IN HEAVEN
In heaven,
Some little blades of grass
Stood before God.
“What did you do?”
Then all save one of the little blades
Began eagerly to relate
The merits of their lives.
This one stayed a small way behind, Ashamed.
Presently, God said,
“And what did you do?”
The little blade answered, “O my lord,
Memory is bitter to me,
For, if I did good deeds,
I know not of them.”
Then God, in all His splendour,
Arose from His throne.
“O best little blade of grass!” He said.
~ Stephen Crane, 1871 - 1900
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Art I'm Seeing #33
The National Gallery of Art has a couple of new major exhibitions for the holiday season. "Jan Lievens: A Dutch Master Rediscovered" is an expansive retrospective of the works of this Rembrandt contemporary and friend.
Unusual in its compliment of drawings and prints along with oil paintings, the show really gives you a broad perspective on Meister Lieven's talents. He worked in the shadow of the master, and his works reflect the status of a junior partner.
Excelling in the depiction of the portrait and the face, its attachment to the rest of the human form is at times more awkward. Clumsy in the details does not mean without genius. However, it does explain why Jan Lievens has remained undiscovered for so long.
The show has venues in Milwaukee and Amsterdam -- catch it if you can.
Unusual in its compliment of drawings and prints along with oil paintings, the show really gives you a broad perspective on Meister Lieven's talents. He worked in the shadow of the master, and his works reflect the status of a junior partner.
Excelling in the depiction of the portrait and the face, its attachment to the rest of the human form is at times more awkward. Clumsy in the details does not mean without genius. However, it does explain why Jan Lievens has remained undiscovered for so long.
The show has venues in Milwaukee and Amsterdam -- catch it if you can.
What I'm Watching #175
Not much of one to see movies in theaters these days, I've finally joined the rest of the human race by seeing Disney/Pixar's "Wall-E." What can I add to the chorus of praise? Beep, urp, rup, urp, zzzziiz, zizzzz. Whooooooooooosh!
The thing that DVD's offer that movies don't is the range of extra features. The joy of this film's cadre is the in-depth look at the history of sound effects.
All in all, a wonderful movie.
The thing that DVD's offer that movies don't is the range of extra features. The joy of this film's cadre is the in-depth look at the history of sound effects.
All in all, a wonderful movie.
Friday, November 28, 2008
What I'm Reading #12
When Sarah Vowell isn't providing voice-overs for some Pixar classic, or performing her concierge duties on "This American Life," she's writing about the foibles and miracles of American history.
"The Wordy Shipmates" tells the tale of the settling of New England. The book reads with the familiar cadences of her radio commentaries. Her ability to bounce between history and her story enlivens the narrative, which is a dense telling of our puritan founders. There are often more insightful observations in the things she doesn't tell us; and that's her gift to the reader: a trust in our ability to make meaning out of the "Roads Not Taken."
"The Wordy Shipmates" tells the tale of the settling of New England. The book reads with the familiar cadences of her radio commentaries. Her ability to bounce between history and her story enlivens the narrative, which is a dense telling of our puritan founders. There are often more insightful observations in the things she doesn't tell us; and that's her gift to the reader: a trust in our ability to make meaning out of the "Roads Not Taken."
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Random Quote #97
"Sometimes when we are generous in small, barely detectable ways it can change someone else's life forever."
~ Margaret Cho, 1968 -
~ Margaret Cho, 1968 -
Thanksgiving 2008 Dame Fortuna
It's hard to turn on the radio or the TV and not find some one declaring what it is for which they are thankful. After all, it is Thanksgiving!
So here's my 2 ¢ for this year: I'm thankful for Fate.
Last evening I found myself on the #16 Ride On Metro Bus on my way to retrieve my car from the auto shop, when this article flashed before my eyes. Only a month earlier, on another #16, 14-year-old Tai Lam was accidentally shot to death by a member of the Latino gang MS-13.
In the back of the bus I was riding on was a group of young African American males talking up shit with lots of "fucks" and "nigga's" and laughter while two young women giggled and shot them glances of disbelief, flirtation, and faux-shock.
