Occupying the main gallery at Bendheim (Greenwich Arts) are two similar artists: Su-Hua Chen Low and Aldo Parisot. Abstract and acute, the overall effect of the show is (what you'd think would be a) stunning overflowing color that leaves the viewer saturated to say the least. A lot of the picture titles are related to sound and it helps to listen to your own personal favorite music as you tour the grounds.
Art through Music at Bendheim [Greenwich Avenue]. Greenwich, CT through November
'Give way to Nature' is what E. Vedder calls the meaning of Yield: The album covered in their single video about the band. Single Video Theory tells the story of an up-and coming American Rock n Roll band recording an album.
The dynamics of the band are explored and stories swapped as the boys rock out in a large group. Apparently recorded in Seattle, there are about eight songs explained, picked apart and otherwise exposed. In a word: It Rocks.
The production and editing in this film are par excellence. Frequent cuts, interesting shots and images that make one wonder are in abundance. I must say I used to think PJ were a crew of longhaired dudes obsessed with guitars. But this long explanation paints a much different picture. Oh, of course! They're humans. Cooperating to make music!
Beautiful Stamford was host to a variety of activities on Saturday afternoon including, but not limited to: moving a big old houseboat on the harbor. And: Loft Artist's 2009 Open Studio Tour. You're left to your own devices at the latter and I'll have video to prove it later. In the meantime, here's a sample of some images I snapped with an iPhone quickly... This painter works fulltime and has work in collections I must say. His name? Of course I know his name: ALAN JUDELSON He gave me great idea I must say which I'll probably never pull through on... Alas, Talking to artists is not recommended for the weak stomached, the livy livered or the light weight! Here's a useful pic of a tugboat that was hauling work into the harbor. I'm not making this up. Tugboats really look like that! We could have used this as a solution for our housboat problema.
This makes a pretty nice pic I believe considering. Considering what? Considering it's a camera phone.
I got off my big ol' Butt and went to the Library to get some new discs to listen to. I ALMOST felt guilty with the embarassment of riches I discovered. Here then are my thoughts:
The Posies 'Amazing Disgrace' I must have grown up somewhere cuz I've outgrown the Posies. Skip this disc. Get a disc of whalesongs. hear "SONG #1" Nerf Herder 'Nerf Herder' Freshman effort from a bunch of freshmen. The Clash meets The mosquitoes. But who are the mosquitoes? It is an original name however, and remember I consider myself old at 43. Black Francis 'sv n f ng rs' Beck 'Guero' I've heard that this is an excellent disc for a November day. And it's true! Beck 'Modern Guilt' Note to anyone younger: You're going to have to forgive us. To anyone older: This is not Jeff Beck. I love the beginning rhythms of these tunes. Especially: BLACK TAMBOURINE Frenchkicks 'Young Lawyer' Brian Eno 'Before and after Science' Enough has been said about B.Eno to fill a blag and he deserves it! Very accessible rhythms and harmonies. David Byrne 'live from austin' D. Byrne deserves accolades for his explorations and this disc is no exception. Life During Wartime covered! in our lifetime 'vol. 3 the revenge of Boston' The Hives 'Veni vidi vicious' There were a handful of these spy-type bands in the early century, See: Jet. The Winners 'NME 2005 awards' Mostly male review of bands. Witness: Franz Ferdinand. Also, what is Babyshambles? No Use For a name 'Feel good record of the year' 1967 Classic Rock These have been done-to-death I know but I can't help liking these classic toones.
So far, my favorite disc is Beck MODERN GUILT but I haven't heard them all yet. YET Now, none of these artists received any payment (from me) for their effort and for that I applaud them, but they'll surely make up for it in other ways. I'll probably end up picking up these some of these efforts for my collection anyway. What's my point? It all comes out in the wash would be the applicable cliche for this space.
I've written about this before. How there's twice (2x) as much music produced as can be listened to, SO why buy music anymore? Well the short answer is: To support the Artist. But I'm not sure how long that's going to hold out here.
Shelfari is a most excellent way to keep track of all the books in our little Universe. Unfortunately, it's intimately tied with Amazon.com so watch it!
