Sunday, September 28, 2003
Vacation Time Killers
There is a national restaurant chain that my mom likes to visit when we're out here with my sister. Maybe you've heard of it before? It's called The Cracker Barrel. There are hundreds of these places nationwide, mostly in the south and east, with just a few stores way out west.
Anyway, I've spent more time in our local store than I've spent sleeping this past week. It's absolutely my mom's favorite place to spend time eating and shopping. I don't really mind it all that much myself and I'm not really complaining, its just that there's nothing much to do around Martinsburg except eat and shop.
There are a number of Civil War sites within a few hours drive or less. Our nation's capital is also within 100 miles or so of here, approximately the same distance you'd have to go for a decent white carmel decaf latte.
Another great tourist destination is the Amish country up in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Its a nice moneymaker for everyone involved because the Amish peoples produce food and craft products that are marketed to visitors at several giant markets and craft stores located in such towns as Bird-in-Hand, Blue Ball, and everyone's favorite: Intercourse, of course.
The Amish aren't directly involved in the selling process but, from what I understand, they do get a little kickback on other products and services from the "English."
Hmmm, maybe I need to start my own religious sect? Nah, the "Danish" is already taken and anyway I don't think I'd like to be a member of any club that would have me for a member, even a founding member.
So, for now, its just me and you against the world, baby.
Anyway, I've spent more time in our local store than I've spent sleeping this past week. It's absolutely my mom's favorite place to spend time eating and shopping. I don't really mind it all that much myself and I'm not really complaining, its just that there's nothing much to do around Martinsburg except eat and shop.
There are a number of Civil War sites within a few hours drive or less. Our nation's capital is also within 100 miles or so of here, approximately the same distance you'd have to go for a decent white carmel decaf latte.
Another great tourist destination is the Amish country up in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Its a nice moneymaker for everyone involved because the Amish peoples produce food and craft products that are marketed to visitors at several giant markets and craft stores located in such towns as Bird-in-Hand, Blue Ball, and everyone's favorite: Intercourse, of course.
The Amish aren't directly involved in the selling process but, from what I understand, they do get a little kickback on other products and services from the "English."
Hmmm, maybe I need to start my own religious sect? Nah, the "Danish" is already taken and anyway I don't think I'd like to be a member of any club that would have me for a member, even a founding member.
So, for now, its just me and you against the world, baby.
Friday, September 26, 2003
The Man from UNCLE
Hey folks, good news here from West Virginia: I am going to be an uncle!
Yep, that's right. My sister and her husband (no blood relation between them) are expecting a baby next May.
I'm pretty excited at the prospect of being an uncle. I've never done it before so I'll probably have to take classes or something. Sure, I can change a diaper but when it comes to feeding and such I'm pretty clueless.
So, I'll be visiting my little niece or nephew regularly, only I probably won't be flying.
Yep, that's right. My sister and her husband (no blood relation between them) are expecting a baby next May.
I'm pretty excited at the prospect of being an uncle. I've never done it before so I'll probably have to take classes or something. Sure, I can change a diaper but when it comes to feeding and such I'm pretty clueless.
So, I'll be visiting my little niece or nephew regularly, only I probably won't be flying.
Fun in the Air
Remember when flying used to be fun?
I'm not talking specifically pre-9/11 here, but waaaay back, like in the 60's and early 70's. Almost anything went in those days. Even though I was a wee lad I still took a lot of flights in those days and from my perspective it was a hell of a good time. I can only imagine what it must have been like to have been an adult on an airplane back then.
There were NO hassles at the airport or the gate; you just walked in the door, dropped off your luggage and waited until they called your row. No assinine security agency to dig through your stuff, you could keep your shoes and belts on as you walked into the gate area. Now, you practically have to strip off everything just to walk past security.
Earlier this week my 63 year-old mother (never having been associated with ANY organization known for suspicious behavior, well, maybe the Lutherans) was pulled aside for a metal search once she beeped going through the metal detector. The dutiful TSA agents found nothing in their search, of course, so we were free to go after another minute. Hey, I know they are only doing their job, but even the most efficient agent can't always prevent an agressively inventive terrorist from doing their job.
