Oh, my phone!
A week ago Sunday I lost most functions of my cell phone. I just don't know the lat place where I placed the functions. No, I leaned against a kitchen counter corner and punctured the LCD screen. The phone still receives texts and phone calls. I just can't read the messages or identify who is calling.
This technical difficulty has not set me back very much; I'm not that in demand. However, I have been ailed by a side effect of the cell phone since not sporting the pocket telegraph machine. It is the "ghost phone effect." The muscles in my right thigh have had spasms many times, sometimes without stopping for minutes. The cells underneath my front right pants pocket, the usual place for carrying the phone, must be making up for the absent wave interference.
Now, I want to carefully state that I am not trying to use this experience to show that I can sympathize with Vietnam vet amputee patients. I'm just happy to know that the convenience of technology isn't free. The toll is corporeal deterioration.
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
John Williams, the Composer
Some years ago, my friend Tracee ruined John Williams's music for me. She said that all of his music sounded the same. I didn't try to argue because I realized that every movie theme was composed of variations of the same melody, but my stained glass window was shattered, nonetheless.
The difficulty of the matter was that I had to reconcile the examination of her claim and the fact that I love the scores for so many movies that he worked on. Superman (don't love the movie so much, however), Star Wars, Indiana Jones, Close Encounters of the Third Kind and many more. Here are my apologetic arguments:
1) Fanfare necessary for caliber of movies: the blockbusters that Williams was tasked to score for needed to have big, moving music pieces. It wasn't a matter of quality more of volume.
2) Classical Music of old and Pop music today: If you listen to classical music on more of rare-seldom basis, you may become familiar with the sounds of many of the famous composers. You will be able to discern if a piece is Bach's or Mozart's just as you may be able to decipher between The Monkeys and The Beatles. John Williams soundtracks are just as recognizable (so are Hanz Zimmer's).
3) Borrowing from classical composers: Some of William's pieces have movements similar to those by Stravinsky's Rite of Spring, Mussorgsky's Night on Bald Mountain or the Symphony No. 4 In A Major Op. 90 - Italian Saltorelo by Felix Mendelssohn. Is this plagiarism or just sampling? If America's Ventura Highway can be sampled by Janet Jackson then John should be able to sample from the greats.
4) The Spurious Theory: This is a slightly similar point as number one but a different spin. John Williams is a robot. He is just a machine with a complex algorithm for making music for huge movies. There is not one bit of talent to his orchestration-- except for the computer programmer.
5) Boston Pops: To quote Vince Noir and Bollo "no smoke without fire." If John Williams is a hack, how does he get to be the conductor and now laureate conductor of the Boston Pops Orchestra? How does a great director continue to use John's efforts and methods to support Oscar winning movies?
You be the critic.
The difficulty of the matter was that I had to reconcile the examination of her claim and the fact that I love the scores for so many movies that he worked on. Superman (don't love the movie so much, however), Star Wars, Indiana Jones, Close Encounters of the Third Kind and many more. Here are my apologetic arguments:
1) Fanfare necessary for caliber of movies: the blockbusters that Williams was tasked to score for needed to have big, moving music pieces. It wasn't a matter of quality more of volume.
2) Classical Music of old and Pop music today: If you listen to classical music on more of rare-seldom basis, you may become familiar with the sounds of many of the famous composers. You will be able to discern if a piece is Bach's or Mozart's just as you may be able to decipher between The Monkeys and The Beatles. John Williams soundtracks are just as recognizable (so are Hanz Zimmer's).
3) Borrowing from classical composers: Some of William's pieces have movements similar to those by Stravinsky's Rite of Spring, Mussorgsky's Night on Bald Mountain or the Symphony No. 4 In A Major Op. 90 - Italian Saltorelo by Felix Mendelssohn. Is this plagiarism or just sampling? If America's Ventura Highway can be sampled by Janet Jackson then John should be able to sample from the greats.
4) The Spurious Theory: This is a slightly similar point as number one but a different spin. John Williams is a robot. He is just a machine with a complex algorithm for making music for huge movies. There is not one bit of talent to his orchestration-- except for the computer programmer.
5) Boston Pops: To quote Vince Noir and Bollo "no smoke without fire." If John Williams is a hack, how does he get to be the conductor and now laureate conductor of the Boston Pops Orchestra? How does a great director continue to use John's efforts and methods to support Oscar winning movies?
You be the critic.
Sunday, May 2, 2010
Going Animal: the experiment
My hair is washed. The first time this has happened with shampoo and conditioner since the end of January. My body is also soap-sudsy clean. Again, this is the first time since the first month of the year. How does that make you feel?
At the beginning of February I began a physical test. A man that usually offers intriguing practices to exhibit was issued a challenge to ‘go animal.’ For reference purposes this man is Bill Allred of the Radio From Hell show on X96 (check it out phvuef). I was not familiar with the term, so I will define it thus. To live as cave people might have done- washing only with water. The reason proposed to him for the healthiness of the program is that the body has the ability to take care of itself. Shampoo just strips the hair of its natural oils and then you slather your hair with synthetic ones through conditioning. Bill said he would go without washing with soap or shampoo for at least two weeks. After that time he no longer chronicled the count of his experience over the airways. I will share mine here.
My decision was nut initially out of experiment or resolution. I had just been in a period of laziness of not showering for a couple days and washing my hair less frequently. Now, you may not be aware of the current length of my hair. If you were thinking it was short, you would not be considering this a factor in the trial. My hair is almost as long as it ever was, thus it is relevant.
