I think I've posted this image before. I was browsing through my photos of Donnell Garden for my drawing assignment, and I came across this one. It's a favorite. It's just so damn optimistic!
Monday, October 15, 2007
Status check:
I think I've posted this image before. I was browsing through my photos of Donnell Garden for my drawing assignment, and I came across this one. It's a favorite. It's just so damn optimistic!
In rainbows
The new Radiohead downloadable name-your-price is really quite good. I prefer a few tracks over others, but usually I end up liking the ones I don't listen to at first the most.
Super easy download, too. I paid 5 pounds sterling, about $11 US. Sure, the really dedicated fans might pay more, but I am a graduate student. I feel like their system sets it up so those like me are able to benefit from others' subsidy.
It's nice to have new Radiohead tunes to listen to. I've listened to The Eraser too much, frankly, since last summer.
Super easy download, too. I paid 5 pounds sterling, about $11 US. Sure, the really dedicated fans might pay more, but I am a graduate student. I feel like their system sets it up so those like me are able to benefit from others' subsidy.
It's nice to have new Radiohead tunes to listen to. I've listened to The Eraser too much, frankly, since last summer.
Sunday, October 14, 2007
Found: skull of varmint
I was in Rodeo this afternoon for some studio work. I walked along Rodeo Creek Trail until it terminated near Hwy. 4. At the top of the ridge is a railway line. I decided to do a little Stand By Me and walk along the tracks so I could get a better view over the creek from above.
On the tracks I found a severed raccoon head. It had enough fur and skin on it for me to identify it. No signs of the body around. Ouch. I will post pictures asap.
The head.
The view of the creek I wanted to get from the tracks.
View of coal products plant on other side of tracks.
Turkeys on the prowl.
On the tracks I found a severed raccoon head. It had enough fur and skin on it for me to identify it. No signs of the body around. Ouch. I will post pictures asap.
The head.
The view of the creek I wanted to get from the tracks.
View of coal products plant on other side of tracks.
Turkeys on the prowl.
Saturday, October 13, 2007
Happy 250th!!!! Plus, ants.
This entry is this blog's 250th official entry!!!! Hurray!!! Thank you for your readership and support.
Now that the excitement of that milestone has come and past, I move on to the next issue of concern (IOC). That concern is focused on a small bandit group of ants currently housing themselves in the wall next to the washing machine. This location also shares a wall with guess who's bedroom.
The ants were first discovered when I went into the bathroom. My first duty when I enter the apt. bathroom is to sweep the floor. My roommates are hairy and this is something I do anywhere from 1-3 times per day. While sweeping, I picked up one ant. Odd, I thought, because ants are never present at 3110 Grove St.
I opened the door of the bathroom and noticed a mass of ant activity around the base of the washing machine. Blast, I thought, they must have come in from the rain yesterday. Ants do that, I guess.
I would not let these little bastards prevail, so I armed myself with a spray bottle full of my secret anti-ant formula: 50% bleach, 50% water. This solution can knock out ants in a matter of seconds, plus it helps clean the surrounding environs. So much for Raid.
Status: The solution has worked. There are currently about 30 dead ants on the floor, some of them still wiggling their poor, chemically-attacked legs in vain. They will soon die. I've sprayed the whole area in there with Anti-Ant and I hope that from the remaining survivors they will send a scout to the nest to report undesirable ant living conditions in apt. 3C.
Now that the excitement of that milestone has come and past, I move on to the next issue of concern (IOC). That concern is focused on a small bandit group of ants currently housing themselves in the wall next to the washing machine. This location also shares a wall with guess who's bedroom.
The ants were first discovered when I went into the bathroom. My first duty when I enter the apt. bathroom is to sweep the floor. My roommates are hairy and this is something I do anywhere from 1-3 times per day. While sweeping, I picked up one ant. Odd, I thought, because ants are never present at 3110 Grove St.
I opened the door of the bathroom and noticed a mass of ant activity around the base of the washing machine. Blast, I thought, they must have come in from the rain yesterday. Ants do that, I guess.
I would not let these little bastards prevail, so I armed myself with a spray bottle full of my secret anti-ant formula: 50% bleach, 50% water. This solution can knock out ants in a matter of seconds, plus it helps clean the surrounding environs. So much for Raid.
Status: The solution has worked. There are currently about 30 dead ants on the floor, some of them still wiggling their poor, chemically-attacked legs in vain. They will soon die. I've sprayed the whole area in there with Anti-Ant and I hope that from the remaining survivors they will send a scout to the nest to report undesirable ant living conditions in apt. 3C.
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Stuck
Hmmmm....so it started raining really damn hard here in Berkeley around 11:00pm. I am determined to wait out the storm before I leave Wurster. This crap has GOT to stop sometime. That said, the idea of riding my bicycle home in this is less appealing than staying here all night.
It's not such a downer, I guess, since the first year grad students are pulling an all nighter to finish their Blake Garden installations and presentation materials before 9am tomorrow. I feel bad for them. All I am doing is inking a drawing about bugs in a belfry. They have to produce life-size installations, 30 scale models, and plan and section drawings for the review. I remember doing that and it was a shit load of work.
Life is better as a second year.
It's not such a downer, I guess, since the first year grad students are pulling an all nighter to finish their Blake Garden installations and presentation materials before 9am tomorrow. I feel bad for them. All I am doing is inking a drawing about bugs in a belfry. They have to produce life-size installations, 30 scale models, and plan and section drawings for the review. I remember doing that and it was a shit load of work.
Life is better as a second year.
Monday, October 08, 2007
Update from the Wilson Center
I've been unsuccessful in getting a hold of George Seay, my old boss at the Wilson Center. Aside from catching up, I was hoping to get some insider tidbits about Haleh's homecoming. She had been in Iranian prison since May. Recently released several weeks ago, she is now back at work in DC. I am sure the sound of those noisy gold wrist bangles she always wears is a welcome sound in the Center's hallways.
Link to October 2007 issue of Centerpoint is here.
Link to October 2007 issue of Centerpoint is here.
A whole mess of new skivvies
I am set for Fall 2007. Undergarmetwise that is. In the mail today I received a shipment of many pairs of new underwear and 3 new bras. They aren't anything particularly new...the same styles and sizes from years past. Still, I would argue there's something that puts zing into your day by tossing out the old and stepping into the new. Wadda bang!
I've had to order these things over the web for the last few years. I could probably never find the time to actually physically go bra and underwear shopping. Seems like a waste of time if you know what you want. I'd rather spend my weekend in good company, listening to music in the park, or even having a productive Sunday night at Wurster Hall. Who would have guessed?
Speaking of productivity, time to begin drawing...
I've had to order these things over the web for the last few years. I could probably never find the time to actually physically go bra and underwear shopping. Seems like a waste of time if you know what you want. I'd rather spend my weekend in good company, listening to music in the park, or even having a productive Sunday night at Wurster Hall. Who would have guessed?
Speaking of productivity, time to begin drawing...
Sunday, October 07, 2007
I can't be your boyfriend
Below is a link to another great single off the new Jens Lekman (Yans Lake-man) album to be released this week. I got it a few days early!
A Postcard to Nina
Aside from Jens, the weekend was pretty action packed. Friday entailed field trip excursions to the Musee Mechanique, drinking with classmates and professor at Vesuvio's, freaking out about Blue Angel jets weaving about SF's skyscrapers, and bussing ourselves west to see the opening acts of the Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival out in Golden Gate Park. We saw quick bits of John (Cougar) Mellenkamp and Neko Case, but failed to stay (due to the cold setting in) to see Jeff Tweedy. The day was made complete with an injera meal unit enjoyed with Jason. Fast service, lightening fast. In that respect, that place is entirely NOT authentic in the Ethiopian sense. Here is a link to probably the most authentic Ethiopian restaurant in the continental United States. It takes anywhere up to 3 hours to have a meal here. There is a good chance you will also get something delivered to your table that you did not order. And you will pay for it.
Sunday I returned to Golden Gate Park to see HBRSB, one of my favorite your bluegrass bands. They've seen a lot of the world since I first saw them in early 2005. Way to go. There were TONS of people there, making it really hard to even hear anything at the central Banjo Stage. Christina and I left there to find the Star Stage, far removed from the major event foot traffic. We still managed to see some great acts before leaving at 4:00 PM.
Since that time, I have been at Wurster Hall mulling over parcel maps of Rodeo, CA.
This is the week of field trips. Tomorrow studio heads out to Rodeo, again, to visit the headwaters of Rodeo Creek at Fernandez Ranch. Tuesday, for Plants in Design, we head out to Emeryville to the Chiron corporate campus. Chiron was one of the big anchors that started to redevelop around the train tracks many years ago, effectively reshaping the city form.
