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.
Monday, June 02, 2008
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?
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Bobblehead all the way
So Bobblehead Archuleta (or as I heard him described only this morning Doolittle minus the hump) shrugged his way into the American final... based mainly on his ability to deliver a syrupy ballad with enough earnestness to make you overlook the fact that he's a singing Thunderbird with the emotional maturity of a Paris Hilton foetus. I love him though - mainly because he's the only person on the planet who hasn't worked out yet that he's gay. The producers are going big on it - this week the "funny video" had him playing a grand piano by a pool tiled with his face Liberace style. Hardly subtle boys.
Wor David made the final at the expense of 'cut priced Whitney 'Syesha - who made the fatal mistake of revealing a monster setof Norks AFTER the vote was counted. Man had she done that before I'd have voted for her the whole time I had her on freeze frame. So at least twice (yup, they were THAT good)
Which means of course that Little David will be up against angsty wanna be emo fatso David Cook in the final. Cooky (as I like to call him) will probably wheel out the sick brother for the final - he's made an appearance whenever it's been a shaky week for DC musically. And I hope that it works. The world needs an Estrogen-y Daughtry right now --- he's more Maroon 5 than he is Slipknot.
We'll be away for the final (finale!) but the DVD will be on and I might be borrowing a Slingshot.
Oh and Nikon FINALLY brought out a decent superzoom. It's *18. It's looking nice (though no RAW on a Nikon?) and it may be a gift to self very soon, I do have Nikon envy.
Wor David made the final at the expense of 'cut priced Whitney 'Syesha - who made the fatal mistake of revealing a monster setof Norks AFTER the vote was counted. Man had she done that before I'd have voted for her the whole time I had her on freeze frame. So at least twice (yup, they were THAT good)
Which means of course that Little David will be up against angsty wanna be emo fatso David Cook in the final. Cooky (as I like to call him) will probably wheel out the sick brother for the final - he's made an appearance whenever it's been a shaky week for DC musically. And I hope that it works. The world needs an Estrogen-y Daughtry right now --- he's more Maroon 5 than he is Slipknot.
We'll be away for the final (finale!) but the DVD will be on and I might be borrowing a Slingshot.
Oh and Nikon FINALLY brought out a decent superzoom. It's *18. It's looking nice (though no RAW on a Nikon?) and it may be a gift to self very soon, I do have Nikon envy.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Back on the pole
We're off to Cyprus at the end of the week - - - > which of course is the trigger to the world around us filling with great things to do.
There are summer festivals, electronic music festivals, Miss Nude Michigan qualifiers food festivals and all manner of other things happening in the few days that we're away.
After 6 months of bugger all - all we can say is "Bollocks" and try to plan next year's vacation around a schedule that avoids snow rather than local interest
There are summer festivals, electronic music festivals, Miss Nude Michigan qualifiers food festivals and all manner of other things happening in the few days that we're away.
After 6 months of bugger all - all we can say is "Bollocks" and try to plan next year's vacation around a schedule that avoids snow rather than local interest
Monday, May 12, 2008
I Heart Pollen
Seems that the general shitty malaise of the day was down to allergies.
Of course I refuse to take anything for allergies - as to do so would be to instantly render me a 'soft' American and hand victory to the people who endlessly promote the clear eyed state of Nirvana offered by their 'drowsy free formula'
Well worth buying shares in the companies that make allergy medications however - as a lot of over the counter buying world is geographically situated in areas where Global warming will extend allergy seasons.
It's odd that I'll pop Advil Liquigels but not Claratin OTC. Again I think that it's just down to the advertising. It's relentless here and there's only so many images of active families living outdoor lives that I can stomach. It's a bizarre 1950s color saturated world in which they live - one where white picket fences signal nothing more than suburban bliss.
And weren't the Suburbs a bad idea? Let's move people out of the city - forcing them to get into cars and commute into the city. That will take up time, resource and cause pollution.
Oh and let's build the Burbs on valuable farmland that could have been used to feed the city. That will add 100s of miles to the supply chain and put more crap into the air.
To compensate we'll allow everyone more space - making the houses grow, more to heat 'em, more to cool 'em and more energy burned.
Why it's almost as stupid as the political debate here. As one person said to me as I stood open mouthed at Grandpa Munster's latest waffle through his potential Republican Whitehouse Policy
"They're all lying. They all want to destroy the middle class. So that more poor men join the military, diverting funds to the people that are funding the whole charade?"
he then slinked off toward the pool table.
It's gonna be a long election season
Of course I refuse to take anything for allergies - as to do so would be to instantly render me a 'soft' American and hand victory to the people who endlessly promote the clear eyed state of Nirvana offered by their 'drowsy free formula'
Well worth buying shares in the companies that make allergy medications however - as a lot of over the counter buying world is geographically situated in areas where Global warming will extend allergy seasons.
It's odd that I'll pop Advil Liquigels but not Claratin OTC. Again I think that it's just down to the advertising. It's relentless here and there's only so many images of active families living outdoor lives that I can stomach. It's a bizarre 1950s color saturated world in which they live - one where white picket fences signal nothing more than suburban bliss.
And weren't the Suburbs a bad idea? Let's move people out of the city - forcing them to get into cars and commute into the city. That will take up time, resource and cause pollution.
Oh and let's build the Burbs on valuable farmland that could have been used to feed the city. That will add 100s of miles to the supply chain and put more crap into the air.
To compensate we'll allow everyone more space - making the houses grow, more to heat 'em, more to cool 'em and more energy burned.
Why it's almost as stupid as the political debate here. As one person said to me as I stood open mouthed at Grandpa Munster's latest waffle through his potential Republican Whitehouse Policy
"They're all lying. They all want to destroy the middle class. So that more poor men join the military, diverting funds to the people that are funding the whole charade?"
he then slinked off toward the pool table.