I sat behind the driver and across from me were an elderly black woman and a young Hispanic woman with a baby girl in her arms. Half a dozen assorted brown skinned men and women sat around the middle of the bus holding shopping bags, a valise or two, a cane.
Within moments the bus was well past Quebec Terrace and the crime scene. It lumbered up Piney Branch and near a set of formerly public housing apartments, the two young women in the back of the bus rose to exit. As they did they turned to the young men and said, "Please, be safe."
I'm sure when the teenaged son of Vietnamese immigrants got on this bus, he felt safe. He'd taken the bus a gazillion times before. But that night, it was his fate to be first a witness to an argument between rival gang members and then their latest victim.
Fate is not a collective experience no matter how much we work together to achieve a goal. We each ultimately find our life's path to be filled with it's own fortunes, it's only tragedies. Wednesday's bus ride reminded me how diverse and how capricious fate can be.
And even with the sadnesses that have from time to time found their way into my life, thus far, my fate has been benevolent, unremarkable, and fortunate. And on this “Turkey Day” I am thankful for it.
What are you thankful for?
So here's my 2 ¢ for this year: I'm thankful for Fate.
Last evening I found myself on the #16 Ride On Metro Bus on my way to retrieve my car from the auto shop, when this article flashed before my eyes. Only a month earlier, on another #16, 14-year-old Tai Lam was accidentally shot to death by a member of the Latino gang MS-13.
In the back of the bus I was riding on was a group of young African American males talking up shit with lots of "fucks" and "nigga's" and laughter while two young women giggled and shot them glances of disbelief, flirtation, and faux-shock.
I sat behind the driver and across from me were an elderly black woman and a young Hispanic woman with a baby girl in her arms. Half a dozen assorted brown skinned men and women sat around the middle of the bus holding shopping bags, a valise or two, a cane.
Within moments the bus was well past Quebec Terrace and the crime scene. It lumbered up Piney Branch and near a set of formerly public housing apartments, the two young women in the back of the bus rose to exit. As they did they turned to the young men and said, "Please, be safe."
I'm sure when the teenaged son of Vietnamese immigrants got on this bus, he felt safe. He'd taken the bus a gazillion times before. But that night, it was his fate to be first a witness to an argument between rival gang members and then their latest victim.
Fate is not a collective experience no matter how much we work together to achieve a goal. We each ultimately find our life's path to be filled with it's own fortunes, it's only tragedies. Wednesday's bus ride reminded me how diverse and how capricious fate can be.
And even with the sadnesses that have from time to time found their way into my life, thus far, my fate has been benevolent, unremarkable, and fortunate. And on this “Turkey Day” I am thankful for it.
What are you thankful for?
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Lego Factory Series #6
Lego strikes again!
This model of the Taj Mahal is simply and utterly amazing. It took me three days to construct. In the end I had some bricks left over that I probably should have used somewhere in the model!
But it's really a wonderful addition to their model line.
Bravo, Lego!
This model of the Taj Mahal is simply and utterly amazing. It took me three days to construct. In the end I had some bricks left over that I probably should have used somewhere in the model!
But it's really a wonderful addition to their model line.
Bravo, Lego!
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Our Latest American Hero #127
Army Spc. William J. McClellan, 22, of New Castle, Ind. died Nov. 6 at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C. from wounds sustained in January of 2008 as a result of an IED. He was a member of Alpha Company, 502nd Infantry, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division based in Fort Campbell, Ky.
"Area Soldier Dies From Iraq Injuries"
Army Spc. William Justin McClellan was New Castle native
Heather McClellan thought her husband was recovering from the injuries he suffered in January when his truck hit a roadside bomb in Iraq.
Maybe, she thought, he'd even be home for Christmas.
But Army Spc. William Justin McClellan, 22, a New Castle native who grew up in Indianapolis, died Nov. 6 at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C.
An Army spokeswoman told The Associated Press on Tuesday that his injuries had not been considered life-threatening and the cause of his death is under investigation.
"It's a shock to everybody," his wife said. "I talked to him on the 5th, and he was fine. He just had not been feeling well and had developed a few staph infections. But he was fine."