Just thought I'd underline CT's thriving Art Scene that includes new Music. My Story? I was driving up to N.Haven in a snowstorm to see Camper Van Beethoven. It was snowy! D.Lowery (understandably) canceled the show. I went to a record store where the attendant was the bass player in a little trio called MurderVan. I showed up at Cafe9 later that night and rocked with the band.
D. Lowery is a world class musician but I'm sure he'd have been happy to hear I saw a new band instead. I sent his Fan Club a note but they've moved addresses. (California) Anyway, check out MurderVan willya?
Somewhere between Metallica and Godsmack lies the sweetspot that is: MurderVan. These guys are cool. They were hanging outside between sets and I was just talking to the guitar player. I told him his guitar was talking to me. And it was: Note for note. like another Universe.
RALLY BROS. ENDORSES MURDERVAN (disclosure: none)
Do you grow weary of Beatles-esque Love rock? Love songs with OOO-baby as the overarching theme? Desire? Lost Love/lovelorn? Then give Murdervan a spin. Let's hear some songs about washing machines!!
Oh, and here's another tidbit I gleaned from the boys: Drums can be tuned! Did you know that? LSNED
I'm a big sucker for the Ordinairy: That which doesnot change from day-to-day. But everyone knows that everything is always changing, morphing and manipulating itself into something new.
I got to thinking about this at my college Homecoming over Halloween in Schenectady, NY (Union College).
The only permanence was the roads and the buildings, and even these had changed. New roads built, buildings expanded and generally extruded from what they were. Why, there was even a new telescope on campus!
Of course, the people had changed the most. Colleges usually have reunions every 5 years and it's a 4 year school so: YOU DO THE MATH. It's fascination Street! Anyway, we beat RPI Football 20-13 but lost the hockey game. Barnburner. We burned the barn. Anyway, nothing beats upstate NY in the Fall...
I don't know if I'm going to go Open Source with this idea, or if I'll have to imitate Steely Dan (Actually the name of a dildo) but I have a great idea for a videogame involving Robots. It hasnot been done before, I'm sure cuz I've checked.
Now, Steely Dan are one of my fave bands. Kickin' Since the 70's. Hey Nineteen, etc. Story goes they shopped themselves all over kindomcome without any bites on the line. Finally, they pooled resource and self-recorded their first record. Just goes to show: People can be blind, (or deaf!). The Steely Dan theory is not to be confused with the Chuck Jones Animation competition theory previously espoused. (What you don't read every blog entry you see?) The C.J. Animation Competition theory holds that competition is healthy up to a point. At which point, it quickly becomes unhealthy for all participants. Where is this point? Exactly. You tell me!
Chuck is one of my heroes: Started out washing animation sheets in a Studio, ended up with Bugs Bunny on his Show Reel. Hero. Also, the Wright Bros. Started out fixing bikes. Invented the Airplane: From reading the newspaper. Yikes. Heroes.
What about Steely Dan? Couch Potato? Sophisticated songs that defy comprehension and grace. Named after a sex-product! Yes, I suppose Steely Dan get nominated for induction without resistance. Ohm me. Ohm my. [Electrical jokes follow] I'm riffing here cuz I done drank too much coffee, but that's what Blaags are for, No?
Has anyone else started calling this the Internay? No? Is it just me typing on my Culture cannon about Tecular Humanism and other topic releventa. Are you creating your day yet? Me too. Nice. Keep it up!
Lastnight, Couch Potato screened I, Robot with Will Smith on the u-verse At&T cable hookup with have here in tha lair. A great movie that could have been just so- so were it not for the thoroughsity of the director. And the excellent CG that brought the robots to life. Does every little kid dream of robots? Blog-quiz: who can tell me what the funniest thing ever said about Robots is? Hmm? France? Cars? Anyone listening. I thought so. Check this, blog smartguy and keep reading...
Am I the only dummy to have heard this disc? I couldn't be! Tho' I UNderstand that M.Hedges is no longer with us...This is a great effort: Worth tracking down and popping in the player if you haven't heard it yet. Micheal strums unfamiliar melodies into your head that demand replaying. It's not just a disc: It's an adventure. Get it. Most familiar is On The Threshold of Liberty. http://www.amazon.com/Taproot-Michael-Hedges/dp/B000000NHV
There has been a lot of talk. Maybe too much talk.
