One of my favorite short stories. I had no idea it was interpreted as a comic. 17 years ago! Shame on me...
http://www.kenmeyerjr.com/comics/story_wholesale1.htm
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Monday, October 10, 2011
Sunday, October 09, 2011
Buffalo Bill's by E.E. Cumming
Link to the poem followed by analysis:
http://boppin.com/cummings.html
...The subject of this portrait is not, as commentators have assumed, Buffalo Bill. Neither is the poem merely a modern expression of the convention of sic transit gloria mundi, of which the appropriate tone would be sadness. The speaker praises the dead celebrity but also disparages him. The reason for the disparagement cannot be, as one reader has suggested, disapproval of Cody's "blend of hero and charlatan" or reduction of "heroic deeds to circus stunts." The speaker clearly admires the showmanship. Instead, he disparages Buffalo Bill merely to exceed him in worth or stature. The poem is a self-portrait of an admiring but also disdainful speaker, unaware of a logical flaw in his reasoning and the profound irony of his situation.
The speaker admires Buffalo Bill's skill in shooting and his good looks. He also admires the horse Buffalo Bill rode, which had symbolic affinity with its rider since it was male (a "stallion") and "silver," like silver-haired Bill Cody in old age. The speaker's admiration is preceded, however, by irony and followed by sarcasm. The word "defunct" instead of "dead" implies callous or humorous indifference to or even approval of Buffalo Bill's death, and the question "how do you like your blueeyed boy" sarcastically belittles Buffalo Bill and conveys the speaker's sense of superiority over him. Furthermore, the possession by "Mister Death" of a blue-eyed boy has pederastic connotations. The celebrity Buffalo Bill was skillful, superior, and, in the last years of his life, the most famous man in the world. But now he is dead and, the speaker assumes, it is better to be alive than dead. So death, which cancelled Buffalo Bill's skill and erased his good looks, gives the speaker an advantage over him....
...Logically, the self-elevation of the speaker is nonsense, since the dead (nonexistent) differ categorically from the living.... The gloating self-evaluation of the speaker has no reasonable foundation. It is also and more obviously ridiculous because he fails to take into account his own mortality. The poem contains the theme of the passing of worldly glory, but its principal meaning is that pride is blind and goeth before a fall....
From Thomas Dilworth, "Cummings' 'Buffalo Bill's.'" Explicator 53 (1995): 174, 175.
http://boppin.com/cummings.html
...The subject of this portrait is not, as commentators have assumed, Buffalo Bill. Neither is the poem merely a modern expression of the convention of sic transit gloria mundi, of which the appropriate tone would be sadness. The speaker praises the dead celebrity but also disparages him. The reason for the disparagement cannot be, as one reader has suggested, disapproval of Cody's "blend of hero and charlatan" or reduction of "heroic deeds to circus stunts." The speaker clearly admires the showmanship. Instead, he disparages Buffalo Bill merely to exceed him in worth or stature. The poem is a self-portrait of an admiring but also disdainful speaker, unaware of a logical flaw in his reasoning and the profound irony of his situation.
The speaker admires Buffalo Bill's skill in shooting and his good looks. He also admires the horse Buffalo Bill rode, which had symbolic affinity with its rider since it was male (a "stallion") and "silver," like silver-haired Bill Cody in old age. The speaker's admiration is preceded, however, by irony and followed by sarcasm. The word "defunct" instead of "dead" implies callous or humorous indifference to or even approval of Buffalo Bill's death, and the question "how do you like your blueeyed boy" sarcastically belittles Buffalo Bill and conveys the speaker's sense of superiority over him. Furthermore, the possession by "Mister Death" of a blue-eyed boy has pederastic connotations. The celebrity Buffalo Bill was skillful, superior, and, in the last years of his life, the most famous man in the world. But now he is dead and, the speaker assumes, it is better to be alive than dead. So death, which cancelled Buffalo Bill's skill and erased his good looks, gives the speaker an advantage over him....
...Logically, the self-elevation of the speaker is nonsense, since the dead (nonexistent) differ categorically from the living.... The gloating self-evaluation of the speaker has no reasonable foundation. It is also and more obviously ridiculous because he fails to take into account his own mortality. The poem contains the theme of the passing of worldly glory, but its principal meaning is that pride is blind and goeth before a fall....
From Thomas Dilworth, "Cummings' 'Buffalo Bill's.'" Explicator 53 (1995): 174, 175.
Friday, October 07, 2011
Harrison Bergeron and 12:01 PM
My folks always had to be different. Instead of Atari, we had an Odyssey. No Swatches; we had Coca-Cola watches. Finally, we had Showtime instead of HBO. The latter actually wasn't that bad. I think the original programming on Showtime was superior in 80s and early 90s. Below are a couple examples. Unfortunately, these movies cannot be found on DVD:
Harrison Bergeron is one of my favorite short stories, and shamefully, the only Vonnegut I've ever read.
12:01 PM was a production featured as a "Showtime 30 Minute Movie," a series of short films. It's dark and tragic, nothing like "Groundhog Day" or that trash film starring Jonathan Silverman. I believe this is full feature.
Harrison Bergeron is one of my favorite short stories, and shamefully, the only Vonnegut I've ever read.
12:01 PM was a production featured as a "Showtime 30 Minute Movie," a series of short films. It's dark and tragic, nothing like "Groundhog Day" or that trash film starring Jonathan Silverman. I believe this is full feature.
Wednesday, October 05, 2011
Greg Palast: Investigative Journalist
You have to include Greg Palast if you truly want a well rounded perspective on current events. His reports are the content of my nightmares. As I read, I always hope he's as wrong as his polar opposite, Limbaugh, but..
http://www.gregpalast.com/
http://www.gregpalast.com/
Monday, September 26, 2011
IN THE SUBURBS by Louis Simpson
There’s no way out.
You were born to waste your life.
You were born to this middleclass life
As others before you
Were born to walk in procession
To the temple, singing.
You were born to waste your life.
You were born to this middleclass life
As others before you
Were born to walk in procession
To the temple, singing.
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Saturday, August 27, 2011
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Links on Writing
I am always looking on the web for tips and tricks. Below you will find a series of links I have found interesting:
This link is an interesting piece on story revision by Joe Hill.
http://joehillfiction.com/?p=1909
Here is a link to some sample scripts by Warren Ellis.
http://www.warrenellis.com/?p=10319
This link has all kinds of stuff, but I haven't really checked it out yet.
http://www.bestcollegesonline.com/blog/2009/02/05/top-100-creative-writing-blogs/
The best recommendation is to pay $40 a year and join the site below. It provides workshops, forums, tips, and assignments from Chuck Palahniuk. I know of no other author that is as involved in assisting burgeoning writers. It's well worth the price of admission.
http://chuckpalahniuk.net/
(This link is also in my side bar.)
This link is an interesting piece on story revision by Joe Hill.
http://joehillfiction.com/?p=1909
Here is a link to some sample scripts by Warren Ellis.
http://www.warrenellis.com/?p=10319
This link has all kinds of stuff, but I haven't really checked it out yet.
http://www.bestcollegesonline.com/blog/2009/02/05/top-100-creative-writing-blogs/
The best recommendation is to pay $40 a year and join the site below. It provides workshops, forums, tips, and assignments from Chuck Palahniuk. I know of no other author that is as involved in assisting burgeoning writers. It's well worth the price of admission.
http://chuckpalahniuk.net/
(This link is also in my side bar.)
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Zoroaster / Deck Specs
I hung out with Dan the drummer from Zoroaster last night.
I'd met him a few times over the years, but I really got to talk to him for a while last night. Turns out, in addition to melting faces, he is a partner in a sunglasses company called Deck Specs. These are manufactured from recycled skateboard decks by a master carpenter on North Avenue near Atlantic Station. It's a great idea, and a great concept; even if I, personally, can't pull off wearing the shades. At $60 bucks a pop, they're reasonably priced. Look for them at spots around Atlanta and skate shops in the Southeast. Below is the only photo I could find on the web:
I'd met him a few times over the years, but I really got to talk to him for a while last night. Turns out, in addition to melting faces, he is a partner in a sunglasses company called Deck Specs. These are manufactured from recycled skateboard decks by a master carpenter on North Avenue near Atlantic Station. It's a great idea, and a great concept; even if I, personally, can't pull off wearing the shades. At $60 bucks a pop, they're reasonably priced. Look for them at spots around Atlanta and skate shops in the Southeast. Below is the only photo I could find on the web:
Cradle Me Sky
http://www.cradlemesky.com/
An original 'toon from the people at redrocket.com Posted here for later consumption.
