- Fallingwater as a Lego set? Count me in! A Frank Lloyd Wright Masterwork- In Legos.
- Up! Looks awesome and I'm glad critics seem to like it. Pixar's Small Wonder. And a brief history of the company: "Up", Up and Away With the Kids. And Giacchino's done the score again? Awesome. And the director did Monsters, Inc and worked on Wall-E? Awesome. 'Up' and Away With Pixar's Pete Docter.
- Interesting times we live in: Bush v. Gore Foes Join Forces to Fight Gay Marriage Ban.
- In Praise of Broadway's Orchestrators. You know, you don't think about it much but a composer can't crank out all of it for a show. A symphony maybe, but a show? Not quite.
- Benny Goodman! Born on my birthday. When I decided (apparently, at least that's the story my parents tell) to be born late I must have been planning even then to follow my dad and play clarinet so I'd have to be born on a famous clarinetist's birthday. How Benny Goodman Won Over America.
- I wonder where the closest one to DC is...Company's 'ATM for Books' Prints On Demand.
- DC's just exploded with Lincoln related exhibits at museums for the bi-centennial. And now the Archives got a letter written by him. Lost Lincoln Letter Donated to National Archives.
28 May 2009
26 May 2009
Musings, Part Y
- Hall of Presidents! One of my favorite parts of Magic Kingdom. I was wondering if they'd updated it yet. Animatronic Obama Going to Disney World With High-Tech Style.
- I'm glad I'm Catholic: From Polygamous Royalty to FLDS Lost Boy. Very glad.
- Hooray for the Smithsonian (of which I'm now a member)! Belle of the Mall.
- A beard contest? Apparently there is one. Imagine the work that has to go into some of these. Alaska Hosts the Battle of the Beards.
- I still love Sesame Street. Not just because it reminds me of my childhood but because it's still clever and funny after all these years. I'm thrilled they have a YouTube channel so I can find all my favorite bits. And Big Bird is still better than Elmo even if the little red guy has pushed him out. My loyalty is with Bird. Happy 40th! How Sesame Street Changed the World.
- And another childhood touchstone: American Girl's Journey to the Lower East Side. And the company's as old as I soon will be. My doll was Samantha, still is, I suppose. She's in a box now though. But still awesome.
- Yay! And now the battle begins. And everything I remember (I hope) from the two Supreme Court classes I took in college will come back during the confirmation process. Should be fun to watch. Obama Chooses Sotomayor for Supreme Court.
- I've started a new needlepoint project and it's brought to mind an interesting occurrance. Colors and names of colors don't always match up. This kit has an orangish background that claims to be tan. It's not. It's orangish. Tan is sorta skin colored. This I suppose could be called fake spray on tan. Or, orangish.
- Wow. Way to completely freak me out Newsweek article. I thought the author had actually lost her mind. Thank goodness for comments. Lithwick: Put Palin on the Supreme Court. By the way, that would be the absolute worst idea in the world, secondary only to electing her to some national office or a place of real influence. Gah. Shivers down my spine.
- I'm glad I'm Catholic: From Polygamous Royalty to FLDS Lost Boy. Very glad.
- Hooray for the Smithsonian (of which I'm now a member)! Belle of the Mall.
- A beard contest? Apparently there is one. Imagine the work that has to go into some of these. Alaska Hosts the Battle of the Beards.
- I still love Sesame Street. Not just because it reminds me of my childhood but because it's still clever and funny after all these years. I'm thrilled they have a YouTube channel so I can find all my favorite bits. And Big Bird is still better than Elmo even if the little red guy has pushed him out. My loyalty is with Bird. Happy 40th! How Sesame Street Changed the World.
- And another childhood touchstone: American Girl's Journey to the Lower East Side. And the company's as old as I soon will be. My doll was Samantha, still is, I suppose. She's in a box now though. But still awesome.
- Yay! And now the battle begins. And everything I remember (I hope) from the two Supreme Court classes I took in college will come back during the confirmation process. Should be fun to watch. Obama Chooses Sotomayor for Supreme Court.