Plus, my mom is a smoker and once she's inside the airport she has to go without a cigarette all the way through to the time we get into the rental car. Oops, I forgot, that's also smoke-free too. Hey, I don't smoke but I think the smokeless people are taking things just a wee bit too far. There was a time, believe it or not, when you could smoke on airplanes. Just imagine that: hundreds of little ignition sources just feet above all that highly-flammable jet fuel. Now that was flying!
It is such a pain to fly these days. Yeah, we're safer in the sky but at what cost? The terrorists achieved their primary goal: impart fear into everyday activities among the masses. Flying and our security should never be taken for granted but sometimes we take things too far in the pursuit of safety.
Driving America is probably the best way to travel these days.
I'm not talking specifically pre-9/11 here, but waaaay back, like in the 60's and early 70's. Almost anything went in those days. Even though I was a wee lad I still took a lot of flights in those days and from my perspective it was a hell of a good time. I can only imagine what it must have been like to have been an adult on an airplane back then.
There were NO hassles at the airport or the gate; you just walked in the door, dropped off your luggage and waited until they called your row. No assinine security agency to dig through your stuff, you could keep your shoes and belts on as you walked into the gate area. Now, you practically have to strip off everything just to walk past security.
Earlier this week my 63 year-old mother (never having been associated with ANY organization known for suspicious behavior, well, maybe the Lutherans) was pulled aside for a metal search once she beeped going through the metal detector. The dutiful TSA agents found nothing in their search, of course, so we were free to go after another minute. Hey, I know they are only doing their job, but even the most efficient agent can't always prevent an agressively inventive terrorist from doing their job.
Plus, my mom is a smoker and once she's inside the airport she has to go without a cigarette all the way through to the time we get into the rental car. Oops, I forgot, that's also smoke-free too. Hey, I don't smoke but I think the smokeless people are taking things just a wee bit too far. There was a time, believe it or not, when you could smoke on airplanes. Just imagine that: hundreds of little ignition sources just feet above all that highly-flammable jet fuel. Now that was flying!
It is such a pain to fly these days. Yeah, we're safer in the sky but at what cost? The terrorists achieved their primary goal: impart fear into everyday activities among the masses. Flying and our security should never be taken for granted but sometimes we take things too far in the pursuit of safety.
Driving America is probably the best way to travel these days.
Tuesday, September 23, 2003
Leaving on a Jet Plane
In less than 30 hours I'll be on a plane heading to my sister's house in West Virginia.
Am I ready? Nope. You know how it is: there are always tons of things to do before going on a trip and a finite time to get it all done. I'm sure I'll get the tasks finished before the plane leaves, I always do, but it just doesn't seem like I'm in the right mindset yet to start anything.
I'm not sure if my sister is wired to the internet so I may not have any updates until I return. If I can snag a few minutes of web time I'll try my best to regale you with tales of adventure and excitement in the hills of West Virginia. Will you be able to make it without my presence for an entire week? Let's hope so. Ha.
I'll return late on Wednesday, October 1st.
Meanwhile, don't forget to buy all your books, DVDs, and cool stuff over at amazon.com -- I'm trying to build up my reserve fund so I can purchase Christmas gifts.
Remember: Everything I do, I do it all for you.
Am I ready? Nope. You know how it is: there are always tons of things to do before going on a trip and a finite time to get it all done. I'm sure I'll get the tasks finished before the plane leaves, I always do, but it just doesn't seem like I'm in the right mindset yet to start anything.
I'm not sure if my sister is wired to the internet so I may not have any updates until I return. If I can snag a few minutes of web time I'll try my best to regale you with tales of adventure and excitement in the hills of West Virginia. Will you be able to make it without my presence for an entire week? Let's hope so. Ha.
I'll return late on Wednesday, October 1st.
Meanwhile, don't forget to buy all your books, DVDs, and cool stuff over at amazon.com -- I'm trying to build up my reserve fund so I can purchase Christmas gifts.
Remember: Everything I do, I do it all for you.
Sunday, September 21, 2003
All the Little Piggies
My life at the local multiplexes is one of sheer enjoyment and satisfaction.