An original 'toon from the people at redrocket.com Posted here for later consumption.
Red Rocket: Original Art From An Atlanta Area Artist
http://www.redrocketfarm.com/
I've wanted to decorate the boys' room with this guy's paintings since meeting him at one of the Atlanta fall festivals a few years ago. When you see him set up, he'll do customized drawings for only about $10. He creates great characters in a unique style. The paintings are quite affordable considering, but I can't really justify dropping $500 to decorate a bedroom. I really would like to commission him to do a mural in their room. Dream big, right?
He's always around at N. Georgia art festivals. Check him out and buy some stuff.
I've wanted to decorate the boys' room with this guy's paintings since meeting him at one of the Atlanta fall festivals a few years ago. When you see him set up, he'll do customized drawings for only about $10. He creates great characters in a unique style. The paintings are quite affordable considering, but I can't really justify dropping $500 to decorate a bedroom. I really would like to commission him to do a mural in their room. Dream big, right?
He's always around at N. Georgia art festivals. Check him out and buy some stuff.
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
RECIDIVISM
I did not even know I knew this word existed until I woke with it in my head Monday morning. I had to look it up to find its meaning. Isn't that strange. A word... I often wake with songs in my head. I time my sleep, so I wake up during a dream cycle. (A trick I leaned when reading about how to have lucid dreams.) So I often remember what I was dreaming. But to recall a word; a specific, uncommon word; a previously unknown word.
Recidivism: the act of a person repeating an undesirable behavior after they have either experienced negative consequences of that behavior, or have been treated or trained to extinguish that behavior.
Such a great word. My children practice the philosophy of recidivism. (Always use a new word in a sentence, right.) Why did I wake with it in my head?
Recidivism: the act of a person repeating an undesirable behavior after they have either experienced negative consequences of that behavior, or have been treated or trained to extinguish that behavior.
Such a great word. My children practice the philosophy of recidivism. (Always use a new word in a sentence, right.) Why did I wake with it in my head?
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Geographic Concentration of Inspiration
In the last ten or so years there have been two geographic areas that have been sources of musical and literary influence:
England: Radiohead, Clinic, The Beta Band, Warren Ellis, Neil Gaiman, Garth Ennis
Oregon: Modest Mouse, The Shins, Chuck Palahniuk
I find it odd that the music and words I look to for inspiration are located in these two geographic concentrations. If I were to extend Oregon to include the Northwest, you can add Nirvana, Pavement, Built to Spill and Tom Robbins (though I grew tired of his work after 4 or 5 books.) I'm not sure if it's the dreary melancholy of the weather these two share. It could be the paranoid secularism of England. It could be the transgressive and progressive nature of the Pacific Northwest. In any case, I am drawn to these sources time and time again.
England: Radiohead, Clinic, The Beta Band, Warren Ellis, Neil Gaiman, Garth Ennis
Oregon: Modest Mouse, The Shins, Chuck Palahniuk
I find it odd that the music and words I look to for inspiration are located in these two geographic concentrations. If I were to extend Oregon to include the Northwest, you can add Nirvana, Pavement, Built to Spill and Tom Robbins (though I grew tired of his work after 4 or 5 books.) I'm not sure if it's the dreary melancholy of the weather these two share. It could be the paranoid secularism of England. It could be the transgressive and progressive nature of the Pacific Northwest. In any case, I am drawn to these sources time and time again.
Sunday, August 07, 2011
IN THE SHADOW OF NO TOWERS by Art Spiegelman
http://www.randomhouse.com/pantheon/graphicnovels/towersHomeless.html
"For Art Spiegelman, the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of Maus, the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 were both highly personal and intensely political. In the Shadow of No Towers, his first new book of comics since the groundbreaking Maus, is a masterful and moving account of the events and aftermath of that tragic day.
Spiegelman and his family bore witness to the attacks in their lower Manhattan neighborhood: his teenage daughter had started school directly below the towers days earlier, and they had lived in the area for years. But the horrors they survived that morning were only the beginning for Spiegelman, as his anguish was quickly displaced by fury at the U.S. government, which shamelessly co-opted the events for its own preconceived agenda.
He responded in the way he knows best. In an oversized, two-page-spread format that echoes the scale of the earliest newspaper comics (which Spiegelman says brought him solace after the attacks), he relates his experience of the national tragedy in drawings and text that convey—with his singular artistry and his characteristic provocation, outrage, and wit—the unfathomable enormity of the event itself, the obvious and insidious effects it had on his life, and the extraordinary, often hidden changes that have been enacted in the name of post-9/11 national security and that have begun to undermine the very foundation of American democracy."
(Thanks, Jeremy.)
"For Art Spiegelman, the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of Maus, the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 were both highly personal and intensely political. In the Shadow of No Towers, his first new book of comics since the groundbreaking Maus, is a masterful and moving account of the events and aftermath of that tragic day.
Spiegelman and his family bore witness to the attacks in their lower Manhattan neighborhood: his teenage daughter had started school directly below the towers days earlier, and they had lived in the area for years. But the horrors they survived that morning were only the beginning for Spiegelman, as his anguish was quickly displaced by fury at the U.S. government, which shamelessly co-opted the events for its own preconceived agenda.
He responded in the way he knows best. In an oversized, two-page-spread format that echoes the scale of the earliest newspaper comics (which Spiegelman says brought him solace after the attacks), he relates his experience of the national tragedy in drawings and text that convey—with his singular artistry and his characteristic provocation, outrage, and wit—the unfathomable enormity of the event itself, the obvious and insidious effects it had on his life, and the extraordinary, often hidden changes that have been enacted in the name of post-9/11 national security and that have begun to undermine the very foundation of American democracy."
(Thanks, Jeremy.)
Tuesday, August 02, 2011
BOOMBOX - The Lonely Island feat. Julian Casablancas
Another one of my favorite things on the internet. I never get tired of this song...
Friday, July 29, 2011
Radiohead - FOLLOW ME AROUND
"You will become a hypocrite. You'll become a liar. You'll try to paper up your own cracks. And everybody does it, and that's what being an adult is. ...sorry."
This song and Thom's quote have been in my head all day. A bit of dismal realism is good on occasion. It keeps you honest. As for the song, I only know of it from the documentary, "Meeting People is Easy."
Sunday, July 24, 2011
"I Want To Get High, But I Don't Want Brain Damage."
A new single from The Flaming Lips and Lightning Bolt...
Awesome!
Monday, July 18, 2011
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Gullah: Where did "ya'll" come from?
What follows is a brief report on a lecture about the Gullah. It lacks detail, but it serves as a decent introduction this Creole language.
GULLAH
Jerry Moss is an academy award nominated filmmaker who visited class to discuss the Creole language, Gullah. He began by briefly outlining the circumstances in which the language developed. During British expansion, the territory known as Georgia was colonized by the second and third sons of prominent families. Rice farming was more desirable that cotton, but due to the irrigation needs of the crop, coastal locations were essential. It was difficult and complicated to condition the land, as it had to be dredged manually; therefore, land owners sought specialists from the Rice Coast of Africa. These specialists supervised and directed the slaves working the fields. As a result, Gullah began as the pidgin spoken on rice plantations, which were located along the Eastern Seaboard, from North Florida to North Carolina. It started out of the necessity for efficient communication among landowners and specialists; specialists and laborers.
Two things must be considered when considering the conditions that brought the language into fruition. One must first pay attention to the labor system of most rice plantations that existed. Task systems were incorporated as the desired labor system. Under this mechanism, slaves had free time to spend after their chores were completed. This allowed for many leisure activities that would have encouraged casual communication among the laborers, which were from diverse societies in Africa. Development of a pidgin would have been essential. Also, during the summer, no whites were around at all. In other words, no native English speakers were on the plantations. This brought about a language more influenced by African retention. Lorenzo Turner investigated the Gullah and discovered over 1400 words retained from African languages. There are few remaining English influenced words in use today.
Mr. Moss spoke briefly about the grammar, and I mean really briefly. He stated the language has a word for second person plural, “ya’ll."