A Postcard to Nina
Aside from Jens, the weekend was pretty action packed. Friday entailed field trip excursions to the Musee Mechanique, drinking with classmates and professor at Vesuvio's, freaking out about Blue Angel jets weaving about SF's skyscrapers, and bussing ourselves west to see the opening acts of the Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival out in Golden Gate Park. We saw quick bits of John (Cougar) Mellenkamp and Neko Case, but failed to stay (due to the cold setting in) to see Jeff Tweedy. The day was made complete with an injera meal unit enjoyed with Jason. Fast service, lightening fast. In that respect, that place is entirely NOT authentic in the Ethiopian sense. Here is a link to probably the most authentic Ethiopian restaurant in the continental United States. It takes anywhere up to 3 hours to have a meal here. There is a good chance you will also get something delivered to your table that you did not order. And you will pay for it.
Sunday I returned to Golden Gate Park to see HBRSB, one of my favorite your bluegrass bands. They've seen a lot of the world since I first saw them in early 2005. Way to go. There were TONS of people there, making it really hard to even hear anything at the central Banjo Stage. Christina and I left there to find the Star Stage, far removed from the major event foot traffic. We still managed to see some great acts before leaving at 4:00 PM.
Since that time, I have been at Wurster Hall mulling over parcel maps of Rodeo, CA.
This is the week of field trips. Tomorrow studio heads out to Rodeo, again, to visit the headwaters of Rodeo Creek at Fernandez Ranch. Tuesday, for Plants in Design, we head out to Emeryville to the Chiron corporate campus. Chiron was one of the big anchors that started to redevelop around the train tracks many years ago, effectively reshaping the city form.
Tuesday, October 02, 2007
Is it me.....
....or is that not the greatest picture of Jerry Boone in the Oregonian? At least his coverage of my stepdad isn't so bad....yet.
Socratic habitat
This is an actual school assignment. I still have to watercolor it.
Also, the best thing on the Interweb today:
Collision
About 12 feet from my apartment building this morning I had a bike collision with a pedestrian. I don't know if this is a coincidence or not, but today was also the first day I remembered to wear my helmet. Turns out I didn't need it to survive this wreck - my victim would have benefited more from having it having taken a spill on the sidewalk. Anyway, the poor girl (14 years old) was certainly more calm than I was post-impact.
Nothing like almost maiming someone in public to start off your day!
Nothing like almost maiming someone in public to start off your day!
Sunday, September 30, 2007
Two favorites
= 
Click below to hear a song from the much-hyped Jens Lekman album Night Falls Over Kortedala, to be released Oct. 9:
The Opposite of Hallelujah
He is playing at Bimbo's Friday Nov. 9. I'm excited for this Swede.
Pilgrim journey
No, I am not journeying to Mecca. I am only going home for Thanksgiving. But I thought it warranted a posting since I haven't done this for give or take a decade.
I really do not recall a time I've gone home for Thanksgiving in my 20s. I've been in school all that time, or living across the country, so venturing to Portland for what is essentially a drawn out meal never happened. It was always "too expensive", "too crowded" or "too annoying". But this year changes everything. I am showing up for my turkey leg. And I will not take kindly to being assigned to the kiddy table.
I really do not recall a time I've gone home for Thanksgiving in my 20s. I've been in school all that time, or living across the country, so venturing to Portland for what is essentially a drawn out meal never happened. It was always "too expensive", "too crowded" or "too annoying". But this year changes everything. I am showing up for my turkey leg. And I will not take kindly to being assigned to the kiddy table.
Friday, September 28, 2007
Goin' to the Village
This upcoming Monday I am going to the heartland.....Davis, that is. Davis, CA is where my professor Rob Thayer lives. He lives in the famed Davis Village Homes. Completed in 1975, Village Homes was "designed to encourage both the development of a sense of community and the conservation of energy and natural resources." Most of the people that live there ride bikes as their main form of transportation and probably have admirable carbon footprints. Some even do not own cell phones, much like my professor.
Rob invited anyone in our class up to Davis on Monday during class time to come tour Village Homes. We can even stay after for dinner. One of the groups in our studio is the "Renewable Energy" group. They are charged with proposing ideas about energy conservation and alternative production to the Town of Rodeo. Hopefully they can find some design concepts we encounter and find a useful application for them in Rodeo. That is the hope.
I am along for the ride in the true sense of the word. I am in the Rodeo Creek Watershed Restoration group, so this stuff probably won't help our group too much. However, since I got to UCB, I've wanted to visit Village Homes simply because it is a well-known and successful example of environmentally mindful residential development.
We are allowed only to come if we ride our bikes and take Amtrak to Davis. From the Davis train station, we ride to Village Homes on two wheels, helmets and all.
Rob invited anyone in our class up to Davis on Monday during class time to come tour Village Homes. We can even stay after for dinner. One of the groups in our studio is the "Renewable Energy" group. They are charged with proposing ideas about energy conservation and alternative production to the Town of Rodeo. Hopefully they can find some design concepts we encounter and find a useful application for them in Rodeo. That is the hope.
I am along for the ride in the true sense of the word. I am in the Rodeo Creek Watershed Restoration group, so this stuff probably won't help our group too much. However, since I got to UCB, I've wanted to visit Village Homes simply because it is a well-known and successful example of environmentally mindful residential development.
We are allowed only to come if we ride our bikes and take Amtrak to Davis. From the Davis train station, we ride to Village Homes on two wheels, helmets and all.
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Fifteen
My efforts to retrieve my misplaced favorite corduroy jacket are once again spoiled. I left it at a friend's house a few weeks ago. Shame, too, since it is beginning to get cool in the mornings and evenings (and I come home LATE, by the way).
I've been in the city a few times since losing it and I always phone the people that live there but none of them have ever been home to open the door. I asked Brendan about tomorrow night and he said it was likely everyone would be at the big Critical Mass. Apparently, it is the 15th birthday (or anniversary) of the monthly tradition that effectively ties up traffic at rush hour and induces utilization of public transit out of the city center. After a rough spring, the close-knit membership alliance has managed to stay out of the press.
I've only done CM once. It was Halloween 2005, I believe. Good time. I wore this amazing blond mermaid wig. (BTW, wigs will overheat one in a snap. If you wear one, dress light.) I kind of want to go again, should be a nice ride. Hopefully no old people in minivans will be assaulted and/or berated in public intersections by militant bike ninjas.
I've been in the city a few times since losing it and I always phone the people that live there but none of them have ever been home to open the door. I asked Brendan about tomorrow night and he said it was likely everyone would be at the big Critical Mass. Apparently, it is the 15th birthday (or anniversary) of the monthly tradition that effectively ties up traffic at rush hour and induces utilization of public transit out of the city center. After a rough spring, the close-knit membership alliance has managed to stay out of the press.
I've only done CM once. It was Halloween 2005, I believe. Good time. I wore this amazing blond mermaid wig. (BTW, wigs will overheat one in a snap. If you wear one, dress light.) I kind of want to go again, should be a nice ride. Hopefully no old people in minivans will be assaulted and/or berated in public intersections by militant bike ninjas.
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Field trip to Contra Costa County
My studio course, LA 201, Ecological Factors in Urban Landscape Design, took a trip to the bowels of Contra Costa County on Sunday. For almost 11 hours we toiled out there looking for any threads of environmental hope for this place. Anyway, below are some images of what we found:
Into the culvert we go....
Land slump
That's the way they do it in Pinole.
For some reason, my camera turns all skies pink lately...This is a channelized Rodeo Creek. Beautiful!
Great old building in Rodeo's downtown. Too bad its structural integrity is about zero based on the posted sign on the front window. I love the arcade entrance.
The coal fire plant in Rodeo off Hwy. 4.
What you see a lot of in Rodeo: powerlines on almost every hill landscape there is
Into the culvert we go....
Land slump
That's the way they do it in Pinole.
For some reason, my camera turns all skies pink lately...This is a channelized Rodeo Creek. Beautiful!
Great old building in Rodeo's downtown. Too bad its structural integrity is about zero based on the posted sign on the front window. I love the arcade entrance.
The coal fire plant in Rodeo off Hwy. 4.
What you see a lot of in Rodeo: powerlines on almost every hill landscape there is
Monday, September 24, 2007
To be Mayor...
The Oregonian carried a short story on my stepfather's annoucement to run for Mayor of Beaverton, OR. So far, I guess, the media coverage seems better than worse.
Good luck to him. The bid is for NEXT fall's election. All in time. Plenty of time for some skeletons to fall out of the closet, though.
