- St. John's Seminary Chapel in Brighton, MA
- The older white people's living room in West Haven. Always clean with comfortable couches. And an older white lady humming Lara's theme in the kitchen...
- The backyard on Jeffrey Drive. We could have built a football field back there. Too bad Hurricane Gloria took down the apple tree.
- Fitzgerald Field on a Thanksgiving morning against Sheehan
- That rock that you can reach only at low tide out by Savin Rock
- The mall at the University of Delaware on both sides of Memorial Hall
- My office with all of my books here in Seattle when it's not 103 degrees
- The old man's basement watching a Super Bowl - preferably one in which the Giants are playing. It happened once.
- Back on Jeffrey Drive but in the living room on Christmas morning with a fire blazing and the snow falling furiously outside
- The host stand in the Newark Outback on a Saturday at about 6 p.m. What a rush.
- On the fields at North Seatac either playing with the Thrusters or coaching the Buzz
- St. Peter's Square staring at the Basilica
- Dino's in North Haven on a random summer afternoon eating one of their hot dogs
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Thursday 13: Places
In this Thursday 13 post I have decided to list those places that have special meaning to me. Perhaps I may even recall a memory in each of those places. I therefore give you - in no uncertain order - the favorite places of my life...
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
3WW (Darkness, Patronize, Weaken): Heat-Induced American Sentences
American Sentences: They are haiku-length poems that Allen Ginsburg suggested be limited to 17 syllables, like haiku in Japanese and like the Heart Sutra in Buddhism. The following two sentences are such American Sentences of 17 syllables.
Darkness patronizes me, and the rays of the red sun weaken me.
I patronize the darkness only to weaken truthful Apollo.
The patronizing heat keeps into darkness, weakening my resolve.
Darkness patronizes me, and the rays of the red sun weaken me.
I patronize the darkness only to weaken truthful Apollo.
The patronizing heat keeps into darkness, weakening my resolve.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Video of the Week: Palin's Resignation
On July 3, 2009 Sarah Palin unexpectedly resigned as the governor of Alaska. Until today, I had not witnessed her resignation speech. I choose to refrain from tasteless discourse as I cannot be considered her supporter in any way. But I must ask, do you understand what she's saying?
It seems I wasn't the only person left befuddled by her speech. See Conan's special guest below...
It seems I wasn't the only person left befuddled by her speech. See Conan's special guest below...
Monday, July 27, 2009
It's Personal: Resolution and Independence
When I returned home in this sweltering heat, I was inexplicably drawn to one of my favorite poems. It's one that I haven't read in some time, but it seems oddly appropriate today for reasons outside my understanding. It's a tad long, but certainly worth the read... if you like such things.
The rain came heavily and fell in floods;
But now the sun is rising calm and bright;
The birds are singing in the distant woods;
Over his own sweet voice the Stock-dove broods;
The Jay makes answer as the Magpie chatters;
And all the air is filled with pleasant noise of waters.
The sky rejoices in the morning's birth;
The grass is bright with rain-drops;--on the moors
The hare is running races in her mirth;
And with her feet she from the plashy earth
Raises a mist, that, glittering in the sun,
Runs with her all the way, wherever she doth run.
I saw the hare that raced about with joy;
I heard the woods and distant waters roar;
Or heard them not, as happy as a boy:
The pleasant season did my heart employ:
My old remembrances went from me wholly;
And all the ways of men, so vain and melancholy.
Of joy in minds that can no further go,
As high as we have mounted in delight
In our dejection do we sink as low;
To me that morning did it happen so;
And fears and fancies thick upon me came;
Dim sadness--and blind thoughts, I knew not, nor could name.
And I bethought me of the playful hare:
Even such a happy Child of earth am I;
Even as these blissful creatures do I fare;
Far from the world I walk, and from all care;
But there may come another day to me--
Solitude, pain of heart, distress, and poverty.
As if life's business were a summer mood;
As if all needful things would come unsought
To genial faith, still rich in genial good;
But how can He expect that others should
Build for him, sow for him, and at his call
Love him, who for himself will take no heed at all?
The sleepless Soul that perished in his pride;
Of Him who walked in glory and in joy
Following his plough, along the mountain-side:
By our own spirits are we deified:
We Poets in our youth begin in gladness;
But thereof come in the end despondency and madness.
A leading from above, a something given,
Yet it befell, that, in this lonely place,
When I with these untoward thoughts had striven,
Beside a pool bare to the eye of heaven
I saw a Man before me unawares:
The oldest man he seemed that ever wore grey hairs.
Couched on the bald top of an eminence;
Wonder to all who do the same espy,
By what means it could thither come, and whence;
So that it seems a thing endued with sense:
Like a sea-beast crawled forth, that on a shelf
Of rock or sand reposeth, there to sun itself;
Nor all asleep--in his extreme old age:
His body was bent double, feet and head
Coming together in life's pilgrimage;
As if some dire constraint of pain, or rage
Of sickness felt by him in times long past,
A more than human weight upon his frame had cast.
Upon a long grey staff of shaven wood:
And, still as I drew near with gentle pace,
Upon the margin of that moorish flood
Motionless as a cloud the old Man stood,
That heareth not the loud winds when they call
And moveth all together, if it move at all.
Stirred with his staff, and fixedly did look
Upon the muddy water, which he conned,
As if he had been reading in a book:
And now a stranger's privilege I took;
And, drawing to his side, to him did say,
"This morning gives us promise of a glorious day."
In courteous speech which forth he slowly drew:
And him with further words I thus bespake,
"What occupation do you there pursue?
This is a lonesome place for one like you."
Ere he replied, a flash of mild surprise
Broke from the sable orbs of his yet-vivid eyes,
But each in solemn order followed each,
With something of a lofty utterance drest--
Choice word and measured phrase, above the reach
Of ordinary men; a stately speech;
Such as grave Livers do in Scotland use,
Religious men, who give to God and man their dues.
To gather leeches, being old and poor:
Employment hazardous and wearisome!
And he had many hardships to endure:
From pond to pond he roamed, from moor to moor;
Housing, with God's good help, by choice or chance,
And in this way he gained an honest maintenance.
But now his voice to me was like a stream
Scarce heard; nor word from word could I divide;
And the whole body of the Man did seem
Like one whom I had met with in a dream;
Or like a man from some far region sent,
To give me human strength, by apt admonishment.
And hope that is unwilling to be fed;
Cold, pain, and labour, and all fleshly ills;
And mighty Poets in their misery dead.
--Perplexed, and longing to be comforted,
My question eagerly did I renew,
"How is it that you live, and what is it you do?"
And said, that, gathering leeches, far and wide
He travelled; stirring thus about his feet
The waters of the pools where they abide.
"Once I could meet with them on every side;
But they have dwindled long by slow decay;
Yet still I persevere, and find them where I may."
The old Man's shape, and speech--all troubled me:
In my mind's eye I seemed to see him pace
About the weary moors continually,
Wandering about alone and silently.
While I these thoughts within myself pursued,
He, having made a pause, the same discourse renewed.
Cheerfully uttered, with demeanour kind,
But stately in the main; and when he ended,
I could have laughed myself to scorn to find
In that decrepit Man so firm a mind.
