Thursday, April 27, 2006

The Urban Shaman Interprets the Omen


Ominous Phenominon: garbage truck breaks down in front of my house, taking most of the day to be repaired.






Urban Shaman's Interpretation: Symbolizes difficulty letting go of old, toxic energies; brooding over old wounds one thought were healed. Note that it took a cooperative effort to resolve the problem, and note the jovial goodwill of the repair technician. Overcome resistance to seeking help.
Thank you, Urban Shaman, from the bottom of my superstitious savage.

Wednesday, April 26, 2006

Touching and "the Touched"


(two images from Google: one from "insanity", the other from "massage"--which do you like best?)


It’s been nearly a year now since I made my final exit from the state psychiatric facility (I worked there, smart ass). I’ve been a self employed type person (translation:BROKE) in the field of massage and advanced bodywork, and I can’t help but notice the differences (and similarities) between the two milieus:

NOISE LEVEL
Psychiatric Hospital: frequent screaming, echo-y walls, loud television
Massage room: mellow music, peaceful surroundings, frequent sighs, occasional moans.
My choice: massage room

AGGRESSION
Psychiatric Hospital: clients frequently become violent
Massage room: clients frequently fall asleep
My choice: massage room

NUDITY
Psychiatric Hospital: clients occasionally brought in by law enforcement in states of undress, or disrobe before becoming aggressive (see above)
Massage room: clients disrobe behind screen, and are draped for modesty during treatment. Some choose to remain partially clad.
My choice: massage room

I still wash my hands as frequently as I did at the hospital, only now I provide the soap and lotion, so the quality has improved, because I don’t have to take the lowest of three bids from vendors. Also, my contact with law enforcement, social workers, and the media has sharply declined.

The winner is: massage, hands down and oh-so-soft from all the lotion.

Tuesday, April 25, 2006

Vintage Ad 50


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"Cystex" 1937, scanned from Taschen's "All-American Ads of the 30s" (click image for 391X600 version.)

This seems to be a kind of diuretic that fights constipation, possibly hemorrhoids, and/or cystitis and anything else that might ail you. But that isn't obvious at first. In the beginning it seems just a men's man ad for whatever. Then it's a cure all. And finally something "scientifically proven," with first person testimony and everything.

And what's with the capital letters at the beginning of any word that designates a human organ, or a disease, or the symptoms of a disease, or the cure for said disease? Why does getting up nights become Getting Up Nights? I'm sure the Queen of England does not simply rise but Rises in All Her Majesty; but doesn't the ordinary Joe just get up?

From the ad:
"Germs Hit Your Kidneys a Knock Out Punch!

Often Cause Getting Up Nights, Nervousness, Leg Pains, Circles Under Eyes, and Rundown Condition

Germs get into the Kidneys, Bladder, and Urinary System during Colds or because of Bad Teeth or Tonsils or during Typhoid and other Bacterial Diseases, so it's no wonder that nearly every one must at times face the dangers which may be caused by Germs in the Urinary System.

Because of the intense irritation produced by them, Germs may be the true and underlying cause of much pain, rundown health and dangerous symptoms such as: Getting Up Nights, Leg Pains, Nervousness, Dizziness, Frequent Colds and Headaches, Rheumatic Pains, Swollen Ankles, Dark Circles Under the Eyes, Back aches, Loss of Appetite and Energy, and Burning, Itching, Smarting Passages. Ordinary medicines can't help much because they do not fight the Germs that may be the cause of your trouble."
It seems only a potent antibiotic would do the trick!
"Mrs. Lena Haddock recently wrote: 'Germs in the Urinary System made me sick for seven years. Terrible pains in my back night and day. Then I would have to force and force. I was so bad three weeks ago that I just couldn't stand the pain and burning any longer. My husband got Cystex for me. I got relief from the first two doses. The pain is all gone now and I have no irritation and can sleep sound all night. I now enjoy life again and can sit in a movie with no worry of getting up and going home before the show is over."
Of all the phony testimonies. And of course the real deal maker is that it makes you "feel younger and stronger and full of life and energy." Did I mention it makes you feel younger? I wonder why they left out beautiful and sexy?

Monday, April 24, 2006

Makers of Tiger Balm Eaten in Ironic Twist

(Tigers in a vat, forced to chase each other in circles until they turn into balm. )

The makers of Tiger Balm(TM) were eaten by the ingredients of their product late Sunday evening, according to sources close to the tigers.

