addition, the pockets, often filled with books, crammed with ideas, would be pulled and stuffed as the library and its contents changed. To bear responsibility for the passing of knowledge and the bearing of thought is most assuredly an undertaking.

The line continues, “bowed before the rich and powerful.” a testament of the highest compliment for the true Bohemian. As a Bohemian, your life is lived in the barest of ways. Only those ideas and inspirations that are required for spiritual and creative survival are the necessities of life. Success and fortune may forever be a temptation, but to remain true to your dogma, is to remain true to your art, and your Bohemian ideal. To proclaim a soul to have never given in to the allurement of the bourgeois is to affirm your faith in their trials and journeys. Colline’s coat has empowered him with all he needs. With its help, and its assistance in enabling him with his needed books and papers, the coat has become the badge of his loyalty to his ideals. In taking his coat to market, he is angelically passing his badge on for a better, more physical cause.

Line three of the second stanza reads, “Deep in your calm cavernous pockets,” As Colline accolades his garment and its sepulcher chambers. He compliments the coat for its ability to hold his volumes, as well as for its ability to bring a sense of peace and assuredness to his otherwise fluctuant existence. There is an achieved stillness in the pockets of his coat, a positive ness in certainty. Empowered with this coat, he is confident in his volumes, determined in his convictions, and protected from uncertainty. It is the coats ability to carry and bless its owner with page upon page of insight and thought provocation, while also protecting his frame. Yet Colline is a willing martyr of this forfeiture for the betterment of those in need.

The final line of the second stanza completes with, “You have protected philosophers and poets.” This line references not only Colline, as the groups Philosopher, but also those editions he is a student of. Just as Schanne glorifies the real-life inspiration for the character of Colline, the literary incantation is also seen with his ever present stack of books. In further detail, when examining the statement to refer to Colline as the mentioned Philosopher, remember that he is selling his coat to benefit Mimi, who in Act II of La Boheme is referred to as a poem. The coat has protected Colline the Philosopher, has protected the writings he has carried, and now with its journey will contribute to protecting Mimi.

The final lines of the aria begin, “Now that our happy days have fled, I must bid you farewell, faithful friend of mine.” He sings of the times last winter when their lives seemed carefree and joyous. That Christmas Eve at the Café Momus when their fine party was joyous and love and friendship abounded. Now that their insouciant days have passed, today is a time of despair and unease. With the obstacle of how to help, Colline has decided to bid his dear friend adieu to do his part in bettering the day. His coat has been faithful to protecting him, faithful to carrying his compendiums, and faithful to his Bohemian ideals. A companion in furthered study and a companion in life. Then as a true friend, the coat is part of the personal sacrifice to soldier onward for the benefit of those that are loved.
A final, mournful goodbye is expressed with the closing lines, “Farewell, farewell.” While Colline is brokenhearted, he is also resolved to do everything he can to help. He is truthful to the Bohemian dogma; persevering to live and protect the principles he lives his life under.

Colline’s “Vecchia zimarra” with its sparing and melancholy accompaniment, has a musical pathos of its own. Puccini has written an effective yet small aria that in a short amount of lines changes a perceived comic part to the conscience of the opera. The sudden change is both a disturbing element, while at once being elucidatory and divine. In so doing we are enlightened to the sacrifice made by Colline to do what is right, and true, for someone he cares for, in the preservation of the beauty of love.

Just let me make it til June 11th!

2006-04-26T17:43:00.000-07:00

"Vanity working on a weak head, produces every sort of mischief."

2006-04-24T12:40:00.000-07:00

The only thing Colin and I seem to argue about is the move.
I'm not prepping enough, I've not submitted paperwork soon enough, I need to start sorting out my possesions and decide what to take.

It's all true.
On top of that Geoff has a talent for making me feel like a total slack.
He's moved up his date to relocate to the U.S. and has still been able to get everything taken care of and done before his departure.

He's even doing a practice packing.
Who practices to see if everything they are taking will fit?
Don't you just force it to fit?

The whole process is exhausting.
I'm sure part of my reluctance is that it's going to be filled with challenges.
And I'm still feeling like no one even cares that I'm going.
(Well no one on this side of the pond anyway.)

Daily I'm feeling like people here could care less and will only notice I've gone when they phone to ask me a question-
And folks there are rushing and pushing and making me dig my heels.
(As I am prone to do like the brat that I am.)

The chat today was the normal scheduled, 'You're here in 30 days, this is what I have commitments to do, this is when you can either be on your own or come sit in on my lectures, what would you like to do with the rest of the time?'

I started complaining about feeling rushed and unnoticed and tired and grumpy and stressed and scared and like a slacker.
Then I said I'm going to have some sort of grilling afternoon cocktails thingy and line up all the crap I'm not keeping, and offer to whomever comes.
He pointed out that the good thing about that is once I set a date, I'll HAVE to have everything sorted.
That's true.
But I still feel like I'm not getting anything done.

We started going through options of what I'd like to do while over this time-

Bath- to walk the scenes from 'Persuasion' and see the architecture- While stressing he is willing to go, he also stressed that maybe I'd enjoy it on my own more than with him.

Stratford-He'd happily go and knows someone who is part of some Shakespeare society, so it would be fun for him. Apparently more so than a day filled with retracing Jane Austen's steps.

Cambridge-He'd love to go. He's been several times and thinks I would enjoy it immensley.

Snape Maltings-Absolutely not. If I insist on going all the way there just to say I've been there, I can "bloody well" go on my own.

So much for supporting silly crushes :)

If I were already in the UK, these are the things I'd be doing...

The London Golf Show.
I want to try The Floating Green, ( a green floating off the docks, that you can try and hit a hole in one) and The Hitting Nets, (free lessons from pros and a chance to try new equipment.)

This Isn't For You classical music nightclub at the Shoreditch Town Hall.

Icons and Idols at the National Portrait Gallery.

Prepping for May 1st and May Morning

Instead I'm here in LA, fretting about where to begin, and watching the clock till it's time to head into traffic and on to class.

