10at10 Club

Main Discussion Area => Stream of Consciousness => Topic started by: Gazoo on July 29, 2005, 01:52:51 PM

Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Gazoo on July 29, 2005, 01:52:51 PM
A thread for personal ramblings that have little or nothing to do with music.

Such as this: As some of you know, I'm from a very small town.  Glassport, PA is a town of about 4,000 people; 16 bars and 17 churchs.  Former steeltown with no industry to speak of; its "business district" spans about two blocks.

And now, closer to one block: Some stupid who lives in an upstairs apartment was huffing lighter fluid (yes), spilled some, then lit his crack pipe as he was dozing off.  The ensuing fire burned down a couple buildings and hopelessly damaged several others, including some of the places that hold some of my oldest childhood memories, like the donut shop my late grandma sometimes took me to.

I felt like I'd been punched in the stomach when my brother emailed me the news.  Fucking hey.
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Gazoo on August 03, 2005, 06:24:52 PM
I just finished scrubbing down my ancient refrigerator.  (How ancient?  There's an icebox within the fridge instead of a separate door for frozen goods.)  Now my hands smell like the fridge.  This cannot be a good sign.

Gaz, your friendly neighborhood schmomosexual
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: RGMike on August 03, 2005, 10:49:46 PM
Quote from: "Gazoo"
I just finished scrubbing down my ancient refrigerator.  (How ancient?  There's an icebox within the fridge instead of a separate door for frozen goods.)  Now my hands smell like the fridge.  This cannot be a good sign.

Gaz, your friendly neighborhood schmomosexual


I used to have one of those (an ancient refridge, not a shmomosexual). It was older than me and I finally got rid of it in 1984 (when I was 29).   And my uncle who lived next door (and had lived thru the depression) was incredulous that I had replaced "a perfectly good refrigerator".
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Gazoo on January 14, 2006, 11:45:20 PM
Mark, you're the only other Clubber who knew him as far as I know, but I'm posting to all.

I just got a phone call I did not expect to get.  My best friend, Kenneth Brandon Potter, died last night at the age of 35 from heart failure.

I have never lost anyone this close to me, this important to me, before.

May he rest with the peace that he wished for all of us.

I love you, Brando.
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: RGMike on January 15, 2006, 10:53:17 AM
Quote from: "Gazoo"
Mark, you're the only other Clubber who knew him as far as I know, but I'm posting to all.

I just got a phone call I did not expect to get.  My best friend, Kenneth Brandon Potter, died last night at the age of 35 from heart failure.

I have never lost anyone this close to me, this important to me, before.

May he rest with the peace that he wished for all of us.

I love you, Brando.


Words are inadequate, my friend.  :cry:   Hang in there.
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: princessofcairo on January 15, 2006, 11:41:01 AM
thoughts:

i used to have an ancient shmomosexual who had an ancient refridge.

sorry to hear about your loss, gaz. i watched "the shipping news" twice yesterday, and should have more supportive words to say, but can't think of any at the moment. time, time...

does it mean i'm terribly gay if i immediately started singing the title of this new thread?
Title: Shipping News
Post by: ggould on January 15, 2006, 11:50:38 AM
Quote from: "princessofcairo"
i watched "the shipping news" twice yesterday

I watched that movie because of my Due South fixation.  Gordon Pinsent, who plays the mountie's dead father, is the crusty old newspaper guy who tries to help the Spacey character. He was the only actor who actually is from Newfoundland, and taught everyone else how to talk Newfie.
Title: Re: Shipping News
Post by: RGMike on January 15, 2006, 12:19:22 PM
Quote from: "ggould"
Quote from: "princessofcairo"
i watched "the shipping news" twice yesterday

I watched that movie because of my Due South fixation.  Gordon Pinsent, who plays the mountie's dead father, is the crusty old newspaper guy who tries to help the Spacey character. He was the only actor who actually is from Newfoundland, and taught everyone else how to talk Newfie.


The only thing that could've made that movie worse is if they had gone with the original casting choice -- John Travolta instead of Spacey (!?!).
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: urth on January 15, 2006, 09:34:21 PM
Quote from: "Gazoo"
Mark, you're the only other Clubber who knew him as far as I know, but I'm posting to all.

I just got a phone call I did not expect to get.  My best friend, Kenneth Brandon Potter, died last night at the age of 35 from heart failure.

I have never lost anyone this close to me, this important to me, before.

May he rest with the peace that he wished for all of us.

I love you, Brando.


Joe, I am SO sorry to hear of your friend's passing. I wish there were something I could say or do to help in this situation, but all I can think is to be grateful you had him in your life for as long as you did, and to always carry his memory with you. Which may sound cliche, but that's the best I can offer at this point.
peace to you and to his family,
Jim
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Alicat on January 15, 2006, 10:40:15 PM
Sorry for your loss. Words never offer enough consolation.
Title: losing your best friend
Post by: ggould on January 15, 2006, 11:08:13 PM
Quote from: "Gazoo"
I just got a phone call I did not expect to get.  My best friend, Kenneth Brandon Potter, died last night at the age of 35 from heart failure.

I have never lost anyone this close to me, this important to me, before.

May he rest with the peace that he wished for all of us.

I love you, Brando.

I lost my friend David, who was my best friend, best man, co-worker, roommate, and guitar player, to cancer back in the late 80's.  Things are never the same.  Take it easy Gaz.

Peace
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: mshray on January 17, 2006, 02:44:52 PM
Quote from: "Gazoo"
Mark, you're the only other Clubber who knew him as far as I know, but I'm posting to all.

I just got a phone call I did not expect to get.  My best friend, Kenneth Brandon Potter, died last night at the age of 35 from heart failure.

I have never lost anyone this close to me, this important to me, before.

May he rest with the peace that he wished for all of us.

I love you, Brando.


Damn, I just saw this.  Yesterday was my first day back at my desk after 10 days away & I didn't try to catch up on old posts until now.

Damn, damn, damn.

For those of you who remember Gaz' adventure at the EMP Pop Conference in Seattle last spring, Brandon was the other buddy of Gaz who contrived to be there.  We shared a couple of meals & sat in the audience together for Gaz' panel performance.  Furthermore if it weren't for Brandon we all might never have met Gaz, as it was Brandon who not only convinced him to move to SF, but also offered to put him up indefinitely until he got himself situated.

Supremely nice guy, very generous, everybody should have at least one friend like Brandon.  Although I only ever saw him when we were both in Gaz' company, I have often thought he was someone with whom I should have tried to develop a friendship on its own merits.  I now feel like I squandered that opportunity.

Quadruple damn.
Title: My 22 minutes of er, notoriety?
Post by: urth on January 18, 2006, 05:55:44 PM
I've been meaning to finally let you guys in on this for a few days, but have been kinda spacy (so what else is new?).

But if you have cable, and you're not doing anything this Friday evening at about 8:30, you might want to tune in HGTV:

http://www.hgtv.com/hgtv/shows_hdmix/episode/0,2496,HGTV_20036_39484,00.html

(It also repeats a few other times during the week, which are listed at the link above.)

ETA: Btw, I realize this thread is generally about more serious stuff, but I don;t think we have a generic television thread, do we?
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Gazoo on January 18, 2006, 06:22:06 PM
That looks very cool.  I hope someone can tape it!

Didn't mean, btw, for this to be a negative-themed thread.  Just any personal here's-what's-happening-with-me-now bloggeroni.

And that said, I'm grateful to all of you for your kind words about my dear Brando.  His brother Chris and I have been in regular touch, and I'm slowly coming along in my recovery process.  Since he was one of my closest confidantes with regards to all matters spiritual, his loss affects me that much more.  But I'll try to get back to being myself soon.

Gaz
Title: Re: My 22 minutes of er, notoriety?
Post by: RGMike on January 18, 2006, 09:47:44 PM
Quote from: "urth"
I've been meaning to finally let you guys in on this for a few days, but have been kinda spacy (so what else is new?).

But if you have cable, and you're not doing anything this Friday evening at about 8:30, you might want to tune in HGTV:


That's great! I'll try to catch one of the replays.  BTW, that's channel 67 for those with Comcast.
Title: Re: My 22 minutes of er, notoriety?
Post by: Gazoo on January 20, 2006, 08:34:05 PM
Quote from: "RGMike"
Quote from: "urth"
I've been meaning to finally let you guys in on this for a few days, but have been kinda spacy (so what else is new?).

But if you have cable, and you're not doing anything this Friday evening at about 8:30, you might want to tune in HGTV:


That's great! I'll try to catch one of the replays.  BTW, that's channel 67 for those with Comcast.

So do I get a play-by-play?  Or just the post-show recap?
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Alicat on January 21, 2006, 07:31:35 PM
Wow, what fun. Had a big smile on my face the whole time while watching.

Images at http://www.hgtv.com/hgtv/dc_design_office_workspace/article/0,1793,HGTV_3378_4394425,00.html

Sarah looks/sounds like a lot of fun.
Are you both pleased with all the crew did? Any regrets? Worried the plastic trash can/bulb cover might melt? I can hardly believe it was all done so inexpensively. How long did it take?
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Gazoo on January 21, 2006, 10:49:32 PM
Quote from: "Alicat"
Wow, what fun. Had a big smile on my face the whole time while watching.

Images at http://www.hgtv.com/hgtv/dc_design_office_workspace/article/0,1793,HGTV_3378_4394425,00.html

Sarah looks/sounds like a lot of fun.
Are you both pleased with all the crew did? Any regrets? Worried the plastic trash can/bulb cover might melt? I can hardly believe it was all done so inexpensively. How long did it take?


Oh, what lovely work!  My congrats.  (Though I would have recommended taking the Beatles figurines out of the boxes -- as a fellow owner of them, I insist that it's more fun to play with them than to collect them.  :P  )
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: urth on January 22, 2006, 06:28:34 PM
Quote from: "Alicat"
Wow, what fun. Had a big smile on my face the whole time while watching.

Images at http://www.hgtv.com/hgtv/dc_design_office_workspace/article/0,1793,HGTV_3378_4394425,00.html

Sarah looks/sounds like a lot of fun.
Are you both pleased with all the crew did? Any regrets? Worried the plastic trash can/bulb cover might melt? I can hardly believe it was all done so inexpensively. How long did it take?


Ali, thanks for the link to those pics--I hadn't seen that page before.

Overall, yes, we're pleased with the way things turned out. However, being as the entire makeover took only two days, you can imagine that some things were done in a hurry-up fashion so they'd look good on TV, but weren't quite so fastidious in real life. We had to touch up the paint a bit, both on the walls and on the flat files (hell, the walls weren't even totally dry yet when they started hanging posters, so we had to unstick a couple of them from the wall and repaint where they'd stuck.) And sad to say, I don't have as much CD storage space as we did before. Only A thru part of W fit on the shelves, so the rest of W thru Various Artists are still in boxes in the garage. We're planning to add another row of shelves below the existing ones one day soon (I swear we are!). And still need to put some shelves in the closet for the vinyl.

As for the light shade, I'm not so concerned with it melting as with the fact that it just doesn't shed a whole lot of light. So that's something else that we're thinking of swapping out for something a little less lo-budget.

One thing they didn't show was that a lot of the actual work painting, scraping, sewing, was not done by us or the cast member, but 3 or 4 production assistants who were there to provide manpower and help get it all done in time.

But overall we like the room--it's much less cluttered and easier to work in. No real regrets--the whole process was a lot of fun, the crew were really nice people and I'd recommend the experience to anyone with a lot of junk and a room that needs to be remade.

And in response to Gaz's comment about the Beatles figurines, would you believe we actually do have another set of them, several of which have been opened and played with? (The out-of-package Yellow Submarine is shown in one of the scenes of the show, sitting on a shelf with some of our knick-knacks elsewhere in the house.)
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: princessofcairo on January 23, 2006, 02:32:06 PM
gazoo - i love your avatar!!! you know i once kissed frenchie in her dorm room?
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: RGMike on January 23, 2006, 02:52:09 PM
Quote from: "princessofcairo"
gazoo - i love your avatar!!! you know i once kissed frenchie in her dorm room?


is that a euphemism or were you actually in her dorm room?
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: princessofcairo on January 23, 2006, 03:13:15 PM
Quote from: "RGMike"
Quote from: "princessofcairo"
gazoo - i love your avatar!!! you know i once kissed frenchie in her dorm room?


is that a euphemism or were you actually in her dorm room?


not a euphemism.
Title: Good news and bad news
Post by: Gazoo on February 02, 2006, 03:58:37 PM
First, the bad news: New Times's acquisition of ther Village Voice has more or less killed my career there.  They don't believe in spending much time on copy editing, proofreading, and fact checking, and so they've slashed staff.  Not only am I not being offered a full-time gig, I'm losing all of my shifts there except for the occasional Friday night or Saturday afternoon.  I am more furious about this than I choose to express here.

Now: the good news: The EMP has accepted my proposal on "Ten Reasons the Monkees Should Be in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame," and so I will be doing a repeat role as presenter at this year's Pop Conference in Seattle.  Very flattering.

And the other news: I will be in SF from Tuesday the 21st through Tuesday the 28th.  My friend Brandon's wake is on the afternoon of Saturday the 25th, and I decided that the only way I could draw some good from being there would be to spend some actual time in my City, the city that he drew me to.  It would be lovely to see you all while I'm in town.

Gaz
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Alicat on February 02, 2006, 08:36:24 PM
Wow. Sorry about the job. One door closes and another shall open. Congrats on the Monkees.
I'll probably miss seeing you in SF. I'll be in Tahoe from the 18th-24th.
Title: Re: Good news and bad news
Post by: urth on February 02, 2006, 09:18:04 PM
Quote from: "Gazoo"
First, the bad news: New Times's acquisition of ther Village Voice has more or less killed my career there.  They don't believe in spending much time on copy editing, proofreading, and fact checking, and so they've slashed staff.  Not only am I not being offered a full-time gig, I'm losing all of my shifts there except for the occasional Friday night or Saturday afternoon.  I am more furious about this than I choose to express here.

Now: the good news: The EMP has accepted my proposal on "Ten Reasons the Monkees Should Be in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame," and so I will be doing a repeat role as presenter at this year's Pop Conference in Seattle.  Very flattering.

And the other news: I will be in SF from Tuesday the 21st through Tuesday the 28th.  My friend Brandon's wake is on the afternoon of Saturday the 25th, and I decided that the only way I could draw some good from being there would be to spend some actual time in my City, the city that he drew me to.  It would be lovely to see you all while I'm in town.

Gaz


Joe, sorry to hear about the job sitch--I will check with some of the CNET folks in NY to see if there's anything else opening up back there.

But, I'm way psyched to hear you're coming out west for a week, albeit for a rather bittersweet cause. We should def. try to hook up for a club gathering and perhaps to see some music. There are a couple of good shows while you're here so maybe we can connect for one of those as well. Keep us apprised of your availability and hopefully we can all get together.
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: RGMike on February 02, 2006, 09:53:44 PM
I second the condolences above -- and also the suggestion for a Club gathering.  I'm assuming you have a place/places to stay?  A week is a wonderful thing. I'll take off either that Fri or Mon if you'd like to do one of those day trips you talked about a while back (Village Music in Mill Valley was one of 'em). Aside from the Saturday memorial, are any of the days spoken for?  A week in SF will be a wonderful thing.
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Gazoo on February 03, 2006, 06:35:41 AM
Quote from: "RGMike"
I second the condolences above -- and also the suggestion for a Club gathering.  I'm assuming you have a place/places to stay?  A week is a wonderful thing. I'll take off either that Fri or Mon if you'd like to do one of those day trips you talked about a while back (Village Music in Mill Valley was one of 'em). Aside from the Saturday memorial, are any of the days spoken for?  A week in SF will be a wonderful thing.


I haven't made arrangements other than the flight yet; during the weekend I'm splitting a hotel room with my friend Victor (another college friend who was close to Brandon) but the rest of the time is couch surfing TBD.  None of my time is spoken for other than Saturday so I'm all ears for suggestions and invitations for day trips, music shows, and such.  Indeed, I don't intend to spend the entire week in abject mourning.

Thanks for your notes, gang.  I'll say more as we approach the date.

Gaz
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Gazoo on February 10, 2006, 10:18:19 PM
So as my visit's in less than two weeks, I wanted to check in and see if there's a night when we can all get together for a drink, maybe a bite to eat, maybe a show.  Urth noted that Supergrass plays the GAMH on Thursday 2/23 and Robyn Hitchcock is joined by the Minus 5 at Slim's on Monday the 2/27.  I'll be occupied from Friday noonish through Sunday night (my other best friend, Victor, was close to Brandon as well and will be flying in for the weekend) so anything would have to be a weeknight.  Let's tawk.
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: RGMike on February 10, 2006, 10:25:56 PM
Quote from: "Gazoo"
So as my visit's in less than two weeks, I wanted to check in and see if there's a night when we can all get together for a drink, maybe a bite to eat, maybe a show.  Urth noted that Supergrass plays the GAMH on Thursday 2/23 and Robyn Hitchcock is joined by the Minus 5 at Slim's on Monday the 2/27.  I'll be occupied from Friday noonish through Sunday night (my other best friend, Victor, was close to Brandon as well and will be flying in for the weekend) so anything would have to be a weeknight.  Let's tawk.


given the above, I'd suggest an after-work margaritas-at-Chevy's (or wherever) thang; a music listening/swapping gathering at somebody's home would end up being a long evening, if experience is any teacher. And most of us can't do that on a "school nite".  maybe Wednesday?
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: urth on February 12, 2006, 02:03:34 PM
Quote from: "RGMike"
Quote from: "Gazoo"
So as my visit's in less than two weeks, I wanted to check in and see if there's a night when we can all get together for a drink, maybe a bite to eat, maybe a show.  Urth noted that Supergrass plays the GAMH on Thursday 2/23 and Robyn Hitchcock is joined by the Minus 5 at Slim's on Monday the 2/27.  I'll be occupied from Friday noonish through Sunday night (my other best friend, Victor, was close to Brandon as well and will be flying in for the weekend) so anything would have to be a weeknight.  Let's tawk.


given the above, I'd suggest an after-work margaritas-at-Chevy's (or wherever) thang; a music listening/swapping gathering at somebody's home would end up being a long evening, if experience is any teacher. And most of us can't do that on a "school nite".  maybe Wednesday?


Yeah, Wednesday is probably the only night I could do it given the above as well. It should probably be someplace that's BART- and/or parking-accessible for the East bay/peninsula contingent. Chevy's is fine (Embarcadero Ctr. or 3rd & Howard), or any place we can get food with our bevvies. (I get cranky if I don't get fed--it's a blood-sugar thing.)
Title: meeting?
Post by: ggould on February 12, 2006, 03:47:40 PM
Quote from: "urth"
Quote from: "RGMike"
Quote from: "Gazoo"
So as my visit's in less than two weeks, I wanted to check in and see if there's a night when we can all get together for a drink, maybe a bite to eat, maybe a show.  Urth noted that Supergrass plays the GAMH on Thursday 2/23 and Robyn Hitchcock is joined by the Minus 5 at Slim's on Monday the 2/27.  I'll be occupied from Friday noonish through Sunday night (my other best friend, Victor, was close to Brandon as well and will be flying in for the weekend) so anything would have to be a weeknight.  Let's tawk.
given the above, I'd suggest an after-work margaritas-at-Chevy's (or wherever) thang; a music listening/swapping gathering at somebody's home would end up being a long evening, if experience is any teacher. And most of us can't do that on a "school nite".  maybe Wednesday?
Yeah, Wednesday is probably the only night I could do it given the above as well. It should probably be someplace that's BART- and/or parking-accessible for the East bay/peninsula contingent. Chevy's is fine (Embarcadero Ctr. or 3rd & Howard), or any place we can get food with our bevvies. (I get cranky if I don't get fed--it's a blood-sugar thing.)
I have a class at SFSU, so I couldn't get there on Wed before 7:30 PM.
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: princessofcairo on February 14, 2006, 12:15:08 PM
i'm asleep at the wheel:
i'll be performing with my band at the argus lounge on sat. 25 feb...

25.Feb.06
The Argus - http://www.arguslounge.com/
3187 Mission @ Valencia
San Francisco, CA
7:00pm
$5
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: princessofcairo on March 23, 2006, 07:32:40 AM
i walked out of my house last night around 7:15pm, and turned the corner onto valencia. i had an early birthday present in my pocket, and if i had been ready, i might have been able to take this shot with it:

(http://www.ameliaray.net/images/peebles.jpg)

only i wasn't prepared. and mario was on the phone. so i just said, "hello," and melvin replied, "hello." and that was that.
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: RGMike on March 23, 2006, 07:41:51 AM
Quote from: "princessofcairo"
i walked out of my house last night around 7:15pm, and turned the corner onto valencia. i had an early birthday present in my pocket, and if i had been ready, i might have been able to take this shot with it:

(http://www.ameliaray.net/images/peebles.jpg)

only i wasn't prepared. and mario was on the phone. so i just said, "hello," and melvin replied, "hello." and that was that.


Poor Mario - if only they'd've greenlighted that Marvin Gaye biopic a decade sooner, he'd'a been a shoo-in.  And if I'd walked home from the gym on Valencia as I usually do, rather than taking the bus up Mission to the Lumiere, I woulda seen them too!
Title: New gig
Post by: Gazoo on March 29, 2006, 02:51:24 PM
So gang, I'm about to lose my Saturdays for the near-term future.  I just got a part-time job with Time magazine, re-formatting and re-texting their U.S. stories for their international editions: changing measurements to metric, spelling out unfamiliar abbreviations, fixing idioms and other language particulars that may not be relevant or operative in Asia or Australia.  It's one day a week, Saturday from 9am to 2am (not a typo, it's a 17-hour shift).  And if it goes well, it may open other editing and even writing opportunities with the Time Warner family.  Very promising.

Meantime, I've at long last compiled my "Songs for Underdogs" collection.  Had to lose a few desired tracks to fit on one CD; maybe I'll do a Vol. 2 someday.  If anyone wants a copy, let me know.  Here's the track listing:

1. Intro: Donny Hathaway, “Maude”
2. Sly & the Family Stone, “Underdog”
3. Elton John, “Bitter Fingers”
4. Bocephus King, “Wreck of the Century”
5. Aimee Mann, “Goodbye Caroline”
6. Stereophonics, “Handbags & Gladrags”
7. Dandy Warhols, “You Were the Last High”
8. Blur, “This Is a Low”
9. Todd Rundgren, “Just One Victory”
10. Ted Leo & the Pharmacists, “Where Have All the Rude Boys Gone?”
11. Gram Parsons, “A Song for You”
12. Waterboys, “Fisherman’s Blues”
13. Gerry Rafferty, “Right Down the Line”
14. Jason Mraz, “Plane”
15. Cat Stevens, “Sitting”
16. Steve Winwood, “While You See a Chance”
17. Jefferson Starship, “There Will Be Love.”
Title: Re: New gig
Post by: RGMike on March 29, 2006, 03:11:00 PM
Quote from: "Gazoo"
Meantime, I've at long last compiled my "Songs for Underdogs" collection.  Had to lose a few desired tracks to fit on one CD; maybe I'll do a Vol. 2 someday.  If anyone wants a copy, let me know.  Here's the track listing:

1. Intro: Donny Hathaway, “Maude”
2. Sly & the Family Stone, “Underdog”
3. Elton John, “Bitter Fingers”
4. Bocephus King, “Wreck of the Century”
5. Aimee Mann, “Goodbye Caroline”
6. Stereophonics, “Handbags & Gladrags”
7. Dandy Warhols, “You Were the Last High”
8. Blur, “This Is a Low”
9. Todd Rundgren, “Just One Victory”
10. Ted Leo & the Pharmacists, “Where Have All the Rude Boys Gone?”
11. Gram Parsons, “A Song for You”
12. Waterboys, “Fisherman’s Blues”
13. Gerry Rafferty, “Right Down the Line”
14. Jason Mraz, “Plane”
15. Cat Stevens, “Sitting”
16. Steve Winwood, “While You See a Chance”
17. Jefferson Starship, “There Will Be Love.”


what about the theme from Underdog? "There's no need to fear..."

Congrats on the Time gig. An ex of mine worked on their website some ten years ago.
Title: Re: New gig
Post by: urth on March 29, 2006, 03:34:07 PM
Quote from: "Gazoo"
So gang, I'm about to lose my Saturdays for the near-term future.  I just got a part-time job with Time magazine, re-formatting and re-texting their U.S. stories for their international editions: changing measurements to metric, spelling out unfamiliar abbreviations, fixing idioms and other language particulars that may not be relevant or operative in Asia or Australia.  It's one day a week, Saturday from 9am to 2am (not a typo, it's a 17-hour shift).  And if it goes well, it may open other editing and even writing opportunities with the Time Warner family.  Very promising.

Meantime, I've at long last compiled my "Songs for Underdogs" collection.  Had to lose a few desired tracks to fit on one CD; maybe I'll do a Vol. 2 someday.  If anyone wants a copy, let me know.  Here's the track listing:

1. Intro: Donny Hathaway, “Maude”
2. Sly & the Family Stone, “Underdog”
3. Elton John, “Bitter Fingers”
4. Bocephus King, “Wreck of the Century”
5. Aimee Mann, “Goodbye Caroline”
6. Stereophonics, “Handbags & Gladrags”
7. Dandy Warhols, “You Were the Last High”
8. Blur, “This Is a Low”
9. Todd Rundgren, “Just One Victory”
10. Ted Leo & the Pharmacists, “Where Have All the Rude Boys Gone?”
11. Gram Parsons, “A Song for You”
12. Waterboys, “Fisherman’s Blues”
13. Gerry Rafferty, “Right Down the Line”
14. Jason Mraz, “Plane”
15. Cat Stevens, “Sitting”
16. Steve Winwood, “While You See a Chance”
17. Jefferson Starship, “There Will Be Love.”


Congrats on getting an in at Time. Hope that shift is fairly lucrative and that you don't have to work it for too long--those hours sound just brutal. I've worked some 12-hour days before, and I can't imagine getting to that point and knowing you've still got five hours to go. On the other hand, you'll work a big chunk of the average workweek in one day, and then have six more days to work other gigs, write, or whatever. So there's a positive side there too.

And the comp sounds really cool--I'd love a copy.
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: mshray on June 08, 2006, 03:04:55 PM
Hey gang,

At about 4:00 pm today please aim all your positive vibes down towards Santa Clara.  I will be interviewing for a job at Cisco that sounds both exciting and it would be a big step forward.  I have been recommended by a mutual friend to the hiring manager, and there is another acquaintance of mine already on the team, so the stars are lined up about as favorably as I could hope for.  But I still have to go in and make it happen.
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: urth on June 08, 2006, 03:08:22 PM
Quote from: "mshray"
Hey gang,

At about 4:00 pm today please aim all your positive vibes down towards Santa Clara.  I will be interviewing for a job at Cisco that sounds both exciting and it would be a big step forward.  I have been recommended by a mutual friend to the hiring manager, and there is another acquaintance of mine already on the team, so the stars are lined up about as favorably as I could hope for.  But I still have to go in and make it happen.


Consider vibes aimed. Go knock 'em dead, bro.

May be needing similar vibes at some point in the as-yet-undetermined future. Time is coming to start shopping my resume around--things are turning south at the internet farm. Sucks, but that's working at a big company for you.
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: mshray on June 08, 2006, 03:19:09 PM
Quote from: "urth"
Quote from: "mshray"
Hey gang,

At about 4:00 pm today please aim all your positive vibes down towards Santa Clara.  I will be interviewing for a job at Cisco that sounds both exciting and it would be a big step forward.  I have been recommended by a mutual friend to the hiring manager, and there is another acquaintance of mine already on the team, so the stars are lined up about as favorably as I could hope for.  But I still have to go in and make it happen.


Consider vibes aimed. Go knock 'em dead, bro.

May be needing similar vibes at some point in the as-yet-undetermined future. Time is coming to start shopping my resume around--things are turning south at the internet farm. Sucks, but that's working at a big company for you.


Thanks!

I have enlisted an executive search firm to help me (& met with them at 11:00 for some interview coaching) & I have learned A LOT of useful & helpful stuff that I can share.
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Gazoo on June 08, 2006, 05:45:26 PM
Quote from: "mshray"
Hey gang,

At about 4:00 pm today please aim all your positive vibes down towards Santa Clara.  I will be interviewing for a job at Cisco that sounds both exciting and it would be a big step forward.  I have been recommended by a mutual friend to the hiring manager, and there is another acquaintance of mine already on the team, so the stars are lined up about as favorably as I could hope for.  But I still have to go in and make it happen.


Bon chance! Do yo' dance!  (Both o' youz.)
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: princessofcairo on June 08, 2006, 06:07:51 PM
Quote from: "mshray"
Hey gang,

At about 4:00 pm today please aim all your positive vibes down towards Santa Clara.  I will be interviewing for a job at Cisco that sounds both exciting and it would be a big step forward.  I have been recommended by a mutual friend to the hiring manager, and there is another acquaintance of mine already on the team, so the stars are lined up about as favorably as I could hope for.  But I still have to go in and make it happen.


send me names, if you have them. i still have a lot of cisco contacts, and may be able to help....
Title: Re: New gig
Post by: princessofcairo on June 08, 2006, 06:12:28 PM
Quote from: "Gazoo"
So gang, I'm about to lose my Saturdays for the near-term future.  I just got a part-time job with Time magazine, re-formatting and re-texting their U.S. stories for their international editions: changing measurements to metric, spelling out unfamiliar abbreviations, fixing idioms and other language particulars that may not be relevant or operative in Asia or Australia.  It's one day a week, Saturday from 9am to 2am (not a typo, it's a 17-hour shift).  And if it goes well, it may open other editing and even writing opportunities with the Time Warner family.  Very promising.

Meantime, I've at long last compiled my "Songs for Underdogs" collection.  Had to lose a few desired tracks to fit on one CD; maybe I'll do a Vol. 2 someday.  If anyone wants a copy, let me know.  Here's the track listing:

1. Intro: Donny Hathaway, “Maude”
2. Sly & the Family Stone, “Underdog”
3. Elton John, “Bitter Fingers”
4. Bocephus King, “Wreck of the Century”
5. Aimee Mann, “Goodbye Caroline”
6. Stereophonics, “Handbags & Gladrags”
7. Dandy Warhols, “You Were the Last High”
8. Blur, “This Is a Low”
9. Todd Rundgren, “Just One Victory”
10. Ted Leo & the Pharmacists, “Where Have All the Rude Boys Gone?”
11. Gram Parsons, “A Song for You”
12. Waterboys, “Fisherman’s Blues”
13. Gerry Rafferty, “Right Down the Line”
14. Jason Mraz, “Plane”
15. Cat Stevens, “Sitting”
16. Steve Winwood, “While You See a Chance”
17. Jefferson Starship, “There Will Be Love.”


is it too late to sign up for this copy? email me, and i'll send you my latest snail mail addy. lady godiva was a jetsetter if you really looked in her cookbook. speaking of jetsetting... (http://lavartebar.com/)
Title: Re: New gig
Post by: Gazoo on June 08, 2006, 06:59:06 PM
Quote from: "princessofcairo"
Quote from: "Gazoo"
So gang, I'm about to lose my Saturdays for the near-term future.  I just got a part-time job with Time magazine, re-formatting and re-texting their U.S. stories for their international editions: changing measurements to metric, spelling out unfamiliar abbreviations, fixing idioms and other language particulars that may not be relevant or operative in Asia or Australia.  It's one day a week, Saturday from 9am to 2am (not a typo, it's a 17-hour shift).  And if it goes well, it may open other editing and even writing opportunities with the Time Warner family.  Very promising.

Meantime, I've at long last compiled my "Songs for Underdogs" collection.  Had to lose a few desired tracks to fit on one CD; maybe I'll do a Vol. 2 someday.  If anyone wants a copy, let me know.  Here's the track listing:

1. Intro: Donny Hathaway, “Maude”
2. Sly & the Family Stone, “Underdog”
3. Elton John, “Bitter Fingers”
4. Bocephus King, “Wreck of the Century”
5. Aimee Mann, “Goodbye Caroline”
6. Stereophonics, “Handbags & Gladrags”
7. Dandy Warhols, “You Were the Last High”
8. Blur, “This Is a Low”
9. Todd Rundgren, “Just One Victory”
10. Ted Leo & the Pharmacists, “Where Have All the Rude Boys Gone?”
11. Gram Parsons, “A Song for You”
12. Waterboys, “Fisherman’s Blues”
13. Gerry Rafferty, “Right Down the Line”
14. Jason Mraz, “Plane”
15. Cat Stevens, “Sitting”
16. Steve Winwood, “While You See a Chance”
17. Jefferson Starship, “There Will Be Love.”


is it too late to sign up for this copy? email me, and i'll send you my latest snail mail addy. lady godiva was a jetsetter if you really looked in her cookbook. speaking of jetsetting... (http://lavartebar.com/)


You got it!  The Lavarte gig looks right on!!  *applause*
Title: Re: New gig
Post by: RGMike on June 08, 2006, 09:10:12 PM
Quote from: "princessofcairo"
lady godiva was a jetsetter if you really looked in her cookbook.


Lady Godiva was a freedom rider. But Joan of Arc -- there was a sister who really cooked!

And then there's Maude.
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: mshray on June 09, 2006, 08:42:09 AM
Quote from: "mshray"
Hey gang,

At about 4:00 pm today please aim all your positive vibes down towards Santa Clara.  I will be interviewing for a job at Cisco that sounds both exciting and it would be a big step forward.  I have been recommended by a mutual friend to the hiring manager, and there is another acquaintance of mine already on the team, so the stars are lined up about as favorably as I could hope for.  But I still have to go in and make it happen.


Seems like it went well enough, in any case I'm on to the next round of interviews.  I'll keep y'all posted.  I was forced against my will to field the "what salary are you looking for question" although I managed to maneuver out of the "what are you making now question".  Once we managed to get through that part of the conversation it became clear that if I get this it will be at minimum a 50% increase in my current salary, maybe up to 2/3, and a gigantic step up in my benefits package.
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: RGMike on June 09, 2006, 08:45:19 AM
Quote from: "mshray"
I was forced against my will to field the "what salary are you looking for question" although I managed to maneuver out of the "what are you making now question".  Once we managed to get through that part of the conversation it became clear that if I get this it will be at minimum a 50% increase in my current salary, maybe up to 2/3, and a gigantic step up in my benefits package.


WOW.

Good luck, buddy!  We're pullin' for ya!
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Gazoo on June 09, 2006, 02:20:43 PM
Amelia, do you want to be a backing musician for Beyonce Knowles?

http://www.cnn.com/2006/SHOWBIZ/Music/06/09/people.beyonce.ap/index.html
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: RGMike on June 09, 2006, 02:32:53 PM
Quote from: "Gazoo"
Amelia, do you want to be a backing musician for Beyonce Knowles?

http://www.cnn.com/2006/SHOWBIZ/Music/06/09/people.beyonce.ap/index.html


This is just to keep Jay-Z from hitting on anybody in the band :wink:
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: princessofcairo on June 14, 2006, 10:31:37 AM
Quote from: "Gazoo"
Amelia, do you want to be a backing musician for Beyonce Knowles?

http://www.cnn.com/2006/SHOWBIZ/Music/06/09/people.beyonce.ap/index.html


gosh - i missed out on that one!
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: mshray on June 21, 2006, 04:41:12 PM
My dear friends,

This is going to be a pretty depressing post, so I apologize for the downer in advance & feel free to go back to reading something else if you're not in the mood.  But this is honestly the only place I can express myself at the moment.

I won't be around tomorrow because I'll be taking my wife Christina to the hospital for a minor surgery called a cone biopsy (see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cervical_conization if you need more detail).  I say minor because it only takes an hour or so & she should be home by evening.  But this is the first step in treating the cervical cancer we found out about 3 1/2 weeks ago.  Best case scenario - this is very early stage and this procedure will remove all the existing cancerous cells.  Then she'll need a hysterectomy sooner rather than later, but basically at her discretion.  Medium bad case scenario - after the results of the cone biopsy are known in another 2 weeks an immediate hysterectomy will be called for, but that will remove all the existing cancerous cells as well as all the tissue prone to become cancerous.  Obviously the worst case scenario is cancer with a capital C.  So far that also seems the least likely scneario.

Cervical cancer has one of the highest survivability rates, largely because, as my brother Joel the ER doctor puts it, "A uterus is only good for two things:  having babies and having cancer."  So if you are done with the former (and we were never in doubt about that) then you don't need to run the risk of the latter.  Which is why the 2 most common surgeries in the US are C-sections and then hysterectomies.  So we're cautiously optimistic about Christina's prognosis.

At the risk of making this even more maudlin, though, I'm really having a tough time.  Ours has not been the easiest relationship to maintain, and in the past few months I have been becoming increasingly pessimistic about the chances for our marriage.  Now I am doing everything in my power to fulfill all my duties as a husband and a father & of course to pick up as much extra slack as I can while Christina's dealing with this.  But at the same time Christina is quite understandably not on her best behavior even as she directly and indirectly demands more of me.  So from an emotional standpoint I'm running on fumes most of the time, and what little energy I have left is devoted to the job search (of which there is still no news other than I shouldn't expect to hear anything until next week & maybe there is another round of interviews yet to come).  I keep thinking that the way everything else is going I really deserve to get this piece of good news, but who knows?

Gah!  I really hate feeling depressed, but if you got this far thanks for listening.

--mark
Title: healing thoughts
Post by: ggould on June 21, 2006, 04:59:01 PM
Quote from: "mshray"
Gah!  I really hate feeling depressed, but if you got this far thanks for listening.

beams in your direction sir!
Title: Re: healing thoughts
Post by: mshray on June 21, 2006, 08:20:34 PM
Quote from: "ggould"
Quote from: "mshray"
Gah!  I really hate feeling depressed, but if you got this far thanks for listening.

beams in your direction sir!


Thanks Geoff!
Title: Re: healing thoughts
Post by: RGMike on June 21, 2006, 08:36:25 PM
Quote from: "ggould"
Quote from: "mshray"
Gah!  I really hate feeling depressed, but if you got this far thanks for listening.

beams in your direction sir!


Oh, man, Mark.  I'm very bad at this stuff, but please know that we are thinking of you and sending good thoughts your way.
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: mshray on June 21, 2006, 11:21:00 PM
Thanks Mike!
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: urth on June 21, 2006, 11:59:25 PM
Quote from: "mshray"
Gah!  I really hate feeling depressed, but if you got this far thanks for listening.

--mark


Oh man, that is one heavy burden you got right now. Thanks for feeling comfortable enough to share it with us. Know that  positive energy is flowing at max capacity straight back atcha, from all of us--I'll be hoping for the best possible results in all of these struggles. You're a good, strong person and I know you'll be able to resolve it all for the best.
peace,
Jim
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Gazoo on June 22, 2006, 08:19:39 AM
Quote from: "mshray"
Gah!  I really hate feeling depressed, but if you got this far thanks for listening.


Thoughts are with you from this coast as well, bud.  If I had a cancer-free uterus I'd offer it up to Christina for a transplant.  Please give her my best wishes; I'll be sending her a get-well card soon.

And dude, an emotional get-well to you as well.  I'm hoping that when the job search resolves you'll be able to decompress a bit and have more energy to deal with the rest.  Take care of yourself.

Gaz
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: mshray on June 22, 2006, 08:44:43 AM
Thanks guys.  I really appreciate that I have this outlet & that our little community here is so understanding & supportive.

Pax.
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Lightnin' Rod on June 22, 2006, 09:25:25 AM
Quote from: "mshray"
Thanks guys.  I really appreciate that I have this outlet & that our little community here is so understanding & supportive.

Pax.


Mark, just want to add my best wishes.  Keep your head up.
Title: couldn't resist...
Post by: ggould on June 22, 2006, 12:01:39 PM
Quote from: "Rod"
Quote from: "mshray"
Thanks guys.  I really appreciate that I have this outlet & that our little community here is so understanding & supportive.

Pax.
Mark, just want to add my best wishes.  Keep your head up.

Coming from Rod, I'd expect him to say "keep your head down" but I guess golf clichés don't apply everywhere!
 :lol:  :lol:  :lol:

but seriously, I'm going to put you and your family on our email prayer list today.
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: princessofcairo on June 22, 2006, 12:09:11 PM
thinking of you and your family, mark...
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: mshray on July 17, 2006, 09:31:15 AM
Okay, update is due.  Regarding Christina's cancer, the Cone Biopsy gave us about as good a result as could have been hoped for (given what we already knew).  So the next step is a 'standard' hysterectomy, scheduled for next week Wednesday (7/26).  After a C-section this is the most commonly performed surgery in the US, so there is no reason for any trepidation over the procedure itself.  And based on the results of the Cone Biopsy, once the hysterectomy is complete Christina should be Cancer-free.  Of course 'should be' doesn't equal 'definitely will be', but that's what every indication is right now.  So that's cautious optimism #1.

On the job front, I found out 10 days ago that, despite a lot of positive feedback, I didn't make the final cut for the job at Cisco that I wanted.  However, my friend Judy, who was applying for one of the spots while promoting me for another spot did get an offer, which we fully expected.  So now Cisco has to fill Judy's current position, which while not as ideal, is still going to pay better and I'm still very well qualified for it.  And I just got an email today from the Cisco recruiter to set up an first round phone interview.   While I apparently lost out on the first possibility to increased internal competition, it highly unlikely that this 2nd possibility will generate as much competition.  And they have to fill the opening promptly becasue Judy transitions out in about 3 weeks.  So that's cautious optimism #2.
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Alicat on July 17, 2006, 09:44:57 AM
Quote from: "mshray"
Okay, update is due.  Regarding Christina's cancer, the Cone Biopsy gave us about as good a result as could have been hoped for (given what we already knew).  So the next step is a 'standard' hysterectomy, scheduled for next week Wednesday (7/26).  After a C-section this is the most commonly performed surgery in the US, so there is no reason for any trepidation over the procedure itself.  And based on the results of the Cone Biopsy, once the hysterectomy is complete Christina should be Cancer-free.  Of course 'should be' doesn't equal 'definitely will be', but that's what every indication is right now.  So that's cautious optimism #1.

On the job front, I found out 10 days ago that, despite a lot of positive feedback, I didn't make the final cut for the job at Cisco that I wanted.  However, my friend Judy, who was applying for one of the spots while promoting me for another spot did get an offer, which we fully expected.  So now Cisco has to fill Judy's current position, which while not as ideal, is still going to pay better and I'm still very well qualified for it.  And I just got an email today from the Cisco recruiter to set up an first round phone interview.   While I apparently lost out on the first possibility to increased internal competition, it highly unlikely that this 2nd possibility will generate as much competition.  And they have to fill the opening promptly becasue Judy transitions out in about 3 weeks.  So that's cautious optimism #2.

Hope all goes well. I totally missed your June posts. My best thoughts are sent your way. Life is never easy and it's not fair. Keeping a marriage going is a lot hader than calling it quits. Always remind yourself of the bigger picture and overcome the small day to day shit. In my book, the only things not to be overcome are abuse and or infidelity. Other things can be worked out.
Good luck with the job.
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: mshray on July 17, 2006, 02:10:50 PM
Quote from: "Alicat"
In my book, the only things not to be overcome are abuse and or infidelity. Other things can be worked out.
Good luck with the job.


Well there's none of that thankfully, but at the same time I often feel like I'm the only one trying to work things out.  And I'm just so tired of feeling like that.  Unless it boils down to money, in which case our roles are reversed, since she has out-earned me 7 of the last 8 years, usually by about 20%.  Also her family has a lot more money than mine, so our basic outlooks are different, and thus she often feels like I don't care enough about the family finances.  So in a nutshell, she feels, with inarguable proof, that from a financial standpoint she's putting more into the relationship than I am, while from an emotional standpoint I feel like I'm bearing way more than my share of the load.  Isn't that kind of funny, from a gender stereotype perspective?

Anyway, my getting a significantly better paying job should make her feel a lot better, but then we'll have to see if she'll do what she needs to do to make me feel better.  And of course she's not going to be too worried about me until we get the cancer licked.  Hence all the very 'cautious' optimism.
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Gazoo on July 17, 2006, 08:14:07 PM
Quote from: "mshray"
Unless it boils down to money, in which case our roles are reversed, since she has out-earned me 7 of the last 8 years, usually by about 20%.  Also her family has a lot more money than mine, so our basic outlooks are different, and thus she often feels like I don't care enough about the family finances.  So in a nutshell, she feels, with inarguable proof, that from a financial standpoint she's putting more into the relationship than I am, while from an emotional standpoint I feel like I'm bearing way more than my share of the load.  Isn't that kind of funny, from a gender stereotype perspective?


It kind of saddens me, actually.  In the years I've known you, Mark, money has never been your driving force; you've always instead been inspired and motivated by the passion for gained knowledge and gained perspective, both personal and global.  It's not that you don't care about family finances; you'd just prefer that they be the natural consequence of you doing your thing instead of that which dictates what things you do.  Money as effect rather than cause.  I hope and trust that deep down she understands this.

And I hope I haven't interjected out of line.  But as someone who similarly has not necessarily impressed family with my earning capacity, I think I get where you're coming from.

Hoping for the best,
Gaz.
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Alicat on July 18, 2006, 09:10:22 AM
Quote from: "Gazoo"
....finances; ....the natural consequence of you doing your thing instead of that which dictates what things you do.  Money as effect rather than cause.

That's my ideal but sometimes getting by makes money more of a driving force. Sometimes I tell myself, do what you love and the money will follow, but I'm not there.
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: princessofcairo on July 18, 2006, 09:17:46 AM
Quote from: "Alicat"
Quote from: "Gazoo"
....finances; ....the natural consequence of you doing your thing instead of that which dictates what things you do.  Money as effect rather than cause.

That's my ideal but sometimes getting by makes money more of a driving force. Sometimes I tell myself, do what you love and the money will follow, but I'm not there.


i tell myself that every morning! the money has yet to arrive, but happiness preceeded it long ago.
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: mshray on July 19, 2006, 10:20:56 AM
Quote from: "Gazoo"
Hoping for the best,
Gaz.


thanks Gaz & everyone else for your thoughts.

I hope so too.
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: princessofcairo on July 25, 2006, 11:13:50 AM
i have no idea what this means, but american idol underground sent me an email telling me my song, "who'syerdaddy" was number 34 on their jazz charts. (http://www.idolunderground.com/Pages/Charts/ChartDetail.aspx?GenreID=7) you have to click through to #34, but i think you can vote for it once you're there. if you're at all inclined. :) thanks![/url]
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: mshray on July 25, 2006, 12:07:00 PM
Quote from: "princessofcairo"
i have no idea what this means, but american idol underground sent me an email telling me my song, "who'syerdaddy" was number 34 on their jazz charts. (http://www.idolunderground.com/Pages/Charts/ChartDetail.aspx?GenreID=7) you have to click through to #34, but i think you can vote for it once you're there. if you're at all inclined. :) thanks![/url]


Up from #84 last week, that's promising.

ETA:  to vote, click on the link, then go to page 4 to find #34.  Cick on the song & a new player window opens.  On the left of the player is a Rate This Song feature.  Drag that puppy all the way over to 5.0 & hit Submit!
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: princessofcairo on July 25, 2006, 12:18:23 PM
Quote from: "mshray"
Quote from: "princessofcairo"
i have no idea what this means, but american idol underground sent me an email telling me my song, "who'syerdaddy" was number 34 on their jazz charts. (http://www.idolunderground.com/Pages/Charts/ChartDetail.aspx?GenreID=7) you have to click through to #34, but i think you can vote for it once you're there. if you're at all inclined. :) thanks![/url]


Up from #84 last week, that's promising.

ETA:  to vote, click on the link, then go to page 4 to find #34.  Cick on the song & a new player window opens.  On the left of the player is a Rate This Song feature.  Drag that puppy all the way over to 5.0 & hit Submit!


thanks!!
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: urth on July 25, 2006, 12:34:46 PM
Quote from: "mshray"
Quote from: "princessofcairo"
i have no idea what this means, but american idol underground sent me an email telling me my song, "who'syerdaddy" was number 34 on their jazz charts. (http://www.idolunderground.com/Pages/Charts/ChartDetail.aspx?GenreID=7) you have to click through to #34, but i think you can vote for it once you're there. if you're at all inclined. :) thanks![/url]


Up from #84 last week, that's promising.

ETA:  to vote, click on the link, then go to page 4 to find #34.  Cick on the song & a new player window opens.  On the left of the player is a Rate This Song feature.  Drag that puppy all the way over to 5.0 & hit Submit!


Done and done. Pretty fine song, too. Let's see if we can get the Princess into the top 20!
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Gazoo on July 25, 2006, 12:45:57 PM
Quote from: "princessofcairo"
i have no idea what this means, but american idol underground sent me an email telling me my song, "who'syerdaddy" was number 34 on their jazz charts. (http://www.idolunderground.com/Pages/Charts/ChartDetail.aspx?GenreID=7) you have to click through to #34, but i think you can vote for it once you're there. if you're at all inclined. :) thanks!

Another band I really like, some Brooklynites called Shagg, recently charted #5 R&B there with one of their songs.  They said that CD Baby* had entered them; I'm guessing the same happened with you.  It may be that Derek Sivers and his merry band of tastemakers are being proactive with the acts they like the best.  I should ask him.


* For those unfamiliar, CD Baby is an organization that has been an utter godsend for indie miusicians.  They provide distribution and website-presence services as well as education and advice.  Amelia could tell you more about them, I'm sure.  8)
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: princessofcairo on July 25, 2006, 12:53:50 PM
Quote from: "Gazoo"
Quote from: "princessofcairo"
i have no idea what this means, but american idol underground sent me an email telling me my song, "who'syerdaddy" was number 34 on their jazz charts. (http://www.idolunderground.com/Pages/Charts/ChartDetail.aspx?GenreID=7) you have to click through to #34, but i think you can vote for it once you're there. if you're at all inclined. :) thanks!

Another band I really like, some Brooklynites called Shagg, recently charted #5 R&B there with one of their songs.  They said that CD Baby* had entered them; I'm guessing the same happened with you.  It may be that Derek Sivers and his merry band of tastemakers are being proactive with the acts they like the best.  I should ask him.


* For those unfamiliar, CD Baby is an organization that has been an utter godsend for indie miusicians.  They provide distribution and website-presence services as well as education and advice.  Amelia could tell you more about them, I'm sure.  8)


all i know is they pay me more than ascap does. :)
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: princessofcairo on August 03, 2006, 04:39:11 PM
so i'm celebrating two weeks of illegal immigrant statehood. or, maybe, non-statehood. so far, so good. i can't leave the country for fear of penalty, but spain, well, madrid has been good to me. saw an awesome flamenco concert last night, went to the ballet (swan lake from st. petersburg) tonight, and tomorrow is the big gig. the weather, food, and friends are fab. so i might not be seeing y'all for awhile. don't tell fannie mae or her sister where i am, ok? muchas gracias.

signed,
wishing my castellano was as good as that of gwyneth paltrow.

oh, oh, i'm an alien, i'm an illegal alien, i'm an american in madrid...
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Gazoo on August 03, 2006, 08:15:17 PM
Quote from: "princessofcairo"
so i'm celebrating two weeks of illegal immigrant statehood. or, maybe, non-statehood. so far, so good. i can't leave the country for fear of penalty, but spain, well, madrid has been good to me.

Careful out there!  We don't want you to wind up like that guy who's lived in Charles De Gaulle Airport for 10+ years!

Anyone taping (or, dare I ask, webcasting) your show?
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: princessofcairo on August 04, 2006, 08:24:15 AM
Quote from: "Gazoo"
Quote from: "princessofcairo"
so i'm celebrating two weeks of illegal immigrant statehood. or, maybe, non-statehood. so far, so good. i can't leave the country for fear of penalty, but spain, well, madrid has been good to me.

Careful out there!  We don't want you to wind up like that guy who's lived in Charles De Gaulle Airport for 10+ years!

