I am here in Portland. I just got here a few minutes ago. I have some job interview appts. tomorrow so I had to race in here to check the ol' Gmail account. Things look ok, but I didn't schedule enough wiggle room between the appointments. I just put a phone call in to Employer #1 asking if we can move the appt. up an hour. Waiting to hear back on that one....
The drive up was generally uneventful except for about 5 minutes this morning when my car wouldn't go faster than 30 mph (in 3rd gear) on Interstate 5. Sitting overnight in the cool parking lot, I think the Fox didn't expect such a long day on the road again so soon and its internal gears, pumps and gaskets went into hibernation mode. I am not too surprised, something has always been wrong with the fuel injection or pump system. It probably needs a repair or replacement. Luckily the car recovered after only about 5 minutes and I was soon accelerating like normal. That would have made a very long day - driving on the shoulder up I-5 at 30-35mph. Not my idea of swift transport.
Out to wash the car. A little pampering goes a long way with a character like this....
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
Grants Pass, Holiday Inn Express
Today I left the Bay Area to go to Portland. I intended to leave my apt. in Berkeley before 9am on Tuesday in order to get to Portland before 6pm. That goal, however, was quickly determined unreachable due to the fact I didn't leave Berkeley until nearly 1pm. I'd been out the previous Monday night drinking too much. By the time I got home on that night, all I was prepared to do was head to bed - packing was yet again delayed.
I rolled into Redding, CA a little bit before 4pm today. For some odd reason, I had a notion in my head that Redding was very near the Oregon border. Sadly, I learned it is NOT. In fact, it is at least 3 hours from the damn border! And you have to go up a treacherous mountain range to get to the border. Along the way, there is a town called Weed, CA that I never seemed to actually reach. Twenty odd miles past what I thought was downtown Weed, I ran into the Weed Municipal Airport. I just kept wondering where the hell did Oregon start. Who gives a flying hoot about Weed.
I thought I could make it to Portland in one long stretch, but then I thought about my sad aging vehicle. Since it arrived in Berkeley in Sept. 2005 the thing has essentially been in automobile retirement. Pulling nearly 400 miles today probably stunned it a bit. I decided to pull into a new hotel in Grants Pass, OR to let the little soldier rest a bit.
Arriving in the parking lot of the Holiday Inn Express, I crossed what I later learned was a family barbeque. A family traveling in several large vehicles and what appeared to be a horse trailer were actually firing up a Weber grill right outside the south entrance. They were also smoking and drinking tall boys of Bud. Nice people - they asked if they could help me with the door as I moved my bicycle off the car bike rack into my room.
I watched some cable television special tonight hosted by Walter Cronkite. The special was about war correspondents in Europe during WW2. Very interesting. BTW, on Saturday I saw a great documentary about the looting of artwork and other masterpieces during WW2, which I highly recommend. Entitled, The Rape of Europa, it is playing in the Bay Area now as part of a film festival.
More from the road tomorrow, hopefully terminating in my arrival to Portland before noon PST.
I rolled into Redding, CA a little bit before 4pm today. For some odd reason, I had a notion in my head that Redding was very near the Oregon border. Sadly, I learned it is NOT. In fact, it is at least 3 hours from the damn border! And you have to go up a treacherous mountain range to get to the border. Along the way, there is a town called Weed, CA that I never seemed to actually reach. Twenty odd miles past what I thought was downtown Weed, I ran into the Weed Municipal Airport. I just kept wondering where the hell did Oregon start. Who gives a flying hoot about Weed.
I thought I could make it to Portland in one long stretch, but then I thought about my sad aging vehicle. Since it arrived in Berkeley in Sept. 2005 the thing has essentially been in automobile retirement. Pulling nearly 400 miles today probably stunned it a bit. I decided to pull into a new hotel in Grants Pass, OR to let the little soldier rest a bit.
Arriving in the parking lot of the Holiday Inn Express, I crossed what I later learned was a family barbeque. A family traveling in several large vehicles and what appeared to be a horse trailer were actually firing up a Weber grill right outside the south entrance. They were also smoking and drinking tall boys of Bud. Nice people - they asked if they could help me with the door as I moved my bicycle off the car bike rack into my room.