"They had denied using tigers in their product from the beginning"said attorney for the tigers and local primate Django Lemur-"even though there is a clear image of a tiger on the tin and the word tiger in the product name. It was just a matter of time before they got hold of a clever bunch of tigers who wouldn't fall for their tricks".

Local authorities have declined to prosecute the tigers, after district attorney office personnel were eaten during the investigation. A spokesperson for the tigers announced earlier today the tiger's intent to take over operations of the analgesic balm company, making the product from botanical sources, or possibly third world children purchased from clothing manufacturers, depending on whichever was more cost effective. A spokesperson for the third world children was quoted as saying "bring it, you stripey bitches. These babies haven't been fed in a while", appealing to the tiger's natural fear of poetic irony.

Friday, April 21, 2006

Another non-scary/non-sad update (but not a funny one)


Last night was interesting, except for the parts when I was really bored.
I made it to the hookah lounge after all the scary weather finished (for a while). It was pretty dead, so I set up in the corner and waited. The staff of hip youngsters were charming, with refreshingly retro taste in music--I heard Cream from my childhood, and Talking Heads from my Punk days, so that was nice. Then it started getting busy around midnight. All these college kids, crowding in to share a sheesha and play board games. I shit you not. I did a couple of freebie demo sessions, which lead to a pair a paying clients--two charming young women from the table directly next to my chair. They were a bit cash poor, so I did 5 minute sessions for them, and made ten bucks. It's going to take a little time for the customers to adjust, and remember to bring extra cash. I'm not worried. Also, there was a really cute Chiahuahua that looked like a tiny greyhound, and some of the students that arrived a little "altered" found the contact juggling to be a bit mesmeric.
I have two table clients today, so my adventures in hookah land may be cancelled tonight--I'll have to see how much energy I have. I admit, I really enjoy the place--it smells interesting.
oh, yeah--I have reason to suspect that Kurt is a banjo player.

Thursday, April 20, 2006

Opening Night

(this is not the place I'll be. It's an image from google. But it's kinda close in appearance)
No scary objects, no sad news--I promise.
Tonight I start a chair massage gig at the off-campus hookah lounge. I have reason to think this will be a good thing. I'm a night person by history, and things are pretty dead there until after 9pm. My partner is unable to work this week (I'd tell you why, but I promised no sad news), so I'll be on my own. That's ok--I really need the bucks.
It's a dimly lit but cheery place, with a deck area that they plan to expand to include an aquarium and aviary. That's where you'll find me, contact juggling in between massages.

Sad Update About Amber's Bird

I recieved this reply on the MySpace blog from Amber:

I am so going to cry now!well admittedly I already did for a short while- and you would too if you heard your baby crying for you... read on and see what I mean:
I am not a good mommy! I checked a few sites on integrating him/her back to the wild and they stated to leave the cage on the porch open so birdy can come and go as she/he pleases- and dammit if birdy didn't get herself/himself stuck up in the tree right by the balcony- and she's keeps peeping/crying for me to come feed her- (I know this b/c she peeps when I call to her- and she's the only bird making a sound at night- again when I call her to come down...) she flew up there- she can fly down- but she's too scared or something- anyway we're on day two of coaxing her/him down-I was up all night- and then got up again at 0600 hrs- and still she crys but does not come down- Justin almost broke his neck trying to get to her but at the time she was on a very thin branch way up high- since we have not had site of her- we just hear her- and can pin point an area high in that tree-
I'm thinking it's hopeless at this point- and optomistic Justin thinks birdy's instincts will kick in sooner or later if she/he get's hungry enough- and or hopefully we'll find her b4 any animals do if she falls out-this is terrible- I've had no sleep- and for whatever reason birdy now thinks she can't fly- I need a big firetruck- otherwise... I just don't want her to suffer is all- I'd rather have kitty get her than have her starve- poor stupid cute thing...
oh and when he/she was chased previously I ran at the other birds- I didn't throw objects! ;) even though those birds pissed me off- I wasn't going to hurt them; anyway if anyone has any ideas- the clock is ticking... ;(
Posted by Amber on Wednesday, April 19, 2006 at 3:01 PM

Wednesday, April 19, 2006

Frightening Object #1


I encountered this bit of badness on display at Concordia Lutheran College, in the entry way to the theatre where Dawn was having her starring turn in An Ideal Husband. The very first thing that leaps to mind are the words "mortification of the flesh".
Second is "who the fuck designed this, and what issues are they struggling with?" Then, there's the whole "who the hell approved this for public display?" Besides the aesthetic consideration, there also lies the worrisome liability issues--someone could get hurt by this thing.