Anyone taping (or, dare I ask, webcasting) your show?


i never heard about the charles de gaulle guy! sounds wacky!

i don't know about audio for tonight. definitely no webcast. i will take my mp3 recorder, and maybe i'll be able to plug it into the board. we'll see...
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: princessofcairo on August 10, 2006, 10:36:20 PM
updates: show was awesome. i'm in "negotiations" now with my new promoter and manager. more on that later.

meantime, summer in spain is awesome. i have some friends visiting from amsterdam. tonight we (successfully) bought drugs on the street, avoided a near robbery, and were accosted by two sex workers of different sexes. or genders. i've been gone so long i forget which is PC.  i also saw daniel barenboim conduct an orchestra at plaza mayor (for free) tonight. i've long been obsessed with him since i learned he was once married to jacqueline du pre. if you don't know, you betta aks somebody.

gotta go. there's a beautiful blonde german woman in my bed, and my girlfriend is off partying with her daughter tonight, so i'm not accountable.

hasta la victoria,
poc
Title: steadfast postin
Post by: ggould on August 10, 2006, 11:21:11 PM
Quote from: "princessofcairo"
there's a beautiful blonde german woman in my bed, and my girlfriend is off partying with her daughter tonight, so i'm not accountable.

hasta la victoria,
poc

And yet, POC soldiers on to report from the Spanish Front!
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: urth on August 11, 2006, 09:37:24 AM
Quote from: "princessofcairo"

hasta la victoria,
poc


I didn't know you liked the Silos.
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Gazoo on August 11, 2006, 09:50:45 AM
Quote from: "princessofcairo"
updates: show was awesome. i'm in "negotiations" now with my new promoter and manager. more on that later.

meantime, summer in spain is awesome. i have some friends visiting from amsterdam. tonight we (successfully) bought drugs on the street, avoided a near robbery, and were accosted by two sex workers of different sexes. or genders. i've been gone so long i forget which is PC.  i also saw daniel barenboim conduct an orchestra at plaza mayor (for free) tonight. i've long been obsessed with him since i learned he was once married to jacqueline du pre. if you don't know, you betta aks somebody.

gotta go. there's a beautiful blonde german woman in my bed, and my girlfriend is off partying with her daughter tonight, so i'm not accountable.

hasta la victoria,
poc


That's our Princess: Bringing world peace, one individual at a time.

BTW, remind me to suggest that you pitch some of your tale-telling to Jane magazine.
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: RGMike on August 11, 2006, 09:52:37 AM
Quote from: "Gazoo"
That's our Princess: Bringing world peace, one individual at a time.



and there's nothing like finding a piece, er, I mean peace, in your bed.
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: princessofcairo on August 12, 2006, 02:54:50 PM
Quote from: "urth"
Quote from: "princessofcairo"

hasta la victoria,
poc


I didn't know you liked the Silos.


i don't know who they are. that's a quote i stole from a poster of che guevara.
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: RGMike on August 30, 2006, 10:19:15 PM
One of the weirder transit experiences I've had in SF:

Planned to see a movie tonite: there was a 7:20 Factotum and a 7:30 Half Nelson at Embarcadero.  Got out of the gym at 6:30, grabbed a quick slice o'pizza and hopped on BART at 7:00. Plenty of time, right?  Well, we pull into Embarcadero station at 7:10, and even tho' I'm in the rear of the train, the station's goin' by rather fast...

...and damned if the driver doesn't overshoot the station by, like,  4 or 5 cars!  And so we sit there. He can't back up.  He announces that he's going to manually lock the doors on the cars that are beyond the platform so that he can then open the other doors. We wait some more. Nothing happens. Suddenly we're moving! And he's making some half-assed announcement that anyone who wanted to get off at Embarc will have to go to at West Oakland and take a train going back to SF (no shit, Sherlock)!!  Which I do, and of course by the time I got back to Embarc it's too late to see either movie. :evil:  :evil:  :evil:
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Alicat on August 30, 2006, 10:22:22 PM
Quote from: "RGMike"
One of the weirder transit experiences I've had in SF:

Planned to see a movie tonite: there was a 7:20 Factotum and a 7:30 Half Nelson at Embarcadero.  Got out of the gym at 6:30, grabbed a quick slice o'pizza and hopped on BART at 7:00. Plenty of time, right?  Well, we pull into Embarcadero station at 7:10, and even tho' I'm in the rear of the train, the station's goin' by rather fast...

...and damned if the driver doesn't overshoot the station by, like,  4 or 5 cars!  And so we sit there. He can't back up.  He announces that he's going to manually lock the doors on the cars that are beyond the platform so that he can then open the other doors. We wait some more. Nothing happens. Suddenly we're moving! And he's making some half-assed announcement that anyone who wanted to get off at Embarc will have to go to at West Oakland and take a train going back to SF (no shit, Sherlock)!!  Which I do, and of course by the time I got back to Embarc it's too late to see either movie. :evil:  :evil:  :evil:

and you've had a weirder experience!?
That's insane!
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: urth on August 30, 2006, 11:40:08 PM
Quote from: "Alicat"
Quote from: "RGMike"
One of the weirder transit experiences I've had in SF:

Planned to see a movie tonite: there was a 7:20 Factotum and a 7:30 Half Nelson at Embarcadero.  Got out of the gym at 6:30, grabbed a quick slice o'pizza and hopped on BART at 7:00. Plenty of time, right?  Well, we pull into Embarcadero station at 7:10, and even tho' I'm in the rear of the train, the station's goin' by rather fast...

...and damned if the driver doesn't overshoot the station by, like,  4 or 5 cars!  And so we sit there. He can't back up.  He announces that he's going to manually lock the doors on the cars that are beyond the platform so that he can then open the other doors. We wait some more. Nothing happens. Suddenly we're moving! And he's making some half-assed announcement that anyone who wanted to get off at Embarc will have to go to at West Oakland and take a train going back to SF (no shit, Sherlock)!!  Which I do, and of course by the time I got back to Embarc it's too late to see either movie. :evil:  :evil:  :evil:

and you've had a weirder experience!?
That's insane!


I thought those trains were entirely computer controlled, so I'm shocked that one missed the station by half a train's worth of cars. Muni I could believe, but I thought BART was more dependable. Yes, that sucks.

Reminds me of a similar experience on Muni one day a few years ago (although yours was worse for several reasons). I'm on an inbound train, that's creeping along for whatever reason (heavy traffic? breakdown dead ahead? can't recall). The train pulls partially into Van Ness with the back half still in the tunnel, and then sits. And sits. And sits. Finally the driver opens just the front door of the first car, emerges from his little booth at the front of the train, and goes to talk to one of the Muni workers on the platform. He comes back about five minutes later and goes back in his booth. The train that was ahead of us has left the platform and gone on, so he starts moving our train--and just keeps going, having never opened any other doors at Van Ness. Needless to say, there were a bunch of pissed off folks when we got to Civic Center, several of whom came up and gave him an earful once they were off the train.
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: RGMike on September 29, 2006, 12:45:27 PM
Well, a week and a day of vacay after I get the hell outta here today. So there'll be no Peak, Drive or (probably) 'BCO Mon 10/2 thru Mon 10/9.  But I'll no doubt be checking in throughout.  I'll see Alicat that the A's games, I'm sure.

Good luck in Chicago, Mark!!!
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: mshray on September 29, 2006, 01:04:19 PM
Quote from: "RGMike"
Good luck in Chicago, Mark!!!


Thanks Dude!

I'm gonna watch the Sunday night Seahawks-Bears game with my cousins & I'm pretty damn sure I'll be the only one rooting against the home team.
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Lightnin' Rod on October 06, 2006, 10:09:40 PM
Well, it's 10:07 on Friday night, I'm still in the office.  

I'm out of here until next Thursday, down in Vegas for the big User Group all these thousands of hours of work have pointed to.  IF our next build succeeds!

*fingers crossed*
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Alicat on October 07, 2006, 12:15:47 AM
Quote from: "Rod"
Well, it's 10:07 on Friday night, I'm still in the office.  

I'm out of here until next Thursday, down in Vegas for the big User Group all these thousands of hours of work have pointed to.  IF our next build succeeds!

*fingers crossed*

Hope all goes well.
Title: clueless Geoff
Post by: ggould on October 07, 2006, 09:02:28 PM
Quote from: "Rod"
Well, it's 10:07 on Friday night, I'm still in the office.  

I'm out of here until next Thursday, down in Vegas for the big User Group all these thousands of hours of work have pointed to.  IF our next build succeeds!

*fingers crossed*
Does everyone but me know what company you work for?  Good luck on this build.
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: RGMike on October 07, 2006, 10:38:34 PM
Quote from: "Rod"
Well, it's 10:07 on Friday night, I'm still in the office.  

I'm out of here until next Thursday, down in Vegas for the big User Group all these thousands of hours of work have pointed to.  IF our next build succeeds!

*fingers crossed*


"Vegas: Our Big User Group Can Be Your Alibi"
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: RGMike on October 29, 2006, 09:13:30 PM
a quick FYI: Monday (10/30) is a vacay day for me -- my annual physical. So I'll be popping in during Dave's set but not before.
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: RGMike on November 25, 2006, 10:34:07 AM
FYI gang: I start Jury Duty on Monday, and I've called the automated instructions phone # and I actually have to show up. So no posts all day Monday.  I do intend to bring my Walkman and hope to catch all or part of Dave's set as well as bits'n'pieces of Judge's show.  

I lucked out 2 years ago and didn't have to go the entire week, but I guess that's why I'm at the top of the list this time around.
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Gazoo on November 26, 2006, 10:46:43 AM
Quote from: "RGMike"
FYI gang: I start Jury Duty on Monday, and I've called the automated instructions phone # and I actually have to show up. So no posts all day Monday.  I do intend to bring my Walkman and hope to catch all or part of Dave's set as well as bits'n'pieces of Judge's show.  

I lucked out 2 years ago and didn't have to go the entire week, but I guess that's why I'm at the top of the list this time around.


Did I ever tell you how I got out of jury duty 1.5 years ago? This might not work so well in SF, though.  I was sitting with 15-20 other jurors for the initial (voir dire?) questions to determine who'd be the actual jurors.  I actually thought it'd be enjoyable b/c it was a simple case and the prosecuting attorney was HAWT.  But he asked everyone in turn about their past back injuries.  I replied that I've thrown mine out a few times, roughly once a year in recent years.
He: Were you insured?
Me: No.
He: Did you use any pain-relief medication?
Me: Does pot count?
He: (scratches me off list)


PS: Ian Dury should have called one of his albums Dury Juty.  No he shouldn't've.
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: RGMike on November 26, 2006, 11:52:10 AM
Quote from: "Gazoo"
PS: Ian Dury should have called one of his albums Dury Juty.  No he shouldn't've.


Don't forget Sir Mix-a-Lot's lost classic, "Jury Booty".
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: princessofcairo on November 26, 2006, 12:00:43 PM
Quote from: "RGMike"
Quote from: "Gazoo"
PS: Ian Dury should have called one of his albums Dury Juty.  No he shouldn't've.


Don't forget Sir Mix-a-Lot's lost classic, "Jury Booty".


Dury Duty would've worked, though.
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: RGMike on November 27, 2006, 02:56:52 PM
"I am not a number -- I am a free man!"

Spent the morning hanging out in the Jury Room, reading and listening to 10@10. Shortly before noon, they called my name for a panel that would convene after lunch. Came back after lunch to the courtroom, where we sat around some more. Then the judge came out and said "you'll notice there are no lawyers present... they just, in the last few minutes, agreed to waive a jury and try the case before a judge only. The good news is, you folks get to go home".  Applause from the entire room. Easiest jury service ever.
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: urth on November 27, 2006, 03:46:33 PM
Quote from: "RGMike"
"I am not a number -- I am a free man!"

Spent the morning hanging out in the Jury Room, reading and listening to 10@10. Shortly before noon, they called my name for a panel that would convene after lunch. Came back after lunch to the courtroom, where we sat around some more. Then the judge came out and said "you'll notice there are no lawyers present... they just, in the last few minutes, agreed to waive a jury and try the case before a judge only. The good news is, you folks get to go home".  Applause from the entire room. Easiest jury service ever.


Wow, that's amazing. I've always had to at least sit thru the jury selection process, yet so far have never been chosen. Hopefully your company pays for jury service, so you didn't lose a day's pay (or vacation time) in the bargain.
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: princessofcairo on November 28, 2006, 01:28:21 PM
Quote from: "urth"
Hopefully your company pays for jury service, so you didn't lose a day's pay (or vacation time) in the bargain.


don't go looking a gift judge in the mouth!
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: RGMike on November 28, 2006, 01:32:50 PM
Quote from: "princessofcairo"
Quote from: "urth"
Hopefully your company pays for jury service, so you didn't lose a day's pay (or vacation time) in the bargain.


don't go looking a gift judge in the mouth!


Oh, ah gots PAID, chile!
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: urth on December 01, 2006, 09:58:24 AM
I may be a bit scarce here today--we have a situation at our office that's taking precedence over most of my thoughts.  One of our editors, James Kim, and his family have been missing since last Saturday when they were supposed to be driving from Portland OR to Gold Beach, which is on 101 in southwestern OR. More info here:

http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2006/12/01/BAGJ6MNGK81.DTL

http://www.engadget.com/2006/11/30/cnets-james-kim-and-family-missing-have-you-seen-them/7#comments

Think good thoughts if you would--James is a really nice, gentle guy who is an absolute expert about digital audio.

Thanks.
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: RGMike on December 01, 2006, 10:06:38 AM
Quote from: "urth"
I may be a bit scarce here today--we have a situation at our office that's taking precedence over most of my thoughts.  One of our editors, James Kim, and his family have been missing since last Saturday when they were supposed to be driving from Portland OR to Gold Beach, which is on 101 in southwestern OR. More info here:

http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2006/12/01/BAGJ6MNGK81.DTL

http://www.engadget.com/2006/11/30/cnets-james-kim-and-family-missing-have-you-seen-them/7#comments

Think good thoughts if you would--James is a really nice, gentle guy who is an absolute expert about digital audio.

Thanks.


Wow -- I saw that story this morning.  Damn.
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Alicat on December 01, 2006, 10:55:02 AM
Quote from: "urth"
I may be a bit scarce here today--we have a situation at our office that's taking precedence over most of my thoughts.  One of our editors, James Kim, and his family have been missing since last Saturday when they were supposed to be driving from Portland OR to Gold Beach, which is on 101 in southwestern OR. More info here:

http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2006/12/01/BAGJ6MNGK81.DTL

http://www.engadget.com/2006/11/30/cnets-james-kim-and-family-missing-have-you-seen-them/7#comments

Think good thoughts if you would--James is a really nice, gentle guy who is an absolute expert about digital audio.

Thanks.

Will do. I saw this on the news last night and this morning.
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Gazoo on December 01, 2006, 07:08:53 PM
Quote from: "urth"
I may be a bit scarce here today--we have a situation at our office that's taking precedence over most of my thoughts.  One of our editors, James Kim, and his family have been missing since last Saturday when they were supposed to be driving from Portland OR to Gold Beach, which is on 101 in southwestern OR. More info here:

http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2006/12/01/BAGJ6MNGK81.DTL

http://www.engadget.com/2006/11/30/cnets-james-kim-and-family-missing-have-you-seen-them/7#comments

Think good thoughts if you would--James is a really nice, gentle guy who is an absolute expert about digital audio.

Thanks.


Oh dear.  Sending love and safety vibrations.  Hoping for the best.  And this is part of why I love you guys - your wonderful compassion for all those around you.  May we all stay strong, and may James and his family return to enjoy a lovely Christmas.
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: urth on December 02, 2006, 11:16:03 AM
Quote from: "Gazoo"
Quote from: "urth"
I may be a bit scarce here today--we have a situation at our office that's taking precedence over most of my thoughts.  One of our editors, James Kim, and his family have been missing since last Saturday when they were supposed to be driving from Portland OR to Gold Beach, which is on 101 in southwestern OR. More info here:

http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2006/12/01/BAGJ6MNGK81.DTL

http://www.engadget.com/2006/11/30/cnets-james-kim-and-family-missing-have-you-seen-them/7#comments

Think good thoughts if you would--James is a really nice, gentle guy who is an absolute expert about digital audio.

Thanks.


Oh dear.  Sending love and safety vibrations.  Hoping for the best.  And this is part of why I love you guys - your wonderful compassion for all those around you.  May we all stay strong, and may James and his family return to enjoy a lovely Christmas.


Thanks all for keeping this in your thoughts. There's still no word on what's happened to them, so I keep checking the news sites and KCBS to hear if there are any new developments but so far nothing. Yesterday was probably the worst day I've had at CNET since I've been there, and it had nothing to do with the work. Lots of folks are on edge, holding on to whatever hope they can, hoping to hear some good news. Can't say it's affecting the entire company, but the reviews division (which is the part I work for) is pretty freaked out.

Crossing fingers....
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Alicat on December 02, 2006, 11:35:03 AM
It reminds me how vulnerable we all are. Each day we step outside, drive in our cars, etc... When you leave your loved ones, it could always be the last time you see them. Now I don't think that hardly ever but it undescores that we need to do the best we can with the time we have and be giving as often as we can. Each one of us probably impacts more people than we will ever realize.
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: mshray on December 03, 2006, 12:43:26 AM
Quote from: "Alicat"
It reminds me how vulnerable we all are. Each day we step outside, drive in our cars, etc... When you leave your loved ones, it could always be the last time you see them. Now I don't think that hardly ever but it undescores that we need to do the best we can with the time we have and be giving as often as we can. Each one of us probably impacts more people than we will ever realize.


On a similar note, this morning at Adrian's karate class I saw the mom of two kids that we know from school.  My wife Christina does a lot more drop off/pick up with the kids, so I'm accustomed to not seeing folks for several weeks at a time & then catching up.  I've never been close to Ellen, but our kids had been in the same school for two years & still go to the same karate class.

I noticed that she had lost quite a bit of weight (she's pretty tall & large framed - it was really quite striking), so I commented on it.  After acknowledging the weight loss she asked me if I had heard that she had lost her husband 6 weeks ago.  Of course I hadn't.  He dropped dead on a Saturday morning of either a heart attack or stroke (he had apparently been diagnosed with some relatively serious stress condition, but no one expected anything like this).  He was about my age, and worst of all, his 5 year old daughter was the first one to see him lying on the bathroom floor.  Yikes!  I asked how Will & Rachel were holding up & she said about as well as could be expected, and that they were going to be seeing a counselor beginning this week.  Like I said, my wife and I really didn't know the parents much, but we'll be offering to have the kids over for a play date whenever they'd like.

Definitely had me thinking the exact thoughts that Alicat shared.  Also made me want to update my life insurance policy.
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: RGMike on December 04, 2006, 03:51:10 PM
Wife & kids found; husband still missing:

http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2006/12/04/BAGR2MP9383.DTL
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: urth on December 04, 2006, 04:57:38 PM
Quote from: "RGMike"
Wife & kids found; husband still missing:

http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2006/12/04/BAGR2MP9383.DTL


We've got three-quarters of a happy ending here--just hoping they find James soon!

http://news.com.com/CNET+editors+wife%2C+daughters+found+search+continues/2100-1028_3-6140676.html?tag=cnetfd.mt

Another press conference is scheduled for about 3 minutes from now--hoping we can all breath easy after that.
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: mshray on December 04, 2006, 05:26:37 PM
Quote from: "urth"
Quote from: "RGMike"
Wife & kids found; husband still missing:

http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2006/12/04/BAGR2MP9383.DTL


We've got three-quarters of a happy ending here--just hoping they find James soon!

http://news.com.com/CNET+editors+wife%2C+daughters+found+search+continues/2100-1028_3-6140676.html?tag=cnetfd.mt

Another press conference is scheduled for about 3 minutes from now--hoping we can all breath easy after that.


Heard the press conference, sounds like if he hasn't already gotten into a bad situation they should be able to get him out by morning.  Fingers crossed.
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: urth on December 04, 2006, 05:48:01 PM
Quote from: "mshray"
Quote from: "urth"
Quote from: "RGMike"
Wife & kids found; husband still missing:

http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2006/12/04/BAGR2MP9383.DTL


We've got three-quarters of a happy ending here--just hoping they find James soon!

http://news.com.com/CNET+editors+wife%2C+daughters+found+search+continues/2100-1028_3-6140676.html?tag=cnetfd.mt

Another press conference is scheduled for about 3 minutes from now--hoping we can all breath easy after that.


Heard the press conference, sounds like if he hasn't already gotten into a bad situation they should be able to get him out by morning.  Fingers crossed.


Really hoping that's not the case. The one thing I found distressing in the press conference was that he was supposed to return to the car by the afternoon on Saturday if he didn't find anything, and he didn't come back. So hoping he's just more lost.

Off to run the press gauntlet--we've got live trucks from all the bay area stations in front of our building tonight.
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Alicat on December 04, 2006, 09:21:00 PM
Wonderful news. Gave me chills.
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Alicat on December 06, 2006, 01:11:05 PM
Condolences Jim and to those at Cnet. Just read James Kim was found. Not a happy ending.
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: urth on December 06, 2006, 04:54:26 PM
Quote from: "Alicat"
Condolences Jim and to those at Cnet. Just read James Kim was found. Not a happy ending.


Indeed not. Much sadness and crying at 235 2nd once the news was announced. To our management's credit, they essentially closed doors (for our dept. anyway) and brought in grief counselors as soon as they could get them here. I took a long walk down by the Embarcadero with one of my best friends from the office, just to get away and talk it out.

Don't know too much more yet, but I'm sure it will come out over the coming days. Thanks all here, for your support and positive thoughts. Wish this had ended differently, but life ain't always that way.

Go home and hug your loved ones tonight.
best to all of you,
Jim
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: mshray on December 06, 2006, 10:43:26 PM
Quote from: "urth"
Quote from: "Alicat"
Condolences Jim and to those at Cnet. Just read James Kim was found. Not a happy ending.


Indeed not. Much sadness and crying at 235 2nd once the news was announced. To our management's credit, they essentially closed doors (for our dept. anyway) and brought in grief counselors as soon as they could get them here. I took a long walk down by the Embarcadero with one of my best friends from the office, just to get away and talk it out.

Don't know too much more yet, but I'm sure it will come out over the coming days. Thanks all here, for your support and positive thoughts. Wish this had ended differently, but life ain't always that way.

Go home and hug your loved ones tonight.
best to all of you,
Jim


Even my first grader was aware of this & my wife was pretty broken up by it.  Pretty much all we talked about around the dinner table tonight, with the emphasis being on keeping it honest but also appropriate for my little ones.  Eventually had today's Chron front page on the table to look at the maps & articles.  My kids are surprisingly sensitive and yet sensible about this stuff (if you know what I mean).

Jim, can I ask a question that I am genuinely curious about?  For you and the rest of the your CNet friends, has the fact that this has made national & even international news (my mother-in-law picked up on this from a Taiwan news-cast for example) made it any better or worse when it comes to dealing with the sadness?  I can see it going both ways at the same time.
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: urth on December 06, 2006, 11:36:44 PM
Quote from: "mshray"
Jim, can I ask a question that I am genuinely curious about?  For you and the rest of the your CNet friends, has the fact that this has made national & even international news (my mother-in-law picked up on this from a Taiwan news-cast for example) made it any better or worse when it comes to dealing with the sadness?  I can see it going both ways at the same time.


Well, you're right in that it definitely cuts both ways. On one hand, what started as a fairly personal crisis that I learned about thru an e-mail forwarded from one of our executive editors at EOD last Wednesday, caught the local media Thursday night, and by Monday morning was a national story. As a result, it's been really really hard to escape this any time I turn on a TV or radio or pick up a paper. I've been asked about it by friends, neighbors, and some guy I barely know at my bus stop that happens to know where I work (really). As I've alluded a few times, I have not entered or left our building once since Friday without there being at least one satellite truck parked on our block. To be fair, I have not heard of them being rude or intrusive to any of my coworkers, although there were a few shots on channel 7 tonight of crying women exiting the building that I thought were a little heartless. I flipped on CNN Monday night and Nancy Grace was dissecting the story, and I've heard it made Larry King as well.

On the other hand, it has been somewhat comforting to read the messages of support that people literally from all over the world, not just in the US, have left on our site and others.

But there's an ugly side to that too. One of my fellow CEs was upset today (before the announcement was made) because she had read some particularly ugly comments on SFGate. I don't know the nature of them, but I can guess. Some assholes just like to have a soapbox from which to broadcast their assholishness. And we all know there's no shortage of assholes in this world.

So in rereading my response, I'd have to say overall, it's made it worse. The comments were nice, but I'd rather not be under the microscope.
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: princessofcairo on January 03, 2007, 04:34:27 PM
i'm dancing around my living room. i made it into imdb!! (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2224709/)
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Alicat on January 03, 2007, 05:17:51 PM
Quote from: "princessofcairo"
i'm dancing around my living room. i made it into imdb!! (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2224709/)

and I knew you before you were famous.
Congrats!
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Lightnin' Rod on January 03, 2007, 05:31:52 PM
Quote from: "princessofcairo"
i'm dancing around my living room. i made it into imdb!! (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2224709/)


WooHoo!  That is so way cool! :D
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: princessofcairo on January 03, 2007, 05:37:08 PM
Quote from: "Rod"
Quote from: "princessofcairo"
i'm dancing around my living room. i made it into imdb!! (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2224709/)


WooHoo!  That is so way cool! :D


thanks, guys! i'm ALMOST willing to pay the $2.50 to post my picture there. i'll wait to see if this german flick i was in last year will appear on their site. don't think "south park."
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Gazoo on January 03, 2007, 08:29:53 PM
Quote from: "princessofcairo"
i'm dancing around my living room. i made it into imdb!! (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2224709/)


Right on!  Spring for the pic!

I now know at least three people with IMDB entries.  And have slept with two of them.  (choice between  :o  ,  :shock:  , or  :twisted:  )
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: urth on January 03, 2007, 09:47:30 PM
Quote from: "Gazoo"
Quote from: "princessofcairo"
i'm dancing around my living room. i made it into imdb!! (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2224709/)


Right on!  Spring for the pic!

I now know at least three people with IMDB entries.  And have slept with two of them.  (choice between  :o  ,  :shock:  , or  :twisted:  )


Must...fight...urge...to...quote....Rolling....Stones....
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: RGMike on January 04, 2007, 07:53:16 AM
Quote from: "princessofcairo"
Quote from: "Rod"
Quote from: "princessofcairo"
i'm dancing around my living room. i made it into imdb!! (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2224709/)


WooHoo!  That is so way cool! :D


thanks, guys! i'm ALMOST willing to pay the $2.50 to post my picture there. i'll wait to see if this german flick i was in last year will appear on their site. don't think "south park."


Next up: a female buddy pic starring the Streep, the Dench. and the Ray!
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: princessofcairo on January 04, 2007, 09:51:43 AM
Quote from: "RGMike"
Quote from: "princessofcairo"
Quote from: "Rod"
Quote from: "princessofcairo"
i'm dancing around my living room. i made it into imdb!! (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2224709/)


WooHoo!  That is so way cool! :D


thanks, guys! i'm ALMOST willing to pay the $2.50 to post my picture there. i'll wait to see if this german flick i was in last year will appear on their site. don't think "south park."


Next up: a female buddy pic starring the Streep, the Dench. and the Ray!


Must...fight...urge...to...salivate....
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: RGMike on January 04, 2007, 10:05:08 AM
Quote from: "princessofcairo"
Quote from: "RGMike"
Quote from: "princessofcairo"
Quote from: "Rod"
Quote from: "princessofcairo"
i'm dancing around my living room. i made it into imdb!! (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2224709/)


WooHoo!  That is so way cool! :D


thanks, guys! i'm ALMOST willing to pay the $2.50 to post my picture there. i'll wait to see if this german flick i was in last year will appear on their site. don't think "south park."


Next up: a female buddy pic starring the Streep, the Dench. and the Ray!


Must...fight...urge...to...salivate....


(http://www.spotlightingnews.com/gfx/2634_thumb.jpg)(http://images.rottentomatoes.com/images/movie/allposters/mmph/246415_thumb.jpg)(http://www.lavartebar.com/img/conciertos_ameliaray2_th.jpg)
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: princessofcairo on January 04, 2007, 10:08:08 AM
Quote from: "RGMike"
Quote from: "princessofcairo"
Quote from: "RGMike"
Quote from: "princessofcairo"
Quote from: "Rod"
Quote from: "princessofcairo"
i'm dancing around my living room. i made it into imdb!! (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2224709/)


WooHoo!  That is so way cool! :D


thanks, guys! i'm ALMOST willing to pay the $2.50 to post my picture there. i'll wait to see if this german flick i was in last year will appear on their site. don't think "south park."


Next up: a female buddy pic starring the Streep, the Dench. and the Ray!


Must...fight...urge...to...salivate....


(http://www.spotlightingnews.com/gfx/2634_thumb.jpg)(http://images.rottentomatoes.com/images/movie/allposters/mmph/246415_thumb.jpg)(http://www.lavartebar.com/img/conciertos_ameliaray2_th.jpg)


ha! i could gobble them both up!! yumyum!
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Gazoo on January 04, 2007, 07:05:29 PM
Quote from: "princessofcairo"
Quote from: "RGMike"
Quote from: "princessofcairo"
Quote from: "RGMike"
Quote from: "princessofcairo"
Quote from: "Rod"
Quote from: "princessofcairo"
i'm dancing around my living room. i made it into imdb!! (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2224709/)


WooHoo!  That is so way cool! :D


thanks, guys! i'm ALMOST willing to pay the $2.50 to post my picture there. i'll wait to see if this german flick i was in last year will appear on their site. don't think "south park."


Next up: a female buddy pic starring the Streep, the Dench. and the Ray!


Must...fight...urge...to...salivate....


(http://www.spotlightingnews.com/gfx/2634_thumb.jpg)(http://images.rottentomatoes.com/images/movie/allposters/mmph/246415_thumb.jpg)(http://www.lavartebar.com/img/conciertos_ameliaray2_th.jpg)


ha! i could gobble them both up!! yumyum!


That is a really good pic of you, by the way.
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: princessofcairo on January 05, 2007, 07:55:43 AM
Quote from: "Gazoo"

That is a really good pic of you, by the way.


thanks! it's not really me, though. it's my stunt double.
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: RGMike on January 05, 2007, 07:59:54 AM
Quote from: "princessofcairo"
Quote from: "Gazoo"

That is a really good pic of you, by the way.


thanks! it's not really me, though. it's my stunt double.


a cunning stunt double!
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Gazoo on January 18, 2007, 12:39:30 PM
It's January 18, and I've just seen my first snowflakes of the season.

"Where the New York City winters are misleading me,"
Gaz.
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: princessofcairo on January 18, 2007, 12:46:57 PM
Quote from: "Gazoo"
It's January 18, and I've just seen my first snowflakes of the season.

"Where the New York City winters are misleading me,"
Gaz.


all the snow is in malibu!!
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: RGMike on January 18, 2007, 12:53:11 PM
Quote from: "Gazoo"
"Where the New York City winters are misleading me,"


Mondegreen of the Week!
Title: Warning: tearjerker content ahead
Post by: urth on February 22, 2007, 09:12:56 PM
So I had one of the more depressing days of my life today. We had to put our dog, Charlie, to sleep this afternoon. He a was 15 1/2 and had seriously degrading arthritis in his hips, and we could tell that he was getting worse day by day. Then the last week or so his appetite had fallen off, and there were other signs he wasn't doing well. This morning he couldn't even raise himself from his bed, and I knew it had to be soon. Probably the toughest decision I've ever had to make, but it was the right one as I know he's not suffering. He was a black retriever and border collie mutt, and the best dog I ever had, so full of love and devotion to Sarah and I, his people.

Farewell, my pal. I'll see you on the other side.  :cry:
Title: Re: Warning: tearjerker content ahead
Post by: RGMike on February 22, 2007, 09:41:15 PM
Quote from: "urth"
So I had one of the more depressing days of my life today. We had to put our dog, Charlie, to sleep this afternoon. He a was 15 1/2 and had seriously degrading arthritis in his hips, and we could tell that he was getting worse day by day. Then the last week or so his appetite had fallen off, and there were other signs he wasn't doing well. This morning he couldn't even raise himself from his bed, and I knew it had to be soon. Probably the toughest decision I've ever had to make, but it was the right one as I know he's not suffering. He was a black retriever and border collie mutt, and the best dog I ever had, so full of love and devotion to Sarah and I, his people.

Farewell, my pal. I'll see you on the other side.  :cry:


Oh man, that sucks. Haven't lost a pet since I was 15 or so, but I feel your pain.
Title: Re: Warning: tearjerker content ahead
Post by: Alicat on February 22, 2007, 10:31:32 PM
Quote from: "urth"
So I had one of the more depressing days of my life today. We had to put our dog, Charlie, to sleep this afternoon. He a was 15 1/2 and had seriously degrading arthritis in his hips, and we could tell that he was getting worse day by day. Then the last week or so his appetite had fallen off, and there were other signs he wasn't doing well. This morning he couldn't even raise himself from his bed, and I knew it had to be soon. Probably the toughest decision I've ever had to make, but it was the right one as I know he's not suffering. He was a black retriever and border collie mutt, and the best dog I ever had, so full of love and devotion to Sarah and I, his people.

Farewell, my pal. I'll see you on the other side.  :cry:

So so sorry. I had that happen with a wonderful cat a few years ago.
I hope you'll have warm memories that will make you feel good.

So so long ago when I was in my late teens, I took my aged dog (who was then living with my mother) to the vet for the last time and when I emerged there was a rainbow. To this day when I see a rainbow, I imagine my dog, as a young healthy pup,  running up it on his way to heaven.
Title: Re: Warning: tearjerker content ahead
Post by: urth on February 23, 2007, 10:11:55 AM
Quote from: "Alicat"

So so long ago when I was in my late teens, I took my aged dog (who was then living with my mother) to the vet for the last time and when I emerged there was a rainbow. To this day when I see a rainbow, I imagine my dog, as a young healthy pup,  running up it on his way to heaven.


That's beautiful. I'm sure I'll find something like that that'll trigger a great memory of Charlie, too.  Thanks for sharing that, Alicat.
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Gazoo on March 09, 2007, 11:21:25 AM
Two quick personal notes as we head into the weekend:

1. The Voice fired another editor in chief last week.  It's been quite turbulent.  The gossip folks at Gawker can recap better than I can.

2. I'm moving to Brooklyn at the end of the month -- found a rent-controlled 2BR place in South Slope (the south end of Park Slope, close to Prospect Park) for $300 less than my current West Village studio.  Wish me luck -- moving is always a stressful thing (and this is my first move in 4 years, my longest stretch at one addy since the '70s).
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: RGMike on March 09, 2007, 12:09:10 PM
Quote from: "Gazoo"
Two quick personal notes as we head into the weekend:

1. The Voice fired another editor in chief last week.  It's been quite turbulent.  The gossip folks at Gawker can recap better than I can.

2. I'm moving to Brooklyn at the end of the month -- found a rent-controlled 2BR place in South Slope (the south end of Park Slope, close to Prospect Park) for $300 less than my current West Village studio.  Wish me luck -- moving is always a stressful thing (and this is my first move in 4 years, my longest stretch at one addy since the '70s).


Isn't that where Heath Ledger lives? :wink:   A nice area, I'm told.  And if you're near the subway, no biggie.  I look forward to visiting in June.  Congrats on the find! Rent control rules!
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Alicat on March 10, 2007, 10:10:28 AM
Quote from: "Gazoo"
Two quick personal notes as we head into the weekend:

1. The Voice fired another editor in chief last week.  It's been quite turbulent.  The gossip folks at Gawker can recap better than I can.

2. I'm moving to Brooklyn at the end of the month -- found a rent-controlled 2BR place in South Slope (the south end of Park Slope, close to Prospect Park) for $300 less than my current West Village studio.  Wish me luck -- moving is always a stressful thing (and this is my first move in 4 years, my longest stretch at one addy since the '70s).

Good luck and congratulations.
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: princessofcairo on March 11, 2007, 12:06:00 PM
Quote from: "Gazoo"
Two quick personal notes as we head into the weekend:

1. The Voice fired another editor in chief last week.  It's been quite turbulent.  The gossip folks at Gawker can recap better than I can.

2. I'm moving to Brooklyn at the end of the month -- found a rent-controlled 2BR place in South Slope (the south end of Park Slope, close to Prospect Park) for $300 less than my current West Village studio.  Wish me luck -- moving is always a stressful thing (and this is my first move in 4 years, my longest stretch at one addy since the '70s).


congrats on the move! i'll miss the tiny pad, though i'm looking forward to visiting the new place!!
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: princessofcairo on March 11, 2007, 01:09:37 PM
Hello, all,

My father will be presenting his play next weekend (and in April) in Oakland. If the story (below) interests you, check it out!

Saturday, March 17 & 24, 2007 | 7-9 pm
House Of Unity Theater
7200 Bancroft Ave Suite 230 Oakland, CA 94605
Eddie Abrams | 510-430-9931 408-206-1768
Donations: $10

Also the following dates: 7, 14, 21, and 28 April
http://www.carlraye.com/events.shtml (http://www.carlraye.com/events.shtml)

"A Killing In Choctaw" is a one-man, two-act play written and performed by Carl Ray. The play is about his life growing up in Alabama. In 1962, while being questioned by a white man, Carl responded by saying "yes" and "no," instead of "yes sir" and "no sir," which was the customary response when addressing white people. Carl was severely beaten for being disrespectful. An hour later, that man went to Carl's home and shot his Father eight times as Carl looked on.

The play deals with the years following the tragedy, beginning with the trial, in which Carl was blamed for his Father's death because he did not know how to respect whites. It was suggested to the court that Carl be taken to the Mississippi State Line and thrown out of the state of Alabama, and not allowed back until he knew how to talk to white people.

After the trial, the traumatized and guilt-ridden 18-year old was taken to Tuskegee Institute where four faculty members spent a year counseling him through nervous breakdowns and depression. Due to shock, Carl had shut down and refused to talk. He remained in a zombified state. As a result of the incident, Carl developed three different personalities. One of the personalities was prone to blackouts and violent behavior.

Carl graduated from Tuskegee in Electrical Engineering and worked for thirteen years in the Aerospace Industry before pursuing a career as a stand-up comedian. On the surface, Carl appeared to be a normal, successful individual. After 22 years of trying to manage his secret of his Father's death, his states of depression, guilt, and multiple personalities, Carl was still suffering.

In 1984, Carl met a man who talked to him about the power of forgiveness. Carl attributes the act of forgiving the man who killed his Father as saving his life. He describes it as being the most enjoyable moment of his life - a day of freedom from his self-imposed prison.

In the play, Carl takes the audience through his personal agony of being humiliated in a Jim Crow court trial to being locked in a hotel room and being harassed by eight members of the Klan, the night before George Wallace stood in the door of the University of Alabama to keep black students out; he gives you a peek into the struggles of being a polio victim attending grade school; how his Father's killer became his imaginary enemy and friend; the nurturing environment at Tuskegee Institute, his changes in careers - from engineer to taxi driver to stand-up comedian - and more.


Thanks!
poc
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: RGMike on April 09, 2007, 10:40:41 AM
Now it can be told:  I'm the latest 10@10 Clubber to change jobs.  My last day at Blue Shield is next Tuesday; I start at Kaiser in Oakland the following Mon (4/23).

Not a huge step up but enough of one to warrant commuting to Oaktown. Like Ali and Mark before me, the move will probably result in a lot less posting, at least initially.
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: urth on April 09, 2007, 10:53:23 AM
Quote from: "RGMike"
Now it can be told:  I'm the latest 10@10 Clubber to change jobs.  My last day at Blue Shield is next Tuesday; I start at Kaiser in Oakland the following Mon (4/23).

Not a huge step up but enough of one to warrant commuting to Oaktown. Like Ali and Mark before me, the move will probably result in a lot less posting, at least initially.


Hey, many congrats on switching gigs. You've mentioned you were after a change a few times, so glad it's finally happening for ya.

I think Rod and maybe the long-missing Beej are the only ones of the regulars to have stayed with one job for their entire tenure here.

And the commute shouldn't be a whole lot worse, just more expensive (no more fast-pass BART access).
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: RGMike on April 09, 2007, 11:05:03 AM
Quote from: "urth"
Quote from: "RGMike"
Now it can be told:  I'm the latest 10@10 Clubber to change jobs.  My last day at Blue Shield is next Tuesday; I start at Kaiser in Oakland the following Mon (4/23).

Not a huge step up but enough of one to warrant commuting to Oaktown. Like Ali and Mark before me, the move will probably result in a lot less posting, at least initially.


Hey, many congrats on switching gigs. You've mentioned you were after a change a few times, so glad it's finally happening for ya.

I think Rod and maybe the long-missing Beej are the only one of the regulars to have stayed with one job for their entire tenure here.

And the commute shouldn't be a whole lot worse, just more expensive (no more fast-pass BART access).


indeed, it's like 10 extra minutes each way -- the office is a block from 19th St BART.  And Kaiser has Commuter Check, which pays (I think) 30 or 40% of the BART ticket cost.  I'd have to be paid WAY more to commute to, say, Walnut Creek or Fremont.
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: princessofcairo on April 09, 2007, 11:24:10 AM
Quote from: "RGMike"
I'd have to be paid WAY more to commute to, say, Walnut Creek or Fremont.


and not just in $$! :)
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Gazoo on April 09, 2007, 10:49:20 PM
Quote from: "RGMike"
Now it can be told:  I'm the latest 10@10 Clubber to change jobs.  My last day at Blue Shield is next Tuesday; I start at Kaiser in Oakland the following Mon (4/23).

Not a huge step up but enough of one to warrant commuting to Oaktown. Like Ali and Mark before me, the move will probably result in a lot less posting, at least initially.


Bon chance!  Although your absence here will be a conspicuous one.  Hope the change of scenery does ya good!
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Alicat on April 09, 2007, 11:43:55 PM
Quote from: "RGMike"
Now it can be told:  I'm the latest 10@10 Clubber to change jobs.  My last day at Blue Shield is next Tuesday; I start at Kaiser in Oakland the following Mon (4/23).

Not a huge step up but enough of one to warrant commuting to Oaktown. Like Ali and Mark before me, the move will probably result in a lot less posting, at least initially.

Congrats!! My posting is still down almost 2 years later.

Are you going to get to any Sharks Round 1 playoff games?
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: RGMike on April 10, 2007, 07:53:38 AM
Quote from: "Alicat"
Quote from: "RGMike"
Now it can be told:  I'm the latest 10@10 Clubber to change jobs.  My last day at Blue Shield is next Tuesday; I start at Kaiser in Oakland the following Mon (4/23).

Not a huge step up but enough of one to warrant commuting to Oaktown. Like Ali and Mark before me, the move will probably result in a lot less posting, at least initially.

Congrats!! My posting is still down almost 2 years later.

Are you going to get to any Sharks Round 1 playoff games?


No playoffs for me :cry: -- driving to SJ on a "school night" is really more than I can handle.  I will be going to the Giants game next Thurs afternoon, tho', to see them play the Cards.
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Alicat on April 10, 2007, 10:14:31 AM
Quote from: "RGMike"
Quote from: "Alicat"
Quote from: "RGMike"
Now it can be told:  I'm the latest 10@10 Clubber to change jobs.  My last day at Blue Shield is next Tuesday; I start at Kaiser in Oakland the following Mon (4/23).

Not a huge step up but enough of one to warrant commuting to Oaktown. Like Ali and Mark before me, the move will probably result in a lot less posting, at least initially.

Congrats!! My posting is still down almost 2 years later.

Are you going to get to any Sharks Round 1 playoff games?


No playoffs for me :cry: -- driving to SJ on a "school night" is really more than I can handle.  I will be going to the Giants game next Thurs afternoon, tho', to see them play the Cards.

I think my friend is giving up her game B playoff to be at the Cards on Wed. nite.
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: RGMike on April 17, 2007, 08:41:29 PM
Well, no posting (and no 10@10s) until tomorrow night.  Kaiser stuff in the morning; I'll probably (finally) see Grindhouse in the afternoon.
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: princessofcairo on April 20, 2007, 10:39:13 AM
in case you're interested, here's the sort of emails i receive from the embassy:

Quote


Embassy of the United States of America
Madrid, Spain


U.S. CITIZEN WARDEN MESSAGE
April 18, 2007

The following message is for maximum dissemination to U.S. Citizens

SUBJECT: PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT – WORLDWIDE CAUTION


1.  This Public Announcement updates information on the continuing threat of terrorist actions and violence against Americans and interests overseas.  This supersedes
the Worldwide Caution dated October 11, 2006 and expires on October 9, 2007.

2.  The Department of State remains concerned about the continued threat of terrorist attacks, demonstrations and other violent actions against U.S. citizens and interests
overseas.  Current information suggests that al-Qaida and affiliated organizations continue to plan terrorist attacks against U.S. interests in multiple regions, including Europe, Asia, Africa and the Middle East.  These attacks may employ a wide variety of tactics to include assassinations, kidnappings, hijackings and bombings.

3.  Ongoing events in Iraq and elsewhere in the Middle East have resulted in demonstrations and associated violence in several countries.  Americans are reminded
that demonstrations and rioting can occur with little or no warning.

4.  In August 2006, British authorities arrested a significant number of extremists engaged in a plot to destroy multiple passenger aircraft flying from the United Kingdom to the United States.  The September 2006 attack on the U.S. Embassy in Syria and the March 2006 bombing near the U.S. Consulate in Karachi, Pakistan illustrate the continuing desire of extremists to strike American targets.

5.  Extremists may elect to use conventional or non-conventional weapons, and target both official and private interests.  The bomb attacks targeting buses carrying
foreign workers in March 2007 and December 2006 in Algeria, a series of bombings in Thailand in May and September 2006 that targeted commercial and tourist destinations in the far south, and the bombings in the the Egyptian resort town of Dahab in April 2006 all illustrate how terrorists exploit vulnerabilities associated with soft targets.  Additional examples of such targets include high-profile sporting events, residential areas, business
offices, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, schools, public areas and locales where Americans gather in large numbers, including during holidays.  Financial or economic
targets of value may also be considered as possible venues; the vehicle-based suicide attack on an oil facility near Mukalla and Marib in Yemen in September 2006 and the failed attack on the Abqaiq oil processing facility in Saudi Arabia in late February 2006 are such examples.

6.  In the wake of the August 2006 plot against aircraft in London, numerous terrorist attacks on trains in India in 2006, the July 2005 London Underground bombings, and
the March 2004 train attacks in Madrid, Americans are reminded of the potential for terrorists to attack public transportation systems.  In addition, extremists may also
select aviation and maritime services as possible targets.

7.  U.S. citizens are strongly encouraged to maintain a high level of vigilance, be aware of local events, and take the appropriate steps to bolster their personal security.  For additional information, please refer to "A Safe Trip Abroad" found at http://travel.state.gov.

8.  U.S. Government facilities worldwide remain at a heightened state of alert.  These facilities may temporarily close or periodically suspend public services to assess their security posture.  In those instances, U.S. embassies and consulates will make every effort to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens.  Americans abroad are urged to monitor the local news and maintain contact with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.

9.  As the Department continues to develop information on any potential security threats to U.S. citizens overseas, it shares credible threat information through its Consular
Information Program documents, available on the Internet at  HYPERLINK "http://travel.state.gov" http://travel.state.gov.
In addition to information on the Internet, travelers may obtain up-to-date information
on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the U.S. or outside the U.S. and Canada on a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444.

April 2007


Following are the contact numbers of our Embassy in Spain, as well as the Consulate General in Barcelona and the different consular agencies. All these contact numbers and their addresses are available on the Internet at  HYPERLINK "http://madrid.usembassy.gov" http://madrid.usembassy.gov.

Consular Section Madrid. American Citizen Services: 91-587-2240 ?
Embassy and emergencies after hours: 91-587-2200

American Consulate General Barcelona: 93-280-2227.

Consular Agency La Coruña: 981-213-233
Consular Agency Las Palmas: 928-271-259
Consular Agency Málaga: 952-474-891
Consular Agency  Palma de Mallorca: 971-403-707
Consular Agency Seville: 954-218-751
Consular Agency Valencia: 963-516-973
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Gazoo on April 20, 2007, 08:05:52 PM
I for one am glad they've got your back.
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Gazoo on April 23, 2007, 01:15:49 PM
There's no thread for "random music overheard," so I'll put this here: While having lunch at Chipotle (a burrito chain; do you have them in SF?), I heard the drastically unexpected back-to-back of Bootsy Collins's rendition of "Do You Love Me?" from Standing in the Shadows of Motown followed by JL's "Oh Yoko."
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: RGMike on April 23, 2007, 06:58:12 PM
Quote from: "Gazoo"
There's no thread for "random music overheard," so I'll put this here: While having lunch at Chipotle (a burrito chain; do you have them in SF?), I heard the drastically unexpected back-to-back of Bootsy Collins's rendition of "Do You Love Me?" from Standing in the Shadows of Motown followed by JL's "Oh Yoko."


Yes, we have a Chipotle or 2 in the area -- they're owned by McDonald's, BTW.  

Muzak has gotten pretty hip lately. What Starbucks's Hath Wrought.
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: mshray on April 24, 2007, 08:57:01 AM
Quote from: "RGMike"
Quote from: "Gazoo"
There's no thread for "random music overheard," so I'll put this here: While having lunch at Chipotle (a burrito chain; do you have them in SF?), I heard the drastically unexpected back-to-back of Bootsy Collins's rendition of "Do You Love Me?" from Standing in the Shadows of Motown followed by JL's "Oh Yoko."


Yes, we have a Chipotle or 2 in the area -- they're owned by McDonald's, BTW.  

Muzak has gotten pretty hip lately. What Starbucks's Hath Wrought.


Even downtown Castro Valley has one, though I can't imagine why.  Not bad stuff as I recall.
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Alicat on April 24, 2007, 10:20:12 PM
Quote from: "mshray"
Quote from: "RGMike"
Quote from: "Gazoo"
There's no thread for "random music overheard," so I'll put this here: While having lunch at Chipotle (a burrito chain; do you have them in SF?), I heard the drastically unexpected back-to-back of Bootsy Collins's rendition of "Do You Love Me?" from Standing in the Shadows of Motown followed by JL's "Oh Yoko."


Yes, we have a Chipotle or 2 in the area -- they're owned by McDonald's, BTW.  

Muzak has gotten pretty hip lately. What Starbucks's Hath Wrought.


Even downtown Castro Valley has one, though I can't imagine why.  Not bad stuff as I recall.

First I've heard of Chipotle.
I guess it's like Wendy's and Baja Fresh & Carl's Jr. and the Green Burrito.
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: RGMike on May 03, 2007, 09:54:49 PM
So I've been at Kaiser for less than 2 weeks, and already some exec or other complained to my supervisor that he/she walked past my cube and saw me -- gasp! -- using the internet.

But here's the thing: he/she tells my supe that I was looking at "some tattoo site". WTF???  I can say unequivocally that I was nowhere near anything remotely like that in the past 2 weeks. (Yes, I use the 'net at work but I'm not stupid.) I'm wracking my brain trying to figure out WTF this person saw.  It's ridiculous.  My supe had to tell me as a CYA kinda thing, but she (and her supe) thinks I'm doing a wonderful job. Still, it's pissing me off.

I mean, 3 or 4 months from now, if my work is sloppy and I'm not meeting my quotas, by all means poke your head into my cube to see what's going on. But they haven't even finished training me yet. Sheesh.
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Gazoo on May 03, 2007, 10:27:35 PM
Quote from: "RGMike"
So I've been at Kaiser for less than 2 weeks, and already some exec or other complained to my supervisor that he/she walked past my cube and saw me -- gasp! -- using the internet.

But here's the thing: he/she tells my supe that I was looking at "some tattoo site". WTF???  I can say unequivocally that I was nowhere near anything remotely like that in the past 2 weeks. (Yes, I use the 'net at work but I'm not stupid.) I'm wracking my brain trying to figure out WTF this person saw.  It's ridiculous.  My supe had to tell me as a CYA kinda thing, but she (and her supe) thinks I'm doing a wonderful job. Still, it's pissing me off.

I mean, 3 or 4 months from now, if my work is sloppy and I'm not meeting my quotas, by all means poke your head into my cube to see what's going on. But they haven't even finished training me yet. Sheesh.


Jesus H. Christ on a popsicle stick, that is stupid.  Ask Executive Analwart to pull the logs of the sites you've visited -- I highly doubt that data isn't being tracked.

In the meantime, I'll be careful to not post any NSFW images here.
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: urth on May 04, 2007, 12:00:47 AM
Quote from: "RGMike"
So I've been at Kaiser for less than 2 weeks, and already some exec or other complained to my supervisor that he/she walked past my cube and saw me -- gasp! -- using the internet.


Sounds like my boss when I worked for the law firm a couple years back (nearly three, actually). I learned to be careful really fast, but it ground my gears too. Some of the people there were nice, and it was an OK place to weather the downturn, but I don't miss that job much at all.

