31 March 2005
Picture pages
I've started to post some pictures so check back and find out what the hell Jennie and I are up to these days. Hopefully we'll have some good ones' of the music festival in Florida. Some randoms of the recent months leading up to the wedding also...more to come!!
30 March 2005
View from the trees
As I am riding on this plane to the left coast, my heart sits in silence and sorrow for the one I love is alone in Texas. It was a year ago today (March 28, 2005)that I fessed my love and we were blessed upon the shores of the Suwannee. Having just arrived from that very place, we sifted through our highlights of the trip to that magical place and noted that a simple owl had made the Top-ten list. This owl (a happy couple actually) seems to have permeated the “highlight list” among a number of top musical performers; Jim Lauderdale, Donna the Buffalo, Reeltime Travelers, Guy Clark, Darol Anger; and the owls. What could some quirky hooting owls have done to gain such recognition or notoriety? They simply got it on…
We were fireside at the Walker campsite when we heard some strange, almost disturbing noise coming from the treetop above. This did not sound anything like an owl, but minutes later, that call was answered by another. This reply came seemingly from across the entire forest, throaty and moaning. Minutes roll by and upon us is the crisp wash of a set of wings soaring through the night sky. Then nothing. The fire crackling before us was the only sound to be heard until a series of desperate howls and grunts pierced the darkness like a needle through the skin. It was sharp, sweet, and rapid.
The two love birds (the owls-not Jennie and I) were suspended above us in a rite that could only produce such a sound. Quiet amazement was all that was whispered around the camp for a few moments. Then all returned to normal. Well, not quite normal, this is the Walker camp-site afterall.
We were fireside at the Walker campsite when we heard some strange, almost disturbing noise coming from the treetop above. This did not sound anything like an owl, but minutes later, that call was answered by another. This reply came seemingly from across the entire forest, throaty and moaning. Minutes roll by and upon us is the crisp wash of a set of wings soaring through the night sky. Then nothing. The fire crackling before us was the only sound to be heard until a series of desperate howls and grunts pierced the darkness like a needle through the skin. It was sharp, sweet, and rapid.
The two love birds (the owls-not Jennie and I) were suspended above us in a rite that could only produce such a sound. Quiet amazement was all that was whispered around the camp for a few moments. Then all returned to normal. Well, not quite normal, this is the Walker camp-site afterall.
22 March 2005
The scene
Mind Clutter
The mood is set. The whiz of a circular saw and my co-workers muttering chewbacca noises as they pass my office.
What an interesting place to work. What is it like in a random work setting in Singapore or Russia? or Seattle for that matter.
The mood is set. The whiz of a circular saw and my co-workers muttering chewbacca noises as they pass my office.
What an interesting place to work. What is it like in a random work setting in Singapore or Russia? or Seattle for that matter.
Festivarian anyone?
anyone interested in music festivals should definitely attend this one - The Magnolia Festival http://www.magnoliafest.com
Plus the wonderful Walker Family Band is slated to play, one of the few gigs where you can catch the full band at play. In addition, other performers: Guy Clark, Tony Rice, Peter Rowan, Bela Fleck, etc...Sorry to hear about Vassar Clements condition. Send some good vibes and thoughts to Vassar as he recuperates from his treatments for Cancer. So, the festival is this coming weekend, March 24 - 27, spend your easter amongst a bunch of old friends and mossy oaks, it's beautiful!
Sorry, forgot to mention Jim Lauderdale!! What a trip!?!
Plus the wonderful Walker Family Band is slated to play, one of the few gigs where you can catch the full band at play. In addition, other performers: Guy Clark, Tony Rice, Peter Rowan, Bela Fleck, etc...Sorry to hear about Vassar Clements condition. Send some good vibes and thoughts to Vassar as he recuperates from his treatments for Cancer. So, the festival is this coming weekend, March 24 - 27, spend your easter amongst a bunch of old friends and mossy oaks, it's beautiful!
Sorry, forgot to mention Jim Lauderdale!! What a trip!?!
