I had insomnia this morning -- work-stress was waking me up, around 3:30 a.m. I couldn't go back to sleep, so, as I usually do when insomnia hits, I just do stuff. In this case, laundry. I got that done in the wee hours, and managed maybe another 25 minutes of sleep between loads. Still, not enough sleep. Gruh.
This morning's going to be crazy-busy. There's a conversion to XML going on, and our IT people have fallen behind on that, so, I'm having to lend a hand to get the wheels of (publishing) industry rolling again. The Editorial Commando strikes again. I'd rather not, but I was "asked" to do so, and so, I add that IT workload to my manuscript mountain range on my desk. I figure I can give them an hour of my day, and hopefully get their stuff done (odds are it'll be an hour of my day, each day, for the next four months. So, that adds up! My success in this endeavor is invariably my doom -- I'll be "rewarded" with more of that stuff, once I demonstrate that it can be effectively done.)
I sent out a query for a different book of mine, in hopes that the agent I sent it to would be amenable to it. We'll see. I truly can't get my hopes up, but it's a good fit for the agent, so we'll see if he goes for it or not. My bet's on not, but one has to try, regardless.
Totally wiped today. Sleep-debt's a bitch. I will try to make it up over the weekend, although we'll see how it goes. I'm invariably the first responder with the boys, so they'll wake up like at 6:30 and be like "Daddy!"
Saw at the Ralph Lauren Rugby store the other day, the obligatory nippled mannequins -- male and female, sportin' the nips. Now, I ask you the aesthetic behind that. Can you imagine the people in charge of the window displays, saying "We need nippled mannequins. Perkily nippled mannequins." I mean, they're mannequins, so realism is kind of beside the point (so to speak) -- nobody's going to look at them and think "OMG! Those people are statues!" They're mannequins. So, why give'em nipples? There's some psycho-sexual undercurrent at work with them, right? Show chick mannequins in bikini tops with perky nipples? Oh, how risqué, Ralphie boy! What sly and elegant subversion! (sarcasm)
Friday, August 13, 2010
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Spacing Out
It's kind of humbling to think that, after this fall, once the last couple of Space Shuttle missions are flown, that'll be the end of America's manned space flight program -- we've had that going for something like 50 years, and there won't be anything after that. B1 was asking me what was going to replace the Shuttle (he teared up when I told him it would be the last flights of the Shuttle), and I said "Well, there's nothing made, yet. There are concepts and so forth, but there isn't anything in play, yet, at least for manned flight." He was disappointed.
But in these times, it's hard to imagine a program like that being continued, especially in the absence of, say, a Moon base. Maybe if the US had gone whole-hog on a weaponization of space program, some kind of orbital weapons platform, we'd have a vigorous manned presence up there, but barring that, there's little enthusiasm for it -- we'll go up there for the wrong reasons, dammit -- but exploration? Nah. Barring a weaponizing of space (which we're still likeliest to do), I guess there's the corporatification (sure, why not? A new word!) of space, where private interests go up there and try to establish claims.
Even then, however, the logistics of it are daunting. There's venture capitalism, and there's VENTURE capitalism, and space-prospecting is almost ludicrously difficult to conceive and execute, let alone turn a profit. There's a reason why space programs were historically nationalized. And even the US really only went hard after a space program because it was wary of the Soviets having too much of a lead on them -- so much of the Space Race was a nationalistic/militaristic exercise, not wanting the Russkies to have an edge on us in space. They still thought in terms of the ultimate high ground, whether Earth orbit or even the Moon, before the strategists realized that particularly the Moon was just unrealistic militarily, and ultimately useless. And enthusiasm waned. There is some irony to be found in it, however -- the US does not object to throwing money into money pits -- we did that in Vietnam, we did it (and are doing it) in the Drug War, we have done it in the Middle East. Of course, there are ginned-up justifications for those various money holes, whereas space exploration, I guess the void is just too apparent there for any justification to be accepted.
All the same, this fall will see the end of an era in American history, and it makes me a little sad. Other, more financially solvent (and nationalistically ambitious) nations will pursue their own space programs, and maybe that'll spur another American Space Race, an urge not to be left behind on this. Or maybe we'll just be too busy cutting our own throats to bother looking skyward. Who knows? I kind of think the latter case -- if paving roads, having libraries and public schools, and fixing bridges is somehow controversial, then how can one possibly justify having a space program?
