SusanQuilty.com

Questions in a Pool Hall

2008-11-16T14:28:00.005-05:00

I haven't taken pictures of Woody or Woody Jr. lately. Woody sits quietly on the corner of my desk, waiting to be of use again someday. I feel sorry for him, waiting so patiently.

I always have fun taking pictures of Woody. He doesn't mind waiting for the right light. He doesn't complain about lengthy photoshoots or whine that the pictures make him look fat. And he can hold a pose for hours.

So why haven't I taken any pictures of him lately? Probably the same reason I haven't taken many pictures of anything lately. I haven't been feeling inspired. It's been difficult enough to stay on top of the day to day without making the time for art as well.

It makes me wonder though... Is inspiration a chicken-or-egg proposition? Is there not enough time to let inspiration strike, or does a lack of inspiration keep me from making the necessary time?

Do I need a muse or just some time to take a breath and let my imagination take over? And why does it seem like there is never enough time to fit in everything?

Is inspiration like love? Do you find it when you aren't looking for it? What if you never find it? Or you find it and it goes away? Is it better to have been inspired once before than to never have been inspired at all?

Maybe Nike got it right. Maybe I need to let go and Just Do It.

My First Knit Lace Scarf

2008-11-12T20:04:00.008-05:00

Ta da! I finished my first knit lace pattern. (Yay!) I've played around with a little knitting before, but never tried anything more complicated than basic garter stitch and simple ribbed scarves.

In the past, I'd found knitting a bit boring and a little awkward compared to crochet - which I can do with my eyes closed by now. But I love the look of knit and the thin, light weight. And it uses about a third of the yarn that crochet does, which is good for my yarn budget.

So, I decided to try something a little more interesting and it was much more fun. Plus, I'm very happy with the result.

This lace scarf is a modified version of a free pattern from Lion Brand Yarn (Pattern #: 70336AD). The original pattern is for a much shorter narrow scarf. The pattern repeats twice across, so I added one more repetition and made the scarf long enough to wrap around.

LBY has a matching pattern for a lace stole, which is simply an even wider version of this scarf pattern. It's a pretty, and versatile, design. I think the details would show more in a lighter color yarn, but I love this dark brown. (Lion Cotton - Espresso)

I think I see some more knitting in my future. :-)

Amazon Reduces Wrap Rage

2008-11-09T10:22:00.006-05:00

When I buy a new product, I like to be able to actually open the packaging and use said product in a reasonable amount of time - without the use of box cutters, screwdrivers, or blow torches, and without cutting my fingers or hands in the process.

Maybe that's asking too much. Maybe that's a case of wanting my cake and eating it to. But why would I want the cake if I couldn't eat it? Isn't that the point of the cake?

Jeff Bezos, founder and CEO of Amazon.com, calls the current packaging frustration "wrap rage" and is doing something about it. In a letter to customers, he has announced Amazon's plan to begin offering frustration free packaging, which will be easy to open and will reduce packaging waste.

It's about time too. I've grumbled over clamshell packaging and plastic sealed boxes with wire-tied parts for years. I've grudgingly understood that these were anti-theft measures and sent more of my rage toward shoplifters than manufacturers. However, with online shopping, these anti-shoplifting measures are pointless.

There are only a few products available in frustration free packaging so far, but more will follow (hopefully soon). For the full story, click here. In addition, there's a place to upload your own photos and videos to The Gallery of Wrap Rage, which begins with a great video featuring The Great Unwrap Race.

Glum Morning

2008-11-07T09:01:00.008-05:00

I'm in a bad mood this morning. I wasn't when I woke up. I was relatively happy, looking forward to the weekend and excited to try a new Yoga DVD. Then I sat down to read the news.

Humanity has a need to find a reason for living, a reason to get out of bed in the morning. A reason for life, the universe, and everything. I get that. I sometimes wonder why we feel that way and if all living creatures have similar thoughts and questions. (I tend to think they do.) But I accept that most people have those questions, if to differing degrees.

What I don't understand is the need to project personal beliefs on others. I'm a fan of lively discourse. I like sharing ideas and debating points. I like to look at life from every angle and consider new possibilities. But in the end, I do not feel like it is my place to tell others what to believe or how to live their lives.