Just keep kickin' ass as far as your work duties are concerned and they won't be able to say much about your extracurricular activities.
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: RGMike on May 04, 2007, 08:22:13 AM
Quote from: "urth"
Quote from: "RGMike"
So I've been at Kaiser for less than 2 weeks, and already some exec or other complained to my supervisor that he/she walked past my cube and saw me -- gasp! -- using the internet.


Sounds like my boss when I worked for the law firm a couple years back (nearly three, actually). I learned to be careful really fast, but it ground my gears too. Some of the people there were nice, and it was an OK place to weather the downturn, but I don't miss that job much at all.

Just keep kickin' ass as far as your work duties are concerned and they won't be able to say much about your extracurricular activities.


Thanks, Gaz & Urth. My supe actually gave me one of those privacy/security screens. Now you can't see anything from outside my cube.
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: mshray on May 04, 2007, 08:58:56 AM
Quote from: "RGMike"
Thanks, Gaz & Urth. My supe actually gave me one of those privacy/security screens. Now you can't see anything from outside my cube.


Good on your supe!

I'm lucky that my job is directly related to internet content now.  I'm supposed to watch TV on line!  In fact I was even delegated the responsibility of getting a Penthouse online membership!
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Alicat on May 04, 2007, 09:57:08 AM
Quote from: "mshray"
Quote from: "RGMike"
Thanks, Gaz & Urth. My supe actually gave me one of those privacy/security screens. Now you can't see anything from outside my cube.


Good on your supe!

I'm lucky that my job is directly related to internet content now.  I'm supposed to watch TV on line!  In fact I was even delegated the responsibility if getting a Penthouse online membership!

Lucky man!! Those porn affiliates can be a great revenue source.
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Gazoo on May 04, 2007, 11:56:17 AM
Quote from: "mshray"
Quote from: "RGMike"
Thanks, Gaz & Urth. My supe actually gave me one of those privacy/security screens. Now you can't see anything from outside my cube.


Good on your supe!

I'm lucky that my job is directly related to internet content now.  I'm supposed to watch TV on line!  In fact I was even delegated the responsibility of getting a Penthouse online membership!


Clearly this is why you wanted to chat with me a few weeks ago about the new gig.   :o  :D
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: princessofcairo on May 24, 2007, 09:28:12 AM
I was sitting at a cafe a couple of weeks ago when I spotted a familiar-looking woman sitting at the table next to me. I thought we might have worked on some board together, or something, so I went over to her table. My friends warned me not to do it. One of them, The Bear, leaned over to me, and said, "You're gonna get your ass kicked." I should have listened to him...

"Perdon?"

SHE turns HER head away from me, apparently checking out the Bulgarian accordion player approaching the cafe with the sweet sounds of "La Vie en Rose." Her male companion is also avoiding looking directly at me.

"Perdon?"

SHE finally turns around and looks up at me.

"Do you speak English?"
"Yes."
"Well, sorry to bother you, but I was wondering...what's your name?"

SHE laughs here. A slight, barely audible half-hearted golf clap guffaw of a laugh, as if someone has just suggested offer one of HER spare rooms to a band of Andalusian gypsies for the night.

"Why should I tell you?

I'm baffled. SHE has a good point. But why should SHE be so rude? Is SHE someone famous? Is SHE in the Witness Protection Program? Or is SHE just some bitch from the Hamptons?

"Uh...I don't know...I thought...maybe I knew you."

SHE rolls HER eyes in a huge circle to let me know that people like HER and people like me don't know each other.

"I don't think so, but thanks."

That's what SHE said. I walked back to my table in disgust. The Bear leaned over to me, and said, "I told you you were gonna get your ass kicked."

I decided to call her Jane. I spent the next few days cursing her whenever something bad happened. I stubbed my toe on the kitchen door. "Fuck you, Jane!" I belted. I dropped a euro in the gutter. "Go to hell, Jane!" I cried. And so on.

I call her Jane. Do any of you know who this woman is?

(http://www.ameliaray.net/meryl/jane.jpg)
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Gazoo on May 24, 2007, 10:21:11 AM
You could have citizen's-arrested her for stealing Michael McDonald's hair.
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: urth on May 24, 2007, 11:12:53 AM
Quote from: "princessofcairo"
I call her Jane. Do any of you know who this woman is?

(http://www.ameliaray.net/meryl/jane.jpg)


Looks a little like Barbara Billingsley, except I think she's dead.
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: princessofcairo on May 24, 2007, 04:23:46 PM
Quote from: "urth"
Quote from: "princessofcairo"
I call her Jane. Do any of you know who this woman is?

(http://www.ameliaray.net/meryl/jane.jpg)


Looks a little like Barbara Billingsley, except I think she's dead.


it's still bugging me. i know i know her from somewhere. i can't figure out if she's a politician or a really bad actress. or mike mcdonald's barber.
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: princessofcairo on May 24, 2007, 04:31:26 PM
Quote from: "princessofcairo"


it's still bugging me. i know i know her from somewhere. i can't figure out if she's a politician or a really bad actress. or mike mcdonald's barber.


or an ex-tennis player. or geraldine ferraro.
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Gazoo on May 24, 2007, 09:43:41 PM
Quote from: "princessofcairo"
Quote from: "princessofcairo"


it's still bugging me. i know i know her from somewhere. i can't figure out if she's a politician or a really bad actress. or mike mcdonald's barber.


or an ex-tennis player. or geraldine ferraro.


This is how stereotypes get started.   :P
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: RGMike on May 24, 2007, 10:30:17 PM
Quote from: "princessofcairo"
Quote from: "princessofcairo"


it's still bugging me. i know i know her from somewhere. i can't figure out if she's a politician or a really bad actress. or mike mcdonald's barber.


or an ex-tennis player. or geraldine ferraro.


The morning sun, when it's in her face, really shows her age...
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: RGMike on June 10, 2007, 12:01:23 PM
Weird week ahead: I'll be in day-long training sessions on Mon, Thurs & Fri. So I'll be missing Ginger and Dave on those days and no posting from 9-4.

And of course next week I'll only be around Mon-Tue-Wed and then it's off to NYC for 10 days.
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Alicat on June 10, 2007, 11:50:15 PM
Best wishes with all. Training is hopefully exciting and will ensure a successful transition into the new job.

Travel is exciting too. Hope you can report in while away.
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Gazoo on June 11, 2007, 05:44:09 PM
Quote from: "RGMike"
Weird week ahead: I'll be in day-long training sessions on Mon, Thurs & Fri. So I'll be missing Ginger and Dave on those days and no posting from 9-4.

And of course next week I'll only be around Mon-Tue-Wed and then it's off to NYC for 10 days.


Looking forward to seeing you!  Although owing to my new hours at Time, I probably won't get to go to the Friday A's game with you.   :cry:  Don't suppose you're catching any other games?  The only way I can go is if copy editors are sent home early (which does happen with some regularity on Fridays, but it's by no means a given).  We'll talk.
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: RGMike on July 03, 2007, 07:56:26 AM
Well, I'm back and in one piece.   I'm not even gonna attempt to go thru the dozens (hundreds?) of unread threads.  But I'm crushed to discover that I missed Dave's playing of "Mill Valley" on yesterday's morning show. (They replayed the interview with Miss What's-her-name, the teacher.) I'm told the young male residents of Marin refer to it as "MILF Valley" -- LOL!
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: mshray on July 03, 2007, 11:03:48 AM
Quote from: "RGMike"
Well, I'm back and in one piece.   I'm not even gonna attempt to go thru the dozens (hundreds?) of unread threads.  But I'm crushed to discover that I missed Dave's playing of "Mill Valley" on yesterday's morning show. (They replayed the interview with Miss What's-her-name, the teacher.) I'm told the young male residents of Marin refer to it as "MILF Valley" -- LOL!


I heard it & it was really a thrill.

 :wink:  I never realized there were so many muslim separatists in Mill Valley - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moro_Islamic_Liberation_Front
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: RGMike on July 18, 2007, 08:51:40 AM
So I came in early today, because I need to leave early -- got my first appointment with my new Kaiser doc, woo hoo.

So I'm all set to hear Rob's set and the computer won't boot-up completely.  So I was in cyber-limbo until I.T. came to fix it just now... and so OF COURSE Bob did a '68 set.  And Rob's 1980 set looked great too.
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: urth on July 18, 2007, 09:23:53 AM
Quote from: "RGMike"
So I came in early today, because I need to leave early -- got my first appointment with my new Kaiser doc, woo hoo.

So I'm all set to hear Rob's set and the computer won't boot-up completely.  So I was in cyber-limbo until I.T. came to fix it just now... and so OF COURSE Bob did a '68 set.  And Rob's 1980 set looked great too.


Thank you Mr. Murphy. (Although there are those who would consider that "ironic." Don'cha think?)
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Gazoo on July 23, 2007, 09:45:37 AM
I freaking HATE rainy days.  Especially when they're Mondays.  ESPECIALLY when my schizophrenic upstairs neighbor leaves his aggressive dog outside in the storm and I have to call the ASPCA to do something about it (it's not safe to confront either him or his dog).

This week is off to a bad start.
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: urth on July 23, 2007, 10:06:52 AM
Quote from: "Gazoo"
I freaking HATE rainy days.  Especially when they're Mondays.  ESPECIALLY when my schizophrenic upstairs neighbor leaves his aggressive dog outside in the storm and I have to call the ASPCA to do something about it (it's not safe to confront either him or his dog).

This week is off to a bad start.


Ick. I would totally get behind a movement to license, not dogs, but dog owners.

We went by the SF Animal Care and Control yesterday afternoon to drop off some stuff (not animals!) and looked in on the pets they had up for adoption. While I was encouraged by the relatively small number of dogs they had (compared to when I was in there a year or so ago) I was dismayed how many of those they did have were pit bulls or pit mixes. I know some people love those dogs, but I've heard too many horror stories about them turning on their owners--or the owner's kids. They scare me.
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Gazoo on July 23, 2007, 10:10:05 AM
Quote from: "urth"
Quote from: "Gazoo"
I freaking HATE rainy days.  Especially when they're Mondays.  ESPECIALLY when my schizophrenic upstairs neighbor leaves his aggressive dog outside in the storm and I have to call the ASPCA to do something about it (it's not safe to confront either him or his dog).

This week is off to a bad start.


Ick. I would totally get behind a movement to license, not dogs, but dog owners.

We went by the SF Animal Care and Control yesterday afternoon to drop off some stuff (not animals!) and looked in on the pets they had up for adoption. While I was encouraged by the relatively small number of dogs they had (compared to when I was in there a year or so ago) I was dismayed how many of those they did have were pit bulls or pit mixes. I know some people love those dogs, but I've heard too many horror stories about them turning on their owners--or the owner's kids. They scare me.


I read recently that pits and pit mixes now comprise something like 30% of Animal Control dropoffs -- clear and dreadful evidence of breeding for dogfighting.  The practitioners of that horrific "sport" will have a lot to answer for in their next lives.
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: RGMike on July 23, 2007, 10:11:26 AM
Quote from: "urth"
Quote from: "Gazoo"
I freaking HATE rainy days.  Especially when they're Mondays.  ESPECIALLY when my schizophrenic upstairs neighbor leaves his aggressive dog outside in the storm and I have to call the ASPCA to do something about it (it's not safe to confront either him or his dog).

This week is off to a bad start.


Ick. I would totally get behind a movement to license, not dogs, but dog owners.

We went by the SF Animal Care and Control yesterday afternoon to drop off some stuff (not animals!) and looked in on the pets they had up for adoption. While I was encouraged by the relatively small number of dogs they had (compared to when I was in there a year or so ago) I was dismayed how many of those they did have were pit bulls or pit mixes. I know some people love those dogs, but I've heard too many horror stories about them turning on their owners--or the owner's kids. They scare me.


Well, y'know, Michael Vick's been too busy lately to put anymore pit bulls "to sleep".

I want him to go to prison for a good long time...
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: urth on July 24, 2007, 02:49:09 PM
Anyone else lose power here in SF? Ours blipped on and off half a dozen times in about half an hour, now it's been on for the past 20 minutes or so, but lots of people lost work. Grrrr.

(Mike count your blessings you're working in Oaktown now.)
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: RGMike on July 24, 2007, 02:57:20 PM
Quote from: "urth"
Anyone else lose power here in SF? Ours blipped on and off half a dozen times in about half an hour, now it's been on for the past 20 minutes or so, but lots of people lost work. Grrrr.

(Mike count your blessings you're working in Oaktown now.)


20,000 folks (give or take) are in your boat:

http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2007/07/24/BAG9NR67253.DTL&tsp=1
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: princessofcairo on July 25, 2007, 03:42:50 AM
Quote from: "RGMike"
Quote from: "urth"
Anyone else lose power here in SF? Ours blipped on and off half a dozen times in about half an hour, now it's been on for the past 20 minutes or so, but lots of people lost work. Grrrr.

(Mike count your blessings you're working in Oaktown now.)


20,000 folks (give or take) are in your boat:

http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2007/07/24/BAG9NR67253.DTL&tsp=1


barcelona, too:

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/national/1103AP_Spain_Barcelona_Blackout.html
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: RGMike on July 25, 2007, 07:57:32 AM
Quote from: "princessofcairo"
Quote from: "RGMike"
Quote from: "urth"
Anyone else lose power here in SF? Ours blipped on and off half a dozen times in about half an hour, now it's been on for the past 20 minutes or so, but lots of people lost work. Grrrr.

(Mike count your blessings you're working in Oaktown now.)


20,000 folks (give or take) are in your boat:

http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2007/07/24/BAG9NR67253.DTL&tsp=1


barcelona, too:

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/national/1103AP_Spain_Barcelona_Blackout.html


Coincidence? I think not!
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: RGMike on August 07, 2007, 01:20:08 PM
So the IT guys came to attempt to fix a database prob -- an hour and 45 mins I'll never get back, and the prob still ain't fixed. Meanwhile, they apparently activated a "bug" that makes it impossible to open a second Explorer screen from a link on website (all you get is a blank screen). So I can't listen to KFOG (or the Drive, or KBCO etc) thru their player(s). I can only use the direct WMP links on the 10@10 Club menu, and we don't have those for every station.  Ah, technology...
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Gazoo on August 08, 2007, 07:54:28 AM
Quote from: "RGMike"
So the IT guys came to attempt to fix a database prob -- an hour and 45 mins I'll never get back, and the prob still ain't fixed. Meanwhile, they apparently activated a "bug" that makes it impossible to open a second Explorer screen from a link on website (all you get is a blank screen). So I can't listen to KFOG (or the Drive, or KBCO etc) thru their player(s). I can only use the direct WMP links on the 10@10 Club menu, and we don't have those for every station.  Ah, technology...


F**k Explorer.  Are you allowed to download Firefox?
Title: Listening links
Post by: ggould on August 08, 2007, 08:36:46 AM
Quote from: "Gazoo"
Quote from: "RGMike"
So the IT guys came to attempt to fix a database prob -- an hour and 45 mins I'll never get back, and the prob still ain't fixed. Meanwhile, they apparently activated a "bug" that makes it impossible to open a second Explorer screen from a link on website (all you get is a blank screen). So I can't listen to KFOG (or the Drive, or KBCO etc) thru their player(s). I can only use the direct WMP links on the 10@10 Club menu, and we don't have those for every station.  Ah, technology...
F**k Explorer.  Are you allowed to download Firefox?

You should be able to setup your WM player with saved url locations, which you can take from the links here.
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: RGMike on August 08, 2007, 11:26:35 AM
Quote from: "Gazoo"
Quote from: "RGMike"
So the IT guys came to attempt to fix a database prob -- an hour and 45 mins I'll never get back, and the prob still ain't fixed. Meanwhile, they apparently activated a "bug" that makes it impossible to open a second Explorer screen from a link on website (all you get is a blank screen). So I can't listen to KFOG (or the Drive, or KBCO etc) thru their player(s). I can only use the direct WMP links on the 10@10 Club menu, and we don't have those for every station.  Ah, technology...


F**k Explorer.  Are you allowed to download Firefox?


uh, no.

I was physically without my computer from 2pm yesterday until just now -- have yet to see if everything works after they re-imaged and re-built..
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Gazoo on August 08, 2007, 10:24:14 PM
Quote from: "RGMike"
Quote from: "Gazoo"
Quote from: "RGMike"
So the IT guys came to attempt to fix a database prob -- an hour and 45 mins I'll never get back, and the prob still ain't fixed. Meanwhile, they apparently activated a "bug" that makes it impossible to open a second Explorer screen from a link on website (all you get is a blank screen). So I can't listen to KFOG (or the Drive, or KBCO etc) thru their player(s). I can only use the direct WMP links on the 10@10 Club menu, and we don't have those for every station.  Ah, technology...


F**k Explorer.  Are you allowed to download Firefox?


uh, no.

I was physically without my computer from 2pm yesterday until just now -- have yet to see if everything works after they re-imaged and re-built..


Are you still able to do multiple-tabbed browsing?  If so, perhaps right-click on the link to "save as," save it to your toolbar or desktop, and "open in new tab" from there?  Or am I misunderstanding the problem?
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: RGMike on August 09, 2007, 07:52:37 AM
Quote from: "Gazoo"
Quote from: "RGMike"
Quote from: "Gazoo"
Quote from: "RGMike"
So the IT guys came to attempt to fix a database prob -- an hour and 45 mins I'll never get back, and the prob still ain't fixed. Meanwhile, they apparently activated a "bug" that makes it impossible to open a second Explorer screen from a link on website (all you get is a blank screen). So I can't listen to KFOG (or the Drive, or KBCO etc) thru their player(s). I can only use the direct WMP links on the 10@10 Club menu, and we don't have those for every station.  Ah, technology...


F**k Explorer.  Are you allowed to download Firefox?


uh, no.

I was physically without my computer from 2pm yesterday until just now -- have yet to see if everything works after they re-imaged and re-built..


Are you still able to do multiple-tabbed browsing?  If so, perhaps right-click on the link to "save as," save it to your toolbar or desktop, and "open in new tab" from there?  Or am I misunderstanding the problem?


the problem is fixed; I was told it was a system-wide "bug", FWIW. Everytrhing's working swell now.
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: RGMike on August 30, 2007, 08:53:10 AM
I'm taking tomorrow (Fri) off -- wish I could say I had a long weekend trip planned, but alas, my doc scheduled me (TMI alert!) for a sigmoidoscopy smack dab in the middle of the afternoon. So I'll be sleeping in, missing Peak/Drive/'BCO and will probably pop in for whatever "classic" Dave has planned. Anybody heading over to the Fillmore for the final "Live'n'Local" of the month?
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: princessofcairo on September 14, 2007, 07:51:23 AM
i's married now!

pictures and details to come.
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: RGMike on September 14, 2007, 07:58:59 AM
Quote from: "princessofcairo"
i's married now!

pictures and details to come.


Mazel Tov! Felicidades!  SF misses you.
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Alicat on September 14, 2007, 09:19:41 AM
Quote from: "princessofcairo"
i's married now!

pictures and details to come.

Congratulations. Honeymoon?
Looking forward to pix.  :D
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: urth on September 14, 2007, 09:22:27 AM
Quote from: "RGMike"
Quote from: "princessofcairo"
i's married now!

pictures and details to come.


Mazel Tov! Felicidades!  SF misses you.


L'chaim! (sp?) (Oh, and happy new year to all the members of the tribe...)

Many congrats, princess--I'm sure you both made beautiful brides!
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Lightnin' Rod on September 14, 2007, 09:26:08 AM
Quote from: "princessofcairo"
i's married now!

pictures and details to come.


Congrats, Princess!
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Gazoo on September 14, 2007, 09:42:32 PM
Quote from: "urth"
Quote from: "RGMike"
Quote from: "princessofcairo"
i's married now!

pictures and details to come.


Mazel Tov! Felicidades!  SF misses you.


L'chaim! (sp?) (Oh, and happy new year to all the members of the tribe...)

Many congrats, princess--I'm sure you both made beautiful brides!


Indeed -- L'Chaim!

Love that you saw fit to visit us the day before and after!

So where are you registered?  And when do we learn more about the wifey?
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Gazoo on September 20, 2007, 12:45:05 PM
Just whining for a second: I had two wisdom teeth taken out today (hence my absence from the board) and am in quite a lot of pain right now.  Was prescribed hydrocodone -- but only 10 tablets!  What does the dentist expect me to do tomorrow?   :o
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: RGMike on September 20, 2007, 01:23:12 PM
Quote from: "Gazoo"
Just whining for a second: I had two wisdom teeth taken out today (hence my absence from the board) and am in quite a lot of pain right now.  Was prescribed hydrocodone -- but only 10 tablets!  What does the dentist expect me to do tomorrow?   :o


I still have all of mine (that's why I'm so wise.  But [Bill Clinton voice]ah feel your payn![/Bill Clinton voice]

Surely you can get your hands on some Vicodin!
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: princessofcairo on September 20, 2007, 04:43:10 PM
wedding pics (http://www.ameliaray.net/boda/weddingpics.html)

italian wifey just retired from life as an interpreter. now she just works on art (http://angiolabonanni.com/). we're off to france next week for two weeks' honeymoon.

i still have all of my wisdom teeth, though i lost four molars as a yewt to prepare for braces.
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: mshray on September 21, 2007, 08:50:18 AM
Quote from: "Gazoo"
Just whining for a second: I had two wisdom teeth taken out today (hence my absence from the board) and am in quite a lot of pain right now.  Was prescribed hydrocodone -- but only 10 tablets!  What does the dentist expect me to do tomorrow?   :o


I had my last two (bottom) taken out last spring, and I was the last appointment of the afternnoon before the oral surgeon went on vacation.  The appointment before mine went way over, so I was sitting in the chair, prepped to go, for over 45 minutes before he came into the room.

Not surprisingly I was in way more pain than I expected during my recovery, and eventually a 3/8 inch long shard of the lower right tooth worked it's way out of my gum.  But at least that bastard made his flight!
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: princessofcairo on September 25, 2007, 09:37:44 PM
Quote from: "princessofcairo"
wedding pics (http://www.ameliaray.net/boda/weddingpics.html)

italian wifey just retired from life as an interpreter. now she just works on art (http://angiolabonanni.com/). we're off to france next week for two weeks' honeymoon.

i still have all of my wisdom teeth, though i lost four molars as a yewt to prepare for braces.


i *did* post pics for anyone interested.
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Gazoo on September 27, 2007, 09:50:10 AM
Quote from: "princessofcairo"
Quote from: "princessofcairo"
wedding pics (http://www.ameliaray.net/boda/weddingpics.html)

italian wifey just retired from life as an interpreter. now she just works on art (http://angiolabonanni.com/). we're off to france next week for two weeks' honeymoon.

i still have all of my wisdom teeth, though i lost four molars as a yewt to prepare for braces.


i *did* post pics for anyone interested.


And delightful and delicious they are!  Thank you for posting them - and may I say, that dress looks fab on you.
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Gazoo on September 27, 2007, 09:51:51 AM
GROSS GROSS GROSS

A little while ago, a mouse got into my apartment -- and apparently electrocuted itself on my power strip.  Came back to find the poor thing dead, splayed out over the strip, a leg in an open socket, and shocks of hair on the strip and the wall next to it.  Sorry to share, but this is freaking me out.
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: urth on September 27, 2007, 09:58:36 AM
Quote from: "Gazoo"
GROSS GROSS GROSS

A little while ago, a mouse got into my apartment -- and apparently electrocuted itself on my power strip.  Came back to find the poor thing dead, splayed out over the strip, a leg in an open socket, and shocks of hair on the strip and the wall next to it.  Sorry to share, but this is freaking me out.


Eeeewwww, ick. Our cats occasionally apprehend one that's wandered in from the garage and they leave them as presents on the stairs. Just what you want to find at 6am as you're on the way to the bathroom. I would be tempted to toss the powerstrip outright, but if it's a heavy-duty one, those things ain't cheap.
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Alicat on October 10, 2007, 11:03:29 PM
Quote from: "Gazoo"
GROSS GROSS GROSS

A little while ago, a mouse got into my apartment -- and apparently electrocuted itself on my power strip.  Came back to find the poor thing dead, splayed out over the strip, a leg in an open socket, and shocks of hair on the strip and the wall next to it.  Sorry to share, but this is freaking me out.

OMG! Holy crap! Totally gross. I'm laughing now (shocks of hair! :lol: ) because this is weeks old and I'm just seeing it. Did you take a picture? Awful but freakishly so. I have had a few im my garage, not sure if rats or mice, and they ended up shot and or trapped/snapped.
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: princessofcairo on October 12, 2007, 07:27:34 AM
thanks for the card, love of my life. and i hope you're over the mouse ecapade. i found a decapitated mouse in the house about a month ago, thanks to a wiley cat.
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Alicat on October 30, 2007, 09:24:21 PM
A little after 8 tonight we had a 5.6 shaker, epicenter in San Jose. Did you feel it in SF? I was on the phone with someone in the city next to me and she was saying OMG there's and earthquake and it was 2-3 seconds before I felt it. Windows shook and there was noise with this one. Cool!
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: RGMike on October 30, 2007, 10:08:41 PM
Quote from: "Alicat"
A little after 8 tonight we had a 5.6 shaker, epicenter in San Jose. Did you feel it in SF? I was on the phone with someone in the city next to me and she was saying OMG there's and earthquake and it was 2-3 seconds before I felt it. Windows shook and there was noise with this one. Cool!


Did not feel it where I was, tho' someone interviewed on SFGate said they felt it near City College.
Title: quake
Post by: ggould on October 31, 2007, 09:26:18 AM
Quote from: "RGMike"
Quote from: "Alicat"
A little after 8 tonight we had a 5.6 shaker, epicenter in San Jose. Did you feel it in SF? I was on the phone with someone in the city next to me and she was saying OMG there's and earthquake and it was 2-3 seconds before I felt it. Windows shook and there was noise with this one. Cool!
Did not feel it where I was, tho' someone interviewed on SFGate said they felt it near City College.

great grist for my earth science mill!
http://quake.wr.usgs.gov/recenteqs/Maps/SF_Bay.html
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: urth on October 31, 2007, 09:41:52 AM
Quote from: "RGMike"
Quote from: "Alicat"
A little after 8 tonight we had a 5.6 shaker, epicenter in San Jose. Did you feel it in SF? I was on the phone with someone in the city next to me and she was saying OMG there's and earthquake and it was 2-3 seconds before I felt it. Windows shook and there was noise with this one. Cool!


Did not feel it where I was, tho' someone interviewed on SFGate said they felt it near City College.


I was sitting in my dining room eating dinner, and yes, we definitely felt it. It wasn't excessively strong, but it sure lasted awhile. More of a roller than the usual short, sharp shock.
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Alicat on October 31, 2007, 11:19:02 AM
For you wordsmiths:
If a house interior is all black and white, what might be an alternate way to describe that? Monochromatic or chromatic are words I looked at but don't fit.
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: urth on October 31, 2007, 12:28:49 PM
Quote from: "Alicat"
For you wordsmiths:
If a house interior is all black and white, what might be an alternate way to describe that? Monochromatic or chromatic are words I looked at but don't fit.


Checked my Funk and Wagnalls, and monochromatic or monochrome are about the best I can come up with. If they don't fit because of space issues, cut a different word.
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Gazoo on October 31, 2007, 06:11:24 PM
Quote from: "Alicat"
For you wordsmiths:
If a house interior is all black and white, what might be an alternate way to describe that? Monochromatic or chromatic are words I looked at but don't fit.


How about "two-tone"?
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: RGMike on November 01, 2007, 07:48:08 AM
Quote from: "Gazoo"
Quote from: "Alicat"
For you wordsmiths:
If a house interior is all black and white, what might be an alternate way to describe that? Monochromatic or chromatic are words I looked at but don't fit.


How about "two-tone"?


(http://www.project80s.com/lyrics/photos/tommy-tutone.jpg)
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Gazoo on November 01, 2007, 07:55:58 AM
Quote from: "RGMike"
Quote from: "Gazoo"
Quote from: "Alicat"
For you wordsmiths:
If a house interior is all black and white, what might be an alternate way to describe that? Monochromatic or chromatic are words I looked at but don't fit.


How about "two-tone"?


(http://www.project80s.com/lyrics/photos/tommy-tutone.jpg)


Heh.  I actually had this in mind:

(http://image.allmusic.com/00/amg/cov200/dre900/e941/e941548zop0.jpg)
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Alicat on November 01, 2007, 08:44:08 AM
Quote from: "Gazoo"
Quote from: "Alicat"
For you wordsmiths:
If a house interior is all black and white, what might be an alternate way to describe that? Monochromatic or chromatic are words I looked at but don't fit.


How about "two-tone"?

Thx. Ended up with duo-tone
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: princessofcairo on November 13, 2007, 04:00:06 AM
hey, all. i'm trying to find a nice fix for some cross-browser css positioning (and background image) problems i'm having with my website. shows up fine for me in safari, and i think on ie for windows, too. but ie for mac and firefox hide the menu and, possibly, the background images in the content sections. if anyone here knows anything about html coding, perhaps you could help me???? it's all hand-coded, so it's probably sloppy. i just tried to avoid using antiquated tables.

here's the url. if you need more code, let me know:
http://www.ameliaray.net/english/index.html

thanks in advance.
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Lightnin' Rod on November 13, 2007, 10:21:40 AM
Quote from: "princessofcairo"
hey, all. i'm trying to find a nice fix for some cross-browser css positioning (and background image) problems i'm having with my website. shows up fine for me in safari, and i think on ie for windows, too. but ie for mac and firefox hide the menu and, possibly, the background images in the content sections. if anyone here knows anything about html coding, perhaps you could help me???? it's all hand-coded, so it's probably sloppy. i just tried to avoid using antiquated tables.

here's the url. if you need more code, let me know:
http://www.ameliaray.net/english/index.html

thanks in advance.


Looks very nice in ie 7.

My only suggesting would be wrapping the entire thing in another -table-.
code (replacing tag brackets with dashes, and you could play with the percentages):
-table-
   -tr-
      -td style='width:20%'-
          --- menu table here ----
      -/td-
      -td style='width:80%'-
          --- content span here ---
      -/td
    -/tr-
-/table-

ETA:  re-reading your post i see that you are trying to avoid 'antiquated' tables, but sometimes you gotta go with what works.  Especially across platforms.
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Gazoo on November 13, 2007, 11:47:30 AM
It's still buggin' in Firefox, I'm afraid.
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: urth on November 13, 2007, 12:04:50 PM
Quote from: "Gazoo"
It's still buggin' in Firefox, I'm afraid.


Yep, likewise. If I use basic page style I see the image and news page but no menu. And if I change to no style, I get the menu, but no image or content. Alas, I am far from being web-savvy enough to tell you what to do about it. I think Rod or maybe Geoff are your best resources here.

(Looks fine in IE6 however.)
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: princessofcairo on November 14, 2007, 04:15:55 AM
Quote from: "Rod"
Quote from: "princessofcairo"
hey, all. i'm trying to find a nice fix for some cross-browser css positioning (and background image) problems i'm having with my website. shows up fine for me in safari, and i think on ie for windows, too. but ie for mac and firefox hide the menu and, possibly, the background images in the content sections. if anyone here knows anything about html coding, perhaps you could help me???? it's all hand-coded, so it's probably sloppy. i just tried to avoid using antiquated tables.

here's the url. if you need more code, let me know:
http://www.ameliaray.net/english/index.html

thanks in advance.


Looks very nice in ie 7.

My only suggesting would be wrapping the entire thing in another -table-.
code (replacing tag brackets with dashes, and you could play with the percentages):
-table-
   -tr-
      -td style='width:20%'-
          --- menu table here ----
      -/td-
      -td style='width:80%'-
          --- content span here ---
      -/td
    -/tr-
-/table-

ETA:  re-reading your post i see that you are trying to avoid 'antiquated' tables, but sometimes you gotta go with what works.  Especially across platforms.


thanks, guys. i'll try your suggestion, flem. er..rod. :)
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: RGMike on November 16, 2007, 11:28:10 AM
Attention early Saturday risers...  I'm working some overtime tomorrow, so I'll be on-line from 8a to around 1p, listening to the last hour of Casey Kasem on KFRC, followed by some of Dave's marathon and then CGSS (which starts at 10 on Sat).  So stop on by!
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: RGMike on November 21, 2007, 10:01:07 AM
I just found out that Kaiser does NOT give a paid holiday on the day after Thanksgiving! So I've submitted a very last minute request for a vacay day... but jeezus! I have never heard of a company not giving folks the Day After Turkey.  Is anyone else in this situation?
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Gazoo on November 21, 2007, 10:09:38 AM
Quote from: "RGMike"
I just found out that Kaiser does NOT give a paid holiday on the day after Thanksgiving! So I've submitted a very last minute request for a vacay day... but jeezus! I have never heard of a company not giving folks the Day After Turkey.  Is anyone else in this situation?


In past jobs, I've had to work that day.  I'm working Friday but got today off in exchange.
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: RGMike on November 21, 2007, 10:12:55 AM
Quote from: "Gazoo"
Quote from: "RGMike"
I just found out that Kaiser does NOT give a paid holiday on the day after Thanksgiving! So I've submitted a very last minute request for a vacay day... but jeezus! I have never heard of a company not giving folks the Day After Turkey.  Is anyone else in this situation?


In past jobs, I've had to work that day.  I'm working Friday but got today off in exchange.


Obviously, when I worked in retail and radio (which are now the same thing) I worked that day; but I'd never heard of a straight-ahead office situation where it wasn't a holiday.

My previous employer, Blue Shield, is actually giving people Xmas Eve AND New Years Eve (Mondays) this year -- two 4-day weekends in a row. But not Kaiser.
Title: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Alicat on November 22, 2007, 12:33:02 PM
Quote from: "RGMike"
Quote from: "Gazoo"
Quote from: "RGMike"
I just found out that Kaiser does NOT give a paid holiday on the day after Thanksgiving! So I've submitted a very last minute request for a vacay day... but jeezus! I have never heard of a company not giving folks the Day After Turkey.  Is anyone else in this situation?


In past jobs, I've had to work that day.  I'm working Friday but got today off in exchange.


Obviously, when I worked in retail and radio (which are now the same thing) I worked that day; but I'd never heard of a straight-ahead office situation where it wasn't a holiday.

My previous employer, Blue Shield, is actually giving people Xmas Eve AND New Years Eve (Mondays) this year -- two 4-day weekends in a row. But not Kaiser.

I have this Friday as a paid day off BUT...Dec 24 and 31 my office is closed and we are unpaid or need to use vacay. After I use vacay for those two plus the 26th which I want off, my vacay bal goes negative. I'm glad to have a job but jeeez. Times are hard. I need to go think about things I'm thankful for.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: RGMike on January 15, 2008, 10:03:58 AM
Just made my reservations for NYC in April -- could not get one of the small ($125) rooms at my usual hotel, the Chelsea Savoy -- they said the cheapest they had was $295!  So I went to the travel sites (where I've never had much luck before) and got a room at the Hotel Pennsylvania for $165 per -- still quite a bargain for midtown Manhattan.  So kudos to cheaptickets.com (who are apparently owned by Orbitz).

But the odd thing about this apparent role-reversal is that the woman at the Savoy said mid-April was their "High season" -- huh? They had plenty of cheap rooms in June last year, which I'd assume is a higher "high season" than April. Are there really more tourists in NYC the second week of April?
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Gazoo on January 15, 2008, 10:14:36 AM
Just made my reservations for NYC in April -- could not get one of the small ($125) rooms at my usual hotel, the Chelsea Savoy -- they said the cheapest they had was $295!  So I went to the travel sites (where I've never had much luck before) and got a room at the Hotel Pennsylvania for $165 per -- still quite a bargain for midtown Manhattan.  So kudos to cheaptickets.com (who are apparently owned by Orbitz).

But the odd thing about this apparent role-reversal is that the woman at the Savoy said mid-April was their "High season" -- huh? They had plenty of cheap rooms in June last year, which I'd assume is a higher "high season" than April. Are there really more tourists in NYC the second week of April?


Not as far as I know!  I'm really stunned to hear this.  Mike, I should have just offered you my place since I'm going to be out of town much of that time, except (a) you'd have to content with my erratic roommate, and (b) you'd be deep in Brooklyn rather than in the heart of things in Manhattan.

Hope we can grab dinner Monday the 14th!
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: RGMike on January 15, 2008, 10:24:47 AM
Just made my reservations for NYC in April -- could not get one of the small ($125) rooms at my usual hotel, the Chelsea Savoy -- they said the cheapest they had was $295!  So I went to the travel sites (where I've never had much luck before) and got a room at the Hotel Pennsylvania for $165 per -- still quite a bargain for midtown Manhattan.  So kudos to cheaptickets.com (who are apparently owned by Orbitz).

But the odd thing about this apparent role-reversal is that the woman at the Savoy said mid-April was their "High season" -- huh? They had plenty of cheap rooms in June last year, which I'd assume is a higher "high season" than April. Are there really more tourists in NYC the second week of April?


Not as far as I know!  I'm really stunned to hear this.  Mike, I should have just offered you my place since I'm going to be out of town much of that time, except (a) you'd have to content with my erratic roommate, and (b) you'd be deep in Brooklyn rather than in the heart of things in Manhattan.

Hope we can grab dinner Monday the 14th!


We surely will, and thanks for the offer. The Penn is close enuf to Chelsea/Village and in fact I nearly stayed there in '04 but just as I was about to call them I discovered the Savoy by a happy accident.  Being across from MSG could be a good thing, if the Rangers are in the playoffs -- maybe I can scalp a ticket.  The Sharks are in town this month, BTW, to do their every-couple-of-years swing thru Rangers/Islanders/Devils.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: RGMike on January 28, 2008, 07:52:38 AM
All-Day meeting today -- I'll catch the beginning of Bob's set, but I'll miss the return of Ginger as well as Dave and Judge.  Have fun, folks!
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Alicat on January 28, 2008, 09:38:37 AM
Last week I heard a radio promo for a website you could enter some info into and it would crunch data to provide candidate info relative to your POV on issues. Any clues on the URL? Sound familiar?
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: urth on January 28, 2008, 10:08:55 AM
Last week I heard a radio promo for a website you could enter some info into and it would crunch data to provide candidate info relative to your POV on issues. Any clues on the URL? Sound familiar?

Sounds like Glassbooth.com. Someone here blogged about it last week I think. I haven't checked it out yet, but my wife did and she said it came back and said the ideal candidate for her was... Mike Gravel.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Gazoo on January 28, 2008, 12:21:53 PM
Last week I heard a radio promo for a website you could enter some info into and it would crunch data to provide candidate info relative to your POV on issues. Any clues on the URL? Sound familiar?

Sounds like Glassbooth.com. Someone here blogged about it last week I think. I haven't checked it out yet, but my wife did and she said it came back and said the ideal candidate for her was... Mike Gravel.

Although polls like this are frustrating for their lack of nuance, this one was interesting. Me:

Mike Gravel shares a 79% similarity with your beliefs.

But including the dropouts, here's my full list:

Kucinich = 82%
Gravel = 79%
Clinton = 78%
Richardson = 76%
Edwards = 74%
Obama = 72%
Dodd = 70%
Biden = 69%
McCain = 55%
Thompson = 52%
Huckabee = 51%
Romney = 50%
Paul = 49%
Giuliani = 46%
Hunter = 40%
Tancredo = 35%
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Gazoo on January 29, 2008, 09:12:33 AM
Just made my reservations for NYC in April

Mike, do you want comp tickets to see a Queen tribute band called Almost Queen at BB King's on April 8?
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: RGMike on January 29, 2008, 09:39:35 AM
Just made my reservations for NYC in April

Mike, do you want comp tickets to see a Queen tribute band called Almost Queen at BB King's on April 8?

I'll see enuf almost-queens in Chelsea ;)

Actually, thanks, but i arrive on the 9th.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: RGMike on February 01, 2008, 12:49:22 PM
Memo to Gaz: I'm working all day Sat, so I'll be with you for Casey's last hour and beyond, tho' posting may be limited (I've been saddled with an annoyingly labor-intensive project).
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Gazoo on February 01, 2008, 08:26:50 PM
Memo to Gaz: I'm working all day Sat, so I'll be with you for Casey's last hour and beyond, tho' posting may be limited (I've been saddled with an annoyingly labor-intensive project).

You should stop going into labor like that.

I'm in for AT40.  It really does me good to have an excuse to get up early on Saturday (it's a Saturday, it's a Saturday).
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: RGMike on February 04, 2008, 02:35:18 PM
Back from my Kaiser "field trip" -- instead of our monthly inter-departmental meeting, we all went on a walking tour of SF Chinatown, led by Shirley Fong-Torres (yes, Ben's sister, and a successful author in her own right). Very entertaining and it ended up with a dim sum lunch. Needless to say, i'm not really in the mood to work for the next 90 mins...
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Gazoo on February 13, 2008, 01:36:26 PM
Couldn't come up with a better thread to post this on.  Mostly for Mark's benefit, as his work seems related, but open to all:

-----Forwarded Message-----

>Subject: anyone going to musica tecnomica tonight?
>
>http://www.musicatecnomica.com/
>
>``MUSICA TECNOMICA gathering in San Francisco, Mariposa Hunter's Point 
>Yacht Club, San Francisco, Getting new perspectives, exchanging 
>information, connecting with the musicians, programmers, content 
>creators, business leaders, and visionaries, new ways to create and 
>consume music, music industry, future of music``
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: princessofcairo on February 18, 2008, 12:08:23 PM
for the time being, i'm the newest listing to neil young's living with war today page:
http://neilyoung.com/lwwtoday/lwwsongspage.html

and there are some videos up on youtube:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=CNjBBwam36U

new cd out in april.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Gazoo on March 01, 2008, 08:36:34 AM
Just made my reservations for NYC in April

Mike, do you want comp tickets to see a Queen tribute band called Almost Queen at BB King's on April 8?

I'll see enuf almost-queens in Chelsea ;)

Actually, thanks, but i arrive on the 9th.

Hey Mike: Nick Lowe and Robyn Hitchcock are playing the Manhattan Center Grand Ballroom on April 9.  Thought you might be interested.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: RGMike on March 01, 2008, 10:56:10 AM
Just made my reservations for NYC in April

Mike, do you want comp tickets to see a Queen tribute band called Almost Queen at BB King's on April 8?

I'll see enuf almost-queens in Chelsea ;)

Actually, thanks, but i arrive on the 9th.

Hey Mike: Nick Lowe and Robyn Hitchcock are playing the Manhattan Center Grand Ballroom on April 9.  Thought you might be interested.

Cool, thanks! My friend Mark is a huge RH fan, and he might wanna go (even on a "school night").
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: urth on March 01, 2008, 01:27:38 PM
Just made my reservations for NYC in April

Mike, do you want comp tickets to see a Queen tribute band called Almost Queen at BB King's on April 8?

I'll see enuf almost-queens in Chelsea ;)

Actually, thanks, but i arrive on the 9th.

Hey Mike: Nick Lowe and Robyn Hitchcock are playing the Manhattan Center Grand Ballroom on April 9.  Thought you might be interested.

Cool, thanks! My friend Mark is a huge RH fan, and he might wanna go (even on a "school night").

A fab double bill--highly recommended. They're playing the Fillmore here three days later on the 12th. And Ray Davies is hitting the Warfield again--March 28.  I am beside myself (and I wish I'd quit reading over my shoulder).
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Gazoo on March 01, 2008, 07:32:06 PM
I am beside myself (and I wish I'd quit reading over my shoulder).

Be sure to tip your veal and try the waitress!
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: RGMike on March 13, 2008, 01:18:06 PM
We don't have a theater thread (should we?) but I wanted to note that I just bought a ticket for Almost an Evening, the Ethan Coen bill of 3 one-acters that played a short sold-out run off-B'way earlier this year and is re-opening this month. Not a whole lot of shows that are crying out to me this trip (maybe because I saw 6 good ones in June), but I couldn't pass on anything Coen Bros-related.

http://www.almostanevening.com/

The 2 plays that were my only must-sees -- Tom Stoppard's Rock N Roll and Aaaron Sorkin's The Farnsworth Invention (about Philo F. and the invention of TV) -- both closed last week.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: mshray on March 14, 2008, 11:29:25 AM

The 2 plays that were my only must-sees -- Tom Stoppard's Rock N Roll and Aaaron Sorkin's The Farnsworth Invention (about Philo F. and the invention of TV) -- both closed last week.


Regarding Aaron Sorkin & Philo Farnsworth (long-winded layout, but bear with me, as I'm sure part of the historical basis of his play is in here). 

Didja know that between The American President & West Wing Sorkin did a sitcom called Sports Night?  As in WW he wrote every episode (the second season of which overlapped with WW, so he ultimately bailed on SN, so 2 seasons was all there was).  Which was too bad, because not many saw SN, & it was f***ing BRILLIANT.  I've got the DVD set to prove it. If anyone ever asks me what my nominee would be for the best 30 minutes in the history of TV - I would say without hesitation the episode from Sports Night titled "Cliff Gardner".  Seriously.

Before the dialogue below, Dramatis Personae:

Robert (Benson) Guillame is 'Isaac Jaffee' (a SAG nominated role), the Head of Production for the fictitious Sports Night program.  At this juncture he is under fire from corporate because the program is underperforming.

William H. Macy is 'Sam Donavan' in a recurring role as a hard-as-nails yet highly unconventional consultant brought in by Isaac to boost their ratings.  (Felicity Huffman, his real life wife, is the main female character on the show if you didn't know.)

'J.J.' is a corporate hack (in the context of this episode), who along with an entourage has just given the Sports Night team a series of Dilbert-esque annotated notes on how they can improve their show, with the implied threat that if Isaac doesn't follow their suggestions heads will roll.  In the previous couple episodes to this point the audience is presuming that 'Sam' is also a corporate hack intent on gutting the show, so keep that in mind when you get to the end of Sam's monologue.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sam interrupts the conference room meeting to pull J.J. & his entourage outside.

Sam Donovan: Take a walk with me, will ya?
J.J.: Where?
Sam Donovan: It's a surprise. You guys know who Philo Farnsworth was?
J.J.: Philo Farnsworth?
Sam Donovan: Yeah.
J.J.: What's going on?
Sam Donovan: He invented television. I don't mean he invented television like Uncle Milty. I mean he invented
the television in a little house in Provo, Utah, at a time when the idea of transmitting moving pictures through the air would be like me saying I figured out a way to beam us aboard the Starship Enterprise.
J.J.: Yeah, look, I - I -
Sam Donovan: He was a visionary. He died broke and without fanfare. The guy I
really like though was his brother-in-law, Cliff Gardner. He said, "Philo, I know everyone thinks you're crazy, but I want to be a part of this. I don't have your head for science, so I'm not going to be able to help much with the design and mechanics of the invention, but it sounds like you're going to need glass tubes."
Female entourage member: J.J., I-I don't think -
Sam Donovan: You see, Philo was inventing the cathode receptor, and even though Cliff didn't know what that meant or how it worked, he'd seen Philo's drawings, and he knew that he was gonna need glass tubes. And since television hadn't been invented yet, it's not like you could get them at the local TV repair shop. "I want to be a part of this," Cliff said, "But I don't have your head for science. How would it be if I were to teach myself to be a glass blower? I could set up a little shop in the backyard. And I could make all the tubes you'll need for testing." There ought to be Congressional Medals for people like that.
Male entourage member: Maybe so -
Sam Donovan: I've looked over the notes you've been giving over the last year or so, and I have to say they exhibit an almost
total lack of understanding of how to get the best from talented people.
Female entourage member: Excuse me, but -
Sam Donovan: You said before that for whatever reason, I seem to be able to exert some authority around here. I assure you it's not 'cause they like me. It's 'cause they knew two minutes after I walked in the door I'm someone who knows how to do something. I can help.
I can make glass tubes. That's what they need.

One last thing, the first and last decision-making authority on this show will rest with Isaac Jaffee until Isaac Jaffee says otherwise, and if you disrespect him in my presence again, I will rededicate the rest of my life to ruining the rest of yours. And if you think I'm just mouthing at you, you should ask around about me. I have absolutely no conscience about these things.
J.J.: Sam, why did you bring us out here?
Sam Donovan: Because there's the exit. That's it. The meeting's over.



Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: RGMike on March 14, 2008, 11:40:46 AM

The 2 plays that were my only must-sees -- Tom Stoppard's Rock N Roll and Aaaron Sorkin's The Farnsworth Invention (about Philo F. and the invention of TV) -- both closed last week.


Regarding Aaron Sorkin & Philo Farnsworth (long-winded layout, but bear with me, as I'm sure part of the historical basis of his play is in here). 

Didja know that between The American President & West Wing Sorkin did a sitcom called Sports Night?  As in WW he wrote every episode (the second season of which overlapped with WW, so he ultimately bailed on SN, so 2 seasons was all there was).  Which was too bad, because not many saw SN, & it was f***ing BRILLIANT.  I've got the DVD set to prove it. If anyone ever asks me what my nominee would be for the best 30 minutes in the history of TV - I would say without hesitation the episode from Sports Night titled "Cliff Gardner".  Seriously.


I saw a bunch of eps at the time and yes, it was a terrific show that never got its due (ABC didn't quite know what to do with it) .The 2 male stars were Peter Krause (who went on to do Six Feet Under) and Josh Charles (who is currently on HBO's In Treatment). 

And if you're interested in Farnsworth, I recommend a wonderful novel called Carter Beats the Devil, about a young magician in SF around the time Farnsworth brought his invention to Berkeley. It'd make a great movie and has been in "development hell" for some time now.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: princessofcairo on April 02, 2008, 01:10:00 AM
Off to Romania today to celebrate the 31st. Here are some recent stories (last weekend's trip to Berlin and yesterday's adventure picking up my Spanish ID card):
http://ameliaraymusic.blogspot.com/

Hope everyone is doing well!
-poc
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Gazoo on April 02, 2008, 09:52:58 AM
Off to Romania today to celebrate the 31st. Here are some recent stories (last weekend's trip to Berlin and yesterday's adventure picking up my Spanish ID card):
http://ameliaraymusic.blogspot.com/

Hope everyone is doing well!
-poc

Amelia, this article was great!!!

http://www.mapmagazine.com/madrid/Concerts-in-Madrid-Amelia-is-a-Ray-of-Light-on-the-Music-Scene/
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: princessofcairo on April 03, 2008, 08:23:54 AM
yes, i thought so, too! i asked her to review the new album. we'll see what she says.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: urth on April 08, 2008, 09:18:12 PM
So I've been meaning to let y'all know about this for awhile, and it's going to be happening within a few months so I guess there's no time like the present.

I'm moving. Out of San Francisco, out of California where I've lived my entire life, up to the hills outside of Portland. My wife and I want to start an artisan cheesemaking company, and it's a whole lot more feasible up there than it is in Northern California with its thru-the-roof (even now) property values. We've found a place about 25-30 southwest of Portland in Yamhill (!?!) County, and we have some family nearby and a few friends in PDX. So Rastermon and I will be nearly neighbors--it's only about an hour to Corvallis, where he is. Not sure when moving day is, probably early June if everything goes as planned

I'm not sure how active I'll continue to be in these confines, I'm sad to say. I'd like to think I'll continue as I always have, and just listen via the Web as most of you all do--I'm certainly going to try. But as my whole life is going to be put in a blender and hit puree, nothing is certain. I'm also sad to be leaving the Giants, but the way they're playing it's going to make the separation a whole lot easier. Besides, there's a Giants' A-ball team in Salem-Keizer (the Volcanoes), about 45 minutes from where I'll be, and Portland has a AAA team, the Beavers, who are in the Padres' organization.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: ggould on April 09, 2008, 08:38:19 AM
So I've been meaning to let y'all know about this for awhile, and it's going to be happening within a few months so I guess there's no time like the present.

I'm moving. Out of San Francisco, out of California where I've lived my entire life, up to the hills outside of Portland. My wife and I want to start an artisan cheesemaking company, and it's a whole lot more feasible up there than it is in Northern California with its thru-the-roof (even now) property values. We've found a place about 25-30 southwest of Portland in Yamhill (!?!) County, and we have some family nearby and a few friends in PDX. So Rastermon and I will be nearly neighbors--it's only about an hour to Corvallis, where he is. Not sure when moving day is, probably early June if everything goes as planned

I'm not sure how active I'll continue to be in these confines, I'm sad to say. I'd like to think I'll continue as I always have, and just listen via the Web as most of you all do--I'm certainly going to try. But as my whole life is going to be put in a blender and hit puree, nothing is certain. I'm also sad to be leaving the Giants, but the way they're playing it's going to make the separation a whole lot easier. Besides, there's a Giants' A-ball team in Salem-Keizer (the Volcanoes), about 45 minutes from where I'll be, and Portland has a AAA team, the Beavers, who are in the Padres' organization.
:'(
ahh, reality-bells are breakin' up that old gang of mine!

cheese?  Please consider the field of low-fat low-sodium cheese, OK?

Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Lightnin' Rod on April 09, 2008, 09:18:08 AM
So I've been meaning to let y'all know about this for awhile, and it's going to be happening within a few months so I guess there's no time like the present.

I'm moving. Out of San Francisco, out of California where I've lived my entire life, up to the hills outside of Portland. My wife and I want to start an artisan cheesemaking company, and it's a whole lot more feasible up there than it is in Northern California with its thru-the-roof (even now) property values. We've found a place about 25-30 southwest of Portland in Yamhill (!?!) County, and we have some family nearby and a few friends in PDX. So Rastermon and I will be nearly neighbors--it's only about an hour to Corvallis, where he is. Not sure when moving day is, probably early June if everything goes as planned

I'm not sure how active I'll continue to be in these confines, I'm sad to say. I'd like to think I'll continue as I always have, and just listen via the Web as most of you all do--I'm certainly going to try. But as my whole life is going to be put in a blender and hit puree, nothing is certain. I'm also sad to be leaving the Giants, but the way they're playing it's going to make the separation a whole lot easier. Besides, there's a Giants' A-ball team in Salem-Keizer (the Volcanoes), about 45 minutes from where I'll be, and Portland has a AAA team, the Beavers, who are in the Padres' organization.

We'll be sad to see you go, but it sounds like a great adventure.  Maybe we can all get together before you go for a 10@10 sendoff.

Urthworm Jim Artisan cheese?
Nope, fresh out.
It's not much of a cheese shop, is it?
Finest in the district!
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Alicat on April 09, 2008, 10:02:51 AM
So I've been meaning to let y'all know about this for awhile, and it's going to be happening within a few months so I guess there's no time like the present.

I'm moving. Out of San Francisco, out of California where I've lived my entire life, up to the hills outside of Portland. My wife and I want to start an artisan cheesemaking company, and it's a whole lot more feasible up there than it is in Northern California with its thru-the-roof (even now) property values. We've found a place about 25-30 southwest of Portland in Yamhill (!?!) County, and we have some family nearby and a few friends in PDX. So Rastermon and I will be nearly neighbors--it's only about an hour to Corvallis, where he is. Not sure when moving day is, probably early June if everything goes as planned

I'm not sure how active I'll continue to be in these confines, I'm sad to say. I'd like to think I'll continue as I always have, and just listen via the Web as most of you all do--I'm certainly going to try. But as my whole life is going to be put in a blender and hit puree, nothing is certain. I'm also sad to be leaving the Giants, but the way they're playing it's going to make the separation a whole lot easier. Besides, there's a Giants' A-ball team in Salem-Keizer (the Volcanoes), about 45 minutes from where I'll be, and Portland has a AAA team, the Beavers, who are in the Padres' organization.
Wow.
Big change. Hope you can stay in touch. I can't even come close to imagining such change, scares me.
Maybe you can keep us posted via a blog like POC. Send cheese!
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: mshray on April 09, 2008, 03:46:59 PM
Hey Jim, glad you finally found the place you were looking for.  I'll look forward to adding you to my annual itinerary when I swing thru P-land & Sea-Tac.

...aside to the rest of the gang, I was at Jim's place a couple months ago and between asking where his wife was (on a cheese apprenticeship), and why they had a whole shelf full of cheese books (obvious by now), I got the scoop on this, but was asked not to discuss the chicks until they hatched.  But therefore I know that Jim & Sarah have put an awful lot of planning and sacrifice into this move already, and so I just want to congratulate them for accomplishing what they have long sought after. Kudos!

I just hope you eventually work your way up to making something with moldy blue bits, those are my favorite kinds!
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: mshray on April 09, 2008, 04:01:45 PM

Wow, all kinds of changes afoot hereabout. When you say you're putting down a deposit, does that mean you're looking at new construction?


Yes.  Brand new home with solar roof & only 200 yards from a brand new school, about 25% bigger than current house and about the same price (+/- 5%) we can expect to sell for (but tradeoff being the new backyard is only about as big as currrent house's back deck). 

What with my having a job but no income for a year, loan approval has been a bit scary.  But between this morning's post & just now my wife seems to think we've got an outside lender (the one we have re-fi'd with twice) to do what the Lennar Homes preferred lender couldn't do.  So with any additional luck we'll put our deposit down on Saturday and be moving in by end of Aug.

In the meantime, many of you have seen my house (and it's now fixed up better than ever)...so know anyone who wants to move to Castro Valley?  2000 sqft, 3 beds, 3 baths, big family room, loads of upgrades, big back yard with 9 (count 'em 9) kinds of fruit trees/bushes/vines, kids go to the Independent School which is ranked #13 in all of Alameda county, close to BART, freeways and a nice park walking distance up the hill.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Gazoo on April 15, 2008, 10:10:29 AM
I'm moving. Out of San Francisco, out of California where I've lived my entire life, up to the hills outside of Portland. My wife and I want to start an artisan cheesemaking company

Major congratulations on making this happen, Jim.  But after all that work those TV people did on renov'ing your place!  8)

FWIW, while I was in Seattle last week, people couldn't stop talking about how much they like Portland - apparently it's the most bikeable city around.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: urth on April 15, 2008, 01:20:45 PM
Major congratulations on making this happen, Jim.  But after all that work those TV people did on renov'ing your place!  8)

Yep, and now that we're moving we're ripping out everything they did and painting over the apple-green walls. The CD shelves were cool but rather impractical (you couldn't put anything up against a wall unless you wanted to block the shelves) and the color just wouldn't appeal to buyers. So it's outta here.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: mshray on April 15, 2008, 02:03:55 PM

Wow, all kinds of changes afoot hereabout. When you say you're putting down a deposit, does that mean you're looking at new construction?


Yes.  Brand new home with solar roof & only 200 yards from a brand new school, about 25% bigger than current house and about the same price (+/- 5%) we can expect to sell for (but tradeoff being the new backyard is only about as big as currrent house's back deck). 

What with my having a job but no income for a year, loan approval has been a bit scary.  But between this morning's post & just now my wife seems to think we've got an outside lender (the one we have re-fi'd with twice) to do what the Lennar Homes preferred lender couldn't do.  So with any additional luck we'll put our deposit down on Saturday and be moving in by end of Aug.

In the meantime, many of you have seen my house (and it's now fixed up better than ever)...so know anyone who wants to move to Castro Valley?  2000 sqft, 3 beds, 3 baths, big family room, loads of upgrades, big back yard with 9 (count 'em 9) kinds of fruit trees/bushes/vines, kids go to the Independent School which is ranked #13 in all of Alameda county, close to BART, freeways and a nice park walking distance up the hill.

Update, we did get the approval & did sign the contracts for the new home.  Move in date is late Aug.

Tell all your friends to buy my house (if they don't buy Jim's that is).
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: ggould on April 15, 2008, 02:08:36 PM
Major congratulations on making this happen, Jim.  But after all that work those TV people did on renov'ing your place!  8)

Yep, and now that we're moving we're ripping out everything they did and painting over the apple-green walls. The CD shelves were cool but rather impractical (you couldn't put anything up against a wall unless you wanted to block the shelves) and the color just wouldn't appeal to buyers. So it's outta here.
keep me posted about your house.  As a selfish father, I want my daughter and her boyfriend to move to SF.  She wants to, he's a little skittish.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Alicat on April 15, 2008, 02:09:35 PM

Wow, all kinds of changes afoot hereabout. When you say you're putting down a deposit, does that mean you're looking at new construction?


Yes.  Brand new home with solar roof & only 200 yards from a brand new school, about 25% bigger than current house and about the same price (+/- 5%) we can expect to sell for (but tradeoff being the new backyard is only about as big as currrent house's back deck). 

What with my having a job but no income for a year, loan approval has been a bit scary.  But between this morning's post & just now my wife seems to think we've got an outside lender (the one we have re-fi'd with twice) to do what the Lennar Homes preferred lender couldn't do.  So with any additional luck we'll put our deposit down on Saturday and be moving in by end of Aug.

In the meantime, many of you have seen my house (and it's now fixed up better than ever)...so know anyone who wants to move to Castro Valley?  2000 sqft, 3 beds, 3 baths, big family room, loads of upgrades, big back yard with 9 (count 'em 9) kinds of fruit trees/bushes/vines, kids go to the Independent School which is ranked #13 in all of Alameda county, close to BART, freeways and a nice park walking distance up the hill.

Update, we did get the approval & did sign the contracts for the new home.  Move in date is late Aug.

Tell all your friends to buy my house (if they don't buy Jim's that is).
Wow! Congratulations. You'll be hosting an end of summer party? ;)
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Alicat on April 15, 2008, 02:10:22 PM
Major congratulations on making this happen, Jim.  But after all that work those TV people did on renov'ing your place!  8)

Yep, and now that we're moving we're ripping out everything they did and painting over the apple-green walls. The CD shelves were cool but rather impractical (you couldn't put anything up against a wall unless you wanted to block the shelves) and the color just wouldn't appeal to buyers. So it's outta here.
keep me posted about your house.  As a selfish father, I want my daughter and her boyfriend to move to SF.  She wants to, he's a little skittish.
There ya go Jim, a potential buyer!
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Gazoo on April 16, 2008, 01:36:49 AM

Update, we did get the approval & did sign the contracts for the new home.  Move in date is late Aug.


W00T!  Congrats!  Man, this "season of change" thing ain't no joke!
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: princessofcairo on April 16, 2008, 03:29:37 AM
cheese! moves! lots going on here! congrats to you guys, and the best of luck in the new endeavors! can you fedex cheese overseas?
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: urth on April 16, 2008, 09:08:34 AM
cheese! moves! lots going on here! congrats to you guys, and the best of luck in the new endeavors! can you fedex cheese overseas?

You can do it, but who knows what sort of shape it will be in when it gets there!
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: princessofcairo on May 21, 2008, 10:48:09 AM
just back from senegal. here are the first impressions:
http://ameliaraymusic.blogspot.com/
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: ggould on May 21, 2008, 02:36:47 PM
just back from senegal. here are the first impressions:
http://ameliaraymusic.blogspot.com/
I've never been to Africa, but it makes me feel like I'm there!  Good writing indeed.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: princessofcairo on May 21, 2008, 03:26:55 PM
just back from senegal. here are the first impressions:
http://ameliaraymusic.blogspot.com/
I've never been to Africa, but it makes me feel like I'm there!  Good writing indeed.

well, i don't feel as if it's africa. i think there are far deeper places to pursue. but this is certainly one of europe's gateways...
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: RGMike on June 01, 2008, 09:34:28 PM
Between me being without access during the day Mon-Thurs, and urth making his exit, things should be pretty damn quiet this week. I hope whoever *is* around will document well; hope to catch up with any worthwhile sets on their respective replays.  Thanks all!
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: ggould on June 01, 2008, 11:00:46 PM
Between me being without access during the day Mon-Thurs, and urth making his exit, things should be pretty damn quiet this week. I hope whoever *is* around will document well; hope to catch up with any worthwhile sets on their respective replays.  Thanks all!
one more week of school, then I'll be occasionally able to post live.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Alicat on June 01, 2008, 11:40:21 PM
Between me being without access during the day Mon-Thurs, and urth making his exit, things should be pretty damn quiet this week. I hope whoever *is* around will document well; hope to catch up with any worthwhile sets on their respective replays.  Thanks all!
I'll be popping in and out. Coming to SF Monday to see Dad who's having serious surgery next week. Tuesday I have a 10am interview. Second time at this company. Didn't make the cut for the first job I interviewed for last month so hoping this time they see the value in me ( I got asked in based on an employee referral). I'm prepping now for it. I have a 30-day trial of the app I need to be up to speed on and I'm going thru tutorials. Wed. I should be at the computer but I'm hoping to come to SF again for the Giants day game so might cut out early. I'm really enjoying time off work but it's time consuming searching for something new. I'm also feeling the financial pinch of less income.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: RGMike on June 02, 2008, 08:21:50 AM
Between me being without access during the day Mon-Thurs, and urth making his exit, things should be pretty damn quiet this week. I hope whoever *is* around will document well; hope to catch up with any worthwhile sets on their respective replays.  Thanks all!
I'll be popping in and out. Coming to SF Monday to see Dad who's having serious surgery next week. Tuesday I have a 10am interview. Second time at this company. Didn't make the cut for the first job I interviewed for last month so hoping this time they see the value in me ( I got asked in based on an employee referral). I'm prepping now for it. I have a 30-day trial of the app I need to be up to speed on and I'm going thru tutorials. Wed. I should be at the computer but I'm hoping to come to SF again for the Giants day game so might cut out early. I'm really enjoying time off work but it's time consuming searching for something new. I'm also feeling the financial pinch of less income.

Good Luck Alicat!!
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Gazoo on June 02, 2008, 08:29:21 AM
Alicat, best wishes on the interview and for your father's health.

Mike, hope work goes well as you take the car and drive to San Jose (whoa-oh-oh).

Urth, safe travels to you guys, let us know you made it in one piece!

Geoff, happy impending start of vacation!

Now, who'd I miss?   8)
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: princessofcairo on June 02, 2008, 12:43:44 PM
Alicat, best wishes on the interview and for your father's health.

Mike, hope work goes well as you take the car and drive to San Jose (whoa-oh-oh).

Urth, safe travels to you guys, let us know you made it in one piece!

Geoff, happy impending start of vacation!

Now, who'd I miss?   8)

ditto to all!
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: urth on June 02, 2008, 03:29:28 PM
OK, guys, I'm out of here, as far as CNET is concerned. Not sure if I'll be online much at all the rest of this week, so the next you hear from me will be from the wilds of Oregon. Thanks, all, for the good wishes. I'm off!
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Alicat on June 02, 2008, 09:33:58 PM
OK, guys, I'm out of here, as far as CNET is concerned. Not sure if I'll be online much at all the rest of this week, so the next you hear from me will be from the wilds of Oregon. Thanks, all, for the good wishes. I'm off!
BEST WISHES!!!! Safe travels.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: mshray on June 05, 2008, 10:07:32 AM
OK, guys, I'm out of here, as far as CNET is concerned. Not sure if I'll be online much at all the rest of this week, so the next you hear from me will be from the wilds of Oregon. Thanks, all, for the good wishes. I'm off!
BEST WISHES!!!! Safe travels.

Ali - how is your dad?...and how'd the interview go?
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Alicat on June 06, 2008, 09:59:35 AM
OK, guys, I'm out of here, as far as CNET is concerned. Not sure if I'll be online much at all the rest of this week, so the next you hear from me will be from the wilds of Oregon. Thanks, all, for the good wishes. I'm off!
BEST WISHES!!!! Safe travels.

Ali - how is your dad?...and how'd the interview go?
I'll call you after the set. Fingers crossed for job. Interview was 2-1/2 hours and 5 people. Handful of other candidates. Should hear Monday or Tuesday.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: mshray on June 06, 2008, 10:44:35 AM
OK, guys, I'm out of here, as far as CNET is concerned. Not sure if I'll be online much at all the rest of this week, so the next you hear from me will be from the wilds of Oregon. Thanks, all, for the good wishes. I'm off!
BEST WISHES!!!! Safe travels.

Ali - how is your dad?...and how'd the interview go?
I'll call you after the set. Fingers crossed for job. Interview was 2-1/2 hours and 5 people. Handful of other candidates. Should hear Monday or Tuesday.

I've got an 11:00 call, maybe catch you later in the afternoon.  I'll keep thinking of you for the job.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: urth on June 10, 2008, 12:24:17 AM
Well, we made it. Finally got my internet functioning today (Verizon not the best in the tech support dept, more on that later), but at last it's working. Thursday's '79 was the last set I heard over the air, as we were driving out of town that morning. Actually didn't hear it all--the signal became unlistenable during the Pink Floyd tune as we were heading north on 505, just before we hit I-5. I was barely able to identify Rise after a couple minutes of trying, then it was gone. The drive north was uneventful, just really freakin' long.

More to tell, but it's late and I need sleep. Hope to join you one morning this week, if the good lord's willin' and the crick don't rise.
cheers,
Oregon Urth
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: mshray on June 10, 2008, 09:43:12 AM
Well, we made it. Finally got my internet functioning today (Verizon not the best in the tech support dept, more on that later), but at last it's working. Thursday's '79 was the last set I heard over the air, as we were driving out of town that morning. Actually didn't hear it all--the signal became unlistenable during the Pink Floyd tune as we were heading north on 505, just before we hit I-5. I was barely able to identify Rise after a couple minutes of trying, then it was gone. The drive north was uneventful, just really freakin' long.

More to tell, but it's late and I need sleep. Hope to join you one morning this week, if the good lord's willin' and the crick don't rise.
cheers,
Oregon Urth

Glad you made it safely!  Keep us posted.  You missed a great set Friday on the Bo Diddley beat, but by now you probably know that.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Alicat on June 10, 2008, 09:50:35 AM
Well, we made it. Finally got my internet functioning today (Verizon not the best in the tech support dept, more on that later), but at last it's working. Thursday's '79 was the last set I heard over the air, as we were driving out of town that morning. Actually didn't hear it all--the signal became unlistenable during the Pink Floyd tune as we were heading north on 505, just before we hit I-5. I was barely able to identify Rise after a couple minutes of trying, then it was gone. The drive north was uneventful, just really freakin' long.

More to tell, but it's late and I need sleep. Hope to join you one morning this week, if the good lord's willin' and the crick don't rise.
cheers,
Oregon Urth
Glad you made it safely. Homesick for SF yet? You're missing a week of gorgeous weather.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: urth on June 10, 2008, 09:33:01 PM
Well, we made it. Finally got my internet functioning today (Verizon not the best in the tech support dept, more on that later), but at last it's working. Thursday's '79 was the last set I heard over the air, as we were driving out of town that morning. Actually didn't hear it all--the signal became unlistenable during the Pink Floyd tune as we were heading north on 505, just before we hit I-5. I was barely able to identify Rise after a couple minutes of trying, then it was gone. The drive north was uneventful, just really freakin' long.

More to tell, but it's late and I need sleep. Hope to join you one morning this week, if the good lord's willin' and the crick don't rise.
cheers,
Oregon Urth
Glad you made it safely. Homesick for SF yet? You're missing a week of gorgeous weather.

Yes, I read enviously about the Bo set. glad Dave did something in his honor--he deserved it. But sad to have missed it--but c'est la vie.

Not too homesick yet, but I've been hearing about the glorious weather down there. Not so up here--true to its rep, we've had Oregon showers every day I've been here except Sunday, which was pretty nice, in the low 70s. But otherwise it's been pretty chilly--highs in the 50s to low 60s, and down in the low 40s at night--brrrr. Supposedly this is the coldest June so far on record up here--someone today told me we were having June-uary.

Other goings-on: today went and bought a garden tractor off of Craigslist. We have weeds approaching thigh-high, so gotta do something--a lawnmower just won't do it. Next up in the major purchase dept: a pickup truck. I'm reminded of Neil's Out on the Weekend: "Think I'll pack it in and buy a pickup." Since when did pickups run $20K+? And there's no such thing as a "small" pickup anymore, unless you buy one that's at least 10 years old. Now even the smaller ones are pretty darn hefty.

Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: mshray on June 11, 2008, 03:12:09 PM

I'll be popping in and out. Coming to SF Monday to see Dad who's having serious surgery next week.


FYI to the rest of the group, talked to Alicat Monday & her dad's surgery is today.  Let's keep them in our thoughts.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Alicat on June 11, 2008, 11:19:50 PM

I'll be popping in and out. Coming to SF Monday to see Dad who's having serious surgery next week.


FYI to the rest of the group, talked to Alicat Monday & her dad's surgery is today.  Let's keep them in our thoughts.
Thanks. He came thru surgery OK but will be in the hospital for a week, long recovery. I'll be in SF almost every day and not posting much in the morning/day.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: mshray on June 12, 2008, 10:19:44 AM

I'll be popping in and out. Coming to SF Monday to see Dad who's having serious surgery next week.


FYI to the rest of the group, talked to Alicat Monday & her dad's surgery is today.  Let's keep them in our thoughts.
Thanks. He came thru surgery OK but will be in the hospital for a week, long recovery. I'll be in SF almost every day and not posting much in the morning/day.

Great news!  Our thoughts are with you & keep us posted.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Alicat on June 23, 2008, 11:14:01 AM
I'll be offline for a few days. Just moved back to my house this weekend after 9.5 months of construction. Internet should shut off sometime today to transfer back to house.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Gazoo on July 06, 2008, 11:25:21 PM
A season of moves continues: I'm moving back to Manhattan at the end of this month.  I'll be on East 29th, and I can't figure out whether the neighborhood is Gramercy, Murray Hill, or Curry Hill.  I had a similar problem in identifying my current nabe.  I'll miss the pace of Brooklyn but this will permit things like walking to/from work again.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: RGMike on July 07, 2008, 07:45:45 AM
A season of moves continues: I'm moving back to Manhattan at the end of this month.  I'll be on East 29th, and I can't figure out whether the neighborhood is Gramercy, Murray Hill, or Curry Hill.

I thought it was Kips Bay or Stuyvesant Town  ;)

The Curry Hill reference is a new one on me -- I assume there's an Indian community there?
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Gazoo on July 07, 2008, 08:01:36 AM
A season of moves continues: I'm moving back to Manhattan at the end of this month.  I'll be on East 29th, and I can't figure out whether the neighborhood is Gramercy, Murray Hill, or Curry Hill.

I thought it was Kips Bay or Stuyvesant Town  ;)

The Curry Hill reference is a new one on me -- I assume there's an Indian community there?
Yup.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: RGMike on July 07, 2008, 08:30:06 AM
A season of moves continues: I'm moving back to Manhattan at the end of this month.  I'll be on East 29th, and I can't figure out whether the neighborhood is Gramercy, Murray Hill, or Curry Hill.

I thought it was Kips Bay or Stuyvesant Town  ;)

The Curry Hill reference is a new one on me -- I assume there's an Indian community there?
Yup.

Mmmmm... Indian take-out!  Chicken Tikka Masala 3 times a week!
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Gazoo on July 25, 2008, 11:07:01 AM
A season of moves continues: I'm moving back to Manhattan at the end of this month.  I'll be on East 29th, and I can't figure out whether the neighborhood is Gramercy, Murray Hill, or Curry Hill.  I had a similar problem in identifying my current nabe.  I'll miss the pace of Brooklyn but this will permit things like walking to/from work again.
The move is today, hence my absence from the grid (I'm at work now).  Moving sucks - for me it's not only stressful but depressing.  The nomad thing wears thin after a while, and I already know this place won't be my long-term home.  But for anyone who might be sending me anything in the coming months, the new specs: 217 E 29th St #53, NY NY 10016.

Wish me luck in getting settled in (my movers are running a few hours late  >:(  ).
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: RGMike on July 25, 2008, 11:13:23 AM
A season of moves continues: I'm moving back to Manhattan at the end of this month.  I'll be on East 29th, and I can't figure out whether the neighborhood is Gramercy, Murray Hill, or Curry Hill.  I had a similar problem in identifying my current nabe.  I'll miss the pace of Brooklyn but this will permit things like walking to/from work again.
The move is today, hence my absence from the grid (I'm at work now).  Moving sucks - for me it's not only stressful but depressing.  The nomad thing wears thin after a while, and I already know this place won't be my long-term home.  But for anyone who might be sending me anything in the coming months, the new specs: 217 E 29th St #53, NY NY 10016.

Wish me luck in getting settled in (my movers are running a few hours late  >:(  ).

Have some Indian take-out for me ...
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: mshray on July 25, 2008, 03:48:03 PM
A season of moves continues: I'm moving back to Manhattan at the end of this month.  I'll be on East 29th, and I can't figure out whether the neighborhood is Gramercy, Murray Hill, or Curry Hill.  I had a similar problem in identifying my current nabe.  I'll miss the pace of Brooklyn but this will permit things like walking to/from work again.
The move is today, hence my absence from the grid (I'm at work now).  Moving sucks - for me it's not only stressful but depressing.  The nomad thing wears thin after a while, and I already know this place won't be my long-term home.  But for anyone who might be sending me anything in the coming months, the new specs: 217 E 29th St #53, NY NY 10016.

Wish me luck in getting settled in (my movers are running a few hours late  >:(  ).

Good Luck!

On a related note, after 3 months on the market our house is finally selling, except I'm not sure to whom yet.  We got one offer 3 days ago, another 2 days ago, both of which we countered today, and today another agent told ours that her clients are also going to make an offer.  All of which are or will be a lot less than what we thought when we started, but we're pretty resigned to the realities of the current market, and just want to get it over with.

On the other hand, the good news is that we found out on Wed we could get a better loan from our existing mortgage agent than from the so-called 'preferred' lender of the builders (Lennar), yet still qualify for Lennar's $10k credit towards closing costs (which ostensibly was only for using their in-house).  Sometime in late Aug our new address will be 4933 Colchester Ct, Dublin CA, 94568. 

Which will make me the 4th (!) person in our group to move into a new house since May, although Alicat didn't get a new address to go with her new house.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Alicat on July 26, 2008, 10:45:54 AM
A season of moves continues: I'm moving back to Manhattan at the end of this month.  I'll be on East 29th, and I can't figure out whether the neighborhood is Gramercy, Murray Hill, or Curry Hill.  I had a similar problem in identifying my current nabe.  I'll miss the pace of Brooklyn but this will permit things like walking to/from work again.
The move is today, hence my absence from the grid (I'm at work now).  Moving sucks - for me it's not only stressful but depressing.  The nomad thing wears thin after a while, and I already know this place won't be my long-term home.  But for anyone who might be sending me anything in the coming months, the new specs: 217 E 29th St #53, NY NY 10016.

Wish me luck in getting settled in (my movers are running a few hours late  >:(  ).

Good Luck!

On a related note, after 3 months on the market our house is finally selling, except I'm not sure to whom yet.  We got one offer 3 days ago, another 2 days ago, both of which we countered today, and today another agent told ours that her clients are also going to make an offer.  All of which are or will be a lot less than what we thought when we started, but we're pretty resigned to the realities of the current market, and just want to get it over with.

On the other hand, the good news is that we found out on Wed we could get a better loan from our existing mortgage agent than from the so-called 'preferred' lender of the builders (Lennar), yet still qualify for Lennar's $10k credit towards closing costs (which ostensibly was only for using their in-house).  Sometime in late Aug our new address will be 4933 Colchester Ct, Dublin CA, 94568. 

Which will make me the 4th (!) person in our group to move into a new house since May, although Alicat didn't get a new address to go with her new house.
Congrats to all. You're movin on up! I think my address will own me for the remainder of my days. Still trying to get stuff out of boxes and waiting for minor touchups to take place. Never ending stuff to get done. I neglected to think about towel rings or bars and doorstops which are minor but good to have. Just getting that done now.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: princessofcairo on July 27, 2008, 04:00:34 PM
congrats on all the moves and sales! back to manhattan seems a fine choice, gaz.
i'm proud to say that i have lived in my current apartment for 16 months - the longest stretch since i ran away from home at 16. i'm starting to get attached to my furniture (and dust bunnies!).
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: RGMike on August 26, 2008, 11:03:17 AM
FYI. I'm working "in the field" tomorrow (Wed 8/27) -- they're sending me to San Rafael for the day. So it's not clear whether I'll be able to get on-line to post or listen to anything. Fingers crossed.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Alicat on August 26, 2008, 10:56:25 PM
Mshray, want to meet me in Bgame for Friday's live & local? Too far away for you?
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: mshray on August 26, 2008, 11:02:30 PM
Mshray, want to meet me in Bgame for Friday's live & local? Too far away for you?

I want to, but it will depend on the moving stuff.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Alicat on August 29, 2008, 10:17:58 PM
Mshray, want to meet me in Bgame for Friday's live & local? Too far away for you?

I want to, but it will depend on the moving stuff.
Missed seeing you there. Had a ball! Check out the KFOG Morning show page, http://www.kfog.com/morningshow/
   scroll down to the pics. I'm at the front table. Great people there. Nice venue.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Wayback on August 30, 2008, 10:02:24 AM
Missed seeing you there. Had a ball! Check out the KFOG Morning show page, http://www.kfog.com/morningshow/
scroll down to the pics. I'm at the front table. Great people there. Nice venue.
Nice pic of you and DM.  I listened to some of it on radio. Sounds like a good time was had by all.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: mshray on August 31, 2008, 09:09:23 PM
Mshray, want to meet me in Bgame for Friday's live & local? Too far away for you?

I want to, but it will depend on the moving stuff.
Missed seeing you there. Had a ball! Check out the KFOG Morning show page, http://www.kfog.com/morningshow/
   scroll down to the pics. I'm at the front table. Great people there. Nice venue.

Very sorry I couldn't go.  But I spent all day on Thursday moving all our stuff into our new house - from 8am to 11pm, and most of the time it was 102 degrees!!!!! 

I was so utterly exhausted on Friday, but in the meantime a couple things at work semi-blew up & I needed all day and all my remaining strength (only slightly better than nil) to deal with it.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Alicat on September 02, 2008, 09:59:01 AM
Mshray, want to meet me in Bgame for Friday's live & local? Too far away for you?

I want to, but it will depend on the moving stuff.
Missed seeing you there. Had a ball! Check out the KFOG Morning show page, http://www.kfog.com/morningshow/
   scroll down to the pics. I'm at the front table. Great people there. Nice venue.

Very sorry I couldn't go.  But I spent all day on Thursday moving all our stuff into our new house - from 8am to 11pm, and most of the time it was 102 degrees!!!!! 

I was so utterly exhausted on Friday, but in the meantime a couple things at work semi-blew up & I needed all day and all my remaining strength (only slightly better than nil) to deal with it.
Hope the new week is better for you. You KNOW I KNOW about moving. I'm still figuring out what to do with stuff still in boxes.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: mshray on September 02, 2008, 11:03:45 AM
Mshray, want to meet me in Bgame for Friday's live & local? Too far away for you?

I want to, but it will depend on the moving stuff.
Missed seeing you there. Had a ball! Check out the KFOG Morning show page, http://www.kfog.com/morningshow/
   scroll down to the pics. I'm at the front table. Great people there. Nice venue.

Very sorry I couldn't go.  But I spent all day on Thursday moving all our stuff into our new house - from 8am to 11pm, and most of the time it was 102 degrees!!!!! 

I was so utterly exhausted on Friday, but in the meantime a couple things at work semi-blew up & I needed all day and all my remaining strength (only slightly better than nil) to deal with it.
Hope the new week is better for you. You KNOW I KNOW about moving. I'm still figuring out what to do with stuff still in boxes.

This week is going to be waaaaay better, and not least because it's a short one.

Here's a summary of last week:

1.) For the 4th time, a buyer backed out of their contract to buy our house right before the deadline.
2.) We had to borrow a lot of money from Christina's family to make our downpayment and get a check to the title co. on Monday so the remaining funds could be wired on Tuesday from the lender and we could get our keys on Wednesday.
3.) We had to find a tenant for our Castro Valley house.
4.) We had to drive our kids to school in Dublin starting Monday, but it wouldn't be until Thursday that we'd actually be waking up in Dublin.
5.) We were told that there were too many kids in 1st grade, that Gabriel was most of the way down the waiting list & so might be diverted to a school 2 miles away (our new house is across the street from the school he started at, one of the main reasons we bought the house).
6.) We had to have everything packed into the storage pods by Tuesday a.m. for delivery to the new house on Wednesday.
7.) One of the mgrs at my office told me how flexible he was, and then acted very concerned that I was taking a day off on Wednesday to move.
7a.) I had to stifle the desire the twin desires to laugh out loud & call him a f*cking hypocrite to his face.
8.) Our mortgage agent called us at 4:45 Tuesday to say that the lender had failed to wire our funds by the cut-off time & now there was a small chance that our entire loan would be cancelled and need to be re-done.  At a minimum it would delay by a few hrs the time we would get our keys on Wednesday.
9.) The storage company said that instead of Wednesday morning the delivery would come between 1-6pm.
10.) I had to go to work on Wednesday after all and request Thursday off instead, which was forecast to have temps above 100.

But...in the end everything worked out.

We got everything taken care of with the lender and the title company and got our keys by noon on Wed.

The pods were delivered right at 1pm, and I at least got home in time to get all the beds set up so we could sleep well that night.

We found a good tenant, checked their credit & references, got their deposit check and signed a lease.

We learned that, although several kids from Gabriel's class were being diverted, since his older brother Adrian got the last slot in his 3rd grade class & the over-riding concern is to not break up siblings, he would get to stay (at least a couple kids ahead of him on the waiting list still got diverted).

My boys have become great friends with the girl next door & are now running around in the evenings on our cul de sac enoying themselves immensely.  They also really like their school.

A side effect of Thursday being brutally hot, I just weighed myself this morning & I seem to have lost 4 lbs (and that's after a weekend of eating buffet food in Reno).

Most of the work-related stuff calmed down as well.





Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Alicat on September 02, 2008, 08:58:53 PM
Mshray, want to meet me in Bgame for Friday's live & local? Too far away for you?

I want to, but it will depend on the moving stuff.
Missed seeing you there. Had a ball! Check out the KFOG Morning show page, http://www.kfog.com/morningshow/
   scroll down to the pics. I'm at the front table. Great people there. Nice venue.

Very sorry I couldn't go.  But I spent all day on Thursday moving all our stuff into our new house - from 8am to 11pm, and most of the time it was 102 degrees!!!!! 

I was so utterly exhausted on Friday, but in the meantime a couple things at work semi-blew up & I needed all day and all my remaining strength (only slightly better than nil) to deal with it.
Hope the new week is better for you. You KNOW I KNOW about moving. I'm still figuring out what to do with stuff still in boxes.

This week is going to be waaaaay better, and not least because it's a short one. ......
DAMN! After all that you're still a cohesive family unit. I got nuthin to compete with that mayhem.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: mshray on September 03, 2008, 08:47:27 AM

DAMN! After all that you're still a cohesive family unit. I got nuthin to compete with that mayhem.


I definitely think it is an indication that my marriage is getting stronger, hard to imagine surviving all this a couple years ago when we were on a bit more rocky ground.  And we got a lot of help from Christina's folks.  We owe them a lot, not just financially. 
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: urth on September 11, 2008, 10:43:02 AM
Excellent set from Dave today, which I hope put me in a good frame of mind. I've got a phone interview for a job in a few minutes, so any forthcoming good vibes will be gratefully received.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Lightnin' Rod on September 11, 2008, 12:51:47 PM
Excellent set from Dave today, which I hope put me in a good frame of mind. I've got a phone interview for a job in a few minutes, so any forthcoming good vibes will be gratefully received.

Good luck, bud (probably belated).
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: urth on September 11, 2008, 01:11:46 PM
Excellent set from Dave today, which I hope put me in a good frame of mind. I've got a phone interview for a job in a few minutes, so any forthcoming good vibes will be gratefully received.

Good luck, bud (probably belated).

Yeah, but greatly appreciated nonetheless. Went pretty well, the guy I talked to pretty much said he was going to ask HR to set up a face-to-face meeting. So it looks like I passed this level.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Gazoo on September 11, 2008, 07:08:53 PM
Excellent set from Dave today, which I hope put me in a good frame of mind. I've got a phone interview for a job in a few minutes, so any forthcoming good vibes will be gratefully received.

Good luck, bud (probably belated).

Yeah, but greatly appreciated nonetheless. Went pretty well, the guy I talked to pretty much said he was going to ask HR to set up a face-to-face meeting. So it looks like I passed this level.
Fantastico!  In the copyediting realm, or have you moved on to other gigs?
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: urth on September 11, 2008, 09:30:42 PM
Excellent set from Dave today, which I hope put me in a good frame of mind. I've got a phone interview for a job in a few minutes, so any forthcoming good vibes will be gratefully received.

Good luck, bud (probably belated).

Yeah, but greatly appreciated nonetheless. Went pretty well, the guy I talked to pretty much said he was going to ask HR to set up a face-to-face meeting. So it looks like I passed this level.
Fantastico!  In the copyediting realm, or have you moved on to other gigs?

Yep, some copyediting but also quite a bit of QA work. For a big chipmaker (rhymes with "bin-smell") that has quite a big presence in the Portland area.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: mshray on September 11, 2008, 10:12:34 PM
Excellent set from Dave today, which I hope put me in a good frame of mind. I've got a phone interview for a job in a few minutes, so any forthcoming good vibes will be gratefully received.

Good luck, bud (probably belated).

Yeah, but greatly appreciated nonetheless. Went pretty well, the guy I talked to pretty much said he was going to ask HR to set up a face-to-face meeting. So it looks like I passed this level.
Fantastico!  In the copyediting realm, or have you moved on to other gigs?

Yep, some copyediting but also quite a bit of QA work. For a big chipmaker (rhymes with "bin-smell") that has quite a big presence in the Portland area.

I used to have some contacts there, but they were all in the supply chain side.  Would you have to commute to Beaverton?
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: urth on September 11, 2008, 11:07:49 PM
Excellent set from Dave today, which I hope put me in a good frame of mind. I've got a phone interview for a job in a few minutes, so any forthcoming good vibes will be gratefully received.

Good luck, bud (probably belated).

Yeah, but greatly appreciated nonetheless. Went pretty well, the guy I talked to pretty much said he was going to ask HR to set up a face-to-face meeting. So it looks like I passed this level.
Fantastico!  In the copyediting realm, or have you moved on to other gigs?

Yep, some copyediting but also quite a bit of QA work. For a big chipmaker (rhymes with "bin-smell") that has quite a big presence in the Portland area.

I used to have some contacts there, but they were all in the supply chain side.  Would you have to commute to Beaverton?

No, to Hillsboro, which is where the big Intel campus is. It's a little closer than Beaverton.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: mshray on September 12, 2008, 08:44:10 AM
Excellent set from Dave today, which I hope put me in a good frame of mind. I've got a phone interview for a job in a few minutes, so any forthcoming good vibes will be gratefully received.

Good luck, bud (probably belated).

Yeah, but greatly appreciated nonetheless. Went pretty well, the guy I talked to pretty much said he was going to ask HR to set up a face-to-face meeting. So it looks like I passed this level.
Fantastico!  In the copyediting realm, or have you moved on to other gigs?

Yep, some copyediting but also quite a bit of QA work. For a big chipmaker (rhymes with "bin-smell") that has quite a big presence in the Portland area.

I used to have some contacts there, but they were all in the supply chain side.  Would you have to commute to Beaverton?

No, to Hillsboro, which is where the big Intel campus is. It's a little closer than Beaverton.

Oops, got my northwestern Portland suburbs reversed.  Beaverton is Nike, right?  Christina interviewed there once, and I've been to the Intel campus twice, all in 2004.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: urth on September 12, 2008, 10:06:55 AM
Excellent set from Dave today, which I hope put me in a good frame of mind. I've got a phone interview for a job in a few minutes, so any forthcoming good vibes will be gratefully received.

Good luck, bud (probably belated).

Yeah, but greatly appreciated nonetheless. Went pretty well, the guy I talked to pretty much said he was going to ask HR to set up a face-to-face meeting. So it looks like I passed this level.
Fantastico!  In the copyediting realm, or have you moved on to other gigs?

Yep, some copyediting but also quite a bit of QA work. For a big chipmaker (rhymes with "bin-smell") that has quite a big presence in the Portland area.

I used to have some contacts there, but they were all in the supply chain side.  Would you have to commute to Beaverton?

No, to Hillsboro, which is where the big Intel campus is. It's a little closer than Beaverton.

Oops, got my northwestern Portland suburbs reversed.  Beaverton is Nike, right?  Christina interviewed there once, and I've been to the Intel campus twice, all in 2004.

Yeah, I think that's right. But Intel has some offices in Beaverton too, just not their main outpost. So you weren't wrong.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Alicat on September 15, 2008, 09:56:33 PM
Excellent set from Dave today, which I hope put me in a good frame of mind. I've got a phone interview for a job in a few minutes, so any forthcoming good vibes will be gratefully received.

Good luck, bud (probably belated).

Yeah, but greatly appreciated nonetheless. Went pretty well, the guy I talked to pretty much said he was going to ask HR to set up a face-to-face meeting. So it looks like I passed this level.
Fantastico!  In the copyediting realm, or have you moved on to other gigs?

Yep, some copyediting but also quite a bit of QA work. For a big chipmaker (rhymes with "bin-smell") that has quite a big presence in the Portland area.

I used to have some contacts there, but they were all in the supply chain side.  Would you have to commute to Beaverton?

No, to Hillsboro, which is where the big Intel campus is. It's a little closer than Beaverton.

Oops, got my northwestern Portland suburbs reversed.  Beaverton is Nike, right?  Christina interviewed there once, and I've been to the Intel campus twice, all in 2004.

Yeah, I think that's right. But Intel has some offices in Beaverton too, just not their main outpost. So you weren't wrong.
Any good news?
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: urth on September 15, 2008, 11:24:58 PM
Excellent set from Dave today, which I hope put me in a good frame of mind. I've got a phone interview for a job in a few minutes, so any forthcoming good vibes will be gratefully received.

Good luck, bud (probably belated).

Yeah, but greatly appreciated nonetheless. Went pretty well, the guy I talked to pretty much said he was going to ask HR to set up a face-to-face meeting. So it looks like I passed this level.
Fantastico!  In the copyediting realm, or have you moved on to other gigs?

Yep, some copyediting but also quite a bit of QA work. For a big chipmaker (rhymes with "bin-smell") that has quite a big presence in the Portland area.

I used to have some contacts there, but they were all in the supply chain side.  Would you have to commute to Beaverton?

No, to Hillsboro, which is where the big Intel campus is. It's a little closer than Beaverton.

Oops, got my northwestern Portland suburbs reversed.  Beaverton is Nike, right?  Christina interviewed there once, and I've been to the Intel campus twice, all in 2004.

Yeah, I think that's right. But Intel has some offices in Beaverton too, just not their main outpost. So you weren't wrong.
Any good news?

Not yet. I was the first one they brought in, which is not usually a good position to be in--better to be the last one they see rather than the first. But they promised they wouldn't take too long, so hoping to know something by end of the week.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Alicat on September 26, 2008, 11:28:11 AM
Just thinking out loud, maybe receive a suggestion or two...

I still have a bunch o crap in boxes after moving. Getting rid of some and trying to figure the rest out. I have a box with too many cassette tapes, all 10@10 recordings. Feels wrong to get rid of them. I have no cassette player anymore. I have most of the songs on CD or iTunes. I'm trying to get over the I need all this stuff mentality or someday I'll want it so I should keep it. What to do with the cassettes?
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: RGMike on September 26, 2008, 11:53:27 AM
Just thinking out loud, maybe receive a suggestion or two...

I still have a bunch o crap in boxes after moving. Getting rid of some and trying to figure the rest out. I have a box with too many cassette tapes, all 10@10 recordings. Feels wrong to get rid of them. I have no cassette player anymore. I have most of the songs on CD or iTunes. I'm trying to get over the I need all this stuff mentality or someday I'll want it so I should keep it. What to do with the cassettes?

save 'em. I constantly think about stuff I shoulda saved, and it only gets worse as you get older -- "damn, I wish I sill had that..."
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: princessofcairo on September 26, 2008, 02:36:42 PM
Just thinking out loud, maybe receive a suggestion or two...

I still have a bunch o crap in boxes after moving. Getting rid of some and trying to figure the rest out. I have a box with too many cassette tapes, all 10@10 recordings. Feels wrong to get rid of them. I have no cassette player anymore. I have most of the songs on CD or iTunes. I'm trying to get over the I need all this stuff mentality or someday I'll want it so I should keep it. What to do with the cassettes?

save 'em. I constantly think about stuff I shoulda saved, and it only gets worse as you get older -- "damn, I wish I sill had that..."

I'll ditto that, and I'm not even that old. But if moving years are counted like dog years, well, then...
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: mshray on September 26, 2008, 02:45:41 PM
Just thinking out loud, maybe receive a suggestion or two...

I still have a bunch o crap in boxes after moving. Getting rid of some and trying to figure the rest out. I have a box with too many cassette tapes, all 10@10 recordings. Feels wrong to get rid of them. I have no cassette player anymore. I have most of the songs on CD or iTunes. I'm trying to get over the I need all this stuff mentality or someday I'll want it so I should keep it. What to do with the cassettes?

save 'em. I constantly think about stuff I shoulda saved, and it only gets worse as you get older -- "damn, I wish I sill had that..."

I'll ditto that, and I'm not even that old. But if moving years are counted like dog years, well, then...

How 'bout I stop over and take them off your hands & agree to archive them digitally at some unknown future date (and offer them up for redistribution as I have with all the archived sets I've gotten from Urth)?  I still have a tape player that I use, so they will get listened to once or twice in the meantime.

ETA: and after I archive them digitaly I further promise to dispose of them in an earth-friendly way.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: princessofcairo on September 27, 2008, 06:33:29 AM

ETA: and after I archive them digitaly I further promise to dispose of them in an earth-friendly way.

which could be mailing them to spain, where a loving cassette player awaits their entry. :)
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Alicat on September 27, 2008, 03:40:57 PM

ETA: and after I archive them digitaly I further promise to dispose of them in an earth-friendly way.

which could be mailing them to spain, where a loving cassette player awaits their entry. :)
What years would you like?
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: princessofcairo on September 28, 2008, 05:06:02 AM

ETA: and after I archive them digitaly I further promise to dispose of them in an earth-friendly way.

which could be mailing them to spain, where a loving cassette player awaits their entry. :)
What years would you like?

anything from the 70's.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Alicat on November 04, 2008, 12:47:55 PM
fuck fuck fuck. I just got an email from a young woman I used to work with and have somewhat stayed in touch with. She had a second child a month ago and just had news of aggressive breast cancer. Thought it was a blocked milk duct but it wasn't. She's starting chemo and then having a mastectomy. She's early 30's. I'm devastated by this. What the hell. Cancer really spares no one.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: mshray on November 04, 2008, 01:49:25 PM
fuck fuck fuck. I just got an email from a young woman I used to work with and have somewhat stayed in touch with. She had a second child a month ago and just had news of aggressive breast cancer. Thought it was a blocked milk duct but it wasn't. She's starting chemo and then having a mastectomy. She's early 30's. I'm devastated by this. What the hell. Cancer really spares no one.

Wow, hope her therapy is successful.  Tell her we're thinking of her.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: urth on November 04, 2008, 05:47:08 PM
fuck fuck fuck. I just got an email from a young woman I used to work with and have somewhat stayed in touch with. She had a second child a month ago and just had news of aggressive breast cancer. Thought it was a blocked milk duct but it wasn't. She's starting chemo and then having a mastectomy. She's early 30's. I'm devastated by this. What the hell. Cancer really spares no one.

My god, that horrible. Hope she is able to fight it and lives to see her baby's children all graduate college and beyond. My thoughts are with her (and you).
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Tinka Cat on November 04, 2008, 05:48:55 PM
fuck fuck fuck. I just got an email from a young woman I used to work with and have somewhat stayed in touch with. She had a second child a month ago and just had news of aggressive breast cancer. Thought it was a blocked milk duct but it wasn't. She's starting chemo and then having a mastectomy. She's early 30's. I'm devastated by this. What the hell. Cancer really spares no one.

so sorry to hear that, Alicat. 
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: RGMike on December 22, 2008, 09:29:38 AM
OK, we know Gaz is on the road for the next 4 days -- what's everyone else's holiday skeds?  I'm working today tomo'w and Wed, off Thurs and Friday (and ditto for next week).
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Lightnin' Rod on December 22, 2008, 09:53:57 AM
OK, we know Gaz is on the road for the next 4 days -- what's everyone else's holiday skeds?  I'm working today tomo'w and Wed, off Thurs and Friday (and ditto for next week).

I too am working thru Wed., then I am off until January 5th.  YAY.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Wayback on December 22, 2008, 10:04:28 AM
OK, we know Gaz is on the road for the next 4 days -- what's everyone else's holiday skeds?  I'm working today tomo'w and Wed, off Thurs and Friday (and ditto for next week).
I'm off to Phoenix Dec 24-30 to visit family there. Weather there is about the same as here this time of year, so no lounging by the pool :(  but I'll catch up on a few new movies in theaters with my brother, who bought a new home there a few months ago. Off work until Jan 5. Yea! ;D
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Alicat on December 22, 2008, 10:21:42 AM
I'm around. Just social trips to SF and Marin. SHARKS game Tuesday night, yay.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: ggould on December 22, 2008, 10:30:07 AM
School starts up 1/5
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: RGMike on December 22, 2008, 10:36:09 AM
I'm around. Just social trips to SF and Marin. SHARKS game Tuesday night, yay.

(http://sharkspage.com/jpgs3/sharks_flames1b.jpg)
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Wayback on December 22, 2008, 10:39:01 AM
OK, we know Gaz is on the road for the next 4 days -- what's everyone else's holiday skeds?  I'm working today tomo'w and Wed, off Thurs and Friday (and ditto for next week).
Oh, I'll be celebrating Christmas like everyone else in this crazy economy ...
(http://www.vibrantsound.com/music/files/images/detailed/978364.jpg)
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: RGMike on December 22, 2008, 10:40:41 AM
OK, we know Gaz is on the road for the next 4 days -- what's everyone else's holiday skeds?  I'm working today tomo'w and Wed, off Thurs and Friday (and ditto for next week).
Oh, I'll be celebrating Christmas like everyone else in this crazy economy ...
(http://www.vibrantsound.com/music/files/images/detailed/978364.jpg)

"ah wuz gonna celebrate Christmas... but then ah got high..."
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Tinka Cat on December 22, 2008, 12:47:58 PM
OK, we know Gaz is on the road for the next 4 days -- what's everyone else's holiday skeds?  I'm working today tomo'w and Wed, off Thurs and Friday (and ditto for next week).

to SoCal tomorrow afternoon thru Saturday.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: urth on December 22, 2008, 03:40:58 PM
And my story is that our power's out--has been since yesterday early AM, and the power co. won't give us an estimate of when it'll be back as only 6 customers are affected. Grrr. So we've packed up the dog and the cats and some of the food in the freezer and headed to my uncle's house, 10 miles away. Thankfully he has power (and broadband!) so I will probably be online periodically but not listening to anything via the web. And working a few hours today and tomorrow. Hoping we can be back in our place by Xmas, but the snow is an issue too--we've got about 2.5 feet on the ground with more coming, so getting up the driveway is a challenge (we do have 4WD, w/ chains). So "White Christmas" isn't a dream, it's a virtual certainty! :)

So, now that I'm done kvetching, just want to say I hope you all are safe and warm for Xmas, and thank you all for putting up with my OCD tendencies for another year!

(And yes, for those that asked for them, the 10@10 CDs will get done, as soon as Portland General Electric says it's OK. :) )
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: mshray on December 23, 2008, 09:36:56 AM
We've got my folks visiting until the 5th, had yesterday off for my older son's 9th b-day, working today & tomorrow, also every day next week except the 1st.

p.s. to Urth, can I get a copy of the set from my birthday - 3/6/08?

Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Alicat on December 23, 2008, 10:47:34 AM
as soon as Portland General Electric says it's OK. :) )
Can't get away from PG&E!
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Alicat on December 23, 2008, 10:48:53 AM
I'm around. Just social trips to SF and Marin. SHARKS game Tuesday night, yay.

(http://sharkspage.com/jpgs3/sharks_flames1b.jpg)
Yay Sharkie!!!! I can hardly wait! Don't know if Roenick is skate ready or not.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: RGMike on December 23, 2008, 11:05:34 AM
I'm around. Just social trips to SF and Marin. SHARKS game Tuesday night, yay.

(http://sharkspage.com/jpgs3/sharks_flames1b.jpg)
Yay Sharkie!!!! I can hardly wait! Don't know if Roenick is skate ready or not.

Sharkie Claus guarantees a win tonite -- the Tank was quite Seasonal on Saturday.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: urth on December 23, 2008, 12:11:12 PM
as soon as Portland General Electric says it's OK. :) )
Can't get away from PG&E!

Yeah, having nearly identical acronyms for the major electrical utilities here and in Cali can be a tad confusing--I still want to include the ampersand when I refer to the one up here.  And Saturday one of the local TV stations broadcast a number to call to report an outage--turns out the number they gave was for PG*&*E, not PGE, so I'm sure there were some exasperated operators in California taking calls from electricity-deprived Oregonians. D'oh!

