Urban Addiction

Real Time With Bill Maher Returns Tonight!

2009-02-20T17:00:00.000-08:00

" New Rule: The rest of the world can go back to being completely jealous of America. Yes...our majority white country just freely elected a black president; something no other democracy has ever done. Take that, Canada! Where's your Nubian warrior president? Your head of state is a boring white dude named Stephen Harper. And mine is a kick-ass black ninja named Barack Hussein Obama!

That's right, everybody. I take back every bad thing I ever said about the good old U.S.A. I've gone from "God damn America" to "God damn, America!"

I feel like a hockey mom at the state fair getting felt up by Hank Williams Jr. While fireworks go off and Jesus appears in my cotton candy. It would be stupid not to be stupid about it.

So, I'd like to take this moment when we've finally got one right, to bask in a little unwarranted, unapologetic, irrational, faux patriotism. Or, as Fox News calls it, "regular programming."

Now, I might regret this. It's kind of like going grocery shopping when you're high. But, here goes, world...[with patriotic music under]

We're Americans. We built the Golden Gate Bridge and Hoover Dam and Joan Rivers. We're the only country that can look at a sandwich made of ice cream and chocolate cookies covered in fudge and think, "Ah, you think we could fry that?"

And you know what? YES, WE CAN!

They may have 72 virgins, but we have 31 Flavors.

You know what our favorite burger topping is? Another burger!

We invented rock 'n' roll, jazz, funk, R&B, and hip-hop. Without our music, your iPods would be filled with ABBA, Menudo and Men At Work. And you wouldn't have iPods.

Not only did we create the Internet, we're the ones who filled it up with porn.

Jefferson lived here. And Miles Davis and Mark Twain and Frank Lloyd Wright and a lot of other people Sarah Palin never heard of.

In America, strippers and Disney stars have an equal right to be named "Hannah Montana."

And I was freely able to make a movie saying there's no afterlife, and you could watch it while eating crap that'll kill you. But, that's okay, because our corn-fed high school sophomores are bigger than your soldiers, and they're better armed.

I ask you, in what other nation would they tax young people to make sure old people can afford erections?

What you call "football," we call "soccer." And what you call "war crimes," we call "football."

So, let me just say it again: we elected a black guy, and it was because he was the best candidate. Not because it was some cheap gimmick. And we should know, because we are also the country that invented cheap gimmicks.

Yes, America is like Jessica Simpson. Sometimes it's so stupid it embarrasses you, but, on the other hand, how about them titties?! "

Abuse

2009-02-19T06:47:00.000-08:00

Roseanne said the most amazing enlighting thing about abusive relationships. People hate to admit it but a woman does play a part in an abusive relationship when she is willing to STAY with an abuser and in many cases verbally fight him. You can't win. LIke Roseanne says you win when you refuse to play.

"Alot of guys hit women because the women are hitting them, verbally abusing them or throwing the keys to their car outside and goading them on, and they lose control of themselves. This is what it sounds like to be in the rhianna-chris brown affair. there is no way out of violence if you are violent. the only way to win is not to play the game.

In the later stages, she won't leave because her will is destroyed, and a violent line crossed, because once the guy threatens to kill her, it becomes almost impossible for her to leave.
i hope rhianna is getting counseling from a professional counselor who will tell her that there is no way for her to ever win, and that she will have to curtail her own penchant for escalating conflict by screaming at or hitting or humiliating her abuser. I hope he gets real counseling too, that is not from a minister or his mom or any other shame based bullshit method that will never work, and that is designed to avoid dealing directly with self-control issues. I hope that they both leave each other alone and get over their faults.

I hope she does not continue to play the game with him. If they still love each other after they learn self control and conflict resolution, then they can get back together."

July 2003

2009-02-10T15:17:00.001-08:00

July 31, 2003
Bush's reasons for war
I have to check this out later today, its some interesting stuff.
Posted by Liz at 12:23 PM Feedback (0)
July 27, 2003

Rice To Riches
The lastest in pretention is here! A $5.00 bowl of rice pudding. Anne took me to this place last weekend. She wanted me to see it. Now, I'm not a big rice pudding fan as it is, but she swore they had great flavors. I thought it looked rather gross through the window. I mean some of it was green and yellow and brown and it was all lumpy. You know, like rice pudding.
I tasted it and decided, if I were going to eat a dessert, I would rather it be ice cream. The atmosphere is a high tech Japanese flavor, which normally, I would be into that, but this was just a lot of hype for of all things..rice pudding? Now I have to admit, the place was packed. It was Saturday night and folks were in line and eating at the Jetson like tables (you have to stand at them which turns me off right away). The thing that did* impress me was the cool little bowls they serve the pudding in. They come with a weird spoon and napkin in plastic and a lid. It was very high tech -man on the moon, Tang, kinda stuff. That was cool! Anne bought into it, as apparently many people do, but I couldn't. Yea, there making money, but I'm just a Baskin and Robbins girl at heart.
Posted by Liz at 09:57 PM Feedback (4)
July 26, 2003

GameGirlAdvance Zine
Friends Justin and Jane have launched this months issue of GGA's Zine! I'm thrilled to be a part of it and as always, I appreciate the inspiration and encouragement Justin and Jane have always given me. There site is awesome and smart and colorful so check it out!
Posted by Liz at 02:08 AM Feedback (0)

Melissa on Kobe
I couldn't agree more with Melissa. We were having this discussion at work today. Whats up with Mrs. Bryant and the $4million dolla rock? Whats up with the hand holding in public as your husband announces he cheats on you? (Could this have been his first time? HA!) Whats up with some woman in general these days, taking all kinds of shorts just to have a member of the male species in their proximity? Ok, I could go on and on, as many of you know, but I will spare you the ranting and raving. Its not pretty.
Posted by Liz at 01:58 AM Feedback (8)

Its all about the Paper Dolls
Catholic school girls unite! (Of which I am one.)
Its fun playing with UK fashions.
Posted by Liz at 12:07 AM Feedback (0)
July 24, 2003

London vs. New York Street Fashion
I have to say I love the British designers. I always have. Viv Westwood, Alex McQueen are gods! I found the street fashion much more inspiring in London than in Paris. Street fashion in NYC is good, but the thing I picked up on was the way British woman express themselves fashion wise. In New York it seems that there is one mold and we are supposed to do our goddamned best to fit into it. However, in London, I didn't see that at work in the least. For example. I saw "older" woman 40's-50's with green hair. Now no fashion conscience woman in NYC would be caught with such a "young" look. British woman seem to scoff at the rules, and carry along quite well. I really respect that. They not only break the mold, they dont allow a new one to be created. BRAVO!
British fashion makes a statement........
This how I feel before I go out the door in NYC......
"UGH! What is all the pressure about??"
Posted by Liz at 10:17 PM Feedback (4)

London Pics
Click on the pictures and see a bit of London.This is Warwick Castle, thankyou Paul for a great day.View image
This was our neighborhood. I want a house here in South Kensington!View image
What a view from high a top Warwick castle. Paul drove us out there!View imageThe Pub we hung out at in the area..View image
My friend Jim came to visit and we went to lunch.View image
Tony Blairs job. House of Parliment, not to be confused with P-funk and George Clinton!View image
Big Ben was cool!View image
Posted by Liz at 09:50 PM Feedback (0)
July 17, 2003

The Believer
I just rented this and it is a powerful film. Check it out. Its smart and disturbing. Ryan Gosling is amazing as a Jewish neo-nazi who is living a double life. Summer Phoenix is glorious as his brilliant girlfriend. Its based on a true story.
Posted by Liz at 09:44 PM Feedback (1)

Finding Time
Anne made a recent trip to South Beach after we returned from London. I plan on posting the London pics after I get them developed. In the meantime, here are some SOBE pics taken at our fav hotel The Savoy. Can't you see why we loved it there and plan to go back.
View imageAnne goes back to SOBE.
View imageAnne in the lobby at The Savoy
A room at The Savoy
The pool side at The Savoy
Posted by Liz at 08:44 PM Feedback (0)

I Feel Purty!
Anne went to our Mecca in South Beach recently, Sephora. Bless her heart, she picked me up a little ditty that we have both been eyeing for quite some time.
That right! Kitten body glitter. hehe What fun we shall have with a sparkle in our eye and a glitz on our skin.
Posted by Liz at 07:41 PM Feedback (0)

Marianne Williamson in London
This woman came along at a time when I needed to hear what she was saying the most. Isn't that always the way, when the student is ready the teacher appears. I first saw her on Oprah years ago. Oprah was singing the praises of Marianne's new book A Return To Love.
Click here for Marianne's latest website.
Anne and I recently went to hear Marianne at a seminar in London. Two days fo hearing Marianne speak on the principals from A Course In Miracles. Two days of this person challenging us to have a different preception of ourselves, the world and God. I had a chance to talk to Marianne and express my concerns regarding my life and my future. She shared her take on things and I felt hopeful. I feel hopeful anyway. I just need some direction. In reading blogs that I do, apparently and thankfully, I'm not the only one. Thats not a judgement. Its just that it helps me to know other struggle at times but continue to push forward achieving thier goals.
Posted by Liz at 07:30 PM Feedback (0)

I Love These Drinks All Year Round!
View many of my favorite cocktails here. Yum, they're a delicious treat anytime! Well, OK maybe not first thing in the morning. hehe
Posted by Liz at 07:06 PM Feedback (0)

May 2003

2009-02-10T15:10:00.000-08:00

May 28, 2003

Those lips are so J LO!
OK, I know this may be a bit shallow but what can I say I'm shallow at times. Anne and I have been on a quest to replicate the sexy lips of Jennifer Lopez. Heres the problem, neither one of us has bronze skin, were two pales faces. Our wonderful friend and makeup artist, Craig at Henry Bendels, showed me how to make the full sexy neutral lip. (Love ya Craig) Here is one product from Molton Brown (London) that seem to work well. The color is called desirable. I know its pricey, but when the sales girl at Bergdorfs said, "those lips are so J LO." I was sold. I know I'm a sucker!
Posted by Liz at 09:42 PM Feedback (2)

cheap phone rates
I was reading Joi Ito's blogand he mentions that he has a new long distance service. I'm always on the look out for this kind of thing, due to the over seas calls I make to friends. (Thank goodness Anne isn't living in Paris anymore, they were some phone bills!) Cheap phone rates have become a mission in my life. I cut caller ID from my home phone because that was becoming a huge waste of time, checking all the blocked calls. Sure the phone company will force* people to show there number, for a nominal fee of course. Now I work towards getting as many free cell phone minutes as possible.
Posted by Liz at 09:03 PM Feedback (2)
May 27, 2003

Tips for dressing your man
Here is a the summer look men! Lose the golf shirts guys, I beg of you.
Nice looking sandals are a must for, the fun in the sun, gentleman.Being in South Beach made me aware of what is sexy on a man and what is not. Loose fitting, casual clothing with textured fabrics are HOT*. Khakis and golf shirts are not. I think Anne will back me up on this one. wink, wink*
Posted by Liz at 01:04 AM Feedback (3)
May 11, 2003

beach coverup
Anne and I are heading to South Beach next week for a little R&R. I figured I had better get a new bathing suit and coverup for the ocassion.Which lounge chair should I pick?
Yesterday I picked up a new swiumsuit and pareos. I cant stand to see woman on the beach in huge tee-shirts. I purchased a terry zip up cover a while back, and truthfully, I cant seem to find it. It was rather frumpy, I dont know why I bought it. I just want to be comfortable strolling around poolside to Hotel . I feel comfortable with this attire. Thanks TJ Maxx!
Posted by Liz at 01:48 PM Feedback (3)

Cell phone Tones
I have a verizon cellphone and right now I have Californis Dreamin as my ring tone. I tried to look into downloading other tones, but I cant find any for Verizon. Apparently I can only use the ModTones or Get It Now. I really want Janes Addiction on there, but it isnt offered.
Posted by Liz at 01:26 PM Feedback (0)
May 07, 2003

Happy Birthday To Ya!
May 8th is Anne's big day. Guess I should give her some props, right?
Anne is one of the most generous people I know. Oh sure, its easy to be generous when you have no resources, then you can just give lip service and say what you *would* do if you could. Anne isn't like that. She shares what she has and she gives of herself and her talents. Sure she is smart and caring, but she also has a passion for living that’s contagious. I wouldn't have done most of the traveling I've done and am about to embark on, if it weren't for her. She encourages me and even sticks her neck out. Anne doesn't miss a trick either! If you think something just got past her, it didn't. Anne pushed me into starting this blog. She said she would be in it with me and that was the safety net I needed. Not only does she have terrific fashion sense, she gave me a license plate with a confederate flag (*gag*) on it. We laughed together hysterically and that’s what makes friendship with Anne so grand, laughing at ourselves and with each other. Happy Birthday hose bag, I hope you have many more.
Posted by Liz at 10:06 PM Feedback (0)
May 05, 2003

Still Working
I'm still working on this blog in between other things.
I have accounting finals coming up this week and next week. After that Anne and I are headed to South Beach for a little R&R. Anne has been busy running her Dad to medical appointments. Yesterday I was back in NYC with my Mom and Jeanna to see Hairspray on Broadway. It was so great. Two hours for pure joy. Check it out if you get a chance!http://www.hairsprayonbroadway.com
Posted by Liz at 06:41 AM Feedback (0)

February 2004

2004-02-01T08:07:00.000-08:00

February 28, 2004
DIY Education in the Streets
I have had the privilege recently of meeting with some students from Swarthmore College as well as Temple. We are organizing an amazing event about to take place in the city of brotherly love, Philadelphia. The T.A.Z. is in solidarity with the Books Not Bombs National Day of Action. Participating with this remarkable team of students has been a phenomenal learning experience for me. I have participated in rally’s before, but this planning committee has been exceptionally well thought-out. There is still a lot more work to do and I'm really looking forward to the event. I actually want to learn some of the skills we are offering that day (see below). Check out the flyer, created by my talented friends at why-war. Feel free to join us that day, and if you unable, think about taking an active role in your community too alter this regime.

More Info on the event

Tired of the same old protests? Listened to boring speakers until your ears bleed? Wanna learn something you can really use?

TEMPORARY AUTONOMOUS ZONE -T.A.Z.(get some real education!)
Thursday, March 4th, 4:00 pm
15th & Market Streets, Center City Philadelphia
with a free concert, including Evan Greer and others, and an open mic!

What is a Temporary Autonomous Zone?

T.A.Z. is a love poem scrawled on the sterilized and unconscious wall of a hospital. It is a 4 a.m. Shakespeare reading with your cellmates in Miami. It is a Palestinian youth tearing down a part of the Wall with his bare hands. It is militantly nonviolent and terroristically creative. Our T.A.Z. will be a place without rules or regulations, without teachers and students, without bosses and employees. We will manifest our vision of how the world could be a better place, and how human interactions could be based on love and solidarity rather than exploitation and greed.

* fix your bike * play the banjo * basic protest medical * puppet making * alternative u.s. history * make your own zine * homemade tofu * make a really big banner * sing wobbly songs * HIV prevention * pirate radio stations * AND MUCH MORE! (what will you bring?)

BRING: skills to share, instruments, puppets, banners, zines, paint, back rubs, pets, your younger siblings, poetry, your friends

LEAVE: your laws, your cops, your money (cuz it's all free), and your prejudice

For more information or to get involved with planning this event, contact:
youthpawr[-at-]riseup.net or call 215.222.4711

Visit here for the latest updates.

"A-Space" on Baltimore Ave. was the location of our first meeting.

Posted by Liz at 11:00 PM | Feedback (5)
Paper Doll.com
Here is a cute little fashion site. Cute tee's that inspire. Pretty colors and graphics, always a plus for Spring. Check it out and buy something you might not ordinarily wear.

Posted by Liz at 09:59 PM | Feedback (3)
February 27, 2004
Anarchy in America
Another mayor (upstate New York) is allowing gay marriage, along with San Francisco. Some of the right wing is suggesting this is lawlessness and anarchy. I say it's about time. This is America and generally speaking, a religious country, but so much needs to be changed. There is no turning back now. Annul those marriages, it won't matter. Institutions must advance with the times. Wake up friends, no social security for us? Maybe we so called "straight" people need to get some anarchy going ourselves. And yes, I'm completely serious.

Posted by Liz at 08:58 PM | Feedback (6)
February 26, 2004
The Dakota
When I was young and first saw, Rosemary's Baby, I fell in love with the NYC apartment where the Polanski film takes place. Years later, I would hear the location was the Dakota apartment house on the Upper West side. I have been reading a terrific book called Life at the Dakota: New York's Most Unusual Address. This wonderfully historical building was erected in 1884, on the wrong side of town. At a time when social morality was everything, an apartment house was considered beneath the standards of proper society. In spite of this, the building was filled to capacity the first day it opened to residents.

Mysterious and Gothic

This astonishing house looked out over Central Park, which was chicken coups and poor families. Both the affluent and meager used the lake as a skating rink in the Winter. Many of the original tenets lived out their final days there, as did their offspring. Famous tenets include, Lauren Bacall, Boris Karloff, Roberta Flack, it was the place where John Lennon was murdered in cold blood. I always thought it was inconceivable that Yoko continued to raise Sean there after John’s death, but after reading this book, I can appreciate why. It truly is home to those auspicious enough to live there. Some people have been known to compete with friends over the number of apartments they have visited. I would love to be invited inside one day. It has so much character, like a person you want to know better. In the meantime, maybe I will just stop by, snap some photos and say hello to the doorman.

The Dakota today

Posted by Liz at 02:31 AM | Feedback (2)
February 24, 2004
Boy I love this show

Cheaters - I have been watching an early one where Tommy takes a girl to catch her cheatin’ man and find him getting his jollies sitting in his car with a shemale checking his zipper works…and nodding that nod that says the meat is sweet - until his soon-to-be ex leaps on them all turning the scene into a drive-in version of Gotterdammerung

Car crash tv at it’s best – exercise your right to be informed! – watch Cheaters!

….encouraging the renewal of temperance and virtue…Who could not love that! I am sure you New York urban beau monde still appreciate this freak show masking as a modern morality tale. The language they use is poetry and the people they use deserve it!

Posted by Tony at 04:38 PM | Feedback (4)
Happy Birthday Nicole
I hope you have a wonderful day. I appreciate all the help and support you have so freely given me during the past year. You have been right there to lend assistance. Thanks for always contributing and bringing the laughs. I'm reminded of that line,
"We've shared many smiles and many tears, but nothing beats the laughter."
Being around you is like taking medicine when I'm are sick. A dose of you, and I just feel so much better! Enough! Now get cracking on our Jamaica trip!

She looks so innocent, doesn't she? Hehe

Posted by Liz at 12:54 AM | Feedback (8)
February 23, 2004
Sex and the City- Spoiler
Don't read this if you don't want to know how the series ends.

Carrie & Big. What did you expect?

I knew this was going to happen. Carrie would leave Paris and return to New York. New York is a million times better than Paris. Paris is a nice place to visit, and some Americans move there, but I can not relate. New York is just the best, bar none. So Big's name is John. Did you catch that?

This show was always my favorite because it was always so well written. Case in point was the story line where Steve's mother, has Alzheimer’s symptoms, and Miranda accepts her into their home. I have a friend right now, whose mother has memory lose. My mother took her mother-in -law in. It was a very well written, unexpected, truthful sub plot.

Smith and Samantha confirm their love without ever once mentioning the "M" word. That word we woman supposedly live to hear. Believe it or not, there wasn't even mention of a ring!! Shocking isn't it?

Charlotte and Harry, end up getting a little girl from China, after having one disappointment of a young mother who changes her mind. It was really sweet. They even showed a picture of a beautiful little baby to the audience.

The best part was the ending. Carrie reiterates what the series has been about all along. The best relationship you can be in, is the one you have with yourself.

Posted by Liz at 10:53 PM | Feedback (4)
February 22, 2004
Lichtenstein at the Hayward

WHAM! - 1963
The Hayward gallery in London ( I am sure you would have gone there Liz – if Harrods was not selling those ‘devine’ hairbrushes…) is currently putting on a Roy Lichtenstein exhibition and I was looking at WHAM! And thinking this is SO 60’s – it could never been mistaken for any other decade and that I think is unusual for great art.

Perhaps it’s the uniqueness of this Pop art that you can pin it to an exact date because of the reference Lichtenstein used for his muse – 50's & 60’s pulp comics. He began by looking at standard advertising icons but the big impact came with the use of the hard black lines and screened/blocked colours of the early sixties work. Work as I say that cannot be of any other time – which is not true for other artists, of course you can see Holbien painting Tudor scenes but he was capturing real life – Vermeer was the same he was painting the day he was in as today, there is no sense of capturing not just a moment in time but that time being defined by a culture that there is with Lichtenstein.

And perhaps I go too far – I do remember Lichtenstein was a big influence for me and some of my best school work was a homage to Lichtenstein I do remember Drowning Girl and Girl with hair ribbon very well – it made me understand the importance of line and getting that line right…. Its not just blowing up a comic frame!

Posted by Tony at 06:52 PM | Feedback (2)
An Evening In Central Park
Not the Central Park, but Central Park restaurant and Motel. No, no, I wasn't at a Motel last night, but a comedy show. How did comedy get into the picture? Well, let me explain. Nicole (Interviews Oct. 2003) met a comedian who was appearing locally, so we showed up to check out the show.

When I first arrived at Central Park, I found a tiny restaurant and rows and rows of motel rooms. I waited for a couple of minutes before Nicole and Jeanna appeared. Finally, I saw them approaching.

"Jeez, if you wanted to get me too a motel, all you had to do was ask!" I bemoaned.

After we picked seats that were far enough away from the stage, we decided we were safe from being singled out by the comedians. Mike, Nicole's friend, came over and joined us. Mike, a very pleasant, friendly guy, explained that his full time gig was a fireman in South Jersey. We picked his brain about what that was like, and he good-naturedly fielded our questions.

During the show, and thanks to Mike’s tip off about her career, Jeanna caught one of the comedian’s attention. This was exactly what she didn't want. He set her up, asking if her hair was naturally blonde, then hit her with that old line, “does the carpet match the drapes”. Jeanna was hysterical, shining in the momentary spotlight.

Small stage, big dreams

The show was very humorous; the room was filled with good natured folks that were there to laugh. I had another kind of performance happening right in front of me at another table. This woman was talking back at the comedians, repeating their lines and in general, being an unpleasant distraction. She was very unruly and very drunk. With what appeared to be her husband and friends, I noticed her husband sitting there stone faced, mortified at his wife’s loud-mouthed running commentary. One comedian heckled her, but all refused to grant her the stage. Her husband was thumping her arm every two minutes, beseeching her to quiet down. I wondered how early in the day she started drinking. Did he have to get the kids their dinner and baths before they left the house this evening? She finally gave one and all a break and headed in the direction of the ladies room. Twenty minutes later she still had not returned. Her husband sat stone faced, never looking around. Unexpectedly, I notice her staggering from the ladies room, propping herself up at the bar. One of the companions from her table headed to the bar for a refill. She draped herself all over him; he looked uncomfortable, but bought her a drink. Then she started blabbing to the bar tender. He did his best to ignore her, but she wouldn't have it. Suddenly, I see her hanging all over him. Still the husband never turned his head. I was waiting for him to snag her. A young bartender finally approached the man and indicated he should come to the bar and rescue everyone from her. He was angry but begrudgingly walked over to collect her. She wouldn't move and I was waiting for the blowup. I guess he has the routine down because he stood there with her keeping the peace.

After the show we chatted with some of the comedians. It was great for me to see people performing and doing what they love, even if they have to maintain a regular job at same time. In the ladies room, a woman told me she loved my hair. I told her that my stylist was right here, pointing to a stall. As she was coming out of the stall, Jeanna’s skills were solicited and she explained that she is management and only does family and close friends. Nicole really hooked us up with a great evening. Good friends, new friends, a tacky motel and a lot of laughs. So, what did you do with your Saturday night?

Posted by Liz at 12:17 PM | Feedback (4)
February 20, 2004
Never seen in the same room….

Is it me?

Can I be the only person who thinks this way?

I was looking at the image of the American chanteuse with the rather butch physique and total inability to comprehend the meaning of the word style alongside a photo of English transsexual and ubermensch of Comedy Eddie Izzard the other day, as is my wont, and I could not help but notice they are remarkably similar.

Separated at birth? Or perhaps something more sinister... You never see them both in the same room after all…

Of course you know Eddie Izzard – he has all these video clips for you to see.

And he sings better than Pink.

Posted by Tony at 07:53 PM | Feedback (3)
February 19, 2004
Blogger Nicole Has The Hookup
My buddy Nicole from Aussie has posted this guy's site looking for women to have 17 children for him. (Check out her comment section where I do my own FBI profile!) I thought the Green River killer, Gary Ridgway was fritghtening, but you have to check out this dood! Make sure you check out his picture section, thats really scary.Thanks Nicole, I just thought this was worth repeating! Hehe.

Posted by Liz at 11:42 AM | Feedback (8)
February 17, 2004
Flurries Tonight

Anthony Orazio

The Squirrels and I are ready for Spring.

Posted by Liz at 10:33 AM | Feedback (1)
February 16, 2004
I'm Rich Bitch!
Now that my "must see TV" is coming to an end with the demise of Sex and the City (sniff,sniff), I have found some new must see TV. First off, is Chappelle's Show on Comedy Central. If you haven't seen it check it out, Dave is a riot on the most hysterical level. Another bit of MTV programming I admit to watching,in a hidden, shame based way is Till Death Do Us Part: Carmen & Dave. My friend Sharon told me she dislikes Carmen Electra and can't stomach even one episode. But I can't resist a recovering herion addict (Dave Navarro) and his new B list wifey, Carmen Electra (not her real name, but everyone seems to call her Carmen). Dysfunction at its finest, as they, "I love you baby, you're so hot", each other to death. I'm giving the whole marriage three years at the most, but they seem like nice enough people. If you watch either show, call me, we'll talk.

Pre martial bliss with Carmen and Dave and Dave Chappelle's serious look

Posted by Liz at 11:51 PM | Feedback (0)
February 14, 2004
Love Defined
"Sometimes, love isn't something you find, but something you build -- a process you work on, not a package you encounter." ~ Howard Rheingold

I do believe Mr. Rheingold has hit the nail on the head.

Posted by Liz at 11:22 PM | Feedback (5)
Feelin' The Love
I received a wonderfully encouraging email today. It was a response to an email I sent out a week ago, asking for some advice. Not long ago, I found a really cool site created by Shannon, called Urban Bumpkin (cute huh!). Amazingly, Shannon was actually doing something I want to do; she sells handcrafted gifts and accessories. I contacted this talented individual and asked her what the reality is of selling goods online; does she make her living this way? Shannon responded with a generous spirit and plenty of support. Thank you Shannon. You are a role model for me. I aspire to earn my living creatively, through my writing and art. Don’t be surprised if you hear from me again, too snag you for an interview. Thanks for the luv!

The following is the super sweet email I recieved from Shannon.

Hi & thanks for your email!
Wow!!! It's a small world!! I just visited your site and saw the mug
of a close friend...Ian Christy. He and I worked together for a number
of years in the computer gaming world. He's a real pal, so what a kick
to see you've connected with him....rad!
Congratulations on your site--it is very cool-- and your interest in
getting your handmade work out into the world. It's very exciting! I
love the independence that the web has brought to creative people of
all interests and avenues.
For me, my site is one of several creative outlets, income "streams"
you could say. So, the site does well but has also spun off into
custom orders and also retail partnering. I think that is a terrific
option to explore, since the front-end of the marketing is already
there through the shop/boutique/etc. But I also pad my income with
graphic design work (which I've done for over 10 years) and creative
writing. So, my approach has been to diversify.
Definitely I would suggest checking into retail possibilities. I make
sure that everything I sell retail has my logo and web addy on it, so
even if a shop is only interested in my yarnwork, the customer can also
see my jewelry and illustration work. Also, have you thought of
selling your journalism/interview work for the site to other art
related publications?
Thanks so much for taking the time to check out my site, and for your
kind feedback :) I love making connections with other creative folks!
All the best to you!
-Shannon

Posted by Liz at 09:32 PM | Feedback (1)
February 13, 2004
Emon Xie Rises Again
One of the nice things about interviewing an artist is the great drawings he drops in the mail to you. I received drawings today from Ian Christy. A keyboarding playing cherub, an artist with a monkey on his back, and a gorilla looking Madonna (which I found to be rather accurate). Thankyou e, I loved the drawings and the button! I'm now in the process of coming up with the best way to display my new art.

artist Ian Christy

Posted by Liz at 12:42 PM | Feedback (0)
February 12, 2004
Confused About What 2 Get Me?
As Valentine's Day approaches, I want to spare my many suitors the dilemma of what to get me. Well, I think I would love this bag in pink! Adorable huh? I thought so. Thankyou in advance.

Posted by Liz at 08:48 PM | Feedback (1)
February 11, 2004
Rosa Parks Was Fired
While watching a very good documentary, I learned that Rosa Parks was fired from her job one week after starting the bus boycott, which lead to the civil rights movement in the US. Miss Parks refused to give up her seat to a white man and paid a heavy price for her stance. The employer gave the reason as being they just weren't busy enough, but it was one week after Christmas, their busiest season.

Posted by Liz at 11:21 AM | Feedback (6)
February 10, 2004
Sean Sighting
I'm always on the look out for Sean Lennon. I would love to see him live, in concert. One of my favorite CD's is Into the Sun. If you haven't heard it, check it out. I didn't watch the Grammy's, but apparently Sean was there, alive and well, and looking rather dapper. If anyone has any addictional information on where he is performing his music these days, let me know!

Sean Lennon 2004

Posted by Liz at 08:16 AM | Feedback (2)
February 09, 2004
QUOTE OF THE DAY

"America believes in education: the average professor earns more money
in a year than a professional athlete earns in a whole week."
--Evan Esar

Posted by Liz at 01:33 PM | Feedback (2)
February 04, 2004
The Breast That Flopped
I did not see the Super bowl; I chose to be amused instead, so I rented movies. Over and over the news media is rehashing the Janet Jackson Justin Timberlake half time stunt. Was it planned and should the FCC press charges? Did Janet fool poor unsuspecting Justin into becoming an unwilling participant? The debate rages on.

I believe the responsibility of the half time show lies squarely on CBS and the people who put together the half time entertainment. Rap superstar Nelly performed as well as Justin and Janet, two of the hottest pop acts out there. Who exactly did the network think they were hiring? MTV specializes in shock television, as far back as when Madonna rolled all over the stage with her virginal bridal gown hiked up around her neck. Can you top this? That’s the formula. Whether you think it’s obscene or not, that’s simply the genre of pop culture today. When you hire pop stars its safe to say you can expect, tattooed men in baggy clothes. The woman are thin, young & sporting the ever present thong. They sport fake round breasts barely contained, spilling out all over, leaving little to the imagination. This is MTV today in the 21st century. Hire them, fire them, it’s your choice, but how about watching some of their programming to get an idea of what you’re hiring as “family” entertainment on network television.

I guess the thing that gives me pause more than a semi bare breast, (she had metal pasties on) is the idea of a man ripping the top off of a woman. We wonder why some young men don't understand the word no. We speculate why numbers of young men consider young ladies "teases" until this notion evolves into a central loathing of all women. Aside from the peep show, TiVo saved giggles, who benefits from such a portrayal? What would have been wrong with Justin appearing to adore Janet for her beauty and talent on stage? Maybe he could have hit his knees to belt out the last line of the song? But to rip her top halfway off is insensitive towards many members of the audience, who may have been through a real experience of violation.

I suspect next years show will be more of the same. There seems to be a broken down logic in place, regarding the portrayal of sexuality in both men and woman. If I were booking the halftime Super bowl show for next year, I might be checking now to see if, oh say, Harry Connick Jr. is available.

Posted by Liz at 11:18 PM | Feedback (4)
Face By Jessica

My 4 year old niece, Jessica and I were watching my collection of Bjork videos. Jessica became inspired and decided to do my makeup. How could I resist? I had to let her. I can't stifle the child's creativity, besides, at one time, I did people's faces for a living and sold cosmetics, so I understand the love of painting faces. We played, we had fun, I loved it.

The artist, Jessica, and her muse, Aunt Liz. hehe

Posted by Liz at 02:36 PM | Feedback (3)
February 02, 2004
Voting, Mother Teresa and Me
As you know, I love a good quiz, so here is an interesting one for you. Who should you vote for in 2004?

Check out who I should vote for according to my views....

1. Kucinich Score: 100%

2. Kerry Score: 98%

3. Sharpton Score: 93%

4. Clark Score: 87%

5. Dean Score: 87%

6. Edwards Score: 86%

7. Lieberman Score: 75%

Finally, some accuracy in a personality quiz.....

What Famous Leader Are You?

Posted by Liz at 11:30 PM | Feedback (6)
February 01, 2004
Connections
A few nights ago, before illness set in, I was talking to Camilo on the phone, or should I say listening to his smoldering Columbian accent.

Now available! My recent interview with Mark Meadows of Boar.com. Mark was in Iraq on the second day of the war. He is a writer and artist and plans to hit the road again, as soon as possible.

It was an enjoyable, lengthy talk. We were long over due. We talk about everything from careers to racism, to politics, to relationships. He is one of the brilliant people I have found on the web. When I stop and think about it, I’m astonished at not only how many people but at whom I have managed to connect with. I’ve consistently been online for about 4 years now, with associations from all over the world. Connections that I would have never been able to make otherwise.

A long time ago, I read that the people whose path we cross in life are there for a reason. The reason is to be of service to them and learn something about ourselves. When I read that, I realized I had felt that influence in many instances. An unexpected characteristic of all of this is the people online tend to be like the people in my everyday life. Similar issues, likes and dislikes. What’s ironic is you are drawn to the same type of person, sometimes sight unseen, and they are drawn to you. “Where ever you go you take you there.” Apparently the internet is no exception, as I move forward and transform, so do my online associations.