Their second wedding anniversary would have been Dec. 27.
McClellan is the 109th soldier with Indiana ties to be killed in the war in Iraq.
The infantryman, based in Fort Campbell, Ky., and a member of Alpha Company, 502nd Infantry, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, was critically injured in January in a roadside explosion.
Except for a brief trip for a family funeral, his wife said, he had not been out of the hospital.
The couple lived in Clarksville, Tenn., and he will be buried in Tennessee.
Recent news reports have indicated a high suicide rate among soldiers, but without being asked, Heather McClellan volunteered in a telephone interview that this was not the case with her husband.
"He wouldn't have done that. I know my husband," she said. "He was a fighter, and he would never have given up on anything."
The Army's system of long-term care for wounded soldiers has struggled to keep up with the surge of casualties from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
After a wounded Indiana sergeant's fatal prescription drug overdose at Fort Knox, Ky., in 2007, the Army found shortcomings in leadership there and a staff stretched too thin. Problems uncovered at Walter Reed in 2007 were so bad that the secretary of the Army resigned, but officials have taken steps since then to improve conditions.
Born in New Castle, McClellan attended Howe High School in Indianapolis before joining the military and passing his general educational development test.
His parents, Arthur and Lisa McClellan, live in Indianapolis, as do several other family members.
"He loved fishing, music. He loved the outdoors," Heather McClellan, an Illinois native, said about her husband. "He was an adrenaline junkie to the fullest. His family and friends will dearly miss him."
McClellan received a Purple Heart and a Combat Infantry Badge for his actions in Iraq.
His wife said he was driving in a convoy Jan. 10 when his vehicle struck a roadside bomb.
"There were several trucks that had passed over it, but it just so happened when his truck passed, it detonated," Heather McClellan said.
She said her husband steered the truck to safety, and no other soldiers suffered serious injuries.
"When they were taking care of him on the field, he had told his guys to hold his place because he'd be back in two weeks," she said. But his injuries, which she described as shrapnel damage to the head, hand and foot, were more serious than he realized.
McClellan was born Oct. 20, 1986. Besides his wife and parents, he is survived by brothers Arthur, Gregory and Trevor McClellan and Donald Schmitz and sister Tonya Schmitz, Indianapolis; maternal grandparents Charles Foster III and Vinda Foster, Indianapolis; and maternal great-grandparents Charles Foster II and Barbara Foster, Attica.
"Area Soldier Dies From Iraq Injuries"
Army Spc. William Justin McClellan was New Castle native
Heather McClellan thought her husband was recovering from the injuries he suffered in January when his truck hit a roadside bomb in Iraq.
Maybe, she thought, he'd even be home for Christmas.
But Army Spc. William Justin McClellan, 22, a New Castle native who grew up in Indianapolis, died Nov. 6 at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C.
An Army spokeswoman told The Associated Press on Tuesday that his injuries had not been considered life-threatening and the cause of his death is under investigation.
"It's a shock to everybody," his wife said. "I talked to him on the 5th, and he was fine. He just had not been feeling well and had developed a few staph infections. But he was fine."
Their second wedding anniversary would have been Dec. 27.
McClellan is the 109th soldier with Indiana ties to be killed in the war in Iraq.
The infantryman, based in Fort Campbell, Ky., and a member of Alpha Company, 502nd Infantry, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, was critically injured in January in a roadside explosion.
Except for a brief trip for a family funeral, his wife said, he had not been out of the hospital.
The couple lived in Clarksville, Tenn., and he will be buried in Tennessee.
Recent news reports have indicated a high suicide rate among soldiers, but without being asked, Heather McClellan volunteered in a telephone interview that this was not the case with her husband.
"He wouldn't have done that. I know my husband," she said. "He was a fighter, and he would never have given up on anything."
The Army's system of long-term care for wounded soldiers has struggled to keep up with the surge of casualties from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
After a wounded Indiana sergeant's fatal prescription drug overdose at Fort Knox, Ky., in 2007, the Army found shortcomings in leadership there and a staff stretched too thin. Problems uncovered at Walter Reed in 2007 were so bad that the secretary of the Army resigned, but officials have taken steps since then to improve conditions.
