The Screamin' Memey

2006-02-22T09:44:00.000-05:00

Remember My Birthday Root Canal?
Well--it seems that not only was it the wrong day for a root canal--but it was the wrong tooth!! I will explain; it was 7:30 A.M. the dentist said open up and he went straight to my #1 0r #2 tooth (that would be my upper right side (his left)) Anyway I had assumed the two dentists involved--my regular dentist--who seems to have lost the capacity to do root canals and this "specialist" who is, presumably, an "expert" at root canals et al--had had some communication so I did what I was told and "opened wide". A hour later I left the office with this nagging feeling that this was not the correct tooth but they know what they are doing, right? Long story short my dentist Dr. C. sent me to Dr. R. for a consultation. The consult turned into an hour and a half of needles, drilling, tugging and suction. This is not my idea of a consultation and what can I say?--I can't say a thing--literally. So I leave the office with a root canal and a nagging feeling. I was right to fret--because although it was a procedure that Dr. R. claimed was necessary (and I really don't doubt that--my mouth has been a serious problem for me for years--in more ways than one) it was the location that posed the dilemma! Dr. C. is working on the bottom left (oh--that's another thing--is it his left or mine?) and this was on the right (my right) top area--I think it's the #1 molar. The cost of dental work has skyrocketed--like everything else and it is a matter of finances (since I could actually afford to not eat for a few days--that's not the problem). Okay--so now I'm incapacitated on both sides of my mouth and curious if I would be able to afford to buy any thing to eat anyway by the time I'm finished paying for the dentistry.
Lucy--My hairdresser says--"Get a lawyer." I return to Dr. R's office weeks later, with the assurance from Dr. C that this was, at this time, unnecessary, I stand up and claim my rights--after a short altercation (which I won't go into detail about) and a series of demeaning and intimidating statements including --"Well, you've neglected your teeth for a long time" and "What do you expect me to do?" I clearly recognized his attempt to bully me, from his lofty mound of dentistry, with arrogance (obvious he failed bedside manner when he took it in dental school--is bedside manner a required course or an elective). The end result is I did not assume responsibility for payment--but he, by the same token, did not assume liability for any wrongdoing. The insurance will pay him a lion's share of the cost and the $320.00 that he is out relates to the cost of dinner and drinks with his wife (if he has one--which come to think of it I don't think he does). When I left my knees were shaking and although my self-esteem had suffered momentarily I bucked up, stood up and told him exactly what I thought. Now--don't get me wrong--anyone who knows me will tell you that I am not a timid person nor am I in any shape of the word-- miserly-- but to these people in prominent professions who think they have the right to intimidate people I say--DOWN WITH BULLIES!!!

2006-02-08T08:59:00.000-05:00

The Baby is Here!!
My very good friend Holly had her baby on Wednesday. A healthy little boy--I think it's Carlos (withou the "S")--right, Hol? She and the baby are taking the semester off for obvious reasons but I miss her terribly. Of course I haven't gotten around to see the baby yet--but that's one of the things that constitutes a close friend. They are experts at being non-judgmental. Oh sure they can call you on your shit, if need be, but the unimportant things are just that---petty and insignificant. It's the times of crisis and those late nights when insecurity creeps into your otherwise happy life when a conversation with a friend is the only thing that can draw you back to reality. She's missing out on the Linguistics class that half the student population of Trinity is currently enrolled in (approx. 75 of us). We're working on bilabial stops (voiced and voiceless), labiodental fricatives, alveopalatial affricates, nasals, lax low front vowels and the all familiar dipthongs. Sound like fun?--well the vocabulary aside--it is. I am a fan of puzzles and the determination of the different sounds is the most intriguing part. Well--it's all good today.
Did you see The Shield last night? A great show and an exceptionally twisty episode. If you don't watch it--you might like to try it. It is a departure from the norm and even the commercials are diverse in comparison to those stale ads on the more established networks.
Tonight, of course, the Grammys. David Bowie, and his alteregos; Ziggy Stardust, the Thin White Duke and Mr. Iman--they all get one lifetime achievement award--what a life!

2006-02-07T09:20:00.000-05:00

WINTER, WINTER, GO AWAY--COME ON BACK ANOTHER DAY!!
Okay, that said---I mean sing-sung---I can continue. Well the Super Bowl is over, the Grammys are upon us, Valentine's Day is close, the Oscars will come, pitchers and catchers will report, Pre-season baseball will start and then there will be hope. In the meantime I spend my time working (at Trinity), taking classes (at Trinity), working some more at my own business (antiques) and going to the movies whenever I can squeeze it in. Last night Bub and I saw Match Point. I love Woody Allen--I mean his movies--and this was definitely a change from the normal Allen flix-- but I was impressed. The acting was phenomenal--although it probably won't get the attention it deserves. Maybe it is unfashionable to like a Woody Allen movie but I'm willing to overlook the director and go straight to the plot and actors--which is my standard modus operandi anyway. Scarlett Johansson is especially glowing as the American (isn't she an Aussie?) wanna-be actress thrust into the old British hoighty-toighty, house-in-the-countryside, yachting-trips-to-Greece crowd. And Jonathan Rhys-Meyers is convincing as the has-been tennis pro who is, likewise, thrown into this world of "prim and proper" excess. The Hitchcockesque suspense threw me for a loop. I was completely taken aback that Woody had it in him. It is refreshing that, in a world of obnoxious horror movies that push the limit with blood and guts, there is someone (even though it is Woody) who can take us back to a time when suspense was appreciated and it wasn't necessary to --well--show it all.
You know--when I was in the Keys with my friends, Allison, Rodney and Rosa we took in a strip show at the local club--Teaser's in Key West. You know, it's been a long time since I've done something like that. I'm no prude but rarely does the subject come up in mixed company--you know what I mean? Anyway--I was surprised--not shocked--that they stripped down to nothing--it was topless AND bottomless. Well my first question--which was readily answered-- was--where do ya put the money? But anyway--I digress-- back to my point--there are no surprises anymore--they show it all. The blood and guts, the cadavers, the shoot-outs, the beatings, the bombings. Does it make me more aware--I suppose. But the bottom line is that the suspense in this W.A. movie was refreshing and what's wrong with a little healthy tension in a world of media overload and immediate gratification? Isn't it kinda like foreplay--don't we like foreplay?