Heavy Traffic
The traffic was heavy today, and yesterday for that matter. It seems as if there are more people flocking to Austin every day, week, year. I've been here for over 4 years now, it goes by pretty quickly; surprising for such a laid back city. One thing that keeps it all moving though...there is always something to do! But not just something. Something cool, hip, retro, new age, rockin'. This town is always growing, always flowing, always keeping us on our toes! It's about as large as any city that I would want to live in, I'm hoping it will just up and stop soon. Although I find that highly unlikely.
Yesterday on my way home (bikeroute 55-48-33 & 37). I spied a sign that I thought worthy of the quote for the YEAR!! It was at The Daily Juice (smoothies and more) on Barton Springs rd. For any of you who have frequented that joint...ecclectic is an understatement. The sign reads..."Everyday is SXSW if you are a foppishly rich dandy!!"
South by South West (SXSW) is a major music/film event in North America. It's held right here in A-town each year, thousands of bands and artists funnel into town to showcase/spolight their work or just to take it all in. You pretty much have to be a foppish dandy to get all the way into it!!
Yesterday on my way home (bikeroute 55-48-33 & 37). I spied a sign that I thought worthy of the quote for the YEAR!! It was at The Daily Juice (smoothies and more) on Barton Springs rd. For any of you who have frequented that joint...ecclectic is an understatement. The sign reads..."Everyday is SXSW if you are a foppishly rich dandy!!"
South by South West (SXSW) is a major music/film event in North America. It's held right here in A-town each year, thousands of bands and artists funnel into town to showcase/spolight their work or just to take it all in. You pretty much have to be a foppish dandy to get all the way into it!!
21 March 2005
on a lighter note
From the lighter side of things it's time to go home. I spent an unusually cruel day at work. Lots of work to do, although much of it has nothing to do with work. I so look forward to riding my bicycle home though. I just wish it wasn't through the heart of downtown, but in a way that's fun too. I like to dodge the 'Dillo buses.
Recent reads
I've recently read a few books penned by Richard Preston. One is fiction, the other a true story. Both in the Sci-fi category.
One is called Hot-zone, it's the true story basis, it's about ebola and other viruses. But the other one (The Cobra Event) offered up more real-life information as well. It was this information that I found completely boggling.
There is in fact a genetic disease among the human population called Lesch-Nyhan syndrome (LNS). It is a disease involving self-mutilation and self-cannibalism. If you want more info on this you can find it @ http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/lesch_nyhan/lesch_nyhan.html . It involves the production and distribution of chemicals in the body and brain, that result in the aformentioned effects.
I truly don't want to offend or upset anyone who may be affected by this disorder, but am in fact calling attention to it for a specific good reason (in my mind anyway). It brings to light the idea that people do certain acts for reasons un-beknownst to everyday citizens.
On a recent camping trip with my Fiancee, we discussed this matter to some depth. The topic started with the discussion of the high number of awful tragedies we've had in our world in recent years, months, days, etc. Check your local rag and you'll be able to find any number of "disturbing" events going on. {**Note: disturbing to some folks may not seem that awful to others, I cannot account for this idiosyncrasy}
ANYWHO...the idea ultimately came about when she asked how some of these things have come to be? i.e. "how could they kill their own children?, how could they blow up the school?, etc..."
That is a very good question. How could someone do that?
I am not claiming to have a solution to that sixty-four-thousand-dollar question...but this disease (LNS) does indicate that there are mental or physical issues that Joe-car mechanic (or myself for that matter) cannot explain. For example, with this disease (adults or children) may harm themselves or loved ones. They don't want to do this, but they physically cannot stop their bodies from performing these acts. There is more to it scientifically speaking of course, but you get the idea.
So, why did little Billy shoot his grandparents? Why did Hitler do what he did? Why would someone kill another person? (simply rhetorical questions) These people can tell all the reasons that they can think of, but how will anyone ever know the implicit reasoning? Is there a straight up answer? I don't know. Is it mental health, is it genetically inherited? So many avenues to explore.