Good luck to him. The bid is for NEXT fall's election. All in time. Plenty of time for some skeletons to fall out of the closet, though.
Friday, September 21, 2007
It's a weekend. Really.
Well, kind of. It's going to be kind of a weekend. 'Kind of' for two reasons. One, I have nothing (big) due on Monday, so it feels like I have free time. Two, I have to go on some kinda hellish field trip all day on Sunday, from 7am to 6pm, up in Contra Costa County. We are going up there to look at about a gazillion things for our Ecological Analysis Planning and Design Studio.
So it is, therefore, kind of a weekend. I look forward to Friday night and Saturday as long as I get in before 12am. While Sunday is spoken for, the other two days got potential.
A major episode of 12 year old boy humor happened in my Plants in Design class. You wouldn't have guessed, but it did. While my professor was lecturing us with a powerpoint presentation on English Landscape Gardens, a slide flipped up with a map of Stourhead. Stourhead is one of those kinds of estates that are featured in all of the Jane Austen novels. Anyway, the map caught my attention because it included the location of an inn with a name that I cannot believe has not been changed or altered in modern times. See for yourself.
Also, in other news, my stepfather Bruce is announcing to the City of Beaverton tomorrow that he is running for mayor. This could get interesting. Hmm, I make an early prediction that the new Dalrymple-family Porsches are not going to impress local voters.
So it is, therefore, kind of a weekend. I look forward to Friday night and Saturday as long as I get in before 12am. While Sunday is spoken for, the other two days got potential.
A major episode of 12 year old boy humor happened in my Plants in Design class. You wouldn't have guessed, but it did. While my professor was lecturing us with a powerpoint presentation on English Landscape Gardens, a slide flipped up with a map of Stourhead. Stourhead is one of those kinds of estates that are featured in all of the Jane Austen novels. Anyway, the map caught my attention because it included the location of an inn with a name that I cannot believe has not been changed or altered in modern times. See for yourself.
Also, in other news, my stepfather Bruce is announcing to the City of Beaverton tomorrow that he is running for mayor. This could get interesting. Hmm, I make an early prediction that the new Dalrymple-family Porsches are not going to impress local voters.
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
My parents like cars or something
Since I left Portland this summer, my mother and stepfather have dabbled in conspicuous consumption to an extent that leaves me more than a bit queasy. There is little explanation to it other than the fact that my stepdad Bruce is an extremely easy sell for anything with four wheels. This past weekend, my mother and he decided to purchase two (yes, two) more (yes, more) Porsches. They already had one Porsche before last weekend, which I complained about at every opportunity, plus a Jeep Cherokee and a Mustang convertible.
I do think that buying two Porsches for two people, when those two people already have three cars between them, is a pretty idiotic idea. According to them, it would seem that one must have more than one or two choices of vehicles to be happy in this world.
I begin to wonder if we are related at all.
Sincerely,
Miss E
(proud owner of an 18 year old VW)
P.S. Five dollars says I won't be allowed to drive my mother's Porsche the next time I visit. Lame-o.
I do think that buying two Porsches for two people, when those two people already have three cars between them, is a pretty idiotic idea. According to them, it would seem that one must have more than one or two choices of vehicles to be happy in this world.
I begin to wonder if we are related at all.
Sincerely,
Miss E
(proud owner of an 18 year old VW)
P.S. Five dollars says I won't be allowed to drive my mother's Porsche the next time I visit. Lame-o.
Sunday, September 16, 2007
Saturday, September 15, 2007
Friday, September 14, 2007
For the wrist challenged
Stephen Colbert has come up with a very keen promotion, advertising and public awareness vehicle: The Wriststrong Bracelet. The idea was hatched as a result of him breaking his wrist this summer.
Having just broken my own wrist this winter, I feel happy someone is taking the time to spread awareness for the wrist challenged.
Having just broken my own wrist this winter, I feel happy someone is taking the time to spread awareness for the wrist challenged.
Philippe's Inner Place Holder....Read strip below
Just
Keep
Scrolling
Down
Until
You
Can
*See*
The
Entire
Achewood
Cartoon!
Whoops
It
Will
Take
A
Few
More
Lines.
Keep
Scrolling
Down
Until
You
Can
*See*
The
Entire
Achewood
Cartoon!
Whoops
It
Will
Take
A
Few
More
Lines.
Philippe's Inner Machinations
Finally, a flow chart of my favorite otter. After I post another entry, you should be able to read the whole thing. Or I can do a placeholder....Let's see....
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Give me a drop.
I think I suffer from persistent dehydration. Problem is, I don't really suffer from the typical symptoms of thirst that compel one to consistently rehydrate. The only time I must have water is when I exercise and after. I've gone entire days at school (typical 830am to 1230am) having consumed nothing liquid except 8 ounces of coffee. I get home and don't even feel that parched, but I do feel pretty terrible.
A couple summers ago, I went to a very nice place to have a full massage. Afterward, the masseuse woman told me she could tell I wasn't hydrated enough because of the way my skin felt - like she could lift it off my back and it would just "stay". So gross.
I need some kind of timer to remind me to sip water in class all day. Something like a low frequency vibration or electrical shock. I would do well in the desert...or at a behavior modification clinic. Ready and willing.
In other news, I will try to post thumbnails of my work from my drawing class this term. We just did a fun one on California landscapes and signage.
Also, in court today UCB failed to evict the tree sitters from the coast live oak grove that abuts our building. I guess they will be here for a while longer.
A couple summers ago, I went to a very nice place to have a full massage. Afterward, the masseuse woman told me she could tell I wasn't hydrated enough because of the way my skin felt - like she could lift it off my back and it would just "stay". So gross.
I need some kind of timer to remind me to sip water in class all day. Something like a low frequency vibration or electrical shock. I would do well in the desert...or at a behavior modification clinic. Ready and willing.
In other news, I will try to post thumbnails of my work from my drawing class this term. We just did a fun one on California landscapes and signage.
Also, in court today UCB failed to evict the tree sitters from the coast live oak grove that abuts our building. I guess they will be here for a while longer.
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Ghosting Copenhagen
Today I learned a new term in urban historical research and mapmaking. "Ghosting."
Ghosting, as Herr Bosselmann verbosely described, is the exercise of overlaying new maps on top of old, examining each one through the other, looking to see the process of urban transformation over time, looking to see which historical forms have remained, looking to see which have not. And understanding precisely "why".
In sum, looking to the past to understand the present; taking it one step further to predict the patterns of our urban future.
It is quite a fascinating topic, for sure. That said, Herr Bosselmann is a little impatient with my current pace of taking his simplified chicken-scratch maps and turning them into a multi-layered smorgasborg of urban know-how. Thus is the reality of the student-professor digital divide.
Things I was told today:
"It is your job to outsmart the computer's laziness."
"Ghosting is going to teach this computer a thing or two."
"Yes, the reason that block disappeared so long ago is due to the tannery."
"We must not forget the moats, Rachel. We certainly must not."
Ghosting, as Herr Bosselmann verbosely described, is the exercise of overlaying new maps on top of old, examining each one through the other, looking to see the process of urban transformation over time, looking to see which historical forms have remained, looking to see which have not. And understanding precisely "why".
In sum, looking to the past to understand the present; taking it one step further to predict the patterns of our urban future.
It is quite a fascinating topic, for sure. That said, Herr Bosselmann is a little impatient with my current pace of taking his simplified chicken-scratch maps and turning them into a multi-layered smorgasborg of urban know-how. Thus is the reality of the student-professor digital divide.
Things I was told today:
"It is your job to outsmart the computer's laziness."
"Ghosting is going to teach this computer a thing or two."
"Yes, the reason that block disappeared so long ago is due to the tannery."
"We must not forget the moats, Rachel. We certainly must not."
Monday, September 10, 2007
Six years old...
Six years ago tonight I was at a PJ Harvey show with my boyfriend of the time, I'll call him Darren. The tickets, if I recall correctly, had been an early birthday present I'd received weeks before. The show was at the 9:30 Club, a nice venue near the U Street corridor on Washington, DC. PJ's most recent album was Stories from the City, Stories from the Sea. A notable album for sure.
Despite the promise of a fulfilling evening ahead of me, I do remember I would have much preferred not to go. In fact, since way before I got these blasted tickets I'd been not too psyched about a number of things and been rather depressed.
Returning from the show that night around midnight on September 11, very frustrated and melancholy, I made a promise to myself. The promise was that the next day, as soon as I could, at the very first opportunity, I would sever all ties with Darren and start to be a happy person again. As I tucked myself into bed that evening, I made a plan to email him with the news before he'd even had his damn coffee. It would be harsh, but it was entirely overdue and I'd lost all patience at that point anyway.
