When I came to the familiar stop, what I first noticed was the street sign. Properly large and easy to read, hanging from a large long pole hovering over the middle of the intersection.
Then there was a murmur of memory.
***
The playground at my elementary school was one of my favorites. There was a tire swing, horizontally mounted, large enough to fit 3 kids comfortably. There were giant cement tubes, half buried in sand, for running through or climbing on. There this tire so large you could rest in the inside gap. You know, the part that fits over a wheel's rim? Climbing it was irresistible to all but those who were afraid of heights.
I hadn't been in a while. The tube becoming home to broken glass and graffiti. Besides, I was getting too old for playgrounds.
But it was summer and daylight, so a walk with the siblings to a decaying childhood treasure would surely be a fitting way to close a chapter of my youth.
Past the swimming pool, up the dirt path and
Nothing.
Well, the field and the backstop for kickball were still there, and the asphalt with the hopscotch and foursquare outlines, and the empty poles for tether ball, and the – are they also called backstops? – brown monoliths perfect for practicing your forehand, but no playground. Just an empty space.
A piece of my childhood razed without warning.
***
The lights aren't yet functional, the signals covered in cardboard and burlap. I'm used to them now, and may even be prepared for when the stop sign goes missing and the light is green. But for an instant, it was like the old schoolyard playground. A part of my past, a piece of me, irrevocably lost.
A deep breath, a sigh, and a small smile. I'd learned to grieve such losses more compactly.
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Friday, December 2, 2011
Thoughts on Herman Cain
I'm not terribly interested in politics, and it's really too early for me to start paying close attention to the presidential election. But over the past month or so, I found myself thinking about Herman Cain.
When he first came to national media's attention
Huh.
I wish he would win the nomination. Then Tea Partiers would have evidence to support their assertions of not being racist. And the heads of racist fringe elements would explode.
When the first allegations of sexual harassment came up
Wow. They really think he's a threat.
Really? Of all the dirt you could find on a dark skinned black man running for president, you found claims of sexual harassment? Can you drill any deeper into the historical American stereotype of black men?
Well, he was a man in power. And men in power have a reputation for sexual harassment. So…
Okay. There's the press conference addressing the allegations. Thanks, CNN. [Three hours later] Really, CNN? You're still talking about this? Are you sure there's nothing else going on in the world.
When the allegation of an affair was aired
Wow. They really think he's a threat.
Hasn't he been talking to his wife? Didn't they talk things over, like General Powell had with his wife?
Oh, I see. She stayed home while he's on the campaign trail.
Dude, seriously. Isn't there something else happening in the world right now?
Yes, I know. Deep Thoughts.
When he first came to national media's attention
Huh.
I wish he would win the nomination. Then Tea Partiers would have evidence to support their assertions of not being racist. And the heads of racist fringe elements would explode.
When the first allegations of sexual harassment came up
Wow. They really think he's a threat.
Really? Of all the dirt you could find on a dark skinned black man running for president, you found claims of sexual harassment? Can you drill any deeper into the historical American stereotype of black men?
Well, he was a man in power. And men in power have a reputation for sexual harassment. So…
Okay. There's the press conference addressing the allegations. Thanks, CNN. [Three hours later] Really, CNN? You're still talking about this? Are you sure there's nothing else going on in the world.
When the allegation of an affair was aired
Wow. They really think he's a threat.
Hasn't he been talking to his wife? Didn't they talk things over, like General Powell had with his wife?
Oh, I see. She stayed home while he's on the campaign trail.
Dude, seriously. Isn't there something else happening in the world right now?
Yes, I know. Deep Thoughts.
Friday, November 18, 2011
An Edem Update
I joined an indie film co-op called Scary Cow. Went to the pitch meeting, met with a couple of the folks – and I'm making a film. Well, helping to make a film.
I went to casting sessions and signed people in and was a reader and a player of games (there were kids in the film; those auditions involved games).
I asked questions in our meetings and was assigned to wardrobe. (Which was kinda like having the girl who can't add do statistical programming.) Traveled the Bay Area, peeking into actors closets, enjoying the view from various bridges. Scoured stores for relatively cheap things. Scored a sweet neon green Members Only jacket for $9.99 – that unfortunately is impervious to fading by bleach. It looks like a green screen, and thus will be part of my Halloween costume next year. I was that close to wearing it to my class reunion.
My class reunion. I arrived after a 10 hour shoot and a pit stop at home. I was woefully underdressed, which makes sense considering I was horribly overdressed at the last reunion. Still, a spouse voted me "best hair". Can't fade the fro, bro.
