Thursday December 18, 2014. Seen: "Silent Night" rewritten to make it more Christian. Posted at the Willey Hall bus shelter.
***Had venison chili for lunch, thanks to Waite House.
Friday December 19. Venison pizza at Waite House.
***To Community Emergency Service for produce giveaway. Brought bags for other people to use.
Monday December 22. Email: "Cute girl wants a normal guy." Doesn't know much about me.
Wednesday December 24. Santa Claus impersonator riding a tall bicycle down Southeast Como Avenue.
Saturday, December 27, 2014
Wednesday, December 17, 2014
From Marty Helgeson 12/14/14
"'Adam and Lilith lived happily ever after. So did Eve and the Snake. Should we classify this group as Christian?'
"You didn't say who/what the group is, not that it really matters. I assume your question was rhetorical."
The only group I've named so far is the Martian Israelites, who present another set of problems.
The group faced with this question decides to refer it to the Religious, Spiritual, and Philosophical Council -- which thereby comes into existence.
Thursday, December 11, 2014
Tuesday, November 25, 2014
Saturday November 15 (more) to Sunday November 23, 2014
Saturday 11/15/14: Forgot to include: Reading by Jason D. Wittman at DreamHaven Books.
I won a prize: a DVD of Planet of the Cats and Revenge of the Mice. Err, Cat People and Curse of the Cat People.
***Thursday 11/20/14 From Lee Gold: "Sunday 11/16/14. World and Future Building MinnSpec meetup at Black: Coffee and Waffles. It worked well, despite my poor planning. (I thought Black would be uncrowded on Sunday. Figured about 5 people would attend, and there were about 13. Acoustics rather less favorable than I realized.)
"It devolved into several conversation groups.
"Note: Black has black coffee, but doesn't seem to have black waffles."
Blackberry syrup? (I may suggest that, but it's only a partial fix.)
"Wednesday 11/19/14. -'Cold Weather Hits All of US,'- Star Tribune story listing, front page.
"So, how well did Honolulu do at snow removal?"
Los Angeles didn't have any snow either.
Or any special cold weather last night.
***Friday 11/21/14: Outdoor Adventure Expo at Midwest Mountaineering. Earned one raffle ticket, entered one prize drawing. Picked up swag, including a device originally designed for cleaning horses' hooves and repurposed for cleaning camping footwear and other equipment.
At a sled dog table, petted a puppy not old enough to pull a sled (nine weeks.) At the "adopt a Siberian Husky" booth, petted a full-grown husky.
***Sunday 11/23/14: Back to the Expo. Attended presentation on Croatia and Slovenia, by someone who conducts tours there. I visited Croatia, back when it was part of Yugoslavia. The presenter's taste was somewhat different from mine. (Not unexpected; he warned the audience about taste differences when he began speaking and showing slides.)
***Bought an exercise device: a thick rubber ring meant for developing hand, finger, and forearm strength and for stress relief.
Saturday 11/15/14: Forgot to include: Reading by Jason D. Wittman at DreamHaven Books.
I won a prize: a DVD of Planet of the Cats and Revenge of the Mice. Err, Cat People and Curse of the Cat People.
***Thursday 11/20/14 From Lee Gold: "Sunday 11/16/14. World and Future Building MinnSpec meetup at Black: Coffee and Waffles. It worked well, despite my poor planning. (I thought Black would be uncrowded on Sunday. Figured about 5 people would attend, and there were about 13. Acoustics rather less favorable than I realized.)
"It devolved into several conversation groups.
"Note: Black has black coffee, but doesn't seem to have black waffles."
Blackberry syrup? (I may suggest that, but it's only a partial fix.)
"Wednesday 11/19/14. -'Cold Weather Hits All of US,'- Star Tribune story listing, front page.
"So, how well did Honolulu do at snow removal?"
Los Angeles didn't have any snow either.
Or any special cold weather last night.
***Friday 11/21/14: Outdoor Adventure Expo at Midwest Mountaineering. Earned one raffle ticket, entered one prize drawing. Picked up swag, including a device originally designed for cleaning horses' hooves and repurposed for cleaning camping footwear and other equipment.
At a sled dog table, petted a puppy not old enough to pull a sled (nine weeks.) At the "adopt a Siberian Husky" booth, petted a full-grown husky.
***Sunday 11/23/14: Back to the Expo. Attended presentation on Croatia and Slovenia, by someone who conducts tours there. I visited Croatia, back when it was part of Yugoslavia. The presenter's taste was somewhat different from mine. (Not unexpected; he warned the audience about taste differences when he began speaking and showing slides.)
***Bought an exercise device: a thick rubber ring meant for developing hand, finger, and forearm strength and for stress relief.
Thursday, November 20, 2014
November 16-19 2014.
Sunday 11/16/14. World and Future Building MinnSpec meetup at Black: Coffee and Waffles. It worked well, despite my poor planning. (I thought Black would be uncrowded on Sunday. Figured about 5 people would attend, and there were about 13. Acoustics rather less favorable than I realized.)
It devolved into several conversation groups.
Note: Black has black coffee, but doesn't seem to have black waffles.
**(Monday 11/17/14. At the Wedge Coop, a toddler and I pretended to menace each other.
Wednesday 11/19/14. -"Cold Weather Hits All of US,"- Star Tribune story listing, front page.
So, how well did Honolulu do at snow removal?
***Decision: Use much more description in writing. Synesthetic, straight sensory, emotional. Starting in January; in fiction, nonfiction, this journal.
Why not start right away? I'm scared.
***At Walker Library, I took out: Richard Kadry, The Getaway God. -"My name is Death. And it appears that I have been murdered."- That's the most interesting passage; unfortunately, it's a teaser for the next in the series.
The nasty old gods who God stole the universe from want to take it back. Which means everyone on Earth, in Heaven, and in Hell will die. Their supporters and opponents include humans, angels, demons, vampires, and four of the five persons God has split into. (The fifth is dead.)
Moderately good story. There's too much background detail explained rather than shown, and too many wisecracks, for my taste. Theological accuracy not guaranteed.
Charles Stross, The Rhesus Chart. Haven't read it yet.
Sunday 11/16/14. World and Future Building MinnSpec meetup at Black: Coffee and Waffles. It worked well, despite my poor planning. (I thought Black would be uncrowded on Sunday. Figured about 5 people would attend, and there were about 13. Acoustics rather less favorable than I realized.)
It devolved into several conversation groups.
Note: Black has black coffee, but doesn't seem to have black waffles.
**(Monday 11/17/14. At the Wedge Coop, a toddler and I pretended to menace each other.
Wednesday 11/19/14. -"Cold Weather Hits All of US,"- Star Tribune story listing, front page.
So, how well did Honolulu do at snow removal?
***Decision: Use much more description in writing. Synesthetic, straight sensory, emotional. Starting in January; in fiction, nonfiction, this journal.
Why not start right away? I'm scared.
***At Walker Library, I took out: Richard Kadry, The Getaway God. -"My name is Death. And it appears that I have been murdered."- That's the most interesting passage; unfortunately, it's a teaser for the next in the series.
The nasty old gods who God stole the universe from want to take it back. Which means everyone on Earth, in Heaven, and in Hell will die. Their supporters and opponents include humans, angels, demons, vampires, and four of the five persons God has split into. (The fifth is dead.)
Moderately good story. There's too much background detail explained rather than shown, and too many wisecracks, for my taste. Theological accuracy not guaranteed.
Charles Stross, The Rhesus Chart. Haven't read it yet.
Saturday, November 8, 2014
Wednesday November 5, 2014 As I expected, Minnesota's Independence Party has lost major party status.
The party had one real success: Jesse Ventura's 1998 election as governor. The Republican and DFL (Democratic-Farmer-Labor) parties got him elected, by choosing unpopular candidates. (Note: Back then, it was the Reform Party.)
***Freelancers Union Twin Cities After Hours event at CoCo Coworking Uptown.
CoCo's business is one which no futurist or science fiction writer predicted (to the best of my knowledge.) It provides a place for people to plug in their computers and work together. Or to work alone. They provide free coffee and tea, and there's a kitchen.
There were about 13 people at this After Hours. Largest group: people with computer-related skills. Second largest: writers, editors, copy editors, etc. Some attendees were both.
A dog attended part of the meeting, but did not give its profession.
There was an agenda, set nationwide for November After Hours. Formal (sorta) discussions were followed by socializing.
I believe some connections were made at the meeting.
The party had one real success: Jesse Ventura's 1998 election as governor. The Republican and DFL (Democratic-Farmer-Labor) parties got him elected, by choosing unpopular candidates. (Note: Back then, it was the Reform Party.)
***Freelancers Union Twin Cities After Hours event at CoCo Coworking Uptown.
CoCo's business is one which no futurist or science fiction writer predicted (to the best of my knowledge.) It provides a place for people to plug in their computers and work together. Or to work alone. They provide free coffee and tea, and there's a kitchen.
There were about 13 people at this After Hours. Largest group: people with computer-related skills. Second largest: writers, editors, copy editors, etc. Some attendees were both.
A dog attended part of the meeting, but did not give its profession.
There was an agenda, set nationwide for November After Hours. Formal (sorta) discussions were followed by socializing.
I believe some connections were made at the meeting.
Tuesday, October 28, 2014
Wednesday October 22, 2014. Christian werewolf romances. Hmm; a how-to article on writing a non-existent fiction genre might be fun to do. But just in case, I googled.
And there are actual Christian werewolf romances.
Later, I tried vegetarian werewolf romances. They exist. (Presumably the werewolves are lacto-ovo-vegetarian; that is, they eat eggs and milk products.)
***Wedge Coop Annual Meeting, in the event center at St. Mary's Greek Orthodox Church. Fortieth anniversary.
Not enough attendees for a quorum, as usual. Minutes for last year's meeting couldn't be approved. But voting was mostly by mail, paper ballot at the grocery, or online.
The food, catered by the Wedge's catering service, was good.
And there are actual Christian werewolf romances.
Later, I tried vegetarian werewolf romances. They exist. (Presumably the werewolves are lacto-ovo-vegetarian; that is, they eat eggs and milk products.)
***Wedge Coop Annual Meeting, in the event center at St. Mary's Greek Orthodox Church. Fortieth anniversary.
Not enough attendees for a quorum, as usual. Minutes for last year's meeting couldn't be approved. But voting was mostly by mail, paper ballot at the grocery, or online.
The food, catered by the Wedge's catering service, was good.
Saturday, October 18, 2014
The Psychopath Inside: A Neuroscientist's Personal Journey into the Dark Side of the Brain, James H. Fallon, 2013
Fallon, who had investigated the brains of psychopaths, accidentally looked at a scan of his own brain. Guess what it showed.
Another relative's genealogical research turned up several murderers and others who did the kinds of things psychopaths are inclined to do.
Fallon doesn't have a significant criminal history. He's in a long-lasting marriage, and otherwise is more stable than he thought people with such brains were capable of being. He does exhibit some psychopathic traits; enough to disturb some people, and make his life less than optimal.
Informative. I'm skeptical about his speculations on why having a certain percentage of psychopaths in the population is useful to society. Otherwise, recommended.
If I'd read this last year, I would've felt superior about his failure to recognize his psychopathic traits. (He'd had little hints such as test results, and comments from colleagues.) But this year, I found out I had depression.
Fallon, who had investigated the brains of psychopaths, accidentally looked at a scan of his own brain. Guess what it showed.
Another relative's genealogical research turned up several murderers and others who did the kinds of things psychopaths are inclined to do.
Fallon doesn't have a significant criminal history. He's in a long-lasting marriage, and otherwise is more stable than he thought people with such brains were capable of being. He does exhibit some psychopathic traits; enough to disturb some people, and make his life less than optimal.
Informative. I'm skeptical about his speculations on why having a certain percentage of psychopaths in the population is useful to society. Otherwise, recommended.
If I'd read this last year, I would've felt superior about his failure to recognize his psychopathic traits. (He'd had little hints such as test results, and comments from colleagues.) But this year, I found out I had depression.
Saturday, September 27, 2014
9/22-9/26 2014
***Sunday September 21, 2014 Minnesota Speculative Fiction Writers. Scott Lynch spoke and answered questions.
Most interesting to me: the convoluted series of accidents which resulted in his first publication(s).
***Tuesday September 23, 2014. From World Building community on Google Plus:
" We are manufacturer & Exporter of stainless steel Handrail & balustrade and Architectural Hardware products from India.
We would be happy to supply customised product and OEM as per requirement of the client."
***Thursday September 25, 2014. Snow White and the Seven Satyrs. One is named Gropy, another Squeezy. But what are their other names?
Adult Children [of alcoholic and otherwise dysfunctional families] Anonymous meeting.
***Friday September 26. 2014. To Community Emergency Service for their produce giveaway. Brought bags for others to use, as I've done the last few times. Also a wounded briefcase, and a laundry basket.
A little girl was pushed a stroller around. I pretended to sit down in it, for her to push me around.
***Sunday September 21, 2014 Minnesota Speculative Fiction Writers. Scott Lynch spoke and answered questions.
Most interesting to me: the convoluted series of accidents which resulted in his first publication(s).
***Tuesday September 23, 2014. From World Building community on Google Plus:
" We are manufacturer & Exporter of stainless steel Handrail & balustrade and Architectural Hardware products from India.
We would be happy to supply customised product and OEM as per requirement of the client."
***Thursday September 25, 2014. Snow White and the Seven Satyrs. One is named Gropy, another Squeezy. But what are their other names?
Adult Children [of alcoholic and otherwise dysfunctional families] Anonymous meeting.
***Friday September 26. 2014. To Community Emergency Service for their produce giveaway. Brought bags for others to use, as I've done the last few times. Also a wounded briefcase, and a laundry basket.
A little girl was pushed a stroller around. I pretended to sit down in it, for her to push me around.
Thursday, September 25, 2014
Saturday September 20, 2014
***Dan Goodman @dsgood Sep 18
What would you expect a synesthesia coach to do? #synesthesia #writing
Bill Detty @BDetty Sep 19
@dsgood Human being, or conveyance?
Dan Goodman @dsgood
@BDetty Human being.
Bill Detty @BDetty
@dsgood Darn. Okay, she trains you to optimize your nontypical sensory perceptions. Useful in some sports that may not exist yet. And sex.
20 Sep 2014
@dsgood, September 25: Actually, synesthesia can be useful in physical activities -- including for sports which already exist. I find mine useful this way.
I gather that women are much more likely to have synesthetic responses to sex than men.
Bill Detty @BDetty Sep 20
@dsgood Sudden thought: service animals for the synesthesia-impaired.
***Book sale at Southeast Library. I bought one book: "Quotationary."
***To the Wedge coop grocery. Signed up for the Annual Meeting.
***Dan Goodman @dsgood Sep 18
What would you expect a synesthesia coach to do? #synesthesia #writing
Bill Detty @BDetty Sep 19
@dsgood Human being, or conveyance?
Dan Goodman @dsgood
@BDetty Human being.
Bill Detty @BDetty
@dsgood Darn. Okay, she trains you to optimize your nontypical sensory perceptions. Useful in some sports that may not exist yet. And sex.
20 Sep 2014
@dsgood, September 25: Actually, synesthesia can be useful in physical activities -- including for sports which already exist. I find mine useful this way.
I gather that women are much more likely to have synesthetic responses to sex than men.
Bill Detty @BDetty Sep 20
@dsgood Sudden thought: service animals for the synesthesia-impaired.
***Book sale at Southeast Library. I bought one book: "Quotationary."
***To the Wedge coop grocery. Signed up for the Annual Meeting.
Tuesday, September 23, 2014
Thursday September 18, 2014:
***From Denny Lien, Sept. 17:
d-lien University of Minnesota
[On becoming less hampered by depression]
"Keep at it."
***"For your amusement, you might want to check out David Gerrold's story in the current Sept/Oct MAGAZINE OF FANTASY AND SCIENCE FICTION, 'The Thing in the Back Yard.' It begins:
"'That pesky Dan Goodman is not a bad person. He has a good heart. He's well-intentioned. And I just might kill him anyway.'
"(I assume this is a different Dan Goodman, since as far as I know you've never been in the habit of finding domiciles for homeless half-trolls.)"
Thanks. I think it was Matthew Tepper who called my attention to the series.
***The Minnesota Daily (U of MN student paper) had an article on a store two blocks from my home: PFFTmpls.
PIFFmpls, a one-stop shop for streetwear needs, opened Labor Day, and it consigns luxury shoes and clothing from brands like Versace, A Bathing Ape, Gucci and Hugo Boss.
Its self-described "curator" and owner, Ben Alberts, said though the store’s stock is now split evenly between shoes and apparel, Alberts is looking to expand to art, prints and fixed-gear bicycles.
Alberts said the boutique is always looking to pick up "fresh kicks" from people hoping to sell or trade near-mint street-savvy regalia, rare finds and items released in limited collections.
But PIFFmpls only deals in what Alberts described as "deadstock" brand-new items or apparel worn only once or twice.
***Attended Adult Children Anonymous meeting.
***From Denny Lien, Sept. 17:
d-lien University of Minnesota
[On becoming less hampered by depression]
"Keep at it."
***"For your amusement, you might want to check out David Gerrold's story in the current Sept/Oct MAGAZINE OF FANTASY AND SCIENCE FICTION, 'The Thing in the Back Yard.' It begins:
"'That pesky Dan Goodman is not a bad person. He has a good heart. He's well-intentioned. And I just might kill him anyway.'
"(I assume this is a different Dan Goodman, since as far as I know you've never been in the habit of finding domiciles for homeless half-trolls.)"
Thanks. I think it was Matthew Tepper who called my attention to the series.
***The Minnesota Daily (U of MN student paper) had an article on a store two blocks from my home: PFFTmpls.
PIFFmpls, a one-stop shop for streetwear needs, opened Labor Day, and it consigns luxury shoes and clothing from brands like Versace, A Bathing Ape, Gucci and Hugo Boss.
Its self-described "curator" and owner, Ben Alberts, said though the store’s stock is now split evenly between shoes and apparel, Alberts is looking to expand to art, prints and fixed-gear bicycles.
Alberts said the boutique is always looking to pick up "fresh kicks" from people hoping to sell or trade near-mint street-savvy regalia, rare finds and items released in limited collections.
But PIFFmpls only deals in what Alberts described as "deadstock" brand-new items or apparel worn only once or twice.
***Attended Adult Children Anonymous meeting.
Tuesday, September 16, 2014
Catching up a bit:
Still dealing with the re-diagnosis from ADD/ADHD to depression. One thing I'm doing differently is reminding myself that "___ isn't worth doing" (or worth doing right now) may not be accurate.
Am concentrating more on using my senses (including synesthetic ones) to help memory and thinking.
Doing more meditation. Haven't found the best method for me.
Still dealing with the re-diagnosis from ADD/ADHD to depression. One thing I'm doing differently is reminding myself that "___ isn't worth doing" (or worth doing right now) may not be accurate.
Am concentrating more on using my senses (including synesthetic ones) to help memory and thinking.
Doing more meditation. Haven't found the best method for me.
Saturday, August 23, 2014
August 21-22, 2014
Thursday August 21, 2014. Some businesses are more bureaucratic than any government I've encountered. Walgreens drug chain is among them.
Missed two calls saying my prescription was ready to be picked up. I don't have a prescription at Walgreens. Tried to call back, so they could correct their mistake and call the right number.
After enduring a commercial, I was allowed to go through a maze to the pharmacy department and wait.
Waited, waited, waited. Gave up. Tried again several more times.
Sent email to Walgreens headquarters, filling out their complaint form.
***Attended Adult Children Anonymous meeting.
***Friday August 22, 2014. A soon-to-open store in my neighborhood has a window sign saying "sneakers/apparel/lifestyle." They probably won't literally sell lifestyles. Found myself thinking about a store which would.
I probably wouldn't buy a lifestyle from a store whose window display includes issues of Life Sucks Die magazine.