Eight hours later and I am at work (Correction: our work, Darren and I were at the same organization). I believe I was writing down some points that I planned to include in the email. I remember I'd gotten there pretty early that morning, right around 8:15 am so no one was really around. My coworker Karen was already at work with me. She had gotten into the habit of getting to the Center early at the start of the week so she could go home to Alexandria, VA before 4pm. Karen was nearly 8 months pregnant at the time. I continued to draft my email, happiness ever increasing, until my friend Charlie chimed in over AIM to tell me to immediately go find a television.
And the rest is history.
I left the Wilson Center at 10:45 with Karen. I had a solid plan to walk north for nearly two miles to my apartment in Adams Morgan on Belmont Road, NW. Later, she could find a way for her husband to pick her up. It didn't matter, really. According to Karen, we just needed to get out of our office and out of downtown which was less than 1/3 mile from the White House.
Am I a heartless wench because I didn't check on Darren before I left work with her that day? Perhaps I am. No, I am. But considering the circumstances going on in the world at the very moment, I could have cared less. I still am glad I made the call to guide a very pregnant woman a couple miles to a safe place on Sept. 11. With every anniversary of 9/11, Karen, without fail, emails me to say thank you again and includes photos of her awesome kiddos. My efforts that day have been a gift that continues giving.
Later that night, even despite the fact that Darren grew up in New York City, and was really devastated by the terrible events of the day, I kept my promise to myself. I kind of hate myself for being so self-serving and cold, but it really had to be done. The idea of not breaking up with him and having to console him over the tragedy for a number of indeterminable weeks was simply too much. In retrospect, he probably appreciated it. At least, that's how I spin it.
Here's to being six.
Despite the promise of a fulfilling evening ahead of me, I do remember I would have much preferred not to go. In fact, since way before I got these blasted tickets I'd been not too psyched about a number of things and been rather depressed.
Returning from the show that night around midnight on September 11, very frustrated and melancholy, I made a promise to myself. The promise was that the next day, as soon as I could, at the very first opportunity, I would sever all ties with Darren and start to be a happy person again. As I tucked myself into bed that evening, I made a plan to email him with the news before he'd even had his damn coffee. It would be harsh, but it was entirely overdue and I'd lost all patience at that point anyway.
Eight hours later and I am at work (Correction: our work, Darren and I were at the same organization). I believe I was writing down some points that I planned to include in the email. I remember I'd gotten there pretty early that morning, right around 8:15 am so no one was really around. My coworker Karen was already at work with me. She had gotten into the habit of getting to the Center early at the start of the week so she could go home to Alexandria, VA before 4pm. Karen was nearly 8 months pregnant at the time. I continued to draft my email, happiness ever increasing, until my friend Charlie chimed in over AIM to tell me to immediately go find a television.
And the rest is history.
I left the Wilson Center at 10:45 with Karen. I had a solid plan to walk north for nearly two miles to my apartment in Adams Morgan on Belmont Road, NW. Later, she could find a way for her husband to pick her up. It didn't matter, really. According to Karen, we just needed to get out of our office and out of downtown which was less than 1/3 mile from the White House.
Am I a heartless wench because I didn't check on Darren before I left work with her that day? Perhaps I am. No, I am. But considering the circumstances going on in the world at the very moment, I could have cared less. I still am glad I made the call to guide a very pregnant woman a couple miles to a safe place on Sept. 11. With every anniversary of 9/11, Karen, without fail, emails me to say thank you again and includes photos of her awesome kiddos. My efforts that day have been a gift that continues giving.
Later that night, even despite the fact that Darren grew up in New York City, and was really devastated by the terrible events of the day, I kept my promise to myself. I kind of hate myself for being so self-serving and cold, but it really had to be done. The idea of not breaking up with him and having to console him over the tragedy for a number of indeterminable weeks was simply too much. In retrospect, he probably appreciated it. At least, that's how I spin it.
Here's to being six.
Thursday, September 06, 2007
So not on top of things
Apparently last night I missed a Kings of Leon show. I had no idea they were in town. I guess it isn't the end of the world, it was at the Warfield. I've heard from a friend they are good in concert, although I haven't heard their new album is up to snuff.
To add insult to injury, tonight I missed both Magnolia Electric Co. and Okkervil River play live shows at nice venues in SF. What IS my life coming to? One week back at school and I am practically a hermit. Aye!
So in light of this music-related oversight, I will try to be a little more proactive. Here are some upcoming shows that have caught my eye:
Oct 19 The Fiery Furnaces The Independent
Oct 29 Broken Social Scene The Fillmore
Nov 9 Jens Lekman Bimbo's 365 Club
Nov 23-25 The Decemberists "The Long and Short" Concerts, The Fillmore
Dec 19 Stephen Malkmus & the Jicks Great American Music Hall
Other than music, it's also been a contemplative week. Got a job with Herr Bosselmann. Sehr interessant.
To add insult to injury, tonight I missed both Magnolia Electric Co. and Okkervil River play live shows at nice venues in SF. What IS my life coming to? One week back at school and I am practically a hermit. Aye!
So in light of this music-related oversight, I will try to be a little more proactive. Here are some upcoming shows that have caught my eye:
Oct 19 The Fiery Furnaces The Independent
Oct 29 Broken Social Scene The Fillmore
Nov 9 Jens Lekman Bimbo's 365 Club
Nov 23-25 The Decemberists "The Long and Short" Concerts, The Fillmore
Dec 19 Stephen Malkmus & the Jicks Great American Music Hall
Other than music, it's also been a contemplative week. Got a job with Herr Bosselmann. Sehr interessant.
Monday, September 03, 2007
Burning Man, seesaws, blueberry martinis
Saturday in the Nevada desert at 10pm the wooden effigy symbolizing the community-powered event called "Burning Man" was ignited and consumed by flames (for the second time that week). The same Saturday, many miles west of Nevada, in the sleepy college town of Palo Alto, an event also took place in the same spirit.
That event was in all respects a private party, at a private residence, where we drank beer, snacks, and drinks purchased from capitalistic grocery outlets. So I suppose, on the surface, the party lacked a lot of what the real Burning Man is about. However, at the same time there existed promising and convincing signs: there were people dressed in strange fur and horns, there was a geodesic dome tent swathered in many yards of hot pink fabric, and don't forget the hookah. Anyone with even the slightest amount of imagination could fathom its relation to the desert party some 279 miles east of us.
A highlight for the Palo Alto partygoers was the adult-scaled teeter totter (or see-saw) in the backyard. I've never seen such a large and dangerous looking teeter totter before. A couple people challenged each other to a knock off and it was very amusing to watch and participate.
Delicious drinks fabricated using Trader Joe's Blueberry juice rounded out the evening that had included some light, recreational drug use. I was very pleased, although the martinis would have been even more out of this world with a fresh mint and blueberry garnish.
The evening did not end with our burning down of any kind of human shaped wooden doll. Earlier in the evening, someone entertained the idea of fashioning a miniature one out of loose popsicle sticks, but that idea barely made it past the shelter of our geodesic dome.
That event was in all respects a private party, at a private residence, where we drank beer, snacks, and drinks purchased from capitalistic grocery outlets. So I suppose, on the surface, the party lacked a lot of what the real Burning Man is about. However, at the same time there existed promising and convincing signs: there were people dressed in strange fur and horns, there was a geodesic dome tent swathered in many yards of hot pink fabric, and don't forget the hookah. Anyone with even the slightest amount of imagination could fathom its relation to the desert party some 279 miles east of us.
A highlight for the Palo Alto partygoers was the adult-scaled teeter totter (or see-saw) in the backyard. I've never seen such a large and dangerous looking teeter totter before. A couple people challenged each other to a knock off and it was very amusing to watch and participate.
Delicious drinks fabricated using Trader Joe's Blueberry juice rounded out the evening that had included some light, recreational drug use. I was very pleased, although the martinis would have been even more out of this world with a fresh mint and blueberry garnish.
The evening did not end with our burning down of any kind of human shaped wooden doll. Earlier in the evening, someone entertained the idea of fashioning a miniature one out of loose popsicle sticks, but that idea barely made it past the shelter of our geodesic dome.
Sunday, September 02, 2007
Sundaze
Am listening:
St. Vincent, Marry Me
Okkervil River, The Stage Names
Will be listening:
Animal Collective, Strawberry Jam
Shows to goes:
1. Animal Collective, Sept 17, Fillmore
2. Treasure Island Music Festival, Treasure Island, Sept 15 & 16 (go Sunday)
3. The Clientele, with Peter Bjorn and John, Sept 18, Warfield
Random photoscapes: Angel Island, Quercus agrifolia grove.