*I did continue to use deodorant (I have already gone at least two weeks at a time without deodorant and that experience produced adverse affects). And as you may think I should use some Toms of Maine or other natural product, I figured this period of no soap was, at the least, a cost-cutting vehicle. I am as a hippie as the next long-haired, hemp wearer, but I also know, as George Carlin taught, going green/conserving/recycling is not about saving the world, it is about saving yourself. For me saving myself equates with saving money.
**I also continued to use hand soap that was available to me in various restrooms. This was for my health and yours. Preservation is as stated earlier the purpose of ‘going animal.’ If you feel these caveats discredit the whole scientific method you have the ability to choose to stop reading and hate me for a lack of integrity. I did not use chapstick, lotion or shaving cream (electric razor).
The chronological tale begins. The first few weeks were easy. Taking a few less steps in any process brightens my day. In the shower, I would still use a cloth to exfoliate and wash (with only water) whatever may be deposited on my skin. My hair was also thoroughly rinsed with that life-sustaining substance.
The next few weeks were brutal. My skin made a quick transition to regulation itself. Contrarily, my hair did not. As Mary and her younger sister, Laura a.k.a. Half Pint or Beth, of The Little House on the Prairie showed us, to maintain healthy hair; a solid brushing session is required. During my brushing sessions I found that my hair was covered in some sort of film. This film made a sizeable deposit on my brush and made my hair have an odd texture. Two months in to the process I purchased a boar-bristle hair brush which is vital in evenly spreading the secreted oils through the length of each strand of hair. This helped lessen the natural residue on my hair.
Although one problem was partially solved, one aspect of it remained and another issue became apparent. What I think caused much of the film was that shampoo also washes away layers of skin on the scalp. Since I was not using stringent soaps on my head the skin remained. Also, my head was not dry, so I didn’t have a flaky scalp so what dandruff I had attached itself to the cuticle of my hair, causing the film (these are not clinical or salon-ical facts, just personal conjecture).
The other problem that surfaced was revealed through brushing. After only a few strokes of a brush through my hair, the hair would stand nearly on end. Whatever changes had overcome my hair had caused it to be easily susceptible to static electricity. My hair could stick to my face with only a glance against any fabric. While wearing headphones, the charge built up in my hair would interfere with my listening experience.
These details are the empirical data and some conclusions of the research. I conclude with results. I have learned as was the hypothesis that the body has evolved to take care of itself; it’s are designed to do so (those two phrases are the same, but one is written for those of you who don’t believe that a supreme being could exist and create less-than-equal beings and the other is for those of you who don’t believe that evolution could be the way that the supreme being that you believe in operates). The practical reasons for ‘going animal’ only presented themselves after I completed the test by showering with shampoo. My hair is better than it ever has been. It is amazingly soft and shiny. I believe that this means that hair is best left alone for sometime but should be kept in balance with a bit of a chemical cleanse from time to time.
I will continue to ‘go animal’ but on a shorter length of time schedule. Some times were miserable. Some days my hair seemed oily. Most days it was more than bearable. The unique and natural smell of my hair is pleasant. I will complete my report by saying that it cannot be a full experience since I did not ‘go animal’ through the summer months, though I feel I could extrapolate the findings with just an added measure of sweat.
You may now return to associating with me in proximity.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Sleep Deprivation
Last week during spring break, I chose to stay up late to catch up on television, movies and reading. It was retrospectively a test to observe how I operate under the circumstances of zero sleep. I could only figure that I have done this seldom in my life and could only remember once. The last occasion was when Garrick and I visited sites and people throughout Southern Utah and Arizona in 2008. I was awake for over 2 days straight.
Back to last week's experiences. After returning home from work I would wind down by eating and watching television. Then I would resort to submitting my blogs as a part time blogger for a local radio station. After this I would waste time on the Internet with sites like Facebook and Hulu. At some point I would decide to see if I could just stay up through the night. I estimated that I could not get to sleep so let and then get up early to accomplish much before going to work in the early afternoon. I would then set about task such as organizing files on my computer, purge various filings of papers of further unwanted items and readjusting the arrangement of objects of my possession (you know the pursuits that someone with obsessively compulsive tendencies ventures).
At some point of the late night/early morning I would run switch to quiet mode and pick up a book (one written by a Tolkien or The Hunchback of Notre Dame). Obviously the relaxation that comes from reading takes a toll on the mental fortitude required to stay up through the night while sitting or laying on my bed. The results averaged that I would give to sleep about 4:30 AM. And , as I hypothesized, I was not able to rise with much time to occupy myself with errands before heading to my paying job.
We come to Monday night. I chose not to do my last piece of homework assigned for spring break until the night before it was do. I will admit that I did do some reading and studying for my classes over previous week so it was not wholly a vacation from my problems...eh...school work. Just like the attempts of last week to stay up through the night I had to grapple with not getting up early enough for the day if I did fall to sleep late in the night. This time there would be negative consequences if I failed to arise, so my determination was raised to 'pull an all-nighter.' I had signed-up for an extra and early shift at my place of employment so instead of my early afternoon start time, I had to be at my keying station at 9:30 AM.