"A lot of talk before the shoot, now it was time to Deliver!"
Location: 100 Hendrie Ave Riverside, CT Tee Time: 5pm (call first 554-0273 for directions/schedule/teetime update) Note: Event is Canceled due to the rainstorm
Since the sunsets and it's dark now at 6:30 we're planning a 5 pm tee off with stock 141G frisbees. The frisbee you play with is (pretty much) up to you. Anything from a CD up to a GCL [garbage can lid] is kosher, even on a Saturday. RAIN/CANCELBOT Time: Sometime Sunday
FAQ Q: What's this game they call frisbee Golf? A: It's not just a game.
Q: How much thought should I put into my Frisbee product purchase?
Q: Where do I procure the Stock bee? A: Alpen Pantry OG, CT (~$10) see Gary open Sat til 5
Q: Should I Leave a comment to reply to this post? A: Definitely Anonymous
Q: Does every Q have an A? A: Do you have to ask? Is this the question game?
Q: What's the entry fee? A: The best things in Life are free.
Q: What do I do after the tourne? A: Gingerman Bar on Greenwich Ave: Brunswick Reunion
Q: What/who can I bring on the course? What can I wear? A: There are no rules about that. I'd suggest footwear to Play tho'
YouTube Link Photo taken by JCT Fall 2009. There have been few changes to the course...
There is an excellent Friz Golf V Game available on the Wii game system. It's called Wii Resorts or sumsuch. I'd provide a linq for you but I'm actually trying my darndest to outgrow V Games. Advise?
GT works in the garden grove. (See photo) in preparation for the eyeballs of the world's best Frisbee Golfers. Meanwhile, It is Oktoberfest at the local Eatery (MacKenzie's) and we'll probably dine german soon enough. In the mean time, it's me and the computers and the drawing board. How do you spend October? Old ladies among the greenery? I smell wisdom coming! Or at least a few frisbees! !
One word:”SNOWKITING” she said as she stuffed her gear back in her bag. “Sounds dangerous” I thought but didn't say in response. “Sounds like you'd need a parachute.” I did say finally.
We were nearing the top of the mountain we had said we were going to climb. She was young. Younger than I. She knew her way around a mountain trail. We were hiking as a pair. She as the guide. Me as the neophyte newguy. That's OK: At least I knew it. Most guys my age don't know it. They go through life as experts on this or that. They process but they don't gain. I knew it.
“Get out your sail. And stop calling it a kite.” She said as we cleared the last of a crop of trees. Me? I'd never even sailboarded before and here I was climbing mountains with a small kite to pull a snowboard around a mountain.
Man, a snake would have a tough night out there tonight, cold wet and rainy in N. England. It's not like we've never seen it before. IT is N.England afterall: Home of LL. Bean and whatnot.
Me? I'm curled in front of the monitor roasting peppers in preparation for a first-class Mexican comida. Depeche on the stereo as I contemplate the wet leaves twisting and turning in the rain.
Do I Miss Mexico? Sure. Who doesn't? I don't miss the extreme weather however. I was inland in January.
Do I miss Frisbee Golf? Surely. It's been a while since the tees weren't a tease. KNOWWHATI MEAN?
Anyway, anywhere but Connecticut tonight and you are styling. Make the most of it! 'cuz clearly God is preparing the Earth for Frisbee Golfers on Saturday afternoon at 100 Hendrie Ave.
For a cartoon, nobody packs more punch than M. Groenig, creator of the Simpsons and Futurama among others. His characters, voices and screen compositions currently rule the world of animation. Futurama: Groenig's take on Science Fiction gone wrong has been pretty warmly receieved, though I must say the humor is reference laden and kinda geeky.