Thursday August 21, 2014. Some businesses are more bureaucratic than any government I've encountered. Walgreens drug chain is among them.
Missed two calls saying my prescription was ready to be picked up. I don't have a prescription at Walgreens. Tried to call back, so they could correct their mistake and call the right number.
After enduring a commercial, I was allowed to go through a maze to the pharmacy department and wait.
Waited, waited, waited. Gave up. Tried again several more times.
Sent email to Walgreens headquarters, filling out their complaint form.
***Attended Adult Children Anonymous meeting.
***Friday August 22, 2014. A soon-to-open store in my neighborhood has a window sign saying "sneakers/apparel/lifestyle." They probably won't literally sell lifestyles. Found myself thinking about a store which would.
I probably wouldn't buy a lifestyle from a store whose window display includes issues of Life Sucks Die magazine.
Thursday, August 21, 2014
August 14-20, 2014
Thursday August 14, 2014. Adult Children Anonymous -- got my eight-year medallion.
***On the bus home, a large group which included some with cat whiskers painted on their faces boarded. Turned out they were returning from the International Cat Video Festival.
***The August issue of Chess Life has an article on Fritz Leiber's chess-related sf and fantasy stories.
***Friday August 15, 2014. I usually wish the classical music announcers on KSJN talked much, much less. However, this was Leon Theremin's birthday. Turns out he was a Soviet spy, along with his other work.
***Saturday August 16, 2014. Mnstf (Twin Cities sf club) meeting at Scott and Irene Rauns. Good meeting.
***Sunday August 17, 2014. Reread Melissa Scott's Conceiving the Heavens -- a book on writing science fiction, published in 1999. Included was a bit of speculation about electronic currency. I suspect Ms. Scott didn't expect it to arrive just ten years later.
***MinnSpec (Minnesota Speculative Fiction Writers) meeting at the Uptown Lunds supermarket. Topic: Emotional Manipulation of the Reader. I suspect the topics brought up could be used for at least six panel discussions.
I brought the (not(yet?)) official MinnSpec Library for its first outing. The library was, so far, six books on writing which I hadn't read in a while. One got taken out.
***Wednesday August 20, 2014. Birthday of H. P. Lovecraft and Jacqueline Susann.
Thursday, August 14, 2014
Wednesday August 13, 2014 Berlin Wall anniversary
Night the Wall went up, I was listening to Radio Moscow news. But it was next day before I found out what had happened.
The newscaster kept explaining Why This Step Was Necessary. And I kept waiting to find out what that step was.
***"Turn of the century charm," real estate ad in a neighborhood paper. Someone hadn't noticed the 20th century is over.
***To Waite House for monthly NAPS (Nutritional Assistance Package for Seniors), and for twice-monthly produce giveaway.
The produce giveaway is preceded by a presentation. This time, on sugar in bottled drinks. You might be surprised to learn that sodas and energy drinks have unhealthy amounts of sugar.
We were urged to sign up for a "sodacation." Refrain from drinking sodas with sugar between August 17th and September 2nd. Participants to get a choice of free items at the end; with drawing for a grand prize the following week.
I signed up.
***Seen from bus on the way home: a stilt-walker with butterfly-like wings. Part of a local health expo.
Night the Wall went up, I was listening to Radio Moscow news. But it was next day before I found out what had happened.
The newscaster kept explaining Why This Step Was Necessary. And I kept waiting to find out what that step was.
***"Turn of the century charm," real estate ad in a neighborhood paper. Someone hadn't noticed the 20th century is over.
***To Waite House for monthly NAPS (Nutritional Assistance Package for Seniors), and for twice-monthly produce giveaway.
The produce giveaway is preceded by a presentation. This time, on sugar in bottled drinks. You might be surprised to learn that sodas and energy drinks have unhealthy amounts of sugar.
We were urged to sign up for a "sodacation." Refrain from drinking sodas with sugar between August 17th and September 2nd. Participants to get a choice of free items at the end; with drawing for a grand prize the following week.
I signed up.
***Seen from bus on the way home: a stilt-walker with butterfly-like wings. Part of a local health expo.
Thursday, August 7, 2014
8/2/14-8/6/14
Saturday August 2, 2014 To DreamHaven Books for Michael Merriam's reading.
DreamHaven had a rack of free books. One I took was The Year 2000, published 1970 (ed. Harry Harrison.) Among glimpses of that future year:
The US and the Soviet Union will have solved their pollution problem, and will be the world's most prosperous countries.
New York City will have a dominant Black majority, and a white minority. And apparently no Asians, Hispanics, Native Americans....
Smoking tobacco will be as respectable as it was in the 1950s.
Some female Australian government employees will go topless at work.
The reading was good. Merriam read from published work, and a bit from his Fringe Festival show.
Tuesday August 5, 2015 The Indonesian Hobbits didn't exist, it seems. New expert analysis of the original skeleton shows Down Syndrome rather than membership in another human species.
***Attended the National Night Out event at Van Cleve Park.
Wednesday August 6, 2014 Minnesota Daily (U of MN student paper; weekly during summer) story on research study at the U which shows female hormones make addiction more likely.
Saturday August 2, 2014 To DreamHaven Books for Michael Merriam's reading.
DreamHaven had a rack of free books. One I took was The Year 2000, published 1970 (ed. Harry Harrison.) Among glimpses of that future year:
The US and the Soviet Union will have solved their pollution problem, and will be the world's most prosperous countries.
New York City will have a dominant Black majority, and a white minority. And apparently no Asians, Hispanics, Native Americans....
Smoking tobacco will be as respectable as it was in the 1950s.
Some female Australian government employees will go topless at work.
The reading was good. Merriam read from published work, and a bit from his Fringe Festival show.
Tuesday August 5, 2015 The Indonesian Hobbits didn't exist, it seems. New expert analysis of the original skeleton shows Down Syndrome rather than membership in another human species.
***Attended the National Night Out event at Van Cleve Park.
Wednesday August 6, 2014 Minnesota Daily (U of MN student paper; weekly during summer) story on research study at the U which shows female hormones make addiction more likely.
Thursday, July 31, 2014
Wednesday July 30, 2014
"According to recordings of the teen's police interrogation, the boy mocked the attacks on the Boston Marathon and Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut as 'pretty lame' and 'pathetic' and said he idolized one of the Columbine gunmen.
.......
"However, his father told reporters that he does not believe his son would have carried out the plan and that there were no signs the teen was troubled."
Minnesota Daily (U of MN student paper; weekly during summer), July 30-August 5, page 2.
More on Minnesota police matters. From the Star Tribune Police Blotter, from Chanhassen: "Someone called to report a turtle in their yard in the 8400 block of Stone Creek Drive."
***The August issue of Glamour had a good article on friendship.
They also had a couple of fashion Do and Don't lists with pictures. I mostly preferred the Don'ts to the Dos.
"According to recordings of the teen's police interrogation, the boy mocked the attacks on the Boston Marathon and Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut as 'pretty lame' and 'pathetic' and said he idolized one of the Columbine gunmen.
.......
"However, his father told reporters that he does not believe his son would have carried out the plan and that there were no signs the teen was troubled."
Minnesota Daily (U of MN student paper; weekly during summer), July 30-August 5, page 2.
More on Minnesota police matters. From the Star Tribune Police Blotter, from Chanhassen: "Someone called to report a turtle in their yard in the 8400 block of Stone Creek Drive."
***The August issue of Glamour had a good article on friendship.
They also had a couple of fashion Do and Don't lists with pictures. I mostly preferred the Don'ts to the Dos.
Thursday, July 24, 2014
Saturday, July 12, 2014
Washington Post:
"No, the United States isn't trying to build a military force of
centenarians. It just seems that way after the Selective Service System
mistakenly sent notices to more than 14,000 Pennsylvania men born
between 1893 and 1897, ordering them to register for the nation's
military draft and warning that failure to do so is 'punishable by a
fine and imprisonment.'"
Sunday, May 25, 2014
Thy Glorious Car Spiro Agnew Drew
Saturday May 17, 2014 Frost warning last night. Today I wore sandals.
I saw one college-age man who was shirtless. (But no shirtless women
***Comments of Comment:
Keith Lynch 5/17/14: "Charles ?@NONPROGRAMMABLE 10 Technologies You Will be Witnessing In The Near Future
http://zite.to/1nwB9ig"
10. Artificial Gills
Fish can only get by because they need much less oxygen than mammals.
Also, some water has very little oxygen. Especially water that's comfortably warm. Will this thing give some kind of low-oxygen warning? Does it have an air tank as a backup?
Speaking of air, breathing pure oxygen is dangerous, especially underwater where the pressure is higher. Does this thing also extract appropriate amounts of nitrogen from the water?
8. Sunscreen Pills
The idea of sunscreen is to stop the UV before it hits and damages your skin. How can anything inside you possibly do that?
7. Paper-Thin, Flexible Computers and Phones
Pads, sure, but how would you hold a paper-thin phone? If it's flexible, wouldn't it crumple up? And if it isn't flexible, wouldn't it cut you?
6. Tooth Regeneration
Better than implants only if it's cheaper than implants.
4. Real-Time Google Earth
including real-time Google Street View? :-)
What's the resolution of the thing? Unless it's impossibly high, how would you zoom in? Wouldn't you need a separate camera for each simultaneous user?
If it's to be mounted on ISS, as is suggested, what happens when ISS is deorbited? Last I heard, plans were to do so in about a decade. Possibly much sooner if the Russians take their marbles and go home, as they're threatening to.
3. Wireless Electricity
Tesla had that. Too bad it has such low efficiency, and that it jams the whole radio spectrum and screws with pacemakers, etc.
2. Ultra-High Speed Tube Trains
Maglev, at 4000 miles per hour? Pikers. Make it 18,000 miles per hour and they won't need maglev. You'd be in orbit at ground level.
If weightlessness tends to bother passengers, bring back the maglev and speed it up to 25,000 miles per hour. They'd experience 1G again. And could watch the scenery going by upside down.
Just don't let terrorists anywhere near the thing. If someone breaks the vacuum, the train will burn up like a meteor.
1. Sustainable Fusion Reactor
Thirty years away, just as it always has been.
"ProPublica A haunting #longreads about a heroine addict struggling to get clean:"
I'm not addicted to heroines. Nor to heroes. I can give those novels up anytime I want.
"Top 10 Baby Names for 2013 Source: Social Security Administration Boys Noah ..."
That's disturbing. Maybe I'd better get one of those artificial gills just in case.
Jette Goldie 5/17/14: I dunno what you guys have against those poor wee birdies. What did a Snipe ever do to you that you have to hunt it? ;-)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Snipe
***From Twitter:
Dan Goodman @dsgood: Hello. My name is Harry Potter. You killed my parents. Prepare to die. #MASHUP
Dan Goodman @dsgood: Harry, I am your parents.
Science fiction @Scienfiction: These Were The First Female Astronauts In Science Fiction - io9 http://dlvr.it/5hsmlY
I saw one college-age man who was shirtless. (But no shirtless women
***Comments of Comment:
Keith Lynch 5/17/14: "Charles ?@NONPROGRAMMABLE 10 Technologies You Will be Witnessing In The Near Future
http://zite.to/1nwB9ig"
10. Artificial Gills
Fish can only get by because they need much less oxygen than mammals.
Also, some water has very little oxygen. Especially water that's comfortably warm. Will this thing give some kind of low-oxygen warning? Does it have an air tank as a backup?
Speaking of air, breathing pure oxygen is dangerous, especially underwater where the pressure is higher. Does this thing also extract appropriate amounts of nitrogen from the water?
8. Sunscreen Pills
The idea of sunscreen is to stop the UV before it hits and damages your skin. How can anything inside you possibly do that?
7. Paper-Thin, Flexible Computers and Phones
Pads, sure, but how would you hold a paper-thin phone? If it's flexible, wouldn't it crumple up? And if it isn't flexible, wouldn't it cut you?
6. Tooth Regeneration
Better than implants only if it's cheaper than implants.
4. Real-Time Google Earth
including real-time Google Street View? :-)
What's the resolution of the thing? Unless it's impossibly high, how would you zoom in? Wouldn't you need a separate camera for each simultaneous user?
If it's to be mounted on ISS, as is suggested, what happens when ISS is deorbited? Last I heard, plans were to do so in about a decade. Possibly much sooner if the Russians take their marbles and go home, as they're threatening to.
3. Wireless Electricity
Tesla had that. Too bad it has such low efficiency, and that it jams the whole radio spectrum and screws with pacemakers, etc.
2. Ultra-High Speed Tube Trains
Maglev, at 4000 miles per hour? Pikers. Make it 18,000 miles per hour and they won't need maglev. You'd be in orbit at ground level.
If weightlessness tends to bother passengers, bring back the maglev and speed it up to 25,000 miles per hour. They'd experience 1G again. And could watch the scenery going by upside down.
Just don't let terrorists anywhere near the thing. If someone breaks the vacuum, the train will burn up like a meteor.
1. Sustainable Fusion Reactor
Thirty years away, just as it always has been.
"ProPublica A haunting #longreads about a heroine addict struggling to get clean:"
I'm not addicted to heroines. Nor to heroes. I can give those novels up anytime I want.
"Top 10 Baby Names for 2013 Source: Social Security Administration Boys Noah ..."
That's disturbing. Maybe I'd better get one of those artificial gills just in case.
Jette Goldie 5/17/14: I dunno what you guys have against those poor wee birdies. What did a Snipe ever do to you that you have to hunt it? ;-)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Snipe
***From Twitter:
Dan Goodman @dsgood: Hello. My name is Harry Potter. You killed my parents. Prepare to die. #MASHUP
Dan Goodman @dsgood: Harry, I am your parents.
Science fiction @Scienfiction: These Were The First Female Astronauts In Science Fiction - io9 http://dlvr.it/5hsmlY
Saturday, May 17, 2014
Beware of Masochists Who Follow the Golden Rule
Wednesday May 14, 2014 Mayo Clinic trial: Massive blast of measles vaccine wipes out cancer
http://www.startribune.com/lifestyle/health/259155541.html?page=all&prepage=1&c=y#continue
*** To Waite House for NAPS (Nutritional Assistance Program For Seniors) package and produce distribution.
***Comments of Comment:
Denny Lien, May 14 2014: "Retweeted by Molly Ball
Mike Memoli @mikememoli: To Dem charge that select cmte is a 'witch hunt,' Rep. Pete Sessions says: 'That must mean that there's a witch somewhere.'"
What opinion has he re snipe hunts? Or heffalumps?
Keith Lynch, May 14 2014: "MPR News \342\200\217@MPRnews: News Cut: Why your new TV may soon be worthless http://mprne.ws/2GufN7"
It has already been determined that ATSC 3.0 will not be backward-compatible with the current standard, so TV sets in existence today will not work with it.
"TV Technology said the government is not likely to fund any sort of conversion box as it did when it mandated broadcasters begin transmitting with digital signals. 'Consumers then will have to either buy a new TV or subscribe to some type of subscription pay-TV or OTT service,' it said."
I've said it before and I'll say it again: Consumers will get the worst treatment they're willing to put up with. And government is, of course, not on their side.
I'd like to see all ATSC 3.0 content providers go bankrupt, as nobody buys their incompatible content. Further, I'd like to see everyone with a recent TV that stops working return it to the store and demand a full refund. And to take the case to court if the store refuses.
Also see the comments at that URL. (You may need to use wget to get past the "403 Forbidden" error. ATSC is not the only incompatible thing around.)
***From Twitter:
Jennifer Ouellette @JenLucPiquant: Quantum twist could kill off the multiverse: a fresh way of looking at random motions known as quantum fluctuations.
http://www.newscientist.com/article/mg22229692.600-quantum-twist-could-kill-off-the-multiverse.html …
David Brauer @dbrauer: Now called "City Council" #ikidbecauseilove RT @smckenzie21: Downtown Minneapolis once home to eccentric zoo http://www.journalmpls.com/voices-feed/downtown-minneapolis-once-home-to-eccentric-zoo … #mpls
Giant Freakin Robot @GFRobot: Yes, Pope Francis said he would baptize aliens. Find out the details here:
http://bit.ly/1lAVG4S pic.twitter.com/IxhzUyEhJs
http://www.startribune.com/lifestyle/health/259155541.html?page=all&prepage=1&c=y#continue
*** To Waite House for NAPS (Nutritional Assistance Program For Seniors) package and produce distribution.
***Comments of Comment:
Denny Lien, May 14 2014: "Retweeted by Molly Ball
Mike Memoli @mikememoli: To Dem charge that select cmte is a 'witch hunt,' Rep. Pete Sessions says: 'That must mean that there's a witch somewhere.'"
What opinion has he re snipe hunts? Or heffalumps?
Keith Lynch, May 14 2014: "MPR News \342\200\217@MPRnews: News Cut: Why your new TV may soon be worthless http://mprne.ws/2GufN7"
It has already been determined that ATSC 3.0 will not be backward-compatible with the current standard, so TV sets in existence today will not work with it.
"TV Technology said the government is not likely to fund any sort of conversion box as it did when it mandated broadcasters begin transmitting with digital signals. 'Consumers then will have to either buy a new TV or subscribe to some type of subscription pay-TV or OTT service,' it said."
I've said it before and I'll say it again: Consumers will get the worst treatment they're willing to put up with. And government is, of course, not on their side.
I'd like to see all ATSC 3.0 content providers go bankrupt, as nobody buys their incompatible content. Further, I'd like to see everyone with a recent TV that stops working return it to the store and demand a full refund. And to take the case to court if the store refuses.
Also see the comments at that URL. (You may need to use wget to get past the "403 Forbidden" error. ATSC is not the only incompatible thing around.)
***From Twitter:
Jennifer Ouellette @JenLucPiquant: Quantum twist could kill off the multiverse: a fresh way of looking at random motions known as quantum fluctuations.
http://www.newscientist.com/article/mg22229692.600-quantum-twist-could-kill-off-the-multiverse.html …
David Brauer @dbrauer: Now called "City Council" #ikidbecauseilove RT @smckenzie21: Downtown Minneapolis once home to eccentric zoo http://www.journalmpls.com/voices-feed/downtown-minneapolis-once-home-to-eccentric-zoo … #mpls
Giant Freakin Robot @GFRobot: Yes, Pope Francis said he would baptize aliens. Find out the details here:
http://bit.ly/1lAVG4S pic.twitter.com/IxhzUyEhJs
Friday, May 16, 2014
Sometimes the Dragon Deserves to Win
Saturday May 10, 2014: From Twitter:
Charles @THEANGRYGUMBALL 10 Technologies You Will be Witnessing In The Near Future http://zite.to/1nwB9ig
ProPublica @ProPublica A haunting #longreads about a heroine addict struggling to get clean: http://propub.ca/1qnqcV3 v @nytimes
***From Full Text Reports:
Just Arrived! Top 10 Baby Names for 2013
Posted: 09 May 2014 01:56 PM PDT
Top 10 Baby Names for 2013 Source: Social Security Administration Boys Noah Liam Jacob Mason William Ethan Michael Alexander Jayden Daniel Girls Sophia Emma Olivia Isabella Ava Mia Emily Abigail Madison Elizabeth Filed under: children and families, lists and rankings, Social Security Administration
[Original source http://www.ssa.gov/oact/babynames/]
***Sender: American Dialect Society <ADS-L@LISTSERV.UGA.EDU>
Subject: Re: Blood of the young mouse
JB: <<we have the scientific explanation for the existence of vampires>>
WB: Because they practice safe sucks. We should learn from this.
Charles @THEANGRYGUMBALL 10 Technologies You Will be Witnessing In The Near Future http://zite.to/1nwB9ig
ProPublica @ProPublica A haunting #longreads about a heroine addict struggling to get clean: http://propub.ca/1qnqcV3 v @nytimes
***From Full Text Reports:
Just Arrived! Top 10 Baby Names for 2013
Posted: 09 May 2014 01:56 PM PDT
Top 10 Baby Names for 2013 Source: Social Security Administration Boys Noah Liam Jacob Mason William Ethan Michael Alexander Jayden Daniel Girls Sophia Emma Olivia Isabella Ava Mia Emily Abigail Madison Elizabeth Filed under: children and families, lists and rankings, Social Security Administration
[Original source http://www.ssa.gov/oact/babynames/]
***Sender: American Dialect Society <ADS-L@LISTSERV.UGA.EDU>
Subject: Re: Blood of the young mouse
JB: <<we have the scientific explanation for the existence of vampires>>
WB: Because they practice safe sucks. We should learn from this.