2006-01-25T18:28:00.000-05:00

Who Gets Root Canal Work on Their Birthday?
Well--I have to admit that would be me. After many go-rounds with the appointment receptionist at the endodentist--weeks ago-- I finally surrendered and the 1 1/2 hour procedure was held at 7:45 on January 24th--my birthday. Oh well! Truth be told--I really didn't feel a thing--no even today(the following day)--Thanks Dr. Rose. It was a bit of a hectic day but all in all I had a great belly-button birthday (as my good friend MA calls it). Lots of nice emails and hard copy cards from my family and friends--good music on the Sweet Side? (my radio show on WRTC-FM 89.3 Tuesdays --soon to be Wednesdays from 12-1PM--Listen some time). I actually choreographed my life through the music on yesterday's show. It wasn't hard with songs like Buy & Sell (Laura Nyro), Get Out of this House (Shawn Colvin), When I Grow Up I Want to Be an Old Woman (Michelle Shocked), I Wanna Be Sedated (The Ramones), Ray's Dad's Cadillac (Joni Mitchell), I Drink (Mary Gauthier).....and lots more. You can fill in the blanks! That was just a small part of the fun. Now it's over and I have no other choice but to wait another whole year. You know--that's just the way it is--seems like Christmas doesn't stay around long enough (although my tree is still up). All thar preparations and it's gone in one fell swoop. I'm actually considering putting hearts on the tree for the upcoming Valentines' Day and then maybe some shamrocks and few little leprechauns--what the hell!! These things pass so fast that there's little sense anymore to bother getting too excited over the celebration.
It's like this--
Bub and I talk about getting married sometimes and just how we would do it--the second time around. It's just such a complicated rigamarole to get into--especially when you have already done the big reception thing once before (and we both have). That was way before wedding cakes were breaking the bank. But there are so many possibilties. First there's the where: in another country?on the beach in the summer?on the beach in the winter?atop a snow covered mountain?in the backyard under a tent?at Disney World?there are unlimited ideas. Make it a dinner reception at a bed & breakfast or pot-luck during half-time of the Super Bowl. Maybe a candlelit soiree and forget the renovations we want to do on the kitchen. What to do--and it's all over in a few hours and then we are back to the way we were the day before and for the past 16 1/2 years. I would most probably still have the same name and all--although that consideration is still up in the air. Well--I'm just thinking out loud. Pondering the past blankety-blank years and how fast it all goes by--that's what took me off on this tangent--birthdays.....weddings.

2006-01-19T22:40:00.000-05:00

A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to The Wood 'n Tap....

I left Trinity later than I had hoped this evening to meet with my blogging compatriots. I wanted to take the shortest route and from where I sat it seemed simple enough to just "follow the highway." Since I84 curves past the Sigourney exit I wasn't really sure how to get onto Sisson so I just took a right down the way a bit (I should've taken a left--but who knew?--it was a 50-50 proposition and I lost). Heading down this narrow street I find myself hood to hood against a bullying schoolbus so I back up between the cars parked on both sides of the street and let the bastard through. Of course there's a long line of cars behind him and the looks I'm getting aren't exactly congenial--but it's Hartford so I sit back and wait. Next open space I start down the constricted roadway but the cars just keep coming--what am I supposed to do --back up for everybody? Well--this particular car isn't just everybody or anybody--it's one of Hartford's finest and I can't help wondering why one and all seem to be exhibiting hard-on attributes--right down to the cops. He stops dead in the traffic lane and does one of those whirrrrr-whirrp things with the lights and the siren. Just at this moment I reach for the stickshift to put the car in reverse--again--when the lightbulb comes over my head---all the cars are facing the same way. Well--he's got me dead to right and he pulls up next to me as I retreat humbly looking to see if I'm carrying my license of not. Aligning driver to driver he's smiling--not a smirk or a wise-ass grin but a genuine friendly expression and I say "Well --guess what--I'm lost." "No kidding--where do you need to go?" I tell him and he and his partner motion for me to turn around and they spurt out simple directions. "Have a good night --and drive safely." They didn't say maa'm--no condescending woman-driver mind set--no threat of the "warning" just a --"Oh well--she made an honest mistake. I made the prescribed maneuvers and I was at the restaurant in less than 2 minutes. I was thankful for the reprieve, the smile, the understanding but most of all I was appreciative of the fact that the dreaded "ma'am" word was not used at all in the short conversation--I hate that word!
Thanks to the guys for the invite--the perfect end to a good day.
Did I mention that I got a mammogram and a bone-density scan this morning--all within the the duration of a mere 25 minutes--That was a combined effort of a crack staff at Jefferson X-ray and may part in planning an early appointment--beating the traffic!!

2006-01-19T18:36:00.000-05:00

Rediscovering Blogging in The New Year!
Okay--I'm back and with baby steps I will get back on track--or maybe I'll just crawl. It seems that somewhere between the holidays, the funeral, and a real cool--well, it was warm but very cool--vacation I misplaced my wherewithall to blog. I left my laptop home and went webfree for a week--don't think I wasn't jonesing! I am back with just too much to say--but I will do it slowly over time--so as not to bore you. That is precisely why I shouldn't stay away so long. Here's my new friend--this manatee--the gentle giant of the sea was one of the acquaintances I made while staying at the southernmost point for a week. There were two of these wonderful aquatic creatures--a couple I presume--that came to visit daily but rarely came close to the dock together. Otherwise they were the most trusting wildlife I've had the privilege to know! I could feed them lettuce but soon found that spinach was not their preferential meal--no matter how close to lettuce we think it is.

The Florida Keys is home to the ultimate laid back atmosphere---unless you're a drinker and then it becomes hard work. Just the time and the capacity to indulge in the dozens of party places is exhausting --even for a non-drinker. The "Bull" was our central hangout. Yankee Jack was the daytime entertainment on the first level of a three-tiered party place--"where y'all from?" he asked everyone and wherever it was he had a song for it--pretty hokey--but the quality entertainment was the unpaid "performers" that would come in off the street--they should consider doing the American Idol try-outs there--there are lots of "William Hungs" out there and very few "Kelly Clarksons"--but it's all in fun. You know that saying about"what happens in Vegas? --well it works for Key West, too.

While we were there 18 Cuban immigrants made it to the 7-mile bridge the bridge we crossed almost everyday with rarely a thought of the value of our taken-for-granted freedom. They made the 90 mile trek by battered boat only to be told--and here's the part I don't quite get--that the bridge does not constitute recognized "American Soil." So they could not remain in the states. I don't know how they did it but the newspapers said they had to go back. Sad but true. When we left the islands we heard that there was an activist on a hunger strike to get the government to reconsider. He was losing his battle. If you want to be here that bad maybe provisions could be made to allow you to stay here. I don't have any solutions but it is very sad, indeed.