Nevermind the overly eventful weekend that is booked and all I really feel like doing is going somewhere green and doing some reading on my own.
But I'd feel guilty, which means I feel obligated, which is no reason to do anything.

It's only Monday-maybe it'll seem better in a day or two.

What's it worth to you?

2006-04-21T17:26:00.000-07:00

I am worth $2,257,980 on HumanForSale.com

Boy's Beware!

2006-04-20T19:43:00.000-07:00

A safety film by the Inglewood Police Dept.

"one never knows what the homosexual is about"

Deadwood Season 2

2006-04-19T09:10:00.000-07:00

This is an edited version of the last episode of season 2 of Deadwood.
Not to be listened to loudly at work or near the easily enraged.
-It's only the offensive language bits.

Enjoy-

From Ron-"Voltron got TOTALLY served"

2006-04-18T17:33:00.000-07:00

For people like Colin, Geoff, and I

2006-04-17T15:33:00.000-07:00

This short film is the story of one mans travel to and fro as told with international symbols.

Enjoy :)

DrSteve sends talking monkeys

2006-04-16T10:17:00.000-07:00

A link from DrSteve that lets you make monkeys talk.

Time Wasters for the Ill

2006-04-14T12:16:00.000-07:00

I've been home sick all week-just finding out from the Dr today that I'm nearing the end of a viral infection.
Not much fun.

Due to the hours I've spent feeling icky, Colin has been sending me small pick ups to help the time pass-
Now that I'm actually feeling well enough to share, here they are-
You saw the fainting goats already,

A Japanese series of commercials,

The Easter Bunny Hates You,

a walrus doing sit ups,

Some Snape Sexie Sexie Action,

the Mr Darcy needs a kiss scene,

play some Naked Melee-if you can figure it out,

or try playing Orangutwang

"They superimposed me man!"

2006-04-12T09:56:00.000-07:00

"I can't see who's in the lead but it's either Oxford or Cambridge."

2006-04-10T09:13:00.000-07:00

Go Dark Blue!!!

Oxford won the 2006 Boat Race, in a time of 18 minutes and 26 seconds and by a margin of five lengths. Oxford, on the Surrey station, enjoyed a good start in windy and choppy conditions and battled through despite intense pressure in the opening eight minutes. Both crews often sought the shelter of the Surrey bank, particularly around Hammersmith corner where they faced the conditions predicted earlier by Boat Race organiser Howard Jacobs of a "wall of wind and water". The Oxford victory - their fourth in five years - narrows down Cambridge's overall series lead to 78-73 in an event which dates back to 1829.

There is a 4 mpg, 25 minute film of the race here.

Learn all about The Boat Race from Wikipedia here.

"Why didn't you tell me I was in love with you? "

2006-04-09T07:39:00.000-07:00

Got an easter box yesterday-

a case of Apple Tango,
Peter Rabbit fudge stick,
a couple of small chocolate animals with a white center,
a can of white chocolate maggots-

It's the last one that confuses me-
I'm guessing candy maggots are for the same sort here who eat gummy worms?

Start of Spring Break now, and off for a day filled with research, libraries, and school.
Not much of a Spring Break is it?

“It takes two to tango”

2006-04-06T17:31:00.000-07:00

London Michael, not to be confused with my frequent lunch date Michael (who has taken to calling himself Hot Mikey on the Bikey) sent me this video with the following note-

"This is more how I would see you taking him in a tango."

PlayList Meme

2006-04-06T15:08:00.000-07:00

(Look at your iTunes-or other such music player-top played list)

What song is first on your most played list?
‘I bet you look good on the dancefloor’ Arctic Monkeys

What band appears most often on the list?
Venus Hum

What song are you embarrassed to admit is on your list?
‘Toxic’ Britney Spears

What song would you guess no one you send this to will have on their list?
Theme from Deadwood

What song is last on your most played list?
‘Darshan’ Oliva Neutron-Bomb -surprising since I play it all the time

How many entries in your list mention love?
1- ‘I Feel Love’ Blue Man Group

How many entries in your list mention death?
1- Theme from Deadwood

Is your favorite song on the list?
‘Darshan’ Olivia Neutron-Bomb

Is your favorite band on the list?
‘Win’ David Bowie

What song on your list reminds you most of yourself?
‘Bittersweet Symphony’ The Verve -none REALLY did, but I guess that’s close enough

What song would people be most surprised to find on your list?
‘Yeah’ Usher

What song from your list reminds you of your best friend?
‘Topman’ by Blur for Jeff, ‘What you waiting for’ by Gwen Stephani for Saryn

What song from your list reminds you of your S.O.?
‘Slug’ U2

Any soundtrack songs on your list?
Theme from Deadwood, Who? Wu?! From Deadwood, Iguazu from Deadwood -thats odd since its a 25 Most Played list-oh well- :)

Whose list are you most curious about?

Andrew, Geoff (though I won’t find any of their songs on the US iTunes L

St Pats 06

2006-04-06T06:23:00.000-07:00

"We are all born mad. Some remain so. "

2006-04-03T18:31:00.000-07:00

I'm chatting with a sleepy Colin who sends me things like this.

He's back to Dublin and Trinity from Wednesday to Sunday for the Beckett Centenary.
I'm jealous-
Don't get me wrong-I'm happy for him, and supportive-but still jealous.

At least he's agreed to an attempted kidnap if either Rickman or Irons make an appearance as part of the film festival.

NEITHER

to and fro in shadow from inner to outer shadow

from impenetrable self to impenetrable unself
by way of neither

as between two lit refuges whose doors once
neared gently close, once away turned from
gently part again

beckoned back and forth and turned away

heedless of the way, intent on the one gleam
or the other

unheard footfalls only sound

till at last halt for good, absent for good
from self and other

then no sound

then gently light unfading on that unheeded
neither

unspeakable home

-Samuel Beckett

Cowboy Alan and Chavs

2006-03-31T06:04:00.000-08:00

a link from Liana.

And this one from James.

