I went to the pet store yesterday to get more fish food and some new plants for the aquarium. Just like many other retailers in the area the store is woefully short of workers. The fish area of the store even removed its 'ring bell for assistance' bell. I gave the two tanks of plants… Continue reading Bichir
Ai WeiWei
Chinese artist, Ai WeiWei, has been known as a rabble rouser in China, New York, and across the planet. Last summer, we were fortunate enough to have several of his pieces on exhibit at the Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park in Grand Rapids. Since then I've developed an interest in his life, political history,… Continue reading Ai WeiWei
Radiohead on 8 bit and other bits
image link Not long ago, younger son asked me if I had heard any of Radiohead's music on 8 bit. First I had to ask him what 8 bit was. He said it is the electronic generated music that is often heard in videogames. I told him no, but then I went out to youtube… Continue reading Radiohead on 8 bit and other bits
The Other Way
image link Serendipity. I just finished watching Season 4 of Peaky Blinders, the Netflix original. The Peaky Blinders were an actual gang in England in the 1890’s, named for the razors they sewed into the brims of their caps to blind their opponents when the razors slashed capillary-rich foreheads so the blood ran into their… Continue reading The Other Way
Goodbye Theresa
image link I need you. Too bad. I’m hurting. Too busy. We’re friends. Not like that. Since childhood. Things change. He hurt me. Told you so. Let’s meet. I’ll try. You have time. Your point? I need you. Too bad. I’m hurting. Can't help you. Goodbye. No response.
No Such Thing Part 2
image link Left hemisphere seized up No grease Sand in the gears Amygdala sensory alert Walking into the aftermath of the maelstrom The tinkling echoes of 10,000 shards of glass Pastel and clear confetti Embedded in the carpet Like IEDs for unwary tender feet, It will be a long time before skin Touches the floor.… Continue reading No Such Thing Part 2
The Dao of Starting and Burning a Fire in a Wood Burner
For those of you who already are experts at starting and maintaining fires in wood burners, you may choose to skip this post; or read it and compare it to your style of starting and maintaining fires in wood burners. Ideal environment and materials: --The wood burner has an excellent, clear stove pipe that vents… Continue reading The Dao of Starting and Burning a Fire in a Wood Burner
Depot
image link You’ve heard fake it 'til you make it? Where you pretend you’re caring Human, empathetic, a good listener, Monogamous, drug-free, eating single portions. It’s practice, they say, try on the role, And one day you’ll get the golden trophy. It takes time, they say, things worth having Are worth working for. Time… Continue reading Depot
Rocco Siffredi
image link Up until last night, I'd never heard of Rocco Siffredi. Maybe that's because I don't watch pornography, Italian porn in particular. Last night, after re-watching the final episode of the 3rd season of Peaky Blinders, then deciding not to begin season 4, I browsed netflix for something different. It took at least 15… Continue reading Rocco Siffredi
Empty Cubicle
image link I'm retiring from my current place of employment in June 2018, after having served 25 years. Yes, served as in a sentence. It hasn't been all bad. Every year we do an office Secret Santa. It is a week of gifts that you give and receive, each gift in the $2-$5 range. So… Continue reading Empty Cubicle
