Weblog 293
September 25, 2011~ 12:00 am
Originally I'd wanted to watch a film on Saturday evening after Wayne had gone home. (I'd re-rented 'Lars And The Real Girl', which I had once before but the dang DVD stopped midway through the movie and refused to play.) Now.... well, it just feels like too much trouble. LOL!! I want nothing more than to fiddle around a bit on the net, get a post started for the new week, then crawl in bed with a book.
Who do I talk to when I write stuff in here? YOU. That's who. And I like not knowing who you are. I like the idea that my thoughts fall on new ears, allowing things to stream through with the merest hint of intimacy. I like thinking there is this LONG, WORLDWIDE, OPEN CONVERSATION going on
among disparate and unlikely folks that nevertheless works and continues freely, allowing ideas to bob and weave with listeners taking what they like, then moving on. That's how I remember the internet. 'OPEN'. Diverse. Completely eclectic. A free range with creatures of every type popping in, moving on, the images and ideas limitless.
That's all changed now with the advent of places like 'My Space' that was subsequently ousted by Facebook and most recently- Google -trying to enter what must be a very lucrative market. (Yes, those clicks are simply the 'clink clink clink' of advertizing profits with cookies and trackers attached to them.) Sadly (at least to me) the World Wide Web has been sliced and diced and cordoned off
into what amounts to gossip boxes....pools of connected closed-off cliques advertizing has rightly figured would play into human nature's desire to be chosen, to feel accepted..... to feel empowered in a way that's apparently grown addictive to the millions who've joined these social networks. To my mind, it's changed the entire character of the web, and I think that's sad. I like the one big free-for-all the way it used to be-- but I am in the minority, that's for sure. (Heck, even WORK has their own 'Facebook' page. It's downright embarrassing. LOL!!) It's like hearing your parents using street slang, trying to sound 'hip'.
I've said my piece. I'll shut up now.
Perhaps I might interest you in reading an essay.
By clicking on the 'book reader' picture above, you'll find yourself reading what made me cry when I read it early this morning, half awake. It's a beautifully written piece about Fred Rogers who was, I am convinced, a sort of angel in a sweater and sneakers. I'm glad that now and again, there are such people in the world possessed of the kind of gentleness that calms the 'wild/bitter' in everyone they meet. He was a one-of-a-kind, was Mr. Rogers. He showed us how to do it right.
(And now..... I think I'm going to watch that movie after all. It too tells a story of a gentle soul and the remarkable small town that accepts him and allows him to live as strangely as he likes, because they love him.) Off I go to spend some time with Lars. He does my heart good.
Like Lars.......
I'm a bit of a clown, so I understand him. (We're both sorta goofy, but sweet.) LOL!
September 25, 2011~ 7:15 pm
Finally!! I got to see the ENTIRE movie, "Lars And The Real Girl", and it was worth the wait. I can't say enough in praise of the cast, but Ryan Gosling's depiction of Lars, a delusional, emotionally straitjacketed soul, was simply phenomenal. (Remember Dustin Hoffman in 'Rainman'? Billy Bob Thornton in 'Slingblade'? It's a performance equal to those.)
On top of superior acting, there was comedy that had me laughing out loud
in addition to plenty of sensitive moments toe-curlingly touching to watch. 'Lars And The Real Girl' has a far-fetched plot, but magically unfolds in a mysteriously believable way: it's like an adult fairytale, and I'd recommend this film to anyone who hasn't seen it yet.
Lars and his brother hit all true notes, and the actress who plays the sister-in-law Karen is a charmingly good-hearted soul who seems like someone you've known all your life.
As brilliant as Gosling is, it's perhaps the more difficult role of the brother that is truly impressive. My own personal favorite is the 'flower lady' from church. (God, I loved that woman. Tough, loving and practical, with an honesty that can stare down any hypocrisy in those around her.)
The movie was a terrific ending to a weekend night. It left me feeling.... 'light'. It has a glow about it. Too few movies do.
September 28, 2011~ 5:15 pm
Well, after two more days with MOUNTAINS of charts on Monday and Tuesday, today gave me a bit of breathing room. I am now, yet again.....caught up. Not only that, we had our semi-annual all company meeting that featured fresh fruit (really sweet pinapples and strawberries, grapes, etc) muffins and danish, coffee and juice at a nearby motel conference room, and it was a nice break in routine. Then to return to work to find a wee pile for me to slog through, I was over the moon with gratitude!
