Didn't get much sleep last night. With Jude away the time that I go to bed tends to drift - especially since Facebook added chat and friends in different time zones start to wander in and out. Didn't used to be a problem - but with the gym now a 6am fixture my nocturnal catching ups are robbing me of sleep.
Luckily the endorphins are fighting the 'lack of rest - tins' and I'm left feeling very mellow indeed. Despite the fact that the world is closing in around me, I seem to have hit a bit of a groove. Things are falling into place, I'm chugging along and Cruise Control is engaged.
Guess that a crash is inevitable... I'll try to stay awake at the wheel
Tuesday, July 08, 2008
Monday, July 07, 2008
Freedom
So last night with the sun shining and the town full of families in search of icecream I decided to head down to the final night of the Ann Arbor SummerFestival.
It was packed with people - and what was most apparent to me was the lack of self consciousness amongst them.
By the gate groups of teenage girls hung out, cell phones in hand, braces gleaming in the late afternoon sun, Hollister shorts just too short and tops revealing just too much muffin action. They threw their heads back and laughed with ease, while scanning the horizon for the football players with whom they had innocently fumbled.
Inside bikers mingled with professors (they had beards in common I guess) as dads hoisted screaming toddlers onto their shoulders and moms danced hand in hand with kids alive to the energy of the evening.
The first music and everyone was up. On their feet. Grandma was twirling, grandson was bouncing, too many people seemed to be on the verge of seizure but nobody - and I mean nobody was mortified.
Other than me. British-New Yorker that I feel I am. Who stood rooted, horrified and awed by the sheer mid-westerness of it all. The perfect town enjoying the perfect evening. Pretty cool
It was packed with people - and what was most apparent to me was the lack of self consciousness amongst them.
By the gate groups of teenage girls hung out, cell phones in hand, braces gleaming in the late afternoon sun, Hollister shorts just too short and tops revealing just too much muffin action. They threw their heads back and laughed with ease, while scanning the horizon for the football players with whom they had innocently fumbled.
Inside bikers mingled with professors (they had beards in common I guess) as dads hoisted screaming toddlers onto their shoulders and moms danced hand in hand with kids alive to the energy of the evening.
The first music and everyone was up. On their feet. Grandma was twirling, grandson was bouncing, too many people seemed to be on the verge of seizure but nobody - and I mean nobody was mortified.
Other than me. British-New Yorker that I feel I am. Who stood rooted, horrified and awed by the sheer mid-westerness of it all. The perfect town enjoying the perfect evening. Pretty cool
Sunday, July 06, 2008
What a furor
So our local theatre (theatre, thee-ade-orr) is currently running "The Little Dog Laughed" a not bad at all play about a young actor who might just make it big if only his agent can hide his 'slight case of recurring homosexuality'.
The image here was taken for the Portland version, but as it has now finished its run I'm not post the details here - just check out www.pcs.org should you be in the area - I'm sure they have some good stuff.
Now the issues with this play are twofold. When it showed in Chicago the director cut the nudity --- and the playwright was pissed.
Here the nudity stands (is that a mixed metaphor?) but the poster - showing two shirtless men holding in what appear to be the start of middle aged guts - has caused some local stores to refuse to display the ad in their window.
This is odd.
Ann Arbor, A2, is supposed to be a liberal town. It's supposed to be an opium scented oasis of liberal sensibility in a state full of 'hand me my gun Cleavis' redneckery.
The local rags are trying to make a story out of it. But I think that it's a matter of good taste rather than wounded morality. Those boys shouldn't be topless anywhere where they can be viewed. Honestly - are their no ripped regional actors?
The image here was taken for the Portland version, but as it has now finished its run I'm not post the details here - just check out www.pcs.org should you be in the area - I'm sure they have some good stuff.
Now the issues with this play are twofold. When it showed in Chicago the director cut the nudity --- and the playwright was pissed.
Here the nudity stands (is that a mixed metaphor?) but the poster - showing two shirtless men holding in what appear to be the start of middle aged guts - has caused some local stores to refuse to display the ad in their window.
This is odd.
Ann Arbor, A2, is supposed to be a liberal town. It's supposed to be an opium scented oasis of liberal sensibility in a state full of 'hand me my gun Cleavis' redneckery.
The local rags are trying to make a story out of it. But I think that it's a matter of good taste rather than wounded morality. Those boys shouldn't be topless anywhere where they can be viewed. Honestly - are their no ripped regional actors?
Saturday, July 05, 2008
The next president
So since the beginning of June support for John McCain has been dwindling and most polls now show Obama with a lead of between 4 and 5 points. Expect the alerst to head for Orange, the churches to post more "Obama - Osama... think about it" signs and for the world "Hussein" to be brought to the fore asap.
Meanwhile expect "supporters of Obama" to question McCain's heroism. Like Wesley Clark - who rightly pointed out that being held prisoner of war no more qualifies you for being president than say 'falling down a well' - both are unfortunate and both tend to get survivors labeled 'hero' - but neither requires heroism.
Gore Vidal in a fit of spite has of course said that he'll be "Very sorry" on "the day that they shoot Obama" and that McCain's prisoner of war status "should be more in line for court martial than President" (I paraphrase badly)
On the "Issues that matter" it seems that Obama is seen as weak on "Terrorism" and "illegal immigration" - at least as far as voters see it. He's strong on healthcare and critically on The Economy and Energy / Gas Prices.
So expect McCain to run a "Giving free healthcare to illegal immigrants" ad soon.
Weirdly with McCain for staying in Iraq "For 100 years" and Obama on the "Never in 100 years should we have invaded" side the two are dead level on the issue.
More Weirdly democrat Obama shades McCAin 44% : 35% on The Economy. Perhaps reason for McCain to bring in a figure as hated as Mitt Romney to show that he has some 'big business' onside.
McCain's only real advantage (19pts) is on Terrorism. So he needs it to be an issue. And right now it's running fifth.
The issues that count
1. Energy / Gas Prices
2. The Economy
3. Iraq
4. Healthcare
5. Terrorism
If McCain can tie Terrorism to high gas prices he might be on to something.
We shall see
Meanwhile expect "supporters of Obama" to question McCain's heroism. Like Wesley Clark - who rightly pointed out that being held prisoner of war no more qualifies you for being president than say 'falling down a well' - both are unfortunate and both tend to get survivors labeled 'hero' - but neither requires heroism.
Gore Vidal in a fit of spite has of course said that he'll be "Very sorry" on "the day that they shoot Obama" and that McCain's prisoner of war status "should be more in line for court martial than President" (I paraphrase badly)
On the "Issues that matter" it seems that Obama is seen as weak on "Terrorism" and "illegal immigration" - at least as far as voters see it. He's strong on healthcare and critically on The Economy and Energy / Gas Prices.
So expect McCain to run a "Giving free healthcare to illegal immigrants" ad soon.
Weirdly with McCain for staying in Iraq "For 100 years" and Obama on the "Never in 100 years should we have invaded" side the two are dead level on the issue.
More Weirdly democrat Obama shades McCAin 44% : 35% on The Economy. Perhaps reason for McCain to bring in a figure as hated as Mitt Romney to show that he has some 'big business' onside.
McCain's only real advantage (19pts) is on Terrorism. So he needs it to be an issue. And right now it's running fifth.
The issues that count
1. Energy / Gas Prices
2. The Economy
3. Iraq
4. Healthcare
5. Terrorism
If McCain can tie Terrorism to high gas prices he might be on to something.
We shall see
Friday, July 04, 2008
July 4th
Last July 4th I was getting ready to join Jude in NAmibia
The July 4th before I was recovering from chemo in Anguilla
This July 4th I'm running Jude to the airport so that she can get to Amsterdam in time for a conference.
All very 'jet set' I guess. Well from the outside. I'm always interested in how people's lives look from the outside. Yesterday we were at a BBQ and the people there had a great house, great kids, a really great hot tub and conversation to spare. And I wondered "Is this what perfection looks like?"
Which is an odd question. I guess.
Jude would say that perfection is close to her new Danish Architect inspired glasses. They are tres cool and a reminder that I need something new too.
Anyway Two questions for you - whose life do you look at and think "Sorted"? And why?
The July 4th before I was recovering from chemo in Anguilla
This July 4th I'm running Jude to the airport so that she can get to Amsterdam in time for a conference.
All very 'jet set' I guess. Well from the outside. I'm always interested in how people's lives look from the outside. Yesterday we were at a BBQ and the people there had a great house, great kids, a really great hot tub and conversation to spare. And I wondered "Is this what perfection looks like?"
Which is an odd question. I guess.
Jude would say that perfection is close to her new Danish Architect inspired glasses. They are tres cool and a reminder that I need something new too.
Anyway Two questions for you - whose life do you look at and think "Sorted"? And why?
Wednesday, July 02, 2008
More real life feeling
The bolg has been very heavy on very messy theory lately. A sign that I'm actually engaged with work - but also a sign that I might be living too much in my own head at the moment. I do that. Get excited by a theory and work it and work it until it makes perfect sense in my head - only to get too tired of thinking about it to ever write it down.
But there are things going on outside of my head too. The biggest change has been the gym. I'm 3 weeks in and have gained about 5 lbs while losing inches from my waist. I'm finally starting to see the difference while trying to avoid the "I can get into it therefore it must fit" trap so common amongst the recently thinner but not yet thin.
The gym means my getting up earlier - I try to get there by 6am. It also means my being sociable at that early hour as this isn't the kind of place that you can get buy on the occasional grunt and stench of sweat. 6am starts mean 11pm bedtimes - again weird for me. But I'm sleeping well.
Summer (though it's been a stormy and miserable June) also means getting out and about more. The dog is loving the trails that we're finding. I'm looking forward to kayaking (thinderstorms have curtailled our efforts twice now) and then there are the open air events every evening in front of glorious buildings.
We're starting to carve out a small group of friends too - though the problem with a university town is that everybody is transient; so you're constantly in mourning for lost company while never being short of new stories.
Weekends see people coming out in vintage cars and parking outside of the town's numerous Ice Cream Parlours and Chocolate Shoppes. The vintage car thing is a big deal here and after a short ride in a 1952 Chevy truck (to a small town where we bought icecream) I can see the attraction.