It's gonna be a long election season
Building, building
Have the skeleton of an argument to which I need to attach tissue, muscle and flesh today. It could be a long one - and with the weather drawing in gray and damp and a headache already threatening to take up legal occupancy of a space just behind my left eye it may seem even longer.
Weary today. But happy. Just gotta drag myself through the week and towards Cyprus...
Weary today. But happy. Just gotta drag myself through the week and towards Cyprus...
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Ye Olde
I've aged 10 years in the last three. Which is better, I guess, than decomposing somewhere but it's still depressing.
The lack of hair is a lot to do with it - but there's a weariness to my face that's not there in the shots we had in Sydney and in New Zealand.
A lot of this, I think is down to the fact that I've been robbed of certainty. I can't take things for granted anymore. There are the scans - every 12 weeks, which means planning every 9 and 2 weeks of waiting for results.
Then there's the need for proximity to a hospital that can treat me. Which means being in the US. Which means working within the confines of a visa. Which means not really being totally free.
And of course the scan / hospital cycle takes out the possibility of just disappearing on a trip that sees us disappearing off the map.
Some of it is creeping middle age. Some of it life taking its toll. But the lines on my face have been etched by harsh chemicals, th ebags under my eyes by poison injected into my veins and the heaviness in my bones by high levels of radiation.
I just wish that I'd earned, Keith Richard' style, the way that I look.
Or maybe this is just the melancholy of a first rainy day after weeks of brilliant blue skies.
The lack of hair is a lot to do with it - but there's a weariness to my face that's not there in the shots we had in Sydney and in New Zealand.
A lot of this, I think is down to the fact that I've been robbed of certainty. I can't take things for granted anymore. There are the scans - every 12 weeks, which means planning every 9 and 2 weeks of waiting for results.
Then there's the need for proximity to a hospital that can treat me. Which means being in the US. Which means working within the confines of a visa. Which means not really being totally free.
And of course the scan / hospital cycle takes out the possibility of just disappearing on a trip that sees us disappearing off the map.
Some of it is creeping middle age. Some of it life taking its toll. But the lines on my face have been etched by harsh chemicals, th ebags under my eyes by poison injected into my veins and the heaviness in my bones by high levels of radiation.
I just wish that I'd earned, Keith Richard' style, the way that I look.
Or maybe this is just the melancholy of a first rainy day after weeks of brilliant blue skies.
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Jude's a rockstar
or at least she has rock star hair and a penchant for overexposure. Oh and for tequila. Mexican tequila. Authentic, Mexican tequila. Mixed with Cointreau and fresh lime. Salted rim. Shoot it down.
We're off to John Heffron tonight and have running, gym and all manner of other things (like food) to manage in between.
But we're still alive (despite last night's tequila) and we're ready to roll.
Right - back to sweeping up bits of clipped Velcro butt hair
We're off to John Heffron tonight and have running, gym and all manner of other things (like food) to manage in between.
But we're still alive (despite last night's tequila) and we're ready to roll.
Right - back to sweeping up bits of clipped Velcro butt hair
Friday, May 09, 2008
detroit_derby_girls are hot
So hot in fact that I can't get a ticket for tomorrow night and have been reduced to scouring Craigslist in search of cast offs. Not quite desperate enough to post an "I need tickets" ad - but getting to that point.
Call me old fashioned but the idea of missing a bunch of tattoo'd lesbians banging into each other at high velocity sticks in my craw (wherever that is). And it's a much better use of rollerskate than Andrew Lloyd Webber's Starlight Express.
Call me old fashioned but the idea of missing a bunch of tattoo'd lesbians banging into each other at high velocity sticks in my craw (wherever that is). And it's a much better use of rollerskate than Andrew Lloyd Webber's Starlight Express.
Brrr-BQ
Did you see what I did with that title? Clever huh?
Anyway tonight we're going to attempt a barbeque... despite the fact that the evening temperatures are still plummeting faster than Hillary's chance of being the Democrat nominee.
It'll be fun though. Some burgers, some fish, some veggie things - lots of beer and a dozen people.
Certainly enough to put me back a couple of days on the diet.
Anyway tonight we're going to attempt a barbeque... despite the fact that the evening temperatures are still plummeting faster than Hillary's chance of being the Democrat nominee.
It'll be fun though. Some burgers, some fish, some veggie things - lots of beer and a dozen people.
Certainly enough to put me back a couple of days on the diet.
Thursday, May 08, 2008
The unwell couple
We were supposed to hit the gym last night - but instead we both lay on the sofa nursing various injuries and ailments and generally indulging in the healing power of 'Competition Reality' TV.
On the list at the moment we have Beauty and the Geek, America's Next Top Model, Top Chef, Last Restaurant Standing, Farmer Wants a wife (kinda), Hell's Kitchen and American Idol (oh and Dancing with the Stars).
Sweat, tantrums and sequins abound on our TV ---> but when you're wiped out by training, allergies and odd swellings then it's not a bad place to be.
Had an 'effectiveness tracking' company in at work who told us that people were attentive during Top Chef but not during Idol. Which is weird as she then showed that people had better recall of what went on in the breaks on Idol than anything else.
My theory, that when the numbers of contestants are high Top Chef splits people into teams and gives each team significant screen time on a single task - whereas Idol has 12 people, 12 critiques and 12 songs to remember,,, making recall of any one harder seemed to fall on ears deafened by too much time in Excel and not enough on bus.
Anyway here's a pic of us looking sick and slightly green around the gills.
On the list at the moment we have Beauty and the Geek, America's Next Top Model, Top Chef, Last Restaurant Standing, Farmer Wants a wife (kinda), Hell's Kitchen and American Idol (oh and Dancing with the Stars).