Born in New Castle, McClellan attended Howe High School in Indianapolis before joining the military and passing his general educational development test.
His parents, Arthur and Lisa McClellan, live in Indianapolis, as do several other family members.
"He loved fishing, music. He loved the outdoors," Heather McClellan, an Illinois native, said about her husband. "He was an adrenaline junkie to the fullest. His family and friends will dearly miss him."
McClellan received a Purple Heart and a Combat Infantry Badge for his actions in Iraq.
His wife said he was driving in a convoy Jan. 10 when his vehicle struck a roadside bomb.
"There were several trucks that had passed over it, but it just so happened when his truck passed, it detonated," Heather McClellan said.
She said her husband steered the truck to safety, and no other soldiers suffered serious injuries.
"When they were taking care of him on the field, he had told his guys to hold his place because he'd be back in two weeks," she said. But his injuries, which she described as shrapnel damage to the head, hand and foot, were more serious than he realized.
McClellan was born Oct. 20, 1986. Besides his wife and parents, he is survived by brothers Arthur, Gregory and Trevor McClellan and Donald Schmitz and sister Tonya Schmitz, Indianapolis; maternal grandparents Charles Foster III and Vinda Foster, Indianapolis; and maternal great-grandparents Charles Foster II and Barbara Foster, Attica.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
2008 Post-Election Senatorial Up-date #1
The November 4th election left 3 races for the U.S. Senate's 111th session unanswered. Today only 2 races remain contested.
On his 85th birthday, Republican Senator Ted Stevens received the gift of retirement. Fair the well Mr. Felon. Anchorage Mayor, Marc Begich will be Alaska's junior senator. That's Marc Begich and NOT Sarah Palin. Thank the gods of the aurora borealis for such gifts.
Minnesota and Georgia remain open questions, both will be revealed by mid-December. Both remain too close to call.
On his 85th birthday, Republican Senator Ted Stevens received the gift of retirement. Fair the well Mr. Felon. Anchorage Mayor, Marc Begich will be Alaska's junior senator. That's Marc Begich and NOT Sarah Palin. Thank the gods of the aurora borealis for such gifts.
Minnesota and Georgia remain open questions, both will be revealed by mid-December. Both remain too close to call.
Monday, November 17, 2008
Unsolicited Advice
Obama's people have indicated that they will appoint a Republican to the cabinet. Speculation swirls around retiring Senator Chuck Hagle of Nebraska. I would suggest a re-think. I would propose Governor Arnold Schwartznagger of California to the post of Secretary of Transportation. And then rather than bury him in the back bench cloud of irrelevancy that our current Secretary of Transportation (can you name him/her?) resides in -- elevate the post as part of a "Rebuild America" campaign. This would be brilliant, and Arnold is up to the task.
Mary E. Peters.
Er, she's the current holder of this office. Who knew?
Mary E. Peters.
Er, she's the current holder of this office. Who knew?
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Today's Sermon #4
The image is of Ngo Tien Doan of Viet Nam, an international male model and Mr. Gay Universe 2008.
[SOME KEEP THE SABBATH GOING TO CHURCH]
Some keep the Sabbath going to Church—
I keep it, staying at Home—
With a Bobolink for a Chorister—
And an Orchard, for a Dome—
Some keep the Sabbath in Surplice—
I just wear my Wings—
And instead of tolling the Bell, for Church,
Our little Sexton—sings.
God preaches, a noted Clergyman—
And the sermon is never long,
So instead of getting to Heaven, at last—
I'm going, all along.
~ Emily Dickinson, 1830 - 1886
[SOME KEEP THE SABBATH GOING TO CHURCH]
Some keep the Sabbath going to Church—
I keep it, staying at Home—
With a Bobolink for a Chorister—
And an Orchard, for a Dome—
Some keep the Sabbath in Surplice—
I just wear my Wings—
And instead of tolling the Bell, for Church,
Our little Sexton—sings.
God preaches, a noted Clergyman—
And the sermon is never long,
So instead of getting to Heaven, at last—
I'm going, all along.