St. Vincent, Marry Me
Okkervil River, The Stage Names
Will be listening:
Animal Collective, Strawberry Jam
Shows to goes:
1. Animal Collective, Sept 17, Fillmore
2. Treasure Island Music Festival, Treasure Island, Sept 15 & 16 (go Sunday)
3. The Clientele, with Peter Bjorn and John, Sept 18, Warfield
Random photoscapes: Angel Island, Quercus agrifolia grove.
Friday, August 31, 2007
Friday night office work
It's Friday night. The Bay Bridge is closed and there is no school this Monday. There is a big football game tomorrow. All signals point to going out, enjoying oneself, and taking it easy. My roommates took off to go camping tonight. Everyone is feeling the vibe.
Everyone 'cept me, that is.
Tonight I spent one hour running. I came home and spent another 2-3 hours filing all my paperwork that has accumulated in piles since late May. But it's DONE. All that crap is filed (well, my receipts aren't filed, but they are organized in a folder). I consider it an evening well spent. After all, before I did all this all that junk occupied a very large spot on my bed. Night after night, I would sleep next to flyaway papers and invoices, bill stubs, carbon copy receipts, and bank statements. But now the bed is clear. Sleep time no longer must be confined to an area 5 feet long by 30 inches wide. I could even have a sleepover. It's rather amazing.
Tomorrow there are many things to do. Seeing that there is a football game, I may want to avoid campus. Let's see what can be done.
I've been enjoying the radio coverage of the Larry Craig fiasco. What a douchebag.
Everyone 'cept me, that is.
Tonight I spent one hour running. I came home and spent another 2-3 hours filing all my paperwork that has accumulated in piles since late May. But it's DONE. All that crap is filed (well, my receipts aren't filed, but they are organized in a folder). I consider it an evening well spent. After all, before I did all this all that junk occupied a very large spot on my bed. Night after night, I would sleep next to flyaway papers and invoices, bill stubs, carbon copy receipts, and bank statements. But now the bed is clear. Sleep time no longer must be confined to an area 5 feet long by 30 inches wide. I could even have a sleepover. It's rather amazing.
Tomorrow there are many things to do. Seeing that there is a football game, I may want to avoid campus. Let's see what can be done.
I've been enjoying the radio coverage of the Larry Craig fiasco. What a douchebag.
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Public service
Today I must report at 8:30 am to the Rene Davidson Courthouse in Oakland, CA. Lord, I just performed jury service last August.
In other news, a DCRP alum, TC, recently made the news in The Brooklyn Daily Eagle.
In other news, a DCRP alum, TC, recently made the news in The Brooklyn Daily Eagle.
Sunday, August 26, 2007
List of to-dos
This week many amazing things were accomplished. This week is a record breaking one in terms of the rubber hitting the road:
Car-related:
1. Car emissions tested. Car passed with flying colors.
2. Car registration renewed.
3. Berkeley annual parking pass procured.
4. New bumper sticker affixed.
Activity-related:
1. Ascended the summit of Mt. Livermore (that's on Angel Island)(Sat)
2. Walked-ran Strawberry Canyon Fire Trail (Fri)
3. Climbed Claremont Canyon Hill. (Wed)
Residence-related:
1. Carpets steam cleaned in dining, hallway, living room and my room.
2. Fridge and freezer cleaned and disinfected.
3. Shower curtain replaced.
4. Diseased and gross geraniums disposed of and replaced with California natives that require little water (update: only one of these new plants is dying since being repotted). My balcony will hopefully be an urban jungle by next summer.
5. New pictures hung in the apartment.
Financial-things:
1. Called student loan hotline to confirm a few things....and got the help I needed.
2. Paid part of my fees.
Other:
1. Cute next-door dog, Lilly:
Car-related:
1. Car emissions tested. Car passed with flying colors.
2. Car registration renewed.
3. Berkeley annual parking pass procured.
4. New bumper sticker affixed.
Activity-related:
1. Ascended the summit of Mt. Livermore (that's on Angel Island)(Sat)
2. Walked-ran Strawberry Canyon Fire Trail (Fri)
3. Climbed Claremont Canyon Hill. (Wed)
Residence-related:
1. Carpets steam cleaned in dining, hallway, living room and my room.
2. Fridge and freezer cleaned and disinfected.
3. Shower curtain replaced.
4. Diseased and gross geraniums disposed of and replaced with California natives that require little water (update: only one of these new plants is dying since being repotted). My balcony will hopefully be an urban jungle by next summer.
5. New pictures hung in the apartment.
Financial-things:
1. Called student loan hotline to confirm a few things....and got the help I needed.
2. Paid part of my fees.
Other:
1. Cute next-door dog, Lilly:
Sunday, August 19, 2007
Adieu. Farewell.
I will miss Portland. The last couple months living here have been awesome. Most of all I will miss my sister. We had family portraits taken yesterday.
Sunday, August 12, 2007
Thirty
Gasworks Park by Richard Haig
Pipes are fun.
I sneaked in the fenced area to get this one...
Seattle skyline
Golden Retrievers at Marymoor Park
Friday, August 10, 2007
Best years to come
I am turning 30 tomorrow. Aye! What has the world come to? How did I start grad school at 26 (the young, vibrant mid-twenties) reach 30, and still find myself in essentially the same place as I was in 2004? It is really a mystery. (Drugs were not involved)
Last year I thought I would be celebrating this milestone in Spain. Lack of planning and buy-in from the potential financier of this journey (Mom) resulted in a downsizing of those plans. In early June we had thought Vancouver, BC would be a nice destination, and a decent compromise: still out of the US, supposed to be beautiful, etc. Again, lack of early planning made even those dreams fizzle by early July. Since then we have decided to still venture north, but our final destination is now Seattle, just a 3 hour drive from Stumptown.
These plans seemed solid and unbreakable (good hotel, good dinner reservation, good weather forecast, general excitement within the travel group) until Wednesday when I read in the paper that we are to expect many delays up the I-5 freeway. Apparently WDOT decided to close half of the lanes going through Seattle on my birthday weekend. Go figure.
We have a strategy though...forgo I-5 and head west to Bainbridge Island 50 miles south of Seattle. We will take the sunset ferry from the island to Seattle's Pier 52, thereby going around the bottleneck and delivering us only 4 blocks from our hotel accomodations. Yes, water travel can still trump car travel in times of construction.
So far, turning 30 has involved deflated expectations and logistical strategizing. And I am not even running for office. However, I remain positive. These are, afterall, supposed to be your most remarkable and productive years.
Update: The Fox is getting new spark plugs this weekend and perhaps a replacement to the fuse that lights up the AC and heat controls inside the car.
Last year I thought I would be celebrating this milestone in Spain. Lack of planning and buy-in from the potential financier of this journey (Mom) resulted in a downsizing of those plans. In early June we had thought Vancouver, BC would be a nice destination, and a decent compromise: still out of the US, supposed to be beautiful, etc. Again, lack of early planning made even those dreams fizzle by early July. Since then we have decided to still venture north, but our final destination is now Seattle, just a 3 hour drive from Stumptown.
These plans seemed solid and unbreakable (good hotel, good dinner reservation, good weather forecast, general excitement within the travel group) until Wednesday when I read in the paper that we are to expect many delays up the I-5 freeway. Apparently WDOT decided to close half of the lanes going through Seattle on my birthday weekend. Go figure.
We have a strategy though...forgo I-5 and head west to Bainbridge Island 50 miles south of Seattle. We will take the sunset ferry from the island to Seattle's Pier 52, thereby going around the bottleneck and delivering us only 4 blocks from our hotel accomodations. Yes, water travel can still trump car travel in times of construction.
So far, turning 30 has involved deflated expectations and logistical strategizing. And I am not even running for office. However, I remain positive. These are, afterall, supposed to be your most remarkable and productive years.
Update: The Fox is getting new spark plugs this weekend and perhaps a replacement to the fuse that lights up the AC and heat controls inside the car.
Wednesday, August 08, 2007
Fun with the Chipper
Have you ever come home to the ear-wrenching buzz of a wood chipper? My brother rented one last night. I couldn't help but think about that scene in Fargo.
Wednesday, August 01, 2007
Sunday, July 29, 2007
Coolest thing all summer
This morning in the park around 6:00am near my home I witnessed a physical battle between these two animals:
Common urban crow. See also, nuisance.
Some exotic falcon or hawk, species unknown.