Sweat, tantrums and sequins abound on our TV ---> but when you're wiped out by training, allergies and odd swellings then it's not a bad place to be.
Had an 'effectiveness tracking' company in at work who told us that people were attentive during Top Chef but not during Idol. Which is weird as she then showed that people had better recall of what went on in the breaks on Idol than anything else.
My theory, that when the numbers of contestants are high Top Chef splits people into teams and gives each team significant screen time on a single task - whereas Idol has 12 people, 12 critiques and 12 songs to remember,,, making recall of any one harder seemed to fall on ears deafened by too much time in Excel and not enough on bus.
Anyway here's a pic of us looking sick and slightly green around the gills.
Wednesday, May 07, 2008
I used to be funnier
This Woman’s Work // 3 of 3 // A Series for the Face The Fear group
Originally uploaded by Lady Vervaine
So I've decided to do that again. To listen to conversations. To take buses (there is no subway here). To get in touch with my inner Alan Bennett and attempt to find warmth in bleakness.
That said this ain't the funniest of posts - is it?
Oh Idol. I get more hits when I talk about American idol than when I don't and I'm a hits whore. So here we go. Last night was Rock and Roll Hall of Fame night. Which I think translates a "we can't get a celeb" night. Instead the four remaining contenders were asked to pick two songs each from the big old Cleveland jukebox which they'd then murder.
David Archuleta - the singing Bobblehead in the magic pants was very good by all accounts. I can't really remember what he sang. Other than "Love me Tender". I actually liked this choice of song as it was cast in a new light by the fact that he seems obsessed with masturbation. Want proof? Check out his favorite quote on the Idol site - "You'll never be lonely if you learn to befriend yourself"... I tell you the boy is only a week away from "The man with the child in his eyes", "Feel it" and "Turning Japanese". Oh he did "Stand by me" too - doubtless some kind of Mormon Circle Jerk reference.
Syesha Mercado went from cut priced Whitney to low rent Tina with her copycat "Proud Mary" though her "Change is gonna come" was a lot better. I'm actually warming to this girl, even if she's all varnish and no nail.
Jason Castro was truly appalling. First he believed that having dreads qualified him to stumble through Bob Marley. He stuttered, he swayed, he looked ashamed, my Marley span fast enough to plow a furrow in the field in which he is buried. Then he decided that as a follow up he'd forget the words to a Bob Dylan song. If only he'd forgotten his way to the stage he'd have saved a remarkably lucid Paula from having to grope for a positive thing to say about his heart, his spirit and his authenticity. Watching Castro you had to feel for Carly the bat winged bruiser and lizard spouse -- she was in the audience with "I lost to this?" written all over her face. I'd not be surprised to see it tattooed there tomorrow.
Finally David Cook. His Hungry Like The Wolf was off key, shouty and rather dull. His Baba O'Reilly was much better. And he seems to be losing weight. Which will be good practice for losing the final.
Okay - so noy funny but the hits will be up and I'm already hanging out at the water cooler in search of inspiration.
Tuesday, May 06, 2008
I don't have cancer
Just got the results of my CT scan
And I don't have cancer
Again
Which is good
Though I'm still not great at holding my breath for the time needed to get a decent scan.
Not a bad trade off though.
And I don't have cancer
Again
Which is good
Though I'm still not great at holding my breath for the time needed to get a decent scan.
Not a bad trade off though.
The days just fly by
I'm really busy at work at the moment - and enjoying it so much that I often check my watch and find that it's way past the time that the canteen has closed and that I've missed lunch. While this might not be the healthiest way to diet it's certainly effective - and over the past week I've lost 3lbs.
My weight, I've decided independant of any real evidence, is corrolated to just how interested I am in the world around me. The more engaged I get - the thinner I get. Ruts show on my waistline.
Of course the last time I was really enjoying myself was on a pitch - and that was when I was told that I was full of tumors that may kill me. But the tumors were, I insist, a physical manifestation of the resentment I felt at being 'trapped' in a job. I get weird like that sometimes - I blame Sydney. It was a very Crystals and Tantric Chants kind of place.
Feeling the need to visit Sydney right now. Have an old friend opening a wine bar in The Rocks that looks fabulous and I'd like to be there to see the opening ---> as well as to have the opportunity to see Chris and Ray's little slice of heaven taking shape.
Only problem is time. With Cyprus in a couple of weeks, friends in in august, my parents coming over, Uganda in December and a possible trip out to Asia to meet up with some people who are moving in that direction.
Everyone it seems is doing interesting stuff. Jude is saving the world, we have friends travelling the world, friends moving to and living in Africa, friends moving to Asia to do innovation, friends taking time out to learn about fashion before heading to Brazil, friends opening bars in australia, friends setting up sculpture parks, friends in bands and friends with books on the shelf and movie deals in the works.
What I need to do next is get interesting again
My weight, I've decided independant of any real evidence, is corrolated to just how interested I am in the world around me. The more engaged I get - the thinner I get. Ruts show on my waistline.
Of course the last time I was really enjoying myself was on a pitch - and that was when I was told that I was full of tumors that may kill me. But the tumors were, I insist, a physical manifestation of the resentment I felt at being 'trapped' in a job. I get weird like that sometimes - I blame Sydney. It was a very Crystals and Tantric Chants kind of place.
Feeling the need to visit Sydney right now. Have an old friend opening a wine bar in The Rocks that looks fabulous and I'd like to be there to see the opening ---> as well as to have the opportunity to see Chris and Ray's little slice of heaven taking shape.
Only problem is time. With Cyprus in a couple of weeks, friends in in august, my parents coming over, Uganda in December and a possible trip out to Asia to meet up with some people who are moving in that direction.