It seems that one would have to have grown up in the sixties to get half of these jokes. That said, The Beast with a Billion Backs is mesmerizing. The composition and colors- not to mention the 3D graphics interlaced with traditional captures the viewer's imagination and DOESNOT let it go for the entire length of the film. And it is long:
Clocking in at 89 minutes. It's almost too long. It could have been shorter, and it could have survived with less gags. Don't look for a moral here, there's no larger message other than the usual Groenig mistrust of authority. Though the plot orbits around a mysterious crack in the Universe, there is enough character interaction and manipulation to prove a robust fine wine. Bender – the robot character meets another robot named Calculon with whom he winds up in bed with. There are sexual references aplenty, so I'm not sure it's for the little ones.
According to Isabel M.: Animation creates worlds that we've never imagined, indeed television is a tool of exploration- and we think of the animated characters as real people.
If so, we're in for a hell of a future. Flying spaceships and cities that work. Interracial harmony and good will towards science fiction. Futurama Beast with a Billion Backs ****
[[I'd also like to salute Matt for his graphic work on the DVD insert. Nostalgic of SciFi ]]
It's been raining all day here in Connecticut. Enough rain to wash out the gutters and clean the roof.
Me? I Surfed the proverbial Net all day. Met some cool folks, and watched Robin Hood - the cartoon animation. It was the kind of day where one gathers wool. Whatever that means.
Sort of an intermission, between Days. Salad days? Dunno, perhaps.
I've got a Blender project cooking. Have you seen http://www.Blender.org ? It's too cool for school: An in-house 3D program with a slick interface and an unbelieveable support community. Get it in Linux or Mac.
I also had time to catch up on my Podcasts: I've got a podcast of my own under wraps. Enough about me. What did you do today? Rain can only mean onething in N. ENGLAND: Frisbee Golf on Saturday (see previous posts).
Today, I'm riding and mobile blogging with friend Chris m. And another: Dylan
starting at the red barn we zoom through strewn leaves yellow and green and red.
I havenot ridden since August so scenery is fresh, smells anew.
Chris strums a mean 6 string for real. Jazz mostly but I'm sure he rocks out too. Makes me look like a pudding head.
He's on YouTube if ya like. Mariner Jazz Duo with Al Brooks at Arcadia What the whole thing turns into is basically a Trailriding Lesson for yours truly. I haven't been riding since August tuffy! Dylan is tearing it up. We close on the SwampTrail; exhausted! These guys were great riders with excellent equipment. Outshined!
I look down after the Adventure and my chain is twisted. I end up walking the bike home.
Well, that's it. I'm not a kid (anymore). But Brutal Legend comes out next week. Jack Black's School of Rock gone Heavy Metal extravaganza.
Are you going to need to be a metal head to get all the jokes? Dunno. I doubt it but here's a link I found to some fascinating movies... BL
Cultural Anthropologists will likely have a field day with this one. Am I going to get it? Probably not, but the Couch Potato will be looking over your shoulder...I hear they sell a custom guitar for the game.
Disclosure: No products changed hands behind the scenes for this coy plug.
Does Darth Vader lead directly to Techular Humanism? Kinda. The Force? Try J.C. if you will. The last thing we need is G. Lucas spouting his educational venom in the newspaper. Hey, not everyone gets school. But a man's education begins 200 years before he is born. I'm not sure we need another babyboomer rescheduling our classrooms. The Socratic Method is a proven method of exploration. Maybe George could get his own classroom and see what he can do. I'm not stopping him.
Now, Star Wars was (arguably) a great movie. I saw it. When I was eleven. But it's just entertainment. It's a way to pass the time. Don't look to it for any easy answers.
George is a creative guy and I'm sure his world is full. But Entertainment and Education rarely mix: Despite his golden Rule. [whoever has the gold makes the rules]
We wrapped up Windows on Main Street in Beacon, NY (so we could go home and practice our Frisbee Golf) with a closedown wrapup discussion with six artists at ZuZu's coffee house in Aug 2009. There are six parts to choose from, each 10:00 long. Ty is the moderator, and Missy is my sister.
We're going on SWS 2009 without a raindate, if you're on your way: BRING IT ON, it should be sunny after 10am tomorrow...Here, Ethel Renek with her entry. What's SWS? http://www.SIDEWALKARTSHOW.com ! !
The truck gets packed tonight around 10 after judges make judgement. The show went off with one rainy day (Saturday) which we all needed as a day off anyway. SO: The sidewalk show was a success with rain!