"God," said I, "be my help and stay secure;
I'll think of the Leech-gatherer on the lonely moor!"
I
THERE was a roaring in the wind all night;The rain came heavily and fell in floods;
But now the sun is rising calm and bright;
The birds are singing in the distant woods;
Over his own sweet voice the Stock-dove broods;
The Jay makes answer as the Magpie chatters;
And all the air is filled with pleasant noise of waters.
II
All things that love the sun are out of doors;The sky rejoices in the morning's birth;
The grass is bright with rain-drops;--on the moors
The hare is running races in her mirth;
And with her feet she from the plashy earth
Raises a mist, that, glittering in the sun,
Runs with her all the way, wherever she doth run.
III
I was a Traveller then upon the moor,I saw the hare that raced about with joy;
I heard the woods and distant waters roar;
Or heard them not, as happy as a boy:
The pleasant season did my heart employ:
My old remembrances went from me wholly;
And all the ways of men, so vain and melancholy.
IV
But, as it sometimes chanceth, from the mightOf joy in minds that can no further go,
As high as we have mounted in delight
In our dejection do we sink as low;
To me that morning did it happen so;
And fears and fancies thick upon me came;
Dim sadness--and blind thoughts, I knew not, nor could name.
V
I heard the sky-lark warbling in the sky;And I bethought me of the playful hare:
Even such a happy Child of earth am I;
Even as these blissful creatures do I fare;
Far from the world I walk, and from all care;
But there may come another day to me--
Solitude, pain of heart, distress, and poverty.
VI
My whole life I have lived in pleasant thought,As if life's business were a summer mood;
As if all needful things would come unsought
To genial faith, still rich in genial good;
But how can He expect that others should
Build for him, sow for him, and at his call
Love him, who for himself will take no heed at all?
VII
I thought of Chatterton, the marvellous Boy,The sleepless Soul that perished in his pride;
Of Him who walked in glory and in joy
Following his plough, along the mountain-side:
By our own spirits are we deified:
We Poets in our youth begin in gladness;
But thereof come in the end despondency and madness.
VIII
Now, whether it were by peculiar grace,A leading from above, a something given,
Yet it befell, that, in this lonely place,
When I with these untoward thoughts had striven,
Beside a pool bare to the eye of heaven
I saw a Man before me unawares:
The oldest man he seemed that ever wore grey hairs.
IX
As a huge stone is sometimes seen to lieCouched on the bald top of an eminence;
Wonder to all who do the same espy,
By what means it could thither come, and whence;
So that it seems a thing endued with sense:
Like a sea-beast crawled forth, that on a shelf
Of rock or sand reposeth, there to sun itself;
X
Such seemed this Man, not all alive nor dead,Nor all asleep--in his extreme old age:
His body was bent double, feet and head
Coming together in life's pilgrimage;
As if some dire constraint of pain, or rage
Of sickness felt by him in times long past,
A more than human weight upon his frame had cast.
XI
Himself he propped, limbs, body, and pale face,Upon a long grey staff of shaven wood:
And, still as I drew near with gentle pace,
Upon the margin of that moorish flood
Motionless as a cloud the old Man stood,
That heareth not the loud winds when they call
And moveth all together, if it move at all.
XII
At length, himself unsettling, he the pondStirred with his staff, and fixedly did look
Upon the muddy water, which he conned,
As if he had been reading in a book:
And now a stranger's privilege I took;
And, drawing to his side, to him did say,
"This morning gives us promise of a glorious day."
XIII
A gentle answer did the old Man make,In courteous speech which forth he slowly drew:
And him with further words I thus bespake,
"What occupation do you there pursue?
This is a lonesome place for one like you."
Ere he replied, a flash of mild surprise
Broke from the sable orbs of his yet-vivid eyes,
XIV
His words came feebly, from a feeble chest,But each in solemn order followed each,
With something of a lofty utterance drest--
Choice word and measured phrase, above the reach
Of ordinary men; a stately speech;
Such as grave Livers do in Scotland use,
Religious men, who give to God and man their dues.
XV
He told, that to these waters he had comeTo gather leeches, being old and poor:
Employment hazardous and wearisome!
And he had many hardships to endure:
From pond to pond he roamed, from moor to moor;
Housing, with God's good help, by choice or chance,
And in this way he gained an honest maintenance.
XVI
The old Man still stood talking by my side;But now his voice to me was like a stream
Scarce heard; nor word from word could I divide;
And the whole body of the Man did seem
Like one whom I had met with in a dream;
Or like a man from some far region sent,
To give me human strength, by apt admonishment.
XVII
My former thoughts returned: the fear that kills;And hope that is unwilling to be fed;
Cold, pain, and labour, and all fleshly ills;
And mighty Poets in their misery dead.
--Perplexed, and longing to be comforted,
My question eagerly did I renew,
"How is it that you live, and what is it you do?"
XVIII
He with a smile did then his words repeat;And said, that, gathering leeches, far and wide
He travelled; stirring thus about his feet
The waters of the pools where they abide.
"Once I could meet with them on every side;
But they have dwindled long by slow decay;
Yet still I persevere, and find them where I may."
XIX
While he was talking thus, the lonely place,The old Man's shape, and speech--all troubled me:
In my mind's eye I seemed to see him pace
About the weary moors continually,
Wandering about alone and silently.
While I these thoughts within myself pursued,
He, having made a pause, the same discourse renewed.
XX
And soon with this he other matter blended,Cheerfully uttered, with demeanour kind,
But stately in the main; and when he ended,
I could have laughed myself to scorn to find
In that decrepit Man so firm a mind.
"God," said I, "be my help and stay secure;
I'll think of the Leech-gatherer on the lonely moor!"
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Sunday Scribblings: Reality (Fiction in 58 Words)
He melted into the silky sheets, a cool breeze washing over his bare chest. He woke in a dank cell smelling of mold and animal waste. Shackled to a makeshift cot jutting from the wall, the only furniture in the room. No windows. And no door, that he could identify. The question came again. Which one was real?
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Sporting Rants and Raves: July 25, 2009
Happy Birthday to Aunt Ruth...
Congratulations to Jeff on his wedding day...
And Happy 46th Birthday to Mr. Julian Hodgson, the "Grandmaster of Disaster". Mr. Hodgson, a particularly relentless chess player has earned many awards and accolades including International Master and Grandmaster in 1983 and 1988 respectively.
Big Ben accuser could get settlement
When I first read the article about Roethlisberger's alleged rape of a 31 year-old employee at a Lake Tahoe hotel, I immediately jumped to the conclusion that yet another football icon had fallen. Then I read a few more stories and wondered if this woman who had waited for a year was just trying to get some money and her five minutes of fame. My final thought on the topic... Is the money worth the fame? For some young athletes who earn far too much for playing a game, the money convinces them that they are all-powerful; and they act as such. See any of a number of professional athletes including a significant portion of the Cincinnati Bengals. For those athletes who don't consider themselves all-powerful, there is the risk that some crazy fan will create some ridiculous story that destroys that athlete's credibility not only with a fan base but also potentially with friends and family. So, again, I ask you; is it worth it? Doesn't seem so...