Friday, July 15, 2011
Dead Eyes Open: Free Web Zombie Comic
http://deadeyesopen.com/dead-eyes-open-1-cover/
This comic is an introduction to what is great about zombie literature. Like good science fiction, it uses the subject matter to address complex social issues. It helps you step outside of reality to view events more objectively. Enjoy...
This comic is an introduction to what is great about zombie literature. Like good science fiction, it uses the subject matter to address complex social issues. It helps you step outside of reality to view events more objectively. Enjoy...
Thursday, July 07, 2011
Even as I left Florida...
I moved from Jacksonville ten years ago this week. It was only four formative years, but I had a lifetime of experiences. Rarely a day goes by that I don't think of someone I knew or something that happened there. Granted, I lived in Tallacrappy a while before moving to Atlanta, but I think of those months as sort of a decompression chamber.
Saturday, July 02, 2011
SIGNAL by Paul Duffield
http://www.spoonbard.com/signal/
This comic by the illustrator of http://www.freakangels.com/ is absolutely beautiful. As the site mentions, it is inspired by SETI and Carl Sagan's COSMOS series.
On a personal note, it parallels the most lucid dream I've ever had:
I was in my late teens, still living with my folks. In the dream, I walk through their kitchen and suddenly realize I am dreaming. To test this, I stand in front of the screen door leading to the front yard. I thrust my arms forward and blow the door of its hinges, sending it flying to land crumpled on the lawn. To go a bit further, I begin doing somersaults across the grass until I reach the drive way. I then look up, take a few steps forward and take flight.
At this point it becomes a balancing act to keep this state of mind. I soon get control, and I find that the harder I tighten my fists, the faster and further I travel. I streak into the farthest reaches of space until I stop in this area of gaseous "caterpillars." I realize I am witnessing the birth of stars in some sort of galactic incubator.
I wake.
This comic by the illustrator of http://www.freakangels.com/ is absolutely beautiful. As the site mentions, it is inspired by SETI and Carl Sagan's COSMOS series.
On a personal note, it parallels the most lucid dream I've ever had:
I was in my late teens, still living with my folks. In the dream, I walk through their kitchen and suddenly realize I am dreaming. To test this, I stand in front of the screen door leading to the front yard. I thrust my arms forward and blow the door of its hinges, sending it flying to land crumpled on the lawn. To go a bit further, I begin doing somersaults across the grass until I reach the drive way. I then look up, take a few steps forward and take flight.
At this point it becomes a balancing act to keep this state of mind. I soon get control, and I find that the harder I tighten my fists, the faster and further I travel. I streak into the farthest reaches of space until I stop in this area of gaseous "caterpillars." I realize I am witnessing the birth of stars in some sort of galactic incubator.
I wake.
Friday, July 01, 2011
Saturday, April 30, 2011
The Imagination Age
"Active participants in the Imagination Age are becoming cultural ambassadors by introducing virtual strangers to unfamiliar customs, costumes, traditions, rituals and beliefs, which humanizes foreign cultures, contributes to a sense of belonging to one’s own culture and fosters an interdependent perspective on sharing the riches of all systems. Cultural transformation is a constant process, and the challenges of modernization can threaten identity, which leads to unrest and eventually, if left unchecked, to violent conflict. Under such conditions it is tempting to impose homogeneity, which undermines the highly specific systems that encompass the myriad luminosity of the human experience." - Rita J. King
http://theimaginationage.net/
http://sciencehouse.com/
http://theimaginationage.net/
http://sciencehouse.com/
Wednesday, April 06, 2011
Sin City Trade Paper Back Lot
Big time eBay comics score:
Sin City
Dame to Kill for
Big Fate Kill
That Yellow Bastard (Hard Cover)
Booze Broads and Bullets
Hell and Back
Family Values
Low final bid + groupon = $13.14 TOTAL
Sin City
Dame to Kill for
Big Fate Kill
That Yellow Bastard (Hard Cover)
Booze Broads and Bullets
Hell and Back
Family Values
Low final bid + groupon = $13.14 TOTAL
Danger Mouse and Friends
Danger Mouse collaborations are currently my preferred listening material:
"Modern Guilt" w/ Beck
"Broken Bells" w/ James Mercer
Dark Night of the Soul w/ Sparklehorse and assorted awesome folk.
He puts his thumbprint on everything, and it all has a unique flavor. I can't wait for "Rome" to come out next month, with Danielle Luppi, Jack White and Norah Jones.
Monday, April 04, 2011
Where In Mongolia Is The Tomb Of Ghengis Khan?
From your recliner, tag satellite photos of Northern Mongolia in the search of the most prolific procreator of all time. I can't think of a better was to "waste" time. What are you going to do; watch another television show?
http://exploration.nationalgeographic.com/mongolia/
http://exploration.nationalgeographic.com/mongolia/
Sunday, April 03, 2011
THE TEMPLE MOUNT: The Most Significant Piece of Real Estate in Monotheistic Culture
Though a bit confusing, this article gives a great synopsis of the most significant piece of real estate in monotheistic culture. I do not recommend paying much attention to the archaeologist's opinions regarding the site, as the material was not found in situ. Once the items are out of context, a serious scholar can not reliable interpret the data.
What is Beneath the Temple Mount?
What is Beneath the Temple Mount?
MGMT - Kids and Flash Delirium
KIDS
FLASH DELIRIUM
I love MGMT videos as much as their songs. These are especially awesome/innovative/twisted/etc.
FLASH DELIRIUM
I love MGMT videos as much as their songs. These are especially awesome/innovative/twisted/etc.
Whoever Brought Me Here, Will Have To Take Me Home
All day I think about it, then at night I say it.
Where did I come from, and what am I supposed to be doing?
I have no idea.
My soul is from elsewhere, I'm sure of that,
and I intend to end up there.
This drunkenness began in some other tavern.
When I get back around to that place,
I'll be completely sober. Meanwhile,
I'm like a bird from another continent, sitting in this aviary.
The day is coming when I fly off,
but who is it now in my ear who hears my voice?
Who says words with my mouth?
Who looks out with my eyes? What is the soul?
I cannot stop asking.
If I could taste one sip of an answer,
I could break out of this prison for drunks.
I didn't come here of my own accord, and I can't leave that way.
Whoever brought me here, will have to take me home.
This poetry. I never know what I'm going to say.
I don't plan it.
When I'm outside the saying of it,
I get very quiet and rarely speak at all.
- RUMI (Translated by Coleman Barks)
Where did I come from, and what am I supposed to be doing?
I have no idea.
My soul is from elsewhere, I'm sure of that,
and I intend to end up there.
This drunkenness began in some other tavern.
When I get back around to that place,
I'll be completely sober. Meanwhile,
I'm like a bird from another continent, sitting in this aviary.
The day is coming when I fly off,
but who is it now in my ear who hears my voice?
Who says words with my mouth?
Who looks out with my eyes? What is the soul?
I cannot stop asking.
If I could taste one sip of an answer,
I could break out of this prison for drunks.
I didn't come here of my own accord, and I can't leave that way.
Whoever brought me here, will have to take me home.
This poetry. I never know what I'm going to say.
I don't plan it.
When I'm outside the saying of it,
I get very quiet and rarely speak at all.
- RUMI (Translated by Coleman Barks)
Tuesday, March 01, 2011
Trent Reznor won an Oscar...?
...And it made me think of my favorite "industrial" band, Pitchshifter. Instead of simple, dismal notions of depravity over drum machines and samples, Pitchshifter came with well-crafted anti-establishment counter propaganda and British brand paranoia... and subliminal messages. Which as far as I can tell, compelled listerners to eat cold cuts.
(Sorry, no videos of my favorites on Youtube.)
(Sorry, no videos of my favorites on Youtube.)
Monday, February 28, 2011
RIVAL SCHOOLS - Wring It Out
Walter Schreifels has been writing this kind of song for more than 20 years. There's nothing new and innovative here, but that doesn't mean I am able to get it out of my head. See also, Gorilla Biscuits and Quicksand:
Sunday, February 27, 2011
FULL DARK, NO STARS
Just finished this King novel. Read it in under a week, in fact. Not much of an accomplishment in prior years, but with a wife who works nights and two children, I'd say its pdq.