Since I’ve started writing, and that continues to evolve, I have reached out to many people. Anywhere from artists to political prisoners to rock stars. The net allows me to not only research people, places and things, but take it one step further. I don’t have to acquire the funds to jump on a plane, I don’t have to hire a private detective or take up stalking, I can politely and socially acceptably, email. Several have, thankfully, chosen to reply and have been very gracious and some, I have even had the opportunity to meet in person. I have a philosophy neatly in place and it works for me. That simple notion is, whatever is meant to be, will be. When a person is doing something I’m into, we might become friends or I ask to interview them. That’s been an amazing process, harder than I thought it would be, but entirely rewarding. For the time being, I want to keep connecting and discovering where I’m being lead, still learning life’s lessons.

Posted by Liz at 05:05 PM | Feedback (2)

January 2004

2004-01-01T08:03:00.000-08:00

January 31, 2004
Too Much Information
My dear sweet Mother turned 70 this past December. Since then, I have noticed one of her personality traits has become, shall we say, intensified. Mom is a Sagittarius, as am I. Therefore, we are known to be blunt and direct in an unknowing way. It's a personality trait that I have had to work on, but Mother is becoming more blunt than ever. Recently when she found out her sister was seeing a doctor, she didn't feel as though her sister informed her soon enough and said,

"What were you going to do, have your daughter call me from the funeral home?"

Ouch, did she have to go there? Oh, there have been countless other faux pas surrounding bluntness, but tonight was her most recent revelation! Mother confessed that she would "date" Ice-T, if she could. Yes, I said Law and Order, rapper extraordinare, Ice-T. Apparently, she finds him very "cool." Okay then, I think I've heard enough for one day.

My potenial step-father?

Posted by Liz at 10:00 PM | Feedback (6)
January 30, 2004
Local Motion

I love cute surfer dudes! I just watched a surfer documentary on television, and I was drooling over the hot guys. Sure, I've been drooling on myself for two days now, but thats only because I can't swallow due to the thing that has ravaged my throat. When I was in Hawaii I cruised around all the surf shops. I love the gear, the clothes, the whole culture of it. I have a Local Motion surf shop sticker on my car. Of course, its rather hard to blend into that scene being an east coast girl. I don't want sun damage, so I avoid the sun and of course there is the small fact that I cant swim, so there is no way my ass would ever get on a surf board. I'm the dork on a boat, outfitted in two life vests. I literary create a floatation device for myself. Picture Woody Allen on a surf board, and you've got me. Ok, so thats rather harsh, but all too true.

How hot is Kelly Slater!

Posted by Liz at 12:55 AM | Feedback (7)
January 28, 2004
Lemon Tea, Dry Toast and Rosemary's Baby
I'm sick in bed, since yesterday. Sore throat, dry heaves, alternating chills & sweats, all that fun stuff. I've been watching one of my all time favorite movies on DVD, Rosemary's Baby. I googled John Cassavetes, only to find he was born on December 9th like me. I also purchased a book from Amazon on the Dakota. Rosemary's Baby was filmed there you know. I'm obsessed with that elegant, mysterious, building. I love it. I wish I could live there or at least get inside for a visit. I think this fever has completely taken over me.

Posted by Liz at 07:34 PM | Feedback (6)
January 25, 2004
Beginning With Time
I met up with Mary, this afternoon for lunch and chatting. We had a really great talk about lots of things. Now that I think about it, we covered a lot of ground; Bush, Iraq, relationships, writing, business, volunteerism, working, and children. There are some people in this world you know you are going to feel enhanced after you talk to them. For me, Miss Tonita (Mary) is one of them. When I was working, I would feel devalued after speaking with my boss. Needless to say, I would avoid talking to her unless it was absolutely necessary. I believe people sense when we favor them as well as when were avoiding them. Sometimes I evade people because a conversation with them is draining. When I feel depleted, I know who I can go to, talk with, and feel uplifted. I am fortified when someone encourages me. I feel supported when someone calls me on my shit and tells me to get over myself. My perception is they care enough about me, to be frank, so I take what they say to heart. I have a lot of free time on my hands right now, and I’m exploring some options. Anti-war volunteerism, selling hand crafted pillows, looking for a full time gig. I appreciate that people have returned my calls emails. I contact comrades too bounce ideas off them and, ever so gently, they tell me what they think. After a recent conversation with Justin, I had a revelation; why not try embracing some of the character traits, that all this time, I thought I had to change? Why not let my individualism guide me? Who am I kidding, who am I fooling, when I try to turn myself inside out too act in accordance with imaginary rules? I get on my own nerves when I play that game. Last night, I dreamt that I bought a badass looking guitar and decided to take lessons and join a band! As hilarious and wild as that may seem, I think my subconscious is reminding me that now is the time to start over. Its time to go for it, whatever “it” is.

Posted by Liz at 08:34 PM | Feedback (1)
January 24, 2004
O Tulmult! O Visions! These are the stops of life.
Tonight is my brother's surprise party. Obviously, he doesn't read this blog so I'm not giving anything away. Here are some pictures of the Winter scene I woke up to this morning. I hope people will make the party in spite of the weather. Those of you on the West coast, aren't you jealous? I've posted some gorgeous pictures, some definitions of beauty on a Saturday morning.

The scene at my house at 8am this morning.

My 2yr old niece, Lea Elizabeth. I have to watch her before the party. Can you tell I will have my hands full?

Dimitri showed me a picture of the homemade pie he was eating. His Mom baked it from scratch. He compares it to tiramisu.

Posted by Liz at 09:39 AM | Feedback (2)
January 20, 2004
Survivors Guide For Being Unemployed
By: Liz Fine

1. Find good trial coverage to watch or read about. Listen to the evidence and pick your favorite defendant, Kobe, Martha, Michael. Then, play arm chair member of any or all dream teams.

2. Have Internet access. All your friends work, so it helps to have Internet access to people in different time zones. Chat with your online pals for hours, or bug your real life friends at there job, via emails and instant messaging.

3. Lose your cell phone. Its just an extra bill that you don't need, since your not leaving the house anyway.

4. Read a guide to the latest releases on DVD. Just because you aren't working doesn't mean you can't stay on top of current events.

5. Pick a new favorite, healthy, take-out meal. Something you can grab and eat in front of the TV. Personally, I have embraced black bean burritos. Yum.

6. Get the career builder section of the Sunday paper. Yes, the job market is dismal, but the help wanted section is a must have. Keep it laying around, and make sure everyone sees it, that way you give off the comforting impression to family members and friends that you are looking. ;)

7. Have friends that are willing to let you tag along on there vacation. Hey, you have nothing but time, why not travel?

8. Wear comfy pajama bottoms/sweat pants and tee-shirt. Sure, there's no reason for you to get dressed, but it doesn't mean you can't pass for being dressed. Don't annoy the working members of your household by never appearing out of your pajamas.

9. Get direct deposit. That's right, direct deposit is an option for today's unemployed. My unemployment check goes right into my account every two weeks. Convenient huh?

10. Have an updated resume. As depressing a thought as it may be, hibernation can't last forever. Sooner or later, you will emerge, triumphantly, back into the workforce.

Posted by Liz at 08:56 AM | Feedback (12)
January 18, 2004
Wal-Mart Strikes Again
Known for having some of the worst labor violations in the country, Wal-Mart finds themselves in the news once again. When I read these types of offenses, I can certainly see why they are a staunch anti-union company. I hope and pray I live long enough to see Wal-Mart employees organize themselves. For the past seven years I worked for a company that adopted the play or pay method of "managing". What I mean by that is, play our games, with our unwritten rules, or you’re out. There was no place to take a legitimate grievance. "Suck it up", was my former employer's mantra. I know what it feels like to be pressured everyday with the lose of your livelihood. I liken it to an abusive relationship. You pay the price, with your dignity. Click the link and read the following article from todays NY Times.

January 18, 2004
Workers Assail Night Lock-Ins by Wal-Mart
By STEVEN GREENHOUSE

Looking back to that night, Michael Rodriguez still has trouble believing the situation he faced when he was stocking shelves on the overnight shift at the Sam's Club in Corpus Christi, Tex.

It was 3 a.m., Mr. Rodriguez recalled, some heavy machinery had just smashed into his ankle, and he had no idea how he would get to the hospital.

The Sam's Club, a Wal-Mart subsidiary, had locked its overnight workers in, as it always did, to keep robbers out and, as some managers say, to prevent employee theft. As usual, there was no manager with a key to let Mr. Rodriguez out. The fire exit, he said, was hardly an option — management had drummed into the overnight workers that if they ever used that exit for anything but a fire, they would lose their jobs.

"My ankle was crushed," Mr. Rodriguez said, explaining he had been struck by an electronic cart driven by an employee moving stacks of merchandise. "I was yelling and running around like a hurt dog that had been hit by a car. Another worker made some phone calls to reach a manager, and it took an hour for someone to get there and unlock the door."

The reason for Mr. Rodriguez's delayed trip to the hospital was a little-known Wal-Mart policy: the lock-in. For more than 15 years, Wal-Mart Stores Inc., the world's largest retailer, has locked in overnight employees at some of its Wal-Mart and Sam's Club stores. It is a policy that many employees say has created disconcerting situations, such as when a worker in Indiana suffered a heart attack, when hurricanes hit in Florida and when workers' wives have gone into labor.

"You could be bleeding to death, and they'll have you locked in," Mr. Rodriguez said. "Being locked in in an emergency like that, that's not right."

Mona Williams, Wal-Mart's vice president for communications, said the company used lock-ins to protect stores and employees in high-crime areas. She said Wal-Mart locked in workers — the company calls them associates — at 10 percent of its stores, a percentage that has declined as Wal-Mart has opened more 24-hour stores.

Ms. Williams said Wal-Mart, with 1.2 million employees in its 3,500 stores nationwide, had recently altered its policy to ensure that every overnight shift at every store has a night manager with a key to let workers out in emergencies.

"Wal-Mart secures these stores just as any other business does that has employees working overnight," Ms. Williams said. "Doors are locked to protect associates and the store from intruders. Fire doors are always accessible for safety, and there will always be at least one manager in the store with a set of keys to unlock the doors."

Ms. Williams said individual store managers, rather than headquarters, decided whether to lock workers in, depending on the crime rate in their area.

Retailing experts and Wal-Mart's competitors said the company's lock-in policy was highly unusual. Officials at Kmart, Sears, Toys "R" Us, Home Depot and Costco, said they did not lock in workers.

Even some retail industry experts questioned the policy. "It's clearly cause for concern," said Burt Flickinger, who runs a retail consulting concern. "Locking in workers, that's more of a 19th-century practice than a 20th-century one."

Several Wal-Mart employees said that as recently as a few months ago they had been locked in on some nights without a manager who had a key. Robert Schuster said that until last October, when he left his job at a Sam's Club in Colorado Springs, workers were locked in every night, and on Friday and Saturday nights there was no one there with a key. One night, he recalled, a worker had been throwing up violently, and no one had a store key to let him out.

"They told us it's a big fine for the company if we go out the fire door and there's no fire," Mr. Schuster said. "They gave us a big lecture that if we go out that door, you better make sure it's an emergency like the place going up on fire."

Augustine Herrera, who worked at the Colorado Springs store for nine years, disputed the company's assertion that it locked workers in stores in only high-crime areas, largely to protect employees.

"The store is in a perfectly safe area," Mr. Herrera said.

Several employees said Wal-Mart began making sure that there was someone with a key seven nights a week at the Colorado Springs store and other stores starting Jan. 1, shortly after The New York Times began making inquiries about employees' being locked in.

The main reason that Wal-Mart and Sam's stores lock in workers, several former store managers said, was not to protect employees but to stop "shrinkage" — theft by employees and outsiders.

Tom Lewis, who managed four Sam's Clubs in Texas and Tennessee, said: "It's to prevent shrinkage. Wal-Mart is like any other company. They're concerned about the bottom line, and the bottom line is affected by shrinkage in the store."

Another reason for lock-ins, he said, was to increase efficiency — workers could not sneak outside to smoke a cigarette, get high or make a quick trip home.

Mr. Rodriguez acknowledged that the seemingly obvious thing to have done after breaking his ankle was to leave by the fire door, but he and two dozen other Wal-Mart and Sam's Club workers said they had repeatedly been warned never to do that unless there was a fire. Leaving for any other reason, they said, could jeopardize the jobs of the offending employee and the night supervisor.

Regarding Mr. Rodriguez, Ms. Williams said, "He was clearly capable of walking out a fire door anytime during the night."

She added: "We tell associates that common sense has to prevail. Fire doors are for emergencies, and by all means use them if you have emergencies. We have no way of knowing what any individual manager said to an associate."

None of the Wal-Mart workers interviewed said they knew anyone who had been fired for violating the fire-exit policy in an emergency, but several said they knew workers who had received official reprimands, the first step toward firing. Several said managers had told them of firing workers for such an offense.

"They let us know they'd fire people for going out the fire door, unless there was a fire." said Farris Cobb, who was a night supervisor at several Sam's Clubs in Florida. "They instilled in us they had done it before and they would do it again."

Mr. Cobb and several other workers interviewed about lock-ins were plaintiffs in lawsuits accusing Wal-Mart of forcing them to work off the clock, for example working several hours without pay after their shifts ended. Wal-Mart says it tells managers never to let employees work off the clock.

Janet Anderson, who was a night supervisor at a Sam's Club in Colorado from 1996 to 2002, said that many of her employees were also airmen stationed at a nearby Air Force base. Their commanders sometimes called the store to order them to report to duty immediately, but she said they often had to wait until a manager arrived around 6 a.m. She said one airman received a reprimand from management for leaving by the fire door to report for duty.

Ms. Anderson also told of a worker who had broken his foot one night while using a cardboard box baler and had to wait four hours for someone to open the door. She said the store's managers had lied to her and the overnight crew, telling them the fire doors could not be physically opened by the workers and that the doors would open automatically when the fire alarm was triggered.

Only after several years as night supervisor did she learn that she could open the fire door from inside, she said, but she was told she faced dismissal if she opened it when there was no fire. One night, she said, she cut her finger badly with a box cutter but dared not go out the fire exit — waiting until morning to get 13 stitches at a hospital.

The federal government and almost all states do not bar locking in workers so long as they have access to an emergency exit. But several longtime Wal-Mart workers recalled that in the late 1980's and early 1990's, the fire doors of some Wal-Marts were chained shut.

Wal-Mart officials said they cracked down on that practice after an overnight stocker at a store in Savannah, Ga., collapsed and died in 1988. Paramedics could not get into the store soon enough because the employees inside could not open the fire door or front door, and there was no manager with a key.

"We certainly do not do that now," Ms. Williams said. "It's not been that way for a long time."

Explaining the policy, she said, "Only about 10 percent of our stores do not allow associates to come and go at will, and these are generally in higher crime areas where the associates' safety is considered an issue."

Mr. Lewis, the former store manager, said he had been willing to get out of bed at any hour to drive back to his store to unlock the door in an emergency. But he said many Sam's Club managers were not as responsive. "Sometimes you couldn't get hold of a manager," he said. "The tendency of managers was to sleep through the nights. They let the answering machine pick up."

Mr. Cobb, the overnight supervisor in Florida, said he remembered once when a stocker was deathly sick, throwing up repeatedly. He said he called the store manager at home and told him, " `You need to come let this person out.' He said: `Find one of the mattresses. Have him lay down on the floor.'

"I went into certain situations like that, and I called store managers, and they pretty much told me that they wouldn't come in to unlock the door. So I would call another manager, and a lot of times they would tell you that they were on their way, when they weren't."

Mr. Cobb said the Wal-Mart rule that generally prohibits employees from working more than 40 hours a week to avoid paying overtime played out in strange ways for night-shift employees. Mr. Cobb said that on many workers' fifth work day of the week, they would approach the 40-hour mark and then clock out, usually around 1 a.m. They would then have to sit around, napping, playing cards or watching television, until a manager arrived at 6 a.m.

Roy Ellsworth Jr., who was a cashier at a Wal-Mart in Pueblo, Colo., said he was normally scheduled to work until the store closed at 10 p.m., but most nights management locked the front door, at closing time, and did not let workers leave until everyone had straightened up the store.

"They would keep us there for however long they wanted," Mr. Ellsworth said. "It was often for half an hour, and it could be two hours or longer during Christmas season."

One night, shortly after closing time, Mr. Ellsworth had an asthma attack. "My inhaler hardly helped," he said. "I couldn't breathe. I felt I was going to pass out. I got fuzzy vision. I told the assistant manager I really needed to go to the hospital. He pretty much got in my face and told me not to leave or I'd get fired. I was having trouble standing. When I finally told him I was going to call a lawyer, he finally let me out."

One top Wal-Mart official said: "If those things happened five or six years ago, we're a very large company with more that 3,000 stores, and individual instances like that could happen. That's certainly not something Wal-Mart would condone."

Posted by Liz at 04:24 AM | Feedback (0)
January 15, 2004
Attention Bloggers
I found this bloggers survey on Joi Ito's blog and I decided to participate in it and pass it along here. This blogging thing really seems to have taken off, doesn't it?

Posted by Liz at 01:51 AM | Feedback (0)
January 14, 2004
American Sucker
David Denby is a writer for the New Yorker. I saw an interview with him on Charlie Rose. It was really fascinating. Mr. Denby tells the story of his personal life falling apart, and his submersion into the stock market and internet porn. I contacted his publicist and I'm hoping to get an autographed copy of his new book entitled, American Sucker.

*1/14/04 -The reply I recieved from the publicist:

Liz,
I'll pass along your compliments to David Denby. If you're interested in having him sign a book, I'd call the Upper West Side B&N (quickly--the signing is tonight!) and have them get it done for you. They should be able to take your credit card over the phone and send the book to you. If you miss that opportunity, David will be on tour off and on through Feb. You can check out our website, www.twbookmark.com, for his schedule and contact any of the stores on his tour.

Best,
Heather Fain

Posted by Liz at 01:38 AM | Feedback (0)
January 13, 2004
Blogging Hits The NY Times
I'm watching the Today show and Matt Laurer is whipped into a frenzy over blogging of all things. The evil internet strikes again! Grab your kids and hide. The author of an article in the NY Times tried to calm Matt's fears. I've printed the article out here. According to what the author said on the Today show, bloggers have pretty full lives; but we knew that didn't we?

Current mood: hopeful

Current Music: Rage Against The Machine

January 11, 2004
My So-Called Blog
By EMILY NUSSBAUM

When M. gets home from school, he immediately logs on to his computer. Then he stays there, touching base with the people he has seen all day long, floating in a kind of multitasking heaven of communication. First, he clicks on his Web log, or blog -- an online diary he keeps on a Web site called LiveJournal -- and checks for responses from his readers. Next he reads his friends' journals, contributing his distinctive brand of wry, supportive commentary to their observations. Then he returns to his own journal to compose his entries: sometimes confessional, more often dry private jokes or koanlike observations on life.

Finally, he spends a long time -- sometimes hours -- exchanging instant messages, a form of communication far more common among teenagers than phone calls. In multiple dialogue boxes on his computer screen, he'll type real-time conversations with several friends at once; if he leaves the house to hang out in the real world, he'll come back and instant-message some more, and sometimes cut and paste transcripts of these conversations into his online journal. All this upkeep can get in the way of homework, he admitted. ''You keep telling yourself, 'Don't look, don't look!' And you keep on checking your e-mail.'' M. is an unusually Zen teenage boy -- dreamy and ruminative about his personal relationships. But his obsessive online habits are hardly exceptional; he is one of a generation of compulsive self-chroniclers, a fleet of juvenile Marcel Prousts gone wild. When he meets new friends in real life, M. offers them access to his online world. ''That's how you introduce yourself,'' he said. ''It's like, here's my cellphone number, my e-mail, my screen name, oh, and -- here's my LiveJournal. Personally, I'd go to that person's LJ before I'd call them or e-mail them or contact them on AIM'' -- AOL Instant Messenger -- ''because I would know them better that way.''

Only five years ago, mounting an online journal or its close cousin, the blog, required at least a modicum of technical know-how. But today, using sites like LiveJournal or Blogger or Xanga, users can sign up for a free account, and with little computer knowledge design a site within minutes. According to figures released last October by Perseus Development Corporation, a company that designs software for online surveys, there are expected to be 10 million blogs by the end of 2004. In the news media, the blog explosion has been portrayed as a transformation of the industry, a thousand minipundits blooming. But the vast majority of bloggers are teens and young adults. Ninety percent of those with blogs are between 13 and 29 years old; a full 51 percent are between 13 and 19, according to Perseus. Many teen blogs are short-lived experiments. But for a significant number, they become a way of life, a daily record of a community's private thoughts -- a kind of invisible high school that floats above the daily life of teenagers.

Back in the 1980's, when I attended high school, reading someone's diary would have been the ultimate intrusion. But communication was rudimentary back then. There were no cellphones, or answering machines; there was no ''texting,'' no MP3's or JPEG's, no digital cameras or file-sharing software; there was no World Wide Web -- none of the private-ish, public-ish, superimmediate forums kids today take for granted. If this new technology has provided a million ways to stay in touch, it has also acted as both an amplifier and a distortion device for human intimacy. The new forms of communication are madly contradictory: anonymous, but traceable; instantaneous, then saved forever (unless deleted in a snit). In such an unstable environment, it's no wonder that distinctions between healthy candor and ''too much information'' are in flux and that so many find themselves helplessly confessing, as if a generation were given a massive technological truth serum.

A result of all this self-chronicling is that the private experience of adolescence -- a period traditionally marked by seizures of self-consciousness and personal confessions wrapped in layers and hidden in a sock drawer -- has been made public. Peer into an online journal, and you find the operatic texture of teenage life with its fits of romantic misery, quick-change moods and sardonic inside jokes. Gossip spreads like poison. Diary writers compete for attention, then fret when they get it. And everything parents fear is true. (For one thing, their children view them as stupid and insane, with terrible musical taste.) But the linked journals also form a community, an intriguing, unchecked experiment in silent group therapy -- a hive mind in which everyone commiserates about how it feels to be an outsider, in perfect choral unison.

For many in the generation that has grown up online, the solution is not to fight this technological loss of privacy, but to give in and embrace it: to stop worrying and learn to love the Web. It's a generational shift that has multiple roots, from Ricki Lake to the memoir boom to the A.A. confessional, not to mention 13 seasons of ''The Real World.'' The teenagers who post journals have (depending on your perspective) a degraded or a relaxed sense of privacy; their experiences may be personal, but there's no shame in sharing. As the reality-television stars put it, exposure may be painful at times, but it's all part of the process of ''putting it out there,'' risking judgment and letting people in. If teen bloggers give something up by sloughing off a self-protective layer, they get something back too -- a new kind of intimacy, a sense that they are known and listened to. This is their life, for anyone to read. As long as their parents don't find out.

It was early September, the start of the school year in an affluent high school in Westchester County, just north of New York City, where I was focusing my teen-blogging expedition. The halls were filled with students and the walls were covered with posters urging extracurricular activities. (''Instant popularity, minus the hazing,'' read one.) I had come looking for J., a boy I'd never seen, though I knew many of the details of his life. (J., like most of the teenage bloggers I interviewed, insisted he not be identified, in part because his parents didn't know about his blog.) On a Web site called Blurty, he kept an online journal, titled ''Laugh at Me.'' In his user profile he described himself this way: ''I have depression, bad skin, weight problems, low self-esteem, few friends and many more reasons why I am angry.'' In his online outpourings, J. inveighed hilariously against his parents, his teachers and friends who had let him down. ''Hey everyone ever,'' he wrote in one entry. ''Stop making fun of people. It really is a sucky thing to do, especially if you hate being made fun of yourself. . . . This has been a public service announcement. You may now resume your stupid hypocritical, lying lives.''

I was half-expecting a pimply nightmare boy, all monosyllables and misery. Instead, J. turned out to be a cute 15-year-old with a shy smile. A little bit jittery, he sat with his knees apart, admiring his own Converse sneakers. He had chosen an unfortunately public place for this interview -- a stairwell near the cafeteria and directly across from the teacher's lounge -- although he insisted that we were in an obscure location.

J. had had his Blurty journal for about a year. He called it ''better than therapy,'' a way to get out his true feelings -- all the emotions he thought might get him in trouble if he expressed them in school or at home. Online, he could blurt out confessions of loneliness and insecurity, worrying aloud about slights from friends. Yet despite the fact that he knew that anyone who wanted to could read his journal -- and that a few friends did, leaving comments at the ends of his posts -- he also maintained the notion that what he was doing was private. He didn't write for an audience, he said; he just wrote what he was feeling.

Writing in his online journal was cathartic for him, he said, but it was hardly stress-free. A week earlier, he left a post about an unrequited crush, and an anonymous someone appended negative comments, remarks J. wouldn't detail (he deleted them), but which he described with distress as ''disgusting language, vulgarities.'' J. panicked, worried that the girl he liked might learn about the vulgar comments and, by extension, his attraction to her. It was a somewhat mysterious concern. Couldn't the girl have read his original post, I asked? And anyway, didn't he secretly want her to read his journal? ''Of course,'' he moaned, leaning against the banister. ''For all I know she does. For all I know, she doesn't.''

J.'s sense of private and public was filled with these kinds of contradictions: he wanted his posts to be read, and feared that people would read them, and hoped that people would read them, and didn't care if people read them. He wanted to be included while priding himself on his outsider status. And while he sometimes wrote messages that were explicitly public -- announcing a band practice, for instance -- he also had his own stringent notions of etiquette. His crush had an online journal, but J. had never read it; that would be too intrusive, he explained.

In any case, today he was in a strikingly good mood. After a year of posting his journal on Blurty, which few of his fellow students used, he was switching to a different Web site: LiveJournal, the enclave of many kids in his school's punk set. He'd spent the last day or two transferring all his old posts, setting up a friends list and concocting a new ''icon,'' the tiny symbol that would represent him when he posted: a blurry shot of his face in profile. Unlike Blurty, where accounts are free for anyone who signs up, LiveJournal was restricted. (That policy has since changed.) You either had to pay to join (which J. couldn't afford) or be offered a coveted membership -- a private ''code'' -- by someone who already belonged. The policy was intended to make members accountable to one another, but it also had the effect of creating an invisible clique. For J., it was a sign that he might belong at last.

While the sites that are hosts to online journals may attract different crowds, their formats vary only slightly: a LiveJournal is a Blurty is a Xanga is a DeadJournal is a DiaryLand. A typical page shows a dated list of entries, beginning with the most recent. Many posts are short, surrealistic one-liners: ''I just peeled a freckle off my neck. Does that mean it's not a freckle?'' Others are more like visual poems, featuring a quirky series of scanned pictures (monkeys and robots are popular), a quote from a favorite song or a link to a strange news story. Some posts consist of transcripts of instant-message conversations, posted with or without permission (a tradition I discovered when a boy copied one of our initial online conversations under the heading ''i like how older people have grammar online'').

But a significant number of writers treat their journals as actual diaries, toting up detailed accounts of their day. ''I watched the miracle of life today in bio, and it was such a huge letdown,'' read one post. ''I was expecting it to be funny and sexual but it was way too scientific for my liking, and a bit yucky too, but not as bad as people made it out to be. Although, my not being able to laugh made me feel a bit too old. Current mood: disappointed.''

Then there are the kinds of posts that fulfill a parent's worst paranoia. ''It was just a nite of lying to my dad,'' reads one entry posted last fall. ''At like 7ish we started drinking, but i didnt have THAT much. And i figured out y i drink so much. Cuz i really really don't like being sober with drunk people. . . . i have more homework to do than imaginable. And to make it better, im hungover and feel sick. Great . . . great. DRINKING IS BAD!!''

Other entries are just plain poignant. ''My father is suing my mom on no real grounds. He just wants to 'destroy her' and I am trying my best to stay 'neutral.' Things seem real foggy, but I am told that they should turn out for the best. I just don't know. Affection needed. Current mood: indescribable.''

f a journal may look at first like a simple recitation of events, the fact that readers can comment renders it deeply interactive. (On some sites, like Xanga, you can give ''eProps'' for particularly good posts -- the equivalent of gold stars.) Most comments are wisecracks or sympathetic one-liners. Occasionally people respond with hostility. The threads of comments can amount to a public miniconversation, in which a group of friends debates a subject or plans an event or offers advice. ''I need your help,'' one poster wrote. ''Yes, your help. You, the one reading this . . . what am i supposed to do when the dynamic of a once-romantic relationship sort of changes but sort of doesn't, and the next week i continually try to get in touch with the girl but she is either not there or can't talk very long, and before this change in the dynamic she was always available?'' A string of friends offered suggestions, from ''don't call her so much'' to ''confront her . . . what she's doing isn't fair to you.''

In daily life, most bloggers don't talk about what they say online. One boy engaged in vociferous debates on Mideast policy with another blogger, a senior a year ahead of him. Yet the two never spoke in school, going only so far as to make eye contact in the halls.

Silences like this can create paranoia. It may be that friends just didn't read the post. Or it may mean they thought the post was stupid. There's a temptation to take silence -- in real life or online -- as a snub. ''If I get a really mean comment and I go back and I look at it again, and again, it starts to bother me,'' M. told me. ''But then I think, If I delete it, everyone will know this bothers me. But if I respond, it'll mean I need to fight back. So it turns into a conflict, but it's fun. It's like a soap opera, kind of.''

It's a drama heightened by the fact that journals are linked to one another, creating a constant juxtaposition of posts among the students. For example, on LiveJournal, you can click a ''friends'' link and catch up on your friends' experiences without ever speaking, with everyone's accounts posted next to one another in a kind of word collage. For many, this transforms daily life. Teen bloggers are constantly considering how they'll turn a noteworthy moment into an online post. After a party or a concert, these accounts can amount to a prismatic portrait of the evening.

But even this endless linking only begins to touch on the complex ways these blogs are obsessively interconnected and personalized. L. has had an online journal for two and a half years, and it has morphed along

with her. At first, her interest list (part of the user profile) consisted of topics like aromatherapy, yoga and Zen -- each of which linked to people with the same interest. She deleted that list and started over. In her next phase, she was obsessed with Freudian psychology. Now she lists fashion trends and belongs to the Flapper, Saucy Dwellings and Sex Tips blog rings.

Over the course of the fall, she changed the title of her Web log more than five times. L. relishes the way subtle choices of design and phrasing lend her posts a winking mysteriousness, hinting at feelings without making them explicit. ''I don't think I reveal too much; if I'm upset, I don't say why,'' she told me. ''In the beginning, I was just like, there shouldn't be private posts, this should all be public. But then it makes you very vulnerable.'' And her attitude goes double for her parents. ''I don't talk to them about anything. They'll be like, 'How was school?' And I'll be like, 'Fine.' And that was it.''

Many of a journal's markers of personal identity are hilariously telegraphic. There are sometimes slots for a journalizer's mood and current music. (Sample moods: ''stoned,'' ''restless,'' ''accomplished,'' ''confused'' and ''braces off Tuesday.'') Journal writers link en masse to sardonic identity questionnaires, like ''How Indie Am I?'' And every once in a while, someone posts a random list of questions, and everyone's journal fills up with simultaneous answers to queries like ''Do you believe in an afterlife?'' or ''Name Four Things You Wish You Had.'' (''1. A flat tummy; 2. people that would miss me; 3. my copy of 'perks of being a wallflower' back; 4. talent at ANYTHING.'')

It's possible to make posts private -- or ''friends only'' -- but many journal keepers don't bother, or do so only for selected posts. The general degree of anonymity varies: some bloggers post their full names, others give quirky, quasi-revelatory handles. No wonder everyone is up till 5 a.m. tweaking their font size and Photoshopping a new icon. At heart, an online journal is like a hyperflexible adolescent body -- but better, because in real life, it takes money and physical effort to add a piercing, or to switch from zip-jacketed mod to Abercrombie prepster. A LiveJournal or Blurty offers a creative outlet with a hundred moving parts. And unlike a real journal, with a blog, your friends are all around, invisible voyeurs -- at least until they chime in with a comment.

For many of the suburban students I met, online journals are associated with the ''emo'' crowd -- a sarcastic term for emotional, and a tag for a musical genre mingling thrash-punk with confessionalism. The emo kids tend to be the artsy loners and punks, but as I spent more time lurking in journals and talking to the kids who wrote them, I began to realize that these threads led out much farther into the high school, into pretty much every clique.

On a sunny fall day, M. and his friends were hanging out in front of a local toy store, shooting photos of one another with digital cameras, when a group of three girls sashayed by. They sported tank tops, identical hairbands and identical shiny hair. I walked over to them and asked if they have LiveJournals. ''No,'' one said. ''We have Xangas.''

They were all 15, around the same age as M. and his friends. But the two groups had never read the other's posts. M.'s crowd was emo (or at least emo-ish; like ''politically correct,'' ''emo'' is a word people rarely apply to themselves). These girls were part of the athletic crowd. There was little overlap, online or off. But the girls were fully familiar with the online etiquette M. described: they instant-messaged compulsively; they gossiped online.

With so much confessional drama, I began to wonder if interactions ever swung out of control. Does anyone ever post anything that seems like too much information? I asked. They all nodded intently, tossing nervous eye contact back and forth.

''Yeah,'' one of the girls replied finally, with a deep sigh. ''This one girl, she was really upset, and she would write things that had happened to her that were really scary. Private things that didn't really need to be said on the site -- ''

Her friend interrupted: ''But she knew she was putting it out there. She said, 'I don't care.' ''

''It was nice that she was comfortable about it,'' suggested the third girl.

Her friend disagreed. ''It was not nice.''