Thursday, May 15, 2014
Black is the Color of My True Love's Waffle
Friday May 9, 2014 To Community Emergency Service for the Friday food giveaway.
***Black Coffee and Waffles (formerly Muddsuckers Coffee) seems to have more customers than before. A higher percentage are college age. This may change when the current U of MN semester ends.
Note: They have black coffee, but not black waffles.
***Subject: Notice to appear in court
From: AUSTRALIAN LOTTERY INC <doniyk2002@yahoo.com>
Date: 05/09/2014 09:20 AM
To: undisclosed recipients: ;
Notice to appear in court
Hereby you are notified that you have been scheduled to appear for your hearing that will take place in the court of Richmond in May 20, 2014 at 09:00 am.
Please bring all documents and witnesses relating to this case with you to court on your hearing date.
Please, download the copy of the court notice attached herewith to read the details.
Note: he case may be heard by the judge in your absence if you do not come.
Yours truly,
Marryna Gimenez
Clerk to the Court.
***From sciencedaily.com:
Journal Reference: V.S. Ramachandran, Elizabeth Seckel. Synesthetic colors induced by graphemes that have not been consciously perceived. Neurocase, 2014; 1 DOI: 10.1080/13554794.2014.890728
Taylor & Francis. "Experiencing letters as colors: New insights into synesthesia." ScienceDaily, 9 May 2014. <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/05/140509074122.htm>.
***From Twitter:
Dan Goodman @dsgood: What would you do if your IQ increased 50 points?
Dan Goodman @dsgood: What would you do if granted immunity from prosecution for any crimes?
Nancy Man @nancycc: A few more female #babyname debuts: Pistol, Epic, Prim, Rarity, Charlemagne, L'wren, Quora, Sierraleone, Zeppelin. http://www.nancy.cc/2014/05/09/girl-name-debuts-2013/ …
Nancy Man @nancycc: The boy name debuts! Kitai, Oaks, Prometheus, Power, Warrior, Jaxper, Machiavelli, Relic, Subaru... http://www.nancy.cc/2014/05/09/boys-name-debuts-2013/ … #babynames
Eric W. Dolan @EWDolan: KY Gov. Beshear ’s lawyers: Banning marriage equality would protect our economy http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2014/05/09/ky-gov-beshears-lawyers-banning-marriage-equality-would-protect-our-economy/ …
***Black Coffee and Waffles (formerly Muddsuckers Coffee) seems to have more customers than before. A higher percentage are college age. This may change when the current U of MN semester ends.
Note: They have black coffee, but not black waffles.
***Subject: Notice to appear in court
From: AUSTRALIAN LOTTERY INC <doniyk2002@yahoo.com>
Date: 05/09/2014 09:20 AM
To: undisclosed recipients: ;
Notice to appear in court
Hereby you are notified that you have been scheduled to appear for your hearing that will take place in the court of Richmond in May 20, 2014 at 09:00 am.
Please bring all documents and witnesses relating to this case with you to court on your hearing date.
Please, download the copy of the court notice attached herewith to read the details.
Note: he case may be heard by the judge in your absence if you do not come.
Yours truly,
Marryna Gimenez
Clerk to the Court.
***From sciencedaily.com:
Journal Reference: V.S. Ramachandran, Elizabeth Seckel. Synesthetic colors induced by graphemes that have not been consciously perceived. Neurocase, 2014; 1 DOI: 10.1080/13554794.2014.890728
Taylor & Francis. "Experiencing letters as colors: New insights into synesthesia." ScienceDaily, 9 May 2014. <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/05/140509074122.htm>.
***From Twitter:
Dan Goodman @dsgood: What would you do if your IQ increased 50 points?
Dan Goodman @dsgood: What would you do if granted immunity from prosecution for any crimes?
Nancy Man @nancycc: A few more female #babyname debuts: Pistol, Epic, Prim, Rarity, Charlemagne, L'wren, Quora, Sierraleone, Zeppelin. http://www.nancy.cc/2014/05/09/girl-name-debuts-2013/ …
Nancy Man @nancycc: The boy name debuts! Kitai, Oaks, Prometheus, Power, Warrior, Jaxper, Machiavelli, Relic, Subaru... http://www.nancy.cc/2014/05/09/boys-name-debuts-2013/ … #babynames
Eric W. Dolan @EWDolan: KY Gov. Beshear ’s lawyers: Banning marriage equality would protect our economy http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2014/05/09/ky-gov-beshears-lawyers-banning-marriage-equality-would-protect-our-economy/ …
Wednesday, May 14, 2014
Thursday May 8, 2014 How vague can a news story get? The Minnesota Daily had a piece on planned improvements to Southeast Library -- my local public library. Solid information? There are plans to plan.
***Adult Children Anonymous meeting. Useful.
***Comment I made on Charlie Stross's blog:
Surely it's obvious that our universe is merely the debris from the destruction of a larger and more complex universe.
****From Twitter:
Dan Goodman @dsgood: .@UrsulaV I think everyone should read sf from five billion years ago.
Retweeted by Lillian Cohen-Moore
Sarah Cypher @threepenny: The emerging genre of Middle Eastern science fiction is starting to get noticed. So much possibility here. http://ow.ly/wCstR
MPR News @MPRnews: News Cut: Why your new TV may soon be worthless http://mprne.ws/2GufN7
Science fiction @Scienfiction: Free presentation reveals how to turn her on & get her out with just 3 simple texts -spon http://dlvr.it/5cQNS3
[Science fiction references: Olaf Stapledon, Odd John. George Turner, Brain Child.]
Retweeted by Molly Ball
Mike Memoli @mikememoli: To Dem charge that select cmte is a "witch hunt," Rep. Pete Sessions says: "That must mean that there's a witch somewhere."
***Adult Children Anonymous meeting. Useful.
***Comment I made on Charlie Stross's blog:
Surely it's obvious that our universe is merely the debris from the destruction of a larger and more complex universe.
****From Twitter:
Dan Goodman @dsgood: .@UrsulaV I think everyone should read sf from five billion years ago.
Retweeted by Lillian Cohen-Moore
Sarah Cypher @threepenny: The emerging genre of Middle Eastern science fiction is starting to get noticed. So much possibility here. http://ow.ly/wCstR
MPR News @MPRnews: News Cut: Why your new TV may soon be worthless http://mprne.ws/2GufN7
Science fiction @Scienfiction: Free presentation reveals how to turn her on & get her out with just 3 simple texts -spon http://dlvr.it/5cQNS3
[Science fiction references: Olaf Stapledon, Odd John. George Turner, Brain Child.]
Retweeted by Molly Ball
Mike Memoli @mikememoli: To Dem charge that select cmte is a "witch hunt," Rep. Pete Sessions says: "That must mean that there's a witch somewhere."
Wednesday, April 30, 2014
April 29, 2014
Tuesday April 29, 2014 From a work in progress:
"The past is a foreign country. They do things differently there." L. P. Hartley, _The Go-Between_.
The future is also a foreign country; and the guidebooks are so wrong, you can't even rely on the opposite of what they say.
Look at old nonfiction predictions -- political, technological, social, and artistic.
Read old science fiction. Human cities on Mars by 1970. The Soviet Union flourishing for centuries to come. Beatniks in space, exactly like 1960s bohemians.
Being wrong about the future might not hurt a writer's sales. Nonfiction books predicting Barry Goldwater and George McGovern winning the US Presidency sold reasonably well. Fiction writers who have 1970s rock dominating popular music centuries from now are published regularly.
But if you're like me, being wrong can hurt your pride. If so, here are some ways of being less wrong about the future....
***My local coffeehouse is open again: Black Waffles and Coffee, formerly Muddsuckers.
They do serve non-black coffee. And as far as I know, their waffles aren't black.
***Weather forecasts still say "Rain, possibly mixed with snow."
***Online, looked up the Star Tribune's story on the DFL City Convention. It included The Important Information, and omitted the unimportant things which mattered more to me.
***From Twitter:
Retweeted by Simon Bisson
silvie9000 @silvie9000 are you a writer specializing in horror but out of fresh ideas for offing people? just cruise IKEA's product recalls http://www.ikea.com/us/en/about_ikea/newsroom/product_recalls …
"The past is a foreign country. They do things differently there." L. P. Hartley, _The Go-Between_.
The future is also a foreign country; and the guidebooks are so wrong, you can't even rely on the opposite of what they say.
Look at old nonfiction predictions -- political, technological, social, and artistic.
Read old science fiction. Human cities on Mars by 1970. The Soviet Union flourishing for centuries to come. Beatniks in space, exactly like 1960s bohemians.
Being wrong about the future might not hurt a writer's sales. Nonfiction books predicting Barry Goldwater and George McGovern winning the US Presidency sold reasonably well. Fiction writers who have 1970s rock dominating popular music centuries from now are published regularly.
But if you're like me, being wrong can hurt your pride. If so, here are some ways of being less wrong about the future....
***My local coffeehouse is open again: Black Waffles and Coffee, formerly Muddsuckers.
They do serve non-black coffee. And as far as I know, their waffles aren't black.
***Weather forecasts still say "Rain, possibly mixed with snow."
***Online, looked up the Star Tribune's story on the DFL City Convention. It included The Important Information, and omitted the unimportant things which mattered more to me.
***From Twitter:
Retweeted by Simon Bisson
silvie9000 @silvie9000 are you a writer specializing in horror but out of fresh ideas for offing people? just cruise IKEA's product recalls http://www.ikea.com/us/en/about_ikea/newsroom/product_recalls …
Tuesday, April 29, 2014
DFl Minneapolis City Convention
Saturday April 26, 2014 "Performed an operation on a twin while still in the womb." On a wall plaque at Roosevelt High School, where the DFL City Convention was being held. (DFL: Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party.)
There was a Somali interpreter.
Sidenote: Somali immigrants have been doing well in Minneapolis politics. Which may seem odd considering Somalia is a political mess. Then again, Irish immigrants in the US, Canada, Latin America, and Australia and their descendants have shown more political competence than politicians in Ireland (both the Republic and Northern Ireland.)
Transcription on screen. Wonky. "Awed torl um" for auditorium at one point. "A claymation" for acclamation several times. "Tell gate" a couple of times.
Candidate forum. Changed one School Board At-Large choice. There was only one candidate for my district (District 1); and she impressed me favorably enough that I didn't decide to go for No Endorsement.
(School Board elections are nonpartisan, but parties make endorsements.)
Credentials given out. There was a long, long line. This was scheduled to take an hour; took almost twice as long.
A bunch of formal stuff at the beginning, most of it routine. More formal bumpf at intervals.
School Board candidate speeches.
Several candidates brought supporters on stage. I found this annoying. I wanted to see and hear the candidates themselves. ( I was favorably impressed by the candidate who had a few of his students speak in support, though. But he wasn't running for my district or at-large.)
Followed by balloting. One set of ballots for each district which had a vacancy to fill; another set for districts which had only the At-Large election.
Minneapolis party officers elected. Two candidates for Chair. The incumbent won.
Other offices mostly had only one candidate nominated. Two Fundraising Director candidates, but one declined the nomination.
There was one resolution with enough signatures to be voted on. Someone proposed an amendment; then someone moved to amend that amendment.
The School Board results were announced. Of the four candidates, one got enough votes (over the 60% minimum) for endorsement. Another was one vote short.
A large number of ballots were spoiled -- not signed on the back. "Sign your ballot on the back" had been announced several times, but not everyone had listened.
Second ballot. After my ballot was gathered up, I decided to leave. I had been there about nine hours, and nothing else I did was likely to influence anything.
Will I attend again? Whenever School Board endorsements are being considered, yes.
There was a Somali interpreter.
Sidenote: Somali immigrants have been doing well in Minneapolis politics. Which may seem odd considering Somalia is a political mess. Then again, Irish immigrants in the US, Canada, Latin America, and Australia and their descendants have shown more political competence than politicians in Ireland (both the Republic and Northern Ireland.)
Transcription on screen. Wonky. "Awed torl um" for auditorium at one point. "A claymation" for acclamation several times. "Tell gate" a couple of times.
Candidate forum. Changed one School Board At-Large choice. There was only one candidate for my district (District 1); and she impressed me favorably enough that I didn't decide to go for No Endorsement.
(School Board elections are nonpartisan, but parties make endorsements.)
Credentials given out. There was a long, long line. This was scheduled to take an hour; took almost twice as long.
A bunch of formal stuff at the beginning, most of it routine. More formal bumpf at intervals.
School Board candidate speeches.
Several candidates brought supporters on stage. I found this annoying. I wanted to see and hear the candidates themselves. ( I was favorably impressed by the candidate who had a few of his students speak in support, though. But he wasn't running for my district or at-large.)
Followed by balloting. One set of ballots for each district which had a vacancy to fill; another set for districts which had only the At-Large election.
Minneapolis party officers elected. Two candidates for Chair. The incumbent won.
Other offices mostly had only one candidate nominated. Two Fundraising Director candidates, but one declined the nomination.
There was one resolution with enough signatures to be voted on. Someone proposed an amendment; then someone moved to amend that amendment.
The School Board results were announced. Of the four candidates, one got enough votes (over the 60% minimum) for endorsement. Another was one vote short.
A large number of ballots were spoiled -- not signed on the back. "Sign your ballot on the back" had been announced several times, but not everyone had listened.
Second ballot. After my ballot was gathered up, I decided to leave. I had been there about nine hours, and nothing else I did was likely to influence anything.
Will I attend again? Whenever School Board endorsements are being considered, yes.
Wednesday, April 16, 2014
Saturday April 5, 2014 Mnstf hosted by David Dyer-Bennett, Pamela Dean, and Lydia Nickerson.
***From Twitter:
R.L. Ripples @TweetsofOld A suffragette umpired a game of baseball in California the other day. Thus the last sacred precinct of man's work has been invaded. KY1912
Tuesday April 8, 2014 Minneapolis is melting. No more snow piles taller than my head.
***An unusual fashion column in the Minnesota Daily; it recommended clothes which people might want to wear. (I'm unlikely to wear a plaid skirt, though.)
***An atheist discussing her mystical experiences, in a public radio interview: Barbara Ehrenreich, who has a book coming out (Living with a Wild God.)
***From Twitter:
Andrew Kaczynski @BuzzFeedAndrew Most Vice story ever. RT @vicenews: PETA’s dream of turning Jeffrey Dahmer's home into a vega[n] restaurant is not going to happen
Thursday April 10, 2014 I was optimistic enough about weather to buy sandals at Steeple People Thrift Store.
***Adult Children Anonymous meeting.
***From Twitter:
Retweeted by Zerlina Maxwell
Caitlin Mac Neal @caitlinmacneal This Arkansas free clinic is closing, citing more insured through Obamacare — they only saw 3 patients in March: http://bit.ly/1hmIL62
pourmecoffee @pourmecoffee Stop marketing, marketing people. Just stop it. "Sewage treatment plant advertises as wedding venue" http://www.kirotv.com/news/news/sewage-treatment-plant-advertises-wedding-venue/nfW7K/ …
Guy Kawasaki @GuyKawasaki The all-goat cover of "Game of Thrones" theme song [video] http://is.gd/mgB8ic
***From Twitter:
R.L. Ripples @TweetsofOld A suffragette umpired a game of baseball in California the other day. Thus the last sacred precinct of man's work has been invaded. KY1912
Tuesday April 8, 2014 Minneapolis is melting. No more snow piles taller than my head.
***An unusual fashion column in the Minnesota Daily; it recommended clothes which people might want to wear. (I'm unlikely to wear a plaid skirt, though.)
***An atheist discussing her mystical experiences, in a public radio interview: Barbara Ehrenreich, who has a book coming out (Living with a Wild God.)
***From Twitter:
Andrew Kaczynski @BuzzFeedAndrew Most Vice story ever. RT @vicenews: PETA’s dream of turning Jeffrey Dahmer's home into a vega[n] restaurant is not going to happen
Thursday April 10, 2014 I was optimistic enough about weather to buy sandals at Steeple People Thrift Store.
***Adult Children Anonymous meeting.
***From Twitter:
Retweeted by Zerlina Maxwell
Caitlin Mac Neal @caitlinmacneal This Arkansas free clinic is closing, citing more insured through Obamacare — they only saw 3 patients in March: http://bit.ly/1hmIL62
pourmecoffee @pourmecoffee Stop marketing, marketing people. Just stop it. "Sewage treatment plant advertises as wedding venue" http://www.kirotv.com/news/news/sewage-treatment-plant-advertises-wedding-venue/nfW7K/ …
Guy Kawasaki @GuyKawasaki The all-goat cover of "Game of Thrones" theme song [video] http://is.gd/mgB8ic
Tuesday, April 15, 2014
Previous Technological Civilizations? Creative Criminal Activity
Wednesday April 2, 2014 "Creative Criminal Activity Contest," said a poster on the U of Minnesota campus.
It was a contest for creative ways of reducing crime on campus. Not for creative ways of being criminal.
***Found a backpack I liked better than any I owned at Steeple People Thrift Store. Thought about the reasons why I shouldn't buy it. Bought it.
Thursday April 3, 2014 Spiderweb, in a cup I'd used a few hours earlier. A sign of Spring.
On the other hand, a winter storm warning.
***Comments of Comment:
Keith Lynch, 3/31/14: "Dan Goodman <dsgood@iphouse.com> wrote: 'Summary: Scientists suggest that the fossil impact humans have made on the planet is vast and unprecedented in nature -- and that there's been nothing remotely like it since the Earth formed, over four and half billion years ago.'
[Quoted from sciencedaily.com]
"I've often wondered whether it's possible that there was another technological species on our planet in the distant past. What signs should we look for?
"I'm skeptical that one can be ruled out more than one billion years ago, however. There just isn't much left from those times.
"On the other hand, there is the nuclear waste found in Africa dated to one and a half billion years ago, usually attributed to a natural nuclear reactor. Well, maybe."
My guess: If there was a previous technological civilization, any relics it left would be interpreted as having other causes.
It was a contest for creative ways of reducing crime on campus. Not for creative ways of being criminal.
***Found a backpack I liked better than any I owned at Steeple People Thrift Store. Thought about the reasons why I shouldn't buy it. Bought it.
Thursday April 3, 2014 Spiderweb, in a cup I'd used a few hours earlier. A sign of Spring.
On the other hand, a winter storm warning.
***Comments of Comment:
Keith Lynch, 3/31/14: "Dan Goodman <dsgood@iphouse.com> wrote: 'Summary: Scientists suggest that the fossil impact humans have made on the planet is vast and unprecedented in nature -- and that there's been nothing remotely like it since the Earth formed, over four and half billion years ago.'
[Quoted from sciencedaily.com]
"I've often wondered whether it's possible that there was another technological species on our planet in the distant past. What signs should we look for?
"I'm skeptical that one can be ruled out more than one billion years ago, however. There just isn't much left from those times.
"On the other hand, there is the nuclear waste found in Africa dated to one and a half billion years ago, usually attributed to a natural nuclear reactor. Well, maybe."
My guess: If there was a previous technological civilization, any relics it left would be interpreted as having other causes.
Thursday, April 10, 2014
Daylight Savings & Your Heart, Extinction, Dorothy Must Die
Monday March 31, 2014 Comments of Comment:
Keith Lynch, 3/29/14:
"Adult Children Anonymous meeting. Learned something I needed.
"The topic was making amends. In discussion, someone brought up making amends to one's body."
Amends for what?
For misuse.