Having been an usher as long as I have you see a lot of things: alcohol, drugs, condoms, projectile vomiting, etc... You name it, I've seen it. But tonight was the first time I've seen human excrement literally painted on the wall and tile of the men's room. I have seen said material on a theatre carpet and in an exit hallway, but this is the first time it was so creatively applied to the facilites. Plus, the dude left his soiled briefs on the floor of the stall.
I can understand that sometimes accidents happen, but this guy made no attempt to clean up after himself or at least notify the management of the problem. He most likely went back into his theatre without a second thought to the mess he left behind.
We deal with all kinds of trash and waste at the theatre so I'm sort of immune to most of this behaviour but I'm still kind of shocked that someone would behave like this in a public setting. You don't expect it, nor should you have to expect anything like this while on the job. At least not in a movie theatre.
I'm thankful I didn't have to clean it up.
As long as I'm on the topic, let me just say that audiences are getting lazier and piggier with each generation. A lot of people pick up their trash but a lot of people don't--people just expect the ushers and cleaning staff to bus out all the garbage as if its a normal behaviour in this environment. But this will never change so why bother discussing it? Humans create waste by the bucket every day. Americans, at least, seem to think that taking care of that trash is someone else's responsibility even if they created the mess.
So the next time you bring something in to a movie theatre, please remember to take it out with you and properly dispose of it. You'll make someone's life just a little bit easier.
Having been an usher as long as I have you see a lot of things: alcohol, drugs, condoms, projectile vomiting, etc... You name it, I've seen it. But tonight was the first time I've seen human excrement literally painted on the wall and tile of the men's room. I have seen said material on a theatre carpet and in an exit hallway, but this is the first time it was so creatively applied to the facilites. Plus, the dude left his soiled briefs on the floor of the stall.
I can understand that sometimes accidents happen, but this guy made no attempt to clean up after himself or at least notify the management of the problem. He most likely went back into his theatre without a second thought to the mess he left behind.
We deal with all kinds of trash and waste at the theatre so I'm sort of immune to most of this behaviour but I'm still kind of shocked that someone would behave like this in a public setting. You don't expect it, nor should you have to expect anything like this while on the job. At least not in a movie theatre.
I'm thankful I didn't have to clean it up.
As long as I'm on the topic, let me just say that audiences are getting lazier and piggier with each generation. A lot of people pick up their trash but a lot of people don't--people just expect the ushers and cleaning staff to bus out all the garbage as if its a normal behaviour in this environment. But this will never change so why bother discussing it? Humans create waste by the bucket every day. Americans, at least, seem to think that taking care of that trash is someone else's responsibility even if they created the mess.
So the next time you bring something in to a movie theatre, please remember to take it out with you and properly dispose of it. You'll make someone's life just a little bit easier.
Friday, September 19, 2003
Politics is Fun
Hey folks. DTM here and everything is fine despite being on the plus side of 40. Now that the birthday is over, its time to turn our attention to other more pressing topics.
I've deliberately kept politics out of this blog for fear of inciting some fascist to action on my person. Well, risk a little, live a lot. Right?
A brief bio: I'm a dyed-in-the-wool FDR, JFK, and LBJ kind of Democrat. I believe that every American needs to make sacrifices in order to make our country great. I hate paying taxes and standing in long lines to vote on election day, but if that's the small price I have to pay in order to preserve and defend democracy and freedom then it's worth it.
I am all for the capitalist system, no question there, because of the incentive it provides to it's susbscribers. That's what has built America into the nation it is today. But when capitalism goes bad, turns to greedy money-mongering, then I see problems. Corporations and individuals who make excessive profits without putting some of it back are vile scum who should be forced to live on the streets for a year or try and do business exclusively in third-world countries.
Now, having said that, I'm going to step off my soapbox and make a few recommendations.
The first is for a great website that has a whole bunch of liberal news and links to other liberal websites, so check it out: the-hamster.com. It's a great place to start your day.
The second recommendation is for a little website that keeps track of the latest intelligence from our commander-in-chief, George Dubya. There are so many priceless bits on this site it can get confusing keeping track of it all. I hope you enjoy it.
And my final recommendation is for Al Franken's latest book: Lies and the Lying Liars Who Tell Them: A Fair and Balanced Look at the Right. This is an absolutely hilarious, but balanced, look at the right-wing media pundits and politicians who spread half-truths and outright lies wherever and whenever they can.