Sure, life is more pleasant when it isn't a constant struggle against those who choose to lead a different sort of life. I'm in no way a sports fan, so I wouldn't be happily married to Bo Jackson (see, I can't even come up with a current multi-sport athlete and only know Bo because Bo Knows).

That doesn't mean I won't be friends with people who do enjoy sports, as long as we have other interests in common. Of course, it does mean my contribution to a debate about the Mets or Yankees would be limited to asking, "They're baseball, right?" (That's a slight exaggeration, but not much)

It also means that if a friend says they scored season tickets, my mind will instantly leap to ballet before football, baseball, or hockey. But, I won't think any less of my friends for liking sports. I might even go to a game once in a blue moon, especially if someone I care about, like one of my kids or a close friend, wants me to go.

It certainly doesn't mean I would lobby to end or otherwise limit national sports leagues. Live and let live, and all that.

Why is it any different when it comes to gay marriage? Why do some people feel the need to define marriage as only existing between a man and a woman? How does it hurt them, or in any way affect them, if another person wants to marry someone of the same sex?

Yes, I've heard the arguments about 'protecting marriage'. I don't understand them. Shouldn't 'protecting marriage' have something to do with preventing divorce? Perhaps by stopping domestic violence or encouraging affordable counseling services for couples? How does stopping loving couples from getting married 'protect marriage'?

There are similar arguments for 'protecting family' or 'protecting children' from gay marriage. How are families or children threatened by gay marriage? Generally the argument follows that acceptance of gay marriage will 'make kids gay'. Uh, don't we already have gay people without the acceptance of gay marriage? Aren't many of them the product of heterosexual couples? What 'made them gay'?

As to the argument of homosexuality being against God, that goes back to it being a personal belief. Yes, people have the right to believe God hates gay people. They also have the right to believe that Oompa Loompas make the best menservants (small accommodations, payments in chocolate, and creepy, yet entertaining, ditties).

However, personal beliefs are just that - they are personal. They should not be a basis to take away other people's rights. Freedom of religion should also mean freedom from religion.

I am exercising my own right to share my personal belief through this blog post. Agree or disagree, it's your prerogative. But I do urge everyone to remember that the same constitution that protects your own rights to believe and live the way you see fit allows every American the same freedom.

Even those who may not believe that the answer is 42.

Dollhouse Trailer

2008-11-06T12:24:00.003-05:00

The new Dollhouse trailer has been released and it looks good!

I can't remember the last time I was this excited about a new series and this much anticipation always brings a little fear of let-down. I'm not worried about loving the show (Joss got me to absolutely love a Space-Western, Dollhouse should be easy) it's that fear of Fox killing it the way they smothered Firefly (said Space-Western).

For now, I'm going to think happy thoughts... and watch the trailer a few (dozen) more times.

List of Happies

2008-11-03T08:30:00.003-05:00

I'm taking a cue from Joss Whedon and writing down my own list of happies. Because the world, and the Internet, is full of enough complaints and I'm a firm believer that everyone should take a minute or two each day to think about the little things that make them smile.

So here, in no particular order, are eight things that make me happy at the moment:

1. Netflix Watch Instantly now works on Macs. I haven't tried it out yet and I hear there may be some bugs, but I'm still jazzed at the idea. That and my Roku box are rekindling my previously waning Netflix-love.

2. Helium.com (a site where I write) has some new policies that sound really promising. I stumbled on Helium.com last year and I've had a lot of fun submitting (and selling!) articles.

3. My husband is taking a few days off work. Sure, work called him a few times already and he had to work from home a little, but with his long commute and long hours, I appreciate any extra time we can spend together!

4. We bought new mattresses for the kids. Okay, that sounds kinda lame, but I think we got a pretty good deal on some really comfy mattresses and I like getting the boys things like that. (Maybe a mommy-instinct/nesting kind of thing?)

5. The election is tomorrow. That one is undeniably a scary as well as happy item, but at this point I'm really looking forward to the damn thing just being over!

6. My honey onyx countertop is being installed on Friday! It's my favorite piece of this bathroom remodel and I haven't seen it since we picked the slab at the importer's warehouse about six weeks ago.

7. I had an eye exam on Saturday and when I mentioned something in passing about scratching the lens on my favorite sunglasses, I found out they can replace the lens for me! Which is great, because I've been looking for new sunglasses for weeks and I've hated them all.

