Well, like many Americans, I shopped for a Father's Day card this week. After looking at five stores for the perfect card for Dad, I'm left with this burning question: Why do greeting card makers lie? They don't just fudge a little or embellish the truth a hair. They flat out lie when they write these cards. I have never met a father anything like the uber-dads these cards fabricate. Card after card carried sentiments that I would never express to my father.
Each year, I've been able to find a card that said something like, "Dad, happy Father's Day. I love you." It's usually a search, but it's never been like this before; I mean, five stores! It took that long to find a card that listed qualities that my dad actually posesses without sinking into hyperbole.
Is my Dad a criminal? Is he an abusive animal? No! He's a stand-up guy: honest, brave, caring, true (a real-life Boy Scout - literally, he was a troup leader and everything!) One of the things I respect the most about my father is that he is a great Dad, always giving me the best he had - always there for me - in spite of his weaknesses and shortcomings. And because he isn't perfect, he doesn't expect me to be. But the cards I found this week were written about somebody who doesn't exist - a super father who never makes mistakes. Or else, they were crude and insulting attempts at juvenile humor, or something meant to be given by a five-year-old.
So, I'm throwing this wish out into cyberspace: I'd like a line of Father's day cards with realistic, honest, simple sentiments. Or even better, a nice card that says, "Happy Father's Day" on the cover and is blank on the inside. Maybe next year, I'll just write him a letter. He'd probably like that better, anyway.
Friday, June 16, 2006
Thursday, June 15, 2006
DINNER TIME
Tonight, my parents and I sat together for dinner at the dining room table for the first time in over six years. Occassionally, we've shared a quick meal at our kitchen's bar or eaten together in restaurants, but the dining room has sat abandoned. When I left home for college, I knew that my parents and I would grow distant, gradually losing the daily habits that had always kept us close.
But when Hurricane Katrina brought me back to live with them, I never expected things to be as different or as difficult as they have been. In many ways, we act like strangers, uncomfortable sharing a kitchen or a bathroom. So tonight's meal was remarkable.
I'm straining to memorize every detail of the evening. Can I keep this memory close? There we sat, pleasantly sharing a meal in the forgotten dining room. I felt like a rusty singer, surprised to find myself in the middle of a song from a past performance, struggling to remember almost-forgotten lyrics.
Six years ago, my parents' farmhouse burned. I lost my boyhood home, and I felt my life slip into a strange groove. Like a broken record, each year has brought another version of the same sad song. But tonight, I was nudged out of that groove, and my heart got to hum an older song. I couldn't remember the words well enough to sing along, but it did my heart good to hear its melody.
I know I can't live in the past, but I'm going to try to sing a little of that song tomorrow. Maybe I'll even write some new lyrics for it.
But when Hurricane Katrina brought me back to live with them, I never expected things to be as different or as difficult as they have been. In many ways, we act like strangers, uncomfortable sharing a kitchen or a bathroom. So tonight's meal was remarkable.
I'm straining to memorize every detail of the evening. Can I keep this memory close? There we sat, pleasantly sharing a meal in the forgotten dining room. I felt like a rusty singer, surprised to find myself in the middle of a song from a past performance, struggling to remember almost-forgotten lyrics.
Six years ago, my parents' farmhouse burned. I lost my boyhood home, and I felt my life slip into a strange groove. Like a broken record, each year has brought another version of the same sad song. But tonight, I was nudged out of that groove, and my heart got to hum an older song. I couldn't remember the words well enough to sing along, but it did my heart good to hear its melody.
I know I can't live in the past, but I'm going to try to sing a little of that song tomorrow. Maybe I'll even write some new lyrics for it.
Tuesday, June 13, 2006
Monday, June 12, 2006
EMO
I've been depressed lately, and I've come to this conclusion: depression makes my brain hurt. My sense of humor, at least, seems to be in tip-top shape. I took one of those online quiz things (yeah, I know...lame-O, blah blah blah) and it looks like I'm pretty emo: 56%. I guess it's time for me to go teach English overseas. Or maybe I'll just go fight wolverines in Alaska. The lamest part about being depressed is that I can remember what it is like to not be depressed. I just can't make myself feel that way. I can make myself act that way. I guess that will have to do for now.