I watched some cable television special tonight hosted by Walter Cronkite. The special was about war correspondents in Europe during WW2. Very interesting. BTW, on Saturday I saw a great documentary about the looting of artwork and other masterpieces during WW2, which I highly recommend. Entitled, The Rape of Europa, it is playing in the Bay Area now as part of a film festival.
More from the road tomorrow, hopefully terminating in my arrival to Portland before noon PST.
Sunday, May 27, 2007
One mistruth begets another
I have this bad habit of trying to soften news I have to break people by not being completely up front with them. The intention is well-meaning; I simply do not want to make anyone unhappy or uncomfortable if I can help it. While unhappiness in this situation is probably inevitable, I have this idea in my head that delayed unhappiness is the lesser of two evils one should suffer from. However, this line of thinking tends to get me in a little hot water now and then, such as this week.
The lesson I've learned is simple. Be straight with people! You'd think I would know that one by now. Eh....
The shit is getting prepared to hit the proverbial fan. Let's hope it's no big deal and I am concerned over nothing.
The lesson I've learned is simple. Be straight with people! You'd think I would know that one by now. Eh....
The shit is getting prepared to hit the proverbial fan. Let's hope it's no big deal and I am concerned over nothing.
Thursday, May 24, 2007
Email to the phone piece
Monday, May 21, 2007
I'm Done. Africa's colleges.
This article made my otherwise cheerful Sunday pretty depressing:
Africa's Storied Colleges, Jammed and Crumbling
The Gates Foundation should address the issue of higher ed in places like Africa...help these places get on their feet. Without some kind of intervention, the next several generations of young Africans will be underserved by their institutions of higher learning. These young people are the ones that stand to benefit the most from quality higher ed like no other group in the world. I've been wondering about this issue for quite a long time. Take a peek at the photo slideshow, too, it's a goodie.
By the way, I am done. DONE. School's out for the summer. My last task was going back to Wurster Hall on Friday night at 10:30 and putting the rest of my studio crap into my car. Where it remains at this very moment.
Today I attended the landscape graduation at Blake Garden where I consumed many dixie cups of champagne. Tomorrow morning, I will attend another quick graduation to see my roommate and Jean Paul graduate...followed by dixie cups of champagne. Then I go to Jiffy Lube. Then I go into the city for diversions.
This week will be a whirlwind of social outings, errands, packing, interviewing, and cramming. In no particular order.
Africa's Storied Colleges, Jammed and Crumbling
The Gates Foundation should address the issue of higher ed in places like Africa...help these places get on their feet. Without some kind of intervention, the next several generations of young Africans will be underserved by their institutions of higher learning. These young people are the ones that stand to benefit the most from quality higher ed like no other group in the world. I've been wondering about this issue for quite a long time. Take a peek at the photo slideshow, too, it's a goodie.
By the way, I am done. DONE. School's out for the summer. My last task was going back to Wurster Hall on Friday night at 10:30 and putting the rest of my studio crap into my car. Where it remains at this very moment.
Today I attended the landscape graduation at Blake Garden where I consumed many dixie cups of champagne. Tomorrow morning, I will attend another quick graduation to see my roommate and Jean Paul graduate...followed by dixie cups of champagne. Then I go to Jiffy Lube. Then I go into the city for diversions.
This week will be a whirlwind of social outings, errands, packing, interviewing, and cramming. In no particular order.
Thursday, May 17, 2007
Mess
By Friday COB I have to clean out my spot in the studio. Somehow, between Jan and Feb, I managed to take over another neighboring desk that was empty. So now I have two full desks to clean out. You wouldn't believe the shit I've been finding under all these papers! I just found a $10 bill and some expensive jewelry I thought I lost on a field trip.
One thing to take home from the first year in design school: This work is wasteful (in terms of materials) and not easy to store. It's not like with books, where you can neatly throw them on a shelf. I have a stack of large format posters, 10 pounds of clay, a Mayline, two 36' metal rulers, two grocery bags scrap modeling wood (this shit is expensive, so you save the scraps), a 3'x3' piece of 1/4" plywood and a 42" Borco mat to take back to my apartment. Plus about 5 books. We use those, too, sometimes.