(I'll say one thing about PGE however--their rates are a hell of a lot lower than they are in CA.)
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: RGMike on January 19, 2009, 07:35:20 AM
I'm in a training session from 8-11:30 (!) so no Bob or Dave for me -- enjoy and document well!
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: RGMike on February 18, 2009, 07:53:58 AM
Weird week for me: Monday was a holiday, and I'm out-of-the-office and away from radio/computer both tomorrow (conference in Concord) and Friday (a "retreat day" at a cow orker's home).  So document well, kids!
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Alicat on February 20, 2009, 08:37:31 AM
Weird week for me: Monday was a holiday, and I'm out-of-the-office and away from radio/computer both tomorrow (conference in Concord) and Friday (a "retreat day" at a cow orker's home).  So document well, kids!
Check yer email later today RG for a link to pics I took last night at the Tank. I kissed Drew and he returned the smooch. ( :P on the cheek but it was good enough!) Also got close to Jamie Baker and Dan Rusanowsky and JR!! Not sure why such good fortune took place. I asked JR when he'd be back playing and he said this Saturday which is a day game.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: RGMike on March 02, 2009, 12:43:24 PM
Everyone will I'm sure be just thrilled to learn that I'm finally on Facebook -- it's bare-bones, do not DARE start bugging me to expand my profile.

What happened was: a former member of Regular Guys passed away last week, I emailed a bunch of former RGs to let them know, and one of them (who now lives in NC) started a Facebook group for former RGs to keep in touch. So I kinda had no choice but to sign up and do the bare minimum.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: mshray on March 10, 2009, 01:47:42 PM
Not sure where else to put this, but I typed it up in a skype chat with a friend on the East coast & figured y'all might get a kick out of it.

Every morning my wife & I get up around 6 & take our dog Kenai out for a 2.8 mile walk.  Kenai is a Lab/Pit mix, almost 1 yr old & a bit over 60lbs - a large dog but not XL.  Our daily route goes around some very large fields that are as yet undeveloped.  On one stretch there's a road that is closed off, so no cars, and we let Kenai off leash to run around.  We often see big jackrabbits & sometimes Kenai chases them.  Last Friday when he was off leash, but standing not far from us, we suddenly saw what looked like another dog come running up to him & they started tussling.  After a split second I realized that it was, in fact, a coyote!

Kenai was actually a bit bigger than the coyote & I think Kenai believed he was playing.  But after a couple more seconds it seems the coyote thought they were fighting, and the tussle quickly turned into a chase, with Kenai chasing the coyote over a rise & far away out of sight.  The whole encounter took less than 15 seconds before they both disappeared.  We had no choice but to keep walking in the direction they had gone, and began to get pretty worried, less that the coyote would really hurt Kenai, but that he might get lost and/or traumatized.  Fortunately about 5 minutes later Kenai came trotting back to me, as if nothing had happened.  Other than being out of breath he was perfectly okay, and has not shown any after effects since.



Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: RGMike on March 10, 2009, 01:57:58 PM
Not sure where else to put this, but I typed it up in a skype chat with a friend on the East coast & figured y'all might get a kick out of it.

Every morning my wife & I get up around 6 & take our dog Kenai out for a 2.8 mile walk.  Kenai is a Lab/Pit mix, almost 1 yr old & a bit over 60lbs - a large dog but not XL.  Our daily route goes around some very large fields that are as yet undeveloped.  On one stretch there's a road that is closed off, so no cars, and we let Kenai off leash to run around.  We often see big jackrabbits & sometimes Kenai chases them.  Last Friday when he was off leash, but standing not far from us, we suddenly saw what looked like another dog come running up to him & they started tussling.  After a split second I realized that it was, in fact, a coyote!

Kenai was actually a bit bigger than the coyote & I think Kenai believed he was playing.  But after a couple more seconds it seems the coyote thought they were fighting, and the tussle quickly turned into a chase, with Kenai chasing the coyote over a rise & far away out of sight.  The whole encounter took less than 15 seconds before they both disappeared.  We had no choice but to keep walking in the direction they had gone, and began to get pretty worried, less that the coyote would really hurt Kenai, but that he might get lost and/or traumatized.  Fortunately about 5 minutes later Kenai came trotting back to me, as if nothing had happened.  Other than being out of breath he was perfectly okay, and has not shown any after effects since.


Wow.  Of course, there's a full moon tonite, so if he turns into a were-coyote... you've been warned.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Alicat on March 10, 2009, 10:09:05 PM
Not sure where else to put this, but I typed it up in a skype chat with a friend on the East coast & figured y'all might get a kick out of it.

Every morning my wife & I get up around 6 & take our dog Kenai out for a 2.8 mile walk.  Kenai is a Lab/Pit mix, almost 1 yr old & a bit over 60lbs - a large dog but not XL.  Our daily route goes around some very large fields that are as yet undeveloped.  On one stretch there's a road that is closed off, so no cars, and we let Kenai off leash to run around.  We often see big jackrabbits & sometimes Kenai chases them.  Last Friday when he was off leash, but standing not far from us, we suddenly saw what looked like another dog come running up to him & they started tussling.  After a split second I realized that it was, in fact, a coyote!

Kenai was actually a bit bigger than the coyote & I think Kenai believed he was playing.  But after a couple more seconds it seems the coyote thought they were fighting, and the tussle quickly turned into a chase, with Kenai chasing the coyote over a rise & far away out of sight.  The whole encounter took less than 15 seconds before they both disappeared.  We had no choice but to keep walking in the direction they had gone, and began to get pretty worried, less that the coyote would really hurt Kenai, but that he might get lost and/or traumatized.  Fortunately about 5 minutes later Kenai came trotting back to me, as if nothing had happened.  Other than being out of breath he was perfectly okay, and has not shown any after effects since.
All I can think is HOLY CRAP. Weren't you panicked? My pup just turned 1 and is about 65-70#. I've only taken him off leash at fenced in dog parks and totally worry he'd run away and never come back if we were out in the open.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: RGMike on April 30, 2009, 12:07:49 PM
I'll be off work tomorrow, taking a 3-day B-Day weekend (dim sum Friday, Woody Allen play Fri nite, Giants game Sat). So if I don't get to post tomorrow morning, Happy Birthday Rockin' Rod! 

I suspect tomorrow is another late-'80s/early-'90s  Friday from Dave, tho' I'd love to be wrong. But unless there's a major surprise, I doubt I'll be on the board in the AM.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Lightnin' Rod on April 30, 2009, 02:11:37 PM
I'll be off work tomorrow, taking a 3-day B-Day weekend (dim sum Friday, Woody Allen play Fri nite, Giants game Sat). So if I don't get to post tomorrow morning, Happy Birthday Rockin' Rod! 

I suspect tomorrow is another late-'80s/early-'90s  Friday from Dave, tho' I'd love to be wrong. But unless there's a major surprise, I doubt I'll be on the board in the AM.

Thanks Mike!  I'm joining the half-century club!  Still debating the AARP membership...  :P

And Happy Birthday to you on Saturday. 

I too will be out tomorrow, going fly fishing (first timer -- been fishing a lot, but never fly). 
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: mshray on April 30, 2009, 02:19:48 PM

(first timer -- been fishing a lot, but never fly). 

Iiiiiiiiii
just wanna fly

(put your arms around me baby, put your arms around me baby)

Iiiiiiiiii
just want
to
fly
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: urth on April 30, 2009, 03:36:33 PM
I too will be out tomorrow, going fly fishing (first timer -- been fishing a lot, but never fly). 

I always thought you were pretty fly. ;)

But lest I forget, I'm outta here this weekend as well. 10th wedding anniversary for me and the missus, so we're heading down to the coast midday tomorrow. Probably 50-50 whether I'll check in here or not. Hoping Mike's instincts are accurate re: the likely year. Seems logical, though.

And if I don't get a chance to later, want to wish an exceedingly happy BD to both our birthday boys, tomorrow and Saturday!
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Gazoo on April 30, 2009, 04:58:10 PM
Happy anniversary to you and Sarah, Urth!

And happy b-day, Mike and Rod - I'll say more in another thread.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Tinka Cat on April 30, 2009, 06:32:18 PM
10th wedding anniversary for me and the missus, so we're heading down to the coast midday tomorrow.

happy 10th urth!  i hope to get your better half one day!
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: urth on April 30, 2009, 07:48:31 PM
10th wedding anniversary for me and the missus, so we're heading down to the coast midday tomorrow.

happy 10th urth!  i hope to get your better half one day!


I beg your pardon?!? I'll be happy to introduce you to her, but it better not go much further! ;)
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: mshray on May 05, 2009, 01:09:12 PM
I don't know how the rest of you have been feeling, but I have been going through a rough patch lately.  And as such I have been very appreciative anytime I see or hear something that helps in any way.  In that spirit I want to share the following, which is in the same vein as St. Francis' Serenity prayer.  It was passed to me as a photocopy, but hopefully I have transcribed it accurately here.

Something We Should All Abide By
by Mother Teresa

People are often unreasonable, illogical and self-centered;
Forgive them anyway.
If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives;
Be kind anyway.
If you are successful, you will win some false friends and some true enemies;
Succeed anyway.
If you are honest and frank, people may cheat you;
Be honest and frank anyway.
What you spend years building, someone could destroy overnight;
Build anyway.
If you find serenity and happiness, people may be jealous;
Be happy anyway.
The good you do today, people will often forget tomorrow;
Do good anyway.
Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough;
Give your best anyway.
You see, in the final analysis, it is between you and God;
It was never between you and them anyway.


Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Gazoo on May 05, 2009, 01:49:30 PM
I don't know how the rest of you have been feeling, but I have been going through a rough patch lately.  And as such I have been very appreciative anytime I see or hear something that helps in any way.  In that spirit I want to share the following, which is in the same vein as St. Francis' Serenity prayer.  It was passed to me as a photocopy, but hopefully I have transcribed it accurately here.

Something We Should All Abide By
by Mother Teresa

People are often unreasonable, illogical and self-centered;
Forgive them anyway.
If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives;
Be kind anyway.
If you are successful, you will win some false friends and some true enemies;
Succeed anyway.
If you are honest and frank, people may cheat you;
Be honest and frank anyway.
What you spend years building, someone could destroy overnight;
Build anyway.
If you find serenity and happiness, people may be jealous;
Be happy anyway.
The good you do today, people will often forget tomorrow;
Do good anyway.
Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough;
Give your best anyway.
You see, in the final analysis, it is between you and God;
It was never between you and them anyway.




This is fantastic, Mark; thanks.  I'm not having a very good week myself, and there are some good reminders here.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: RGMike on May 26, 2009, 08:41:18 PM
Dunno if we need a separate "overheard on the street (on BART, on MUNI)" thread, but walking home tonite from the gym, on Valencia St., I heard one black guy yell at another black guy: "Don't play me, nigga! I'm serious as a heart attack!"

Wow, I thought people only said stuff like that in the movies...
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Lightnin' Rod on June 18, 2009, 04:01:24 PM
I am out of here for the next week, gone fishin'.  Y'all have fun 'round here tomorrow and next week -- I'll be back the 29th.

'vacation, all I ever wanted...'
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: ggould on June 18, 2009, 04:44:30 PM
My daughter Grace is getting married on Sunday down in Memorial Park near Pescadero, so I'll be pretty busy for a few days!
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: RGMike on June 18, 2009, 08:33:01 PM
Damn -- have fun, Rod, and best wishes Geoff! 

Meanwhile... shortly before noon today, I started getting pop-ups on my work computer: "VIRUS WARNING!" "YOUR COMPUTER MAY BE INFECTED!" etc.  The thing is, they weren't from McAfee, which is what we use at Kaiser. Our IT folks had me shut down ("don't use your PC until we send someone to look it over!"). As of 3:00 I was still waiting; my boss ran out of make-work projects and I went home an hour early. So I've been out-of-commish and may be tomorrow as well. (I was able to use a cow orkers PC but I wasn't at liberty to web-surf.)  Fingers crossed that tomorrow isn't a wasted (and unconnected) day. I'm bringing a radio so I get to hear AL's 10@10 if nothing else -- hoping for that "Welcome Summer" set.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: RGMike on June 19, 2009, 11:58:21 AM
Well, it officially 24 hours since my PC freaked out and I'm still waiting for IT to come; luckily it's been slow, work-wise.  But I'm still limited in what I can do using a cow orkers computer, so It looks like I get to go home early. Assuming IT doesn't come before I finish eating lunch, I'm outta here -- most likely off to see the sci-fi indie Moon (the one directed by Zowie Bowie, er, Duncan Jones).  Happy Vinyl Saturday/Father's Day/First of Summer/Geoff's Daughter's Wedding!
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Gazoo on June 22, 2009, 09:49:29 AM
I'm on a very large number of music-related mailing lists: publicists, venues, ticketsellers, artists, and a group called the Pho list that discusses in great detail the many issues surrounding the intersection of music and technology.  It's far more reading than I can keep up with - and I found my various inboxes had over 1,000 unread emails.

So I at last purged this morning.  I'm sure I missed a lot of things that would be great to know for my life and career, and I'm sure I've pissed off a few publicists by not replying to their notes.  But if I dwell on that, the enormousness of the backlog would only become paralyzing.  (A sort of digital hoarding, I suppose.)  Feels good to be getting that under control.

As for the October trip - I'm fairly sure I'm going to do it, but still don't know exact dates.  The meditation conference I want to attend in Santa Cruz is October 16-18.  (Anyone know offhand how one gets from SF to Santa Cruz and back without a car?)
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: ggould on June 22, 2009, 11:38:55 AM
I'm on a very large number of music-related mailing lists: publicists, venues, ticketsellers, artists, and a group called the Pho list that discusses in great detail the many issues surrounding the intersection of music and technology.  It's far more reading than I can keep up with - and I found my various inboxes had over 1,000 unread emails.

So I at last purged this morning.  I'm sure I missed a lot of things that would be great to know for my life and career, and I'm sure I've pissed off a few publicists by not replying to their notes.  But if I dwell on that, the enormousness of the backlog would only become paralyzing.  (A sort of digital hoarding, I suppose.)  Feels good to be getting that under control.

As for the October trip - I'm fairly sure I'm going to do it, but still don't know exact dates.  The meditation conference I want to attend in Santa Cruz is October 16-18.  (Anyone know offhand how one gets from SF to Santa Cruz and back without a car?)

My daughter went to UCSC, and I think she took a bus over the hill, then the train to SF.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Alicat on June 25, 2009, 09:51:51 PM
Can't find the tech help thread...
How do I get iTunes files into a format for input to Win Meida Player?
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Tinka Cat on June 25, 2009, 10:17:55 PM
Can't find the tech help thread...
How do I get iTunes files into a format for input to Win Meida Player?

I use mp3 files for my itunes, and I'm pretty sure the Win Med Player can play those. 

what kind of files are in your itunes?  highlight one, right click and then view "properties" -- that should give you some info.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: urth on June 25, 2009, 10:21:31 PM
Can't find the tech help thread...
How do I get iTunes files into a format for input to Win Meida Player?

You mean files you've purchased on iTunes? I believe files from the iTunes store are in the AAC format, which is an Apple proprietary format and will play primarily on iTunes and iPod players. (There may be other digital audio players now that play AACs, I haven't been keeping up.)

There are converters to change the format from one to another. I assume you're using a PC, yes? I just did a quick search on Download.com (old habits die hard) and came up with this one:
http://download.cnet.com/Switch-Sound-File-Converter/3000-2140_4-10327491.html

Never used it, can't vouch for it, but it's been downloaded over a million times and users rated it an average of 3.5 out of 5 stars, so must not suck too badly. And it's free. We like free.

Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: RGMike on July 01, 2009, 08:49:28 PM
So, who's where for the holiday weekend (assuming you have Friday off)?

I thought I was working Friday, since the 4th is not an official "observed on Friday when it falls on Saturday" holiday, and Kaiser is the only place I've ever worked that doesn't give the Day After Thanksgiving (!) but apparently they're giving us off.

Curious if AL will be doing a 4th of July Set of some kind -- hey, if she plays "Fourth of July" by X it will be on its way to becoming her first Katrina!
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Gazoo on July 01, 2009, 09:21:07 PM
So, who's where for the holiday weekend (assuming you have Friday off)?
I've got a 4-day weekend starting now, with no idea what to do with myself.  Neglected to make any plans.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: urth on July 01, 2009, 09:31:40 PM
So, who's where for the holiday weekend (assuming you have Friday off)?
I've got a 4-day weekend starting now, with no idea what to do with myself.  Neglected to make any plans.

I've gotta take Sarah to the airport Friday morning early, but I hope to be back here shortly after 10. And like Gaz, I have few plans for the weekend. There's a free blues festival in Portland, but I'm not really feeling up to dealing with the kind of crowds that's going to draw.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: ggould on July 01, 2009, 09:49:01 PM
So, who's where for the holiday weekend (assuming you have Friday off)?
we're playing music at the Bethany Center in the Mission on the 4th, singing peace songs and such.

I'll have to remember to play Van Morrison's "Almost Independence Day" on Friday.  I went to a lot of trouble last year to find the CD, which was inexplicably out of print, for what I thought was one of his major CD's.  Goes to show, you don't ever know...
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Tinka Cat on July 01, 2009, 09:54:42 PM
So, who's where for the holiday weekend (assuming you have Friday off)?
I've got a 4-day weekend starting now, with no idea what to do with myself.  Neglected to make any plans.

if you're in town in Saturday, try to see some fireworks.  sort of makes it official, you know?  Not sure if you can get out of NY at all, but maybe some local town has a homemade style Fourth of July parade.  They can be cute.

Out here Bolinas has a nice one, but it's over in like 5 minutes.  Then the towns of Bolinas and Sinson Beach do a tug-of-war by stretching a rope over the Bolinas lagoon inlet.  The losers get wet.  It's the Women v the Women and the Men v. the Men.  Most times I've seen it, the Stinson men beat the Bolinas men, and the Bolinas women beat the Stinson women, which I find hilarious for some reason.  Maybe the Stinson ladies don't want to ruin their manicures?  and the Bolinas dudes are too stoned to care...?
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: mshray on July 02, 2009, 12:25:12 AM
So, who's where for the holiday weekend (assuming you have Friday off)?

I've got a 4-day weekend starting now, with no idea what to do with myself.  Neglected to make any plans.

Go get laid!

I'm going camping with the fambly & dog & wife's best friend's fambly up at Lassen Nat'l Park.  I intend to climb Lassen Peak but not sure who else in the group will go with me.  The summit is over 10,000 ft, but the parking lot for the trailhead is already above 8000, so it's really just a half day steep hike. 
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Tinka Cat on July 02, 2009, 08:35:29 AM
So, who's where for the holiday weekend (assuming you have Friday off)?

I've got a 4-day weekend starting now, with no idea what to do with myself.  Neglected to make any plans.

Go get laid!

I'm going camping with the fambly & dog & wife's best friend's fambly up at Lassen Nat'l Park.  I intend to climb Lassen Peak but not sure who else in the group will go with me.  The summit is over 10,000 ft, but the parking lot for the trailhead is already above 8000, so it's really just a half day steep hike. 


very cool.  I've only done the Brokeoff Mountain hike, which give you a view of Lassen Peak.  Nice varied terrain.  I think Lassen is pretty exposed much of the time.  Bumpass Hell is easy and fun, too.  the kiddies will love it.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: ggould on July 02, 2009, 05:57:47 PM
very cool.
no shit.  We camped there in Summer, and froze our buns off at night!
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Gazoo on July 04, 2009, 04:34:27 PM
So, who's where for the holiday weekend (assuming you have Friday off)?

I've got a 4-day weekend starting now, with no idea what to do with myself.  Neglected to make any plans.

Go get laid!

Haha, this ended up happening!  Not to get all TMI, but I was out at a dance club in the East Village with Andy until 4am, at which time we found an all-night diner to grab something to eat.  5:30 he went home to Queens, and I walked back to my place.  En route I got a hankering for a bagel, and stopped in a place that had just opened.  Met a guy there with whom I immediately clicked - a British musician, just in town for a month, who likewise had been up all night - and ended up spending the morning with him (after he regaled me with tunes ranging from Dylan's "It's Alright Ma" to some Magnetic Fields to Chris Isaak's "Wicked Game").  Wow, what a great start to the day.

Which is all to say: Thanks for the encouragement, and please continue forecasting my future; it seems to help!
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: RGMike on July 04, 2009, 05:35:56 PM
So, who's where for the holiday weekend (assuming you have Friday off)?

I've got a 4-day weekend starting now, with no idea what to do with myself.  Neglected to make any plans.

Go get laid!

Haha, this ended up happening!  Not to get all TMI, but I was out at a dance club in the East Village with Andy until 4am, at which time we found an all-night diner to grab something to eat.  5:30 he went home to Queens, and I walked back to my place.  En route I got a hankering for a bagel, and stopped in a place that had just opened.  Met a guy there with whom I immediately clicked - a British musician, just in town for a month, who likewise had been up all night - and ended up spending the morning with him (after he regaled me with tunes ranging from Dylan's "It's Alright Ma" to some Magnetic Fields to Chris Isaak's "Wicked Game").  Wow, what a great start to the day.

Which is all to say: Thanks for the encouragement, and please continue forecasting my future; it seems to help!

Hot town, summer in the city! Summer lovin', had you a blast!  Congrats, bub -- you deserve some good romantic luck.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Tinka Cat on July 05, 2009, 07:18:11 PM
So, who's where for the holiday weekend (assuming you have Friday off)?

I've got a 4-day weekend starting now, with no idea what to do with myself.  Neglected to make any plans.

Go get laid!

Haha, this ended up happening!  Not to get all TMI, but I was out at a dance club in the East Village with Andy until 4am, at which time we found an all-night diner to grab something to eat.  5:30 he went home to Queens, and I walked back to my place.  En route I got a hankering for a bagel, and stopped in a place that had just opened.  Met a guy there with whom I immediately clicked - a British musician, just in town for a month, who likewise had been up all night - and ended up spending the morning with him (after he regaled me with tunes ranging from Dylan's "It's Alright Ma" to some Magnetic Fields to Chris Isaak's "Wicked Game").  Wow, what a great start to the day.

Which is all to say: Thanks for the encouragement, and please continue forecasting my future; it seems to help!

Hot town, summer in the city! Summer lovin', had you a blast!  Congrats, bub -- you deserve some good romantic luck.

kudos on the skyrockets in flight, afternoon early morning delight!
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: princessofcairo on July 06, 2009, 08:14:49 AM
So, who's where for the holiday weekend (assuming you have Friday off)?

I've got a 4-day weekend starting now, with no idea what to do with myself.  Neglected to make any plans.

Go get laid!

Haha, this ended up happening!  Not to get all TMI, but I was out at a dance club in the East Village with Andy until 4am, at which time we found an all-night diner to grab something to eat.  5:30 he went home to Queens, and I walked back to my place.  En route I got a hankering for a bagel, and stopped in a place that had just opened.  Met a guy there with whom I immediately clicked - a British musician, just in town for a month, who likewise had been up all night - and ended up spending the morning with him (after he regaled me with tunes ranging from Dylan's "It's Alright Ma" to some Magnetic Fields to Chris Isaak's "Wicked Game").  Wow, what a great start to the day.

Which is all to say: Thanks for the encouragement, and please continue forecasting my future; it seems to help!

Hot town, summer in the city! Summer lovin', had you a blast!  Congrats, bub -- you deserve some good romantic luck.

kudos on the skyrockets in flight, afternoon early morning delight!

That's awesome!
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: RGMike on July 06, 2009, 08:17:50 AM
That's awesome!

Princess! We've missed you!!
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: urth on July 24, 2009, 10:02:58 AM
Seems like it's my turn to be handed a few trials to get through--my life in the last month has turned into a real struggle. Sarah's been away since before July 4, caring for her mom who has a whole raft of medical issues (enlarged heart, partially failing kidneys, ovarian cancer, to hit the high points). She nearly died last weekend, which required a last minute trip down to the bay area for me, but thankfully pulled through. I'm back now, but Sarah has no timetable for her return (mom's still in the hospital and recovery is slow) and I have a whole list of other things staring me in the face: a dispute with a contractor who did some work for us and then didn't pay his subs, need to catch up on work that I missed while in SF, impending houseguests, numerous household chores and upkeep on 12 acres, holding up our end on our partnership in the cheese company, etc. etc. etc. Oh, and one of our cats disappeared a few weeks ago. :(

Sorry for whining, but I just needed to get that out there. Probably relatively minor compared with what others have to face, but I am nonetheless considering changing my name to Job.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: RGMike on July 24, 2009, 10:11:13 AM
Seems like it's my turn to be handed a few trials to get through--my life in the last month has turned into a real struggle. Sarah's been away since before July 4, caring for her mom who has a whole raft of medical issues (enlarged heart, partially failing kidneys, ovarian cancer, to hit the high points). She nearly died last weekend, which required a last minute trip down to the bay area for me, but thankfully pulled through. I'm back now, but Sarah has no timetable for her return (mom's still in the hospital and recovery is slow) and I have a whole list of other things staring me in the face: a dispute with a contractor who did some work for us and then didn't pay his subs, need to catch up on work that I missed while in SF, impending houseguests, numerous household chores and upkeep on 12 acres, holding up our end on our partnership in the cheese company, etc. etc. etc. Oh, and one of our cats disappeared a few weeks ago. :(

Sorry for whining, but I just needed to get that out there. Probably relatively minor compared with what others have to face, but I am nonetheless considering changing my name to Job.

hang in there, bub. Those houseguests should maybe look into a motel, methinks.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Lightnin' Rod on July 24, 2009, 10:43:05 AM
Seems like it's my turn to be handed a few trials to get through--my life in the last month has turned into a real struggle. Sarah's been away since before July 4, caring for her mom who has a whole raft of medical issues (enlarged heart, partially failing kidneys, ovarian cancer, to hit the high points). She nearly died last weekend, which required a last minute trip down to the bay area for me, but thankfully pulled through. I'm back now, but Sarah has no timetable for her return (mom's still in the hospital and recovery is slow) and I have a whole list of other things staring me in the face: a dispute with a contractor who did some work for us and then didn't pay his subs, need to catch up on work that I missed while in SF, impending houseguests, numerous household chores and upkeep on 12 acres, holding up our end on our partnership in the cheese company, etc. etc. etc. Oh, and one of our cats disappeared a few weeks ago. :(

Sorry for whining, but I just needed to get that out there. Probably relatively minor compared with what others have to face, but I am nonetheless considering changing my name to Job.

Best of luck, buddy.  This too shall pass.  Take deep breaths and keep pluggin' along.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: ggould on July 24, 2009, 09:32:33 PM
Seems like it's my turn to be handed a few trials to get through--my life in the last month has turned into a real struggle. Sarah's been away since before July 4, caring for her mom who has a whole raft of medical issues (enlarged heart, partially failing kidneys, ovarian cancer, to hit the high points). She nearly died last weekend, which required a last minute trip down to the bay area for me, but thankfully pulled through. I'm back now, but Sarah has no timetable for her return (mom's still in the hospital and recovery is slow) and I have a whole list of other things staring me in the face: a dispute with a contractor who did some work for us and then didn't pay his subs, need to catch up on work that I missed while in SF, impending houseguests, numerous household chores and upkeep on 12 acres, holding up our end on our partnership in the cheese company, etc. etc. etc. Oh, and one of our cats disappeared a few weeks ago. :(

Sorry for whining, but I just needed to get that out there. Probably relatively minor compared with what others have to face, but I am nonetheless considering changing my name to Job.
I'd been wondering what was up, and this now makes all the more sense regarding your facebook status updates.  Just take care of yourself first, then everything else will sort itself out.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: mshray on July 24, 2009, 10:29:13 PM
Hang tough Jim!

If it's any encouragement I am out the other side of some enormously stressful days, but it was all work-related, and much of it was just having to pull off some commitments I'd made that all of a sudden landed on top of each other.  Plus houseguests.  That & my boss is worthless.

I have another friend whose mother is dying, been in a coma for a couple weeks & no likelihood of ever coming out of it, so I'll add thoughts for Sara to my thoughts for him.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: RGMike on August 13, 2009, 03:57:31 PM
Well, it's looking like a BART strike is a serious possibility as soon as tomorrow -- I've already told my supervisor that if there's a strike tomorrow I'll be taking a vacation day. So if that happens, I won't be around here until 10am. Which would suck, 'cause I hate to miss a '60s set from Bob (he's doing '69, with I assume some nod to Woodstock).  OTOH, I could use a day off...
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Gazoo on August 19, 2009, 11:40:33 PM
Just letting y'all know that I'm out of action until next week: I'm flying to Minneapolis in a few hours to spend a few days with a friend.  I fly back Tuesday just in time to go back to work.  It's a much needed vacation for me; I've been going through the motions of late.

Hope it's a marvy weekend for you all!

Gaz
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: RGMike on August 20, 2009, 03:57:41 PM
couldn't decide where to put this: Starbucks raises prices again:

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/coffeecity/2009701278_starbucks_changes_drink_prices.html

(http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xM6S1O620QE/SRUyiBURqzI/AAAAAAAAB34/dzhCgQ3_N0w/s400/1.bmp)
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: urth on August 23, 2009, 11:10:25 PM
Am likely to be missing most of this week's 10@10s. Heading back down to SF tomorrow morning, as my m-i-l is still in the hospital (going on 2 mos now), and we have some affairs to deal with, meetings w/ docs, etc. She's still fighting, but hard to tell if she really wants to pull thru or not. However, she's made it this long so maybe her will is still there. Anyway, I will probably peek here occasionally but not as much as usual. Think good thoughts, and I will check in when I can. Cheers,
j.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Gazoo on August 28, 2009, 03:26:59 PM
Am likely to be missing most of this week's 10@10s. Heading back down to SF tomorrow morning, as my m-i-l is still in the hospital (going on 2 mos now), and we have some affairs to deal with, meetings w/ docs, etc. She's still fighting, but hard to tell if she really wants to pull thru or not. However, she's made it this long so maybe her will is still there. Anyway, I will probably peek here occasionally but not as much as usual. Think good thoughts, and I will check in when I can. Cheers,
j.

Urth - Belatedly wishing you and your family the best in this difficult situation.  Please keep us posted.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: RGMike on August 31, 2009, 08:53:47 PM
So today i needed to get a haircut on the way home from work; as per usual I tranferred to Muni at Embarcadero to snag a J-Church to 24th St. Get down on the platform and it's packed; they're recovering from a big backup.  The sign says next J isn't for 20 minutes, so I switch to Plan B: take the L to Castro and hop on the #24 bus.  An L pulls in, I get on, sit down, close my eyes and (as often happens on BART and MUNI) in seconds I'm half-asleep...

...and next thing I know, the woman next to me is rapping her knuckles on the top of my head (!) and yelling something in my ear. Turns out she's giving me grief for being oblivious to the fact that there are a couple of older folks standing; why am I not getting up and offering them my seat? She's just treated my head like a coconut, but she's calling *me* "rude". (And -- conveniently -- even tho' she's younger than me, she's got a cane so of course *she* doesn't have to get up). 

"I beg your pardon??" I say, and she loudly replies "NO! I beg YOUR pardon! Get Up!".  I got up, but not before saying "You need to mind your own fucking business, lady!". Then I get up -- and nobody wants to sit down! "Well, *somebody* better sit down!" I say , and then I lean over to the annoying woman and I say "if somebody started knocking on YOUR head, I don't think YOU'D be too happy about it", tho' what I really wanted to say was "Just because you have a cane doesn't give you license to be a bitch."

I hope somebody kicked her cane out from under her on the way home. Does that make me a bad person? ;)
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Alicat on August 31, 2009, 09:43:35 PM
So today i needed to get a haircut on the way home from work; as per usual I tranferred to Muni at Embarcadero to snag a J-Church to 24th St. Get down on the platform and it's packed; they're recovering from a big backup.  The sign says next J isn't for 20 minutes, so I switch to Plan B: take the L to Castro and hop on the #24 bus.  An L pulls in, I get on, sit down, close my eyes and (as often happens on BART and MUNI) in seconds I'm half-asleep...

...and next thing I know, the woman next to me is rapping her knuckles on the top of my head (!) and yelling something in my ear. Turns out she's giving me grief for being oblivious to the fact that there are a couple of older folks standing; why am I not getting up and offering them my seat? She's just treated my head like a coconut, but she's calling *me* "rude". (And -- conveniently -- even tho' she's younger than me, she's got a cane so of course *she* doesn't have to get up). 

"I beg your pardon??" I say, and she loudly replies "NO! I beg YOUR pardon! Get Up!".  I got up, but not before saying "You need to mind your own fucking business, lady!". Then I get up -- and nobody wants to sit down! "Well, *somebody* better sit down!" I say , and then I lean over to the annoying woman and I say "if somebody started knocking on YOUR head, I don't think YOU'D be too happy about it", tho' what I really wanted to say was "Just because you have a cane doesn't give you license to be a bitch."

I hope somebody kicked her cane out from under her on the way home. Does that make me a bad person? ;)
LMFAO!! OMG I cannot imagine you doing that. I think you were physically assaulted. I'm still laughing!!!
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: urth on August 31, 2009, 10:34:15 PM
So today i needed to get a haircut on the way home from work; as per usual I tranferred to Muni at Embarcadero to snag a J-Church to 24th St. Get down on the platform and it's packed; they're recovering from a big backup.  The sign says next J isn't for 20 minutes, so I switch to Plan B: take the L to Castro and hop on the #24 bus.  An L pulls in, I get on, sit down, close my eyes and (as often happens on BART and MUNI) in seconds I'm half-asleep...

...and next thing I know, the woman next to me is rapping her knuckles on the top of my head (!) and yelling something in my ear. Turns out she's giving me grief for being oblivious to the fact that there are a couple of older folks standing; why am I not getting up and offering them my seat? She's just treated my head like a coconut, but she's calling *me* "rude". (And -- conveniently -- even tho' she's younger than me, she's got a cane so of course *she* doesn't have to get up). 

"I beg your pardon??" I say, and she loudly replies "NO! I beg YOUR pardon! Get Up!".  I got up, but not before saying "You need to mind your own fucking business, lady!". Then I get up -- and nobody wants to sit down! "Well, *somebody* better sit down!" I say , and then I lean over to the annoying woman and I say "if somebody started knocking on YOUR head, I don't think YOU'D be too happy about it", tho' what I really wanted to say was "Just because you have a cane doesn't give you license to be a bitch."

I hope somebody kicked her cane out from under her on the way home. Does that make me a bad person? ;)

Sounds like she's got an ax to grind because people haven't been quick enough offering *her* their seats when she thought they should (but with an attitude like that, can you blame them?). Still, that doesn't give her license to be the Disabled Seating Monitor or to violate your melon with her knuckles, when I'm sure a gentle shake of your arm would have sufficed. And I'd bet the oldsters were pretty embarrassed about this bee-yotch making a scene, which was why they declined the offer of your seat.

You just never know what kind of wingnut you'll run into on MUNI.

Btw, thanks for all your concern about my situation. It continues, not sure what's going to happen. Sarah's mom has good days, and bad days, but rarely two consecutive good ones, so it's hard to be hopeful. We'll be back down at the end of Sept, or sooner if the situation warrants. Mark, I got your message, will try to call you tomorrow afternoon or evening.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: mshray on September 01, 2009, 11:22:34 AM

I hope somebody kicked her cane out from under her on the way home. Does that make me a bad person? ;)

No, you're NOT.  The mo-fo's from my HQ just survived the worst typhoon to hit Taiwan in 50 yrs, and I refuse to believe that I was a bad person for hoping that either their apartments got flooded or that their cars got washed away...after all the shit they've given me lately.

 >:(  >:(  >:(

Karma is as Karma does.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Tinka Cat on September 01, 2009, 11:45:13 AM
So today i needed to get a haircut on the way home from work; as per usual I tranferred to Muni at Embarcadero to snag a J-Church to 24th St. Get down on the platform and it's packed; they're recovering from a big backup.  The sign says next J isn't for 20 minutes, so I switch to Plan B: take the L to Castro and hop on the #24 bus.  An L pulls in, I get on, sit down, close my eyes and (as often happens on BART and MUNI) in seconds I'm half-asleep...

...and next thing I know, the woman next to me is rapping her knuckles on the top of my head (!) and yelling something in my ear. Turns out she's giving me grief for being oblivious to the fact that there are a couple of older folks standing; why am I not getting up and offering them my seat? She's just treated my head like a coconut, but she's calling *me* "rude". (And -- conveniently -- even tho' she's younger than me, she's got a cane so of course *she* doesn't have to get up). 

"I beg your pardon??" I say, and she loudly replies "NO! I beg YOUR pardon! Get Up!".  I got up, but not before saying "You need to mind your own fucking business, lady!". Then I get up -- and nobody wants to sit down! "Well, *somebody* better sit down!" I say , and then I lean over to the annoying woman and I say "if somebody started knocking on YOUR head, I don't think YOU'D be too happy about it", tho' what I really wanted to say was "Just because you have a cane doesn't give you license to be a bitch."

I hope somebody kicked her cane out from under her on the way home. Does that make me a bad person? ;)

wow, that sucks to be accosted so lamely and rudely by such a  lame and rude person.  I found your write-up hilARious, though, esp the coconut reference.   you should write a book on .... stuff...   or a blog, at least!
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: RGMike on September 01, 2009, 12:00:17 PM
wow, that sucks to be accosted so lamely and rudely by such a  lame and rude person.  I found your write-up hilARious, though, esp the coconut reference.   you should write a book on .... stuff...   or a blog, at least!

she was "lame" in more ways than one!  what was weird is that I wasn't some 18-year-old kid ignoring his elders; I'm a fiftysomething man who'd been up since 6am -- I really was half-asleep and unaware.  I could not tell if she was just having a bad day or was genuinely, k'now, batshit crazy.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: RGMike on October 01, 2009, 11:41:54 AM
Well kids I'm on vacay the next 10 days. Not leaving town, so I'll be checking in here, but without the access my high-speed work connection affords me. So AL's 10@10s will be the only ones I'll be monitoring. Hoping to get to SFMOMA for the Richard Avedon exhibit, and maybe some theater and a day-trip to Half Moon Bay for lunch. Mostly, I'm going to overhaul my apartment (a long-overdue project). And I actually have to come in to work on Tuesday for a "webinar".

I *do* hope to be (finally) buying the new computer this week; the Gateway model I've got picked out is on sale at Best Buy; the sooner I get it set up, the sooner I can get Comcast to come and hook me up to high-speed. 
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Gazoo on October 01, 2009, 11:52:16 PM
I *do* hope to be (finally) buying the new computer this week; the Gateway model I've got picked out is on sale at Best Buy; the sooner I get it set up, the sooner I can get Comcast to come and hook me up to high-speed. 

It'll honestly change a whole lotta shit for ya.  Truly.  You'll be grateful.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: ggould on October 02, 2009, 08:20:22 AM
I *do* hope to be (finally) buying the new computer this week; the Gateway model I've got picked out is on sale at Best Buy; the sooner I get it set up, the sooner I can get Comcast to come and hook me up to high-speed. 

It'll honestly change a whole lotta shit for ya.  Truly.  You'll be grateful.
agreed, outside of the Gateway part!
[ducking to avoid dead otter thrown in his direction]
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Alicat on October 02, 2009, 08:40:54 AM
Sounds fun. Seriously. New and faster computer = excellent.

Are you going to the Sharks home opener on Thursday?
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: RGMike on October 02, 2009, 10:12:50 AM
Sounds fun. Seriously. New and faster computer = excellent.

Are you going to the Sharks home opener on Thursday?

Yes, I'll be there!

and geoff: I've owned 2 Gateways so far; each lasted an average of 9-1/2 years, so I'm brand-loyal.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: RGMike on October 02, 2009, 06:45:14 PM
Sounds fun. Seriously. New and faster computer = excellent.

Are you going to the Sharks home opener on Thursday?

Yes, I'll be there!

and geoff: I've owned 2 Gateways so far; each lasted an average of 9-1/2 years, so I'm brand-loyal.

Computer update: turns out everybody is out-of-stock on all the Gateway models I'm interested in (as well as a lot of other brands) because all the companies are shipping new stock in the next couple of week with Windows 7 replacing Vista. Oh, you can still buy a PC with Vista and you'll get a free upgrade in a few weeks but why bother?  So I'm in temporary limbo for a few more weeks.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: urth on October 02, 2009, 10:16:28 PM
Sounds fun. Seriously. New and faster computer = excellent.

Are you going to the Sharks home opener on Thursday?

Yes, I'll be there!

and geoff: I've owned 2 Gateways so far; each lasted an average of 9-1/2 years, so I'm brand-loyal.

Computer update: turns out everybody is out-of-stock on all the Gateway models I'm interested in (as well as a lot of other brands) because all the companies are shipping new stock in the next couple of week with Windows 7 replacing Vista. Oh, you can still buy a PC with Vista and you'll get a free upgrade in a few weeks but why bother?  So I'm in temporary limbo for a few more weeks.

Oy. Sorry to rain on your parade, but buying a computer with a brand new OS can sometimes be kind of a risky proposition. Simply because there's a good chance there will be bugs, and you'll be one of the ones who gets to experience them in all their glory, before MS can issue a patch. At least Windows 7 is (allegedly) supposed to ultimately be one of the *good* iterations of Windows (like WinXP and Win98 a few years before it) that addresses the problems of its predecessor, and not one of the crappy ones (think Windows Me and Win95; oh, and Vista). But since Vista has been out awhile and seems to be more or less stable now, you might want to grab one of the machines that has it, before you get forced into doing unpaid QA for Win7.

(And let's not hear any smug, snarky comments from the Apple acolytes among us. That's exactly why a lot of people steer clear of Apple products.)
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: ggould on October 02, 2009, 10:33:30 PM
(And let's not hear any smug, snarky comments from the Apple acolytes among us. That's exactly why a lot of people steer clear of Apple products.)
where's the fun in that?
 ;) ;) ;)
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: mshray on October 03, 2009, 10:59:59 AM

(And let's not hear any smug, snarky comments from the Apple acolytes among us. That's exactly why a lot of people steer clear of Apple products.)

where's the fun in that?
 ;) ;) ;)

[Dan Aykroyd voice] Jane, you ingnorant slut! [/Dan Aykroyd voice]

Counterpoint:  Vista SUCKS!!! and you do not want to even temporarily submit yourself to it.  But I've been playing REAL close attention to Windows 7, and if half the stuff I hear (from independent sources, not to meniton a couple of close friends within MSFT), this is waaaay better.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Alicat on October 04, 2009, 08:55:18 AM
RG:
I'm going to bail on work on Thursday. Taking the train too. Are you driving or taking train? Let's meet pregame. Still have my number?
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: RGMike on October 04, 2009, 02:52:13 PM
RG:
I'm going to bail on work on Thursday. Taking the train too. Are you driving or taking train? Let's meet pregame. Still have my number?

I am driving -- was planning to go down early to have dinner at that German place downtown. You're welcome to join me; I'd want to be at the restaurant around 5:30-ish 'cause I like getting to the Tank early. I have your number in my cel.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Alicat on October 04, 2009, 08:43:34 PM
I'd love to hook up for dinner. I want to get to the Tank for the pregame skate if possible. Do you care about that?
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: RGMike on October 04, 2009, 09:28:31 PM
I'd love to hook up for dinner. I want to get to the Tank for the pregame skate if possible. Do you care about that?

What time would that be?
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Alicat on October 04, 2009, 09:47:03 PM
I'd love to hook up for dinner. I want to get to the Tank for the pregame skate if possible. Do you care about that?

What time would that be?
For a 7:30 game, I think from 6:30-7. I'll be OK missing it if necessary. I have plenty of games this season. I think they hand out magnet calendars at the first game. Want to meet early in SJ or pick me up and I'll go with you?
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: RGMike on October 05, 2009, 10:55:49 AM
I'd love to hook up for dinner. I want to get to the Tank for the pregame skate if possible. Do you care about that?

What time would that be?
For a 7:30 game, I think from 6:30-7. I'll be OK missing it if necessary. I have plenty of games this season. I think they hand out magnet calendars at the first game. Want to meet early in SJ or pick me up and I'll go with you?

I'd be happy to pick you up if you're interested in having dinner at Teske's Germania -- shoot me your address at my home email: mschafer1 "at" earthlink dot net.  But 5:30 is as early as we can eat -- we'll easily make it to the tank by 7.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Alicat on October 05, 2009, 09:10:38 PM
Lemme think it over. Want to see you. Might just have some ales. That theres some pricey schnitzel!
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: RGMike on October 06, 2009, 07:29:26 AM
Lemme think it over. Want to see you. Might just have some ales. That theres some pricey schnitzel!

they have a dinner special -- soup salad entree and apple streudel for, like, 25 bucks.  Their Sauerbraten is excellent.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Alicat on October 07, 2009, 10:26:55 PM
Lemme think it over. Want to see you. Might just have some ales. That theres some pricey schnitzel!

they have a dinner special -- soup salad entree and apple streudel for, like, 25 bucks.  Their Sauerbraten is excellent.
I'm going to pass on the Sauerbraten. I want to try and get in when doors open at 6 to get a mystery puck and get to the glass for the pregame skate. I stand down by the Sharks bench by Sec 128.  I'm sitting in sec 114, row 13. WHere is your seat? Let's meet either before game starts or between 1st and 2nd periods or 2nd and 3rd.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: RGMike on October 08, 2009, 10:46:33 AM
Lemme think it over. Want to see you. Might just have some ales. That theres some pricey schnitzel!

they have a dinner special -- soup salad entree and apple streudel for, like, 25 bucks.  Their Sauerbraten is excellent.
I'm going to pass on the Sauerbraten. I want to try and get in when doors open at 6 to get a mystery puck and get to the glass for the pregame skate. I stand down by the Sharks bench by Sec 128.  I'm sitting in sec 114, row 13. WHere is your seat? Let's meet either before game starts or between 1st and 2nd periods or 2nd and 3rd.

I'm in nosebleed heaven: sec 211, row 7, seat 4. But I'll stop by your area when I walk in, which should be between 6:45 and 7.  And I've got your # in my cel.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Gazoo on October 12, 2009, 10:17:55 PM
Mark and I received the bad news this weekend that a friend of ours from the Schwab days, Angela Welch, passed away this week.  She was in her early 40s and fit - and had a heart attack.  Angela was a good friend to me and a drinking buddy to many.  And it was through her that I met the person who sublet me my first NYC apartment.

I learned through Facebook that a memorial service is being held in San Jose this Saturday:

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=184217166069&ref=mf
Quote
Oak Hill Memorial Park, 300 Curtner Ave, San Jose, CA Saturday 17th October 2009.
The Memorial Services will be separated in two major events: Viewing will be on Saturday 17th from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, and Ceremonial Services will be on Saturday 17th from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

I'm hoping to attend; do any of you know if this memorial park is near Caltrain?
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: RGMike on October 22, 2009, 09:14:48 AM
Went to the movies after work yesterday. 5:30 showing at Metreon of Where The Wild Things Are, really liked it (and I have no emotional connection to the book, it was not a part of my childhood). Theater was fairly empty. There's a guy about 5 rows in front of me with a Blackberry. This is not some teenager texting his friends; it's a fortysomething man who should know better. And he's turning the damn 'berry on every 10 minutes. He's in a aisle seat, and the light is reflecting off the polished wood paneling on the adjacent wall. So it's *double* the brightness and it's annoying as fuck. After a half hour I've had enuf and I run down to where he is and say "Will you PLEASE turn that thing off and LEAVE it off, GODDAMMIT!" And I go back to my seat. He turns it off and leaves it off.

First thought: I should've said something sooner.

Second thought: how slow-on-the-uptake do you have to be to *not* know (at this point in the year 2009) that turning on a cel/Blackberry/whatever in a theater annoys the crap out of everyone around you? They show a promo before Every. Damn. Movie telling people to turn off all devices. Sheesh.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: urth on October 22, 2009, 09:17:28 AM
Went to the movies after work yesterday. 5:30 showing at Metreon of Where The Wild Things Are, really liked it (and I have no emotional connection to the book, it was not a part of my childhood). Theater was fairly empty. There's a guy about 5 rows in front of me with a Blackberry. This is not some teenager texting his friends; it's a fortysomething man who should know better. And he's turning the damn 'berry on every 10 minutes. He's in a aisle seat, and the light is reflecting off the polished wood paneling on the adjacent wall. So it's *double* the brightness and it's annoying as fuck. After a half hour I've had enuf and I run down to where he is and say "Will you PLEASE turn that thing off and LEAVE it off, GODDAMMIT!" And I go back to my seat. He turns it off and leaves it off.

First thought: I should've said something sooner.

Second thought: how slow-on-the-uptake do you have to be to *not* know (at this point in the year 2009) that turning on a cel/Blackberry/whatever in a theater annoys the crap out of everyone around you? They show a promo before Every. Damn. Movie telling people to turn off all devices. Sheesh.

They don't call 'em 'crackberries' for nothing. Good for you for speaking up. People just have no sense of propriety anymore.

Couple of nights ago I went with a friend to see Yo La Tengo at the Crystal Ballroom (think: Fillmore, but half again as big). Was standing in the middle of the room in the "adult" (aka bar) section, and two twentysomething women were behind me talking loudly and incessantly for the first 20 minutes of the show. Finally I turned around, held my finger to my lips for a sec, and then mouthed the word "please?" One of 'em made a snotty comment that I didn't really catch due to the volume of the band--but the look on her face told me she wasn't saying "oh, sorry." But when I turned around again a couple minutes later they were gone. Mission accomplished.  (There were lots of folks doing the crackberry/iPhone thing throughout the show, but that wasn't as obtrusive in this case as it would have been in a movie.)
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: mshray on October 28, 2009, 08:40:48 PM
So, as most of you know by now, I am once again in the job search business.  Thus I have been submitting resumes & cover letters to many companies through their web portals, and practically all of them these days have a little thing at the end of the submission process where you can indicate race, gender & veteran status for the Equal Opportunity regs, although it is optional.  Just now I submitted to a big company & when I went through the process I had the following choices for gender:

- female
- male
- gender unknown
- decline to state

WTF!?
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Gazoo on October 29, 2009, 12:31:21 PM
- gender unknown

(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2009/08/19/article-0-061D19E9000005DC-924_306x423.jpg)
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Alicat on October 29, 2009, 09:50:13 PM
- gender unknown

(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2009/08/19/article-0-061D19E9000005DC-924_306x423.jpg)
hmmmmm  ???
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: RGMike on December 18, 2009, 03:55:53 PM
The annual "who's here and who's not" for the holidays question.

I've got 5-day weekends for both Xmas and New Year's, so I'll be working Mon & Tues the next 2 weeks. But the good news is I finally got the new computer and hope to be hooked up to highspeed before 2010!
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Alicat on December 19, 2009, 12:29:00 AM
The annual "who's here and who's not" for the holidays question.

I've got 5-day weekends for both Xmas and New Year's, so I'll be working Mon & Tues the next 2 weeks. But the good news is I finally got the new computer and hope to be hooked up to highspeed before 2010!
working working working
such a drag
i miss all of you!
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: ggould on December 19, 2009, 08:38:01 AM
The annual "who's here and who's not" for the holidays question.

I've got 5-day weekends for both Xmas and New Year's, so I'll be working Mon & Tues the next 2 weeks. But the good news is I finally got the new computer and hope to be hooked up to highspeed before 2010!
working working working
such a drag
i miss all of you!
technically on break until the 4th, but my grades aren't done yet, and so much else to do. I'm going to try to bank as much sleep as possible.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Tinka Cat on December 19, 2009, 10:26:06 AM
The annual "who's here and who's not" for the holidays question.

I've got 5-day weekends for both Xmas and New Year's, so I'll be working Mon & Tues the next 2 weeks. But the good news is I finally got the new computer and hope to be hooked up to highspeed before 2010!

back east from the 21st thru the 31st...

I might log on, but prob won't do much listening.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: urth on December 19, 2009, 05:46:36 PM
The annual "who's here and who's not" for the holidays question.

I've got 5-day weekends for both Xmas and New Year's, so I'll be working Mon & Tues the next 2 weeks. But the good news is I finally got the new computer and hope to be hooked up to highspeed before 2010!

back east from the 21st thru the 31st...

I might log on, but prob won't do much listening.

Not traveling for the holidays, but my mom's coming for a week. I am working up thru the 24th, then off thru Jan 3rd. So I will likely be listening on the days on which I work, not sure after that. Will try to do a recording of the Xmas card set if I can.