Joba leads Yanks to eighth straight win
Yes, I know. The Yanks are losing to Oakland 6-1 at the time this blog is being written. And yet, the Yankees have suddenly decided to play the game of baseball. Perhaps they can't beat teams in the West all too often. And perhaps they can't beat Boston either. But they can beat everyone else...
LeBron admits smoking pot in high school
Why is this the headline that results from the soon-to-be-released book written by James and co-author Buzz Bissinger (also author of Friday Night Lights)? Why is this a headline that causes so much buzz? Because marijuana is a drug? Because James is supposed to be a role model? Because the media wants to show that James is a repentant athlete? So what? Big deal! He smoked pot. He drank alcohol. He had sex with more than one girl. All in high school. Like half the other high school students.
Vick meets with NFL chief Goodell
Everyone has an opinion. Yes, that includes me. If I consider why the likes of Shoeless Joe Jackson and Pete Rose were expelled from baseball, I must suggest that Michael Vick deserves another shot at football. He didn't harm the game of football with his actions; his choices did not causes severe harm to the league. Instead, his actions revealed his stupidity and insensitivity. Let's see if he learned anything from the time he did...
Contador on verge of Tour de France win
Mr. Alberto Contador has only a flat road to France between him and victory. As for Lance, well, I'd say third place after a 3.5 year retirement ain't half bad. I think we take it for granted, but he's really that good.
And now, on this very warm day in Seattle, I'm off to get a haircut. And then perhaps to see Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. Until next I write, happy sporting...
Congratulations to Jeff on his wedding day...
And Happy 46th Birthday to Mr. Julian Hodgson, the "Grandmaster of Disaster". Mr. Hodgson, a particularly relentless chess player has earned many awards and accolades including International Master and Grandmaster in 1983 and 1988 respectively.
Big Ben accuser could get settlement
When I first read the article about Roethlisberger's alleged rape of a 31 year-old employee at a Lake Tahoe hotel, I immediately jumped to the conclusion that yet another football icon had fallen. Then I read a few more stories and wondered if this woman who had waited for a year was just trying to get some money and her five minutes of fame. My final thought on the topic... Is the money worth the fame? For some young athletes who earn far too much for playing a game, the money convinces them that they are all-powerful; and they act as such. See any of a number of professional athletes including a significant portion of the Cincinnati Bengals. For those athletes who don't consider themselves all-powerful, there is the risk that some crazy fan will create some ridiculous story that destroys that athlete's credibility not only with a fan base but also potentially with friends and family. So, again, I ask you; is it worth it? Doesn't seem so...
Joba leads Yanks to eighth straight win
Yes, I know. The Yanks are losing to Oakland 6-1 at the time this blog is being written. And yet, the Yankees have suddenly decided to play the game of baseball. Perhaps they can't beat teams in the West all too often. And perhaps they can't beat Boston either. But they can beat everyone else...
LeBron admits smoking pot in high school
Why is this the headline that results from the soon-to-be-released book written by James and co-author Buzz Bissinger (also author of Friday Night Lights)? Why is this a headline that causes so much buzz? Because marijuana is a drug? Because James is supposed to be a role model? Because the media wants to show that James is a repentant athlete? So what? Big deal! He smoked pot. He drank alcohol. He had sex with more than one girl. All in high school. Like half the other high school students.
Vick meets with NFL chief Goodell
Everyone has an opinion. Yes, that includes me. If I consider why the likes of Shoeless Joe Jackson and Pete Rose were expelled from baseball, I must suggest that Michael Vick deserves another shot at football. He didn't harm the game of football with his actions; his choices did not causes severe harm to the league. Instead, his actions revealed his stupidity and insensitivity. Let's see if he learned anything from the time he did...
Contador on verge of Tour de France win
Mr. Alberto Contador has only a flat road to France between him and victory. As for Lance, well, I'd say third place after a 3.5 year retirement ain't half bad. I think we take it for granted, but he's really that good.
And now, on this very warm day in Seattle, I'm off to get a haircut. And then perhaps to see Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. Until next I write, happy sporting...
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Thursday 13: An iTunes Journey
Shuffling songs was impossible with tapes. I mean, unless a person shuffled the songs themselves and created a mixed tape. It became easier with the advent of the compact disc. But only if you had a multiple disc changer. Now with iTunes and Pandora and the like, shuffling is rather commonplace. I personally love shuffling. And so, I have decided to use this post to list the first 13 songs that play on my iTunes. Any song, mind you. No special playlist. It could be anything...
- The Hornburg - Howard Shore - The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers
- Andrew Lloyd Superstar - Forbidden Broadway - Forbidden Broadway Clean Up I
- Meeting Tom Riddle - John Williams - Harry Potter & The Chamber of Secrets
- Old Friends - Simon & Garfunkel - Concert in Central Park
- Faithfully - Journey - Greatest Hits
- Home for the Holidays - Perry Como - Christmas Spirit
- Barber: Agnus Dei, Op. 11 - The Choir of New College Oxford - Agnus Dei: Music of Inner Harmony
- Sacred Love - Sting - Sacred Love
- Instant Karma! - John Lennon - The John Lennon Collection
- Wild World - Cat Stevens - Tea for the Tillerman
- The Actress Hasn't Learned the Lines - Antonio Banderas / Madonna - Evita
- Call and Answer - Barenaked Ladies - Stunt
- Joy to the World - Three Dog Night - Forrest Gump
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
3WW (Cradle, Perfect, Snare): American Sentences
American Sentences: They are haiku-length poems that Allen Ginsburg suggested be limited to 17 syllables, like haiku in Japanese and like the Heart Sutra in Buddhism. The following sentences are such American Sentences of 17 syllables.
The snare drum was not the perfect cradle, but the baby slept soundly.
I snared the guide by perfectly slighting the cradle of liberty.
The perfect cradle snares a child effectively though comfortably.
The snare drum was not the perfect cradle, but the baby slept soundly.
I snared the guide by perfectly slighting the cradle of liberty.
The perfect cradle snares a child effectively though comfortably.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Video of the Week: Almost Paradise
On July 21, 1989 the old man turned 36 years old. And yet, that wasn't the most memorable happening of the day. Because on that same day, he married his wife Lillian. Shannon beautiful in her dress. Danny, Richard, and I decked out in tuxedos. At a time when Richard and I were still shorter than almost everyone on the altar. We watched as our respective parents became husband and wife. And we officially became a family.
Little did we know of the future at that moment. Or of the familial bond that we would share through some rather tough and rather wonderful times. On this, their 20th wedding anniversary, I give to Lillian and the old man their song...
Little did we know of the future at that moment. Or of the familial bond that we would share through some rather tough and rather wonderful times. On this, their 20th wedding anniversary, I give to Lillian and the old man their song...
Monday, July 20, 2009
It's Personal: A 35th Birthday
My apologies, dear readers, for having cheated you out of a post of my Sporting Rants and Raves. I was not able to give you my humble opinion about Mr. Watson's rather remarkable charge at age 59. Nor was I able to speak to the Sounders loss to Chelsea. Nothing about the Yanks. Nothing about Mr. Vick. And nothing about Lance Armstrong's attempt to win another tour.
But I can't cheat you out of the answers to last week's Trivia of the Week...
Mr. Ron Fairly holds an interesting distinction in the history of baseball. He was the first person to have played on each of these teams. And, he was the only person named an All Star from both teams, a feat that no one else can achieve - at least for now.