One thing to take home from the first year in design school: This work is wasteful (in terms of materials) and not easy to store. It's not like with books, where you can neatly throw them on a shelf. I have a stack of large format posters, 10 pounds of clay, a Mayline, two 36' metal rulers, two grocery bags scrap modeling wood (this shit is expensive, so you save the scraps), a 3'x3' piece of 1/4" plywood and a 42" Borco mat to take back to my apartment. Plus about 5 books. We use those, too, sometimes.
Monday, May 14, 2007
Worthy cause...
Recently, the roller derby ladies of the Bay Area got the boot from Dry Ice. All matches since late March have been cancelled. I hate to say this, but I kind of agree with the Fire Marshall. The facility is nice that it is small, but the way they pile the people in there (and allow then to sit IN the rink guzzling beer where there are only 2 teeny access exits) is just asking for a lawsuit. Not that I'd have it any other way....but I understand.
The Derby Girls are having a fundraiser in their quest to locate a new practice and performance space. Good luck.
The Derby Girls are having a fundraiser in their quest to locate a new practice and performance space. Good luck.
Sunday, May 13, 2007
Chocolate, textures, glue, Hotmail guy
Here are some things I recently decided I like:
Alter Eco dark chocolate with a dabble of milk chocolate.
Mayang's Texture Library
This site basically makes my life as a computer monkey much easier.
Weldbond Glue
This glue puts Elmer's to shame.
Us over at 3110 Grove Street in Berkeley hosted a rather successful end-of-the-year blow out celebration last Friday. Countless beers were consumed as was a 2.5 liter jug of Maker's Mark. As a Maker's honorary ambassador, I am obligated to serve copious amounts of this special bourbon at any social function I host or help host.
Aside from the good times had from the consumption of Kentucky moonshine, we had an notable guest at our party. The founder of Hotmail, Sabeer Bhatia, showed up at my crummy apartment.
This is Sabeer.
At one point in the evening, someone told me that a rich dude was at my party. Later, I saw some chap I didn't recognize in my kitchen doing yoga poses with some Brazilian ladies who my roommate Pedro invited. I assumed it was the Hotmail guy. Turns out I was right. I later found out my friend Stefan invited Sabeer to our party, so it wasn't like he just showed up unannounced. I wonder if he noticed our dirty carpet...
Alter Eco dark chocolate with a dabble of milk chocolate.
Mayang's Texture Library
This site basically makes my life as a computer monkey much easier.
Weldbond Glue
This glue puts Elmer's to shame.
Us over at 3110 Grove Street in Berkeley hosted a rather successful end-of-the-year blow out celebration last Friday. Countless beers were consumed as was a 2.5 liter jug of Maker's Mark. As a Maker's honorary ambassador, I am obligated to serve copious amounts of this special bourbon at any social function I host or help host.
Aside from the good times had from the consumption of Kentucky moonshine, we had an notable guest at our party. The founder of Hotmail, Sabeer Bhatia, showed up at my crummy apartment.
This is Sabeer.
At one point in the evening, someone told me that a rich dude was at my party. Later, I saw some chap I didn't recognize in my kitchen doing yoga poses with some Brazilian ladies who my roommate Pedro invited. I assumed it was the Hotmail guy. Turns out I was right. I later found out my friend Stefan invited Sabeer to our party, so it wasn't like he just showed up unannounced. I wonder if he noticed our dirty carpet...
Tuesday, May 08, 2007
Haleh Esfandiari
You know the world is a messed up place when someone you used to work with gets sent to an Iranian prison...
Haleh, I hope to all that is holy that Lee Hamilton can get you out of there. If anyone can do it, it is Lee. You are a strong woman but you need help to get out of this one I fear.
My prayers are with you and Shaul.
******************
Tehran Jails Iranian American Scholar After Long House Arrest
By Robin Wright
Washington Post Staff Writer
Wednesday, May 9, 2007; Page A12
Iran yesterday detained prominent American academic Haleh Esfandiari, director of the Middle East Program at the Smithsonian Institution's Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, according to center president and director Lee H. Hamilton and Esfandiari's husband.