After completing my homework I watched a few episodes of television on my laptop then listened to music as I reorganized some more documents and pictures on the hard drive (yes I know I already mentioned that I did this. that was not the first time and this second event will not be the last time). I pushed through the 4:30 AM wall and came to the 8 o'clock hour. As my clock radio alarm went off with Radio From Hell I was lulled into moving into restful position and a sleeping status. When I woke up nearly an hour later (so I guess this truly doesn't count as an all-nighter- discount the whole discussion if you must) I quickly got in my car and drove to work. Since the weather had turned to frightful dust storms I was confused by not seeing the normal form of the son. I was very disoriented to time as I drove on the freeway. I was not certain of how early or late I actually was in reference to my clock-in time.
My mind couldn't wrap itself around the concept of being so bright so early in the morning. I could only compare my physical and mental condition to what I have heard are the results of coming of a drug high. Whether the disorientation was caused by the lack of sleep or trying to get by on a minuscule amount of sleep I don't know, but I do know that the experience caused me to be very irritable at work and throughout midday. I was able to recover before heading to class in the evening and returned to form to stay up late once again.
Here's to staying up all night again for April Fool's Day and hopes that it causes great discomfort and new reactions (too be chronicled in another posting I project).
Back to last week's experiences. After returning home from work I would wind down by eating and watching television. Then I would resort to submitting my blogs as a part time blogger for a local radio station. After this I would waste time on the Internet with sites like Facebook and Hulu. At some point I would decide to see if I could just stay up through the night. I estimated that I could not get to sleep so let and then get up early to accomplish much before going to work in the early afternoon. I would then set about task such as organizing files on my computer, purge various filings of papers of further unwanted items and readjusting the arrangement of objects of my possession (you know the pursuits that someone with obsessively compulsive tendencies ventures).
At some point of the late night/early morning I would run switch to quiet mode and pick up a book (one written by a Tolkien or The Hunchback of Notre Dame). Obviously the relaxation that comes from reading takes a toll on the mental fortitude required to stay up through the night while sitting or laying on my bed. The results averaged that I would give to sleep about 4:30 AM. And , as I hypothesized, I was not able to rise with much time to occupy myself with errands before heading to my paying job.
We come to Monday night. I chose not to do my last piece of homework assigned for spring break until the night before it was do. I will admit that I did do some reading and studying for my classes over previous week so it was not wholly a vacation from my problems...eh...school work. Just like the attempts of last week to stay up through the night I had to grapple with not getting up early enough for the day if I did fall to sleep late in the night. This time there would be negative consequences if I failed to arise, so my determination was raised to 'pull an all-nighter.' I had signed-up for an extra and early shift at my place of employment so instead of my early afternoon start time, I had to be at my keying station at 9:30 AM.
After completing my homework I watched a few episodes of television on my laptop then listened to music as I reorganized some more documents and pictures on the hard drive (yes I know I already mentioned that I did this. that was not the first time and this second event will not be the last time). I pushed through the 4:30 AM wall and came to the 8 o'clock hour. As my clock radio alarm went off with Radio From Hell I was lulled into moving into restful position and a sleeping status. When I woke up nearly an hour later (so I guess this truly doesn't count as an all-nighter- discount the whole discussion if you must) I quickly got in my car and drove to work. Since the weather had turned to frightful dust storms I was confused by not seeing the normal form of the son. I was very disoriented to time as I drove on the freeway. I was not certain of how early or late I actually was in reference to my clock-in time.
My mind couldn't wrap itself around the concept of being so bright so early in the morning. I could only compare my physical and mental condition to what I have heard are the results of coming of a drug high. Whether the disorientation was caused by the lack of sleep or trying to get by on a minuscule amount of sleep I don't know, but I do know that the experience caused me to be very irritable at work and throughout midday. I was able to recover before heading to class in the evening and returned to form to stay up late once again.
Here's to staying up all night again for April Fool's Day and hopes that it causes great discomfort and new reactions (too be chronicled in another posting I project).
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Food Sniping and the Chips of Desire
My good friend, Bryant Thompson, native of New Hampshire and huge Celtics and Red Sox fan, desired that I address the contentious matter of ‘food sniping.’ Bryant used the term ‘food sniping’ to mean taking food from other people or people’s table after they have completed and exited the meal. I will henceforth not be enclosing this term in apostrophes or quotations.
After the disappointing 2010 loss of Utah men’s’ basketball to BYU men’s basketball, another esteemed friend, Chris Mabey, and I searched for a good meal. We took ourselves by automobile to La Frontera (the one on the west side). We each ordered the large platter. As a side note, Bryant commended me for performing well by devouring every morsel served to me and condoned Mabey's performance.
Now to the juice of the situation, or chips in this case. There was a simple, spicy salsa served with the restaurant style corn chips. However, at an early point of dining we had chomped through the basket of chips. Across from the aisle from us a man had just left leaving an untouched basket of chips. Bryant truly desired more salty corn chips to go with the grande platter in front of him. He debated with himself about performing the act of reaching across and grabbing it. I urged him to do so for his benefit and mine.
There are three factors that may have kept him from food sniping. First, the restaurant staff was near and bustling about which created a difficult situation for retaining an inconspicuous demeanor at our booth. This also caused self-consciousness due to the questionable behavior of food sniping. Second, the credibility of the character of the man who had been delivered the chips was in question. What may have been done to the chips without our observance? Why had they remained untouched through that man’s meal? Third, the least important, would be the physical exertion to reach and take the chips. After beginning to ingest a large quantity of food the ability for motion is decreased. This affects the motivation that the mind can conjure to overcome inhibition from the physical senses and restraints.