I've been careful not to talk much about it in this blog, because writing here is one way that I'm fighting the dark raincloud floating over my mood. But I'm thinking that talking about it and poking fun at it might be a good way to chip away at the hold it seems to have on me. So take that, depression. Score one for me.
SCOUT
I'm dreaming of being a talent scout? Not exactly, but today I've been thinking about the talented people the Internet has brought into my life. Some of them, I know personally. Others, I just admire. But they all share a common thread: they are up-and-coming talents. With that thought in mind, I'm introducing these folks to you, gentle readers. They are ones to watch. In no particular order, here are some people I think you should visit on the Internet:
A master of wit, Joel Settecase is the self-proclaimed "King of the Internet." Joel authors "You Better Believe It," a weekly blog aimed at college-age and twenty-something conservatives. Check out Joel on wikipedia, myspace, facebook, flickr, and blogger. Here's a sample from Poppa Joely: "Joel Settecase started this weblog because he had something to say to the world. Along the way, he seems to have forgotten what that was."
Pauline is a freelance writer and media personality (Yes, P. - I'm talking about you!) She regularly publishes Metamorphing Metaphors, a blog of her everyday-life observations, and she will soon be featured weekdays on her city’s largest Christian radio station! Occasionally, she puts something up on flickr. What's she like? Here's an excerpt from her blog: "A butterfly starts out as a worm. The cocoon experience is even worse - being left alone in the dark. But even during the dark times, there's hope. Something beautiful is being created. She is being dressed, being given wings to fly. She's being prepared to someday dance among the flowers. A butterfly tells a story of the redeemed. I am one of them."
Shoa shares the bitingly humorous and not-so-funny moments of her daily life in "Hello Virtual World." You can also find her on myspace. After reading her weblog for awhile, I’m reserving my copy of her first novel; I’m sure it will be a grand success! Here’s a sample of her writing: "This morning, I was struck by a remarkable truth. Something occurred to me, and I cannot believe I never realized it before. Does that ever happen to you? A moment of supreme enlightenment? Something far greater than the proverbial light-bulb, far more life-changing than a job change, and far more invigorating than a morning shower? Well. It happened to me. And it happened this very morning. Let me reiterate: I was struck by a remarkable truth. I look good in the color brown."
Opus Moreschi is a performer and comedy writer who showcases his work on Yomomma.com (not affiliated with the MTV show) and myspace. You won’t regret watching his comedy sketches posted on youtube or glancing through his photos on flickr. He used to write for Tom Green, if that tells you anything. Here’s a quote from his blog: "Today, I had to act in a short commercial the ad agency was shooting. In the shoot, I am in the background, I am chatting up an attractive woman and she jots down her phone number and hands it to me. I take my role as unimportant background actor very seriously. I really wanted to capture the true spirit of the Guy In The Background Getting A Phone Number From An Attractive Woman. So of course, my flirting seemed real - because I'm a method actor."
Dr. Rusty Spell is an author, comedian, web personality, musician, and all-around good guy. Dr. Spell showcases his talents on Rustyspell.com, and you can also find him on myspace and download one of his latest singles here. Here’s a quote from Rusty: "One of the art organizations around here asked me to provide music for the silent movie ‘The General’ with Buster Keaton, and it showed last Friday night. It was cool to be in an auditorium with the big screen and surround speakers playing my stuff, even if there were only a handful of people there (apparently the kids don't go out on Friday nights for silent pictures like they did in the 1920s). During several moments, I pretty much figured I was a genius."