***From sciencedaily.com:
Daylight saving impacts timing of heart attacks
Date: March 29, 2014
Source: American College of Cardiology
Summary: Still feeling the residual effects of springing ahead for daylight saving time? The hour of
sleep lost -- or gained -- may play a bigger, perhaps more dangerous role in our body's natural rhythm than we think. It seems moving the clock forward or backward may alter the timing of when heart attacks occur in the week following these time changes, according to research.
http://tinyurl.com/kcta8dx
***From Twitter:
Scientific American @sciam Methane-spewing Microbe Blamed in Earth's Worst Mass Extinction http://bit.ly/1kk6imI
***From a Publishers Lunch newsletter:
This week on Booktalk Nation:
DANIELLE PAIGE, Dorothy Must Die, Mon. Mar. 31st, 7 p.m. ET/ 4 p.m. PT. Danielle Paige joins BTN for a video chat with Marissa Meyer about Paige's debut novel Dorothy Must Die, a fast-paced reimagining of the land of Oz where Dorothy is in charge and the power has gone to her head.
Keith Lynch, 3/29/14:
"Adult Children Anonymous meeting. Learned something I needed.
"The topic was making amends. In discussion, someone brought up making amends to one's body."
Amends for what?
For misuse.
***From sciencedaily.com:
Daylight saving impacts timing of heart attacks
Date: March 29, 2014
Source: American College of Cardiology
Summary: Still feeling the residual effects of springing ahead for daylight saving time? The hour of
sleep lost -- or gained -- may play a bigger, perhaps more dangerous role in our body's natural rhythm than we think. It seems moving the clock forward or backward may alter the timing of when heart attacks occur in the week following these time changes, according to research.
http://tinyurl.com/kcta8dx
***From Twitter:
Scientific American @sciam Methane-spewing Microbe Blamed in Earth's Worst Mass Extinction http://bit.ly/1kk6imI
***From a Publishers Lunch newsletter:
This week on Booktalk Nation:
DANIELLE PAIGE, Dorothy Must Die, Mon. Mar. 31st, 7 p.m. ET/ 4 p.m. PT. Danielle Paige joins BTN for a video chat with Marissa Meyer about Paige's debut novel Dorothy Must Die, a fast-paced reimagining of the land of Oz where Dorothy is in charge and the power has gone to her head.
Monday, March 31, 2014
Saturday March 29, 2014 From sciencedaily.com:
Mass participation experiment reveals how to create the perfect dream
Date: March 26, 2014
Source: University of Hertfordshire
Summary: Psychologists have announced the results of a two-year study into dream control. The experiment shows that it is now possible for people to create their perfect dream, and so wake up feeling especially happy and refreshed. Researchers also discovered that people's dreams were especially bizarre around the time of a full moon.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/03/140326212710.htm
Technofossils: Unprecedented legacy left behind by humans
Date: March 25, 2014
Source: University of Leicester
Summary: Scientists suggest that the fossil impact humans have made on the planet is vast and unprecedented in nature -- and that there's been nothing remotely like it since the Earth formed, over four and half billion years ago. The researchers argue that, like dinosaurs, who left their bones and footprints behind for future generations to discover, humans will also leave a footprint behind -- one made up of material goods unique to humankind that are so different from anything else produced by animals in the history of Earth that they deserve their own name: technofossils.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/03/140325094806.htm
***From Twitter:
Retweeted by Lillian Cohen-Moore
UEL ARAMCHEK @ThePatanoiac "Specifically, I'm an umbratarian." She cut another slice from the smoky black slab. "I don't eat the flesh of animals, just their shadows."
Mass participation experiment reveals how to create the perfect dream
Date: March 26, 2014
Source: University of Hertfordshire
Summary: Psychologists have announced the results of a two-year study into dream control. The experiment shows that it is now possible for people to create their perfect dream, and so wake up feeling especially happy and refreshed. Researchers also discovered that people's dreams were especially bizarre around the time of a full moon.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/03/140326212710.htm
Technofossils: Unprecedented legacy left behind by humans
Date: March 25, 2014
Source: University of Leicester
Summary: Scientists suggest that the fossil impact humans have made on the planet is vast and unprecedented in nature -- and that there's been nothing remotely like it since the Earth formed, over four and half billion years ago. The researchers argue that, like dinosaurs, who left their bones and footprints behind for future generations to discover, humans will also leave a footprint behind -- one made up of material goods unique to humankind that are so different from anything else produced by animals in the history of Earth that they deserve their own name: technofossils.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/03/140325094806.htm
***From Twitter:
Retweeted by Lillian Cohen-Moore
UEL ARAMCHEK @ThePatanoiac "Specifically, I'm an umbratarian." She cut another slice from the smoky black slab. "I don't eat the flesh of animals, just their shadows."
Saturday, March 29, 2014
Thursday March 27, 2014 Joined LinkedIn. I'd gotten an invitation to join someone's network.
Once I joined, turned out several other people I knew were on LinkedIn.
I quickly got invites from some people I didn't know and hadn't heard of.
Next: figure out how LinkedIn can be useful to me.
***Adult Children Anonymous meeting. Learned something I needed.
The topic was making amends. In discussion, someone brought up making amends to one's body.
***From Twitter:
Retweeted by Kory Stamper
Colleen Barry @CopyCurmudgeon I strongly support word-makeupification.
Retweeted by Blake Hounshell
New York Times World @nytimesworld At least one artist whose name appeared on petition hailing annexation of Crimea was dead. http://nyti.ms/1iE31iD
Retweeted by William Gibson
MattHardigree @MattHardigree "I was coming off of amphetamine and I was pursuing a blonde lady whom I met in a Nazi poster" -- Leonard Cohen
Start Your Novel @StartYourNovel "Progressive rock songs are actually fairy tales in disguise." http://tmblr.co/Z7JSKp1BM-nYC via @lolmythesis
Once I joined, turned out several other people I knew were on LinkedIn.
I quickly got invites from some people I didn't know and hadn't heard of.
Next: figure out how LinkedIn can be useful to me.
***Adult Children Anonymous meeting. Learned something I needed.
The topic was making amends. In discussion, someone brought up making amends to one's body.
***From Twitter:
Retweeted by Kory Stamper
Colleen Barry @CopyCurmudgeon I strongly support word-makeupification.
Retweeted by Blake Hounshell
New York Times World @nytimesworld At least one artist whose name appeared on petition hailing annexation of Crimea was dead. http://nyti.ms/1iE31iD
Retweeted by William Gibson
MattHardigree @MattHardigree "I was coming off of amphetamine and I was pursuing a blonde lady whom I met in a Nazi poster" -- Leonard Cohen
Start Your Novel @StartYourNovel "Progressive rock songs are actually fairy tales in disguise." http://tmblr.co/Z7JSKp1BM-nYC via @lolmythesis
Thursday, March 27, 2014
Monday March 24, 2014 Started drafting a future. One I would find plausible long enough to set stories there.
Some of my assumptions: 1) There isn't going to be "the end of history" -- a time when society is properly organized and everyone is rational. There won't be an end to wars and other waste motion.
2) Cosmology and physics will not achieve The Final Theory That Explains Everything.
3) There will be unexpected social and technological changes. But things which are obviously going to change won't.
4) Spaceships are not going to be run just like sailing ships.
***From sciencedaily.com:
Electric 'thinking cap' controls learning speed
Date: March 23, 2014
Source: Vanderbilt University
Summary: Caffeine-fueled cram sessions are routine occurrences on any college campus. But what if there was a better, safer way to learn new or difficult material more quickly? What if "thinking caps" were real? Scientists have now shown that it is possible to selectively manipulate our ability to learn through the application of a mild electrical current to the brain, and that this effect can be enhanced or depressed depending on the direction of the current.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/03/140323171904.htm
Some of my assumptions: 1) There isn't going to be "the end of history" -- a time when society is properly organized and everyone is rational. There won't be an end to wars and other waste motion.
2) Cosmology and physics will not achieve The Final Theory That Explains Everything.
3) There will be unexpected social and technological changes. But things which are obviously going to change won't.
4) Spaceships are not going to be run just like sailing ships.
***From sciencedaily.com:
Electric 'thinking cap' controls learning speed
Date: March 23, 2014
Source: Vanderbilt University
Summary: Caffeine-fueled cram sessions are routine occurrences on any college campus. But what if there was a better, safer way to learn new or difficult material more quickly? What if "thinking caps" were real? Scientists have now shown that it is possible to selectively manipulate our ability to learn through the application of a mild electrical current to the brain, and that this effect can be enhanced or depressed depending on the direction of the current.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/03/140323171904.htm
Monday, March 24, 2014
Thursday March 13, 2014 Comments of Comment:
kevrob: There's a $T [Dollar Tree] near the gas station I use on my way home from work, and another just as I turn onto the last thoroughfare I take before pulling into my driveway.
I always find small quantities there much cheaper than I would find them elsewhere, such as a supermarket or convenience store. There are good deals on brand name toiletries, frex. I'm only buying for myself, so I appreciate spending $1 on, say, a stick of deodorant or a can of shaving cream when another store would charge me $3, or give me the same per unit price, but only if I purchased in bulk. Since both stores are close by supermarkets I shop at, if I don't like the price on, say,facial tissue, I know where I can get a 120-count box of Scotties for a buck.
I carry a 3-AAA battery LED flashlight with me that $T sells. Flashlight=$1, 4-pack of alkaline batteries = $1. The thing is cheaper than "disposable" flashes sold elsewhere, and if I lend it out and don't get it back, lose it or break the demned thing, I still have gotten my money's worth. The place is HQ for the /c/h/e/a/p/s/k/a/t/e/ frugal bachelor outfitting his quarters. Then again, I shop places like Goodwill.
I echo the mention of Big!Lots. There's a New England chain called Ocean State Job Lot that's good, too. Just installed new RainX wipers on my car. OSJL sold me a pair for $10. Both of those stores sell a lot more, and more expensive items than a dollar store, but also plenty of $1-ish items. OSJL has a great spice wall: small containers of just about anything I'd want for a buck apiece.
Also, 40 count boxes of Barry's Tea Bags (Irish Breakfast or Gold) show up regularly, along with Newman's Own cookies, and various inexpensive imported pastas. An old housemate of mine can't eat gluten. He was hurting himself making himself regular pasta, because the gluten-free stuff was too expensive. The Pasta del Oro (made from corn) I found there for him solved that problem. There also one of the few places that regularly has affordable wild rice, and not only mixed with brown rice, but just by itself.
***From politicalwire.com:
Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX) said the U.S. Constitution is 400 years old, TPM reports.
Said Lee: "Frankly, maybe I should offer a good thanks to the distinguished members of the majority, the Republicans, my chairman, and others for giving us an opportunity to have a deliberative constitutional discussion that reinforces the sanctity of this nation and how well it is that we have lasted some 400 years, operating under a Constitution that clearly defines what is constitutional and what is not."
***From Twitter:
Weird History @historyweird 1967: "Stuffed girl's heads" - because no bar or living room would be complete without a memento of your "conquests". http://twitpic.com/dy7xtc
kevrob: There's a $T [Dollar Tree] near the gas station I use on my way home from work, and another just as I turn onto the last thoroughfare I take before pulling into my driveway.
I always find small quantities there much cheaper than I would find them elsewhere, such as a supermarket or convenience store. There are good deals on brand name toiletries, frex. I'm only buying for myself, so I appreciate spending $1 on, say, a stick of deodorant or a can of shaving cream when another store would charge me $3, or give me the same per unit price, but only if I purchased in bulk. Since both stores are close by supermarkets I shop at, if I don't like the price on, say,facial tissue, I know where I can get a 120-count box of Scotties for a buck.
I carry a 3-AAA battery LED flashlight with me that $T sells. Flashlight=$1, 4-pack of alkaline batteries = $1. The thing is cheaper than "disposable" flashes sold elsewhere, and if I lend it out and don't get it back, lose it or break the demned thing, I still have gotten my money's worth. The place is HQ for the /c/h/e/a/p/s/k/a/t/e/ frugal bachelor outfitting his quarters. Then again, I shop places like Goodwill.
I echo the mention of Big!Lots. There's a New England chain called Ocean State Job Lot that's good, too. Just installed new RainX wipers on my car. OSJL sold me a pair for $10. Both of those stores sell a lot more, and more expensive items than a dollar store, but also plenty of $1-ish items. OSJL has a great spice wall: small containers of just about anything I'd want for a buck apiece.
Also, 40 count boxes of Barry's Tea Bags (Irish Breakfast or Gold) show up regularly, along with Newman's Own cookies, and various inexpensive imported pastas. An old housemate of mine can't eat gluten. He was hurting himself making himself regular pasta, because the gluten-free stuff was too expensive. The Pasta del Oro (made from corn) I found there for him solved that problem. There also one of the few places that regularly has affordable wild rice, and not only mixed with brown rice, but just by itself.
***From politicalwire.com:
Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX) said the U.S. Constitution is 400 years old, TPM reports.
Said Lee: "Frankly, maybe I should offer a good thanks to the distinguished members of the majority, the Republicans, my chairman, and others for giving us an opportunity to have a deliberative constitutional discussion that reinforces the sanctity of this nation and how well it is that we have lasted some 400 years, operating under a Constitution that clearly defines what is constitutional and what is not."
***From Twitter:
Weird History @historyweird 1967: "Stuffed girl's heads" - because no bar or living room would be complete without a memento of your "conquests". http://twitpic.com/dy7xtc
Tuesday, March 11, 2014
Monday March 10, 2014 Warm; up to 49F (9.44...C). I went outside wearing a sweater. Took it off after a while; put it back on in the evening.
Some people wore winter coats. One man wore a short-sleeved shirt.
***Comments of Comment:
thnidu 3/8/14: Subject: the Oscar Mayer smellophone
How does it give off SCENT?
[There's an attachment -- not exactly free -- which does it with the help of scent cartridges. I suspect it would be simpler and cheaper to rig up something to light scented candles. Twenty years from now, it might be a standard function of smartphones.]
***From sciencedaily.com:
First animals oxygenated Earth's oceans, study suggests
Date: March 9, 2014
Source: University of Exeter
Summary:
The evolution of the first animals may have oxygenated Earth's oceans -- contrary to the traditional view that a rise in oxygen triggered their development. New research contests the long held belief that oxygenation of the atmosphere and oceans was a pre-requisite for the evolution of complex life forms. The study builds on the recent work of scientists in Denmark who found that sponges -- the first animals to evolve -- require only small amounts of oxygen.
<www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/03/140309150540.htm>.
***From Twitter:
Bruce Lansky @BabyNameNews The Most Popular Names in Canadian Provinces and Territories http://ow.ly/urHuN #CanadianNames
Some people wore winter coats. One man wore a short-sleeved shirt.
***Comments of Comment:
thnidu 3/8/14: Subject: the Oscar Mayer smellophone
How does it give off SCENT?
[There's an attachment -- not exactly free -- which does it with the help of scent cartridges. I suspect it would be simpler and cheaper to rig up something to light scented candles. Twenty years from now, it might be a standard function of smartphones.]
***From sciencedaily.com:
First animals oxygenated Earth's oceans, study suggests
Date: March 9, 2014
Source: University of Exeter
Summary:
The evolution of the first animals may have oxygenated Earth's oceans -- contrary to the traditional view that a rise in oxygen triggered their development. New research contests the long held belief that oxygenation of the atmosphere and oceans was a pre-requisite for the evolution of complex life forms. The study builds on the recent work of scientists in Denmark who found that sponges -- the first animals to evolve -- require only small amounts of oxygen.
<www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/03/140309150540.htm>.
***From Twitter:
Bruce Lansky @BabyNameNews The Most Popular Names in Canadian Provinces and Territories http://ow.ly/urHuN #CanadianNames
Monday, March 10, 2014
Friday March 7, 2014 Demonstrators against the former Ukrainian government were zombies. More precisely: according to a Crimean separatist interviewed by Canadian radio news program As It Happens, they'd been given drugs which took away their free will.
***I shopped at Dollar Tree -- which, unlike other dollar stores, actually prices things at a dollar (sometimes less.)
Food giveaway at Community Emergency Services.
Saturday March 8, 2014 "Some of the rewards of the inclusion of this bilateral relationship await the reader of the footnotes, as when Langley observes that when the U.S. War Department was preparing its filing-cabinet plan for a possible invasion of Canada in the 1930s, it issued a request for maps of western Canada to the Canadian authorities. (Presumably, the request did not include the rationale.)"
Max Paul Friedman. Review of Langley, Lester D., _America and the Americas: The United States in the Western Hemisphere_.
H-LatAm, H-Net Reviews. March, 2014.
URL: https://www.h-net.org/reviews/showrev.php?id=31891
***Mail: Minicon 49 Progress Report 2 (resent after Postal Service screwed up.)
Suggested programming includes: Atheist Writing Panel. Apparently, no one suggested Christian, pagan, Jewish, etc. writing panels.
Rock & Roll in Speculative Fiction -- It's Hip to Be Square. I don't think rock is the music of the future; but not all spec-fic is set in the future.
I won't be at Minicon this year. I do expect to be at next year's Minicon.
***I shopped at Dollar Tree -- which, unlike other dollar stores, actually prices things at a dollar (sometimes less.)
Food giveaway at Community Emergency Services.
Saturday March 8, 2014 "Some of the rewards of the inclusion of this bilateral relationship await the reader of the footnotes, as when Langley observes that when the U.S. War Department was preparing its filing-cabinet plan for a possible invasion of Canada in the 1930s, it issued a request for maps of western Canada to the Canadian authorities. (Presumably, the request did not include the rationale.)"
Max Paul Friedman. Review of Langley, Lester D., _America and the Americas: The United States in the Western Hemisphere_.
H-LatAm, H-Net Reviews. March, 2014.
URL: https://www.h-net.org/reviews/showrev.php?id=31891
***Mail: Minicon 49 Progress Report 2 (resent after Postal Service screwed up.)
Suggested programming includes: Atheist Writing Panel. Apparently, no one suggested Christian, pagan, Jewish, etc. writing panels.
Rock & Roll in Speculative Fiction -- It's Hip to Be Square. I don't think rock is the music of the future; but not all spec-fic is set in the future.
I won't be at Minicon this year. I do expect to be at next year's Minicon.
Saturday, March 8, 2014
Thursday March 6, 2014 From sciencedaily.com: Robotic prosthesis turns drummer into a three-armed cyborg
Date: March 6, 2014
Source: Georgia Institute of Technology
Summary: Scientists have created a robotic drumming prosthesis with motors that power two drumsticks. The first stick is controlled both physically by the musicians’ arms and electronically using electromyography (EMG) muscle sensors. The other stick 'listens' to the music being played and improvises.
***Shopped at the Wedge Coop and Steeple People Thrift Store.
Attended Adult Children Anonymous meeting.
***From minnpost.com:
Rachel Stassen-Berger of the Strib covers that diversity endorsement by the GOP for the House seat held by DFL Rep. Phyllis Kahn: "Over the weekend, local Minneapolis Republicans endorsed Abdimalik Mohamed Askar in his run for state House in Minneapolis. His name might be familiar: he ran for president of Somalia a few years ago. Republican Party chair Keith Downey said he is the first Somali-American the party has backed."
***From news.google.com:
In a brazen attempt to "bring home the bacon," meat producer Oscar Mayer has come up with an iPhone app that doubles as an alarm clock and gives off the sound and scent of sizzling slices of pig loin and belly.
San Jose Mercury News
Written by Pat May
Date: March 6, 2014
Source: Georgia Institute of Technology
Summary: Scientists have created a robotic drumming prosthesis with motors that power two drumsticks. The first stick is controlled both physically by the musicians’ arms and electronically using electromyography (EMG) muscle sensors. The other stick 'listens' to the music being played and improvises.
***Shopped at the Wedge Coop and Steeple People Thrift Store.
Attended Adult Children Anonymous meeting.