When I arrived in the park after a run around the neighborhood, I noticed a particularly rowdy mob of crows. Usually, after the weekend picnics and barbecues that happen here, the crows are really obnoxious, jumping around each other, tearing garbage out of the bins, and basically making me want to kill them. This morning they were especially annoying. There must have been twenty of them fighting over a McDonald's 1/4 Pounder with Cheese wrapper. I found an old tennis ball under a tree and decided the moment was ripe for crow harassment. I kicked it at them and then proceeded to charge the moxley bunch, running full speed through them. They got all in an uproar and swooped around, screaming and flapping around like idiots. I continued to chase them around and picked up the trash they'd dragged out into 38th Street (a Dairy Queen bag with fries in it). At that point, I decided I'd had enough of them and started walking back through the park toward my house.
I noticed a non-crow bird in the park on the way past the play equipment. I stopped and decided to watch it for a minute. Non-crows are very unusual in Wilshire Park. Crows here seem to have taken over habitat of all native birds - no warblers, finches, or sparrows. You MIGHT see a robin once in a while but it is rare. In fact, you rarely see anything flying around this area of town that isn't a crow. It's really sad. So when I realized that this non-crow was actually a hawk, I was mesmerized. I looked at it for a while and was wondering what the hawk thought about all these bastard crows. It saw me, but it's attention was elsewhere. I assumed it was eyeing the 3-4 fat little squirrels running around nearby. But I was wrong.
Just like me, that hawk had its heart set on a little crow harassment! It let out one of those cool piercing hawk calls, and then swooped down and attacked a passing crow in mid-air. The crows went crazy. They didn't go after the hawk though, they just went back to their garbage.
I was so proud of the hawk. Maybe it saw me bothering them and got inspired, I don't know. For the next 5 minutes I watched that hawk dive-bomb those crows with a snarling vengeance. It was pissed. It kept letting out these great hawk calls everytime it attacked.
I left the park feeling upbeat but a little worried about the hawk, given that it was outnumbered easily 1:50 out there.
I am not sure exactly what kind of hawk it was, but it kind of looked like something called a Cooper's Hawk.
Common urban crow. See also, nuisance.
Some exotic falcon or hawk, species unknown.
When I arrived in the park after a run around the neighborhood, I noticed a particularly rowdy mob of crows. Usually, after the weekend picnics and barbecues that happen here, the crows are really obnoxious, jumping around each other, tearing garbage out of the bins, and basically making me want to kill them. This morning they were especially annoying. There must have been twenty of them fighting over a McDonald's 1/4 Pounder with Cheese wrapper. I found an old tennis ball under a tree and decided the moment was ripe for crow harassment. I kicked it at them and then proceeded to charge the moxley bunch, running full speed through them. They got all in an uproar and swooped around, screaming and flapping around like idiots. I continued to chase them around and picked up the trash they'd dragged out into 38th Street (a Dairy Queen bag with fries in it). At that point, I decided I'd had enough of them and started walking back through the park toward my house.
I noticed a non-crow bird in the park on the way past the play equipment. I stopped and decided to watch it for a minute. Non-crows are very unusual in Wilshire Park. Crows here seem to have taken over habitat of all native birds - no warblers, finches, or sparrows. You MIGHT see a robin once in a while but it is rare. In fact, you rarely see anything flying around this area of town that isn't a crow. It's really sad. So when I realized that this non-crow was actually a hawk, I was mesmerized. I looked at it for a while and was wondering what the hawk thought about all these bastard crows. It saw me, but it's attention was elsewhere. I assumed it was eyeing the 3-4 fat little squirrels running around nearby. But I was wrong.
Just like me, that hawk had its heart set on a little crow harassment! It let out one of those cool piercing hawk calls, and then swooped down and attacked a passing crow in mid-air. The crows went crazy. They didn't go after the hawk though, they just went back to their garbage.
I was so proud of the hawk. Maybe it saw me bothering them and got inspired, I don't know. For the next 5 minutes I watched that hawk dive-bomb those crows with a snarling vengeance. It was pissed. It kept letting out these great hawk calls everytime it attacked.
I left the park feeling upbeat but a little worried about the hawk, given that it was outnumbered easily 1:50 out there.
I am not sure exactly what kind of hawk it was, but it kind of looked like something called a Cooper's Hawk.
Friday, July 27, 2007
Sold
I usually sell about one item per year on Ebay. This year it was my sister's Blackberry 8703e device. That thing was snatched up in no less than one hour into the auction. I wonder if I priced it too low? Anyway, $175 has been transferred into my Paypal account and all I gots to do is wrap up the sucker and mail it off. The guy who bought it is named Hussein and he lives in Philadelphia. The ad cost me less than $4 to post, but I had a credit with Ebay.
Today is an exceptionally beautiful Friday. It is about 85F and sunny outside. By 6pm, temperatures will have dropped to a comfortable 77F. My sister and I are planning to bar hop on bikes. I am supposed to meet her at Thatch. From there we go to Vendetta. I am still brainstorming for the final destination.
Today is an exceptionally beautiful Friday. It is about 85F and sunny outside. By 6pm, temperatures will have dropped to a comfortable 77F. My sister and I are planning to bar hop on bikes. I am supposed to meet her at Thatch. From there we go to Vendetta. I am still brainstorming for the final destination.
Monday, July 23, 2007
Death on Grove Street
A woman died in some terrible shooting only about 2-3 blocks from my house in Berkeley. Here's the coverage in the Chronicle. I haven't ever had a tangle with danger although the area has its share of corner liquor stores and questionable street activity. During the busy part of the year, I walk home from campus at 2-3am more often than I should allow myself.
Sunday, July 22, 2007
Berry laden
My sister offered to give me her old blackberry (she bought it 7 mo. ago) in exchange for the phone I currently have (standard issue Verizon phone). Seems like a good deal on my end, but I am concerned about the monthly carriage fee. I will have to talk to the Verizon people (ech).
Currently I fork over about $50 including tax for my basic program. I would do the Blackberry if it cost no more than $20 more a month. Something tells me it would be more...
Currently I fork over about $50 including tax for my basic program. I would do the Blackberry if it cost no more than $20 more a month. Something tells me it would be more...
Saturday, July 21, 2007
Doings
Bought:
Peter Bjorn and John, Writer's Block
Spoon, Gagagagaga
Consumed:
Everett Street Bistro
Died:
Tammy Faye Messner
Viewed:
Once
Peter Bjorn and John, Writer's Block
Spoon, Gagagagaga
Consumed:
Everett Street Bistro
Died:
Tammy Faye Messner
Viewed:
Once
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Make a mistake, pay the price.
Ray messes up again this week...
This past weekend I was in San Francisco. What a nice break to take. Although my time in Portland so far has been awful swell, I kind of missed some friends and the familiar territory of the Bay Area. I spent most of my time in San Francisco. Saturday a series of missteps caused Jason and I to miss out on tickets to the Spoon show at Cafe du Nord (no hard feelings, Woody). However, we did hear the band warming up downstairs from the street around 6pm, so I figure that's fair.
Later, fresh from our bad luck, we met up with another comrade, Mr. Lee, who drank many bourbons in our company. I am always hot on recruiting new bourbon swilling buddies! Something about that Kentucky limestone produces a great beverage. And then some.
Sunday I continued damage control measures on the apartment and managed to make it back into the city around 6pm. I met Christina in Dolores Park with some tall boys and we proceeded to enjoy the urban scenery. After the beers were expired, we headed to Range where a very delicious meal was enjoyed.
I took the 6:30am flight out of Oakland, back in my work seat in Vancouver, WA by 8:51am.
Monday, July 16, 2007
American Wedding
Have you ever been to American wedding?
Where is the vodka, where's marinated herring?
Where is the supply that gonna last three days?
Where is the musicians that got the taste?
-Gogol Bordello, Gypsy Punks
Where is the vodka, where's marinated herring?
Where is the supply that gonna last three days?
Where is the musicians that got the taste?
-Gogol Bordello, Gypsy Punks
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Skate or die
This video was found today by our staff on YouTube. The skate park is a project in construction that the Vancouver Clark Parks and Recreation Dept. is building in east Vancouver. The place is closed because construction is still going on, but skateboarders have been sneaking into the place for the last few weeks after the crews leave.
As you will see, this skate park is going to be extremely popular. The subcontractor, Grindline, is a crew of experienced skaters who now design and build these skateparks in the Pacific Northwest. This skate park cost a pretty penny.
As you will see, this skate park is going to be extremely popular. The subcontractor, Grindline, is a crew of experienced skaters who now design and build these skateparks in the Pacific Northwest. This skate park cost a pretty penny.
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
I return
I return to the Bay Area this weekend for some much-deserved socializing and escape from the blistering weather of the Pacific NW. It's been in the 100s here. It reached 104 in Vancouver, WA, where I work, although I didn't notice it too much because I spent all day inside a refrigerator-esque office most of the day.
