From Johnny B:
dearest mars, i write to you with feverish fingertips. i have, with no surprise to either you nor i, found another love. yes. true love, not the kind that you find in one of those trashy bitch novels, no. some may call it want. actually i did about 5 hours ago. whatever! this makes me smile on the inside and what really is important here? i will, without regret, dismantle my bid for a certain two seated 'wind in your hair', for the latter.
Thursday, December 02, 2004
amos oz
Amos Oz
I had never heard of him before, despite the fact that he is one of Isreal's most well-known authors and recipient of several peace prizes. Amos Oz believes in separate states for both Israel and Palestine, which makes him a controversial character on both sides. And on that, I will say nothing because I'm not even close to being educated or experienced enough to comment.
But instead I'll tell you about his voice. Instead I'll hint at the way speaks, just answering questions in an interview: conviction and passion held together by spoken, off-the-cuff poetry.
Oz was interviewed this week by Terry Gross for Fresh Air. He talks about his new book which is a memoir of growing up in war-torn Israel, sheltered by parents whose hearts were broken by a Europe that didn't want them, only to have his own broken when his mother killed herself when he was only twelve years old.
I had to listen to the interview twice.
» listen to the interview
» read an excerpt
PANTS!
massive pants
This photographer writes, "I have to endure the searing image that is my elderly neighbourâ??s massive pants on the line, and thanks to the wonders of modern technology, so do you!"
Ha. And now so do all emdot readers!
Wednesday, December 01, 2004
overheard
we're having pizza at dan's house -- lemme tell you, this pizza is going to be awesome... sun-dried tomato pesto with goat cheese, rosemary, bell peppers, proscuitto... meanwhile, the subject of "how old are you?" came up, with a really awesome eight-year-old.
the kid: how old are you?
dan: 12
the kid: really? (note skepticism)
dan: ask marya.
the kid: how old is he?
emdot: 12.
the kid: what were you, born on leap year?
we officially love the kid.
we're having pizza at dan's house -- lemme tell you, this pizza is going to be awesome... sun-dried tomato pesto with goat cheese, rosemary, bell peppers, proscuitto... meanwhile, the subject of "how old are you?" came up, with a really awesome eight-year-old.
the kid: how old are you?
dan: 12
the kid: really? (note skepticism)
dan: ask marya.
the kid: how old is he?
emdot: 12.
the kid: what were you, born on leap year?
we officially love the kid.
CAT'S FOOD
New source of inspiration. Hilda says she likes to vacation and craft, so that is what she's made her life. I LOVE THAT. Her style is saturated and whimsical and very inspiring. Her bull dogs are cute, too.
Colors
The painters are back (and I guess will keep coming back for days and days). Meanwhile, they've swapped Duane Eddy for 80s punk and it is just cracking me up. :)
Tuesday, November 30, 2004
this is a longish and thickish poem... but i love it. and so i put it here to share it with you....
Forgiveness
Steven Philip Gehrke
At lunch, your friend tells you he's having trouble with his lover, and
you say, "I'm sorry," which doesn't seem to help much, because he's
really swimming in it now, so drenched with tears you half expect
the waiter to stop by and sponge him off. So you swipe a few napkins
from their little tin house, lean across the table, and say, "I'm really
really sorry," like you're asking for his forgiveness. Which, after all,
maybe you are, because the scroll of your own sins, when it comes
to love, could stretch from here to the parking lot and back, and part
of you wants to unroll it right now and start listing them off, the way
they do at hangings. But seeing your friend wrecked like this makes
the other part of you feel lousy and really wish for his forgiveness, or
if not his, then the waiter's. At this point, anyone's would do. Because
that's the way the world should work, you think: we should forgive
each other all the time, handshakes cut loose in favor of gestures of
forgiveness, a palm placed upon the forehead of everyone you meet,
their palm on your forehead, leaning there against each other, a few
small words of absolution, little Post-it notes — Don't be so hard on
yourself — stuck to your computer at work, even just a quick sign of
the cross from your boss on his way to a coffee break, so that you can
forgive him when he comes back, for surely he'll have sinned in those
few minutes, and so will you, on of those small malices: slamming
your desk drawer because the work never stops, a curse just beneath
your breat, the misdemeanors we all commit, because eventually
even the good must sin, if for no other reason than to experience the
joy forgiveness brings. And why not give that joy to each other all the
time? Though maybe we already do this, because what else would you
call, except gestures of forgiveness, a hand extending toward a mislaid
hair, the man nodding your through the tollbooth when you forget
your change? Or something subtler than that: the quick glance in the
hallway that says, "Here we both are, and that's OK," with the two minds
processing and judging, judging and releasing, both knowing so much
about the shortcomings of the other, yet arranging an oblivious face,
like the waiter who ignores the napkins, crumpled with tears, your
friend has left piled on his plate.