Everyone it seems is doing interesting stuff. Jude is saving the world, we have friends travelling the world, friends moving to and living in Africa, friends moving to Asia to do innovation, friends taking time out to learn about fashion before heading to Brazil, friends opening bars in australia, friends setting up sculpture parks, friends in bands and friends with books on the shelf and movie deals in the works.
What I need to do next is get interesting again
Monday, May 05, 2008
One for my mom
My mom hated the last pic of Jude that I posted
So here's one taken today
And they say I don't listen
So here's one taken today
And they say I don't listen
Short term-ism
There's a real rush, especially in Europe but growing in the US to hit the car manufacturers with the blame for Global Warming and all of the associated evils that come with it.
You can see why - cars are a very visible symbol of the pollution that we're so worried about. But of course what we drive contributes a relatively small percentage of the CO2 in the air. Sure car companies have to get better and we, as the people who buy cars, need to get smarter about both what we buy and how we drive. But the truth is that we're stupid.
We'll buy a Prius because we think that it has a lower environmental cost ---> without looking at the lifetime energy cost of the vehicle. We don't look at the cost of manufacture and disposal; just at what comes out of the tailpipe while we own it.
It's the same with Plug Ins. We'll buy them and feel superior as we hum around town with zero emissions - whilst hundreds of miles away our pollution is displaced and churned into the air buy the giant power stations doing the dirty business of giving us our 'clean' energy.
I'm all for a 'lifetime energy cost' or 'total pollution' label being added to everything we buy. Show the footprint of Fiji Water and see how sales do (I find the idea of flying water to countries that have an abundant supply horrific)
I know that it's a lot to ask that we get smart about how we think of the planet ---> but it's only an understanding of the supply and manufacture chain that will allow us to make choices that make sense.
Okay - off my soapbox. And back into my 4.0L car (oops)
You can see why - cars are a very visible symbol of the pollution that we're so worried about. But of course what we drive contributes a relatively small percentage of the CO2 in the air. Sure car companies have to get better and we, as the people who buy cars, need to get smarter about both what we buy and how we drive. But the truth is that we're stupid.
We'll buy a Prius because we think that it has a lower environmental cost ---> without looking at the lifetime energy cost of the vehicle. We don't look at the cost of manufacture and disposal; just at what comes out of the tailpipe while we own it.
It's the same with Plug Ins. We'll buy them and feel superior as we hum around town with zero emissions - whilst hundreds of miles away our pollution is displaced and churned into the air buy the giant power stations doing the dirty business of giving us our 'clean' energy.
I'm all for a 'lifetime energy cost' or 'total pollution' label being added to everything we buy. Show the footprint of Fiji Water and see how sales do (I find the idea of flying water to countries that have an abundant supply horrific)
I know that it's a lot to ask that we get smart about how we think of the planet ---> but it's only an understanding of the supply and manufacture chain that will allow us to make choices that make sense.
Okay - off my soapbox. And back into my 4.0L car (oops)
Sunday, May 04, 2008
Gorgeous
It's gorgeous here - so while Jude plays golf I'm going to take the dog for a run (buggering her hips and my knees as we go), take some pictures and prepare myself for an afternoon in Ypsilanti.
Now Ypsi calls itself "Ann Arbor's Brooklyn" - which is a little like me calling myself... well you get it. It has 3 bars. It's not Brooklyn. But the bars are scruffier and edgier and have more space, less polish and more affordable menus. So in that regard it's Brooklyn. I guess.
There's a car thing on in Ypsi this afternoon. I'm gonna try to get people rather than car shots. We'll see what happens. Meanwhile - it's off to run I go (4lbs down, 7 to go)
Now Ypsi calls itself "Ann Arbor's Brooklyn" - which is a little like me calling myself... well you get it. It has 3 bars. It's not Brooklyn. But the bars are scruffier and edgier and have more space, less polish and more affordable menus. So in that regard it's Brooklyn. I guess.
There's a car thing on in Ypsi this afternoon. I'm gonna try to get people rather than car shots. We'll see what happens. Meanwhile - it's off to run I go (4lbs down, 7 to go)
Saturday, May 03, 2008
Ouch
Woke up this morning with my neck and shoulders feeling as though they belonged to a post 'incident' Monica Seles. Just horribly painful. Plus they're creaking and groaning like Victor Meldrew playing the ghost of Christmas future.
And I woke up EARLY - which never helps on a weekend but seems to always be the way - especially when you have cats who are perma-hungry and an apartment with no doors or walls. Grrrrr.
Not masses here this weekend. Going down to a hotrod drive tomorrow and to watch a man eat roadkill live on stage tonight as hula hoopers strip behind him and his friend has 'contributions' stapled to his face by audience members. Yup, the FreakShow is happening all over again and I'm intrigues to find out why.
Anyway as I type I hear the less than delicate banging and crashing of my wife in the morning. Time to dash.
And I woke up EARLY - which never helps on a weekend but seems to always be the way - especially when you have cats who are perma-hungry and an apartment with no doors or walls. Grrrrr.
Not masses here this weekend. Going down to a hotrod drive tomorrow and to watch a man eat roadkill live on stage tonight as hula hoopers strip behind him and his friend has 'contributions' stapled to his face by audience members. Yup, the FreakShow is happening all over again and I'm intrigues to find out why.
Anyway as I type I hear the less than delicate banging and crashing of my wife in the morning. Time to dash.
Thursday, May 01, 2008
So long virgin queen
Brooke White went on this week's Idol.
The 'celebrity mentor' was Neil Diamond - the result... everyone sounding as though they were on between the salmon and the cutting of the cake at a ritzy wedding at which at decoration had substituted for beauty and extravagance for taste.
Brooke made the mistake of leaving the comfort of her piano. I liked her as a poor man's white bread Tori Amos.