Four great page burning stories that do what Mr. King does best: The pages melt away, and you are immersed in his world. I don't know how he does it. I try to pay attention to his technique, but instead I get lost in the story. Which is why I remain a "Constant Reader."
He did use some of his old tricks in these stories. No one pissed themselves, but two characters clenched their fists painfully tight. None to the point of bleeding, like in many of his stories. And shockingly, there was only one "Ayuh," though three of the tales were set in Maine.
Despite twenty years of reading his material, I have many books left to consume. No doubt, Absent Reader, I will get to them all.
INVICTUS
Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the Pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.
In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.
Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds, and shall find, me unafraid.
It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll.
I am the master of my fate:
I am the captain of my soul.
William Ernest Henley
Finally watched "Invictus" last night. Difficult to imagine the horrors experienced by Mandela and his family, and the compassion born after his strife is something we should all seek.
Black as the Pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.
In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.
Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds, and shall find, me unafraid.
It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll.
I am the master of my fate:
I am the captain of my soul.
William Ernest Henley
Finally watched "Invictus" last night. Difficult to imagine the horrors experienced by Mandela and his family, and the compassion born after his strife is something we should all seek.
Friday, January 21, 2011
CLINIC: Why do I like this band so much?
I have posted about this U.K. band in the past, but I've been listening to them a lot lately. Specifically this song, and the entire album, Winchester Cathedral:
It's been 9 years since Paige and I moved to Atlanta, and Clinic was the first show we saw here. It was out in East Atlanta, at a club called the Echo Lounge. We had never even heard their music. I had read about them in Spin and noticed they were in town that week. "Walking with Thee" had just been released, so they primarily played these songs:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/recsradio/radio/B00005YX3X/ref=pd_krex_dp_001_001?ie=UTF8&track=001&disc=001
From then on, I was hooked.
It's been 9 years since Paige and I moved to Atlanta, and Clinic was the first show we saw here. It was out in East Atlanta, at a club called the Echo Lounge. We had never even heard their music. I had read about them in Spin and noticed they were in town that week. "Walking with Thee" had just been released, so they primarily played these songs:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/recsradio/radio/B00005YX3X/ref=pd_krex_dp_001_001?ie=UTF8&track=001&disc=001
From then on, I was hooked.
Thursday, December 09, 2010
Umberto Eco's Take on Wikileaks
http://www.presseurop.eu/en/content/article/414871-not-such-wicked-leaks
This is some interesting insight from the castrator of conspiracy.
This is some interesting insight from the castrator of conspiracy.
Wednesday, December 08, 2010
Sunday, December 05, 2010
Atlanta Comic Con
At Paige's suggestion, I decided to check out the Atlanta Comic Con this afternoon. I met her at work, and we switched cars to avoid waking our sons. The venue was only a few blocks away, and I arrived just in time to realize I had missed the Walkind Dead forum by 30 minutes. At this point I almost skipped the whole thing because I didn't want to pay the $20 fee, and I'm not the type to sneak in. I decided to approach the ticket booth in any case, and to my surprise, the attendent offered me a student pass at $5. I kindly paid the woman with gratitude, and entered the convention area.
Immediately to my left was Burt Ward. Just beyond him was Arthur Fonzarelli. Across from the Fonz was none other than Lando Calrissian. It honestly weirded me out, so I ducked to another aisle. Here there were dozens of artists selling prints and originals of everything imaginable. I ended up getting three prints of some Marvel zombies (Hulk (below), Spiderman and Captain America) for $10. All the artists were pretty reasonable and approachable.
There were also dozens of comics vendors. They had anything and everything you could ask for. One guy had a ton of old Alpha Flight, and I asked which one had the origin of Wolverine. He proceeded to tell me Logan's first appearance was in Hulk, but I asked about his ORIGIN story. I remember it being in #64 or something. I'll have to check it out. The vendors also made me think about liquidating my comics collection in order to acquire complete runs of just a few series.
The experience was time well spent. I should be more prepared next year. I honestly didn't know what to expect today. Once home, I read you had to pay the "stars" for autographs, even photos taken with your own camera. I'm glad I did not ask for one. It really would have added insult to injury.
Immediately to my left was Burt Ward. Just beyond him was Arthur Fonzarelli. Across from the Fonz was none other than Lando Calrissian. It honestly weirded me out, so I ducked to another aisle. Here there were dozens of artists selling prints and originals of everything imaginable. I ended up getting three prints of some Marvel zombies (Hulk (below), Spiderman and Captain America) for $10. All the artists were pretty reasonable and approachable.
There were also dozens of comics vendors. They had anything and everything you could ask for. One guy had a ton of old Alpha Flight, and I asked which one had the origin of Wolverine. He proceeded to tell me Logan's first appearance was in Hulk, but I asked about his ORIGIN story. I remember it being in #64 or something. I'll have to check it out. The vendors also made me think about liquidating my comics collection in order to acquire complete runs of just a few series.
The experience was time well spent. I should be more prepared next year. I honestly didn't know what to expect today. Once home, I read you had to pay the "stars" for autographs, even photos taken with your own camera. I'm glad I did not ask for one. It really would have added insult to injury.
Sunday, June 13, 2010
THE MORNING BENDERS
Never heard these guys until two days ago when they opened for the Broken Bells. I haven't been this impressed by a live introduction to a band since I heard the Muse open for Cold Play many years ago. The entire CD is really quite good. I'll be listening to it a lot over the next few months to say the least. I look forward to seeing them perform again.
Friday, January 29, 2010
Quick Thought...
You know what I like most about living in Atlanta? On any day you can go outside and with barely any effort whatsoever meet someone unlike anyone you’ve ever met before. On any day. With minimal effort. Just go around the corner or get in the longest line. It will happen.
Tuesday, December 08, 2009
Monday, November 09, 2009
The Beta Band: Squares
An oldie but a goodie...it helps me out when commuting, but I know they are singing about me.
Thursday, November 05, 2009
Ginsberg's HOWL performed by Jon Tuturro
A professor played this in a poetry class I attended long ago in a galaxy far away. I remember primarily being further impressed with Turturro's acting, as I lacked the sensibilities to fully grasp a personal interpretation of the poem. With that in mind I revisited the performance, and I decided to post it. Feel free to comment your thoughts on the poem.
Saturday, October 31, 2009
VUEVE CLIQUOT
TASTE:
Rich, round fruit fills the mouth, and there is a lightly bitter, yeasty finish of citrus rind. These are the attributes of a quality wine vinified in the traditional method. Vueve Clicquot is the supreme example of Champagne. For me, it is the measuring stick. Though I’ve not had the opportunity to taste the elite brand, Krug; I have sampled many other premium brands: Dom Perignon, Moet, Cristal, Deutz, and the hip-hop driven Ace of Spades. They were found wanting in the face of this brand, and they pale in historical significance within the shadow of Clicquot.
HISTORY:
Vueve is the French term for widow, and Clicquot is the namesake. Madame Clicquot Posardin took over her husband’s small Champagne business when he died, making her a widow at the age of 27. At the time most Champagnes were cloudy and required decanting before serving. Madame Clicquot invented a process called remuage which left the product crystal clear. Also known as riddling, this procedure gradually turns and shakes the bottle so that the sediment of dead yeast cells moves to the neck for subsequent removal by disgorgement. The process remains integral to the regulations of traditional Champagne production.
The label of Vueve Clicquot reflects significant events in the wine’s history. The star on each label is representative of the 1911 vintage. During the harvest of this year, a brilliant comet was visible in the night sky. Considered by many to be the pinnacle of the brand’s production, the vintage continues in the wine’s mythology through its representation of a star, everpresent on Clicquot’s label.
An anchor lies within the star. In 1920, Britain and France ceased all trade with Russia. Unfortunately, for the widow Clicquot, the Russian Czar was quite the enthusiast of this unique bubbly. To avoid economic collapse, Madame Clicquot enlisted blockade runners to ship her product to awaiting consumers in the embattled nation. As a result, the winery survived the following years. They remain producers today due largely to this bold move, and choose to represent the event by placing an anchor on the label.
I hope you have found this interesting and informative. I suggest picking up a bottle during your next wine purchase. Whole Foods, Costco, and other retail establishments will generally price it at between $40-$50 a bottle. It truly is a unique experience at a reasonable price. Please comment to let me know what you think of Vueve Clicquot after you have tried it. Thanks.