Our astronauts will likely have other, more immediate concerns by then...
But in these times, it's hard to imagine a program like that being continued, especially in the absence of, say, a Moon base. Maybe if the US had gone whole-hog on a weaponization of space program, some kind of orbital weapons platform, we'd have a vigorous manned presence up there, but barring that, there's little enthusiasm for it -- we'll go up there for the wrong reasons, dammit -- but exploration? Nah. Barring a weaponizing of space (which we're still likeliest to do), I guess there's the corporatification (sure, why not? A new word!) of space, where private interests go up there and try to establish claims.
Even then, however, the logistics of it are daunting. There's venture capitalism, and there's VENTURE capitalism, and space-prospecting is almost ludicrously difficult to conceive and execute, let alone turn a profit. There's a reason why space programs were historically nationalized. And even the US really only went hard after a space program because it was wary of the Soviets having too much of a lead on them -- so much of the Space Race was a nationalistic/militaristic exercise, not wanting the Russkies to have an edge on us in space. They still thought in terms of the ultimate high ground, whether Earth orbit or even the Moon, before the strategists realized that particularly the Moon was just unrealistic militarily, and ultimately useless. And enthusiasm waned. There is some irony to be found in it, however -- the US does not object to throwing money into money pits -- we did that in Vietnam, we did it (and are doing it) in the Drug War, we have done it in the Middle East. Of course, there are ginned-up justifications for those various money holes, whereas space exploration, I guess the void is just too apparent there for any justification to be accepted.
All the same, this fall will see the end of an era in American history, and it makes me a little sad. Other, more financially solvent (and nationalistically ambitious) nations will pursue their own space programs, and maybe that'll spur another American Space Race, an urge not to be left behind on this. Or maybe we'll just be too busy cutting our own throats to bother looking skyward. Who knows? I kind of think the latter case -- if paving roads, having libraries and public schools, and fixing bridges is somehow controversial, then how can one possibly justify having a space program?
Our astronauts will likely have other, more immediate concerns by then...
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Jack's Back
The bulldog was out digging up bricks again. That dog cracks me up -- this husky English Bulldog, mouthing these big bricks, digging them up around one of the city trees. The dog goes wild for'em. I laughed; I can't help it, the dog is funny -- bricks as chew toys! I asked the owner what the dog's name was, and the guy said it was "Jack." Jack's a stitch.
It's frickin' hot, and is slated to be hotter still tomorrow (and more humid).
I'm gonna make something good for dinner tonight. I'm motivated because my lunch kinda sucked today, so I'm hungry.
It's frickin' hot, and is slated to be hotter still tomorrow (and more humid).
I'm gonna make something good for dinner tonight. I'm motivated because my lunch kinda sucked today, so I'm hungry.
Bikini Zeitgeist
I was going to post this the other day, but didn't get around to it...
A Brief History of the Bikini
"Brief."
And then I saw this today...
Bikini Strippers Protest Church in Ohio
And felt I kind of had to post it, now. Some kind of bikini zeitgeist at work, here. But, like with so many things, reality intrudes and then you actually can see the bikini-clad Ohio strippers behind the tantalizing headline (in this video clip) and then it's just plain sad and horrifying, across the board.
A Brief History of the Bikini
"Brief."
And then I saw this today...
Bikini Strippers Protest Church in Ohio
And felt I kind of had to post it, now. Some kind of bikini zeitgeist at work, here. But, like with so many things, reality intrudes and then you actually can see the bikini-clad Ohio strippers behind the tantalizing headline (in this video clip) and then it's just plain sad and horrifying, across the board.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Way to go, Portugal!
Once again, Portugal puts itself on the front end of progress (first it was their drug legalization program circa, what, 2001? And now with renewable energy)...
Portugal Gets A Clean-Energy Makeover
Obama's plan has the US getting 20-25 percent of its power from renewable sources by 2025. Weak. Portugal went from getting 17 percent to 45 percent of its power from renewable sources in 5 years.