The problem was resolved when a member of the service staff questioned our enjoyment of the food. I requested more chips on the behalf of myself, but mostly Bryant. Of course, they came at an extra charge, but that was a small cost for a necessary side to the beans, salsa and chile verde. After the chips were brought to us a discussion ensued about the practice of food sniping.
I have always been content with eating things off the floor after they had only been there for a reasonably short period. The first instance that I remember was in the first grade of school at Oakwood Elementary. A piece of red licorice was dropped on the floor of the lunchroom underneath the table. I picked it up and ate it. I may have done this for the shock factor, which was raised in a female classmate. I do not feel that I need to be justified in this behavior by any logic, but I will state that if a germ is on the floor it may likely be on my hand or in my mouth as well. Just build or test the body’s immune system.
Bryant shared a more related memory. He and some friends were dining but had only ordered when an older couple approached their table. They said that they were finished eating but had food left over that they did not want to eat or take with them to consume later. They offered the food to Bryant and his companions. The intended recipients accepted the couple’s remainder and happily ate the spoils.
The positive argument for food sniping is the mother’s words “there are starving kids in [country other than the United States (though increasingly the phrase fits America)].” Those of us who food snipe are just reducing the amount food that is wasted. Yes, we accept the consequences of the bulging waste-line and constricting blood passage through arteries. You’re Welcome.
After the disappointing 2010 loss of Utah men’s’ basketball to BYU men’s basketball, another esteemed friend, Chris Mabey, and I searched for a good meal. We took ourselves by automobile to La Frontera (the one on the west side). We each ordered the large platter. As a side note, Bryant commended me for performing well by devouring every morsel served to me and condoned Mabey's performance.
Now to the juice of the situation, or chips in this case. There was a simple, spicy salsa served with the restaurant style corn chips. However, at an early point of dining we had chomped through the basket of chips. Across from the aisle from us a man had just left leaving an untouched basket of chips. Bryant truly desired more salty corn chips to go with the grande platter in front of him. He debated with himself about performing the act of reaching across and grabbing it. I urged him to do so for his benefit and mine.
There are three factors that may have kept him from food sniping. First, the restaurant staff was near and bustling about which created a difficult situation for retaining an inconspicuous demeanor at our booth. This also caused self-consciousness due to the questionable behavior of food sniping. Second, the credibility of the character of the man who had been delivered the chips was in question. What may have been done to the chips without our observance? Why had they remained untouched through that man’s meal? Third, the least important, would be the physical exertion to reach and take the chips. After beginning to ingest a large quantity of food the ability for motion is decreased. This affects the motivation that the mind can conjure to overcome inhibition from the physical senses and restraints.
The problem was resolved when a member of the service staff questioned our enjoyment of the food. I requested more chips on the behalf of myself, but mostly Bryant. Of course, they came at an extra charge, but that was a small cost for a necessary side to the beans, salsa and chile verde. After the chips were brought to us a discussion ensued about the practice of food sniping.
I have always been content with eating things off the floor after they had only been there for a reasonably short period. The first instance that I remember was in the first grade of school at Oakwood Elementary. A piece of red licorice was dropped on the floor of the lunchroom underneath the table. I picked it up and ate it. I may have done this for the shock factor, which was raised in a female classmate. I do not feel that I need to be justified in this behavior by any logic, but I will state that if a germ is on the floor it may likely be on my hand or in my mouth as well. Just build or test the body’s immune system.
Bryant shared a more related memory. He and some friends were dining but had only ordered when an older couple approached their table. They said that they were finished eating but had food left over that they did not want to eat or take with them to consume later. They offered the food to Bryant and his companions. The intended recipients accepted the couple’s remainder and happily ate the spoils.
The positive argument for food sniping is the mother’s words “there are starving kids in [country other than the United States (though increasingly the phrase fits America)].” Those of us who food snipe are just reducing the amount food that is wasted. Yes, we accept the consequences of the bulging waste-line and constricting blood passage through arteries. You’re Welcome.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
RFH practice 2
Tell me if this and the previous post would entertain you whether or not you listened to the actual show. For current Friends of the Program, the content would be identifiable, but for others it may not be coherent. Share your Opinuendo.
February 11, 2010
Bill “The sooner we get this started, the sooner it will be over”
Richy is the Mayor of Marketing
Boners of the Day
#1 Dancing is Forbidden: A Baraboo, WI man shocks a male dancer instructor. The man scheduled a dance lesson to beat up the instructor for touching women while dancing because the man’s religion forbids it all.
#2 You Didn’t See Anything: A 5th grade student was slapped by his principal. A nearby teacher was told by the principal that “she didn’t see anything; it didn’t happen.”
#3 We Observed and We Reported: Security watched teens beat up a girl without stopping the melee. They did phone in the incident to their supervisors.
#3 is the Boner of the Day winner brought to you in part by codfish breaded with cornbread. Howard won the Boner t-shirt.
Chainsaw Guy makes a guest appearance for Valentine’s Day!
Gina is a Kenya born-illegitimate-socialist-lover.
Ask A Bullfighter Ammon Bayless. He’s neither a rodeo clown nor a matador.