Esfandiari, a dual U.S.-Iranian citizen who has lived in the United States for more than a quarter-century, has been under virtual house arrest since December, when the government refused to allow her to leave Iran after visiting her 93-year-old mother. Since then, she has been summoned repeatedly for interrogations by intelligence officials about U.S. programs on Iran. In particular, she was questioned about Iran programs at the Wilson Center, one of Washington's most prominent foreign policy think tanks.
Esfandiari was summoned by the intelligence ministry again yesterday but was then taken to Tehran's notorious Evin Prison, the sources said.
Esfandiari is one of three "soft hostages," all dual U.S.-Iranian nationals, whose passports have been confiscated by the Iranian government, rendering them unable to leave the country.
The United States has not faced such tension over Americans held in Iran since the 1979-1981 hostage crisis, when 52 Americans were held for 444 days. Until Esfandiari' s detention yesterday, the Wilson Center and her family had sought to avoid publicity in hopes that she would be granted a new passport.
Esfandiari and the other soft hostages appear caught up in an Iranian reaction to the Bush administration's $75 million program to promote democracy in Iran, which was unveiled last year. Tehran has since cracked down on human rights advocates, labor groups and women's rights campaigners, according to human rights activists.
"The government's justification for these actions is usually couched as a response to the State Department's announcement to provide financial support to Iranian civil society and nongovernment organizations," said Hadi Ghaemi of Human Rights Watch. "This has fueled a perception among the Iranian politicians that the U.S. is committed to instigating a 'velvet revolution' in Iran. Ironically, the Iranian Americans who travel to Iran mostly stay away from politics and are not by any means part of the 'regime change' advocates. But they have become pawns in the hands of Iranian government as it charts its strategy in engaging with the U.S."
During her interrogations, Esfandiari was pressured to make false confessions or to falsely implicate the Wilson Center in activities in which it had no role, Hamilton said. Esfandiari was contacted again a few days ago and asked to "cooperate" with intelligence ministry officials, which she refused. On Monday she was told to report to the Ministry of Intelligence again. When she arrived yesterday, she was taken to Evin Prison. It is unclear whether she has been formally charged with any offense.
Hamilton, a former congressman and Iraq Study Group co-chairman, wrote Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad on Feb. 20 appealing for Esfandiari to be allowed to leave. "I said the Wilson Center did not receive any money from the U.S. government for the purpose of trying to influence or to determine specific policies or direction of the Iranian government," Hamilton said in an interview yesterday. "We've been very transparent about our dealings. . . . We have offered a wide array of viewpoints. That's our role."
In a subsequent conference call with reporters, he added, "The interrogators could have gotten all the information with a few clicks on the Wilson Center Web site."
Hamilton's Iraq Study Group report in December urged the Bush administration to deal with Tehran on the issue of Iraq. "It is our view that in diplomacy, a nation can and should engage its adversaries and enemies to try to resolve conflicts and differences," the report said. "Diplomatic talks should be extensive and substantive." The Wilson Center did not receive a response from the Iranian president's office.
Esfandiari has brought in many scholars and analysts from Tehran to speak at the Wilson Center, one of the few places in Washington to offer a robust range of opinions on Iran. "The irony is, in Washington she faced criticism for bringing in people who were sympathetic to the Iranian government," said Karim Sadjadpour of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. "By detaining her the Iranian government only eliminates an advocate for diplomacy and strengthens the voices of those in Washington who say the regime is cruel and should not be engaged."
The ordeal for Esfandiari, a Potomac resident married to George Mason University professor Shaul Bakhash, began Dec. 30 when she was on her way to the airport to return to Washington and her taxi was stopped by three men with knives who threatened to kill her. They took her belongings, including her Iranian and U.S. passports. When she tried to get a replacement passport, she was "invited" to an interview with a man from Iran's Ministry of Intelligence. Interrogations continued almost daily for six weeks, up to eight hours a day. She was allowed to return to her mother's home at night.
Iran confiscated the passport of Radio Farda correspondent Parnaz Azima when she arrived in Tehran in January, also to see an ailing mother. She, too, has undergone interrogations and was asked to collaborate with intelligence, according to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty President Jeffrey Gedmin. Azima's attorney was told last month that she would have to stay in Iran "two or three years." The third, who does not want to be identified, was refused her passport and right to leave the country for six months.