This is an example of using a Playlist to play a video longer than :10 from YouTube. It's in three parts that splice together when played. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x-RsTvlnUHw
Beacon, NY is a unique jewel on the Hudson River with a vibrant and thriving Arts community. Not to mention it's the home of Dia Beacon, a stalwart provider of high energy and low maintenance artworks for viewing.
A great daytrip from NYC, don't bother bringing a lunch. There's plenty of restaurants, bars and coffee shops to explore. Look at the art on the wall! I went up and shot a quick doc of Windows on Main Street a sort of Festival of Businesses harnessing artists in Windows. If you like what you're seeing,
Forget UCC, User created content, the future of YouTube is Viewer Created Content.
I'm suggesting that we push it to the User to choose! You can pre-assemble edit videos to playlists in YouTube and then give Users the choice of what they watch.
The next step? Decision based content. wherein, Users are able to pick alternate endings and threads. Pretty cool, eh? I used it on the Beacon: Windows on Main Street shown below. Check it out. Watch what you want, not what Ray wants!
I don't know why I found it so funny and charming or enlightening but: The trail called me on the phone and wondered where I was. I replied:
"Hey, I'll get out there when I can. I ride cuz I have to. I have no choice."
I ride to hear the airplanes, to see the deer, to jump the creek: To soak my feet. I ride for the memories. I ride to meet people on the trail. Especially the wheelchair bound and otherwise, handicapped. I ride for the wind in my hair and the Noise in my ears. TO see the dogs: To be riding is to be revolving...Wild thing
YOU MAKE MY HEART SING.
My bike helmet cost more than my bike. Leave no one behind. Let alone children.
Knowledge is transformed into wisdom by compassion. Other defs:
Knowing that you'll know tomorrow what you don't understand today. Wisdom is knowing what to overlook.
Examples of Wisdom or pithy sayings include -- You can't put the shaving cream back in the Can! There are many ways to move forward, but only one way to sit still. Man has a million plots and schemes. God has but one.
As a cartoonist, I think of pithy sayings (especially Chinese) as being wise. But wisdom is more about old ladies sitting in wheatfields. Picking daisies. Or fixing up a Sunflower
According to the Old Testament, wisdom is very important and should be prayed for First.
Despite hurricane Danny, I arrived on the cape in one piece at about 4:30 and immediately got a nice little hotel room (with wi-fi). As I type, I'm looking out at the Bay toward beautiful Boston to the West. I had a nice $12 Chicken Marsala at a beery musicy joint on Commercial Street. Now I sit at my keyboard and compose this prose. It's a funny thing about the traffic coming in on rt 6. Light. People were most likely scared off by the hurricane threat. No wonder: Hurricanes can be scary. This one is docile [but wet] however from where I sit.
It is a curious mix of emotions as I take in the view from the front window. One is Extremely exposed out here on the cape: 360 degrees of it. There's no cliffs, some dunes: Exposure. Fortunately, I have my tiny four walls and roof, until 11:00 am when I check out. A plane passed overhead lastnight out of Logan airport (Boston) and I'm thinking: Yikes. That guy's exposed too. Windy conditions and the rain, it's constant.
The cape (Cod) is afterall nothing more than some sanddunes with houses built up. It shifts a lot. In fact, I don't recognize almost anything from that Summer I spent here in 88. The roads are modern now.
Hyannis is still Hyannis. Wellfleet still Wellfleet but all of those cosy little cottages when you first cross the bridge are gone. No more. I wonder where they went? The traffic circles? Gone! No more.
Incidentally, I do not envy Anyone stuck with a Should-I stay, or should I go now question in a storm, it's uncomfortable and unnerving. It wasnot just J. Strummer who had That problem, I tell you. It's much larger than that.
On the drive home, I sighted a small ferret crossing the street by the Stamford Hospital; Later I saw paper notices on a telephone pole about a Lost Ferret! What are the chances? Dunno, but I called the guy. Out the front door of good ol' #8 quintessential Cape Cod in the Rain.
In the green cathedral, dogs bark but don't bite. In the green cathedral, flat tires fix themselves. In the green cathedral, birds and squirrels never get runover.