At some point, there will be head-scratching here at home, as we watch the rest of the world move forward on this, and we continue to belch about how it can't be done, it's unrealistic, blah blah blah -- the usual propaganda of assimilation lines we hear. At some point, even here, the critical mass will be achieved, right?
Indeed, the powerful lobbies are likely to be the biggest obstacle, as it's probably always been, once Big Oil and Big Coal got in the driver's seat on our country's energy policy.
Portugal Gets A Clean-Energy Makeover
[A]ggressive national policies to accelerate renewable energy use are succeeding in Portugal and some other countries, according to a recent report by IHS Emerging Energy Research of Cambridge, Mass., a leading energy consulting firm. By 2025, the report projected, Ireland, Denmark and Britain will also get 40 percent or more of their electricity from renewable sources; if power from large-scale hydroelectric dams, an older type of renewable energy, is included, countries like Canada and Brazil join the list.
The United States, which last year generated less than 5 percent of its power from newer forms of renewable energy, will lag behind at 16 percent (or just over 20 percent, including hydroelectric power), according to IHS.
Obama's plan has the US getting 20-25 percent of its power from renewable sources by 2025. Weak. Portugal went from getting 17 percent to 45 percent of its power from renewable sources in 5 years.
At some point, there will be head-scratching here at home, as we watch the rest of the world move forward on this, and we continue to belch about how it can't be done, it's unrealistic, blah blah blah -- the usual propaganda of assimilation lines we hear. At some point, even here, the critical mass will be achieved, right?
If the United States is to catch up to countries like Portugal, energy experts say, it must overcome obstacles like a fragmented, outdated energy grid poorly suited to renewable energy; a historic reliance on plentiful and cheap supplies of fossil fuels, especially coal; powerful oil and coal industries that often oppose incentives for renewable development; and energy policy that is heavily influenced by individual states.
Indeed, the powerful lobbies are likely to be the biggest obstacle, as it's probably always been, once Big Oil and Big Coal got in the driver's seat on our country's energy policy.
Monday, August 9, 2010
Day of the Locust
Man, it was all about the cicadas today -- hearing them buzzing in the trees, and seeing one at the bus stop, just sitting on the sidewalk. I nudged it with my shoe and off it flew. And then, later, on the bus, I saw this gal on there (who looked like a young Joan Cusack) wearing a brass (?) cicada ring! I saw it in passing, thought "Man, she's got some serious bling going on, there." and then when she went to get off the bus, she rested her hand on one of the seats, and I could see it in detail -- this cicada ring that covered about two knuckles' worth of finger, with three purple stones set on it, running along the cicada's back. Otherwise, she was professionally attired, but that ring was fierce!
The city's been plagued with mosquitoes and horseflies. Not sure what's up -- maybe all the rain we've been getting, but I've never seen the city so beset with bugs before, in all my years here. There are plenty of dragonflies, too, but not enough to keep up with the plagues of mosquitoes lurking about. And they're aggressive, too -- they just come diving at you. None of the usual meandering mosquito dance; no, they just fling themselves your way. If Americans are really lucky, malaria'll come back in a big way in the States (it's been on the upswing, anyway). As it is, we have West Nile Virus to contend with, already. Good times!
This week is shaping up to be a hot one. Storms every day, but they're doing nothing to lower the heat.
The city's been plagued with mosquitoes and horseflies. Not sure what's up -- maybe all the rain we've been getting, but I've never seen the city so beset with bugs before, in all my years here. There are plenty of dragonflies, too, but not enough to keep up with the plagues of mosquitoes lurking about. And they're aggressive, too -- they just come diving at you. None of the usual meandering mosquito dance; no, they just fling themselves your way. If Americans are really lucky, malaria'll come back in a big way in the States (it's been on the upswing, anyway). As it is, we have West Nile Virus to contend with, already. Good times!
This week is shaping up to be a hot one. Storms every day, but they're doing nothing to lower the heat.
Symbolic
Interesting piece today on NPR about how symbolic thinking paved the way for human civilization.
Happy 65th Birthday, Fat Man.
Weird to think of the span of days between those two bombings, an eternity and an eyeblink, the changing of the world forever, in a bang and a whimper.
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Worst Paintings
Oh, I love this...