For arguments sake, turn this around and look at the disease as a "simpler" example. For this is a turnabout from the original question where it is posed as, why do people cause harm to other people. But, these unfortunate individuals who have this LNS are doing damage to their own bodies. If a fully grown adult (or a child for that matter) harms themselves and others, what does that say for what people who don't understand they are harming each other? (I don't know if this accounts for "evil do-ers" who "know" what they are doing).
Again these LNS affected persons do not perform these acts for like or dislike, they simply don't have a choice. A discussion of the highlights of this genetic disorder is the only fringe of a reply that I could offer to my Fiancee.
What I am saying here is not ground breaking psychotherapy or sociology (by any means), but just my own rendering of thought to a stream of concious/unconscious analysis for my own good (or anyone else who can take anything away from this garble).
One is called Hot-zone, it's the true story basis, it's about ebola and other viruses. But the other one (The Cobra Event) offered up more real-life information as well. It was this information that I found completely boggling.
There is in fact a genetic disease among the human population called Lesch-Nyhan syndrome (LNS). It is a disease involving self-mutilation and self-cannibalism. If you want more info on this you can find it @ http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/lesch_nyhan/lesch_nyhan.html . It involves the production and distribution of chemicals in the body and brain, that result in the aformentioned effects.
I truly don't want to offend or upset anyone who may be affected by this disorder, but am in fact calling attention to it for a specific good reason (in my mind anyway). It brings to light the idea that people do certain acts for reasons un-beknownst to everyday citizens.
On a recent camping trip with my Fiancee, we discussed this matter to some depth. The topic started with the discussion of the high number of awful tragedies we've had in our world in recent years, months, days, etc. Check your local rag and you'll be able to find any number of "disturbing" events going on. {**Note: disturbing to some folks may not seem that awful to others, I cannot account for this idiosyncrasy}
ANYWHO...the idea ultimately came about when she asked how some of these things have come to be? i.e. "how could they kill their own children?, how could they blow up the school?, etc..."
That is a very good question. How could someone do that?
I am not claiming to have a solution to that sixty-four-thousand-dollar question...but this disease (LNS) does indicate that there are mental or physical issues that Joe-car mechanic (or myself for that matter) cannot explain. For example, with this disease (adults or children) may harm themselves or loved ones. They don't want to do this, but they physically cannot stop their bodies from performing these acts. There is more to it scientifically speaking of course, but you get the idea.
So, why did little Billy shoot his grandparents? Why did Hitler do what he did? Why would someone kill another person? (simply rhetorical questions) These people can tell all the reasons that they can think of, but how will anyone ever know the implicit reasoning? Is there a straight up answer? I don't know. Is it mental health, is it genetically inherited? So many avenues to explore.
For arguments sake, turn this around and look at the disease as a "simpler" example. For this is a turnabout from the original question where it is posed as, why do people cause harm to other people. But, these unfortunate individuals who have this LNS are doing damage to their own bodies. If a fully grown adult (or a child for that matter) harms themselves and others, what does that say for what people who don't understand they are harming each other? (I don't know if this accounts for "evil do-ers" who "know" what they are doing).
Again these LNS affected persons do not perform these acts for like or dislike, they simply don't have a choice. A discussion of the highlights of this genetic disorder is the only fringe of a reply that I could offer to my Fiancee.
What I am saying here is not ground breaking psychotherapy or sociology (by any means), but just my own rendering of thought to a stream of concious/unconscious analysis for my own good (or anyone else who can take anything away from this garble).
empowerment
Wow! what a feeling to have my own words on the internet for all (or none) to view. And it's all up to me! HOpefully, i'll have some interesting words to offer and some wit as well. We'll see about that. It's similar to a diary, but not really. Oh, the wide world of webspace. It's like Kip sings in the ultimate movie "Napoleon Dynamite" ..."i love technology, but not as much as you, but i still love technology"...fantastic. IT's never too late to watch this gem a 4th or 5th time, as I found out last night. Catch the fever.
The bracket
overrated. The basketball bracket-racket is overrated this year. That is simply because mine is riddled with more holes than a nice rack of swiss or lacy swiss even! Brutal to be simply put.
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