"Ugly--check!"
"Dangerous--double check!"


Honestly, what the fuck?

Amber is a Good Bird Mommy


My recent stint of promiscuous blogging was hardest on Amber, my dear sweet baby twin sister. I would proudly repost on MySpace, creating confusion and consternation.
While I was off slutting around, the world's most fabulous psych nurse (Amber!) turned into Snow White--it's true! She and Justin rescued a helpless baby sparrow--they call her "Chick".
Amber feeds her with a syringe filled with baby food, and Chick has imprinted on Amber as her mommy. Now Chick is learning to fly, and wants to perch on Amber's shoulder all the time--safely up away from Io kitty (most likely the reason for Chick's orphan status). Amber has been the attentive, protective mother. When the baby was outside and being harrassed by the older birds, Amber chunked a projectile at the offending bird (exellent aim,BTW) and brought Chick inside. So she's like Snow White crossed with Ripley from Aliens---"Get away from her-- YOU BITCH!"
How could I not adore this woman?

Tuesday, April 18, 2006

I Was A Middle-Aged Blog Whore

(The other blog really liked it when I put these tiny parenthetical comments next to the pictures. Does it turn you on?)
Ok, I guess it's time for me to face the music. Yes, I've been seeing another blog. I can tell you are feeling a little weird about it. You know we've never been exclusively involved--I blog in at least 2 other places I'll admit to, and you yourself are seeing that Portugese blogger on the side. So there's no reason to feel like our relationship is in anyway changed. The blogmaster was away, and the blog wanted mastering. It was all very D. H. Lawrence, and now it's over. I'm back.
We cool?

Quotes 78


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Pietro Annigoni, "La Bella Italiana", 1951.


(Beliefnet Hindu Wisdom newsletter)

Not killing is the first and foremost good.
The virtue of not lying comes next.

-Tirukkural 323

As the rays of the sun,
When night comes, become all one in his disk
Until they spread out again at sunrise,
Even so the senses are gathered up
In the mind, which is master of them all.
Therefore when a person neither hears, sees, smells,
Tastes, touches, speaks, nor enjoys, we say he sleeps.

-Prashna Upanishad


(Beliefnet Daily Inspiration newsletter)

Love the moment, and the energy of that moment will spread beyond all boundaries.

-Corita Kent


(Beliefnet Muslim Wisdom newsletter)

The words of the Qur'an have both an outer and an inner meaning, the latter overpowering. Do not regard the surface alone, for the devil never regarded Adam as mere clay. The surface meaning of the Qur'an is like a human torso, features visible, but the spirit hidden.

-Rumi, "Mathnawi"

Saturday, April 15, 2006

Happy Easter/ Healing the Shadow


A simple e-mail inquiry(thanks, Mariana) about my holiday plans boosted me into a fit of egg painting. I made lovely personalized type eggs for my immediate tribe members, and found myself with one left for me. So I made an egg for my shadow.
I've been processing some old stuff that I had thought was long settled--so much that it has brought me to a dead stop in some areas of my life. I sought some advice from wise person, who counseled me to simply witness the negative emotions, without rejecting them or attaching to them, and to send love to the dark, scary parts of myself. Not easily done, due to the dark/scary bit.
So, with that in mind, I painted my egg black, and pasted Frank from Donnie Darko, and Violet Grim from DogWitch. Frank, because he is a frightening appearing messenger ally, and Violet, because she wins the day by using her shadow to beat up baddies.
And the cool thing is, my shadow seems to appreciate it. I feel a bit less cranky, and part of me feels listened to and understood at last. There's a long journey left still, but I feel much more optimistic about it.

Friday, April 14, 2006

Moments That Shape Us


After the trauma caused all his hair to fall out, young Elmer Fudd declared a lifelong emnity with all of rabbitkind.

(how to tell if your child is not enjoying themselves: they look like this. Forcing your child to be photographed with someone/thing that scares them only provides evidence of your poor parenting skills in that moment, fuckwit)

Wednesday, April 12, 2006

Breaking Even

(what's this got to do with today's post? I think this guy's losing it....)
So, tax time. Whee!
This is the first time I've filed as self employed. It was tricky, as I was part time with the state for half the year. Anyway--made a pittance in '05 doing massage, and spent a ton on expenses. So it cost me a fair bit to have my taxes done professionally--it was just like taking a car to the garage--they always quote something much lower than what you end up paying. Fortunately, my refund was more than the cost of preparation, so they deducted it and then charged a $25 "We're Fucking You Some More" fee. Whatever.
After all that, the amount of the refund is thirty cents more than my final truck payment, due next month. So yay!!