Later, I ventured up to Brush Prairie, WA to help with a public meeting to discuss with the community a regional trail project we are planning to build through a ton of people's backyards. It went surprisingly well, given that it's a property issue and it was the first time many people had heard it was going to happen.
Today, we hold the same meeting in the rural hamlet of Yacolt, WA. I am prepared to run into many cowboys, truck drivers, and other folks who have been deprived of an urban upbringing.
As for this weekend, it is fully booked. I simply hope no one cancels on me. That would mean spending time wandering around by myself, and I do that too much here in Portland as it is.
Later, I ventured up to Brush Prairie, WA to help with a public meeting to discuss with the community a regional trail project we are planning to build through a ton of people's backyards. It went surprisingly well, given that it's a property issue and it was the first time many people had heard it was going to happen.
Today, we hold the same meeting in the rural hamlet of Yacolt, WA. I am prepared to run into many cowboys, truck drivers, and other folks who have been deprived of an urban upbringing.
As for this weekend, it is fully booked. I simply hope no one cancels on me. That would mean spending time wandering around by myself, and I do that too much here in Portland as it is.
Saturday, July 07, 2007
Foie Gras PB & J
The evolution of traditional French cuisine has created sentiments of wonder, disdain, delight, and bewilderment in American restaurants advertising "modern" takes on timeless, classic dishes. With Bastille Day awaiting us at the end of the week, this entry highlights one of the things about French culture that never ceases to amuse me - their obsession of what is "French" and what is not. In this case I examine a dish called a "Foie Gras PB&J." Such delight can be found at Le Pigeon, one of Portland's hottest dining destinations.
The fusion of American sensibility and quality French ingredients has resulted in stranger things, of course, but few as delicious or unanticipated. In this experiement of savory and sweet, the goose liver is playing the role of peanut butter. No one forgot the strawberry preserves, either.
Our group of three enjoyed a full meal at Le Pigeon last night. No disappointments. I enjoyed the veal with corn - a braised, generous cut of veal (I rarely eat veal, but I will eat it at restaurants such as this one on occasion) floating on a layer of herb infused corn-studded butter reduction.
For dessert we had the honey cornbread with bacon and maple ice cream. Pork in dessert is certainly a dining fad I am willing to ride out for a while....
The fusion of American sensibility and quality French ingredients has resulted in stranger things, of course, but few as delicious or unanticipated. In this experiement of savory and sweet, the goose liver is playing the role of peanut butter. No one forgot the strawberry preserves, either.
Our group of three enjoyed a full meal at Le Pigeon last night. No disappointments. I enjoyed the veal with corn - a braised, generous cut of veal (I rarely eat veal, but I will eat it at restaurants such as this one on occasion) floating on a layer of herb infused corn-studded butter reduction.
For dessert we had the honey cornbread with bacon and maple ice cream. Pork in dessert is certainly a dining fad I am willing to ride out for a while....
Wednesday, July 04, 2007
Happy 231st
Happy 4th of July. I hope all of you out there will practice safety and not maim yourself or others with fireworks antics. How many people actually leave their homes at mid-afternoon to go stake out a spot along a waterfront or lakeside to watch professional fireworks displays?
Last year, I went to Buena Vista Park in SF to watch fireworks with Adam and his friends. It was nice, save for the beer that got spilled on our sitting area. We were so far away from the origination point of the show that I do not believe we could hear anything. I think that is an aspect of the show that goes unaccounted for. The screamers, whizzers, and array of other sounds are just as part of the holiday pyrotechnic tradition and the colorful and artful visual show that fireworks provide.
In other news, just in time for the holiday, our President commuted the sentence of a man who got in trouble because he did what the President's men told him to do. To add insult to injury, the $250K fine will probably be covered by donations in no time! He probably even has a new job already!
Last year, I went to Buena Vista Park in SF to watch fireworks with Adam and his friends. It was nice, save for the beer that got spilled on our sitting area. We were so far away from the origination point of the show that I do not believe we could hear anything. I think that is an aspect of the show that goes unaccounted for. The screamers, whizzers, and array of other sounds are just as part of the holiday pyrotechnic tradition and the colorful and artful visual show that fireworks provide.
In other news, just in time for the holiday, our President commuted the sentence of a man who got in trouble because he did what the President's men told him to do. To add insult to injury, the $250K fine will probably be covered by donations in no time! He probably even has a new job already!
Saturday, June 30, 2007
Rip City
In Portland, the big news the last two days is some tall guy from Ohio will play basketball here next fall. Whoooooopppeeeee is what I say. I guess I appreciate the monumentality of the first choice draft pick. However, I feel that the celebration they are having now is far too delayed. It's like finding out you won the lottery and having to wait a period of time to finally announce the amount of the winnings.
Anyway, people are excited about Greg Oden. I suspect most of the excitement and anticipation is what this means for Trailblazers season ticket sales. Apparently, they are up, too.
In other news - foiled UK car bombings, rat movies, iPhones, Putin in Maine, Family Jewels, and roid-rage...It's been a tremendous week!
I miss the Bay Area, but I realize I would be a tad bored there had I stayed this summer. I probably wouldn't have found full time work. My work in Portland (Vancouver) isn't really full time, although I am there 40 hours a week. But at least the tempo is increasing. Next week I will finally have a sizable amount of work to do. For the last three weeks I've only had enough workload to warrant a part-time gig. Hopefully it will continue to pile up. I am weird. I'd rather be overloaded with no end in sight than piddling around with 1 or 2 small scope projects on my snack plate.
Today I have to go to a birthday party for a one-year old. This will be interesting. I still haven't wrapped the book I purchased for Maddy. I better do that now.
Anyway, people are excited about Greg Oden. I suspect most of the excitement and anticipation is what this means for Trailblazers season ticket sales. Apparently, they are up, too.
In other news - foiled UK car bombings, rat movies, iPhones, Putin in Maine, Family Jewels, and roid-rage...It's been a tremendous week!
I miss the Bay Area, but I realize I would be a tad bored there had I stayed this summer. I probably wouldn't have found full time work. My work in Portland (Vancouver) isn't really full time, although I am there 40 hours a week. But at least the tempo is increasing. Next week I will finally have a sizable amount of work to do. For the last three weeks I've only had enough workload to warrant a part-time gig. Hopefully it will continue to pile up. I am weird. I'd rather be overloaded with no end in sight than piddling around with 1 or 2 small scope projects on my snack plate.
Today I have to go to a birthday party for a one-year old. This will be interesting. I still haven't wrapped the book I purchased for Maddy. I better do that now.
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Masu (east)
I went to a nice dining establishment tonight. I ate a tremendous amount of sushi and drank interesting lychee-accented libations. I tried something called a lotus roll. The unagi wasn't half bad, either.
And, to top things off, this Japanese restaurant did NOT offer mochi or green tea ice cream for dessert (snooze). In fact, we sampled American cherry pie and oozing chocolate egg rolls with raspberry ice cream.
Try to find THAT in Tokyo....I dare you.
And, to top things off, this Japanese restaurant did NOT offer mochi or green tea ice cream for dessert (snooze). In fact, we sampled American cherry pie and oozing chocolate egg rolls with raspberry ice cream.
Try to find THAT in Tokyo....I dare you.
Friday, June 22, 2007
House guest
4415 is graced with the presence of little Matty, a black lab mix. He will stay with us through Sunday when his owner gets back from Vegas.
Vegas, baby. Vegas.
If Matty's eyes look a little trippy, that is my fault. He had major red eye and I sloppily fixed it in Photoshop.
Vegas, baby. Vegas.
If Matty's eyes look a little trippy, that is my fault. He had major red eye and I sloppily fixed it in Photoshop.
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Delinquent
I haven't been my normal self for the last ten days or so. Hardly posting a thing - I guess no one reads this anyway - and being kind of in a dumpy mood. All this, despite the shiny new metal pedals and new brake pads I had installed on my bike. Pictures forthcoming...
Been attempting to resolve my melancholy with visits to EverydayMusic, usually at the late hours of the evening. I love the fact this place is open until midnight each night of the week. It is really a nice feature of this neighborhood. Now if they only had an ajoining bar with a handsome waiter...
Music to follow:
Blitzen Trapper, Wild Mountain Nation
These guys are local to Portland. Their new album got a solid review on Pitchfork.
Going to see Rufus here July 31 - his new album has a couple strong ballads, as usual. I'm going for the older stuff, though. I wonder if we will see his lederhosen?
Has anyone bought the new Clientele album? I'm curious.
In other news, my sister's house is getting A/C tomorrow. Not sure it really needs it, but I guess Mom is ponying up the money for it. You don't say no to Mom.