A fourth American, former FBI agent Robert A. Levinson, disappeared after he flew to Iran's Kish Island in March. Tehran has denied any knowledge of Levinson's location.
Haleh, I hope to all that is holy that Lee Hamilton can get you out of there. If anyone can do it, it is Lee. You are a strong woman but you need help to get out of this one I fear.
My prayers are with you and Shaul.
******************
Tehran Jails Iranian American Scholar After Long House Arrest
By Robin Wright
Washington Post Staff Writer
Wednesday, May 9, 2007; Page A12
Iran yesterday detained prominent American academic Haleh Esfandiari, director of the Middle East Program at the Smithsonian Institution's Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, according to center president and director Lee H. Hamilton and Esfandiari's husband.
Esfandiari, a dual U.S.-Iranian citizen who has lived in the United States for more than a quarter-century, has been under virtual house arrest since December, when the government refused to allow her to leave Iran after visiting her 93-year-old mother. Since then, she has been summoned repeatedly for interrogations by intelligence officials about U.S. programs on Iran. In particular, she was questioned about Iran programs at the Wilson Center, one of Washington's most prominent foreign policy think tanks.
Esfandiari was summoned by the intelligence ministry again yesterday but was then taken to Tehran's notorious Evin Prison, the sources said.
Esfandiari is one of three "soft hostages," all dual U.S.-Iranian nationals, whose passports have been confiscated by the Iranian government, rendering them unable to leave the country.
The United States has not faced such tension over Americans held in Iran since the 1979-1981 hostage crisis, when 52 Americans were held for 444 days. Until Esfandiari' s detention yesterday, the Wilson Center and her family had sought to avoid publicity in hopes that she would be granted a new passport.
Esfandiari and the other soft hostages appear caught up in an Iranian reaction to the Bush administration's $75 million program to promote democracy in Iran, which was unveiled last year. Tehran has since cracked down on human rights advocates, labor groups and women's rights campaigners, according to human rights activists.
"The government's justification for these actions is usually couched as a response to the State Department's announcement to provide financial support to Iranian civil society and nongovernment organizations," said Hadi Ghaemi of Human Rights Watch. "This has fueled a perception among the Iranian politicians that the U.S. is committed to instigating a 'velvet revolution' in Iran. Ironically, the Iranian Americans who travel to Iran mostly stay away from politics and are not by any means part of the 'regime change' advocates. But they have become pawns in the hands of Iranian government as it charts its strategy in engaging with the U.S."
During her interrogations, Esfandiari was pressured to make false confessions or to falsely implicate the Wilson Center in activities in which it had no role, Hamilton said. Esfandiari was contacted again a few days ago and asked to "cooperate" with intelligence ministry officials, which she refused. On Monday she was told to report to the Ministry of Intelligence again. When she arrived yesterday, she was taken to Evin Prison. It is unclear whether she has been formally charged with any offense.
Hamilton, a former congressman and Iraq Study Group co-chairman, wrote Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad on Feb. 20 appealing for Esfandiari to be allowed to leave. "I said the Wilson Center did not receive any money from the U.S. government for the purpose of trying to influence or to determine specific policies or direction of the Iranian government," Hamilton said in an interview yesterday. "We've been very transparent about our dealings. . . . We have offered a wide array of viewpoints. That's our role."
In a subsequent conference call with reporters, he added, "The interrogators could have gotten all the information with a few clicks on the Wilson Center Web site."
Hamilton's Iraq Study Group report in December urged the Bush administration to deal with Tehran on the issue of Iraq. "It is our view that in diplomacy, a nation can and should engage its adversaries and enemies to try to resolve conflicts and differences," the report said. "Diplomatic talks should be extensive and substantive." The Wilson Center did not receive a response from the Iranian president's office.
Esfandiari has brought in many scholars and analysts from Tehran to speak at the Wilson Center, one of the few places in Washington to offer a robust range of opinions on Iran. "The irony is, in Washington she faced criticism for bringing in people who were sympathetic to the Iranian government," said Karim Sadjadpour of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. "By detaining her the Iranian government only eliminates an advocate for diplomacy and strengthens the voices of those in Washington who say the regime is cruel and should not be engaged."