In the green cathedral, the Sun never sets. In the green cathedral, rusty things run smoothly.
Get the picture? I'm idealizing. It has to do with the cartoons I suppose. And I have an Art Show up in O.G. Ideals are like ideas that can fly, right?
The green cathedral rewards Idealism. A new TV for your friendship! Right. A fellow made my day by picking up his small dog when I rode by. He explained: "He doesn't get bikes." He was an expensive little grey dog, like a greyhound but smaller. He was a miniature: I see all kinds of dogs in the park. White ones, dark ones, red ones and brown ones. The owners are respectful; but recall:
I just saw a small wild dog in Old Greenwich, CT. Not quite a coyote, he was smaller and knew what he was doing (running in a bee-line). He had dark legs, darker than his body and a small head. Maybe he was getting roadkill -- there's enough of it around this area to feed a pack. After we exchanged glances, he disappeared into a driveway then re emerged, heading up Summit Rd. I felt lucky to have seen him. Nobody likes a tattle-tale, but I thought it worth mentioning.
I'm no meteorologist, but I can safely say the N. England is in for some strange weather today (8/20/09). We had the Sun and Moon just about lineup at noon which threw the tides to high. [See the 3 body problem] and everything seems askew. Granted, It's not really science. But when things are strange, they're strange.
Look for heavy thunderstorms in the evening and night. I observed the planets on SKYGLOBE (PC) and it's true! SKYGLOBE is a public Domain program that chart the stars for you. ClassM Software in Michigan or sumsuch...
Down at Binney Park, the dam that usually flows one way was flowing the other way at noon. Yikes.
I suppose it all goes back to something Carl Sagan said:
He said, you may go your entire life without witenssing something more violent than a Thunder Storm (except for TV)
He also said, if you wait long enough, eventually everything will happen. Which is true to some degree.
The only time Rain is Strange is when it's Sunny. Hmm --
In Nov 2007, (one of) my favorite mags Game Informer introduced us to "Brutal Legend: A rock-n-roll roadshow."
The game apparently involves a vengeant rock roadie (Jack Black) who weilds various weapons including (predictably) an axe. As in a guitar that kills people! What a surprise!
I like the concept here: If Double Fine lives up to the concept art you'll have a masterpiece on yo' hands. It's an intriguing combination of fantasy and real life...As opposed to say, a game like GTA which is like that t oo.
Maybe I'm just a sucka for cool concept art tho and they've drawn me into their intricate web of deceipt. But, I doubt it. It is slated to be released in Oct 08. Look for It! Brutal Legend.
On a personal note, the sooner the industry embraces something above FP shooters, the better. I was brought up on thinkers like Oxyd so whatever. Let's introduce a new genre called Thinkers! I have a machine that recognizes good ideas going: Yeah Yeah Yeah! http://www.ea.com/videos/781d95cb02560210VgnVCM100000ab65140aRCRD
The dogs love this weather for a reason! It doesn't take a mystery writer to figure this one out. My tongue is hanging out of my mouth.
Too hot to ride, almost too hot to leave the house - and we don't have air conditioning. Oh well. of course one's thoughts are going to turn to mush. You could cook an egg on the sidewalk and all of those familiar cliches. Too hot to blog? Never. I'm still playing God of war on the ps2. Also, Katamari Damacy and a cute Wall-e game. Too cute actually. It makes me want to have kids so I can justify the sugary sweetness of it all. No it's good. Some unique game features like the training module where one traverses various challenges to build skills. Not bad for a Disney game. Keep it up guys! Katamari features a big ball one rolls over stuff and you expand your ball accordingly. The bigger the better I suppose tho' I'm not sure why I'd want to build a big ball of stuff anyway.
If you only have $15 on your Edge card over at EB Games (Electronic Boutique), go pick up a copy of God of War for the Playstation. It rocks. It's new boss games taken to a higher level. The beauty of the graphics and the smoothness of the gameplay will draw you in for a summer holdover. I'm always looking for engrossing games to distract (and encourage) and God of War fits this bill. You don't die so much as get setback and that's what I think I like about the game. THings are thought out. What's this box for? It's fighting and puzzles not to mention a considerable score composed by Clint Bajkian!
