Monday, June 30, 2008

Book Club: The First Month

To those of you who have chosen to be a part of our lovely book club, the first book we are reading is: The Billionaire's Vinegar: The Mystery of the World's Most Expensive Bottle of Wine by Benjamin Wallace.

We will read the book, and at the end of July we will post our thoughts! Enjoy!
A.

Thursday, June 26, 2008

Meet 'Rainbow'

http://rogersparkbench.blogspot.com/2008/06/tent-people-living-on-rogers-parks.html

The past two or three Saturdays we've had beautiful weather, so A. and I have wandered down to the beach to get some sun and wade out in the water. On these occasions, we've observed the same shirtless vest wearing hippy in striped shorts either carrying some sort of djembe, or attempting to retrieve a grappling hook from some half assed failed attempt to climb a tree. An ignorant Roger's Park blogger has finally put a name to the face of this strange character. Meet 'Rainbow'.
D.

Tuesday, June 24, 2008

Day Late Respects

So I'm a day late for this, and when I heard the news about it, I felt I should get on here and leave something, but I just didn't have the gumption at the time, so a day later (and after motivation from a relatives posting), here it is.
The recent death of George Carlin really had me thinking about the impact a death of a celebrity has on the masses. I really liked George and I’m more than happy that he has been getting the coverage that he deserves. I feel that there seems to be a different level of respect for a person that has personally affected me. I guess what I’m trying to say (hopefully without offending someone) is that music, art and literature has more emotional ties to our souls than the other useless nonsense that is shoveled down our throats on a daily basis. For example; Princess Diana’s (*I know I know.. "if I have to hear that F'in name one more time...") unfortunate death would be about a newspapers page six of importance in a perfect world. Other than exist, what did she do in her lifetime that made everyone so upset when she passed? Sure, there were charity efforts, and uhmm.. I’m sure some other reason for her to get a photo shoot in front of a gigantic check of some kind, but I can’t honestly see why so many people cried for her. Artists, musicians, writers, on the other hand do things and say things, and paint things that magically translate to feelings and thoughts that we are having. In fact it amazes me how humans find things in the times that they are looking for them. I’m reminded of how the lyrics of any song (good or not) that I would be listening to would relate to the things happening in my own life at that moment. Sometimes, when I’m tuned out to them, and then concentrate on what is being said, I get that realization. (this documented feeling is more or less a rehash of one of my previous blog postings that I will not go into depth about..I think it was in December)
Over on my brother and laws blog, I mentioned how sad I felt when Mitch Hedberg died. Obviously, I’ve never met him, or know him on any personal level, but in a way, I do. His comedy and humor stemmed from state of mind that I knew well, and connected with. I think the reason I felt bad when he passed was because he did and said things that remind me of the unique and select few people I surround myself with everyday, and it is always sad to see someone like that go away. I guess emphasis of importance on ones life and accomplishments is an American thing though too. When Kurt Vonnegut died, if you were lucky, you might find it in some of the more liberal newspapers front page, but most papers would have a small column on it probably back in the arts section. Only the elite rich such as professional athletes, Hollywood stars, and borderline talented former Mickey Mouse Club singers are deemed important enough to cover in such a fashion. It’s because education isn’t wanted, respected, or honored in the United States. I believe that it all goes back to the ‘keep them dumb, keep them consuming’ philosophy. Celebrities are products and for some reason, genuine and respectable folks who are out there truely connecting with the minds and hearts of people can’t be included or compete with that money side of American society (and part of me is glad they aren’t, which from a psychological standpoint makes me essentially the same as the people I'm condemning, but whatever). Fortunately, George Carlin’s years of selfless work and laughs had lifted him out of the subculture, and he is being recognized for his genius. I will say, however, it’s a good thing that JK Rowling didn’t die of a freak accident the same day, or else he might’ve been shifted a few pages back. Cheers George!
D.

Monday, June 23, 2008

Help Wellstone


He was a little younger in the picture on the website, but, look how cute he is now, the little lap dog. Help him recover from his slip into 4th place. Vote at danesonline.com

Friday, June 20, 2008

VOTE FOR WELLSTONE

Our little guy finally made it on the danesonline.com page . Please go and vote for our cute little puppy! ( he really is the cutest)

Go to : http://www.danesonline.com/winner/index.shtml and vote!

A.

Thursday, June 19, 2008

Long Distance Book Club

Welly welly welly welly welly welly well....

If we are going to do this thing, we better make it worth while. First, obviously, we will all need to communicate via the internet, which I believe we can do through this site, since we clearly know it anyway. Second, we need more people. So, if each of us gets at least three other people to do it that would be good. Then there is the issue of what books to read.

I'm thinking, we should all make a list of books we love, or authors we love, and choose one book a month to read.. at the end of the month, we will discuss, via this site. I will keep a list of members of the club, and also the books/authors. ( look to your right, "Book Club" should give it away)

So? Who's in? Comment here and I'll add you to the list! DON'T FORGET TO GET YOUR FRIENDS/FAMILY INTERESTED.. the more the merrier, and this isn't going to be one of those boring, pretentious book clubs. Everyone has equal opinions, and everyone gets to contribute equally.

A.