The rest of the day zoomed by with me feeling very relaxed. So much so, driving home in the new car, I felt the kind of ease this old fella is feeling.....
when suddenly, as I was approaching the Liberty Bridge and quietly listening to Fresh Air... out of nowhere I heard ambulances screaming, lights were flashing, and I thought, "OH NO! Not another accident on the bridge...." which would tangle things for at least a half hour of sitting without moving, but no. First a police car flew up there, then a big armoured thing with "BOMB SQUAD" lettered on the rear doors. Holy crap!
The traffic, after parting like the Red Sea to let those guys through, continued to move slowly and normally. Let me tell you..... it's not a comfort to be following a BOMB SQUAD van, both of you approaching a TUNNEL up ahead. LOL!!! I couldn't see where they were headed, so I just prayed and followed the traffic like an obedient lemming.
There was nothing on local radio, so I checked the news online when I got in. It seems there was a 'suspicious object' found on Grandview Avenue, and those vehicles must have been zooming- NOT through the tunnel- but on their way to McArdle Roadway, a twisty road that snakes up the hillside just to the right of the tunnels themselves, then all the way up to Grandview-- THE lookout to get the best views of the city. (I've heard nothing further, but I have to say I spent some uncomfortable, squirmy minutes on the bridge following in the wake of that bomb squad. Cripes.)
And I got word that my son-in-law's arm surgery yesterday went well. (Though PAINFUL as hell.) It seems Gary has some rare condition called Kienboch's disease, that's a genetic thing among some folks of northern European background in which the lunate bone of the wrist develops osteomalacia. The lunate is a little 'arrowhead' of a bone, but when the bloodflow is cut off it creates all KINDS of problems and pain. So HERE'S TO GARY! Hoping you'll soon be
at your POPEYE, SPINACH ARM BEST before too long. (It was an out-patient procedure, but a tough one.) I'm sure Holly is being Florence Nightengale in earnest to help keep him comfortable.
Also, here's a photo I came across on the net the other night, and was so taken by the BEAUTY of this woman, I wanted to post it here and see if you can guess who it is.
(It's particularly stunning to me because, honest to pete, my mother looked a LOT like that at that age. Dark-haired beauty with a charming cleft in her chin.) I won't tell you who she is, but movie fans should be able to guess. I just love that shot.
Have a good evening. (Rest well, Gary).... and now, I'll do the same, 'suspicious objects'.... stay away! :) There's too MUCH of that malarky going on nowadays!
***
(Return To Weekly Archives)
Originally I'd wanted to watch a film on Saturday evening after Wayne had gone home. (I'd re-rented 'Lars And The Real Girl', which I had once before but the dang DVD stopped midway through the movie and refused to play.) Now.... well, it just feels like too much trouble. LOL!! I want nothing more than to fiddle around a bit on the net, get a post started for the new week, then crawl in bed with a book.
Who do I talk to when I write stuff in here? YOU. That's who. And I like not knowing who you are. I like the idea that my thoughts fall on new ears, allowing things to stream through with the merest hint of intimacy. I like thinking there is this LONG, WORLDWIDE, OPEN CONVERSATION going on
among disparate and unlikely folks that nevertheless works and continues freely, allowing ideas to bob and weave with listeners taking what they like, then moving on. That's how I remember the internet. 'OPEN'. Diverse. Completely eclectic. A free range with creatures of every type popping in, moving on, the images and ideas limitless.
That's all changed now with the advent of places like 'My Space' that was subsequently ousted by Facebook and most recently- Google -trying to enter what must be a very lucrative market. (Yes, those clicks are simply the 'clink clink clink' of advertizing profits with cookies and trackers attached to them.) Sadly (at least to me) the World Wide Web has been sliced and diced and cordoned off
into what amounts to gossip boxes....pools of connected closed-off cliques advertizing has rightly figured would play into human nature's desire to be chosen, to feel accepted..... to feel empowered in a way that's apparently grown addictive to the millions who've joined these social networks. To my mind, it's changed the entire character of the web, and I think that's sad. I like the one big free-for-all the way it used to be-- but I am in the minority, that's for sure. (Heck, even WORK has their own 'Facebook' page. It's downright embarrassing. LOL!!) It's like hearing your parents using street slang, trying to sound 'hip'.
I've said my piece. I'll shut up now.
Perhaps I might interest you in reading an essay.
By clicking on the 'book reader' picture above, you'll find yourself reading what made me cry when I read it early this morning, half awake. It's a beautifully written piece about Fred Rogers who was, I am convinced, a sort of angel in a sweater and sneakers. I'm glad that now and again, there are such people in the world possessed of the kind of gentleness that calms the 'wild/bitter' in everyone they meet. He was a one-of-a-kind, was Mr. Rogers. He showed us how to do it right.