15 Worst Paintings of All Time
The Museum of Bad Art! Bahah! Painting is one of those things that people think they can do, like anybody can do it. Until they actually try, and create something ghastly. There are some laughably bad paintings in that collection above.
15 Worst Paintings of All Time
The Museum of Bad Art! Bahah! Painting is one of those things that people think they can do, like anybody can do it. Until they actually try, and create something ghastly. There are some laughably bad paintings in that collection above.
Colonized and "The Aviator"
"The Colony" sounds like an intriguing show...
http://www.salon.com/entertainment/tv/the_colony/index.html?story=/ent/tv/heather_havrilesky/2010/08/07/the_colony_apocalyptic_reality_show
Also, I watched "The Aviator" yesterday, and enjoyed it well enough. Scorcese's man-crush on DiCaprio continuing. How many movies has he directed Leo DiCaprio in, now? Anyway, I kept wondering why the Ava Gardner was so leaden in the movie, and then I realized it -- Kate Beckinsale. She's just not a good actress. She's so wooden that I am constantly forgetting who she is, any time she shows up in a movie -- she has a very generic kind of beauty to her and her performance chops aren't there, so she's just a flatliner -- and for her to be playing Ava Gardner, lordy. Cate Blanchett was great as Katharine Hepburn, however -- but Blanchett is a good actress, and you could tell she was enjoying that role. The cameo with Jude Law as Errol Flynn was well-chosen.
http://www.salon.com/entertainment/tv/the_colony/index.html?story=/ent/tv/heather_havrilesky/2010/08/07/the_colony_apocalyptic_reality_show
Also, I watched "The Aviator" yesterday, and enjoyed it well enough. Scorcese's man-crush on DiCaprio continuing. How many movies has he directed Leo DiCaprio in, now? Anyway, I kept wondering why the Ava Gardner was so leaden in the movie, and then I realized it -- Kate Beckinsale. She's just not a good actress. She's so wooden that I am constantly forgetting who she is, any time she shows up in a movie -- she has a very generic kind of beauty to her and her performance chops aren't there, so she's just a flatliner -- and for her to be playing Ava Gardner, lordy. Cate Blanchett was great as Katharine Hepburn, however -- but Blanchett is a good actress, and you could tell she was enjoying that role. The cameo with Jude Law as Errol Flynn was well-chosen.
"Look at me. I'm Ava Gardner. I'm ACTING. It says I'm Ava Gardner in the script, so there you have it." (WHAT emotion is Kate Beckinsale communicating in this still? Blankness? Vapidity?)
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Bike
I loaded about $130 worth of groceries on my bike (using the handlebars to carry a few extra bags). That's about right for the milk crate I have on the back. This old lady saw me loading it and said "Well, it looks like you know what you're doing." I told her it was fine so long as I didn't hit any potholes.
I had the boys to one of the playgrounds earlier today. They were having a blast. Now they're playing with trains. Terribly cute.
It's fucking humid today. Hot-n-humid. We're supposed to get storms all next week, but the temperatures will stay hot. Woo hoo!
There's a puppy pug in our building -- its name is "Gnocchi" -- that's very cute! The thing is so tiny. I'm no fan of pugs, but "Gnocchi" is a great name for a dog like that, somehow.
I had the boys to one of the playgrounds earlier today. They were having a blast. Now they're playing with trains. Terribly cute.
It's fucking humid today. Hot-n-humid. We're supposed to get storms all next week, but the temperatures will stay hot. Woo hoo!
There's a puppy pug in our building -- its name is "Gnocchi" -- that's very cute! The thing is so tiny. I'm no fan of pugs, but "Gnocchi" is a great name for a dog like that, somehow.
Winston Churchill and UFOs
This news story amused me...
Winston Churchill Ordered Cover-Up of UFO Sighting
Amusing that such a stalwart like Churchill was tied to something UFO-ish. Bahah! Whatever they'd seen, it had dismayed Churchill enough to put a 50-year delay on releasing the information. Lord knows what it was, but it's still funny.
Winston Churchill Ordered Cover-Up of UFO Sighting
Amusing that such a stalwart like Churchill was tied to something UFO-ish. Bahah! Whatever they'd seen, it had dismayed Churchill enough to put a 50-year delay on releasing the information. Lord knows what it was, but it's still funny.
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