Italian Prime Minister Silvio Burlusconi

2006-03-29T17:03:00.000-08:00

Just forwarded to me by the lovely Stephasaurus

2006-03-28T10:24:00.000-08:00

Franz Ferdinand Frontman Shot By Gavrilo Princip Bassist

March 17th- The Onion

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND—Lead singer and guitarist for pop band Franz Ferdinand, Alexander Kapranos, is in critical condition today after being shot by a man identified as the bassist for rock group Gavrilo Princip. "We ask fans to cooperate with Interpol to find the assailant, and call upon British Sea Power, Snow Patrol, and The Postal Service for help," drummer Paul Thompson told music magazine NME Monday. "The suspect had links to The Decemberists and The Libertines, and we are following up on all leads." It is unclear whether the shooting was linked to The Polyphonic Spree's invasion of Belgium earlier this week.

Intl' Potter Scavenger Hunt

2006-03-26T07:34:00.000-08:00

A list of items was posted, with rules-

Here is the list:

3 Broomsticks (all in the same photo)
A Goblet
1 Wand (Prefer HP Issue)
1 Hogwarts Crest
1 Cauldron
1 Locket
1 Wizard or Witch Hat
A Copy of ALL the HP Books including "Quidditch Through the Ages" and "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them." (Must all be in the same Photo)
1 Dragon
1 Toad
1 Orange Tabby Cat
1 Owl
1 Bumble Bee
A Girl with Pink Hair
1 Quill
1 HP Action Figure
A Copy of ALL the DVD's (Same as the Books)
Tea Leaves
1 Golden Snitch
1 Chess Set
1 Big Black Dog
1 Rat
1 Crystal Ball
1 Full Moon (and not your ass LOL)

**Bonus Items**

Eye of Newt
Godrics Sword (Offical Issue or near/close Replica)
Lucius's Cane (Offical Issue or near/close Replica)
A Photo of you with Male red-headed Twins
A Train Station

If you have 4 of the 5 bonus items, you get an extra 100 points added to your final score.

Started on Friday-around noonish PST.

Finished Saturday night just before 9 p.m. PST.

I don't think I won :)

I think a gal in Louisiana won.
Though if she did, after seeing some of her items, I'll challenge them!
:)

If you're at all interested in seeing my entry, click here for the picture goodness (posted and hosted by Ryan).

Hello South Dakota

2006-03-23T10:41:00.000-08:00

Representing for the Arctic

2006-03-23T05:57:00.000-08:00

"I like big beaks and I can not lie"

“All animals are equal but some animals are more equal than others.”

2006-03-17T17:11:00.000-08:00

A link from Colin-

I no longer believe his supposed embarrassment at my "glee with anthropomorphism."

Yes-

He really said that instead of animals doing funny human stuff.
(as I would have)

"No man is ever old enough to know better."

2006-03-16T18:30:00.002-08:00

Michael: I brought you a magazine with that old man you like in it.

Me: Woo Hoo! Is it about Harry Potter?

Michael: He's not in Harry Potter!

Me: oh....NOT Alan Rickman?

Michael: No-is he old?

Me: Oh Yeah-he just turned 60.

Michael: No it's not him-it's the other old guy.

Me: Ian McShane?

Michael: Who the fuck is that?

Me: He's on Deadwood.

Michael: How old is he?

Me: umm I think 62 or 63.

Michael: No. It's not him....... 63!?!?........ Anyway. He was in a movie with that woman who fucks Warren Beaty.

Me: *blank stare*

Michael: YOU know! She tried to kill that gimp in The Usual Suspects and there were roses!

Me: I have no idea what you are you talking about.

Michael: Annette Benning!

Me: OH! Jeremy Irons! Oh yes please!

Michael: How old is he?

Me: 58? 57?

Michael: Oh My GOD! You're an OLDLITA!!!!

Me: I'm ignoring you.

Michael: Whatever Bitch! You're just mad you can't turn down MY hearing aid!

"This train is for Cockfosters"

2006-03-10T14:26:00.000-08:00

Geoff gave me a renewed love for the London tube system.

He's a fan of this wonderful public transport, and even holds the world record for completing the entire tube system in the shortest amount of time.

Honestly, if it were not for the distractions and entertainment provided by his page of tube map recreations, I'd be lost each time I'm in London and they decide to shut down lines without giving me enough warning.

All that said, Geoff (see? some of us here in the states know how to spell it) has been contacted by the TFL to cease using their logo on his site.

It's very frustrating, because in addition to all the press he's brought them, he led a charity drive for the train victims of the July bombings, raised funds for them, and was given permission to use the logo at that time.

And now he has been given till Monday to remove the logo-and it fucks me off.

So go visit his map site, and take a look before you lose your chance.

Things I've learned while traveling, Part 8

2006-03-07T09:53:00.000-08:00

Welsh mothers are worse at taking no for an answer than Irish ones.

Male immigration officers are much nicer about letting you into the country than female ones.

High heels and cobblestones are not fast friends.

If you sit at the same table every time, it’s easier to remember your table number for the barman.

Even if you promise yourself you’re going to taste everything before passing judgement, eel pie with lemon still makes you think of this.

Expect a hint of concern when you tell your fiance you'll be going to lunch and sitting in on a lecture being given by a particular one of his colleagues.

Always charge your iPod.
You may find yourself on a bus from Oxford to London with a local cricket club and lose your travel partner and their charming conversation.

Be willing to check a bag if it means next time you’d be able to buy the large book from the Gothic Nightmares exhibit at The Tate.

Celebrate new discoveries. The Nightmare has been my favorite painting for ages.
Fuseli must now be my favorite painter as Titania and Bottom is now my second favorite.

Accept offered sweets from strangers hanging about your friend’s music shop.
You’ll find yourself included in the best trash talking.

Attack plans used for Shoe Frenzy are completely lost on boys you convince to go to London Fashion Weekend with you.
In fact, even the thrill of the hunt is lost on them.

When waiting to be let in to the Life Galleries Restaurant for lunch, no staff seem to be of any help, and your date says, “You’re American, go say something,” don’t be offended when those in line around you seem to perk up and think it’s a great idea.

If someone thinks they might want kids, take them to see the T Rex on a Saturday.
If the wait in line, the mayhem of crowds, and the frustration evident on all the parents faces don’t do it, the shrill screams of terror from every child in the room are sure to get to them.