I'm off to the Wood 'n Tap to see my fellow bloggers in the flesh. More tomorrow--I hope!!

2005-12-28T14:48:00.000-05:00

He Was a Kind and Gentle Man......
We just returned from "home"--that would be defined as the place where we both were born and had lived most of our lives. After weeks of preparations--not unlike any other red-blooded American holiday freakoid--I took what I thought would be one last Pre-Christmas trip across the Hudson on the weekend prior to the hoiday to finish up the traditional sixteen varieties of cookies with my mother and sisters in an effort to supplement the already out-of-hand holiday indulgences. Returning to Connecticut for one last day of work and the broadcast of my annual Christmas radio show--"Santa's Sweet Side?" the phone call came from Judy--Vince had passed on.
Vince would be my father-in-law if Gary and I were legal and for all intents and purposes I feel that he is. I have known him for over thirty-five years and along with my own deceased father he is one of the most gentle men I have ever been acquainted with. I guess my overbearing self is attracted to such men since his son is cut from the same cloth. They say you marry like your father--I know, for me anyway, that falls true.
Vince had been incarcerated at Golden Hill Nursing Home for some years now--the rest home itself happens to be situated on the same property as the Ulster County Jail but it wasn't the building that kept him imprisoned --it was the disease. Sadly he was a victim of Alzheimer's and remained--physically, anyway-- "as healthy as a horse" until a few weeks ago when he forgot how expectorate the phlegm he accumulated and ultimately could not remember how to swallow in order to sustain himself.
Four days before Christmas we laid him to rest. We had only seen him a few weeks earlier at Thanksgiving but he rarely opened his eyes and his breathing was labored. It was sad. I had hoped to publish a picture of the man in his prime but my computer is in need of some work. I will try to get them on in the days to come.
Years ago when he was leaning toward the darker side of his disease I remember making him laugh. I'm not sure whether he understood what I was saying to him or not but he was laughing like I hadn't seen him do in years--actually I can't remember seeing him ever laugh that way before. He couldn't respond with words since his vocabulary had dwindled to simple one-syllable sounds. But he could laugh and I took advantage of the opportunity. The somewhat risque stories I told were of the escapades that his son and I incurred in the office of his Lincoln-Mercury dealership after hours--in the dark--in the back seats of a brand new Mark IV and even in his leather swivel desk chair! I would have never said these things to him if he had been in a state of normalcy but he wasn't and he was lovin' it! I don't know if it was the tone of voice I used--the mischievous look in my eye as I told the stories or the fact that he really did "get it"--but I'll never forget that day and I thought of it as I kneeled before the coffin and I smiled--I think I might have even nervously giggled aloud at the thought. Meantime Gary seriously slipped a vintage picture of his mother (dear Alice who had predeceased Vince by 20 years)into the breast pocket of his suit. He was careful and thankfully so since Judy told us later that the green tree-decorated tie he was wearing would play "O' Christmas Tree" if touched in the right place. He would have loved that idea. God bless you Vince.

2005-12-16T14:17:00.000-05:00

Hey--Where'd Everybody Go?
Well, here I am--feelin' a little lonely--Brett's here, Bill's here--even JP is around--although I'm not sure for how long. I'm just getting started. I'm a late bloomer but I'm bound and determine to make up for lost time. I'm waiting for Elin to pick up where she left off. Erin promises to keep on keepin' on. I know Joe is out there watching. And Eric, well he has Blogging Inc.to keep up. I hope I can get to all of his blog spaces (but I'm afraid that might be a full-time job). I am taking full advantage of this time, this break in the action, this seasonal time off from school and work to turn this blogal stagnation around. BUT WHERE'S Colin? Am I doing something wrong or have his blogs from the last few days disappeared? You know I'm feeling responsible--the curse of the screamin' memey--since I did place a comment on one of his recent blogs--Did I do it? Well this could be my lack of expertise showing through the smoke and mirrors but I can't find him! Does anybody have an answer? In the meantime--please keep me posted on the undercover blog work that seems to be going on sans class. And I am curious about the speed-dating thing--I have some friends who are always complaining about their social lives and although they claim to be game I'm not sure they would do anything like that without some evidence of at least a tinge of success.

2005-12-15T17:37:00.000-05:00

Writing My Paper & Thinking of Yous!
Well I'm sitting here finishing up my paper--the paper that I've been letting drive me off the wall for the past few weeks is a few hours from ready. I wouldn't say I am anal but I have started this paper over about seven times. Anyway I wanted to share that I, too, have enjoyed the classes, even though I sometimes seemed to exhibit the opposite reaction.Okay--so I got a late start but I think I might keep this up. I think that in the end it's what you have learned that matters. I've already been eyeing all your blogs --just like I used to but with a tiny tinge of some commentary.Give me time--I might surprise you all--like I said I'm a late bloomer. But you know what --I learned some stuff from you all. I got the privilege to be a part of the first bloggin class ever in Trinity's 175 years and the opportunity to be taught by the infam--,I mean famous, author-radio personality-Hartford Courant blogger, Colin McEnroe. Elin--I'm waiting.
In the meantime I saw X (the band) the weekend. If I had forgotten just how much I love punk music I was reminded of that this past Sunday night. Dohn Doe, Exene Cervenka, BillyZoom and D.J. Bonebrake--awesome. I just couldn't believe how effortlessly Billy played that guitar while striking poses the whole time for avid cell phone photographers. I wish I had my digital with the zoom--the photos would've been worth posting--in the meantime here's a few that I got off the website. X then and now.
Keep warm you guys and stay off the icy roads tomorrow. Bye-Bye til next time!!

2005-12-08T17:29:00.000-05:00

What is Media Ecology?
How does blogging fit into this ecology?