The ordeal for Esfandiari, a Potomac resident married to George Mason University professor Shaul Bakhash, began Dec. 30 when she was on her way to the airport to return to Washington and her taxi was stopped by three men with knives who threatened to kill her. They took her belongings, including her Iranian and U.S. passports. When she tried to get a replacement passport, she was "invited" to an interview with a man from Iran's Ministry of Intelligence. Interrogations continued almost daily for six weeks, up to eight hours a day. She was allowed to return to her mother's home at night.
Iran confiscated the passport of Radio Farda correspondent Parnaz Azima when she arrived in Tehran in January, also to see an ailing mother. She, too, has undergone interrogations and was asked to collaborate with intelligence, according to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty President Jeffrey Gedmin. Azima's attorney was told last month that she would have to stay in Iran "two or three years." The third, who does not want to be identified, was refused her passport and right to leave the country for six months.
A fourth American, former FBI agent Robert A. Levinson, disappeared after he flew to Iran's Kish Island in March. Tehran has denied any knowledge of Levinson's location.
Sunday, May 06, 2007
Wednesday, May 02, 2007
Today's earthquake
A mere 3.0, but Wurster Hall shook up a little bit over here in Berkeley. That's 10 stories of Cold-War era concrete moving around.
Side note: I find it a little troubling that this is the type of map the USGS web site still uses to notify people of where an earthquake took place. It looks like something from 1973. I don't even thing the bridge interchange is like that anymore and I don't know what the radio tower is.
Side note: I find it a little troubling that this is the type of map the USGS web site still uses to notify people of where an earthquake took place. It looks like something from 1973. I don't even thing the bridge interchange is like that anymore and I don't know what the radio tower is.
I'm under 100
For the first time in five years, my LDL cholesterol is under 100. Usually, I run about 120, which causes my doctor a little disdain.
I have nothing to really attribute this point loss to other than the fact that I regularly take a lot of fish and flax oil. I began taking the oil every morning at the request of my eye doctor in January 2006. Taking a mixture of fish, flax and borage oils can help relieve dry eye symptoms, especially in the post-opt period after lasik eye surgery.
Apparently, it can also be correlated to improved circulatory health as well.
I have nothing to really attribute this point loss to other than the fact that I regularly take a lot of fish and flax oil. I began taking the oil every morning at the request of my eye doctor in January 2006. Taking a mixture of fish, flax and borage oils can help relieve dry eye symptoms, especially in the post-opt period after lasik eye surgery.
Apparently, it can also be correlated to improved circulatory health as well.
Tuesday, May 01, 2007
Albums to pick up...
Sondre Lerche, Two Way Monologue
Kings of Leon, Because of the Times (unfavorably reviewed by Pitchfork)
Bjork, Volta
Panda Bear, Person Pitch
Kings of Leon, Because of the Times (unfavorably reviewed by Pitchfork)
Bjork, Volta
Panda Bear, Person Pitch
Monday, April 30, 2007
Photoshop collage
Here is one of the multitude of Photoshop collages I will do over the next two years. God help me.
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Kites, jobs (or lack thereof), relocation
Quick updates on the fly:
Tomorrow, Thursday, April 26, 3-6pm at Cesar Chavez Park in Berkeley there will be an amazing feat of kite flying. Students in our department have organized a great afternoon to make and launch kites. Prizes for person most able to maneuver. It shall be grand and amazing. We're closing the waterfront side of the park for OUR purposes ONLY, which is to drink free beer (hopefully), let loose on the kites, and maybe even play some frisbee when our kites fall apart in the wind. Throw in some cartwheels and photo opts while you're at it. Kind of wish I had a real kite...
No job leads for me yet. I am concerned, yet optimistic. The game plan is to relocate to Portland for the summer unless something comes up down here. I figure I can live for free in Stumptown and I'm ripe for a change of venues, anyway. I will look for some kind of menial service work if all else fails (and it probably will!).
I just at a box of Good & Plenty. Now I will close up shop here at school, and wander down to catch the Door-to-Door shuttle.
Long day, but a good one.