What kinds of things did she write about? I asked. Eating disorders? Sex? ''All of it,'' they said in unison. ''All of it.''

I walked back to M. and his group. ''Those girls are just, like, social girls,'' said M. dismissively. When I told him they had online journals, he seemed astonished. ''Really?'' He said. ''Huh.'' He watched with amusement as they walked away.

Blogging is a replication of real life: each pool of blogs is its own ecosystem, with only occasional links to other worlds. As I surfed from site to site, it became apparent that as much as journals can break stereotypes, some patterns are crushingly predictable: the cheerleaders post screen grabs of the Fox TV show ''The O.C.''; kids who identify with ''ghetto'' culture use hip-hop slang; the geeks gush over Japanese anime. And while there are exceptions, many journal writers exhibit a surprising lack of curiosity about the journals of true strangers. They're too busy writing posts to browse.

But even diaries that seem at first predictable can have the power to startle. Take J.K., whose Xanga titled ''No Fat Chicks'' features a peculiar mix of introspection and bully-boy bombast. Some of J.K.'s entries this fall brooded on his bench-warmer status on the football team. ''Do the coaches want me to quit?'' he worried in one post. ''I know that some people have to sit out, that's just the way it works, and I accept that. But does it have to be me when we're down 36 points and the clock is winding down?''

In J.K.'s diary, revelations of insecurity alternate with chest-beating bombast, juvenile jokes and self-mocking claims of sexual prowess. From a teen poet, you expect angsty navel-gazing; it's more surprising to find it in a jock like J.K. In one post, he analyzed his history as a bully during ''middle school, the time of popularity,'' when he did ''things too heinous to even mention.'' In response, a reader posted a long, angry comment, doubting J.K.'s sincerity: ''I don't think you understand what hatred I used to have for you because of how you made me feel . . . you can't go back in time, but you can try to make up for what you've done in the past.''

Occasionally, a particularly scandalous site will gain a wider readership. It's a social phenomenon made possible by technology: the object of gossip using her Web site as a public stage to tell her side of the story, to everyone, all at once. As I asked around the high school, I found that many other students had heard of the girl the ''social girls'' had described to me -- a student whose confessional postings had became something of a must-read the spring before. Over the course of a monthslong breakdown, she posted graphic descriptions of cutting herself, family fights, sex. It was all documented on her Web log, complete with photos and real names. (She has since removed the material from her site.)

The blog turned her into a minor celebrity, at first among the social crowd, then among their friends and siblings as well. ''We were addicted -- we would track every minute,'' one student explained. ''We would call each other and go, 'Oh, my god, she wrote again!' '' With each post, her readers would encourage her to write more. ''Wow u should be writing a book,'' one wrote. ''Ur stories are exactly like one of those teen diary books that other teens can relate to. That might sound corny but its so true.''

The girls who read the journal were divided on the subject. Some called the Web site an unhealthy bid for attention -- not to mention revenge, since she often posted unflattering details about her ex-boyfriend and former friends. Others were more sympathetic. ''I think I empathized with her after reading it, because I'd just heard the stories,'' one girl explained. ''But then she was saying, 'I felt so sad, and I was in this really dark place, and my parents were fighting, and I was cutting myself' -- so I could understand it more. Before, it was just gossip. It made her seem more like a person than just, like, this character.''

These dynamics are invisible to most adults, whether at home or school. Students occasionally show the school psychologist their journals, pulling up posts on her computer or sharing printed transcripts of instant messages. But the psychologist rarely sought them out herself, she told me, and she was surprised to hear that boys kept them. She called the journals a boon for shy students and admired the way they encouraged kids to express themselves in writing. But she also noticed a recent rise in journal-based conflicts, mostly situations where friends attack one another after a falling out. ''They think that they're getting close by sharing,'' she said, ''but it allows them to say things they wouldn't otherwise say, to be hurtful at a distance.'' When I mentioned the material I'd read about the girl who was cutting herself, she went silent. ''You know,'' she said, ''I really should read more into these.''

The scandalous journal is an extreme variation, but teen bloggers often joke about the pressure to post with angst; controversy gets more commentary, after all. (Entries often apologize for not having anything exciting to say.) But if there's something troubling about the kind of online scandal that breeds a high-school Sylvia Plath -- an angstier-than-thou exhibitionism -- there's also something almost utopian at the endeavor's heart. So much high-school pain comes from the sense of being alone with one's stupid, self-destructive impulses. With so many teenagers baring their vulnerabilities, there is the potential for breaking down isolation. A kind of online Breakfast Club, perhaps, in which a little surfing turns up the insecurity that lurks in all of us.

For some journal keepers, the connections made online can be life-altering. In late November, I checked in on J., the author of ''Laugh at Me.'' All fall, his LiveJournal had been hopping, documenting milestones (a learner's permit!), philosophical insights, complaints about parental dorkiness and plans for something called Operation Backfire, in which he mocks another kid he hates -- a kid who has filled his own journal on Xanga with right-wing rants. ''I felt happy/victorious,'' wrote J. about taunting his enemy. ''And rightly so.''

In the new context of LiveJournal, J.'s posts had become increasingly interactive, with frequent remarks about parties and weekend plans; they seemed less purely rantlike, and he was posting comments on other people's journals. When I contacted him via instant message, he told me that he was feeling less friendless than he was when the semester started.

''I feel more included and such,'' he typed just after Thanksgiving, describing the effect of having switched to LiveJournal from his more isolated Blurty. ''All community-ish.'' He was planning to attend a concert of World/Inferno Friendship Society, a band with a LiveJournal following. And he'd become closer friends in real life with some fellow LJ'ers, including L., who had given J. an emo makeover. He'd begun wearing tight, dark jeans and had ''forcibly retired'' his old sneakers.

Once J. decided to switch to LiveJournal, LiveJournal began changing him in turn. Perhaps he was adjusting himself to reflect the way he is online: assertive and openly emotional, more than a bit bratty. He'd become more comfortable talking to girls. And if he seemed to have forgotten his invocation not to make fun of anyone, at least he was standing up for himself.

J. had also signed up for a new online journal: a Xanga. He got it, he said, to branch out. He wanted to be able to comment on the journals of other students he knows are out there, including that of bully-boy J.K., where I was surprised to find one of J.'s comments in early November. ''I made a xanga for myself because i keep hearing that that's whats 'cool' now,'' he wrote on his LJ with a distinctive mixture of rue and satisfaction, the very flavor of adolescent change. ''And yet i always try to pride myself on not following status quo. I'm a hypocrite. O yes i am. Current mood: Hypocritical. Current music: Mogwai.''

Emily Nussbaum contributes the Reruns column to the Arts & Leisure section of The Times.

Posted by Liz at 09:05 AM | Feedback (5)
January 11, 2004
Does My Talent Ever Quit?
While many of you might wish my "talent" would quit, don't get excited, it just so happens I was able to grind out, yet another masterpiece of creativity and cynicism. Taken from and inspired by, the inner workings of my little mind, I'd like to share this doodle with you. Last night, I was watching these crazy shows on MTV, where these fools (ALA- Jackass, Viva la Bam, Wild Boys) attempt, what I think is, pointless stunts on themselves and family and friends. The producers slap warnings! all over the programs because you know some dopey kid will try it at home, get mammed and then sue. This morning I saw the new Dorito's commerial, where the woman climbs a mountainous shelf in a grocery store to get to the bag of chips at the top. These producers actually put a warning! at the bottom of the screen. Jesus Christ, are we all retarded now? I thought about how slapping a warning! on the real dare devil feats of life might be helpful for some. So the following animation is what I came up with. Calm down, I won't be posting this crap everyday. Hehe!

Posted by Liz at 06:22 PM | Feedback (3)
Political Prisoner Sherman Austin
Sherman has been made a scapegoat of the phony US Patriot Act. Read about Sherman's case in this Spin Magazine article and view his website, RaiseTheFist!.com. It really makes you wonder about the justice system (read: racist/class system) in this country. Did we slap Martha Stewart, or Enron exec.'s behind bars this quickly and furiously? We have money to spend on housing and feeding a Sherman Austin, yet drug addicts and the mentally ill roam the streets?

A recent photo of Austin, incarcerated. He is due to be released in September 2004.

Posted by Liz at 04:29 PM | Feedback (0)
January 10, 2004
MC5 Played In The Background
I was up all night again & created this little diddy. Don't worry, they'll get better, I'm just a little rusty. I haven't doodled since I quit working. Hehe bad Liz... bad.

*Note To Ben:
See I do like rock ;)

Posted by Liz at 07:27 AM | Feedback (7)
January 08, 2004
Watch What You Wish For
"You want a part of me
Well, I'm not selling cheap
No, I'm not selling cheap" ~ Hole, Celebrity Skin

This discussion has come up lately, with my friends and I. How much are you willing to settle for to have a relationship? On my end, I can declare, the older I get the less willing I am to overlook the undesirable things about a potential mate. When I was in my 20's, I could overlook and rationalize a lot to have a boyfriend.
Now, it seems as though the more self-assured I become, I don't reconcile with less than what I feel I deserve. I'm looking for specific qualities in a man, and I'm very clear about what they are. Of course, they are many of the traits I like in myself. I find that I no longer need a man to share a lung or be joined at the hip. I want an equal and confidante in a man. I don't want to do all the coaching and teaching in exchange for the illusion of control. I do not want someone who will morph into my life and behave like a pet. I lose respect for a man like that, (and yes, I have had the boyfriend who was content to sit there while I got my nails done or clean up after me). Now you might ask, what qualities am I looking for, and my answer generally speaking, is someone who enriches my life. Not an individual who "needs" me, but a companion who brings something that wasn't necessarily there before. A comrade who stands for something. An independent spirit that compliments my own. Occasionally, I can feel myself being manipulated into believing the more high-minded my standards, the more probability I have of remaining "unattached". Then I put societies trickery to the side and remember its really the more likelihood I have at continuing to feel the joy in my life, just as it is today.

Posted by Liz at 03:23 AM | Feedback (4)
January 07, 2004
Luck Be A Lady Tonight
As many of you know, I'm looking for a new gig. I might be nuts, call me idiotic, but I'm really excited about it. The fact that my last job left much to be desired, only makes me more determined to reach for the stars and KNOW that I deserve it this time. I have totally envisioned the kind of place I want to go to work. NOT an office full of woman for starters. I believe that proportion, in reality, affects what the employer believes they have to pay. I know the salary I need, and the level of responsibility I can offer a potential employer. Now, all I need is a bit of luck!!

Top Four Tips for Becoming Lucky:

*Listen to your gut instincts - they are normally right

*Be open to new experiences and breaking your normal routine

*Spend a few moments each day remembering things that went well

*Visualise yourself being lucky before an important meeting or telephone call. Luck is very often a self-fulfilling prophecy

Posted by Liz at 12:49 AM | Feedback (7)
January 06, 2004
Kickin It Old Skool~ Just For A Minute
In the 80's I adored rap. I mean I really loved it; it’s all I listened too. Fortunately, my boyfriend at the time loved it too. I remember the first time we saw RUN/DMC on MTV and the whole New York City vibe thrust forward loud and clear. The whole craze about rap was that it was all in relation to New York City and urban life. I saw this new CD on TV and it took me right back in time. I saw so many of those "old skool" performers and more than once! The likes of Kurtis Blow, LL Cool Jay, Run/DMC, Whodini, Roxanne Shante, EPMD, Public Enemy and The Fat Boys, Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five, just to name a few. There were so many others. This is who my concert going years were spent seeing. No rock, no hair bands, just urban, funny, integrated videos beats and concerts. Two turntables and a microphone, that was our mantra. Damn, I wanted that CD, just for a minute.

Posted by Liz at 03:21 AM | Feedback (9)
January 05, 2004
Concerns Of The Day
Tonight I purchased two prescriptions that I need. Total cost without a script plan, $105.00. I want to find another option and I'm thinking of mail ordering from Canada. I've heard a lot about that as an option, problem is I know nothing about how to go about it. If anyone knows, could you drop me a line?

I was pulling into the driveway tonight, and my favorite little neighborhood doggie was going for her nightly constitutional. I had to snap a pic! She is part Chihuahua and Pomeranian. How cute is she?*squeals* her name is Coco, which happens to be my favorite perfume.

MoveOn.org was accused of comparing Bush to Hitler and calling Bush a liar. I personally, am not offended. I love MoveOn.org. I’m thinking of registering with another party. I don’t know which one yet, but both the Democrats and Republicans have sold this country up the river. The Democrats play both ends against the middle and stand for nothing. I plan on attending a few demonstrations while I’m out of work.

I purchased the new collection of Spike Jonze videos & short films that just came out on DVD. It’s an excellent series, Spike is my favorite. I can’t believe that he and fashion icon/director Sophia Coppola are divorcing! They seemed like a cool couple. Both successful directors, both creative forces. I would want a successful, creative man. I think about what kind of man would keep my life interesting; and pay for my meds.

Posted by Liz at 11:42 PM | Feedback (2)
Another dip in the gallery

The Garden of Earthly Delights - Hieronymus Bosch

This painting holds a special place for me, as it is the first print Chris and I bought after we were married. She liked it because of the way the artist handled the themes of life, temptation, corruption and the damnation of the sinner with consummate skill and obvious deep learning, weaving allusions to biblical tales with condemnations of then state of the church and exhortations for the viewer to act well of suffer the results - I liked it because the colours matched the wallpaper I wanted in the living room.

This is the link for a big version - you will need it!
http://www.boschuniverse.org/hisworks/garden_of_earthly_delights/large.jpg

I am not sure if I would call this a masterpiece as the work of Bosch, at least the work that survives, is all of a consistent quality – it’s the ideas and the window on to a lost world I find so compelling.

The work is a triptych – a three-part work probably meant as an altarpiece to be viewed by a public who could not read the Latin Bible but knew full well the allegories and warnings contained therein by virtue of the minister who would castigate and cajole each week from the pulpit.

What Bosch did was provide a symbolic representation of the holy texts – most of which we can only guess at today as we are far from the 15th Century Flanders of Bosch and all his influences. We can tell the big picture – the first panel is the Garden of Eden before the fall, a perfect concord with god. The last panel is Hell and the horrors that await……. That await those who inhabit the middle panel, from which the work gets its name – The Garden of Earthly Delights, the world in which we live, the world of temptation and pleasure where it is so easy to be drawn away from the word of God and into the arms of sensual carnality – and doom of course!

I think Bosch was a strict moralist, probably a member of one of the religious sects then flourishing in the Netherlands at the time who looked forward to the last judgment and abhorred some aspects of the orthodox Catholic Church, and wanted to warn against what he saw as a lascivious and wanton world. The figures are not sexual in the main – there is sex going on as you can see and all that exotic, round, fecund fruit testifies to, but the figures are naked because he is saying we are all naked before God. The language of allegory is hard for us to read now – perhaps there are influences from Splendor Solis, the illustrated alchemic text on death and rebirth or illustrations from Ovid’s (banned!)Ars Amatoria (the art of love). The use of the Owl is known as a reference to the nocturnal, death or doom. Fruit, of course, is a well known image for sexual organs as the use of a knife is for the sex act. Fish out of water meant death of Christian principles (fish..gettit?) and birds were symbols of devils. There are many others all very active in his work.

Didactic meaning – his need to teach the viewer the error of the world of pleasure – is somewhat dissipated by his obscure references and the fact the images he created tend to celebrate what they are meant to condemn – you can almost see the viewer in the church looking on this scene of depravity and thinking ‘Yea that’s disgusting! SO ungodly! Still….that scene over there….I wouldn’t mind some of THAT myself!’

Perhaps Bosch recognises this in himself for in the hell panel look at the tree like man with the bagpipes on his ‘hat’ – the face staring out at you is Bosch - there with the gamblers and gluttons and libertines. And Hell is for lascivious music and cant monks and everything else he sees as evil in the world. But there he is with everybody else! Is he saying that Hell is inevitable? Or there is so much temptation nobody can resist? Or that we all are human and subject to fail.

The Hell panel is most revealing I think. The Garden of Eden is an unobtainable perfection, the world of delight is the ultimate temptation but Bosch must punish so Hell starts with the inferno at the top of the panel – the last judgment with demons carting sinners to Hell. Into Hell, goes all those tempted and fallen with Satan as a bird eating souls and defecating into a pit of excrement while gluttons are forced to vomit into the pit and misers shit out their coins. A vain woman sees her true ugly self as she is fondled by a demon. Musicians are tortured with their own instruments and a wedding party is forced to sing by monsters.

And so we come back to Bosch looking out at us with a body of a broken eggshell. Is he reflecting his own moral fall? Inside the shell gamblers are at a table, was this his vice? And did he fear what awaited him?

Bosch used the same sort of theme in a lesser known work called The Hay Cart where the first panel was the fall the last Hell (again!) and the middle depicted a scene of people both high and low born trying to get there share of the hay on the cart. It is thought it is an allusion to psalm 102 of David:

Man's days are like those of grass; like a flower of the field he blooms; the wind sweeps over him and he is gone, and his place knows him no more.

Getting hay then is akin to getting pleasure. Once again man is just man and even the fires of Hell are not enough to deter him form getting pleasure in this world.

This work is a call to return of ideal state – but underneath is a realisation that there may never be that ideal state again and we are all doomed…..

To end I would also like to draw you attention to another of his works ‘Ecce Homo’ – it’s a depiction of the moment when Pilate shows Jesus to the crowd calling for his execution and calls out Ecce Homo – behold the man! Pilate is saying look he is a man like you no criminal, no god, no daemon just a man. Bosch’s depiction of Jesus is just that – he looks like an ordinary man beaten, subdued and awaiting death. But not in that renaissance way of martyrdom showing through pain or god like patience and acceptance – no, Bosch was a late medieval protestant artist working outside the influence of Rome. The Jesus of Bosch is a human Jesus full of doubt and suffering just like the rest of us. The background is more like a town in his own lifetime rather than Jerusalem, with a square as a metaphor for life without God. Figures roam aimlessly around; some of them have gathered in front of the town hall, from which flies a red banner with a white crescent moon, a sign that the devil is in command.

In the foreground you can just see depictions of the family that commissioned the work – for some reason they were overpainted some years after the painting was made – this was removed in 1963 revealing the family that faces the rabble, but is clearly separated from them. A text in gilded letters reads: 'salva nos xpe redemptor': save our Christ the redeemer.

So while giving the nod to the commissioning family as being pious Bosch is once again showing us the frailty of the flesh….

sorry for the length - the next will be shorter!

Posted by Tony at 10:00 PM | Feedback (6)
Google That Guy
Tonight’s season premier of Sex and the City had Carrie googling for information on her latest boyfriend. I suppose the reason I always loved the show is because I could relate too much of it. Googling a new guy is no exception. I have googled men. For those of you who aren’t aware of this clandestine tactic, it’s when you put a person’s name into google and see what turns up. Mostly, I have googled old boyfriends, just to be nosey. I have to really like a chap to google him. I don’t just google anyone; I’m not that kind of girl. The results regarding my ex’s have always turned up a big nothing, much like the relationships, I’m sorry to say. I have a friend who had a crush on a guy who was doing some work around her house. When she googled him it eventually led his police record. Her crush and his work ended just about the same time. Another girlfriend told me she googled a guy recently to get his number, that lead to dinner. I’m wondering if men google woman? I bet most men haven’t ever thought of it. Ahh the phenomenon of the net never ceases to astound and delight me.

Posted by Liz at 01:00 PM | Feedback (10)
January 04, 2004
Dream Weaver
Last night I dreamt that I was going to interview Missy Elliott, of all people! She really isn't one of my favorites at all so I have no idea why my psyche conjured her up. Also, I dreamt that I was at an ice skating rink with prison convicts and people from my 8th grade class. I was afraid to put the ice skates on and I kept telling people that I hadn't been ice skating since 9th grade. One of the convicts liked me and I wanted to impress him. (Ugh, does the insanity ever end?) When I put the skates on, I was whirling around like a champ. (I said it was a dream, didn't I?) These premenstrual dreams are hellish. I know that's what puts these anxiety tapes on. Last month, for three nights in a row, I dreamt that I was back at my old job, trapped. It was terrifying. I kept walking around desperately trying to convince people,

"But I'm out of here; I'm collecting unemployment now and I'm happy."

To make matters worse, my dream boss was a nice, sophisticated, rational woman, unlike the situation, I left behind.

PMS dreams are hell; regular old nightmares. It's still early, and I believe this is actually a PMS post. Maybe I'll crawl back into bed and hope for a peaceful snooze this time.

Posted by Liz at 09:06 AM | Feedback (0)
January 02, 2004
Bring It On ~ 2004!
Jeanna and I took several trains too finally reach our destination, NYC. New Year's Eve in the big apple, and I'm ashamed to admit, it was my first,. Not the Time Square, ball dropping type of New Years, I would never subject myself to that. I did the small gathering on a friends roof top, brand of New Years. So much changed for me in 2003 and I'm sure 2004 will do it's damnedest for change. Best to ride the wave, and not get hung up on too much. When I thought of what I was grateful for, one overwhelming thing came to mind. I never have to be at a job I hate again. My self imposed exile to the city of Chester is over. Jesus Christ, that makes me happy. I'm excited about 2004. Resolutions? I don't have any. I learned a long time ago, life has to be lived, one day at a time. Sure, I would like to be healthier, find decent employment, get George W. out of office, and I'll do the best I can each day to achieve those goals. Now, click the link and I'll show ya some pics I took with the exception of one.

Mode of transportation

* Callum climbed a ladder too take this creative shot of me

Anne and Len got engaged on the roof top New Years Eve

A room with a view. Anne's new apartment over looks the west side

My cousin Peter, mentions this pizza place in his book. I have to have pizza when I'm in NYC

Roof top, I could see the fireworks and they inspired a feeling of hope

Jeanna and I got pedicures, manicures, massages. We strolled through Central Park and talked and talked and talked. Thank goodness for girlfriends

Central Park view, reminds me of that old movie, Rosemary's Baby, which was filmed in the Dakota

It was so nice to take a morning walk through Central Park

Posted by Liz at 11:09 PM | Feedback (12)

December 2003

2003-12-01T08:00:00.000-08:00

December 30, 2003

Don A Beret
Patricia Fields, NYC

Che Guevara
I have been wearing a beret in the winter months since the eighties. Back then, I remember sticking buttons and pins on mine. I always wanted a red one like the Guardian Angels, but never got around to purchasing one. The Guardian Angels looked cool in the eighties. They marched around the streets and subways, of NYC, like warriors, stylin and profil'in. The Black Panthers were another sharp looking, beret wearing troupe. Leather jackets and berets, who can resist? A beret represents an edge, militant sophistication. You can just whip it on, adjust it, and the look is yours for the taking. I thought the British army looked impressive in there berets. Not very functional in the war zone, but damned spiffy. Oh well, you can't have everything, right?
Posted by Liz at 12:30 AM Feedback (8)
December 28, 2003

So Sick of Compliance
Jeanna and I travel to NYC on Tuesday. I'm planning the excursion now, which basically consists of getting there as cheaply as possible (I'm unemployed remember), and having a plan other than eating in fancy restaurants and renting DVD's. This time out, I wanna rock. I want to check out some crammed bars, knock back drinks, and jam. In other words... have some fun. Tonight I found the following places to check out. If anyone knows of some place I've missed, let me know.
Bitter End
A list of rock clubs
Bowery Ballroom CBGB
One thing I have never done, and certainly would need to be tipsy to do....Karaoke
Posted by Liz at 11:06 PM Feedback (7)

Nobody knows the trouble I seen
You would not believe the trouble I had tying to score some primo Advocaat this yuletide!Advocaat is a Dutch liqueur, a rich and creamy blend of unpasteurised egg yolks, sugar, aromatic spirits, and grape brandy with a hint of vanilla. It has a distinctive smooth yellow consistency with strength akin to fortified wine. It’s the eggs you see…
Advocaat is one of the staples of a family Christmas in my tribe and I cannot remember a Christmas without it. The best Advocaat you have to eat with a spoon as it’s so thick but almost impossible to get outside of a Dutch market. The bottled variety is of a thinner consistency and is the basis of the age-old favourite family drink – the Snowball. The Snowball is Advocaat, limejuice and lemonade with a Cherry on a stick and can be made up strong or weak depending on who gets it!
Well nearly no one got it this year. Now I understand the dangers of Salmonella and did read somewhere that every egg in the western world is hatched with it but that is no reason for me to be vilified for asking for a bottle of Advocaat! Fear of infection has kept it off the shelves in these over protected times.
From the looks I got you would think I was spoon-feeding pure heroin to newborn babes or selling aids infected needles to teenagers as ear piercing kits. A chorus of disapproval and shock greeted me wherever I went. I think it would be easier to buy a human kidney that Advocaat this year. ‘No call for it’ say some’ Dangerous!!’ say others ‘ Fuck off or I’ll call a cop’ (Ok – that last one was a bit of an exaggeration) I have expected the shifty looking individual who shambled up to me when I was coming out of the scene of my latest rejection to whisper to me ‘You want good stuff? Me know when to get plenty goood Advocaat, very yellow, very cheap we make deal yes?’ only he was trying to sell me pirate cigarettes. Cancer, it seems, is more acceptable than the horrors of a very faint possibility of a jippy tum for a couple of days. (US translation; jippy tum = upset stomach)
I did track down a bottle, thick with the dust of ages, at the back of a very high shelf in a backstreet convenience shop but to be on the safe side I also bought a porn mag to wrap it in - just in case I met anyone I know taking it home.
Snowball anyone?
Posted by Tony at 08:26 AM Feedback (7)
December 27, 2003

Don't Believe The Hype
Last night Anne, Len, Callum (Len's son) and myself, proceed into Philly while holding an impassioned discussion about the Middle East and a range of news media. We decide to investigate the best damned pizza we could find.

Humming the theme to Rocky, Anne cruises us into South Philly, home of the Italian Stallion himself. We decide on Marra’s Pizza, peruse the menu and place our order. Dinner was yum and we all agree pizza is a staple in our collective diets. After dinner we drive to South Street. It’s freezing in Philly, so walking around with a 7yr old isn’t an option. What a blunder that was. The next thing I know, Philly’s finest, the most brutal police department in the country during the Rizzo administration, is tapping on the driver’s side window.
“What the fuck does this asshole want?” I’m thinking to myself.
We have two foreigners in that back seat, Anne lowers the window. The cop informs her that her inspection is two months overdue. He asks for her paperwork, which she promptly produces. Of course the cop had to take a tone with her and off he goes to run a check. Ten minutes or so this bastard comes back and hands her two citations that amount to $104. Anne couldn’t resist and in her sweet-tempered, tranquil voice, she says,
“Down the street officer, about a block back there, I think I saw a drug deal you might want to check out.”
“Aw save that noise, your in violation, he says furiously. Why don’t you go back there and check out the drug deal yourself?” The pig adds.
Real competent huh? He got what she was subtly trying to say and he didn’t appreciate it. Tough shit! South Street was crawling with inhabitants, but I’m glad they had occasion to bore ass somebody about a goddamned sticker. We stopped home, but went out again (in the same car) and had coffees at a local place. Anne and I shopped for DVD’s. At the coffee shop Anne let Callum, have fun torching marshmallows. The kid was getting quite a bon fire going. You know, on second thought, maybe that cop needed to haul her bad ass in?
Posted by Liz at 02:25 AM Feedback (5)
December 25, 2003

Merry Christmas 2003
Sis-in-law Gail & JessicaLeaLen, Callum being shy & Anne
We had a great Christmas Eve. Everyone came over. Anne gave me a bunch of Paul Frank. Socks, scarf, change purse. Len brought me a bag from London. I recieved several other great presents too. Things I never expected to get. We exchanged gifts and had apple martini's, which everyone said I make rather strong, but good.
Joao leaves for Rio today. He has been dealing with a lot and needs a vacation. He has promised to keep me posted, even though he will be offline for a month. (I'll believe that when I see it. hehe)
Later today its over to my brothers for brunch. Gail is a great cook. Tonight, I head to Anne's for a family dinner there!
I must say, the best part about this holiday has been being around Jessica, Lea and Callum. Yes, the kids are the best part.
Peace to all!
Posted by Liz at 05:33 AM Feedback (8)

Brazil or BUST
You think you know, but you have no idea. I woke up at 3am with the rush of my head song, "Will I make it? Will I make it? Do I need to fake it?" There was no way, I could drive to West Palm Beach to meet Zavier from Bamboo Cane Company, get a check and international money order for Paulo and then go down past South Miami to Homestead, 2 hours away, to get cash from Will.
All of this considering I had no driver's license or considerable amount of cash or car. My friend Jeremy had let me stay at his apartment near Nova Southeastern University on Davie Road. I have been here for a week now and got along great with his roommate, Sean. But besides using his apartment, phone (free long distance!), laptop, and kitchen (Ramen Noodle sorcery), would borrowing his brand new $35,000 custom-made MACH 1 Red Mustang to make IT happen be abusive?
After all, this entire mess began when I borrowed my mother's AUDI and wrecked it. Not that I was wreckless or thinking I was Fast or Furious, but I did crash it and most people are unforgiving. I tell them a tree attacked me and I was an innocent, but they don't believe me. Neither does my broken ankle, which is complaining to me right now as I push it against the table, holding this R40 THINKPAD laptop against my lap..
What were we talking about? OH OK, So I steal his car and try to make IT happen. I drive down 595 at 6am with unexpected traffic, catch I-75, listen to "The Toxicity of our Cities" and pump myself up. By the time I make it down near to Will's (oh yeah, I forgot to write down his address), it is around 7am.
I hang out at a Chevron gas station waiting for a "reasonable" time to wake up my friend/boss/bambusero buddy. I meet the janitor outside and we talk about Latin American politics. A real knowledgeable guy. He thought, however, that Brazil has the largest Chinese population in Latin America. In actuality, we have the largest Japanese population by far! He thought it was Peru. Well, anyway, I know that has been keeping y'all up at night!
Finally, I call Nick at 8am. I think i wake him up but he denies it. "Oh yeah bro, I'll be there in 20 minutes". I hang out more and talk to the gas station attendant who is half-Brazilian, the janitor whose family is into aviation and we argue about whether Santos Dumont (Brazilian, lived in France) or the Wright brothers discovered aviation..
It is now 8:40am. I needed to be needing to be at VARIG at 10am with the money for my ticket. No good. I call up Nick again and he jokes "Oh bro I am on my way there, I was sleeping".
He shows up in his typical bad-ass big trucks with sod in the back. We drive over to his home where his large PACIFIC BEACH truck is waiting with his 2 Guatemalan workers. We kill sometime by looking at his custom-made choppers, black bamboo, and by talking to his workers. I just met Nick 2 weeks ago and I have a feeling we will be good friends..
"OK bro, let's go to Wills" I get in the landscaping truck with him and the Guatemalan worker. When I show up at Wills, it is 9am. I ring the door hesitantly. I had been calling him since 8am to no avail.
Will from Big Bamboo Trading Co"Oh no, it's you!" He looks like he is hungover and just woken up. We go into his room and he puts on some clothes. We walk over to the computer room, I load this laptop, and we review his website.
"OK, Let's go to the bank". I call VARIG just incase I am late. "Oh, we are closing at NOON". Great! So much time.
We start killing time by talking about the site and the "bamboo mafia" we are banding together...
Alls I know is that at 11:30am I am speeding up US1 in the MACH1 knowing I will be late to arrive at VARIG Airlines Office on Biscayne Blvd in downtown Miami.
11:59am, I push open the door, as she is closing it.. Come on, come on let me buy my ticket. Here is $500! No, that's not enough. We need you to pay $649.90. OK, Can i make a few calls?
Does she realize how desperate I am? That I have been homeless, hungry, and hung in the United States? That at least in Brazil, the 3rd world, I won't starve like I did in the 1st world. Does she know I am on a mission? Does it matter? Why can't she cut me some slack?
I walk out of VARIG dazed. I am wearing a nice blue dress shirt, khakis, carrying my backpack and laptop. I have $520 in my wallet and my heart aches with every step I take. Downtown Miami no longer seems interesting but a distraction. What the fuck am I gonna do now??
Posted by at 03:40 AM Feedback (1)
December 24, 2003

My Favourite Paintings – No 1
Edward Hopper - Nighthawks
My My, those Yanks can paint. This is a painting I very much admire. Hopper said a restaurant on New York’s Greenwich Avenue inspired Nighthawks and for me it is a powerful depiction of the together-but-alone feeling you get in any big city where the anonymity of its citizens contrasts with the forced closeness of the city.
It is not just the ordinary loneliness of the figures but there is also a existential loneliness, those people are in separate worlds and it is a world not only locked out from the other figures but also the viewer – there is no way in to the diner, we are given no opportunity to get close and empathise with the figures so they remain in space and time locked into this late night hell. Even the couple who are together are not, the body language shows them miles apart from each other – she may be a prostitute but that is unlikely given the surrounding area so she is just as likely to be a office worker stopping off for a coffee and wanting to engage with another but is lacking in the skills, or courage, to do so.
The men are slumped down with hunched shoulders of a care-worn day yet they are sitting in a stark diner under harsh fluorescent lights rather than go home – what then lies at home that they seek to avoid? The title Nighthawks suggests we are looking at predators but confined in the brightly lit diner they are not free – the diner is acting as a cage for these predatory birds with only the man behind the counter with any true freedom as he is there for his job and is not drawn into the dark, melancholy world these creatures exist in.
I first came across this work when it was used as the basis for a set design in the last act of Jonathan Miller's Rigoletto at the English National Opera. The opera was reset as a New York gangster tale and the device of the actors inside the diner was used as a frame to concentrate the focus from a large stage to an intimate moment that was in reality a lie. I think this painting is an evocative and powerful masterwork and could go on about it for longer than you would be interested in reading! There are so many clues to the people, some contradictory as in reality we are as well and I urge you to take a closer look at this beautiful work.
You can find a large version of Nighhawks here - http://www.cc.jyu.fi/~hastrup/nighthawks.jpg
Posted by Tony at 06:39 AM Feedback (11)
December 23, 2003

Back to Brazil
Luciana Souza Returns to Her Roots for New AlbumJune 16, 2002 -- Luciana Souza's third and latest album, Brazilian Duos, is a sort of homecoming. Even though she grew up in Brazil surrounded by the native music, she purposely avoided it on her first two outings in order to establish herself as a jazz singer. That done, she feels she can safely take on anything without fear of being typecast.
"I look Brazilian. I sound very Brazilian. And it is my roots. So it would have been an easier path to just stay there doing that," she tells Lynn Neary for Weekend Edition Sunday.
If she had started out performing Brazilian music, she says, "I would have stayed there. I could not have done anything else in my life. Once they put you in a bin in a record store, that's pretty much where you are."
This morning a sweet-sounding lady from Varig called me. She told me her name was Miriam, which is very Brazilian, yet she spoke flawless English. We didn't speak our native language but English. "OK, Edson spoke to me and he told me you want a flight from Miami to Rio de Janeiro for Dec 25th. And the return will be January 24th from Sao Paulo to New York?" Yes, Yes, I was thinking. Finally, after so much hassle, trials, and tribulations--BACK TO BRAZIL!
When she told me the ticket was $562 with taxes $639, I almost fainted. Damn! I thought I was needing to be shelling out mad duckets to make it back to the land of Soccer, Samba and Carnaval...
I excitedly called Raphael, my "bamboo brother" as he puts it, and told him the good news.
"Great!" Then he told me he would be working from the 26th to 28th at a Telefonica event in Buzios. He offered to take me along. So I am going! Buzios is sort of like the "Hamptons" of Rio de Janeiro, so we might just come across our Brazilian P.Diddys and Jay-Zs...
Serendipity, Coincidence, Absurdity: These seem like good words to describe the past 2-3 weeks. I only got this good deal because I met a pilot who flys for VARIG. His wife and he had decided to check out the International Bamboo Festival in Miami in October. I chatted up a storm with them and discovered that they lived in my house in Portofino which my parents sold in 2001. Wierd. His wife worked with bamboo in Rio and a few days told me to call her husband. That's the hook-up!
Posted by at 03:36 PM Feedback (1)

Up All Night
When you are asleep at night, I'm up. Awake, goofing off with who ever IM's me to say,
"I'm drunk, or I'm bored, or what are you still doing up?"
So here I am, I decided to give you a visual of me in the wee hours of the AM.