- I've started a new needlepoint project and it's brought to mind an interesting occurrance. Colors and names of colors don't always match up. This kit has an orangish background that claims to be tan. It's not. It's orangish. Tan is sorta skin colored. This I suppose could be called fake spray on tan. Or, orangish.
- Wow. Way to completely freak me out Newsweek article. I thought the author had actually lost her mind. Thank goodness for comments. Lithwick: Put Palin on the Supreme Court. By the way, that would be the absolute worst idea in the world, secondary only to electing her to some national office or a place of real influence. Gah. Shivers down my spine.
20 May 2009
Musings, Part X
- Not That High School Musical. Glee is actually not bad, it's got a pretty good cast from what the pilot shows and it was actually a pretty fun hour.
- I hope he's screaming in agony in hell: The Fuhrer Returns to Berlin, This Time Saluted Only By Laughs. I think the combination of the play, and the banners that replace the swastika with a pretzel (genius, by the way) is the best thing that can happen to Berlin. They acknowledge the burden but slap the man responsible in the face, well, metaphorically. Satire at its best.
- Well, whenever I get homesick I can just go here: Disney Buys Land for Future Resort Hotel at National Harbor.
- Hubble! A Space Mission Worthy of Our Attention.
- Designing 'Up'-Well-Rounded Boy, Meet Old Square. I still think Carl's adorable. Grumpy old man or not, he's cute. And he's a balloon salesman? Awesome.
- Do two occurances qualify as a curse? I have now been to a concert at the DAR Hall here in DC twice now, once this past October for Jason Mraz and once last night for Keane. Each time there was a woman near me who was either high off of something (I'm going with drunk) or just really was the type of person who needed to go to a concert in a club without seats so everyone was being loud and dancing along. Last time the woman wanted people to be standing because heaven forbid we use the chairs we paid for and some of us are still getting used to the concept that concerts mean more than staying still and quiet while appreciating the music quietly until a piece is over (and make sure it doesn't have multiple movements because clapping after one? total faux pas). Last night the woman must have not had any bones because she was all over the place dancing, security managed to calm her down though I think, all I cared about was that she was out of my line of sight.
Beyond that, the concert was great. Wow are they energetic. Lights, always moving. You could tell that the lead singer was absolutely drenched in sweat by about the 5th song. Putting aside the energy he put into the performance, those lights have to be incredibly hot, they're certainly bright enough on my end. Great group, great songs, great supporting acts. Mat Kearney (the one I'd heard about) even quipped about his claim to fame saying that you write these songs for yourself and friends and someone decides a doctor should make out to it and you say of course that's what you wrote it for. Grey's Anatomy used "Breathe In, Breathe Out". I think my ears have fully recovered.
- Also, trying to ride the Blue/Orange lines of the Metro through the downtown stations around 5:30 is akin to suicide or hell or a highly concentrated new Disney attraction line. Crazy, insane, I'm so glad I live on the Red line, though it has it's crazy times as well.
- So, I confess I have read the first 3 Twilight books. I have an electronic copy of the 4th and I guess I'll read it one day (I've skimmed enough to get the main details) but I'm currently in no hurry. I wanted to see what the fuss was all about. Yes, it's an interesting take on the whole vampire-human thing with werewolves thrown in because they always seem to be the other piece of the triangle. I liked the first but then...they got whiny. Bella got on my nerves and I never cared for Jacob. And I like vampire stories in general, it's kind of fun comparing the different ones and how they deal with the whole human-interaction thing: sun, no sun, how to kill them, blood issues, etc. Maybe my problem with vampire book series is the style of Meyer's writing and her tone. Perhaps these books will be better, there are certainly more of them and hey, adults are the focus, not teenagers who I suppose are inherently whiny. Vampire-Loving Barmaid Hits Jackpot for Charlaine Harris.
- Question: Who's the Longest-Running Fictional Character Ever? Sort of who you'd expect.
- By the way, love the originality of NCIS: Los Angeles. I was really pulling for a new intialization, as NCIS was the spinoff from JAG. Alas, not to be.
- Rocky and Bullwinkle's on Hulu? Score.