It's a crazy world here in the USA these days so you might as well enjoy it anyway you can.
Ciao!
I've deliberately kept politics out of this blog for fear of inciting some fascist to action on my person. Well, risk a little, live a lot. Right?
A brief bio: I'm a dyed-in-the-wool FDR, JFK, and LBJ kind of Democrat. I believe that every American needs to make sacrifices in order to make our country great. I hate paying taxes and standing in long lines to vote on election day, but if that's the small price I have to pay in order to preserve and defend democracy and freedom then it's worth it.
I am all for the capitalist system, no question there, because of the incentive it provides to it's susbscribers. That's what has built America into the nation it is today. But when capitalism goes bad, turns to greedy money-mongering, then I see problems. Corporations and individuals who make excessive profits without putting some of it back are vile scum who should be forced to live on the streets for a year or try and do business exclusively in third-world countries.
Now, having said that, I'm going to step off my soapbox and make a few recommendations.
The first is for a great website that has a whole bunch of liberal news and links to other liberal websites, so check it out: the-hamster.com. It's a great place to start your day.
The second recommendation is for a little website that keeps track of the latest intelligence from our commander-in-chief, George Dubya. There are so many priceless bits on this site it can get confusing keeping track of it all. I hope you enjoy it.
And my final recommendation is for Al Franken's latest book: Lies and the Lying Liars Who Tell Them: A Fair and Balanced Look at the Right. This is an absolutely hilarious, but balanced, look at the right-wing media pundits and politicians who spread half-truths and outright lies wherever and whenever they can.
It's a crazy world here in the USA these days so you might as well enjoy it anyway you can.
Ciao!
Wednesday, September 17, 2003
They Say It's Yer Birthday
That's right. Finally. The big 4-0. I feel, I don't know, more... responsible? Ha... Never!
Yep, by some yardsticks I'm ancient and by others I'm just a pup. In hobbit years I'd be just a lad. If I was a sea turtle I'd be just a babe. But luckily I'm just me.
My plans for today? Lunch with a good friend at a favorite spot followed by some good conversation. Tonight I'll probably catch the latest Robert Rodriquez film Once Upon a Time in Mexico with another friend.
I'll wind up the day sipping my favorite Islay single malt Scotch, Lagavulin, while enjoying a fine Costa Rican cigar.
Hey, it's not Paris, London, or even Minneapolis, but it'll do.
Yesterday, I bought myself a birthday present: a Select Comfort air bed. Yes, they are very expensive, but people who've used them swear that a Select Comfort mattress gives them the best sleep they've ever had. Sure, there are a few bad reviews out there too, but not everyone is the same in their comfort level while sleep, plus I'm so desperate for a good night's sleep that I'll try most anything.
Now if only the sun would make an appearance it would be an even better day.
Yep, by some yardsticks I'm ancient and by others I'm just a pup. In hobbit years I'd be just a lad. If I was a sea turtle I'd be just a babe. But luckily I'm just me.
My plans for today? Lunch with a good friend at a favorite spot followed by some good conversation. Tonight I'll probably catch the latest Robert Rodriquez film Once Upon a Time in Mexico with another friend.
I'll wind up the day sipping my favorite Islay single malt Scotch, Lagavulin, while enjoying a fine Costa Rican cigar.
Hey, it's not Paris, London, or even Minneapolis, but it'll do.
Yesterday, I bought myself a birthday present: a Select Comfort air bed. Yes, they are very expensive, but people who've used them swear that a Select Comfort mattress gives them the best sleep they've ever had. Sure, there are a few bad reviews out there too, but not everyone is the same in their comfort level while sleep, plus I'm so desperate for a good night's sleep that I'll try most anything.
Now if only the sun would make an appearance it would be an even better day.
Tuesday, September 16, 2003
The State of the Man
As I write this there are less than twelve hours to my 40th birthday.
Growing older has never really bothered me much before, not at age 10, 20, or 30. But now, 40 is hours away and it seems like I'm reeeaaallly old, like an adult or something, you know?