Jeff Vice movie reviews
The Graywhale Radio From Hell pick of the week is Halo the movie
Percy Jackson and the Olympians 2 ½ stars
Police, Adjective 2 stars
Valentine’s Day 1 ½ stars
Wolfman 2 stars
Gina’s sign-off “Release the Kraken!”
Radio From Hell blog practice 1
I am attempting to be a part-time blogger(FoTC) for KXRK's Radio From Hell (X96.3FM check it out fvph!). This is an a beginning attempt from two weeks ago. If you wish to compare it to the actual show- download the podcasts from Itunes or visit x96.com/rfh and listen to the show On Demand.
February 10, 2010
A new motto of the pre-boarding part of the show “Strap it on and then turn us on”
The art of skiing with Goofy
Lot of BFOP guys- keep an eye on Jacob. New feature of the BFOPs: Odd things about each BFOP- putting things together without directions, dreaming in Mandarin Chinese and sleeping while standing.
It’s important that the University of Utah might be accepted into the PAC-10 GO UTES!!!
Kerry got upset because the listeners’ lists of Things That Must Go were printed multiple times and Bill read the ones Kerry had planned too. Richy took the blame even though it was the interns’ fault, even though they brought Bill his banana split.
Keys to Easy Radio:
-Celebrity Birthdays
-Copy Radio From Hell, word for word
-Hot chicks to flirt with (not a noisy, paper-weight)
-Go to the gym and talk about it
Kids are Super Great Fun!!!!
Boners of the Day
#1 I Didn’t Think it Was Movin’ Fast Enough: A drunk man stole an occupied ambulance for a joy ride in the parking lot. The spin in the emergency vehicle occurred while there was an EMS official and patient in the back of the vehicle.
#2 My Credit is Good: A stolen car was then reported stolen to the police by the man who stole it after he was robbed at gun point trying to by crack with a credit card.
#3 I’m Takin’ the Yellow Line to Asia Town: Atlanta’s MARTA line to the Asian American hub of town was renamed the Yellow Line. Officials ignored the warnings from a lower management employee about the racist connections.
#2 is the Boner of the Day winner brought to you in part by prosciutto wrapped tenderloins and Heidi Hartman won the Boner t-shirt
Bill is going commando with Master Thespian intern on February 15th
A Cuban woman is claimed to be the oldest woman in the world at 125. The way that old people, like Methuselah, get to ages that high is to live without condoms and without toilet paper.
Hobbies that Bill does in the basement:
· Rock polishin’
· Taxidermy
· Dark roomin’
· Etchin’
· Wood burnin’
· Particle Physics
Gina’s sign-off “Stay care”
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Bushelberry Pie
As a tie to last week's Whale Week, I post this recipe here (see, it's a whale on the pie crust). This pie is a modification of a vegetable dish that my mother has made that is usually made for Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners. The name is due to a promise that I made to Nick "Bushels" or "Bushelberry Pie" Bushman. It is a pie that is nearly sweet enough as dessert, but since there are vegetables most people would prefer to have it as a sweet side dish to a savory meal.Bushelberry Pie
3 medium yams
3 medium beets
2 apples, peeled, cored & sliced
1/4 C brown sugar packed
2 or 3 T granulated sugar
2 T cornstarch
1/2 tsp. salt
2 T butter
Use an 8" or 9" two-pie crust (lattice top optional)
Peel, slice, halve slices and cook yams and beets (steaming works nicely). Empty the pineapple into a small saucepan Do not drain. Add cornstarch, sugars and salt then, while stirring, heat until the mixture begins to thicken. Place apples, cooked yams and beets in the prepared pie crust in tin/dish. Pour pineapple mixture over the top and lightly fold together. Place pieces of butter on top with a sprinkle of brown sugar. Cover with top pie crust. Bake for 30 minutes at 350 degrees until juices bubble and crust is lightly browned.
*instead of preparing the vegetables you may use canned vegetables.
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Whale Week Culmination
Sunday's Activity consists of displaying (or posting as a comment here or a somewhere on the Facebook event page) the art that you have created this day. You are welcome to join in this practice at my house at 5pm for Whale Cake and whale cookies. It will be like a cocktail party though without cocktails which are replaced with whaletails/tales (humor!).
My wish is that you are more aware of whales: the joy the offer which brings loved ones together, the wisdom they provide from their world travels. May you have more interest in them throughout the year and support research and protection of the grandest animal ever to be on the planet.
James Bud Riches
Chairman of the Committee for Whale Week Celebrations
*if you desire to attend but have no knowledge of this location's whereabouts, there are many ways that I can inform you if you but contact me here or on the FB event page
Friday, February 12, 2010
Whale Week Penultimate Day
By the way, penultimate is another word that was overused in the year ending December 31, 2009 (sorry, accounting statement wording).
Now back to Whale Week. Since there is much anticipation, we will skip right through Friday's wrap-up into Saturday and Sunday.
ACTIVITY
Saturday is for preparing or continuing whale art projects. From pottery to poetry; oil on canvas to chisel to stone. These creations will be displayed (if you will not be attending, please post them to the Facebook event page, on which page there are entries to the 2008 Whale Week Art Show). If you cannot complete your piece, post what progress you have made. All will be an honor to our blubbery friends in the seas.
Whale Week weekend!
Now back to Whale Week. Since there is much anticipation, we will skip right through Friday's wrap-up into Saturday and Sunday.