Michigan is also full of small dirt roads. Turn off any highway and you can head back 50 years (100 if you do it up north) - with the dust rising, the barns full, the horses grazing and kids playing in the dirt or with old tires. It's a weird and calming sensation. And one that I'm trying to take in through all of my senses rather than just the lens of a camera.
We have people arriving soon too - keen to see what's keeping us from small town mania and the thought of taking them out and showing them the stuff around us is really appealing. There's nothing like permission to be a tourist.
So that's where I am. Fitter, happier, finding a niche at work (at last) and relaxing into a pace that's calmer and a place that's full of bright people. Not bad, not bad at all.
But there are things going on outside of my head too. The biggest change has been the gym. I'm 3 weeks in and have gained about 5 lbs while losing inches from my waist. I'm finally starting to see the difference while trying to avoid the "I can get into it therefore it must fit" trap so common amongst the recently thinner but not yet thin.
The gym means my getting up earlier - I try to get there by 6am. It also means my being sociable at that early hour as this isn't the kind of place that you can get buy on the occasional grunt and stench of sweat. 6am starts mean 11pm bedtimes - again weird for me. But I'm sleeping well.
Summer (though it's been a stormy and miserable June) also means getting out and about more. The dog is loving the trails that we're finding. I'm looking forward to kayaking (thinderstorms have curtailled our efforts twice now) and then there are the open air events every evening in front of glorious buildings.
We're starting to carve out a small group of friends too - though the problem with a university town is that everybody is transient; so you're constantly in mourning for lost company while never being short of new stories.
Weekends see people coming out in vintage cars and parking outside of the town's numerous Ice Cream Parlours and Chocolate Shoppes. The vintage car thing is a big deal here and after a short ride in a 1952 Chevy truck (to a small town where we bought icecream) I can see the attraction.
Michigan is also full of small dirt roads. Turn off any highway and you can head back 50 years (100 if you do it up north) - with the dust rising, the barns full, the horses grazing and kids playing in the dirt or with old tires. It's a weird and calming sensation. And one that I'm trying to take in through all of my senses rather than just the lens of a camera.
We have people arriving soon too - keen to see what's keeping us from small town mania and the thought of taking them out and showing them the stuff around us is really appealing. There's nothing like permission to be a tourist.
So that's where I am. Fitter, happier, finding a niche at work (at last) and relaxing into a pace that's calmer and a place that's full of bright people. Not bad, not bad at all.
So Wall-E
I read one review that described this as "Gloom-E" - the man was an idiot. Wall-E is the best movie of the year so far. Not the best animated movie. The best movie. It's full of inventive physical humor, it has a message, a love story, some deft touches, amazing animation and real heart. What more can you want? Best of all are the end credits - done as Cave Drawings - that show the invention and attention to detail run through all that Pixar do.
It really is amazing what confidence (and sound financials) can do for a company. A movie for kids in which nobody speaks for 30 minutes? A sidekick that doesn't sing, dance or crack jokes in a hyperbolic whine? A sidekick who's a cockroach actually. A dystopian view of earth's (and humanity's) future? And still it gets made. Undiluted. And still it goes to no.1 (though with at 'cars' rather than 'finding nemo' levels)
Wall-E is great because Wall-E is art.
And you can't say that about many movies.
Anyway must run and catch up on a few things - as I'm leaving for Meow Meow (cabaret singer and performance artist) tonight
It really is amazing what confidence (and sound financials) can do for a company. A movie for kids in which nobody speaks for 30 minutes? A sidekick that doesn't sing, dance or crack jokes in a hyperbolic whine? A sidekick who's a cockroach actually. A dystopian view of earth's (and humanity's) future? And still it gets made. Undiluted. And still it goes to no.1 (though with at 'cars' rather than 'finding nemo' levels)
Wall-E is great because Wall-E is art.
And you can't say that about many movies.
Anyway must run and catch up on a few things - as I'm leaving for Meow Meow (cabaret singer and performance artist) tonight
Tuesday, July 01, 2008
Avatar central
I found out yesterday that I have a couple of dozen identities. And that that's pretty normal. The internet it seems sees you dividing your time between "Real Self" on things like blogs and "Fragmented Self" - where you show only a fraction of your personality and build an identity around it.
For example readers here know about my health, my job, where I live, what I did yesterday and so on.
Readers of epinions where I'm known as "wholly_cow" know me as a snarky, sarcastic, premium brand lover with a taste for high design. That's very different to the people over at Rotten Tomatoes who know me as an enthusiastic lover of all things mainstream - and the people at flickr who have me down as a photographer of the scantily clad (by and large)
I'm working on a model that has four axis.
"More vs Fewer people"
"More vs Fewer ways to connect"
"Whole me vs Fragmented Me"
"Emotionally light vs Emotionally Deep"
And then on what to offer in each quadrent (octant?)
Contact, fame, fortune, real life contact, the chance to play with identity, open source development, amalgamation and connection and finally syndication.
Sounds complex here - it's not. I'll draw it and then post it.
And tomorrow I'll talk about Wall.E or something
For example readers here know about my health, my job, where I live, what I did yesterday and so on.
Readers of epinions where I'm known as "wholly_cow" know me as a snarky, sarcastic, premium brand lover with a taste for high design. That's very different to the people over at Rotten Tomatoes who know me as an enthusiastic lover of all things mainstream - and the people at flickr who have me down as a photographer of the scantily clad (by and large)
I'm working on a model that has four axis.
"More vs Fewer people"
"More vs Fewer ways to connect"
"Whole me vs Fragmented Me"
"Emotionally light vs Emotionally Deep"
And then on what to offer in each quadrent (octant?)
Contact, fame, fortune, real life contact, the chance to play with identity, open source development, amalgamation and connection and finally syndication.
Sounds complex here - it's not. I'll draw it and then post it.
And tomorrow I'll talk about Wall.E or something
Monday, June 30, 2008
Social networking
I'm giving a quick 15 mins on Social Networking and the power of 'Word of Mouth' tomorrow and at this precise moment I have nothing to say. Or rather I'm not sure what I want to say.
The problem I have with web 2.0 is that it offers fame but not fortune. I'm expected to work my ass off just for recognition - what the very smart Irene Hofman labelled "your 15MB of fame"
What I WANT is fame and fortune... a share in the spoils, reward beyond recognition. And nobody is doing that yet.
I've talked about this before - but I'm amazed that social networks haven't become monetized yet. They're being seen as media space - places that draw people to be sold to... rather than as incubators of ideas ---> places where something can grow wings and take to the air.
Maybe that's what I'll talk about... collective creativity, the hive mind and the need for fortune.
Cool --- that was easy
The problem I have with web 2.0 is that it offers fame but not fortune. I'm expected to work my ass off just for recognition - what the very smart Irene Hofman labelled "your 15MB of fame"
What I WANT is fame and fortune... a share in the spoils, reward beyond recognition. And nobody is doing that yet.
I've talked about this before - but I'm amazed that social networks haven't become monetized yet. They're being seen as media space - places that draw people to be sold to... rather than as incubators of ideas ---> places where something can grow wings and take to the air.
Maybe that's what I'll talk about... collective creativity, the hive mind and the need for fortune.
Cool --- that was easy
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Friday, June 27, 2008
Les Cars
Subaru is a lesbian car company. Well actually it's not - but it makes cars that lesbians love, advertises them to lesbians and courts the lesbian community. Not many playstation WRX fans seem to know this. Which always makes me smile. But it also started me thinking... I wonder what the most lesbian cars in the world are.
And here - thanks to the miracle of about.com - is the answer
Top 10 Top Lesbian Cars
1. Subaru Forester
I was going to pick the Subaru Outback for my top car. That is until I test drove the Subaru Forester. I was so impressed, I drove it all the way home! The Subaru Forester is great for lesbians with kids or dogs. It's as roomy as a SUV, but drives like a car. With 4WD, anti-lock brakes and side air bags, it's one of the safest cars on the market. It handles well on road and off. This is the perfect car for outdoorsy types. Take it camping or snow boarding with no worries!
2. Volkswagen Beetle Convertible
Cute as a bug. You'll be sure to turn the girlie's heads as you cruise by in the new Volkswagen Beetle convertible with the top down rocking out to Gwen Stefani. This is the perfect car if you're a California gal or just California dreamin'.
3. Honda Civic
Aaron, the About Car Guide says, "The new Honda Civic is totally practical and a big hit with women." It handles nicely and comes equiped with all the greatest safety equipment. There's a reason this is one of the most popular cars on the market. It's reliable, has great resale value and comes in a hybrid or gas powered version.
4. Toyota Prius
If you're a tree hugger like me, (And most lesbians are, aren't they?) then you want a car that not only gets you where you're going, but does it in a way that's easy on the environment. The new Toyota Prius is a great car, that just happens to be a hybrid.
5. Mercedes Benz R Class
This is the fantastic car that Dana won on season 3 of The L Word. When Dana won this car, did sales of Mercedes Benz R Class series cars go up? A loyal advertiser in gay and lesbian media, you'll be putting your money where your values are if you buy this car. That is if you can afford the price tag.
6. Mini Cooper
L Word fans, Dana won a Mercedes Benz, but isn't Alice adorable in that Mini Cooper? How much fun would you have zipping around town in this cutey? About car reviewer Colin Hefferon has this to say about the new Mini Cooper, "Reviewers and buyers alike agree the 2500 lb MINI is a hoot to drive." If you want to smile every day on your commute to work, a Mini Cooper may be just what you need.
7. Ford F-150 Pickup Truck
Lesbian love trucks. And it's not just to save money on U-haul. The Ford F-150 pickup is perfect for those frequent trips to Home Depot or weekend soccer tournaments. Despite their little slip this year, Ford has consistently supported the gay and lesbian community and its GLBT employees. It was one of the few companies to earn 100 on the Human Rights Campaign Corporate Equity Index. This is a truck you can buy with pride.
8. Dodge Magnum
For the butch with a family, or one who just isn't a truck person, Dodge has come out with a great muscle car for the lesbian body builder. What you give up in fuel economy, you make up for in power. The Dodge Magnum RT delivers 340 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque from its 5.7 Liter Hemi V8 engine. If you know what that means, then this is the car for you.
9. Honda Element
Whatever your sport, the Honda Element is the car for the jock on the go. Throw your surfboards in back and head to the beach in this roomy SUV alternative. My friend with a Great Dane loves his Honda Element, because not only does his 160 lb dog fit in the back, with it's rubber mat interior, he just has to hose the back down at the end of a muddy romp. Plus, with it's unique styling, you're sure to attract attention as you cruise down the street.