MARIJUANA WILL NEVER BE LEGAL
750,000 arrests per year (#3 crime)
+ 25,000 - 30,000 people incarcerated at any given time.
= $$$$$ in revenue for our government
(Source: The Botany of Desire documentary on PBS)
HOWEVER: The current Newsweek states the country would save 13.5 billion if it were made legal.
COMMENTARY: I'm not sure where the $13 billion comes from, but I've always told proponents that the first step is decriminalization. Marijuana has to be separated from other drugs first. Myself, I never thought it was a big deal. It's not like I ever had a hard time finding it. Besides, the workplace would remain stigmatized toward the recreational practice, so it really doesn't matter if it is legal or not.
+ 25,000 - 30,000 people incarcerated at any given time.
= $$$$$ in revenue for our government
(Source: The Botany of Desire documentary on PBS)
HOWEVER: The current Newsweek states the country would save 13.5 billion if it were made legal.
COMMENTARY: I'm not sure where the $13 billion comes from, but I've always told proponents that the first step is decriminalization. Marijuana has to be separated from other drugs first. Myself, I never thought it was a big deal. It's not like I ever had a hard time finding it. Besides, the workplace would remain stigmatized toward the recreational practice, so it really doesn't matter if it is legal or not.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Archaeology of Halloween
These look to be some pretty cool articles on the archaeology of witches, zombies and vampires. I can't wait to check them out further.
http://www.archaeology.org/online/features/halloween/
http://www.archaeology.org/online/features/halloween/
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
WAYNE COYNE ON WHY THE LIPS TUNE UP IN FRONT OF THE CROWD
"I've always viewed this as part of the show. You're gonna see us set up our stuff, see exactly how this works. You are gonna know that this is not magic. And yet, when the music starts, it's still gonna destroy you."
- SPIN (Nov. 09)
- SPIN (Nov. 09)
Sunday, October 25, 2009
TWO GREAT QUOTES FROM THE OCTOBER SMITHSONIAN MAGAZINE
"Batman. For the most part, I identify more with the 'make-yourself' type of hero as opposed to the ones who have their powers thrust upon them. It mimics the idea of how we can take care of the people around us through mundane, human roles."
MARK NEWPORT P. 26
"One comment she remembers was an officer's take on Claude Lorrain's 17th-century painting Sermon on the Mount, in which a crowd gazes up at Jesus. 'If I drove up on the scene and saw all these people looking up,' the cop said, 'I'd figure I had a jumper.'"
NEAL HIRSCHFELD P. 54
MARK NEWPORT P. 26
"One comment she remembers was an officer's take on Claude Lorrain's 17th-century painting Sermon on the Mount, in which a crowd gazes up at Jesus. 'If I drove up on the scene and saw all these people looking up,' the cop said, 'I'd figure I had a jumper.'"
NEAL HIRSCHFELD P. 54
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Thursday, October 15, 2009
CHICK PUBLICATIONS
Crazy, paranoid, hellfire comics from my youth. I remember these well. What kid wouldn't if faced with their message. I would still find them in restrooms in Jacksonville when I lived there in the late 90s/ early 00s, and I still have a few of them. I visited the website tonight and found this gem to embed:
I also found some great propaganda about freemasonry, evolution and catholicism. I hope to purchase all of these in the near future. I'm absolutely fascinated by the content.
I also found some great propaganda about freemasonry, evolution and catholicism. I hope to purchase all of these in the near future. I'm absolutely fascinated by the content.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
THE GHOST OF TOM JOAD
Men walkin long the railroad tracks
Goin someplace theres no goin back
Highway patrol choppers comin up over the bridge
Hot soup on a campfire under the bridge
Shelter line stretchin round the corner
Welcome to the new world order
Families sleepin in their cars in the southwest
No home no job no peace no rest
The highway is alive tonight
But nobodys kiddin nobody about where it goes
Im sittin down here in the campfire light
Searchin for the ghost of Tom Joad
He pulls a prayer book out of his sleeping bag
Preacher lights up a butt and takes a drag
Waitin for when the last shall be first and the first shall be last
In a cardboard box neath the underpass
Got a one-way ticket to the promised land
You got a hole in your belly and gun in your hand
Sleepin on a pillow of solid rock
Bathin in the city aqueduct
The highway is alive tonight
Where its headed everybody knows
Im sittin down here in the campfire light
Waitin on the ghost of Tom Joad
Now tom said mom, wherever theres a cop beatin a guy
Wherever a hungry newborn baby cries
Where theres a fight against the blood and hatred in the air
Look for me mom Ill be there
Wherever theres somebody fightin for a place to stand
Or a decent job or a helpin hand
Wherever somebodys strugglin to be free
Look in their eyes mom youll see me.
Well the highway is alive tonight
But nobodys kiddin nobody about where it goes
Im sittin down here in the campfire light
With the ghost of old Tom Joad
Saturday, September 05, 2009
KING RAT
The song is supposedly based on James Clavell's novel of the same name that was released in 1962. The late Heath Ledger directed the video. The song features the Dirty Dozen Brass Band.
If you have the opportunity, check out the Dirty D. They are a good night out. I saw them at Smith's Olde Bar a few years ago, and it was time well spent.
If you have the opportunity, check out the Dirty D. They are a good night out. I saw them at Smith's Olde Bar a few years ago, and it was time well spent.
Thursday, September 03, 2009
THE WHALE SONG by MODEST MOUSE
I guess I am a scout
So I should find a way out
So everyone can find a way out
They keep us in
To pull us out
I'm rising up
Wish I was sinking down
And it's not like
There was warning
We were happy
And it's not like
There was mourning
In the warning
I know I am a scout
I should've found a way out
So everyone can find a way out
I know I am a scout
I should've found a way out
So everyone can find a way out
Instead of seeing a neighbor out
God, I wish I would've found a way out
It's the last time
We were happy
Ever happy
I know I was a scout
I should've found a way out
So everyone could find a way out
Well I know I was a scout
I should've found a way out
So everyone could find a way out
Well I know I was a scout
I should've found a way out
So everyone could find a way out
I first heard this song at the Tabernacle show last March. I wrote in my notebook at the time: "Mmm...tastes like jam." Now that I've heard it as a studio release, my impression still stands. This seems like a song that came together in a studio jam session, but it is infectious. And yes, the riff does sound like a whale.
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Friday, July 17, 2009
Georgia Guidestones Vandalism
I took a personal field trip here a few years ago. I arrived on the summer solstice, thinking I would be a part of something. I wasn't. I was the only person there at noon on June 21.
But I was not disappointed. So what if no one else was there; so what if the clouds prevented a view of the so-called calendar. These monuments remain as a reminder of how we should treat ourselves. If their prophecies are realized; then we are all lost.
RELAX, PEOPLE; IT IS NOT AS BAD AS YOU THINK.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
SLANG: You can make it happen
LOG OFF: Term used when you have to make a bowel movement.
I'm not interested in credit for coining this term. My only hope is that five or ten years from now, while in a crowded space, I hear someone say, "Dude, I'll be right back. I gotta log off."
That, my friend, will be reward enough.
LESS AMBITIOUS TERMS (about vaginas)
TWAT SNOT: Term for vaginal secretion
CLITSAURUS: An engorged, swollen clitoris (I have my fingers crossed for this one.)
I'm not interested in credit for coining this term. My only hope is that five or ten years from now, while in a crowded space, I hear someone say, "Dude, I'll be right back. I gotta log off."
That, my friend, will be reward enough.
LESS AMBITIOUS TERMS (about vaginas)
TWAT SNOT: Term for vaginal secretion
CLITSAURUS: An engorged, swollen clitoris (I have my fingers crossed for this one.)