2005-12-08T16:12:00.000-05:00

I Rely on The Kindness of Others/ This blog's for you!!
Well, you know I did my class presentation in Irene Papoulis' class on blogs. When I announced what the topic would be, a few weeks prior, I found to my surpprise that my class--all students at least 30 years my junior responded with blurbs like--"I hate blogs," What do people's personal diaries have to do with Writing Theory and Practice," I'm not sure what a blog is," and "when I mention the word "blog" to ____ (this person shall remain anonymous since we know him) he curls up in a ball and covers his ears." But after the class I feel like I, the aged IDP undergraduate student, took them out of this bubble of misunderstanding. Maybe I couldn't do it as well as Brett, Joall and Eric--(and I don't feel bad about that anymore--not since I figured out how to link properly and put up pictures) but I was the most experienced blogger in that class-- there was a "sportee blogger" but he generally stuck to the sports stuff. I searched and searched for blogs to fit the personalities and interests of each of my classmates. I don't have to do that with you guys--you already have your favorites. As a matter of fact I never did find a favorite of my own --I've just been so overwhelmed by the whole vast blogosphere--but it's less overwhelming now. Thanks to you all. I know I will have to write a kickass graduate-level paper to get me up to snuff with alot of you all. Can the lowly undergraduate rise to the occasion? If I make it to class after the two hours sleep I had last night --I'll talk about it more.

Eric: What does this mean exactly?--"I had to turn off word-verification, so the comment spam may be in full effect again. Double-Grrr." I understand the double grr part--but the rest--it's not fair to talk like that the last night of class.Just when I was feeling a little confident.
Holly--"Blogging is for reasons personal to each individual... it provides satisfaction through interaction; it provides validation" Thanks kiddo for stickin with me!!
In the meantime--this blog's for all of you:

This quote goes "People spend more time searching for music rather than listening to it. The important thing is that it's a new kind of social experience, where people open up their computers to each other. It's the digital version of a nudist colony." This indirectly ties into John Lennon--I know --it's a stretch.

Here's a beautiful poem by this Englishman about another Englishman:
IN MEMORIAM

They say imagine
no more humane songs
and this at Christmas

–the fir trees baubles
weighted many-fold
like lead. He finds

his final peace
through this destruction –
no longer shall he ache

for universal love.
Crushed like a beetle
closer to Colorado

than his scouser’s home.

Perhaps gun-toting Reagan
will sleep in peace, relieved
at another “pinko’s” demise.

Malcolm Evison – 9 December 1980

Here's an interesting quote from Nobel Prize winner Seamus Heaney , (one of my favorite poets) on Eminem--and a poll for you all--I'd like to figure out how to do THAT!!

One thing I have enjoyed this semester is that I was allowed to ramble--in the blog, in my classes, in my head. Next semester will be different--I'm sure.

HAPPY HOLIDAY to you all and thanks for those words of encouragement when I didn't know what I was doing. OK I am rambling--I know!

2005-12-07T16:14:00.000-05:00

Dumpster Diving For AirFare
This site explains that the Wendy's/Coca-Cola deal means that a mere 64 Cokes will get you a round-trip flight to somewhere. There's gotta be a catch! I could use a trip to anywhere.
Restrictions placed on Wikipedia recently have changed the face of the "mother of all blogs." Now what can we use to substitute? Who can be Blog Royalty? What's happened to the wild west theory in the realm of Wiki? It seems the complaint came from a Siegenthaler--wouldn't it just make sense to over-edit or whatever the terminology is to change the editorial references?USA-Today has an op/ed concerning this. Here is a quote from the Community Decency Act"no provider or user of an interactive computer service shall be treated as the publisher or speaker." Interesting--worth discussing?
Galumpia is a very funny--it's British--what would you expect--check out the pictures! This some great photoblogging--not just your vacation photos that we see so much of in the blogosphere. Is that Donald Rumsfeld I see?--Sure is!
I was going to put some of my pictures up but I'm not home--I'll try to get to it tonight.

2005-12-01T15:09:00.000-05:00

Pillows Have a Purpose Too!
Fluff you say Mark! Well--I may not have been the most productive of the class bloggers but I have come to realize that the blogosphere is home to many bloggers--people who, like ants, are social creatures--but some are more social than others --Haven't you ever seen ANTZ? You seem to feel that all bloggers are so wrapped up in their own egoes that they can't possibly work together. I have found so much substance on the blogs I have chosen to look at like Lettrist and Yanksfan vs Soxfan--informative fun and enjoyable education with serious emergent properties. When this class is over I hope to play with my blog in a constructively capitalistic way. Of course I'll want people to read it but for marketing effect.
There may very well be a Proctor and Gamble blogocenter but there will always be the "gathering of friends, family, or colleagues using technologies" to work together without any "central direction...to produce intelligent action." You are calling all of us egomaniacal self-centered whores to validation! Less of a necessity for you--it could be the very thing that keeps a person going--in particular Sally. Now I'm sure whe would have survived without this blog of hers but damn--it sure helped her get through the rough times.
I would like to get in on a particular market area of the blogosphere--and mix it up with some personal stuff. A touch of the Mom and Pop store in a world of money-grubbing capitalists. I might have a bit of a competitive edge--who knows--sounds like you do!

2005-11-30T16:59:00.000-05:00

MY LINKS?
So I can post pictures but can't do a link--well here's a few pictures of my new favorite artist--James Blunt.
First I would like to say thanks to Prof. Irene Papoulis for opening her mind, reading our little anthill with support and costructive criticism of the swarm.
Okay I need to get this right--with only two classes left I find out that my links suck! Thanks everybody! But I'm obviously not a quitter and I will bring your attention to another link--let's see if I can do this. It is a social swarming. Yay!! It works now I know how to link--but I thought I could do it before--somebody tell me if I reall have it now! I'm thinking now I can do so much more! I'm going to work on the audio file thing next. I just got an early Christmas present--my 60 GB Ipod--don't ask me to tell you what the GB part is all about but until people started to ask me what kind I didn't care. I am still working on free downloads but I think I'm a day late and more than a dollar short on that deal. But there's always someone coming out with something sporatically and I'll hit on one of them before Apple serves them a subpoena. I want to be able to plug it in and play it over the radio--WRTC 89.3--That's right--I'm on the radio too, Colin. Tuesdays from 12:00 to 1:30 P.M. If you listen I don't think you'll be disappointed--I don't talk--there's enough of that on commercial Clear Channel stations--but I play good music. This being the holiday season I am in search of the obscure holidays songs--any suggestions are welcome.OK I did what I set out to do--I got my link right--TA DA!!