***From minnpost.com:
Rachel Stassen-Berger of the Strib covers that diversity endorsement by the GOP for the House seat held by DFL Rep. Phyllis Kahn: "Over the weekend, local Minneapolis Republicans endorsed Abdimalik Mohamed Askar in his run for state House in Minneapolis. His name might be familiar: he ran for president of Somalia a few years ago. Republican Party chair Keith Downey said he is the first Somali-American the party has backed."
***From news.google.com:
In a brazen attempt to "bring home the bacon," meat producer Oscar Mayer has come up with an iPhone app that doubles as an alarm clock and gives off the sound and scent of sizzling slices of pig loin and belly.
San Jose Mercury News
Written by Pat May
Thursday, March 6, 2014
Tuesday March 4, 2014 Mardi Gras. For those giving up marijuana for Lent, Mardi Grass?
Comments of Comment:
Lee Gold 3/3/14: My parents got married in 1938, during the Depression.
My mother was 24; my father was 30.
I was born about four years later, after they'd built themselves a house.
[My parents married during WW II, and I was born not long after. I remember an elementary school teacher exclaiming we were the largest class she'd ever taught. I wonder how she reacted when the Boomers came along a few years later.]
My mother died at 85 after a lot of problems caused by the radiation that had cured of her cancer some twenty years earlier. (The cancer was probably caused by a doctor giving her estrogen to help her with hot flashes.)
My mother's mother was supposedly born in 1890 (but my mother said she lied about her age to make it seem she was younger than her husband, born in 1887, when she was actually a year older), so she had her first child in 1913 when she was nominally 23 but really 27. (She was born in Russia on the first night of Chanukkah and didn't know the secular date.) My grandmother died at about 90.
The first night of Chanukah in 1890 was December 6th.
The first night of Chanukah in 1886 was December 21st.
[My paternal grandfather knew the year in the secular calendar, and the month and date in the Jewish calendar. Some decades later, someone in the family figured out when he was born.]
Comments of Comment:
Lee Gold 3/3/14: My parents got married in 1938, during the Depression.
My mother was 24; my father was 30.
I was born about four years later, after they'd built themselves a house.
[My parents married during WW II, and I was born not long after. I remember an elementary school teacher exclaiming we were the largest class she'd ever taught. I wonder how she reacted when the Boomers came along a few years later.]
My mother died at 85 after a lot of problems caused by the radiation that had cured of her cancer some twenty years earlier. (The cancer was probably caused by a doctor giving her estrogen to help her with hot flashes.)
My mother's mother was supposedly born in 1890 (but my mother said she lied about her age to make it seem she was younger than her husband, born in 1887, when she was actually a year older), so she had her first child in 1913 when she was nominally 23 but really 27. (She was born in Russia on the first night of Chanukkah and didn't know the secular date.) My grandmother died at about 90.
The first night of Chanukah in 1890 was December 6th.
The first night of Chanukah in 1886 was December 21st.
[My paternal grandfather knew the year in the secular calendar, and the month and date in the Jewish calendar. Some decades later, someone in the family figured out when he was born.]
Monday, March 3, 2014
Saturday March 1, 2014 Got my zine for Link Online sent off, including "Some Their Gold, and Some Their Gear, and Some Their Maidenhead." Also sent the story to the Writers list.
***Comments of Comment:
novapsyche, 2/27/14: My mother had her first child very young, at 18. That child, my sister, had her only child at age 19. Her son had his first (probably not only) child at 21. Thus, my mother is a great grandmother in her 60s while my sister became a grandmother at the age of 40.
***In newsletter from Foreign Affairs, 2/27/14:
Crimean Punishment
Why Russia Won't Invade Ukraine
By Kimberly Marten
When it comes to Russia and Ukraine, Western policymakers are most worried about two possible scenarios: First, that Russia would embargo gas to Ukraine, and second, that it would invade Ukraine’s Crimean peninsula. But neither is likely. Here's...
***From sciencedaily.com:
How Earth might have looked: How a failed Saharan Atlantic Ocean rift zone sculped [sic] Africa's margin
Date: February 28, 2014
Source: Helmholtz Centre Potsdam - GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences
Summary: Break-up of the supercontinent Gondwana about 130 Million years ago could have led to a completely different shape of the African and South American continent with an ocean south of today’s Sahara desert, as geoscientists have shown through the use of sophisticated plate tectonic and three-dimensional numerical modelling.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/02/140228210545.htm
***From Twitter:
Retweeted by Ray Radlein
Atrios @Atrios "The people of the Ukraine need us. They have been cut off from the world. Only Bitcoin can reach them." sigh
***Comments of Comment:
novapsyche, 2/27/14: My mother had her first child very young, at 18. That child, my sister, had her only child at age 19. Her son had his first (probably not only) child at 21. Thus, my mother is a great grandmother in her 60s while my sister became a grandmother at the age of 40.
***In newsletter from Foreign Affairs, 2/27/14:
Crimean Punishment
Why Russia Won't Invade Ukraine
By Kimberly Marten
When it comes to Russia and Ukraine, Western policymakers are most worried about two possible scenarios: First, that Russia would embargo gas to Ukraine, and second, that it would invade Ukraine’s Crimean peninsula. But neither is likely. Here's...
***From sciencedaily.com:
How Earth might have looked: How a failed Saharan Atlantic Ocean rift zone sculped [sic] Africa's margin
Date: February 28, 2014
Source: Helmholtz Centre Potsdam - GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences
Summary: Break-up of the supercontinent Gondwana about 130 Million years ago could have led to a completely different shape of the African and South American continent with an ocean south of today’s Sahara desert, as geoscientists have shown through the use of sophisticated plate tectonic and three-dimensional numerical modelling.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/02/140228210545.htm
***From Twitter:
Retweeted by Ray Radlein
Atrios @Atrios "The people of the Ukraine need us. They have been cut off from the world. Only Bitcoin can reach them." sigh
Saturday, March 1, 2014
Thursday February 27, 2014 Adult Children Anonymous meeting.
***Comments of Comment:
Lee Gold 2/27/14: Do you *feel* your head hair being black?
Or just look at your head hair now and then in a mirror?
If the latter (as I assume), how often a day?
(How soon do you think you'd notice if the mirror started lying?)
[I see myself in the bathroom mirror at least once a day. If my hair started turning white, I would notice. Unless the whitening started in back.]
I look at myself in a mirror perhaps once a week, and then I ignore my hair color, because I know it's been dyed reddish brown to please Barry.
"How old do you feel" for me depends on my level of energy and pain.
If I have enough energy to get stuff done, then I don't feel old.
[My energy level is higher; less energy wasted on tension and worry. My pain level is considerably lower; less muscular tension, allergy symptoms under better control.]
***From Twitter:
Forbes Tech News @ForbesTech Google is paying for San Francisco's low-income kids to ride the (public) bus for free http://onforb.es/1htw8o2
R.L. Ripples @TweetsofOld A man at Trenton found 400 lbs of honey in a hollow and, scraping out the honey, an oyster can with $280 in gold in it. MO1887
***Comments of Comment:
Lee Gold 2/27/14: Do you *feel* your head hair being black?
Or just look at your head hair now and then in a mirror?
If the latter (as I assume), how often a day?
(How soon do you think you'd notice if the mirror started lying?)
[I see myself in the bathroom mirror at least once a day. If my hair started turning white, I would notice. Unless the whitening started in back.]
I look at myself in a mirror perhaps once a week, and then I ignore my hair color, because I know it's been dyed reddish brown to please Barry.
"How old do you feel" for me depends on my level of energy and pain.
If I have enough energy to get stuff done, then I don't feel old.
[My energy level is higher; less energy wasted on tension and worry. My pain level is considerably lower; less muscular tension, allergy symptoms under better control.]
***From Twitter:
Forbes Tech News @ForbesTech Google is paying for San Francisco's low-income kids to ride the (public) bus for free http://onforb.es/1htw8o2
R.L. Ripples @TweetsofOld A man at Trenton found 400 lbs of honey in a hollow and, scraping out the honey, an oyster can with $280 in gold in it. MO1887
Thursday, February 27, 2014
Tuesday February 25, 2014 The University of Minnesota Law School has a hockey team called the Fighting Mondales. And a chess club called the Fighting Pawndales.
***Comments of Comment:
Lee Gold 2/24/14: "Thursday February 20, 2014 My birthday. I don't feel 71 years old."
Congratulations anyway.
Now close your eyes and imagine: "How old does 71 years feel?"
I remember sometime in the mid-1950s some public service announcement trying to get people to re-imagine age. "What does a grandmother look like?" the nice man's voice asked, and showed a white-haired lady in a wheelchair, knitting.
Then it showed a busy woman, shopping. "This is a grandmother," the nice man's voice said, and showed clips of her busy life, ending up with her going to a party with adult children and teenaged grandchildren -- and her mother, who was the white-haired lady in a wheelchair.
When people have told me now and then, "You don't look [fill in the age]," I tell them, "This is exactly how I look at that age." (I turned 71 on October 7th, 2013.)
Reply: My head hair is black. My maternal grandfather's hair stayed black till the end of his life. But I first grew a beard at 26 or so; and it had some gray in it.
***From Facebook:
Tweets of Old
Girls, you had better hustle to keep pace with one 15-year old Maine maiden who drives oxen, studies Latin, and runs a saw-mill. VA1910
***From Twitter:
Susan Cosmos @SusanCosmos "The only thing we know about the future is that it is going to be different." - Peter Drucker #quote
***Comments of Comment:
Lee Gold 2/24/14: "Thursday February 20, 2014 My birthday. I don't feel 71 years old."
Congratulations anyway.
Now close your eyes and imagine: "How old does 71 years feel?"
I remember sometime in the mid-1950s some public service announcement trying to get people to re-imagine age. "What does a grandmother look like?" the nice man's voice asked, and showed a white-haired lady in a wheelchair, knitting.
Then it showed a busy woman, shopping. "This is a grandmother," the nice man's voice said, and showed clips of her busy life, ending up with her going to a party with adult children and teenaged grandchildren -- and her mother, who was the white-haired lady in a wheelchair.
When people have told me now and then, "You don't look [fill in the age]," I tell them, "This is exactly how I look at that age." (I turned 71 on October 7th, 2013.)
Reply: My head hair is black. My maternal grandfather's hair stayed black till the end of his life. But I first grew a beard at 26 or so; and it had some gray in it.
***From Facebook:
Tweets of Old
Girls, you had better hustle to keep pace with one 15-year old Maine maiden who drives oxen, studies Latin, and runs a saw-mill. VA1910
***From Twitter:
Susan Cosmos @SusanCosmos "The only thing we know about the future is that it is going to be different." - Peter Drucker #quote
Tuesday, February 25, 2014
Monday February 24, 2014 "Finally, in my survey of world history in the two centuries following the fall of the Bastille, I come to the question of why the workers never took over the idea of revolution."
Kenneth Minogue, "What if Karl Marx Had Drowned in a Cross-Channel Ferry Accident (1847)" In Nelson W. Polsby (ed.), What If. The Lewis Publishing Company, 1982
Historical point of divergence: Karl Marx died before writing a complete exposition of his theories. Which meant there was no adequate theory for working class revolution, and no such revolution could occur.
I place this in the "If roosters didn't crow, the Sun wouldn't rise" category. Factory workers would have adapted some other philosophy to their needs.
As peasants have done with Marxism in our timeline. As groups across political and social spectrums have done with Christianity and other religions.
***The University of Minnesota's Metro-area campuses will go smoke-free in July. The ban will include electronic cigarettes.
***From minnpost.org:
"Fake" ... Twitter followers? Nick Winkler of KSTP-TV writes: "5 EYEWITNESS NEWS audited high profile politicians in Minnesota and found they have thousands of fake twitter followers. For instance, approximately 6,000 of Governor Mark Dayton's twitter followers are not real. We checked and candidates for the Republican nominee for Governor have fake followers as well."
***From Twitter:
Brainwave Architect™ @brainwavetweets You will either step forward into growth or you will step back into safety. ~ Abraham Maslow.
Kenneth Minogue, "What if Karl Marx Had Drowned in a Cross-Channel Ferry Accident (1847)" In Nelson W. Polsby (ed.), What If. The Lewis Publishing Company, 1982
Historical point of divergence: Karl Marx died before writing a complete exposition of his theories. Which meant there was no adequate theory for working class revolution, and no such revolution could occur.
I place this in the "If roosters didn't crow, the Sun wouldn't rise" category. Factory workers would have adapted some other philosophy to their needs.
As peasants have done with Marxism in our timeline. As groups across political and social spectrums have done with Christianity and other religions.
***The University of Minnesota's Metro-area campuses will go smoke-free in July. The ban will include electronic cigarettes.
***From minnpost.org:
"Fake" ... Twitter followers? Nick Winkler of KSTP-TV writes: "5 EYEWITNESS NEWS audited high profile politicians in Minnesota and found they have thousands of fake twitter followers. For instance, approximately 6,000 of Governor Mark Dayton's twitter followers are not real. We checked and candidates for the Republican nominee for Governor have fake followers as well."
***From Twitter:
Brainwave Architect™ @brainwavetweets You will either step forward into growth or you will step back into safety. ~ Abraham Maslow.
Monday, February 24, 2014
Saturday February 22, 2014 "Ada [Lovelace] and [Charles] Babbage tried to apply their mathematical skills to predicting the outcome of horse races, and Ada died deeply in debt."Julia Cresswell, Naming Your Baby; entry for Ada.
I recommend this book. Partly for asides such as this one. Mostly because when there are conflicting explanations of a name's origin, or the standard explanation is dubious, Cresswell says so. And there's a good bibliography of books and websites.
***From Friday's minnpost.org:
We’re No. 40! And I know why … City Pages' Aaron Rupar writes: "[A] sexual stamina study uses data from Spreadsheets, a mobile app that 'monitors data from user's movement and audio levels through the accelerometer and microphone to provide statistical and visual analysis of their performance in bed,' according to its website. … Anyway, using data from 10,000 users, Spreadsheets broke down the relative stamina of each state, and it turns out Minnesota is home to a bunch of two-pump chumps. Here are the results:
38. Oklahoma — (2:21)
39. Colorado — (2:21)
40. Minnesota — (2:19)
41. Ohio — (2:18)
42. Louisiana — (2:17)
43. Kentucky — (2:14)."
Do they have any idea how exhausted we are from shoveling snow?
I recommend this book. Partly for asides such as this one. Mostly because when there are conflicting explanations of a name's origin, or the standard explanation is dubious, Cresswell says so. And there's a good bibliography of books and websites.
***From Friday's minnpost.org:
We’re No. 40! And I know why … City Pages' Aaron Rupar writes: "[A] sexual stamina study uses data from Spreadsheets, a mobile app that 'monitors data from user's movement and audio levels through the accelerometer and microphone to provide statistical and visual analysis of their performance in bed,' according to its website. … Anyway, using data from 10,000 users, Spreadsheets broke down the relative stamina of each state, and it turns out Minnesota is home to a bunch of two-pump chumps. Here are the results:
38. Oklahoma — (2:21)
39. Colorado — (2:21)
40. Minnesota — (2:19)
41. Ohio — (2:18)
42. Louisiana — (2:17)
43. Kentucky — (2:14)."
Do they have any idea how exhausted we are from shoveling snow?
Thursday February 20, 2014 My birthday. I don't feel 71 years old.
"June or July?," someone asked as I looked at a pile of snow taller than my head.
He meant when I thought the snow would be gone.
"June," I said. "But I'm an optimist."
***Shopped at Steeple People Thrift Store.
***Someone blessed me in Jesus' name. I thanked him. (Later, occurred to me I could have thanked him for the birthday present.)
***Adult Children Anonymous meeting. Rather smaller than usual, due to bad weather.
***On the bus home, one non-American was explaining to another that in the US it's customary for bus passengers to sit in each others' laps.
***Comments of comment:
seawasp 2/18/14: We aren't even sure how to MEASURE the actual computing power of the human brain; heck, I just saw articles claiming a revival of the "quantum structures involved with human thinking" which would utterly change any of the estimates, and even the existing estimates are equal parts barely-justified assumptions and handwaving. So I'm doubtful on that 2050 date.
Especially since even if I assume Moore's Law holds through that date, I'm only getting the typical computer being roughly one million times more powerful in 2050 than the typical computer today, which would imply that a typical computer today has the computing power of 7,000 human brains.
Reply: If people like you were right, we wouldn't have had Mars colonies by 1970. And we'd still have ground cars instead of aircars.
Lee Gold 2/19/14: FWIW, I think I'm a liberal (or at least a yellow dog Democrat) and I prefer B&W cocker scandals to cats.
Reply: I took the quiz, and scored as 58% conservative. This is unlikely to be accurate.
al_zorra 2/19/14: Happy Birthday! I hope it's thawing where you are.
Here, it's thawing and raining upon the piles of filthy snow and lagoons of dirty slush. Much, much better than snow and below freezing temperatures.
Reply: Above freezing temperatures. But sleet mixed with rain, followed by much more snow.
[Screen reader warning: next three paragraphs aren't in English.]
Mpls Snow Emergency @MinneapolisSnow Lub zos Minneapolis tau txiav txim tso xov hais tias yuav muaj kev thob dau ceev. Hu rau. http://www.minneapolismn.gov/snow/hmoob/index.htm … … (Snow info, Hmong)
Mpls Snow Emergency @MinneapolisSnow Minneapolis waxay ku dhawaaqday gurmad baraf. Fadlan wac (612) 348-7669. http://www.minneapolismn.gov/snow/somaaliga/ (Snow Emergency info, Somali)
City of Minneapolis @CityMinneapolis La Ciudad de Minneapolis ha declarado una Emergencia por Nevada. (612) 348-7669 y pulse 2 http://www.minneapolismn.gov/snow/español (Snow info, spanish)
***From politicalwire.com:
"The Constitution mandates that the minimum age to serve in the U.S. House is 25. That won't be a problem for Joe Newman," USA Today reports.
"Newman, 101, is seeking the House seat held by Rep. Vern Buchanan (R-FL) as a write-in candidate."
***From Twitter:
LiveScience @LiveScience Has someone finally decoded the mysterious #Voynich manuscript? http://oak.ctx.ly/r/qafl pic.twitter.com/1bbkH7NoN6
Dan Goodman @dsgood Give atheists same right to refuse service to religiously-married couples #tellusatoday
(Context: proposed Arizona law allowing restaurant owners etc. to refuse to serve same-sex couples on religious grounds.)
"June or July?," someone asked as I looked at a pile of snow taller than my head.
He meant when I thought the snow would be gone.
"June," I said. "But I'm an optimist."
***Shopped at Steeple People Thrift Store.
***Someone blessed me in Jesus' name. I thanked him. (Later, occurred to me I could have thanked him for the birthday present.)
***Adult Children Anonymous meeting. Rather smaller than usual, due to bad weather.
***On the bus home, one non-American was explaining to another that in the US it's customary for bus passengers to sit in each others' laps.
***Comments of comment:
seawasp 2/18/14: We aren't even sure how to MEASURE the actual computing power of the human brain; heck, I just saw articles claiming a revival of the "quantum structures involved with human thinking" which would utterly change any of the estimates, and even the existing estimates are equal parts barely-justified assumptions and handwaving. So I'm doubtful on that 2050 date.
Especially since even if I assume Moore's Law holds through that date, I'm only getting the typical computer being roughly one million times more powerful in 2050 than the typical computer today, which would imply that a typical computer today has the computing power of 7,000 human brains.
Reply: If people like you were right, we wouldn't have had Mars colonies by 1970. And we'd still have ground cars instead of aircars.
Lee Gold 2/19/14: FWIW, I think I'm a liberal (or at least a yellow dog Democrat) and I prefer B&W cocker scandals to cats.
Reply: I took the quiz, and scored as 58% conservative. This is unlikely to be accurate.
al_zorra 2/19/14: Happy Birthday! I hope it's thawing where you are.
Here, it's thawing and raining upon the piles of filthy snow and lagoons of dirty slush. Much, much better than snow and below freezing temperatures.
Reply: Above freezing temperatures. But sleet mixed with rain, followed by much more snow.