The passage of time allows for shallow conversation with people you barely nodded to when in high school. Still, we tended to cluster in our cliques. I noticed I flitted about more than others did. And despite needing to be somewhere at 7:30 the next morning, it took me an hour to leave. I was pleasantly surprised by the fact I enjoyed myself. My high school years, after all, were (thankfully) not my best.
While I was taking photos of potential costumes for the film, school started. I got my backordered Econ book 30 minutes before class. "You won't need it for a while," said the professor. 'We'll start with some macro economics, living standards, etc., etc., then move on to microeconomics, supply and demand, etc. etc. which is in the book'.
Next class period we started microeconomics. Which is in the book.
He's a good professor. A bit dry, and sometimes my eyes glaze over when he's explaining a graph. He's a like Columbo – just one more thing before we take our break; just one more thing before we go home. And he does like to lecture until the class ends at 10pm. That is an agony.
If nothing else, I've learned the economic definitions of capitalism and socialism, and now know why some who understand those definitions might call Obama a socialist.
My management class has also been interesting. We've discussed corporate social responsibility and the interaction of business and government. It's a highly participatory class, so my talkative self is active. I'm often afraid I talk too much.
There's group work, of course. And it's painful, of course. The group members are nice, though.
Coming home after my first day on set, my feet hurt and I was dog tired. But I had fun. Loved that we were able to leave the place better than we found it, according to the restaurant owner. By the third shoot, it was clear to me that I loved being on set. I would do almost anything but hold the boom mike (I don't have the strength or stamina. Mad props to those who do). And as I became more comfortable with the crew, I blossomed into my normal bossy self.
It's been awesome. Crew and Cast have been amazing. I've been spoiled to smithereens with the organization and the focus of this project. I've seen how actors work, prepare, and relax. I understand what all the waiting is about. I've had the opportunity to coach kids, be an extra, and best of all, clap the clapper thing (Scene ten point two point four take two!). I was super excited when I got the chance. It remains one of my favorite things to do on set. Seems like such a minor thing, but
One of the things I love about working on the set is that everybody's job is important. It might be small, but it's a necessary contribution to the project. This is a team where no task is insignificant. It's the type of environment I thrive in.
So. . .I've started working on another film. This time, I'm a producer.
Thankfully, like this first film, I'll have a lot of help and guidance. And I don't have to worry too much about procuring funding or finding people to fill roles – the executive producer is handling that. I pretty much need to be myself – trying to make sure everyone has what they need to do the job they came to do.
Still, I've got two papers due and two finals I need to study for. I need to get ready for my last quarter of school (yea!) and a reduced school loan (boo!). And I really need to start a serious exercise regimen before my body falls completely apart.
Looks like it's going to be a busy new year.
I went to casting sessions and signed people in and was a reader and a player of games (there were kids in the film; those auditions involved games).
I asked questions in our meetings and was assigned to wardrobe. (Which was kinda like having the girl who can't add do statistical programming.) Traveled the Bay Area, peeking into actors closets, enjoying the view from various bridges. Scoured stores for relatively cheap things. Scored a sweet neon green Members Only jacket for $9.99 – that unfortunately is impervious to fading by bleach. It looks like a green screen, and thus will be part of my Halloween costume next year. I was that close to wearing it to my class reunion.
My class reunion. I arrived after a 10 hour shoot and a pit stop at home. I was woefully underdressed, which makes sense considering I was horribly overdressed at the last reunion. Still, a spouse voted me "best hair". Can't fade the fro, bro.
The passage of time allows for shallow conversation with people you barely nodded to when in high school. Still, we tended to cluster in our cliques. I noticed I flitted about more than others did. And despite needing to be somewhere at 7:30 the next morning, it took me an hour to leave. I was pleasantly surprised by the fact I enjoyed myself. My high school years, after all, were (thankfully) not my best.
While I was taking photos of potential costumes for the film, school started. I got my backordered Econ book 30 minutes before class. "You won't need it for a while," said the professor. 'We'll start with some macro economics, living standards, etc., etc., then move on to microeconomics, supply and demand, etc. etc. which is in the book'.
Next class period we started microeconomics. Which is in the book.
He's a good professor. A bit dry, and sometimes my eyes glaze over when he's explaining a graph. He's a like Columbo – just one more thing before we take our break; just one more thing before we go home. And he does like to lecture until the class ends at 10pm. That is an agony.
If nothing else, I've learned the economic definitions of capitalism and socialism, and now know why some who understand those definitions might call Obama a socialist.