2005-11-28T13:30:00.001-05:00

THE "LAZY Child" MEMER
I took David Smith's comment to Colin to heart, "Personalized blogs are like lazy children... they may not be accomplishing much in the real world, but you hope they are osmotically gathering (emitting) some world-wisdom that will pay off some day, and at least today they aren't hating you." I have worked my blog around and around --trying to please an audience, my class and my professor. I decided with two more classes left that I would please myself and if I decide to retain and continue the blog it will be mine and mine alone. I may not have accomplished much through the blog but through others blogs I have learned so much.
Here's a link to something that has crossed my mind, puzzling me these past few months--swarm logic http://www.wordspy.com/words/swarmlogic.asp
Has this theory come true through "Blogging On"? Have 15 or so naive students become more tuned in to the blogosphere through our interaction within it rather than through watching it from afar? Some have willingly become a part of this ant hill, some of us have moved forward to our own ant hill while yet others have settled comfortably within a predisposed "frontier" place. I am still uncertain of where my particular place is--but I know one thing for certain--I will never be alone there--and neither will you!

2005-11-27T15:54:00.000-05:00

"Post-Thanksgiving Pre-Finals" Thoughts
This is a report from the Big post meal game. Complete with lighting and cheerleaders, flag football rules were intitiated this year due to last year's injuries to the a few of the smaller players. They are at the stage where now they can play--but they really can't (you know what I mean?) We can't tell them that so the new rules suddenly came about this year. Besides no tackling--there is no crying--no unecessary teasing---no four letter words--and no mothers on the field. Everything went fine (particularly with that latter regulation). Tackling was not necessary since there was alot of slippin' and slidin' due to the condition of the field and falling was almost a given. There were too many spectators to made a spectacle of oneself by crying and it was too "damn cold" for mothers to stand out on the frozen turf. We were there though. All thirty of us ate like vultures and took off for the post meal extravaganza. It was only out in the back yard (my brother's house borders the middle school property). When all was said and done I never aked the score but there were no dejected faces--red and chafed--but not sad. And through the process of a truly democratic vote--nephew Dominick emerged as this year's "sportman of the game". It's not about the score or the skill but in this game it is about the conduct. It made me proud to hear that he had won by a landslide--10 votes out of a possible 12. Spectators (like me) were not allowed to vote. It was a great weekend--but it's back to work and school tomorrow. I'll get to those "other" blogs--but I thought this was important and isn't that a big piece of this blog thing--Expression of the things that matter (to me).
Now on to the pre-final countdown--the holiday gives the illusion of freedom from school and work, too. But that's not the way it is. Tomorrow it starts all over again--oh well! It was nice to have a few hours anxiety free. That's why I like Thanksgiving!

2005-11-17T17:50:00.000-05:00

Thanksgiving with Van Sant & Burroughs
Check it out a Thanksgiving sentiment brought to us by Gus Van Sant and Wiliams Burroughs--from 1986. It is better than even I expected.

2005-11-17T17:38:00.000-05:00

Out of Sight -- Out of Mind?
Holly says--out of sight--out of mind but I say "in your face." The viewer of Steve Garfield's vlog says something like, "video is not so good for ideas--it's so picture oriented that ideas get buried" -- but I think the ideas come across loud and clear (some louder than others). I don't have cable and am willing to watch these vlogs--particularly Rocketboom for my off-the-wall news (likened to John Stewart) . Amanda --is it Condom?--what a 21st century female Chevy Chase. The RB news from Europe was all that I need to know. France is burning! It's a funy thing I'm actually becoming acquainted with the "celebrities of vlogdom"--enough so that I recognized Steve Garfield when he made a cameo on RB--is this a side job for him? I could've stayed there forever--as a matter of fact, I'm playing the RB vlogs while writing this post. Just like I watch tv--as soon as something sounds interesting I go to it. But I have to admit that I really enjoyed Amanda's reporting until I just now lost sound. I had alot of connection problems but when I had it --I really had it.
I think that the sentiment of vlogging came across clearly with such statements as "Don't look at the storm--it's about me" as the "vlactor" (is that what we call the characters in front of the vlog camera) stands poised through a hurricane situation. Or the "Drivetime" person, ravijain (who we've seen before) says "Call me if you need a ride." And how 'bout the girl looking for a job? A jobby--job-job--Colin--what exactly would you hire her for? Limited vocabulary , terrible organizational skills (see background clutter), serious ADD and depression issues. But her vlog is definitely all about her, too! Annie makes attempts at explaining herself but she's the star of her blog--you don't see anyone else and she isn't afraid of a close-up. She claims, rightfully so, that vloggers have short attention spans and are voyeuristic.
I can get intellectual with the blogs but I can certainly say that it's been fun. Maybe it's the fact that I don't have to read anything--much--I'm overwhelmed with reading as it is. Maybe it's the fact that as Steve Garfield says the ticks and mistakes are not important--his viewers like it raw and so do I.

2005-11-09T23:30:00.000-05:00

FINDIN' the FAITH
Nomaste to you all (especially Eric)
Anvil & Fire --the first faith oriented blog I'm looking at had some an interesting prose section but the blog for today was simple and thought provoking--not at all what I first expected with all the references to scripture. The bloggers' use of pictures makes use of God's world a la Kodak moments. Not my cup of tea but worth looking at. Killing the Buddha carries a dispensary of spiritual stories of all sorts--one that caught my eye was Gettin' Clean--the rantings of a weekend Buddhism seeker with serious OCD. Then there's Just Pat a blog with a spattering of the Nicene Creed mixed in with home reconstruction. How about a Jesus Stratocaster at the blog of infinite stylings of Jesus Christ?--ya gotta love it!
Off the subject temporarily--here's an offshoot from Flu Wiki that might interest the avian flu enthusiasts. Preparing for the FLULOCAUST. Ever think about Cleveland sports this guy does. He does a great job chatting up something that I care nothing about.I'm blogging like I blog surf--dropping off interesting blogs --callin' em as I see 'em (otherwise I lose them.
On the subject of spirituality through literati I found an interesting blog The Path much more enlightening than the holy-roller stuff. Eric should check this out. And a great article concerning Faith (or the lack of it) in America Today. I've just spent 4 hours in blogimation--I'm tired I'm going to bed--I have reading to do for Irene P. before I sleep.