10. Jeep Wrangler
If you spend time on the road and off, you can't do better than the Jeep Wrangler. Jeep started the whole SUV craze and continues to deliver a great car for both rugged forest roads and quiet city streets. Built as a utility vechile, it's not the most comfortable ride in town, but pull up to the lesbian bar with the top down and the girls will know right away you're a good-time gal.
Les-tastic!
And here - thanks to the miracle of about.com - is the answer
Top 10 Top Lesbian Cars
1. Subaru Forester
I was going to pick the Subaru Outback for my top car. That is until I test drove the Subaru Forester. I was so impressed, I drove it all the way home! The Subaru Forester is great for lesbians with kids or dogs. It's as roomy as a SUV, but drives like a car. With 4WD, anti-lock brakes and side air bags, it's one of the safest cars on the market. It handles well on road and off. This is the perfect car for outdoorsy types. Take it camping or snow boarding with no worries!
2. Volkswagen Beetle Convertible
Cute as a bug. You'll be sure to turn the girlie's heads as you cruise by in the new Volkswagen Beetle convertible with the top down rocking out to Gwen Stefani. This is the perfect car if you're a California gal or just California dreamin'.
3. Honda Civic
Aaron, the About Car Guide says, "The new Honda Civic is totally practical and a big hit with women." It handles nicely and comes equiped with all the greatest safety equipment. There's a reason this is one of the most popular cars on the market. It's reliable, has great resale value and comes in a hybrid or gas powered version.
4. Toyota Prius
If you're a tree hugger like me, (And most lesbians are, aren't they?) then you want a car that not only gets you where you're going, but does it in a way that's easy on the environment. The new Toyota Prius is a great car, that just happens to be a hybrid.
5. Mercedes Benz R Class
This is the fantastic car that Dana won on season 3 of The L Word. When Dana won this car, did sales of Mercedes Benz R Class series cars go up? A loyal advertiser in gay and lesbian media, you'll be putting your money where your values are if you buy this car. That is if you can afford the price tag.
6. Mini Cooper
L Word fans, Dana won a Mercedes Benz, but isn't Alice adorable in that Mini Cooper? How much fun would you have zipping around town in this cutey? About car reviewer Colin Hefferon has this to say about the new Mini Cooper, "Reviewers and buyers alike agree the 2500 lb MINI is a hoot to drive." If you want to smile every day on your commute to work, a Mini Cooper may be just what you need.
7. Ford F-150 Pickup Truck
Lesbian love trucks. And it's not just to save money on U-haul. The Ford F-150 pickup is perfect for those frequent trips to Home Depot or weekend soccer tournaments. Despite their little slip this year, Ford has consistently supported the gay and lesbian community and its GLBT employees. It was one of the few companies to earn 100 on the Human Rights Campaign Corporate Equity Index. This is a truck you can buy with pride.
8. Dodge Magnum
For the butch with a family, or one who just isn't a truck person, Dodge has come out with a great muscle car for the lesbian body builder. What you give up in fuel economy, you make up for in power. The Dodge Magnum RT delivers 340 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque from its 5.7 Liter Hemi V8 engine. If you know what that means, then this is the car for you.
9. Honda Element
Whatever your sport, the Honda Element is the car for the jock on the go. Throw your surfboards in back and head to the beach in this roomy SUV alternative. My friend with a Great Dane loves his Honda Element, because not only does his 160 lb dog fit in the back, with it's rubber mat interior, he just has to hose the back down at the end of a muddy romp. Plus, with it's unique styling, you're sure to attract attention as you cruise down the street.
10. Jeep Wrangler
If you spend time on the road and off, you can't do better than the Jeep Wrangler. Jeep started the whole SUV craze and continues to deliver a great car for both rugged forest roads and quiet city streets. Built as a utility vechile, it's not the most comfortable ride in town, but pull up to the lesbian bar with the top down and the girls will know right away you're a good-time gal.
Les-tastic!
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Yes, but will he live?
On Monday I'll have been clear of cancer and cancer treatment for two years. That's rather a big deal - as two years was the threshold that they gave me to be confident that I'm not in imminent danger or relapse and near certain death (the treatment for relapse ain't all that successful)
I'd actually forgotten about this 'milestone' until the other day when I was talking to my wife about the possibility of changing countries (again)
"Most places will ask that I'm 2 years clear before letting me in"
"You are two years clear"
"Two years clear of any treatment"
"That's next week then"
Bonkers.
The "Two Year Mark" has cast a shadow over a lot of what I've done since cancer. Scans every 3 months raise four question marks a year over my longevity. Asking that I question what feels like good health.
I found myself putting life off a little too. The weight went up. I cruised in my job. I was happy to stay at home and enjoy the comforts of family and TV rather than head out and make a dent in the world.
But that's changed recently. A new job. A new town. A new outlook on what's important. I'm out working for the body I want - rather than at home wishing for it (today is a rest day - I work out 5 days a week - and I'm just itching to go in). I have the greencard application in.
I'm getting past the little things that, like tumors, have been festering. Stupid things that I know the answer to - like "Why didn't I get a call or even an e-mail from my brother during the whole cancer thing?" or the even more base "Why me?"
So yeah - two years on Monday. I may just live to fight another day. The big thing now is that I LIVE.
I'd actually forgotten about this 'milestone' until the other day when I was talking to my wife about the possibility of changing countries (again)
"Most places will ask that I'm 2 years clear before letting me in"
"You are two years clear"
"Two years clear of any treatment"
"That's next week then"
Bonkers.
The "Two Year Mark" has cast a shadow over a lot of what I've done since cancer. Scans every 3 months raise four question marks a year over my longevity. Asking that I question what feels like good health.
I found myself putting life off a little too. The weight went up. I cruised in my job. I was happy to stay at home and enjoy the comforts of family and TV rather than head out and make a dent in the world.
But that's changed recently. A new job. A new town. A new outlook on what's important. I'm out working for the body I want - rather than at home wishing for it (today is a rest day - I work out 5 days a week - and I'm just itching to go in). I have the greencard application in.
I'm getting past the little things that, like tumors, have been festering. Stupid things that I know the answer to - like "Why didn't I get a call or even an e-mail from my brother during the whole cancer thing?" or the even more base "Why me?"
So yeah - two years on Monday. I may just live to fight another day. The big thing now is that I LIVE.
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Snow Shoes
Those of you who know me well will know that there's nothing I like more than a bit of in depth research. Especially when it comes to cars. I can spend hours locked in data. And then more hours making more data out of that data. And more hours still coming up with weighting ratios that would add a layer of personal requirement to the numbers on the page. So when Jude said she was thinking about a car - to help her get to physio appointments, airports and off to the vet with the dog on occasion I was elated. She had a few criteria though. The car needed to be a hatchback. Easier to get the dog into and out of. Convenient for the kind of weirdly shaped objects that we sometimes tote and just more European. That immediately ruled out any Ford but an SUV, the letters SUV ruled out that option anyway.
So the list was narrowed. Maybe a VW Rabbit (think 2.5L Golf with all of the extras for about 8k British money), Or an Audi A3 (though it looks like a hearse here). A Mazda 3 is in the Ford family and has the zoom-zoominess that Jude loves in a car. And of course there's the Volvo C30 - again a Ford product and eligible for a discount.
Then she kicked into the Mix - "I'd like it to be AWD. We have terrible winters here. You live 35 miles from the office. You drive in during ridiculous snow storms. In a rear wheel drive sportscar. I'd like to think that you had the option of AWD"
That changed things. Toyota make a Matrix Wagon that's AWD and just updated. But driving a Toyota is like driving an appliance. There's no fun there. The new Subaru Imprezza has a 2.5 litre engine, AWD and a neat (if bland) hatchback shape. But it drives like a brick and the interior seems to be made of melted lego. Which leaves the oddly named Suzuki SX4 Crossover. Small, fun to drive, AWD, 148bhp, a key that works from your pocket and great reviews all around. Full of big boy toys and with 64 cubic feet of storage it's not at all bad. So we're off to drive one. Feeling guilty about an import - but hey the numbers don't lie... (except I'm hoping for the fuel numbers - because they suck)
We'll see what happens - meanwhile I have some number crunching to do
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
I've got this thing
I've got this thing at the moment for Ultra Lounges. Those swish, minimalist yet comfortable bars where the drinks cost a fortune, the music is chilled, the air carries the scent of expensive but discrete flowers and you feel slimmer and sexier.
Vegas is full of them - though they tend to be filled with silicone breasted blondes giddy on champagne bubble and resolute in their search of a loft for the night.
But they're cool. I loved them years ago in Thailand. I loved them when we were in Oz too (though they're more a Melbourne thing) and I've been bemoaning the lack of them in A2 since we got here.
Am I a design snob? Do I now need the soft disguise afforded by gauze glow of cassis candles? Or am I just another sad slob falling for the marketing and willing to pay a premium to be wrapped in perfection and beauty?
Vegas is full of them - though they tend to be filled with silicone breasted blondes giddy on champagne bubble and resolute in their search of a loft for the night.
But they're cool. I loved them years ago in Thailand. I loved them when we were in Oz too (though they're more a Melbourne thing) and I've been bemoaning the lack of them in A2 since we got here.
Am I a design snob? Do I now need the soft disguise afforded by gauze glow of cassis candles? Or am I just another sad slob falling for the marketing and willing to pay a premium to be wrapped in perfection and beauty?
Monday, June 23, 2008
From USP to KBB
OMO, Blue Washing Powder adds brightness to Whiteness!
Originally uploaded by Lady Wulfrun (Taking a break)
Products have been improving since the 1950s. Washing White, shining brighter. But there comes a point at which the improvement needs to be radical and revolutionary rather than incremental in order to have any impact.
As a result of this brands are looking not at improving their product but at improving their bonding. Brands aren't about what the product physically does anymore - they're about the products as evidence of a higher belief.
So where as OMO used to 'add brightness to whiteness' is now believes that 'Dirt is good' and that it's an aid to child development. Same product, different angle. And it's working for them.
Nothing revolutionary here - but the thought that it's the brands that start from a belief and make products to help them achieve goals (social goals) that will rule the world is one that's still new enough to some companies to bear repeating. So I'm gonna repeat it.