Been attempting to resolve my melancholy with visits to EverydayMusic, usually at the late hours of the evening. I love the fact this place is open until midnight each night of the week. It is really a nice feature of this neighborhood. Now if they only had an ajoining bar with a handsome waiter...
Music to follow:
Blitzen Trapper, Wild Mountain Nation
These guys are local to Portland. Their new album got a solid review on Pitchfork.
Going to see Rufus here July 31 - his new album has a couple strong ballads, as usual. I'm going for the older stuff, though. I wonder if we will see his lederhosen?
Has anyone bought the new Clientele album? I'm curious.
In other news, my sister's house is getting A/C tomorrow. Not sure it really needs it, but I guess Mom is ponying up the money for it. You don't say no to Mom.
Thursday, June 14, 2007
Slow times
I am convinced that I am possibly not meant to work in a traditional office, ever.
I go stir-crazy by 11am! Part of the problem right now is that the people I work with are too busy to delegate work to me. Today I spent my time putting together an introductory PowerPoint presentation on the county's trail and bikeway systems that can be used with groups like the Kiwanis Club or League of Women Voters. Pretty lame, but at least it kept me busy.
I am thinking that I will propose to go survey the 40 mile trail system in person - meaning I bring my bike to work and go out for an entire day to ride the trails. I actually think they would approve me to do that for TWO days in a row, if I sell it right. I like the idea of exercising on the government's dime...
Other than that, this weekend will be kind of fun. We start off with dinner to celebrate my friend Alexa's 30th. Saturday I will go for drinks and then enjoy the fine talents of the HBRSB. Sunday we journey to my mother's house, to have a Father's Day BBQ for my stepdad and brother (whose kids will be in town from Spokane).
Lots to do. How are you celebrating your father?
I go stir-crazy by 11am! Part of the problem right now is that the people I work with are too busy to delegate work to me. Today I spent my time putting together an introductory PowerPoint presentation on the county's trail and bikeway systems that can be used with groups like the Kiwanis Club or League of Women Voters. Pretty lame, but at least it kept me busy.
I am thinking that I will propose to go survey the 40 mile trail system in person - meaning I bring my bike to work and go out for an entire day to ride the trails. I actually think they would approve me to do that for TWO days in a row, if I sell it right. I like the idea of exercising on the government's dime...
Other than that, this weekend will be kind of fun. We start off with dinner to celebrate my friend Alexa's 30th. Saturday I will go for drinks and then enjoy the fine talents of the HBRSB. Sunday we journey to my mother's house, to have a Father's Day BBQ for my stepdad and brother (whose kids will be in town from Spokane).
Lots to do. How are you celebrating your father?
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Gypsy Blowout
On August 31 an amazing event will occur at The Fillmore in lovely San Francisco.
Arguably the most dynamic and amazing band is playing, the gypsy punks Gogol Bordello. I last saw them in Spring 2006 at Slim's. My concert going experiences up to that point were totally eclipsed by Eugene Hutz's physical dominance, defying theatrics, and spiritual dynamite. The Slavic-derived band is led by accomplished fiddlers, accordianists, guitarists and the pair of devastatingly beautiful drum maidens.
Anyone up for a life changing experience, let me know by next week when the tickets go on sale...otherwise check your local venues for their appearance. Their shows sell out fast.
Arguably the most dynamic and amazing band is playing, the gypsy punks Gogol Bordello. I last saw them in Spring 2006 at Slim's. My concert going experiences up to that point were totally eclipsed by Eugene Hutz's physical dominance, defying theatrics, and spiritual dynamite. The Slavic-derived band is led by accomplished fiddlers, accordianists, guitarists and the pair of devastatingly beautiful drum maidens.
Anyone up for a life changing experience, let me know by next week when the tickets go on sale...otherwise check your local venues for their appearance. Their shows sell out fast.
German cinema, offender crews
Tonight I went to go see a movie at the Fox Tower theaters at 10:10. I little late for a school night, some might say, but for me it was a necessity. A film I have been wanting to see for many months is only in theaters for a short time. I had to see it, otherwise I'd have to wait until late summer of fall to see it on DVD.
The movie was The Lives of Others. It was very good. I'd recently rented Goodbye, Lenin on video, so my head has recently been very engaged in the pre-Glastnost East Germany mindset. Very different movies but similar effect. All the performers in TLOO were outstanding.
Work today was also a new experience. My supervisor, Jane, told me that she wanted me to accompany her to some construction site checks. We visited two neighborhood parks in Vancouver currently in construction and talked to the PM (project manager) about the status of the work. While were were talking with him, I noticed what appeared to be a group of hired day laborers raking the soil for rocks by hand. It looked like pretty onerous work, I tell you what. I noticed they were all wearing various shades of red and pink t-shirts. I assumed nothing.
Soon enough, I heard the PM use the term "O-crew" and saw my colleagues nodding toward a gangly group of dudes hanging out, one leaning on his standard-issue rake. Assuming the worst, I figured they were convicted felons. Soon again, I heard the PM say that they've been doing good work so far, but once they get the playground equipment installed at the park the O-crew will not be coming back - just to be "safe".
From there, I surmised they were indeed felons, but also child sex offendors. Lovely.
There's nothing like an honest day out at the park to meet the trusted workforce, eh?
The movie was The Lives of Others. It was very good. I'd recently rented Goodbye, Lenin on video, so my head has recently been very engaged in the pre-Glastnost East Germany mindset. Very different movies but similar effect. All the performers in TLOO were outstanding.
Work today was also a new experience. My supervisor, Jane, told me that she wanted me to accompany her to some construction site checks. We visited two neighborhood parks in Vancouver currently in construction and talked to the PM (project manager) about the status of the work. While were were talking with him, I noticed what appeared to be a group of hired day laborers raking the soil for rocks by hand. It looked like pretty onerous work, I tell you what. I noticed they were all wearing various shades of red and pink t-shirts. I assumed nothing.
Soon enough, I heard the PM use the term "O-crew" and saw my colleagues nodding toward a gangly group of dudes hanging out, one leaning on his standard-issue rake. Assuming the worst, I figured they were convicted felons. Soon again, I heard the PM say that they've been doing good work so far, but once they get the playground equipment installed at the park the O-crew will not be coming back - just to be "safe".
From there, I surmised they were indeed felons, but also child sex offendors. Lovely.
There's nothing like an honest day out at the park to meet the trusted workforce, eh?
Saturday, June 09, 2007
A Saturday in June with rain.
Having not spent one single significant part of the month of June in Portland since 1997, I kind of forgot about the prevailing weather patterns that exist here. In May it is nice and sunny, as most places are. In June, progress takes a pause and the rain returns. It was 57 degrees and cloudy yesterday, all day, until about 4 when it got sunny for one hour.
I woke up with hopes of a sunny weekend, but it is raining and cold. 56 degrees cold. I am sitting here in my running clothes waiting for a break in the down pour.
And I wait.
I woke up with hopes of a sunny weekend, but it is raining and cold. 56 degrees cold. I am sitting here in my running clothes waiting for a break in the down pour.
And I wait.
Tuesday, June 05, 2007
Your dedicated City of Vancouver employee
Yesterday I finally accepted the internship at the City of Vancouver's Parks and Recreation Department. Sure, it's not as sexy as some other companies or firms, but it will prove to be challenging and hopefully fruitful.
Here is a short list of the projects they proposed to me:
1. Develop concept designs for potential acquisition properties (land that old or dying people might donate to the district on the condition they like our proposals for)
2. Develop a composite map illustrating annexation and growth boundary changes as they relate to existing boudaries and park districts.
3. Finalize site selection and develop conceptual course designs for a community disc golf facility; work with local disc club to develop partnership guidlines, draft agreement.
4. Develop a conceptual design for a trail linkage system.
5. Develop revised policies and program for Vancouver off leash-facilities, including guidelines for site selection.
On an unrelated note, my "f" key is stuck on my laptop. I suspect a stubborn sesame seed or something lodged under there.
Here is a short list of the projects they proposed to me:
1. Develop concept designs for potential acquisition properties (land that old or dying people might donate to the district on the condition they like our proposals for)
2. Develop a composite map illustrating annexation and growth boundary changes as they relate to existing boudaries and park districts.
3. Finalize site selection and develop conceptual course designs for a community disc golf facility; work with local disc club to develop partnership guidlines, draft agreement.
4. Develop a conceptual design for a trail linkage system.
5. Develop revised policies and program for Vancouver off leash-facilities, including guidelines for site selection.
On an unrelated note, my "f" key is stuck on my laptop. I suspect a stubborn sesame seed or something lodged under there.
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