ACTIVITY
Saturday is for preparing or continuing whale art projects. From pottery to poetry; oil on canvas to chisel to stone. These creations will be displayed (if you will not be attending, please post them to the Facebook event page, on which page there are entries to the 2008 Whale Week Art Show). If you cannot complete your piece, post what progress you have made. All will be an honor to our blubbery friends in the seas.
Whale Week weekend!
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Whale Week Friday
Keep those whale tunes in your head, you'll need them for Friday's activity. You are asked to go swimming and imitate a whale by using sonar location. Okay, since you don't have quite the receptacle to translate sound waves into human communication, just mimic them like Dori (though she actually was versed in many dialects of baleen and toothed whales) while flopping around in the water.
You may think "how can I head out to Utah Lake or the Great Salt Lake or any of the reservoirs around (that around line was for people not along the Wasatch front)?" Well, you could make it to a gym or recreation center for a membership or cheap one time use fee. Or do as you all ready do and belt the oceanic lyrics out in your morning, or nightly, wash in the shower or bath tub.
Also remember to get your right brain unlocked for the art creations of Saturday to be displayed Sunday.
Keep Whale Weekin'!
You may think "how can I head out to Utah Lake or the Great Salt Lake or any of the reservoirs around (that around line was for people not along the Wasatch front)?" Well, you could make it to a gym or recreation center for a membership or cheap one time use fee. Or do as you all ready do and belt the oceanic lyrics out in your morning, or nightly, wash in the shower or bath tub.
Also remember to get your right brain unlocked for the art creations of Saturday to be displayed Sunday.
Keep Whale Weekin'!
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Whale Week Day 4
You may be all whaled out by now. The excitement led you to forget to pace yourself. Don't give in to fatigue now. The best is yet to come. Hopefully today was a time of resting with watching a flick (if you could break away from work and studies).
The activity should also be a calm, replenishing one. Find some whale songs to listen to. If you need some, because you are too lazy to search the internet our Youtube, I have a few mp3s. I would be listening to a sweet 7" 45rpm record from National Geographic featuring Humpback songs, but I have misplaced that over the years. Make sure to sing along today because it will come in handy for tomorrow's activity.
Happy Whale Week!
The activity should also be a calm, replenishing one. Find some whale songs to listen to. If you need some, because you are too lazy to search the internet our Youtube, I have a few mp3s. I would be listening to a sweet 7" 45rpm record from National Geographic featuring Humpback songs, but I have misplaced that over the years. Make sure to sing along today because it will come in handy for tomorrow's activity.
Happy Whale Week!
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Day 3
Good Whale Week to you. It is continuing in fine fashion. I enjoyed reading from Moby Dick. I hope you did too. My favorite chapter is the ninth. The Father's word's made me think in a different light about Jonah and his encounter with the whale. Very seldom do I think about creating plausible dialogue for the Bible stories. It's one way to see human aspects about those lessons.
Again, I feel that I must amend some of the culture surrounding this week. I am a fervent practitioner of order, organization, chronolgy, method and pattern. Conversely, I tend to distance myself from tradition. That means that these prescriptions about activities are "more like guidelines anyway." Feel free to be at one with whales in your own way and in your own time.
The plan that I will carry out tomorrow is to watch a video that features, not necessarily prominantly, a whale, or more. These would include Pinnochio, Fantasia 2, Finding Nemo or The Adventures of Mary-Kate and Ashley: The Case of the Sea World Adventure. Some of you have viewed or suggested Free Willy or other incarnations of similar title. I don't believe in such talk as this (Betty, Kung Pow 2002). Nevertheless, it does hold to the criteria- there will be no punishment for doing so.
Whale Week on...
Again, I feel that I must amend some of the culture surrounding this week. I am a fervent practitioner of order, organization, chronolgy, method and pattern. Conversely, I tend to distance myself from tradition. That means that these prescriptions about activities are "more like guidelines anyway." Feel free to be at one with whales in your own way and in your own time.
The plan that I will carry out tomorrow is to watch a video that features, not necessarily prominantly, a whale, or more. These would include Pinnochio, Fantasia 2, Finding Nemo or The Adventures of Mary-Kate and Ashley: The Case of the Sea World Adventure. Some of you have viewed or suggested Free Willy or other incarnations of similar title. I don't believe in such talk as this (Betty, Kung Pow 2002). Nevertheless, it does hold to the criteria- there will be no punishment for doing so.
Whale Week on...
Monday, February 8, 2010
WW Day 2
I do hope I find you in a calm, reflective mood after pondering about whales throughout the entire day, for that is how I find myself. I hope that you feel welcome enough to post your insights either as comments here or on the Facebook event page. As I share mine I desire reciprocation since whales need all of us as a collective.
Tuesday's activity is entails beginning to read the classic book Moby Dick by Herman Melville. This is now a yearly attempt for myself. It is a great adventure and study of behavior. As much of the plot is driven by the majesty of the great white whale, I feel it appropriate for this week's celebrations. I easily absorb the chapters describing seafaring and whaling since I constantly pursue an education in history and anthropology. If you can't manage the length or verbose style of the writing, Cliff's or Spark's notes should do just fine, especially since they passed as through years of secondary education.
As Whale Week is a catalyst for much anticipation for greatness, some participants have become overbearing in their requests for how to celebrate each day and for upcoming days. Let me remind you all that as the Chairman of the Committee for Whale Week Celebrations, I declare, in my own time, when and what will be the daily activities. However, your urgings have made clear to me that some of the activities must begin to be prepared in advance of a day's notice.