8. I finished knitting my first lacy scarf - finally! (I'll post pictures later.) I've tried knitting before but I've always gotten bored and gone back to crochet. Knitting this lacy pattern was much more fun than the basic knit-purl combos I'd tried before!

There you have it, eight of my current happy things. Why eight? I have no clue. It seemed like a good number. I could make it longer. Once I started listing things more came to mind, like the joy of rereading a favorite book (right now it's The Razor's Edge) or starting the morning with my favorite peach-cranberry oatmeal, but I had to cap it somewhere or else I'd be typing all morning. (and I'm getting hungry for that oatmeal!)

Take a minute to appreciate the little happies in your life, even if it's as little as finally getting that poppy seed out of your teeth or turning on the TV just in time for your favorite cheesy commercial. It's fun and if you thnk of some good ones, feel free to comment and tell me about them!

Joss Speaks

2008-10-29T12:18:00.007-04:00

Just when I thought the stress of the upcoming election (and the economy, and having my bathroom remodeled, etc and so forth) was going to be too much for me, I stopped by Whedonesque and was rewarded with not one, but TWO recent Joss posts!

I really should sign up for some kind of alert system for Joss posts - bells and whistles and flashing lights - but then there wouldn't be the sweet serendipitous feeling of stumbling on them myself. And nothing beats serendipity. (Side note, Serendipity was the title of one of my Reading books in elementary school. Coolest textbook name ever.)

As always, Joss put me in a good mood. (another reason blogs are fun -- you can talk familiarly about famous people you will never meet as if they're old pals) Not only because it's just good fun to read anything Joss writes, but because he sounds pretty positive on the progress of Dollhouse. (his new series coming to Fox in January)

The rumors have been a bit worrisome lately with shutdowns and rewrites and cougars on set (yes, I made one of those up). Joss, however, says "Poppycock!" Sure, he admits to frustration and despair, but he also goes on to speak of a stronger, better Dollhouse on the horizon. And Jane Espenson is joining the mix which makes me all kinds of happy.

Here's a link to the full post, Joss Whedon's update on Dollhouse, and a sampling:

What's me up to? I'm glad me asked. Me've (I'm not doing that any more) been working on a little show called Dollhouse. Yes, perhaps you've read about how it's blazing an untrammeled path to surefire success, with nary a hitch or a hiccup, just pure blazing blazery, comet-like and meteoresque. What's that, you say? You've read other things? Dark, Yog-Sothothy rumors about shutdowns and delays? Poppycock! They’re true. But I never pass up a chance to say "poppycock". ("Balderdash" is so '07. Let it go.) I know there's been a lot of concern, various fabulous hues of panic alert readiness. So here's the skinny. Some of the names have been changed.

And as if that wasn't enough to make me smile, Joss posted again today with a List of Happies, explained in his own words below:

Hi guys. I was talking today to Patton Oswalt, which already makes me cool, but he said something that struck me: He said if he’s snarky as hell, everybody feels him, but if he talks honestly about things he truly loves, he’ll get flamed right off the net. Which makes a twisted sense: for what do haters hate more than love? Since I am burnt from work, I’ve decided to light a flame of my own by listing, in absolutely no order of importance, a few things that jazz me right now. Haters, start your search engines.

So, I'm off to think about the things that make me happy at the moment and for the next week I'll cling to the belief that no matter how dark it may get, there's always the hope that Joss Whedon will ride in with an Internet musical, a new TV series, or even just a promosing blog post to lift my spirits.

Sarah Palin vs. Fruit Flies

2008-10-28T09:14:00.009-04:00

Yes, Sarah Palin has again opened her mouth only to promptly insert her foot. And, yes, her supporters have continued to defend her ignorance. This is the kind of political situation that is either very funny or very scary, but we won't know which until after November 4th.

Palin's latest gaffe occured on Friday when she gave a speech urging the federal government to fully fund the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). In the course of her speech, Palin ridiculed some of the projects currently funded by Congress, including fruit fly research -- which happens to have yielded valuable insights into genetic disorders such as autism.

The tone of her comment, followed by saying "I kid you not", clearly shows her contempt for the concept of fruit fly research. (see video below) Her detractors have been quick to point out the importance of fruit fly research and to mock Palin for not understanding the enormous scientific value in this research.