Tick tock, tick tock, tick tock....... still not tired.
Posted by Liz at 01:07 AM Feedback (18)
December 22, 2003

Play It Again Sam
Today, I decided to depart from the house and partake of some retail therapy. Now I know where all the nonconformist hang until there third shift job starts, the USED record store.
OK, that remark wasn't nice, but I’ve been told I need brutal honesty on this blog. Didn’t the inhabitants of the used record store know I was on a rare shopping mission (this time of year anyway) and didn't need them blocking the isles? Dammit, I was fired from a place of employment, what’s there excuse for standing around here in the middle of the day? Anyway, I digress. The purchases were exhilarating. I found a book about RageAgainstTheMachine on CD to listen to in my car (Not working has really cut down the time I spend in the car). I got two RATM singles, and The Battle of Los Angeles. When I got home, I rocked the new jams and wrote a letter of support to Sherman Austin in prison. (My friends are sweating at this point). I would, immensely, be keen on going to California for a benefit concert when he is released from prison. There is an article about him in this months SPIN. I also finally picked up used copies of The Messenger, and Elizabeth on DVD.
Later, I was talking to a friend and thinking about how free I feel. I was thinking about what I could do for a living that would allow me to keep this feeling of empowerment and not enslavement. Then I remembered a few things about my yesteryears. The working class agenda my parents instilled in us. In actuality we were taught we had to stand up for the working class. My father was president of a Union and my family were staunch Democrats. Solidarity, is a word I recall learning at a very young age. I was a shop steward at 19 years of age, walking the picket line and protesting unfair wages, fighting for people’s jobs. Then came my exposure to Amnesity International in the 80’s. I thought I was going to hear Tracy “Fast Car” Chapman in concert, and it ended up exposing me to political prisoners and Apartheid. I cared about these things at a very young age. Buying some used CD's and jotting a letter down, won't change anything, I know this. Complacency is the enemy, but maybe, being set free from an unjust work situation, allows me to feel the cause blossoming inside me once more.
Posted by Liz at 08:37 PM Feedback (3)
December 21, 2003

The Little Girl was who Armenian
From a Year Spent in Germany as an Exchange Student
We think we are smarter than kids. “Is that a boy or a girl?” I ask littleMaria. I baby-sit her for Shamiran. She examines the paper. Then she looks at me. “A head!” she replies.
I stare back at her, focusing my attention on what I drew. Then I think it over a bit more. “You’re right, Maria! It is a head after all” I exclaim. She smiles sweetly, knowing her certainty without my acknowledgement.
I babysat Maria for Shamiran my piano teacher during several occasions.She is barely 3 years old and yet speaks Russian, Armenian, and German.Her mother is teaching her all of them simultaneously. I am envious ofLittle Maria. Learning German seems like jousting with gibberish.
Their home was a humble one and rented to them. There weren’t manyThings for us to do other than interact with our existing environment.
We flip through children’s books. She points to a duck. Shamiran quizzes herwhat the picture means in Russian and German. She quickly responds, lightningQuick, like a frog’s touching reaching out to a mosquito.
Then she asks what it means in Armenian. Regardless, I don’t understand.Correctly, she responds once more. Her mother’s face lights up with pride for her daughter. Indeed, she is quite proud of little Maria. Then she says some words to Maria in Armenian and little Maria starts giggly. I’d like to know what she said.
”Are you sure you can baby-sit?” asks Shamiran cautiously. “Of course, Of course,”I really need not tell her.
When I first arrived in Germany, I planned a year of classical guitar recitals. However,My first host family had a piano in their den. And guitar seemed better suited to the Corridors of Alhambra in Spain.
I don’t recall if I asked to take lessons or she offered them. I know she never charged me.Maybe because I was also a foreigner in a sometimes dark and sinister land. And she couldRelate to me while her husband spent months away from his family at a time, working forA floating orchestra.
She gave me free piano lessons once a week, and then feels embarrassed to ask me to baby-sit her daughter for a few hours.
She needs to study for a music exam, which is a hard thing to do when you have an energized little toddler running around the house and climbing overyou while your playing the piano.
I feel like I should pay Shamiran for babysitting Maria. It is the greatestjoy to play with a wooden train set with her, while her mother practicesChopin for hours. The music, the little giggling talented toddler. You aretransformed into another world.
Shamiran and Zurik are both talented musicians from Armenia. After the Soviet Union collapsed, they fled the country to live in Germany. Theylived near Tecklenburg, in a secluded farm along with 20 other ‘Russians’.IT is a huge, beautiful, German country house “FACHWERK” but even with 20 people it is crammed.
One day Zurick practiced his Cello outside. It was a lovely summer daywith a clear sky, not a common event in Germany. Natalia Stahl was passingby with her car and then stopped. She, one that grew up in a family thatbreathed music, could not drive further. She stopped in the middle of the road, and sat enchanted listening to the rest of the piece. She is a music teacher, musician herself, and a collector of ziphons and violins.Inside her house, are instruments dating to the beginning of the 1800and even further back. All she has known since she was young was music.While other kids were reading Asterix & Oblix comics, she was playingBach’s first Minuets.
She took them in. She protected them. Eventually she managed to let the German Government let them stay in the country. But only if they studiedmusic. So Shamiran is studying in Osnabrück at a Conservatorium, whileraising her little daughter, Maria, who was born in Germany. Her livelyhusband Zurick travels around the globe with a well-known German orchestra.
I am always delighted when I catch Zurick home. I walk in with Shamiran,wondering why she seems to be covering the view from the living room.Zurick is reading a newspaper and smoking a pipe. He immediately turns around-“John, John” he says. “Come here, sit down, let us drink a beer”. I go inand sit down while my teacher frowns. Drinking a German Pils is not the best way to start a lesson. As Zurick fetches a bottle out of the refrigerator,she says something to him in Armenisch. He responds. I didn’t understanda word of course, but I understood it anyway.
I sat down. He pours the beer in a glass. He picks up his pipe, lights itagain, and begins to tell his stories. He was on a cruise ship that wentfrom Sardinia Italy, through Saudi Arabia, around the Persian golf, toSingapore, Thailand .. all over the globe.
He proudly tells me how the cruise costs over 20,000 DM. He shows me un-believable pictures of the evening buffets. Huge ice sculptures and thenhuge food sculptures. He tells me of the huge bowls, no buckets he says ofcaviar. So much, so fast, he has never seen in his life.
As I am about to take my first sip, Shamiran maneuvers in darting for me. She grabs me by the arm. “John, ..” she says, a touch angered “We have a piano lesson.Remember?”
“OF course, of course..” I am sure she stood at the door the entire time, waiting for the moment when her husband would shut his mouth.
Posted by at 10:22 PM Feedback (4)

BAMBOO: GIFT OF THE GODS

Architect Oscar Hidalgo has dedicated his life to bamboo research, and teaching the world about the limitless possibilities of this remarkable plant. Born in a bamboo house in Chinchina, Colombia, bamboo construction was common in his state, where many residential and public buildings were constructed using this cheap and widely available material. Like most homes, in his house the bamboo was hidden beneath plaster, and indeed, it looked like it was made of brick.
After he left the university, Oscar was intrigued by the possibilities of using bamboo in construction, and embarked on a project to construct a country club kiosk 23 meters in diameter using this material. Five days before the opening ceremony, there was a hurricane which distorted the building extremely, moving the kingpost 90 cm off-center. After only two hours of working with a winch, however, the structure was successfully moved back into place without collapsing. He was sold on bamboo. Amazed at its structural integrity and aesthetic possibilities, he embarked on a program of research which has taken him to Asia, Costa Rica, Brazil, and elsewhere to study this plant and to create experimental structures.
He recently came to Brazil to help INBAMBU (Instituto do Bambu - Bamboo Institute of Brazil) help give a course on bamboo construction and the possibilities for bamboo architecture.
He has really dedicated his life to the search for the ULTIMATE BAMBOO and the accumulation of BAMBOO WISDOM. Perhaps on "der Bambuspapst" Dr. Walter Liese in Germany, who began in 1951, can surpass his Curriculum Vitae.
Bamboo Architecture and Construction with Oscar HidalgoNotes by CASSANDRA ADAMS
Architect Oscar Hidalgo has dedicated his life to bamboo research, and teaching the world about the limitless possibilities of this remarkable plant. Born in a bamboo house in Chinchina, Colombia, bamboo construction was common in his state, where many residential and public buildings were constructed using this cheap and widely available material. Like most homes, in his house the bamboo was hidden beneath plaster, and indeed, it looked like it was made of brick.
After he left the university, Oscar was intrigued by the possibilities of using bamboo in construction, and embarked on a project to construct a country club kiosk 23 meters in diameter using this material. Five days before the opening ceremony, there was a hurricane which distorted the building extremely, moving the kingpost 90 cm off-center. After only two hours of working with a winch, however, the structure was successfully moved back into place without collapsing. He was sold on bamboo. Amazed at its structural integrity and aesthetic possibilities, he embarked on a program of research which has taken him to Asia, Costa Rica, Brazil, and elsewhere to study this plant and to create experimental structures.
The Bamboo Plant
The largest of the grasses, there are over 1600 species of bamboo, 64 percent of which are native to Southeast Asia. Thirty-three percent grows in Latin America, and the rest in Africa and Oceania. In North America there are only three native species of bamboo as opposed to the 440 species native to Latin America.
Of the two types of bamboo, the "running" type occurs only in temperate climates or in the high mountains of the tropics. Running bamboo produces both a culm (the above-ground vertical shoot) and long horizontal underground shoots called rhizomes. Tropical bamboo is almost always a "clumping" type, which tends to produce larger-diameter and thicker-walled culms. But its rhizomes are very short, so the bamboo plant stays more contained in a "clump."
Bamboo reproduces almost exclusively from its rhizomes, and is extremely fast growing. Under ideal conditions, for instance, a culm of the Guadua angustifolia species with a diameter of 22- 24 cm (9-10 inches) will grow to its full height in 3-4 months. It can produce an incredible number of culms per hectare (2.2 acres): native to Colombia, Guadua ang. produces 7-10,000 culms per hectare, while some Guadua species from Brazil can produce 60,000 culms per hectare.
Bamboo flowers in three different ways. Some bamboos bloom and produce seeds annually. Sporadic flowering occurs when a few plants will bloom. The type of flowering peculiar to many bamboos is gregarious flowering, when most of the plants of a species flower at about the same time around the world. This blossoming occurs at 10-145 year cycles, depending on the species. Bamboo is particularly fragile at this time, as after the flowering occurs, all the existing culms die off, and the bamboo seed is only viable for six months. This can cause great problems for people or businesses dependent on a constant supply of culms.
Different species of bamboo have different wall thickness, with a couple species being entirely solid. Bamboo is a natural composite. The walls are composed of "vascular bundles" of which there are five types. The outside portion of the culm wall is dense, containing about 5% silica. It has an exterior waterproof film which occurs on the softer interior portion as well. Bamboo is particularly strong at the node, where there is an inner disc called the septum which connects the outside walls, strengthening the stalk and separating in into compartments. Bamboo is widest at ground level, but is quite consistent in diameter throughout its length.
Using Bamboo
Bamboo is useful for different things at different ages:
<30>6 years bamboo gradually loses strength up to 12 years old
Bamboo for construction is best cut right after new shoots have started to grow, as the plant will have given all its starch to the new culm. It is important to cut bamboo just above the node at the base.
The age of the culm is very important to know in order to select culms with the greatest strength for bamboo construction. One-year-old bamboo is an emerald color with the sheaths just beginning to fall off. Bamboo 2-3 years old has white spots on the culm, indicating the beginning of lichens. At 5-6 years these lichens can be clearly seen. Branches also tell the age of a bamboo plant. Every year each culm of bamboo loses its branches which are replaced with new branches. Old bamboo is attacked by insects from the interior of the plant, which can be difficult to detect.
Height can be determined in species over 5cm in diameter by multiplying the base circumference by 58.2. If culms are found to have a ratio of less than 58.2 the bamboo is of lesser quality. In Colombia, the best examples of Guadua angustifolia grow at elevations between 900-1,800m. In Ecuador, the same species has much lower strength characteristics.
For longer lasting structures it is important to treat bamboo against rot and insects. One method is to cure the bamboo by standing cut culms on a stone for a month amongst the living culms. The leaves are left on as they continue to remove starch from culm. When air curing bamboo it is best to keep it vertical, as it takes half the time to dry as horizontal storage. Once the bamboo is cured it is soaked in water for approximately four weeks. It is then soaked in the fumes of a .3 solution of caustic soda.
Perhaps the best way of treating bamboo is to force a solution of 3-10% of half borax and half boric acid through bamboo using an air compressor to create 20-30 lb of pressure. The bamboo is left on a slight incline with the base closest to the tank (though it is also possible to do it in the other direction) and the chemicals gradually move through the vascular system.
To protect bamboo from fire use plaster. For structural bamboo it is important not to penetrate the septum as it is the crucial part of the bamboo for strength. Small diameter holes can be put in the sides of bamboo, however. To avoid problems it is important that the bamboo is dry before used in construction.
History of Bamboo Construction
The ancient Chinese created "fire arrows," which were made of bamboo filled with gunpowder, to get more distance to their arrows. These arrows eventually evolved to become the rockets and firecrackers we are familiar with today. More recently, Thomas Edison used carbonized bamboo for the first successful light filaments. It has been used to make paper, cloth, and even Rayon.
Bamboo's tensile strength has been essential in the development of bridges. The Chinese invented suspension bridges using bamboo to cross rivers. Using only the exterior part of the bamboo, which is four times as strong as the interior, they created tension cables up to 120 meters long. Bamboo bridges were also constructed in India, and by the Incas in South America. In both cases, the structural cable was strung above the walking surface, which hung from it. And in Colombia, tension bridges were created using this amazingly strong material, with tensile strengths of up to 3,200 kg/cm2 for the species Guadua. Similar building techniques have also been used to create gabions to dam rivers and streams, where a long basket of bamboo is filled with stones with each end secured to the banks.
It has been crucial to the development of many inventions. Bamboo has been used to build boats and zeppelins. In aeronautical research, structural members of kites and early planes were constructed using the material as it is light and extremely strong. A plane made completely of bamboo was built in the Philippines, while the Chinese commonly used it in their planes during World War II. Plans for bamboo planes were even available in "Popular Mechanics" magazine.
Bamboo also has a long history of use in buildings, being common to the vernacular architecture of China, Southeast Asia and Central and South America. The Chinese could span up to ten meters with their corbelling technology, and bamboo has been used extensively all over Indonesia, especially in the Celebes Islands. In Hong Kong, all scaffolding for highways construction is built of bamboo, and tied with bamboo strips only 1 mm thick. Although they have a great history of building with bamboo, today the Japanese use it only for their traditional tea houses.
Structural Characteristics of Bamboo
Bamboo is unique in that it is strong in both tension and compression. While tensile strength remains the same throughout the age of the bamboo plant, compressive strength increases as it gets older. There is some controversy in determining proper testing protocols, as it is important to test bamboo which is at least three years old, and that the test should occur on a piece of bamboo with an entire internode and two intact nodes. Some testing research has not used these criteria, and thus the results are not as useful.
To utilize bamboo to its best capabilities, several conditions are important to consider. One consideration is that bamboo grown on slopes is stronger than bamboo grown in valleys, and that bamboos that grow in poor dry soils are usually more solid than those grown in rich soils. Bamboo will shrink diametrically, so Oscar does not recommend tied connections. Bamboo takes at least four months to dry, and should not be kiln dried, as the moisture inside leaves mostly through the ends.
There are certain limitations of the use of bamboo in construction. The starchy interior is attractive to insects. In addition, because bamboo has a slick waterproof coating, it cannot be painted. However, this coating allows bamboo to be used as water pipes.
As bamboo is extremely flexible from 6-12 months of age, it can be used to create a number of curving forms. In India, curving roofs called Chocals were developed, and bamboo domes have been built in New Guinea. A parisian architect named Friedman built some beautiful ringed buildings in India, but they were unfortunately destroyed by insects within a few years, as they were not treated. Indeed, the type of bamboo construction used can greatly affect the longevity of buildings. Architect Gernot Minke of Germany has developed a catenary arch using laminated strips of bamboo.
Bamboo Joints
In standard bamboo construction, joints are difficult to make. In bamboo geodesic structures, joints are formed by creating "flaps" at the end of a culm by incising the bamboo radially. The soft inside of each "flap" is cut away, allowing them to bend easily. These flaps are then bent over a cone with a threaded rod sticking out of the tip. An additional cone is place on the outside of the bent flap area and secured with a bolt. Besides increasing structural strength, this external cone protects against insect entry. This results in an end which can easily be attached to a central hub.
Bamboo Roofing
A number of cultures have used bamboo for roofing materials. The Chinese used bamboo for roofs with the ends covered with round tiles. In the Philippines, roofs of interlocking split bamboo are created with the part receiving the water being the soft inner surface of the bamboo. Unfortunately, this technique encourages mold, fungus and splits from ultraviolet exposure, and roofs made in this fashion rarely last more than a year. These roofs can be made to last longer if the upper pieces, where the denser exterior of the bamboo is exposed, are laid close together, protecting the more vulnerable pieces underneath. These roofs are perhaps most appropriate as temporary roofing solutions.
It is imperative that bamboo roofs are treated to extend their longevity. A boric acid/ borax solution is used to preclude fungus and insect infestation. Roofs can also be treated with lime to protect them. Long lasting tiles made with bamboo utilize a bamboo strip reinforced fiber-cement laminate where the bamboo strips are weaved into a web for additional strength.
A variety of techniques have been developed to create roof support systems. These include a prefabricated triangular truss system comprising of units eight meters long. These trusses can be carried by only four people, and only deflect 2 1/2 centimeters along their entire length. These frames are then covered with bamboo boards, lath and plaster to create a waterproof roof. Additional systems include A-frame and space-frame roof structures.
An excellent system utilizes bamboo rafters with bamboo boards. This is plastered on both sides, and fired clay tiles are used to waterproof. Besides structures built of whole bamboo, truss systems have been developed using flat bamboo strips which are connected with bolts.
A roof for a kiosk made by "uneducated" Ecuadorian Indians is an umbrella-like system with a tension ring surrounding it at the level of the eaves. A different radial roof concept with numerous peaks and valleys is held up by tension cables which connect across the structure where the valleys end. Geodesic domes can easily be made with bamboo, as can emergency temporary housing for homeless in the case of earthquake, flood, etc. These roofs are simple bamboo framing with bamboo strips between the main structural members. The roofs described above can last up to 15 years with periodic maintenance.
Bamboo as Concrete Reinforcement
Many studies have been done to determine the feasibility of using bamboo to reinforce concrete. The problem is, however, that bamboo soaks up the water in the concrete, causing the bamboo to swell then shrink, the process of which can break the concrete. In addition, adhesion between the bamboo and the concrete is poor. Oscar has experimented with braided bamboo as reinforcement, but it takes an excessively long time to braid.
Feasible uses of bamboo with concrete include making stirrups with 9 month old bamboo. Also tanks can be made by applying cement plaster to bamboo baskets. These can be used for toilets, water storage or boats. Waffle slabs of concrete can be formed utilizing bamboo baskets to create the void spaces. Woven bamboo mesh at 6" on center can be used to reinforce a 5" concrete slab. All-in-all, Oscar does not recommend the use of bamboo with concrete in house construction, with the exception of it being used as reinforcing for slabs on grade.
Laminated Bamboo
Many of the problems associated with bamboo can be alleviated by creating laminates of bamboo strips. These are formed by simply dividing the length of the culm into individual strips which are then laminated together to create a number of products. In 1942 a study was commissioned by the US government regarding the use of bamboo laminates in ski poles.
Currently, bamboo laminate products include floor tiles with one type being particularly good for heavy floor traffic as only the end grain is exposed. The softer strips of bamboo from the interior of the culm can be safely used in the interior portion of very large glu-lam beams.
There is really no limit to the uses of laminated bamboo. It can be used for chairs and other furniture, plates and utensils. In fact it can be used just like laminated wood, with the advantage that bamboo laminates are much lighter in weight. To create the strips used for lamination, the interior soft part of the bamboo is removed with a plane, leaving the hard exterior for the lamination strip.
Architectural Design Considerations
There are many ways to design using bamboo. Commonly in Colombia, structural bamboo is used as studs in walls, covered with bamboo "boards" or lath, then plastered on both sides. The bamboo boards are created by smashing a culm with a hammer, then splitting it open and flattening it. Lath is made from bamboo strips, 2-3cm wide.
With proper joinery, bamboo can be used to create incredible spans, most dramatically evidenced in the work of Colombian architect Simon Velez. Spans of 3.5 meters (11 ft.) are easily possible in simple structures use 12cm (4-5 in) diameter bamboo.
In Latin America, Guadua angustifolia bicor is the most prized species for construction. Guadua de castilla and Onion Guadua (G. cebolla) are also a good construction species. To create special effects, bamboo can be bent or straightened by heating and clamping until cool. Square bamboo is a unique product used for decorative purposes that is created by training the culms into forms.
Bamboo Construction in Latin America Marizales, a coffee growing region in Colombia, used to have many bamboo buildings. As recently as the 1930s, all houses in Caldas State (of which Marizales is capital) were made of bamboo. Many public buildings and apartments were made of bamboo as well. Although now bamboo is limited to residential construction, there continue to be many beautiful bamboo houses in rural areas. The most common construction method is to use platform frames with reinforcing diagonals in the walls. Some houses built with this technique on steep hillsides have five-story understructures. Because of the difficulty of leveling the varying dimensions of bamboo, lumber is often used for beams and joists.
A typical wall section is created with bamboo studs where spacing is determined by the thickness of the bamboo boards applied to the studs. For example, when a 1 cm board is used, stud spacing is 40cm. The bamboo boards are attached, and two layers of plaster are applied. The first layer of plaster is 1:3 cement to sand mix and the second layer is a 4:5 cement to sand mix. The plaster is aesthetically essential as visible bamboo is not acceptable to Colombians.
Another wall system uses bamboo studs as described above with smaller pieces of bamboo attached with 1 1/2-2" nails. This is then plastered with a clay/straw mixture on the outside. This system is much heavier than the previous example. Bamboo was often used as scaffolding in Colombia, but is now largely replaced by rented metal systems. In Ecuador the bamboo is smaller and the bamboo boards are applied vertically.
A prefabricated bamboo house system utilizes wall panels built on the floor, resulting in better construction. This system allows for homeowners to build their own houses through sweat equity. An additional feature is to locate the kitchen and bathroom directly over water tanks, which allows water to be easily hand-pumped to where it is needed. Oscar established a prefab house building program in Costa Rica, the Costa Rican "roof-floor" program was one in which the government provided a floor, roof and sink. Oscar then built pre-fabricated bamboo panels for these dwellings.
Practitioners
Besides Oscar, there are a number of other important bamboo architects in South America. These include recently deceased architect Carlos Vergara from Cali, who made houses entirely of bamboo. He created a multi-column system where the loads are carried by the septum of the bamboo. He also used bolts through concrete nodes to create joints. He was able to achieve spans up to 24 meters with his techniques. Jorge Arcila of Marizales did a series of "stacked houses" and is currently writing a history of bamboo in America.
Simon Velez, an architect who mostly practices in Colombia, has built a number of extraordinary bamboo structures. These projects have ranged from a horse stable, residences, a observation tower and a country club. His structures feature massive cantilevers and he was the first to use multi-culm beams. He uses a unique bolt and concrete system in the internodes to create extremely strong joints, which has allowed him to create cantilevers as large as 7 meters (37 feet).
American efforts include those of Doug La Barre, who is setting up a manufacturing facility for creating laminated lumber from imported Guadua. The Trus-Joist corporation is also doing work to create nontoxic adhesives for laminated bamboo.
Issues in Bamboo Construction
As bamboo architecture has reemerged in Colombia, many new architects are making avoidable mistakes. It is important that the ends of joints not be cut too short and that all connections use the concrete-filled internode/bolt system. Additionally, columns must be raised above grade or floor level. Multi-culm beams should be made of culms of the same diameter, and bolted vertically at least every meter on center. In temperate climates it is better to use the smaller, stronger bamboos, and if the structure is protected it will last longer. The strongest of the temperate bamboos are Phyll. bambusoides and Phyll. mequinods.
Neither Oscar or Simon Velez use engineers in their building, having developed an intuition about the capabilities of bamboo. Oscar knows, however, that many architects do not have the years of experience he has, and so wants to establish the norms for the mechanical characteristics of bamboo. Much work in this regard has been done by Jules Jannson, and research and testing continues in his native Netherlands.
Another major problem is that in many places bamboo is disappearing, just like our world forest resources. In Brazil there were 85,000 sq km of bamboo in 1976, while in 1983 there were only 32,000 sq km. It is feared that within a decade all bamboo in Brazil will be gone. Guadua is among the threatened species because it only grows at tropical latitudes. But this dire situation is common all over the world.
The biggest problem affecting the adoption of bamboo architecture in those areas which have a vernacular history of building with this material, is the perception that it is considered "poor people's" housing. In India, the highest castes use stone to build, the middle castes, wood, and only the lowest castes use bamboo. Thanks to Simone Velez, however, bamboo is becoming a building material of choice for the wealthy. Oscar believes that if those needing shelter see rich people using bamboo, so will they.
Cassandra Adams is an architect and professor of architecture at UC Berkeley specializing in construction methods and materials with a focus on environmental issues and traditional Japanese construction.
Also about Oscar HidalgoFrom DESIGNER/Builder, September 1997
...the most exciting technology Hidalgo has developed is to deform the bamboo plant as it grows to create incredibly strong pre-stressed arches. A form of wood and plywood with a predetermined arc is placed over a bamboo shoot. As the bamboo grows, it assumes the shape of the arc, permanently.
"You can make any type of construction member when you deform the bamboo," Hidalgo says. "To make one curved laminated beam could cost $25,000. But to grow the equivalent in bamboo would cost only $100."
A cross and longitudinal section of a bamboo plant reveals its amazing properties and the strength and resilience the mature plant gains from its vertical fibers and horizontally reinforced chambers. A bamboo plant is fully formed as it starts up from the ground, its future chambers compressed against one another like an accordion. As the plant matures, the shoot expands and these chambers spread out, beginning from the lowest internode. And if the shoot is deformed on the way up, it assumes its new shape permanently.
"The most expensive thing is the form," Hidalgo says. "But once you have a form you can grow many of the same arches for a very low price. You tell me what kind of a structure you want and I will deform the arcs for you."
Excerpted with permission from DESIGNER/builder magazine, copyright 1998. DESIGNER/builder is published monthly at 2405 Maclovia Lane, Santa Fe, New Mexico, 87505; (505) 471-4549. Annual subscription: $28.
http://www.networkearth.org/naturalbuilding/bamboo.html
Posted by at 07:40 PM Feedback (8)

UA Community
I’m conducting an experiment . Not a mad scientist brand of experiment, this is an experiment in relation to my life in general. One aspect of free falling experimentation has been this blog. At first, Anne and I, conceived of highlighting beauty products, then it included all the cool people we know. Those things are still here, but it’s evolved into more. The war happened, Anne started working full time, I’m not working at all now. Things change, just like life. I was feeling this whole city thing when it comes to the blog and thought why not add other voices, other perspectives. A city has diversity, its multicultural. My friend Julie sent me a beautiful Holiday card. It said, be the change you wish too see in the world….peace. I have an unrelenting need to connect with others and hear there point of view, hence UA’s new contributors, Joao (John) AKA Bamboo Guy. Joao is doing amazing things with his nonprofit organization. Tony hales from England, and heaven knows, I love the Brits. My sentiment is when you post in the comments, you are a contributor. The more we all dialogue, the more understanding and harmony we can share. I’m not the “boss” (Yuk, I hate that word), I’m the facilitator at UA. Thankyou to anyway who has contributed in the past, and anyone who will contribute in the future.
“I put my hand in yours and together we can do what we could never do alone.”
Posted by Liz at 04:42 PM Feedback (2)

A very English Christmas
This being the season I thought I would start my residence at urbanaddiction with a look at an English Christmas. Living, as I do, in merry England. A bit of background followed by a look at some of the more idiosyncratic aspects of the brit xmas
I suppose some background would be in order. There are some major differences between the US and UK Christmas tradition. The US tradition is derived from the European Saint Nicolas/Santa Claus (I know you think the UK is part of Europe – but we don’t! We still talk about Europe in the third person even given our ties…brits eh?) Whilst in England he evolved from Father Christmas, a being closer to the spirit of the woods (the green man) to whom presents were given to ensure a new spring, as an aside he was dressed in a green hooded cloak and was still depicted as such when the Victorians resurrected Christmas and started sending cards. The (western) worldwide popularity of Christmas along with the mainland European influence of Queen Victoria’s consort, the German Prince Albert, blurred the differences over the years with influences taken from all over giving us the melange we have now. The introduction of red may have come from the bishops vestments of the St Nick tradition – or perhaps just as Coca Cola say it did, from them. So the UK has Father Christmas/Santa dressed in a red hooded cloak as opposed to the European/US bobble hat but otherwise looks the same.
The other major difference is our holiday is one day longer. The day after Christmas is called Boxing day, a public holiday The origins are obscure but most likely to be named because it is the day when, by tradition, the master gave a gift to the servants – a Christmas box. Originally this would be extra food perhaps for the harsh winter but evolved to gifts and the modern idea practice (unfortunately dying out) of a paid Christmas bonus.
With no Thanksgiving the holiday preparation ramps up from late November, as early as the shops think they can get away with it. The tabloids come out with Christmas diets and guides to office parties (how to avoid the letch\get the girl) with the big prize being the first paper to run the xmas TV schedule. This is a new development. Not so long ago the listings were seen as the property rights of the TV stations so the two biggest both had their own listings publications. The law was changed some years back and now there are what seems like hundreds of listing magazines all vying for space on the shelves.
As in any country, there are widely varying cultures but when we think of an English Christmas there are some things that are synonymous – although often more honoured in the breech!
Midnight Mass – We are a protestant country by default (the church of England – how many religions get started because a king wanted a shag but she was holding out till the wedding night so he had to get rid of his first wife?) but only about 10% of the population attend regularly. The exception being Christmas. The mass held at midnight Christmas Eve is ALWAYS packed to the rafters. But its not a sudden awakening of the spiritual – you are more likely to see semi-drunk revellers pre-atoning for the debauchery to follow or people attending as the would a play, as part of the tradition, a sort of contemporary medieval mystery play where the funny man rambles about a home birth and animal husbandry using Angels before you go home and celebrate the true meaning of Christmas – something about a old man who gave presents to kids so each year so in honour we now increase our alcohol tolerance and recite the mantra ‘Christmas is the time for kids!’
The Queens Speech – 3pm Christmas day her maj comes on TV and gives her address to the nation and commonwealth ( this is the bits of the planet we used to control but now are partners with now we are enlightened, mainly due to the fact we no longer have the ability to hold on to them any more!) It is said some used to stand up at home for the Queens speech but I never saw it. People talk about it but why they watch can run from tradition to duty to a chance to laugh at the toffs.
Brussels Sprouts – I really do not know if you suffer the horror of sprouts but they appear on every Christmas menu. If you don’t know they are imagine a cabbage the size of a chicken nugget that, when boiled, smells of urine…. Well that’s a sprout. It’s not all bad, mix them with chestnuts and they become more palatable but its not the usually way we cook vegetables. Usually we boil them for hours and throw away all the vitamins and goodness with the water.
Crackers – Started out a bon-bons, a French import during the Victorian age. bon-bons were sweets wrapped in tissue that you pulled apart after the Christmas meal. The fine industrious Victorians took the idea and they became what we have now – a tube closed at both ends containing a paper hat, motto or joke, a little gift and a ‘snap’ which is two pieces of thin card bound together very tightly with abrasive ends that make a cracking sound when pulled apart. You may know them as party favours but they are de-rigor to the Christmas table, along with our next item…
Christmas Pudding – A (very) rich fruit pudding, usually round, heavy with dried fruit and nuts soaked in your favourite spirit garnished with a sprig of holly and set ablaze moments before serving. Oh the horror stories involving incendiary puds and over-enthusiastic use of the good Brandy…There cannot be a home in England who cannot boast of a singed eyebrow or burnt pallet caused by this particular delicacy!
I could go on mulled wine, the cultural nightmare that is Pantomime etc– but this is far too long already so let me just send you my compliments for the season. I am sure the next Richard Curtis film will explain more about us bizarre brits!
Posted by Tony at 07:29 AM Feedback (7)
December 20, 2003