Always prepare for the tube to be shut down.
Don’t worry-they have replacement busses and you WILL make it to your walk on time.
Really.
Calm Down.

When you challenge Alan to show you something Wilde in London, he will most definitely come through for you.

D.R. Harris chemists’ product, ‘Pick Me Up’ may be the most vile tasting thing you’ll ever taste, but within 20 minutes you’re tip top.
Trust me.
My night before was filled with a rich cake, much champagne, cider, cider with red bull, and Stella.
On no sleep, and severly hung over, Alan took us to D.R. Harris' because he himself was in need of its restoritive powers.
It tasted horrible, but it worked.
Gentlemen have drank this next morning cure to late nights of drink and debauchery for over 100 years, but with England’s entry into the EU, they are being forced to stop producing and selling the product.
Order some while you can.
Also try here for ordering in the U.S.

Don't think you must look like a local when everyone starts asking your help when finding their way around without full tube service.
The moment you get through security at the airport a child of little English language ability will run up to you and say, "We go Los Angeles...you help?" confirming that even dressed in wool and wearing wellies, people all over the planet know what Los Angeles looks like.

When booking your seats with British Airways for your return, always check availability for the back of the plane.
The last few rows on the sides have just 2 seats, instead of 3.
Not only do you have more space, only one person to bother when getting up, and early boarding, most people don't travel single, so you end up with both seats to yourself.

Will do my trip write up later...

2006-03-01T06:03:00.000-08:00

In the mean time, what if President Lincoln had followed through with that rumored taste for boys?

Electric 6's video for 'The Gay Bar'

"Everywhere is walking distance if you have the time. "

2006-02-24T08:07:00.000-08:00

Me: I'm ready. Did you get a cab?
Him: Why would I ring for a cab?
Me: To go to the dinner?
Him: It's not a kilometer-
Me: It's like THREE miles!
Him: It's not a mile, I promise.
Me: I can't walk that far in THESE.
Him: You can't walk a mile?
Me: (thinking I'm being clever) One day you should have to walk a mile in my shoes.
Him: YOU can't even walk a mile in your shoes.

He's an ass.
and he didn't call for a cab.

Yes I walked-but I walked in my boots, and he carried my heels.

And it was a much further than a mile, as my lazy graphic above will demonstrate.

I'm sort of confused by how the night went.
It had it'm moments of being much fun, and I met some great people.
I'm on way way to sit in on a lecture one of them is giving this morning.
But-
I didn't like the reaction some of the older men gave him.
They said things like, "Well Done!", or "Nice Job". And it wasn't said in a engagement congratulatroy way, but more like the congrats you give to someone for buying their first expensive car or home.
It put me off-

Anyway-
Off to attend the lecture, then we are into London tonight-
YEAH!! A big city!
:)

"Travel the world, Traverse the skies"

2006-02-19T17:56:00.000-08:00

Now that I know he has seen and downloaded the iList, I'll share the gift list I set up for Colin.

The challenge was picking songs that would confuse and delight him, while also not being something he already owns.

It was not easy.
Especially since some of the songs I'd loved to include, are songs he has already sent to me on past lists.

At any rate, here it is:

Bobby Darin-More
-It's a classic with swagger and style

William Shatner-Common People
-My favorite remake of one of his favorite songs

Love and Rockets-So Alive
-One of the first 45s I ever bought, and a song that reminds me of being out with him years ago

Roxy Music-More Than This
-A love song thats not traditional in its message of wait for whats right

Stars-Set Yourself on Fire
-Reminds me of physical and internal journies that are good to take

Blur-Colin Zeal
-It's something of a cheat, but it is rather him

Smashing Pumpkins-Stand Inside Your Love
-He hates it when I say he's too good for me, so I'll let Billy Corgan say it for me

U2-Desire (Hollywood Remix)
One of my favorite bands, with a Hollywood twist

Oasis-Fucking in the Bushes
-A song by his favorite band that is more my taste in music than his

Blur-Girls and Boys
-A song that reminds friends of me

Jahna-Flower Duet
-The original operatic is currently my favorite song

Olivia Neutron-Bomb-Darshan
-My favorite song to dance too-in the shower, out at clubs, or with The Flurry

Transglobal Underground-Jatayu
-From an album that is in constant rotation, he might as well get to like it

Karl Davis-Dublin
-The city where we met, in a style out of his comfort zone

David Bowie-The Laughing Gnome
-It's a silly song that makes me laugh

Nearly ready for another trip across the pond.

Still not sure I've packed right-

Still need to get my coat out of storage-
(yes it's February but it was 70+F this week)

While in Oxford it is meant to be:

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

Sun

Mon

Tue

20 Feb

21 Feb

22 Feb

23 Feb

24 Feb

25 Feb

26 Feb

27 Feb

28 Feb

Few Showers

Partly Cloudy

Rain / Snow

Partly Cloudy

Mostly Cloudy

Partly Cloudy

5°C

4°C

5°C

6°C

7°C

2°C

1°C

0°C

1°C

2°C

Still need to decide if I'm taking rain boots or not-

Still need to charge and update the iPod-

Still need to talk to the vet to find out if The Flurry is properly fucked in the food department or not.

That's not TOO much to do.

Oh-and I need to light a candle to the traffic gods that the shuttle does not hit bad traffic on the 405 and I have no problems getting to the airport on time.
And that I get a window seat.

Jeff, feed the dog.
Saryn, good luck with your show.
Ryan, try and behave.
Josh, stop making hair barrets and tutus for your dog and get out and do something.

Stay well, and I'll update while abroad-

"bears eat oats, and does eat oats, and little lambs eat ivy"

2006-02-16T10:48:00.000-08:00

This is Flurry.
Flurry the amazingly amusing and frustrating love of our household.
We think she's very special, as well as very "special".

Flurry was a rescue from an abusive home, that left her with much baggage and many issues.

September was a year with her in our home, and she has evolved very well considering what she's been through.

In addition to her behavior and anxiety adjustments, we've been trying to figure out what is up with her skin and hair.