Toronto Blue Jays and Montreal Expos
Now for the recap of last week's birthday celebration.
I suppose the celebration actually began on July 10th. Seven years to the day that I had arrived in Seattle. Also the day Joseph's mother arrived in anticipation of the 35th anniversary of Joseph's birth. We both took the day off. We ate at Ruth Chris. And went home to bed.
The next day, we played our last day of 2009 softball. The Thrusters lost after 3 games. The Buzz made it to the championship game and lost to the Wolves. But if you've read this blog, you already know that story.
Sunday, we did nothing. Joseph's mother made some dinner. And Joseph started coughing. Not a good sign.
Joseph woke on Monday and looked paler than I. Well, not quite. But he didn't look good. I went to work for a half day. Couldn't tell you what I did. Then made my way home to find Joseph sprawled on the couch, hacking up a lung. He medicated. His mother and I lounged.
The next day, we both went to work. I don't think Joseph felt particularly up to it, but it was his actual birthday. And he wasn't going to miss the attention. Not to mention the meal. I left work at 11. A 3.5 hour work day for me. Went home to get his mother. And then traveled back up to Fremont to get Joseph. We went to Ivar's on Lake Union. A nice spot. Great view. Had some blackened salmon on a Caesar salad. And then took Joseph home to rest more. His mother and I headed to Kohl's, Target, and J.C. Penney to do some last minute shopping. Then we returned home, wrapped the gifts, and gave them to Joseph only to see them quickly unwrapped. He liked the stuff.
But I wasn't really planning on getting him much stuff. I had other things up my sleeve.
I suppose this is as good a time as any to tell you of my plan. A plan that would defy Joseph's expectation that I couldn't organize events and a party that he could enjoy. It began before I journeyed to Mexico. Yes, April. That's when Todd, Drew, Matt, Tara, Ashley, Rusty, Andy, Rusty, Fernando, and Grant all received the first email. Little did they know that it would be the first of many. From a project manager... mwahahaha...
I returned from Mexico and sent a detailed email each Friday. Highlighting in blue the changes. Telling them what they could tell Joseph. And what they couldn't.
Another interesting point - and tangent - no one can ever completely surprise Joseph. If I tried to tell him that he wasn't getting anything for his 35th, he'd organize something himself. So, I had to allow for some knowledge. Just not all...
So, back to the story.
We prepared for dinner on the evening of his birthday. He didn't know where he was going. Or even who to expect since he never received the evite. The three of us traveled to the Eastlake Bar & Grill on Lake Union. I hoped for outside seating, but it was too nice a day for us to seat such a large party.
Cookie - as he's know by many of his friends - entered the restaurant to find that all of his friends - all 15 of them that came to dinner - were wearing the same t-shirt. A t-shirt that Rusty and Andy had had created. On the front of the t-shirt were the words 'For Real?' And what did Cookie say when he saw the sight? 'For Real?' Of course. And that's why it was on the shirt.
We enjoyed the dinner. Split the check. Went to Purr. Sang karaoke badly. And journeyed home. A third of the birthday finished.
Wednesday? Uneventful. Worked a half day. Did nothing afterwards.
Thursday? Felt the tingling in my throat at approximately 10 a.m. Walked up to the parlor where Todd, Joseph, and his mother were getting tattoos. By that time, I was downing a cough drop every 10 minutes. And when I got home, I was done.
Friday I spent in bed. Dead to the world. Called into work sick. First time in a long, long time. But I had to be ready for Saturday.
By Saturday morning, I felt better. Well, at least good enough to spring the one surprise I had for Joseph.
Oh, he tried to get it out of me. He pried and pushed and pulled. To no avail. I just told him that we had to leave at 10 a.m. And we did. Then I parked in the garage where I park every day for work. He had no clue. We got a coffee. Walked towards the Space Needle. He thought it was a trip up the Space Needle. Until we walked by. Then he thought we were going to the Experience Music Project Museum. But we kept walking. Then he saw the Duck Tour place. And he guessed. And I said yes.
His mother had already been on a Duck, so this wasn't any really big deal. Just a fun little touristy thing, he thought. And it was. Until he saw some of his friends. Then more of his friends. Followed by more. And yet more. Thirty friends in all. For a ride on a specially reserved Duck. He just about flipped out with happiness. We had a picture taken, boarded the Duck, met our Captain - Matt Agascar (yeah I know) - and ventured through Seattle. Quite enjoyable with a very eccentric group. Joseph even drove the boat in the water. A great time...
Todd took Joseph and his mother up to the hill for a drink while I and many of Joseph's friends hurried back to the house to decorate and prepare for the BBQ. When 4 p.m. rolled around, Joseph reappeared to a house and patio filling with guests.
Still, I had this feeling that there had to be at least one disaster. I just couldn't relax otherwise. And it came at about 4:30. A friend started cooking a few hot dogs and hamburgers. Then, the grill spontaneously combusted. Flames leapt from every direction. Far too close to the dry tree above. And even closer to the propane tank below. I stood there feet from the grill thinking that this thing was going to take out our living room and the people who hadn't scattered, including me. Tara looked at me and asked if we had a fire extinguisher. No, was all I could say. But then Drew saved the day by throwing large chunks of ice onto the grill. The very cold water trickled down and stifled the flame.
We were out of ice, at that point. So I went to Fred Meyer, picked up some ice. And a fire extinguisher. As for the rest of the party, it went splendidly.
We slept on Sunday before attending the end of season softball party at 88 Keys. A good ending to a good season. And a good week.
Joseph brought his mother to the airport this morning. And I went to work. My first full day in over a week. I wonder how I'll fare having to work a full week this week.
But at least I know that Joseph had an enjoyable 35th. And that I won't have to put on a shindig like this for another 5 years...
But I can't cheat you out of the answers to last week's Trivia of the Week...
Mr. Ron Fairly holds an interesting distinction in the history of baseball. He was the first person to have played on each of these teams. And, he was the only person named an All Star from both teams, a feat that no one else can achieve - at least for now.
Toronto Blue Jays and Montreal Expos
Now for the recap of last week's birthday celebration.
I suppose the celebration actually began on July 10th. Seven years to the day that I had arrived in Seattle. Also the day Joseph's mother arrived in anticipation of the 35th anniversary of Joseph's birth. We both took the day off. We ate at Ruth Chris. And went home to bed.
The next day, we played our last day of 2009 softball. The Thrusters lost after 3 games. The Buzz made it to the championship game and lost to the Wolves. But if you've read this blog, you already know that story.
Sunday, we did nothing. Joseph's mother made some dinner. And Joseph started coughing. Not a good sign.
Joseph woke on Monday and looked paler than I. Well, not quite. But he didn't look good. I went to work for a half day. Couldn't tell you what I did. Then made my way home to find Joseph sprawled on the couch, hacking up a lung. He medicated. His mother and I lounged.