- I hope he's screaming in agony in hell: The Fuhrer Returns to Berlin, This Time Saluted Only By Laughs. I think the combination of the play, and the banners that replace the swastika with a pretzel (genius, by the way) is the best thing that can happen to Berlin. They acknowledge the burden but slap the man responsible in the face, well, metaphorically. Satire at its best.
- Well, whenever I get homesick I can just go here: Disney Buys Land for Future Resort Hotel at National Harbor.
- Hubble! A Space Mission Worthy of Our Attention.
- Designing 'Up'-Well-Rounded Boy, Meet Old Square. I still think Carl's adorable. Grumpy old man or not, he's cute. And he's a balloon salesman? Awesome.
- Do two occurances qualify as a curse? I have now been to a concert at the DAR Hall here in DC twice now, once this past October for Jason Mraz and once last night for Keane. Each time there was a woman near me who was either high off of something (I'm going with drunk) or just really was the type of person who needed to go to a concert in a club without seats so everyone was being loud and dancing along. Last time the woman wanted people to be standing because heaven forbid we use the chairs we paid for and some of us are still getting used to the concept that concerts mean more than staying still and quiet while appreciating the music quietly until a piece is over (and make sure it doesn't have multiple movements because clapping after one? total faux pas). Last night the woman must have not had any bones because she was all over the place dancing, security managed to calm her down though I think, all I cared about was that she was out of my line of sight.
Beyond that, the concert was great. Wow are they energetic. Lights, always moving. You could tell that the lead singer was absolutely drenched in sweat by about the 5th song. Putting aside the energy he put into the performance, those lights have to be incredibly hot, they're certainly bright enough on my end. Great group, great songs, great supporting acts. Mat Kearney (the one I'd heard about) even quipped about his claim to fame saying that you write these songs for yourself and friends and someone decides a doctor should make out to it and you say of course that's what you wrote it for. Grey's Anatomy used "Breathe In, Breathe Out". I think my ears have fully recovered.
- Also, trying to ride the Blue/Orange lines of the Metro through the downtown stations around 5:30 is akin to suicide or hell or a highly concentrated new Disney attraction line. Crazy, insane, I'm so glad I live on the Red line, though it has it's crazy times as well.
- So, I confess I have read the first 3 Twilight books. I have an electronic copy of the 4th and I guess I'll read it one day (I've skimmed enough to get the main details) but I'm currently in no hurry. I wanted to see what the fuss was all about. Yes, it's an interesting take on the whole vampire-human thing with werewolves thrown in because they always seem to be the other piece of the triangle. I liked the first but then...they got whiny. Bella got on my nerves and I never cared for Jacob. And I like vampire stories in general, it's kind of fun comparing the different ones and how they deal with the whole human-interaction thing: sun, no sun, how to kill them, blood issues, etc. Maybe my problem with vampire book series is the style of Meyer's writing and her tone. Perhaps these books will be better, there are certainly more of them and hey, adults are the focus, not teenagers who I suppose are inherently whiny. Vampire-Loving Barmaid Hits Jackpot for Charlaine Harris.
- Question: Who's the Longest-Running Fictional Character Ever? Sort of who you'd expect.
- By the way, love the originality of NCIS: Los Angeles. I was really pulling for a new intialization, as NCIS was the spinoff from JAG. Alas, not to be.
- Rocky and Bullwinkle's on Hulu? Score.
18 May 2009
Musings, Part W
- Congrats to the 4 Kuwaiti women who just got elected to their parliament. They've only had the vote since 2005 but managed to get 4 women, all with Ph.Ds from US institutions, elected in the latest election. And one's a philosophy professor!
- And it's Upfronts week. Thankfully NBC already renewed Chuck, though for a shortened season that hopefully will be extended, ABC re-upped Castle and Better Off Ted (both great by the way) though passed on The Unusuals (which I wasn't terribly, terribly attached to anyway), and Fox re-upped Dollhouse, also good. I think NBC ditched Life though, which is sad but at least it had a partially wrapped up ending. Also read: Does Bringing Back 'Chuck' Mean a New Network Model?