Flurry has hives, or hair loss ALL THE TIME.

Several visits to a vet later, they concluded she was allergic to chicken.
Great. That's Easy!
(Easy enough anyway since most dog food has chicken in it-but not impossible)
We were careful with ingredients, bought selectively, and monitored her snacks.

Sometime she was better, sometimes she was not.

In fact, the last few months she has been much worse.
There is enough stray hair falling from her body, that we could clone an entire herd of Flurrys if we thought the planet could handle it.

Back to the vet-
more tests-
a little better, still not great.

Back to the vet-
still more tests-
allergy shots, and meds.

This happens every 8-10 weeks.

Still not great-

BACK to the vet-this time the vet recommends a super detailed, but also super expensive allergy test.
We go for it, they take some blood, give her a shot, send her home with meds, and a sunflower to wear.
We wait for the results.

Result time comes and goes-
We get a call.
They didn't draw enough blood for the lab, they'll need some more.

Take Flurry back, they draw more blood, and we wait and laugh as she bumps into things and figures out how to get out of the sunflower.

A couple of days ago Jeff tells me the results came in, and the vet wants to sit down with us and review if there is anything Flurry can have over the counter.
Not something you want to hear.

I start doing research and find that most dog's food allergies come from exposure to different types of food, and in time they develop allergies.
Or-
as in Flurry's case, if a dog is very young with severe allergies, or born with severe allergies, and is a pure breed, it is likely due to inbreeding.

This morning I requested a copy of the test results to be faxed, and it's a long list.
LLLLLOOOOONNNNNGGGGG list.

There are some things she is VERY allergic too-terminally allergic too-

Barley, Alternaria, Stemphylium, Cladosporium, Aspergillus, Grain Smut, Acarus siro, Acacia

There are some things she is very allergic too, at a high level, but not quite as dangerous-

Brewer's Yeast, Oats, Eucalyptus, Lepidoglyphus Destrutor

Then the things she is allergic to that she should not eat or come in contact with-

Wheat, Beef Pulp, Potato, Milk, Flaxseed, Rice, Corn, Beef, Cocklebur, Dandelion, Ragweed, Goldenrod, Sage, Sheep Sorrel, Russian Thistle, English Plantain, Scale, Kochia, Any type of grass, Malassezia, Cephalosporium, Pullularia, Curvalaria, Mites, Cats, Pine, Ash, Olive, Maple
Box Elder, Palm, Orange Pollen, Cottonwood, Mulberry, Alder, Grain Mill Dust, Corn Pullen
Brome Smooth, Cultivated Rye, Cultivated Oats, Alfalfa, Orchard, Clover, Pencicillium Mix
Candida, Black Ants, Mayflys

Finally the things she is allergic too, but should not be an issue unless she is having a medical procedure done-

Rabbit, Chicken, Kangaroo, Lamb, Pinto Beans, Pork, Turkey, Fish, Venison, Duck, Egg
Liver, Fleas, Cedar, Horse Flys, Deer Flys, Mosquitos

So what is she NOT allergic too?
What can she eat at much as she wants and have no fear of reaction?

Soybean, Human Dander, Walnuts, Oak, Rhodotorula, Cockroaches, and House Flys

Bonus, is that part of her "special"ness is that she goes OCD whenever there is a fly anywhere near her, and will pursue and consume any and all.

Negative-other than the fact that inbreeding has turned a canine into a vegetarian, is finding dog food without chicken was nearly impossible, but dog food made of soybean and houseflies?
That's going to be tough.

"Those who restrain desire, do so because theirs is weak enough to be restrained."

2006-02-15T07:26:00.000-08:00

Just found out that we'll be spending a day in London.
Thank God!

We're going for a day of lunch and lecture to attend an exhibit at the Tate.
What makes it extra special cool, is the exhibit is focussing on one of my favorite paintings, and one of my favorite periods of literature.

"Gothic Nightmares explores the work of Henry Fuseli (1741–1825) and William Blake (1757–1827) in the context of the Gothic – the taste for fantastic and supernatural themes which dominated British culture from around 1770 to 1830.

Featuring over 120 works by these artists and their contemporaries, the exhibition creates a vivid image of a period of cultural turmoil and daring artistic invention.

The central exhibit is Henry Fuseli’s famous The Nightmare 1781. Ever since it was first exhibited to the public in 1782, this picture has been an icon of horror. Showing a woman supine in her boudoir, oppressed by a foul imp while a ferocious-looking horse glares on, the painting draws on folklore and popular culture, medicine, concepts of imagination, and classical art to create a new kind of highly charged horror image. This is the most extensive display of Fuseli’s art seen in Britain since 1975 and includes around sixty of his most important canvases and drawings including Titania and Bottom c1790, The Three Witches 1783 and The Shepherd’s Dream.

A selection of works by Fuseli’s contemporaries and followers, dealing with themes of fantasy, horror and perverse sexuality, complement his work. This includes over twenty-five exceptional watercolours and paintings by the visionary artist William Blake, among which will be The Night of Enitharmon’s Joy, The House of Death c1795; his vampire-like Ghost of a Flea, The Whirlwind: Ezekial’s Vision c1803–5; The Witch of Endor Raising the Spirit of Samuel 1783 and Death on a Pale Horse c1800.

The exhibition is further enriched with works on Gothic and fantastic themes by, among others, Joseph Wright of Derby, George Romney, James Barry and Maria Cosway, John Flaxman and Theodore von Holst, and features a large group of caricatures by James Gillray, whose satirical works incorporate some of the most inventive cosmic and fantastic imagery of the era. A special section of the exhibition presents a recreation of a ‘Phantasmagoria’ show – a kind of animated slideshow with sound effects and shocking images – giving visitors to the exhibition a chance to experience at first hand the same chills and thrills as their forebears in the 1800s.