My management class has also been interesting. We've discussed corporate social responsibility and the interaction of business and government. It's a highly participatory class, so my talkative self is active. I'm often afraid I talk too much.
There's group work, of course. And it's painful, of course. The group members are nice, though.
Coming home after my first day on set, my feet hurt and I was dog tired. But I had fun. Loved that we were able to leave the place better than we found it, according to the restaurant owner. By the third shoot, it was clear to me that I loved being on set. I would do almost anything but hold the boom mike (I don't have the strength or stamina. Mad props to those who do). And as I became more comfortable with the crew, I blossomed into my normal bossy self.
It's been awesome. Crew and Cast have been amazing. I've been spoiled to smithereens with the organization and the focus of this project. I've seen how actors work, prepare, and relax. I understand what all the waiting is about. I've had the opportunity to coach kids, be an extra, and best of all, clap the clapper thing (Scene ten point two point four take two!). I was super excited when I got the chance. It remains one of my favorite things to do on set. Seems like such a minor thing, but
One of the things I love about working on the set is that everybody's job is important. It might be small, but it's a necessary contribution to the project. This is a team where no task is insignificant. It's the type of environment I thrive in.
So. . .I've started working on another film. This time, I'm a producer.
Thankfully, like this first film, I'll have a lot of help and guidance. And I don't have to worry too much about procuring funding or finding people to fill roles – the executive producer is handling that. I pretty much need to be myself – trying to make sure everyone has what they need to do the job they came to do.
Still, I've got two papers due and two finals I need to study for. I need to get ready for my last quarter of school (yea!) and a reduced school loan (boo!). And I really need to start a serious exercise regimen before my body falls completely apart.
Looks like it's going to be a busy new year.
Thursday, August 25, 2011
August 25, 2011
They're selling Christmas stuff on QVC. Kids are barely in school and they're selling Christmas stuff.
And don't tell me it's for the early birds. The early birds got their Christmas stuff last January at the Christmas close-out sales.
Have you no shame, QVC? Have you no shame?
Stores are crowded with kids and their parents trolling the aisles for the right pens. I like that local classrooms have their supply lists at the stores. I don't the difficulty in getting a parking space. Yes, I'm a suburbanite. I like ease in finding my parking spaces.
How did I not even think to look for Dishy David Tennant on Twitter?
Oh, never mind. I was pointed to news about David Tennant, not tweets (alleged or otherwise) from David Tennant. Ah Vel.
Not only is the Econ book selected for class the newest edition published, said edition is not available on Chegg (most reasonably priced textbook rental site) or Amazon (where books for sale are generally much cheaper). But lo and behold, the book is available for sale or rent on the university bookstore website.
Pretty sneaky, sis. At least they're no longer trying to hide the racket that is college textbook publishing and distribution.
So I go to rent the book, and there's an $8 rental fee. What? I'm picking the thing up in store, so there'd be no shipping, and they charge me an additional $8 on top of the $100 I'm paying?
RACK. IT.
Monday, August 15, 2011
A ThunderCats Update
The twins have joined Lion-O, Tygra, and Cheetara on the Quest, while Snarf has been making sounds reminiscent of the Minions from Despicable Me. One could say he talks, but since it's not annoying, no harm, no foul.
Cheetara is apparently attracted to Lion-O. (It's TV-13, so I guess there has to be a little bit of romance.) So long as they don't kiss as much as they did on the last season of Avatar*, I think I'll be alright.
Most importantly, Panthro's in the house! Saving the day with his catmobile tank, vanquishing bad guys with his nunchucks. All is right in the ThunderCats Universe.
So now the gang's all here. What's next in their quest to find the Book of Omens before Mumm-Ra? I'll be staying tuned (to see more Panthro, of course).
*the cartoon Avatar, The Last Airbender. Not James Cameron's movie. Which doesn't have episodes on TV. Yet.
Thursday, August 4, 2011
ThunderCats
Despite being one of my childhood favorites, I remember very little about the story of ThunderCats. Lion-O was king, Cheetara was fast, Mumm-Ra was the bad guy, and Snarf was always whining "Lion-O! Snarf! Snarf!".
Now there's a new version on Cartoon Network. The names may be the same, but the feel is a bit different.
The first thing I noticed was Lion-O's youth. He's literally a cherub-faced teenager - gone are the He-Man muscles. I'm still adjusting.
Is it really necessary for Cheetara to bare her midriff? Were the twins always thieves, and so young? Tygra is Lion-O's brother? Where's Panthro? They killed Panthro?!