Palin supporters have rushed to her defense, claiming that she was refering to a particular earmark for research into controling the olive fruit fly, not on fruit fly medical research. For argument's sake, let's make that assumption. What is wrong with spending money to research stopping a pest that is devastating the US olive oil industry?

This earmark has already been criticized by the group Citizens Against Government Waste and has been publicly defended by California Rep. Mike Thompson in a formal statement:

“The Olive Fruit Fly has infested thousands of California olive groves and is the single largest threat to the U.S. olive and olive oil industries,” he said. “I secured $748,000 for olive fruit fly research and irradiation in the (fiscal year 2008) appropriations bill for the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The USDA will use some of that funding for their research facility in France. This USDA research facility is located in France because Mediterranean countries like France have dealt with the Olive Fruit Fly for decades, while California has only been exposed since the late 1990s. This is not uncommon; the USDA has several international research facilities throughout the world, including Australia, China and Argentina.”

He goes on to say that CAGW did not contact him for information on this earmark before condemning it in their annual report.

Palin's vague reference to "fruit fly research in Paris, France" skews the facts to support her attempts to be seen as "Pro-America". She conveniently leaves out the information that the USDA routinely conducts research in facilities around the world. She also fails to say that the goal of this research is to help a US agricultural crop.

Does Palin know the full story behind this research? Maybe, maybe not. Does her tone and word choice imply derision toward scientific research conducted outside of the United States? You betcha. Does Palin speak from ignorance or in a deliberate attempt to mislead and take advantage of her supporters' concerns?

The scary fact is that we just don't know.

I Live in Fake America

2008-10-23T11:40:00.004-04:00

I was really going to try to take a break from posting about politics, until I learned that I live in Fake America. It's hard not to have a reaction to a Presidential hopeful's campaign when it dismisses large portions of the country and reaches out to those they deem to be "real Americans".

"Real America" on The Daily Show:

Sure, I disagree with McCain and Palin's politics. Yes, as a woman, I often find Palin's comments and behavior personally offensive. But that does not make me any less of an American. Neither does living in Northern Virginia.

This "Pro-America/Real America" campaign strategy exemplifies one of the main reasons why I do not agree with McCain, Palin, or most of the GOP. By their own admission, they only want to stand up for people who fit their narrow definition of what makes a person "American".

To be a citizen of America, you need to have been born here, been born to US citizens abroad, or acheived citizenship through the process of naturalization. You do not have to be a Christian. You do not have to be heterosexual. You do not have to belong to the PTA, bake apple pie, hunt, or watch NASCAR.

Americans have the right to do any of those things, but they also have the right to not do them.

Americans can be Jewish, Buddhist, Muslim, Atheist, Wiccan, Christian, or a part of any other religion. Americans can be heterosexual, homosexual or bisexual. Americans can be married or be single, have children or have none, belong to PETA or drape themselves in fur while eating a triple cheeseburger with bacon and a side of ribs.

Americans live in cities, small towns, suburbs, and trailer parks. Americans live on ranches and in apartments, in mansions and in slums. Americans live in shelters and sleep on the streets.

If a person isn't ready and willing to lead all of America, then perhaps he or she shouldn't be running for office.

An Intelligent View of this Election

2008-10-20T00:42:00.009-04:00

In the midst of the media's often frivolous coverage of the election, it's refreshing to hear Colin Powell present his reasons for endorsing Obama in a clear, concise manner.

I especially love the way he spoke out against the persecution of Muslims in America:

I'm also troubled by, not what Sen. McCain says, but what members of the party say. And it is permitted to be said, such things as, "Well, you that know Mr. Obama is a Muslim." Well, the correct answer is, he is not a Muslim, he's a Christian. He's always been a Christian. But the really right answer is: What if he is? Is there something wrong with being a Muslim in this country? The answer's no, that's not America. Is there something wrong with some 7-year-old Muslim American kid believing that he or she could be president? Yet I have heard senior members of my own party drop the suggestion, "He's a Muslim and he might be associated with terrorists." This is not the way we should be doing it in America.