As a literary phenomenon, the Gothic has had an enduring influence. Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein (1818), and the novels of Matthew ‘Monk’ Lewis, William Beckford and Ann Radcliffe are still widely read. Modern Gothic novelists including Angela Carter, Patrick McGrath and Toni Morrison are highly regarded, and the Gothic continues to influence film and TV – from classics like Nosferatu (1922) through to Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1997–2002) – and visual artists like Glenn Brown and the Chapman brothers. This exhibition is the first to explore the roots of this phenomenon in the visual arts of the late eighteenth and early nineteenth century."

“Frustration is the wet nurse of violence.”

2006-02-15T00:29:00.000-08:00

Texted Andrew so the kids could say hello-
Then as scheduled, called Colin...

Just after 12:30 a.m. PST/8:30 a.m. UK
Have consumed Taco Bell and am proably too far into the Valentine cocktails to be discussing the topics he wants to review before meeting with the Immigration Attorney this morning.

I'm trying to make out his soundtrack playing in the background.

"What are you listening too?"
"It's all about you"

It takes till the end of the song before I recognize it's Air.

'Have you registered for the proper amount of hours to math BUNAC?'
'Have you confirmed with US Immigration what your requirements are?'
'Have you started your 6 month ex-pat process?'
'Are you confirmed with the US Embassy for your change of status?'
'Have you reviewed the estate agents sites?'
'Have you decided on somthing for the banquet?'
'Are you all set with work before you travel?'

SO MANY QUESTIONS!!!!

I've registered...
I've confirmed requirements...

I have to say a resounding "no" to the rest.

Looked up the lyrics that are, "all about you"...

Kelly watch the stars
Kelly watch the stars
Kelly watch the stars
Kelly watch the stars
The stars the stars the stars

Kelly watch the stars
Kelly watch the stars
Kelly watch the stars
Kelly watch the stars

Kelly watch the stars
Kelly watch the stars
Kelly watch the stars
Kelly watch the stars
The stars the stars the stars

Kelly watch the stars
Kelly watch the stars
Kelly watch the stars
Kelly watch the stars Kelly watch the stars

If I didn't have a big star tattoo on my back, and my name wasn't Kelly, I'd give him shit for saying it's all about me.

iHEART U!

2006-02-14T17:40:00.000-08:00

Thanks to everyone for the candies, flowers, and sweet and shocking Valentine's Day ecards.
Many kisses to all :)

Got home and found an iTUNES gift list from Colin-
I found it all very charming and fun.

I quizzed Jeff about what songs he'd pick, and got as far as listing that there was an LL Cool J song, and his reply was, "Is it 'I Need Love'? Hell Ya!"

Boys are so funny :)

Want to hear some silly Valentine stuffs?
Here's the play list:

Barry White 'Can't Get Enough of Your Love'
Frank Sinatra 'Too Marvelous for Words'
Stevie Wonder 'My Cherie Amour'
U2 'All I Want is You'
Chet Baker 'Isn't It Romantic?'
The Cure 'Love Song'
Harry Connick Jr 'It Had to be You'
Jesus and Mary Chain 'Just Like Honey'
LL Cool L 'I Need Love'
Fugees 'Killing Me Softly with His Song'
Jewel 'You Were Meant for Me'
Marvin Gaye 'Let's Get It On'
Otis Redding 'Try a Little Tenderness'
Percy Sledge 'When a Man Loves a Woman'

Johari test

2006-02-14T12:35:00.000-08:00

A personality evaluation-
You pick 5 or 6 adjectives from a list that you feel describe you.
Then you ask others to select words from the same list that they feel describe you.

It's meant to give you insight into how others view you, and how accurately you view yourself.

Here's my list.

After you answer mine, you will have the option of creating your own.

"Put your talent into your work, but your genius into your life”"

2006-02-14T08:09:00.000-08:00

It took Colin and I both to get all of these-
so maybe TOGETHER we've the makings of a mad genius

Mensa Genius Test

"When I am dead, I hope it may be said: "His sins were scarlet, but his books were read."

2006-02-12T20:06:00.000-08:00

I don't check my email much on the weekend-
I'm usually out doing other stuff.

Tonight, there's a bit too share.

Yes I love talking animals, but everyone can stop sending me clips.
That said, here's the last one-its for a new Mt Dew energy drink.

And as it is soon Valentine's Day, thought I'd share InstaSong.
Through a series of drop down menus, you can create and preview a song for a particular occasion, and for a specific named person.

Then, a Plath poem sent by my mentee, who just had her first work published.
Congrats!

Female Author

All day she plays at chess with the bones of the world:
Favored (while suddenly the rains begin
Beyond the window) she lies on cushions curled
And nibbles an occasional bonbon of sin.

Prim, pink-breasted, feminine, she nurses
Chocolate fancies in rose-papered rooms
Where polished higboys whisper creaking curses
And hothouse roses shed immortal blooms.

The garnets on her fingers twinkle quick
And blood reflects across the manuscript;
She muses on the odor, sweet and sick,
Of festering gardenias in a crypt,

And lost in subtle metaphor, retreats
From gray child faces crying in the streets.

In reply to the animal auditions....

2006-02-09T18:16:00.000-08:00

James sent me this

"I have no fear in this environment"

2006-02-08T06:05:00.000-08:00

Miller Lite animal auditions-

The bear talks

about having to play a pirate,

The otter taught acting,

The penguin is grumpy :)

"If I was gonna be Swee'Pea's mother, I should've at least let Olive be his father. Or viska versa. I ain't man enough to be no mother"

2006-02-06T14:02:00.000-08:00

After debating with husband #1 this weekend about the name of the villain in Popeye, I found myself asking Michael-

"So on Sunday morning that Robin Williams Popeye movie was on..."

"SHUT UP!"

"I know. I forgot how fun that movie is.....So anyway, the guy who Popeye fights all the time..."

"that baby was a mole"

"was his name Blu....wait....what?"

"that baby was a mole"
"Sweetpea was a mole?"

"Of course."

"Whose baby was Sweetpea anyway?"

"Popeye adopted him after he escaped the mole people."
"what?!?"
"Popeye was fighting and there were these mole people and he adopted that baby."

"I don't remember that. I can't even remember if the guys name is Bluto or Brutus."

"His name was Bluto. I used to get fucked up on acid and watch that movie on laser disk all the time. But that mole baby scared me."

