An intellectual is someone who says a simple thing in a difficult way; an artist is someone who says a difficult thing in a simple way.
–Charles Bukowski
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Thursday, February 5, 2009
We Have Always Lived in the Castle
We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley JacksonMy review
rating: 5 of 5 stars
I could not put this down. Merricat is one of the most fascinating characters I've ever met. And Jackson is a virtuosa, I immediately got the feeling that there was a mystery underneath, but I never felt like the writer was withholding information. She gave me clues to hang on to, and it all was neatly tied up together.
I have to put this book on the top of my favorites list.
View all my reviews.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Good news!
A jury has acquitted a medical cannabis patient after the defendant testified that the cannabis helped him treat his pain and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Loren J. Swift, a Vietnam Veteran, had served 49 days in custody before posting $10,000 bond after his arrest in October 2007 and was found not guilty of cannabis distribution charges last week in a La Salle County Circuit Court.
Jury nullification is the process of ruling a not guilty verdict when jurors feel that the law is wrong. Illinois NORML encourages all those facing cannabis charges to ask for a jury trial and all those serving on a jury to nullify cannabis laws by acquitting defendants of cannabis charges.
This year Illinois could become the 14th state to protect patients who use cannabis with their doctor's recommendation, following Michigan's passage of their medical cannabis initiative. A 2008 Illinois poll conducted by Mason Dixon Polling and Research found that 68% of Illinois residents "support allowing seriously and terminally ill patients to use and grow medical marijuana for personal use if their doctors recommend it."
Cannabis can be used to treat a number of different ailments and has not one documented overdose fatality. If legally allowed, cannabis would offer a low cost option for physicians and patients.
http://mywebtimes.com/archives/ottawa/display.php?id=374236
http://realitycatcher-alapoet.blogspot.com/2009/01/maybe-this-is-how-war-on-marijuana-ends.html
http://www.illinoisnorml.org
Jury nullification is the process of ruling a not guilty verdict when jurors feel that the law is wrong. Illinois NORML encourages all those facing cannabis charges to ask for a jury trial and all those serving on a jury to nullify cannabis laws by acquitting defendants of cannabis charges.
This year Illinois could become the 14th state to protect patients who use cannabis with their doctor's recommendation, following Michigan's passage of their medical cannabis initiative. A 2008 Illinois poll conducted by Mason Dixon Polling and Research found that 68% of Illinois residents "support allowing seriously and terminally ill patients to use and grow medical marijuana for personal use if their doctors recommend it."
Cannabis can be used to treat a number of different ailments and has not one documented overdose fatality. If legally allowed, cannabis would offer a low cost option for physicians and patients.
http://mywebtimes.com/archives/ottawa/display.php?id=374236
http://realitycatcher-alapoet.blogspot.com/2009/01/maybe-this-is-how-war-on-marijuana-ends.html
http://www.illinoisnorml.org
Friday, December 12, 2008
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Why drug policy doesn't work
Right. This is the point I've always made, and found it strange that there was no scientific evidence I could point to. Now I've found it.
"[...]environment is a stronger determinant of addiction than chemistry. As Alexander puts it, if you put a carton of eggs under a hydraulic press, it’s true some of the eggs will crack before others, but the problem isn’t the eggs. It’s the press."
http://ping.fm/MwyyQ
"[...]environment is a stronger determinant of addiction than chemistry. As Alexander puts it, if you put a carton of eggs under a hydraulic press, it’s true some of the eggs will crack before others, but the problem isn’t the eggs. It’s the press."
http://ping.fm/MwyyQ
Hate radio double feature
I've been considering starting to go to the local UU Church since I got here. It seems like a good place for community and nourishing my spirituality. Unfortunately, I have not had time to go by there yet.
It was through the local UU mailinglist that I found out about the Knoxville shooting a couple of weeks ago. I was shocked. I was even more shocked to hear about the possible influence of hate radio on this incident.