The next day, we both went to work. I don't think Joseph felt particularly up to it, but it was his actual birthday. And he wasn't going to miss the attention. Not to mention the meal. I left work at 11. A 3.5 hour work day for me. Went home to get his mother. And then traveled back up to Fremont to get Joseph. We went to Ivar's on Lake Union. A nice spot. Great view. Had some blackened salmon on a Caesar salad. And then took Joseph home to rest more. His mother and I headed to Kohl's, Target, and J.C. Penney to do some last minute shopping. Then we returned home, wrapped the gifts, and gave them to Joseph only to see them quickly unwrapped. He liked the stuff.
But I wasn't really planning on getting him much stuff. I had other things up my sleeve.
I suppose this is as good a time as any to tell you of my plan. A plan that would defy Joseph's expectation that I couldn't organize events and a party that he could enjoy. It began before I journeyed to Mexico. Yes, April. That's when Todd, Drew, Matt, Tara, Ashley, Rusty, Andy, Rusty, Fernando, and Grant all received the first email. Little did they know that it would be the first of many. From a project manager... mwahahaha...
I returned from Mexico and sent a detailed email each Friday. Highlighting in blue the changes. Telling them what they could tell Joseph. And what they couldn't.
Another interesting point - and tangent - no one can ever completely surprise Joseph. If I tried to tell him that he wasn't getting anything for his 35th, he'd organize something himself. So, I had to allow for some knowledge. Just not all...
So, back to the story.
We prepared for dinner on the evening of his birthday. He didn't know where he was going. Or even who to expect since he never received the evite. The three of us traveled to the Eastlake Bar & Grill on Lake Union. I hoped for outside seating, but it was too nice a day for us to seat such a large party.
Cookie - as he's know by many of his friends - entered the restaurant to find that all of his friends - all 15 of them that came to dinner - were wearing the same t-shirt. A t-shirt that Rusty and Andy had had created. On the front of the t-shirt were the words 'For Real?' And what did Cookie say when he saw the sight? 'For Real?' Of course. And that's why it was on the shirt.
We enjoyed the dinner. Split the check. Went to Purr. Sang karaoke badly. And journeyed home. A third of the birthday finished.
Wednesday? Uneventful. Worked a half day. Did nothing afterwards.
Thursday? Felt the tingling in my throat at approximately 10 a.m. Walked up to the parlor where Todd, Joseph, and his mother were getting tattoos. By that time, I was downing a cough drop every 10 minutes. And when I got home, I was done.
Friday I spent in bed. Dead to the world. Called into work sick. First time in a long, long time. But I had to be ready for Saturday.
By Saturday morning, I felt better. Well, at least good enough to spring the one surprise I had for Joseph.
Oh, he tried to get it out of me. He pried and pushed and pulled. To no avail. I just told him that we had to leave at 10 a.m. And we did. Then I parked in the garage where I park every day for work. He had no clue. We got a coffee. Walked towards the Space Needle. He thought it was a trip up the Space Needle. Until we walked by. Then he thought we were going to the Experience Music Project Museum. But we kept walking. Then he saw the Duck Tour place. And he guessed. And I said yes.
His mother had already been on a Duck, so this wasn't any really big deal. Just a fun little touristy thing, he thought. And it was. Until he saw some of his friends. Then more of his friends. Followed by more. And yet more. Thirty friends in all. For a ride on a specially reserved Duck. He just about flipped out with happiness. We had a picture taken, boarded the Duck, met our Captain - Matt Agascar (yeah I know) - and ventured through Seattle. Quite enjoyable with a very eccentric group. Joseph even drove the boat in the water. A great time...
Todd took Joseph and his mother up to the hill for a drink while I and many of Joseph's friends hurried back to the house to decorate and prepare for the BBQ. When 4 p.m. rolled around, Joseph reappeared to a house and patio filling with guests.
Still, I had this feeling that there had to be at least one disaster. I just couldn't relax otherwise. And it came at about 4:30. A friend started cooking a few hot dogs and hamburgers. Then, the grill spontaneously combusted. Flames leapt from every direction. Far too close to the dry tree above. And even closer to the propane tank below. I stood there feet from the grill thinking that this thing was going to take out our living room and the people who hadn't scattered, including me. Tara looked at me and asked if we had a fire extinguisher. No, was all I could say. But then Drew saved the day by throwing large chunks of ice onto the grill. The very cold water trickled down and stifled the flame.
We were out of ice, at that point. So I went to Fred Meyer, picked up some ice. And a fire extinguisher. As for the rest of the party, it went splendidly.
We slept on Sunday before attending the end of season softball party at 88 Keys. A good ending to a good season. And a good week.
Joseph brought his mother to the airport this morning. And I went to work. My first full day in over a week. I wonder how I'll fare having to work a full week this week.
But at least I know that Joseph had an enjoyable 35th. And that I won't have to put on a shindig like this for another 5 years...
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Thursday 13: Things I Did as a Kid When I Was Sick
In honor of the fact that Joseph has infected me with whatever nonsense is brewing in my chest and throat, I think back on those times that I stayed home from school:
- Wrapped myself in a blanket on the couch.
- Imbibed far too much Robitussin. Hey, I liked it. Especially cherry.
- Watched the People's Court with Judge Wapner and Doug Llewelyn. And didn't really enjoy it.
- Ate my Lucky Charms by separating out the non-marshmallows from the marshmallows. One spoonful at a time. It took me 45 minutes to eat a bowl.
- Slept. But only if I was really sick.
- Wondered why I stayed home since I'd have to make up all that homework anyway.
- Played the first Dragon Quest (released for Nintendo in 1986)
- Watched Classic Concentration
- Ate another bowl of Lucky Charms. Taking another 45 minutes.
- Watched the Disney afternoon that included Gummi Bears, Duck Tales, Chip n Dale's Rescue Rangers, and Tale Spin. Dark Wing Duck came later, and I actually liked that. But I personally think it jumped the shark with Goof Troop.
- Staying in my pajamas and not showering all day. Ick!
- Played solitaire. With real cards.
- Watched the Price Is Right...
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
3WW (Drip, Hypnotic, Sulk): American Sentences
American Sentences: They are haiku-length poems that Allen Ginsburg suggested be limited to 17 syllables, like haiku in Japanese and like the Heart Sutra in Buddhism. The following two sentences are such American Sentences of 17 syllables.
There’s something hypnotic about the dripping tears of a sulking man.
The sulky drip complained that his wristwatch was not at all hypnotic.
I sulk in these last ticks as the hypnotic drips of oil stoke the fire.
There’s something hypnotic about the dripping tears of a sulking man.
The sulky drip complained that his wristwatch was not at all hypnotic.
I sulk in these last ticks as the hypnotic drips of oil stoke the fire.
Video of the Week: Pugs and Strollers
It is technically Wednesday. But only barely. We have just arrived home from the celebration of Joseph's birthday. Bastille Day. July 14th.
The video this week has nothing to do with Joseph's birthday. Nor does it have anything to do with Bastille Day. Instead, I give you a pug pushing a stroller. Care of JB...
The video this week has nothing to do with Joseph's birthday. Nor does it have anything to do with Bastille Day. Instead, I give you a pug pushing a stroller. Care of JB...
Monday, July 13, 2009
It's Personal: S-P-E-L-L-I-N-G
Do you remember standing before a group of classmates speaking, spelling, and repeating a word spoken by a moderator? After God knows how many spelling and vocabulary tests. After watching teachers pacing the classroom reading tricky words. Receive. Parallel. Neighbor. Commission. Mississippi.