Monday, April 10, 2006

Tsk! Another Reprint?

Yes, but this one is great, and I'm all blogged out from that damn interview on OPE. Only a week to go before Kurt gets back. If he gets kidnapped or something, I'm selling Todd to the highest bidding reader. God forbid.



http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/chronicle/archive/2005/04/08/DDG27BCFLG1.DTL

JON CARROLL - Jon CarrollFriday, April 8, 2005
The following is the first communique from a group calling itself Unitarian Jihad. It was sent to me at The Chronicle via an anonymous spam remailer. I have no idea whether other news organizations have received this communique, and, if so, why they have not chosen to print it. Perhaps they fear starting a panic. I feel strongly that the truth, no matter how alarming, trivial or disgusting, must always be told. I am pleased to report that the words below are at least not disgusting:

Greetings to the Imprisoned Citizens of the United States. We are Unitarian Jihad. There is only God, unless there is more than one God. The vote of our God subcommittee is 10-8 in favor of one God, with two abstentions. Brother Flaming Sword of Moderation noted the possibility of there being no God at all, and his objection was noted with love by the secretary.

Greetings to the Imprisoned Citizens of the United States! Too long has your attention been waylaid by the bright baubles of extremist thought. Too long have fundamentalist yahoos of all religions (except Buddhism -- 14-5 vote, no abstentions, fundamentalism subcommittee) made your head hurt. Too long have you been buffeted by angry people who think that God talks to them. You have a right to your moderation! You have the power to be calm! We will use the IED of truth to explode the SUV of dogmatic expression!

People of the United States, why is everyone yelling at you??? Whatever happened to ... you know, everything? Why is the news dominated by nutballs saying that the Ten Commandments have to be tattooed inside the eyelids of every American, or that Allah has told them to kill Americans in order to rid the world of Satan, or that Yahweh has instructed them to go live wherever they feel like, or that Shiva thinks bombing mosques is a great idea? Sister Immaculate Dagger of Peace notes for the record that we mean no disrespect to Jews, Muslims, Christians or Hindus. Referred back to the committee of the whole for further discussion.

We are Unitarian Jihad. We are everywhere. We have not been born again, nor have we sworn a blood oath. We do not think that God cares what we read, what we eat or whom we sleep with. Brother Neutron Bomb of Serenity notes for the record that he does not have a moral code but is nevertheless a good person, and Unexalted Leader Garrote of Forgiveness stipulates that Brother Neutron Bomb of Serenity is a good person, and this is to be reflected in the minutes.
Beware! Unless you people shut up and begin acting like grown-ups with brains enough to understand the difference between political belief and personal faith, the Unitarian Jihad will begin a series of terrorist-like actions. We will take over television studios, kidnap so-called commentators and broadcast calm, well-reasoned discussions of the issues of the day. We will not try for "balance" by hiring fruitcakes; we will try for balance by hiring non-ideologues who have carefully thought through the issues.

We are Unitarian Jihad. We will appear in public places and require people to shake hands with each other. (Sister Hand Grenade of Love suggested that we institute a terror regime of mandatory hugging, but her motion was not formally introduced because of lack of a quorum.) We will require all lobbyists, spokesmen and campaign managers to dress like trout in public. Televangelists will be forced to take jobs as Xerox repair specialists. Demagogues of all stripes will be required to read Proust out loud in prisons.

We are Unitarian Jihad, and our motto is: "Sincerity is not enough." We have heard from enough sincere people to last a lifetime already. Just because you believe it's true doesn't make it true. Just because your motives are pure doesn't mean you are not doing harm. Get a dog, or comfort someone in a nursing home, or just feed the birds in the park. Play basketball. Lighten up. The world is not out to get you, except in the sense that the world is out to get everyone.

Brother Gatling Gun of Patience notes that he's pretty sure the world is out to get him because everyone laughs when he says he is a Unitarian. There were murmurs of assent around the room, and someone suggested that we buy some Congress members and really stick it to the Baptists. But this was deemed against Revolutionary Principles, and Brother Gatling Gun of Patience was remanded to the Sunday Flowers and Banners committee.

People of the United States! We are Unitarian Jihad! We can strike without warning. Pockets of reasonableness and harmony will appear as if from nowhere! Nice people will run the government again! There will be coffee and cookies in the Gandhi Room after the revolution.
Startling new underground group spreads lack of panic! Citizens declare themselves "relatively unafraid" of threats of undeclared rationality. People can still go to France, terrorist leader says.