Being middle-aged, as I am now, it seems as if I should be wise and comfortable with home and family behind me. But the reality is that I'm more unstable than ever in terms of the basics, i.e., home, family, finances, job, psychologically, etc.... I have a better understanding of why I am who I am at this point, thanks to drugs and therapy, but I'm still a long way from being the person I am capable of being.
Don't misunderstand me: I'm not complaining. I have a pretty good life given the attention I've put into it. Things could always be worse and they could always be better. I just understand that there are a good number of internal details I need to take care of before turning the corner on the road to being a successful adult.
It's nice being a work in progress but I need to start getting my act together if I want to be around for another 66 years or so.
It has been quite the year though, huh? I'm hoping that the next year goes just a little bit better. Ha.
By now most of you have accepted my wardrobe's color scheme: solid black. Thanks. Originally it was in memorium of two close friends. Now it's more of a fashion choice. I've always preferred solid colors to strips or other patterns. Black works for me because it's pretty easy to coordinate and it makes me look about ten pounds thinner, so don't expect to see me in any other color layout anytime soon.
Thanks to all of you for checking here daily for your Dana updates. It adds a few self-esteem points to my chart each day!
Be well.
Growing older has never really bothered me much before, not at age 10, 20, or 30. But now, 40 is hours away and it seems like I'm reeeaaallly old, like an adult or something, you know?
Being middle-aged, as I am now, it seems as if I should be wise and comfortable with home and family behind me. But the reality is that I'm more unstable than ever in terms of the basics, i.e., home, family, finances, job, psychologically, etc.... I have a better understanding of why I am who I am at this point, thanks to drugs and therapy, but I'm still a long way from being the person I am capable of being.
Don't misunderstand me: I'm not complaining. I have a pretty good life given the attention I've put into it. Things could always be worse and they could always be better. I just understand that there are a good number of internal details I need to take care of before turning the corner on the road to being a successful adult.
It's nice being a work in progress but I need to start getting my act together if I want to be around for another 66 years or so.
It has been quite the year though, huh? I'm hoping that the next year goes just a little bit better. Ha.
By now most of you have accepted my wardrobe's color scheme: solid black. Thanks. Originally it was in memorium of two close friends. Now it's more of a fashion choice. I've always preferred solid colors to strips or other patterns. Black works for me because it's pretty easy to coordinate and it makes me look about ten pounds thinner, so don't expect to see me in any other color layout anytime soon.
Thanks to all of you for checking here daily for your Dana updates. It adds a few self-esteem points to my chart each day!
Be well.
Friday, September 12, 2003
Gore vs. Horror
Ahhh, just back from a late night viewing of Cabin Fever.
My first reaction to the film is that it's a pretty good idea in need of a serious re-write. The filmmakers have crafted a pretty decent frame for realistic horror by using the flesh-eating bacteria scenario we first heard about several years ago in the news.
Once we've established a little quintuplet of careless youth in a backwoods setting the terror is unleashed. Not too much at first, but just enough to give us a clue that things are not going to be the same for these five friends after the weekend. The film keeps applying the horror in layers just like a typical genre film should. Horror needs to build slowly before it delivers the knock-out punch. There are some moments of genuine shock in the film that may rock some audience members, but it is so unevenly applied that it throws the whole formula into disarray. Perhaps, you say, that is exactly the filmmaker's intention.
The film never quite achieves its' goal of absolute despair even though it puts the main characters into some pretty hopeless situations. The trick, I believe, is to trap our protagonist in a web of impossible situations but yet offer some window of hope before closing it completely. What directors and screenwriters today give us is gore rather than horror. Blood and violence substitute for anticipation and revelation in the modern horror film. There is no innocent protagonist in cinema these days; filmmakers apparently believe we're all guilty of something and thus deserving of punishment through blood sacrifice.
Am I wrong or are audiences of today jaded to the traditional forms of screen horror magnificently established by Alfred Hitchcock, Jacques Tourneur, and Roman Polanski, among others? Buy or rent these horror classics and you'll see what I mean.
Gore is easy. Horror is hard.
My first reaction to the film is that it's a pretty good idea in need of a serious re-write. The filmmakers have crafted a pretty decent frame for realistic horror by using the flesh-eating bacteria scenario we first heard about several years ago in the news.