Hoping the forecast of just occasional showers thru next weekend holds. I do NOT want another white Christmas--last year's was plenty, thank you very much.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: urth on December 19, 2009, 05:48:07 PM
The annual "who's here and who's not" for the holidays question.

I've got 5-day weekends for both Xmas and New Year's, so I'll be working Mon & Tues the next 2 weeks. But the good news is I finally got the new computer and hope to be hooked up to highspeed before 2010!
working working working
such a drag
i miss all of you!

Working retail for the holidays is not fun. I have been there and completely sympathize. Hang in there, only a few more days to go.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: mshray on December 20, 2009, 09:33:42 PM
I'm not going anywhere.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Lightnin' Rod on December 21, 2009, 08:56:52 AM
I am off after Wednesday until the 4th.  Unfortunately, I'll be moving the week on the 28th, so it won't be a great vacation.  But I'll have plenty of time to get set up at the new digs.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: urth on December 21, 2009, 09:48:03 AM
I am off after Wednesday until the 4th.  Unfortunately, I'll be moving the week on the 28th, so it won't be a great vacation.  But I'll have plenty of time to get set up at the new digs.

Hey, best of luck with the move. Where you relocating to? Still in Alameda?
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Gazoo on December 21, 2009, 10:37:43 AM
I'm off to Pittsburgh tomorrow morning (assuming my stomach's better by then), with my family until Saturday 12/26.

Rod, hope it's an uneventful move!

And I hope you all have very merry Christmases.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Lightnin' Rod on December 22, 2009, 09:06:13 AM
I am off after Wednesday until the 4th.  Unfortunately, I'll be moving the week on the 28th, so it won't be a great vacation.  But I'll have plenty of time to get set up at the new digs.

Hey, best of luck with the move. Where you relocating to? Still in Alameda?

Yeah, just moving down the road a little ways.  Owners of current pad moving back in, so I had to go.  No more roomie, either, which will be nice, though likely a bit lonely at first.  He's taking the cat too. 

Merry Happiness during the holidaze, everybody!
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Alicat on January 04, 2010, 09:00:48 AM
Best wishes to all for a grand 2010. Hope your holidays were good.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: RGMike on January 04, 2010, 09:05:08 AM
Best wishes to all for a grand 2010. Hope your holidays were good.

Dittoes and backatcha, Ali.  Wishing you good luck, jobwise.

I've got a 10:00 meeting -- back to the same-old same-old -- so I'll be missing AL's set today.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Gazoo on January 06, 2010, 09:37:56 PM
The guy who was commissioner of my gay softball league 5 years ago spiraled into meth abuse and more or less disappeared off the face of the earth.  Apart from his befriending me on Facebook many months ago, I haven't talked to him in about 3 years.  Tonight, though, responding to something I'd posted on Facebook, he sent me a note - informing me that he is now homeless, freezing on the streets when not able to crash on friends' couches.  (I don't know where he got computer access - probably a library.)

Sigh.  At times like this, I am very grateful that meth never crossed my mind, nor my path.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: RGMike on January 07, 2010, 01:31:45 PM
It has been a weird couple of weeks:

My cousin Joan -- pretty much the only blood relative I'm in any kind of touch with -- has been living in an assisted living facility on LI for the past year; she's in her late '70s. The Xmas card I sent her came back "undeliverable/unable to forward" and my heart sank. (I didn't get a card from her as I usually do.) I wrote to the only other family member I still have an address for asking if she knew anything. The day after i mailed that letter, I got a note from Joan herself saying she's been staying with one of her daughters for the last 2 months. Crisis averted and I felt much better.

But then.

I just went to the Facebook page of a buddy of mine from the Regular Guys days --  we've been emailing back'n'forth, he was supposed to come and hook up my new computer and transfer my old files, but we've kept postponing because he had the flu, in fact Sun nite he thought he might have pneumonia and was on his way to the emergency room when we spoke on the phone....

And his FB page says he passed away Tuesday nite.  I am stunned. Can't remember the last time I felt so kicked-in-the-stomach as I do right now. Damn.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Tinka Cat on January 07, 2010, 01:55:17 PM
It has been a weird couple of weeks:

My cousin Joan -- pretty much the only blood relative I'm in any kind of touch with -- has been living in an assisted living facility on LI for the past year; she's in her late '70s. The Xmas card I sent her came back "undeliverable/unable to forward" and my heart sank. (I didn't get a card from her as I usually do.) I wrote to the only other family member I still have an address for asking if she knew anything. The day after i mailed that letter, I got a note from Joan herself saying she's been staying with one of her daughters for the last 2 months. Crisis averted and I felt much better.

But then.

I just went to the Facebook page of a buddy of mine from the Regular Guys days --  we've been emailing back'n'forth, he was supposed to come and hook up my new computer and transfer my old files, but we've kept postponing because he had the flu, in fact Sun nite he thought he might have pneumonia and was on his way to the emergency room when we spoke on the phone....

And his FB page says he passed away Tuesday nite.  I am stunned. Can't remember the last time I felt so kicked-in-the-stomach as I do right now. Damn.

oh man, I'm so sorry. 

Thankful about Joan, though. It's good that she's with family...  My mom is in an independent living place back east, but was just admitted to the hospital yesterday after spending two days in an observation bed in the Emergency Dept. She went in b/c she has COPD and emphysema -- she's on O2 24/7 -- and was having a lot of breathing difficulty.  they might release her soon, but the questions arise: What's the next step? assisted living, etc.   I feel helpless, but my brother is back there with her, he lives there. so that's good.

Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: mshray on January 07, 2010, 02:40:30 PM
Yikes Mike!  That's terrible news.  Big virtual hug from me, wish I could do more.

And John, sorry to learn of your mother's condition.  Sending positive thoughts for the best.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: urth on January 07, 2010, 04:01:36 PM
Yikes Mike!  That's terrible news.  Big virtual hug from me, wish I could do more.

And John, sorry to learn of your mother's condition.  Sending positive thoughts for the best.

Likewise, I am thinking of both of you guys. Coping with aging parents/relatives is something almost all of us face, and it's never easy. Usually brings up all sorts of baggage. I had a go-round with this last year (still dealing with aftermath) and I know Alicat has been concerned with her mom's health recently as well. Hope your mom is able to bounce back, John, and your bro is up to the task of advocating for her with the medical machine.

Mike, can't imagine how gutted you must feel right now. Take care of yourself, OK? Perhaps a personal day is in order?

Sending out positive vibes all around.


Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: RGMike on January 07, 2010, 06:08:47 PM
Thanks, guys. I did indeed leave work early (I have a very understanding supervisor, bless her).  I realize this is the Internet Age (and gawd knows I spend enuf time enmeshed in it daily), but this is the 2nd time I've learned of  the death of a friend on a message board or social networking site.  This is progress?
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: ggould on January 07, 2010, 09:17:45 PM
Mike,
I first saw your post on FB.  I don't pretend to really know what to say, but it seems especially hard to have this happen to someone you were actively in contact with.  Not just a blast from the past.  Take care, take time.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Gazoo on January 07, 2010, 10:12:38 PM
this is the 2nd time I've learned of  the death of a friend on a message board or social networking site.  This is progress?

I'm afraid it is.  It's not as painful as a phone call nor as after-the-fact as a letter.

When we get Tweets advising of deaths, however, is when we've gone a step a step too far.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: urth on January 07, 2010, 10:20:31 PM
As long as we're sharing our personal trials today, I might as well toss mine out there.

I've been reminded of the other definition of the word redundant, as that's what I've just been made. PCWorld is no longer requiring my services; my last day is January 31. Oh joy.

I did just pick up a new freelance client, but it's not enough to take up the slack. So if any of you know of any person or business requiring offsite editorial assistance at reasonable rates, send them my way, or send me in theirs.

 
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: ggould on January 08, 2010, 12:26:07 AM
well, I might as well join in the unfun.

Even though I'm supposedly in a good position, being a science teacher, I've just been told my future next year is uncertain due to declining enrollment and budget woes.  It's really getting me down.  I'm too old to continue to be bouncing around from school to school.  I don't want to worry my wife yet, and I won't really get a serious picture until sometime in March, when they sign students up for next year.  We shall see.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: princessofcairo on January 08, 2010, 03:53:57 AM
Sorry to hear it all, you guys. I suppose I'll throw my painful separation from the wife onto the pile. Let's all hang in there.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: RGMike on January 08, 2010, 07:51:27 AM
Condolences to all -- damn, this has been a bad week for everybody.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: ggould on January 08, 2010, 07:59:40 AM
Condolences to all -- damn, this has been a bad week for everybody.
I know they say misery loves company, but certainly this puts it into perspective.  I'm not the only one in the universe who's got problems.  Let's all put the good vibes out there for each other.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Gazoo on January 08, 2010, 08:27:50 AM
Ouch.  Good vibes received and sent back out.  Take care of yourselves, everyone.

Maybe this is a sign that this year we should all launch a magazine or something.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Lightnin' Rod on January 08, 2010, 08:43:37 AM
Ouch.  Good vibes received and sent back out.  Take care of yourselves, everyone.

Maybe this is a sign that this year we should all launch a magazine or something.

I'm in. 

Hope things brighten up for everyone.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: mshray on January 08, 2010, 09:08:04 AM
Heavens that is a lot of harshness out there for this group.

On the mildly plus side, I have three leads for jobs that seem likely to at least get to the interview stage, and I just sent a solid lead to Alicat as well.  Mayhap the nadir has been reached & the upswing is imminent.

I am heartened that our little community is willing to share the tough times and rally around each other.  I don't get that anywhere outside of my nuclear family.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Gazoo on January 08, 2010, 09:13:02 AM
I am heartened that our little community is willing to share the tough times and rally around each other.  I don't get that anywhere outside of my nuclear family.

Hear hear.  There is no oversharing with good friends.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: urth on January 08, 2010, 11:31:22 AM
I am heartened that our little community is willing to share the tough times and rally around each other.  I don't get that anywhere outside of my nuclear family.

Hear hear.  There is no oversharing with good friends.

Amen. Geoff, Princess you guys are receiving my good thoughts as well, as I know I am on the receiving end of yours.

It does seem that there's a lot of bad fortune swirling about these days. Just learned last night that a good friend had to put his dog to sleep a couple days ago, which is a huge blow to him--you never saw him without that dog by his side.

Thanks all, for the support and love. It really does make a difference.
cheers,
Jim
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: princessofcairo on January 10, 2010, 06:04:02 AM
Maybe this is a sign that this year we should all launch a magazine or something.

Yeah, something called Pain, Ink.
:)
Thanks, guys.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: ggould on January 10, 2010, 04:59:51 PM
Maybe this is a sign that this year we should all launch a magazine or something.

(http://10at10club.com/images/MusicRadioFetish.gif)
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Gazoo on January 10, 2010, 06:21:25 PM
Maybe this is a sign that this year we should all launch a magazine or something.

(http://10at10club.com/images/MusicRadioFetish.gif)

*You* *are* *a* *genius*.  I love it!!!
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Alicat on January 13, 2010, 12:14:01 AM
Condolences to all -- damn, this has been a bad week for everybody.
WHEW. I missed a tough week here. Hope there is an upswing in life's balance for everyone. I keep up with you more via FB than here and I wish that were not the case. Mike, hope you're feeling better.

I still plug away at work almost every day. Broke down in tears after leaving a 10 hour day on Monday. New optimism every day. Gotta maintain optimism. My mom went home from the hospital on Dec 24 after being there since Sept 11. Still recovering at home and I don't have enough time to properly visit and pay in person attention to her. My father has overcome two types of cancer and is plugging away.

My absence here is hard for me and due to the fact that I'm slave labor. Luckily Bob is supportive and happy that I have a job. In a small way, I'm thankful to work as well. Geoff's post gives me pause as I always thought teaching was a safe haven and stable. I still ponder the potential for me to get my credential and teach but now worry about a huge investment of time and money with the potential of no job. How have I ended up like this after working hard and earning my MBA? I'm not a dumb blonde. I have never really felt "old" but I now worry about ageism and am I too old of a dog to learn new tricks? I can't even get a job offer to answer frickin phones because I'm looked at as too experienced. What if I just want to get my foot in the door and work hard? I guess I'm too old. Enough rambling. I think lack of proper sleep and lack of sunshine makes me sad.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: ggould on January 13, 2010, 09:12:55 PM
Condolences to all -- damn, this has been a bad week for everybody.
WHEW. I missed a tough week here. Hope there is an upswing in life's balance for everyone. I keep up with you more via FB than here and I wish that were not the case. Mike, hope you're feeling better.

I still plug away at work almost every day. Broke down in tears after leaving a 10 hour day on Monday. New optimism every day. Gotta maintain optimism. My mom went home from the hospital on Dec 24 after being there since Sept 11. Still recovering at home and I don't have enough time to properly visit and pay in person attention to her. My father has overcome two types of cancer and is plugging away.

My absence here is hard for me and due to the fact that I'm slave labor. Luckily Bob is supportive and happy that I have a job. In a small way, I'm thankful to work as well. Geoff's post gives me pause as I always thought teaching was a safe haven and stable. I still ponder the potential for me to get my credential and teach but now worry about a huge investment of time and money with the potential of no job. How have I ended up like this after working hard and earning my MBA? I'm not a dumb blonde. I have never really felt "old" but I now worry about ageism and am I too old of a dog to learn new tricks? I can't even get a job offer to answer frickin phones because I'm looked at as too experienced. What if I just want to get my foot in the door and work hard? I guess I'm too old. Enough rambling. I think lack of proper sleep and lack of sunshine makes me sad.
sorry if my problems color your dreams.  Education is supposedly a good growth industry.  I just think there's no truly safe job anymore.  My district is kind of weird and insular.  I definitely think you want to get out of the cell phone gig, when it suits you.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: RGMike on January 22, 2010, 03:18:39 PM
Comcast just left -- High-speed internet RULES!!  (As if I don't spend enuf time on-line already)
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: ggould on January 22, 2010, 07:15:46 PM
Comcast just left -- High-speed internet RULES!!  (As if I don't spend enuf time on-line already)
welcome to the future, which is already in progress!
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Gazoo on January 23, 2010, 12:50:16 AM
Comcast just left -- High-speed internet RULES!!  (As if I don't spend enuf time on-line already)

You have not yet begun to be amazed.  Wait till you start streaming multiple broadcasts and muting whichever one's boring at the time.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Alicat on January 25, 2010, 01:03:42 PM
Thought I'd be here at 10am. First day off...went back to bed at 8am and just got up at 12:40. I have been running on 5-6 hours sleep a day for almost a year. Sleepy.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: RGMike on January 25, 2010, 01:18:24 PM
Thought I'd be here at 10am. First day off...went back to bed at 8am and just got up at 12:40. I have been running on 5-6 hours sleep a day for almost a year. Sleepy.

Good week to decompress. Do you a world of good.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Tinka Cat on February 01, 2010, 10:14:28 PM
my mother died on Friday.  she had emphysema, COPD , a bunch of things that finally wore her down.

Unfortunately, I wasn't able to be there at the very end, I was still on the red-eye flying out.   At one point,  I opened my eyes and was able to see just a small part of the outside world through a window a few rows ahead of me.  My field of vision to the outside wasn't large at all, as I was sitting on an aisle and there were several heads in the way, but I could see a really beautiful bright orange moon near the horizon.  It was striking and strange.  I didn't know my mother had died at that point -- I wouldn't know until I landed a bit later at JFK -- so that moon means something to me now.

another weird and wonderful thing: I was with my brother later in the day -- he is taking it hard, as he has been our mom's primary caretaker and friend since she got sick, and he's my hero -- we looked out his window and sitting on his fence was a Mourning Dove. My brother said he hadn't seen a bird there all winter.  It sat there for 30 minutes, looking and blinking at us.  it was cold and windy enough to ruffle its feathers and make it teeter every now and then, but it was just stayed there. 

and this: my girlfriend told me my clock radio lost power that night: she looked over and saw the numbers blinking and showing the approximate time that my mother passed away.   

I've been a skeptic for a long time, and "I don't believe in those things," but if this keeps up, I don't know...  Mom had a great sense of humor and maybe she's just messing with me.  I will always miss her.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: ggould on February 01, 2010, 10:48:10 PM
my mother died on Friday.  she had emphysema, COPD , a bunch of things that finally wore her down.

Unfortunately, I wasn't able to be there at the very end, I was still on the red-eye flying out.   At one point,  I opened my eyes and was able to see just a small part of the outside world through a window a few rows ahead of me.  My field of vision to the outside wasn't large at all, as I was sitting on an aisle and there were several heads in the way, but I could see a really beautiful bright orange moon near the horizon.  It was striking and strange.  I didn't know my mother had died at that point -- I wouldn't know until I landed a bit later at JFK -- so that moon means something to me now.

another weird and wonderful thing: I was with my brother later in the day -- he is taking it hard, as he has been our mom's primary caretaker and friend since she got sick, and he's my hero -- we looked out his window and sitting on his fence was a Mourning Dove. My brother said he hadn't seen a bird there all winter.  It sat there for 30 minutes, looking and blinking at us.  it was cold and windy enough to ruffle its feathers and make it teeter every now and then, but it was just stayed there. 

and this: my girlfriend told me my clock radio lost power that night: she looked over and saw the numbers blinking and showing the approximate time that my mother passed away.   

I've been a skeptic for a long time, and "I don't believe in those things," but if this keeps up, I don't know...  Mom had a great sense of humor and maybe she's just messing with me.  I will always miss her.
very powerful stuff.  If you caught a good view of the moon, it was the closest to Earth all year.   My mom also has some form of COPD, but many other problems as well.  She wishes it was all over, but I think she's got a few more miles on her.

Take care, and take the time you need to process all this.  Big stuff.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Gazoo on February 01, 2010, 10:51:41 PM
Wow, John - I'm sorry for your loss.  But I'm glad that you observed something poetic and beautiful in the midst of the painful situation.  Thanks for sharing this with us.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: urth on February 01, 2010, 10:53:43 PM
my mother died on Friday.  she had emphysema, COPD , a bunch of things that finally wore her down.

Unfortunately, I wasn't able to be there at the very end, I was still on the red-eye flying out.   At one point,  I opened my eyes and was able to see just a small part of the outside world through a window a few rows ahead of me.  My field of vision to the outside wasn't large at all, as I was sitting on an aisle and there were several heads in the way, but I could see a really beautiful bright orange moon near the horizon.  It was striking and strange.  I didn't know my mother had died at that point -- I wouldn't know until I landed a bit later at JFK -- so that moon means something to me now.

another weird and wonderful thing: I was with my brother later in the day -- he is taking it hard, as he has been our mom's primary caretaker and friend since she got sick, and he's my hero -- we looked out his window and sitting on his fence was a Mourning Dove. My brother said he hadn't seen a bird there all winter.  It sat there for 30 minutes, looking and blinking at us.  it was cold and windy enough to ruffle its feathers and make it teeter every now and then, but it was just stayed there. 

and this: my girlfriend told me my clock radio lost power that night: she looked over and saw the numbers blinking and showing the approximate time that my mother passed away.   

I've been a skeptic for a long time, and "I don't believe in those things," but if this keeps up, I don't know...  Mom had a great sense of humor and maybe she's just messing with me.  I will always miss her.

Oh man, I am so sorry to hear about your mom. I'd noticed earlier today you hadn't posted much for awhile, and wondered if something was up. My condolences go out to you and your bro, and the rest of the family.

And don't discount the significance of those little things like the dove or your alarm clock. I used to be a little skeptical of such things too, but they keep happening and you have to wonder. Could be your mom sending a shoutout from the other side, just saying, "I'm OK" and sending her love.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: RGMike on February 02, 2010, 07:38:38 AM
John, I'm so sorry. I'm also a skeptic (to say the least) but take comfort from those things. Glad you felt comfortable sharing that with all of us. We're thinking of you.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Lightnin' Rod on February 02, 2010, 08:56:05 AM
I'll add my condolences as well, TC.  I don't know if there is significance in the events you describe, or the circumstances created the significance, but keep them in you heart and remember your mother and how you felt at the time through them.  Take care...
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Alicat on February 02, 2010, 09:19:27 AM
My thoughts are with you. I'm not able to articulate adequately the the condolences and best wishes I send your way but echo everything all others have shared. Take care.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: mshray on February 02, 2010, 09:41:13 AM
Hey John, a little slow checking the boards the past 24 hrs, and there's not much I can say that hasn't already been nicely put by the others here, but add my heartfelt condolences.  Keep your mourning & grief as centered on the love for your family as you can (and sounds like you are), and you'll all pull through.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Tinka Cat on February 02, 2010, 01:52:26 PM
thanks for the kind words, you guys.  I really do appreciate that we're able to come here and share things with each other. 
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Wayback on February 03, 2010, 01:18:10 PM
I'd like to add my condolences as well, John.  I can relate to your story.  When my dad died in 2001, during my flight to/from Phoenix I too saw the clouds, sun, moon in a different way.  And, this is true, when I was awakened by that middle-of-the-night call with the news, I found myself flipped around in the bed, my head was at the foot-end!  That's the only time that's happened to me and I'd like to think it was my dad's sense of humor as his spirit passed on.  My mom is now 83 and will hopefully remain in relatively good health and independent for several years to come.  Take care all!
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: princessofcairo on February 06, 2010, 07:10:18 PM
Boobs always make me feel better.


(http://www.celebritysmackblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/09/mirren.jpg)
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: RGMike on February 06, 2010, 07:16:56 PM
Boobs always make me feel better.


Ha! I have a date with the Mirren on Monday nite -- her Oscar-nommed The Last Station (she plays Tolstoy's wife) opened in SF this week.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: RGMike on February 08, 2010, 09:08:23 AM
Boobs always make me feel better.


Ha! I have a date with the Mirren on Monday nite -- her Oscar-nommed The Last Station (she plays Tolstoy's wife) opened in SF this week.

BTW, here's a quote from Roger Ebert's review:

"Some women are simply sexy forever. Helen Mirren is a woman like that. She's 64. As she enters her 70s, we'll begin to develop a fondness for sexy septuagenarians".

and speaking of cougars: here's Kathryn Bigelow who's 58 and seriously HAWT:

(http://www.awardsdaily.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/kathryn_bigelow_2445917.jpg)

Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: urth on February 08, 2010, 09:36:57 AM
Boobs always make me feel better.


Ha! I have a date with the Mirren on Monday nite -- her Oscar-nommed The Last Station (she plays Tolstoy's wife) opened in SF this week.

BTW, here's a quote from Roger Ebert's review:

"Some women are simply sexy forever. Helen Mirren is a woman like that. She's 64. As she enters her 70s, we'll begin to develop a fondness for sexy septuagenarians".

and speaking of cougars: here's Kathryn Bigelow who's 58 and seriously HAWT:

(http://www.awardsdaily.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/kathryn_bigelow_2445917.jpg)



Zoinks! I had no idea--I'd guessed she was mid-40s. And she doesn't appear to have had work done. At least she doesn't have the telltale puffy lips or paralyzed brow.

(Btw, I didn't mean to modify Mike's original post above--thought I clicked the "quote" button and obviously missed the mark. Mea culpa.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Lightnin' Rod on February 08, 2010, 05:31:24 PM
Zoinks! I had no idea--I'd guessed she was mid-40s. And she doesn't appear to have had work done. At least she doesn't have the telltale puffy lips or paralyzed brow.


I'm sorry but if she's 58 and looks like that, she's had work done.  Very very good work.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: princessofcairo on February 09, 2010, 10:10:49 AM
Zoinks! I had no idea--I'd guessed she was mid-40s. And she doesn't appear to have had work done. At least she doesn't have the telltale puffy lips or paralyzed brow.


I'm sorry but if she's 58 and looks like that, she's had work done.  Very very good work.

I don't know. I'll chance it's the real deal (with a close-up):

(http://psychonappy.files.wordpress.com/2009/09/dir-kathryn-bigelow.jpg)
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Alicat on February 09, 2010, 08:53:29 PM
Zoinks! I had no idea--I'd guessed she was mid-40s. And she doesn't appear to have had work done. At least she doesn't have the telltale puffy lips or paralyzed brow.


I'm sorry but if she's 58 and looks like that, she's had work done.  Very very good work.

I don't know. I'll chance it's the real deal (with a close-up):

(http://psychonappy.files.wordpress.com/2009/09/dir-kathryn-bigelow.jpg)
That's one smooth forehead and tight neck. I wish I looked that good now and I'm many years her junior. I agree with the hawt.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: RGMike on March 23, 2010, 09:20:06 AM
This coulda been in the "I didn't know that" thread, I suppose, but... WTF is the difference between regular "FedEx" and "FedEx Home Delivery"? On the rare occasions I've gotten a delivery from FedEx and they've missed me, I've gone to the FedEx place about 5 mins from my house to pick up the package.  So the other day I had a missed delivery and I called to say i was going to pick up in person... and apparently because it was "FedEx Home Delivery", a separate company (?), *their* pickup place is way the hell in South SF *and* unlike regular FedEx (which is open until 8:30) FEHD is only open 8-4 Tues thru Sat. I asked if the package could be transferred and they said no. Honestly, WTF?
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: ggould on March 23, 2010, 09:58:35 PM
This coulda been in the "I didn't know that" thread, I suppose, but... WTF is the difference between regular "FedEx" and "FedEx Home Delivery"? On the rare occasions I've gotten a delivery from FedEx and they've missed me, I've gone to the FedEx place about 5 mins from my house to pick up the package.  So the other day I had a missed delivery and I called to say i was going to pick up in person... and apparently because it was "FedEx Home Delivery", a separate company (?), *their* pickup place is way the hell in South SF *and* unlike regular FedEx (which is open until 8:30) FEHD is only open 8-4 Tues thru Sat. I asked if the package could be transferred and they said no. Honestly, WTF?
Not sure if FedEx Home Delivery is the same as FedEx Ground, which used to be a separate company, which I thought was real incompetent.  They were locally owned, so sometimes the luck of the draw gave you idiots for delivery drivers.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: RGMike on March 24, 2010, 07:45:06 AM
This coulda been in the "I didn't know that" thread, I suppose, but... WTF is the difference between regular "FedEx" and "FedEx Home Delivery"? On the rare occasions I've gotten a delivery from FedEx and they've missed me, I've gone to the FedEx place about 5 mins from my house to pick up the package.  So the other day I had a missed delivery and I called to say i was going to pick up in person... and apparently because it was "FedEx Home Delivery", a separate company (?), *their* pickup place is way the hell in South SF *and* unlike regular FedEx (which is open until 8:30) FEHD is only open 8-4 Tues thru Sat. I asked if the package could be transferred and they said no. Honestly, WTF?
Not sure if FedEx Home Delivery is the same as FedEx Ground, which used to be a separate company, which I thought was real incompetent.  They were locally owned, so sometimes the luck of the draw gave you idiots for delivery drivers.

addendum: even though I spoke to 2 different FedEx HomeDelivery folks on the phone Monday and made it clear I wanted to pick up in person, they made a 2nd delivery attempt yesterday and luckily my neighbor intercepted them and pretended to be me. But seriously, if people aren't at home to receive a package between 8 and 4... doesn't it stand to reason that they're also unavailable to drive to SSF to pick up between those hours? Why not be open when your customers can actually, y'know, access you?
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Lightnin' Rod on March 30, 2010, 01:19:33 PM
So, I'm planning a trip to Washington DC for the last week of April (do we have a travel thread?).  Youse guys are all well travelled, so I'm soliciting advice -- especially where to stay.  I'm going all by my lonesome, using up an airline credit that needs to be used by early May.

I plan on being in city for 3 full days, with travel days around those.  Want to see all the monuments, the Smithsonian, etc., and want a hotel somewhere relatively central, but hopefully not ridiculously expensive.

Any ideas?
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: urth on March 30, 2010, 01:34:08 PM
So, I'm planning a trip to Washington DC for the last week of April (do we have a travel thread?).  Youse guys are all well travelled, so I'm soliciting advice -- especially where to stay.  I'm going all by my lonesome, using up an airline credit that needs to be used by early May.

I plan on being in city for 3 full days, with travel days around those.  Want to see all the monuments, the Smithsonian, etc., and want a hotel somewhere relatively central, but hopefully not ridiculously expensive.

Any ideas?

We just went last Thanksgiving, but we stayed with family so I can't make any suggestions on lodging. However, their metro system works pretty well, so you might consider staying someplace outside the district and taking the train in each day--maybe Alexandria VA or Silver Spring MD? Might be a little cheaper--I know rooms in DC proper are pretty pricey.

If you want to visit the White House, contact your congressman NOW and see if they can get you on a tour. You can only get in via your legislator, and they book up way ahead but there are always cancellations. Of course, the week we were there, they weren't doing tours as they were decorating for the holidays. Sheesh.

And take comfortable walking shoes. DC is an easy town to walk in--it's fairly flat--but just getting up and down the mall from one Smithsonian branch to another is a schlep.

Also, if you're flying out of Dulles and you have a couple of hours to kill, check out the branch of the Air and Space Museum that is open out near the airport. It's HUGE and that's where they have the Space Shuttle, Concorde, and a number of other famous airplanes, and there's a shuttle to and from Dulles. The one on the Mall is great too--every space capsule you could name, and a very cool Wright Bros. exhibit. I recommend both, just expect to see a lot of kids at the one on the mall. The newer one was remarkably quiet.


Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: RGMike on March 30, 2010, 01:38:41 PM
So, I'm planning a trip to Washington DC for the last week of April (do we have a travel thread?).  Youse guys are all well travelled, so I'm soliciting advice -- especially where to stay.  I'm going all by my lonesome, using up an airline credit that needs to be used by early May.

I plan on being in city for 3 full days, with travel days around those.  Want to see all the monuments, the Smithsonian, etc., and want a hotel somewhere relatively central, but hopefully not ridiculously expensive.

Any ideas?

We just went last Thanksgiving, but we stayed with family so I can't make any suggestions on lodging. However, their metro system works pretty well, so you might consider staying someplace outside the district and taking the train in each day--maybe Alexandria VA or Silver Spring MD? Might be a little cheaper--I know rooms in DC proper are pretty pricey.

If you want to visit the White House, contact your congressman NOW and see if they can get you on a tour. You can only get in via your legislator, and they book up way ahead but there are always cancellations. Of course, the week we were there, they weren't doing tours as they were decorating for the holidays. Sheesh.

And take comfortable walking shoes. DC is an easy town to walk in--it's fairly flat--but just getting up and down the mall from one Smithsonian branch to another is a schlep.

Also, if you're flying out of Dulles and you have a couple of hours to kill, check out the branch of the Air and Space Museum that is open out near the airport. It's HUGE and that's where they have the Space Shuttle, Concorde, and a number of other famous airplanes, and there's a shuttle to and from Dulles. The one on the Mall is great too--every space capsule you could name, and a very cool Wright Bros. exhibit. I recommend both, just expect to see a lot of kids at the one on the mall. The newer one was remarkably quiet.


I concur with urth -- you can spend a week at the Smithsonian alone. Take the "DC Ducks" tour -- it's an amphibious vehicle that turns from a sightseeing bus into a boat. I hear the Spy Museum and the tour of the US Mint are both cool. And despite the similar systems, it's NOT true that BART tickets work on the Metro. Alarms go off. Very embarrassing.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: urth on March 30, 2010, 02:26:25 PM
So, I'm planning a trip to Washington DC for the last week of April (do we have a travel thread?).  Youse guys are all well travelled, so I'm soliciting advice -- especially where to stay.  I'm going all by my lonesome, using up an airline credit that needs to be used by early May.

I plan on being in city for 3 full days, with travel days around those.  Want to see all the monuments, the Smithsonian, etc., and want a hotel somewhere relatively central, but hopefully not ridiculously expensive.

Any ideas?

We just went last Thanksgiving, but we stayed with family so I can't make any suggestions on lodging. However, their metro system works pretty well, so you might consider staying someplace outside the district and taking the train in each day--maybe Alexandria VA or Silver Spring MD? Might be a little cheaper--I know rooms in DC proper are pretty pricey.

If you want to visit the White House, contact your congressman NOW and see if they can get you on a tour. You can only get in via your legislator, and they book up way ahead but there are always cancellations. Of course, the week we were there, they weren't doing tours as they were decorating for the holidays. Sheesh.

And take comfortable walking shoes. DC is an easy town to walk in--it's fairly flat--but just getting up and down the mall from one Smithsonian branch to another is a schlep.

Also, if you're flying out of Dulles and you have a couple of hours to kill, check out the branch of the Air and Space Museum that is open out near the airport. It's HUGE and that's where they have the Space Shuttle, Concorde, and a number of other famous airplanes, and there's a shuttle to and from Dulles. The one on the Mall is great too--every space capsule you could name, and a very cool Wright Bros. exhibit. I recommend both, just expect to see a lot of kids at the one on the mall. The newer one was remarkably quiet.


Forgot to mention that your congressman can also get you on a tour of the Capitol building (VERY worth the time--and free), and if you talk to the right person, they can get you onto the floor of the House or Senate. Make sure they at least set you up with passes to the gallery of both houses.

And if you're into art, the National Gallery of Art (not to be confused with the National Portrait Gallery) is really good--art from all periods, including the only Da Vinci in North America.

We enjoyed most of the Smithsonian Museums we went to, except for the American History Museum. I'd expected it to be more expansive in its Popular Culture section, and it turned out to be pretty spare. A couple of sports artifacts, Archie Bunker's chair from All In The Family, and one or two other things. Meh. Had it not been for Julia Child's kitchen (rebuilt in its entirety with all the original pieces), I'd have been completely disappointed.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: mshray on March 30, 2010, 07:56:35 PM
our close friends out here in the east bay, the dad is a Jr. High teacher & he leads an annual 5 day trip to DC, been doing it for years.  They always see one or the other of the Smithsonians, but only thing that he makes the kids visit every single year is the Holocaust Museum.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Lightnin' Rod on March 31, 2010, 09:11:00 AM
our close friends out here in the east bay, the dad is a Jr. High teacher & he leads an annual 5 day trip to DC, been doing it for years.  They always see one or the other of the Smithsonians, but only thing that he makes the kids visit every single year is the Holocaust Museum.

Thanks for the tips, guys.  I'm thinking I need to squeeze in another day or two.  Lot's to see. 
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: urth on March 31, 2010, 06:16:48 PM
our close friends out here in the east bay, the dad is a Jr. High teacher & he leads an annual 5 day trip to DC, been doing it for years.  They always see one or the other of the Smithsonians, but only thing that he makes the kids visit every single year is the Holocaust Museum.

Thanks for the tips, guys.  I'm thinking I need to squeeze in another day or two.  Lot's to see. 

Check out the Kennedy Center schedule too. They have all sorts of stuff pretty much every day of the week, incl. a free concert every evening at 6pm on the Millennium Stage. And there are free shuttles from the Foggy Bottom Metro station every 15 minutes for most of the day.

http://www.kennedy-center.org/index.cfm
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Alicat on March 31, 2010, 07:00:06 PM
You all have an amazing amount of great knowledge. I want to go to DC now.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: ggould on April 01, 2010, 07:30:32 AM
So, I'm planning a trip to Washington DC for the last week of April (do we have a travel thread?).  Youse guys are all well travelled, so I'm soliciting advice -- especially where to stay.  I'm going all by my lonesome, using up an airline credit that needs to be used by early May.

I plan on being in city for 3 full days, with travel days around those.  Want to see all the monuments, the Smithsonian, etc., and want a hotel somewhere relatively central, but hopefully not ridiculously expensive.

Any ideas?

We just went last Thanksgiving, but we stayed with family so I can't make any suggestions on lodging. However, their metro system works pretty well, so you might consider staying someplace outside the district and taking the train in each day--maybe Alexandria VA or Silver Spring MD? Might be a little cheaper--I know rooms in DC proper are pretty pricey.

If you want to visit the White House, contact your congressman NOW and see if they can get you on a tour. You can only get in via your legislator, and they book up way ahead but there are always cancellations. Of course, the week we were there, they weren't doing tours as they were decorating for the holidays. Sheesh.

And take comfortable walking shoes. DC is an easy town to walk in--it's fairly flat--but just getting up and down the mall from one Smithsonian branch to another is a schlep.

Also, if you're flying out of Dulles and you have a couple of hours to kill, check out the branch of the Air and Space Museum that is open out near the airport. It's HUGE and that's where they have the Space Shuttle, Concorde, and a number of other famous airplanes, and there's a shuttle to and from Dulles. The one on the Mall is great too--every space capsule you could name, and a very cool Wright Bros. exhibit. I recommend both, just expect to see a lot of kids at the one on the mall. The newer one was remarkably quiet.
Air and Space Museum?  I agree about the Holocaust Museum; very powerful.  Take your iPod, load it with Moodswings Spiritual High, Part III, where the MLK speech is mixed with the beat, and listen in front of the Lincoln Memorial!

There was a hotel right near the museums.  Don't remember how much it was.  We ended up staying a few nights in Rockville, and taking the Metro into town.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: princessofcairo on April 02, 2010, 08:58:06 AM
So, I'm planning a trip to Washington DC for the last week of April (do we have a travel thread?).  Youse guys are all well travelled, so I'm soliciting advice -- especially where to stay.  I'm going all by my lonesome, using up an airline credit that needs to be used by early May.

I plan on being in city for 3 full days, with travel days around those.  Want to see all the monuments, the Smithsonian, etc., and want a hotel somewhere relatively central, but hopefully not ridiculously expensive.

Any ideas?

As an ex-resident of DC, I can't help much, either, with hotel recommendations, though I would suggest checking for something in the Adams Morgan neighbourhood. Most of the hotels near the tourist attractions are in parts of the city that shut down after 6pm, and there's little around to do/eat after then. Adams Morgan is within walking distance of the White House (20 minutes, or so), and there are lots of restaurants/shops/bars around.

As far as eating goes, I highly suggest Ben's Chili Bowl: http://www.benschilibowl.com/ordereze/default.aspx
and Jaleo: http://www.jaleo.com/
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Gazoo on April 02, 2010, 10:09:34 AM
So, I'm planning a trip to Washington DC for the last week of April (do we have a travel thread?).  Youse guys are all well travelled, so I'm soliciting advice -- especially where to stay.  I'm going all by my lonesome, using up an airline credit that needs to be used by early May.

I plan on being in city for 3 full days, with travel days around those.  Want to see all the monuments, the Smithsonian, etc., and want a hotel somewhere relatively central, but hopefully not ridiculously expensive.

Any ideas?

Last time I had time to kill in DC, I visited the National Geographic photography museum, which was small and free.  Stunning works.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Alicat on April 20, 2010, 02:03:45 PM
FWIW, please think good thoughts and prayers for a Belmont/San Carlos family I know whose almost 2 year old fell in a pool Sunday and went unnoticed for a brief time. He is still unconcious and on support down at Stanford. Very upsetting. Something I can't imagine living through. They have older kids too who are the same ages as mine.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Tinka Cat on April 20, 2010, 02:17:29 PM
FWIW, please think good thoughts and prayers for a Belmont/San Carlos family I know whose almost 2 year old fell in a pool Sunday and went unnoticed for a brief time. He is still unconcious and on support down at Stanford. Very upsetting. Something I can't imagine living through. They have older kids too who are the same ages as mine.

... sending good thoughts ...
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Lightnin' Rod on April 23, 2010, 09:23:58 AM
So, I'm planning a trip to Washington DC for the last week of April (do we have a travel thread?).  Youse guys are all well travelled, so I'm soliciting advice -- especially where to stay.  I'm going all by my lonesome, using up an airline credit that needs to be used by early May.

I plan on being in city for 3 full days, with travel days around those.  Want to see all the monuments, the Smithsonian, etc., and want a hotel somewhere relatively central, but hopefully not ridiculously expensive.

Any ideas?

Last time I had time to kill in DC, I visited the National Geographic photography museum, which was small and free.  Stunning works.

So I'm off to DC tomorrow morning.  Thanks to all for your suggestions. 

Since I don't plan on touching a computer next week, I'll say happy birthday to Mike well in advance...
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: RGMike on April 23, 2010, 09:34:20 AM
So, I'm planning a trip to Washington DC for the last week of April (do we have a travel thread?).  Youse guys are all well travelled, so I'm soliciting advice -- especially where to stay.  I'm going all by my lonesome, using up an airline credit that needs to be used by early May.

I plan on being in city for 3 full days, with travel days around those.  Want to see all the monuments, the Smithsonian, etc., and want a hotel somewhere relatively central, but hopefully not ridiculously expensive.

Any ideas?

Last time I had time to kill in DC, I visited the National Geographic photography museum, which was small and free.  Stunning works.

So I'm off to DC tomorrow morning.  Thanks to all for your suggestions. 

Since I don't plan on touching a computer next week, I'll say happy birthday to Mike well in advance...

and right back atcha, bub.  The cherry blossoms should be in full bloom. Say hello to Barry, Michelle and the girls for us!
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: RGMike on April 29, 2010, 12:40:21 PM
Well, it's a 4-day weekend for me: off tomo'w & Mon, seeing Wicked tonite and Matthew Sweet's Girlfriend on Sun at Berkeley Rep. Hope to work in some Dim Sum while I'm at it. I'll be checking in, tho'.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: RGMike on May 19, 2010, 08:11:23 AM
I mentioned this very briefly back in 2008 but I need to revisit because it's still bothering me.  I lost a really good friend in August of '08 -- not because he died, but because he became a right-wing nutjob.

I met Andy (he's a couple years older than me) at ABC in the early '80s. He was a lifelong moderate-to-liberal Dem; the only Democrat from a family of wealthy Republicans. I can still remember him arguing with his stockbroker parents, who thought Reagan was the greatest thing since sliced bread.  We'd stayed in touch after he quit ABC in '85, we both lived in Queens and saw a lot of movies together. And after I moved out here we still communicated, first by phone and later by email.  In 2007 when I was in NYC on vacay, we had lunch and he casually mentioned that "I've stopped reading the NY Times and cancelled my subscriptions to Time and Newsweek because they're all biased". Uh, OK... and where are you getting your news from now? "The NY Post and The Weekly Standard." I was rather gobsmacked.  "Oh, of course", I said, "because, y'know, Bill Kristol and Rupert Murdoch -- they're not biased AT ALL!" And I changed the subject. I didn't want to argue politics with someone I'd been friends with for 25 years while I was on vacation.

I studiously avoided the subject of politics with Andy for the next year or so, and in August of '08 he emailed, all excited because he'd posted a comment on Michelle Malkin's blog (!), and she'd liked it so much she put it in the "Comment of the Day" box at the top of the page. He was fairly creaming his jeans over this.  Turns out that was the day that Obama announced Biden as his running mate; the hideous Ms. Malkin had spent the day saying nasty things about Biden and inviting others to do likewise. I sat there, staring at the computer screen. WTF had happened to this guy? I decided I could no longer pretend that it didn't matter. I wrote back, saying "Jeezus, man, you used to make FUN of people like Malkin. If you're gonna hang out with conservatives, couldn't you at least pick some SMART ones?"

I never heard from him again.

I check his Facebook page every 6 months or so, just to see if he's alive. Yesterday when I looked there, he had links to Sarah Palin (!), a group called "Let's Stop Blaming Bush For What Obama Does" (!!) and his profile pic is an Eagle-in-front-of-the-Flag thing that even Stephen Colbert would consider over-the-top. The Andy that I used to know was sweet, caring, funny and smart -- too smart to be swallowing the sort of nonsense Malkin and Palin churn out. I don't know whether to laugh or cry.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: ggould on May 19, 2010, 08:58:00 AM
I mentioned this very briefly back in 2008 but I need to revisit because it's still bothering me.  I lost a really good friend in August of '08 -- not because he died, but because he became a right-wing nutjob.

I met Andy (he's a couple years older than me) at ABC in the early '80s. He was a lifelong moderate-to-liberal Dem; the only Democrat from a family of wealthy Republicans. I can still remember him arguing with his stockbroker parents, who thought Reagan was the greatest thing since sliced bread.  We'd stayed in touch after he quit ABC in '85, we both lived in Queens and saw a lot of movies together. And after I moved out here we still communicated, first by phone and later by email.  In 2007 when I was in NYC on vacay, we had lunch and he casually mentioned that "I've stopped reading the NY Times and cancelled my subscriptions to Time and Newsweek because they're all biased". Uh, OK... and where are you getting your news from now? "The NY Post and The Weekly Standard." I was rather gobsmacked.  "Oh, of course", I said, "because, y'know, Bill Kristol and Rupert Murdoch -- they're not biased AT ALL!" And I changed the subject. I didn't want to argue politics with someone I'd been friends with for 25 years while I was on vacation.

I studiously avoided the subject of politics with Andy for the next year or so, and in August of '08 he emailed, all excited because he'd posted a comment on Michelle Malkin's blog (!), and she'd liked it so much she put it in the "Comment of the Day" box at the top of the page. He was fairly creaming his jeans over this.  Turns out that was the day that Obama announced Biden as his running mate; the hideous Ms. Malkin had spent the day saying nasty things about Biden and inviting others to do likewise. I sat there, staring at the computer screen. WTF had happened to this guy? I decided I could no longer pretend that it didn't matter. I wrote back, saying "Jeezus, man, you used to make FUN of people like Malkin. If you're gonna hang out with conservatives, couldn't you at least pick some SMART ones?"

I never heard from him again.

I check his Facebook page every 6 months or so, just to see if he's alive. Yesterday when I looked there, he had links to Sarah Palin (!), a group called "Let's Stop Blaming Bush For What Obama Does" (!!) and his profile pic is an Eagle-in-front-of-the-Flag thing that even Stephen Colbert would consider over-the-top. The Andy that I used to know was sweet, caring, funny and smart -- too smart to be swallowing the sort of nonsense Malkin and Palin churn out. I don't know whether to laugh or cry.
for some reason, when I encounter massive personality changes like this, I always think of "Caroline No."  I don't mean to trivialize this for you Mike.  This kind of thing has happened to me too.

Quote
Where did your long hair go
Where is the girl I used to know
How could you lose that happy glow
Oh, caroline no

Who took that look away
I remember how you used to say
Youd never change, but that's not true
Oh, caroline you

Break my heart
I want to go and cry
Its so sad to watch a sweet thing die
Oh, caroline why

Could I ever find in you again
Things that made me love you so much then
Could we ever bring em back once they have gone
Oh, caroline no
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: RGMike on May 19, 2010, 09:03:03 AM
for some reason, when I encounter massive personality changes like this, I always think of "Caroline No."  I don't mean to trivialize this for you Mike.  This kind of thing has happened to me too.


Thanks, Geoff, that actually makes perfect sense -- it's quite helpful. It's been tough to turn the page. I was never FB-friends with him for obvious reasons but apparently about 6 months ago he "un-friended" the 6-or-7 other former ABC co-workers he had been FB-friends with. Very odd.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Gazoo on June 17, 2010, 11:13:13 AM
Gang, wish me luck: for the first time in my 15 or so years of living on my own, my mother is coming to visit tomorrow.  That is, assuming she doesn't back out - she has a number of phobias that considerably cripple her life.  (Enclosed spaces ranging from elevators to tunnels to theaters to airplanes, which she perceives as inescapable.)  I'm hoping NYC isn't too much for her, and that she digs what I've done with my world, and that she has a good time.  I'll be mostly off the board for the next few days as I (try to) show her the city.

Gaz
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: RGMike on June 17, 2010, 11:29:37 AM
Gang, wish me luck: for the first time in my 15 or so years of living on my own, my mother is coming to visit tomorrow.  That is, assuming she doesn't back out - she has a number of phobias that considerably cripple her life.  (Enclosed spaces ranging from elevators to tunnels to theaters to airplanes, which she perceives as inescapable.)  I'm hoping NYC isn't too much for her, and that she digs what I've done with my world, and that she has a good time.  I'll be mostly off the board for the next few days as I (try to) show her the city.

Gaz

Best of luck -- I'm sure you'll be a fab host. Avoid the subway, obviously (is she driving up? Amtrak?).  Central Park might be an idea. And Neighborhood walks in not-too-crowded areas are always great -- the West Village early in the day is always a fave of mine.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: princessofcairo on June 17, 2010, 12:10:43 PM
Gang, wish me luck: for the first time in my 15 or so years of living on my own, my mother is coming to visit tomorrow.  That is, assuming she doesn't back out - she has a number of phobias that considerably cripple her life.  (Enclosed spaces ranging from elevators to tunnels to theaters to airplanes, which she perceives as inescapable.)  I'm hoping NYC isn't too much for her, and that she digs what I've done with my world, and that she has a good time.  I'll be mostly off the board for the next few days as I (try to) show her the city.

Gaz

Best of luck -- I'm sure you'll be a fab host. Avoid the subway, obviously (is she driving up? Amtrak?).  Central Park might be an idea. And Neighborhood walks in not-too-crowded areas are always great -- the West Village early in the day is always a fave of mine.

Good luck!
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: radical347 on June 17, 2010, 12:26:36 PM
Gang, wish me luck: for the first time in my 15 or so years of living on my own, my mother is coming to visit tomorrow.  That is, assuming she doesn't back out - she has a number of phobias that considerably cripple her life.  (Enclosed spaces ranging from elevators to tunnels to theaters to airplanes, which she perceives as inescapable.)  I'm hoping NYC isn't too much for her, and that she digs what I've done with my world, and that she has a good time.  I'll be mostly off the board for the next few days as I (try to) show her the city.

Gaz

Best of luck!  I'm sure things will be fine :)
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Wayback on June 17, 2010, 06:03:16 PM
Gang, wish me luck: for the first time in my 15 or so years of living on my own, my mother is coming to visit tomorrow.  That is, assuming she doesn't back out - she has a number of phobias that considerably cripple her life.  (Enclosed spaces ranging from elevators to tunnels to theaters to airplanes, which she perceives as inescapable.)  I'm hoping NYC isn't too much for her, and that she digs what I've done with my world, and that she has a good time.  I'll be mostly off the board for the next few days as I (try to) show her the city.
Gaz
Good luck, Gaz!  I'm sure you'll be a great host.  I just had my mom (age 83) up here from Phoenix for her annual long weekend visit a month ago.  While I'm glad to see her and try to be a good host (and son), its still added stress because of her increasing mobility issues (knee & hip replacement) plus she's just a mom being a mom, i.e., although I do extra cleaning for her visit, the place is never clean enough, and questions like "why do you still listen to that rock & roll?"  Have fun with mom!  You gotta enjoy the time together while you can!
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Tinka Cat on June 17, 2010, 09:54:37 PM
Gang, wish me luck: for the first time in my 15 or so years of living on my own, my mother is coming to visit tomorrow.  That is, assuming she doesn't back out - she has a number of phobias that considerably cripple her life.  (Enclosed spaces ranging from elevators to tunnels to theaters to airplanes, which she perceives as inescapable.)  I'm hoping NYC isn't too much for her, and that she digs what I've done with my world, and that she has a good time.  I'll be mostly off the board for the next few days as I (try to) show her the city.

Gaz

sounds fun --  treasure your time together!    I like Mike's ideas: Central Park, walking some hoods, drinks at a drag club.  You know, the usual.

Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Alicat on June 17, 2010, 11:46:55 PM
Gang, wish me luck: for the first time in my 15 or so years of living on my own, my mother is coming to visit tomorrow.  That is, assuming she doesn't back out - she has a number of phobias that considerably cripple her life.  (Enclosed spaces ranging from elevators to tunnels to theaters to airplanes, which she perceives as inescapable.)  I'm hoping NYC isn't too much for her, and that she digs what I've done with my world, and that she has a good time.  I'll be mostly off the board for the next few days as I (try to) show her the city.

Gaz
Hope it is a fun and successful visit.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: urth on June 22, 2010, 11:28:03 PM
Thought some of y'all might particularly appreciate this:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/20745656@N00/4722611739/
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Alicat on June 22, 2010, 11:52:24 PM
Thought some of y'all might particularly appreciate this:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/20745656@N00/4722611739/
just saw ya on FB and commented. I'm now wanting cheese and truffles. Can you FedEx?
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: princessofcairo on June 23, 2010, 05:29:34 AM
Dear 10@10 buddies,

In April 2010, Mari-José Estivariz (http://www.myspace.com/marijoseestivariz), Jake Wood (http://www.jakewood.net/) and I went to Paco Loco's (http://pacoloco.net/) studio to record Scenes from an Icelandic Novel. I'm very proud to announce the album will be released this Fall.

You can order your copy of Scenes From an Icelandic copy now.  A $30 (25€) donation will entitle you to a pre-release CD download, an autographed copy of the official CD (once released), and an autographed, limited edition copy of an acoustic version of the album. Your contribution will help with the mastering, production, duplication and promotion of the album, and a music video. My goal is to raise 7500€ ($9,285) by September 17, 2010.