Still we won't have to put up with her Cheez Whiz, Gee Whizzery anymore. So there is a silver lining - though I'm sure that any day now people are going to find out that silver linings are toxic.
The 'celebrity mentor' was Neil Diamond - the result... everyone sounding as though they were on between the salmon and the cutting of the cake at a ritzy wedding at which at decoration had substituted for beauty and extravagance for taste.
Brooke made the mistake of leaving the comfort of her piano. I liked her as a poor man's white bread Tori Amos.
Still we won't have to put up with her Cheez Whiz, Gee Whizzery anymore. So there is a silver lining - though I'm sure that any day now people are going to find out that silver linings are toxic.
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
I've started playing
I've started playing marketing bingo in meetings.
The three 'gimme's seem to be
"White Space"
"Cadence"
&
"Heavy Lifting"
In a bid to make the game a little harder I now shout each of these words right after anyone says them
"I think that what we're searching for here is 'white space'
"WHITE SPACE!"
"Excuse me?"
"WHITE SPACE, I just got a line on bullshit bingo"
This of course makes me a little unpopular but it also stems the tide of marketing terms for a while, making the game harder and my life a little more pleasant.
Now if I could just find out what "Cadence" means...
The three 'gimme's seem to be
"White Space"
"Cadence"
&
"Heavy Lifting"
In a bid to make the game a little harder I now shout each of these words right after anyone says them
"I think that what we're searching for here is 'white space'
"WHITE SPACE!"
"Excuse me?"
"WHITE SPACE, I just got a line on bullshit bingo"
This of course makes me a little unpopular but it also stems the tide of marketing terms for a while, making the game harder and my life a little more pleasant.
Now if I could just find out what "Cadence" means...
Monday, April 28, 2008
A lot to be proud of
Torch Lake, Michigan "World's 3rd Most Beautiful Lake" license plate
Originally uploaded by Jeff Smith's Pictures
By all accounts it's beautiful
And very proud of being "The world's 3rd most beautiful lake"
The ranking was supposed to have come from National Geographic Magazine, though National Geographic flatly denies ever publishing such a ranking"
Locals have been pushing this National Geo. story for years and I have to say - I'm intrigued enough to book me a place there
Mad Busy
I'm crazy busy today.
Have all kinds of things due and as ever it's a race to get the data in enough time to actually analyse rather than merely copy it.
I'm looking at the way that the US car industry breaks down (not literally) and at the growth in segments and the expectations within those segments ---> then trying to predict desire 5 years out.
I love this kind of stuff ---> but pulling the 'how are people feeling outside of the 0.002% of the time they spend thinking about cars" is tough. We're data rich to the point of excluding the outside world.
I want to know what effects daycare has had on 16 year olds, what Viagra will do to aging boomers (again not literally), what the democratic design movement has meant, what sustainablity will mean for design (if we get a Green president will saving the planet by this generations 'going to the moon' and what will that do to car design?). I want to know what the overprotection and overscheduling of kids is going to mean in terms of transport and of course what expensive fuel will do to the commute.
And I can get all of that stuff. It just takes time. And co-ordination. And I'm getting itchy as I wait.
Have all kinds of things due and as ever it's a race to get the data in enough time to actually analyse rather than merely copy it.
I'm looking at the way that the US car industry breaks down (not literally) and at the growth in segments and the expectations within those segments ---> then trying to predict desire 5 years out.
I love this kind of stuff ---> but pulling the 'how are people feeling outside of the 0.002% of the time they spend thinking about cars" is tough. We're data rich to the point of excluding the outside world.
I want to know what effects daycare has had on 16 year olds, what Viagra will do to aging boomers (again not literally), what the democratic design movement has meant, what sustainablity will mean for design (if we get a Green president will saving the planet by this generations 'going to the moon' and what will that do to car design?). I want to know what the overprotection and overscheduling of kids is going to mean in terms of transport and of course what expensive fuel will do to the commute.
And I can get all of that stuff. It just takes time. And co-ordination. And I'm getting itchy as I wait.
Sunday, April 27, 2008
This lovely car
This lovely car had only one previous owner - a famous Arab collector who had the car delivered in the shiniest of conditions. Okay so it needed a service before it was taken out - but with only 9000 miles on the clock and with a sticker price of around $20k it wasn't bad value.
The cars were going cheap today - kinda wish I'd raised my numbered lollipop now
Ho - hum
The cars were going cheap today - kinda wish I'd raised my numbered lollipop now
Ho - hum
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Getting jiggy with it
Woke up this morning with my back killing me and a refusal on my application to take shots of fetish models in an abandoned Detroit hotel. It's a professionals first event and all of the spots are now filled - so I got turned down. Never mind - there are other women in latex out in the world, I'm sure.
It's graduation weekend here in A2 - so lots of parents in posh frocks and not so posh suits wandering around campus in the unusual warmth. It makes for a lovely atmosphere actually - though the sudden stopping without warning on the sidewalk gets wearing after a while.
Another venue with no tickets for me is The Ark - a lesbian folk haven staffed by muscled women with cropped hair wearing wifebeaters (is that PC for lesbians?). Wanted to see The Proclaimers there - will now have to take my chances with Craigslist. We'll see.
Not much of a plan for today. Erotic Expo in Detroit has a seminar on piercing parties (a la Janet Jackson) which has perked my interest, I have a massage booked for later to try to beat this pain in my back (I can feel the vertabae grinding) and then maybe a jackie chan . jet li movie later.
Tomorrow is a vintage car auction with Andy - a friend of Jude;s. Should be fun - I even have my eye on something for our vacant parking spot.
It's graduation weekend here in A2 - so lots of parents in posh frocks and not so posh suits wandering around campus in the unusual warmth. It makes for a lovely atmosphere actually - though the sudden stopping without warning on the sidewalk gets wearing after a while.