John Mora is a Nashville-based lyricist/musician and founder of Sweet Tempers. You can check out his profile and blog on myspace and his photography on flickr. Here’s a sample of John’s unique style: "my friend ellie says i'm ‘the boy that lives alone in his heart’. jess says ‘you look like a kid in grown up world.’ sometimes i worry they're right….the last couple of weeks have been difficult. my friends love me, and I have everything I need in my life. but there's a hole there, and it needs to be filled. patience, love. -- i'll tell myself."
Matt J. is an aspiring artist from Oklahoma who works primarily with photography and mixed media. His photographs are unlike anything I’ve ever seen. You can find him on myspace and his work on flickr. No quote I could find for Matt really fits his style, but check out his work, and you'll see what I mean.
Luke Barats and Joe Bereta are actors and independent filmmakers based out of Spokane, WA. Graduates of Gonzaga University, the duo are winning awards and becoming a mini-cult phenomenon with their cutting edge satire reminiscent of Andy Samberg of Saturday Night Live and The Lonely Island. You can find them on myspace, youtube, and their web site. Here's a quote from their bio: "Their work includes music video clips, film making, skits, lip sync contests, stand-up and improv comedy. Their collaboration hinges on individual specialties. Barats is a senior double-majoring in theater arts and history, while Bereta received his Bachelor's degree last spring in broadcast studies. Barats is involved in the writing aspect and Bereta has been involved in video production. Their combined talents result in a fun and unique form of media convergence."
Christine Castro is an amazing and award-winning web-designer, blogger, and maker of "Darling" things. Visit her on flickr, her personal blog, her design studio, or her shoppe. Here's a snippit from her blog archive to give you a peak into what she's up to this month: "Most of my memories about the week before the wedding involve laughing—which I suppose is a lot better than crying or stressing or having a total breakdown....I really was calm, though. I found some strength and wisdom inside myself that I wish I always had handy. It was the acceptance that I had done everything I could. It was time to let go of my grand plans and let it all unfold. If I tripped down the aisle or I forgot my vows, if a heat wave or Storm Watch 2006 suddenly hit, if the flowers wilted and the cupcake tower tumbled to the floor, it would still be okay. At least it would make a good story. And at the end of the day, Rama and I would still be married."
A master of wit, Joel Settecase is the self-proclaimed "King of the Internet." Joel authors "You Better Believe It," a weekly blog aimed at college-age and twenty-something conservatives. Check out Joel on wikipedia, myspace, facebook, flickr, and blogger. Here's a sample from Poppa Joely: "Joel Settecase started this weblog because he had something to say to the world. Along the way, he seems to have forgotten what that was."
Pauline is a freelance writer and media personality (Yes, P. - I'm talking about you!) She regularly publishes Metamorphing Metaphors, a blog of her everyday-life observations, and she will soon be featured weekdays on her city’s largest Christian radio station! Occasionally, she puts something up on flickr. What's she like? Here's an excerpt from her blog: "A butterfly starts out as a worm. The cocoon experience is even worse - being left alone in the dark. But even during the dark times, there's hope. Something beautiful is being created. She is being dressed, being given wings to fly. She's being prepared to someday dance among the flowers. A butterfly tells a story of the redeemed. I am one of them."
Shoa shares the bitingly humorous and not-so-funny moments of her daily life in "Hello Virtual World." You can also find her on myspace. After reading her weblog for awhile, I’m reserving my copy of her first novel; I’m sure it will be a grand success! Here’s a sample of her writing: "This morning, I was struck by a remarkable truth. Something occurred to me, and I cannot believe I never realized it before. Does that ever happen to you? A moment of supreme enlightenment? Something far greater than the proverbial light-bulb, far more life-changing than a job change, and far more invigorating than a morning shower? Well. It happened to me. And it happened this very morning. Let me reiterate: I was struck by a remarkable truth. I look good in the color brown."