- Back to the hooray for women news: Rachel Alexandra Takes Her First Step Toward Running in the Belmont. Take that Mine That Bird owner. Ha. Your jockey even abandoned the horse for the filly.
- Now I don't follow professional basketball at all but since when are the Magic any good? Magic Tops Celtics, Clearing Way for New Champion. All I remember about the Magic is that they always interrupted UPN and thus my Star Trek viewing. I think that was when Voyager was on...I really hated the team then. Probably still do. Still. When did they get decent?
- I must admit I'm conflicted about this: In Search of Europe: Sweden. Because I like the EU and I like IKEA. Maybe as an American I don't really completely understand the unwillingness to have broad, though uniform, standards and practices across a continent. We do that and, though bumpy and currently in a slump, look where it's gotten us. I will say that the store fosters an addiction...there's just so much stuff...and all so useful...gah. At the same time I'm backing the whole united states of Europe idea I still like the diverse history of the continent, and those two islands nearby and those two countries across the small sea that are connected but only ish.
- I have to say one of my favorite series of skits on SNL is Celebrity Jeopardy. I'm glad that they did one this past Saturday when Will Ferrell was back hosting. Hulu.com.
- A survey on surveys! How fun: Take Our Survey: Are There Too Many Surveys?
- And it's Upfronts week. Thankfully NBC already renewed Chuck, though for a shortened season that hopefully will be extended, ABC re-upped Castle and Better Off Ted (both great by the way) though passed on The Unusuals (which I wasn't terribly, terribly attached to anyway), and Fox re-upped Dollhouse, also good. I think NBC ditched Life though, which is sad but at least it had a partially wrapped up ending. Also read: Does Bringing Back 'Chuck' Mean a New Network Model?
- Back to the hooray for women news: Rachel Alexandra Takes Her First Step Toward Running in the Belmont. Take that Mine That Bird owner. Ha. Your jockey even abandoned the horse for the filly.
- Now I don't follow professional basketball at all but since when are the Magic any good? Magic Tops Celtics, Clearing Way for New Champion. All I remember about the Magic is that they always interrupted UPN and thus my Star Trek viewing. I think that was when Voyager was on...I really hated the team then. Probably still do. Still. When did they get decent?
- I must admit I'm conflicted about this: In Search of Europe: Sweden. Because I like the EU and I like IKEA. Maybe as an American I don't really completely understand the unwillingness to have broad, though uniform, standards and practices across a continent. We do that and, though bumpy and currently in a slump, look where it's gotten us. I will say that the store fosters an addiction...there's just so much stuff...and all so useful...gah. At the same time I'm backing the whole united states of Europe idea I still like the diverse history of the continent, and those two islands nearby and those two countries across the small sea that are connected but only ish.
- I have to say one of my favorite series of skits on SNL is Celebrity Jeopardy. I'm glad that they did one this past Saturday when Will Ferrell was back hosting. Hulu.com.
- A survey on surveys! How fun: Take Our Survey: Are There Too Many Surveys?
14 May 2009
Musings, Part V
- I think I might want to see this movie now...Tarantino's 'Inglourious Basterds'- A 'Bunch of Guys on a Mission' Movie. And really, if I'm going to sit through Brad Pitt, I prefer him when he's a touched unhinged, like in the Ocean's trilogy. That's the Brad Pitt I can stand.
- Oh, Bonnie and Clyde. Fun times. Who knew people were so into you? Yeah, a lot of people I guess. Bonnie and Clyde, America's Deadly Sweethearts, 75 Years Later.
- I seem to write about space a lot, maybe because it's just that time of year, what with the movie and all. Anyway, funny book titles really can help: The Universe and Its Mysteries - To Go. The book title is You Are Here: A Portable History of the Universe.
- I admit I play the Sims. I haven't for ages but only because I'm worried about space on the computer and the game running slow. However, when I get my new one, I'm definitely getting Sims 3. Making Sims Into Neighbors You Can Relate To.
- It's amazing how many male politicians can be absolute scumbags in their personal lives: The battle of the Berlusconis. Cheating is inexcusable. Period.
- On a lighter note, Ewan McGregor is perhaps the very definition of a Father-what-a-waste, thankfully he's just playing one. Ewan McGregor on the Vatican, Kilts & His Accent.