Hair There and Everywhere
Last night I was in Jeanna’s salon getting a color refresher, and I took note of all the guys getting marine style buzz cuts. I’m regretful to break the news gentlemen, but I think the super concise clipper cuts are out. As I peruse the magazines, I’m seeing hair over the ears again. Not very long, but not buzzed around the ears either. More like a restrained hippy look. It will still take a man to the office without looking like he slept all night on a park bench. Joao told me he was in such need of a haircut, that he was sporting an afro. I’m all for that look. Just get it trimmed and you’re good to go. I’m also seeing more dreads on men these days. I love dreads. I always have. I wont even mention all the men I see getting color. No more reason for a 30 something to be gray. I think along with the peasant blouses, men want in on the hippy chic look.
Posted by Liz at 08:48 PM Feedback (0)

Laying Plans

Sun-tzu said:
Warfare is a great matter to a nation; it is the ground of death and of life;
it is the way of survival and of destruction, and must be examined. ?
Therefore, go through it by means of five factors;
compare them by means of calculation, and determine their statuses:
One, Way, two, Heaven, three, Ground, four, General, five, Law. ?
The Way is what causes the people to have the same thinking as their superiors;
SUN-TZU: THE PRINCIPLES OF WARFARE"THE ART OF WAR"
Chapter One: Calculations
Sun-tzu said:
Warfare is a great matter to a nation; it is the ground of death and of life;
it is the way of survival and of destruction, and must be examined. ?
Therefore, go through it by means of five factors;
compare them by means of calculation, and determine their statuses:
One, Way, two, Heaven, three, Ground, four, General, five, Law. ?
The Way is what causes the people to have the same thinking as their superiors;
they may be given death, or they may be given life, but there is no fear of danger and betrayal. ?
Heaven is dark and light, cold and hot, and the seasonal constraints.
Ground is high and low, far and near, obstructed and easy, wide and narrow, and dangerous and safe. ?
General is wisdom, credibility, benevolence, courage, and discipline. ?
Law is organization, the chain of command, logistics, and the control of expenses. ?
All these five no general has not heard;
one who knows them is victorious, one who does not know them is not victorious. ?
Therefore, compare them by means of calculation, and determine their statuses. ?
Ask:
Which ruler has the Way,
which general has the ability,
which has gained Heaven and Ground,
which carried out Law and commands,
which army is strong,
which officers and soldiers are trained,
which reward and punish clearly,
by means of these, I know victory and defeat! ?
A general who listens to my calculations, and uses them, will surely be victorious, keep him;
a general who does not listen to my calculations, and does not use them, will surely be defeated, remove him. ?
Calculate advantages by means of what was heard, then create force in order to assist outside missions. ?
Force is the control of the balance of power, in accordance with advantages. ?
Warfare is the Way of deception. ?
Therefore, if able, appear unable,
if active, appear not active,
if near, appear far,
if far, appear near. ?
If they have advantage, entice them;
if they are confused, take them,
if they are substantial, prepare for them,
if they are strong, avoid them,
if they are angry, disturb them,
if they are humble, make them haughty,
if they are relaxed, toil them,
if they are united, separate them. ?
Attack where they are not prepared, go out to where they do not expect. ?
This specialized warfare leads to victory, and may not be transmitted beforehand. ?
Before doing battle, in the temple one calculates and will win, because many calculations were made;
before doing battle, in the temple one calculates and will not win, because few calculations were made; ?
many calculations, victory, few calculations, no victory, then how much less so when no calculations?
By means of these, I can observe them, beholding victory or defeat! ?
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December 19, 2003

The Taxi Driver who took Photographs
The Taxi Driver who took Photographsu
He picked me after lunch. I already took a Taxi earlier that day and met an interesting character—you know, that typical taxi driver, very talkative and full of stories.
But Louis was different.
He didn’t ask me what my destination was but rather what my age was.
“How old are you?” he asked me, piercing me with his eyes.
I hesitated to respond and quickly looked around the taxi. I noticed a small bottle of Gatorade with a small amount of liquid in it. Was he drinking? Was he drunk? His speech seemed slur.
“I am 24” I shyly responded.
“Ahhhh” he stretched out vocally.
What a weirdo! He is half an hour late in picking me up, starts driving in the wrong direction, and is he hitting on me? Nothing against homosexuals, in fact I hope I met the Fab Five someday (I need a makeover badly, free clothes wouldn’t hurt). But I have had enough adventure so far, or so I thought.
“YOU WERE BORN IN THE YEAR OF THE GOAT!” he exclaims, still staring at me and not looking at the road.
“Oh really, I did not know that”
I thought to myself. Ok, that makes sense. I am an Aires and aren’t we goats? I guess I am stubborn, or as I put it persistent.
“Do you want to look at some pictures” he asks me, still looking at me and not the road/cars ahead.
“Sure, why not?”
He expertly reaches over the front seat and brings out a leather satchel. I could tell he had done this many times before. He takes out some Walmart 75 cent folders and shows me a photo.
“See this? This is Mick Jagger. I took it in 1969”
Wow. I didn’t expect that. Maybe he was going to show me photographs of nude goats.
“That’s really nice” I say
“Oh yeahhhh, you like that?” he rasped, telling his old age.
Here we go!
He shows me several photographs in succession. Most of them Black and White and many of them guessing if I had not seen them before in LIFE magazine or in a museum. They were all dramatic portraits of people from all walks of life. People caught in time starting at me in a taxi.
“See this one, this is my father.”
I saw a black and white photograph of a jewish-looking man. He was inside a locksmith shop and the photograph was beautiful to look at.
“He died from a heart attack while trying to recover my camera. It was stolen and he chased after the criminal. On the way, he suffered a massive heart attack and died”
He quickly changed to the next picture, as if it were routine to him by now
“This is my mother, she died in my arms. In the same room, were I delivered my daughter”
Suddenly, he caught my complete attention. By now, I had told him where to take me. But suddenly it didn’t seem important. All I wanted to do was to get to know this man and to understand why we met now and what significance of it.
I forgot my destination and I forgot the dramatic events that had previously unfolded that day. I spent the next 3 hours driving North on the Turnpike to West Palm Beach, mesmerized with his stories and photographs. I shared some of mine with him and he was equally as interested.
He gave me his card and on the back it said Mangoman. I asked him why he called himself that.
“I am starving! I need to eat fruit. I am a fruit-eater, 80% of my diet was fruit.”
I noticed he ate 3 apples during the ride, while continually staring at me, and somehow navigating heavy traffic on I-95.
Yes, he was a starving artist. A tormented artist. But so were many other people I knew but none of them drove taxis. Then again, none of them were really pursuing their “careers” or developing their “talents”. Who was I to judge anyway?
Didn’t I chicken out myself a long time ago? Didn’t I sell out, like everyone else?
Maybe driving a taxi and talking about what you love to do or did wasn’t such a bad idea…
Coincidentally, I had my Chinese stamp in my rucksack. I took it out and noticed there was a Goat on top of it. I hadn’t noticed that before. I stamped the Mandarin equivalent for Joao on a small square piece of paper and wrote my email address and phone number for him. Maybe we would meet again and I could help him. At the time, I didn’t even know how.
I did recall meetng Alejandra von Hartz who had a art gallery in the Fashion District in Miami. Maybe she would be interested? But this guy was INTENSE. I could feel his desperation hitting me with his words. Sure, I was intense, too and agitated. But he was this tremendous life force, I could sense it. What a talent!
The ride cost me $191 that day but the friendship born was priceless.
Written by Joao Paulo Freire PaglioneDraft version/incompleteAny comments appreciated
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Paulo Bustamante - A BAMBUZERIA
Just spoke to Paulo this morning, looks like we will meet in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on December 26th, after my "Plane Christmas". He is an amazing bamboo craftsman and hopefully we will be sharing the pleasure of his artform in West Palm Beach next year. He treats all his bamboo work with TANINO, a natural resin obtained from a tree, in order to prevent powder post beetle infestation.Visit him here http://www.feitofibra.com.br/abambuzeria/
(in Portuguese)
BAMBU: Um tesouro pouco explorado!
Há milênios o bambu é conhecido e utilizado no oriente para as mais diversas funções do cotidiano: estruturas de casas, paredes, telhas, portas e janelas, mobiliário, utensílios de cozinha, objetos de decoração, cercas, pontes, irrigação, drenos, embarcações, contenção de encostas. Chegam a ser mais de 2.000 itens em bambu.
Sítios arqueológicos no Equador mostram que o bambu é utilizado há cerca de cinco mil anos na América do Sul, primeiramente pelos indígenas. Em países como o Equador, Colômbia e Costa Rica, onde a pesquisa e utilização do bambu já estão bastante avançadas, existem até programas de habitações populares em bambu. Além disso, existem construções monumentais, com telhados ousadíssimos que chegam a ter 8 metros em balanço (sem pilares nas pontas), e pontes com 40 metros de vão livre. Construções centenárias feitas inteiramente de bambu comprovam a sua durabilidade. Mas para atingir essa qualidade é necessário o manuseio e o tratamento adequado das varas.
Em 1998 após os primeiros contatos com o bambu, e algumas experiências com tratamentos químicos, optamos por pesquisar alternativas saudáveis de tratamento. Logicamente a manutenção adequada do bambual, a colheita na época certa e a extração da maneira correta e na lua mais indicada são princípios básicos para que qualquer outro tratamento tenha o máximo de efetividade. Assim fomos testando várias alternativas - fogo direto, cozimento, fritura, defumação...
Hoje estamos utilizando um tratamento à base de tanino da casca da acácia negra, que é um tratamento natural, aliado à colheita no tempo de seca, na lua minguante no período de 3:00 às 5:30hs - momento em que o bambu não está fazendo fotossíntese, estando portanto mais enchuto. Continuamos, no entanto, pesquisando outras formas de tratamento natural.
Além desta pesquisa sobre tratamentos estamos desenvolvendo uma proposta brasileira de design para o bambu, assim, desenvolvemos uma linha exclusiva de luminárias e outras peças de decoração utilizando este fantástico material como base. Sendo a qualidade nosso conceito básico, todos os outros materiais utilizados nas peças são do mais alto padrão. Somado a esta qualidade, temos a opção de utilizar o máximo de materiais ecologicamente corretos e um desenho que permite aliar o resgate de atividades artesanais às exigências do mercado atual.
Implementamos também projetos personalizados para arquitetos, paisagistas e decoradores, e de ornamentação de jardins, chácaras, hotéis e pousadas, com quiosques, cercas, luminárias, balizadores, etc.
Como acreditamos que a informação existe para circular, ministramos cursos em comunidades rurais que tenham abundância de bambu, e aproveitamos qualquer oportunidade para divulgar a excelência deste material.
Posted by at 08:49 AM Feedback (11)
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December 18, 2003

Bamboo Facts
(From the World Bamboo Congress website in India, which we hope to attend next year!)
It is like a woody grass
It has some 1250 species in 75 genera with varying sizes
India has the largest bamboo forests, next only to China
According to the Forest Survey of India report, 8.96 million ha (about 12.8% of total forest area) is under bamboo cultivation
It surges skyward as fast as 1.2 meters in a 24 hour period
Some species are suitable for soil stabilization, wind break, urban wastewater treatment and reduction of nitrates contamination
Potential to put a brake on the fire (create a fire line) in the traditional forests
BAMBOO FACTS Bamboo as a tree It is like a woody grass It has some 1250 species in 75 genera with varying sizes India has the largest bamboo forests, next only to China According to the Forest Survey of India report, 8.96 million ha (about 12.8% of total forest area) is under bamboo cultivation It surges skyward as fast as 1.2 meters in a 24 hour period Some species are suitable for soil stabilization, wind break, urban wastewater treatment and reduction of nitrates contamination Potential to put a brake on the fire (create a fire line) in the traditional forests
Bamboo and its applications Edible shoots Building and Construction Material Small Scale and Cottage Industries Handicrafts New generation products as wood substitutes Industrial Products like activated carbon Transportation Industry - truck bodies, railway carriages Boards and Furniture Medicinal Uses Paper and Pulp Industry Long-time source of biomass for industry
Bamboo Economy Commercial consumption of bamboo world over is to the tune of US $ 10 Billion which is expected to reach US $ 20 Billion by 2015 Domestic bamboo economy as of now is Rs. 2043 crore while the market potential is estimated at Rs. 4463 crores Potential growth areas are shoots, boards, paper and pulp, furniture, building and construction, road construction, etc Current demand of bamboo is estimated at 26.69 million tons as against the supply of 13.47 million tons Expansion of handicraft, cottage and tiny sector will create 3 million new jobs 3 million bamboo plants are produced and sold in Europe for ornamental purposes
Technology Constraints Lack of application of known scientific methods in plantation Post harvest treatment Product Development Up gradation of skill formation
Posted by at 06:14 PM Feedback (9)

Bamboo Construction
Building with bamboo looks back on an ancient tradition in the regions in which plant grows in abundance, such as South America, Africa and, in particular, in South-East-Asia. Bamboo is one of the oldest construction materials.
Bamboo material offers a surprisingly large number of applications and uses. Bamboo as a building material in the bamboo architecture is using for several constructions. In the following some of these constuction will be represent. Bamboo houses
Bamboo house as a skeletal building Bamboo houses are without exception skeletal buildings having raised floors with main posts which are anchored in the ground. Typical bamboo elements are canes, halved canes, laths, beading, bamboo boards and rope ties. This way of construction offers the following advantages: pre-fabrication, simple assembly, simple replacement of structural parts; the bamboo elements can be easily dismantled and reused. Posts, battens, rails, purlins and rafters from the longitudinal and transversal bamboo framework. Normal cane diameters are 5 - 10 cm. Walls, floors and roof are linings rather than stiffening elements of the non-rigid framework because braces and diagonal stays are absent in those planes. The structural safety of the skeletal structure is almost exclusivelyprovided by the posts anchored in the ground. The only vertical and horizontal forces acting on the structure are wind pressure, roof moisture, liveloads and deadweight. The framing is connected by articulated joints. All the framing bars can slightly move in relation to one another. Although each part is able to transfer all axial and transversal forces. Rigid connections or joints are very rarely used. Above all the structure must be able to withstand dynamic loads, for example wind gusts.
The building materials as well as the structure have a high elasticity and low mass. This is the reason, why this houses are secure from an earthquake
Posted by at 03:54 PM Feedback (9)

American Pie, Pizza That Is
My cousin's husband, Peter Reinhart, teaches at Johnson and Wales and just wrote another cookbook. If you love pizza, you will adore this! I cant believe the recipes he found and transformed. He traveled to Italy to research the book and his writing just grabs you and pulls you along for the trip. Peter and Sue are great people, who have dedicated there lives to helping people and sharing their joy. They inspire me. And yes, as lucky members of the family, we are sent samples of their recipes from time to time. The stuff doesn't last long in our house! Check out Amazon.com for more about this book and others that Peter has written.
Posted by Liz at 02:59 PM Feedback (2)
December 17, 2003

"Time is a Grand Maître, That Settles Things Well"
Remember the bureaucracy that had me in a tizzy on Monday? Well today the seas parted and a clear way was revealed. I called everyone to share my good fortune. It seems that my comrade, Mary, had a similar occasion herself, today. We laughed and took splendid delight in each others ultimate reward of a once nasty work experience. I dedicate todays post to anyone who has ever laughed last and laughed best.
I emailed Anne & Dennis to check on Maggie and Roxie, the dogs, Anne and I rescued last year. Later that day, I get a Christmas card in the mail from them and it included these pictures, God bless them.
Posted by Liz at 08:01 PM Feedback (5)
December 16, 2003

Losing My Religion
Yesterday, my stomach was in a knot due to buracracy. I felt one two'd and totally out of sorts. Good friends were around too talk me "off the ledge." Today, another friend called and wanted to meet for lunch. Coupon in hand, off to Denny's I went for lunch with Mary. We talked and sorted things out and suddenly I had hope again. I had forgotten that when I don't reliquish my power, to things I have no control over, I'm in a serene state of mind. Later, I worked at my laptop, chatted with friends, and got some much needed help with a project. (Thanks Nicole!) Yea, things are looking up. I had a good day today.
Posted by Liz at 12:08 AM Feedback (0)
December 15, 2003

Doing It For Myself
I considered the prospect of starting a non-profit organization. I read up on it a bit. Who would be on the board? I pondered my passion for helping workers and creating healthier work places. Then I read this.....
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): I saw the Acura commercial on TV tonight. The car was driving through a remote high desert. Through the magic of computer graphics, it seemed to be creating the road as it moved, laying down paved blacktop where before there was only dirt. I thought of you immediately, Sagittarius. You're in a comparable situation, right? There's no path where you're going, so you'll have to make it for yourself as you proceed.
Posted by Liz at 03:59 AM Feedback (8)
December 14, 2003

Baking Cookies
Normally, on a Sunday, I spend part of the day IMing Dimi. We get caught up on the mutual projects we share, namely this blog, as well as personal updates. Today was a bit different. I spent two hours baking chocolate chip cookies and pizzelles. Mom mixed the batter and I loaded the , one after another. Dimi and I caught up to one another. I talked to Anne and Joao and Jeanna via telephone. I watched Saddam being shown for the rat bastard, he is. Satisfaction came when the cookie mission was accomplished.
Posted by Liz at 08:15 PM Feedback (4)

Procrastination Strikes Again!
You wont see a whole lot on this blog with a Christmas theme. I like Christmas, but really it's only one day out of the year. I don't like the commericalism around at all. I avoid the stores as much as possible. I tend to get my shopping done in one clean sweep. Now with that rant out of the way, I did come across a really cool Advent calander, via Ben's blog, which is also a really creative place. Check it out, it has lots of fun links too!
Posted by Liz at 01:53 AM Feedback (2)
December 13, 2003

A Girl's Night Out
I thought of calling this post, "Girls Gone Wild", but there was no flashing of breasts or gyrating going on. Instead, it was a casual get together of some of my closest friends, as a post-birthday celebration/ladies night out.
Drinks and apps at New Orleans Cafe was the plan for catching up on news and sipping drinks. Myself, Mary, Lisa, Nicole, and Jeanna caught up at 9pm. Happily, I told them my alternative plans for the evening,
"Hey, it was either this, or staying home to watch Michael Jackson's parents defend him."
Nicole, without hesitation, responds, "That’s on tonight? Now you tell me, Liz."
During the martinis and battered beer scrimp numerous topics were covered. Whitney Houston picking up Bobby Brown from a hearing and feeling the need to sing, "I'm Every Woman," giving a new significance to that classic. And how depressing is day time television with its trash talking, weight lose programs and low tech schools, for the unemployed? We covered the hairy chest men, or smoothies preference. (That debate ended with a collective consensus that smooth is nice, but willingness to work with the manly trait of chest hair, was decided upon.) On that note, Mary relating a gruesome story of a male stripper who turned up at a Bridal shower she was attending, in let’s say, less than peak physical condition and a thong. Ouch. Much chitchat continued back and forth. Inevitably, we get around to laughing about absurd former employers and the dysfunction they perpetuate in the workplace. Mary and I swap horror stories about what went before with employers, as our comrades’ listen, flabbergasted. These women all have thriving careers. I can’t help but listen attentively to there suggestions on the recent overhaul of my livelihood.
I really had an enjoyable evening. Good food, good drinks, and good friends. Thanks guys, for everything.
Posted by Liz at 05:08 AM Feedback (3)
December 11, 2003

Making Art
I'm thinking of making some poster size pics for friends as Christmas gifts, ALA Andy Warhol, only simplified. Andy didn't have access to photoshop, but I do. I want to do some portraits of friends that they can hang. I'm really into the colors and texture.
Me!
Dimi !
Me!
Warwick Castle, London
More Pictures........
Aaron!
Posted by Liz at 04:21 PM Feedback (6)
December 10, 2003

Stepford Wives Revisted

A ridiculous faux pas: the costumes in the climactic scene of ''The Stepford Wives.''
This week, the New York Times did a fashion layout and the theme was witty as well as nostalgic, The Stepford Husband as opposed to wife. The layout features clothes for men and woman by such favored designers as Hugo Boss and Valentino. For a twist on gender, the men are featured as boy toys. The preeminent thing about the layout is the accompanying article by the author of the original 1971 novel, The Stepford Wives. In the article, he tells of his absolute dissatisfaction with the film, especially the over clothed, frumpy actress' costumes. The following is an exert from said article......
"And now, Stepford Husbands.
There's a certain irony in this transgendered Stepford appearing in a fashion layout, because more than anything else, it was the costumes in the movie that set my teeth on edge.
At a lawn party on a summer afternoon, the men are in jackets and ties, the women in floor-length dresses. In Stepford? The event would be a softball game, the men dressed like slobs. The women, bringing the beer, would wear hot pants and low-cut blouses. Or maybe wet T-shirts.
And that final scene in the supermarket! The cart-pushing wives in picture hats and, again, floor-length dresses! William Goldman, who wrote the screenplay, explained the absurdity in his book ''Adventures in the Screen Trade'': one of the featured wives didn't have the figure for the proper Stepford gear -- and since she also happened to be the wife of the director, all the wives were costumed accordingly.
Now another ''Stepford'' is on the way, a remake starring Nicole Kidman. She has the figure; I just hope she's dressed right."
Posted by Liz at 07:48 PM Feedback (0)

"I am in the depths of an abyss, and I have forgotten how to pray."
The line in the title is from a poem by Arthur Rimbaud. For me it decribes the ache of a person cut off from humanity and feelings I have known, loneliness and despair. Loneliness seems to be a trigger for a lot of things. I’m reading about the German cannibal and he mentions being lonely and cannibalism as being a way to keep someone with you. I believe him. Jeffrey Dahmer talked about the same feelings and motives. I think loneliness drives people to do many things that aren't acceptable in a healthy realm.
I recall the part loneliness played in my life. Staying in a bad relationship rather than risk being alone. Running around constantly, as to not slow down and have to feel the lonely feelings. I wanted my house filled with people all the time or at the very least my phone ringing off the hook. If I wasn’t surrounded by people, I felt like I was going bonkers.
Being the oldest child and the only girl set me up for a lonely mind-set. My brothers were off doing “boy stuff” and I was left to occupy myself. I pored over fashion magazines, I drew, I painted, I read, and I talked on the phone when possible. To get together with friends was the grandest pleasure anyone could present me. Fortunately, I was an out going kid, and I did have friends too call upon.
I feel for people that vanish into a sea of emptiness and isolation. I picture them as going under and gulping for air, trying to swim. The fantasies seem to offer a life preserver. That’s the problem with fantasy living, as I call it, sooner or later you loose the connection between what is real and what is just your mind’s eye. It seems that isolated remote people act upon the fantasy, as they convince themselves that reality, is in fact, what there dealing with. Naturally, unhealthy behavior attracts detrimental behavior, and like magic it all blows up in the faces of the misguided parties.
Consider the Michael Jackson case. Suddenly, as more details emerge, it becomes apparent that the children being dropped off at Neverland Ranch, to sleep with a 45 year old man, have parents with some issues of there own. It all seems to go back to the one lingering human condition, loneliness. Parents that have no acknowledgment in there own lives, searching for it through there children and completely unable to negotiate what’s real and what’s unhealthy fantasy. A man/boy who turns his home into a castle in the sky play land for kids? Not most peoples perception of veracity.
I have had to combat loneliness in my life. I was fortunate enough to find a fit pathway on which to delve into this issue and how it relates to my life. For myself, I discovered I had to become skilled at enjoying my own company. I was always perplexed with people who spoke of prized time alone. Now I understand what they meant. I love to write. Whether I’m good at it or not, doesn’t concern me that much. I love to paint, whether my work would ever be in a gallery, isn’t a goal. I just enjoy the autonomy of self expression as well as the reflective time that solitude allows me. By all means, I have plans with friends this Friday night, however just for tonight, I’ll be home relishing solitude.
Posted by Liz at 05:02 PM Feedback (2)
December 09, 2003

Today Is A Birthday
"While one finds company in himself and his pursuits, he cannot feel old, no matter what his years may be." Amos Bronson Alcott
I had a birthday today and I thought of looking up all the successful woman in the world who stayed single. I also thought about looking up celebrities who were my age, but what’s the point in that? I wonder if old boyfriends are sitting somewhere remembering what today is.
If they knew I was thinking that, they would say, “typical Liz.” I feel as though everyone looks at you too see how you’re handling the big crossover. Almost like a human measuring stick for their life. Reflection is funny. It can take you in many different directions, past, present, future. As I’m writing and listening to the Sugar Cubes sing,” birthday”, and I realize that I’m doing exactly what I love to do, and how much better I’m getting at that, in my old age.
Recently, I found myself unemployed from a job I had long since outgrown. I guess that’s the way life works sometimes; at least it has for me. If I can’t decide when to its time to go, the decision gets realized for me. I recall when an ex boyfriend, broke up with me, I was crushed. Were friends today because I’m grateful to him for doing what needed to be done when I was unable to do for myself, at that time. How can you stay bitter at life when you choose to take the tribulations as new and extraordinary opportunities? I’m going to search out a job that I actually want, in a place where I genuinely want to be everyday. It’s exhilarating to wake up now. What’s in store for me today? I can’t wait to see and I know more will be revealed.
Earlier, as I sat at my laptop pecking away, I was listening to an author, Gregg Easterbrook, on CNN. He has written a book called, The Progress Paradox: How Life Gets Better While People Feel Worse. He was discussing the importance of spirituality in ones life. He was talking about volunteering as a way to find genuine happiness. He stated two very basic clichés which is money can’t buy happiness and the importance of gratitude. I love the cover of the book with its proverbial glass half full/ half empty metaphor.
I think about the lessons my life have taught me. One valuable message has been the idea that no one owes me happiness. They can’t do that for me, I have to do that for myself. The concept that finding a significant other as some type of pot at the end of a rainbow is over for me. I want my rainbow to go on and on. I want to have many friends and lots of love along the way. Marianne Williamson talks about the danger of a special relationship, in her book, A Return to Love. She talks about how we limit ourselves by labeling relationships with; I love him/her differently, than I love so and so and therefore this is the person I need, to in order to find happiness. Marianne makes the point that love is love. It’s not different from person to person, and how waiting for the special love is a waste of time. Love is all around us if were open and giving of ourselves. Joy is found in the simplest places.
This year, I don’t care about a party or a fancy restaurant. My days are generally enjoyable and I don’t see the need to do much out of the ordinary. I’m sure I’ll take a few calls and do dinner with a friend or two, but I really have no special plans. This year I’m actually excited about the holidays. I’m healthy, I’m on an extended vacation, I even bought snow boots to be able to play with my nieces in the snow. I’m excited about being involved and participating in my life. I’m in a fabulous relationship these days… with myself and I like who I am. I’m looking forward to working again, and making money, but for now, I’m really enjoying the time off.
As I sit here typing and listening to CD’s, wrapped in a towel, with conditioner drying on my hair, I wonder, does all of this make me sound old? I surely don’t feel old. Hell, I feel like I’m just getting started!
Later:A card I received via email. I love it!
Posted by Liz at 12:33 AM Feedback (13)
December 08, 2003

Saddam and Osama Bin Missing
Troops Seize $1.9 Million in RaidBy CHRISTOPHER TORCHIA, AP
"On Sunday, U.S. troops in Samarra, 70 miles north of Baghdad, seized $1.9 million in cash and false identification papers in a raid targeting a man suspected of financing insurgents."
If these people can raise this type of money, maybe they can help the US with it's healthcare problem. How would we ever find these missing monsters, if they have access to these funds and false ID? I don't get it. Someone please explain it too me if you have more information.
*Update!!!So Dec. 13th, one monster is found. I remember 3 years ago on Sept.10th, I posted on a message board that Bin Laden had to be stopped. At that point he had be threatening the US, at his son's wedding. The next day, 3,000 lives were taken in the WTC bombing. Weird huh?
Posted by Liz at 01:14 PM Feedback (0)

Certain Skies Sharpened My Vision:
This is where I attended the WhyWar? screening. Beautiful isn't it?
Megan Mills

Kyle Khellaf Kyle Khellaf
Posted by Liz at 02:05 AM Feedback (0)
December 07, 2003

No More Lies
Rage Against The Machine
So did you hear, they love us in Iraq. *sarcasm*Were doing a fantastic job over there! Barbedwire check points, and business' being set up, it's a regular party. I'm sick of the lies. I don't believe a damned thing this administration tells me. I have no hope for the Democratic party anymore either. Tonight, I'm attending a film screening at Swarthmore College called, Uncovered: The Whole Truth About the Iraq War. It's sponsored by WhyWar? and MoveOn.org. The film is being shown at area colleges. I'm really looking forward to seeing the film and hearing the discussion, I'm going as far left as possible to obtain the truth.
Posted by Liz at 02:34 PM Feedback (2)
December 06, 2003

Dream Frustrations
Last night I had the weirdest nightmare, that I returned to to my old job. My boss was as rude as ever, I was deperate to get out again. I went around and asked everyone if they thought I could still collect unemployment if I didn't show up. I couldnt get an answer, it was so frustrating. I think I've been so thrilled to be out of there, that it almost seems too good to be true, hence the dream.
Later, I dreamt that my parents and I were in a huge house. It's funny the way the same huge house shows up in many of dreams. My Mom was breaking the news to Scott Baio that he would be unable to father children. Scott was deeply upset, as we all were. I hugged Scott and told him we would stick by him and that we loved him. As we were all leaving the house, Scott began to show a great deal of interest in me.(Hahaha Shut up! It's my dream!) We talked about the places I've traveled, although I have never been too the places I told him, and Scott let me know he would call. I asked Scott if he weren't just showing an interest in me, because of this bad news. He assured me he was through with the blonde playmate types.
Posted by Liz at 12:11 PM Feedback (2)
December 05, 2003

Dinner With Jeanna
We agreed to meet as we usually do, once a week. I decided to stop by a photo booth in the mall and get a quick pic taken as tradition dictates around my birthday. I guess I just want a pic for posterity. So we meet at a Chinese joint too chow down on some good eats, and Jeanna (pronounced~Gina) presents me with what she calls a pre-birthday gift! (Now that's my idea of a friend) It's a great basket with a cute teddy bear attached and its filled with haircare products (what else would your stylist give you)? and *heart pounds* USED DVD's and CD's! Yes! I'm all like,
"This is awesome! This kicks butt!"
The basket contains The Exorcist, 8Mile and a CNN special. It also contains Rage Against The Machine, and Saturday Night Fever, as well as Weezer! Was this not the perfect gift for me or what? I use to think I didn't have any sisters, over the years, knowing great woman like Jeanna, I realize I was wrong. Thanks again, Jeanna. Your the best!!
Liz in a photo booth, alive and well.
Posted by Liz at 10:42 PM Feedback (5)
December 04, 2003

Happy Birthday Mom
View imageMy Mother, long before I was even thought of.
My Mom turns 70 today and she is still just as beautiful today. She is an Irish lass, as you can plainly see. She is my best friend and I would be so lost without her, I can't even think about it. I love you Mom, have a great day. *hugs*
Posted by Liz at 11:34 PM Feedback (9)

A New Do
I woke up today and decided I needed a change (besides all the others I've under gone recently). I've been wanting to do something saucey with my hair for a while, but hedged. Now I'm suddenly feeling brave. With my birthday coming up this Tuesday, I decided there was no time like the present. I dont have a photo yet, of the new do, but it is based on the fresh look of Catherine Zetta Jones. Thankyou ALLISON, I love my new coiffure.
Posted by Liz at 12:04 AM Feedback (1)
December 02, 2003

There's A Chill In the Air & It's Hot: Icelandic Designers

So I'm looking at the Bjork site as her DVD, Bjork: Verspertine Live at Royal Opera House, plays right next to me. I catch the name of her newest favorite designer (Alexander McQueen is also a fav) Aftur, and I google her up to check out the Icelandic goods. Very cool stuff indeed! Iceland is so beautiful. What a stark, colorful place. The creativity of the people is always a source of inspiration for me.
Posted by Liz at 02:32 PM Feedback (4)
December 01, 2003

Interview For Nov./Dec.
A great deal has been going on, for me, this month and December promises to be additionally hectic. In light of this, I have combined November and Decembers "Interviews", into one electrifying profile. This is Aaron. He is a BME disciple with dozens of piercing and tattoos and he is my comrade. Unexpected? Not after you read my conversation with him and open yourself up. It's not hard to do; Aaron is such a fantastic person. If you want to give Aaron or myself feedback, you are invited to do so here.
Aaron fullfills a dream. He hangs for an hour in suspension.