Another venue with no tickets for me is The Ark - a lesbian folk haven staffed by muscled women with cropped hair wearing wifebeaters (is that PC for lesbians?). Wanted to see The Proclaimers there - will now have to take my chances with Craigslist. We'll see.
Not much of a plan for today. Erotic Expo in Detroit has a seminar on piercing parties (a la Janet Jackson) which has perked my interest, I have a massage booked for later to try to beat this pain in my back (I can feel the vertabae grinding) and then maybe a jackie chan . jet li movie later.
Tomorrow is a vintage car auction with Andy - a friend of Jude;s. Should be fun - I even have my eye on something for our vacant parking spot.
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Good day yesterday...
...started when I got up at 7am, showered and set off for the hospital on a route that took me right through central park. Then blood work done straight away (the lab tech still knows me) and across the road for scans... alas posh facility booked so back to the old building and the corridor of long waits to drink liters of bloating drinks and generally kick my heels whilst watching "Mad Men" (excellent btw) on the i-pod.
Then back to the Park to meet up with Jude, lunch with a friend then on to a leaving party for my friend Kajsa who's leaving the US to learn about hat making, dress-making and 'trimming' and then moving to Brazil. Gotta love that.
From there it was on the the Theatre to see a performance / read of another friend's play - The Beauty Project. It was actually rather good.
Then on to a bar where low cut tops, a tertiary grasp of English and hotpants to make a Camel Chiropodist blush were much in evidence.
Ride home today was uneventful. My evening will be spent with data.
Happy
Then back to the Park to meet up with Jude, lunch with a friend then on to a leaving party for my friend Kajsa who's leaving the US to learn about hat making, dress-making and 'trimming' and then moving to Brazil. Gotta love that.
From there it was on the the Theatre to see a performance / read of another friend's play - The Beauty Project. It was actually rather good.
Then on to a bar where low cut tops, a tertiary grasp of English and hotpants to make a Camel Chiropodist blush were much in evidence.
Ride home today was uneventful. My evening will be spent with data.
Happy
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
back in the old routine
I'm writing this from Touchdown 4 - the computer used for visitors and floaters at my old company in New York.
After blood work and scans delayed by paperwork I met Jude in central park where we watched tiny kids playing baseball and a movie being shot (an old woman walked a small dog - it was thrilling!)
Then we split up. I headed to Grace for lunch with my friend Gareth whilst Jude headed uptown for lunch with our mutual friend Ali.
I have drinks with a futurologist this afternoon (weirdly she sensed I was in town and invited me) and thought that I'd fill in a little time with a visit to the office and a cup of tea.
It feels very different here to Detroit. The people are younger. And more energetic. And less afraid. The music is playing out loud. Two people just left to buy fruit for a 'cooling' sangria that's being made. And generally the vibe is one of 'we're enjoying this'
Of course the atmosphere in the office was never my issue. The work was. And I LOVE what I do now. Weirdly I've worked out that I'm an ad guy - by trying to leave advertising twice.
It's good to know that some decisions you got right
After blood work and scans delayed by paperwork I met Jude in central park where we watched tiny kids playing baseball and a movie being shot (an old woman walked a small dog - it was thrilling!)
Then we split up. I headed to Grace for lunch with my friend Gareth whilst Jude headed uptown for lunch with our mutual friend Ali.
I have drinks with a futurologist this afternoon (weirdly she sensed I was in town and invited me) and thought that I'd fill in a little time with a visit to the office and a cup of tea.
It feels very different here to Detroit. The people are younger. And more energetic. And less afraid. The music is playing out loud. Two people just left to buy fruit for a 'cooling' sangria that's being made. And generally the vibe is one of 'we're enjoying this'
Of course the atmosphere in the office was never my issue. The work was. And I LOVE what I do now. Weirdly I've worked out that I'm an ad guy - by trying to leave advertising twice.
It's good to know that some decisions you got right
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Weird morning
First the decidedly grannish woman who was appraising my Mustang for damage told me that removing the dent from the hood of of my car would mean removing the hood, stripping it, beating it and respraying it. Total cost $400.
Then my New York hospital told me that I may not get scans after all because they don't have recent blood work. Well that would be another $1000 in flights wasted. Much haggling and pleading led to a morning blood bath - I'll be phlebottomized, analyzed and certified at 8am for 9am scans. Maybe.
Bought two 'space chairs' for the balcony (it's 24c and sunny today and on the roof it's 10c warmer) - noit sure I'm fully adepyt at shifting my weight and levering my legs as counterbalance yet - but it will come.
And finally day 2 of the pre Cyprus shirt off diet has me feeling strangely full at all times. Jude's saying fiber, I'm saying tumor.
Then my New York hospital told me that I may not get scans after all because they don't have recent blood work. Well that would be another $1000 in flights wasted. Much haggling and pleading led to a morning blood bath - I'll be phlebottomized, analyzed and certified at 8am for 9am scans. Maybe.
Bought two 'space chairs' for the balcony (it's 24c and sunny today and on the roof it's 10c warmer) - noit sure I'm fully adepyt at shifting my weight and levering my legs as counterbalance yet - but it will come.
And finally day 2 of the pre Cyprus shirt off diet has me feeling strangely full at all times. Jude's saying fiber, I'm saying tumor.