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Me in '96 (just wish I'd heard the song then)
Oh noose tied myself in, tied myself too tight
Looking kind of anxious in your cross armed stance
Like a bad tempered prom queen at a homecoming dance
And I claim I'm not excited with my life any more
So I blame this town, this job, these friends
The truth is it's myself
And I'm trying to understand myself
and pinpoint where i am
When I finally get it figured out
I've change the whole damn plan
Oh noose tied myself in, tied myself too tight
Talking shit about a pretty sunset
Blanketing opinions that I'll probably regret soon
I've changed my mind so much I cant even trust it
My mind changed me so much I cant even trust myself
-From Modest Mouse
Looking kind of anxious in your cross armed stance
Like a bad tempered prom queen at a homecoming dance
And I claim I'm not excited with my life any more
So I blame this town, this job, these friends
The truth is it's myself
And I'm trying to understand myself
and pinpoint where i am
When I finally get it figured out
I've change the whole damn plan
Oh noose tied myself in, tied myself too tight
Talking shit about a pretty sunset
Blanketing opinions that I'll probably regret soon
I've changed my mind so much I cant even trust it
My mind changed me so much I cant even trust myself
-From Modest Mouse
Monday, February 09, 2009
YEARLY LYRICS
I will soon post lyrics with years as the title. These are simply songs that represent the things I was going through at the time. Also, I am getting rid of the legislative and wine blogs that I began. I intend to repost some of the material here for no one to read.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
The Cluth Pro-Rock Search Engine
How cool is this? You can have a banner with the Clutch logo in your browser. And you can get free stuff. Plus, it uses Google like we all do already.
http://searchwithclutch.prodege.com/?cmd=sb-register&rb=223919
http://searchwithclutch.prodege.com/?cmd=sb-register&rb=223919
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Thursday, October 09, 2008
AFTER: THE FINISHED PRODUCT
Paige's Dad, George helped out again, cutting the molding. Jody came over and helped me with the suspended ceiling perimeter.
DURING
Paige and Jody helped out with the puddy.
Paige's Dad, George, was a tremendous help building this wall to separate our hot water heater and HVAC unit.
REMODELING PROJECT
To make room for Mattox, I finally got off my ass and remodeled our basement. Virtually on may own and at a cost of about $850, I completed the project in about 5 weeks. Photos of the three phases follow in the next posts.
Tuesday, October 07, 2008
H.R. 1424 Final Vote
How the U.S. House from Georgia voted:
• Rep. John Barrow (D-12) N
• Rep. Sanford Bishop, Jr. (D-2) Y
• Rep. Paul Broun (R-10) N
• Rep. Nathan Deal (R-9) N
• Rep. Phil Gingrey (R-11) N
• Rep. Hank Johnson (D-4) N
• Rep. Jack Kingston (R-1) N
• Rep. John Lewis (D-5) Y
• Rep. John Linder (R-7) N
• Rep. Jim Marshall (D-8) Y
• Rep. Tom Price (R-6) N
• Rep. David Scott (D-13) Y
• Rep. Lynn Westmoreland (R-3) N
Both senators, Issackson and Chambliss voted in favor of the resolution.
Personally, I believe its passage to be a mistake. It will do nothing to address the culture of the market. The problems will persist, and we will still suffer a long recession. Unfortunately, we no longer have the funds to distribute any "economic stimulus packages". I love those things.
• Rep. John Barrow (D-12) N
• Rep. Sanford Bishop, Jr. (D-2) Y
• Rep. Paul Broun (R-10) N
• Rep. Nathan Deal (R-9) N
• Rep. Phil Gingrey (R-11) N
• Rep. Hank Johnson (D-4) N
• Rep. Jack Kingston (R-1) N
• Rep. John Lewis (D-5) Y
• Rep. John Linder (R-7) N
• Rep. Jim Marshall (D-8) Y
• Rep. Tom Price (R-6) N
• Rep. David Scott (D-13) Y
• Rep. Lynn Westmoreland (R-3) N
Both senators, Issackson and Chambliss voted in favor of the resolution.
Personally, I believe its passage to be a mistake. It will do nothing to address the culture of the market. The problems will persist, and we will still suffer a long recession. Unfortunately, we no longer have the funds to distribute any "economic stimulus packages". I love those things.
PALAHNIUK'S PACKAGE
In a previous post I showed Paige's signed copy of CHOKE. I speculated about the meaning of the inscription.
Actually, while talking to Chuck before the event, he inquired about the people he was signing to. I explained Paige couldn't make it because she was home looking after JJ. He said, "You want to do something fun and evil?"
"Yeah."
He grabbed an envelope from behind him and handed it to me. He told me to send her information to him in the addressed envelope, and in a couple months, he would send her a package. He implored me not to tell her, to let it be a surprise.
CONTENTS: Hand-beaded and personalized necklace, trick deck of cards, cigarette ink pen, SE Asian influenced temporary tattoos, joke pack of gum, 2 bouncy balls, bacon and eggs bandage assortment, laser pointer, two-headed nickel, soothing bells, chocolate sampler, plastic severed finger, jacknife comb, tobasco sauce, a seed assortment of forget-me-nots herbs and carrots, 2 personalized cds of stories he recorded in audio, and a moist towelette guaranteed to wash away your sins.
Above is the letter he wrote to her. I hope you can read it. The last lines are priceless: "Please never hesitate to surprise someone. Celebrate Christmas anytime as often as you want. Clean up this mess. I'll Shut Up Now, Chuck Palahniuk
CLEAN UP THIS MESS
Actually, while talking to Chuck before the event, he inquired about the people he was signing to. I explained Paige couldn't make it because she was home looking after JJ. He said, "You want to do something fun and evil?"
"Yeah."
He grabbed an envelope from behind him and handed it to me. He told me to send her information to him in the addressed envelope, and in a couple months, he would send her a package. He implored me not to tell her, to let it be a surprise.
CONTENTS: Hand-beaded and personalized necklace, trick deck of cards, cigarette ink pen, SE Asian influenced temporary tattoos, joke pack of gum, 2 bouncy balls, bacon and eggs bandage assortment, laser pointer, two-headed nickel, soothing bells, chocolate sampler, plastic severed finger, jacknife comb, tobasco sauce, a seed assortment of forget-me-nots herbs and carrots, 2 personalized cds of stories he recorded in audio, and a moist towelette guaranteed to wash away your sins.
Above is the letter he wrote to her. I hope you can read it. The last lines are priceless: "Please never hesitate to surprise someone. Celebrate Christmas anytime as often as you want. Clean up this mess. I'll Shut Up Now, Chuck Palahniuk
CLEAN UP THIS MESS
Some Local Politics
Voodoo priestess says Cobb official bounced checks
Kesting’s attorney says she never met with ‘priestess, witch doctor, or anyone’
By KENT A. MILES, CHRISTIAN BOONE
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Monday, October 06, 2008
The South Carolina “voodoo priestess” who has accused Cobb County Commissioner Annette Kesting of writing $3,000 in bad checks for her services said Tuesday she only wanted to be paid for her work.
George Ann Mills said Kesting approached her at home in Blythewood, S.C., in late August seeking otherworldly help against her political rival, Woody Thompson.
Kesting wasn’t available for comment today. Her lawyer has denied these events.
“She said, ‘Do you see cancer in him? I said he looks like a very healthy man’,” Mills said, noting that Kesting held up a photo of a man she said was Thompson. “She said, ‘Is there anything you can do about this … give him cancer, or make him have an accident or something?’ “
Mills said she refused, saying she didn’t want Thompson’s blood on her hands. She offered to “make trouble for him, to make people see who he really is.”
Mills said Kesting wrote two checks totaling $3,000, which were returned for insufficient funds. Kesting then sent two $1,000 money orders in payment. Mills produced a copy of a MoneyGram receipt, dated Aug. 28. The receipt, which she faxed to the AJC, listed Kesting’s husband, Christian, as the sender.
“I kept a paper trail of everything,” Mills said. “I don’t think this would have ever come out if I had been paid.”
Law enforcement authorities in Georgia and South Carolina are investigating the bad check allegations against Kesting.
Sims Gordon, Kesting’s attorney, said Kesting denies meeting Mills.
“She had not seen seen a priestess, witch doctor, or anyone in South Carolina,” Gordon said.
Kesting’s attorney says she never met with ‘priestess, witch doctor, or anyone’
By KENT A. MILES, CHRISTIAN BOONE
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Monday, October 06, 2008
The South Carolina “voodoo priestess” who has accused Cobb County Commissioner Annette Kesting of writing $3,000 in bad checks for her services said Tuesday she only wanted to be paid for her work.
George Ann Mills said Kesting approached her at home in Blythewood, S.C., in late August seeking otherworldly help against her political rival, Woody Thompson.
Kesting wasn’t available for comment today. Her lawyer has denied these events.