November 2003

2003-11-01T07:53:00.000-08:00

November 30, 2003

It's Sunday and It's Cold Outside
But hey, I'm inside and warm and Fatal Attraction is on! Pure trash and cheap thrills, its the standard Hollywood formula with the gorgeous wife, 1 child (have you ever noticed that ALA Faithful, etc.), older, but handsome, well to do husband. Glenn Close is downright, "hell hath no fury like a woman scorned." Pay close attention men. hehe
Posted by Liz at 03:10 PM Feedback (2)
November 29, 2003

A Gorey Saturday
My Mom had her Edward Gorey address book out this morning. I bought her that book for some occasion, cause her and I love Edward Gorey. Later I found this silly quiz about how you are going to die Edward Gorey style. hehe It's pretty cute. I just love his art work. When I was a kid, my Mom took me to NYC to see Frank Langella as Dracula. Edward Gorey did the set and costumes, it was fantastic! I believe he won a Tony award? I'm sure I've mentioned Gorey on this blog before, and I'll no doubt mention him again. Maybe I'll go see that new movie Gothika, tonight.You will be sucked dry by a leech. I'd stay awayfrom swimming holes, and stick to good oldcement. Even if it does hurt like hell whenyour toe scrapes the bottom.What horrible Edward Gorey Death will you die?brought to you by Quizilla
Posted by Liz at 04:05 PM Feedback (9)
November 28, 2003

Light At The End Of A Tunnel

Joao sent me this picture of himself. When it opened I saw a metaphor for my life as it is today. A short tunnel and Joao standing at the end, hands lifted over his head, serenely, as if he were guiding me and saying,
"The light is here, keep walking, everything is fine. You’re on the right path, Liz”.
Now I can't put the sole responsibility of guidance, on my friend, of course, however, his picture represents a message that seems tailor made for me. I have a lot to think about and more importantly, much action to be taken. I have to speak with some professionals and nonprofessionals about my options. I’m considering going to school full time and finishing now that I’m unemployed. I have to study, read and investigate. I have to stay open and hopeful. It's the only way to keep my eye on that light, and in the light is where I want to be.
Posted by Liz at 06:51 PM Feedback (7)
November 27, 2003

Gratitude List
A long time ago, I was taught to make a daily gratitude list, and not just mentally, but in writing. Keep focusing on what I have and not what I don't have makes all the difference when it comes to my attitude. I think of all the people I admired online and how generous they were to include me. How that made me see myself in a new light. My family and friends, who love me unconditionally, as I love them. I could never put a price tag on that. I have so many hopes and dreams for the future, I need all of you to help me make them happen. I can't do it alone, therefore, today, I put my hand in yours and together, we can do what we could never do alone. Here is my gratitude list for today, Thanksgiving 2003...
Sunrise at Swarthmore College on a Crisp Autumn Morning.
* I'm thankful for my health and the health of my family, friends, and extended family.
* I'm grateful for the love in my life and my ability to give love back.
* For being let out of a work situation I hated. God thankyou. You did for me what I couldn't do for myself.
* For the food and shelter that I enjoy.
* For my sheer love of learning, it sustains me and comforts me.
* For the rooms and the people in them.
* For: Anne, Jeanna, Nicole, Sharon, Christina, Marianne, Gail, Linda, Emily, Sue, Tony, Paul, Len , Rob, Joao, Dimi, Ian, David, James, David S.,Camilo, Justin, Aaron, Joi, Tess, Jane, Lea, Jessica, Steve, Leo, Mom, Dad, Mary & the strangers who posted on my blog.
You all shared a bit of yourself with me this past year and helped me get a little bit closer to the person I was always meant to be. Health and happiness to you all.
Posted by Liz at 12:50 PM Feedback (8)
November 26, 2003

Card Trick
So it's turkey day, right? In case the family is getting on your nerves and the turkey is dry as a stick or your Uncle is drunk as a skunk and annoying, play this card trick. It amused me for a while.
Holiday Bonus
If the card trick doesn't do it for ya, then read the funniest damned article I've seen yet on Michael Jackson. Awww come on, pipe down, you know there is nothing more funny on turkey day then some good ole Neverland humor!
Posted by Liz at 09:22 PM Feedback (1)

The Man Who Planted Trees or I Had a Hero
Once upon a time, I spent a summer working on a farm in Brazil planting trees. I did not know it at the time, but it was that moment that changed my life. When I realized something very important about what a hard day's work means and how everything else is just plain nonsense.
Read on and please give me your critique...
To be a philosopher is not merely to have subtle thoughts, nor even to found a school, but so to love wisdom as to live according to its dictates, a life of simplicity, independence, magnanimity, and trust. It is to solve some of the problems of life, not only theoretically but practically. – “Economy”, Henry David Thoreau, Walden, 1847
The Man who Planted Trees
To be a philosopher is not merely to have subtle thoughts, nor even to found a school, but so to love wisdom as to live according to its dictates, a life of simplicity, independence, magnanimity, and trust. It is to solve some of the problems of life, not only theoretically but practically. – “Economy”, Henry David Thoreau, Walden, 1847
I never knew an honest day’s living. Born with a silver spoon in hand, I never experienced the hardships my father faced as a child.
Every summer I returned to Brazil and spent idyllic times with friends and family. My father always drew attention to the importance of the land, nature, and family. He felt a strong connection with this and wanted to pass it on to his son. That’s why he would rather send me to Brazil for the summer, then tennis camp like I wished.
Most of the time, I felt like a tourist in my own country. I spoke Portuguese with an accent. My cousins constantly wanted me to speak English to them.They saw me as a curiosity and as an outsider. My family saw me as a second version of my father.
I never saw myself as anything. I just wanted to be me. And I still do.Finally, it occurred to me that something was wrong with the land. Sure, it was beautiful but abused. Pastures were green and never-ending but valleys were being eroded.
Soil was washed out to the sea. The vivid red earth was exposed like a scar in certain places, like a mass of muscles exposed to the sun.
The red dirt always intrigued me. It seemed like a palette to play with, like paint for a canvas. The previous summer I took up oil painting but found I had no patience to mix colours. Somehow using soil to paint a picture made more sense to me.
One day, I discovered my passion for digging holes.
Shoveling soil from one place to another, displacing the tired earth, and rejuvenating it. That seemed like something, which would be fun! Those carefree summers left me restless. Everyone seemed to care about the same thing. And that same thing was the only thing any one in a small rural town in Brazil cared for.
Coincidentally, at that time, my father had asked my oldest Uncle Tico to reforest part of the hillside.
Tico, along with my cousins and younger uncle, thought it was immensely stupid.
Why plant trees when you can plant maize? Why waste money on planting trees?
But he could not complain. He always received money for his ventures, most of them unprofitable and had to do my father’s bidding, no matter how absurd.
I was enthralled by this new venture and wanted to participate in it. I felt extremely proud of my father and saw the importance of reforestation. Not because I knew what significance it had, but because it just looked cool. I loved the expansive green pastures of my childhood, many summers running in fields, racing to the waterfall, and tripping in holes. But I also enjoyed the forest my grandfather had created at our ranch, at a place, which was once the town dump 40 years before.
So, I began digging holes and displacing earth. Almost like it a new exciting hobby or toy.
I dug with fury and malice. My energy was endless and my resolve was strong.For the first time calluses appeared on my hands. I felt muscles in my back, which I never knew I had.
Then I gave up.
Next summer, my uncle decided to hire a man. His name was Senhor Arnaldo and he was 72 years old. I couldn’t understand! Why hire an old geezer to reforest the land? We need a team of strong men, not a retired farm worker who could barely lift a shovel.
One day, during the town festivities, I felt an urging to walk from the village, to downhill to where Senhor Arnaldo was alone and digging holes in the hot sun I saw him from a distance, slowing shoveling, surely, slowly, yet he never stopped. Inside, I felt cynical about it. Who does this old man think he is? It will take him a decade to plant over 50,000 trees, which we need!
“Bom Dia, Senhor Arnaldo!” I told him. He immediately cackled like he always did, like the poor usually do, when a boss’s son arrives. “Heh heh, Tudo bem Joao Paulo?” He smiled sweetly with no bitter resentment for his life’s hard labour. He had one gold tooth and it shone in the sun.I only noticed a few holes dug and the tall grass cleared.“Senhor Arnaldo, eu vim te ajudar!” I told him that I came to help. “Oh, God bless you son, but you don’t need to.” “But, no. I want to!” He smiled again and there was his gold tooth.Excitedly, I ran back uphill to my grandfather’s ranch. My family was gathered in the kitchen and immediately I drew their attention. I was definitely the spaz of the family and I entered the scene like a young Kramer.
“Joao Paulo!” they all exclaimed in chorus. “Hey, I am going to go dig holes for Senhor Arnaldo!” Laughter. “What’s so funny, do you think I can’t cut it?” Laughter again.“Joao Paulo!!” my younger uncle exclaimed “It’s your vacation, why are you going to bother to dig holes when you could be chasing the ladies??”
My younger Uncle Co was the town player. He never understood why at times I’d rather have the company of books and trees, then babes and barbeques—the way he was brought up.
“Fine, kid.” he said. “Come with me and I will show you were the shovels are”.He took me to the wooden tool shed my grandfather had built 40 years ago. Surprisingly, it was still standing. And full of BB pellets which my cousins and I had shot into it, while breaking bottles out by the kitchen coop.He opened the shed and I felt like I smelt history. It was a penetrating smell of iron, rust, and earth. The wood no longer had any smell and had faded with time. I felt a shiver come up my spine and sensed something I didn’t understand at the time.My grandfather first built the “shed” when he was able to afford a lot near the city. HisWhole life he was poor and had lived on coffee plantations with his father when he came from Italy. Slowly and surely, he saved up his money and could afford to buy some “decency” for his family.Yet the only lot available in town was the town’s junkyard. So he bought it, because it was larger than the rest and could not only fit a house for his family but could provide him with sustainable sustenance.His brother Mauro and he spent about 2 years to fully clean out the lot. There were all sorts of junk in there. When they finally cleared it out, they began to build a temporary home for the 7 kids he brought into the world. His goal was to build a “real home” out of bricks and mortar, but that would only pass several years later.“Which shovel does you want, this one or that one?”“I’ll take the older looking one, it looks cooler”My uncle shook his head. “Ok, little boss,” he bitterly said, “You are the MAN”I looked at the shovel, befriended it, and immediately began to run down the red dirt road that leads to the farm. It was over a mile but it seemed like a block. When I arrived, there was Senhor Arnaldo, bent over like a sickle and digging slowly but surely.
He heard me and stopped. And that’s when his image stuck in my head to haunt me. He smiledAs he always did when I approached and his single gold tooth shone. His back was completelyHunched over, his hands like leather gloves, leaning on his shovel.“Oh, you done got yourself a shovel!” he exclaimed.
“OH BOY, I DID! ‘am gonna spend the rest of my summer with you, Sir, and we will reforest this whole hillside”“Heh” he cackled.“Pois é, Pois é” Something he constantly repeated to me in Portuguese, which I didn’t understand. I guess it meant, “Such is life, such is life”The next hour, I furiously dug holes of irregular shapes and sizes, dotting the landscape. Meanwhile, Senhor Arnaldo dug 4 symmetrical holes and cleared away the grass in a perfect circle. I found myself digging holes from one place to the next with no nexus. I was so caught up in the excitement, with red soil flying and sweat pouring down my brow, That I suddenly noticed my hands were bleeding.“Agh!” I stopped“What’s the matter, boy?” He said“My hand is bleeding”“Pois eh, Pois eh”He continued working.I walked over to the shade and wiped my bloody hand on my shirt. I felt defeated and stupid. I felt like a stranger on my own property. I felt as if he were to fire me, like he was really the boss and knew what to do properly. He really was the boss and he knew what he was doing.So I left.I went home without saying anything and my aunt bandaged my hand.The next day, I showed up.And there was the same smile, same lone gold tooth, and the same holes being dug.Eventually, I found my rhythm. I discovered a pattern to repetitious labor. I found it to be the noblest act I ever did. I felt ennobled and pure. At the time, I knew not what meditation meant. Now I know those were my first Zen moments. Far away from industrialized civilization and SAT scores, I felt like a man for the first time working the soil.I managed to dig the properly sized holes. Somehow, Senhor Arnaldo taught me how to work slowly but surely, and not to use more energy than necessary. I learned to eat supper at 10 o clock in the morning. We began our mornings at 6am and by 10am, 4 hours of digging dries up your belly.We never really spoke much. OR rather, I did at times but he just listened and laughed.“Pois é, Pois é”I always wondered what he thought of me? A rich man’s boy who came to work with him while his cousins were swimming at the municipal pool. I felt that he treated me as an equal and harboured no resentment. After all, why should he bite the hand that feeds him?At times, I would talk more and ask him about his life. He always responded with kindness but didn’t have much to say.Later my younger cousin Marcelo would teach me about his ways. “He is just a simple man with a simple life, he doesn’t have much to talk about.”I couldn’t understand!
There was always so much to talk about, so much to learn, explore, and think.But maybe it was different. Maybe life was always not so much about talking but about work. Simple redundant menial work.There is no confusion in repetition.Finally after 1 month of digging, I gave up. I felt my apprenticeship was over with him. My hands were completely blistered and leathered. New muscles had grown, along with bragging rights. I thought I learned my lesson, but had only started a few exercises.Most of my family thought I was mad, as they continue to do so, but my father supported me. I excitedly asked him, “How long do you think before we can plant trees all over the hillside?”“Oh I don’t know, ask Senhor Arnaldo, as long as it takes him”
I still couldn’t understand Brazilian Mentality. Why hire an old geezer, who retired, yet continued to work as he did when he was 8 years old.One day, my younger uncle explained it to me.“Joao, you have to realized that Senhor Arnaldo is a poor man with a poor family. We pay him twice what Social Security gives him. With that money, he can help his children and their children”My respect and reverence doubled for him.And then, like all youth, I forgot about him.We are so distracted in our lives and our attention spans are so short. Suddenly, other things seemed important again. Like entering high school, getting good grades, playing in a punk band, and buying used Hesse books at the local library.I went back to my suburbia lifestyle in the US.Brazil was once again forgotten, tattered photographs hidden in my drawer. Every summer, I continued to return but Senhor Arnaldo had gone further down the hillside. My vision of him was obscured. I never felt it was necessary to go down and see him, because I did not want to bother his work. He was hidden from everyone’s view. We continued to pay him but he was almost like a ghost.Working quietly, always present, but invisible.Many years passed and after I returned from Germany, I discovered he had passed away.I recalled all those intimate moments spent together, digging in the hot dry winter sun, the month of August, the first time I ever did manual labour.
I didn’t cry nor bat an eye. I felt a sense of wonderment.What a way to die—doing what you love, or perhaps doing what you only knew.
He never had any other opportunities. And he was always thankful for his job digging holes.The rest of the villages and friends ridiculed him. They imagined a decent day’s living to be in the coffee plantations, producing our National Product. He ignored it all with his cackle. “Heh, heh” His tooth would appear and shine with godliness.“Pois é, Pois é”
He just went about his business.Shovel in hand, God above him, and the earth below.One day, when I was 19 years old and walked down the same red dirt road, which always seemed a path back to my childhood, I stopped at the top of the valley. I noticed something. Excitedly, I ran down the hillside and stopped at a vista point.The entire hillside was covered with tree saplings. They were only as high as my waist, but they were there. They were to become a forest! They were Senhor Arnaldo’s last gift to the Earth!They grew in places where no one imagined them to grow. They were beginning to blanket the red soil again with leaves and to bring back the skin to the red muscles of the earth.
I looked up at the sky and closed my eyes.
I had a hero.
First Draft VersionWritten by Joao Paulo Freire Paglione6am Wednesday, November 26th, 2003
The rocks we had to breakThe dry red earth, exposed like fleshThe road that leads everywhere and yet nowhere
Posted by at 06:38 AM Feedback (2)
November 25, 2003

Bamboo Poetry
The common became precious, said grandfather remembering the last time the forest bloomed. Today that old man woke up, beat his chest, and cried.
Lovers make a bed of the blossoms. minuscule petals collect in their hair. The carpenter lays down his saw. The mayor calls a meeting and holds his head.
Everyone I know is milling along the street by the river. Some move into their grandmother's house; others sleep in the open. It is the rainy season, the temple is crowded.
Now a man raises his fist to his wife for the first time. Now the boatman leaves home before dawn; children tuck away their laughter. Though fish leaping in the harbor seem larger, they are more distant. Each fire is built more sparingly than the last.
I have one dream for several nights but can only recall the tart incense of bamboo flowers closing on my chest as merciless as the river the day it closed on my brother, his hand tangled in his sturdy net.
Bamboo, a tall grass, flowers only at long intervals--30, 60, or even 120 years apart. At about the same time, all plants of the same species--wherever they are in the world--will burst into bloom. When this happens, whole forests die and must be replanted.
Posted by at 05:40 AM Feedback (2)

Arts & Crafts
This young woman does some pretty cool cards as an art form. I think some of the people she makes them for are drag queens. Interesting stuff. I wish she would send me one for my b-day, (DECEMBER 9th for interested parties). Thanks for the link FLEISHMAN dear.
Posted by Liz at 01:29 AM Feedback (1)
November 24, 2003

Bar Room Brawl
I haven't seen a good brawl in years! Hell, I can't even remember the last time! Oh wait, yes I can, it was Saturday night. Jeanna invites us out, for what turned out to be a blast on so many levels. First off, everyone had way too much too drink. All night, we bought one another rounds and toasted to me being fired the day before (Any excuse for a toast). Nicole was scanning the place for, Mr. Right of course and making us laugh as usual. The band played 80's songs and did an awesome job of it. Drunk and swaying, we knew all the words, sang along and danced. Anyway, back to the brawl.
I brought along Anne's British boyfriend, Len, who was in need of some partying, American style. I was told to keep an eye on him. While I'm not that authoritative, I was aware that trouble, hence deportation, would be an unwanted turn of events, so I took my charge seriously. After endless hours of partying Len hits the men's room (It was no easy task dragging him out of the bar at closing, trust me hehe). I waited outside the restrooms, when suddenly, one of the girls in our group is being dragged by the hair past me! Stunned, I sat there in fear and security ran to break it up. The next thing I see, is her lover, swigging and being held back by security. What a mess. After the standard calming of all flustered parties, and the tears were wiped, the final version of the brawl seems to be a case of lesbian jealousy sparked by too many test tube shots, a young lady who was bumped into, and me rushing my foreign friend out of the place. Jeez, I haven't had that much fun in a while.
Posted by Liz at 11:47 PM Feedback (12)

Apple Martini
My new fav is the apple martini, the stronger the better. Today my Mom and I (now the proud owners of two new martini glasses) will buy the needed libations and treat ourselves to a cocktail this evening. Anyone care to join us?
Ingredients:1 part Vodka (Absolut) 1 part Sour Apple schnapps (Pucker) 1 part Apple juiceMixing instructions:Poor all ingredients into a shaker. Shake well and strain into a Martini glass.
If you want to make it look really nice, you can garnish it with a thin slice of green apple. Enjoy!!!
Posted by Liz at 11:11 PM Feedback (0)

Today Was The First Day Of The Rest of My Life
Today was the first day of never having to return to what I had not so fondly called my job, the hell hole.
"Call me tomorrow, I'll be at the hell hole," was the message often left for Anne, or Jeanna, or Mary. I knew it was no way too live.
They knew what I meant, my job. So what did I do today, well I took my cutie pie niece to her dance class. Those little girls were precious as you can imagine. I text messaged a few pals just to let them know, "I love being fired." Then my Mom and I went shopping, had lunch and laughed our butts off about various things.
I'm no longer stuck in a place, counting the hours, wishing, wondering and feeling like I'm one of the few sane people there. What a gift I was given. After complacency (searching out another gig) managed to kick my ass for the past four years, something stepped in and did for me what I couldn't do for myself. (I kept going to school and upgrading my skills all along.) I want a full time gig that I can respect myself for in the morning. I want to use my skills (computer networking) and talents (humor, charm & brains, leadership ability). I want to be a colleague and not just a worker bee.
Jesus Christ, I'm so damned glad that I had this j*o*b in perspective all along. I used all my sick days and vacation days. I went to the beach with my nieces (see Footprints in the Sand), I stayed longer than expected in London and Miami and didn't punish myself for it, (thanks Anne). I stayed creative and worked on projects away from my employer. Man, I have really want to live and work each day, to it's fullest. I'm so grateful, for the wisdom to know that the real gift is today.
Posted by Liz at 07:06 PM Feedback (0)

Bamboo for Breakfast
Good Morning!Don't forget to eat bamboo shoots for Breakfast. They are crunchy, tasty, and not to be confused with water chestnuts. They grow a meter a day, have all those cool flavanoids and B2D2 vitamins, fortified with fiber naturally, and taste Grrrrrrrrrrreeeeat!
BAMBOO BREAKFAST TRAY
Posted by at 06:24 AM Feedback (3)
November 23, 2003

Begin with your Conclusion
They were given the choice: king or messenger?Everyone chose to be the messenger, running about withmessages becoming meaningless, because there were noKINGS - Franz Kafa
Dear Liz,
Thank you for the opportunity for me to finally publish myself and convey to the online community my passion for BAMBOOm the world's most comprehensive and fascinating plant!
Online since 1995, I also followed Justin Hall from links.net and found myself inspired by like-minded people wandering online.
Somehow, many years later, all my wandering has brought me to a brook. I kneel down to drink from the water, which came from the same spring, that feed the river, where I came from. I find it refreshing.
- João
www.bambubrasil.org
WHY BAMBOO? ... HERE'S WHY ...
DEFORESTATION and increased CO2 emissions threaten the earth's biodiversity and the very air we breathe...
Perhaps the environmental crisis' at hand have not yet touched your life, but the time is shortly to come. Recent NASA reports of a 60% loss of ozone over the arctic provide an explanation for increased severity in the worlds weather patterns which has only begun to affect us whether directly or indirectly. The social, political and economic implications are difficult to imagine as our ozone layer continues to thin, forests disappear and desertization is occurring at an alarming rate. BAMBOO HAS AN IMPORTANT ROLE TO PLAY...The earth desperately needs the attention and action of us all or our children's children will surely not have a world fit to live in. There is no one solution but amazingly, the simple bamboo plant can make a dramatic positive impact in many areas. It is our goal to inform and raise awareness about "Bamboo, People and the Environment" and provide the tools and information to then respond in one's own way in their own world. Every action counts, every person counts...
ENDURING THROUGH TIME...Thomas Edison successfully used a carbonized bamboo filament in his experiment with the first light bulb. This light bulb still burns today in the Smithsonian Museum in Washington DC. He also used a bamboo as rebar for the reinforcement of his swimming pool. To this day, the pool has never leaked. An unrivaled utility, (One resource book lists over 5,000 uses including paper, scaffolding, diesel fuel, airplane "skins", desalination filters, aphrodisiacs, musical instruments, medicine, food and was Alexander Graham Bell's first phonograph needle
SURVIVING THROUGH HARDSHIP...Amidst death and destruction, bamboo survived the Hiroshima atomic blast closer to ground zero than any other living thing and provided the first re-greening in Hiroshima after the blast in 1945.
GROWING WITH STRENGTH AND SPEED...With a tensile strength superior to mild steel (withstands up to 52,000 Pounds of pressure psi) and a weight-to-strength ratio surpassing that of graphite, bamboo is the strongest growing woody plant on earth with one of the widest ranging habitats of more than 1500 species thriving in diverse terrain from sea level to 12,000 feet on every continent but the poles. It also grows the fastest: clocked shooting skyward at 2 inches an hour. Some species grow one and a half meters a day.
BAMBOO PROTECTS THE ENVIRONMENT AND THE AIR WE BREATHE...Bamboo is the fastest growing canopy for the regreening of degraded lands, and its stands release 35% more oxygen than equivalent stands of trees. Some bamboo even sequester up to 12 tons of carbon dioxide from the air per hectare. Bamboo can also lower light intensity and protects against ultraviolet rays. Traditional belief holds that being in a bamboo grove - the favorite dwelling place of Buddha - restores calmness to emotions and stimulates creativity.
Carbon Sequestration Information Net production and carbon cycling in a bamboo Phyllostachys pubescens stand. AU: Isagi-Y; Kawahara-T; Kamo-K; Ito-H AD: Kansai Research Center, Forestry and Forest Products Research Institute, Momoyama, Fushimi, Kyoto 612, Japan. SO: Plant-Ecology. 1997, 130: 1, 41-52; 48 ref. PY: 1997 LA: English AB: Phyllostachys pubescens is one of the largest bamboo species with a leptomorphic (a type of rhizomatous system with solitary culms scattered rather evenly) root system in the world. The species originates in China and has been naturalized in neighbouring countries. It was introduced in 1746 into Japan because of the economic value of the young sprouts and culm woods. It escaped from the planted areas and expanded by invading the native vegetation. In order to clarify the basic ecological characteristics of the species, carbon fixation and cycling were determined in a stand of Phyllostachys pubescens in Kyoto Prefecture. The standing culm density and average DBH (diameter at breast height) in 1991 were 7100 ha-1 and 11.3 cm, respectively. The above-ground biomass was 116.5 t ha-1 for culms, 15.5 t ha-1 for branches, 5.9 t ha-1 for leaves and 137.9 t ha-1 in total. The total above-ground biomass is one of the largest among the world's bamboo communities. The biomass of rhizomes and fine roots was 16.7 t ha-1 and 27.9 t ha-1, respectively. Annual soil respiration was 52.3 t CO2 ha-1, the highest among those determined in Japan. The gross annual production was high, at 32.8 t C ha-1, and allocation of annual gross production to the root system was also high at 11 t C ha-1 - 34% of gross production, and 46% of the fluxes out of the leaves. This pattern of allocation results in a net annual above-ground production of 18.1 t ha-1, which is within the average range of productivity of forests under similar climatic conditions. The correspondence of the allocation pattern of the species with its successful range expansion is discussed. DE: asexual-reproduction; biological-production; biomass-production; carbon-cycle; bamboos-; nutrients-; distribution-; carbon-; photosynthesis-; stand-characteristics; biomass-; cycling-
AN: 950608033 TI: Carbon stock and cycling in a bamboo Phyllostachys bambusoides stand. AU: Isagi-Y AD: Laboratory of Silviculture, Kansai Research Center, Forestry and Forest Products Research Institute, Kyoto 612, Japan. SO: Ecological-Research. 1994, 9: 1, 47-55; 42 ref. PY: 1994 LA: English AB: Gross production and carbon cycling in a Phyllostachys bambusoides stand in Kyoto Prefecture, central Japan, were determined, and then a compartment model showing the carbon stock and cycling within the ecosystem was developed. Aboveground carbon stock was 52.3 t/ha, increasing at an annual rate of 3.6 t/ha. Belowground carbon stock was 20.8 t/ha in the root system and 92.0 t/ha in the soil. Aboveground annual net C production was 11.2 t/ha. Belowground annual net C production was crudely estimated at 4.5 t/ha. Gross annual production was estimated at 41.8 t/ha by summing the amount of outflow to the environment and the increment in biomass. Leaves consumed 13.7 t C/ha per year by respiration; the rest (41.8 - 13.7 = 28.1 t C/ha per year) was surplus production of leaves and flowed into the other compartments. Annual amounts of construction and maintenance respiration of aboveground compartments were 3.4 and 18.5 t/ha, respectively. The annual amount of soil respiration was 11.2 t/ha. Soil respiration levels of 4.3 and 3.1 t C/ha per year were estimated for the flow of root respiration and root detritus. The proportion of net to gross production was 37%, which fell within the range of young and mature forests. A shorter life span of culms, compared to tree trunks, resulted in smaller biomass accumulation ratio (biomass/net production) in the ecosystem, of 4.66. DE: bamboos-; respiration-; biomass-; carbon-; models-; carbon- cycle; biomass-production; simulation-; cycling- To find out the latest information on global warming, click here
EROSION CONTROL ...A peerless erosion control agent,. it's net like root system create an effective mechanism for watershed protection, stitching the soil together along fragile riverbanks, deforested areas, and in places prone to earthquakes and mud slides. Because of their wide-spreading root system, uniquely shaped leaves, and dense litter on the forest floor, the sum of stem flow rate and canopy intercept of bamboo is 25% which means that bamboo greatly reduces rain run off, preventing massive soil erosion and keeping up to twice as much water in the watershed. Bamboo is a pioneering plant and can be grown in soil damaged by overgrazing and poor agricultural techniques. Unlike with most trees proper harvesting does not kill the bamboo plant so topsoil is held in place.
SAVING RAINFORESTS ...Bamboo is one of the strongest building materials. Bamboo's tensile strength is 28,000 pounds per square inch versus 23,000 pounds per square inch for steel. In the tropics it is possible to plant and 'grow your own home;. in Costa Rica, 1000 houses of bamboo are built annually with material coming only from a 60 hectare bamboo plantation. If an equivalent project used timber, it would require 500 hectares of our diminishing tropical rainforests. Using bamboo to replace timber saves the rainforests. With a 10-30% annual increase in biomass versus 2 to 5% for trees, bamboo creates greater yields of raw material for use. One clump can produce 200 poles in the three to five years. Bamboo generates a crop every year.
A RENEWABLE RESOURCE ...Bamboo is a high-yield renewable resource: "Ply boo" is now being used for wall paneling and floor tiles; bamboo pulp for paper-making; briquettes for fuel, raw material for housing construction; and rebar for reinforced concrete beams. There are 1500 species of bamboo on the earth. This diversity makes bamboo adaptable to many environments. It can be harvested in 3-5 years versus 10-20 years for most softwoods. Bamboo tolerates extremes of precipitation, from 30-250 inches of annual rainfall.
HOUSING ... Bamboo related industries already provide income, food, and housing to over 2.2 billion people worldwide. There is a 3-5 year return on investment for a new bamboo plantation versus 8-10 years for rattan. The governments of India and China, with 15 million hectares of bamboo reserves collectively, are poised to focus attention on the economic factors of bamboo and its protection. In Limon, Costa Rica, only bamboo houses from the national Bamboo Project stood after their violent earthquake in 1992. Flexible and lightweight, bamboo enables structures to "dance" in earthquakes. Go to the "Comparative Strength of Bamboo or Grow Your Own House page. Just Available ! Simon Velez's new book "Grow Your Own House" Click HERE to order.
FOOD ...Bamboo shoots provide nutrition for millions of people worldwide. In Japan, the antioxidant properties of pulverized bamboo skin can prevent bacterial growth, and it is used as a natural food preservative. Bamboo :litter: make fodder for animas and food for fish. Taiwan alone consumes 80,000 tons of bamboo shoots annually, constituting a $50 million industry. `Bamboo leaves are normally utilized as fodder during scarcity. Young bamboo leaves and twigs are a favorite meal for elephants and the Panda. D. strictus leaves have (on dry matter basis) crude protein,15.09; crude fiber,23.15; ether extract 1.43; ash 18.03; phosphorus-170 and calcium -1550 mg/100g respectively. Their digestible crude protein and total digestible nutrient contents are 93.34 and 48.9% respectively. The leaves of B.arundinacea have crude protein 18.64;crude fiber, 24.1; ether extract 4.1; N- free extract 41.4; ash-11.75%; phosphorus-170 mg and calcium 56mg/100g respectively. The digestible crude protein and total digestible nutrient contents are 13.5 and 46.5% respectively. The protein contained methionine and lysine. Copper and zinc are also found. The nutrient contents differed significantly in samples collected from high altitudes. For B.vulgaris the figures are crude protein,10.1;crude fiber 21.7; ether extract, 2.5 and ash, 21.3%; phosphorus-86,iron-13.4,vitamin B1, 0.1;vitamin B2- 2.54, and carotene 12.3 mg/100g respectively. The meal is used as a supplement to vitamin A deficient diets for chicks ' For further details contact either the Bamboo Information Center in India -at KFRI -Tropical species, or The Bamboo Information Center in China-at CAF,Beijing - Temperate species.
AN ANCIENT MEDICINE ... Bamboo has for centuries been used in Ayurvedic medicine and Chinese herbal medicine . Tabasheer, the powdered, hardened secretion from bamboo is used internally to treat asthma, coughs and can be used as an aphrodisiac. In China, ingredients from the root of the black bamboo help treat kidney disease. Roots and leaves have also been used to treat venereal disease and cancer. Sap is said to reduce fever, and ash will cure prickly heat. A village in Indonesia reports that the water form within the culm is used to treat broken bones effectively and that the tabasheer is used to promote fertility in their cows. Current research points to bamboo's potential in a number of medicinal uses.
A LANDSCAPE DESIGN ELEMENT & WASTE WATER SYSTEM ...Bamboo is an exquisite component of landscape design. For the human environment bamboo provides shade, wind break, acoustical barriers, and aesthetic beauty. "The Bamboo Forest is an ecological wastewater utilization system that essentially grows away, waste, producing a marketable crop in the process. Comprised of a subsurface evaporation-transpiration bed planted with bamboo and other rapid-growing, non-invasive plants, the system is engineered to provide an aerobic rhizosphere (the home of living organisms in the root system), in which damaging polluting components are transformed into plant nutrients" Go to the Discover magazine article on Bamboo used to treat waste water!
INTEGRALLY INVOLVED IN CULTURE AND THE ARTS ... Bamboo is a mystical plant: a symbol of strength, flexibility, tenacity, and endurance. Throughout Asia, bamboo has for centuries been integral to religious ceremonies, art, music, and daily life. It can be found in the paper, the brush, and the inspiration for poems and paintings. Some of the earliest historical records form the 2nd century B.C. were written on green bamboo strips. As evidenced by all of the above qualities, bamboo rightfully deserves its nickname, "the miracle plant."
Posted by at 10:37 PM Feedback (1)