2005-11-03T17:27:00.000-05:00

Spreading the Flu Wiki
This blog gives more information about the flu than I have ever read or heard in my whole life! Everything from Orwellian flu fiction to links to the WHO. Some may or may not be credentialled but there is a genuine concern expressed for humankind within this blog. People need to understand the potential catastraphic results of any epidemic. If it doesn't happen --all the better but what's wrong a conscientious system of preparedness. Oh-right --that's not how we do it--we work with hindsight. It's overwhelming- this blogosphere. It makes TV so underwhelming and uninformative. I have a better chance of sifting out the truth when I have more than one option. But who has the time to sort it all out-link to link to link to link!!
The Daou report, like TV and the newspaper, gives me more of the same over and over again. The format relies on combatants to lay out their two-cents but there is no real dialogue--no response. I wasted a few hours trying to find some redeeming qualities and the only one I could come up with was the fact that each column is nicely polarized with identifying "directional thumbs." Somewhere I did find a few humorous quotes but the problem is they are lost if I am not diligently "collecting" them for my blog. I did find a link that gave me a few encapsulated biographies of "left wing monsters"--information that I would have to sort out--but short and educational with no more slant than the history book I've been reading most of my life. Fortunately these blogs are identifying themselves, proudly, as being on one side or another. I'm tired of trying to sort it out.

2005-11-02T17:37:00.000-05:00

BUZZIN' AROUND THE BLOGOSPHERE
As I navigate through the blogs tonight I come across a poem that expresses how I've felt all along about the constant threads of distraction that pop up every time I begin to read an interesting blog--Well that's just it--how interesting can the blog be if it can't keep my attention? But maybe I'm not so extraordinary if the average reader stays on any given blog for 90 sec.! I might give 2 minutes to an bizarre article or scathing opinion. Does that imply that I do have staying power--that I am above average along the blog-reading circuit? Now I have found what blogger's want and what readers want---I should be golden--RIGHT?
Now speaking for myself--I know what I don't want and that is "pack journalism". Isn't it a journalist's job to observe, interview and research information--instead all I hear, read and see among the media--internet or not-- are reports from "journalists" (and I use the term loosely) who relay information sight unseen--scenes that come to us not second or third hand but multihanded and distorted like the whispered secrets that don't ever resemble the original. It's just human nature to tell the story the second and third time with more embellishments--but do we get facts or fiction--hard to tell!

2005-10-31T17:25:00.000-05:00

HAPPY HALLOWEEN to all the good ole boys
Today I was the only person on campus dressed for Halloween. Damn--I think I was the only person in Hartford over 6 years old out for the old fasioned trick or treat. The only person on the road appropriately costumed for the occasion,I drove to work with a big hair platinum wig, rhinestone chandelier earrings, cat's eye rhinestone studded vintage sunglasses--just a little something I put together in ten minutes when the spirit of Halloween moved me this morning. As I drove through the tunnel traffic was light--(I was late again) but today the culprit who changed lanes was actually in pursuit of moi. A truck driver mistook me for Dolly Parton or whoever he left home in Alabama to ride the big rigs and he was riding my bumper looking for an opportunity to pass. I guess it was meant to be a compliment when he put the pedal to the metal to chase me down and invite me to take the next exit for a drink--I mean I think that's what the all the sign language was about. Oh to have a CB radio this morning! The whole alter-ego thing affected traffic in ways I never thought I could. It was fun and no people or animals were hurt in the process--the tunnel remains intact. But I think this video might be that driver on his weekend offhttp://www.nearlygood.com/video/dumbamericantruck.html

2005-10-26T17:26:00.000-04:00

I was just thinking as I surfed.....THE Irony---
Today the death toll in this war surpassed the nice round number of 2000. Is this some kind of celebration--do I need to know--does it matter if it's 20 or 20,000? Along the way I found information concerning a silenced blogger, a "stop-loss" soldier (another name for military personnel detained beyond their expected tour of duty--even--get this--if there enlistment time is up). His blog is no longer available. He hasn't been fired, like some other bloggers have been for their work--they can't punish him anymore than they are by keeping him there--so he's been silenced (read his last distressing blog)! His only mistake was his unhappiness about being away from home for so long--what a crime that is, huh? Here's hoping he can find a way to get back onto the blogosphere. We need to hear from him and others like him.

2005-10-26T16:48:00.000-04:00

Getting from Blog "Here" to Blog "There" the Long Way
The "tunnel" was quiet today--I saw only one lane change--but I was late and missed the real action.
Kudos to Ms. T who came to class last week--what a pleasure it was to have a "real" person--a non-tekie, a human being with a "real" life. I am really lovin' her adventures--her escapades--not mundane, at all, and so authentic, non-political and well-written. Thanks!!
But--listen to this-- I checked out this blog through the McEnroe referral system and I moved on to this one which brought me ultimately to a place where I can find out who does the music for the TV commercials out there that never recognize the band. I can scroll through companies, artists or songs--okay it's British TV but that's more interesting than ours. I am finding my kind of stuff in the blogosphere where before I was afraid to venture off the prescribed path now I'm out there exporing a far as I can--downloading music--legally or illegally--I don't know and I'm not asking. Self-proclaimed ex-British music historians, Lu'siana musicologists, girl music archeologists and funkogicians. What an overload!! I've found that I am easily overloaded--did I say easily? Well that's a stupid word for what it is--what with work, my own business, three classes, mandatory meetings, a home and homework but I am bound and determined to enjoy this whole composite of my life--it's the only one I got.

2005-10-25T18:44:00.000-04:00

Movin' On
Well--there was an accident in the "tunnel" today (this wasn't it) and one last tues., too. Next tues. I'll take the back way to work. It seems that even the new bright halogen lights don't help the Connecticut drivers to maneuver through an 1/8 mile stretch of underground highway. They just can't resist changing lanes in the "dark chasm" I guess. What else could it be?
Speaking of rushes--the Christmas shopping season is neary upon us--well--this weekend starts the insanity(circa Halloween). Gee, I hope the American Girl Doll Company can survive the onslaught of conservative crazies who seems to be suffering from the recent lull in political activity. Not only are they going after the doll manufacturers but they must be watching the new Geena Davis show to get their fix while the West Wing is sliding in the polls-what does that tell you about a woman in the White House--I know--I know--well if it's Geena Davis....
Anyhow while checking out the Geena Davis show I mispelled her first name ( so did the geniuses who set up the sight) and got this I bet the newly apointed President of the United States is thrilled about it.
Oh--by the way--this is not a subway train--nor is it a "tunnel" traveler--it is one of the costumes from last years' Halloween parade in the Village --NYC. I'll have more to show as the week goes on. Last year I spent Halloween in Salem--I'll try to get some of those pics downblogged through the next few days. It is quickly becoming my favorite holiday--no gifts--no family visits--no overwhelming neighborhood decorating rivalry--no hassle--just fun and candy!