Bill Moyers has a great video on this here:
http://ping.fm/bSgyC
Then David Foster Wallace died, and our department sent us his commencement speech at Kenyon. I was blown away by this guy, and surprised I'd never heard of him before. I started rabidly reading as much of his work as I could find. The first thing I stumbled upon was http://ping.fm/N3wim a piece called "Host", about, you guessed it, shock-jocks.
"Host" is a very long piece, heavily footnoted in Wallace's signature style, but it is a very acute and entertaining piece. I hope you all have time to watch and read these items, and maybe even let me know what your thoughts are.
It was through the local UU mailinglist that I found out about the Knoxville shooting a couple of weeks ago. I was shocked. I was even more shocked to hear about the possible influence of hate radio on this incident.
Bill Moyers has a great video on this here:
http://ping.fm/bSgyC
Then David Foster Wallace died, and our department sent us his commencement speech at Kenyon. I was blown away by this guy, and surprised I'd never heard of him before. I started rabidly reading as much of his work as I could find. The first thing I stumbled upon was http://ping.fm/N3wim a piece called "Host", about, you guessed it, shock-jocks.
"Host" is a very long piece, heavily footnoted in Wallace's signature style, but it is a very acute and entertaining piece. I hope you all have time to watch and read these items, and maybe even let me know what your thoughts are.
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Juno Reactor in Chicago
I already alerted you about Shpongle, and I am really sad i can't make it. Now this, similar music, good times. Hope some of you can go.
Juno Reactor & Future Rock @ Metro
http://ping.fm/RKvi8
Friday, September 26th, 2008
3730 N. Clark St. Chicago, IL
Door Time 9pm / Show Time 10pm / Ages 18+
Limited $20 Advanced Tickets w/ smallest service fee::
http://ping.fm/BYAyP
*Juno Reactor* is a musical and performing act known for the
cinematic fusion of electronic, orchestral and global music, the
Matrix score and other film works. Central to the project is Ben
Watkins, and his collaborations with a constantly changing
ensemble of musicians from across the world, including
percussionist Mabi Thobejane from South Africa along with
countrymen Amampondo, Eduardo Niebla, Steve Stevens, Greg Ellis,
Taz Alexander, Ghetto Priest, Sugizo and recently Yasmin Levy.
Originally Juno Reactor was formed as an art project in 1990; Ben
Watkins wanted to collaborate with other artists to produce and
be involved in exciting projects that were not commercially
driven. He wanted to create experimental music/non musical
soundtracks that would work with installations, art pieces and
film projects.
*Future Rock* is electronic sensory overload. The trio has
steadily been touring the US, electrifying audiences and
developing a dedicated following during their journey. Their
legendary late night performances at festivals and after-parties
have quickly confirmed their status at the top of the live
electronic scene. Coupled with an explosive light show, FR
certifies an unparalleled multi-sense experience. The
Chicago-based trio exhibits an uncommon grasp of minimalist, yet
visceral, rock. Skillfully manipulating live loops, synthesizers,
filters and an electronic drum kit, the trio succeeds in creating
a larger-than-life sound that sends crowds into frenzies.
Additional Artist and Event Info::
http://ping.fm/IvAdk
Juno Reactor & Future Rock @ Metro
http://ping.fm/RKvi8
Friday, September 26th, 2008
3730 N. Clark St. Chicago, IL
Door Time 9pm / Show Time 10pm / Ages 18+
Limited $20 Advanced Tickets w/ smallest service fee::
http://ping.fm/BYAyP
*Juno Reactor* is a musical and performing act known for the
cinematic fusion of electronic, orchestral and global music, the
Matrix score and other film works. Central to the project is Ben
Watkins, and his collaborations with a constantly changing
ensemble of musicians from across the world, including
percussionist Mabi Thobejane from South Africa along with
countrymen Amampondo, Eduardo Niebla, Steve Stevens, Greg Ellis,
Taz Alexander, Ghetto Priest, Sugizo and recently Yasmin Levy.