- Oh, Bonnie and Clyde. Fun times. Who knew people were so into you? Yeah, a lot of people I guess. Bonnie and Clyde, America's Deadly Sweethearts, 75 Years Later.
- I seem to write about space a lot, maybe because it's just that time of year, what with the movie and all. Anyway, funny book titles really can help: The Universe and Its Mysteries - To Go. The book title is You Are Here: A Portable History of the Universe.
- I admit I play the Sims. I haven't for ages but only because I'm worried about space on the computer and the game running slow. However, when I get my new one, I'm definitely getting Sims 3. Making Sims Into Neighbors You Can Relate To.
- It's amazing how many male politicians can be absolute scumbags in their personal lives: The battle of the Berlusconis. Cheating is inexcusable. Period.
- On a lighter note, Ewan McGregor is perhaps the very definition of a Father-what-a-waste, thankfully he's just playing one. Ewan McGregor on the Vatican, Kilts & His Accent.
11 May 2009
Musings, Part U
- So Star Trek...was awesome. And (warning, spoilers) while I'm upset that they killed Vulcan, I'm kinda happy for Spock, finally gets a girl. The ship was gorgeous, having Leonard Nimoy in it was awesome. The whole alternate, parallel, reality thing might appease some diehards I think, and be interesting for those of us who like the time episodes (as in, I'm one of them). I really, really enjoyed it. And have listened to the soundtrack on repeat since I got home from the movie yesterday.
- This will likely be the space post, surprise surprise, I know. Anyway, last Hubble mission lifts off today. That is one thing I miss about home (Florida), being able to see the shuttle launches. Special Tools Required For Last Call to Hubble. Space Shuttle Blasts Off on Hubble Telescope Mission, on schedule and with no problems. Yay!
- And of course, various articles with spoilers for the film and about the box office numbers. NY Times: Starship Franchise Zooms to Top of Box Office, The Two Sides of 'Star Trek'. Washington Post: Star Trek: The Early Days of Kirk, Spock, Bones, Star-crossed lovers: 'Trek' ship mates lock lips, Hank Stuever Essay: The Trouble With Quibbles and Niche Fandom. And for real science in Star Trek, PRI: Warp Speed Ahead!. Oh, and dropping by SNL: Update Feature: Star Trek. Too bad none of them got to host.
- Joss Whedon on commentary...singing! This American Life: Return to the Scene of the Crime, his section starts at 27:52. I really need to get this DVD now...
- So, I'm one of those people who like languages from sci-fi and fantasy works. From the computer series starting with Myst I have a thing on the D'Ni language and I use the numbering system. From Tolkien I have the Languages of Middle Earth book (see name of blog for an example) and yes, I use the words all over the place from my email address to my AIM screenname. So articles like this? Kind of up my alley: There's No Klingon Word for Hello.
- This will likely be the space post, surprise surprise, I know. Anyway, last Hubble mission lifts off today. That is one thing I miss about home (Florida), being able to see the shuttle launches. Special Tools Required For Last Call to Hubble. Space Shuttle Blasts Off on Hubble Telescope Mission, on schedule and with no problems. Yay!
- And of course, various articles with spoilers for the film and about the box office numbers. NY Times: Starship Franchise Zooms to Top of Box Office, The Two Sides of 'Star Trek'. Washington Post: Star Trek: The Early Days of Kirk, Spock, Bones, Star-crossed lovers: 'Trek' ship mates lock lips, Hank Stuever Essay: The Trouble With Quibbles and Niche Fandom. And for real science in Star Trek, PRI: Warp Speed Ahead!. Oh, and dropping by SNL: Update Feature: Star Trek. Too bad none of them got to host.
- Joss Whedon on commentary...singing! This American Life: Return to the Scene of the Crime, his section starts at 27:52. I really need to get this DVD now...
- So, I'm one of those people who like languages from sci-fi and fantasy works. From the computer series starting with Myst I have a thing on the D'Ni language and I use the numbering system. From Tolkien I have the Languages of Middle Earth book (see name of blog for an example) and yes, I use the words all over the place from my email address to my AIM screenname. So articles like this? Kind of up my alley: There's No Klingon Word for Hello.