2005-10-18T21:03:00.000-04:00

WHAT WORLD SERIES?
Last night ,believe it or not, I found out that the White Sox won their division on that Scottish guy's late night show--It was part of his monologue .It's not like me to miss the final games of the season but sometime around August my life got decidedly busier and I now get my news on-line somewhere between blogs and microsoft word or via David or Jay as they stand before the audience early in the late night shows.Am I the only person in the world getting their news from the Scottish guy--oh what's his name? Anyway-- I have to admit that I even missed the last Yankee game (it must've been the heartbreak of having my oversized magnetic NY stolen right off my Honda just days before the Anaheim slaughter). But my time management skills (or the lack thereof) are being tested every day. It's a challenge but barely worth the effort. On Saturday I helped Mari Ann move--I offered her three hours of my time and felt dreadfully uncomfortable confining myself to such restrictions--so I didn't do it--I mean I didn't restrict myself. I left the wash, the painting, the homework, the real work and the other stuff to fend for itself --but that's just it--it doesn't fend for itself. I'm torn between feeling responsible toward my friend and being negligent with my own stuff!
Speaking of my own shit--since late August I've been taking the morning rush hour route through Hartford every day--something I said I'd never do. I have discovered that if I am only five minutes late I can eliminate ten minutes of traffic. So I am usually five minutes late. But the tunnel--well THAT THING THEY CALL A TUNNEL --that thing that in any other city would be simply an overpass--but in Hartford is a tunnel --is really a joke. Hartford drivers--if they ever knew the vehicular reasoning behind the solid white line just seem to forget any rules of the road when they enter that one-tenth of a mile stretch of highway and it turns into a momentary Talladega. It's funny because I'm not sure if it's the shadowiness of the road, the fact that there really can't be a cop set up in that area or the cavernous echo that resonates for a whole ten seconds that seems to bring out a little bit of Tony Stewart in hearts of the early morning commuters. Last night the D.O.T. were adding more lights to the interior--it seems the thing's been a problem since it's inception. I remember, soon after it's completion, hearing on the local NPR a warning from the state for drivers to remember to remove their sunglasses when entering the "tunnel."
Here's a tunnel for you--it's in Hartford--can't drive in it-- and it's debatable as to whether or not you should enter it at all.

2005-10-10T22:29:00.000-04:00

Connecti-cut from the Same Grain
This is the most interesting set of bloggers so far. You all may not agree with me but the Coffee Rhetoric posted some very empathetic life thoughts. Her diatribe concerning her distaste with what she calls the four-boobs syndrome was thoroughly enjoyable. She can certainly talk some shit. Ya gotta love her reference to female "back bacon." I found culinary delights on this blog--maybe I'll try one on the class. The blog about polygamy in the Netherlands was informative. Gossipy blogs about the Westport set and politics a la locale in a since lost blog from a West Hartford citizen gave me renewed faith in the comprehension of the state and its peoples. Maybe I'm beginning to find the reasons behind the blogs.

2005-10-06T16:55:00.000-04:00

Kevin Sites --"THE HOT ZONE" The blog with News, Human Interest & EYECANDY
Well--I've been traveling blogocities, the blogosphere, the bloggeranias and Yahoo has this newly established video blog with it's credentialled reporter, Kevin Sites taking on the world.It's their take on the blog thing. Not current from the point of view of the numerous politicos or pseudo-politicos that "cover" blogdom--but nonetheless timely and informational. I check it out--like I check out PBS-- when my eyes and my mind are completely tuckered out with all the information that I've been accumulating on the required/recommended sites--when I've had so much thrown at me in the way of advertisements and spam and names I never even heard o--when so much information is stuffed inside my head that when I sit down to write I've lost any train of thought that I thought I thought I had--that's when I watch a nice show about Penguins--yeah--or the Blues or even Bob Dylan. Anyway this Hotzone takes me out of the U.S. and into the world. It's not at all Mary Poppins stuff--but it is easily digested. It is informative. Granted, it is Yahoo's venture into the world of commercial Blogiality but they are taking a slightly different direction--trying to change the course of things--maybe not with the heat as they would like it to emit--but you know the rugged Kevin Sites lends some oppositional reality to the concept of the pajama-clad blogger--although I'm sure his sleeping apparel--or lack of it might interest some viewers-- but MOI--I watch it for the articles!

2005-10-03T17:00:00.000-04:00

Meirs Tops Miller
In the category of meme continuity I would say that Miller has lost considerable ground and Miers is now in the forefront. I haven't checked the stats but before I do I have to give photo time to this great Whiskey Bar ala Michelangelo--"The Apotheosis of St. Judy." Her situational martyrdom overwhelms me--so much that I'm ready to prepare the crypt myself. But that is the concept which is "meme." My attention span is so over this Judy Miller thing. I'm liking the MeMO girl alot--she travels the world to get the most unusual and different information. The weblogs that go on and on about the same subject bore me. Daily Kos, for example--too much attention paid to the serious--there's no humor on the Kos--unless of course the sarcasm turns slightly comical.

I must be the ADD kickin' in but I find the political stuff too overwhelming and since the namedropping falls over my (or should I say on) my head too often I try not to visit at all. Roger Ailes, for instance, blogs twelve names--I am familiar with maybe five--familiar that is to discuss them in any political dialogue. I feel compelled to take rollcall of the cabinet, the Senate and the House of Representatives. But I won't do that anytime soon--so I'll stick with the fun blogs. That may make me, in some eyes, "an uninformed citizen" but I beg to differ.

SO I read and I read and I read. I found Whiskey Bar's jargon attractive--"Demopublicans and Republicrats"--not unique but meaningful. His reference to "Tangentopoli" in the Clean Hands entry was vocabularically enlightening. James Wolcott makes small talk about Television but it's just that--small talk. I liked the review for Cold Water that I found below a Meirs discussion. I check our Sally on the road every once in a while--just to see if she is still alive. Dooce is the most versatile--I have to admit. She's intelligent but not overbearing.

As far as the Megablogs go--I'm totally overwhelmed but I try. I won't give up. All in all if I learn one thing a day doing this blog thing I consider it just that --a part of a learning experience.

2005-09-29T17:59:00.000-04:00

Rock
&
Roll whooosat!!