Michael row the boat ashore, and then get some of the local kids to pull the boat onto the dock, and come visit with jcarroll@sfchronicle.com.
Page E - 18 URL: http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/chronicle/archive/2005/04/08/DDG27BCFLG1.DTL

Sunday, April 09, 2006

Lazy Linky Psuedo Post

http://otherpeopleexist.blogspot.com/2006/04/april-9-2006.html

Please nip over to OPE for the first installment of "Taarzaan: The OPE Interview".
The regular readers have been a little comment shy, so I thought I might show them how bad things can get when they withold the witty reparte. This ought to do the trick.....

Introversion

an exellent article that may help you understand someone close to you
http://www.theatlantic.com/doc/200303/rauch
Caring for Your Introvert

The habits and needs of a little-understood group
by Jonathan Rauch
.....
From Atlantic Unbound:Interviews: "Introverts of the World, Unite!" (February 14, 2006)A conversation with Jonathan Rauch, the author who—thanks to an astonishingly popular essay in the March 2003 Atlantic—may have unwittingly touched off an Introverts' Rights revolution.Do you know someone who needs hours alone every day? Who loves quiet conversations about feelings or ideas, and can give a dynamite presentation to a big audience, but seems awkward in groups and maladroit at small talk? Who has to be dragged to parties and then needs the rest of the day to recuperate? Who growls or scowls or grunts or winces when accosted with pleasantries by people who are just trying to be nice?
If so, do you tell this person he is "too serious," or ask if he is okay? Regard him as aloof, arrogant, rude? Redouble your efforts to draw him out?
If you answered yes to these questions, chances are that you have an introvert on your hands—and that you aren't caring for him properly. Science has learned a good deal in recent years about the habits and requirements of introverts. It has even learned, by means of brain scans, that introverts process information differently from other people (I am not making this up). If you are behind the curve on this important matter, be reassured that you are not alone. Introverts may be common, but they are also among the most misunderstood and aggrieved groups in America, possibly the world.
I know. My name is Jonathan, and I am an introvert.
Oh, for years I denied it. After all, I have good social skills. I am not morose or misanthropic. Usually. I am far from shy. I love long conversations that explore intimate thoughts or passionate interests. But at last I have self-identified and come out to my friends and colleagues. In doing so, I have found myself liberated from any number of damaging misconceptions and stereotypes. Now I am here to tell you what you need to know in order to respond sensitively and supportively to your own introverted family members, friends, and colleagues. Remember, someone you know, respect, and interact with every day is an introvert, and you are probably driving this person nuts. It pays to learn the warning signs.
What is introversion? In its modern sense, the concept goes back to the 1920s and the psychologist Carl Jung. Today it is a mainstay of personality tests, including the widely used Myers-Briggs Type Indicator. Introverts are not necessarily shy. Shy people are anxious or frightened or self-excoriating in social settings; introverts generally are not. Introverts are also not misanthropic, though some of us do go along with Sartre as far as to say "Hell is other people at breakfast." Rather, introverts are people who find other people tiring.
Extroverts are energized by people, and wilt or fade when alone. They often seem bored by themselves, in both senses of the expression. Leave an extrovert alone for two minutes and he will reach for his cell phone. In contrast, after an hour or two of being socially "on," we introverts need to turn off and recharge. My own formula is roughly two hours alone for every hour of socializing. This isn't antisocial. It isn't a sign of depression. It does not call for medication. For introverts, to be alone with our thoughts is as restorative as sleeping, as nourishing as eating. Our motto: "I'm okay, you're okay—in small doses."
How many people are introverts? I performed exhaustive research on this question, in the form of a quick Google search. The answer: About 25 percent. Or: Just under half. Or—my favorite—"a minority in the regular population but a majority in the gifted population."
Are introverts misunderstood? Wildly. That, it appears, is our lot in life. "It is very difficult for an extrovert to understand an introvert," write the education experts Jill D. Burruss and Lisa Kaenzig. (They are also the source of the quotation in the previous paragraph.) Extroverts are easy for introverts to understand, because extroverts spend so much of their time working out who they are in voluble, and frequently inescapable, interaction with other people. They are as inscrutable as puppy dogs. But the street does not run both ways. Extroverts have little or no grasp of introversion. They assume that company, especially their own, is always welcome. They cannot imagine why someone would need to be alone; indeed, they often take umbrage at the suggestion. As often as I have tried to explain the matter to extroverts, I have never sensed that any of them really understood. They listen for a moment and then go back to barking and yipping.
Are introverts oppressed? I would have to say so. For one thing, extroverts are overrepresented in politics, a profession in which only the garrulous are really comfortable. Look at George W. Bush. Look at Bill Clinton. They seem to come fully to life only around other people. To think of the few introverts who did rise to the top in politics—Calvin Coolidge, Richard Nixon—is merely to drive home the point. With the possible exception of Ronald Reagan, whose fabled aloofness and privateness were probably signs of a deep introverted streak (many actors, I've read, are introverts, and many introverts, when socializing, feel like actors), introverts are not considered "naturals" in politics.
Extroverts therefore dominate public life. This is a pity. If we introverts ran the world, it would no doubt be a calmer, saner, more peaceful sort of place. As Coolidge is supposed to have said, "Don't you know that four fifths of all our troubles in this life would disappear if we would just sit down and keep still?" (He is also supposed to have said, "If you don't say anything, you won't be called on to repeat it." The only thing a true introvert dislikes more than talking about himself is repeating himself.)
With their endless appetite for talk and attention, extroverts also dominate social life, so they tend to set expectations. In our extrovertist society, being outgoing is considered normal and therefore desirable, a mark of happiness, confidence, leadership. Extroverts are seen as bighearted, vibrant, warm, empathic. "People person" is a compliment. Introverts are described with words like "guarded," "loner," "reserved," "taciturn," "self-contained," "private"—narrow, ungenerous words, words that suggest emotional parsimony and smallness of personality. Female introverts, I suspect, must suffer especially. In certain circles, particularly in the Midwest, a man can still sometimes get away with being what they used to call a strong and silent type; introverted women, lacking that alternative, are even more likely than men to be perceived as timid, withdrawn, haughty.
Are introverts arrogant? Hardly. I suppose this common misconception has to do with our being more intelligent, more reflective, more independent, more level-headed, more refined, and more sensitive than extroverts. Also, it is probably due to our lack of small talk, a lack that extroverts often mistake for disdain. We tend to think before talking, whereas extroverts tend to think by talking, which is why their meetings never last less than six hours. "Introverts," writes a perceptive fellow named Thomas P. Crouser, in an online review of a recent book called Why Should Extroverts Make All the Money? (I'm not making that up, either), "are driven to distraction by the semi-internal dialogue extroverts tend to conduct. Introverts don't outwardly complain, instead roll their eyes and silently curse the darkness." Just so.
The worst of it is that extroverts have no idea of the torment they put us through. Sometimes, as we gasp for air amid the fog of their 98-percent-content-free talk, we wonder if extroverts even bother to listen to themselves. Still, we endure stoically, because the etiquette books—written, no doubt, by extroverts—regard declining to banter as rude and gaps in conversation as awkward. We can only dream that someday, when our condition is more widely understood, when perhaps an Introverts' Rights movement has blossomed and borne fruit, it will not be impolite to say "I'm an introvert. You are a wonderful person and I like you. But now please shush."
How can I let the introvert in my life know that I support him and respect his choice? First, recognize that it's not a choice. It's not a lifestyle. It's an orientation.
Second, when you see an introvert lost in thought, don't say "What's the matter?" or "Are you all right?"
Third, don't say anything else, either.