Some activities that currently will require time more than the day given for experiencing the activity will be Saturday and Sunday. Essentially they are conjoined (yeah, it's called a weekend, innovative, eh?) as "Saturday is a special day, it's the day we get ready for Sunday." Explained thus: Sunday is the art show, somewhat of a "Reflections" with the them being whales. I give you Saturday to prepare for this (obviously if you're smart you could realize you have now until Sunday to do so). Saturday may also be used for baking as Sunday will also be the day for eating Whale Cake. Here is my recipe:
One Betty Crocker boxed chocolate cake baked in 8" or 9" round cake pans
One container of vanilla frosting
One package of Blue Raspberry Jello
Bake the cake, let cool, then cut one pan of cake in half then half one of those hallves. The half piece becomes the flukes and the quarter pieces are the flippers (yes, it really looks like a fish with a flipper and a dorsal fin, but it's Whale Week not Fish week, so there). Frost the cake then sprinkle the jello over the frosted cake to create a blue skinned whale. You win!
You may adjust how you like. Some people don't like the flavoring (or idea) of the jello. Be creative. Whale Week is about how you create a harmony with whales. This is your self-realization.
Happy Whale Week!
Tuesday's activity is entails beginning to read the classic book Moby Dick by Herman Melville. This is now a yearly attempt for myself. It is a great adventure and study of behavior. As much of the plot is driven by the majesty of the great white whale, I feel it appropriate for this week's celebrations. I easily absorb the chapters describing seafaring and whaling since I constantly pursue an education in history and anthropology. If you can't manage the length or verbose style of the writing, Cliff's or Spark's notes should do just fine, especially since they passed as through years of secondary education.
As Whale Week is a catalyst for much anticipation for greatness, some participants have become overbearing in their requests for how to celebrate each day and for upcoming days. Let me remind you all that as the Chairman of the Committee for Whale Week Celebrations, I declare, in my own time, when and what will be the daily activities. However, your urgings have made clear to me that some of the activities must begin to be prepared in advance of a day's notice.
Some activities that currently will require time more than the day given for experiencing the activity will be Saturday and Sunday. Essentially they are conjoined (yeah, it's called a weekend, innovative, eh?) as "Saturday is a special day, it's the day we get ready for Sunday." Explained thus: Sunday is the art show, somewhat of a "Reflections" with the them being whales. I give you Saturday to prepare for this (obviously if you're smart you could realize you have now until Sunday to do so). Saturday may also be used for baking as Sunday will also be the day for eating Whale Cake. Here is my recipe:
One Betty Crocker boxed chocolate cake baked in 8" or 9" round cake pans
One container of vanilla frosting
One package of Blue Raspberry Jello
Bake the cake, let cool, then cut one pan of cake in half then half one of those hallves. The half piece becomes the flukes and the quarter pieces are the flippers (yes, it really looks like a fish with a flipper and a dorsal fin, but it's Whale Week not Fish week, so there). Frost the cake then sprinkle the jello over the frosted cake to create a blue skinned whale. You win!
You may adjust how you like. Some people don't like the flavoring (or idea) of the jello. Be creative. Whale Week is about how you create a harmony with whales. This is your self-realization.
Happy Whale Week!
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Whale Week 2/08/10
Welcome to Whale Week! As this celebration of the great mammals of the sea has been much contained to the original celebrators, I feel that I must do as Vizzini told Inigo, go back to the beginning to include each of you.
"A whale of a tale to tell you lad, a whale of a tale or two." Why thank you, Kirk Douglas.
I have always revered whales. The first time I remember learning about the creature was in a binder of Discovery or National Geographic cards of various animals. The fact sheet about the Blue Whale was astounding. Obviously my affection toward whales was put on the back burner through much of my schooling as my obsession with cows prevailed. However, when I met Garrick and J.D., the love of the gentle giant was reaffirmed.
ACTION
Before you get lost in the narrative, I will prescribe the activity for the day. Contemplate the first time you were lost in awe at the sight, sound or thought of a whale. If you cannot think of the first instance, think of any. If you could not care less about the whales, I implore you to reconsider.
This first activity is a simple, beginner event to ease into the week. If you accomplish the task, you will feel a desire to participate further. Do so with caution and patience. We will now continue as I share further about how and why I love whales.
As a tribute to these animals, Garrick and I made a Whale Cake (you will be informed at the end of the week how to participate in this ritual) and took the cake to school lunch in my sophomore year of high school. As an anecdotal note, we purchased the goods to prepare said cake at the late Food4Less (for which we bemoan). The cake was well-received, even by the west-side kids. Questions were asked about the reason of our cake. We responded that our declaration was the day was Whale Day.
Following lunch, I jogged off to my computer class. As the class was a simple one, I desired to search the interwebs to discover if there was in existence such a celebration which we created. To my astonishment, that date was during a certain group's celebration of Whale Week. Providence! It was not shear coincidence; it was glory! I remember that tear's of jubilation nearly welled in my eyes.