"Are you sure you're not thinking of that Bleep alien thing from the cartoons?"

"OH! Yeah! THATS the fucker who scared me. I guess Sweetpea must have had a mole."

"Please, not so fast"

2006-02-03T13:31:00.000-08:00

Michael came up to my desk and asked if I had ever been to Germany.

I told him I had, then he asked me if it was true that in Austria, there is a town called Fucking.

I reminded him that Austria and Germany are two different countries, did a search, and we found confirmation on Answers.com.

Michael was delighted and ran off to mail the link to what I am sure is far too many people.
The sad part is that he ran off before I could translate the sign UNDER the sign for him.

Fucking
Please Not So Fast

“Study is the bane of childhood, the oil of youth, the indulgence of adulthood, and a restorative in old age”

2006-02-03T11:45:00.000-08:00

In order to qualify for the BUNAC card (a student work exchange that allows American's to work abroad for 6 months provided they have 8 credit hours for the semester prior to entering the country) I am starting school again on Monday.

I'm just at the cusp of my time spinning out of control.

Except for Mondays, I'm in class 6:30-10:00 T, W, and Th.

I'm planning my days to go like this...

Mondays-leave work early, drive to campus, class meets at 4:15-
(though this is golf, so I suspect we will be meeting at a local driving range soon)
After class go to the gym.

Tuesday thru Thursday-leave work ON TIME, drive to gym, work out till 5:45, shower at gym, head to campus.

BEFORE Friday the 10th, must sew a Wendy costume for Ryan's b'day.

Thanfully the gift buying is already done.

Then it's Valentine's Day-
But I'll be in class, so I don't expect to be a very good Valentine for Ryan this year.

Then it's time to sort out what I'm taking, and head back to the UK.

Here's to hoping it gets warmer :)
Currently it's 0c there at the moment-
which, per my mad math skills means 32F.
Which is cold.

Locally it's 78F and is expected to get up to 80F.
Per my mad skills means 23c, I think.

Thankfully I won't be taking any math courses to insure my entry to the UK work force.

sometimes I can be such a child

2006-02-02T08:16:00.000-08:00

“There's method in his madness”

2006-02-01T10:28:00.000-08:00

The Flurry is playing a sunflower in the school play-or at least she's dressed for it.

Her biggest frustrations so far have been scratching her own ears, and doing that thing that has made her look like a baboon, and is the reason she now looks like a sunflower.

At her expense, much entertainment is being had.

She can't seem to judge the proper amount of space she needs to get around objects or people, so you find yourself either being knocked into, or hearing her crash into walls, doorways, and furniture.

So it was another steroid shot to help with her known alergies, and a majorly expensive bloodtest that will tell us EVERYTHING she is alergic too.

Her entertainment value makes up for the expense-I wish I had a video camera to tape the comedy that is going on at our home right now.

As mad and odd as she is, at least she's not this mad...

Overheard in NY continues to delight...

2006-01-27T09:11:00.000-08:00

Woman: Move in, motherfuckers, move in!
Yuppie guy: Wait for the next one, this is too packed.
Woman: Bitch, I have to be on this train!
Yuppie guy: This isn't the train to heaven, you know. It's, like, going to Queens.

--F train

Guy: Yeah, that's the first thing I learned when I moved here: don't eat street meat, it's probably pigeon or something.
Girl #1: Yeah, I wish I could get my husband to stop eating it.
Girl #2: I don't care what kind of meat it is as long as it's in my mouth.
Girl #1: That's my sister; she's looking for a hook-up.
Girl #2: No, I'm not!
Guy: I'm married.

--Irving Plaza, Irving Place

Girl: Do you smell that? Smells like straight up pussy in this bitch.
Guy: I wouldn't know.
Girl: What do you mean you wouldn't know? It's pussy.
Guy: I wouldn't know. I'm gay.
Girl: Damn, son. So what does dick smell like?
Guy: Wouldn't you know? I mean when you get on your knees?

--M14D bus

"Mongo only pawn... in game of life. "

2006-01-26T08:27:00.000-08:00

Blog meme tagged by Andrew.

Four Jobs I’ve Had

1. Bar Manager
2. Magician's Assistant
3. Book Caretaker
4. Life Drawing Model

Four Movies I Can Watch Over and Over

1. Moulin Rouge
2. Fight Club
3. Sense and Sensibility
4. Blazing Saddles

Four Places I’ve Lived

1. Dallas, Texas
2. Los Angeles, California
3. Dublin, Ireland
4. Oxford, England (every few weeks or so)

Four TV Shows I Love

1. Project Runway
2. Black Adder
3. Biography
4. Sex and the City

Four Places I’ve gone on holiday to

1. London
2. Berlin
3. Nairobi
4. Rome

Four of My Favorite Dishes

1. Pasta with chicken and Italian sausage
2. French Dip sandwich
3. Fajita Tacos (while in Texas)
4. Movie theater popcorn

Four Sites I Visit Daily

1. CNN.com
2. hpana.com
3. Tribe.net
4. My site list of blogs I read

Four Places I Would Rather Be Now

1. Pier 39 San Francisco watching the sea lions
2. having a chocomuffin in the cafe at Blackwells in Oxford
3. The Getty doing some writing
4. at the gym on the treadmill watching daytime tv

Four Bloggers I Am Tagging

1. Saryn
2. Jeff
3. Ryan
4. Michael Robles

Thank You Kelly Lynch!

2006-01-25T07:31:00.000-08:00

Thanks to Kelly for this lovely bit of smush.
This is her interpretation of a Snape and Skarlett moment.
Who knew my obsession would serve well as a muse?

I find it extra fun that it's me pouncing Snape, and not him pouncing me.

“Without a sense of urgency, desire loses its value.”

2006-01-24T22:15:00.000-08:00

My hump, my hump, my hump, my hump,
My hump, my hump, my hump, my hump, my hump, my hump.
My lovely lady lumps (lumps)
My lovely lady lumps (lumps)
My lovely lady lumps (lumps)
In the back and in the front (lumps)
My lovin’ got u,"

That's what I would have sung.
Our night out at the local evolved into a Karoke night.