Friday, April 07, 2006

4-7-06 communications log


( pictured right:"Dawn" discussing quality of recent posts, offering friendly advice on how to improve)
Friday April 7
07:20
From: violet@section.secret.org
To: taarzaan@section.secret.org
SUBJECT: worried about you
T- this deep cover assignment doesn’t feel right. Someone may be setting you up.
07:25
from: taarzaan@section.secret.org
to: violet@section.secret.org
SUBJECT: you don’t say?
V-someone wants me dead. I have no doubt.
07:40
From: violet@section.secret.org
To: taarzaan@section.secret.org
SUBJECT: you’re a big boy
T-you’ve been set up before. This will be a piece of cake.
07:52
from: taarzaan@section.secret.org
to: violet@section.secret.org
SUBJECT:It was you, wasn’t it?
V- And you’re having a gloat and fucking with me?
07:58
From: violet@section.secret.org
To: taarzaan@section.secret.org
SUBJECT: crazy bastard
T-why would I want you dead? I like seeing my name in bold letters.
08:03
from: taarzaan@section.secret.org
to: violet@section.secret.org
SUBJECT: brownies? Hello?
V-those brownies were rat fucked. Maybe you didn’t like my last post about you.
08:10
From: violet@section.secret.org
To: taarzaan@section.secret.org
SUBJECT :it did suck
T- but if you die, I’ll have to break in a new press agent/publicist. Gross and tacky
08:14
from: taarzaan@section.secret.org
to: violet@section.secret.org
SUBJECT: Brownies? Rat fucked?
V- well?
08:19
From: violet@section.secret.org
To: taarzaan@section.secret.org
SUBJECT: Ok, I hated the blog
T-but my vengeance is satisfied, so don’t get killed.
08:22
from: taarzaan@section.secret.org
to: violet@section.secret.org
SUBJECT: you’re a saint
V-will do my best not to inconvenience you. Water my plants and drive Ma to the firing range this weekend. She’s keen to put in some quality time with her birthday present.

