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The Waking
I wake to sleep, and take my waking slow.
I feel my fate in what I cannot fear.
I learn by going where I cannot go.
We think by feeling. What is there to know?
I hear my being dance from ear to ear.
I wake to sleep, and take my waking slow.
Of those so close beside me, which are you?
God bless the Ground! I shall walk softly there,
And learn by going where I have to go.
Light takes the Tree, but who can tell us how?
The lowly worm climbs up a winding stair;
I wake to sleep, and take my waking slow.
Great Nature has another thing to do
To you and me; so take the lively air,
And, lovely, learn by going where to go.
This shaking keeps me steady. I should know.
What falls away is always. And is near.
I wake to sleep, and take my waking slow.
I learn by going where I have to go.
--Theodore Roethke
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Joy's Updates - Straight from the Horse's Mouth.
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Thursday, September 29, 2005
Quiz
Answers are posted in the Squawkbox comment place.
from the Pop Culture Edition of Trivial Pursuit ...
1. MOVIE - In Terms of Endearment, what does Shirley MacLaine invite Jack Nicholson to see in her bedroom? [good grief, I know this!]
2. TV - Who was the bandleader for the Electric Mayhem? [never, ever heard of them]
3. MUSIC - What trio declared bankruptcy on July 3, 1995 - the same day they had a No. 1 single? [I double-checked the date]
4. SPORTS & GAMES - What part of Evander Holyfield's body did Mike Tyson bite off during their 1997 fight?
5. BUZZ - Manson Family victim Sharon Tate was the wife of what film director? [she was the same 8 months pregnant when that happened that I was with Brian - so creepy]
6. FAD - What manufacturer's ads has model Vaughn dancing in just his skivvies and a smile?
from the "Know-It-All" Edition ...
7. PEOPLE & PLACES - What cook was made a colonel in 1935 by the governor of his state in recognition of contributions to the state's culture?
8. ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT - What was the name of The Little Rascals bunch when their movies were first released? [I remember them on television]
9. History - What program of economic aid to Latin American countries was adopted by the U.S. in the early 1960s?
10. SCIENCE & NATURE - What evergreen tree native to tropical Africa produces glossy nuts high in caffeine?
11. SPORTS & LEISURE - Who was the last player to be the year's home run leader with less than 40 home runs in the season?
12. WILD CARD - What was first issued in the U.S. in 1794, with an edition coined as the "Flowing Hair" series?
2:12:00 PM
Sunday, September 25, 2005
Lost Found
Oh good! They're going to have an encore of the season premiere of Lost. I was hoping that would happen. Thanks to Chris and Gena for letting me know what I missed. I'm looking forward to actually getting to see it for myself.
More later about my evening, night, and day with Brendan.
11:10:00 PM
Friday, September 23, 2005
Quiz
Answers are posted in the Squawkbox comment place.
from the Pop Culture Edition of Trivial Pursuit ...
1. MOVIE - Which branch of the armed forces do the pilots of Top Gun fly for? [I knew one who said he was a topmost gun]
2. TV - What is the theme song for C.S.I.?
3. MUSIC - What group made their debut with 1993's "Everybody Else Is Doing It, So Why Can't We?"
4. SPORTS & GAMES - What college basketball powerhouse plays its home games on "Coach K. Court"?
5. BUZZ - What intimidating TV and film star said about himself, "I'm a neurotic mess. I'm really basically just like a 260-pound Woody Allen."?
6. FAD - What board game set sales records by selling more than 20 million units from 1982 to 1984?
from the "Know-It-All" Edition ...
7. PEOPLE & PLACES - What Northern Plains city is named for a series of waterfalls on the Missouri River?
8. ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT - What musical group, debuting in 1997, replaced its members when their voices started changing?
9. History - Which war saw the first use of the name "Uncle Sam" to personify the government of the United States?
10. SCIENCE & NATURE - What does a whip break when you crack a whip?
11. SPORTS & LEISURE - What 17-year-old reached the finals in her first tournament, the 1977 U.S. Open?
12. WILD CARD - What popular children's toy originated in the Philippines as a four-pound weapon on a 20-foot-long cord?
11:29:00 PM
Decisions
I've decided on my TV-watching schedule now after seeing some of the new shows.