Went out for a meeting of the Pussy on the Prowl gals tonight.

First time in ages since we all got together for drinks (pints of cider with Red Bull) and gossip and talks.

What do a bunch of gals out together talk about and learn?

One gal has the best pick up line among us,
-"I don't look like this in the morning"

One gal has the drama that's hot and steamy,
-it involves a towel and a young boy (I've prolly already said too much).

One gal is just trying to find Mr Right, instead of Mr Will Do
-she made a good effort, but what can you do?

One gal is silly happy being married,
-and is up for fun and frolic this Friday with the rest of us-

And then I guess my only confession is that I promissed not to get married in jeans.
-Not that big a deal really, though if I listened to Amber, I'd be wearing the Moulin Rouge gown I made to my wedding

Points of Interest:

Always entertaining and flirtingly tempting to come across an ex diversion behind the bar

Life, and play time, is more exciting in black and red

Frogs may not make you lesbian, but they still make you sticky.

Anyway, we hoped Ryan would come and join the girls, but he's had an architectural misadventure (translation: the apt above his flooded and made his kitchen ceiling come crashing down).

Here's to hoping I can persuade him into coming out on Friday and playing with me and the rest of the gals.

Then we're off to Sea World,

"because nothing gets me hotter than whales in the water"

“We have two ears and one mouth so that we can listen twice as much as we speak.”

2006-01-24T17:02:00.000-08:00

I'm walking to meet Michael for lunch, and like only he can, he screams,
"Those wedges are FABULOUS!"

I smiled

They are fabulous.

I caught up to him and thanked him,
"I haven't worn them in a year, and they need oiling. The leather is making some odd quaking sound. It's like a duck is in my shoes."

We walk on to have some lunch, and as we find a table he says,

"Look at that! I want to push him down and put my cock in his mouth!"

I was gaping.
Shocked.
Stuttering.

Michael looked at me and very confused innocently asked,
"what?"

"ummm nothing I guess. I just didn't expect you to say something like that."

"Oh please! You were the one just talking about needing to get oiled, and whacked, and confessed getting fucked in your shoes!"

More gaping on my part.

"WHAT?"

"You just SAID you need to get oiled and whacked and that you like to get fucked in your shoes!"

"I said it sounds like there's a DUCK in my shoes. A DUCK!"

"oh...........
well I still want to put my cock in his mouth. My COCK!"

New Zealand Airways has interesting ideas for getting inflight comfort

2006-01-23T19:19:00.000-08:00

"Snow and adolescence are the only problems that disappear if you ignore them long enough.”

2006-01-23T15:50:00.000-08:00

I had asked Andrew how cold it was, 3 degrees C.
Then I thought that it must always be MUCH colder in Wales, than Oxford, so it won't be THAT bad, and Colin and I discussed dates, and I booked, and we got a great round trip ticket on British Airways for $250 plus taxes and fees.

Yes it's nonrefundable, and yes the dates are set, but what a deal!

Colin jumps on line, we're having some AIM time, and he comments that he does not want to go down the hall to the loo, because it's so cold, and he's just gotten nice and warm.

But is must always be much colder in Wales than Oxford, right?

No.

Not sure how my California thin skin is going to do moving into that climate.

-4 C

Thats the temprature.

-4 C

Which I think is 24 F

I'm still trying to learn the conversions.

I'm cold here at my desk in sunny, punished with Santa Ana winds so its like 70 F, southern California, just thinking about it.

Fucking having to pack a fucking coat and gloves and scarfs and hats and warm PJs and boots and thermals and tights and all that.

And I remember in Texas many winters of -degrees, which would be much colder, right?
Because negative there is negative from 32F, but negative here is negative from 0F-right?

Wonder where the deer goes when it snows?
They don't have a barn as far as I remember.

And wonder if the Cherwell will be frozen?

Looked up images for the front pic for this entry, and thought that while this looks very cold, it looks very pretty.

My pic taken in July, and this pic taken after the snow.

Ah well-will try and remember the camera this time.
And if I see any deer popsicles in the Cherwell, I'll take a pic for all of you.

“Woman begins by resisting a man's advances and ends up blocking his retreat.”

2006-01-19T13:50:00.000-08:00

Saryn sent me to OK Cupid to take the Dating Type quiz.

Supposedly I am:

The Peach
Playful, kind, and well-loved, you are The Peach.

For such a warm-hearted, generous person, you're surprisingly experienced in both love and sex. We credit your spontaneous side; you tend to live in the moment, and you don't get bogged down by inhibitions like most women your age. If you see something wonderful, you confidently embrace it.

You are a fun flirt and an instant sweetheart, but our guess is you're becoming more selective about long-term love. It's getting tougher for you to become permanently attached; and a guy who's in a different place emotionally might misunderstand your early enthusiasm. You can wreck someone simply by enjoying him.

Your ideal mate is adventurous and giving, like you. But not overly intense.

DREAD: The False Messiah

CONSIDER: The Loverboy, The Playboy, or The Boy Next Door

Your exact opposite:
The Nymph
**********************

So of course I sent the link to Colin, and supposedly he is:

**********************
The Gentleman
Steady & mature. You are The Gentleman.

For anyone looking for an even-keeled, considerate lover, you're their man. You're sophisticated. You know what you want both in a relationship and outside of it. You have a substantial romantic side, and you're experienced enough sexually to handle yourself in that arena, too. Your future relationships will be long-lasting; you're classic "marrying material," a prize in the eyes of many.

It's possible that behind it all, you're a bit of a male slut. Your best friends know that in relationships you're fundamentally sex-driven. You're a safe, reliable guy, who does get laid. In a lot of ways, you're like a well-worn, comfortable pair of socks. Did you ever jack off into one of those? All the time.

Your ideal mate is NOT a nut-job. She is giving and loving, like you, but also experienced. Avoid the The Battleaxe at all fucking costs.

CONSIDER: The Maid of Honor, someone just like you.

Your exact opposite:
The Last Man on Earth

*****************

"male slut" I KNEW it!
:)

Take the test yourself here.