Lion-O and Tygra have a fierce sibling rivalry. Tygra embraces traditional attitudes about Thundara and the world beyond; Lion-O believes in fables and doesn’t fully accept the status quo. Yet despite their differences, Tygra has Lion-O's back.
As does Cheetara, who's a bit mysterious at this point.
Panthro is presumed dead in the "outside world" he was sent to explore; the twins are so impoverished they steal to survive; and Snarf (thankfully) does not talk.
The premiere was a nice set up for Lion-O's hero journey. Still, I miss Panthro, and wonder how the twins will get connected to the main action.
So I'll keep watching, looking for Panthro to show up and hoping Snarf never gains the ability to talk.
Now there's a new version on Cartoon Network. The names may be the same, but the feel is a bit different.
The first thing I noticed was Lion-O's youth. He's literally a cherub-faced teenager - gone are the He-Man muscles. I'm still adjusting.
Is it really necessary for Cheetara to bare her midriff? Were the twins always thieves, and so young? Tygra is Lion-O's brother? Where's Panthro? They killed Panthro?!
Lion-O and Tygra have a fierce sibling rivalry. Tygra embraces traditional attitudes about Thundara and the world beyond; Lion-O believes in fables and doesn’t fully accept the status quo. Yet despite their differences, Tygra has Lion-O's back.
As does Cheetara, who's a bit mysterious at this point.
Panthro is presumed dead in the "outside world" he was sent to explore; the twins are so impoverished they steal to survive; and Snarf (thankfully) does not talk.
The premiere was a nice set up for Lion-O's hero journey. Still, I miss Panthro, and wonder how the twins will get connected to the main action.
So I'll keep watching, looking for Panthro to show up and hoping Snarf never gains the ability to talk.
Monday, August 1, 2011
Observations
It's no use trying to be modest around a toddler. You can bring the stroller into the handicap stall and face it away from you; he will still crane his neck to see what you're doing.
I'm not convinced Whole Foods and Fresh & Easy are direct competitors, as the two stores not so subtlety imply. It's not like Fresh & Easy has 8 different brands of coconut oil. Or rainbow shaped sombrero pasta.
"Sarah Palin uses media to publicize bus tour". Perhaps I missed that lesson in marketing class, but how does one publicize without using media?
The thermostat in the women's bathroom on the second floor of the Las Positas College Phys Ed building looks programmable. Such amazing trust….
Also on the second floor – an indoor track (neatly scribed on the carpet), and classrooms. Presumably for fire reasons, the classroom doors open outwards, directly onto the track. A nice obstacle course for that warm up jog.
You can get a Bacon Maple Sundae at participating Denny's. Now I like bacon. And I love ice cream. But this sounds worse than bacon donuts. (The piece of bacon donut I tasted (from some San Francisco bakery) was barely this side of edible.)
On the other hand, Denny's Mango Madness Smoothie is clearly a step in the right direction.
Am I the only one who watched 300 and said 'Dang! Faramir got buff!'?
Oh dear. If information is the new currency then why have we had insider trading laws since the stock market crash of 1929?
It's good to be taller than the character. Probably another reason why I may never warm up to Chuck E. Cheese.
Warning labels became traffic signs when we proved willing to block traffic just to make the light.
 |
| heart healthy Roasted Almonds salted |
Ummm…doesn't the salted-ness negate the heart healthiness?
 |
| Duct Tape |
It's not just gray anymore. Or for ducts.
 |
| Sombrero shaped rainbow pasta at Whole Foods |
"Sarah Palin uses media to publicize bus tour". Perhaps I missed that lesson in marketing class, but how does one publicize without using media?
Also on the second floor – an indoor track (neatly scribed on the carpet), and classrooms. Presumably for fire reasons, the classroom doors open outwards, directly onto the track. A nice obstacle course for that warm up jog.
You can get a Bacon Maple Sundae at participating Denny's. Now I like bacon. And I love ice cream. But this sounds worse than bacon donuts. (The piece of bacon donut I tasted (from some San Francisco bakery) was barely this side of edible.)
On the other hand, Denny's Mango Madness Smoothie is clearly a step in the right direction.
Am I the only one who watched 300 and said 'Dang! Faramir got buff!'?
 |
| No. No. No. No. No. |
But still better than giving a card to your pet
Oh dear. If information is the new currency then why have we had insider trading laws since the stock market crash of 1929?
 |
| Do Not Enter Until Intersection is Clear |
 |
| Jabba the Bus |
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