~ Emily Dickinson, 1830 - 1886
What I'm Watching #174
"3-Day Weekend" is a film about 8 gay men who meet for a long weekend at a "cabin" in the mountains. Three are longtime friends. Two of these are a longtime couple. The other has a relatively new and young companion. Each of these four invite a friend to join them.
The results make for a very authentic and enjoyable film. I really liked this one.
The results make for a very authentic and enjoyable film. I really liked this one.
What I'm Listening To #43
"'Til We Outnumber 'Em" is a recording from a concert held in the honor of the songs of Woody Gurthrie which took place at the Museum of Rock and Roll in Cleveland, Ohio in 1996. Between songs we hear quotes from Woody and testimonials from others. The musicians include: Billy Bragg, Ani DiFranco, Ramblin' Jack Elliot, Arlo Guthrie, the Indio Girls, David Pirner, Tim Robbins, and Bruce Springsteen.
This ought to be required listening in every 5th grade curriculum in the United States. It ought to be shared between the Music, Social Studies and English teachers. Not since the prolific catalogue of music produced by Stephen Collins Foster, has America seen a voice so pure and so rampant after what it is to be American.
This collection of artists does Woody proud, and this work is simply "must experience CD." These songs resonate with such a powerful and clarion message of what it means to be alive in this day, in our age--nigh on 42 years after his death. The artists' interpretations demonstrate the universality of Woody's vision and gift.
This ought to be required listening in every 5th grade curriculum in the United States. It ought to be shared between the Music, Social Studies and English teachers. Not since the prolific catalogue of music produced by Stephen Collins Foster, has America seen a voice so pure and so rampant after what it is to be American.
This collection of artists does Woody proud, and this work is simply "must experience CD." These songs resonate with such a powerful and clarion message of what it means to be alive in this day, in our age--nigh on 42 years after his death. The artists' interpretations demonstrate the universality of Woody's vision and gift.
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Presidential Race 2008 #21 (Results)
After 20 weeks of Saturday maps with polls, it seemed fitting to post a final map depicting the relative strength of the results. I waited a week for Missouri (and still it's not settled). But I will give it to McCain. And with that in mind, here are the states and their relative strength of support for their chosen candidate.
"Weakly" falls within the pollster's margin of error and here means 1.1% to 4.5%, "Moderately" little more than doubles this and goes from 4.6% to 9.5%. and "Strongly" represents 9.6% and everything above.
The Top Five Democratic States by margin of victory were:
The District of Columbia 86.4%
Hawai'i 45.2%
Vermont 37.2%
Rhode Island 27.8%
Massachusetts 25.8%
The Top Five Republican States by margin of victory were:
Wyoming 32.5%
Oklahoma 31.4%
Utah 28.7%
Idaho 25.4%
Alaska 25.2%
"Weakly" falls within the pollster's margin of error and here means 1.1% to 4.5%, "Moderately" little more than doubles this and goes from 4.6% to 9.5%. and "Strongly" represents 9.6% and everything above.
The Top Five Democratic States by margin of victory were:
The District of Columbia 86.4%
Hawai'i 45.2%
Vermont 37.2%
Rhode Island 27.8%
Massachusetts 25.8%
The Top Five Republican States by margin of victory were:
Wyoming 32.5%
Oklahoma 31.4%
Utah 28.7%
Idaho 25.4%
Alaska 25.2%
Presidential Election 2008 Redux #10
New Hampshire is the final "Captured" state from the Republican to the Democratic column. And it's the only state in which every single county went for Obama/Biden.
Add to this the defeat of an incumbent Republican Senator, and the maintenance of both House seats from their 2006 surprise victories over incumbent Republicans, and one is apt to believe that the last bastion of REDness in New England is now decidedly blue.
Add to this the defeat of an incumbent Republican Senator, and the maintenance of both House seats from their 2006 surprise victories over incumbent Republicans, and one is apt to believe that the last bastion of REDness in New England is now decidedly blue.
What I'm Watching #173
"Half A Person" is a Canadian film about two best friends who have found something essential in one another even though they couldn't be more different in many respects. One is gay, on straight. One is in a relationship, one is a virgin. One is trying to grow up, and one is desperately trying to remain an irresponsible adolescent.