Forgiveness
Steven Philip Gehrke
At lunch, your friend tells you he's having trouble with his lover, and
you say, "I'm sorry," which doesn't seem to help much, because he's
really swimming in it now, so drenched with tears you half expect
the waiter to stop by and sponge him off. So you swipe a few napkins
from their little tin house, lean across the table, and say, "I'm really
really sorry," like you're asking for his forgiveness. Which, after all,
maybe you are, because the scroll of your own sins, when it comes
to love, could stretch from here to the parking lot and back, and part
of you wants to unroll it right now and start listing them off, the way
they do at hangings. But seeing your friend wrecked like this makes
the other part of you feel lousy and really wish for his forgiveness, or
if not his, then the waiter's. At this point, anyone's would do. Because
that's the way the world should work, you think: we should forgive
each other all the time, handshakes cut loose in favor of gestures of
forgiveness, a palm placed upon the forehead of everyone you meet,
their palm on your forehead, leaning there against each other, a few
small words of absolution, little Post-it notes — Don't be so hard on
yourself — stuck to your computer at work, even just a quick sign of
the cross from your boss on his way to a coffee break, so that you can
forgive him when he comes back, for surely he'll have sinned in those
few minutes, and so will you, on of those small malices: slamming
your desk drawer because the work never stops, a curse just beneath
your breat, the misdemeanors we all commit, because eventually
even the good must sin, if for no other reason than to experience the
joy forgiveness brings. And why not give that joy to each other all the
time? Though maybe we already do this, because what else would you
call, except gestures of forgiveness, a hand extending toward a mislaid
hair, the man nodding your through the tollbooth when you forget
your change? Or something subtler than that: the quick glance in the
hallway that says, "Here we both are, and that's OK," with the two minds
processing and judging, judging and releasing, both knowing so much
about the shortcomings of the other, yet arranging an oblivious face,
like the waiter who ignores the napkins, crumpled with tears, your
friend has left piled on his plate.
Blomorado
Sunset from within.
Steffe lives in Sweden and somehow seems to be surrounded by greenhouses. With the sun setting by 4pm, the greenhouses keep their lights on a while longer, making sure the plants get their needed light therapy.
» See more swedish greenhouses
Steffe lives in Sweden and somehow seems to be surrounded by greenhouses. With the sun setting by 4pm, the greenhouses keep their lights on a while longer, making sure the plants get their needed light therapy.
» See more swedish greenhouses
Monday, November 29, 2004
Santa Barbara Sunset
So, the housepainters are back. They are a couple of great kids. And by kids, I of course mean 25-year olds. I love them! Every morning they are super friendly with huge smiles that spread across their faces and they don't care if I still need to move my car out of their way. "No problem!" they say. I heart the painters! This afternoon they've got their stereo hooked up and it is this vaguely familiar guitar music -- and really good. So finally I go outside (I work from home, so have been here for all painting antics) and ask who it is. "Duane Eddy," comes the reply.
"He's good."
"Yeah he is. Specially for a kid like me to be listening...."
True.
Today is such a typical after-thanksgiving day. And by that I mean, there's still pumpkin pie to be had.
Few things are as good as pumpkin pie. Which is why I just had a slice.
"He's good."
"Yeah he is. Specially for a kid like me to be listening...."
True.
Today is such a typical after-thanksgiving day. And by that I mean, there's still pumpkin pie to be had.
Few things are as good as pumpkin pie. Which is why I just had a slice.
Sunday, November 28, 2004
just little tidbits
movies. saw sideways again. at first i thought the audience was laughing and loving it because it was filmed locally. but after the second time, well, those weren't gratuitous guffaws -- just straightup belly laughter. go see. on saturday i met up with a friend to see neverland which was so much better than i thought it would be. to be honest... i didn't have any expectations really... just thought it would be fun to go and see a movie. but it was really good and quite moving and johnny depp may be the best american actor of our time. if not, i'm sure it's a tie between him and sean penn and robert downey jr. maybe they'll have a fight and we can watch. (and if it does come down to blows, c'mon, you know sean penn would win.).