“She said, ‘Do you see cancer in him? I said he looks like a very healthy man’,” Mills said, noting that Kesting held up a photo of a man she said was Thompson. “She said, ‘Is there anything you can do about this … give him cancer, or make him have an accident or something?’ “
Mills said she refused, saying she didn’t want Thompson’s blood on her hands. She offered to “make trouble for him, to make people see who he really is.”
Mills said Kesting wrote two checks totaling $3,000, which were returned for insufficient funds. Kesting then sent two $1,000 money orders in payment. Mills produced a copy of a MoneyGram receipt, dated Aug. 28. The receipt, which she faxed to the AJC, listed Kesting’s husband, Christian, as the sender.
“I kept a paper trail of everything,” Mills said. “I don’t think this would have ever come out if I had been paid.”
Law enforcement authorities in Georgia and South Carolina are investigating the bad check allegations against Kesting.
Sims Gordon, Kesting’s attorney, said Kesting denies meeting Mills.
“She had not seen seen a priestess, witch doctor, or anyone in South Carolina,” Gordon said.
Wednesday, October 01, 2008
Synopsis: “Economic Stabilization Act,” H.R. 1424
The legislation authorizes the Treasury Secretary to immediately use up to $250 billion to purchase distressed assets from institutional investors. If needed, the secretary may then access an additional $100 billion to purchase these distressed assets but only with presidential approval.
An additional $350 billion may be accessed if the president transmits a written report to Congress requesting the funds. The Treasury Secretary may use this additional authority unless Congress passes a joint resolution of disapproval within 15 days.
The legislation includes a number of provisions to ensure oversight by Congress and accountability to the taxpayers, including prohibitions on executive compensation to ensure bad actors are not rewarded. Specifically, companies that receive more than $300 million from this plan will have limits placed on their top five executives. These limits include a ban from receiving a “golden parachute” as well as limits in the tax deductions they can take on compensation over $500,000.
An additional $350 billion may be accessed if the president transmits a written report to Congress requesting the funds. The Treasury Secretary may use this additional authority unless Congress passes a joint resolution of disapproval within 15 days.
The legislation includes a number of provisions to ensure oversight by Congress and accountability to the taxpayers, including prohibitions on executive compensation to ensure bad actors are not rewarded. Specifically, companies that receive more than $300 million from this plan will have limits placed on their top five executives. These limits include a ban from receiving a “golden parachute” as well as limits in the tax deductions they can take on compensation over $500,000.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Tuesday, September 02, 2008
Saturday, July 05, 2008
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Where we are headed.
I found this a while back when goggling space images. It's only a matter of time.
Saturday, June 21, 2008
More Chuck
He asked who JJ was, and I told him my son. He asked how old he was; I said two. He winced.
Paige "accidentally" put gum between the pages of our first copy of CHOKE, so I purchased this one at the event for Chuck to sign for her. The inscription is a bit cryptic. I could be a reference to the plot, but I don't think so. Paige thinks it may be a reference to her pregnancy. I did tell him we were expecting. Could it have another meaning?
I saw a couple other inscriptions, and they were similar: Who smells like a real porn god; who has real porn star hair; who makes love look easy, sleazy. I prefer mine simply because I am a real man, and he poured a bit of Stetson cologne in the pages of the book.
Friday, June 20, 2008
Palahniuk Highlights
As #034 (Snuff reference) I was able to meet him before the event. I'm not sure who took this photo, but I found it and all others @ chuckpalahniuk.net. You can access this site by clicking "The Cult" in the links sidebar.
The auditorium was packed with over 500 people. I was sitting just out of view in the upper right of the frame, a couple rows back from the stage. The demographics were what you would expect: Primarily 20-30 year olds with tattoos and piercings abound. Much more hair was dyed black than blonde, and the bunch was lively.
He began the presentation by dispersing blow-up dolls for an inflation competition. He gave away autographed copies of KNOCKEMSTIFF by Donald Ray Pollock to the winners.
I'm glad I didn't catch one of these. I got on the new fangled way: EBAY.
He then settled in to share some stories and anecdotes. I call the one above Petey. I shot it on my digital camera, and it's only jumpy at the beginning, so bear with it a few seconds. He also read a short story, LOSER, that was an exclusive for the book tour. In it, an acid filled frat pledge is on The Price is Right and makes it to the showcase showdown. These things happen in the story, but that is not what the story is about. Like many of his other works, it is caustic commentary of societal obsession with image and materialism. I'm not including it here because I want to keep it as an experience for only those in attendence (and Paige). If he ever publishes the story, I'll post it.
Following a rather mundane Q & A, he closed by tossing signed autograph hounds to the audience. Unfortunately, I didn't get one of these.
Along with the blow up doll, the autograph hound is a prominent item in SNUFF. The other item is a cyanide pill. He couldn't really give those away, much less sign them.
FREAK ANGELS...
...is s free weekly web comic written by Warren Ellis. I won't go into the details, but it's one of the best ways to kill ten minutes each week.
The graphic above will automatically show the new content each week.
The graphic above will automatically show the new content each week.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
CHUCK PALAHNIUK...
...was in Atlanta on June 4. It was his first visit to the capital of the South since I've lived here: Over six years and seven books! He was promoting his new book, SNUFF, and spoke for about two hours.
It made sense, logistically, for me to arrive a couple (3) hours early for the event. It was a bit weird for me to be there that early, but I did get to meet Chuck.
He was quite approachable. He personalized 3 books: Snuff for me, Choke for Paige and Rant for J.J. I also asked him about his craft. I wanted to know if he wrote from notes, an outline, or pounded out his ideas freely as they occurred until the story was finished. He explained that he writes notes as things occur, stories are heard, and research is done. He then, on a rainy day, will type out these notes on his PC. Next he prints a hard copy of the notes and carries it around with him, so he doesn't have to be confined to his home. He further notes this copy, and once he feels he has a story together, he hammers out a draft. It was incredible to hear a talent like him explain this process. It really charged my batteries.
In the next two posts, I'll present some photos of the event I nabbed from chuckpalahkiuk.net and a video I shot of a story he told. I'll also post the personalized signings of his novels.
It made sense, logistically, for me to arrive a couple (3) hours early for the event. It was a bit weird for me to be there that early, but I did get to meet Chuck.
He was quite approachable. He personalized 3 books: Snuff for me, Choke for Paige and Rant for J.J. I also asked him about his craft. I wanted to know if he wrote from notes, an outline, or pounded out his ideas freely as they occurred until the story was finished. He explained that he writes notes as things occur, stories are heard, and research is done. He then, on a rainy day, will type out these notes on his PC. Next he prints a hard copy of the notes and carries it around with him, so he doesn't have to be confined to his home. He further notes this copy, and once he feels he has a story together, he hammers out a draft. It was incredible to hear a talent like him explain this process. It really charged my batteries.
In the next two posts, I'll present some photos of the event I nabbed from chuckpalahkiuk.net and a video I shot of a story he told. I'll also post the personalized signings of his novels.
Saturday, June 14, 2008
RADIOHEAD
We went to the show a couple months ago, but I made no post. I plan to make up for it in the following:
FIRST A FEW CHOICE CLIPS
NOW THE SET LIST
Set 1: All I Need, There There, Lucky, 15 Step, Where I End and You Begin, Nude, Pyramid Song, Optimistic, Weird Fishes, National Anthem, Idioteque, You and Whose Army?, Reckoner, Everything in Its Right Place, Bangers + Mash, Bodysnatchers, Videotape
Encore 1: Gloaming, Talk Show Host, Just, Faust Arp, How to Disappear
Encore 2: Paranoid Android, House of Cards
FINALLY...COMMENTS
The show was great, the atmosphere was great, the band was great. They were right on with most songs; though, Paranoid Android seemed a bit awkward. It had been FIVE YEARS since they toured. I truly hope it's not another 5; Thom will be 45!
P.S.
We saw the show for free, sort of. I purchased three copies of the box set release of In Rainbows. I sold two on eBay for a $60 profit, and we used gift cards to pay the balance. As my friend Mason says, "Well that's like a sore peter;...you just can't beat it."