For a low budget film, it's ambitious. The acting and writing more than compitent.
For a low budget film, it's ambitious. The acting and writing more than compitent.
Friday, November 14, 2008
Presidential Election 2008 Redux #09
Iowa is the first state where more counties went for the Democrats than the Republicans (52 of the 98 counties). Counties with Universities went for Obama, counties with larger Catholic populations went for Obama, counties with concentrations of Hispanic voters went for Obama.
And the lion share of non-Democratic majority counties went Republican in a tepid way. The end result being a 10 % popular vote spread for the Democrats.
And the lion share of non-Democratic majority counties went Republican in a tepid way. The end result being a 10 % popular vote spread for the Democrats.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Presidential Election 2008 Redux #08
North Carolina is the next to last state in this series that was taken out of the Republican column this time around and placed in the Democratic side of the leger.
And it is also the real "squeeker" of a victory in this election; Obama won by only point 4 tenths of a percent. And in a state like New Mexico that margin might have triggered an automatic chorus for recall, but in North Carolina with thrice the population, .4 % of the vote does equal 13,692 votes -- a number that actually exceeds the total voting populace in 28 of the 100 counties in the Tar Heel state on this past November 4th.
Where did the votes come from? 1) Urban areas across the state, 2) university and college towns, 3) African American population centers, and 4) military epicenters. The area around Fort Bragg went heavily for the Democratic ticket.
Given the closeness of the end result, the suppression of the strong Republican vote in at least 20 counties also helped to solidify this historic win. What dampened GOP spirits or convinced Republican voters to stay at home or vote Democratic will be the subject of some other soul's Ph. D., but certainly the lively Senatorial and Gubenatorial races didn't hurt. In the end BOTH down ticket candidates prevailed, too. Everywhere the Republicans seemed desperate, angry, spiteful, mean-spirited, and self-serving. How can such candidates expect to prevail?
What are the prospects of North Carolina remaining Blue? To quote the last Democratic Lion in the White House, "It's the Economy Stupid". IF, President Obama and his team can bring hope translated into relief, then Republican's can only hope that their party's biggest concern is whether or not "rename" themselves.
And so I give exception to all of my audacious hopes in Obama over to the precidence of restoring our sound economic footing. Perhaps, I have just articulated the essence of hope behind his victory in North Carolina.
And it is also the real "squeeker" of a victory in this election; Obama won by only point 4 tenths of a percent. And in a state like New Mexico that margin might have triggered an automatic chorus for recall, but in North Carolina with thrice the population, .4 % of the vote does equal 13,692 votes -- a number that actually exceeds the total voting populace in 28 of the 100 counties in the Tar Heel state on this past November 4th.
Where did the votes come from? 1) Urban areas across the state, 2) university and college towns, 3) African American population centers, and 4) military epicenters. The area around Fort Bragg went heavily for the Democratic ticket.
Given the closeness of the end result, the suppression of the strong Republican vote in at least 20 counties also helped to solidify this historic win. What dampened GOP spirits or convinced Republican voters to stay at home or vote Democratic will be the subject of some other soul's Ph. D., but certainly the lively Senatorial and Gubenatorial races didn't hurt. In the end BOTH down ticket candidates prevailed, too. Everywhere the Republicans seemed desperate, angry, spiteful, mean-spirited, and self-serving. How can such candidates expect to prevail?
What are the prospects of North Carolina remaining Blue? To quote the last Democratic Lion in the White House, "It's the Economy Stupid". IF, President Obama and his team can bring hope translated into relief, then Republican's can only hope that their party's biggest concern is whether or not "rename" themselves.
And so I give exception to all of my audacious hopes in Obama over to the precidence of restoring our sound economic footing. Perhaps, I have just articulated the essence of hope behind his victory in North Carolina.
Random Quote #96
"Love is not enough. It must be the foundation, the cornerstone - but not the complete structure. It is much too pliable, too yielding."
~ Bette Davis, 1908 - 1989
~ Bette Davis, 1908 - 1989
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