Give me an F...give me a ...(you know the rest, right)?
Well--I decided to continue with my musical meme. I thought I'd go back a few years. As a matter of fact I played some of these guys on my weekly radio show on WRTC Hartford. The web site sucks but the music is extremely eclectic. I am the queen of music eclecticity. Check it out. Anyway here's a few pictures that'll take you back--do you remember these guys? No fair if you saw the show on protest music recently on Public TV.
I'm still unschooled at positioning these pictures but I think you'll be challenged nonetheless.
At the top right the lead singer is the second guy on the left--little guy with big cohones!!
There's a couple of very cool pictures here so why not play the game? You may not recognize the faces but I will reveal the names--but somehow I don't think I'll have to.
Come on--play the game!
One more --then I gotta go to class--

More to follow.....

2005-09-28T23:38:00.000-04:00

I'm not a quitter--nor am I an antagonist-- but this blog discussion seems isolated somehow--well--maybe I'm the isolationist --no I'm not that either! So I decided to make a go of it. It is half-hearted I must admit but I'm having a hard time keeping to the rules of discussing what I read on the prescribed blogs. I read Clotaire Rapaille--interesting-- but what's he got to do with blogs? I've spent endless hours surfing the suggested blogs and some are curious but not worth writing about. I did find a glossary of blog terminology to help me "get it"--but that wasn't that exciting. I found that the Kos has latched on to the Weicker thing--but not with a whole lot of enthusiasm, either. I've followed Sally somewhat and find that she has worn out her attraction. My next door neighbor tells stories like Dooce. I think there must be some kind of blog that I can get excited about but maybe I'm not looking in the right places. I can write about stuff--I know how to write--but that's not what this whole thing is about and I really want to get it. I am humbly asking for help--HELP!!

2005-09-25T21:28:00.000-04:00

This is going to be my own music vector--a personal interpretation of a music meme seen at this blog . OK so it's a copycat meme--isn't that what a meme is? Now--not only did I just place my first link but I am going to attempt to place pictures on this blog--now stay with me--this is as I have said from the beginning a work in progress--an experiment--a test of ability. So now I've got a link which isn't important except for the fact that it represents the fact that I am, myself, a host (a person who has been successfully infected by a meme). So with this meme I do pay homage to my current favorite musicians. I say current because these choices will evolve and/or revert. I will try to get pictures up for these musicians and if I can't get a picture I will just choose another musician--simple--since I have many favorites.
First picture succesfully loaded--YAHOO!!
Joan Jett and Ani DiFranco:
Both wonderful female performers Ani's most recent tour promoting her latest cd, Knuckle Down!! was sadly cancelled due to nerve inflammation of the wrists. My favorite release of hers is Little Plastic Castle from a few years back. She can be angry or comical--but always righteous with a hard-driving style. She's a string-breakieer. Not only is she an accomplished musician she is also a successful entrepreneur and records on her own label, Righteous Babe, to which she has signed many more new artists, like,Toshi Reagon and Hamill on Trial. Joan is in semi-retirement but living in Connecticut--so they say. We all know her #1 hit "I love Rock and Roll"--but do you remember "Bad Reputation?"

Iris DeMent:
Okay--so the photo didn't come out just exactly where I wanted it to--I'll get it right with practice. Anyway-Iris is the black & white photo above. What a phenomenal musician-songwriter. Her style is hers alone. . She has a country honesty in her straightforward, sometimes biting lyrics, i.e.;
We got CEO's making two hundred times the workers' pay
But they'll fight like hell against raising the minimum wage
And If you don't like it, mister,
They'll ship your job to some third-world country 'cross the sea
And it feels like I am living in the wasteland of the free
There is a cultured beauty in her gratifying melodies. Her quiet demeanor and her plain-Jane appearance at the keyboard are disavowed as soon as she begins to play and sing. She just happens to be married to another of my favorites--Greg Brown.
You should give a listen to all or any of these women. More to follow in the coming days and weeks.
Okay--so I have successfully found a meme and loaded pictures (although I would rather that Iris was situated lower in the blog)--but this experiment is coming together. I was, at first, very, very wary but it's not so bad--it's finding a niche that's challenging. In the meantime this is a learning experience--I will treat it as such and I'll figure out the placement of the photos or one of you will let me know where I went wrong. I have added a link and written the first of many music blogs. Tomorrow--a few good men--maybe!!

2005-09-22T16:49:00.000-04:00

My "don't get stuck on stupid " meme idea went down the tubes--I thought it would spread like wildfire--but no! I liked it but my gambling skills leave alot to be desired.Oh well I'll have to find another blog that will survive the fickle over-blogged cyberworld. However in traveling the blog space I found this little tid-bit. Sick--maybe-- but it can't be any sicker than the state of affairs surrounding the real life Cindy Sheehan situation----you gotta love the stuff the media generates--it's all truth or dare and we have to figure it out--http://www.theonion.com/content/node/40764 .

2005-09-21T20:05:00.000-04:00

The screamin' meme of the day comes to us compliments of Lt. Gen. Russell Honore, as he "took CHARGE !!" at a recent press conference in Louisiana. He stepped in to control the unruly crowd of media men and women who had--of all things--questions to ask!! Pushing Mayor C. Ray Nagin to the side like a boot camp reject he made it clear that the press are "part of the public message" and that they should not continue to "confuse the people." He said it and the blog world loved it--or hated it!! See the whole deal on http://thepoliticalteen.net. Women are lovin' the man--i.e. http://ladysruminations.blogspot. Men are idolizing the character and the General is even getting undue credit for coining the phrase--since on yet another blog http://www.fpmrecords.com the slogan is described as an example of a "backronym" or "a part of urban street talk." I wouldn't be surprised if tomorrow, somewhere in middle America, a group of well-informed street vendors were out hawking those pliable plastic bracelets with DGSOS embossed on them. And likewise, that tonight some entrepreneurial hero-worshipper with a gross or so pieces of Haneswear in his/her cellar or garage isn't silk-screening a likeness of the great soldier along side this well-memed slogan to place on the chests of patriotic Americans everywhere--"Don't Get Stuck on Stupid!"

2005-09-14T09:40:00.000-04:00

I'm the Screamin' Memey. This blogging is something that I am experiencing first hand with a fair amount of clumsiness. I would call this an experiment. But the more comfortable I get with the whole deal the more information I hope to distribute into the world of weblogs--information that I might even get from another blog. What a concept!!
There are blogs whose main purpose is to preserve, design,define and even to empower other blogs. Shakespeare's sister even has a blog! Wikipedia has been a source of endless explanations for me--little did I know it was a blog and not the accredited source of info ala Webster or Oxford English Dictionary--DUH! So give me some time--I'll get into the meme --I mean the stream of things. Blogs to you!