FIRST A FEW CHOICE CLIPS
NOW THE SET LIST
Set 1: All I Need, There There, Lucky, 15 Step, Where I End and You Begin, Nude, Pyramid Song, Optimistic, Weird Fishes, National Anthem, Idioteque, You and Whose Army?, Reckoner, Everything in Its Right Place, Bangers + Mash, Bodysnatchers, Videotape
Encore 1: Gloaming, Talk Show Host, Just, Faust Arp, How to Disappear
Encore 2: Paranoid Android, House of Cards
FINALLY...COMMENTS
The show was great, the atmosphere was great, the band was great. They were right on with most songs; though, Paranoid Android seemed a bit awkward. It had been FIVE YEARS since they toured. I truly hope it's not another 5; Thom will be 45!
P.S.
We saw the show for free, sort of. I purchased three copies of the box set release of In Rainbows. I sold two on eBay for a $60 profit, and we used gift cards to pay the balance. As my friend Mason says, "Well that's like a sore peter;...you just can't beat it."
Saturday, June 07, 2008
Friday, May 23, 2008
Decisions, decisions
When your responsibility in this world becomes elevated beyond your own existence; decions must be made. I am willing to sacrifice a rockin' Clinic show for a Chuck Palahniuk event.
I'm so dramatic.
I'm so dramatic.
Saturday, April 19, 2008
JUST WHAT THE WORLD NEEDS...
By specimenj at 2008-04-18
ANOTHER THAT SHARES MY GENETIC MATERIAL. THIS ONE LOOKS TO BE A THANKSGIVING TURKEY. THINGS ARE WELL SO FAR, AND I'LL KEEP THE READER UPDATED.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
CHINESPIRATION
The upcoming Beijing olympics have spawned intense criticism (and rightfully so). When the Olympics were first announced to be in China a few years back, I saw a poster in a professor's office of the hands of a handcuffed person forming the bottom two of the traditional five Olympic rings. I could not find the poster I saw in their office, but I wanted to post a few conceptual drawings and photos that show the global discontent with Chinese policies. But really, will knocking the torch from the hands of a wheel chair bound participant help or hurt your cause. Let's think these things through next time.
As for a boycott; you can't. There's no way to prevent the purchase of Chinese products. There hasn't been a way around it for 30 years. We should simply continue to protest their policies while avoiding their products when we can.
More importantly, support all the participating athletes. They train their entire lives for this moment, and they deserve our apolitical endorsement. After all, what have you been doing for the last decade?
As for a boycott; you can't. There's no way to prevent the purchase of Chinese products. There hasn't been a way around it for 30 years. We should simply continue to protest their policies while avoiding their products when we can.
More importantly, support all the participating athletes. They train their entire lives for this moment, and they deserve our apolitical endorsement. After all, what have you been doing for the last decade?
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
2 MILESTONES; 1 BLOG
In case you can't make out the score on the screen, it's 116,740!
ALSO: This is my 100th post. (Yeah!)
ALSO: This is my 100th post. (Yeah!)
Sunday, March 09, 2008
My Lawn Mowing Song
The White Stripes album, Icky Thump, came out last year just after we closed on our house, and I would always listen to it while mowing my lawn. Like a scent that triggers a memory, "Catch Hell Blues" will always be associated with pushing my Briggs and Stratton up the mountainous region I call a yard.
ALSO, this song in particular reminds me of hanging out in Jody's garage apartment in the mid 90s. It was the place to be in Waycrizzy, and if you leave out the slide that Jack White uses, it sounds like Jody's best work on the electric. Meg's rudimentary drumming even mimics Mason's perfectly.
This video stops before the best verses begin, so I recommend you purchase or illegally download the complete version. While you're at it, get their complete discography; it's worth it.
ALSO, this song in particular reminds me of hanging out in Jody's garage apartment in the mid 90s. It was the place to be in Waycrizzy, and if you leave out the slide that Jack White uses, it sounds like Jody's best work on the electric. Meg's rudimentary drumming even mimics Mason's perfectly.
This video stops before the best verses begin, so I recommend you purchase or illegally download the complete version. While you're at it, get their complete discography; it's worth it.
Friday, March 07, 2008
Thursday, March 06, 2008
From the author of Transmetropolitan...
You are never going into space.
You will never own a jet pack.
Your car will never fly.
HIV will not be cured in your lifetime.
Cancer will not be cured in your lifetime.
The common cold will not be cured in your lifetime.
Don't these things bother you?
Suicide is the third biggest killer of teenagers in the United States.
In 1999 more people in America died from suicide than from homicide.
Do you think about this?
As anyone who ever read MyDeathSpace.com for any period of time know, the leading cause of death in America is automobile accident. This is generally interpolated into a number placed under the heading "accidental death." When the operation of cars is the leading cause of loss of life I'm not entirely sure how it comes under the term "accidental death." It wasn't a fucking accident, it was done by someone with a car. It's 2007 and we don't know how to operate cars without killing people. It's not a fucking accident if it was caused by someone getting into a one-ton metal bullet that cannot be operated with complete control at all times.
In Europe in 2004, 13000 kids – persons under the age of fourteen -- died due to poor water. It’s 2007 and the society does not yet understand how to operate water.
Are you thinking about this now?
People keep asking me what DOKTOR SLEEPLESS is about. This is what it's about.
Someone stole your future. Don't you ever wonder who?
- WARREN ELLISWednesday, March 05, 2008
DIG DUG
This classic is one of my all-time favorites. I began feeding quarters into this machine while standing on a stool when I was around 8, and I still play it on my Game Boy Advanced. Last month, it occurred to me that I was approaching it the wrong way. This was one of the first big time coin-ops. Back then, points were the goal, not level advancement. This epiphany has drastically improved my Dig Dug experience.For the last month, I’ve been consumed. I don’t know what score is high enough for me to be satiated, but my highest thus far is 99,670. I can’t seem to break the 100K barrier, but I challenge ANYONE to get as close as I have. I’m willing to put money as well as my reputation as a 5-tool-gamer on the line.
Friday, December 14, 2007
BE DRUNK
by Charles Baudelaire Translated by Louis Simpson
You have to be always drunk. That's all there is to it--it's the
only way. So as not to feel the horrible burden of time that breaks
your back and bends you to the earth, you have to be continually
drunk.
But on what? Wine, poetry or virtue, as you wish. But be
drunk.
And if sometimes, on the steps of a palace or the green grass of
a ditch, in the mournful solitude of your room, you wake again,
drunkenness already diminishing or gone, ask the wind, the wave,
the star, the bird, the clock, everything that is flying, everything
that is groaning, everything that is rolling, everything that is
singing, everything that is speaking. . .ask what time it is and
wind, wave, star, bird, clock will answer you: "It is time to be
drunk! So as not to be the martyred slaves of time, be drunk, be
continually drunk! On wine, on poetry or on virtue as you wish."
You have to be always drunk. That's all there is to it--it's the
only way. So as not to feel the horrible burden of time that breaks
your back and bends you to the earth, you have to be continually
drunk.
But on what? Wine, poetry or virtue, as you wish. But be
drunk.
And if sometimes, on the steps of a palace or the green grass of
a ditch, in the mournful solitude of your room, you wake again,
drunkenness already diminishing or gone, ask the wind, the wave,
the star, the bird, the clock, everything that is flying, everything
that is groaning, everything that is rolling, everything that is
singing, everything that is speaking. . .ask what time it is and
wind, wave, star, bird, clock will answer you: "It is time to be
drunk! So as not to be the martyred slaves of time, be drunk, be
continually drunk! On wine, on poetry or on virtue as you wish."
Return of that Jay Guy
I have too many aunts, uncles, coworkers and cousins on my myspace friends list, so I'm comming back home. I hope you enjoy the new content.
Monday, May 15, 2006
Finally on Myspace.com
I've decided to move this forum to a much less ambitious site: www.myspace.com/jaybrigman
I held many lofty endeavors with this blog, but it didn't work out. There was always enough going on in the world to satisfy the things I set out in my first entry, but for the most part, it just didn't feel like me. It was way too serious. I decided to just post what was on my mind instead, and "Perception Equals Reality" just doesn't fit. So, check out the new site. Some of my entries here will be seen on the myspace site, and I hope to post regularly. See you there.
I held many lofty endeavors with this blog, but it didn't work out. There was always enough going on in the world to satisfy the things I set out in my first entry, but for the most part, it just didn't feel like me. It was way too serious. I decided to just post what was on my mind instead, and "Perception Equals Reality" just doesn't fit. So, check out the new site. Some of my entries here will be seen on the myspace site, and I hope to post regularly. See you there.
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