Sunday, June 22, 2008
And the Dutch crash and burn
We went to a local "Irish" bar yesterday in order to watch the Netherlands - Russia game.
I'm not sure where they make the "Oirish" people who seem to always be on hand to staff these themed bars - yet the people there had the accents, the freckles and the oh so friendly attitude that we all believe Irish people to have.
Anyway the place was packed with Holland supporters in Orange and a handful of face painted Russian people who made a lot of noise, drank a lot o beer and clapped with a certainty that bordered on the scary.
As the game came to a close and the Dutch saw that they were going to lose the cameras cut to a young girl in tears. It was interesting as I suddenly realized that the Americans don't have any major sports that they play internationally. American Football, Basketball, Baseball - all played at the national level. Sure they have World Series --- but they're not Intetrnational in any meaninbgful way.
So American kids don't learn that their country can lose when it comes to anything that they're passionate about. Could that be the reason for the whiny Tiffany and Dwaynes hanging at the mall with clouds of entitlement hanging over them like poison gas?
I'm not sure where they make the "Oirish" people who seem to always be on hand to staff these themed bars - yet the people there had the accents, the freckles and the oh so friendly attitude that we all believe Irish people to have.
Anyway the place was packed with Holland supporters in Orange and a handful of face painted Russian people who made a lot of noise, drank a lot o beer and clapped with a certainty that bordered on the scary.
As the game came to a close and the Dutch saw that they were going to lose the cameras cut to a young girl in tears. It was interesting as I suddenly realized that the Americans don't have any major sports that they play internationally. American Football, Basketball, Baseball - all played at the national level. Sure they have World Series --- but they're not Intetrnational in any meaninbgful way.
So American kids don't learn that their country can lose when it comes to anything that they're passionate about. Could that be the reason for the whiny Tiffany and Dwaynes hanging at the mall with clouds of entitlement hanging over them like poison gas?
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Really Gone
It's the Mermaid Parade today. I LOVE the Mermaid Parade. Lots of freshly painted, uninhibited, joyful flesh twirling its way through the OTT streets of Coney Island. A photo op' at every turn and an atmosphere of pure joy. When we were in NYC I wouldn't miss it for the world and last year we had such fun we decided to take part ourselves - using my friend Kaiser's 60s Cadillac as the base of our float.
Fast forward a year and I'm canoing along the Huron. Kaiser is in Europe learning to make hats ahead of a move to Brazil. Our friends A&C are recovering from a trip up Everest with travel to somewhere else, J.Lum is in the throes of a job change and only our friend Mike is in a position to actually attend should he want to.
If I;d not been a moron I'd have been there right now. But I forgot. I'm terrible with dates - having learned to follow the reminders set by my B'Berry to the exclusion of everything else. But it's just another sign that things have changed. A 'must see' becomes a 'wish I had' becomes a memory of a different life in a different place.
Right gym, pilates, canoing, swimming, Netherlands in the soccer now I think
Friday, June 20, 2008
Jude got famous
I was looking through some images on Flickr this morning and I noticed a real spike in the number of people visiting this picture.
A little detective work showed that they were all coming from the same place.
This place
Weirdly (and without permission) Fox seem to have decided to use Jude as the poster girl for Vanity Sizing... weird
Cool though
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Juiced
So last night we went to see "Bigger Faster Stronger*" at the Michigan theatre. A documentary in the early Michael Moore (it's very personal and involves mom, dad and three brothers) style it was really entertaining and threw up several questions that I thought could support a story on their own
- What happens when kids who have been promised that they are special grow up and start living lives that aren't?
- Why are drugs in sport cheating - but drugs in orchestral music (beta blockers), drugs to help kids concentrate at school and surgery to keep people looking good aren't?
- What does 'being the fat kid on the school bus' do to a child in later years?
- How did Arnie go from juiced teenager to Governator when others have been brought down by Pot?
Enjoyed the whole thing - but would really like to see a documentary on people who are dissatisfied with their lives purely because they were told to expect the extraordinary.
- What happens when kids who have been promised that they are special grow up and start living lives that aren't?
- Why are drugs in sport cheating - but drugs in orchestral music (beta blockers), drugs to help kids concentrate at school and surgery to keep people looking good aren't?
- What does 'being the fat kid on the school bus' do to a child in later years?
- How did Arnie go from juiced teenager to Governator when others have been brought down by Pot?
Enjoyed the whole thing - but would really like to see a documentary on people who are dissatisfied with their lives purely because they were told to expect the extraordinary.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Minimalism and creativity
My friends Kirstie and Will are writing a book on creative spaces... which I think is genius.
Mainly because there only seem to be two schools of thought on what makes a creative space at the moment.
It's either crazy, paint it orange and fill the room with crayons. Or it's paint it white, hide everything and create a canvas.
Neither of which are bad solutions to the 'how do we signal creativity?' but they're not the only way to do it. And I think that Kirstie and Will are going to make a huge impact and a ton of money on the idea.
I hope so anyway
Mainly because there only seem to be two schools of thought on what makes a creative space at the moment.
It's either crazy, paint it orange and fill the room with crayons. Or it's paint it white, hide everything and create a canvas.
Neither of which are bad solutions to the 'how do we signal creativity?' but they're not the only way to do it. And I think that Kirstie and Will are going to make a huge impact and a ton of money on the idea.
I hope so anyway
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Summer continues
So the summer continues... last night we walked down to watch some Brooklyn gymnasts cavorting in a paddling pool for the entertainment of a soon to be drenched audience.
Most amazing though was the way that the kids danced to what seemed to me to be pretty undancable music on the main stage. They were open and innocent and free. Just the way that they tell you kids are. And they stood in contrast to the Burrito laden, leaden bodies of their parents. I swear that if I had a kid I'd try to keep in good enough shape to keep up with their energy, their curiosity and their enthusiasm.
We saw a lot of 'tired parenting' in Cyprus - where the kids were wild with interest and the parents (usually dad) whined to call it a day and try again tomorrow, maybe. It was shocking and not just a little shameful.
Of course this mania of mine for physical fitness is being fed by my mania for the gym. I'm up to four times a week on weights, an extra night on cardio and two days of pilates. And while I'm starting to see a difference in the way that I look and feel I'm still reeling at the fact that the weight continues to get higher and higher.
Guess it's time to stop measuring health in pounds lost and instead look at inches lost, muscle gained and general strength.
Does Fabulously Fit sound too gay for a blog?
Most amazing though was the way that the kids danced to what seemed to me to be pretty undancable music on the main stage. They were open and innocent and free. Just the way that they tell you kids are. And they stood in contrast to the Burrito laden, leaden bodies of their parents. I swear that if I had a kid I'd try to keep in good enough shape to keep up with their energy, their curiosity and their enthusiasm.
We saw a lot of 'tired parenting' in Cyprus - where the kids were wild with interest and the parents (usually dad) whined to call it a day and try again tomorrow, maybe. It was shocking and not just a little shameful.
Of course this mania of mine for physical fitness is being fed by my mania for the gym. I'm up to four times a week on weights, an extra night on cardio and two days of pilates. And while I'm starting to see a difference in the way that I look and feel I'm still reeling at the fact that the weight continues to get higher and higher.
Guess it's time to stop measuring health in pounds lost and instead look at inches lost, muscle gained and general strength.
Does Fabulously Fit sound too gay for a blog?
Monday, June 16, 2008
Tony Awards
It was the Tony Awards last night. A night where musical theatre gets to flaunt its peacock plumage on national television. An award ceremony where they wheel out Liza, rap their acceptance speeches (ok Lin-Manuel Miranda didn't rap, but he got as close as you're going to see on a Tony stage) and generally get to flaunt their 'same sex significant others' to the horror of gun owin' 'Mericans across the square states.
Camp as Christmas at Dollywood it was quite the show - but you have to ask... just who goes to Broadway these days. Sure the tourists whose pounds and Euros make $120 ticket prices seem reasonable; and young girls looking for a fix of glam' and something familiar (Legally Blonde anyone?) sent to Broadway by parents keen to keep them out of Bungalow 8 and off Page Six (parents don't know that Bungalow 8 is about as hip as LiLo these days)
I'm all for good theater - but what we have in New York is neither good nor affordable. It's expensive mediocrity peppered with celebrity names and / or pre-production recognition (revivals and movies) that seem to substitute energy for talent.
I sound like a dipped in vinegar theatre queen I know... but is it too much to ask for a Broadway show that's new, thoughtful, well acted and affordably priced? Or am I going to have to risk the freakshow tombola that is off-off-Broadway forever?
Camp as Christmas at Dollywood it was quite the show - but you have to ask... just who goes to Broadway these days. Sure the tourists whose pounds and Euros make $120 ticket prices seem reasonable; and young girls looking for a fix of glam' and something familiar (Legally Blonde anyone?) sent to Broadway by parents keen to keep them out of Bungalow 8 and off Page Six (parents don't know that Bungalow 8 is about as hip as LiLo these days)
I'm all for good theater - but what we have in New York is neither good nor affordable. It's expensive mediocrity peppered with celebrity names and / or pre-production recognition (revivals and movies) that seem to substitute energy for talent.
I sound like a dipped in vinegar theatre queen I know... but is it too much to ask for a Broadway show that's new, thoughtful, well acted and affordably priced? Or am I going to have to risk the freakshow tombola that is off-off-Broadway forever?
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Body Image
The weirdest thing about doing this whole body transformation is the need to lose my addiction to the bathroom scales. I've always know what I weighed to the nearest half pound - have celebrated my losses and mourned my gains.
But now I'm hoping to pile on muscle - which will mean weight gain. I'm already up a little while being able to crawl into clothes that wouldn't have fit me even last weekend and I'm finding it freaky.
How do I stop myself going on mad, drunken vacuuming of the refrigerator (don't suggest giving up booze) when weight gain is going to be the norm anyway?
Anyway just cardio today (as I watch Jude teach a friend how to swim) so I shouldn't wake up at a record high that will freak me.
The things we do for vanity, huh?
But now I'm hoping to pile on muscle - which will mean weight gain. I'm already up a little while being able to crawl into clothes that wouldn't have fit me even last weekend and I'm finding it freaky.
How do I stop myself going on mad, drunken vacuuming of the refrigerator (don't suggest giving up booze) when weight gain is going to be the norm anyway?