julie christie was in neverland. she is one of the few famous people i've ever met. and while i'm sure she wouldn't remember me, she left an indellible mark in my memory bank. i met her at a retreat, so was near her for about three days and she was just greatly normal and incredibly nice. the biggest impression was how she really took an interest in the wildlife and pets at the retreat. she is small in stature. quick to smile. just nice and normal and basically someone you would be happy to run into any time.
and so different from her persona in neverland. so i was really blown away by her performance where she loomed large (and looked much older than she does in real life) and was grim and severe. i have a whole new respect for actors. no wonder she has an oscar. she kicked ass all over that screen.
movies. saw sideways again. at first i thought the audience was laughing and loving it because it was filmed locally. but after the second time, well, those weren't gratuitous guffaws -- just straightup belly laughter. go see. on saturday i met up with a friend to see neverland which was so much better than i thought it would be. to be honest... i didn't have any expectations really... just thought it would be fun to go and see a movie. but it was really good and quite moving and johnny depp may be the best american actor of our time. if not, i'm sure it's a tie between him and sean penn and robert downey jr. maybe they'll have a fight and we can watch. (and if it does come down to blows, c'mon, you know sean penn would win.).
julie christie was in neverland. she is one of the few famous people i've ever met. and while i'm sure she wouldn't remember me, she left an indellible mark in my memory bank. i met her at a retreat, so was near her for about three days and she was just greatly normal and incredibly nice. the biggest impression was how she really took an interest in the wildlife and pets at the retreat. she is small in stature. quick to smile. just nice and normal and basically someone you would be happy to run into any time.
and so different from her persona in neverland. so i was really blown away by her performance where she loomed large (and looked much older than she does in real life) and was grim and severe. i have a whole new respect for actors. no wonder she has an oscar. she kicked ass all over that screen.
Wednesday, November 24, 2004
Kiev 2004
This morning I turned on the morning news first thing because I wanted to know what was happening in Kiev. To me, this is a very important story -- especially when compared to how the US has handled/responded to its last two elections.
And do you know that not ONE of the network shows were talking about it. Do you know what they were talking about? TRAVELING.
Traveling and all the people traveling. And hello, it's Thanksgiving and more Americans are traveling and blah blah blah blah... did we mention the traveling?
I was shocked. I still am I guess. To me this choice in reporting represented something that is wrong with our country: pandering to the lowest common denominator. Going for the easy. News as a jello mold.
But Kiev... THIS is the real deal: democracy in nonaction with people demanding something better. Like truth. Like real democracy. THIS is the people speaking up and being heard.
Being heard everywhere except in the "land of the free" where people are way more interested in what's going to happen as they sit in bumper-to-bumper traffic just like they do every year on this day.
And do you know that not ONE of the network shows were talking about it. Do you know what they were talking about? TRAVELING.
Traveling and all the people traveling. And hello, it's Thanksgiving and more Americans are traveling and blah blah blah blah... did we mention the traveling?
I was shocked. I still am I guess. To me this choice in reporting represented something that is wrong with our country: pandering to the lowest common denominator. Going for the easy. News as a jello mold.
But Kiev... THIS is the real deal: democracy in nonaction with people demanding something better. Like truth. Like real democracy. THIS is the people speaking up and being heard.
Being heard everywhere except in the "land of the free" where people are way more interested in what's going to happen as they sit in bumper-to-bumper traffic just like they do every year on this day.
the daily distraction
For those of you not hitting the highways and the skyways on this, the most traveled traveling day full of travelers, I bring back the Daily Distraction. :)
tasty ear treats
First of all, I want to remind you about Morning Becomes Eclectic on KCRW from 9 to 12, Monday through Friday. You can stream it and it's worth it, 'specially if your music listening's in a rut, like me. (Ooooh and today it's live in house performance of [Jon Spencer's] Blues Explosion... tune in).
» Morning Becomes Eclectic
What Kind of Dog Are You?
Why a personality-test-taking type of course. Actually, it's a little crazy how accurate this test is. It may soon pass the Myers-Briggs as the definitive personality test. Oh and by the way, I'm a Tibetan Spaniel, which is not an actual spaniel, but a non-yappy lap dog that likes to show off when it's not taking naps. Um, I mean, that is brave and wonderful and fabulous and does tricks! Yeah, that's it. And it always gets its taxes done on time. And it never has a second piece of cake or adds extra cream to its coffee.