Opus Moreschi is a performer and comedy writer who showcases his work on Yomomma.com (not affiliated with the MTV show) and myspace. You won’t regret watching his comedy sketches posted on youtube or glancing through his photos on flickr. He used to write for Tom Green, if that tells you anything. Here’s a quote from his blog: "Today, I had to act in a short commercial the ad agency was shooting. In the shoot, I am in the background, I am chatting up an attractive woman and she jots down her phone number and hands it to me. I take my role as unimportant background actor very seriously. I really wanted to capture the true spirit of the Guy In The Background Getting A Phone Number From An Attractive Woman. So of course, my flirting seemed real - because I'm a method actor."
Dr. Rusty Spell is an author, comedian, web personality, musician, and all-around good guy. Dr. Spell showcases his talents on Rustyspell.com, and you can also find him on myspace and download one of his latest singles here. Here’s a quote from Rusty: "One of the art organizations around here asked me to provide music for the silent movie ‘The General’ with Buster Keaton, and it showed last Friday night. It was cool to be in an auditorium with the big screen and surround speakers playing my stuff, even if there were only a handful of people there (apparently the kids don't go out on Friday nights for silent pictures like they did in the 1920s). During several moments, I pretty much figured I was a genius."
John Mora is a Nashville-based lyricist/musician and founder of Sweet Tempers. You can check out his profile and blog on myspace and his photography on flickr. Here’s a sample of John’s unique style: "my friend ellie says i'm ‘the boy that lives alone in his heart’. jess says ‘you look like a kid in grown up world.’ sometimes i worry they're right….the last couple of weeks have been difficult. my friends love me, and I have everything I need in my life. but there's a hole there, and it needs to be filled. patience, love. -- i'll tell myself."
Matt J. is an aspiring artist from Oklahoma who works primarily with photography and mixed media. His photographs are unlike anything I’ve ever seen. You can find him on myspace and his work on flickr. No quote I could find for Matt really fits his style, but check out his work, and you'll see what I mean.
Luke Barats and Joe Bereta are actors and independent filmmakers based out of Spokane, WA. Graduates of Gonzaga University, the duo are winning awards and becoming a mini-cult phenomenon with their cutting edge satire reminiscent of Andy Samberg of Saturday Night Live and The Lonely Island. You can find them on myspace, youtube, and their web site. Here's a quote from their bio: "Their work includes music video clips, film making, skits, lip sync contests, stand-up and improv comedy. Their collaboration hinges on individual specialties. Barats is a senior double-majoring in theater arts and history, while Bereta received his Bachelor's degree last spring in broadcast studies. Barats is involved in the writing aspect and Bereta has been involved in video production. Their combined talents result in a fun and unique form of media convergence."
Christine Castro is an amazing and award-winning web-designer, blogger, and maker of "Darling" things. Visit her on flickr, her personal blog, her design studio, or her shoppe. Here's a snippit from her blog archive to give you a peak into what she's up to this month: "Most of my memories about the week before the wedding involve laughing—which I suppose is a lot better than crying or stressing or having a total breakdown....I really was calm, though. I found some strength and wisdom inside myself that I wish I always had handy. It was the acceptance that I had done everything I could. It was time to let go of my grand plans and let it all unfold. If I tripped down the aisle or I forgot my vows, if a heat wave or Storm Watch 2006 suddenly hit, if the flowers wilted and the cupcake tower tumbled to the floor, it would still be okay. At least it would make a good story. And at the end of the day, Rama and I would still be married."
Saturday, June 10, 2006
BLUEBERRY FESTIVAL
Shoppers stroll at the 2006 Blueberry Festival in Poplarville, MS., originally uploaded by Patrick Q.
Dad and I drove south to Poplarville, MS for their annual Blueberry Festival. The town transformed itself into a showcase for more than just berries. Festival goers could sample many regional flavors, arts and crafts, and great music. The downside? Battling the MS Summer sun was a full-time job. Visit my flickr stream to see more photos of our day.
If you could found a festival in your hometown, what would it celebrate?