Join the Bamboo Crusade
Recently, I've come across a fascinating person named,João Paulo Freire Paglione, as it turns out, he as been blogging right along side me for some time. With the limitless talent of Dimi, my friend and webmaster, he has taken his cause to the net for expanded awareness and I think it's really incredible. I'm talking about the benefits of bamboo, both economically and environmentally."Well, not just nature, sustainable alternative renewable non-wood tropical resource, " is the way that João described it too me. What a wonderful peace loving way for a country to grow and prosper. João even promised to send me a cool bamboo lamp, so that Philly can have a taste of this beautiful natural resource.
Posted by Liz at 04:04 PM Feedback (5)
November 22, 2003

New Beginnings
"Man cannot discover new oceans unless he has the courage to lose sight of the shore."—Andre Gide
I love that quote. Today was the first day of the rest of my life. I really got a sense of that. Sometimes, a love one dies, or gets seriously injured, maybe a partner leaves us unexpectedly, or an illness is brought to light. In my case, today was a change in my employment status. Sometimes, we can't see the light at the end of the tunnel, but we just have faith that it will appear. I'm grateful that it is something so easy too take and not painful. I'm grateful for this gentle push to move forward and be the person that I'm meant to be.
Posted by Liz at 08:55 PM Feedback (3)
November 21, 2003

The First Thing I Thought Of.....
But that doesn't mean anything. I associate everything in life with "Whatever Happened to Baby Jane."
Michael Musto kicks ass! He is so funny.
Posted by Liz at 09:32 PM Feedback (3)
November 20, 2003

The Ultimate Wishlist
As my birthday approaches (Dec.9th in case you forgot) I think about what I would like and I make a mental list. I'm thinking fantasy here, the skies' the limit, money is no object, ok, I'm thinking a new laptop and digital camera. A new VW Beetle, in lets say… silver! How about the entire Elsa Peretti collection from Tiffany’s? An unlimited shopping spree at one of my favorite havens, Sephora's. Mmmmm, new makeup, perfume, powders, brushes, all those lip-smacking delights.
I looked at the first page of my Amazon wishlist and it's still my favorite. I deleted a bunch of stuff, that chances are I wont get around to reading or listening too. Really, it's the simple pleasures that bring me the most happiness. Sure, I would love a camara, but what good is it if I dont have friends to take photos of.
Posted by Liz at 08:41 PM Feedback (6)
November 19, 2003

Skinning Stuff
Todays fun activity was inspired by something the blogfather did, and did it quite well. My little brainstorm was a bit less techie and more off the cuff. Last weekend I went to the Sanrio/Hello Kitty store, with my nieces and I purchased (ok, it's confession time) a Hello Kitty charm for my mobile phone. While busy at work today, *cough,cough* I found a little pic of Hello Kitty, cut her out and laminated her onto my phone! Skin something, it's a hoot.
Posted by Liz at 10:13 PM Feedback (3)

A Hollywood Moment
When a celeb crashes and burns there are two sites that will be there for you as you revel in the sheer ecstasy of seeing someone, who thinks they are untouchable, squirm. Am I the only one who enjoys it with perverse delight?
This man is the sexist man alive according to the bible of all that is famous, People magazine. I concur, who wouldn't? Depp is hot and talented and he scoffs at the celeb bullshit. Ya gotta love that. Some of my other choices include, Leo, Ashton, Keanu, and Dimi of course......
Posted by Liz at 07:21 PM Feedback (3)
November 17, 2003

Hair Ball 7
The seventh year of the hair design competition, which benefits City of Hope cancer and disease research, had a "Viva Las Vegas" theme. The benefit included Q102's DJs and more than 100 salons snip, slick, poof and blow for charity. My stylist/pal Jeanna, let me tag along two weeks ago, and we had a blast for a good cause. Of course I was snapping pics as I marveled at the sights.
The Girl We Entered in the ContestView image
Circle DooView image
Elvis & Priscilla MC the ShowView image
Flower PowerView image
Deviant DorothyView image
Our Girl Is On FireView image
I Love NewYorkView image
Liz Adjusts Her ModelView image
Getting LuckyView image
ShowGirlsView image
My VIP PassView image
Posted by Liz at 10:49 PM Feedback (4)
November 14, 2003

Draw Jam!
Ian Christy (Scene & Heard) does this really cool thing called Draw Jam every Saturday at a restaurant. Not only does he invite awesome artists to get their draw on, but he has a really innovative art site, where he and his lady, Yujin, post the creations.
"For the ones already hep to the jam methodology, well you already know thedrill, lots of paper, pens and ideas and hopefully we'll be seein' youtomorrow." ~ Ian Christy's emailed invitations
Posted by Liz at 12:39 PM Feedback (5)
November 13, 2003

December 9th Approaches
Yea, its my birthday and I have to decide what I want to do the weekend before the 9th. Mostly, I want to do what I always do, chill out with friends that I love. I also want to sift through tons of presents and cards. :D
Posted by Liz at 12:40 PM Feedback (10)
November 09, 2003

Revelations
I never wore ripped jeans. Never saw the point in it.
I was addicted to the rubiks cube.
I dated men who wore DrakkarNoir cologne.
Posted by Liz at 01:43 PM Feedback (7)
November 07, 2003

A Night & Day In NYC
I left the hell hole (AKA my job) and decided to hop a train to the big apple for halloween. I carry my bags up Anne's death trap stair case and enter her tiny apartment, finally I've arrived. It had been a long ride this night.
First off we head to heaven on earth, for a massage.
Here, Anne assends the staircase, like a drunk from the bar after a late night. Later, we were at a coffee shop and Anne was fading fast from a recent illness. It's Sunday, Anne and I have decided I'm having a bad hair day.... Off to Hayato we go and Yuichi goes to work straighten the frizz and poof. After six hours of straightening and me helping Yuichi with his English, we were both happy with the results. I adore Yuichi. He is the sweetest most talented hair straightener, and he gives one hell of a back, and neck massage!
Posted by Liz at 11:42 PM Feedback (11)
November 04, 2003

Working Hard
School has been pretty much a bust this semester, it remains a dark cloud looming over my head. The silver lining, however, has been that I am included in Justin Hall's new internship program. That's right, I get to do behind the scenes stuff, for the blogfather himself! I'm super excited and ready to go. :)
Halloween was great in NYC, I will be posting pics soon! Stay tuned.
Posted by Liz at 12:41 PM Feedback (3)

October 2003

2003-10-01T07:51:00.001-07:00

October 31, 2003

Halloween, NYC Style
The best Halloween I ever had was in NYC. Tonight, I'm jumping on Amtrak to go meet up with Anne and the trick or treaters. We might hand out candy to kids *cough-cute guys-cough* or something. I told her, I didn't care what drugs she had to cop, the rule for tonight was, you aren't allowed to get tired!! I'll run home after work and pack a bag and I'm off! I can't wait to be in the big apple tonight of all nights. I'll take pics and keep ya posted, and by the way, I'm won't be in costume. I'm just going as a woman who doesn't want to watch a lot of DVD's this weekend.
Posted by Liz at 12:13 PM Feedback (3)
October 28, 2003

Rich Girls
I just watched this new show on MTV, Rich Girls, and I want to throw up. A half hour of total self indulgence in the lives of these two disgustingly wealthy and tacky NYC girls. Then it hit me, oh my God, these two do* remind me of myself and Anne when were hanging, NYC style. The hair, the pedicures, the shopping , the massages; riding in the back of cabs while on cell phones! The only difference is we don't have buck teeth, and our father's aren't fashion designers......do I seem bitter?
Posted by Liz at 11:11 PM Feedback (55)
October 27, 2003

Going For It!
UA's new ad
I never thought of myself as a particularly competitive person. Now I think maybe it was just a way for me to not get myself into the game. If I don't try, then I can't fail, was the thinking behind the, "I'm not a competitor" routine. However, this past weekend an opportunity came up that I jumped on. I jumped and started writing so fast, my head spun. I saw something I have been wanting for a long time, and when the opportunity presented itself, I got into the game. Win, lose or draw, I'm proud that I took a chance and put my best foot forward. That's what's important to me, not so much the outcome, but the fact that I showed up, raised my hand, and felt qualified to get into the game. I'm taking a risk and it feels good. Even if this doesn't work out, I've worked those muscles for the next opportunity that arises.
Posted by Liz at 09:51 PM Feedback (7)
October 25, 2003

Tiffany & Co.
Yes, I'm referring too the one and only, as in Breakfast At Tiffany's. I wandered in there today and knew I wasn't leaving without a little bauble. Sure enough, it wasn't long before a special little something caught my eye. On Friday at work, I began doodling a kidney bean. Don't ask me why, but it was a pleasant shape and I thought of the kidney shaped pool we use to have. So when I saw Elsa Peretti's bean jewelry, a delightfully fluid little ring caught my eye. Right away I envisioned it on my pinky. As I type these words, it dazzles in the corner of my eye.
Bean cuff links
Posted by Liz at 11:38 PM Feedback (2)
October 24, 2003

I Want My MTV!
Well not really, god I am such an 80’s dweeb aren’t I? Anyway, this isn't a post about MTV. Admittedly, people have walked in on me and caught me watching the music video channel, especially on lazy, mindless Sundays. This is a post about a new project that is right up my alley. Three of my favorite video directors are featured on DVD's from Palm Pictures. Mark Romanek sadly, is a great one they missed; maybe next time, she said with fingers crossed. Sometimes I can catch these innovators on the music channel, and it totally gives my day inspiration. Ironically, all three of the featured artists/directors have worked with, the goddess of all that is sight and sound, one of my all time favorites, Björk.
Posted by Liz at 09:00 PM Feedback (4)
October 23, 2003

Happy Halloween!
Sorry people, I couldn't resist! hehe
Posted by Liz at 10:58 PM Feedback (9)

The Biological Clock Ticks ticks ticks...
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I'm 40 and really only recently considered the benefits of marriage and children. I guess my love for my nieces opened me up to the idea as I play the cool, funloving Aunt Liz, then send them home to my brother. So now considering a family? Does one work to make it happen? I can't imagine where I would begin although some friends have made suggestions. People say that over 35 years of age, is high risk for pregnancy, yet I hear of people over 40 having children all the time. I think it all hinges on one thing, finding a man whom I would want to father said babies and that means finding a committed relationship that doesn't make me want to BE committed (as in mental institution)! A guy who is smart and kind and has the same values I have for raising children and being a family.
Now since I have never actually raised kids, all I have to go on is gut instincts and a clear sense of right and wrong. Could I find a man that I could trust enough to support us and let me be free enough to raise our children as we think they should be raised? I see younger couples buying homes and most I know, have help from families either financially or with baby sitting. The thoughts whirl around in my head. People tell me I am “smart” or “lucky” to have maintained my single status. I look at it as playing the cards I was dealt, but yes, I definitely have a great life, free of many of the everyday stresses parents take on. I’m free, and living a simple life filled with study and travel and new people, waiting just around the corner. Just for today, I don't have those marriage and children decisions to make. Maybe someday, maybe someday.
Posted by Liz at 07:34 PM Feedback (7)

Tiny Footprints In The Sand
Check out the pictures from the day. See why I love them so much?
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Being at the beach with my nieces is the best! They're so adorable and receptive to exploration. All is new to them. Seeing it for the first time, with Aunt Lizzy to guide them, I too, am able to see the ocean for the first time, through their eyes.
"Don't step on the broken shells,” I caution, their little hands in mine.
They leap and skip and splash at the ocean’s shore, and I think to myself, it doesn't get any better than this. They're so endearing and I'm filled with gratitude, they are content and healthy. I'm so thankful that they have terrific parents and grandparents.
I really can't comprehend how some parents are perfectly willing to miss such cherished moments with their children. Couples break up, and that’s it, the children's time is cut way back if not out all together. Parents start new relationships and move on. They pack up everything except the kids. maybe they call or send presents, and that’s enough for them. I'm just the Aunt, and I can’t imagine missing these exquisite moments with my precious little gems. I'm a part of their lives and they love me. It's like whatever could go amiss in my life, loosing a job, struggling with a course, being with the girls makes none of it relevant. As long as I have times like this to look forward too, I have a joyfulness in my life that nothing can replace.
Posted by Liz at 05:26 PM Feedback (3)
October 22, 2003

White Dopes On Punk
I couldn't be more delighted. Punk fashion is making a return. I laugh quietly when I see the traces of my hey day turning up on girls in their 20’s. The rubber, the lace, the leather. The bad ass attitude isn't as present; it doesn’t seem to be as necessary these days. After all, punks originally came from London and NYC. It's much more white washed these days, but cool none the less. It’s like bumping into an old boyfriend, and realizing, you could have him again, if you wanted him. I recall being in the trendy Miss Sixty shops this past summer and seeing the cut up printed tee shirts, the straps criss crossing, all ripped, and sexy. Crucifixes, skulls, and the color black, are always focal points of the punk chic vibe of yester year. Isn’t all so exciting? Just the way I remember it.
Posted by Liz at 10:12 PM Feedback (2)
October 21, 2003

Zodiac Advice Makes No Sense
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Fate is conspiring to suck you into an intensive behavioral modification program, to weed out wishy-washy wishes and leach out lukewarm longings that are distracting you from your burning desires. Here's the paradoxical formula at the heart of this process: If you try to maintain the illusion that you're not losing yourself, you will in fact lose yourself. But if you surrender and agree to lose yourself, you'll break through to a new level of communion with the deepest, most eternal part of yourself.
Does this mean I have to hang over the Thames river in a clear plastic box and starve?
Posted by Liz at 06:25 PM Feedback (0)
October 20, 2003

Snipers Need Love Too
Today was another Monday filled with 8 hours, I needed to have over with, as quickly as possible. I decided to elapse time with some light reading. I checked out all the BBC news regarding the DC snipers, John Allen Muhammad, and Lee Malvo. Yes, that is my idea of light reading! Of course, the thing I am most interested in is the profiles of the alleged murders. The backgrounds are interesting. Both men extremely needy. Searching. Naturally clicking like a dead bolt, once they met. Malvo's mother, hands her son over to Muhammad, and their journey of waste begins. Did she know her son was sleeping in a homeless shelter with a male old enough to be his father? Apparently she did. It reminded me of how there are no coincidents. We meet the people we are supposed to meet. I thought about all the woman that will contact these nice-looking, clever ...killers. I bet they're getting stacks of mail already from admiring females, who are certain they have the inside track on understanding these men. Muhammad's ex-wives were surely just bitches, right? Malvo grew up poor, what chance did he have? I'm reminded of Eric & Lyle Menendez, who married inside the prison walls, devoted women, who saw the trial on television, and felt an exquisite connection through the television screen. Why don't we ever hear about men writing a female killer in an effort to "understand" her and enter into a tender relationship from behind bars? Might it be the lack of conjugal visits? Hmmm
Posted by Liz at 07:01 PM Feedback (4)
October 15, 2003

On The Horizon
Just a few things going on with me. I’m contemplating a few decisions to be made. Looking at things realistically isn't unproblematic. There are so many things that can be used as a distraction for the real work that needs to be done. Thankfully today, I balk at accumulating diversions. I know what I want, and what I don't want. I have to have patience, and that’s easier said than done. I'll deal with the setbacks as opportunities and like a willow; I'll learn how to bend.
This weekend, it’s the beach with my nieces. My Aunt owns a condo and were going for fun and R & R. The next weekend I was considering a conference in NYC, but several issues are going into that decision. I'm apprehensive about my overnight arrangements etc. I'm waiting for a vision, burning bush, or bolt of lightening on that final episode. The following weekend is Halloween, and I have to see the kids fully clad in their costumes. I love October, the weather is so crisp and revitalizing! It’s all about experiencing the season.
I think I need brakes on my car. Indecisiveness on that one could lead to the brakes just giving out and bigger problems. Not a good thing to procrastinate on.
Uncertainty about what direction to take this blog flashes in and out of my thoughts daily. It feels all over the place but I have so much subject matter I want to explore. Sometimes, I picture myself as an old researching exocentric, who rents an apartment that’s filled with books, brilliant friends and tea cups. One can not make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear, as the saying goes. I've tried and it doesn't work. Now it seems I will have to do things the time-consuming, solid, proper way.
Posted by Liz at 10:58 PM Feedback (1)
October 13, 2003

Lavender
When I was in London I saw beautiful, fragrant lavender fields. Everywhere we went, the smell and color were wonderful. Since then, I have purchased as many lavender products (bath) as I could find. Now I find that pictures of lavender fields take me back to london in my minds eye, and I relax.
This is a bedroom in Provence (France) from a house, one could rent. Nearby would be lavender fields. There is something cozy and romantic about this basic bedroom.
Posted by Liz at 11:10 PM Feedback (2)
October 12, 2003

Interview for October, Comment Here
I plan on interviewing a new and fascinating person, each month as some of you may remember. Octobers interview is already late (thanks finite math), but last night I spoke with Nicole and that interview is now posted (thankyou Dimi). Check it out inInterviews and post here, and yes she is still available. Again, use this space to comment, if you feel the need. I loved talking to her, she is a sweetheart! Thanks Nicole!
Posted by Liz at 08:12 PM Feedback (6)

A Hypocrite is Exposed
"That Rush would likely never understand this is not surprising. Indeed, his understanding of racism, like that of most white Americans it seems, is so limited that it only allows the label to be used to describe the most vicious and deliberately bigoted of statements or actions. In other words, Rush, like most whites, views racism as requiring the evil intent of an individual racist, and thereby considers the event through the eyes of the perpetrator rather than the victim. If he didn't mean any harm, then there was no foul."
This is one of the best articles I have read on the Rush Limbaugh (and others like him) problem that plagues this country. Click here to read the entire article.
Posted by Liz at 05:02 PM Feedback (3)

Ask Anne
Anne has taken, what we hope will be, a temporary leave of absence from the blog due to her work schedule and the horrific commute she endures everyday (sometimes 2 hours in NYC traffic). Also, she is busy with a new love. Sorry to disappoint some drama queens, but that's the plain and simple explanation of it. She continues to influence my work, and is one of my closest friends.
Posted by Liz at 03:01 PM

Its The Souuuul Train
I was flipping channels tonight and came across Soul Train. This lady, Jacki-O was on there doing a Vanity 6 type thing, with two backup singers, and slow melodic sexual lyrics (juicey, juicey or something to that effect.) Remember Prince's group,Vanity 6, they sang Sex Shooter, Nasty Girl and all that jazz? It was funny to see a female act reminiscent of those 80's days gone by. When my brothers and I were kids, we loved to watch Soul Train, cause the commercials were different then the commercials that were usually on. They were all Afro-American hair care commercials and we liked them! Funny huh. I had to chuckle to myself when I found myself watching Soul Train again.
Jacki-O As She Appeared on Soul Train
Posted by Liz at 12:46 AM Feedback (2)
October 11, 2003

The Interesting Life of A Bohemian
"Don't make me seem too picturesque," Samuel Menashe urged, making a difficult request.
It is tempting to regard Mr. Menashe as an heirloom from a more colorful era. He is a poet, both lauded and obscure, who has lived in the same Greenwich Village tenement apartment on lower Thompson Street since 1956. His rent was $29 a month when he moved in. It has been raised since then, but is still a small fraction of what his newer neighbors pay.
Mr. Menashe remains a striking figure at 78, speaking with a resonant voice, his leonine silver hair swept back from his forehead. He frequently illustrates a conversational point by reciting, with elegant diction, one of his own short poems — which Stephen Spender once described, in The New York Review of Books, as "intense and clear as diamonds." There is neither computer nor typewriter in his apartment on the fifth floor of a walk-up building; Mr. Menashe composes his poetry with a pen, often in Central Park, to which he travels several times a week by subway.
"I suppose I am a classic bohemian," he admitted, sitting on a sagging couch in one of his three tiny rooms.
The ancient bathtub, perched on legs, stands in the kitchen, near a large refrigerator that Mr. Menashe has unplugged and uses as a storage closet. (He has a small refrigerator, containing food, in the living room.)
It's a light, airy space packed with phenomenal clutter, mainly books and papers. The walls, which haven't been painted in 25 years, are decorated with lively paintings, works of friends. Near the center of the room is a large, unlikely burst of greenery, a tree produced from seeds that Mr. Menashe saved from a grapefruit he had eaten." ~~ NY Times
Doesn't it just seem so cool, to be this age and live in NYC in a place you have called home for years and years. Its like if you don't require much, you can't be screwed over. The simple pleasures let you work and eat and live. I'm becoming more productive as I get older, requiring less materialism, but more intellectual stimulation. Who knows where I'll end up. Doesn't seem as though it will be the conventional for me.
Posted by Liz at 10:16 PM Feedback (0)
October 10, 2003

My Email From MichaelMoore.Com
"October 9, 2003....
By now, most of you have probably seen the "Dude, Where's My Country?" cover of the Bush statue being toppled. Today is the 6-month anniversary of the Baghdad photo-op where the Saddam statue came a tumblin' down ("We won! We won! We...um...what did we do? Right! WE WON!"). We thought we'd celebrate by taking out a full page ad in today's New York Times -- of us toppling Bush! It doubles as a great poster that you can just rip out of the paper and hang on your wall. If you live anywhere near a New York Times box, pick up a copy today (Oct. 9 -- it's on the back page of the Arts section).
Well, I'm off to Boston on the first leg of a 35-city tour. Hope you can come see me if you have the time (click here to see the tour schedule). I'll be keeping a tour diary on my web site, and I'll be adding new stuff to the site every couple days.
In the meantime, don't be depressed about Arnold. The people are pissed off and they have every right to be. They are in a "removal" mood. That is a good thing. As soon as we do our work to inform our friends and neighbors how Bush has wrecked the country, the economy and our standing in the world, they will be more than ready for "Terminator IV: Hasta La Vista Bush." And, please, let this be the end of wimpy, wishy-washy Democrats like Gray Davis who are really Republicans. The American public hates b.s. and hates fakes. We -- you -- need to think about getting people to run for office who STAND for something. Time is running out.
See you on the road!
Michael Moore"
Excellent, well done Michael!
Posted by Liz at 09:00 PM Feedback (1)

Breast Cancer Drug
"A new drug regimen can markedly reduce the chance that breast cancer will recur in postmenopausal women, a large international study has found. The results were so strongly, and surprisingly, positive that the investigators ended the study early and offered the drug to women taking a placebo.
The study involved 5,187 women at hundreds of medical centers in the United States, Canada and Europe. It asked what to do after they finish the recommended five-year course of tamoxifen, the standard treatment to prevent breast cancer recurrences.
Tamoxifen, which blocks the hormone estrogen, is remarkably effective in postmenopausal women whose cancers are fueled by the hormone, about 100,000 women each year." ~~ NY Times
When I was a little girl and my mother was only 40years old, she had a double mastectomy. Thats what they did with breast cancer back then. She had implants that broke and became deformed, but it saved her life and she was around to raise her three small children. My grandmother (Father's mother) had one breast removed back then and she is 88 years old now. My Aunt (mother's sister) just finished with chemo and radiation for her breast cancer. Thank God they got it all and she is doing well today, with freshly grown curly hair. This new drug is very good news for myself and many other woman.
Posted by Liz at 08:32 PM Feedback (0)
October 09, 2003

Reality Can Bite At Any Minute
That’s today’s headline regarding Roy being mauled by a tiger. I thought how appropriate for life. Reality can bite at any minute. An irritating nibble can turn into a deadly chomp, and with it comes the pain. Bring on the pain, I’m strong.
So many things have been whirling around in my head. I’m questioning, should I go to NYC in two weeks or not bother? Will I feel guilty as sin when I call out sick to head to the shore with my nieces for a weekend, also will I pass this finite math test? Reading about other people’s lives by way of a blog, makes me speculate. Have I been surmising accurately, are my perceptions of a picture couple on the money? I feel bad that they are no longer, and I’m sad that another blogger is depressed. That pair sure looked good on paper. Then of course I remind myself that my perceptions are just that, mine, and feelings aren’t facts. I guess bloggers are a sub culture of sorts. We know each other, we know a lot about each other because of reading, but do we really know one another? We link to our favorites, and some of us have made time and effort to meet in person. Many of us speak via the phone, and post to one another daily.
"The growth of the 'Blogosphere' and blogging (the act of keeping an online Web log or journal) has been meteoric," MrFadedGlory writes. "From the year 2000 the estimated number of 135,000 blogs is expected to increase in size to 10.3 million by 2004. Blogging has attracted the attention of major media players such as Conde Nast and Google, and has been the source of considerable discussion here at Plastic and elsewhere on the value of individual blogs as news sources. Are blogs just the latest self-indulgent web wank, or is this just version 0.1 of the brave new media future? " ~ Plastic
Just like life, plans& relationships can look good in theory. I’ve had scores of those theories in my life. Relationships that I felt were going “somewhere”, job opportunities, classes I wanted to take, but, when it came to the thriving daily feats the inadequacies of my plans shown through and in many cases I aborted my mission.
I feel that most woman want one thing, generally speaking, from a man, and that’s security. Momentous is the knowledge that he has your best welfare at heart. Expressing himself emotionally, and being a safe haven for your feelings. That’s not so simple too find, but I won’t settle for less. In the meantime, I blog, I live and I am happy.
Posted by Liz at 11:54 PM Feedback (6)
October 08, 2003

Politics As Usual
Politicans, Let This Be A Lesson To You!
I think Ah-Nuld won because people are sick of the politicians. Who can blame them. I myself, have looked into alternative leadership (See Anarchy post). I am as sick of the Democrats as I am the Republicians. Either way, we the people are screwed. Am I angry that Ah-Nuld is govenor? No, I cant say that I blame people for desperately grabbing at a chance for change. If he can overturn the damage done, then hooray for the people of California.
Posted by Liz at 07:30 AM Feedback (2)
October 05, 2003

The Poncho, Winter's Blanket
When I was a little girl in the 70's I had one, yesterday, I became the owner of my first poncho in more than 20 years. Yummy, it feels so good! I dont have this poncho (shown), I have a solid black one. If you bump into me this Winter, you may catch me wearing it.
I bought my poncho at Ann Taylor**
Posted by Liz at 05:46 PM Feedback (5)
October 01, 2003

Finite Math and Me
Gauss-Jordan Method
As some of you know I bombed the first test, bad! (Please don't ask me to say the test score) I jammed with my tutor and made some head way. I let the Prof know that I wasn't ready to give up just yet. Tonight after class, I had to stick around for some clarification on a particular method. Once Mr. H explained it, it clicked. He asked me how long it had been since I had the basics and I told him the truth, 20 yrs. (do the math). He asked if I felt overwhelmed and I told him as long as I see the tutor I'm OK. He told me point blank, that he didn't care who I was, if I failed the tests, I would fail the class. I said fair enough, I understand that, I actually like this class and I want to hang in and fight the good fight. I told Mr. H that this was my only class this semester and I was able to devote time to it. I have no idea why I'm relaxed about this situation. I recall a time, when a Prof was able to intimidate me out of Spanish class. I was always convinced math was beyond me and it was my boyfriends duty to tutor me (which he faithfully did). Today, I'm different person. I'll decide when I'm done with finite math, and for now I'm digging it, so I'm not done. I really want to kick ass in this class. I have to pass every test from here on out, that's OK, I'm in it to win it.
By the by, any words of encouragement will be greatly appreciated. :D
Posted by Liz at 09:43 PM Feedback (10)

October 2003

2003-10-01T07:51:00.000-07:00

September 2003

2003-09-01T07:47:00.000-07:00

September 29, 2003

The Anarchist, Activism & Alternative News
(RLichtenstein)
I'm so disgusted with whats going on in this country and the middle east. I can't bear one more minute of George W. and his corporate co-horts; 2004 Bush has to go! This war is completely unfounded Saddam at large, Bin Laden.... who knows. As the race for oil rages on, our health care and education system is collapsing, and the Democratic party is a joke! I have begun a journey of looking for other like-minded people regarding the politics of my country.
I have been checking out anarchists websites and reading college newspapers and viewing films,reading books that address what I feel are the real issues. I went to London to hear Marianne Williamson speak about peace and question myself about the larger consequences of what I do, where I work and how I don't participate. I want to use what few resources I have, namely this blog and my big mouth, to bring up the real issues. I want to live my life according to a belief system that comes from my basic roots. One of the working class in America, who just wants fair wages and a decent life. I don't want to slap an American flag on my car and feel I've done my part. Clearly as I look around and talk to people, there is much more that needs to be done.
Posted by Liz at 10:19 PM Feedback (11)
September 27, 2003

Trendy Is As Trendy Does
I was reading GameGirlAdvance this morning and Jane is talking about fashion in video games. She happened to mention the LV* Murakami bag, that everyone and their brother is carrying these days (Just click the link, you'll recognize it). It reminded me of being in London where I purchased my Longchamp bag. Anne, already a convert from her Paris days, talked me into it, stating her case rather well. She emplored,
"Get something different. Don't get what everyone else has, this is elegant."
Sure enough, the brand has an ad in VOGUE in this month! I guess the next step will be knockoffs turning up on Canal Street in NYC. A fate worse than death, I could end carrying a trendy, over done item? Ahh, I doubt it.
Longchamp was founded in 1948 by a French family, as a company that made leather covers for pipes. The bags they make today have that certain "savoir faire" and class. It wouldn't appeal to teens the way the LV* Murakami bag does. My bag is cranberry colored and weather proof, as well as sophisticated. People compliment me on it all the time. *sighs* I think I'm safe for now.
Posted by Liz at 01:04 PM Feedback (4)
September 26, 2003

George Plimpton Dies at Age 76
When I heard about Mr. Plimpton's passing I immediately thought of one of my all times favorite books. It was a book I patterend my life after in the 80's (minus the drugs.) Edie: An American Biography, was a book I read at least ten times.
This was a book that opened up a new world of fashion and music and what it meant to inspire others, for me. The back drop is the factory in New York City in the 60’s. A place that was a dream land filled with artists and drug addicts and Andy's camera. I felt I understood these people and they held a glittery attraction for me. I wore a tee shirt back then with Edie face. I read all that I could lay my hands on about her and the factory and Andy Warhol’s work. I purchased her underground star vehicle film, Ciao Manhattan, in Philadelphia at an artsy video store for $80. I both admired and aspired to be Edie.Originally I had seen George Plimpton on Johnny Carson talking about this book. He explained that Edith Sedgwick was a Warhol muse in the 60’s that had come from a wealthy New England, old money, family. Her clan was large and they lived on a sprawling ranch, where drugs and incest dominated. Two for her brothers eventually committed suicide and Edie herself finally died at the age of 28 of a drug overdose; I was intrigued as you can well imagine. The next day I went to the school library and found, to my dismay, the book had already been checked out for a week.
I was sitting in a college English class and spotted the book on another student’s desk. I knew the guy and asked when he would be done reading it. I made an attempt to pressure him into handing it over but he didn’t cave in. When I finally got my hands on it, I checked it out a few times; I couldn’t put it down. Anyone that knew me was made aware of the “fabulous” (an adjective Edie often used) book I was reading.
What attracted me to this sad, troubled woman? Well, let’s start with the fact that she was from a wealthy, Harvard educated, blue blood family. If that wasn’t enticing enough, she was beautiful; every man that saw her fell in love with her. For me, a young woman of 19, that was compelling. She was named “Girl of The Year” in New York City. I was never one for titles, but that seemed like a damn hip title to have. She was a fashion model and actress, a muse to Andy Warhol. Being the muse of an artist seemed so dreamy to me.
Sure there were countless tragedies in Edie’s life from conception. Family secrets, abuse, addiction, eating disorders, and mental illness, to a 19 year old girl, all I saw was everything I aspired too be, the desirable leading lady to cool artists and musicians. A poor little rich girl, who would inspire generations to come.
I took what I could from this book and applied it to my life, mostly physical aspects of this character, Edie Sedgwick. I wore my hair short; I don skirts, black tights and black pumps. I put on the biggest earrings I could find and I danced in clubs as often as possible.
As time went on, I would hang around people who lived on the edge, I watched from the fringe, always playing it safe. I would soon realize that was an illusion and a life lesson I carry with me to this day. I did manage to turn my friends on to all kinds of installation art and musicians like Lou Reed and Patty Smith. I swirled around in the middle of 80’s pop culture, captivating people with my avant-garde outlook. If you knew me back then, chances are I gave you a copy of my favorite book for some occasion.
Rest in peace Mr. Plimpton, your work certainly did impact my life.
Posted by Liz at 07:19 PM Feedback (2)
September 23, 2003

Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness
I haven't posted in a while and I really miss it. I've been totally overwhelmed with dogging my math test and have become new best friend to Bill, the math tutor. Thank goodness he knows what he is doing!
I have been getting some great feedback on my interview with Ian Christy (see Scene & Heard page). Thankyou to everyone for your comments.
On a whim, and in between studying (why did I bother again)? I emailed none other than Michael Musto himself! Who is Michael Musto you ask? Well, obviously you weren't a club kid from the 80's (not that I was either, but it was one of the many delusions I was operating under back then). I emailed Mr. Musto at the Village Voice just to let him know that I was a card carrying subscriber to the one and only, Details magazine. Not the Details men's magazine of today (gag, barf) with its I'm too sexy for my shirt articles, but the Details it once was before it was sold. A chronicle of a glittery day gone by, before we knew there was any such thing as AIDS; before Boy George was a drugged out has been (he is back and better than ever, thankyou!), and Andy Warhol and Keith Haring (I met him back then and he was a doll) were alive and well and making the scene. *Sigh* I just had to tell Michael how much I missed him and how I, for one, have not forgotten! The following is our much treasured (by me, of course) exchange, via email..........
A Fan From The Old Details Days..."Gosh Michael I loved that magazine back then! Every issue was a way for me to keep track of Andy and all the DJ's and James St. James. I miss that damned magazine. I still have a few old issues and I treasure them. What happened to some of the old gang? What a great book that would make. Remember the cool pics in every issue where the person hid their face? I seem to recall a Santa pic that was Keith Haring ahhhh the good ole days, huh?Take good careWarmly, Liz FinePhiladelphia, Pa."
Michael's Reply....
"Yeah, it was great. I'm still around and James did the movie Party Monster,and Saban moved to LA. Patrick McMullan's coming out with a book about the '80s that should includethe whole gang. Take care!"
Posted by Liz at 11:24 PM Feedback (10)
September 15, 2003