08 May 2009
Musings, Part T
- For this one, I think...well, it speaks for itself: The Fat-Alien Sings: A Klingon Language Opera. Best part of it is, they're serious opera people.
- Continuing with the Star Trek news articles: A Mind Meld Q&A With Leonard Nimoy. Aww: 'Star Trek's' Familiar Face. Newsweek's Pop culture blog Pop Vox: But...What If I'm Not a Trekkie? You become one. Duh. And of course from the BBC, the one guy no one in the US is talking about: Talking Shop: Simon Pegg. He's the Master (a la Doctor Who, the reincarnated version).
- You know, I go back and forth on whether I like Sylar on Heroes. I liked him during the whole duality arc when they explored how he could not be a psychopath, or you know, a homicidal egomanic with plans for dominiation or at least a fun blood bath, but now he's back to regular Sylar (only [to spoil the finale] now he's been forced into being Nathan so who knows how that'll play out, probably more duality which is always fun and may circle back to the Five Years future episode in Season 1) and I don't like him as much. Or tolerate him really. A lot of times you go back and forth on an actor depending on the roles they take, you love them or hate them based on who they play. Spock could redeem Quinto for me. Because Spock's awesome factor totally makes up for the whole serial killer thing. New 'Trek' Star is a Chip Off the Old Spock. The thing is, I can totally see the correlation or at least how you could understand the casting. As Sylar he's rather restrained and collected for a serial killer, methodical one might say. And as Spock he has to be logical and collected while dealing with that whole mother was a human thing. The speech patterns can be the same just Spock doesn't use as much menace or the creepy smiles that Sylar would. And a nerve pinch is a lot less bloody than splicing their foreheads open when it comes to subduing enemies. Knock on wood but I hope all my postings about this movie mean my next, likely including my reactions to it, will be as positive and gleeful.
- On a rather more personal note, I now have a job. A real, permanent job as compared to the full time temp position I've had since late March. And just inside a full year after I graduated from college (just just inside since this weekend is graduation weekend at my university). In June I shall join the ranks of those employed by the federal government in DC. It may not have been where I originally thought I'd end up, or wanted to end up, in education policy, but it fits what I did throughout college (I only really physically got into the education part in my last year through an education class even though I'd been mulling it for a while) but it fits my goal when from after high school: it's in a department of the federal government. Yeah, public service wasn't as attractive when I was in high school, not like it is becoming now, but I was inspired by the West Wing, believe it or not. So I won't be changing the world by feeding hunger or stopping a disease but I'll be doing my part in the mechanism and making sure things work when and how they're supposed to. And I'm happy. A real job, a pretty good starting salary, and it fits what I wanted. How can you ask for more? And happy Mother's Day.
- Continuing with the Star Trek news articles: A Mind Meld Q&A With Leonard Nimoy. Aww: 'Star Trek's' Familiar Face. Newsweek's Pop culture blog Pop Vox: But...What If I'm Not a Trekkie? You become one. Duh. And of course from the BBC, the one guy no one in the US is talking about: Talking Shop: Simon Pegg. He's the Master (a la Doctor Who, the reincarnated version).
- You know, I go back and forth on whether I like Sylar on Heroes. I liked him during the whole duality arc when they explored how he could not be a psychopath, or you know, a homicidal egomanic with plans for dominiation or at least a fun blood bath, but now he's back to regular Sylar (only [to spoil the finale] now he's been forced into being Nathan so who knows how that'll play out, probably more duality which is always fun and may circle back to the Five Years future episode in Season 1) and I don't like him as much. Or tolerate him really. A lot of times you go back and forth on an actor depending on the roles they take, you love them or hate them based on who they play. Spock could redeem Quinto for me. Because Spock's awesome factor totally makes up for the whole serial killer thing. New 'Trek' Star is a Chip Off the Old Spock. The thing is, I can totally see the correlation or at least how you could understand the casting. As Sylar he's rather restrained and collected for a serial killer, methodical one might say. And as Spock he has to be logical and collected while dealing with that whole mother was a human thing. The speech patterns can be the same just Spock doesn't use as much menace or the creepy smiles that Sylar would. And a nerve pinch is a lot less bloody than splicing their foreheads open when it comes to subduing enemies. Knock on wood but I hope all my postings about this movie mean my next, likely including my reactions to it, will be as positive and gleeful.