Anyway just cardio today (as I watch Jude teach a friend how to swim) so I shouldn't wake up at a record high that will freak me.
The things we do for vanity, huh?
Friday, June 13, 2008
The Ann Arbor Summer Festival starts tonight
It's a full month of free (and some paid for) entertainment played out under the warm skies of summer. which had me wondering why it was that students here huddle through bone chilling winters for school before flying home to miss the only thing that can erase the memory?
This town is cool when the weather isn't... weird then that it's only beardy professors and young Google execs that get to see that
This town is cool when the weather isn't... weird then that it's only beardy professors and young Google execs that get to see that
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Big Meeting today
So today we have a "big meeting"... that means lots of people crammed into a small room concentrating hard on the face of one man in a bid to gauge his reactions before pressing a point hard.
Personally I'd be torn about being the "Big Guy" in the "Big Meeting". The spotlight would be good. Nothing wrong with having people write down your reactions... but the need for trust might be too much for me. You have to trust that the people that you're talking to actually know what they're doing, that the facts that they're showing you are the relevant facts and that they've genuinely done all of the things that they claim to have done. You have no time to dive into the data. You have no time to get a feel for things - it's all about "do I trust these people" and "does this make sense to me"?
And I'm just not sure I could do that. Instead I'd become the tricky, tough question, get 'em to admit to something that they don't know guy. Which would put people on edge. And mean that I get even less information.
Personally I'd be torn about being the "Big Guy" in the "Big Meeting". The spotlight would be good. Nothing wrong with having people write down your reactions... but the need for trust might be too much for me. You have to trust that the people that you're talking to actually know what they're doing, that the facts that they're showing you are the relevant facts and that they've genuinely done all of the things that they claim to have done. You have no time to dive into the data. You have no time to get a feel for things - it's all about "do I trust these people" and "does this make sense to me"?
And I'm just not sure I could do that. Instead I'd become the tricky, tough question, get 'em to admit to something that they don't know guy. Which would put people on edge. And mean that I get even less information.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Feeling good
I like the people at my new gym. They talk to you. They tell you things. They ask you things. And they play great music while they're doing it. Workout two has me buzzing with endorphins and possibilities. I'm picking bodies out of magazines the way that people pick hairstyles from books - and while a whole new me is going to take longer to sculpt than a razor finished bob it's going to last longer.
Having finished my session today I was given some fresh chicken-feta burgers, an invitation to an evening dinner, a promise that I get 10% off everything in the Sparrow market and was asked if I was around for lunch "It gets a little quiet in here in the afternoons, so we tend to fire up the grill and cook up some stuff for people in the neighborhood."
As I said, I like them. A lot.
Compounding the good feeling is the return from pasport purgatory of my lovely wife. She's looking good, she's not in pain and it's good to have her company again. Fun.
Wow - endorphins are good. I've even promised to do cardio on the days that I'm not doing weights. "Shape" here I come.
Having finished my session today I was given some fresh chicken-feta burgers, an invitation to an evening dinner, a promise that I get 10% off everything in the Sparrow market and was asked if I was around for lunch "It gets a little quiet in here in the afternoons, so we tend to fire up the grill and cook up some stuff for people in the neighborhood."
As I said, I like them. A lot.
Compounding the good feeling is the return from pasport purgatory of my lovely wife. She's looking good, she's not in pain and it's good to have her company again. Fun.
Wow - endorphins are good. I've even promised to do cardio on the days that I'm not doing weights. "Shape" here I come.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Then came the rain
After days and days of oppressive heat here suddenly all things have turned to rain. Moisture is falling from the sky faster than geriatric nonsense from the mouth of John McCain or 'senior moment' apologies from his aides.
I'm looking out at the lake that has formed on the flat roof that covers what I estimate to be my kitchen and wondering just how and where so much water will drain.
The dog is refusing to step outside, even to pee and I don't blame her - and the cats? Well they're looking to do what they always do - find food, escape, hunt down black clothing upon which they can shed. I swear people at work think that I have a thing for cat hair clothing.
Still Jude is on her way - as are some late night moments of weakness internet purchases (am I shopping myself happy or horny? I'm not sure)
Gonna try to get in a trip to NYC first - I miss the people and as Mike said "Kung Fu Panda!"
I'm looking out at the lake that has formed on the flat roof that covers what I estimate to be my kitchen and wondering just how and where so much water will drain.
The dog is refusing to step outside, even to pee and I don't blame her - and the cats? Well they're looking to do what they always do - find food, escape, hunt down black clothing upon which they can shed. I swear people at work think that I have a thing for cat hair clothing.
Still Jude is on her way - as are some late night moments of weakness internet purchases (am I shopping myself happy or horny? I'm not sure)
Gonna try to get in a trip to NYC first - I miss the people and as Mike said "Kung Fu Panda!"
Monday, June 09, 2008
A realization
I realized today - well just a couple of minutes ago while filling in the "Please don't sue us" gym forms - that this morning I didn't mention cancer at all.
This is unusual. Cancer has been my excuse and a defining part of my history for a while now. The 'getting back into exercise post cancer' story has been so often repeated that I've started to believe that it was true. The truth is that I gave up on meaningful exercise after I left Australia, replacing it with bile and indifference. But 'Hi, I'm here to get back into shape post chemo' (always post chemo never post cancer) is an easier intro than 'hi, I'm a middle aged guy who's decided that he doesn't want to look like a middle aged guy' and yet without thought I took the second option.
It's weird not playing the role of 'recovering cancer patient (victim)' and for the first time in a long time it feels as though I'm doing something for myself and the future, rather than something to help mitigate the consequences of the past.
This whole kick is about being fitter, okay looking better, in the months to come. And nothing at all to do with the fact that at some point my body filled with tumors and my lungs with liquid.
A turning point after two years of treading water?
This is unusual. Cancer has been my excuse and a defining part of my history for a while now. The 'getting back into exercise post cancer' story has been so often repeated that I've started to believe that it was true. The truth is that I gave up on meaningful exercise after I left Australia, replacing it with bile and indifference. But 'Hi, I'm here to get back into shape post chemo' (always post chemo never post cancer) is an easier intro than 'hi, I'm a middle aged guy who's decided that he doesn't want to look like a middle aged guy' and yet without thought I took the second option.
It's weird not playing the role of 'recovering cancer patient (victim)' and for the first time in a long time it feels as though I'm doing something for myself and the future, rather than something to help mitigate the consequences of the past.
This whole kick is about being fitter, okay looking better, in the months to come. And nothing at all to do with the fact that at some point my body filled with tumors and my lungs with liquid.
A turning point after two years of treading water?
Back in a new routine
Ann-Marie and Angel accpeting new clients for Spring/Summer season!
Originally uploaded by Boxing Angel
Better still was the fact that my basic levels of fitness aren't bad at all. I've been promised that the NUP is certainly realistic and that knocking me back into shape isn't going to take very long. Three sessions a week, 2 pilates sessions a week, a little swimming at the Y and a 'free' workout and I'm toned by Xmas.
So not the disaster that I thought I was going to be. Here's to saying hello to my abs again.
Sunday, June 08, 2008
All go on the action front
I've had a bit of a cool weekend. Lots of stuff happening but most excitingly Project Naked Uganda is a go and I'm closer than ever to the premier of A2 Sketchy's.
The new motto is in place - "You can't wish yourself in shape" and the first one on one gym session is scheduled for 7am tomorrow. We're going hardcore here and while I may want to quit at times I'll be relying on the collective "Call Bullshit" power of you - my 3 readers - to help me out.
The before pictures are taken. The bank account primed for a hit. And I'm ready to roll.
The new motto is in place - "You can't wish yourself in shape" and the first one on one gym session is scheduled for 7am tomorrow. We're going hardcore here and while I may want to quit at times I'll be relying on the collective "Call Bullshit" power of you - my 3 readers - to help me out.
The before pictures are taken. The bank account primed for a hit. And I'm ready to roll.
Saturday, June 07, 2008
A night at Sketchy's
I have a franchise agreement for Dr Sketchy. I've had it for about 6 months now but a killer mixture of the weather, slow moving approvals, fear, lack of infrastructure and incompetence has stopped me actually getting ass into gear and getting the first one up and running. That's abt to change.
Last night I went out to Hammtramck to see The Art of Dr Sketchy and having talked to the people there I'm freshly inspired and raring to go. Sure the art wasn't anything to shout about (it's just a sketch class and poses are 20 mins max) but it was fun and I have a lot of ideas regarding what else we can do to make the sessions more fun.
Anyway here's a pic from a break in proceedings.
Last night I went out to Hammtramck to see The Art of Dr Sketchy and having talked to the people there I'm freshly inspired and raring to go. Sure the art wasn't anything to shout about (it's just a sketch class and poses are 20 mins max) but it was fun and I have a lot of ideas regarding what else we can do to make the sessions more fun.
Anyway here's a pic from a break in proceedings.
Friday, June 06, 2008
Stranded in London
I was expecting to have Jude home tomorrow
And really looking forward to it
But of course the Visa people are taking their own sweet time and her passport isn't back from the embassy in time... leaving her stranded in London.
I just feel sorry for her and sorry for myself. Will call her as soon as she's off the phone from rescheduling flights etc.
Just horrible
And really looking forward to it
But of course the Visa people are taking their own sweet time and her passport isn't back from the embassy in time... leaving her stranded in London.
I just feel sorry for her and sorry for myself. Will call her as soon as she's off the phone from rescheduling flights etc.
Just horrible
Thursday, June 05, 2008
Life's a beach
I'm finding it hard to shake the metaphorical sand out of my shoes. Being back at work somehow seems like a very odd thing - as though 'real life' is happening somewhere outside the window and I'm insulated for it.
That may just be that I'm not really sleeping at the moment (home alone, noisy cats) or it might be post vacation blues but it's very weird this life in limbo.
Last night was dinner and a movie with a couple of friends. Dinner at Eve was as lovely as ever; the movie ($5 Wednesdays) was a bit of a despressing affair in which Helen Hunt and Colin Firth get angsty and get together; against a backdrop of edgy misery. It was okay. And it was an evening away from So You Think You Can Dance
That may just be that I'm not really sleeping at the moment (home alone, noisy cats) or it might be post vacation blues but it's very weird this life in limbo.