Thursday, April 06, 2006

Intel on Todd

(skating fish. You saw it here. Don't get me started on the "fish-eye" jokes)
Access to OPE archives secured--scouring for any and all intelligence on "Todd".
Had forgotten how dull deep cover surveillance is.
Played chess with "Todd".
Play consisted of making tissue paper costumes for chess pieces, and putting on miniature production of Disney on Ice using chessboard as ice rink. Felt bottoms make pieces glide oh so gracefully.
I may be in over my head.
http://otherpeopleexist.blogspot.com/2006/04/april-6-2006_06.html

Wednesday, April 05, 2006

Destination Achieved

04:45 Autopilot engaged, spending remaining time before arrival to check level of preparedness. Haven't worn my Special Ops black gear in a while. Must get in better shape. I can't believe how bad this looks on me now--must only wear during extreme prejudice assignments. No one can see me in this and live.

06:30 Pulling into OPE compound. Only one security guard on duty--wearing sweats(!)
06:33 That's not a security guard. It's Todd. With coffee. And a muffin.
06:43 Analyzed coffee and muffin--contains only traces of toxins, all within normal environmental limits.
06:55 Have put off entering OPE building as long as I can without raising suspicions. Haven't been this nervous since...nevermind.
07:10 Situation more dire than anticipated. Found lap-top with my personal photos/logs/files.
Setting thermal charges--compound to be cleansed.
07:13 Nevermind. Lap-top was my lap-top, that I brought in with me. Aborted pyrotechnic.
07:14 First post written.

Tuesday, April 04, 2006

Postcards from Over the Edge--Roadtrip Journal pt 3







Having a great time in UNS#3. I have seen more stuff that I'd forgotten entirely--it's like a really really big episode of a has-been's reality show. Did you know that here, Tina Yothers is Oprah? I stopped at a Maverick Market, where a bought a pack of Mores and a Mr. Pibb, then it was off to the TG&Y to buy some Ayds diet candy and some 8-track tapes.
Pictured above are some postcard images from the Petting Zoo of Dr Moreau and Waterslide Park. I don't know what the hell the thing with the antlers is, but it mixed a pretty mean Harvey Wallbanger in the giftshoppe lounge.

Monday, April 03, 2006

Road Journal Pt 2


Monday, April 03

15:00 Woke up in fetal position, wedged between mini-fridge and propane tank. Stepped on mousetrap(!) and potato chips (?) on the way to bathroom. Mysterious.
Why was bathroom door taped shut? Why is bathroom window open, and why does it smell like Celine Dion in here?

15:15 Read previous journal entries. Am convinced the espresso was moldy or something. I was obviously a tiny bit impaired. Expect to regain full command of RV and English language after a breakfast of strong tea, and one of those lovely brownies.
Bless Dawn!

16:00 Back on the road, feeling optimistic. This will be a nice get away from my usual routine. Must call home, check in.

16:20 Starting to think my tea was tainted…….that’s silly. I’m probably still a little ill from whatever it was that disagreed with me last night. To be safe, I’m engaging the autopilot/GPS feature Q installed in the RV. Heh heh….look at all the capitalized letters….ahem….engaging autopilot now. All well at home, mum watering plants.

16:55 Really glad this thing knows where we’re going.

15:00 hee hee hee hee he he he ZZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

19:12 what? Did somebody say…….where?............
19:17 ok……head clearing…….REALLY hungry…………autopilot engaged, unnamed state border 20 minutes away. Better clean up as to be presentable to border guards.

19:43 RV vacuumed, litter dropped in roadside barrel, feeling much more the thing after eating. Approaching border now.