» Find yer canine equivalent
(the link is in the right-hand nav under GAMES)
I love Donnie Darko
There's a photo on Flickr that makes me laugh every time I see it. So I said so in the comments and favoritized it and got an email back from said owner of the t-shirt with the subject line of "sometimes I doubt..." and an email that read "your commitment to Sparkle Motion." Which made me spit my coffee out all over my monitor cuz it caught me off guard and is probably one of the all time funniest email to read from a stranger. He included a link to the T. I'm pretty excited about getting this shirt for my own.
» Show your commitment
Dolphins are cooler than you and me
For some reason this story is really sticking with me. A group of swimmers were out in the ocean and found themselves surrounded by a posse of dolphin (for from now on, groups of dolphin will be known as a posse of dolphin). When they tried to get out of the ring of dolphin they found themselves being herded back together. The dolphins created a tighter and tighter circumference around the swimmers. Turns out there was a great white shark prowling nearby. The dolphins protected the humans for over 40 minutes -- until the shark swam away. And that pretty much blows my mind and gets me thinking that if I were a better person I'd be a vegetarian again. Instead I will commit to not eating the dolphins. ;)
» We all need a circle of dolphins
Some photos that I've recently loved (from Flickr)
For those of you not hitting the highways and the skyways on this, the most traveled traveling day full of travelers, I bring back the Daily Distraction. :)
tasty ear treats
First of all, I want to remind you about Morning Becomes Eclectic on KCRW from 9 to 12, Monday through Friday. You can stream it and it's worth it, 'specially if your music listening's in a rut, like me. (Ooooh and today it's live in house performance of [Jon Spencer's] Blues Explosion... tune in).
» Morning Becomes Eclectic
What Kind of Dog Are You?
Why a personality-test-taking type of course. Actually, it's a little crazy how accurate this test is. It may soon pass the Myers-Briggs as the definitive personality test. Oh and by the way, I'm a Tibetan Spaniel, which is not an actual spaniel, but a non-yappy lap dog that likes to show off when it's not taking naps. Um, I mean, that is brave and wonderful and fabulous and does tricks! Yeah, that's it. And it always gets its taxes done on time. And it never has a second piece of cake or adds extra cream to its coffee.
» Find yer canine equivalent
(the link is in the right-hand nav under GAMES)
I love Donnie Darko
There's a photo on Flickr that makes me laugh every time I see it. So I said so in the comments and favoritized it and got an email back from said owner of the t-shirt with the subject line of "sometimes I doubt..." and an email that read "your commitment to Sparkle Motion." Which made me spit my coffee out all over my monitor cuz it caught me off guard and is probably one of the all time funniest email to read from a stranger. He included a link to the T. I'm pretty excited about getting this shirt for my own.
» Show your commitment
Dolphins are cooler than you and me
For some reason this story is really sticking with me. A group of swimmers were out in the ocean and found themselves surrounded by a posse of dolphin (for from now on, groups of dolphin will be known as a posse of dolphin). When they tried to get out of the ring of dolphin they found themselves being herded back together. The dolphins created a tighter and tighter circumference around the swimmers. Turns out there was a great white shark prowling nearby. The dolphins protected the humans for over 40 minutes -- until the shark swam away. And that pretty much blows my mind and gets me thinking that if I were a better person I'd be a vegetarian again. Instead I will commit to not eating the dolphins. ;)
» We all need a circle of dolphins
Some photos that I've recently loved (from Flickr)
Monday, November 22, 2004
Saturday, November 20, 2004
So excited about the moving train
Sideways. Yesterday KB and I went to see Sideways, the new movie out from the guy who directed Election and About Schmidt. I woulda wanted to see it no matter, but the fact that most of it was filmed just 30 to 60 miles away from us was an added bonus. The crowd cheered at each mention of San Luis Obispo or wineries they knew and loved, familiar sites or any other reference that moved them. At the end everyone clapped. Cuz even though the movie is about two fucked-up middle-aged guys who can't get their acts together to save their lives, it made the Central Coast look beautiful and magical and peaceful and idyllic.... Just like it is. I'm gonna see it again.
» Watch the trailer
» Writer, Rex Pickett interview
» Director, Alexander Payne interview
» LA Times critic Kenneth Turan's review
Old Man Talker. The only problem with the movie and the crowd's exuberance was that there were several people who felt the need to narrate the movie to their spouses. While KB had to struggle with Mr. Kicking Her Chair, I was sitting beside Old Man Talker. And the longer Old Man Talker was watching the movie, the more Old Man Talker forgot he was in a theater with other people who could hear his running commentary.
"What is that?!" asked the man to his wife. "A chocolate? Did he just give him a chocolate?"