[Screen reader warning: next three paragraphs aren't in English.]
Mpls Snow Emergency @MinneapolisSnow Lub zos Minneapolis tau txiav txim tso xov hais tias yuav muaj kev thob dau ceev. Hu rau. http://www.minneapolismn.gov/snow/hmoob/index.htm … … (Snow info, Hmong)
Mpls Snow Emergency @MinneapolisSnow Minneapolis waxay ku dhawaaqday gurmad baraf. Fadlan wac (612) 348-7669. http://www.minneapolismn.gov/snow/somaaliga/ (Snow Emergency info, Somali)
City of Minneapolis @CityMinneapolis La Ciudad de Minneapolis ha declarado una Emergencia por Nevada. (612) 348-7669 y pulse 2 http://www.minneapolismn.gov/snow/español (Snow info, spanish)
***From politicalwire.com:
"The Constitution mandates that the minimum age to serve in the U.S. House is 25. That won't be a problem for Joe Newman," USA Today reports.
"Newman, 101, is seeking the House seat held by Rep. Vern Buchanan (R-FL) as a write-in candidate."
***From Twitter:
LiveScience @LiveScience Has someone finally decoded the mysterious #Voynich manuscript? http://oak.ctx.ly/r/qafl pic.twitter.com/1bbkH7NoN6
Dan Goodman @dsgood Give atheists same right to refuse service to religiously-married couples #tellusatoday
(Context: proposed Arizona law allowing restaurant owners etc. to refuse to serve same-sex couples on religious grounds.)
Saturday, February 22, 2014
Wednesday February 19, 2014 Met Nate Bucklin for conversation at the Dunn Brothers coffee house in the Minneapolis Central Library building.
The Friends bookstore was having a 25-cent sale. I bought two name books.
***From politicalwire.com:
Missouri House Appropriations committee chairman Mike Lair (R) appropriated $8 "for two rolls of high density aluminum to create headgear designed to deflect drone and/or black helicopter mind reading and control technology," according to the Columbia Daily Tribune.
The money was tied to an amendment removing language barring the state from accepting federal grants to implement Common Core standards for public schools which some conservatives believe is President Obama's attempt to indoctrinate children.
Explained Lair: "Basically, when you deal with conspiracy theorists, you do logic first... If you can't deal with folks with logic, you use humor. This is to stop all the problems from the black helicopters and drones. This is high density foil."
***"Arguing that we need more carbon dioxide, not less, in the atmosphere," Utah state Rep. Jerry Anderson (R) "has proposed legislation that would limit the state's ability to regulate emissions of the greenhouse gas," the Salt Lake Tribune reports.
Said Anderson: "We are short of carbon dioxide for the needs of the plants. Concentrations reached 600 parts per million at the time of the dinosaurs and they did quite well. I think we could double the carbon dioxide and not have any adverse effects."
The Friends bookstore was having a 25-cent sale. I bought two name books.
***From politicalwire.com:
Missouri House Appropriations committee chairman Mike Lair (R) appropriated $8 "for two rolls of high density aluminum to create headgear designed to deflect drone and/or black helicopter mind reading and control technology," according to the Columbia Daily Tribune.
The money was tied to an amendment removing language barring the state from accepting federal grants to implement Common Core standards for public schools which some conservatives believe is President Obama's attempt to indoctrinate children.
Explained Lair: "Basically, when you deal with conspiracy theorists, you do logic first... If you can't deal with folks with logic, you use humor. This is to stop all the problems from the black helicopters and drones. This is high density foil."
***"Arguing that we need more carbon dioxide, not less, in the atmosphere," Utah state Rep. Jerry Anderson (R) "has proposed legislation that would limit the state's ability to regulate emissions of the greenhouse gas," the Salt Lake Tribune reports.
Said Anderson: "We are short of carbon dioxide for the needs of the plants. Concentrations reached 600 parts per million at the time of the dinosaurs and they did quite well. I think we could double the carbon dioxide and not have any adverse effects."
Wednesday, February 19, 2014
Tuesday February 18, 2014 Warm enough that I saw a man wearing shorts. Up to the mid-40s F.
To Southeast Library. Picked up hold: Jack Bickham, Setting.
On to the Wedge Coop.
Then to Steeple People Thrift Store. Bought two used golf balls for hand exercises, and an exercise band.
***From politicalwire.com:
Liberals Like Cats More Than Conservatives Do
A TIME survey found that preferences for pets or particular kinds of food can accurately predict partisanship.
"Loving cats may not make a person a liberal, but it does increase the odds that a person already is one. To see how accurate our survey was, we analyzed the data from 220,192 TIME readers who took the quiz and then volunteered their actual political preferences, and found that all 12 items did in fact predict partisanship correctly."
***From sciencedaily.com:
Theory on origin of animals challenged: Some animals need extremely little oxygen
Date: February 17, 2014
Source: University of Southern Denmark
Summary: One of science's strongest dogmas is that complex life on Earth could only evolve when oxygen levels in the atmosphere rose to close to modern levels. But now studies of a small sea sponge fished out of a Danish fjord shows that complex life does not need high levels of oxygen in order to live and grow.
To Southeast Library. Picked up hold: Jack Bickham, Setting.
On to the Wedge Coop.
Then to Steeple People Thrift Store. Bought two used golf balls for hand exercises, and an exercise band.
***From politicalwire.com:
Liberals Like Cats More Than Conservatives Do
A TIME survey found that preferences for pets or particular kinds of food can accurately predict partisanship.
"Loving cats may not make a person a liberal, but it does increase the odds that a person already is one. To see how accurate our survey was, we analyzed the data from 220,192 TIME readers who took the quiz and then volunteered their actual political preferences, and found that all 12 items did in fact predict partisanship correctly."
***From sciencedaily.com:
Theory on origin of animals challenged: Some animals need extremely little oxygen
Date: February 17, 2014
Source: University of Southern Denmark
Summary: One of science's strongest dogmas is that complex life on Earth could only evolve when oxygen levels in the atmosphere rose to close to modern levels. But now studies of a small sea sponge fished out of a Danish fjord shows that complex life does not need high levels of oxygen in order to live and grow.
Tuesday, February 18, 2014
Wednesday February 12, 2014 Non-allergenic love potion in one a day
capsules. (Permanent love potions have gone out of fashion.)
***To Waite House for this month's NAPS package (Nutritional Assistance Program for Seniors.) Took some stuff other recipients didn't want, gave away stuff I didn't want.
Also got food from the twice-monthly produce distribution.
***David Gerrold on Facebook: "And the good news is, I just sold a new story to F&SF. That Pesky Dan Goodman returns in this one and the results are ... hysterical."
***From Twitter:
MarkMillerITPro @MarkMillerITPro "By 2050 $1,000 worth of computing will have the power of all the human brains on the planet." -Jim Seifert, Cisco Canada CTO
Atlas Obscura @atlasobscura This #Singapore shrine is to an unnamed German girl who has become a local deity - http://bit.ly/1eStRCG
***From politicalwire.com:
Gay Republican Runs Ad with Same-Sex Partner
Wall Street Journal: "Carl DeMaio is one of three openly gay Republicans running for Congress this year, and he would be at least the third to serve in the House if he wins. But Mr. DeMaio on Thursday will take a step that none of them has, airing a campaign ad that features a shot of him with his same-sex partner."
***To Waite House for this month's NAPS package (Nutritional Assistance Program for Seniors.) Took some stuff other recipients didn't want, gave away stuff I didn't want.
Also got food from the twice-monthly produce distribution.
***David Gerrold on Facebook: "And the good news is, I just sold a new story to F&SF. That Pesky Dan Goodman returns in this one and the results are ... hysterical."
***From Twitter:
MarkMillerITPro @MarkMillerITPro "By 2050 $1,000 worth of computing will have the power of all the human brains on the planet." -Jim Seifert, Cisco Canada CTO
Atlas Obscura @atlasobscura This #Singapore shrine is to an unnamed German girl who has become a local deity - http://bit.ly/1eStRCG
***From politicalwire.com:
Gay Republican Runs Ad with Same-Sex Partner
Wall Street Journal: "Carl DeMaio is one of three openly gay Republicans running for Congress this year, and he would be at least the third to serve in the House if he wins. But Mr. DeMaio on Thursday will take a step that none of them has, airing a campaign ad that features a shot of him with his same-sex partner."
Saturday, February 15, 2014
Tuesday February 11, 2014 Comment of Comment:
Stardreamer 2/11/14: Note that Minnesota gets lots of snow regularly every winter. Atlanta gets a really bad storm once every 3 or 4 years. It makes a difference.
Reply: I'm aware of this. It still amuses me. And I suspect people in Arizona are amused when Minnesotans complain about unusually hot summer weather.
***Urban bees using plastic to build hives
Once the snow melts, bees will be back in business -- pollinating, making honey and keeping busy doing bee things. For at least two urban bee species, that means making nests out of plastic waste. A new study reveals that some bees use bits of plastic bags and plastic building materials to construct their nests.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/02/140211103340.htm
***From Twitter:
Matt Novak @paleofuture travel tip: only refer to san francisco by it's proper name "san fran" to show that you're hip and down with the local lingo
***From politicalwire.com:
Rep. Steve Stockman (R-TX) accused a group that supports Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) of lying about him, by asserting that he had been "jailed more than once" and was "charged with a felony," the Dallas Morning News reports.
"That is strange, because Stockman has admitted to these facts, several times."
The Texas Tribune broke the story and has Stockman's mugshot from 1977.
Stardreamer 2/11/14: Note that Minnesota gets lots of snow regularly every winter. Atlanta gets a really bad storm once every 3 or 4 years. It makes a difference.
Reply: I'm aware of this. It still amuses me. And I suspect people in Arizona are amused when Minnesotans complain about unusually hot summer weather.
***Urban bees using plastic to build hives
Once the snow melts, bees will be back in business -- pollinating, making honey and keeping busy doing bee things. For at least two urban bee species, that means making nests out of plastic waste. A new study reveals that some bees use bits of plastic bags and plastic building materials to construct their nests.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/02/140211103340.htm
***From Twitter:
Matt Novak @paleofuture travel tip: only refer to san francisco by it's proper name "san fran" to show that you're hip and down with the local lingo
***From politicalwire.com:
Rep. Steve Stockman (R-TX) accused a group that supports Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) of lying about him, by asserting that he had been "jailed more than once" and was "charged with a felony," the Dallas Morning News reports.
"That is strange, because Stockman has admitted to these facts, several times."
The Texas Tribune broke the story and has Stockman's mugshot from 1977.
Wednesday, February 12, 2014
Monday February 10, 2014 Steeple People Thrift Store has a $2 sale on some clothing and some furniture. I got a winter jacket slightly lighter than my bitter-cold one.
Steeple People's building is to be replaced by an apartment building; and they'll have inventory reduction sales till they find a place and move into it.
***From Twitter:
pourmecoffee @pourmecoffee Texas, ladies and gentlemen. "Police cite man dressed as banana carrying AK-47" http://www.click2houston.com/police-cite-man-dressed-as-banana-carrying-ak47/-/1736084/24388136/-/vs4cvuz/-/index.html … pic.twitter.com/9qJDHiLjqg
The Daily Galaxy @dailygalaxy "Alien Electromagnetic Signals Will Be Discovered by 2040" --SETI's Chief Astronomer http://goo.gl/ihVfrM
Language on the Move @Lg_on_the_Move As previously excluded people have gained access to higher ed, the privileged are shifting away from schooling http://ow.ly/tum1h
Which suggests a future in which the very rich are completely unschooled, and the merely rich don't go beyond elementary school.
Steeple People's building is to be replaced by an apartment building; and they'll have inventory reduction sales till they find a place and move into it.
***From Twitter:
pourmecoffee @pourmecoffee Texas, ladies and gentlemen. "Police cite man dressed as banana carrying AK-47" http://www.click2houston.com/police-cite-man-dressed-as-banana-carrying-ak47/-/1736084/24388136/-/vs4cvuz/-/index.html … pic.twitter.com/9qJDHiLjqg
The Daily Galaxy @dailygalaxy "Alien Electromagnetic Signals Will Be Discovered by 2040" --SETI's Chief Astronomer http://goo.gl/ihVfrM
Language on the Move @Lg_on_the_Move As previously excluded people have gained access to higher ed, the privileged are shifting away from schooling http://ow.ly/tum1h
Which suggests a future in which the very rich are completely unschooled, and the merely rich don't go beyond elementary school.
Tuesday, February 11, 2014
Saturday February 8, 2014 Worst Day of the Year Ride Canceled Because of Bad Weather
February 6
Riders won't ride through the hills with snow on them, but will take a shorter route through city streets and then party.
It's a moment that Portland cyclists will be living down for years, if not decades: the challenging portion of the 2014 Worst Day of the Year Ride, which had been scheduled for this Sunday, has been canceled because the weather will be bad.
By bad we mean that there will be as many as eight inches of snow on the ground in Portland. The ride is, of course, supposedly timed to the worst weather day of the year. And just yesterday, ride organizers were encouraging riders to "have no fear about the forecast."
http://www.wweek.com/portland/blog-31223-worst_day_of_the_year_ride_canceled_because_of_bad.html
Thanks to Jay Lake
***From Twitter:
Co.Exist @FastCoExist These fake eyelashes can control your TV. http://f-st.co/MDMlKmp pic.twitter.com/DK3tZAliLQ
Sunday February 9, 2014
***LONDON — The British immigration minister has resigned after revealing that his house cleaner of six years was living in the country illegally.
Mr. Harper, who had been leading a crackdown on illegal immigration in Britain, was an important part of a "go home" campaign, which included posters pasted on vans across the country encouraging illegal immigrants to leave the country.
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/02/10/world/europe/britains-immigration-minister-resigns-over-employing-illegal-immigrant.html?hp&_r=0
***From Twitter:
Retweeted by Lillian Cohen-Moore
89.3 KPCC @KPCC LAPD detectives say a witness to a murder early Sunday in #Koreatown ran the suspect down with his car http://kp.cc/1gcRIfS
February 6
Riders won't ride through the hills with snow on them, but will take a shorter route through city streets and then party.
It's a moment that Portland cyclists will be living down for years, if not decades: the challenging portion of the 2014 Worst Day of the Year Ride, which had been scheduled for this Sunday, has been canceled because the weather will be bad.
By bad we mean that there will be as many as eight inches of snow on the ground in Portland. The ride is, of course, supposedly timed to the worst weather day of the year. And just yesterday, ride organizers were encouraging riders to "have no fear about the forecast."
http://www.wweek.com/portland/blog-31223-worst_day_of_the_year_ride_canceled_because_of_bad.html
Thanks to Jay Lake
***From Twitter:
Co.Exist @FastCoExist These fake eyelashes can control your TV. http://f-st.co/MDMlKmp pic.twitter.com/DK3tZAliLQ
Sunday February 9, 2014
***LONDON — The British immigration minister has resigned after revealing that his house cleaner of six years was living in the country illegally.
Mr. Harper, who had been leading a crackdown on illegal immigration in Britain, was an important part of a "go home" campaign, which included posters pasted on vans across the country encouraging illegal immigrants to leave the country.
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/02/10/world/europe/britains-immigration-minister-resigns-over-employing-illegal-immigrant.html?hp&_r=0
***From Twitter:
Retweeted by Lillian Cohen-Moore
89.3 KPCC @KPCC LAPD detectives say a witness to a murder early Sunday in #Koreatown ran the suspect down with his car http://kp.cc/1gcRIfS
Monday, February 10, 2014
Friday February 7, 2014 "...he swears sex with others would simply be like going to the gym...." Advice column letter in Vita.mn (Twin Cities entertainment guide.)
***Comments of Comment:
Lee Gold 2/06/14: According to http://darulfiqh.com/is-it-permissible-to-consume-elephant-meat/
it is forbidden for Moslems to eat "fanged beasts of prey" and an elephant counts as a fanged beast.
"Although an elephant is different from other predatory animals in that it does not prey and live on other animals like other animals. However, due to the fact that an elephant can harm, kill and attack other animals, it has the attributes of natural predatory animals. Thus the jurists gave the elephants the same ruling as natural predators."
--Lee Gold, search engineer
Cattle, goats, sheep, and camels are also capable of attacking, etc. other animals.
thnidu 2/06/14: Well of course they wouldn't! Pachyderms don't have hooves, let alone split hooves, or chew the cud, href=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kosher_foods#Clean_and_unclean_animals, both of which are _required_ for an animal to be kosher.
I was sure mammoths wouldn't be kosher-- but having seen some results of "I don't have to look it up, the answer is obvious," I checked anyway.
Has anyone yet written a kosher cookbook for time travelers?
***Comments of Comment:
Lee Gold 2/06/14: According to http://darulfiqh.com/is-it-permissible-to-consume-elephant-meat/
it is forbidden for Moslems to eat "fanged beasts of prey" and an elephant counts as a fanged beast.
"Although an elephant is different from other predatory animals in that it does not prey and live on other animals like other animals. However, due to the fact that an elephant can harm, kill and attack other animals, it has the attributes of natural predatory animals. Thus the jurists gave the elephants the same ruling as natural predators."
--Lee Gold, search engineer
Cattle, goats, sheep, and camels are also capable of attacking, etc. other animals.
thnidu 2/06/14: Well of course they wouldn't! Pachyderms don't have hooves, let alone split hooves, or chew the cud, href=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kosher_foods#Clean_and_unclean_animals, both of which are _required_ for an animal to be kosher.
I was sure mammoths wouldn't be kosher-- but having seen some results of "I don't have to look it up, the answer is obvious," I checked anyway.
Has anyone yet written a kosher cookbook for time travelers?
Sunday, February 9, 2014
Monday February 3, 2014 "Voldemort Votes Republican" bumpersticker. Unlikely; he's not a US citizen.
***It's official: coldest Minnesota winter in 30 years.
I looked at piles of snow higher than my head, and thought about Atlanta being shut down by about two inches of snow.
Shopped at the Wedge coop, picked up prescription meds at HealthPartners Riverside pharmacy.
***From Twitter:
Al Jazeera America @ajam Kansas considers bill to ban municipal broadband service http://alj.am/1k5h3MB
BringMeTheNews @BringMN Dinkytowner panhandles for Bitcoins; photo goes viral http://dlvr.it/4rXXCd
[Dinkytown is a Minneapolis neighborhood.]
Dan Goodman @dsgood Left Behind, Thank God
Dan Goodman @dsgood 1,001 Places to See After You Die
Bristol Bites @BristolBites BBC News - Bristol police hunt for crocodile under bridge http://bbc.in/1foV0us
***It's official: coldest Minnesota winter in 30 years.
I looked at piles of snow higher than my head, and thought about Atlanta being shut down by about two inches of snow.
Shopped at the Wedge coop, picked up prescription meds at HealthPartners Riverside pharmacy.
***From Twitter:
Al Jazeera America @ajam Kansas considers bill to ban municipal broadband service http://alj.am/1k5h3MB
BringMeTheNews @BringMN Dinkytowner panhandles for Bitcoins; photo goes viral http://dlvr.it/4rXXCd
[Dinkytown is a Minneapolis neighborhood.]
Dan Goodman @dsgood Left Behind, Thank God
Dan Goodman @dsgood 1,001 Places to See After You Die
Bristol Bites @BristolBites BBC News - Bristol police hunt for crocodile under bridge http://bbc.in/1foV0us
Thursday, February 6, 2014
Tuesday February 4, 2014 Would mammoths be halal? Searching on "elephants" and "halal" didn't bring up a definitive answer.
I did confirm that mammoths wouldn't be kosher.
***DFL (Democratic-Farmer-Labor) precinct caucus.
A bit over half the residents of SE Como (my neighborhood) are college age; the University of Minnesota's Minneapolis campus is close by. Last year, most caucus attendees were US-born senior citizens who looked Northern European. This year there were also a number of Somalis.
The incumbent state representative has a Somali challenger this year. Her campaign literature makes a point of her having Somali supporters.