Must See (already set the DVR)
West Wing, Boston Legal, Grey's Anatomy, Monk, House, Lost, Craig Ferguson (Late, Late Show) and these Awards shows: Oscars, Emmys, Tonys
Will See
Law & Order (original, SVU, CI), Desperate Housewives, ER, Two and a Half Men, Bones, The Apprentice, Project Runway, Medium, Numbers, Curb Your Enthusiasm
When I Need A Good Cry
Three Wishes
Probably Will Watch
How I Met Your Mother, Out of Practice, Commander-in-Chief, My Name is Earl
These choices are based on their staying on the air. I just read that Head Cases has already been cancelled by FOX because of ratings. Networks used to give a show time to find an audience. There are hits that took a while to catch on. Not saying this might have been one of them, but mistakes have been made.
I know they are good, but I never got into the CSI shows. I really like Marg Helgenberger and her husband Alan Rosenberg and do watch that one from time to time as well as the New York version. Since I have so many shows I watch as it is, I try not to add to it so much. Gilmore Girls is another show that's good that I try to watch when I can. I do get my money's worth from cable since I watch movies on HBO as well as some other shows here and there. Now my secret is out about what I watch. What about you? What do you like?
3:10:00 PM
Thursday Reviews
Well, Thursday isn't the night it used to be when Cheers, Fraser, Seinfeld, Friends, and Cosby were on. I think they were all on Thursday night. Tonight I watched Everybody Hates Chris and Love, Inc. on UPN, a station I don't often watch. Those were entertaining, and I might watch them again if I watch at 7:00. I watched ER again because I've been in that ER almost since it began and have seen the doctors, residents, interns, and nurses as they've moved on to other places. It was frustrating tonight because of how Sam is with Luka. I'd like for him to find someone to be happy with, but it's been tough for him. Carter is gone, and new interns are on the show messing up and trying to learn.
Now to The Apprentice ... There's just something about Donald Trump. He's so over-the-top and full of himself that it's funny and entertaining. I get caught up in his show but didn't in Martha Stewart's. This time the teams are men vs. women to create and market an exercise class in a gym. Randal's grandmother died, so he was provided with a helicopter to take him to the funeral in Philadelphia. That would have been pretty bad if he didn't get to leave for that. I agreed with the women's team who only lost by $11 to get rid of Melissa. She got on my nerves. I couldn't have handled hearing her say "at the end of the day" one more time. Usually those annoying people stick around longer, but I'm sure there are others.
I watched to see who "won" on Dancing with the Stars even though that wasn't the point to me. I just wanted to see John O'Hurley and Charlotte Jorgensen dance together again. I think it would have been better if they'd just had the two finalists from before as well as some professionals dance and left off the competition since that had already happened. There's no way for it to come across as anything but sour grapes this way, and I wished John and Charlotte had won before. Those of us who liked this would have watched anyway without the dance-off.
10:47:00 AM
Wednesday, September 21, 2005
Wednesday Reviews Foiled
I messed up and managed to delete Lost which is the main show I wanted to watch tonight. Of course I did this before I saw any of it. Technology is great (love the DVR) as long as the finger on the remote has some control. I hope one of you watched it and will email me or comment and let me know what happened. Grrrrr! Argh! Can't believe it! So someone please tell me. What happened to Walt? Did the people on the raft make it back to shore? What was in the hatch? Is Sawyer dead? And what about Naomi?
Martha Stewart's Apprentice has the same format as the Donald's does except she says they don't fit in and then writes them a condolence letter.
E-Ring is predictable. I like Dennis Hopper and Benjamin Bratt, and they are fun to watch. Hopper is the maverick crusty colonel who listens to 60's rock music. Bratt is the idealistic, iconoclastic major with a girlfriend in the CIA. There's the inevitable ticking clock and heroic ending. Not sure I'll watch it since I plan to watch Lost from now on. Did I mention that I messed up the recording?
Law & Order was its usual self and has become an institution. Sometimes I watch it and sometimes CSI: New York because I like the actors in it. Head Cases is quirky, so I might watch it some, too. I know this because I accidentally recorded it.