Now, at this point I must digress to state that after the first two years of celebration I was not able to locate this web address through searching (I was a fledgling internet user and had not a clue about taking notes about web address). You may feel that the sharp pain of the metaphorical dagger of my lies and created stories to lead the feeble willing down a path of darkness and hell. Do not let this falsehood of zero remaining evidence cloud your mind in fear and doubt. These things are true and ever will be. (do I dare sacrilige and blasphemy?....nope. this is where I stop with that train of thought). I did view that site. I knew that it did attest to my inspiration about celebrating whales. And I know that joy will continue in this yearly event. (okay, I hypocritically ventured the trail I didn't want to take, but I veiled the allusions enough that it isn't that bad [hypocrite]).
Here I will address two final points. Many of you may think "this idiot, why does he think that whales are so great? they don't do anything for anyone. 'don't save the whales, save the humans.'" Or you may be appalled to receive knowledge that I participated in a whaling. I understand your concerns and explain thus: I am often borderline tree-hugger. I make paper from recycled shreddings. I garden. I own hemp clothing. I sometimes tailor my diet to be vegetarian. Nevertheless, I also fish. I have put in to draw an archery deer hunting license for this year. And if I had walked down the lonely, cold, night streets of New Bedford with Ishmael, I would have taken the adventure to toss a lance, alongside Queequeg, at the great nemesis of Cptn. Ahab. But, I will greatly cherish studying live whales in the wild when that day for me comes. The foundation that two opposing philosophies can exist alongside one another is culture; is human. I take the earth as it is given for my use, though I also care for it and learn about it. I do not let the environment rule me; I am it's co-steward. You may not understand; furthermore, you may not agree. Dispute and query further.
Back to the history we trot. Since that day there has been much respect given to whales. There has also been much cake. There was once even a harpooning of a whale. These vary from year to year but since that day I and others have peacefully celebrated whales and will continue to do so. To complete this laborious reading I comfort you by inciting images of magestical whales swimming through your mind and informing you that the activity posts for the rest of the week will not be this extensive or comprehensive.
Happy Whale Week 2010!
"A whale of a tale to tell you lad, a whale of a tale or two." Why thank you, Kirk Douglas.
I have always revered whales. The first time I remember learning about the creature was in a binder of Discovery or National Geographic cards of various animals. The fact sheet about the Blue Whale was astounding. Obviously my affection toward whales was put on the back burner through much of my schooling as my obsession with cows prevailed. However, when I met Garrick and J.D., the love of the gentle giant was reaffirmed.
ACTION
Before you get lost in the narrative, I will prescribe the activity for the day. Contemplate the first time you were lost in awe at the sight, sound or thought of a whale. If you cannot think of the first instance, think of any. If you could not care less about the whales, I implore you to reconsider.
This first activity is a simple, beginner event to ease into the week. If you accomplish the task, you will feel a desire to participate further. Do so with caution and patience. We will now continue as I share further about how and why I love whales.
As a tribute to these animals, Garrick and I made a Whale Cake (you will be informed at the end of the week how to participate in this ritual) and took the cake to school lunch in my sophomore year of high school. As an anecdotal note, we purchased the goods to prepare said cake at the late Food4Less (for which we bemoan). The cake was well-received, even by the west-side kids. Questions were asked about the reason of our cake. We responded that our declaration was the day was Whale Day.
Following lunch, I jogged off to my computer class. As the class was a simple one, I desired to search the interwebs to discover if there was in existence such a celebration which we created. To my astonishment, that date was during a certain group's celebration of Whale Week. Providence! It was not shear coincidence; it was glory! I remember that tear's of jubilation nearly welled in my eyes.
Now, at this point I must digress to state that after the first two years of celebration I was not able to locate this web address through searching (I was a fledgling internet user and had not a clue about taking notes about web address). You may feel that the sharp pain of the metaphorical dagger of my lies and created stories to lead the feeble willing down a path of darkness and hell. Do not let this falsehood of zero remaining evidence cloud your mind in fear and doubt. These things are true and ever will be. (do I dare sacrilige and blasphemy?....nope. this is where I stop with that train of thought). I did view that site. I knew that it did attest to my inspiration about celebrating whales. And I know that joy will continue in this yearly event. (okay, I hypocritically ventured the trail I didn't want to take, but I veiled the allusions enough that it isn't that bad [hypocrite]).
Here I will address two final points. Many of you may think "this idiot, why does he think that whales are so great? they don't do anything for anyone. 'don't save the whales, save the humans.'" Or you may be appalled to receive knowledge that I participated in a whaling. I understand your concerns and explain thus: I am often borderline tree-hugger. I make paper from recycled shreddings. I garden. I own hemp clothing. I sometimes tailor my diet to be vegetarian. Nevertheless, I also fish. I have put in to draw an archery deer hunting license for this year. And if I had walked down the lonely, cold, night streets of New Bedford with Ishmael, I would have taken the adventure to toss a lance, alongside Queequeg, at the great nemesis of Cptn. Ahab. But, I will greatly cherish studying live whales in the wild when that day for me comes. The foundation that two opposing philosophies can exist alongside one another is culture; is human. I take the earth as it is given for my use, though I also care for it and learn about it. I do not let the environment rule me; I am it's co-steward. You may not understand; furthermore, you may not agree. Dispute and query further.
Back to the history we trot. Since that day there has been much respect given to whales. There has also been much cake. There was once even a harpooning of a whale. These vary from year to year but since that day I and others have peacefully celebrated whales and will continue to do so. To complete this laborious reading I comfort you by inciting images of magestical whales swimming through your mind and informing you that the activity posts for the rest of the week will not be this extensive or comprehensive.
Happy Whale Week 2010!
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