Now I don't have a ps3 (yet) but God of War is a late dev effort for this machine. They know the limitations and features, trust me. There's also GOW II and 3 available. GOW 3 for the PS3 I believe. Get busy!
My only stumbling point so far in GOW is the dreaded hydra head challenge - with two (2) hydra heads that cannot be beat and forbid one to climb the rope ladder past them. Urgh, it's a good thing I have so much time in Aug.
Friends Scott and Hikea from Amsterdam Rally into NYC en route to planeride home. I, of course insisted on escorting them in their travels. Meanwhile, I can't find my wallet. Alas, No money in the most expensive city in the world. Good thing they're rich! Subways and beers in a few Sunday hours. The city neva sleeps.
Scott meanwhile is an up-and-coming Internet genius who makes display screens. They're powered by a secret. Look for them in a storefront near you...
If days have themes, and I beleive they do, then Sunday was International day with lots of talk of language, customs and beliefs, traditions and culture. China, Holland, Germany. America, Russia and Greece. Where do I fit in? With my connecticut accent?
The first step is to admit there's a problem. You're either part of the solution or part of the problem. Beware of bearded hippies bearing LSD
Soggy sleeping bags do not make for good sleeping! If you think you're bringing her on a date to a major outdoor concert, you're sadly mistaken. Make sure to see Janis and Jimi this year.
Imitation is the highest form of flattery but parody is the lowest.
The right concert at the right time can change the world. Woodstock will go down everyday. Witness: Gen X iPods and whatnot.
I set out at 6 for MRP: hot and sticky August. Curiously, I turn around and double back when I get to the park entrance. Hey, it's my decision. No ride can beat this ride. Negatives creep into my speech. I consider myself heavily influenced by a book called Nothing by J.D. Barrow. Afterall, an educated mind is something on whom nothing is wasted. I remember passing this bit of wizdom onto a friend who didn't understand the book. Something about the negative or NOT that enlightens. NOT NOT NOT NOT NOT NOT NOT 1
Is it possible to waste time? Possibly. It's possible to waste someone else's time...I have learnt that much...time like an hourclass. I'm not sure. Maybe I need a trip on a train --
climate: 5 star day wearing: favorite riding black pants, gloves and helmet
I set out at 6:30 to be back by 8:00. A poach. But it had to be done what with the beautiful weather we've been having in NE. For a change. It was a rainy July by most accounts. Nevermind: THat's the past. It's August now. Hot sticky crickets and dry days. Nice. I've finally evolved the perfect ride by in the MRP: I found it last time but could not quite duplicate it. Did I head North at that patch of ferns or south?
There are no riders here this evening. Just a couple of walkers: Oh and young romance on the ride up Cognewaugh. Will they ever learn? Thankfully, I'm blaring tunes on the old mp3 player: OUR LADY PEACE. which rocks. but it's kinda sugary tonight: Like pop.
Anyway, I collect my thoughts and find myself thinking about mechanical gears mostly. Gromits and rivets. Mechanized machinery. And Heavy metals. Why ? Why do I dream of Macbeth sometimes? Dunno. It's all part of the plan I suppose. I head for home -
Humans tend to easily divide books into different categories very easily: There's fiction and non-Fiction, inspiration, biography and whatnot. I'm suggesting a new category: The Rally Book. And this'd be one of them. It's a call to arms for all of the would-be software engineers there are lurking about. It's saying, essentially: What are you waiting for? Get coding! Software development can be a trying and glacial practice. Slow steps forward, speedy changes and who knows what else. He suggests daily improvement to code to get things running which is a practical if not obvious suggestion. I concur. Excellence is a habit to quote Aristotle. Very few good softwares (I'm kidding) were created by accident, tho' accidents do have their place in computing.
The power of random. The power of vague.
C. Fowler was a jazz musician before he became an accomplished software guru. His practical lessons from the music serve the reader well in this capacity. Programming computers has always attracted a certain type of musician, anyway. He played the saxophone. I don't really have anything negative to say about this book, nor do I have much more to say anyway. The Passionate Programmer, creating a remarkable career in Software Development, by Chad Fowler **** (c) 2009
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WIDGETIZE