10:25:00 PM
Tuesday Reviews
Last night I watched Bones, House, Law & Order SVU, Dancing with the Stars, and Rock Star INXS. Things will change next week when Boston Legal begins and when I check out Commander-in-Chief. My Name is Earl sounds funny, so I'll have to watch that next week, too. I like Jason Lee, especially in the Kevin Smith movies.
I got caught up in Dancing with the Stars this summer and enjoyed watching John O'Hurley and Charlotte Jorgensen together. She was so graceful, elegant, and beautiful, and he was so J. Peterman. What was really a pleasure last night was to watch the professionals who danced together. They're amazing! I'd like to go to a ballroom dance competition sometime. It's been fun to learn a little bit about it.
I like the characters in Bones and will keep watching it. She (forensic anthropologist) is all science and an emotional bull in a china shop, and the FBI agent has social skills and intuition. I don't know their names yet but do like the writing and characters in the show. Of course there is sexual tension between the two main characters and the same kind of respect, intimidation, and competition in her staff seen in Dr. House's assistants. I heard Dr. Bill Bass speak at a UT Alumni meeting several years ago and was fascinated by his presentation. He had slides and explanations of how they determined various deaths. He founded the Body Farm at UT. Patricia Cornwall has visited there and used it in one of her mystery novels.
Hugh Laurie is wonderful in House which won an Emmy for writing. His character is a brilliant curmudgeon who solves medical mysteries and has a weakness for Sela Ward's character (who wouldn't?) who is his ex-girlfriend who is now married and working in the legal department of the hospital.
I'm narrowing down my choices by checking out the new shows but will continue my favorites. I'm still sad that Judging Amy was cancelled and wish they hadn't done that. I miss it.
I didn't like J.D. the guy INXS chose to be their new member and front man for the band. That's OK since I'm not a fan but do like a couple of their songs. It was an odd series in some ways but interesting to see them perform some good songs. Is it just me, or are the INXS members a little creepy?
7:25:00 AM
Tuesday, September 20, 2005
New Season Reviews
Last night I watched two new series that I think will be good. How I Met Your Mother has snappy dialogue, fresh ideas, and a good cast. I like the interaction between the characters and the premise. I'll probably keep watching that one. Out of Practice is written by some of the Fraser writers, has Stockard Channing and Henry Winkler, and has gags built into it. The more I think about the show the better I like it. Two and a Half Men was silly last night, but I like it and will stick with it as long as it does better than it did last night. Medium was really good last night and is based on a real person the police call in to help with crimes. Glenn Gordon Caron created, directed, and produces it.
I don't watch CSI: Miami because I don't like to watch David Caruso. He kept me from NYPD Blue until he left and Jimmy Smits joined the cast. I hope Smits wins the election on West Wing. He and Alan Alda have really interesting characters on there, but if Smits's character wins, they can keep most of the staff.
I also didn't see Las Vegas, but I watch that sporadically anyway. I caught the pilot of Prison Break and decided against watching it even though it looks interesting. Other new shows on Monday nights are What About Brian and Just Legal. Anyone watch those or some others? If so, how are they? Any comments or suggestions for Monday nights?
1:53:00 PM
Monday, September 19, 2005
Fun
I just had the best time. Eight of us met for lunch at the Front Porch. Some of them I graduated from high school with - Jill, Mary Ann, Sue, Barbara, and Brenda. Others I've taught with and have known a long time - Serena and Emma. It was a great group, and we had so much fun talking, catching up, reminiscing, and enjoying being together. Friends and family, that's what is important! Thanks so much, Jill, for getting us together and being so incredibly generous.
2:47:00 PM
TV
I watch too much TV. I know it. However, for what I pay for it, I feel obligated to get my money's worth since I have digital cable, HBO, and a DVR. That's a good rationalization, but the truth is that I like to watch television and movies. Watching the Emmy Awards works for me since I'm familiar with most of the nominated shows. I've become a fan of Hugh Laurie in House and think it's well-written and acted. One of the teachers I had lunch with at Creek Wood kept telling me about Lost, which I wouldn't watch because I thought it was a reality show like Survivor; however, she explained what it was about, and I started watching it. Thank goodness both of these shows had reruns which made it possible for me to catch up.