It was fifth grade. I had Mrs. Huie for English. Her most interesting quote, Hells Bells. An odd exclamation, indeed. But even more intriguing since it was the first time I'd heard a teacher use such a word. If 'hells' can be considered a bad word. Each of the fifth graders stood in Moses Y. Beach's cafeteria. One by one, the students floundered. Some purposely. Others having attempted to spell one of those tricky words. R-E-C-I-E-V-E. Alas, no spell check. Before I knew it, two of us remained. She misspelled the word. And I had to swoop in, H-I-P-P-O-P-O-T-A-M-U-S.
The Town Spelling Bee. Dressed in my tie and surrounded by my family, I climbed the steps to sit on the stage with the winners from the other elementary and middle schools. I thought I was out of my league. But, I hung in there. Word after word until I was one of seven on the stage. The moderator read the word. I spelled. S-E-C-R-A-T-A-R-Y. I'm sorry, that's incorrect. My eyes watered. Perfection obliterated with one stupid letter. I barely saw my way off the stage. I couldn't believe I had lost.
But I had another chance. My sixth grade year. My first year at Dag Hammarskjold Middle School. I remember lining up with my classmates again. This time in Dag's auditorium. I watched as countless classmates faltered and stumbled. Until I was one of three. I rose to the microphone to spell a word. I heard the word and paused. How in God's name could this word be given to me prior to the Town Spelling Bee? It was much more difficult than secretary. And all those other tricky words I knew. I tried. T-A-B-O-G-O-N. Not even close. Not even a little. But I already knew that. The moderator spelled the word correctly, T-O-B-O-G-G-A-N. And if I were a more boisterous child, I would have laughed. Or said, are you kidding me? Or given the moderator the finger. Instead, I walked dry-eyed to my seat and wondered what would have happened had I actually spelled secretary correctly.
It was fifth grade. I had Mrs. Huie for English. Her most interesting quote, Hells Bells. An odd exclamation, indeed. But even more intriguing since it was the first time I'd heard a teacher use such a word. If 'hells' can be considered a bad word. Each of the fifth graders stood in Moses Y. Beach's cafeteria. One by one, the students floundered. Some purposely. Others having attempted to spell one of those tricky words. R-E-C-I-E-V-E. Alas, no spell check. Before I knew it, two of us remained. She misspelled the word. And I had to swoop in, H-I-P-P-O-P-O-T-A-M-U-S.
The Town Spelling Bee. Dressed in my tie and surrounded by my family, I climbed the steps to sit on the stage with the winners from the other elementary and middle schools. I thought I was out of my league. But, I hung in there. Word after word until I was one of seven on the stage. The moderator read the word. I spelled. S-E-C-R-A-T-A-R-Y. I'm sorry, that's incorrect. My eyes watered. Perfection obliterated with one stupid letter. I barely saw my way off the stage. I couldn't believe I had lost.
But I had another chance. My sixth grade year. My first year at Dag Hammarskjold Middle School. I remember lining up with my classmates again. This time in Dag's auditorium. I watched as countless classmates faltered and stumbled. Until I was one of three. I rose to the microphone to spell a word. I heard the word and paused. How in God's name could this word be given to me prior to the Town Spelling Bee? It was much more difficult than secretary. And all those other tricky words I knew. I tried. T-A-B-O-G-O-N. Not even close. Not even a little. But I already knew that. The moderator spelled the word correctly, T-O-B-O-G-G-A-N. And if I were a more boisterous child, I would have laughed. Or said, are you kidding me? Or given the moderator the finger. Instead, I walked dry-eyed to my seat and wondered what would have happened had I actually spelled secretary correctly.
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Sporting Rants and Raves (Sunday Edition): July 12, 2009
Happy 71st birthday to Mr. Ron Fairly, a former baseball player and baseball announcer. In fact, Mr. Fairly played in and announced more than 7,000 games in his career. He began with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1958 and ended with the California Angels in 1978. He then announced for the California Angels, San Francisco Giants, and Seattle Mariners, respectively, before retiring in 2006.
Trivia of the Week: Mr. Ron Fairly holds an interesting distinction in the history of baseball. He was the first person to have played on each of these teams. And, he was the only person named an All Star from both teams, a feat that no one else can achieve - at least for now.
And now for the headlines...
McNair Remembered as 'Hero', 'Legend'
Steve McNair was a good football player. Hall of Fame caliber? Well, that discussion is for another day though my gut reaction is no. But this headline and the article that follows lauds Steve McNair, the philanthropic hero who provided funding and time to countless youths wishing to play football. Yes, a hero to many a child. But to his own wife and children, not so much. Shot dead by his girlfriend, a seemingly acceptable headline. Cheating on his girlfriend with yet another woman - not his wife - is also acceptable. Is this a hero, then, a role model in whom we can be proud because he could throw a football and give money away as a result of doing so? I suppose I can't tell someone who he/she should choose as a hero. But please, media, I beg of you, remove the 'Legend' part of the discussion. Because he isn't one. And he won't be.
Angels score 7 in fifth, rally again against Yanks
The New York Yankees were on a 13-2 streak and came even with the Red Sox with an identical record. Then they went to visit the Angels, who seem to have the Yankees' number. It makes you wonder if God is trying to tell the Yanks something about having moved from the land that the Knights of Columbus once donated for the original Yankee Stadium.
Armstrong: This Tour ‘probably not’ his last
Lance, you're a great athlete. I support you and your runs at history in the Tour. You're also one of those in a long line of athletes who couldn't let go of the sport. And, believe me, I'm not saying that you have to let it go. But if you're not going to let it go, then don't. Be honest with yourself and with the rest of us. Brett, Michael, and all you others too. Love the sport. And if you never recognize that it's time to go, then play with all your heart. Don't worry, you'll hear the commentary from others. But until then, stay in the game. Don't leave it to the media to dramatize your decisions. As Nike once suggested, just do it!
2 Washington RBs ruled ineligible
My first thought? This is a damn shame. My second? Having lost every game last year, this may not be the worst thing in the world for the other Huskies.
And finally, I give to you the final report on this softball season.
The Purr Thrusters went into their first game against a prepared Changes Atomic team. The Atomic went up early, but the Thrusters bats caught on fire. We defeated them in the end. Directly following that game, the Thrusters took on the Elite Thunder. The Thunder came out swinging. But so did we. Alas, it wasn't enough. We faltered and lost our first. We later played the Swank Sin. Our bats stopped; theirs didn't. We lost our second and final game. And thus our season ended.
As for the Buzz, they defeated the Cuff Rockets and the Swank Wolves to be the top seed in the tournament. They met the Wolves again in the championship game and lost twice. The Buzz bats just weren't buzzing.
And thus ends another season. Exhausting but well worth it. Thank you Thrusters and Buzz for a great time.
Until next I write, happy sporting...
Trivia of the Week: Mr. Ron Fairly holds an interesting distinction in the history of baseball. He was the first person to have played on each of these teams. And, he was the only person named an All Star from both teams, a feat that no one else can achieve - at least for now.
And now for the headlines...