This part of Minneapolis votes left of San Francisco (not left of Berkeley, usually.) The state DFL is farther right -- a bit left of the UK Labour Party, I think.
The caucus was entitled to elect delegates to various upcoming party conventions. I became a delegate to the part of the city convention which will choose school board nominees.
Almost everyone who wanted to be a delegate was elected. The rest became alternates.
There were also party positions to be filled, and fewer candidates than positions open.
Nearby, the Cedar-Riverside precinct caucus was shut down after a fight broke out between supporters of the state representative candidates. Apparently, both groups were made up of Somalis.
***Comments of Comment:
seawasp 2/04/14: It may also be "Yes, I think this is a good idea, but if it's not enacted and no one seems likely to, why should I deprive myself and my family of obviously gainful opportunities that are currently perfectly legal and that many argue AREN'T ethically problematic?"
***From Twitter:
Julieanne Smolinski @BoobsRadley How sad for bathing suit designers that they have never ever seen or touched a breast. I mean, I'm assuming.
I did confirm that mammoths wouldn't be kosher.
***DFL (Democratic-Farmer-Labor) precinct caucus.
A bit over half the residents of SE Como (my neighborhood) are college age; the University of Minnesota's Minneapolis campus is close by. Last year, most caucus attendees were US-born senior citizens who looked Northern European. This year there were also a number of Somalis.
The incumbent state representative has a Somali challenger this year. Her campaign literature makes a point of her having Somali supporters.
This part of Minneapolis votes left of San Francisco (not left of Berkeley, usually.) The state DFL is farther right -- a bit left of the UK Labour Party, I think.
The caucus was entitled to elect delegates to various upcoming party conventions. I became a delegate to the part of the city convention which will choose school board nominees.
Almost everyone who wanted to be a delegate was elected. The rest became alternates.
There were also party positions to be filled, and fewer candidates than positions open.
Nearby, the Cedar-Riverside precinct caucus was shut down after a fight broke out between supporters of the state representative candidates. Apparently, both groups were made up of Somalis.
***Comments of Comment:
seawasp 2/04/14: It may also be "Yes, I think this is a good idea, but if it's not enacted and no one seems likely to, why should I deprive myself and my family of obviously gainful opportunities that are currently perfectly legal and that many argue AREN'T ethically problematic?"
***From Twitter:
Julieanne Smolinski @BoobsRadley How sad for bathing suit designers that they have never ever seen or touched a breast. I mean, I'm assuming.
Tuesday, February 4, 2014
Comments of Comment:
Lee Gold 1/30/14: "'How do you define 'hate'?"
Being constantly angry at the person for existing.
"I've never devoted much energy to being angry.
I've sometimes despised people or (more properly, in my judgment) their actions.
I've sometimes feared or been wary of people because they might hurt me.
But most of those attitudes were intellectual decisions, not emotional ones.
"Does your synesthesia extend to emotions?"
Not as far as I'm aware.
"I tend to think of anger as fire color: red or red-orange.
Most of my negative attitudes are ice color: white or gray.
"As a pre-teen, I did lose my temper a few times physically in a fiery berserk rage,lasting for a minute or two, but never felt like that as a constant emotion. Your remark sounds as if you did once experience hate as a constant anger. What color / pattern was it?"
Not as a constant anger, but only when I thought about a person (or organization.)
What I did have constantly was anxiety. Partly from ADHD, partly from family heritage.
And my synesthesia isn't primarily colors these days, but visual/tactile patterns.
stardreamer 01/30/2014 "***From politicalwire.com:
"Deal Book: 'Sheila C. Bair, a former head of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation who once argued that former regulators should be barred from joining the banks they oversaw, is joining the board of Banco Santander, the Spanish bank said on Monday.'
"From her 2012 book, Bull by the Horns: 'There should be a lifetime ban on regulators working for financial institutions they have regulated.'"
Re Bair, I suspect that this is a close-parsing issue. As a member of the FDIC, she did not directly oversee banks _in Spain_, so it skates by on a technicality. Whether it passes muster on a moral or ethical basis is a different question.
Why yes, I _have_ read a lot of genie's-wish stories, why do you ask?
Lee Gold 1/30/14: "'How do you define 'hate'?"
Being constantly angry at the person for existing.
"I've never devoted much energy to being angry.
I've sometimes despised people or (more properly, in my judgment) their actions.
I've sometimes feared or been wary of people because they might hurt me.
But most of those attitudes were intellectual decisions, not emotional ones.
"Does your synesthesia extend to emotions?"
Not as far as I'm aware.
"I tend to think of anger as fire color: red or red-orange.
Most of my negative attitudes are ice color: white or gray.
"As a pre-teen, I did lose my temper a few times physically in a fiery berserk rage,lasting for a minute or two, but never felt like that as a constant emotion. Your remark sounds as if you did once experience hate as a constant anger. What color / pattern was it?"
Not as a constant anger, but only when I thought about a person (or organization.)
What I did have constantly was anxiety. Partly from ADHD, partly from family heritage.
And my synesthesia isn't primarily colors these days, but visual/tactile patterns.
stardreamer 01/30/2014 "***From politicalwire.com:
"Deal Book: 'Sheila C. Bair, a former head of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation who once argued that former regulators should be barred from joining the banks they oversaw, is joining the board of Banco Santander, the Spanish bank said on Monday.'
"From her 2012 book, Bull by the Horns: 'There should be a lifetime ban on regulators working for financial institutions they have regulated.'"
Re Bair, I suspect that this is a close-parsing issue. As a member of the FDIC, she did not directly oversee banks _in Spain_, so it skates by on a technicality. Whether it passes muster on a moral or ethical basis is a different question.
Why yes, I _have_ read a lot of genie's-wish stories, why do you ask?
Friday, January 31, 2014
From the February issue of Metro Lutheran (Twin Cities area monthly):
Pastor cuts short liturgy to view kickoff
But all is not as it seems
Bob Hulteen / January 16, 2014
Heading into the NFL championship weekend, a possible controversy over the collision of two Sunday mainstays began to receive national attention. The Rev. Tim Christensen of Gold Hill Lutheran Church, Butte, Montana, presided over a short liturgy and announced that he was leaving the sanctuary in order to watch his favorite football team, the San Francisco 49ers, play in a divisional championship game against the Carolina Panthers. A video of the one-minute worship service uploaded to the congregation’s Facebook page immediately went viral.
At the 11 a.m. service, Christensen is seen walking from the sacristy, asking the congregation, "Would you like to be forgiven for your sins?” After voices are heard in affirmation, he continues, "Okay, great. You are.”
The pastor then says, "There’s some bread and some wine up here on the table. You feel free to help yourself.”
....
As it turns out, the website Mashable, citing a source within the congregation, is reporting that the Facebook post was a prank, with "the entire congregation … in on it and [Christensen] held a full service right after that.”
Pastor cuts short liturgy to view kickoff
But all is not as it seems
Bob Hulteen / January 16, 2014
Heading into the NFL championship weekend, a possible controversy over the collision of two Sunday mainstays began to receive national attention. The Rev. Tim Christensen of Gold Hill Lutheran Church, Butte, Montana, presided over a short liturgy and announced that he was leaving the sanctuary in order to watch his favorite football team, the San Francisco 49ers, play in a divisional championship game against the Carolina Panthers. A video of the one-minute worship service uploaded to the congregation’s Facebook page immediately went viral.
At the 11 a.m. service, Christensen is seen walking from the sacristy, asking the congregation, "Would you like to be forgiven for your sins?” After voices are heard in affirmation, he continues, "Okay, great. You are.”
The pastor then says, "There’s some bread and some wine up here on the table. You feel free to help yourself.”
....
As it turns out, the website Mashable, citing a source within the congregation, is reporting that the Facebook post was a prank, with "the entire congregation … in on it and [Christensen] held a full service right after that.”
Thursday, January 30, 2014
Tuesday January 28, 2014 Morning news: Pete Seeger died.
***The temperature got up to zero F (-27C). I went out and ran errands.
***Comments of Comment:
Lee Gold 1/26/14: "'...Woke up during the night, and realized I didn't hate anyone.'
"Sounds very good.
"Pause to introspect.
"There are people (mostly dead) I despise, and people of whom I'm wary, but I don't think there's anyone I hate.
"It would depend, of course, on definitions.
"We could start with yours. How do you define 'hate'?"
Being constantly angry at the person for existing.
***From politicalwire.com:
Deal Book: "Sheila C. Bair, a former head of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation who once argued that former regulators should be barred from joining the banks they oversaw, is joining the board of Banco Santander, the Spanish bank said on Monday."
From her 2012 book, Bull by the Horns: "There should be a lifetime ban on regulators working for financial institutions they have regulated."
***The temperature got up to zero F (-27C). I went out and ran errands.
***Comments of Comment:
Lee Gold 1/26/14: "'...Woke up during the night, and realized I didn't hate anyone.'
"Sounds very good.
"Pause to introspect.
"There are people (mostly dead) I despise, and people of whom I'm wary, but I don't think there's anyone I hate.
"It would depend, of course, on definitions.
"We could start with yours. How do you define 'hate'?"
Being constantly angry at the person for existing.
***From politicalwire.com:
Deal Book: "Sheila C. Bair, a former head of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation who once argued that former regulators should be barred from joining the banks they oversaw, is joining the board of Banco Santander, the Spanish bank said on Monday."
From her 2012 book, Bull by the Horns: "There should be a lifetime ban on regulators working for financial institutions they have regulated."
Tuesday, January 28, 2014
Sunday January 26, 2014 Han Sulu, master of the Maltese Falcon
His copilot, Shambleau
Darth Pinky and Darth Brain
Judge Sawney Bean, the law west of Donner Pass
The Long brothers: Huey, Dewey, and Lazarus
Governor Tom Corbett
***From Twitter:
KimFalconer @KimFalconer Curious about asteroid astrology? Here's a new tutorial - introduction to the asteroids in the natal chart.... http://fb.me/2E21bwzgX
Karen DaltonBeninato @kbeninato "Then I saw heaven standing open, and there was Gull also his friend Crow attacking the Pope Dove" - Bird Revelations http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-25905108 …
Petteri Tarkkonen @ptarkkonen RT @LeadToday "The best leaders keep their eyes open for the things they don't want to see." #leadership
David Brauer @dbrauer Minnesota announces Super Bowl bid on days when schools are canceled and highways closed. #timing
His copilot, Shambleau
Darth Pinky and Darth Brain
Judge Sawney Bean, the law west of Donner Pass
The Long brothers: Huey, Dewey, and Lazarus
Governor Tom Corbett
***From Twitter:
KimFalconer @KimFalconer Curious about asteroid astrology? Here's a new tutorial - introduction to the asteroids in the natal chart.... http://fb.me/2E21bwzgX
Karen DaltonBeninato @kbeninato "Then I saw heaven standing open, and there was Gull also his friend Crow attacking the Pope Dove" - Bird Revelations http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-25905108 …
Petteri Tarkkonen @ptarkkonen RT @LeadToday "The best leaders keep their eyes open for the things they don't want to see." #leadership
David Brauer @dbrauer Minnesota announces Super Bowl bid on days when schools are canceled and highways closed. #timing
Sunday, January 26, 2014
Saturday January 25, 2014 Woke up during the night, and realized I didn't hate anyone.
***Picked up three books on writing from Southeast Library:
August Derleth, Writing Fiction, 1946. First impression (after skimming): mostly of historical interest.
Donald Maass, Writing 21st Century Fiction, 2012. I doubt this will last the rest of the 21st century; I expect it to be outdated in 20 years. But looks useful for now.
Walter Mosley, This Year You Write Your Novel, 2007.
***From http://politicalwire.com:
"In an attempt to prevent same-sex marriages in Oklahoma, state Rep. Mike Turner (R) is considering stopping all marriages, News 9 reports."
More accurately, he wants to get the state government completely out of the marriage business.
***From The Cedar Cultural Center's newsletter, 1/23:
An A List pick by Rick Mason in City Pages: "SBassekou Kouyate completely revolutionized the ngoni, an ancient West African oblong lute traditionally used to accompany a singer. Kouyate plugged in, attached a strap and stepped out in front of an entire ensemble of ngonis, added a wah-wah pedal, bent notes with a bluesman's finesse, and peppered traditional Malian music with bits of rock, funk, jazz, and bluegrass...."
***Picked up three books on writing from Southeast Library:
August Derleth, Writing Fiction, 1946. First impression (after skimming): mostly of historical interest.
Donald Maass, Writing 21st Century Fiction, 2012. I doubt this will last the rest of the 21st century; I expect it to be outdated in 20 years. But looks useful for now.
Walter Mosley, This Year You Write Your Novel, 2007.
***From http://politicalwire.com:
"In an attempt to prevent same-sex marriages in Oklahoma, state Rep. Mike Turner (R) is considering stopping all marriages, News 9 reports."
More accurately, he wants to get the state government completely out of the marriage business.
***From The Cedar Cultural Center's newsletter, 1/23:
An A List pick by Rick Mason in City Pages: "SBassekou Kouyate completely revolutionized the ngoni, an ancient West African oblong lute traditionally used to accompany a singer. Kouyate plugged in, attached a strap and stepped out in front of an entire ensemble of ngonis, added a wah-wah pedal, bent notes with a bluesman's finesse, and peppered traditional Malian music with bits of rock, funk, jazz, and bluegrass...."
Tuesday January 21, 2014 Video of the discussion on "Writing people with minds different from mine" uploaded to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ax5LjhIN7lA
***Comments of comment:
richardf8, 1/20/14: "I can easily see chocolate and fondant working with 3D printing technology, but not sure how anything else would be produced."
Neither am I.
stardreamer, 1/20/14: "'A more advanced smart device turns the tables by accessing the cybercriminals' bank accounts.'
"I'd read that story!"
***From minnpost.com:
If you can’t fight it, drink it … At MPR, Dan Gunderson says: “When churchgoers begin singing the hymn "Softly and tenderly Jesus is calling," it can come as an invitation to renounce the ways of the world and accept Christ's call to a new life. But at The Gathering, a small church that is supported by First United Methodist Church in Fargo, those summoned by such joyful noise can sing with beers in their hands. The church group meets every month in local bars, where they drink beer, sing traditional church songs and socialize.” For God's sake, keep them away from e-pulltabs.
***From Twitter:
DaVinciGroup @DaVinciGroup One-third of San Francisco’s registered cab drivers ditch taxis for Uber, Lyft, or Sidecar http://www.impactlab.net/2014/01/21/one-third-of-san-franciscos-registered-cab-drivers-ditch-taxis-for-uber-lyft-or-sidecar/ …
***Comments of comment:
richardf8, 1/20/14: "I can easily see chocolate and fondant working with 3D printing technology, but not sure how anything else would be produced."
Neither am I.
stardreamer, 1/20/14: "'A more advanced smart device turns the tables by accessing the cybercriminals' bank accounts.'
"I'd read that story!"
***From minnpost.com:
If you can’t fight it, drink it … At MPR, Dan Gunderson says: “When churchgoers begin singing the hymn "Softly and tenderly Jesus is calling," it can come as an invitation to renounce the ways of the world and accept Christ's call to a new life. But at The Gathering, a small church that is supported by First United Methodist Church in Fargo, those summoned by such joyful noise can sing with beers in their hands. The church group meets every month in local bars, where they drink beer, sing traditional church songs and socialize.” For God's sake, keep them away from e-pulltabs.
***From Twitter:
DaVinciGroup @DaVinciGroup One-third of San Francisco’s registered cab drivers ditch taxis for Uber, Lyft, or Sidecar http://www.impactlab.net/2014/01/21/one-third-of-san-franciscos-registered-cab-drivers-ditch-taxis-for-uber-lyft-or-sidecar/ …
Thursday, January 23, 2014
Monday January 20, 2014 Martin Luther King Day
Como Grind (formerly Muddsuckers) had its "soft reopening." (Two weeks after the originally-announced date.) Grand opening in a couple of weeks.
Good to have my neighborhood coffeehouse back. Mostly back, anyhow -- the side room renovation isn't nearly complete yet. And they're not fully set up in the main room, or in the kitchen.
***Beijing in 2016 Worldcon Bid
http://file770.com/?p=15749
***From Twitter:
Milkweed Editions @Milkweed_Books “Tears ran down her cheeks. Salty drops mixed with the sugary maple sap collecting in a birch-bark bucket.” http://bit.ly/FictionOnAStick
Dara Grumdahl @DearDara .@Milkweed_Books She ripped open her bodice to reveal pancakes warming inside, it was the greatest tragic breakfast of her winter.
Como Grind (formerly Muddsuckers) had its "soft reopening." (Two weeks after the originally-announced date.) Grand opening in a couple of weeks.
Good to have my neighborhood coffeehouse back. Mostly back, anyhow -- the side room renovation isn't nearly complete yet. And they're not fully set up in the main room, or in the kitchen.
***Beijing in 2016 Worldcon Bid
http://file770.com/?p=15749
***From Twitter:
Milkweed Editions @Milkweed_Books “Tears ran down her cheeks. Salty drops mixed with the sugary maple sap collecting in a birch-bark bucket.” http://bit.ly/FictionOnAStick
Dara Grumdahl @DearDara .@Milkweed_Books She ripped open her bodice to reveal pancakes warming inside, it was the greatest tragic breakfast of her winter.
Tuesday, January 21, 2014
Sunday January 19, 2014 I co-led a Minnesota Speculative Writers discussion on "Writing characters with minds different from mine."
Possible topics announced: "Synesthesia" Margaret Taylor (co-leader) and I talked about our personal experiences, with audience discussion. We don't have the same set of synesthesias, though there's overlap.
"Help! I'm a man and I need to write about my woman protagonist falling in love."
"I need to write a character who's a psion. What's a good way to do this?"
"My character is an alien who can see radio waves. What's a good way to do this?"
Each of which could take up an hour and a half of discussion on its own.
Also discussed: Face blindness. Eidetic memory. Different kinds of memory. Writing the opposite gender in general. Writing characters with different sexual orientations or preferences.
My synesthesias include: Sound to visual/tactile patterns. Sight to touch. Tickertape: When I hear people talk, or I think in words, I see it written out. (Never twice in a row in the same font, which I suspect is a bit unusual.) Sound to touch. Thinking in tactile/visual/kinesthetic diagrams.
Possible topics announced: "Synesthesia" Margaret Taylor (co-leader) and I talked about our personal experiences, with audience discussion. We don't have the same set of synesthesias, though there's overlap.
"Help! I'm a man and I need to write about my woman protagonist falling in love."
"I need to write a character who's a psion. What's a good way to do this?"
"My character is an alien who can see radio waves. What's a good way to do this?"
Each of which could take up an hour and a half of discussion on its own.
Also discussed: Face blindness. Eidetic memory. Different kinds of memory. Writing the opposite gender in general. Writing characters with different sexual orientations or preferences.
My synesthesias include: Sound to visual/tactile patterns. Sight to touch. Tickertape: When I hear people talk, or I think in words, I see it written out. (Never twice in a row in the same font, which I suspect is a bit unusual.) Sound to touch. Thinking in tactile/visual/kinesthetic diagrams.
Monday, January 20, 2014
Saturday January 18, 2014 Memorial visitation for Ericka Johnson, who died after long illness. The largest groups of attendees were people from Mnstf (the Minnesota Science Fiction Society) and family members, I think.
Ericka was a thoroughly nice person. I will miss her.
***The Organizer of the Twin Cities ADHD Meetup resigned, with no designated successor. If no one steps up, the Meetup ends.
A previous local ADHD Meetup had the same thing happen. One might almost think something about ADHD was responsible.
***From news.google.com
AFP
Refrigerator Hack: 750,000 Spam Emails Sent by Smart Gadgets
A security firm revealed that even "smart" appliances are vulnerable to hack attacks. A group of cybercriminals have used a "smart" refrigerator to send 750,000 spam emails.
[Science fiction extrapolation: A more advanced smart device turns the tables by accessing the cybercriminals' bank accounts.]