And, of course, I was happy to hear him plainly say that Palin is not qualified to be President:

She's a very distinguished woman, and she's to be admired. But at the same time, now that we have had a chance to watch her for some seven weeks, I don't believe she's ready to be president of the United States, which is the job of the vice president. And so that raised some question in my mind as to the judgment that Sen. McCain made.

Unfortunately, I fear that many voters value emotion over objective reasoning and put their own personal beliefs before the rights of all Americans.

Palin on SNL

2008-10-19T09:40:00.005-04:00

This is what lack of judgment looks like.

Her supporters could say that Palin showed an ability to laugh at herself, but that is not what she needed to prove. Palin's problem is that she is not taken seriously and she cannot correct that by letting the SNL cast make fun of her to her face. If it was a shot at damage control, Palin missed the point entirely.

I didn't think I could have less respect for Sarah Palin, but last night I found new depths of contempt. As a woman, each time I hear her speak I want to shout from the rooftops, "Sarah Palin does not represent me."

Tina Fey on the other hand, was wonderful as usual and I admire her even more for not watering down her parody just because Palin was on the set.

Deer in My Yard

2008-10-09T22:59:00.003-04:00

A mother doe and her two fawns spent the past few weeks visiting my yard. They came by almost every day and often twice a day, slipping in and out of the thin strip of woods that run behind my house.

While it was nice to see such beautiful creatures in my own yard, I know that they were only here because the rapid development in our area is destroying their natural habitat. Clearly these deer were very hungry to be feeding throughout the day in a busy suburb.

During visits, the mother deer would hang back, watching intently while her kids ate their fill. From time to time she would take a quick bite of leaves from a nearby tree before resuming her post. Her vigilance clearly was taking its toll. While they were all lean, the fawns were much sturdier than their watchful mother, whose ribs showed through her skin.

A few times I watched them venture into my neighbors' yard to feast on their tomato plants, but the neighbors' dogs would quickly scare them away. I usually don't hear the dogs at all, but recently the sound of barking was often followed by deer darting past the back of my house.

The deer haven't been here this week and I've been worrying about them. With their homes disappearing, deer are often killed in local traffic accidents. I hope my deer will survive.

I have posted several pictures of my visiting deer online, which you can see here: Deer in My Yard.

As you look through the pictures, please consider getting involved with a wildlife conservancy near you. Also, consider voting for politicians who support wildlife preservation. Humans are not alone on this planet and our development shouldn't come at the expense of all other life.

Dr. Horrible's Tea of Evil

2008-10-08T13:28:00.006-04:00

While some are putting their powers of Evil into planning the perfect Halloween costume and others are applying to the Evil League of Evil, one woman has created a special tea blend she calls, Dr. Horrible's Tea of Evil.

That's right, it's a special tea blend inspired by Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog. And it isn't the only one. You can also try the Captain Hammer Corporate Tool Tea.

I don't know about you, but there's something about a Tea of Evil that just feels right. I mean, really... Tea... clearly the drink of Evil. I'm sure every meeting of the Evil League of Evil happens around a long table with a tea service smack in the center.

Read more about the creator of these teas and hear an interview with her on Dr. Horrible's Official Fan site: Dr. Horrible Tea Blends.

Mail Goggles - Saving You from Yourself

2008-10-07T14:06:00.010-04:00

How funny is this? Google has taken the time to develop a tool - called Mail Goggles - to help prevent late-night drunk-emailing.

You can even customize the hours Mail Goggles is active in case your cocktail hour starts a little earlier than most.

So, how does it work?

During the hours that it is enabled, Mail Goggles will present you with some simple math problems whenever you hit send. If you're too blotto to solve the math, then you probably aren't in the right mind to send emails and they won't go out.

Interesting idea. Could it be the best CYA tool since spell-check? You might think so if it keeps you from sending that garbled sad/angry/steamy/pathetic email to your ex.

Get the full story here: Official Gmail Blog - Mail Goggles Announcement

And start practicing, soon you may need to say the alphabet backwards before you can make late-night cell phone calls.

Tina Fey or Sarah Palin?

2008-10-06T11:41:00.013-04:00

Tina Fey as Sarah Palin. Has there ever been an SNL parody as spot on as Fey's Palin? Fey nails it all - the glasses, the hair, the voice, the vague non-answers, and, of course, the cringe-worthy homespun colloquialisms.

If you've read about Tina Fey's Palin skits online but haven't seen the actual videos, I've added them here, straight from SNL's website.