- On a rather more personal note, I now have a job. A real, permanent job as compared to the full time temp position I've had since late March. And just inside a full year after I graduated from college (just just inside since this weekend is graduation weekend at my university). In June I shall join the ranks of those employed by the federal government in DC. It may not have been where I originally thought I'd end up, or wanted to end up, in education policy, but it fits what I did throughout college (I only really physically got into the education part in my last year through an education class even though I'd been mulling it for a while) but it fits my goal when from after high school: it's in a department of the federal government. Yeah, public service wasn't as attractive when I was in high school, not like it is becoming now, but I was inspired by the West Wing, believe it or not. So I won't be changing the world by feeding hunger or stopping a disease but I'll be doing my part in the mechanism and making sure things work when and how they're supposed to. And I'm happy. A real job, a pretty good starting salary, and it fits what I wanted. How can you ask for more? And happy Mother's Day.
07 May 2009
Musings, Part S
- Frank Lloyd Wright's buildings made me want to be an architect. Then I realized that no, drawing and all that math probably weren't for me. Doodling buildings is one thing, large scale is quite another. Still, kudos to your professional achievements (because you were a jerk in your personal life): The Goodbye Swirl.
- Congrats Maine: Maine Legalizes Same-Sex Marriage. So, we now have the first state to do so without any hassle. Vermont had to overcome a veto, and the other states who've allowed it have done so because their courts ordered it. And DC just passed a bill through the Council to recognize marriages performed in other states. I think the main interest in this for me, beyond it being something I support as a matter of social policy, is that I've learned about the civil rights movement in classes and how that swept through states and studied Supreme Court cases whose decisions altered the social policy fabric of the country that started out as test cases, notably Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka, Kansas. This is a fascinating look at how social policy happens simultaneously at the state and national level, though not the federal. Now all we have to do is wait for the interactive color coded map, based on who did it by a the legislature, vote or by court order to show up somewhere. Then you know it's got real momentum. The map is key.
- Oh, Fringe. I was wondering when you'd mention Star Trek. Alternate universes and a crazy guy who thinks he's Spock in one episode, of course placed in the week of the premiere? Awesome tie in Abrams, awesome.
- I am even more ridiculously excited now. A positive review! A Heavenly Enterprise. I can still understand my mom's reticence about it but I was never much of a fan of the original series. Except for Spock. Because he, quite frankly, is freaking awesome. Oh, here's another from the NY Times: Star Trek- A Franchise Goes Boldly Backward. And NPR's: 'Star Trek': That Final Frontier, Boldly Reapproached. Be sure to read the comment by Angelica Czekalski to compares, rather convincingly, President Obama to Spock.
- Thank you! Finally someone getting at the crux of the issue. If we're still going to back the no sex before marriage thing, shouldn't we fix that rather than all the stuff that comes out of breaking that? Under God: Palin, Prejean, and Pre-Marital Ambivalence.
- Congrats Maine: Maine Legalizes Same-Sex Marriage. So, we now have the first state to do so without any hassle. Vermont had to overcome a veto, and the other states who've allowed it have done so because their courts ordered it. And DC just passed a bill through the Council to recognize marriages performed in other states. I think the main interest in this for me, beyond it being something I support as a matter of social policy, is that I've learned about the civil rights movement in classes and how that swept through states and studied Supreme Court cases whose decisions altered the social policy fabric of the country that started out as test cases, notably Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka, Kansas. This is a fascinating look at how social policy happens simultaneously at the state and national level, though not the federal. Now all we have to do is wait for the interactive color coded map, based on who did it by a the legislature, vote or by court order to show up somewhere. Then you know it's got real momentum. The map is key.