Breaking Up Is Hard To Do
In my lifetime, I have fixed up two couples that are now married. I do have this weird way of fixing people up. I have done it more than once, but when I say nay (no), I mean no to a pairing up.Here are two that I knew would never make it down the isle!
Posted by Liz at 11:41 PM Feedback (11)

David Blaine
Besides being cute as hell, I wonder how is doing with living in a box for 44 days.
David leaves the box on day 44 as planned.
Update: in case your interested in what the cute guy is up too.
Man Arrested for Harassing David Blaine
The Associated PressTuesday, September 16, 2003; 8:46 AM
LONDON - Police arrested a man Tuesday for allegedly trying to cut the water line sustaining a magician who hopes to dangle 44 days in a box near Tower Bridge without food.
Magician David Blaine reportedly was awakened by the suspect but was not injured. London's Metropolitan Police said they received a report early Tuesday that a man had climbed on to the water tower near Blaine's box.
"The man threw water bottles and other objects from the tower and tried to cut through water and cable lines connected to the tower, but without success," a police statement said.
The man, who is in his 40s, came down of his own accord about a half-hour later, police said. He was arrested for criminal damage, police said.
Posted by Liz at 01:29 AM Feedback (19)
September 14, 2003

I'm Bored, Can You Tell?
Your romance is more of a love that needs to bloomwithin, just like Hedwig of Hedwig and theAngry Inch. The film features an East Germantranssexual who is seeking her "otherhalf" after constant betrayal. You mustlove yourself before you can need another.You're starting to realize this, along with thefact that you don't need a significant other tobe a complete person. Your "otherhalf" has been inside you all along.What Romance Movie Best Represents Your Love Life?brought to you by Quizilla
Posted by Liz at 01:39 PM Feedback (2)

Nice Tee's & Other Stuff
Click here for cool shit. I'm already thinking about my holiday gift giving list. If you want to be on my list, let me know. ;)
My Amazon wishlist, do you have one?
Posted by Liz at 12:12 PM Feedback (4)

Victorian Murderesses
A True History of Thirteen Respectable French and English Woman Accused of Unspeakable Crimes.(photos(c) 2003 Edward Gorey)
A friend lent me this book she picked up at a book sale. She knew I would be interested in the topic. Funny thing about this book, written in 1974 by Mary S. Hartman, is the "unspeakable" crimes are killing off their husbands and various lovers. The book details some famous Victorian murder cases of the "polite" lady of the day. These are stories of woman accused of suffocating, beating, stabbing, shooting and poisoning the troublesome men in their lives. What is interesting is the drinking, pill popping and fainting spells, well-mannered woman used as ways of acting out the unhappiness they felt but were not permitted to express. Now of course we all know murder is wrong, but "unspeakable?" I'm enjoying this light reading at bedtime. ;)
Posted by Liz at 12:20 AM Feedback (0)
September 13, 2003

Fingers Crossed for Björk's Greatest Hits
I just ordered this CD from Amazon and then realized the seller has a horrible rating, per 1 person. I have really wanted this CD for a while, so cross your fingers I recieve it. Next time I will be more careful about picking a seller rather than the least expensive price.
Posted by Liz at 11:06 PM Feedback (1)

When Anne & Liz have PMS
Its not pretty folks. (Do not click these links if you have a fragile constitution or a weak heart.) The following are visual examples of a real medical condition called premenstrual syndrome. Consider yourself warned hehe.....
We feel relaxed and sane!
Posted by Liz at 01:05 AM Feedback (4)
September 12, 2003

Until Then I Study!
"Tokyo I'm excited for especially because of the people we know there. Seoul I'm excited for because it's a place I haven't explored terribly deeply. So those are reasons, above and beyond the discourse around video games, that have me excited to be travelling without assignment. Make your own assignment!
As long as I'm taking notes, writing for some venue, and meeting interesting people, I figure I'm doing good by my career. Though sometimes it does appear to be deferred compensation. I have faith that I will be supremely able to help with something, some day, when I'm called. Until then I study!"~Justin Hall of Links.Net
Yet another inspirational line from Links.Net via the blogfather himself, Justin Hall . People are always questioning J&J about how they finance their lifestyle of freelance writing & travel. I go through a similar dilemma, when people find out where I work, and some of the places I have traveled too. I like Justin's approach, make your own way, study and trust that your career will benefit from your experiences in the long run. I'm in the process of doing that right now. I try not to project on to the future. Limitations, I try never to set them for myself.
Posted by Liz at 10:29 PM Feedback (1)
September 11, 2003

I Love You, New York
The human spirit is not measured by the size of the act, but the size of the heart. ~Mural on the side of building at ground zero
Two years ago, I remember sitting at work, listening to the radio, on a bright sunny day. Suddenly a plane has hit the WTC, then another. My head is spinning with disbelief but I just knew this was no accident. These bastards are tearing up my city. How dare they, I am pissed! I want to be home with my family, I want to know they are safe, I want to hide. My work place didn't dismiss us early that day. Instead, I sat there staring out of the window in a high rise. The following song lyrics describe those feelings on September 11th, 2001. The following links are pictures I took of ground zero this past August.
View images of gound zero
In The Waiting Line (edited for space)Lyrics vocals by sophie barker
Wait in line‘Till your timeTicking clockEveryone stop
Everyone's saying different things to meDifferent things to meEveryone's saying different things to meDifferent things to me
Do you believeIn what you seeThere doesn't seem to be anybody else who agrees with me
Do you believeIn what you seeMotionless wheelNothing is realWasting my timeIn the waiting lineDo you believe inWhat you see
Nine to fiveLiving liesEverydayStealing timeEveryone's taking everything they canEverything they canEveryone's taking everything they canEverything they can
Do you believeIn what you feelIt doesn't seem to be anybody else who agrees with me
Ah and I’ll shout and I’ll screamBut I’d rather not have seenAnd i'll hide away for another day
Do you believeIn what you seeMotionless wheelNothing is realWasting my timeIn the waiting lineDo you believeIn what you see
Everyone's saying different things to meDifferent things to meDifferent things to meEveryone's taking everything they canEverything they can
Posted by Liz at 12:14 PM Feedback (0)
September 10, 2003

Making Life Worthwhile
"i've followed your website many years now, and i still find it amazing that you seems to live, and live well.. you give me inspiration to persue the goal of living an interesting life, not making money. it is clearly possible." ~Erik comments to Justin Hall on Links.net
Thankyou Erik, whoever you are. I really took that comment to heart.
Posted by Liz at 09:11 PM Feedback (1)
September 09, 2003

Unanswered Questions
Posted by Liz at 08:26 PM Feedback (0)

From The NYTimes
- QUOTATION OF THE DAY -"A little of our son lives in each and every one of you."
- DEE RAGUSA, at the last funeral for a firefighter killed at the WorldTrade Center.
Posted by Liz at 07:17 AM Feedback (0)
September 07, 2003

An Exotic Beauty?
Jeanna finally colored my hair a very dark brown. It is actually almost black and she went a shade lighter then what I requested. I really love it for now. Its so different than my natural Auburn. I think I'll keep this new color a while, just for fun. Maybe I dreamt of becoming an Asian beauty HA!
Instead, I think I look like an older, less punky version of......Download file
Posted by Liz at 02:18 PM Feedback (4)

Check Out Interviews
Dimi has posted theInterviews page. Check out my first of many interviews with some intriguing people. Enjoy getting to know more about Ian Christy , a really amazing artist. Other interviews will be on the way...stay tuned.
Posted by Liz at 12:07 PM Feedback (0)

Recent Music Purchases
Last night I bought Dealership and No Doubt (Rock Steady) CD's that I have been eyeing for quite some time. I can't wait to blast them in my car on my way to work.
I'm still waiting for the CD's from Camilo. Some cool Brazilan stuff he is sending.

Posted by Liz at 11:14 AM Feedback (6)
September 03, 2003

Northern Nights
There is nothing more luxurious than a divine night of slumber. Recently, I treated myself to a Northern Nights feather bed. My mom and friend, Sharon, have one and I have always longed for the warm and cozy experience of a night on down feathers.
While watching a home shopping channel, the Northern Nights brand appeared, on sale, in all it deliciousness. A representative from the company was demonstrating how a pattoned machine cleans the feathers so well; they are actually rendered hypoallergenic. I watched in awe as the feathers flew and dirt was collected in a pan at the bottom of this marvelous device. Next they went to the actual bed display and explained how firm these feathers actually were. The demonstrator pushed and sat up and down, as the bed sprang back into shape. She described it as a pillow for your entire body. and I imagining myself laying on a white billowy cloud, deep in restful slumber.One of my favorite pastimes has always been sleeping. Even as a teenager, I would come home from school and grab a power nap. Today, the weekends are an opportunity to seize some extra shut-eye. Sleeping is nature’s prescription for gathering energy and gaining a new perspective for the next day.When I’m under a lot of stress, I find it very difficult to sleep. I remember after the September 11th, World Trade Center attacks, I sat at work, in a high rise, staring out the window, completely devastated and scared to death about what was coming next. The following day, I stayed in bed and didn’t move. I didn’t turn on the TV or radio, I didn’t leave the house, I never left my room. Staying in my bed seemed like the safest place, as if the terrorists wouldn’t be able to find me under the covers. My bed felt like a warm, nurturing cocoon that day.
Another reason to feel good about my feather bed is that no birds are killed for their feathers. The down and feathers are a by product of Asian and European food industries. The bed is biodegradable and environmentally safe. When it becomes time to get a new feather bed, the old one can be returned to the earth as an excellent fertilizer for the garden. The makers of the bed say it is earth friendly and that’s a reason to rest easier.
As I shake out the feathers to refluff the fill, I imagine all the restful nights of sleep, I hope to be blessed with. My nieces running in and snuggling as they besiege my bed. These are the most precious moments that make up my life. The new bed will give me the night’s rest that is required to get through the remainder of my classes. I will be invigorated, and rejuvenated to proceed with all the projects I have taken on. As I travel in the years to come, my feather bed will beckon me home. When I am sad, its softness will console me. In happier times, I will be reminded that it is in nature’s bountiful gifts, and in Northern Nights, that the most splendid of times are found.
Sleep well friends ZZZZZZZZ
Posted by Liz at 10:39 PM Feedback (6)

Do You Like Pop Music?
I love some of the old classic singer/songwritiers and in my opinion, some of the greatest pop artists of all time have been The Mama's and The Papas, The Beach Boys, and my all time favorites, The Carpenters. Now, I don't listen to this stuff often, but when I do, I like to listen to it in my car on my way to work. Its happy music.
Years ago, 1996 to be exact, my friend Jonathan, bought me a CD called, If I Were A Carpenter. This is various alternative artists doing covers of Carpernter classics. I especially love Shonen Knife, a Japanese girl group, doing Top Of The World. Also Dishwalla doing It's Going To Take Some Time. The CD also includes Babes In Toyland's rendiction of Calling All Occupants Of Interplantary Craft and Matthew Sweet doing Let Me Be The One. I can listen to this CD often. Richard Carpenter helped with the arrangements. Check it out if you like classic Pop. Its an amazing tribute to an amazing duo.
Posted by Liz at 09:44 PM Feedback (2)
September 01, 2003

Back In The Saddle Again
The long weekend is over and I start that...that...MATH class tomorrow night. UGH! Anne starts her internship and dreaded commute. She has been going on trial runs and calling me with the bad news. Two hours, hour and a half, when it’s said and done, she will have to end up renting another place. Heaven only knows if I will be suicidal after tomorrow night. I doubt it. He’ll probably go easy on us the first night. Maybe I’m in denial. I printed out my schedule, I’ll grab my supplies and I’ll push forward, come what may.
I rented a Chinese film tonight called Beijing Bicycle. I wanted to see the scenery and it was amazing. I read several blogs from China, and Matt tells me I have the wrong impression of China. I hear they have banned the most recent Tomb Raider movie, due to a bad image of China. It looked like an amazing place in what was an otherwise dragged out film.
I finally have my Ian Christy interview in the bag, and when Dimi is up and running again, he and I will get the “scene & heard” link moving. It was my first attempt at an interview with a professional artist, and Ian made it easy. I’m really hoping everyone checks it out. I’m really excited about that way it turned out. Thanks again Ian!
Good luck to Matt, with his first days back at work. And to the J-team and family, I’m thinking of you, hang in there.
Posted by Liz at 10:40 PM Feedback (9)

August 2003

2003-08-01T07:44:00.000-07:00

August 29, 2003

Animal House 25th Anniversary
"Were on double secret probation, whatever that means."
That line always cracks me up, what a great movie. Animal House is the grandfather of American Pie II. I remember when an employer threatened to put me back on probation, after I had been at the company for years (she was having a bad day). I thought of that line, and almost laughed in her face!
Trivia:"Delta House" is based on a frat house at Dartmouth.
Posted by Liz at 09:45 PM Feedback (2)

Supporting The Arts
The other night my Mom and I volunteered to help set up a reception for the baroque orchestra Tempesta di Mare. There a local orchestra who gives free concerts in order to revitalize interest in live classical music as an exciting, shared public experience.
My Mom and I attended a few free concerts at Swarthmore College and loved it. Gwen and Richard are the artistic directors and really made us feel welcome at the reception ; the champagne was flowing. They just signed with a London record company and have a new CD coming out in 2004.
Posted by Liz at 07:28 AM Feedback (7)
August 27, 2003

High Tea Anyone? An Alternative For a Caffeine Addict
I am a true coffee addict. It started out as a morning ritual and evolved into an afternoon and after dinner event. Starbuck's made it easier appearing on each corner
in just about every city I would visit. It fit in with my life's hectic pace, besides I was thrilled with the variations of coffee delights. No longer was it just coffee, cream and sugar, now I could choose between Mocha's, Mocchiatos and other various technical names for cappucinos.
So who would ever think I would switch to be an afternoon tea drinker. Tea has caffeine, but not as much as coffee. It was this caffeine in my afternoon coffee break that would get me through the day.
I think it was on my first visit to London when I experienced my first "High Tea." At first, I just thought I was acquiescing to the fact that the Brits drink tea in the afternoon. Then I discovered that just like coffee there are a variety of teas all with a unique taste and interesting names; Earl and Lady Grey, Jasmine, English and Irish Breakfast Tea are just a few. These teas were served with scrumptious scones, clotted creme and berries; sometimes there would be dainty little sandwiches and shortbread biscuits. So what happened to my afternoon coffee fix? After a couple of weeks I liked the fact that tea was not giving me the same jolt as coffee, I actually started to like that my afternoon breaks gave me time during the day to slow down.
Posted by at 09:53 PM Feedback (14)
August 25, 2003

Ultimate Frisbee
Ultimate looks like a fun sport. They play it mostly at colleges I think. I would like to give Ultimate Frisbee a shot. I never liked regular frisbee as a kid, but somehow this seems more X-treme and I'm all about the X-treme! haha!
Posted by Liz at 11:20 PM Feedback (9)

Chilled ibiza CD
Anne & Len picked me up Chilled Ibiza Experience The Ultimate Sunset Mix~ CD in London. Len introduced us to it last trip and we fell in love with it. Its just really cool. They picked it up for me at this location in London. The CD contains mello listening tunes by the likes of Bjork (my fav), Moby, Lamb, Sneaker Pimps, The Prodigy (another fav) and The Thrillseekers. There all club mixes done in a chilled out, non aggravating vibe. Buy it USED and check it out, its sweet.Thanks Len & Anne! Hugs*
Posted by Liz at 10:58 PM Feedback (2)
August 24, 2003

Carrie Bradshaw's Hair Color
I've heard a lot of stylists say they hate Carrie's hair this season. They hate the roots, but now it seems that Sarah Jessica Parker has gone dark with the light chunks in front and I love it.
I've been bugging Jeanna, my colorist, to do something different for me. I like the chucks in front on Carrie. Anne says her stylist refuses to do that look, but geez I like it. Right now my hair is all auburn and I want it darker with chucks in front. Jeanna won't go too light. Decisions, decisions.
Posted by Liz at 10:07 PM Feedback (4)
August 23, 2003

Feeling Helpless
A major inspiration for this blog has been Jane. She has always been so generous with her time and expertise. I just read that she is going through a hardship, just as her band, dealership, went on tour. I really feel for Jane and her family and loved ones. She isn't alone through this and I want her to know I'm thinking of her.
Posted by Liz at 12:15 PM Feedback (2)
August 20, 2003

All Used Up
Well at least my books and CD's are. I have grown more and more revolted in book and music stores, when I see the price of the brand new stuff. I love books and music, but at 20 bucks a pop for a CD, I can't get all that I want so I explored alternatives.
Initially, I went to Amazon.com for used books and CD's. (i.e. a certain bookstore orded Sean Lennon's CD for me at 18 dollars. I found it used on Amazon for $4.99.) Lately used places are popping up all over and I'm delighted. One of my new favorite obsessions on a Saturday afternoon, is browsing the used shops for that one bargain treasure. A year ago I even acquired used Game Boy Advance games. Last night, after meeting with Jeanna, I passed a spot with a neon sign that caught my eye. I hit the brakes and backed up. Used music, movies, VCR's, and DVD players, fabulous! I was there browsing until they closed. I picked up two CD’s (Prodigy and Various Artists: If I Were a Carpenter) and got back on the road to head home. When I buy used music and books I feel like I’m doing a service. A service to the environment and my fellow human being. Maybe that person needs the money, as much as I don’t need to pay top dollar. Its not that I’m cheap, it’s that I don’t like being taken advantage of as a consumer. I urge everyone to consider what purchasing used goods can do. It drives prices down and we recycle. The powers that be don’t want us sharing online, let’s share through the mail. I can wait a few minutes, days, or months for someone to finish listening to a CD or viewing a DVD, and then I pounce on it and make it my own.
Posted by Liz at 10:45 PM Feedback (11)
August 18, 2003

Cicada Gift Bag
Does this bag go under the category art or fashion? Hmm either way its cool isn't it? I would love one of these bags. How cool would it be to get a gift in a bag with a cicada on it. The following day you use it to take your lunch and a book to work!
Posted by Liz at 09:01 PM Feedback (12)
August 17, 2003

Paul Frank Rocks My World
Doesn't this tee shirt with Julius on it just make you happy? I saw this shirt all over London and I've seen it all over SoHo. Its so cute, and a wonderful example of Pop art merchandising.
Posted by Liz at 01:00 AM Feedback (8)
August 15, 2003

Finite Math, An Act of Terrorism
Finite math is next on my agenda for a fall course and I haven't got a clue as to what its all about. I'm searching the web and trying to do a little research but frankly, its all greek to me.
Last night I registered for my fall class, of course, I went in and told my advisor how I'm so NOT ready for math. Her reply to me was,
"If you want the degree, you have to take math and you will just apply yourself."She said she didnt care if I had to PAY a tutor,(easy for her to say) I had to just make up my mind to get through it. She made her case that it was because I was a female & that I had been conditioned, by society, to think I'm not good at math ( All this time I thought it was those F's I got in school). She told me to get with the prof and let him know my concerns,"squeaky wheel and all that" is how she worded it.
OK, I bought her pep talk and I'm registered. I have this class two nights a week from 6-8pm. Does anyone know a good math tutor? If not, would you be able to come over to my house and put a pillow over my face, quickly?
Posted by Liz at 10:48 PM Feedback (2)

This is where the magic happens, my desk
I love my desk area. Its very visual and peaceful and compact. I dont have everything spread all over, its all right there nice and handy. Look around and see if you can spot your pic. I have lots of real life and online friends pics where I can see them. I like to see the space where people play online games or write for there blog or photoshop a master piece. Send me a pic of your desk/work area, I would love to see it. Yea, thats weird I know, but its revealing.
View image
Posted by Liz at 03:27 PM Feedback (2)
August 13, 2003

God I Love This Line
"It’s much, much easier to look cool on your blog than it is in real life."~ jarretthousenorth.com
So true, isn't it fellow bloggers? haha!
Posted by Liz at 05:23 PM Feedback (5)
August 12, 2003

A Queer Evening On Television
OK, first I watched Boy meets Boy, then I watched Queer Eye For The Straight Guy. Boy meets Boy was just another Bachelor. On a level from 1 to 10 the corniness was a 10! I could spot the straight man a mile away and so could the gay men. Putting that spin on it ruins it for me. It becomes a "game" and thats so ugly and insincere. Queer Eye, was funny. Especially this guy Carson the fashion guy. He was humorous as he looked around the straight guys trashed apartment, "Want some salsa with your M&M's?"The gay men picking up the spank material (porn) was funny. They laughed there queer ass' off at his "snug fit" condoms! They even redecorated his backyard. I learned a new term folks, its called manscaping. That when a man shaves or waxes body hair. I have always been a staunch advocate of that. I wonder if they'll make over woman? Guess thats not the title of the show, right...rats!
Posted by Liz at 10:47 PM Feedback (0)

Ah-Nuld For Governor?
I'm still not recovered from the Reagan era (and I mean that). Now there is another "actor" running for political office? I don't think I could live through it if he becomes president (hey, it could happen, this is America were talking about). Check out this cartoon on the Ah-Nuld, in the Village Voice. Its almost as funny as this recall/election business.
Posted by Liz at 07:28 PM Feedback (1)
August 11, 2003

Thought For The Day
"What gifts await me if I widen my circle of awareness just a bit."
I guess thats what I'm trying to do with this blog, broaden my circle a bit. I'm finding a new place for self expression. I'm trying to stretch and grow and push myself a little further.
I read other peoples blogs and always the fear is, can I measure up? Should I be more political or academic? Should I reseach and take hours to prepare an entry?Maybe I should have tons of links and personal info? Do I have to be a CEO of a company, or a published author to play in this sandbox? The truth is these are just some of the people who have encouraged me to join in on the fun and I have learned so much from each of them. I will always remember Jane's sage blogger advice to keep writing even before the blog was ready, so when it becomes ready it has content and not just a pretty banner. Here I am, content and not just a pretty banner! Dimi loves to play with the design so heaven knows how many times the banner will change. All I can do is share with you who *I* am, what I love and sometimes what I hate. So far, I'm loving every bit of it. ;)
Posted by Liz at 11:10 PM Feedback (1)

Anne Called Me.....
She was stuck in the tube in London yesterday. No AC anywhere, terrorist’s threats, bomb scares, and lovely vacation isn't it? Come home hunny, to the US of A where we have AC so cold you have to wear a sweater. Where there is yoga and steam rooms and massages. Where we have the common decency to at least announce a terror alert upgrade! Come home where there is nice cool seltzer water, with lemon, waiting for you and a cat named Alex who, told me to tell you... MEOW.
Posted by Liz at 10:26 PM Feedback (2)
August 10, 2003

X Games IX
I went a couple of years ago when the X Games came to Philly. It was free and it was awesome. Guess the "free" days are over. The line was down Broad St. and people stood there, myself including. There was $$$ too be made, now there making it.
Posted by Liz at 03:53 PM Feedback (2)

Its Sunday and I'm Lovin It
Its Sunday. My usual routine is too get coffee, put MTV on, for background noise, and catch up on there annoying programing (the shows I love to hate). Dimi is online and he and I are working on the blog until he takes a break to watch soccor or play a game. Dimi & I have been hanging out online, on the weekends, for years now. haha! I love it!
Posted by Liz at 02:28 PM Feedback (0)
August 09, 2003

I Need Some Devil Horns
I want to order these devil horns and i bet you know in which color too! *wink* Shit, they have glow in the dark ones too! Now I'm really torn. Dammit though, it wouldn't be any fun unless I could wear 'em to work! HEHE
Posted by Liz at 11:56 PM Feedback (0)

Fabric Bags are O' So Purty
Apparently these ladies found the same vintage fabric site I found. I love fabric, especially cool 50's vintage fabric. Check out these bags that were made with some of my most favorite prints! Great for carrying books and such.
Posted by Liz at 11:41 PM Feedback (1)

More cool art, Coop art
When I was in NYC a couple of weeks ago, I ran across a magazine called Paper. I was blown away by the layout in the pages. Coop is the artist, check out this site. The way he draws the female form is amazingly gorgeous, dont you think?
Posted by Liz at 11:33 PM Feedback (3)
August 01, 2003

Ian Christy artist extraordinaire
This weekend, its all about my favorite art on this blog. I just feel like looking at it. The following is the fantastic work of Ian Christy. I love his stuff, and "e" is a sweetheart. I hope one day, he will grant me an interview, so that I may dig around the mind of such a talented person. (I promise not to dig too hard e.)
e tells me that he and other wrists (illustrators & animators) have this thing called a DRAW JAM. Apparently these amazingly talented people get together and well... draw. Damn I wish I lived near them. I would be so into something like that, not that I put myself in there league but I doodled at work today. :) Hell, I can dream can't I?
Posted by Liz at 09:52 PM Feedback (7)

June 2003

2003-06-03T15:12:00.000-07:00

June 21, 2003

Packing for London at the last minute
I'm packing for London and listening to Linkin Park on my laptop. Just talked to Tony (he's in England) and he downloaded Linkin Parks new CD for me. Thanks Tony! Throwing my undies and stuff in a bag. I packed a dress too, but I hope its enough. Oh well, I'll manage, right?I'm so excited to be leaving the country.
I love the following lyrics, they remind me of my reasons for starting this blog......
Somewhere I Belongby: Linkin ParkWhen this began I had nothing to say And I'd get lost in the nothingness inside of me I was confused And I let it all out to find /that I'm Not the only person with these things in mind Inside of me But all the vacancy the words revealed Is the only real thing that I've got left to feel Nothing to lose Just stuck/hollow and alone And the fault is my own And the fault is my own
I want to heal I want to feel What I thought was never real I want to let go of the pain I've held so long [Erase all the pain 'til it's gone] I want to heal I want to feel Like I'm close to something real I want to find something i've wanted all along Somewhere I belong
And I've got nothing to say I can't believe I didn't fall right down on my face I was confused Looking everywhere/only to find that it's Not the way I had imagined it all in my mind So what am I What do I have but negativity 'Cause I can't justify the Way everyone is looking at me Nothing to lose Nothing to gain/hollow and alone And the fault is my own The fault is my own
I will never knowMyself until I do this on my ownAnd I will never feelAnything else until my wounds are healedI will never beAnything 'til I break away from meAnd I will break awayI'll find myself today
I want to healI want to feel like I'mSomewhere i belong
Posted by Liz at 01:58 PM Feedback (1)
June 20, 2003

Boob Icons
This joke and icons were sent to me by my dear sweet talented friend TESS. Thanks for the laugh hunny!!
And God created woman and she had 3 breasts. He then askedthe woman, "Is there anything you'd like to have changed?"
She replied, "Yes, could get rid of this middle breast?"
And so it was done, and it was good.
Then the woman exclaimed as she was holding the third breastin her hand," What can be done with this useless boob?"
And God created man.
Perfect breasts (o)(o)
Silicone breasts ( + )( + )
Perky breasts (*)(*)
Big nipple breasts (@)(@)
A cups o o
D cups { O }{ O }
Wonder bra breasts (oYo)
Cold breasts ( ^ )( ^ )
Lopsided breasts (o)(O)
Pierced Breasts (Q)(O)
Hanging Tassels Breasts (p)(p)
Grandma's Breasts \ o /\ o /
Against The Shower Door Breasts ( )( )
Android Breasts o o
Mamogram Breasts (_)(_)
Martha Stewart's Breasts ($)($)
---------------------------------------------
Posted by Liz at 08:39 PM Feedback (2)
June 18, 2003

God Save the Queen!
The plans are made and we leave for London this Saturday at 9pm.
The Hotel, The Regency Hotel- 100 Queen's GateSW7 5AG Click here for high tea location.
Have I mentioned, I'm named Elizabeth Regina after the Queen
Were staying at this Hotel and we will be attending a Marianne Williamson seminar towards the latter part of the trip. Were only staying for 10 days, but I plan on meeting up with a lot of British online pals! i'm really excited about that. Traveling to europe and meeting face to face with people I have only known via the internet. That will be a very exciting part of the trip for me.
Posted by Liz at 09:29 PM Feedback (6)
June 12, 2003

SOBE it
Yep Anne and I are heading to South Beach for the weekend. I have to go to work tomorrow and then jet too Phila International and zoom, were there dude! Chillin pool side, drink in hand.
Next Saturday were off to London. I can't wait to meet a few online friends there. I want to meet the webmaster of this blog Dimi, but he is in Brussels and I dont know if we will get there. But for now, I'm outta here and ready to relax. *throws sun screen in the bag.*
Posted by Liz at 09:03 PM Feedback (1)
June 08, 2003

Breakfast with Justin Hall
Sometimes in life, really cool things happen and its at that moment you feel anything could be possible.
I got an email from Justin Hall saying that he would be in the area and maybe we would be able to connect. JH was attending Swarthmore college's alumni weekend and we decided Sunday breakfast would be our best chance for meeting, so off to Java Joe's we went. What a thrill it was to have one on one time with Justin and bounce off him, questions, concerns, and future dreams. To get his feedback and just relate with the person who's blog I've been reading for two years. He and Jane are an inspiration to me. I respect and enjoy their work. I have modeled my blog after theirs and I appreciate all the help and encouragement they have given me, more than either of them can know.
Thankyou for taking time out to meet with me Justin, it was a real treat! I look forward too seeing you and Jane in the future. Much health and happiness to you.Warmly, Liz
Posted by Liz at 01:25 PM Feedback (3)
June 07, 2003

Quiz's are fun
I am truly passionate. Find your soul type at kelly.moranweb.com.
Posted by Liz at 09:40 PM Feedback (2)
June 06, 2003

Now thats what I'm talkin 'bout!
Anne and I were on a plane to South Beach when I looked up and spoted an episode of "King of Queens". I nudged Anne and said, "Dont you find that so annoying?""What", she said.I said, "When its Ok for the man to be a beer bellied slug, but the TV wives are toned like there in a gym 7 days a week, and the audience is suposed to believe this?"Anne replied, "so what."
I guess my point is lets be honest about relationships. We woman have to be attractive for our men, but they get to be just one hell of a great guy, minus the frills? Today I saw this Demi Moore(40yrs) and Ashton Kutcher(25yrs) headline and said bravo*! Lets see the truth*. We woman want the fine young hunnys who have it all... the abs, the face, the career, the youthful energy. We derserve it, we damand* it. Some young men like* older woman the same way some younger woman like older men. I have always dated younger guys and dont plan on stopping now. Hell, there fun! Need I say more?
Posted by Liz at 08:57 PM Feedback (2)
June 05, 2003

An inside joke (hehe)
Posted by Liz at 10:47 PM Feedback (4)
June 03, 2003

female troubles
Aren't you worried about Martha? I sure am! hehe
Click here for a picture of the unimaginable
No really, about two years ago I was asked to speak at a woman's prison. I was excited and thought sure, I've spoken to groups before I can do this. I showed up for the talk and was escorted into the cell block. I was told that these ladies were the better behaved prisoners and they had earned the right to hear a speaker from the outside. As they filled the main floor a feeling of terror swept over me. I really didn't expect what met me there. The woman were hardened. Many had taken on a masculine demeanor as a way of survival, no doubt, just as many seemed vulnerable. It was so sad and more depressing than I could have ever imagined. I thought right away, that I could never make it in a womans prison. How will Martha handle it? Well I think we all know the answer to that, she won't. She isn't poor and a minority. Should be interesting to see how this plays out. HA!
Posted by Liz at 08:18 PM Feedback (5)
June 02, 2003

rainy days and mondays always get me down
I look at these pics from South Beach and can feel the warmth on my bones. The weather here in Philly is getting me down. It took 2 days to adjust to the heat of SOBE, and then I hated to come back to this.
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Posted by Liz at 08:07 PM Feedback (0)

April 27, 2003

2003-04-27T20:06:00.000-07:00

April 27, 2003
getting started

Starting this blog has not been easy. I dont know much about the techie stuff and Anne knows even less. I have been reaching out and asking for help from the people whose blogs I respect the most. One person in particular has been to founder of http://www.gamegirladvance.com/ , Jane. This blog Goddess has been incredibably generous with tech help and suggestions. Thanks Jane, your the best.Posted by Liz at April 27, 2003 08:06 PM

April 27, 2003

2003-03-27T15:05:00.000-08:00

April 27, 2003
I'm in Hello Kitty heaven
http://www.sanrio.com/main/happytimes/feature/feature.html

I'm happier than a pig in shit. I cant get enough of Hello Kitty. I know there is a deep disturbing reason, but I dont care to explore it right now. I just wanna cop more Kitty!!! hehePosted by Liz at April 27, 2003 08:10 PM
Feedback:
Posted by: Paula July 6, 2003 08:10 PM
I saw a huge Hello Kitty in the Hello Kitty store today. I wanted it. Funny, when I was a kid and all the Hello Kitty stuff came out, I couldn't have cared less...I was into Transformers and He-Man.
Posted by: anin January 8, 2004 06:08 PM
hi, i love hello kitty!!!!!!!!! i absolutley love her!!!!!!!!!! :)
Posted by: Kaylee April 7, 2004 11:18 AM
I love Hello Kitty too. Where do you find clothes like the ones pictured?I want t-shirts dresses etc.
Thanks kl