I'm looking forward to the new season which begins this week and to seeing new episodes of West Wing, Boston Legal, House, Lost, Desperate Housewives, ER, Monk, Two and a Half Men, and Grey's Anatomy. Some of the new shows look interesting, so I'll check out some of those. The reality shows I watch are The Apprentice and Project Runway, and I'll see how Martha Stewart's Apprentice looks, too. I'm sorry they cancelled Judging Amy and will miss that. I don't get Showtime and haven't seen Huff, but it sounds good. I really like Hank Azaria. Have any of you seen it?
Bill Clinton was on Meet the Press this morning. I definitely agree with him about the economy. Our government keeps borrowing money from the UK, Japan, China, Korea, and Saudi and plans to borrow more. He said he didn't agree with borrowing and cutting taxes on his income group and thinks it's unethical and bad economics. Also he said that never in the history of our country have we borrowed money to finance a war. We are so deeply in debt with a deficit into the trillions when we had a surplus before. I don't think we need to keep the estate tax and am glad that's gone because taxes have already been paid on that, so why have heirs pay them again? Some people have to sell farms and houses just to pay the taxes on them which is not what their parents worked so hard to have happen. I wish we had a flat-rate income tax. The people who won't have jobs with the IRS could then work for election reform until we get that worked out.
I like what Clinton said about what Katrina will cause us to think about: what is our obligation to the poor, what is the role of government, and who is going to pay for it. I'm glad he and former President Bush are in charge of those relief funds for Katrina and the tsunami since they have a handle on how to allocate those funds and how to go about it. I do miss him and felt more secure when he was president. I'm concerned about his health and think he doesn't look too well. I hope he's OK and will stick around. The Clinton Global Initiative sounds promising.
1:04:00 AM
Thursday, September 15, 2005
Scary News
No, this is not about you, Scaryduck, but about more frightening news that Primetime scared us with tonight about Avian Flu. According to them, it's the next pandemic. What do you hear about it at the CDC, Michael?
9:08:00 PM
Tuesday, September 13, 2005
Various Ramblings
I went to the retired teacher's meeting today at King's Court. I hadn't been since they moved there and like the location. We had a speaker who spoke to us about estate planning. It was good to see people again I haven't seen for a while.
It's impossible to watch any of the coverage on TV about the hurricane without crying. It's the largest disaster we've had in this country since the Civil War. The incompetence of all the governments involved from local, state, and federal has been apparent during all of this. The mayor of New Orleans didn't evacuate people or seem to have a plan. The governor didn't call in the National Guard and whatever else needed to be done. FEMA screwed up in many ways. All of this shows us how unprepared we are at every level. There have been many excuses, 20/20 hindsight, and blame. It's a hard lesson to learn. Now comes the hard part. Helping these people and cities rebuild. The main reason I've been crying lately is because of the unselfish outpouring of support shown to the Gulf area people. It's so touching to see how people pull together and are there for each other.
I wish we could get rid of everyone in government and start over with people who want to be in it because they care about the people they represent. There is too much bureaucracy and corruption in both parties. Then there's the media. The main answer I got from Bowling for Columbine is how the media scares us about everything. Canada has calmer news while ours is sensational.
6:56:00 PM
Monday, September 12, 2005
How do you spell relief?
Many times I can't tell a difference with supplements or medicine, but with this one I did. I've had a hiatal hernia, acid reflux, and other digestive problems for a long time and have tried a variety of remedies. At the risk of sounding like a hypochondriac, I thought I might have that H. pylori bacteria. So I mentioned it to Jim Pass, and he suggested that I take Mastic Gum capsules, which has helped tremendously. I've been taking it only a few days and feel so much better. Just thought I'd let you know in case any of you might be interested.
4:01:00 PM
Better Late Than Never
Michael Brown resigned from FEMA.
3:55:00 PM
Saturday, September 10, 2005
Comix
If you or anyone you know reads comic books, please check out Brian's blog where he writes critiques of comic books, science fiction, and role playing games.
11:16:00 AM
Work
I was planning to work wonders and create miracles in my house today ... until I read my horoscope. Well, it's a sign, for sure! Now, where was that book I've been reading?
Libra
You know that old saying about haste making waste? Remember it now, especially if you're tempted to rush into something just to feel like you're making progress. You could actually cause yourself delays and setbacks by jumping into something without thinking it through, especially when it comes to work or home improvements. These kinds of matters need your full attention. A happy ending may take longer than you would like, but be patient.