Originally Juno Reactor was formed as an art project in 1990; Ben
Watkins wanted to collaborate with other artists to produce and
be involved in exciting projects that were not commercially
driven. He wanted to create experimental music/non musical
soundtracks that would work with installations, art pieces and
film projects.
*Future Rock* is electronic sensory overload. The trio has
steadily been touring the US, electrifying audiences and
developing a dedicated following during their journey. Their
legendary late night performances at festivals and after-parties
have quickly confirmed their status at the top of the live
electronic scene. Coupled with an explosive light show, FR
certifies an unparalleled multi-sense experience. The
Chicago-based trio exhibits an uncommon grasp of minimalist, yet
visceral, rock. Skillfully manipulating live loops, synthesizers,
filters and an electronic drum kit, the trio succeeds in creating
a larger-than-life sound that sends crowds into frenzies.
Additional Artist and Event Info::
http://ping.fm/IvAdk
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Battening down the hatches
I am sitting on my porch enjoying the beautiful evening. Right now, it's a beautiful day, the sun is shining, it's warm, but not hot, the birds are chirping and so are the crickets.
Moving in is almost done, though there is still some stuff that needs to be put away.
I've been working hard with both school and interpreting, business as usual.
Starting tomorrow we will be under hurricane watch because Hanna appears to be heading our way. It is quite uncertain she will actually hit us, and if she does she will probably be no more than a Cat1. In any case, we took precautions and shored up on supplies. We think the first thing to go out will be internet and phone service, but we think our cell phones will work (if any of you want the numbers, send me an email). Also, we are in a hundred-year old home that has seen a lot of hurricanes, and we are on a hill, so that makes us feel safe, too.
I will try to post again tomorrow, but there shouldn't be reason to worry if I don't.
Moving in is almost done, though there is still some stuff that needs to be put away.
I've been working hard with both school and interpreting, business as usual.
Starting tomorrow we will be under hurricane watch because Hanna appears to be heading our way. It is quite uncertain she will actually hit us, and if she does she will probably be no more than a Cat1. In any case, we took precautions and shored up on supplies. We think the first thing to go out will be internet and phone service, but we think our cell phones will work (if any of you want the numbers, send me an email). Also, we are in a hundred-year old home that has seen a lot of hurricanes, and we are on a hill, so that makes us feel safe, too.
I will try to post again tomorrow, but there shouldn't be reason to worry if I don't.
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Free Obama/Biden sticker
I, of course, can't vote, but I still think that Obama/Biden is a strong ticket. I've always been enthused about Biden.
Want a free Obama/Biden sticker? MoveOn's giving them away totally free--even the shipping's free. I just got mine, and wanted to share the opportunity with you.
Click this link to get a free Obama/Biden sticker:
http://ping.fm/pW5wy
Thanks!
Want a free Obama/Biden sticker? MoveOn's giving them away totally free--even the shipping's free. I just got mine, and wanted to share the opportunity with you.
Click this link to get a free Obama/Biden sticker:
http://ping.fm/pW5wy
Thanks!
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Items up on Craigslist
brand-new cartridges and printer:
http://ping.fm/eOHEg
CRT Monitor:
http://ping.fm/acN5k
Friends have first dibs. You can reply to the posting address or to the usual, soulinflames at gmail.com
http://ping.fm/eOHEg
CRT Monitor:
http://ping.fm/acN5k
Friends have first dibs. You can reply to the posting address or to the usual, soulinflames at gmail.com
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
And more stuff to give away
If you haven't seen my previous post about this, you might wanna take a look-see.
More items:
1)Subwoofer. This is a Harman-Kardon iSub. Unfortunately, it doesn't work with OSX... But maybe a hobbyist would get some use out of it. Not to mention that it looks like a cute jellyfish and would probably be valuable as something to make an art project out of.
2)A printer. It's an Epson Stylus Color 740. Nothing wrong with it. We even have some cartridges for it. I am going to sell this one on Craigslist, but I'd gladly offer it to a friend first. I only ask you to pay for the cartridges. I will check how much that comes out to.
As usual, comment or (better) email me with interest. Soulinflames at gmail dot com is where you'll find me.