Tomorrow, Thursday, April 26, 3-6pm at Cesar Chavez Park in Berkeley there will be an amazing feat of kite flying. Students in our department have organized a great afternoon to make and launch kites. Prizes for person most able to maneuver. It shall be grand and amazing. We're closing the waterfront side of the park for OUR purposes ONLY, which is to drink free beer (hopefully), let loose on the kites, and maybe even play some frisbee when our kites fall apart in the wind. Throw in some cartwheels and photo opts while you're at it. Kind of wish I had a real kite...
No job leads for me yet. I am concerned, yet optimistic. The game plan is to relocate to Portland for the summer unless something comes up down here. I figure I can live for free in Stumptown and I'm ripe for a change of venues, anyway. I will look for some kind of menial service work if all else fails (and it probably will!).
I just at a box of Good & Plenty. Now I will close up shop here at school, and wander down to catch the Door-to-Door shuttle.
Long day, but a good one.
Monday, April 23, 2007
Saturday, April 21, 2007
Some new clothes, a fundraiser, and Spats
Nothing has been happening on this blog lately, save for a rollerskating ipod-listening Ray Smuckles. My life has been kind of boring lately, just working a lot, and feeling depressed about not having a job. The big job I wanted in Portland I ended up not getting. Not really a huge surprise, but I was actually hopeful about it. So now I have to figure out a backup plan. I wish I had more time to devote to this.
Last weekend I went to crappy Bay Street and bought some clothes. They weren't fun clothes, but just some things that I needed - jeans, sweater, tank top, and pants. I was quite economical in procuring the items. I spent about $250 in 2 hours. I felt good that I got something out of it. Spending time shopping and coming home empty handed is more than frustrating.
Saturday night I am going to a fundraiser in the Haight in the honor of Kaye Bock. She was our graduate advisor who suddenly died in January. People have raised several thousands of dollars since then to create a memorial scholarship in her name to help graduate students entering the city planning program at Berkeley. There are several fundraisers happening over the next few weeks. I have a ton of work to do, but I am going to cut studio and go to this fundraiser. It should be a nice party.
Thursday night some of my classmates took one of the undergrads in our department out to celebrate his 21st birthday. It's kind of strange, but all of us old folks have a great friendship with him, and we were all really happy to take him out to the bars. I think he had a good time, despite the fact we ended up at one of the creepier bars ever, Spats on Shattuck. They have a very precise bartender and a list of some of the weirdest drinks ever. I give them points for detail and presentation. The "Fog-cutter" is such a drink that draws wows. It's a small snifter glass serves on top of a large mug with dry ice in it. It comes to the table billowing fog. What I didn't know about dry ice until last night is that it is actually a heat-expelling reaction. The dry ice gives off heat as it interacts with air. I had no idea about that one.
Last weekend I went to crappy Bay Street and bought some clothes. They weren't fun clothes, but just some things that I needed - jeans, sweater, tank top, and pants. I was quite economical in procuring the items. I spent about $250 in 2 hours. I felt good that I got something out of it. Spending time shopping and coming home empty handed is more than frustrating.
Saturday night I am going to a fundraiser in the Haight in the honor of Kaye Bock. She was our graduate advisor who suddenly died in January. People have raised several thousands of dollars since then to create a memorial scholarship in her name to help graduate students entering the city planning program at Berkeley. There are several fundraisers happening over the next few weeks. I have a ton of work to do, but I am going to cut studio and go to this fundraiser. It should be a nice party.
Thursday night some of my classmates took one of the undergrads in our department out to celebrate his 21st birthday. It's kind of strange, but all of us old folks have a great friendship with him, and we were all really happy to take him out to the bars. I think he had a good time, despite the fact we ended up at one of the creepier bars ever, Spats on Shattuck. They have a very precise bartender and a list of some of the weirdest drinks ever. I give them points for detail and presentation. The "Fog-cutter" is such a drink that draws wows. It's a small snifter glass serves on top of a large mug with dry ice in it. It comes to the table billowing fog. What I didn't know about dry ice until last night is that it is actually a heat-expelling reaction. The dry ice gives off heat as it interacts with air. I had no idea about that one.
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
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