Please visit this page:

http://www.ameliaray.net/sfainpresa.html

to read more about the project, listen to songs from the album and order your advance copy.

Thanks so much for your support!
-poc
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: urth on June 23, 2010, 11:00:46 AM
Thought some of y'all might particularly appreciate this:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/20745656@N00/4722611739/
just saw ya on FB and commented. I'm now wanting cheese and truffles. Can you FedEx?

Not yet, but hopefully by year's end. Have patience--the truffles are worth the wait!
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Alicat on June 24, 2010, 10:41:34 AM
Thought some of y'all might particularly appreciate this:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/20745656@N00/4722611739/
just saw ya on FB and commented. I'm now wanting cheese and truffles. Can you FedEx?

Not yet, but hopefully by year's end. Have patience--the truffles are worth the wait!
Bring me some on your next trip down this way?
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: urth on June 24, 2010, 10:49:32 AM
Thought some of y'all might particularly appreciate this:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/20745656@N00/4722611739/
just saw ya on FB and commented. I'm now wanting cheese and truffles. Can you FedEx?

Not yet, but hopefully by year's end. Have patience--the truffles are worth the wait!
Bring me some on your next trip down this way?

OK, but we're still probably talking fall at earliest. I've got farmers markets 3 days a week, and sales and delivery calls the rest of the time. Not going much of anyplace beyond PDX or Salem this summer.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: RGMike on July 08, 2010, 09:03:36 AM
As I work in Downtown Oakland, we are all on pins'n'needles waiting for the Mehserle verdict.  There's a plan in place to evacuate us all and send us home if necessary, so if I suddenly disappear in the middle of 10@10 you'll know why...
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Alicat on July 08, 2010, 10:33:52 AM
As I work in Downtown Oakland, we are all on pins'n'needles waiting for the Mehserle verdict.  There's a plan in place to evacuate us all and send us home if necessary, so if I suddenly disappear in the middle of 10@10 you'll know why...
Great. You're safe in a building and they want to put you out in the mayhem? I guess sooner rather than later is good. Keep us posted.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Gazoo on July 08, 2010, 10:36:46 AM
As I work in Downtown Oakland, we are all on pins'n'needles waiting for the Mehserle verdict.  There's a plan in place to evacuate us all and send us home if necessary, so if I suddenly disappear in the middle of 10@10 you'll know why...
Great. You're safe in a building and they want to put you out in the mayhem?

Maybe they want them to join in the mayhem!
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Lightnin' Rod on July 08, 2010, 04:33:10 PM
As I work in Downtown Oakland, we are all on pins'n'needles waiting for the Mehserle verdict.  There's a plan in place to evacuate us all and send us home if necessary, so if I suddenly disappear in the middle of 10@10 you'll know why...

A group here left the office at about 3:30 in fear that BART was going to have issues once the verdict came out.  We're about to see what an involuntary MS verdict will bring...

(I take a bus)
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: RGMike on July 08, 2010, 06:46:57 PM
As I work in Downtown Oakland, we are all on pins'n'needles waiting for the Mehserle verdict.  There's a plan in place to evacuate us all and send us home if necessary, so if I suddenly disappear in the middle of 10@10 you'll know why...

A group here left the office at about 3:30 in fear that BART was going to have issues once the verdict came out.  We're about to see what an involuntary MS verdict will bring...

(I take a bus)

They evacuated our buildings (all near B'wy & 19th) at 3:15. BART was quite crowded but not unmanageable.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: RGMike on July 09, 2010, 09:56:42 AM
As I work in Downtown Oakland, we are all on pins'n'needles waiting for the Mehserle verdict.  There's a plan in place to evacuate us all and send us home if necessary, so if I suddenly disappear in the middle of 10@10 you'll know why...

A group here left the office at about 3:30 in fear that BART was going to have issues once the verdict came out.  We're about to see what an involuntary MS verdict will bring...

(I take a bus)

They evacuated our buildings (all near B'wy & 19th) at 3:15. BART was quite crowded but not unmanageable.

UPDATE: WE got the word that our buildings in downtown Oaktown would remain closed today "as a precaution", so an unexpected day off for me. Used the opportunity to sleep in. But seriously, who gets up early to riot?
Title: The Belle of St. Marks
Post by: Gazoo on August 26, 2010, 12:45:39 AM
Hey there gang,

I've been occupied lately with packing and such: I'm moving in with a fantastic guy named Andy who's been a dear friend and an inspiring artistic collaborator over the past two years.  I mentioned him a lot in old BIBT blog entries, but haven't told you about his musical and other creative projects.  They'll come to light in the coming months.

We found a great spot on St. Marks Place, between 2nd and 3rd Aves, two blocks from the building pictured on Physical Graffiti's cover (as Mike noted to me earlier).  I hope being in a younger and more artful nabe gets my own juices flowing again.

Here's hoping for a stress-free move for me next Tuesday.
Title: Re: The Belle of St. Marks
Post by: RGMike on August 26, 2010, 07:52:26 AM
Hey there gang,

I've been occupied lately with packing and such: I'm moving in with a fantastic guy named Andy who's been a dear friend and an inspiring artistic collaborator over the past two years.  I mentioned him a lot in old BIBT blog entries, but haven't told you about his musical and other creative projects.  They'll come to light in the coming months.

We found a great spot on St. Marks Place, between 2nd and 3rd Aves, two blocks from the building pictured on Physical Graffiti's cover (as Mike noted to me earlier).  I hope being in a younger and more artful nabe gets my own juices flowing again.

Here's hoping for a stress-free move for me next Tuesday.

(http://www.tky.3web.ne.jp/~pennywiz/PGBLD/PGBLDLL.jpg)
Title: Re: The Belle of St. Marks
Post by: Alicat on August 28, 2010, 12:36:07 AM
Hey there gang,

I've been occupied lately with packing and such: I'm moving in with a fantastic guy named Andy who's been a dear friend and an inspiring artistic collaborator over the past two years.  I mentioned him a lot in old BIBT blog entries, but haven't told you about his musical and other creative projects.  They'll come to light in the coming months.

We found a great spot on St. Marks Place, between 2nd and 3rd Aves, two blocks from the building pictured on Physical Graffiti's cover (as Mike noted to me earlier).  I hope being in a younger and more artful nabe gets my own juices flowing again.

Here's hoping for a stress-free move for me next Tuesday.
Wow. Good stuff!
Title: Re: The Belle of St. Marks
Post by: ggould on August 28, 2010, 09:26:25 AM
Here's hoping for a stress-free move for me next Tuesday.
Definitely hope for that. Moving is one of those things I dread.  Good luck on your new place.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Alicat on August 28, 2010, 08:11:12 PM
What to do with a nice pressure cooker..... My lovely Mom ordered it from HSN in June and gave it to me a week ago for my birthday. Kind of an unwelcome surprise which makes me feel like a real shit for not wanting it. 5qt Wolfgang Puck model. Looks nice. I have no counter room or cupboard space for it. No real desire to try using it. HSN won't take a return because it is past their 30/60 day policy.  Any of you use one and can maybe convince me I should not continue to live without one? Do I hurt her feelings and return it to her and maybe she'll use it? I have no desire to try selling it. Just store it in the garage? I feel tormented by this.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: RGMike on August 28, 2010, 10:15:54 PM
What to do with a nice pressure cooker..... My lovely Mom ordered it from HSN in June and gave it to me a week ago for my birthday. Kind of an unwelcome surprise which makes me feel like a real shit for not wanting it. 5qt Wolfgang Puck model. Looks nice. I have no counter room or cupboard space for it. No real desire to try using it. HSN won't take a return because it is past their 30/60 day policy.  Any of you use one and can maybe convince me I should not continue to live without one? Do I hurt her feelings and return it to her and maybe she'll use it? I have no desire to try selling it. Just store it in the garage? I feel tormented by this.

http://www.pressurecookerrecipes.net/

 ;)
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Gazoo on August 29, 2010, 12:28:00 PM
What to do with a nice pressure cooker..... My lovely Mom ordered it from HSN in June and gave it to me a week ago for my birthday. Kind of an unwelcome surprise which makes me feel like a real shit for not wanting it. 5qt Wolfgang Puck model. Looks nice. I have no counter room or cupboard space for it. No real desire to try using it. HSN won't take a return because it is past their 30/60 day policy.  Any of you use one and can maybe convince me I should not continue to live without one? Do I hurt her feelings and return it to her and maybe she'll use it? I have no desire to try selling it. Just store it in the garage? I feel tormented by this.

One word: Regift.

Seriously.  I have no qualms with doing so.  Give something a home that can make the most of it.

Or else donate it to a Goodwill or similar service.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: ggould on August 29, 2010, 07:29:43 PM
What to do with a nice pressure cooker..... My lovely Mom ordered it from HSN in June and gave it to me a week ago for my birthday. Kind of an unwelcome surprise which makes me feel like a real shit for not wanting it. 5qt Wolfgang Puck model. Looks nice. I have no counter room or cupboard space for it. No real desire to try using it. HSN won't take a return because it is past their 30/60 day policy.  Any of you use one and can maybe convince me I should not continue to live without one? Do I hurt her feelings and return it to her and maybe she'll use it? I have no desire to try selling it. Just store it in the garage? I feel tormented by this.
I used to use one all the time to make the beginning stage of lentil soup, until it blew up all over the ceiling.  It does leverage the laws of science to legitimately save time, but I don't really use it anymore.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: urth on August 31, 2010, 12:18:55 AM
Not *my* life necessarily, but it just occurred to me that two of our number have been missing for a bit. Mshray hasn't been heard from for just over a month, and the Princess has been gone about two weeks longer than that. Anyone heard from either of them? They OK? One worries...  ???
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Alicat on August 31, 2010, 10:24:34 AM
Not *my* life necessarily, but it just occurred to me that two of our number have been missing for a bit. Mshray hasn't been heard from for just over a month, and the Princess has been gone about two weeks longer than that. Anyone heard from either of them? They OK? One worries...  ???
I talked with MShray about a month ago. Trials and tribulations. Need to reach out again.  I checked POCs FB page recently and she is traipsing thru foreign lands and looks to be good.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: RGMike on September 23, 2010, 02:22:47 PM
I'll be computerless all day tomorrow (Friday), at an offsite "retreat" (KP loves that sorta stuff). So I'll miss whatever AL has in store, and ditto next Tues & Thurs --- 10am meetings both days. And ah am much much unhappy about that.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: ggould on September 24, 2010, 09:31:06 PM
well, our inept IT dept has blocked this site because it has to do with radio.  I guess we got too popular to avoid detection by the filter police!  So, I can't even follow along during the day anymore.
 :(
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: princessofcairo on September 26, 2010, 07:35:26 AM
Not *my* life necessarily, but it just occurred to me that two of our number have been missing for a bit. Mshray hasn't been heard from for just over a month, and the Princess has been gone about two weeks longer than that. Anyone heard from either of them? They OK? One worries...  ???
I talked with MShray about a month ago. Trials and tribulations. Need to reach out again.  I checked POCs FB page recently and she is traipsing thru foreign lands and looks to be good.

Thanks, guys! I'm doing well. I still try to catch a show during the week when I can (at 7pm my time, of course). Any new news about Mark?
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Alicat on October 11, 2010, 08:59:08 PM
This Cat is taking a quick trip to the big apple and hopefully partying with Gaz next Sunday! I'll be there Tuesday the 19th while the NYY are playing at home. No desire to GO to the game but it'll be fun to find a local hot spot to cheer with the fans.
Gaz, anything I can bring you from here you can't get there?
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: RGMike on October 12, 2010, 07:36:28 AM

Gaz, anything I can bring you from here you can't get there?


Well, Gaz'd like Pat Burrell, but he might be busy...  ;)
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Gazoo on October 12, 2010, 09:59:52 PM

Gaz, anything I can bring you from here you can't get there?


Well, Gaz'd like Pat Burrell, but he might be busy...  ;)

Much as I'd love a giftwrapped package of Pat the Bat, Zito, Schierholtz, Posey and the Huff, I'll be happy just to have your presence, m'lady.

And, if you're feeling inclined, a mix CD.  ;)
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Alicat on October 13, 2010, 10:10:58 AM

Gaz, anything I can bring you from here you can't get there?


Well, Gaz'd like Pat Burrell, but he might be busy...  ;)
Hell with that. If I get my hands on Pat Burrell, I'm keeping him!
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: RGMike on October 13, 2010, 10:37:43 AM

Gaz, anything I can bring you from here you can't get there?


Well, Gaz'd like Pat Burrell, but he might be busy...  ;)
Hell with that. If I get my hands on Pat Burrell, I'm keeping him!

(http://philliesphorum.mlblogs.com/phightin_phils_phorum/images/pat_burrell_machine.JPG)
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Alicat on October 14, 2010, 08:42:50 PM

Gaz, anything I can bring you from here you can't get there?


Well, Gaz'd like Pat Burrell, but he might be busy...  ;)
Hell with that. If I get my hands on Pat Burrell, I'm keeping him!

(http://philliesphorum.mlblogs.com/phightin_phils_phorum/images/pat_burrell_machine.JPG)
Hot. Any gossip about him being gay?
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Gazoo on October 29, 2010, 10:05:02 AM
It's been, um, quite a week: a big chunk of my bedroom ceiling collapsed on Monday.  Took until this morning to get the debris cleaned up, launder nearly ruined sheets, and get replacement plaster/paperboard/stucco put up.  Instead of having a party on Sunday, I'll be spending a lot of the weekend cleaning and re-unpacking.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: RGMike on October 29, 2010, 10:30:25 AM
It's been, um, quite a week: a big chunk of my bedroom ceiling collapsed on Monday.  Took until this morning to get the debris cleaned up, launder nearly ruined sheets, and get replacement plaster/paperboard/stucco put up.  Instead of having a party on Sunday, I'll be spending a lot of the weekend cleaning and re-unpacking.

holy crap -- I wondered why you weren't on FB posting during the (so far) celebratory Series.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Tinka Cat on October 29, 2010, 10:40:54 AM
It's been, um, quite a week: a big chunk of my bedroom ceiling collapsed on Monday.  Took until this morning to get the debris cleaned up, launder nearly ruined sheets, and get replacement plaster/paperboard/stucco put up.  Instead of having a party on Sunday, I'll be spending a lot of the weekend cleaning and re-unpacking.

ugh, drag.  sorry to hear that.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: RGMike on October 29, 2010, 11:50:37 AM
I've mentioned a number of times that I couldn't stream The Sound or The Drive at work after the stations "upgraded" to Silverlight audio. Well, KP IT just (finally) gave our dept Internet Explorer 7 (we all had 6!) and voila! I can now listen to both streams.

BUT... KP has been systematically blocking streams they see being overused; that's why I lost WLNG recently and any stream could disappear at any time. "Big Brother" is monitoring all our computers for what's coming in and and what's going out. Scary.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Wayback on October 29, 2010, 11:55:17 AM
It's been, um, quite a week: a big chunk of my bedroom ceiling collapsed on Monday.  Took until this morning to get the debris cleaned up, launder nearly ruined sheets, and get replacement plaster/paperboard/stucco put up.  Instead of having a party on Sunday, I'll be spending a lot of the weekend cleaning and re-unpacking.
Bummer, man.  At least its on the mend now. 
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Wayback on October 29, 2010, 11:56:25 AM
Halloween costume idea for Geoff and Ali: Grateful Dead dancing bear!
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/parenting/detail?entry_id=75786
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Gazoo on October 31, 2010, 07:48:31 AM
I've mentioned a number of times that I couldn't stream The Sound or The Drive at work after the stations "upgraded" to Silverlight audio. Well, KP IT just (finally) gave our dept Internet Explorer 7 (we all had 6!) and voila! I can now listen to both streams.

BUT... KP has been systematically blocking streams they see being overused; that's why I lost WLNG recently and any stream could disappear at any time. "Big Brother" is monitoring all our computers for what's coming in and and what's going out. Scary.

I assume you're not allowed to install alternate browsers?  Firefox plays the various formats very well.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: RGMike on October 31, 2010, 09:56:23 AM
I've mentioned a number of times that I couldn't stream The Sound or The Drive at work after the stations "upgraded" to Silverlight audio. Well, KP IT just (finally) gave our dept Internet Explorer 7 (we all had 6!) and voila! I can now listen to both streams.

BUT... KP has been systematically blocking streams they see being overused; that's why I lost WLNG recently and any stream could disappear at any time. "Big Brother" is monitoring all our computers for what's coming in and and what's going out. Scary.

I assume you're not allowed to install alternate browsers?  Firefox plays the various formats very well.

yeah, can't install anything without "permission". Which is why I couldn't update to Silverlight or upgrade to Explorer 7 on my own, even tho' I coulda done it in seconds.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Alicat on October 31, 2010, 03:34:53 PM
It's been, um, quite a week: a big chunk of my bedroom ceiling collapsed on Monday.  Took until this morning to get the debris cleaned up, launder nearly ruined sheets, and get replacement plaster/paperboard/stucco put up.  Instead of having a party on Sunday, I'll be spending a lot of the weekend cleaning and re-unpacking.
Sorry. That sucks big time. Hope your new computer survived. Lucky your upstairs neighbors didn't make a crash landing in your room!
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: ggould on October 31, 2010, 07:45:56 PM
I've mentioned a number of times that I couldn't stream The Sound or The Drive at work after the stations "upgraded" to Silverlight audio. Well, KP IT just (finally) gave our dept Internet Explorer 7 (we all had 6!) and voila! I can now listen to both streams.

BUT... KP has been systematically blocking streams they see being overused; that's why I lost WLNG recently and any stream could disappear at any time. "Big Brother" is monitoring all our computers for what's coming in and and what's going out. Scary.
I can't stream anything identified as radio at school, even our site here!
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: RGMike on November 16, 2010, 11:18:18 AM
So I've been waiting (and waiting) for the date of the next ABC Radio reunion in NYC to be announced. My assumption was that it would be in mid-April as it was the last time. And the date is... March 26th. Which kinda sucks -- mid-April is decent, weather-wise, but 2 weeks earlier makes a difference in NY. And one of the things I planned to do in mid-April was see a game at each of the 2 new ballparks, and that's out the window with this new date. (Apparently there were many requests from people to have it "as early as possible without it actually being winter" -- !?! -- hence the 3/26 choice.)  I'm tempted to blow off the reunion (most of the folks I want to see there I'd see anyway, whenever I go) and build a 10-day trip around baseball (like, whenever the Giants are in NY to play the Mets) in a month with nice weather.  'Tis a quandry.

ETA: Giants are @ CitiField first week of May -- my birthday week, in fact. That settles it.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Gazoo on November 17, 2010, 12:43:07 AM
So I've been waiting (and waiting) for the date of the next ABC Radio reunion in NYC to be announced. My assumption was that it would be in mid-April as it was the last time. And the date is... March 26th. Which kinda sucks -- mid-April is decent, weather-wise, but 2 weeks earlier makes a difference in NY. And one of the things I planned to do in mid-April was see a game at each of the 2 new ballparks, and that's out the window with this new date. (Apparently there were many requests from people to have it "as early as possible without it actually being winter" -- !?! -- hence the 3/26 choice.)  I'm tempted to blow off the reunion (most of the folks I want to see there I'd see anyway, whenever I go) and build a 10-day trip around baseball (like, whenever the Giants are in NY to play the Mets) in a month with nice weather.  'Tis a quandry.

ETA: Giants are @ CitiField first week of May -- my birthday week, in fact. That settles it.

Excellent!  Hit me via email with the deets when you settle the settling of the settled settlement.  I'll pen you in for late breakfast or early lunch on the day of your choosing at the Elephant & Castle.  Cheers!  (And I'll see if I can make a ballgame.)
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: RGMike on November 17, 2010, 08:00:52 AM
So I've been waiting (and waiting) for the date of the next ABC Radio reunion in NYC to be announced. My assumption was that it would be in mid-April as it was the last time. And the date is... March 26th. Which kinda sucks -- mid-April is decent, weather-wise, but 2 weeks earlier makes a difference in NY. And one of the things I planned to do in mid-April was see a game at each of the 2 new ballparks, and that's out the window with this new date. (Apparently there were many requests from people to have it "as early as possible without it actually being winter" -- !?! -- hence the 3/26 choice.)  I'm tempted to blow off the reunion (most of the folks I want to see there I'd see anyway, whenever I go) and build a 10-day trip around baseball (like, whenever the Giants are in NY to play the Mets) in a month with nice weather.  'Tis a quandry.

ETA: Giants are @ CitiField first week of May -- my birthday week, in fact. That settles it.

Excellent!  Hit me via email with the deets when you settle the settling of the settled settlement.  I'll pen you in for late breakfast or early lunch on the day of your choosing at the Elephant & Castle.  Cheers!  (And I'll see if I can make a ballgame.)

will do. have to figure out the best way to wrap 10 days around both a Mets and Yanks home game.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Alicat on November 30, 2010, 09:36:11 PM
Tonight I get a text from my bro to call my Dad. OK. What's up? I am in a place where I can't call so texting with my bro he says Dad got bad news from doctor, brain tumor. Great. I call Dad later and leave a msg. He calls me before I have to go out again for a work thing. He has had 2 cancers in the past few years and now it seems the cancer from the lung went to the brain maybe and there is a tumor. He came over on Thanksgiving but I didn't notice anything wrong. He said he had trouble putting words together and got home and couldn't write. He thought it was a stroke and went to dr. on 26th. A tumor showed up and I am going with him to the neurosurgeon tomorrow in SF. He feels like surgery will be almost immediate but not knowing yet if operable or inoperable. I'm not ready for this. He's 74. Topping off that beauty, my mom should be going home from hospital tomorrow after being there 3 weeks from back surgery. My car dies today and is in the shop with me having a rent a car. Good stuff all around. I'm eating pumpkin pie for dinner right now.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Tinka Cat on November 30, 2010, 10:04:51 PM
Tonight I get a text from my bro to call my Dad. ...
oh man, that sucks.  Sorry to hear that.  Sounds like he's close by.. and your brother might be, too?  That's good, having a reliable family network close by is a good thing in times like these.  Take care of yourself, Alicat, and by that I mean eat pumpkin pie for dinner if you want it!
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: urth on November 30, 2010, 11:34:16 PM
Tonight I get a text from my bro to call my Dad. ...
oh man, that sucks.  Sorry to hear that.  Sounds like he's close by.. and your brother might be, too?  That's good, having a reliable family network close by is a good thing in times like these.  Take care of yourself, Alicat, and by that I mean eat pumpkin pie for dinner if you want it!

Right there with what T-C said, Ali. Hope it's a good outcome, but try not to get too wound up about anything if you don't have a concrete diagnosis. And yeah, eat a whole freakin' pie if that's what you're craving. 
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: sundaygal on December 01, 2010, 07:26:49 AM
Tonight I get a text from my bro to call my Dad. ...
oh man, that sucks.  Sorry to hear that.  Sounds like he's close by.. and your brother might be, too?  That's good, having a reliable family network close by is a good thing in times like these.  Take care of yourself, Alicat, and by that I mean eat pumpkin pie for dinner if you want it!

Right there with what T-C said, Ali. Hope it's a good outcome, but try not to get too wound up about anything if you don't have a concrete diagnosis. And yeah, eat a whole freakin' pie if that's what you're craving. 
Sorry to hear about your dad.  I'm sending positive thoughts your way...

My 78 year old aunt (who co-raised me) just got out of the hospital last Sunday after being in a coma and having brain surgery due to a fall on the pavement on the day of the Giants World Series parade.  I wasn't ready for her to go.  It was a difficult month, to say the least.  I just remained positive and willed her to hang on.  The initial prognosis was grim.  People - at any age - who suffer an acute subdural hematoma have a high mortality rate.  She made a complete turnaround and is able to remain independent, much to everyone's surprise. 

Good luck to you and your dad today.  Eat all the pie (and whipped cream) you want!
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: RGMike on December 01, 2010, 07:41:13 AM
Tonight I get a text from my bro to call my Dad. ...
oh man, that sucks.  Sorry to hear that.  Sounds like he's close by.. and your brother might be, too?  That's good, having a reliable family network close by is a good thing in times like these.  Take care of yourself, Alicat, and by that I mean eat pumpkin pie for dinner if you want it!

Right there with what T-C said, Ali. Hope it's a good outcome, but try not to get too wound up about anything if you don't have a concrete diagnosis. And yeah, eat a whole freakin' pie if that's what you're craving. 
Sorry to hear about your dad.  I'm sending positive thoughts your way...

My 78 year old aunt (who co-raised me) just got out of the hospital last Sunday after being in a coma and having brain surgery due to a fall on the pavement on the day of the Giants World Series parade.  I wasn't ready for her to go.  It was a difficult month, to say the least.  I just remained positive and willed her to hang on.  The initial prognosis was grim.  People - at any age - who suffer an acute subdural hematoma have a high mortality rate.  She made a complete turnaround and is able to remain independent, much to everyone's surprise. 

Good luck to you and your dad today.  Eat all the pie (and whipped cream) you want!

Thinking good thoughts for you, Ali.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Alicat on December 01, 2010, 11:17:02 PM
Thanks. Went to nuerosurgeon today. Tumor a little smaller than a golf ball most likey metasticized fromm lung cancer of 2 years ago. Surgery being scheduled for next week at CPMC. Doc made it sound simple enough. It is located well with small percentage chance of motor loss on one side resulting from surgery. Radiation in area daily for 1-3 weeks afterward. I feel more possitive but still not great. I feel very fortunate to have flexibility at work to leave and be there for surgery etc...
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Gazoo on December 02, 2010, 12:18:28 AM
Thanks. Went to nuerosurgeon today. Tumor a little smaller than a golf ball most likey metasticized fromm lung cancer of 2 years ago. Surgery being scheduled for next week at CPMC. Doc made it sound simple enough. It is located well with small percentage chance of motor loss on one side resulting from surgery. Radiation in area daily for 1-3 weeks afterward. I feel more possitive but still not great. I feel very fortunate to have flexibility at work to leave and be there for surgery etc...

This is promising.  Thanks for keeping us posted.  Got you in my thoughts.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: ggould on December 06, 2010, 08:53:21 PM
Thanks. Went to nuerosurgeon today. Tumor a little smaller than a golf ball most likey metasticized fromm lung cancer of 2 years ago. Surgery being scheduled for next week at CPMC. Doc made it sound simple enough. It is located well with small percentage chance of motor loss on one side resulting from surgery. Radiation in area daily for 1-3 weeks afterward. I feel more possitive but still not great. I feel very fortunate to have flexibility at work to leave and be there for surgery etc...
Jeez Ali, I've been so busy, I missed this.  Deep healing beams for your dad sent your way.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Alicat on December 09, 2010, 12:18:52 AM
Thanks. Went to nuerosurgeon today. Tumor a little smaller than a golf ball most likey metasticized fromm lung cancer of 2 years ago. Surgery being scheduled for next week at CPMC. Doc made it sound simple enough. It is located well with small percentage chance of motor loss on one side resulting from surgery. Radiation in area daily for 1-3 weeks afterward. I feel more possitive but still not great. I feel very fortunate to have flexibility at work to leave and be there for surgery etc...
Jeez Ali, I've been so busy, I missed this.  Deep healing beams for your dad sent your way.
Thanks Geoff. I thought about you on Wed. night as I drove almost right by your house. Nasty commute night due to rain so I left the hospital and took the beach way home. Great Highway closed at Lincoln so I detoured one street over and got out to Sloat and back on GH to Skyline. Took well over an hour to get home. Dad seems to be recovering well. Left ICU today and went to a regular room.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: ggould on December 09, 2010, 07:11:41 PM
Thanks. Went to nuerosurgeon today. Tumor a little smaller than a golf ball most likey metasticized fromm lung cancer of 2 years ago. Surgery being scheduled for next week at CPMC. Doc made it sound simple enough. It is located well with small percentage chance of motor loss on one side resulting from surgery. Radiation in area daily for 1-3 weeks afterward. I feel more possitive but still not great. I feel very fortunate to have flexibility at work to leave and be there for surgery etc...
Jeez Ali, I've been so busy, I missed this.  Deep healing beams for your dad sent your way.
Thanks Geoff. I thought about you on Wed. night as I drove almost right by your house. Nasty commute night due to rain so I left the hospital and took the beach way home. Great Highway closed at Lincoln so I detoured one street over and got out to Sloat and back on GH to Skyline. Took well over an hour to get home. Dad seems to be recovering well. Left ICU today and went to a regular room.
Good to hear the news.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Alicat on February 25, 2011, 04:20:56 PM
My almost 14 y/o boy is asking for the SI swimsuit issue. He saw me looking at it at the store yesterday. Cover is hot. Bob did not want him to have it.  Not ready to deal with this. I guess he's old enough, I just don't want to think he's looking at that. Any redeeeming sports articles in it?  aaarrrggghhhhh.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: RGMike on February 25, 2011, 06:38:47 PM
My almost 14 y/o boy is asking for the SI swimsuit issue. He saw me looking at it at the store yesterday. Cover is hot. Bob did not want him to have it.  Not ready to deal with this. I guess he's old enough, I just don't want to think he's looking at that. Any redeeeming sports articles in it?  aaarrrggghhhhh.

The annual "swimsuit issue" is a stand-alone (har har) with no redeeming sports articles. It's all (barely-coverd) skin. It's not Playboy, but it ain't US News & World Report either.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Tinka Cat on February 25, 2011, 07:12:13 PM
My almost 14 y/o boy is asking for the SI swimsuit issue. He saw me looking at it at the store yesterday. Cover is hot. Bob did not want him to have it.  Not ready to deal with this. I guess he's old enough, I just don't want to think he's looking at that. Any redeeeming sports articles in it?  aaarrrggghhhhh.

The annual "swimsuit issue" is a stand-alone (har har) with no redeeming sports articles. It's all (barely-coverd) skin. It's not Playboy, but it ain't US News & World Report either.

yes, it's 14yo wanking material, for sure.  sorta like some Spanish-language TV shows. 

"Hey, don't knock masturbation. It's sex with someone I love." -- Alvy Singer


Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: RGMike on February 25, 2011, 07:44:21 PM

"Hey, don't knock masturbation. It's sex with someone I love." -- Alvy Singer


Countess: You are the greatest lover I've ever had.

Boris: Well, I practice a lot when I'm alone
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Gazoo on February 25, 2011, 08:01:17 PM
My almost 14 y/o boy is asking for the SI swimsuit issue. He saw me looking at it at the store yesterday. Cover is hot. Bob did not want him to have it.  Not ready to deal with this. I guess he's old enough, I just don't want to think he's looking at that. Any redeeeming sports articles in it?  aaarrrggghhhhh.

OTOH, it's a good thing that he asked you, no?
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Gazoo on February 28, 2011, 03:31:44 PM
Well, lookie here: I won a KFOG contest!  Anyone wanna come with me?
...

Congratulations, Foghead!
 
You've won a pair of passes to a KFOG Private Concert with Brett Dennen in the KFOG PlaySpace this Friday, March 4, 11am.  You and your guest should plan to arrive at KFOG at 10:30am, as the show will start promptly at 11am.  Your name will be on the guestlist, so please be sure to bring photo ID and check in with the KFOG representative in the 10th floor lobby.
 
The KFOG Playspace is located at KFOG Radio on 55 Hawthorne St., 10th Floor, in San Francisco.  By the way, if for any reason you are unable to attend, please email Allie at allie.forster@cumulus.com so we can select another winner.
 
Congratulations again, and thanks for listening to World Class Rock on 104.5 San Francisco and 97.7 San Jose — the Bay Area's KFOG!  We'll see you Friday!
 
Cheers.
 
KFOG Promotions
Sheri Nelson
Brian Comstock
Allie Forster
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: RGMike on February 28, 2011, 03:38:41 PM
Well, lookie here: I won a KFOG contest!  Anyone wanna come with me?

Did you enter this specifically or is it an amazing coinkydink? Talk about yer TANC!
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Gazoo on February 28, 2011, 09:35:30 PM
Well, lookie here: I won a KFOG contest!  Anyone wanna come with me?

Did you enter this specifically or is it an amazing coinkydink? Talk about yer TANC!

I entered it on a whim since I knew I'd be in town that day.  Never thought I'd actually win.

Seriously, any of you want to be my guest?
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: mshray on March 01, 2011, 08:26:28 AM
I could conceivably make it.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Tinka Cat on March 01, 2011, 09:35:37 AM
I could conceivably make it.

If Shray can't make it, I can. 

(Gaz: I sent you a msg with some contact details)
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Alicat on March 01, 2011, 10:08:48 AM
Well, lookie here: I won a KFOG contest!  Anyone wanna come with me?
...

Congratulations, Foghead!
 
You've won a pair of passes to a KFOG Private Concert with Brett Dennen in the KFOG PlaySpace this Friday, March 4, 11am.  You and your guest should plan to arrive at KFOG at 10:30am, as the show will start promptly at 11am.  Your name will be on the guestlist, so please be sure to bring photo ID and check in with the KFOG representative in the 10th floor lobby.
 
The KFOG Playspace is located at KFOG Radio on 55 Hawthorne St., 10th Floor, in San Francisco.  By the way, if for any reason you are unable to attend, please email Allie at allie.forster@cumulus.com so we can select another winner.
 
Congratulations again, and thanks for listening to World Class Rock on 104.5 San Francisco and 97.7 San Jose — the Bay Area's KFOG!  We'll see you Friday!
 
Cheers.
 
KFOG Promotions
Sheri Nelson
Brian Comstock
Allie Forster

That is absolutely WONDERFUL. What a great event to have on your trip here! Getting together Sunday?????
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: mshray on March 01, 2011, 10:57:02 AM
I could conceivably make it.

If Shray can't make it, I can.  

(Gaz: I sent you a msg with some contact details)

I think I probly can't now, looks like I got a job interview...which is good.  So why don't you move yourself to the top of the list TC.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Gazoo on March 01, 2011, 11:27:46 PM
I could conceivably make it.

If Shray can't make it, I can.  

(Gaz: I sent you a msg with some contact details)

I think I probly can't now, looks like I got a job interview...which is good.  So why don't you move yourself to the top of the list TC.

John, check your email.  All systems are go.

And it turns out my roommate is a *huge* fan of Brett Dennen, so I'm getting a good primer on his work.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: mshray on March 03, 2011, 12:23:37 PM
Wow.  Over the past decade I've been frequently asked in interviews what my favorite job was & my response was always to describe my very first Sili Valley job.  Today's company is far & away the closest fit since then.   :) :o :) :o

And...I was told three things on my way out the door:

a)  the hiring mgr, VP of Bus. Dev., is currently a one-man-show, and is desperate (both according to what the HR lady told me & what I saw this AM F2F with him) & he apologized for getting off-topic so much during the interview & at the end said "I really liked talking to you."

b)  they have one candidate they've talked to that they like, but is not local to the BA, so would require relocation.  Caity the HR lady said, "This is good for you."

c)  the only other candidate they are considering still hasn't replied with an appointment time, and if they can't schedule it by close of business tomorrow that's it.  They told me that they will make an offer on Monday to somebody no matter what.

Hope Hope!

Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Tinka Cat on March 03, 2011, 12:29:20 PM
Wow.  Over the past decade I've been frequently asked in interviews what my favorite job was & my response was always to describe my very first Sili Valley job.  Today's company is far & away the closest fit since then.   :) :o :) :o

And...I was told three things on my way out the door:

a)  the hiring mgr, VP of Bus. Dev., is currently a one-man-show, and is desperate (both according to what the HR lady told me & what I saw this AM F2F with him) & he apologized for getting off-topic so much during the interview & at the end said "I really liked talking to you."

b)  they have one candidate they've talked to that they like, but is not local to the BA, so would require relocation.  Caity the HR lady said, "This is good for you."

c)  the only other candidate they are considering still hasn't replied with an appointment time, and if they can't schedule it by close of business tomorrow that's it.  They told me that they will make an offer on Monday to somebody no matter what.

Hope Hope!


sounds really nice, Shray!  I hope they give you this chance -- they won't be sorry.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: RGMike on March 03, 2011, 12:38:16 PM
Wow.  Over the past decade I've been frequently asked in interviews what my favorite job was & my response was always to describe my very first Sili Valley job.  Today's company is far & away the closest fit since then.   :) :o :) :o

And...I was told three things on my way out the door:

a)  the hiring mgr, VP of Bus. Dev., is currently a one-man-show, and is desperate (both according to what the HR lady told me & what I saw this AM F2F with him) & he apologized for getting off-topic so much during the interview & at the end said "I really liked talking to you."

b)  they have one candidate they've talked to that they like, but is not local to the BA, so would require relocation.  Caity the HR lady said, "This is good for you."

c)  the only other candidate they are considering still hasn't replied with an appointment time, and if they can't schedule it by close of business tomorrow that's it.  They told me that they will make an offer on Monday to somebody no matter what.

Hope Hope!


sounds really nice, Shray!  I hope they give you this chance -- they won't be sorry.

Indeed, sounds good. We're rooting for ya!
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Alicat on March 03, 2011, 01:34:55 PM
Wow.  Over the past decade I've been frequently asked in interviews what my favorite job was & my response was always to describe my very first Sili Valley job.  Today's company is far & away the closest fit since then.   :) :o :) :o

And...I was told three things on my way out the door:

a)  the hiring mgr, VP of Bus. Dev., is currently a one-man-show, and is desperate (both according to what the HR lady told me & what I saw this AM F2F with him) & he apologized for getting off-topic so much during the interview & at the end said "I really liked talking to you."

b)  they have one candidate they've talked to that they like, but is not local to the BA, so would require relocation.  Caity the HR lady said, "This is good for you."

c)  the only other candidate they are considering still hasn't replied with an appointment time, and if they can't schedule it by close of business tomorrow that's it.  They told me that they will make an offer on Monday to somebody no matter what.

Hope Hope!
Sounds very promising  :) :) Hope it works out.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: urth on March 03, 2011, 11:34:10 PM
Wow.  Over the past decade I've been frequently asked in interviews what my favorite job was & my response was always to describe my very first Sili Valley job.  Today's company is far & away the closest fit since then.   :) :o :) :o

And...I was told three things on my way out the door:

a)  the hiring mgr, VP of Bus. Dev., is currently a one-man-show, and is desperate (both according to what the HR lady told me & what I saw this AM F2F with him) & he apologized for getting off-topic so much during the interview & at the end said "I really liked talking to you."

b)  they have one candidate they've talked to that they like, but is not local to the BA, so would require relocation.  Caity the HR lady said, "This is good for you."

c)  the only other candidate they are considering still hasn't replied with an appointment time, and if they can't schedule it by close of business tomorrow that's it.  They told me that they will make an offer on Monday to somebody no matter what.

Hope Hope!


Here's hoping! They'd be lucky to snag you!  (And were it to come to pass, it would mean the last 10 days or so have been pretty eventful for you on the employment scene, if you get my drift.)
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: mshray on March 04, 2011, 10:21:08 AM

(And were it to come to pass, it would mean the last 10 days or so have been pretty eventful for you on the employment scene, if you get my drift.)

No shit!  Well it is the year of the Rabbit/Hare, and that's me.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: princessofcairo on April 26, 2011, 02:02:36 AM
For those interested, there's an online fundraiser to help produce my next album. All the info is here:
http://www.indiegogo.com/Scenes-from-an-Icelandic-Novel-album-fundraiser

Thanks!
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: mshray on June 14, 2011, 10:39:23 AM
The latest excuse for my not being on the board so much the past couple of weeks:

The startup I've been working on for the past two years has finally gotten some money & gotten incorporated.  I am now the co-founder (albeit with a much smaller stake than my partner who developed the tech), on the Board of Directors, and have about 5 job titles.

Still working from home, but basically on call 24/7.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Lightnin' Rod on June 14, 2011, 10:53:26 AM
The latest excuse for my not being on the board so much the past couple of weeks:

The startup I've been working on for the past two years has finally gotten some money & gotten incorporated.  I am now the co-founder (albeit with a much smaller stake than my partner who developed the tech), on the Board of Directors, and have about 5 job titles.

Still working from home, but basically on call 24/7.

Congrats Mark!  Sounds like you going places.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Wayback on June 14, 2011, 03:53:48 PM
The latest excuse for my not being on the board so much the past couple of weeks:
The startup I've been working on for the past two years has finally gotten some money & gotten incorporated.  I am now the co-founder (albeit with a much smaller stake than my partner who developed the tech), on the Board of Directors, and have about 5 job titles. Still working from home, but basically on call 24/7.
Congrats Mark!  Sounds like you're going places.
Nice work Mark!  
(http://991.com/newGallery/Herb-Alpert-Going-Places-401606.jpg)
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Alicat on June 15, 2011, 09:07:31 PM
The latest excuse for my not being on the board so much the past couple of weeks:

The startup I've been working on for the past two years has finally gotten some money & gotten incorporated.  I am now the co-founder (albeit with a much smaller stake than my partner who developed the tech), on the Board of Directors, and have about 5 job titles.

Still working from home, but basically on call 24/7.
Most excellent. Hope you get to fly high! (just fit with the Herb Alpert plane and all)
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Alicat on June 23, 2011, 09:45:10 AM
Thanks. Went to nuerosurgeon today. Tumor a little smaller than a golf ball most likey metasticized fromm lung cancer of 2 years ago. Surgery being scheduled for next week at CPMC. Doc made it sound simple enough. It is located well with small percentage chance of motor loss on one side resulting from surgery. Radiation in area daily for 1-3 weeks afterward. I feel more possitive but still not great. I feel very fortunate to have flexibility at work to leave and be there for surgery etc...
Jeez Ali, I've been so busy, I missed this.  Deep healing beams for your dad sent your way.
Thanks Geoff. I thought about you on Wed. night as I drove almost right by your house. Nasty commute night due to rain so I left the hospital and took the beach way home. Great Highway closed at Lincoln so I detoured one street over and got out to Sloat and back on GH to Skyline. Took well over an hour to get home. Dad seems to be recovering well. Left ICU today and went to a regular room.
Fast forward 6 months or so....
My Dad did well but a tumor is back and he opted in May not to have surgery again and let nature take it's course. Not sure if any of you wondered (via my FB postings) why I have been in SF so often, eating my way throught the City. The decline is becoming apparent and he is hopefully getting into hospice care next week if not this weekend. Nice place in the Castro area. Not sure how everything plays out but so far I guess all is under control. My Mom has been at CPMC for the past 3 weeks recovering from an emergency surgery. Almost lost her but seems to be improving and may get out within a week.  Getting old and sick really sucks. I'm kind of worn out.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: RGMike on June 23, 2011, 09:50:27 AM
Thanks. Went to nuerosurgeon today. Tumor a little smaller than a golf ball most likey metasticized fromm lung cancer of 2 years ago. Surgery being scheduled for next week at CPMC. Doc made it sound simple enough. It is located well with small percentage chance of motor loss on one side resulting from surgery. Radiation in area daily for 1-3 weeks afterward. I feel more possitive but still not great. I feel very fortunate to have flexibility at work to leave and be there for surgery etc...
Jeez Ali, I've been so busy, I missed this.  Deep healing beams for your dad sent your way.
Thanks Geoff. I thought about you on Wed. night as I drove almost right by your house. Nasty commute night due to rain so I left the hospital and took the beach way home. Great Highway closed at Lincoln so I detoured one street over and got out to Sloat and back on GH to Skyline. Took well over an hour to get home. Dad seems to be recovering well. Left ICU today and went to a regular room.
Fast forward 6 months or so....
My Dad did well but a tumor is back and he opted in May not to have surgery again and let nature take it's course. Not sure if any of you wondered (via my FB postings) why I have been in SF so often, eating my way throught the City. The decline is becoming apparent and he is hopefully getting into hospice care next week if not this weekend. Nice place in the Castro area. Not sure how everything plays out but so far I guess all is under control. My Mom has been at CPMC for the past 3 weeks recovering from an emergency surgery. Almost lost her but seems to be improving and may get out within a week.  Getting old and sick really sucks. I'm kind of worn out.

OMG. Hang in there, kid, we're thinking of you.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Wayback on June 23, 2011, 10:01:49 AM
Thanks. Went to neurosurgeon today. Tumor a little smaller than a golf ball most likely metasticized from lung cancer of 2 years ago. Surgery being scheduled for next week at CPMC. Doc made it sound simple enough. It is located well with small percentage chance of motor loss on one side resulting from surgery. Radiation in area daily for 1-3 weeks afterward. I feel more positive but still not great. I feel very fortunate to have flexibility at work to leave and be there for surgery etc...
Jeez Ali, I've been so busy, I missed this.  Deep healing beams for your dad sent your way.
Thanks Geoff. I thought about you on Wed. night as I drove almost right by your house. Nasty commute night due to rain so I left the hospital and took the beach way home. Great Highway closed at Lincoln so I detoured one street over and got out to Sloat and back on GH to Skyline. Took well over an hour to get home. Dad seems to be recovering well. Left ICU today and went to a regular room.
Fast forward 6 months or so....
My Dad did well but a tumor is back and he opted in May not to have surgery again and let nature take it's course. Not sure if any of you wondered (via my FB postings) why I have been in SF so often, eating my way through the City. The decline is becoming apparent and he is hopefully getting into hospice care next week if not this weekend. Nice place in the Castro area. Not sure how everything plays out but so far I guess all is under control. My Mom has been at CPMC for the past 3 weeks recovering from an emergency surgery. Almost lost her but seems to be improving and may get out within a week.  Getting old and sick really sucks. I'm kind of worn out.
Yes it does; its hard to see our parents decline.  As Mike said, hang in there, our thoughts are with you!
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: sundaygal on June 23, 2011, 10:09:21 AM
Thanks. Went to nuerosurgeon today. Tumor a little smaller than a golf ball most likey metasticized fromm lung cancer of 2 years ago. Surgery being scheduled for next week at CPMC. Doc made it sound simple enough. It is located well with small percentage chance of motor loss on one side resulting from surgery. Radiation in area daily for 1-3 weeks afterward. I feel more possitive but still not great. I feel very fortunate to have flexibility at work to leave and be there for surgery etc...
Jeez Ali, I've been so busy, I missed this.  Deep healing beams for your dad sent your way.
Thanks Geoff. I thought about you on Wed. night as I drove almost right by your house. Nasty commute night due to rain so I left the hospital and took the beach way home. Great Highway closed at Lincoln so I detoured one street over and got out to Sloat and back on GH to Skyline. Took well over an hour to get home. Dad seems to be recovering well. Left ICU today and went to a regular room.
Fast forward 6 months or so....
My Dad did well but a tumor is back and he opted in May not to have surgery again and let nature take it's course. Not sure if any of you wondered (via my FB postings) why I have been in SF so often, eating my way throught the City. The decline is becoming apparent and he is hopefully getting into hospice care next week if not this weekend. Nice place in the Castro area. Not sure how everything plays out but so far I guess all is under control. My Mom has been at CPMC for the past 3 weeks recovering from an emergency surgery. Almost lost her but seems to be improving and may get out within a week.  Getting old and sick really sucks. I'm kind of worn out.
I'm so sorry about everything, Ali.  I'm sending positive thoughts your way.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: ggould on June 23, 2011, 10:13:17 AM
Fast forward 6 months or so....
My Dad did well but a tumor is back and he opted in May not to have surgery again and let nature take it's course. Not sure if any of you wondered (via my FB postings) why I have been in SF so often, eating my way throught the City. The decline is becoming apparent and he is hopefully getting into hospice care next week if not this weekend. Nice place in the Castro area. Not sure how everything plays out but so far I guess all is under control. My Mom has been at CPMC for the past 3 weeks recovering from an emergency surgery. Almost lost her but seems to be improving and may get out within a week.  Getting old and sick really sucks. I'm kind of worn out.
Treasure your time with your family.  Your presence is appreciated, and even when it's not noticed, it's still good. 
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Tinka Cat on June 23, 2011, 10:47:40 AM
Fast forward 6 months or so....
My Dad did well but a tumor is back and he opted in May not to have surgery again and let nature take it's course. Not sure if any of you wondered (via my FB postings) why I have been in SF so often, eating my way throught the City. The decline is becoming apparent and he is hopefully getting into hospice care next week if not this weekend. Nice place in the Castro area. Not sure how everything plays out but so far I guess all is under control. My Mom has been at CPMC for the past 3 weeks recovering from an emergency surgery. Almost lost her but seems to be improving and may get out within a week.  Getting old and sick really sucks. I'm kind of worn out.

From one cat to another: hang in there. Best thoughts to you!
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Gazoo on June 23, 2011, 11:05:39 AM
Sending good thoughts as well.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Lightnin' Rod on June 23, 2011, 11:56:42 AM
Hang in there Alicat.  I know it's tough.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: urth on June 24, 2011, 12:02:24 AM
Wow, can't imagine how you're bearing all of this. Having one ailing parent is really tough; having two at the same time is incomprehensible.

Just know we're all sending you good energy to get through it all, as well as for your folks. (If you don't mind my asking, do you have any siblings to share the load?)
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Alicat on June 24, 2011, 09:58:10 AM
Wow, can't imagine how you're bearing all of this. Having one ailing parent is really tough; having two at the same time is incomprehensible.

Just know we're all sending you good energy to get through it all, as well as for your folks. (If you don't mind my asking, do you have any siblings to share the load?)
Thanks. My Dad has an older brother who lives in Mill Valley and gets him out to dinner and can help. I have a half brother (Dad's son) who is 35 and lives locally. He can help but just doesn't have the maturity one would expect nor good common sense to be totally effective. He does help though. I have full power and resaponsibility over all affairs.
I am it for my Mom. She does have two sisters who are available to help and at this point do more for her than I am able to. She was moved yesterday from CPMC to Davies and no one even called to tell me.
I have cancelled my summer vacation in order to be available for the unknown timing of things and I'm going to try and book Christmas in Hawaii to get away from everything. Maybe a dream but I'm thinking about it.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: princessofcairo on June 24, 2011, 11:21:48 AM
Thanks. My Dad has an older brother who lives in Mill Valley and gets him out to dinner and can help. I have a half brother (Dad's son) who is 35 and lives locally. He can help but just doesn't have the maturity one would expect nor good common sense to be totally effective. He does help though. I have full power and resaponsibility over all affairs.
I am it for my Mom. She does have two sisters who are available to help and at this point do more for her than I am able to. She was moved yesterday from CPMC to Davies and no one even called to tell me.
I have cancelled my summer vacation in order to be available for the unknown timing of things and I'm going to try and book Christmas in Hawaii to get away from everything. Maybe a dream but I'm thinking about it.

Sorry to hear about all of this, Alicat. I'm sending you strength. Wish I could send you tickets to Hawaii, too.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Alicat on June 28, 2011, 12:07:49 AM
Helped move my Dad into the hospice today. Nice enough place by 18th a few blocks off Castro. Nice people.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: ggould on June 28, 2011, 01:42:04 PM
Helped move my Dad into the hospice today. Nice enough place by 18th a few blocks off Castro. Nice people.
:(
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Lightnin' Rod on July 08, 2011, 08:36:12 PM
Woohoo!  On vacation the next two weeks!  Gone fishing next week, completely out of touch (yay).  Then home for a week catching up on sleep and life that doesn't get taken care of when you're working 50 hours a week.  I am soooooo psyched!
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: ggould on July 12, 2011, 10:18:00 PM
I think we need some sort of tourist thread, but this is a place where people talk about such things, so since Alicat asked:

Nice. I'm planning Cal Academy on Monday. Offer any visiting advice you have. In a different thread than this.

Well, the current exhibit is the reptile stuff, which we saw most of already.  After Picasso, we're walking across the road to the CAS and see the new Reticulated Python, then having lunch.  The food choices there are killer!  If you want to see the planetarium show, get there early and pickup a free ticket for a specific time.  The Rainforest is very nice, but hot, make sure the kids are dressed in layers, and can cool down.

(http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/251607_2134599487381_1317875387_2486446_5458294_n.jpg)
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: sundaygal on July 13, 2011, 06:59:14 AM
I think we need some sort of tourist thread, but this is a place where people talk about such things, so since Alicat asked:

Nice. I'm planning Cal Academy on Monday. Offer any visiting advice you have. In a different thread than this.

Well, the current exhibit is the reptile stuff, which we saw most of already.  After Picasso, we're walking across the road to the CAS and see the new Reticulated Python, then having lunch.  The food choices there are killer!  If you want to see the planetarium show, get there early and pickup a free ticket for a specific time.  The Rainforest is very nice, but hot, make sure the kids are dressed in layers, and can cool down.