(And now..... I think I'm going to watch that movie after all. It too tells a story of a gentle soul and the remarkable small town that accepts him and allows him to live as strangely as he likes, because they love him.) Off I go to spend some time with Lars. He does my heart good.
I'm a bit of a clown, so I understand him. (We're both sorta goofy, but sweet.) LOL!
September 25, 2011~ 7:15 pm
Finally!! I got to see the ENTIRE movie, "Lars And The Real Girl", and it was worth the wait. I can't say enough in praise of the cast, but Ryan Gosling's depiction of Lars, a delusional, emotionally straitjacketed soul, was simply phenomenal. (Remember Dustin Hoffman in 'Rainman'? Billy Bob Thornton in 'Slingblade'? It's a performance equal to those.)
On top of superior acting, there was comedy that had me laughing out loud
in addition to plenty of sensitive moments toe-curlingly touching to watch. 'Lars And The Real Girl' has a far-fetched plot, but magically unfolds in a mysteriously believable way: it's like an adult fairytale, and I'd recommend this film to anyone who hasn't seen it yet.
Lars and his brother hit all true notes, and the actress who plays the sister-in-law Karen is a charmingly good-hearted soul who seems like someone you've known all your life.
As brilliant as Gosling is, it's perhaps the more difficult role of the brother that is truly impressive. My own personal favorite is the 'flower lady' from church. (God, I loved that woman. Tough, loving and practical, with an honesty that can stare down any hypocrisy in those around her.)
The movie was a terrific ending to a weekend night. It left me feeling.... 'light'. It has a glow about it. Too few movies do.
September 28, 2011~ 5:15 pm
Well, after two more days with MOUNTAINS of charts on Monday and Tuesday, today gave me a bit of breathing room. I am now, yet again.....caught up. Not only that, we had our semi-annual all company meeting that featured fresh fruit (really sweet pinapples and strawberries, grapes, etc) muffins and danish, coffee and juice at a nearby motel conference room, and it was a nice break in routine. Then to return to work to find a wee pile for me to slog through, I was over the moon with gratitude!
The rest of the day zoomed by with me feeling very relaxed. So much so, driving home in the new car, I felt the kind of ease this old fella is feeling.....
when suddenly, as I was approaching the Liberty Bridge and quietly listening to Fresh Air... out of nowhere I heard ambulances screaming, lights were flashing, and I thought, "OH NO! Not another accident on the bridge...." which would tangle things for at least a half hour of sitting without moving, but no. First a police car flew up there, then a big armoured thing with "BOMB SQUAD" lettered on the rear doors. Holy crap!
The traffic, after parting like the Red Sea to let those guys through, continued to move slowly and normally. Let me tell you..... it's not a comfort to be following a BOMB SQUAD van, both of you approaching a TUNNEL up ahead. LOL!!! I couldn't see where they were headed, so I just prayed and followed the traffic like an obedient lemming.
There was nothing on local radio, so I checked the news online when I got in. It seems there was a 'suspicious object' found on Grandview Avenue, and those vehicles must have been zooming- NOT through the tunnel- but on their way to McArdle Roadway, a twisty road that snakes up the hillside just to the right of the tunnels themselves, then all the way up to Grandview-- THE lookout to get the best views of the city. (I've heard nothing further, but I have to say I spent some uncomfortable, squirmy minutes on the bridge following in the wake of that bomb squad. Cripes.)
And I got word that my son-in-law's arm surgery yesterday went well. (Though PAINFUL as hell.) It seems Gary has some rare condition called Kienboch's disease, that's a genetic thing among some folks of northern European background in which the lunate bone of the wrist develops osteomalacia. The lunate is a little 'arrowhead' of a bone, but when the bloodflow is cut off it creates all KINDS of problems and pain. So HERE'S TO GARY! Hoping you'll soon be
at your POPEYE, SPINACH ARM BEST before too long. (It was an out-patient procedure, but a tough one.) I'm sure Holly is being Florence Nightengale in earnest to help keep him comfortable.
Also, here's a photo I came across on the net the other night, and was so taken by the BEAUTY of this woman, I wanted to post it here and see if you can guess who it is.
(It's particularly stunning to me because, honest to pete, my mother looked a LOT like that at that age. Dark-haired beauty with a charming cleft in her chin.) I won't tell you who she is, but movie fans should be able to guess. I just love that shot.
Have a good evening. (Rest well, Gary).... and now, I'll do the same, 'suspicious objects'.... stay away! :) There's too MUCH of that malarky going on nowadays!
(Return To Weekly Archives)
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