Suddenly spring
suddenly in A2 it's spring,
but we don't really care because today we leave for New York
yup it's Cancer Scan time again
which means admitting that somewhere amongst all the blooming, sprouting and growth of daffodils I may also be sprouting malignant cells and growing tumors.
not that the scan causes that - but it does bring up the issue.
that said if I'm clear today then it's getting very close to the 2 year - 'safe' mark. The point at which relapse becomes less likely and we can breathe easy again (bar the spring pollen)
So fingers crossed
but we don't really care because today we leave for New York
yup it's Cancer Scan time again
which means admitting that somewhere amongst all the blooming, sprouting and growth of daffodils I may also be sprouting malignant cells and growing tumors.
not that the scan causes that - but it does bring up the issue.
that said if I'm clear today then it's getting very close to the 2 year - 'safe' mark. The point at which relapse becomes less likely and we can breathe easy again (bar the spring pollen)
So fingers crossed
Monday, April 21, 2008
A word on Love from my friend Gareth
My Friend Gareth
said this about love today
"For me, love means doing something terrifying and not being terrified at all."
Check out his adventures - and send a check if you can - here
Sunday, April 20, 2008
The Dalai Lama is in town
... so I thought that I'd try out Buddhist 'hair' for the event
Whaddya think?
Whaddya think?
More Idol Nonsense
So I missed Idol for a week and it seems that they booted the Castrated Hutchence wannabe Michael Johns. Shame - the benchmark seems to have been - "Well I have to last longer than Kristie Cook" and of course he didn't.
This week's guest coach was Mariah Carey - who came across as a slutty Oompah-Lumpah, only a tad more orange. She loved everyone, they loved her, the show was duller David Cook's eyes (and they're DEAD)
What did people do, I hear you shrug half heartedly.
Well Cut Priced Whitney (I like to think that she'll be a Crystal Meth Gal married to a backing singer) Syesha coasted through that well known shoulda been a B side "Vanishing" and promptly vanished from memory.
The Bruiser kept the bat wing wobble in check as she attacked "Without You" and I mean attacked. The song later reported the assault to the police and is recovering from the severe bruising she gave it. All credit to the girl though - she did attempt a full 'power squat' at one point.
David Cook did his angsty thing on "Without you" and just failed to recognize that it could be the most awesome stalker song of all time done right. He was getting there but as ever the bigger picture evaded him as he tried for a vibe that's Radio Friendly.
The Mormon's magic pants were working as he did something soppy to immediately forgettable effect
Jason Castro on the other hand is turning into a poor man's Sanjaya. "I don't wanna cry" was sung with such tender virginity that you could hear hymen in the audience tearing. Either that or he missed a couple of notes horribly.
Two left - Kristy Lee Cook did an adenoidal version of "Forever" (which FINALLY sent her home) and Brooke White piled in the vanilla with her anodyne version of "Hero"
It's all toe curlingly wondreful
Saturday, April 19, 2008
It's getting hot in here
In fact as I look up at the temperature gauge I see that right at the desk it's 88f... no wonder I'm sweating. I'd take my shirt off but if Jude gets back to see me sitting near naked at the computer she'll be checking the History folder faster than you can say 'spyware'
Dalai Lama in town tomorrow. Lots of parents in for graduation today. So the bars are full. The outdoor tables coveted and the locals slightly snarky.
Me? I'm just taking pictures, walking the dog and trying not to eat
Dalai Lama in town tomorrow. Lots of parents in for graduation today. So the bars are full. The outdoor tables coveted and the locals slightly snarky.
Me? I'm just taking pictures, walking the dog and trying not to eat
Friday, April 18, 2008
That time of year again...
Well Michigan certainly seems to switch weather gears fast. Last Sunday we were sitting inside watching the snow whoosh horizontal past the windows. Today it's 24c, there's the smell of summer in the air and the window boxes are being moved outside.
The dog, predictably, loves it. Yesterday we took her to The Arb' (a kind of wild flora and fauna refuge in the middle of town) and she sniffed, scurried and bounded her way around with an abandon that some would have called gay (were they over 70)
Tonight we're off to see Natalia Zuckerman who is described thusly by the venue "(She has a) voice that could send an orchid into bloom, while her guitar playing can open a beer bottle with its teeth."
I'll test that theory later.
The dog, predictably, loves it. Yesterday we took her to The Arb' (a kind of wild flora and fauna refuge in the middle of town) and she sniffed, scurried and bounded her way around with an abandon that some would have called gay (were they over 70)
Tonight we're off to see Natalia Zuckerman who is described thusly by the venue "(She has a) voice that could send an orchid into bloom, while her guitar playing can open a beer bottle with its teeth."
I'll test that theory later.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Bad repair
Well after Jude's first attempt to fill the suicidal bird's scrape on the hood of the car I had her redo it - and maybe I was wrong.
Never mind will have dent taken car of at 10,000 miles and may use the scratch repair as a justification for getting the stripes that Jude's wanted forever.
Mad at work today - wanting to prove that one of the reasons that people got into SUVs were that they were high - and when people feel threatened (say post 9-11 or by the number of huge cars on the road) they tend to look for safety by trying to get above imminent danger (they used to climb a tree). There are other reasons of course - but it's odd that in a culture of engagement we have an automotive culture of disengagement. Or so I'm hypothosizing.
Steve
Never mind will have dent taken car of at 10,000 miles and may use the scratch repair as a justification for getting the stripes that Jude's wanted forever.
Mad at work today - wanting to prove that one of the reasons that people got into SUVs were that they were high - and when people feel threatened (say post 9-11 or by the number of huge cars on the road) they tend to look for safety by trying to get above imminent danger (they used to climb a tree). There are other reasons of course - but it's odd that in a culture of engagement we have an automotive culture of disengagement. Or so I'm hypothosizing.
Steve
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
In the wars again
On my way to work this morning I had a suicidal bird swoop down and hot the hood of the car. Result - small dent that ruins the lines, big scratch that we've just tried (and failed) to disguise.
Will hit the dealer on Saturday about the dent but it seems as though hard objects are drawn to this car - at speed.
Will hit the dealer on Saturday about the dent but it seems as though hard objects are drawn to this car - at speed.