They really are must-see TV, but as much as I love laughing at Tina Fey's impression of Sarah Palin, I do not want to see Palin or Palin-parodies after November. So, get out and vote for Obama/Biden.

Remember, feminism isn't about 'getting a woman into the white house'. Feminism is about getting the best person elected to the white house, even if she is a woman.

SNL - skits with Tina Fey as Sarah Palin:

Shoe Shopping

2008-09-11T13:08:00.003-04:00

I was looking over some of my older online articles and came across this one on the subject of Femininity. It made me chuckle, especially since I was just thinking that I need a new pair of shoes....

Humor: Femininity

I am the first to admit that I am no girly-girl. I don't buy new clothes each season. I don't have a flair for accessorizing. But I will also admit that a stylish shirt and a pair of pants that fit my curves just right can do wonders to boost my mood. Until I look down in perplexity at my bare feet and at the rows of shoes in my closet, none of which match my outfit.

Why is femininity linked to shoes? Multiple shoes. Casual shoes. Dress shoes. Shoes for long skirts. Shoes for short skirts. Loafers. Knee-high boots. Ankle boots. High-heels. Pumps. Sandals. Sling-backs. Flats. Shoes. Shoes. Shoes.

I walk into a shoe store with modest goals. Usually to replace my worn-out fall-back shoes, the shoes I nearly always wear after dismissing each of the trendy pairs in my closet. Frequently, I find myself leaving the store with three or four pairs of shoes, none of which meet my intended goal and most of which will be returned by the end of the week or will sit in my closet gathering dust.

Regardless of my poor track record, I walk into each shoe store with high hopes. I am a woman. It will be fun to have new shoes. My hope dwindles as I circle the store. Ugly. Gaudy. Big random buckles or bows. Impossibly long square or pointed toes. Skinny towering spiked heels. Nothing that resembles the size and shape of an actual woman's foot. (read more...)

Dr. Horrible

2008-07-21T15:45:00.008-04:00

I haven't posted anything in awhile... and I've been behind on posting at my photo site too. But I had to get myself to the computer to put up a quick note about Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog.

Not a surprise right? It's Joss Whedon, so of course I'm on board and Dr. Horrible didn't disappoint. Nathan Fillion brought all kinds of funny - (I'd love to insert a quote from his character here but won't because the line is so funny in context that I don't want to ruin it) - and Neil Patrick Harris is just all-around good - great voice, great commitment to the character and you've gotta love the goggles.

I loved seeing Felicia Day again - she was a potential slayer in Buffy's season seven - and I had no idea she had such a beautiful voice. Ditto on the excitement over picking out other Buffy writers and producers behind the news desk and in the Evil League of Evil.

And that's not even mentioning the music. I was really impressed with the score - especially Dr. Horrible's big song in Act 3 (walking through the audience). Sort of a Sweeney Todd sound that really showcased Neil Patrick Harris' voice talents.

So I'm too late for promoting the free preview week, but Acts 1 - 3 are still available for download on iTunes - $1.99 each or $3.99 for a season pass. It will eventually be out on DVD (with extras) too. It's kinda dark, kinda quirky, but worth a watch, or two or three.

George Carlin is Dead

2008-06-24T11:37:00.011-04:00

Passed away? Expired like a magazine?

No, George Carlin is dead. And, as he might have said himself, there's no shame in that. There's sadness in it, but no shame. No reason to tip-toe around it with gentle euphemisms.

Death happens to us all. Most of us will die without ever having made much of an impact on the world around us, but - like him or hate him - George Carlin did make an impression.

While George Carlin was alive, he had the courage to talk about life the way it really is, in language people really use. He was insightful enough to see the absurdity (and harm) behind many of society's politically correct "niceties" and brave enough to point out naked Emperors wherever he saw them.

This frank approach brought George Carlin as much criticism as it did acclaim. Although, I've often thought that people who called him crass weren't really listening.

I like George Carlin for saying what he thought. Even when his routines occasionally tread close to the line of my comfort zone - or maybe because they tread that line.

I like George Carlin for being a great Mr. Conductor.

And I like George Carlin because there was always something about him, something kindred, almost an underlying sadness (cynicism?), that made me want to listen closer.