***From Twitter:
J Clive Matthews @Nosemonkey I am in a pub that's housed in an old Temperance Society building. This makes me happy.
Retweeted by Moonbootica
Ericka was a thoroughly nice person. I will miss her.
***The Organizer of the Twin Cities ADHD Meetup resigned, with no designated successor. If no one steps up, the Meetup ends.
A previous local ADHD Meetup had the same thing happen. One might almost think something about ADHD was responsible.
***From news.google.com
AFP
Refrigerator Hack: 750,000 Spam Emails Sent by Smart Gadgets
A security firm revealed that even "smart" appliances are vulnerable to hack attacks. A group of cybercriminals have used a "smart" refrigerator to send 750,000 spam emails.
[Science fiction extrapolation: A more advanced smart device turns the tables by accessing the cybercriminals' bank accounts.]
***From Twitter:
J Clive Matthews @Nosemonkey I am in a pub that's housed in an old Temperance Society building. This makes me happy.
Retweeted by Moonbootica
Thursday January 16, 2014 "So hell, Alan! What you were telling me just now never happened! Your wife wasn't killed in an auto accident four years ago because, four years ago, you didn't have a wife! To the best of my knowledge, you've never been married."
James H. Schmitz, The Ties of Earth. Included in the collection Eternal Frontier.
That's not the largest discrepancy between what Alan Commager thinks he knows and reality.
One of my favorite sf stories reread. (Not recommended for conservatives and Greens.)
Also reread and enjoyed: Chad Oliver, "Transfusion." It begins with time travelers learning that humans didn't originate on Earth.
***Adult Children Anonymous meeting.
I mentioned that one way I cut down on taking myself too seriously is to use pet toys as exercise equipment.
***Via news.google.com:
Wall Street Journal
Hershey Co. and 3D Systems Corp. reached a multiyear joint development agreement to explore and develop ways to use 3-D printing technology to produce foods, including confectionery treats.
James H. Schmitz, The Ties of Earth. Included in the collection Eternal Frontier.
That's not the largest discrepancy between what Alan Commager thinks he knows and reality.
One of my favorite sf stories reread. (Not recommended for conservatives and Greens.)
Also reread and enjoyed: Chad Oliver, "Transfusion." It begins with time travelers learning that humans didn't originate on Earth.
***Adult Children Anonymous meeting.
I mentioned that one way I cut down on taking myself too seriously is to use pet toys as exercise equipment.
***Via news.google.com:
Wall Street Journal
Hershey Co. and 3D Systems Corp. reached a multiyear joint development agreement to explore and develop ways to use 3-D printing technology to produce foods, including confectionery treats.
Saturday, January 18, 2014
Wednesday January 15, 2014 Muddsuckers, my neighborhood coffeehouse, is closed for renovation. It's supposed to reopen as Como Grind on Friday (postponed from Monday the 13th.)
Today, the renovation didn't look only two days away from completion. And the sign on the main door said "We keep coming up with great ideas," which sounds ominous to me. [And indeed, target date changed to the 20th.]
The side door still had a sign saying reopening would be on the 13th. I called them about it.
***Watched television for the first time in at least a week. I use the coin laundry attached to Joe's Market; and Joe's has a widescreen TV. It was tuned to CNN.
The closed captioning seemed to be a bit off. For example, I'm fairly sure "oak pulsion" should have been "expulsion."
Some time in the future, I might have home TV again. But I won't likely use it to learn the news.
***The Minnesota Orchestra lockout was settled yesterday. Today, I asked someone to pass on a message to one of the musicians. "Give __ my condolences on having to go back to work."
Today, the renovation didn't look only two days away from completion. And the sign on the main door said "We keep coming up with great ideas," which sounds ominous to me. [And indeed, target date changed to the 20th.]
The side door still had a sign saying reopening would be on the 13th. I called them about it.
***Watched television for the first time in at least a week. I use the coin laundry attached to Joe's Market; and Joe's has a widescreen TV. It was tuned to CNN.
The closed captioning seemed to be a bit off. For example, I'm fairly sure "oak pulsion" should have been "expulsion."
Some time in the future, I might have home TV again. But I won't likely use it to learn the news.
***The Minnesota Orchestra lockout was settled yesterday. Today, I asked someone to pass on a message to one of the musicians. "Give __ my condolences on having to go back to work."
Thursday, January 16, 2014
Monday January 13, 2014 The American Name Society's personal name of the year is "Francis."
***Got my contribution off to LinkOnline (email writing workshop) two days before the deadline.
***Comments of comment:
Carol Kennedy, 1/13/14: "Did [Annie] Dillard not think that a nonfiction writer might have 'lying eyes'? I would sooner trust my own lying eyes than someone else's."
Note that this was someone's years-old recollection of what Annie Dillard said. Not a fresh direct quotation.
Lee Gold, 1/12/14: "We went to Japan for four months with only a little prep (enough to read katakana, having seen Chushingura) and continued reading up on Japanese culture and studying the language while we were there (and Barry was working as a programmer). We were sure we didn't understand as much as we could have but that we understood a lot more than tourists (or Barry's co-workers) who didn't know Japanese and hadn't read about Japanese history.
"We were based in Tokyo. I don't know where Don Fitch stayed.
"We'd eaten Japanese food in LA. It was a surprise to find donburi only available at a stadium, sort of like corn dogs in the US. We found sushi at many price levels (cheap at department store restaurants, more expensive at nice restaurants, yet more expensive at fancier restaurants) August through November. It was a surprise to find that sukiyaki was a very fancy food, cooked bite by bite by someone who knelt beside you -- at a fancy restaurant (and we didn't find it at a cheap restaurant). We got used to surprises.
"Barry got $35/day per diem (because previous employees had eaten steak and drunk Scotch) plus a free hotel room, laundry, and subway pass, and we lived on that, not depositing his salary checks till we got home. The per diem even paid for a week's vacation trip to Kyoto."
***Got my contribution off to LinkOnline (email writing workshop) two days before the deadline.
***Comments of comment:
Carol Kennedy, 1/13/14: "Did [Annie] Dillard not think that a nonfiction writer might have 'lying eyes'? I would sooner trust my own lying eyes than someone else's."
Note that this was someone's years-old recollection of what Annie Dillard said. Not a fresh direct quotation.
Lee Gold, 1/12/14: "We went to Japan for four months with only a little prep (enough to read katakana, having seen Chushingura) and continued reading up on Japanese culture and studying the language while we were there (and Barry was working as a programmer). We were sure we didn't understand as much as we could have but that we understood a lot more than tourists (or Barry's co-workers) who didn't know Japanese and hadn't read about Japanese history.
"We were based in Tokyo. I don't know where Don Fitch stayed.
"We'd eaten Japanese food in LA. It was a surprise to find donburi only available at a stadium, sort of like corn dogs in the US. We found sushi at many price levels (cheap at department store restaurants, more expensive at nice restaurants, yet more expensive at fancier restaurants) August through November. It was a surprise to find that sukiyaki was a very fancy food, cooked bite by bite by someone who knelt beside you -- at a fancy restaurant (and we didn't find it at a cheap restaurant). We got used to surprises.
"Barry got $35/day per diem (because previous employees had eaten steak and drunk Scotch) plus a free hotel room, laundry, and subway pass, and we lived on that, not depositing his salary checks till we got home. The per diem even paid for a week's vacation trip to Kyoto."
Sunday, January 12, 2014
Saturday January 11, 2014 I joined a hyperlocal barter network on Facebook.
***Comments of comment
Don Fitch 1/11/14: "'My first writing mentor, Annie Dillard, once told our college class that if you ever have the choice between visiting a far-flung place or reading a book about it, choose the book.
http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/12/29/china-of-my-mind/?ref=opinion&_r=0'
"'Who are you going to believe -- the nonfiction writer or your lying eyes?'
"I can understand Dillard's comment -- a writer who has spent a lot of time & attention in a place probably sees it more clearly, and understands it much better, than you are likely to do when/after visiting it for a few weeks. On another hand, I think this does not give adequate value to the various sensory inputs associated with one's actual physical presence. I'm certainly glad I read everything I did before going to Japan, because it helped me to better understand what I experienced there, but I'm much more glad that I was stationed there (after being Drafted, which I wasn't actually glad about) for eight months. (I'm also glad that was c. 1950, so that there were still significant elements of the older Japanese Culture in evidence... and sushi was still cheap hot-weather finger-food -- with emphasis on the "cheap".)
"I note that Lafcadio Hearn said something like 'After I had spent five years in Japan I felt that I understood it. After ten years, I realized that I knew almost nothing about it'. That's another comment that I can understand & appreciate."
***From Twitter:
Kevin Green @FixedOpsGenius RT @Tum55: I am only responsible for what I say, not for what you understand. #
R.L. Ripples @TweetsofOld When a girl looks interested in a sermon, she is generally thinking how she would like to lie flat on her back with her knees up. NY1897
[I believe the newspaperman who wrote this had a clean mind.]
***Comments of comment
Don Fitch 1/11/14: "'My first writing mentor, Annie Dillard, once told our college class that if you ever have the choice between visiting a far-flung place or reading a book about it, choose the book.
http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/12/29/china-of-my-mind/?ref=opinion&_r=0'
"'Who are you going to believe -- the nonfiction writer or your lying eyes?'
"I can understand Dillard's comment -- a writer who has spent a lot of time & attention in a place probably sees it more clearly, and understands it much better, than you are likely to do when/after visiting it for a few weeks. On another hand, I think this does not give adequate value to the various sensory inputs associated with one's actual physical presence. I'm certainly glad I read everything I did before going to Japan, because it helped me to better understand what I experienced there, but I'm much more glad that I was stationed there (after being Drafted, which I wasn't actually glad about) for eight months. (I'm also glad that was c. 1950, so that there were still significant elements of the older Japanese Culture in evidence... and sushi was still cheap hot-weather finger-food -- with emphasis on the "cheap".)
"I note that Lafcadio Hearn said something like 'After I had spent five years in Japan I felt that I understood it. After ten years, I realized that I knew almost nothing about it'. That's another comment that I can understand & appreciate."
***From Twitter:
Kevin Green @FixedOpsGenius RT @Tum55: I am only responsible for what I say, not for what you understand. #
R.L. Ripples @TweetsofOld When a girl looks interested in a sermon, she is generally thinking how she would like to lie flat on her back with her knees up. NY1897
[I believe the newspaperman who wrote this had a clean mind.]
Saturday, January 11, 2014
Wednesday January 1, 2014 New Year's Day
***From the American Name Society mailing list:
On 01/01/2014 11:18 AM, Marc Picard wrote:
The executive director of New Yorkers Against Gun Violence is ... Leah Gunn Barrett.
tinyurl.com/k2sy5cg
***Comments of comment: Ed Meskys 12/31/13 "Interested to hear how your synesthesia discussion goes. I remember way back in the 50s Pohl’s first STAR SF anthology there was a story about nerve surgery messing up the hero’s senses, and the closing line after an attempted corrective operation, the hero saying 'I smell something purple.'"
H. L. Gold, "The Man With English." See the Internet Speculative Fiction Data Base, http://www.isfdb.org
And I remember that line as "What smells purple?"
"Wish I could be there for the Wrede talk. I loved her four enchanted forest books, [Mairelon] the Magician, and her and Stevermer’s SORCERY AND CECELIA & sequels. I do not remember the frontier magic books. Can you name some titles after her talk?"
Earlier. From the Internet Speculative Fiction Data Base: Frontier Magic
1 Thirteenth Child (2009) by Patricia C. Wrede
2 Across the Great Barrier (2011) by Patricia C. Wrede
3 The Far West (2012) by Patricia C. Wrede
***Aug. 9 "The police in Palo Alto, Calif., crack down on people begging for bitcoins."
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/12/31/opinion/the-year-that-will-be.html?ref=opinion&_r=0
***"My first writing mentor, Annie Dillard, once told our college class that if you ever have the choice between visiting a far-flung place or reading a book about it, choose the book."
http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/12/29/china-of-my-mind/?ref=opinion&_r=0
"Who are you going to believe -- the nonfiction writer or your lying eyes?"
***From Twitter:
Shelly Rae Clift @ShellyRaeClift This may explain delays & need to find exact place. “@maureenmcq: Dogs Poop in Alignment with Earth's Magnetic Field http://www.frontiersinzoology.com/content/10/1/80/abstract …
Retweeted by rivenhomewood
***From the American Name Society mailing list:
On 01/01/2014 11:18 AM, Marc Picard wrote:
The executive director of New Yorkers Against Gun Violence is ... Leah Gunn Barrett.
tinyurl.com/k2sy5cg
***Comments of comment: Ed Meskys 12/31/13 "Interested to hear how your synesthesia discussion goes. I remember way back in the 50s Pohl’s first STAR SF anthology there was a story about nerve surgery messing up the hero’s senses, and the closing line after an attempted corrective operation, the hero saying 'I smell something purple.'"
H. L. Gold, "The Man With English." See the Internet Speculative Fiction Data Base, http://www.isfdb.org
And I remember that line as "What smells purple?"
"Wish I could be there for the Wrede talk. I loved her four enchanted forest books, [Mairelon] the Magician, and her and Stevermer’s SORCERY AND CECELIA & sequels. I do not remember the frontier magic books. Can you name some titles after her talk?"
Earlier. From the Internet Speculative Fiction Data Base: Frontier Magic
1 Thirteenth Child (2009) by Patricia C. Wrede
2 Across the Great Barrier (2011) by Patricia C. Wrede
3 The Far West (2012) by Patricia C. Wrede
***Aug. 9 "The police in Palo Alto, Calif., crack down on people begging for bitcoins."
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/12/31/opinion/the-year-that-will-be.html?ref=opinion&_r=0
***"My first writing mentor, Annie Dillard, once told our college class that if you ever have the choice between visiting a far-flung place or reading a book about it, choose the book."
http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/12/29/china-of-my-mind/?ref=opinion&_r=0
"Who are you going to believe -- the nonfiction writer or your lying eyes?"
***From Twitter:
Shelly Rae Clift @ShellyRaeClift This may explain delays & need to find exact place. “@maureenmcq: Dogs Poop in Alignment with Earth's Magnetic Field http://www.frontiersinzoology.com/content/10/1/80/abstract …
Retweeted by rivenhomewood
Wednesday, January 1, 2014
Some sf-fantasy related events, Minneapolis-St. Paul Metro, Jan-Feb 2014
Erotic Writers of America sf/fantasy/horror special interest group meeting postponed for medical reasons. The male officers are pregnant.
Thursday January 2, 6:30 PM Sci-Fi Adult Book Club. Nokomis Library, 5100 34th Ave S, Minneapolis
Join our discussion of new and interesting sci-fi titles. Bring along your recommendations for future meetings. Lending copies may be picked up at the information desk prior to meeting.
Tuesday January 14, 7 PM East St Paul (ESP) Speculative Fiction Writers Meetup
Davannis Pizza and Hot Hoagies -- East Side, 310 White Bear Ave, Saint Paul, MN
We're set up back in the party room with our pizzas and manuscripts. Feel free to stop and order your food when you arrive.
As we head into 2014, our topic of discussion will be The Do's and Don'ts of World Building. Even though we may have creative license to build a world of our own design, there are basic rules that should apply. Readers will expect that there is some semblance of order involved, no matter which sub-genre we are writing in.
Once again, we will be critiquing three submissions. The guidelines are....
http://www.meetup.com/MinnSpec/events/155146702/
Thursday January 16, 6-8 An Evening at the Night Vale Public Library. Nokomis Library, 5100 34th Ave S, Minneapolis [Teen event] Spend an evening devoted to the popular podcast, "Welcome to Night Vale." Enjoy Night Vale crafts and activities, participate in a costume or art show, and of course, "All Hail the Glow Cloud!" Librarian repellent will be provided.
Sunday January 19, noon-1:30 Minnesota Speculative Fiction Writers (MinnSpec) Writing characters with minds different from mine. This workshop may cover topics like this:
* Synesthesia
* Help! I'm a man and I need to write about my woman protagonist falling in love.
* I need to write a character who's a psion. What's a good way to do this?
* My character is an alien who can see radio waves. What's a good way to do this?
Dan Goodman and Margaret Taylor will both talk about synesthesia from personal experience
Further information: www.meetup.com/MinnSpec/
Thursday February 5, 6:30 PM Sci-Fi Adult Book Club. Nokomis Library, 5100 34th Ave S, Minneapolis Join our discussion of new and interesting sci-fi titles. Bring along your recommendations for future meetings. Lending copies may be picked up at the information desk prior to meeting.
Saturday February 22, 3-4 PM Author Talk: Patricia C. Wrede Brookdale Library, 6125 Shingle Creek Pkway, Brooklyn Center [Teen event] Wrede is an acclaimed local author of numerous fantasy and young adult books, including the beloved "The Enchanted Forest Chronicles" as well as the Mairelon books and the Old West Frontier Magic series. Wrede will read from her books and answer questions. Books will be available for purchase and signing.
Information for the Minnesota Science Fiction Society (oldest surviving local sf club) at www.mnstf.org
Information for the Geek Partnership Society and numerous affiliated groups at http://www.meetup.com/Geek-Partnership-Society/
Erotic Writers of America sf/fantasy/horror special interest group meeting postponed for medical reasons. The male officers are pregnant.
Thursday January 2, 6:30 PM Sci-Fi Adult Book Club. Nokomis Library, 5100 34th Ave S, Minneapolis
Join our discussion of new and interesting sci-fi titles. Bring along your recommendations for future meetings. Lending copies may be picked up at the information desk prior to meeting.
Tuesday January 14, 7 PM East St Paul (ESP) Speculative Fiction Writers Meetup
Davannis Pizza and Hot Hoagies -- East Side, 310 White Bear Ave, Saint Paul, MN
We're set up back in the party room with our pizzas and manuscripts. Feel free to stop and order your food when you arrive.
As we head into 2014, our topic of discussion will be The Do's and Don'ts of World Building. Even though we may have creative license to build a world of our own design, there are basic rules that should apply. Readers will expect that there is some semblance of order involved, no matter which sub-genre we are writing in.
Once again, we will be critiquing three submissions. The guidelines are....
http://www.meetup.com/MinnSpec/events/155146702/
Thursday January 16, 6-8 An Evening at the Night Vale Public Library. Nokomis Library, 5100 34th Ave S, Minneapolis [Teen event] Spend an evening devoted to the popular podcast, "Welcome to Night Vale." Enjoy Night Vale crafts and activities, participate in a costume or art show, and of course, "All Hail the Glow Cloud!" Librarian repellent will be provided.
Sunday January 19, noon-1:30 Minnesota Speculative Fiction Writers (MinnSpec) Writing characters with minds different from mine. This workshop may cover topics like this:
* Synesthesia
* Help! I'm a man and I need to write about my woman protagonist falling in love.
* I need to write a character who's a psion. What's a good way to do this?
* My character is an alien who can see radio waves. What's a good way to do this?
Dan Goodman and Margaret Taylor will both talk about synesthesia from personal experience
Further information: www.meetup.com/MinnSpec/
Thursday February 5, 6:30 PM Sci-Fi Adult Book Club. Nokomis Library, 5100 34th Ave S, Minneapolis Join our discussion of new and interesting sci-fi titles. Bring along your recommendations for future meetings. Lending copies may be picked up at the information desk prior to meeting.
Saturday February 22, 3-4 PM Author Talk: Patricia C. Wrede Brookdale Library, 6125 Shingle Creek Pkway, Brooklyn Center [Teen event] Wrede is an acclaimed local author of numerous fantasy and young adult books, including the beloved "The Enchanted Forest Chronicles" as well as the Mairelon books and the Old West Frontier Magic series. Wrede will read from her books and answer questions. Books will be available for purchase and signing.
Information for the Minnesota Science Fiction Society (oldest surviving local sf club) at www.mnstf.org
Information for the Geek Partnership Society and numerous affiliated groups at http://www.meetup.com/Geek-Partnership-Society/
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