Last night was dinner and a movie with a couple of friends. Dinner at Eve was as lovely as ever; the movie ($5 Wednesdays) was a bit of a despressing affair in which Helen Hunt and Colin Firth get angsty and get together; against a backdrop of edgy misery. It was okay. And it was an evening away from So You Think You Can Dance
Wednesday, June 04, 2008
they say that travel broadens the mind... 'til you can't get your head on a plane
Just read the top ten destinations for design inspiration
Kampala, Uganda makes the list! Then again the author bio reads this way
Jon Gos is a designer, web developer and social entrepreneur living in Kampala, Uganda. He’s also the founder of the activist community for artists and designers
Here's the article... pompous but fun
When Leonardo Da Vinci attempted to build the world’s first robot in 1495, his inspiration had come from the ancient Greek texts of Ctesibus and Vitruvius. Likewise, Auguste Rodin cited Lorenzo Ghiberti’s “Gates of Paradise” as the inspiration for his famous sculpture “The Gates of Hell”. Designers and artists have traveled the world for centuries looking for those brilliant moments of inspiration.
Changing your surroundings is the easiest way to find new perspective on old ideas and common emotions. Sometimes you won’t even realize exactly how much you’ve absorbed until you return home. These ten locations from around the world offer a different type of travel experience than the more popular places most tourists are likely to visit nearby.
Fairbanks, Alaska
History. Fairbanks is the largest city in the interior region of Alaska, and second largest in the state. It is the northernmost Metropolitan Statistical Area in the United States. Traveling around Alaska can be a great treat. It’s the largest state there and has much to explore although most of that is wilderness and uninhabited land. The Stikine River features the largest springtime concentration of American Bald Eagles in the world.
Natural Inspiration. The Aurora Borealis. Auroras are caused by the collision of charged particles from the Earth’s magnetosphere with atoms and molecules of earths upper atmosphere. It’s long been one of the rarest sights on earth since it can only be seen from certain locations but due to the rise of digital photography, spectacular images of Auroras are quite common.
Why it will inspire? Color. The fantastic hues of the Aurora Borealis should be an inspiration to any designer. In fact, these days, simply snap a picture and upload it to colourlovers.com and instantly generate a color palette that might serve as the scheme for a website or design.
Split, Croatia
History. In 1991 Croatia proclaimed independence by holding the first democratic elections in the country but had to fight a long and bloody war against Yugoslavia until 1995.
Natural inspiration. The Adriatic Sea, which borders to the south and west is the home to many incredible islands, castles other relics of the past. There are many buildings still standing from Roman rule giving rise to the areas slogan “The Mediterranean As it Once Was”. The densely wooded mountains inland provide a completely different experience than the rest of the country will.
Why it will inspire? Anatomy. The nude beaches here are an excellent source for sketching people and studying the human form.
Oslo, Norway
History. Wikipedia cites it as the world’s most expensive city to live in! It was called Christiania from 1624 to 1878, and Kristiania from 1878 to 1924. Oslo’s Vigeland Sculpture Park is the home to many magnificent statues celebrating the cycle of life.
Natural inspiration. The Fjords along the coast offer some of the most breathtaking vistas on Earth. Parasailing, paragliding, skydiving, sailing, and diving are among many of the activities you can participate in while enjoying their beauty.
Why it will inspire? Tranquility. Sometimes to come up with new ideas you need to clear your mind. There are few places more tranquil than the icey, rocky Scandinavian coastline.
Darwin, Australia
History. Over time Darwin has grown from a pioneer outpost and small port into one of Australia’s most modern and multicultural cities. Its proximity to Asia makes it an important Australian gateway to countries such as Indonesia and East Timor. The Stuart Highway begins in Darwin, ending at Port Augusta in South Australia. In the new movie “AUSTRALIA” Nicole Kidman’s character must protect her property from thieves amidst the bombing of Darwin just prior to World War II.
Natural inspiration. The Australian Wilderness. You must experience the incredibly lonely and empty drive across Australia to truly appreciate how desolate much of the country is. Try the trip from Darwin to Melbourne….an estimated 3,755 km…one way!
Why it will inspire? Concentration. To drive across Australia you’ll build up the type of concentration and determination Michelangelo, Raphael, and Sandro Botticelli used to paint the Sistine Chapel….Maybe.
Kampala, Uganda
History. The city grew as the capital of the Buganda kingdom, from which several buildings survive, including the Kasubi Tombs (built in 1881), the Buganda Parliament, the Buganda Court of Justice and the Naggalabi Buddo Coronation Site. If you saw the movie “The Last King of Scotland”, you know everything worst about Uganda. Well, the good news is, that was thirty years ago. Since then Uganda has rebounded to become one of the more stable and progressive regions of East Africa. The economy is healthy, the people are lovely and interesting and the equatorial climate is gorgeous! Careful getting around though, the highest cause of death here is automobile accidents!
Natural inspiration. Africa is the home to many wonders of the natural world and this is no different in the country of Uganda. Safaris, wildlife, camping with chimps, gorilla tracking, skiing (yes you can ski in Africa), whitewater rafting and the incredibly friendly people make it one of the most inviting destinations in the whole continent.
Why it will inspire? Flow and ingenuity. You have never found flow like you’ll find it in Africa. Local farmers get completely immersed in creating things out of limited resources, exemplifying two of the fundamental aspects of good design (focus and resourcefulness).
Chongqing, Sischuan, China
History. Chongqing is said to be the semi-mythical State of Ba that the Ba people supposedly established during the eleventh century BCE. By 316 BCE, however, it had been overrun by the State of Qin. The Qin emperor ordered a new city to be constructed, which was called Jiang and Chu Prefecture. In 2005 Chinese tourist authorities began development of an attraction to be known as “Ladies’ Town” in the Shuangqiao District. The town’s motto will be: “Ladies Can Never Be Wrong, and Gentlemen Should Never Refuse Ladies’ Requests.” The project is expected to be completed in 2008-2010. Deuce Bigalow would be proud.
Natural inspiration. Do the Bamboo Forests look familiar? That’s because they were used as the backdrop for key scenes in the movie House of Flying Daggers.
Why it will inspire? Fantasy. You know you want to do it…pretend you’re a great samurai warrior fighting off your enemies in a field of bamboo. If not come here and you’ll find plenty of other people whispering battle cries under their breath!
El Calafate, Patagonia, Argentina
History. Mostly located in Argentina (and partly in Chile), Patagonia comprises the Andes mountains to the west and south, and plateau and low plains to the east. The name Patagonia comes from the word patagon used by Magellan to describe the native people who his expedition thought to be giants. It used to be considered remote and exotic, now that a huge brand of clothing and gear bears it’s name, it’s anything but.
Natural inspiration. Ice. The Los Glaciares National Park (pictured above) draws a healthy stream of tourists to the area from around the world.
Why it will inspire? Negative Space. Let your imagination wander as you gaze upon the great ice formations jutting out against the spansive horizon and you’ll see all kinds of shapes that might
Rogaska Slatina, Slovenia
History. The municipality of RogaÅ¡ka Slatina was formed in 1995. As the name of the place indicates it, there is a fresh water source there. slatina means (fresh water) source, and is often found in toponyms in Slavic-speaking area. The RogaÅ¡ka spa is one of the most famous for its magnesium-rich mineral waters used in medical treatments. A native treat is Mosht, a warm cider-like drink that is actually warm fermented wine drunken just after it is made but days before it’s cooled. Two pints will put you under the table, guaranteed. This area is also well known for it’s natural hot springs.
Natural inspiration. Castles, Valleys and Vineyards. This place is like a living breathing fairy tale. Along the slopping valleys you’ll find that at least seemingly endless array of homesteads with their own family vineyards.
Why it will inspire? Texture. The rustic medieval feel will might serve as the inspiration for designs using woodgrains, grunge or stone textures.
Tallinn, Estonia
History. In 1219 Valdemar II of Denmark, leading the Danish Fleet in connection with the Livonian Crusade, landed in an Estonian town of Lindanisse at (Latin) Revelia (Estonian) Revala or Rävala, the adjacent ancient Estonian county. If you’re a fan of Medieval tales like Lord of the Rings or Record of Lodoss War, Tallinn’s Olde Town is one of the quintessential places to see history preserved.
Natural inspiration.Women. Many people will confirm that Estonia has some of the most beautiful women in the world and more blondes per capita than Sweden!! Fashion photographers, illustrators, painters and people interested in the female form will be in heaven here.
Why it will inspire? Lust. The curves of the female form have inspired male and female artists alike since the dawn of time. The remnants of the former Soviet Union may also serve to motivate feelings of tension and intrigue.
Garches, Paris, France
History. The northern part of the suburban city was marked by the combat of January 19, 1871 when the Parisians besieged and tried to force the German blockade to join the French troops of Versailles. The monuments that commemorate this event are two streets, Rue du 19 janvier and Rue du Colonel de Rochebrune. The south of France is often cited as being the most beautiful coastline in the world. After your architectural studies in Paris, head south to Montpellier, Nice, or Cannes for beautiful weather, savory wine and incredible beaches.
Natural inspiration. The Architectural designs of Le Corbusier are all over the world but they’re in higher concentration in France than anywhere in the world.
Why it will inspire? Divine Proportions. Le Corbusier was a huge fan of two things: Leonardo Da Vinci and math. How apt then, that he used Leonardo’s research of Devine Proportions and the Golden Ration to create his work. In addition to the golden ratio, Le Corbusier based the system on human measurements, Fibonacci numbers, and the double unit.
Tuesday, June 03, 2008
Back at work
and finding it rather hard to accept that it's what I do here that allows me to do other things elsewhere. Somewhere in my mind the work and the paycheck have become divorced - and that has to be dangerous huh?
Anyway am working on an overall approach and strategy for one company, a process to extend a brand into new areas for another, at new product development for a third and at how and why Autoshows developed the way that they did over the last half century.
All good stuff, all with tight deadlines. And the coffee shop isn't open yet. Arrrrgggghhhh
Anyway am working on an overall approach and strategy for one company, a process to extend a brand into new areas for another, at new product development for a third and at how and why Autoshows developed the way that they did over the last half century.
All good stuff, all with tight deadlines. And the coffee shop isn't open yet. Arrrrgggghhhh
Monday, June 02, 2008
Back in Ann Arbor
Managed to get back to Ann Arbor in one piece and more than an hour early. Walked right into the food festival - which meant that lunch was a mixed bag of cucumber soups, salmon mousses and chocoolate covered strawberrys paid for with vouchers and chosen by length of wait rather than general appeal.