In his own words, "Scratch any cynic, and underneath you'll find a disappointed idealist."

Commentary Hurts

2008-06-17T08:00:00.006-04:00

I like reading the news through the Internet. It's nice to have many articles on the same topic at my fingertips and it can be fascinating to compare the different slants used by various reporters.

But there is a downside.

Many online news articles give readers the option of posting comments. This seems like a good idea, in theory. A chance to get a response from the people. Until you read the seemingly inevitable hate.

Is it the anonymity of the Internet that makes people feel they have the right to spew venom? Would the same people say these things in a face to face discussion?

Unfortunately, I fear many of them would.

Civil rights are a tricky thing. Believing that everyone has the right to their own opinion and the freedom to express that opinion means letting people say whatever they want, no matter how offensive. Or does it?

What about respecting other people's right to their own opinion? Or, to go further, to their own beliefs and lifestyle choices?

What happens when one group's beliefs include the importance of "spreading the word" or "educating others"? What if one group's beliefs include the importance of persecuting other groups of people?

Is that an inherent facet of religion? To persecute anyone who doesn't share the same beliefs? To spread hateful comments over news articles that report on a different way of life?

Which takes precedence? Freedom of speech or freedom of religion?

New Shawl

2008-06-11T07:40:00.005-04:00

I never take pictures of my finished crochet projects. I don't know why, I just never think of it. I give most of them away (baby blankets, afghans, scarves, etc.) so I really should start taking some pictures before they go out the door.

This is a shawl I recently finished. The pattern is from the book, Vogue Knitting on the Go: Crochet Shawls - with some minor modifications, because I can never seem to follow a pattern exactly and I pretty much never use the suggested yarn.

This pattern called for a super-fine yarn, but I couldn't find any except in pastel baby colors (fingering weight). The body is supposed to be variegated - which would be beautiful - but I couldn't find any in the right weight (except for some very odd colors). Instead, I used two strands of cotton crochet thread (burgundy and antique white) together. It worked well and the shawl has a nice weight and drape.

I modified the border just a little (left out some of the open box rows). I already know what changes I'm going to implement if I make this shawl again - which I might because it's pretty and the pattern (boxes worked on a diagonal) is very similar to my favorite baby blanket pattern so I can practically crochet it in my sleep.

The pictures don't really do it justice. I snapped them quickly with a tripod and remote (which you can see in my hand) before going to a concert. But you can get the general idea. Click on the picture to see it larger and for links to some other views.

UPS Can Time Travel

2008-06-05T15:06:00.005-04:00

This is odd... I ordered a DVD and it's scheduled to be delivered today. It's a documentary that I'm looking forward to watching this weekend.

The UPS tracking page has the status as "Delivered" to the "Front Door", but there is no package here. Nothing at the front door, nothing in the garage, nothing hiding in the bushes or under the doormat (as some wily delivery men have done in the past).

So, I went back to look at the tracking info more closely. It also says the package was shipped on 6/3/2008 and delivered on 12/18/2006.

Hmmm.... perhaps this is a new service from UPS. Better than Next Day or Same Day Delivery, it's Prior Day Delivery! Or Prior Year(s) Delivery. Interesting.

If I could order a DVD and have it delivered 18 months ahead of when I ordered it, would I have already watched it by now? What if I didn't like it and returned it? Would it have been returned to Amazon before I even ordered it? Hmmm.... could that have saved me the whole hassle of ordering it in the first place?

As I'm typing this, UPS just pulled up and delivered the package! Which is great, because I don't think the world is ready for Prior Day delivery.

New Light

2008-05-27T13:01:00.004-04:00

I've been in the process of changing the ceiling lights around the house. This chandelier, in the dining room, is my favorite.

It's difficult to see the details in the web-sized version. The chandelier body is dark bronze with antique brass accents and the glass is alabaster rimmed with antique brass.

Slowly but surely the boring brass builder lights are being replaced by lights of my choosing. The new lights aren't elaborate. People who see them are more likely to look around saying, "is something different in here?" than to notice them directly, and I like that.

It makes me feel like I've chosen well when a new object blends in with the existing environment. I'm such an eclectic shopper that I'm always happy when my mish-mash of purchases blend well.

Now if only the light for the garage entryway would arrive. I ordered it at the beginning of April with the others and while they were all supposed to be here in two weeks, the last one is backordered. I've just had a call that it isn't expected now until July.