Once we've established a little quintuplet of careless youth in a backwoods setting the terror is unleashed. Not too much at first, but just enough to give us a clue that things are not going to be the same for these five friends after the weekend. The film keeps applying the horror in layers just like a typical genre film should. Horror needs to build slowly before it delivers the knock-out punch. There are some moments of genuine shock in the film that may rock some audience members, but it is so unevenly applied that it throws the whole formula into disarray. Perhaps, you say, that is exactly the filmmaker's intention.
The film never quite achieves its' goal of absolute despair even though it puts the main characters into some pretty hopeless situations. The trick, I believe, is to trap our protagonist in a web of impossible situations but yet offer some window of hope before closing it completely. What directors and screenwriters today give us is gore rather than horror. Blood and violence substitute for anticipation and revelation in the modern horror film. There is no innocent protagonist in cinema these days; filmmakers apparently believe we're all guilty of something and thus deserving of punishment through blood sacrifice.
Am I wrong or are audiences of today jaded to the traditional forms of screen horror magnificently established by Alfred Hitchcock, Jacques Tourneur, and Roman Polanski, among others? Buy or rent these horror classics and you'll see what I mean.
Gore is easy. Horror is hard.
Wednesday, September 10, 2003
Juris Prudence
My brief stint as a jurist has come to an end without my stepping into a courtroom.
After being notified that I was on jury duty for this week I was not called to serve. I was looking forward to sitting in judgement on some poor soul trapped in our legal system. Oh, well, I'm still not completely free of jury duty for this month. Its my understanding that I'll stay in the pool for a while longer before being cleared completely.
Perhaps next time I'll have the luck of actually serving on a jury.
In the absence of a roommate I'm looking at getting a puppy for the house. I haven't had a dog for twenty or thirty years so I'm probably not going to be too sharp at it in the early going, but I'm probably a little bit more mature now and ready for the responsibilities of pet ownership.
Finding the right breed for me will take the most time. Currently I'm looking at a terrier of some type, either a miniature bull terrier or Lakeland terrier. But if I find the right temperament almost any dog will do. Your suggestions would be appreciated.
Films opening this week include: Matchstick Men, Once Upon a Time in Mexico, and Cabin Fever. Things are looking up a little bit with this trio. Even Cabin Fever has a fan in The Lord of the Rings director Peter Jackson.
Everyone ready for a little "fever" this weekend?
After being notified that I was on jury duty for this week I was not called to serve. I was looking forward to sitting in judgement on some poor soul trapped in our legal system. Oh, well, I'm still not completely free of jury duty for this month. Its my understanding that I'll stay in the pool for a while longer before being cleared completely.
Perhaps next time I'll have the luck of actually serving on a jury.
In the absence of a roommate I'm looking at getting a puppy for the house. I haven't had a dog for twenty or thirty years so I'm probably not going to be too sharp at it in the early going, but I'm probably a little bit more mature now and ready for the responsibilities of pet ownership.
Finding the right breed for me will take the most time. Currently I'm looking at a terrier of some type, either a miniature bull terrier or Lakeland terrier. But if I find the right temperament almost any dog will do. Your suggestions would be appreciated.
Films opening this week include: Matchstick Men, Once Upon a Time in Mexico, and Cabin Fever. Things are looking up a little bit with this trio. Even Cabin Fever has a fan in The Lord of the Rings director Peter Jackson.
Everyone ready for a little "fever" this weekend?
Sunday, September 07, 2003
A Little Wisdom
Hey.
First of all, let me say that Heath Ledger's new film, The Order, is one big disorder of a story. Lots of loopholes and the lack of a real antagonist in the narrative make this film all concept with little pay off. Save your bucks on this one folks. But, if you don't believe me check out the reviews of the more learned critics at my favorite spot, rottentomatoes.com.
Next, let me put in a plug for a really great book about depression I came across the other day. It's called Undoing Depression and I highly recommend it for all the common sense wisdom on every page. Check it out.
I've learned many things about myself, my depression, and why I do the things I do. if you think you've got an issue with depression, either in yourself or someone you know, you owe it to yourself and/or them to buy this book.