10:57:00 AM
Thursday, September 08, 2005
Bones
I had an appointment with my orthopedist today. He said to continue the exercises I learned in physical therapy at the gym I'm planning to join. I got free passes for a week from PT for both gyms and will see which one I like best. Any of you have a preference? Dr. Rushford said I'd know when I needed to come back because I'm in stage 3 of 4 of rotator cuff disease. The next step is a cortisone shot and then arthroscopic surgery. So I need to be dedicated to exercise and hold all this off as long as possible.
I asked him about chemo and bone problems since many people I've known who had cancer treatment had hip and knee replacements afterward. He said Predinsone especially causes big problems with femural and humeral bones. I asked if it were reversible or just messed up. He said it was permanent. I had massive doses of Prednisone for over 3 months as well as chemo which also caused bone damage, so not only is my life span going to be shorter but my quality of life will be worse. What they say is true about if the cancer doesn't kill you, the treatment will. What I want to know is why they don't bother to tell us any of this? I hated taking that Prednisone anyway as some of you who read this blog then remember, but I'd have appreciated an explanation, so I could have made an informed decision about what I was taking. Cancer treatment is such a nightmare and horrible experience to endure.
Kathy's sister-in-law had chemo, radiation, and a bone marrow transplant for leukemia. Her oncologist asked if she were taking magnesius and calcium, and she said yes since they were included in her multi-vitamin. They didn't follow through to ask if she were taking extra amounts or how much or whatever. Now she has osteoporosis and is stooped.
I know the top priority is to save our lives during cancer, which we all agree is vital. It's just that the aftermath continues in ways we had no idea would happen.
6:11:00 PM
Our Country
I've cried so many times over the tragedy in the Gulf because of Katrina as well as the mishandling of the whole thing. It's heartbreaking. Many of the survivors are being treated like prisoners. Watching their faces when they wonder about family members they haven't seen for days and when they are reunited with them and their pets is just too much. This is all such a disaster. I can't even imagine what they are experiencing and how they feel, but my heart goes out to them.
Help is pouring in from all over the country as well as the rest of the world. The whole area and water will take years to clean and recover. I don't know what all those people will do.
Where are we supposed to get the money to clean all these places? How will we rebuild and recover? There was a surplus and even before the war in Iraq, it was gone as well as much, much more. We're trillions of dollars in debt. George Bush bankrupted every business he tried to run (into the ground) and left Texas in huge debt. It didn't take him long to do it to the U.S. government. It's going to take forever to dig our way out of this debt. Then he appointed his cronies and supporters to offices for which they aren't qualified. We see how that's turned out.
Clinton was more intelligent with half his brains in his pants than this group. I miss him and Jimmy Carter. I don't understand how people still support Bush. Sure, they can still be Republicans but to think he has done even an adequate job defies reason. I just don't get it and never will. Why can't they see it? Can we impeach them yet?
5:52:00 PM
How many ...
How many members of the Bush government does it take to change a lightbulb?
Ten
1. One to deny that a light bulb needs to be changed;
2. One to attack the patriotism of anyone who says the light bulb needs to be changed;
3. One to blame Clinton for burning out the light bulb;
4. One to tell the nations of the world that they are either for changing the light bulb or for eternal darkness;
5. One to give a billion dollar no-bid contract to Halliburton for the new light bulb;
6. One to arrange a photograph of Bush, dressed as a janitor, standing on a step ladder under the banner 'Bulb Accomplished';
7. One administration insider to resign and in detail reveal how Bush was literally 'in the dark' the whole time;
8. One to viciously smear No. 7;
9. One surrogate to campaign on TV and at rallies on how George Bush has had a strong light-bulb-changing policy all along;
10. And finally, one to confuse Americans about the difference between screwing a light bulb and screwing the country.
By the way, Halliburton already has no-bid contracts to do repairs on military bases affected by Katrina.
12:05:00 AM
Wednesday, September 07, 2005
Barbara Bush
After a tour of the Houston Astrodome in Texas earlier this week, where thousands of hurricane victims are now being housed, the wife of former President George H.W. Bush and the current president's mother said in a National Public Radio interview: "So many of the people here, you know, were underprivileged anyway, so this (she chuckled) - this is working very well for them."