"Zssispt psstzt zsispist," his wife whispered back, obviously still in possession of her movie-going manners.
"What?" said Old Man Talker.
"ZSSISPT PSSTZT ZSISPIST!" she said again, this time louder.
"Oh! A condom!" said Old Man Talker.
He also commented on the direction they were driving on the highways (They're heading north!) and forecasted future actions (I think he's going to tell her now!).
Sigh. Oh, Old Man Talker. I couldn't even be upset with you cuz you were too damn cute with all your movie-talking exhuberance. Just please, don't sit by me again and try to share the arm rests next time. Deal?
Softies. KB and I are living squarely in girlieville and we can prove it by participating in Loobylu's A Month of Softies online community project. Yesterday we each bought super soft flannel and then hand-made the pattern and began to cut out our peices. And oh, yes, the results shall be posted and you all can roll your eyes and say "damn those girls are such CHICKS" and we'll smile and nod and say that you're right.
Friday, November 19, 2004
Wednesday, November 17, 2004
Shopping centre Santa
Shopping centre Santa
Originally uploaded by vanillasky.
Okay. Oh. Man.
I found this one in the Flickr "Creepy Christmas" group. But what is totally FREAKING ME OUT are Santa's inner thighs. Now there's a group of words I thought I'd never say "santa's inner thighs." Ack!
Wrong wrong wrong on so many counts. And yet -- yet -- I choose to post this on my blog.
I saw someone leave a comment last week that said "I'm already sick of Christmas." Heh. After seeing this picture I'm sick and frightened.
Is malky still alive?
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): "To the mind that is still," said the ancient
Chinese sage Lao Tzu, "the whole universe surrenders." This is true all the
time, of course, but in the coming weeks it will be even more intensely
true for you. According to traditional astrologers, that would be a
problem. They believe that advising Virgos to keep their minds still is like
ordering Niagara Falls to stop splashing 600,000 gallons of water per
second over its precipice. But here's my nontraditional perspective: It
may be harder for you Virgos to quiet your mind, but if and when you
actually accomplish it, the universe surrenders more completely to you
than to any other sign. (P.S. On March 29, 1848, an ice jam stopped the
flow of water over Niagara Falls for several hours.)
Tuesday, November 16, 2004
Sheep in Wales
Flickr Pimpin'
I found Big Al Davies in the simplist of ways. I was on Flickr, looking to be entertained, and one of his pics showed up as "recently uploaded" on the Flickr home page. 
It was a simple picture. Unassuming. And yet, emotionally, it drew me right in. Providing instant ambience and prestory and afterstory and just... I dunno. I just liked it. So I cruised Big Al's photostream and found that a lot of the photos were like that. I prolly favoritized a handful right off the bat.
At Big Al's you'll find awesome nostalgia shots of his punk days in the early 80s (think peg-legged pants will ever come back in? these boys tucked 'em in their boots), pastoral shots like the this photo of the sheep, and glimpses of small-town Welsh living, Welsh vacationing, Welsh hanging out and Welsh showing off. On top of it all, Big Al's style is clever and unassuming. Sweet but with an edge. (Uh oh, am I evangelizing again?)
My money's on it that he's a bit of a local hero himself. I bet that more than a couple people know his name and shout hellos as he walks down the street. I'd shout hello too, if he were in my town.
» Big Al Davies photostream
Monday, November 15, 2004
(little) girl power
Regardless of what you think about their music (I saw a note today that said " I cannot decide if Smoosh is the best or worst band ever") there is a lot to admire and make you smile with Smoosh. Hello — little girls who have these kinds of instincts and this level of fearlessness? A 10- and 12-year-old opening for Pearl Jam and Death Cab? What is not to admire? Plus it made me pull out an old Princess Superstar for at-my-desk chair dancing for the rest of the evening. Seriously though: More power to the Smoosh.
» Listen to the Smoosh interview/songs
» P. S-star and the wedding DJ (I'm still impressed)
Regardless of what you think about their music (I saw a note today that said " I cannot decide if Smoosh is the best or worst band ever") there is a lot to admire and make you smile with Smoosh. Hello — little girls who have these kinds of instincts and this level of fearlessness? A 10- and 12-year-old opening for Pearl Jam and Death Cab? What is not to admire? Plus it made me pull out an old Princess Superstar for at-my-desk chair dancing for the rest of the evening. Seriously though: More power to the Smoosh.
» Listen to the Smoosh interview/songs
» P. S-star and the wedding DJ (I'm still impressed)
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