From this book I've learned that depression is NOT an emotion, but rather the lack of the ability to feel or express emotion. Plus, friendships for the depressed person are difficult. We seek approval from others but yet we systematically reject help from everyone.
Great stuff. I haven't cracked my problems yet, but I'm working on it.
First of all, let me say that Heath Ledger's new film, The Order, is one big disorder of a story. Lots of loopholes and the lack of a real antagonist in the narrative make this film all concept with little pay off. Save your bucks on this one folks. But, if you don't believe me check out the reviews of the more learned critics at my favorite spot, rottentomatoes.com.
Next, let me put in a plug for a really great book about depression I came across the other day. It's called Undoing Depression and I highly recommend it for all the common sense wisdom on every page. Check it out.
I've learned many things about myself, my depression, and why I do the things I do. if you think you've got an issue with depression, either in yourself or someone you know, you owe it to yourself and/or them to buy this book.
From this book I've learned that depression is NOT an emotion, but rather the lack of the ability to feel or express emotion. Plus, friendships for the depressed person are difficult. We seek approval from others but yet we systematically reject help from everyone.
Great stuff. I haven't cracked my problems yet, but I'm working on it.
Wednesday, September 03, 2003
All the News You Need
A few days later and all is better. It amazes me how the human brain can fall apart one moment and seemingly heal itself shortly thereafter. The problems remain, of course, but my perceptions of those problems has changed. I'm sure the cycle will repeat itself but for now I can relax a bit and concentrate on work and other projects.
I'm currently working on my front-yard deck: scraping, sanding, and prepping for painting.
Work, and the lack of it, remains my primary concern right now. Sure, its kinda cool not having to tow the 8 to 5 routine day after day, but I miss the benefits of paid insurance and vacation--small things that really mean a lot to the employee once you don't have them.
One thing I dumped last week was graduate school. It wasn't easy making that decision, but it was absolutely necessary that I withdraw. I wasn't ready for the overwhelming course-work crammed into such a short time span. I think I can probably find a local program that'll help me preparing for a teaching career. Internet learning might be fine for some folks, but for me, I'm a traditionalist. I need the classroom interaction instead of newsgroups and tight deadlines for online programs.
On the recommendation of a friend, last night I checked out Jeepers Creepers 2. Yes, that's how thin the pre-fall movie season is these days. Sure, I could stay at home and run any one of a hundred better films on DVD, but its great to get out and have a regular movie theatre experience. Even one as thin as this. People have dumped all over Jeepers Creepers 2 so much better than I can, but I will say that I've seen worse and I've seen better. This film never really gets too gory or very scary. The technical credits are pretty good but the ensemble acting is mediocre at best. Is it worth your money? Probably not. But that's just my opinion.
Thanks, again, to everyone for visiting this site. I really appreciate your support and hope that you'll keep checking it out as you have in the past.
Adieu.
I'm currently working on my front-yard deck: scraping, sanding, and prepping for painting.
Work, and the lack of it, remains my primary concern right now. Sure, its kinda cool not having to tow the 8 to 5 routine day after day, but I miss the benefits of paid insurance and vacation--small things that really mean a lot to the employee once you don't have them.
One thing I dumped last week was graduate school. It wasn't easy making that decision, but it was absolutely necessary that I withdraw. I wasn't ready for the overwhelming course-work crammed into such a short time span. I think I can probably find a local program that'll help me preparing for a teaching career. Internet learning might be fine for some folks, but for me, I'm a traditionalist. I need the classroom interaction instead of newsgroups and tight deadlines for online programs.
On the recommendation of a friend, last night I checked out Jeepers Creepers 2. Yes, that's how thin the pre-fall movie season is these days. Sure, I could stay at home and run any one of a hundred better films on DVD, but its great to get out and have a regular movie theatre experience. Even one as thin as this. People have dumped all over Jeepers Creepers 2 so much better than I can, but I will say that I've seen worse and I've seen better. This film never really gets too gory or very scary. The technical credits are pretty good but the ensemble acting is mediocre at best. Is it worth your money? Probably not. But that's just my opinion.
Thanks, again, to everyone for visiting this site. I really appreciate your support and hope that you'll keep checking it out as you have in the past.
Adieu.