- Oh, Fringe. I was wondering when you'd mention Star Trek. Alternate universes and a crazy guy who thinks he's Spock in one episode, of course placed in the week of the premiere? Awesome tie in Abrams, awesome.
- I am even more ridiculously excited now. A positive review! A Heavenly Enterprise. I can still understand my mom's reticence about it but I was never much of a fan of the original series. Except for Spock. Because he, quite frankly, is freaking awesome. Oh, here's another from the NY Times: Star Trek- A Franchise Goes Boldly Backward. And NPR's: 'Star Trek': That Final Frontier, Boldly Reapproached. Be sure to read the comment by Angelica Czekalski to compares, rather convincingly, President Obama to Spock.
- Thank you! Finally someone getting at the crux of the issue. If we're still going to back the no sex before marriage thing, shouldn't we fix that rather than all the stuff that comes out of breaking that? Under God: Palin, Prejean, and Pre-Marital Ambivalence.
04 May 2009
Musings, Part R
- Well, it's official. I have an eclectic personality. At least according to the Society
of American Florists online quiz on my floral signature. Cool. By the way, flower meanings? Kind of interesting to read. And no two sites completely agree on what something means all the time. Like for one lavendar is constancy and another distrust. If you're into the flower meaning thing, which is pretty interesting, then you're probably really confused by those. Heaven forfend you get a bouquet with lavendar in it. Or orange blossoms which can be innocence or fertility. Again, not exactly the same thing. At least they can agree on some. Like peonies? For healing.
- Bye, Justice Souter, you were cool: Supreme Court Justice Souter to Retire.
- Happy Early Mother's Day. NPR's Mother's Day Playlist got me thinking about what song reminds me of my mom. Pretty easy answer, "Wonder" by Natalie Merchant because she always says its her song about us, my sister and I.
- Why do I always ignore or put off looking into the latest thing? At least musically I often do. Or perhaps we can just say I was busy when this became big? Anyway, new musical love: Fleet Foxes. Seriously, amazing sound. Granted if you actually read the lyrics, kinda dark, I mean in "White Winter Hymnal" blood on snow is compared to the color of strawberries in summer...which...okay, yeah, that's red. Gorgeous sound though: Live concert.
- On another note for music, depending on who you look at my tastes are alternative or indie these days. Online radio stations: Indie. iTunes catalog: Alternative mostly with some Indie that's apparently both. I think I'm going to stick with calling it alternative because I associate indie with movies and I can admit I'm a mainstream movie girl. At least I can still say what I don't like and leave the rest up to the sound of the individual bands.
- People are creative, did you know?: Battles of the Bulge.
of American Florists online quiz on my floral signature. Cool. By the way, flower meanings? Kind of interesting to read. And no two sites completely agree on what something means all the time. Like for one lavendar is constancy and another distrust. If you're into the flower meaning thing, which is pretty interesting, then you're probably really confused by those. Heaven forfend you get a bouquet with lavendar in it. Or orange blossoms which can be innocence or fertility. Again, not exactly the same thing. At least they can agree on some. Like peonies? For healing.
- Bye, Justice Souter, you were cool: Supreme Court Justice Souter to Retire.
- Happy Early Mother's Day. NPR's Mother's Day Playlist got me thinking about what song reminds me of my mom. Pretty easy answer, "Wonder" by Natalie Merchant because she always says its her song about us, my sister and I.
- Why do I always ignore or put off looking into the latest thing? At least musically I often do. Or perhaps we can just say I was busy when this became big? Anyway, new musical love: Fleet Foxes. Seriously, amazing sound. Granted if you actually read the lyrics, kinda dark, I mean in "White Winter Hymnal" blood on snow is compared to the color of strawberries in summer...which...okay, yeah, that's red. Gorgeous sound though: Live concert.
- On another note for music, depending on who you look at my tastes are alternative or indie these days. Online radio stations: Indie. iTunes catalog: Alternative mostly with some Indie that's apparently both. I think I'm going to stick with calling it alternative because I associate indie with movies and I can admit I'm a mainstream movie girl. At least I can still say what I don't like and leave the rest up to the sound of the individual bands.
- People are creative, did you know?: Battles of the Bulge.
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