Monday, June 16, 2008

Hobbies for Readers

I do not play volleyball. I do not play tennis, golf, basketball, softball, baseball, or ride a bike. I do not run, and I do not want to do any of these things for fun. These activities seem more like work than fun. Don't get me wrong, other people seem to really enjoy these things, and make them look fun. I, however, am not athletic. AT ALL.

I enjoy reading. I enjoy writing and art related things. However, these things do not allow me to meet others, and to engage in conversation, make friends and feel like I am part of a group. So tell me, how am I supposed to meet people if everything I enjoy is a solitary activity?

Do not say, " join a book club". Book clubs are not for interesting, young and spirited people, most book clubs are boring, and full of pretentious older people who think the Bronte sisters were brilliant. Vomit.

Do not say,"join a writers workshop". Writers workshops are full of these same pretentious people, again with the Bronte groupies, and, to be honest, I have been out of practice when it comes to writing lately, and wouldn't want to share with anyone, thus making me a worthless member of the workshop.

Do not say, " become a member of the art institute and take some classes". I already plan on doing that, eventually.Though, I fear I will be surrounded with much better artists than myself and my pathetic attempts to create anything and be a part of a group will just end up with me feeling bad about myself.

I like to be outside, preferably on the beach, but, unless I play volleyball, it's difficult to meet people that way. Again, I would rather just lie there and read.

So.. what hobbies, in which I can meet other people, can I do, as a reader?
A.

Thursday, June 12, 2008

This Blog

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I have had enough! Do not read this blog or my Myspace rantings if you are going to take them personally, or twist my words.

The purpose of the things I say on here are to express MY opinions, thoughts, dislikes and likes. I am not setting out to personally attack anyone. Everything I have said on here, that references a specific person, I have already said to those people in person.

Everyone says I should be more careful about what I say, because it might offend someone. Well, I like to believe that everyone is entitled to their own opinions and we all have the freedom of speech. I am not trying to attack you, in most cases, what you are taking offense to, probably has nothing to do with you, as it is just a blog about my personal feelings about myself, and my life.

Everyone has the right to say what they think and none of us should have to censor ourselves because someone, or a group of people are ready to take offense. Am I to believe that every time I reference something in the world, if it could vaguely be a part of your life, I shouldn't discuss it? Come on. To date, this means my current list of untouchable topics are: unemployment, dieting, manual labor, money, teaching, voting, Cleveland, Chicago, Ohio, boats, fishing, abortion and adoption and child birth, politics, smoking, Ohio State... the list goes on... what next, I cant talk about the air I breathe, because YOU breathe it too? This has got to stop.

I have a right to say whatever I want, regardless of if it offends you,and everyone has this right, and I believe in it very deeply.

For example: I do not condone, in any way, the KKK... but... they have the RIGHT to speak their minds. And, I may not agree with their opinions ( for the record, I don't agree with them) but, despite that fact, I would never consider their ranting a personal attack on me, and I wouldn't take away their freedom of speech.

The same is true for everyone. Everyone has an opinion, and I believe everyone should have the right to speak their minds, about whatever they choose, despite the fact that someone might be offended. In the case of this blog, IT ISN'T ABOUT YOU!


I am writing as an outlet and also so our friends and family can see what's going on in our lives, and get to know both D. and I a little better. I am not writing to upset you, or attack you, or because I hate you. If you disagree, that's fine. Let me know you disagree and maybe we have a spirited conversation, like we all did with the Apple vs. PC debate. How come no one was offended by that?

To my friends and family:

(and yes, I consider all of you with last names that start with K., or H. my family)

I love you dearly, and I am not trying to upset you. I am not attacking you and I am not choosing topics based on things you are doing, have done or are going to do. I base my topics on whatever random thing that pops in my head. Sometimes, that's Johnny Depp, sometimes it's the advice I have recently given people. I'm sincerely sorry if what I post online upsets you, but please try to understand that I am not setting out to attack you or any part of your lives.

1. I do want to be thin, and I don't want to work for it. This has nothing to do with anyone except me and my own laziness. For those of you who have lost weight, I'm jealous and proud of you.
2. I do like Chicago better than Cleveland. But for the record, I loved Cleveland. I am not saying anything about the people who live there, the people I love. Cleveland will always be in my heart.
3. I enjoy fishing and pick up trucks. Thoroughly.
4. I love and support D. will all my heart. I would never choose to do something that hurts him. And even though you don't know this, he is happy.

Thank you.
A.

Monday, June 9, 2008

Once Again...

If everyone would just learn to listen to me in the first place, we'd all be better off..

No offense if you are one of the many who have chosen not to follow my advice and have ended up in useless occupations, loveless marriages or abusive relationships, and stuck living in places you hate, believe me, I understand that having a blunt friend tell you the truth is not always something that you want to hear. I also understand that as a result I have lost many good friendships because of this. But, I wouldn't be a good friend, sister, daughter, co-worker, and girlfriend if I didn't tell you. And, to be frank, 9 times out of 10 you end up calling me years later, apologetic and telling me I was exactly right. So...


If I have told you something recently: LISTEN! I'm most likely older and wiser than you.

1. Don't take a manual labor job, you will just end up regretting it
2. Dump him, you know its better for you, stop being a stupid abused woman.
3. Don't pay two rents when you can move and secure a better future.
4. Don't smoke, it just makes you complain about your throat for a week.

I'm done.
A.
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