More items:
1)Subwoofer. This is a Harman-Kardon iSub. Unfortunately, it doesn't work with OSX... But maybe a hobbyist would get some use out of it. Not to mention that it looks like a cute jellyfish and would probably be valuable as something to make an art project out of.
2)A printer. It's an Epson Stylus Color 740. Nothing wrong with it. We even have some cartridges for it. I am going to sell this one on Craigslist, but I'd gladly offer it to a friend first. I only ask you to pay for the cartridges. I will check how much that comes out to.
As usual, comment or (better) email me with interest. Soulinflames at gmail dot com is where you'll find me.
I still have stuff to give away!
Just two weeks left before we leave for Wilmington! And I still have items to give away. If anyone is interested, here's a partial list:
1)Lots of cinderblocks. These used to keep my bookcases up. They are too heavy to take with. I will soon list them on Freecycle and Craigslist as well.
2)Clothes. I have given away most of the super-fabulous stuff, but I still have some business clothes, and some other items. Mostly size 12.
3)Shoes. Haven't even gone through these yet, but I would love to make someone happy with some of my great shoes. Size 7-9, mostly mid- to high-heels.
4)Vases. I have at least 3 clear vases I hardly ever use, and I figure they're more of a hassle to carry than to give them to someone.
5)Wineglasses. I have way too many. You can take away at least 10 of them.
1)Lots of cinderblocks. These used to keep my bookcases up. They are too heavy to take with. I will soon list them on Freecycle and Craigslist as well.
2)Clothes. I have given away most of the super-fabulous stuff, but I still have some business clothes, and some other items. Mostly size 12.
3)Shoes. Haven't even gone through these yet, but I would love to make someone happy with some of my great shoes. Size 7-9, mostly mid- to high-heels.
4)Vases. I have at least 3 clear vases I hardly ever use, and I figure they're more of a hassle to carry than to give them to someone.
5)Wineglasses. I have way too many. You can take away at least 10 of them.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
More intros
I just realized that my "about me" is a little vague, and, since I've been leaving a few comments here and there, people might wonder...
So, here are some more details.
I am currently living in the Chicago area, and my husband and I will be moving to Wilmington, NC in late July. We are both transferring to UNCW, where we will be majoring in Creative Writing.
We have no friends yet in Wilmington, so I am looking forward to meeting new people.
Both of us are nomads, but we hope to settle now that we are getting a bit older. It seems about time to buy a house and start a family. I am half Italian and half Dutch, and I moved to the U.S. about 7 years ago. My husband has lived in many places in the U.S. including Mobile, AL, Boulder, CO, and West Yellowstone, MT.
I love the ocean, and I am looking forward to diving in the Atlantic.
So, here are some more details.
I am currently living in the Chicago area, and my husband and I will be moving to Wilmington, NC in late July. We are both transferring to UNCW, where we will be majoring in Creative Writing.
We have no friends yet in Wilmington, so I am looking forward to meeting new people.
Both of us are nomads, but we hope to settle now that we are getting a bit older. It seems about time to buy a house and start a family. I am half Italian and half Dutch, and I moved to the U.S. about 7 years ago. My husband has lived in many places in the U.S. including Mobile, AL, Boulder, CO, and West Yellowstone, MT.
I love the ocean, and I am looking forward to diving in the Atlantic.
New to Blogger
I have decided to finally start using Blogger. I will continue to post on LiveJournal as well, and, as a matter of fact, posts will likely be duplicates of each other.
This is a good time for me to start this new adventure because I will soon be moving to Wilmington, NC, and apparently there are no people from that area on LJ. Also, I have discovered ping.fm (leave a comment if you want a code) which will allow me to post blogs to multiple services at once without me having to log into each one separately.
This is a good time for me to start this new adventure because I will soon be moving to Wilmington, NC, and apparently there are no people from that area on LJ. Also, I have discovered ping.fm (leave a comment if you want a code) which will allow me to post blogs to multiple services at once without me having to log into each one separately.
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