Long drive for a home run
This morning I was invited to join a hundred people on a trip up to Toronto to see a baseball game. Sounds like a riot, but all are driving up there in their own cars and it's about four and a half hours.
Of course part of me says "screw it, head on up" while the other says "work, long drive, overnight stay" and of course "you don't like baseball" - which side will win I have no idea.
Last night we went to a gallery opening. Photographs of Alabama taken over 40 years by a guy whose technique didn't seem to improve. Most of the people there seemed to be asking the same question "This guy is famous because....????"
It's one of the great statements of the upload age. People used to say "I could do better than that" ---> now they say "I HAVE DONE better than that" and in many cases they have.
I was reading an interview with Sir (!) John Hegarty where he was talking about being the chair of an art committee. He said that he can easily search for "picture of woman holding a baby" and the search engines and stock photo sites will give him 10,000 options. The only problem is that they'll all be rubbish. And what he wants is one GOOD pic of a woman holding a baby. Alas "Good pic of woman holding a baby" isn't a search engine friendly term.
As he said if you search the art world for the same pic you may not find the exact image and angle that you want but you're much more likely to stumble upon something that shows you something new or that invites you to think about the subject in a new way - and that's more valuable.
Also last night 38 Drinks with the very lovely Rebecca, who looked amazing swathed in the diffused glow of my favorite bar in Ann Arbor. I may have had more thatn I thought though -as this morning I'm feeling weirdly weak and out of sorts. Blaming the allergy patches for that though.
Of course part of me says "screw it, head on up" while the other says "work, long drive, overnight stay" and of course "you don't like baseball" - which side will win I have no idea.
Last night we went to a gallery opening. Photographs of Alabama taken over 40 years by a guy whose technique didn't seem to improve. Most of the people there seemed to be asking the same question "This guy is famous because....????"
It's one of the great statements of the upload age. People used to say "I could do better than that" ---> now they say "I HAVE DONE better than that" and in many cases they have.
I was reading an interview with Sir (!) John Hegarty where he was talking about being the chair of an art committee. He said that he can easily search for "picture of woman holding a baby" and the search engines and stock photo sites will give him 10,000 options. The only problem is that they'll all be rubbish. And what he wants is one GOOD pic of a woman holding a baby. Alas "Good pic of woman holding a baby" isn't a search engine friendly term.
As he said if you search the art world for the same pic you may not find the exact image and angle that you want but you're much more likely to stumble upon something that shows you something new or that invites you to think about the subject in a new way - and that's more valuable.
Also last night 38 Drinks with the very lovely Rebecca, who looked amazing swathed in the diffused glow of my favorite bar in Ann Arbor. I may have had more thatn I thought though -as this morning I'm feeling weirdly weak and out of sorts. Blaming the allergy patches for that though.
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
What a feeling
I went in for the second of my allergy tests this morning.
The guys took a bunch of panels, attached them to my back, bandaged me up and said "see you Thursday". Before they said that though they said "You're probably going to itch like hell. Don't scratch. Even if it becomes unbearable"
Now maybe it's just me but there has to be a better way of doing this. A blood test perhaps. Or stem cells. Or cloning. Just all seems a tad old fashioned to me.
Also got a call from the New York hospital... I'm due scans for cancer again. It's weird that every 8 weeks or so I have to start planning a New York scan trip. It kinda throws you off balance and I know that it's too much of a reminder for a lot of people around me - having my mortality questioned with such regularity.
Still it's a trip to New York - a place I adore, so (for once) I won't be complaining - unless of course it's about the itch that seems to be coming from directly under the bleach tab on my back
The guys took a bunch of panels, attached them to my back, bandaged me up and said "see you Thursday". Before they said that though they said "You're probably going to itch like hell. Don't scratch. Even if it becomes unbearable"
Now maybe it's just me but there has to be a better way of doing this. A blood test perhaps. Or stem cells. Or cloning. Just all seems a tad old fashioned to me.
Also got a call from the New York hospital... I'm due scans for cancer again. It's weird that every 8 weeks or so I have to start planning a New York scan trip. It kinda throws you off balance and I know that it's too much of a reminder for a lot of people around me - having my mortality questioned with such regularity.
Still it's a trip to New York - a place I adore, so (for once) I won't be complaining - unless of course it's about the itch that seems to be coming from directly under the bleach tab on my back
Monday, April 14, 2008
Stupidly Busy
I'm ridiculously busy today, which means that this will be shorter than Obama's "Mission Accomplished" list.
I have to say that my interest in the Hillary / Obama thing has been dampened by the descent into politics as usual. Hillary claiming that she'd been under sniper fire, Obama attending the church of somebody that some people don't like - each claiming that they're not about smearing the other and then having proxies apply liquid manure.
It's a shame really - this was an election that I wanted to care about. But I do have a weird feeling that McCain is going to drop dead before November... he's just SO old. And it's a real strain. And he's not looking good at all. Weird that he's leading in the polls too. Though with his age and health being what it is his choice of running mate is going to be critical - as we're all imagining the President being upable to fulfil his duties at some point over the next 4 years.
Scary
I have to say that my interest in the Hillary / Obama thing has been dampened by the descent into politics as usual. Hillary claiming that she'd been under sniper fire, Obama attending the church of somebody that some people don't like - each claiming that they're not about smearing the other and then having proxies apply liquid manure.
It's a shame really - this was an election that I wanted to care about. But I do have a weird feeling that McCain is going to drop dead before November... he's just SO old. And it's a real strain. And he's not looking good at all. Weird that he's leading in the polls too. Though with his age and health being what it is his choice of running mate is going to be critical - as we're all imagining the President being upable to fulfil his duties at some point over the next 4 years.
Scary
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)