PLEASE CONTACT YOUR REPS IN CONGRESS
This issue is no joke. The more I read about Net Neutrality, the more I realise that the issue is one of free speech and economic competition. If internet service providers are allowed to pick and choose which sites get decent bandwidth, then all the small mom & pop online stores and all the small blogs and news sources would be forced offline. Imagine an internet with only big-name retailers and big-wig broadcasters! That's not the future I want for myself and my family!
Friday, June 09, 2006
Tuesday, June 06, 2006
RICK'S BDAY PHOTOS
To whom it may concern: If you've been waiting for me to post Rick's birthday photos to my flickr account, well, I finally did. If you are waiting for Terry's & Jo's wedding pics, I'm still workin' on it...check back soon.
Rick's party was last weekend, so I'm not such a slouch. We had a good time - nice conversation at the Chinese place (Rick's favorite) and back at their apartment after ice cream-cake and gifts...."A grand time was had by all."
Sunday, June 04, 2006
HELLO, LITTLE MOUSIE
Our house has a mouse! Amazing how such a tiny critter can wreak such havok on a family's everyday life. She kept me up late into the night last night, scurrying across my bedroom's hardwood floors and munching something. This morning I discovered that her feast was the leather on my old catcher's mask.
This mouse is not shy - no dark corners or baseboard cracks for her. Every time I clicked on the light I caught glimpses of her racing across the middle of the room. So, it was no surprise tonight when I came into the kitchen to examine the squash Dad just brought in from the garden and found her sitting in the middle of the counter, eyeing the produce. One shout, and she jumped down and raced into the dining room and out of sight.
What to do? She's cute and everything, but I don't like sharing a room and groceries with her!
How do you get rid of your uninvited houseguests?
Friday, June 02, 2006
FRIDAY NIGHT BLUES FEST
It's Friday night and I'm sitting home doing laundry...zzzzzzzz What's up with that? Did my invitation get lost in the mail?
PRICEY TOLL BOOTHS ON THE INFO SUPER-HWY
In yesterday's blog, I gave you a copy of an email I received from eBay's CEO asking me to protest some proposed web-related legislation. As promised, I did a little web research on this internet de-regulation debate. I found an article from PBS' Now that defines the conflict. The entire debate centers around the FCC's Telecommunications Act of 1996.
On one side are companies like Verizon, AT&T, and Comcast. You can read more about what they are fighting for on sites like Hands off the Internet. Basically, they want to cash in, making more money off the internet. They want, "the Internet to be governed by economics, not government regulation." If they win, they will be able to give more bandwidth to certain companies in exchange for cash. People who couldn't or wouldn't pay top dollar prices would be stuck with lower bandwitdth (goodbye high-res. video and fast load times, etc.).
The opposing side is spearheaded by companies like Amazon, Google, and Microsoft. They argue that the proposed changes are undemocratic and would limit creativity and innovation on the web. Sites like SavetheInternet.com and Free Press herald this cause's ideals.
Since the profits that the internet service providers are craving would ultimatley be coming out of our pockets, as internet users, I think it's worth our while to check out and play a part in this debate. The real kicker to me is that the quality of the internet would decline while the price increased! What do you think? What should we do?
On one side are companies like Verizon, AT&T, and Comcast. You can read more about what they are fighting for on sites like Hands off the Internet. Basically, they want to cash in, making more money off the internet. They want, "the Internet to be governed by economics, not government regulation." If they win, they will be able to give more bandwidth to certain companies in exchange for cash. People who couldn't or wouldn't pay top dollar prices would be stuck with lower bandwitdth (goodbye high-res. video and fast load times, etc.).
The opposing side is spearheaded by companies like Amazon, Google, and Microsoft. They argue that the proposed changes are undemocratic and would limit creativity and innovation on the web. Sites like SavetheInternet.com and Free Press herald this cause's ideals.
Since the profits that the internet service providers are craving would ultimatley be coming out of our pockets, as internet users, I think it's worth our while to check out and play a part in this debate. The real kicker to me is that the quality of the internet would decline while the price increased! What do you think? What should we do?