20:03 What friendly doggies! Wagging tails, barking, standing up to lick my face—the guards are being dicks—searching RV, running ID check

20:05 Back on my way, after border guard found my letter from Kurt. I think he wet himself. So this is what it’s like to be in an unnamed state, on a blogging assignment, and just about 24 hours away from meeting a person who may be the most evil mastermind ever, or possibly a really nice guy that likes fish, collects stamps, and works in a porno store.
It could go either way.

The Journey Begins

( where the hell am I? I don't recognise
any of this...... )
Roadtrip Log

Monday April 3

00:45 RV packed for trip to OPE office in “unnamed” state. Only learned of existence of “unnamed states” this morning. They are apparently populated by persons in the Federal Witness Relocation Program. There are 3 on the U.S. mainland, and one entire (secret) island off the coast of……nevermind. Worried that lack of sleep last night will make for an unpleasant trip.

01:30 Bored. B O R E D. God, I’m SO BORED. It is totally going to take me until late Tuesday to get there. Then there’s the whole meeting Todd experience. I wonder if this is the one my sensei warned me of. The one in his vision. I shudder to think.

02:25 Love the mix CDs that Dawn and Amber made for me. Love the trail mix Amber made (ok—bought) for me. Must try one of the brownies Dawn baked specially for the trip. Think it’s about time for some caffeine, too.

03:05 Chugged 8 esspreso’s and ate two whole brownies. Maybe the sugar will assist the coffee in helping keep me alert.

03:42 I feel great! I’ve never felt so alive, and full of life, and living. And alive!
Where am I driving?

04:25 Found map at last! Some one hid it from me, under the trailmix bag on the passenger seat. Pulling RV over to search for hidden enemy(s).

04:50 I love this madras beadspread. Do you smell creosote?

05:25 hee hee hee hee hee hee hee hee heh heh heh…….hey! Oh, man…… I really seem to be on the road side, somewhere in the middle of nowhere. I must get back on the road…..must get to gas station……can’t use RV bathroom……Celine Dion is in the tub….she thinks I don’t know……duct tape over door handle should keep her in until I can summon help.

06:30 Feeling calmer—thinking more clearly. Maybe too clearly. Who has ever really seen Kurt and Todd together? What if Todd is just some Norman Bates-like alter ego of Kurt’s? Or worse—what if I’ve been Kayser Soze’d? What if the whole “Kurt” persona is just a cover for the real mastermind, the “oh so innocent, slow witted and sweetTodd?
I googled “Todd”. It’s German for “death”. Am I being lured to my demise, in order to further some conspiracy lead by rival bloggers ?

06:50 Sun’s up. Gonna get a wee nap. Potato chips and mouse trap in front of bathroom door. You won’t get me in my sleep, Celine you evil bitch.

Sunday, April 02, 2006

So Tired.....

(Dawn after two performances. Fatigue makes her look all water-color-y)
Damn Daylight Savings--talk about your un-natural acts--"we'll just screw with time". Ugh....
There must be some biblical stricture against it, along with penning sheep and goats together, and ass-banditry........
I finally saw Dawn in An Ideal Husband--good production--simple, effective sets, great costumes, and Dawn was in good company for the most part. I'm used to her being the best (sometimes only) actor in a production--this time her performance as Mrs. Cheveley was well balanced by Michele Naleieha, the actress playing Lady Chiltern.
In attendance was anonymous, of commenting fame......in fact, he was a bit too anonymous, as I didn't recognise him until after the show. He looked like a sunday school teacher, that chameleonic thespian critter.....ought to be a law.........
Also in attendance was the brave and charming Eric, of Dawn dating fame. The photo of them together has mysteriously vanished--I think he has powers.

Let's Have a Contest!

How about if we all get together to decorate easter eggs while we conduct a blogging competiton? we can call it
Blog Off and Dye

See? See? I told you this screwing with time stuff is bad!

Saturday, April 01, 2006

Vintage Ad 40


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And now for your friendly daily nightmare. This is a 1912 ad for a thing called "Ventriloquist Double Throat," which I scanned from Taschen's "All-American Ads 1900-1919" (click image for 600X447 bigger and creepier version.)

Against all appearances, this is not a ventriloquist's dummy, but the ventriloquist himself. Shiny, happy people, everybody. Someone should tell him to stop or his face will stay that way.

From the ad:
"Lots of fun for a dime

Ventriloquist Double Throat

Fits roof of mouth; always invisible; greatest thing yet. Astonish and mystify your friends. Neigh like a horse; whine like a puppy; sing like a canary. and imitate birds and beasts of the field and forest. Loads of fun. Wonderful invention. Thousands sold."
Millions dead of fright.
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