McNair Remembered as 'Hero', 'Legend'
Steve McNair was a good football player. Hall of Fame caliber? Well, that discussion is for another day though my gut reaction is no. But this headline and the article that follows lauds Steve McNair, the philanthropic hero who provided funding and time to countless youths wishing to play football. Yes, a hero to many a child. But to his own wife and children, not so much. Shot dead by his girlfriend, a seemingly acceptable headline. Cheating on his girlfriend with yet another woman - not his wife - is also acceptable. Is this a hero, then, a role model in whom we can be proud because he could throw a football and give money away as a result of doing so? I suppose I can't tell someone who he/she should choose as a hero. But please, media, I beg of you, remove the 'Legend' part of the discussion. Because he isn't one. And he won't be.
Angels score 7 in fifth, rally again against Yanks
The New York Yankees were on a 13-2 streak and came even with the Red Sox with an identical record. Then they went to visit the Angels, who seem to have the Yankees' number. It makes you wonder if God is trying to tell the Yanks something about having moved from the land that the Knights of Columbus once donated for the original Yankee Stadium.
Armstrong: This Tour ‘probably not’ his last
Lance, you're a great athlete. I support you and your runs at history in the Tour. You're also one of those in a long line of athletes who couldn't let go of the sport. And, believe me, I'm not saying that you have to let it go. But if you're not going to let it go, then don't. Be honest with yourself and with the rest of us. Brett, Michael, and all you others too. Love the sport. And if you never recognize that it's time to go, then play with all your heart. Don't worry, you'll hear the commentary from others. But until then, stay in the game. Don't leave it to the media to dramatize your decisions. As Nike once suggested, just do it!
2 Washington RBs ruled ineligible
My first thought? This is a damn shame. My second? Having lost every game last year, this may not be the worst thing in the world for the other Huskies.
And finally, I give to you the final report on this softball season.
The Purr Thrusters went into their first game against a prepared Changes Atomic team. The Atomic went up early, but the Thrusters bats caught on fire. We defeated them in the end. Directly following that game, the Thrusters took on the Elite Thunder. The Thunder came out swinging. But so did we. Alas, it wasn't enough. We faltered and lost our first. We later played the Swank Sin. Our bats stopped; theirs didn't. We lost our second and final game. And thus our season ended.
As for the Buzz, they defeated the Cuff Rockets and the Swank Wolves to be the top seed in the tournament. They met the Wolves again in the championship game and lost twice. The Buzz bats just weren't buzzing.
And thus ends another season. Exhausting but well worth it. Thank you Thrusters and Buzz for a great time.
Until next I write, happy sporting...
Friday, July 10, 2009
Thursday 13 (On Friday): Seven Years Ago
On July 8, 2002 I departed West Haven, CT at approximately 5 a.m. in my 1996 Mitsubishi Galant. On July 10, 2002 I arrived in Seattle, WA at approximately 6:30 p.m. Here are some of the things I remember in no particular order...
- Saying goodbye to my grandfather after he hugged me and stuffed money into my hand.
- Heading down to the beach to watch the sun rise over the Atlantic. Well, for those who know CT, it was actually Long Island Sound.
- Drinking / eating Ensure (supplied by my grandmother) in the car so that I didn't have to worry about stopping to eat.
- Worrying about driving cross country with 90% of my worldly possessions.
- Driving the winding roads from Coeur d'Alene, ID into Washington.
- Watching a literal cloud blanket proceed west to east in central North Dakota. Not to mention the unbelievable bolts of lightning that seemed so close but that were actually miles and miles away.
- Calling the old man from a rest stop in Montana and describing what can only be described as a magnificent blue sky dotted with clouds.
- Staying in Glendive, MT. One of the eastern-most towns in Montana, I remember seeing multiple pickup trucks with gun racks, a saloon where half the town happened to be, and a small diner where the other half was.
- Calling Joseph from the now non-existent pay phone on the corner of 8th and Olive.
- Driving through Chicago at dusk through construction, seeing the Sears tower in all its gothic beauty, and wondering if I was actually going to make it to the hotel in Rockford.
- Wondering how I was going to explain all of this to family and friends who, I was convinced, would not understand.
- Seeing Touchdown Jesus and praying at Notre Dame's empty Grotto.
- Witnessing Seattle in all its majesty and beauty for the first time as I ended my trip on I-90.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
3WW (Kneel, Gloom, Transparency): Final Out
Dust swirls. The flat, dry heat sticks to my skin like tar. The blond boy in his blood red uniform steps to the plate holding the aluminum bat. Bases loaded. One out. Tie game. Bottom of the last inning. Last game of the season.
I step toward home. Half way between first and second. Short follows suit. We call out to each other. Any base. Gotta go home. Just step on the plate, Tim. Our voices dance with the dust, a delicate arrhythmic tango.
The pitcher tosses the scarred white ball towards the plate. The blond boy steps, pivots, sends the ball skipping and spinning towards me. As taught by the old man, I kneel and get the glove down. I am willing to block the ball with any part of my body. Any part.
The ball takes a cosmic bounce. An ill-placed pebble? A teammate’s cleated divot? None can tell. And the gloom I felt in the depth of my soul that moment after it sailed over my shoulder prevented me from investigating the cause of such a jounce.
I walk from the field through a sea of blood red cheers. Wishing I could achieve absolute transparency. My teammates pat me on the back with their dirty, calloused hands. Tell me that there was nothing I could do. Tell me to shake it off. I grimace as the ball replays its flippant hop in my unforgiving imagination.
And there beyond my teammates sits my other team. The team I coach. I cannot help but smile when they erupt. Whistling and clapping engulf me.
The meaning of the game had never been so apparent.
I step toward home. Half way between first and second. Short follows suit. We call out to each other. Any base. Gotta go home. Just step on the plate, Tim. Our voices dance with the dust, a delicate arrhythmic tango.
The pitcher tosses the scarred white ball towards the plate. The blond boy steps, pivots, sends the ball skipping and spinning towards me. As taught by the old man, I kneel and get the glove down. I am willing to block the ball with any part of my body. Any part.
The ball takes a cosmic bounce. An ill-placed pebble? A teammate’s cleated divot? None can tell. And the gloom I felt in the depth of my soul that moment after it sailed over my shoulder prevented me from investigating the cause of such a jounce.
I walk from the field through a sea of blood red cheers. Wishing I could achieve absolute transparency. My teammates pat me on the back with their dirty, calloused hands. Tell me that there was nothing I could do. Tell me to shake it off. I grimace as the ball replays its flippant hop in my unforgiving imagination.
And there beyond my teammates sits my other team. The team I coach. I cannot help but smile when they erupt. Whistling and clapping engulf me.
The meaning of the game had never been so apparent.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Video of the Week: Thriller
Before I come to the video, I will give you the answers from yesterday's entry:
This video is just practice, but if you look them up on youtube, you'll find a heck of a lot more...
- Past tense of the verb meaning 'to approach or move toward a particular person or place' ANSWER: Came - Cameo
- A noun meaning 'a wide opening; gap; breach' ANSWER: Gape - Agape
- A noun meaning 'the legal claim of one person upon the property of another person to secure the payment of a debt or the satisfaction of an obligation' ANSWER: Lien - Alien
- A verb meaning 'to assume a facial expression indicating pleasure, favor, or amusement, but sometimes derision or scorn, characterized by an upturning of the corners of the mouth' ANSWER: Smile - Simile
This video is just practice, but if you look them up on youtube, you'll find a heck of a lot more...