Weirdly being back felt fantastic. After the grayness and sticker shock of London it was good to be out in brilliant sunshine amongst people who seemed relaxed and happy. There was none of the tension of Cyprus either -- at least of Nicosia with the dividing line, the guns, the soldiers and the maps that show only half of the city labelling the other half 'occupied territory'/
The pic by the way is the daughter of the people in Turkish Nicosia who took us in, made us coffee and explained a little of what it's like to return from exile to a place. All very weird.
Not the greatest post this, I apologize. They'll get better. Just that mornings are busier with Jude in London.
Weirdly being back felt fantastic. After the grayness and sticker shock of London it was good to be out in brilliant sunshine amongst people who seemed relaxed and happy. There was none of the tension of Cyprus either -- at least of Nicosia with the dividing line, the guns, the soldiers and the maps that show only half of the city labelling the other half 'occupied territory'/
The pic by the way is the daughter of the people in Turkish Nicosia who took us in, made us coffee and explained a little of what it's like to return from exile to a place. All very weird.
Not the greatest post this, I apologize. They'll get better. Just that mornings are busier with Jude in London.
Sunday, June 01, 2008
Sex And The City
So leaving London this morning and thought that I'd write a quick blog as I wait for my ride to the airport to stir from bed and show signs of actually being a ride.
Cyprus Air arrived on time (again) and deposited us into a London that was warm, gray, threatening rain, crowded with the young, abuzz with the the low murmur of foreign languages and mercilessly expensive.
We went for a quick meal ($20 for my plate of Veggie noodles) then through a park where the dogs were off-leash but so well keen to attend their owners you'd swear they doubled up as Butlers in their spare time
After that it was a trip to the cinema to see Sex and the City ($20 a ticket) which was both long and predictable though somehow enjoyable. I loved that the whole thing seemed to be an exercise in humiliation for Kim Catrell (the weight jokes, the age references) and that they set up the bridge to the sequel by positioning themselves as the Manhattan Golden Girls. SJP should be expecting a call from Bea Arthur any day now.
Dinner followed by a trip to M&S where $50 secured us enough food for dinner... to be watched in front of the finals of Britain's Got Talent (if it does it wasn't on display here as a bunch of kids and broilers played classical music to an audience who pretended to care) and then I'll Do Anything - hosted by a man with a penchant for the single entendre and a gleeful relish for the the word "Nancy"(it's a casting show for Oliver, they're looking for a Nancy ---> you saw the jokes coming huh?)
And now it's off to Detroit with me, Leave at 9.15, lose 5 hrs, arrive at 1pm. Long flight. Ouch.
More from the other side
Cyprus Air arrived on time (again) and deposited us into a London that was warm, gray, threatening rain, crowded with the young, abuzz with the the low murmur of foreign languages and mercilessly expensive.
We went for a quick meal ($20 for my plate of Veggie noodles) then through a park where the dogs were off-leash but so well keen to attend their owners you'd swear they doubled up as Butlers in their spare time
After that it was a trip to the cinema to see Sex and the City ($20 a ticket) which was both long and predictable though somehow enjoyable. I loved that the whole thing seemed to be an exercise in humiliation for Kim Catrell (the weight jokes, the age references) and that they set up the bridge to the sequel by positioning themselves as the Manhattan Golden Girls. SJP should be expecting a call from Bea Arthur any day now.
Dinner followed by a trip to M&S where $50 secured us enough food for dinner... to be watched in front of the finals of Britain's Got Talent (if it does it wasn't on display here as a bunch of kids and broilers played classical music to an audience who pretended to care) and then I'll Do Anything - hosted by a man with a penchant for the single entendre and a gleeful relish for the the word "Nancy"(it's a casting show for Oliver, they're looking for a Nancy ---> you saw the jokes coming huh?)
And now it's off to Detroit with me, Leave at 9.15, lose 5 hrs, arrive at 1pm. Long flight. Ouch.
More from the other side
Friday, May 30, 2008
Famagusta
Getting to Famagusta from the south of the island is quite a feat. You go past the UN checkpoint. Then through the Turkish side... buying insurance on the way.
From there its on through the 'occupied zone' to Famagusta. Where hoards of Brits whinge blithely through 'occupied territory'... knowing only that 'the bus brought us' and little about the history.
Though you think that the bombed out hotels would give them a hint
From there its on through the 'occupied zone' to Famagusta. Where hoards of Brits whinge blithely through 'occupied territory'... knowing only that 'the bus brought us' and little about the history.
Though you think that the bombed out hotels would give them a hint
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Better a hairy man's bitch
better a hairy man's bitch than a poor man's wife ---> as I'm sure Tammy Wynette sang on some opus or other during the 70s. Tammy was never one of the "I'll be a post feminist in the post-patriarchy' types.
Hamman was amazing. Very cool space. Stars cut through the stone to give illusion of a starlit sky and help heat the building. And a really gentle heat. You sweat almost without noticing.
Changing room was a curtained daybed - the kind that I'd imagine finding Cindy Gallup using during meetings; perfect for positioning yourself to receive grapes from a scantily clad and well oiled wench.
Body scrub was good - weirdly the people doing the scrubbing are all women. Most baths allow men only. They don't scrub your stomach - or maybe they just didn't scrub mine... that would have required overtime.
Which leads me with news anchor neatness to a new project.
The NUP
The NUP is the Naked Uganda Project.
I've realized on this trip that I am a bloated middle aged man showing all of the signs of a long commute, a fondness for wine and a partiality for the 'too cold for the gym' excuse.
I am flabby
I am saggy
I am ashamed
And I'm about to do something about it.
We head for Uganda in December.
I will be in shape by then.
Good enough shape to have Jude take a serious of hot but artistic nudes of me in remote outposts. Me nude being charged by a rhino (and boy do they charge through the nose - boom, Boom!) - that kind of thing.
Worry not - pics won't ever be posted. But I've already signed up for a personal trainer in a personal gym. 1 on 1. Just us. No excuses. Nowhere to hide. It's gonna be brutal and I'm gonna bitch and moan here. But I will be in shape by Xmas.
So NUP - the Naked Uganda Project starts here.
Back to the title though. Whilst in the bath a very elderly Greek Cypriot man asked whether I'd help scrub his hairy back. Being foreign and gullible I said "okay". I scrubbed. He said thank you. He left. I had massage. All was good. Except I think that I may now officially be his bitch. Isn't that a rule? You scrub a man in a Hamman and he owns you? I do hope not -- he was old enough to be Anna Nicole Smith husband material - and much as I loved the diet pill popping old trout I don't think I wanna be the new Anna Nicole yet.
Okay enough rambling. Back to the balcony.
Hamman was amazing. Very cool space. Stars cut through the stone to give illusion of a starlit sky and help heat the building. And a really gentle heat. You sweat almost without noticing.
Changing room was a curtained daybed - the kind that I'd imagine finding Cindy Gallup using during meetings; perfect for positioning yourself to receive grapes from a scantily clad and well oiled wench.
Body scrub was good - weirdly the people doing the scrubbing are all women. Most baths allow men only. They don't scrub your stomach - or maybe they just didn't scrub mine... that would have required overtime.
Which leads me with news anchor neatness to a new project.
The NUP
The NUP is the Naked Uganda Project.
I've realized on this trip that I am a bloated middle aged man showing all of the signs of a long commute, a fondness for wine and a partiality for the 'too cold for the gym' excuse.
I am flabby
I am saggy
I am ashamed
And I'm about to do something about it.
We head for Uganda in December.
I will be in shape by then.
Good enough shape to have Jude take a serious of hot but artistic nudes of me in remote outposts. Me nude being charged by a rhino (and boy do they charge through the nose - boom, Boom!) - that kind of thing.
Worry not - pics won't ever be posted. But I've already signed up for a personal trainer in a personal gym. 1 on 1. Just us. No excuses. Nowhere to hide. It's gonna be brutal and I'm gonna bitch and moan here. But I will be in shape by Xmas.
So NUP - the Naked Uganda Project starts here.
Back to the title though. Whilst in the bath a very elderly Greek Cypriot man asked whether I'd help scrub his hairy back. Being foreign and gullible I said "okay". I scrubbed. He said thank you. He left. I had massage. All was good. Except I think that I may now officially be his bitch. Isn't that a rule? You scrub a man in a Hamman and he owns you? I do hope not -- he was old enough to be Anna Nicole Smith husband material - and much as I loved the diet pill popping old trout I don't think I wanna be the new Anna Nicole yet.
Okay enough rambling. Back to the balcony.
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Hammam
I'm guessing that the Nicosia Hamman won't look like this. Though with the Greek / Turkish competition here it might
It's weird being in a divided city. You pass the blue hatted UN troops as you walk along th estreet and suddenly you're at a checkpoint; passports out, guns pointed in your direction and senses heightened as you hit a Turkish area.
Smiley on the Greek side, deadly serious on the Turkish. I guess that's what being an "Occupation Force" does for you.
Photos today and then (between feeding the meter on the car) on to the Hamman for a treatment.
Should be good.
It's weird being in a divided city. You pass the blue hatted UN troops as you walk along th estreet and suddenly you're at a checkpoint; passports out, guns pointed in your direction and senses heightened as you hit a Turkish area.
Smiley on the Greek side, deadly serious on the Turkish. I guess that's what being an "Occupation Force" does for you.
Photos today and then (between feeding the meter on the car) on to the Hamman for a treatment.
Should be good.
Breaking a rule
I've always said that it's a bad idea to stay in a hotel that has fewer stars than a General in the US army... but the Hotel Centrum (***) is very pleasant indeed.
We just arrived after a trip through the mountains that took just a little longer than we would have liked, included one detour to a very tight path sans tarmac and (alas for the Yellow Peril) into the mountain itself. Yup I reversed the rental car into a mountain. Oops. Still it's almost undamaged.
We found the centre of town remarkably quickly... called the elevator 'the lift' and generally felt at home immediately. Didn't want to leave the villa this morning - but we have some plans to buy which helped lessen the pain.
Talking of pain or room has a large stone step up to the bathroom - wonder how many late night broken toes that's been responsible for?
We just arrived after a trip through the mountains that took just a little longer than we would have liked, included one detour to a very tight path sans tarmac and (alas for the Yellow Peril) into the mountain itself. Yup I reversed the rental car into a mountain. Oops. Still it's almost undamaged.