The apple doesn't fall too far from the tree.
10:11:00 PM
Tuesday, September 06, 2005
New Photos
Check out the Photo Album to see pictures from my visit with Kathy this weekend.
9:06:00 PM
Sunday, September 04, 2005
Helping Out
In addition to the Red Cross and Second Harvest Food Bank, be sure to remember Habitat for Humanity since they can help the Gulf Coast people rebuild homes. I'm so worried about the people still there who haven't been rescued. It seems to me that saving people is more important than stopping people from stealing. The Canadian and UK Red Crosses are helping. Now I feel bad for being so cynical, but I thought they would do whatever they could. It's just that we've alienated so many people, that I didn't know what would happen.
Someone told me that Castro offered aid and that W refused it. Can this be true? I also heard that a Middle Eastern country was going to send a million (?) barrels of oil that W wasn't sure about taking. I hope this isn't the case. When people offer assistance, how ungrateful to say we can take care of ourselves when we clearly need help. He has to be the worst president this country has ever had. There are deaths of Americans on his head from several situations such as "bringing democracy" to a country that will remain a theocracy, cuts in programs that affect health and well-being, not taking preventive measures that could have saved lives, passing or repealing laws that lessen our safety, and so much more.
I just want to say how sad it is for New Orleans to be in ruin. It's a city with an ambience like no others. Most of our music came from there. I believe the spirit and personality of New Orleans will survive and rebuild.
I'm going to Kathy's tomorrow and will stay for a couple of days, so if I don't respond to your comments, that's why.
1:04:00 AM
Friday, September 02, 2005
Values
This article by Molly Ivins really says it. I just love her.
This country is being ruined by greed. Actually, now that I think about it, I guess it's taking it a long time since greed has motivated people in power all over the world historically. So did I just cancel myself out?
12:32:00 PM
Quiz
Answers are posted in the Squawkbox comment place. These cards could go either way.
from the Pop Culture Edition of Trivial Pursuit ...
1. MOVIE - What is the name of the band trailed by the main character in Almost Famous? [can't recall the band's name but do remember who wrote it and wasn't Kate Hudson's character Penny Lane?]
2. TV - What show chronicles the adventures of Max and Emmy and their journeys to dragonland?
3. MUSIC - What is the name of Michael Stipe's film production company?
4. SPORTS & GAMES - What All-Star third baseman ate a chicken dinner before every game for good luck? [those baseball players are so superstitious!]
5. BUZZ - Who's the most famous rock star to hail from Asbury Park, New Jersey?
6. FAD - What supermodel introduced her own line of Birkenstock shoes in 2003?
from the "Know-It-All" Edition ...
7. PEOPLE & PLACES - What is the only community in Nevada without legalized gambling?
8. ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT - What are the four voices of a barbershop quartet?
9. HISTORY - Who coined the term "Iron Curtain"?
10. SCIENCE & NATURE - What is the name for an usually large tidal wave produced by an underwater earthquake or volcanic eruption? [I think we all know this one, unfortunately]
11. SPORTS & LEISURE - What game, played by Alice while in Wonderland, was banned in Boston in the 19th century as being too "immoral"?
12. WILD CARD - What international company took its name from the original service it provided?
11:10:00 AM
Thursday, September 01, 2005
NY Times
From a column in the New York Times today:
While our attention must now be on the Gulf Coast's most immediate needs, the nation will soon ask why New Orleans's levees remained so inadequate. Publications from the local newspaper to National Geographic have fulminated about the bad state of flood protection in this beloved city, which is below sea level. Why were developers permitted to destroy wetlands and barrier islands that could have held back the hurricane's surge? Why was Congress, before it wandered off to vacation, engaged in slashing the budget for correcting some of the gaping holes in the area's flood protection?
11:23:00 AM
Katrina
The devastation is horrible! Loss of lives, pets, and property can't be determined yet. New Orleans will never be the same which is really sad. That's such an interesting city with the music and restaurants and historic buildings. Americans are already helping the Gulf coast victims and will continue to do so. I wonder if any other countries will send aid and doubt if they will. We don't seem to engender that kind of treatment. But I digress. I feel so bad for all the people who experienced this tragedy that will take years to rebuild.
1:07:00 AM
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