Monday, July 6, 2009
It's Personal: Words Part 2
Okay, so I'm cheating a little. The last time I submitted a 'Words' post was March 23rd and it was 'Art in All Its Forms' a topic about which I decided to cease writing. But I still love words. And though the topic itself this evening isn't anything particularly personal, i.e. about me, it is one of my favorite things.
And so, without further jabber, I introduce to you an interesting phenomenon. There are 1 syllable words in the English language that become 3 syllable words with the addition of 1 letter somewhere within the word. If that isn't clear, I'll give you an example:
Are + a = Area
The one listed above is rather easy because the letter is added to the end. But it is possible for the letter to be added to the beginning or middle of the word as well. Can you guess the others?
Hints: I'll give you the hint for the 1 syllable word. You guess the word and then the word it would become were a letter to be added.
And so, without further jabber, I introduce to you an interesting phenomenon. There are 1 syllable words in the English language that become 3 syllable words with the addition of 1 letter somewhere within the word. If that isn't clear, I'll give you an example:
Are + a = Area
The one listed above is rather easy because the letter is added to the end. But it is possible for the letter to be added to the beginning or middle of the word as well. Can you guess the others?
Hints: I'll give you the hint for the 1 syllable word. You guess the word and then the word it would become were a letter to be added.
- Past tense of the verb meaning 'to approach or move toward a particular person or place'
- A noun meaning 'a wide opening; gap; breach'
- A noun meaning 'the legal claim of one person upon the property of another person to secure the payment of a debt or the satisfaction of an obligation'
- A verb meaning 'to assume a facial expression indicating pleasure, favor, or amusement, but sometimes derision or scorn, characterized by an upturning of the corners of the mouth'
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Sporting Rants and Raves: July 4, 2009
Happy Birthday to the United States of America!
For today, I give you a very abbreviated post. It has to do with softball and only softball.
We began the day at 9 a.m. with our first games at 10 a.m. (The team for which I play) Game 1 we took against the number 1 team in the league. And rather handily at that. In game 2, played immediately after game 1, we beat the number 4 team in the league. And in game 3, played at 1:30, we won against the number 3 team in the league.
We had a short break.
We came back and beat a team called the Guerrillas. And then we played at 6 p.m. and got beat by the team against whom we won the third game.
Oh, it was a tournament. Double elimination. Which means more games tomorrow.
I'm exhausted. But we played well.
And I actually hit a home run over the head of the left center fielder, not common for me.
In any case, that's the post...
Until next I write, happy sporting...
And Happy Independence Day!
For today, I give you a very abbreviated post. It has to do with softball and only softball.
We began the day at 9 a.m. with our first games at 10 a.m. (The team for which I play) Game 1 we took against the number 1 team in the league. And rather handily at that. In game 2, played immediately after game 1, we beat the number 4 team in the league. And in game 3, played at 1:30, we won against the number 3 team in the league.
We had a short break.
We came back and beat a team called the Guerrillas. And then we played at 6 p.m. and got beat by the team against whom we won the third game.
Oh, it was a tournament. Double elimination. Which means more games tomorrow.
I'm exhausted. But we played well.
And I actually hit a home run over the head of the left center fielder, not common for me.
In any case, that's the post...
Until next I write, happy sporting...
And Happy Independence Day!
Friday, July 3, 2009
Thursday 13 (On Friday): Automobiles
With the purchase of a new car - that I have not yet driven - I consider 13 cars I have driven. Whether for years or minutes. Some of those cars, I can describe to a tee. Others, I barely remember. Never a Bentley. But also never a Yugo. I don't think I've driven anything that predates the 1980s. Nor any car made after 2006. I've driven friends' cars. And families' cars. I even tried stick shift once with Uncle Mark. Suffice it to say, I don't drive stick.
And so, in no particular order, I present the cars of my life...
And so, in no particular order, I present the cars of my life...
- I remember neither the make nor the model of the first car I drove. I do remember that it was an early 80s box car, that is it looked like a box. And it was a very unassuming tan. That car with automatic transmission was the car with which I learned to drive in driver's education. I remember taking the test in that car. And getting one minor demerit (not enough from keeping me from my license) for going over the railroad tracks too fast.
- Silver 1984 Toyota Celica GT Hatchback with power doors, power windows, and a moon roof. Purchased that car for a buck from my Uncle Tom. Lasted me 4 years in high school. And then lasted my brother 3 additional years. I didn't actually fit in the car unless I opened the moon roof, which I did many a cold November night driving football teammates home from practice. Had an engine that didn't quit and a body that was rusting out from under me. Great car.
- I know I drove at least one of the old man's many AstroVans. Medi-Ray's car of choice, I have many more memories in the passenger seats of those vans than in the driver's.
- Light blue 1990 Mazda Protege. Given as a gift by my paternal grandparents, the Protege didn't have a lot of the fixins, but it did get me where I needed to go for quite a few years.
- Green Honda CRV from the late 90s or early 00s. My stepmother's leased car was compact and easy to handle. I still like the look of the CRV and Rav 4.
- Moving trucks. Whether from Delaware back to Connecticut or from our apartment on 12th Ave S to the house in which we now live, I've driven my fair share of U-Haul like trucks.
- White 1987 Buick LeSabre. Memere's car for the longest time, I drove this car a few times back and forth to the seminary.
- An Acura - I want to say Integra, though I can't remember. A seminarian named Ryan lent me his car to drive back to Connecticut for Jared's mother's wake and funeral. I remember being introduced to Andrea Bocelli on that trip (the only CD he had in the car).
- An old blue boxish Volvo. I remember driving Cliff's car to various places in Boston and the surrounding area to fulfill my responsibilities for teaching catechism and ministering to prison inmates.
- A champagne-colored Cadillac Deville. Fr. Gunnoud's car rode like a dream. And he let me drive everywhere.
- A blue late 90s Chevy Cavalier that I drove while at Incarnation in Wethersfield. Plain but effective for that summer 'intership'.
- Silver 1996 Mitsubishi Galant. Purchased from my sister, this was the car I half-packed and drove across the country. It did me well.
- Light tan 2006 Subaru Forester. A lease - which I'll never make the mistake of doing again. But a very good car. Last winter, when life in Seattle was hell frozen over - literally - the Forester with its AWD got us everywhere with relative ease. Yes, it did come with a rather hefty repair bill since the ice and snow destroyed the car's alignment, but still, we weren't one of those cars stuck on hills in the Seattle area.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
3WW (Collapse, Sweet, Yearn): American Sentence
American Sentences: They are haiku-length poems that Allen Ginsburg suggested be limited to 17 syllables, like haiku in Japanese and like the Heart Sutra in Buddhism. The following two sentences are such American Sentences of 17 syllables.
(So, I decided to post 2...)
After eighteen hours awake, I yearn to collapse into sweet grape sheets.
She yearned to collapse his sweet soft skull with a hammer from his garage.
(So, I decided to post 2...)
After eighteen hours awake, I yearn to collapse into sweet grape sheets.
She yearned to collapse his sweet soft skull with a hammer from his garage.
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