Even simple home improvements are never simple.

For the Love of Joss

2008-05-21T09:46:00.014-04:00

Have you ever anticipated something wonderful to the point of it becoming near-dread? Joss Whedon finally has a new series, Dollhouse, coming to TV this fall and it sounds so good that my excitement is almost equally mixed with the fear of a premature cancellation.

I'm not sure my soul can face another heartbreak like it endured over the loss of Firefly. (The most promising, brilliant one season show to ever spawn a feature film - Serenity - and still not be continued, making me sad for the future of our world.)

It may seem ridiculous to be worried about losing a show I've never seen, that hasn't even been filmed. But this is Joss - it will be brilliant, I have no doubt. What I do doubt is the ability of any intelligent television series to survive on TV today.

Come on, people (networks, viewers, advertisers, whoever really holds the fate of TV), we don't need more reality shows. We don't need to watch people make fools of themselves, bathe with porcupines, eat slugs, or find someone to shack up-- I mean, love. We need some intelligent television. Shows that entertain, yes, but that also explore real human emotions and relationships. Shows that actually (gasp) make us think and feel.

Here's an excerpt from a Sci Fi Wire article about the upcoming Dollhouse:

"It came from my conversation with Eliza [Dushku] about her, about her life, her career, about what everybody wanted from her, what they wanted her to become and what she was trying to become," Whedon said in an interview last week during Fox's upfront presentation to advertisers in New York. "That's really what the show is about. It's about plumbing the depths of our identity."

Dollhouse stars Dushku as Echo, a member of an underground, illegal group of people who've had their personalities wiped clean, enabling them to be imprinted with any number of new personalities to carry out missions at the behest of their handlers. The people, called "Actives," live in a spa-like facility called the Dollhouse, and everything seems to be going according to plan until Echo begins to experience self-awareness and feels compelled to uncover the truth about her identity. (read the full article)

Despite my fears (or mistrust of the network-gods), I will be watching Dollhouse this fall and will try not to worry about its future. How could I not watch? Joss Whedon's genius is one of the few things that I find truly inspiring in this world.

*Update: here's a blog for Dollhouse info galore: http://dollverse.blogspot.com/

Feng Shui

2008-05-17T11:47:00.007-04:00

Feng Shui. It's one of those phrases with a lot of connotations - some true, some hype. I believe people are affected by their environment. The colors of the walls, the objects, the shapes of the furniture. All of the things around you affect your mood, though you may not even realize it.

Though I haven't gotten very involved in the philosophy, a lot of Feng Shui concepts do seem to work for me - color choices, furniture placement, minimizing clutter, etc.

There was a writing contest not too long ago with several titles asking for Feng Shui tips, so I dusted off my smattering of Feng Shui knowledge and put out a few ideas that might help a person try out some of the basic principles.

Feng Shui Tips for Small Spaces includes tips for studio apartments, small rooms, foyers, etc.

Feng Shui Tips for the Bedroom talks about differences for master bedrooms, kids' rooms, guest rooms, and bedrooms for single people.

Feng Shui Tips for the Living Room has design ideas for both formal living rooms and more casual, multipurpose, family rooms.

Feng Shui Tips for the Bathroom has advice to promote positive energy in the bathroom.

Feng Shui Tips for the Home Office includes advice for improving productivity in a home office.

Army Bunnies

2008-05-15T12:24:00.006-04:00

I spent entirely too much time on today's photo for my Photo a Day project. But it was fun. :-)

Michael recently dressed up his bunny, whose name is Bunny, in this little Army uniform. (Which came from another stuffed animal.) As soon as he showed it to me, I knew Bunny was destined to end up in a photo.

I thought the front steps would be a good spot - being cement and sort of a utilitarian backdrop. I began trying out some poses and found that it's not easy to pose a floppy, well-loved, stuffed animal! But Bunny looked so adorable that I decided he needed some friends. Luckily, it's pretty easy to get bunnies to multiply!

I imagine they are sitting around waiting for the transport to pick them up. That's why the bunny in front is checking out the sky and the bunnies in back are dozing. The original title was going to be "Waiting to Come Home", but I couldn't resist "Army Bunnies".

(click photo to enlarge)