Thursday, June 01, 2006
WHITE RABBIT
Happy 1st day of June, everybody! In my family, we traditionally wish one another, "White Rabbit" on the first day of each month. It's a little contest we keep; the first one to utter the greeting wins! So...WHITE RABBIT!!
(ha ha...you won last month, P, but I win this round)
BIG CHANGES FOR THE INTERNET?
Check out this update/call to action that eBay emailed me. What do you think? I'll do some google research & will write more on it later. Here's the letter:
As you know, I almost never reach out to you personally with a request to get involved in a debate in the U.S. Congress. However, today I feel I must.
Right now, the telephone and cable companies in control of Internet access are trying to use their enormous political muscle to dramatically change the Internet. It might be hard to believe, but lawmakers in Washington are seriously debating whether consumers should be free to use the Internet as they want in the future.
The phone and cable companies now control more than 95% of all Internet access. These large corporations are spending millions of dollars to promote legislation that would divide the Internet into a two-tiered system.
The top tier would be a "Pay-to-Play" high-speed toll-road restricted to only the largest companies that can afford to pay high fees for preferential access to the Net.
The bottom tier - the slow lane - would be what is left for everyone else. If the fast lane is the information "super-highway," the slow lane will operate more like a dirt road.
Today's Internet is an incredible open marketplace for goods, services, information and ideas. We can't give that up. A two lane system will restrict innovation because start-ups and small companies - the companies that can't afford the high fees - will be unable to succeed, and we'll lose out on the jobs, creativity and inspiration that come with them.
The power belongs with Internet users, not the big phone and cable companies. Let's use that power to send as many messages as possible to our elected officials in Washington. Please join me by clicking here right now to send a message to your representatives in Congress before it is too late. You can make the difference.
Thank you for reading this note. I hope you'll make your voice heard today.
Sincerely,
Meg Whitman
President and CEOeBay Inc.
As you know, I almost never reach out to you personally with a request to get involved in a debate in the U.S. Congress. However, today I feel I must.
Right now, the telephone and cable companies in control of Internet access are trying to use their enormous political muscle to dramatically change the Internet. It might be hard to believe, but lawmakers in Washington are seriously debating whether consumers should be free to use the Internet as they want in the future.
The phone and cable companies now control more than 95% of all Internet access. These large corporations are spending millions of dollars to promote legislation that would divide the Internet into a two-tiered system.
The top tier would be a "Pay-to-Play" high-speed toll-road restricted to only the largest companies that can afford to pay high fees for preferential access to the Net.
The bottom tier - the slow lane - would be what is left for everyone else. If the fast lane is the information "super-highway," the slow lane will operate more like a dirt road.
Today's Internet is an incredible open marketplace for goods, services, information and ideas. We can't give that up. A two lane system will restrict innovation because start-ups and small companies - the companies that can't afford the high fees - will be unable to succeed, and we'll lose out on the jobs, creativity and inspiration that come with them.
The power belongs with Internet users, not the big phone and cable companies. Let's use that power to send as many messages as possible to our elected officials in Washington. Please join me by clicking here right now to send a message to your representatives in Congress before it is too late. You can make the difference.
Thank you for reading this note. I hope you'll make your voice heard today.
Sincerely,
Meg Whitman
President and CEOeBay Inc.
Wednesday, May 31, 2006
PHOTOBOOTH
While P and I were in B'Ham visiting my sisters' family, we took in a movie. Killing time, we discovered a photobooth in the theatre's lobby. Romantic that I am, I've always had a hankering to take pictures in one of these contraptions, but I never took the opportunity. It just never seemed right. So, I'm happy to share these photos with you, as proof positive that Pauline brings many good things into my life - you can tell from these snaps why I love her smile :0)
Tuesday, May 30, 2006
ROAD RULZ
I'm finally back at my parents' house. How long have I been on the road? Since April 20th? Wow! With all this driving, I feel like a truck driver or something. Glad to be off road for a while.
Wednesday, May 24, 2006
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