We found the centre of town remarkably quickly... called the elevator 'the lift' and generally felt at home immediately. Didn't want to leave the villa this morning - but we have some plans to buy which helped lessen the pain.
Talking of pain or room has a large stone step up to the bathroom - wonder how many late night broken toes that's been responsible for?
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Ouch
So having been on Jude's broken back for the last couple of days (she's been in agony and popping ineffectual pills like Liza at a Studio 51 reunion) we finally headed for a doctor this morning. Better pills. An injection into her ass and the promise of a day at home to recover may do the trick. I'm hoping so - when she spends the night awake and in pain she starts to tidy and then to do laundry - as a result the only things that I can find today are stretched out on a washing line across the pool
Monday, May 26, 2008
alive and kicking
the last couple of days has seen us driving towards so many ruins we could have been in Florida.
Lots to do here and Jude's penchant for off-roading in an 800cc car remains unmatched. By rights we should be dead at the bottom of some gorge - or huddled half way up a mountain waiting for salvation to come in the form of a friendly goat hunter --- but Hyundai and an unburstable AtoZ seem to be on the side of the righteous so far at least.
Nicosia is going to be ten degrees hotter and considerably less cool in terms of air quality and ability to just chill by the pool... so we're going to make the most of what we have here. Lots of lounging. Lots of monastry wine. Lots of alone time.
Which Jude needs ass her back is in spasm and she can barely move ---> still at least the painkillers and muscle relaxants are cheap and plentiful here
Lots to do here and Jude's penchant for off-roading in an 800cc car remains unmatched. By rights we should be dead at the bottom of some gorge - or huddled half way up a mountain waiting for salvation to come in the form of a friendly goat hunter --- but Hyundai and an unburstable AtoZ seem to be on the side of the righteous so far at least.
Nicosia is going to be ten degrees hotter and considerably less cool in terms of air quality and ability to just chill by the pool... so we're going to make the most of what we have here. Lots of lounging. Lots of monastry wine. Lots of alone time.
Which Jude needs ass her back is in spasm and she can barely move ---> still at least the painkillers and muscle relaxants are cheap and plentiful here
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Friday, May 23, 2008
Here we are in Cyprus
So here we are in Cyprus. The house is gorgeous and just remote enough to have us sneering at the other people in cars with red plates (meaning TOURIST - WATCH OUT!).
We're about a half hour from the nearest town - itself rather proud of just how untouristy it is (despite this Internet cafe) and at the foot of the mountains here. All absolutely gorgeous.
Yesterday we bought food in the morning and drove higher into the mountains for a trek through the forest. Today is a longer trek into the remoter regions in a bid to find a monastry that makes some of the best wine on the island - gotta love those monks.
Cyprus is gripped with Eurovision fever too. We saw the semi-finals last night and every news story today has been about Saturday's big finale. In fact it was the first thing anyone here said to us - upon seeing Jude's Dutch passport at the airport a local told us "They made it through yesterday. The Netherlands are in the final"
It's good to be back in Europe... the sunshine helps too.
We're about a half hour from the nearest town - itself rather proud of just how untouristy it is (despite this Internet cafe) and at the foot of the mountains here. All absolutely gorgeous.
Yesterday we bought food in the morning and drove higher into the mountains for a trek through the forest. Today is a longer trek into the remoter regions in a bid to find a monastry that makes some of the best wine on the island - gotta love those monks.
Cyprus is gripped with Eurovision fever too. We saw the semi-finals last night and every news story today has been about Saturday's big finale. In fact it was the first thing anyone here said to us - upon seeing Jude's Dutch passport at the airport a local told us "They made it through yesterday. The Netherlands are in the final"
It's good to be back in Europe... the sunshine helps too.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
This won't be us
You're not allowed to be nude on the beaches of Cyprus.
Too devout is my best guess. Followed by too nasty a thought - especially with the million and one Brits flooding in via JetTz4Less and DeathRattleAir
Have read with some amusement that there have been several Germans arrested having defrocked close to the Baths of Aphroditie. The glare bouncing off their blue white bodies having alerted police and air traffic controllers both to their exact location.
Still despite a lack of Togs Off opportunities it's going to be a good trip - and we'll be leaving for the airport in about an hour (3.30 being plenty long enough for a 5.50 take-off especially when you already have your boarding passes and a belief that check in luggage is for losers)
Despite my 'check in bags' only rule though we're not Overhead crammers. It's a very American thing. Take one huge bag, too large to lift and them waddle down the aisle taking out eyes and crushing feet as you go before demanding help lifting the damn thing (note - if you can't lift it it's not CARRY ON) and bemoaning the size of the overheads.
Nope our carry on is carry on sized. Regulation weight. And packed beautifully.
So eight and a half hours to London, two hours to clear customs, change terminals, check in with Cyprus air and board our flight and then four and a half hours to the wrong side of the island where a man named George will give us the keys to a Corsa (or something)
Waaaa-hey (as Cheggers still says)
Too devout is my best guess. Followed by too nasty a thought - especially with the million and one Brits flooding in via JetTz4Less and DeathRattleAir
Have read with some amusement that there have been several Germans arrested having defrocked close to the Baths of Aphroditie. The glare bouncing off their blue white bodies having alerted police and air traffic controllers both to their exact location.
Still despite a lack of Togs Off opportunities it's going to be a good trip - and we'll be leaving for the airport in about an hour (3.30 being plenty long enough for a 5.50 take-off especially when you already have your boarding passes and a belief that check in luggage is for losers)
Despite my 'check in bags' only rule though we're not Overhead crammers. It's a very American thing. Take one huge bag, too large to lift and them waddle down the aisle taking out eyes and crushing feet as you go before demanding help lifting the damn thing (note - if you can't lift it it's not CARRY ON) and bemoaning the size of the overheads.
Nope our carry on is carry on sized. Regulation weight. And packed beautifully.
So eight and a half hours to London, two hours to clear customs, change terminals, check in with Cyprus air and board our flight and then four and a half hours to the wrong side of the island where a man named George will give us the keys to a Corsa (or something)
Waaaa-hey (as Cheggers still says)
Stars in their eyes
I know that Cyprus is a working trip for Jude (hence the computer, the books and the suits)... and that for people in the UK it's a bit of a Sharon trip but I'm really looking forward to it.
We have a car. We have a private villa. We have a short connection in London. We have no insurance. What could go wrong?
We have a car. We have a private villa. We have a short connection in London. We have no insurance. What could go wrong?
Monday, May 19, 2008
Gearing up
So we’re slowly getting ready for Cyprus. Jude is picking up a dog sitting friend from the airport. I’m back from a ‘need ink’ run to Staples (boarding passes and forms for Jude’s Visa renewal) and am about to rush to the pet store.
Outside it’s sunny but freezing – and the flower boxes are protesting. Inside temp is saying 90F, outside it’s 50F. I tell you, this is a greenhouse.
Anyway short post today. The guy in the pick is andy – he’s coming to Cyprus for conference too. Was his BBQ the other day. And he has the innocent niece…
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Siz-ling
According to the forecast our time in Cyrpus is going to be hot. We leave on Tuesday and while the village that we're staying in is going to be around 29c; the city where we're then heading for a conference is going to be 37c. That's hot. Which is good.
I love the heat. It can't be too hot or too humid for me. I like to feel the pounds burn and sweat off. I like the lethargy that baking leaves you feeling. I like the 'old people stay indoors' warnings and I like watching the British boil like lobster on the beaches.
Not that we'll see many beaches. We have a villa with a pool. And we have a hotel in the city. It's not going to be a 'club 18-30' type experience.
That said I do have responsibility for a teenager whose parents at least to be of unusual virtue. She's very excited by day trips. I shall endeavor to ensure that The Baths of Aphrodite aren't all that Cyprus leaves marked indelibly on her brain. Nothing heavy - just more cocktails, speedos and near misses.
I love the heat. It can't be too hot or too humid for me. I like to feel the pounds burn and sweat off. I like the lethargy that baking leaves you feeling. I like the 'old people stay indoors' warnings and I like watching the British boil like lobster on the beaches.
Not that we'll see many beaches. We have a villa with a pool. And we have a hotel in the city. It's not going to be a 'club 18-30' type experience.
That said I do have responsibility for a teenager whose parents at least to be of unusual virtue. She's very excited by day trips. I shall endeavor to ensure that The Baths of Aphrodite aren't all that Cyprus leaves marked indelibly on her brain. Nothing heavy - just more cocktails, speedos and near misses.
Saturday, May 17, 2008
A very Michigan day
Started the day with a Dog Walk... some huge organize thing with 100s of dogs, dozens of freebees and a bunch of people with cameras.
Then on to a car show at a local dealership... lots of great vintage stuff and a Ford Flex that I couldn't help but demo.
Then on to a book fair where Velcro drew crowds
Have tickets for an acoustic KT Turnstall gig tonight - but heading for a BBQ first.
All very Michigan
Then on to a car show at a local dealership... lots of great vintage stuff and a Ford Flex that I couldn't help but demo.
Then on to a book fair where Velcro drew crowds
Have tickets for an acoustic KT Turnstall gig tonight - but heading for a BBQ first.
All very Michigan
Friday, May 16, 2008
Best selling car in America
Before I came to america I imagined that all of the cars looked like those that I'd seen on Kojak or Starsky and Hutch or even The Dukes of Hazzard.
America was a land that loved driving. Its vast scale had been conquered by extravagant cars that gave people the freedom that they craved and reflected the optimism of the times.
They were cars that looked like rocket ships. Cars that exuded belief in the future. Cars that didn't just take people from A to B... they actually moved people.
So imagine my disappointment when I got here and found that this sad automotive appliance is the best selling car in America. Looking like a tranny's cock after an incident with an oven this melted phallus is just to bland for words.
Where did the fins go people?
America was a land that loved driving. Its vast scale had been conquered by extravagant cars that gave people the freedom that they craved and reflected the optimism of the times.
They were cars that looked like rocket ships. Cars that exuded belief in the future. Cars that didn't just take people from A to B... they actually moved people.
So imagine my disappointment when I got here and found that this sad automotive appliance is the best selling car in America. Looking like a tranny's cock after an incident with an oven this melted phallus is just to bland for words.
Where did the fins go people?
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