 
The penguin feeding in the African Room is fun to watch and informative for the kids.  Downstairs in the aquarium, there's a diver who speaks and answers questions from the audience underwater.  Check for times!  I'm not a fan of the rainforest thing...but it's probably because I get clausterphobic.  The roofgarden is worth checking out, especially on a sunny day.  Oh, and I agree with Geoff - the food in the cafe is really good.  It can get really crowded between 12 - 1pm.  The reptile exhibit is amazing!  We're planning on going again this Friday.   :)
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: ggould on July 13, 2011, 11:38:05 PM
I think we need some sort of tourist thread, but this is a place where people talk about such things, so since Alicat asked:

Nice. I'm planning Cal Academy on Monday. Offer any visiting advice you have. In a different thread than this.

Well, the current exhibit is the reptile stuff, which we saw most of already.  After Picasso, we're walking across the road to the CAS and see the new Reticulated Python, then having lunch.  The food choices there are killer!  If you want to see the planetarium show, get there early and pickup a free ticket for a specific time.  The Rainforest is very nice, but hot, make sure the kids are dressed in layers, and can cool down.

 
The penguin feeding in the African Room is fun to watch and informative for the kids.  Downstairs in the aquarium, there's a diver who speaks and answers questions from the audience underwater.  Check for times!  I'm not a fan of the rainforest thing...but it's probably because I get clausterphobic.  The roofgarden is worth checking out, especially on a sunny day.  Oh, and I agree with Geoff - the food in the cafe is really good.  It can get really crowded between 12 - 1pm.  The reptile exhibit is amazing!  We're planning on going again this Friday.   :)
We went over there today after the Picasso exhibit (Great!) and I wanted to see the new 18 ft Reticulated Python before lunch.  It's not in the main reptile exhibit, but has moved into the first cave on the left as you enter the rainforest dome.  At first, it looked like nothing was there, but a huge shed snake skin.  After asking where the snake was a couple more times, the handler coaxed it out of the corner, and all 18 ft of it slithered into view!

(http://cdn.abclocal.go.com/images/kgo/cms_exf_2007/news/local/san_francisco/8226569_448x252.jpg)
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Alicat on July 15, 2011, 10:25:45 PM
I think we need some sort of tourist thread, but this is a place where people talk about such things, so since Alicat asked:

Nice. I'm planning Cal Academy on Monday. Offer any visiting advice you have. In a different thread than this.

Well, the current exhibit is the reptile stuff, which we saw most of already.  After Picasso, we're walking across the road to the CAS and see the new Reticulated Python, then having lunch.  The food choices there are killer!  If you want to see the planetarium show, get there early and pickup a free ticket for a specific time.  The Rainforest is very nice, but hot, make sure the kids are dressed in layers, and can cool down.

 
The penguin feeding in the African Room is fun to watch and informative for the kids.  Downstairs in the aquarium, there's a diver who speaks and answers questions from the audience underwater.  Check for times!  I'm not a fan of the rainforest thing...but it's probably because I get clausterphobic.  The roofgarden is worth checking out, especially on a sunny day.  Oh, and I agree with Geoff - the food in the cafe is really good.  It can get really crowded between 12 - 1pm.  The reptile exhibit is amazing!  We're planning on going again this Friday.   :)
We went over there today after the Picasso exhibit (Great!) and I wanted to see the new 18 ft Reticulated Python before lunch.  It's not in the main reptile exhibit, but has moved into the first cave on the left as you enter the rainforest dome.  At first, it looked like nothing was there, but a huge shed snake skin.  After asking where the snake was a couple more times, the handler coaxed it out of the corner, and all 18 ft of it slithered into view!
Nice. Any advice on parking since I have to drive up?
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: sundaygal on July 16, 2011, 08:01:12 AM
I think we need some sort of tourist thread, but this is a place where people talk about such things, so since Alicat asked:

Nice. I'm planning Cal Academy on Monday. Offer any visiting advice you have. In a different thread than this.

Well, the current exhibit is the reptile stuff, which we saw most of already.  After Picasso, we're walking across the road to the CAS and see the new Reticulated Python, then having lunch.  The food choices there are killer!  If you want to see the planetarium show, get there early and pickup a free ticket for a specific time.  The Rainforest is very nice, but hot, make sure the kids are dressed in layers, and can cool down.

 
The penguin feeding in the African Room is fun to watch and informative for the kids.  Downstairs in the aquarium, there's a diver who speaks and answers questions from the audience underwater.  Check for times!  I'm not a fan of the rainforest thing...but it's probably because I get clausterphobic.  The roofgarden is worth checking out, especially on a sunny day.  Oh, and I agree with Geoff - the food in the cafe is really good.  It can get really crowded between 12 - 1pm.  The reptile exhibit is amazing!  We're planning on going again this Friday.   :)
We went over there today after the Picasso exhibit (Great!) and I wanted to see the new 18 ft Reticulated Python before lunch.  It's not in the main reptile exhibit, but has moved into the first cave on the left as you enter the rainforest dome.  At first, it looked like nothing was there, but a huge shed snake skin.  After asking where the snake was a couple more times, the handler coaxed it out of the corner, and all 18 ft of it slithered into view!
Nice. Any advice on parking since I have to drive up?
It's a 15 minute walk for me now...Oh, and I don't drive!  Street parking shouldn't be so bad, especially on a Monday.  Take a ton of photos and have fun!
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: urth on July 16, 2011, 02:12:37 PM
I think we need some sort of tourist thread, but this is a place where people talk about such things, so since Alicat asked:

Nice. I'm planning Cal Academy on Monday. Offer any visiting advice you have. In a different thread than this.

Well, the current exhibit is the reptile stuff, which we saw most of already.  After Picasso, we're walking across the road to the CAS and see the new Reticulated Python, then having lunch.  The food choices there are killer!  If you want to see the planetarium show, get there early and pickup a free ticket for a specific time.  The Rainforest is very nice, but hot, make sure the kids are dressed in layers, and can cool down.

 
The penguin feeding in the African Room is fun to watch and informative for the kids.  Downstairs in the aquarium, there's a diver who speaks and answers questions from the audience underwater.  Check for times!  I'm not a fan of the rainforest thing...but it's probably because I get clausterphobic.  The roofgarden is worth checking out, especially on a sunny day.  Oh, and I agree with Geoff - the food in the cafe is really good.  It can get really crowded between 12 - 1pm.  The reptile exhibit is amazing!  We're planning on going again this Friday.   :)
We went over there today after the Picasso exhibit (Great!) and I wanted to see the new 18 ft Reticulated Python before lunch.  It's not in the main reptile exhibit, but has moved into the first cave on the left as you enter the rainforest dome.  At first, it looked like nothing was there, but a huge shed snake skin.  After asking where the snake was a couple more times, the handler coaxed it out of the corner, and all 18 ft of it slithered into view!
Nice. Any advice on parking since I have to drive up?
It's a 15 minute walk for me now...Oh, and I don't drive!  Street parking shouldn't be so bad, especially on a Monday.  Take a ton of photos and have fun!

Parking in the park shouldn't be too tough, but you may have to walk a couple blocks. Try along Martin Luther King near Stowe Lake or on Middle Drive behind the Cal Academy, it's not too far from either to the museums.  And get there in the morning if you can; that'll help.

We lived a short walk down 9th Ave from the park for 10 years, but didn't take advantage of the museums nearly as much as we should have. (Of course, both the De Young and Cal Academy were closed for rebuilding for several years during that time but still...) Loved the Strybing Arboretum and Stowe Lake though.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: ggould on July 16, 2011, 03:30:50 PM
I think we need some sort of tourist thread, but this is a place where people talk about such things, so since Alicat asked:

Nice. I'm planning Cal Academy on Monday. Offer any visiting advice you have. In a different thread than this.

Well, the current exhibit is the reptile stuff, which we saw most of already.  After Picasso, we're walking across the road to the CAS and see the new Reticulated Python, then having lunch.  The food choices there are killer!  If you want to see the planetarium show, get there early and pickup a free ticket for a specific time.  The Rainforest is very nice, but hot, make sure the kids are dressed in layers, and can cool down.

 
The penguin feeding in the African Room is fun to watch and informative for the kids.  Downstairs in the aquarium, there's a diver who speaks and answers questions from the audience underwater.  Check for times!  I'm not a fan of the rainforest thing...but it's probably because I get clausterphobic.  The roofgarden is worth checking out, especially on a sunny day.  Oh, and I agree with Geoff - the food in the cafe is really good.  It can get really crowded between 12 - 1pm.  The reptile exhibit is amazing!  We're planning on going again this Friday.   :)
We went over there today after the Picasso exhibit (Great!) and I wanted to see the new 18 ft Reticulated Python before lunch.  It's not in the main reptile exhibit, but has moved into the first cave on the left as you enter the rainforest dome.  At first, it looked like nothing was there, but a huge shed snake skin.  After asking where the snake was a couple more times, the handler coaxed it out of the corner, and all 18 ft of it slithered into view!
Nice. Any advice on parking since I have to drive up?
What they said!  Also, if you get there early enough, there will be some street parking on the back side (east) of the building, and the south side.  There is a paid parking lot, but you can avoid it if willing to walk.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Alicat on July 18, 2011, 11:45:05 PM
I think we need some sort of tourist thread, but this is a place where people talk about such things, so since Alicat asked:

Nice. I'm planning Cal Academy on Monday. Offer any visiting advice you have. In a different thread than this.

Well, the current exhibit is the reptile stuff, which we saw most of already.  After Picasso, we're walking across the road to the CAS and see the new Reticulated Python, then having lunch.  The food choices there are killer!  If you want to see the planetarium show, get there early and pickup a free ticket for a specific time.  The Rainforest is very nice, but hot, make sure the kids are dressed in layers, and can cool down.

 
The penguin feeding in the African Room is fun to watch and informative for the kids.  Downstairs in the aquarium, there's a diver who speaks and answers questions from the audience underwater.  Check for times!  I'm not a fan of the rainforest thing...but it's probably because I get clausterphobic.  The roofgarden is worth checking out, especially on a sunny day.  Oh, and I agree with Geoff - the food in the cafe is really good.  It can get really crowded between 12 - 1pm.  The reptile exhibit is amazing!  We're planning on going again this Friday.   :)
We went over there today after the Picasso exhibit (Great!) and I wanted to see the new 18 ft Reticulated Python before lunch.  It's not in the main reptile exhibit, but has moved into the first cave on the left as you enter the rainforest dome.  At first, it looked like nothing was there, but a huge shed snake skin.  After asking where the snake was a couple more times, the handler coaxed it out of the corner, and all 18 ft of it slithered into view!
Nice. Any advice on parking since I have to drive up?
What they said!  Also, if you get there early enough, there will be some street parking on the back side (east) of the building, and the south side.  There is a paid parking lot, but you can avoid it if willing to walk.
All went well. Had a grand time. Parking was easy. Weather was beautiful. Put a few pics on FB while there. The food choices in the cafe were amazing. I took a small (teensy tiny) nap during the planetarium show and again waiting for the coral reef diver. I can never seem to get caught up on sleep.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Alicat on July 21, 2011, 08:37:21 PM
I am selling an armoire and TV.  I need to make room for some furniture acquired from my Dad. Any of you interested? Special deal for any of you. See listing at http://sfbay.craigslist.org/pen/fuo/2506865248.html
Thanks.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: mshray on July 22, 2011, 02:20:24 PM

I am selling an armoire and TV.  I need to make room for some furniture acquired from my Dad. Any of you interested? Special deal for any of you. See listing at http://sfbay.craigslist.org/pen/fuo/2506865248.html
Thanks.

I'm interested, but need to know the depth.  I'm assuming the listing is 74" high, and 40" wide.  The place it would go is near the entrance of the guest room in my house, and if it sticks out to far in the depth dimension it will really cut off the entryway.  But only if it is unusually deep.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Alicat on July 22, 2011, 03:47:13 PM

I am selling an armoire and TV.  I need to make room for some furniture acquired from my Dad. Any of you interested? Special deal for any of you. See listing at http://sfbay.craigslist.org/pen/fuo/2506865248.html
Thanks.

I'm interested, but need to know the depth.  I'm assuming the listing is 74" high, and 40" wide.  The place it would go is near the entrance of the guest room in my house, and if it sticks out to far in the depth dimension it will really cut off the entryway.  But only if it is unusually deep.
Keep in mind it is really built for a TV as the thing the TV is on slides out and swivels and there's an opening in the back for cords to exit. I called and asked Nicole to measure. It is approx 20" deep. The doors that open on the front slide in as you see it open in the image. Thanks for asking.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Gazoo on July 26, 2011, 10:10:46 AM
I've been less of a presence lately - been kinda busy and stressed out.  As a few of you have noticed on FB, I find myself preparing to move *yet again*.  I'd wanted to stay on St. Marks for a while, but the place really is tiny and the landlord's upping the rent $100.  So bye-bye me.

Good news now, though: we've just submitted an application and deposit for a two-floor 4BR (for the same price as our current 2BR) in the McKibbin lofts, a huge converted warehouse that is home to a large array of creative types.  I'll say more in a few days if we get the place.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: RGMike on July 26, 2011, 10:12:30 AM
I've been less of a presence lately - been kinda busy and stressed out.  As a few of you have noticed on FB, I find myself preparing to move *yet again*.  I'd wanted to stay on St. Marks for a while, but the place really is tiny and the landlord's upping the rent $100.  So bye-bye me.

Good news now, though: we've just submitted an application and deposit for a two-floor 4BR (for the same price as our current 2BR) in the McKibbin lofts, a huge converted warehouse that is home to a large array of creative types.  I'll say more in a few days if we get the place.

fingers crossed for ya, bub. (but please don't become a Williamsburg hipster-douchebag)
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: sundaygal on July 26, 2011, 04:47:59 PM
I've been less of a presence lately - been kinda busy and stressed out.  As a few of you have noticed on FB, I find myself preparing to move *yet again*.  I'd wanted to stay on St. Marks for a while, but the place really is tiny and the landlord's upping the rent $100.  So bye-bye me.

Good news now, though: we've just submitted an application and deposit for a two-floor 4BR (for the same price as our current 2BR) in the McKibbin lofts, a huge converted warehouse that is home to a large array of creative types.  I'll say more in a few days if we get the place.

fingers crossed for ya, bub. (but please don't become a Williamsburg hipster-douchebag)
Yeah, crossing my fingers for ya, too!  Sounds like a great place to be.   :)
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Tinka Cat on July 26, 2011, 05:11:53 PM
I've been less of a presence lately - been kinda busy and stressed out.  As a few of you have noticed on FB, I find myself preparing to move *yet again*.  I'd wanted to stay on St. Marks for a while, but the place really is tiny and the landlord's upping the rent $100.  So bye-bye me.

Good news now, though: we've just submitted an application and deposit for a two-floor 4BR (for the same price as our current 2BR) in the McKibbin lofts, a huge converted warehouse that is home to a large array of creative types.  I'll say more in a few days if we get the place.

fingers crossed for ya, bub. (but please don't become a Williamsburg hipster-douchebag)
Yeah, crossing my fingers for ya, too!  Sounds like a great place to be.   :)

yeah, cool. You might live in Billyburg!  The first time I went there was back the 80s.  very desolate, but super cool spaces.  I knew someone who lived in an industrial space, a live/work building with tall ceilings, low floors - :) - and large windows.  It might be what Soho felt like in the early 70s when the artists types started to gentrify it.  I remember seeing a couple hat shops that sold these really expensive beaver fur fedoras made by Borsalino.  Of course, the primary customers were Hasidim.   Saw a few Orthodox Jews, too.

isn't one of the largest Jewish Congregations HQ'd in W'burg?

ok here's a Jewsish joke for you:

A Jewish sailor was shipwrecked on a desert island and the first thing he did was build two synagogues....
 Years later when he was rescued people were bewildered and asked him: Why he built two synagogues... to which he replied.
 
"Oh that other one... I would NEVER go there!"
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Alicat on August 02, 2011, 11:48:58 AM
I'm either going to melt or fry. Maybe both. Heading to Dallas in a few hours. It is 105-110 where I'm going. Back Weds. night.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: RGMike on August 02, 2011, 12:13:53 PM
I'm either going to melt or fry. Maybe both. Heading to Dallas in a few hours. It is 105-110 where I'm going.

That's why Lone Star Beer comes in big bottles, baby!
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: RGMike on August 09, 2011, 07:46:01 AM
By now you've heard about the big BART clusterf**k last nite:

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2011/08/09/BA191KL1PI.DTL

I missed it by 10 minutes!  Went to the movies after work (see Movie Thread) and had a quick bite in the SF Center food court. I was thisclose to walking across the street to do some shopping but decided I'd go home instead.  I got out of BART at Mission/24th at 7:22... literally 10 minutes before the whole damn system shut down. *phew!*
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Alicat on August 14, 2011, 11:44:51 PM
My Dad passed away either very late Thursday or very early on Friday. I was siting here at my computer when I got the call. He was in hospice care for about 6 weeks, wonderful place. Service Monday. I'm doing OK. I had cancelled a biz trip to San Diego Wed-Fri and very glad I did. I spent about 7 hours at his side Thursday, leaving about 7pm.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: RGMike on August 15, 2011, 07:55:21 AM
My Dad passed away either very late Thursday or very early on Friday. I was siting here at my computer when I got the call. He was in hospice care for about 6 weeks, wonderful place. Service Monday. I'm doing OK. I had cancelled a biz trip to San Diego Wed-Fri and very glad I did. I spent about 7 hours at his side Thursday, leaving about 7pm.

My heart goes out to ya, Ali.  We're all thinking of you today.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: sundaygal on August 15, 2011, 08:10:42 AM
My Dad passed away either very late Thursday or very early on Friday. I was siting here at my computer when I got the call. He was in hospice care for about 6 weeks, wonderful place. Service Monday. I'm doing OK. I had cancelled a biz trip to San Diego Wed-Fri and very glad I did. I spent about 7 hours at his side Thursday, leaving about 7pm.
I know how difficult this must be for you.  You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: radical347 on August 15, 2011, 08:49:30 AM
My Dad passed away either very late Thursday or very early on Friday. I was siting here at my computer when I got the call. He was in hospice care for about 6 weeks, wonderful place. Service Monday. I'm doing OK. I had cancelled a biz trip to San Diego Wed-Fri and very glad I did. I spent about 7 hours at his side Thursday, leaving about 7pm.

I'm very sorry about your loss. :(  I'll be thinking of you.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Tinka Cat on August 15, 2011, 09:04:48 AM
My Dad passed away either very late Thursday or very early on Friday. I was siting here at my computer when I got the call. He was in hospice care for about 6 weeks, wonderful place. Service Monday. I'm doing OK. I had cancelled a biz trip to San Diego Wed-Fri and very glad I did. I spent about 7 hours at his side Thursday, leaving about 7pm.

I feel for you, Ali.  I lost my mom last year and it sucks.

I never met him, but I will raise a glass to him at some point.  He had a long life ... and a great daughter!
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Lightnin' Rod on August 15, 2011, 09:21:29 AM
My Dad passed away either very late Thursday or very early on Friday. I was siting here at my computer when I got the call. He was in hospice care for about 6 weeks, wonderful place. Service Monday. I'm doing OK. I had cancelled a biz trip to San Diego Wed-Fri and very glad I did. I spent about 7 hours at his side Thursday, leaving about 7pm.

I'm sorry for your loss Alicat.  Take care.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: urth on August 15, 2011, 09:56:20 AM
My Dad passed away either very late Thursday or very early on Friday. I was siting here at my computer when I got the call. He was in hospice care for about 6 weeks, wonderful place. Service Monday. I'm doing OK. I had cancelled a biz trip to San Diego Wed-Fri and very glad I did. I spent about 7 hours at his side Thursday, leaving about 7pm.

Sorry to hear about your dad's passing. My condolences to you and your family.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Wayback on August 15, 2011, 10:22:23 AM
My Dad passed away either very late Thursday or very early on Friday. I was siting here at my computer when I got the call. He was in hospice care for about 6 weeks, wonderful place. Service Monday. I'm doing OK. I had cancelled a biz trip to San Diego Wed-Fri and very glad I did. I spent about 7 hours at his side Thursday, leaving about 7pm.
Ali, my sincere condolences.  Thanks for keeping us posted about your dad the last few months.  I had a very similar experience with my dad ten years ago.   We're all thinking of you.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Alicat on August 15, 2011, 09:33:01 PM
Thanks all. Everything went well. Still have estate work to wrap up and happy things are going well with my brother. We have had no conflicts. So thankful.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: ggould on August 15, 2011, 10:23:36 PM
Thanks all. Everything went well. Still have estate work to wrap up and happy things are going well with my brother. We have had no conflicts. So thankful.
I missed your post earlier, much healing beams your way.  I think it's a good sign you're doing well with your brother.  You have been through a lot, and your dad's suffering is done.  I lost my dad in 1995, and still miss him.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Gazoo on August 16, 2011, 10:41:25 AM
Thanks all. Everything went well. Still have estate work to wrap up and happy things are going well with my brother. We have had no conflicts. So thankful.

Sending my condolences your way.  Thanks for keeping us posted.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: ggould on August 19, 2011, 11:22:11 PM
I know it's basically meaningless, but I just confirmed what has slowly been occurring to me; I seem to be the oldest teacher at my high school.  Damn.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: RGMike on August 31, 2011, 08:47:36 AM
So, I made a somewhat last-minute decision and am taking vacay days to give myself a 5-day Labor Day weekend, starting tomorrow.

Thurs morning I'm having breakfast at Little Griddle, a new place at Market & 10th that's supposed to be yummy (and looks it):

http://www.thechilidog.net/2011/08/little-griddle-1400-market-st-near-10th.html

and then in the afternoon the computer doctor is making a housecall to try and diagnose WTF is wrong with my painfully sluggish and unresponsive PC.

Friday I'm thinking dim sum out at Ton Kiang -- if anyone's free and wants to join me, give a shout.


Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Alicat on August 31, 2011, 10:28:16 PM
So, I made a somewhat last-minute decision and am taking vacay days to give myself a 5-day Labor Day weekend, starting tomorrow.

Thurs morning I'm having breakfast at Little Griddle, a new place at Market & 10th that's supposed to be yummy (and looks it):

http://www.thechilidog.net/2011/08/little-griddle-1400-market-st-near-10th.html

and then in the afternoon the computer doctor is making a housecall to try and diagnose WTF is wrong with my painfully sluggish and unresponsive PC.

Friday I'm thinking dim sum out at Ton Kiang -- if anyone's free and wants to join me, give a shout.

WHAT!? No movies? What's on your movie radar right now?
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: RGMike on August 31, 2011, 10:37:41 PM
So, I made a somewhat last-minute decision and am taking vacay days to give myself a 5-day Labor Day weekend, starting tomorrow.

Thurs morning I'm having breakfast at Little Griddle, a new place at Market & 10th that's supposed to be yummy (and looks it):

http://www.thechilidog.net/2011/08/little-griddle-1400-market-st-near-10th.html

and then in the afternoon the computer doctor is making a housecall to try and diagnose WTF is wrong with my painfully sluggish and unresponsive PC.

Friday I'm thinking dim sum out at Ton Kiang -- if anyone's free and wants to join me, give a shout.

WHAT!? No movies? What's on your movie radar right now?

You thought I'd go 5 days without film?  This weekend I plan to see The Help, Crazy Stupid Love, Our Idiot Brother and probably something on On-Demand.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Alicat on August 31, 2011, 11:02:50 PM
So, I made a somewhat last-minute decision and am taking vacay days to give myself a 5-day Labor Day weekend, starting tomorrow.

Thurs morning I'm having breakfast at Little Griddle, a new place at Market & 10th that's supposed to be yummy (and looks it):

http://www.thechilidog.net/2011/08/little-griddle-1400-market-st-near-10th.html

and then in the afternoon the computer doctor is making a housecall to try and diagnose WTF is wrong with my painfully sluggish and unresponsive PC.

Friday I'm thinking dim sum out at Ton Kiang -- if anyone's free and wants to join me, give a shout.

WHAT!? No movies? What's on your movie radar right now?

You thought I'd go 5 days without film?  This weekend I plan to see The Help, Crazy Stupid Love, Our Idiot Brother and probably something on On-Demand.
Whew! What a relief. Someone asked me if I wanted to see The Debt. I haven't a clue.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: RGMike on September 01, 2011, 10:40:43 AM
Someone asked me if I wanted to see The Debt. I haven't a clue.

Helen Mirren fights Nazis.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: princessofcairo on September 01, 2011, 10:48:56 AM
Someone asked me if I wanted to see The Debt. I haven't a clue.

Helen Mirren fights Nazis.

Hot.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: ggould on September 01, 2011, 11:04:13 AM
Someone asked me if I wanted to see The Debt. I haven't a clue.

Helen Mirren fights Nazis.

Hot.

Speaking of Helen Mirren, is there any reason to check out the US version of Prime Suspect?
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: RGMike on September 01, 2011, 12:50:32 PM
Someone asked me if I wanted to see The Debt. I haven't a clue.

Helen Mirren fights Nazis.

Hot.

Speaking of Helen Mirren, is there any reason to check out the US version of Prime Suspect?

Haven't heard whether it's good or bad. I like Maria Bello, but it's like... why not just call it something else? Your target demo has never heard of/seen the original anyway.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: RGMike on September 01, 2011, 02:02:24 PM
Computer doctor just left, taking my CPU with him. Apparently I have a damaged hard drive. Luckily I've got the netbook.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Alicat on September 02, 2011, 10:42:25 AM
Someone asked me if I wanted to see The Debt. I haven't a clue.

Helen Mirren fights Nazis.

Hot.
Yup.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Alicat on September 02, 2011, 10:43:56 AM
Computer doctor just left, taking my CPU with him. Apparently I have a damaged hard drive. Luckily I've got the netbook.
Isn't your PC a somewhat newish acquisition?  boo hiss for damage.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: RGMike on September 02, 2011, 05:27:10 PM
Computer doctor just left, taking my CPU with him. Apparently I have a damaged hard drive. Luckily I've got the netbook.
Isn't your PC a somewhat newish acquisition?  boo hiss for damage.

yes, it's about 18 months old. Looks like it was damaged from day one and every time I use it ... it gets worse.  But he seemed to think he can transfer the data to a replacement hard drive -- don't wanna think about what that costs.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Alicat on September 09, 2011, 10:46:49 AM
Alicat out next week. Biz trip to San Diego. Not much time for social media other than mobile FB.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: RGMike on September 09, 2011, 10:50:13 AM
Alicat out next week. Biz trip to San Diego. Not much time for social media other than mobile FB.

we'll miss ya, baby. Time to get in a Padres game? ;)
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Alicat on September 09, 2011, 12:03:53 PM
Alicat out next week. Biz trip to San Diego. Not much time for social media other than mobile FB.

we'll miss ya, baby. Time to get in a Padres game? ;)
You know I looked. Padres are HERE! 
I am going to what is probably the LAST game of the season. Day game Sept 28. I have my Sharks games lined up.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: sundaygal on September 10, 2011, 05:52:54 PM
Mark your calendars!  My son's preschool is having their 41st annual auction benefit on Saturday, November 5th (6-10pm) at the Janet Pomeroy Center near Lake Merced.  Tickets are $20/pair and $10 for a bottomless glass of wine or beer.  Gourmet food, and live music, to boot!   ;)

There's over 1000 auction items, including a Maui getaway, a week at a Paris apartment (great location), amongst many quality items.  

If you're interested in going and or have something to donate, please let me know! (I can provide a formal letter and or tax ID info)  Oh, and I think a "special KFOG personality" will (hopefully) emcee the event.  To be confirmed.  Fingers crossed!

I would love for you all to be there.  Maybe we can make this a club get-together!   :) :D ;D

*I'll post a link to the online auction catalog as soon as it's up.  I'm the person processing all the items...there's some good stuff with low starting bid prices.





Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Tinka Cat on September 10, 2011, 06:53:56 PM
Mark your calendars!  My son's preschool is having their 41st annual auction benefit on Saturday, November 5th (6-10pm) at the Janet Pomeroy Center near Lake Merced.  Tickets are $20/pair and $10 for a bottomless glass of wine or beer.  Gourmet food, and live music, to boot!   ;)

There's over 1000 auction items, including a Maui getaway, a week at a Paris apartment (great location), amongst many quality items. 

If you're interested in going and or have something to donate, please let me know! (I can provide a formal letter and or tax ID info)  Oh, and I think a "special KFOG personality" will (hopefully) emcee the event.  To be confirmed.  Fingers crossed!

I would love for you all to be there.  Maybe we can make this a club get-together!   :) :D ;D

*I'll post a link to the online auction catalog as soon as it's up.  I'm the person processing all the items...there's some good stuff with low starting bid prices.

this sounds pretty cool!  Yes, please keep us posted...
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Alicat on September 14, 2011, 10:13:15 AM
Some of you may have noticed via FB that I flew home on Monday after planning on being in San Diego for a week. My mom passed away yesterday. Aug 12 Dad, Sept 13 Mom. Wow. I knew she wasn't well but things took a bad turn and I repacked in 10 minutes and got a quick flight home. Good support from everyone I work with, they made all my arrangements and I just needed to get to the airport gate. I think I'll be busy doing all the needed "stuff" over the coming months and really need my December vacation. Today is a day at the computer and errands. Gotta clean out my mom's email. Shouldn't be much fun. I want Chinese food.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: RGMike on September 14, 2011, 10:29:26 AM
Some of you may have noticed via FB that I flew home on Monday after planning on being in San Diego for a week. My mom passed away yesterday. Aug 12 Dad, Sept 13 Mom. Wow. I knew she wasn't well but things took a bad turn and I repacked in 10 minutes and got a quick flight home. Good support from everyone I work with, they made all my arrangements and I just needed to get to the airport gate. I think I'll be busy doing all the needed "stuff" over the coming months and really need my December vacation. Today is a day at the computer and errands. Gotta clean out my mom's email. Shouldn't be much fun. I want Chinese food.

OMG, Ali. Words fail me. Hang in there.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Tinka Cat on September 14, 2011, 10:32:50 AM
Some of you may have noticed via FB that I flew home on Monday after planning on being in San Diego for a week. My mom passed away yesterday. Aug 12 Dad, Sept 13 Mom. Wow. I knew she wasn't well but things took a bad turn and I repacked in 10 minutes and got a quick flight home. Good support from everyone I work with, they made all my arrangements and I just needed to get to the airport gate. I think I'll be busy doing all the needed "stuff" over the coming months and really need my December vacation. Today is a day at the computer and errands. Gotta clean out my mom's email. Shouldn't be much fun. I want Chinese food.

oh man.. so sorry, AliCat.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: sundaygal on September 14, 2011, 10:37:31 AM
Some of you may have noticed via FB that I flew home on Monday after planning on being in San Diego for a week. My mom passed away yesterday. Aug 12 Dad, Sept 13 Mom. Wow. I knew she wasn't well but things took a bad turn and I repacked in 10 minutes and got a quick flight home. Good support from everyone I work with, they made all my arrangements and I just needed to get to the airport gate. I think I'll be busy doing all the needed "stuff" over the coming months and really need my December vacation. Today is a day at the computer and errands. Gotta clean out my mom's email. Shouldn't be much fun. I want Chinese food.
Aww, lady.  So sorry to hear this.  I'd want Chinese food and a vat of Haagen Daz, too.  Hang in there.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: urth on September 14, 2011, 11:07:19 AM
Some of you may have noticed via FB that I flew home on Monday after planning on being in San Diego for a week. My mom passed away yesterday. Aug 12 Dad, Sept 13 Mom. Wow. I knew she wasn't well but things took a bad turn and I repacked in 10 minutes and got a quick flight home. Good support from everyone I work with, they made all my arrangements and I just needed to get to the airport gate. I think I'll be busy doing all the needed "stuff" over the coming months and really need my December vacation. Today is a day at the computer and errands. Gotta clean out my mom's email. Shouldn't be much fun. I want Chinese food.

Wow, that's hard. Sending you good vibes and strength. Best to your family, too.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: ggould on September 14, 2011, 11:20:28 AM
Some of you may have noticed via FB that I flew home on Monday after planning on being in San Diego for a week. My mom passed away yesterday. Aug 12 Dad, Sept 13 Mom. Wow. I knew she wasn't well but things took a bad turn and I repacked in 10 minutes and got a quick flight home. Good support from everyone I work with, they made all my arrangements and I just needed to get to the airport gate. I think I'll be busy doing all the needed "stuff" over the coming months and really need my December vacation. Today is a day at the computer and errands. Gotta clean out my mom's email. Shouldn't be much fun. I want Chinese food.
Double-whammy.  Take care of yourself first, things will work out, they have to!  {{{{Alicat}}}}
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Lightnin' Rod on September 14, 2011, 11:38:11 AM
Some of you may have noticed via FB that I flew home on Monday after planning on being in San Diego for a week. My mom passed away yesterday. Aug 12 Dad, Sept 13 Mom. Wow. I knew she wasn't well but things took a bad turn and I repacked in 10 minutes and got a quick flight home. Good support from everyone I work with, they made all my arrangements and I just needed to get to the airport gate. I think I'll be busy doing all the needed "stuff" over the coming months and really need my December vacation. Today is a day at the computer and errands. Gotta clean out my mom's email. Shouldn't be much fun. I want Chinese food.

I am so sorry Ali... take care.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Big Fingers McGee on September 14, 2011, 03:54:02 PM
Some of you may have noticed via FB that I flew home on Monday after planning on being in San Diego for a week. My mom passed away yesterday. Aug 12 Dad, Sept 13 Mom. Wow. I knew she wasn't well but things took a bad turn and I repacked in 10 minutes and got a quick flight home. Good support from everyone I work with, they made all my arrangements and I just needed to get to the airport gate. I think I'll be busy doing all the needed "stuff" over the coming months and really need my December vacation. Today is a day at the computer and errands. Gotta clean out my mom's email. Shouldn't be much fun. I want Chinese food.

Oh man Alison, I am truly sorry this has happened. I'm sure you helped them become very proud of the lives they lived.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: radical347 on September 14, 2011, 05:14:45 PM
Some of you may have noticed via FB that I flew home on Monday after planning on being in San Diego for a week. My mom passed away yesterday. Aug 12 Dad, Sept 13 Mom. Wow. I knew she wasn't well but things took a bad turn and I repacked in 10 minutes and got a quick flight home. Good support from everyone I work with, they made all my arrangements and I just needed to get to the airport gate. I think I'll be busy doing all the needed "stuff" over the coming months and really need my December vacation. Today is a day at the computer and errands. Gotta clean out my mom's email. Shouldn't be much fun. I want Chinese food.

Oh no :(  I'm very sorry.  My thoughts are with you.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Gazoo on September 21, 2011, 10:01:34 AM
Ali, just read the news; I am so sorry.  I hope you're holding up OK.

I've been off the board for well over a week tending to drama in my own household.  But I wanted to share some good news - I've had another story published by TIME.com: the Top 10 date-specific songs.  Do you remember the 21st night of September?

http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,2094071_2094069,00.html
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: RGMike on September 21, 2011, 10:17:05 AM
Ali, just read the news; I am so sorry.  I hope you're holding up OK.

I've been off the board for well over a week tending to drama in my own household.  But I wanted to share some good news - I've had another story published by TIME.com: the Top 10 date-specific songs.  Do you remember the 21st night of September?

http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,2094071_2094069,00.html

TANC: AL just played it.  Congrats, my friend.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Alicat on September 23, 2011, 10:42:13 PM
Ali, just read the news; I am so sorry.  I hope you're holding up OK.

I've been off the board for well over a week tending to drama in my own household.  But I wanted to share some good news - I've had another story published by TIME.com: the Top 10 date-specific songs.  Do you remember the 21st night of September?

http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,2094071_2094069,00.html

TANC: AL just played it.  Congrats, my friend.
Nice. Convoy. Good flashback.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Gazoo on September 24, 2011, 07:31:18 AM
Ali, just read the news; I am so sorry.  I hope you're holding up OK.

I've been off the board for well over a week tending to drama in my own household.  But I wanted to share some good news - I've had another story published by TIME.com: the Top 10 date-specific songs.  Do you remember the 21st night of September?

http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,2094071_2094069,00.html

TANC: AL just played it.  Congrats, my friend.
Nice. Convoy. Good flashback.

I'm glad it was able to give you some amusing distraction.  You holding up OK?
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: sundaygal on September 24, 2011, 11:08:20 AM
Mark your calendars!  My son's preschool is having their 41st annual auction benefit on Saturday, November 5th (6-10pm) at the Janet Pomeroy Center near Lake Merced.  Tickets are $20/pair and $10 for a bottomless glass of wine or beer.  Gourmet food, and live music, to boot!   ;)

There's over 1000 auction items, including a Maui getaway, a week at a Paris apartment (great location), amongst many quality items.  

If you're interested in going and or have something to donate, please let me know! (I can provide a formal letter and or tax ID info)  Oh, and I think a "special KFOG personality" will (hopefully) emcee the event.  To be confirmed.  Fingers crossed!

I would love for you all to be there.  Maybe we can make this a club get-together!   :) :D ;D

*I'll post a link to the online auction catalog as soon as it's up.  I'm the person processing all the items...there's some good stuff with low starting bid prices.



Renee from the KFOG Morning Show will emcee the live auction part of our event!  Confirmed!  For the record, I approached AL first and she pretty much agreed to do it.  But then I found out that Renee went to auctioneering school.  Our preschool really pushed for Renee upon hearing that.  I'm hoping AL will show up anyway.  Hope you guys can too!  It's gonna be great fun with fabulous merchandise.  Let me know if and when you'd like to buy tickets.

Oh, and a big thanks to Lattegirl for hooking us up!   :)
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Big Fingers McGee on September 24, 2011, 07:12:29 PM
Mark your calendars!  My son's preschool is having their 41st annual auction benefit on Saturday, November 5th (6-10pm) at the Janet Pomeroy Center near Lake Merced.  Tickets are $20/pair and $10 for a bottomless glass of wine or beer.  Gourmet food, and live music, to boot!   ;)

There's over 1000 auction items, including a Maui getaway, a week at a Paris apartment (great location), amongst many quality items.  

If you're interested in going and or have something to donate, please let me know! (I can provide a formal letter and or tax ID info)  Oh, and I think a "special KFOG personality" will (hopefully) emcee the event.  To be confirmed.  Fingers crossed!

I would love for you all to be there.  Maybe we can make this a club get-together!   :) :D ;D

*I'll post a link to the online auction catalog as soon as it's up.  I'm the person processing all the items...there's some good stuff with low starting bid prices.



Renee from the KFOG Morning Show will emcee the live auction part of our event!  Confirmed!  For the record, I approached AL first and she pretty much agreed to do it.  But then I found out that Renee went to auctioneering school.  Our preschool really pushed for Renee upon hearing that.  I'm hoping AL will show up anyway.  Hope you guys can too!  It's gonna be great fun with fabulous merchandise.  Let me know if and when you'd like to buy tickets.

Oh, and a big thanks to Lattegirl for hooking us up!   :)

Sounds like fun! I can't give you more than a "Definitely Maybe" at this point, but I'll keep it in mind.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: RGMike on September 24, 2011, 09:07:59 PM
Mark your calendars!  My son's preschool is having their 41st annual auction benefit on Saturday, November 5th (6-10pm) at the Janet Pomeroy Center near Lake Merced.  Tickets are $20/pair and $10 for a bottomless glass of wine or beer.  Gourmet food, and live music, to boot!   ;)

There's over 1000 auction items, including a Maui getaway, a week at a Paris apartment (great location), amongst many quality items.  

If you're interested in going and or have something to donate, please let me know! (I can provide a formal letter and or tax ID info)  Oh, and I think a "special KFOG personality" will (hopefully) emcee the event.  To be confirmed.  Fingers crossed!

I would love for you all to be there.  Maybe we can make this a club get-together!   :) :D ;D

*I'll post a link to the online auction catalog as soon as it's up.  I'm the person processing all the items...there's some good stuff with low starting bid prices.



Renee from the KFOG Morning Show will emcee the live auction part of our event!  Confirmed!  For the record, I approached AL first and she pretty much agreed to do it.  But then I found out that Renee went to auctioneering school.  Our preschool really pushed for Renee upon hearing that.  I'm hoping AL will show up anyway.  Hope you guys can too!  It's gonna be great fun with fabulous merchandise.  Let me know if and when you'd like to buy tickets.

Oh, and a big thanks to Lattegirl for hooking us up!   :)

Sounds like fun! I can't give you more than a "Definitely Maybe" at this point, but I'll keep it in mind.

I've put it on my social calendar!
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Alicat on September 25, 2011, 12:15:08 AM
Mark your calendars!  My son's preschool is having their 41st annual auction benefit on Saturday, November 5th (6-10pm) at the Janet Pomeroy Center near Lake Merced.  Tickets are $20/pair and $10 for a bottomless glass of wine or beer.  Gourmet food, and live music, to boot!   ;)

There's over 1000 auction items, including a Maui getaway, a week at a Paris apartment (great location), amongst many quality items.  

If you're interested in going and or have something to donate, please let me know! (I can provide a formal letter and or tax ID info)  Oh, and I think a "special KFOG personality" will (hopefully) emcee the event.  To be confirmed.  Fingers crossed!

I would love for you all to be there.  Maybe we can make this a club get-together!   :) :D ;D

*I'll post a link to the online auction catalog as soon as it's up.  I'm the person processing all the items...there's some good stuff with low starting bid prices.



Renee from the KFOG Morning Show will emcee the live auction part of our event!  Confirmed!  For the record, I approached AL first and she pretty much agreed to do it.  But then I found out that Renee went to auctioneering school.  Our preschool really pushed for Renee upon hearing that.  I'm hoping AL will show up anyway.  Hope you guys can too!  It's gonna be great fun with fabulous merchandise.  Let me know if and when you'd like to buy tickets.

Oh, and a big thanks to Lattegirl for hooking us up!   :)

Sounds like fun! I can't give you more than a "Definitely Maybe" at this point, but I'll keep it in mind.

I've put it on my social calendar!
Wrote down on my calendar but pls post a reminder.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: urth on September 25, 2011, 11:20:22 PM
Mark your calendars!  My son's preschool is having their 41st annual auction benefit on Saturday, November 5th (6-10pm) at the Janet Pomeroy Center near Lake Merced.  Tickets are $20/pair and $10 for a bottomless glass of wine or beer.  Gourmet food, and live music, to boot!   ;)

There's over 1000 auction items, including a Maui getaway, a week at a Paris apartment (great location), amongst many quality items.  

If you're interested in going and or have something to donate, please let me know! (I can provide a formal letter and or tax ID info)  Oh, and I think a "special KFOG personality" will (hopefully) emcee the event.  To be confirmed.  Fingers crossed!

I would love for you all to be there.  Maybe we can make this a club get-together!   :) :D ;D

*I'll post a link to the online auction catalog as soon as it's up.  I'm the person processing all the items...there's some good stuff with low starting bid prices.



Renee from the KFOG Morning Show will emcee the live auction part of our event!  Confirmed!  For the record, I approached AL first and she pretty much agreed to do it.  But then I found out that Renee went to auctioneering school.  Our preschool really pushed for Renee upon hearing that.  I'm hoping AL will show up anyway.  Hope you guys can too!  It's gonna be great fun with fabulous merchandise.  Let me know if and when you'd like to buy tickets.

Oh, and a big thanks to Lattegirl for hooking us up!   :)

Sounds like it should be an evening to remember! Wish I could be there, but the commute from OR would be a bitch. Hope it's a rousing success for the cause!
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: sundaygal on October 01, 2011, 12:24:27 PM
Mark your calendars!  My son's preschool is having their 41st annual auction benefit on Saturday, November 5th (6-10pm) at the Janet Pomeroy Center near Lake Merced.  Tickets are $20/pair and $10 for a bottomless glass of wine or beer.  Gourmet food, and live music, to boot!   ;)

There's over 1000 auction items, including a Maui getaway, a week at a Paris apartment (great location), amongst many quality items.  

If you're interested in going and or have something to donate, please let me know! (I can provide a formal letter and or tax ID info)  Oh, and I think a "special KFOG personality" will (hopefully) emcee the event.  To be confirmed.  Fingers crossed!

I would love for you all to be there.  Maybe we can make this a club get-together!   :) :D ;D

*I'll post a link to the online auction catalog as soon as it's up.  I'm the person processing all the items...there's some good stuff with low starting bid prices.



Renee from the KFOG Morning Show will emcee the live auction part of our event!  Confirmed!  For the record, I approached AL first and she pretty much agreed to do it.  But then I found out that Renee went to auctioneering school.  Our preschool really pushed for Renee upon hearing that.  I'm hoping AL will show up anyway.  Hope you guys can too!  It's gonna be great fun with fabulous merchandise.  Let me know if and when you'd like to buy tickets.

Oh, and a big thanks to Lattegirl for hooking us up!   :)

Sounds like it should be an evening to remember! Wish I could be there, but the commute from OR would be a bitch. Hope it's a rousing success for the cause!
I forgot to mention that the dad who is in charge of the food/kitchen during the event is the head chef at Zuni Cafe.  Some of the food and wine was donated by Zuni, as well as other fab SF establishments.   :)

Here's where you can start previewing the auction items.  It's constantly being updated, so keep checking back:  http://www.glenridgecoop.org/auction/
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Lightnin' Rod on October 13, 2011, 11:32:05 PM
Queue The GoGos -- vacation, all I ever wanted. 

I am gone fishin' once again, "see" y'all in a little over a week.

I'll save ya' some smoked trout, it really is awesome.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: sundaygal on October 14, 2011, 07:11:43 AM
Queue The GoGos -- vacation, all I ever wanted.  

I am gone fishin' once again, "see" y'all in a little over a week.

I'll save ya' some smoked trout, it really is awesome.

"Vacation, haaaad to get awaaaay..."

Have a fab one!  Mmm...smoked trout...   :)
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Alicat on October 14, 2011, 09:16:47 AM
Queue The GoGos -- vacation, all I ever wanted. 

I am gone fishin' once again, "see" y'all in a little over a week.

I'll save ya' some smoked trout, it really is awesome.
Happy Trails!
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: RGMike on October 14, 2011, 09:44:48 AM
Queue The GoGos -- vacation, all I ever wanted. 

I am gone fishin' once again, "see" y'all in a little over a week.

I'll save ya' some smoked trout, it really is awesome.
Happy Trails!

indeed! Hope the weather's good!
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: urth on October 14, 2011, 09:46:50 AM
Queue The GoGos -- vacation, all I ever wanted. 

I am gone fishin' once again, "see" y'all in a little over a week.

I'll save ya' some smoked trout, it really is awesome.
Happy Trails!

indeed! Hope the weather's good!

And hope they're bitin' for ya. +1 on the smoked trout. MMMmmmm...
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Tinka Cat on October 20, 2011, 08:04:03 AM
Wear Purple on October 20 for Spirit Day #SpiritDay  :)


Millions of Americans wear purple on Spirit Day as a sign of support for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) youth and to speak out against bullying.

http://www.glaad.org/spiritday
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: sundaygal on October 21, 2011, 07:43:23 PM
Mark your calendars!  My son's preschool is having their 41st annual auction benefit on Saturday, November 5th (6-10pm) at the Janet Pomeroy Center near Lake Merced.  Tickets are $20/pair and $10 for a bottomless glass of wine or beer.  Gourmet food, and live music, to boot!   ;)

There's over 1000 auction items, including a Maui getaway, a week at a Paris apartment (great location), amongst many quality items.  

If you're interested in going and or have something to donate, please let me know! (I can provide a formal letter and or tax ID info)  Oh, and I think a "special KFOG personality" will (hopefully) emcee the event.  To be confirmed.  Fingers crossed!

I would love for you all to be there.  Maybe we can make this a club get-together!   :) :D ;D

*I'll post a link to the online auction catalog as soon as it's up.  I'm the person processing all the items...there's some good stuff with low starting bid prices.



Renee from the KFOG Morning Show will emcee the live auction part of our event!  Confirmed!  For the record, I approached AL first and she pretty much agreed to do it.  But then I found out that Renee went to auctioneering school.  Our preschool really pushed for Renee upon hearing that.  I'm hoping AL will show up anyway.  Hope you guys can too!  It's gonna be great fun with fabulous merchandise.  Let me know if and when you'd like to buy tickets.

Oh, and a big thanks to Lattegirl for hooking us up!   :)

Sounds like it should be an evening to remember! Wish I could be there, but the commute from OR would be a bitch. Hope it's a rousing success for the cause!
I forgot to mention that the dad who is in charge of the food/kitchen during the event is the head chef at Zuni Cafe.  Some of the food and wine was donated by Zuni, as well as other fab SF establishments.   :)

Here's where you can start previewing the auction items.  It's constantly being updated, so keep checking back:  http://www.glenridgecoop.org/auction/
Here's some great Glenridge auction items that might pique your interest:

- 2 orchestra seats to any show at the Fox Theatre
- 2 tickets to Feist at the Warfield
- 2 tickets to The National or Sara Barielles or Lykke Li
- 2 tickets to any show at the Fillmore
- 2 tickets to Stephen Stills at the Regency Ballroom

More auction items here:  http://glenridgeauction.org/auction/shop.php
(We're expecting a huge slew of new items on Sunday, which is the last item drop-off day)

Renee from the KFOG morning show will be the live auction emcee.  That Paris apartment is an awesome deal.  

If any of you are going, please PM me on FB, so I can send you a SASE so I can send you a ticket and get credit for it.  Thanks!  Sorry for all the messages and repeat info.


Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: RGMike on November 03, 2011, 01:21:34 PM
I mentioned this very briefly back in 2008 but I need to revisit because it's still bothering me.  I lost a really good friend in August of '08 -- not because he died, but because he became a right-wing nutjob.

I met Andy (he's a couple years older than me) at ABC in the early '80s. He was a lifelong moderate-to-liberal Dem; the only Democrat from a family of wealthy Republicans. I can still remember him arguing with his stockbroker parents, who thought Reagan was the greatest thing since sliced bread.  We'd stayed in touch after he quit ABC in '85, we both lived in Queens and saw a lot of movies together. And after I moved out here we still communicated, first by phone and later by email.  In 2007 when I was in NYC on vacay, we had lunch and he casually mentioned that "I've stopped reading the NY Times and cancelled my subscriptions to Time and Newsweek because they're all biased". Uh, OK... and where are you getting your news from now? "The NY Post and The Weekly Standard." I was rather gobsmacked.  "Oh, of course", I said, "because, y'know, Bill Kristol and Rupert Murdoch -- they're not biased AT ALL!" And I changed the subject. I didn't want to argue politics with someone I'd been friends with for 25 years while I was on vacation.

I studiously avoided the subject of politics with Andy for the next year or so, and in August of '08 he emailed, all excited because he'd posted a comment on Michelle Malkin's blog (!), and she'd liked it so much she put it in the "Comment of the Day" box at the top of the page. He was fairly creaming his jeans over this.  Turns out that was the day that Obama announced Biden as his running mate; the hideous Ms. Malkin had spent the day saying nasty things about Biden and inviting others to do likewise. I sat there, staring at the computer screen. WTF had happened to this guy? I decided I could no longer pretend that it didn't matter. I wrote back, saying "Jeezus, man, you used to make FUN of people like Malkin. If you're gonna hang out with conservatives, couldn't you at least pick some SMART ones?"

I never heard from him again.

I check his Facebook page every 6 months or so, just to see if he's alive. Yesterday when I looked there, he had links to Sarah Palin (!), a group called "Let's Stop Blaming Bush For What Obama Does" (!!) and his profile pic is an Eagle-in-front-of-the-Flag thing that even Stephen Colbert would consider over-the-top. The Andy that I used to know was sweet, caring, funny and smart -- too smart to be swallowing the sort of nonsense Malkin and Palin churn out. I don't know whether to laugh or cry.

Revisiting this post again (some of you newbies weren't here in 2010) because my friend Andy, described above, passed away last week. He was 57, just a year older than me and not the healthiest guy in the world. We hadn't spoken since August of 2008. So I'll never really know what was behind his bizarre transformation. I published a version of the above as an essay on Facebook a year or so ago. Sad.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: sundaygal on November 04, 2011, 04:44:47 PM
Mark your calendars!  My son's preschool is having their 41st annual auction benefit on Saturday, November 5th (6-10pm) at the Janet Pomeroy Center near Lake Merced.  Tickets are $20/pair and $10 for a bottomless glass of wine or beer.  Gourmet food, and live music, to boot!   ;)

There's over 1000 auction items, including a Maui getaway, a week at a Paris apartment (great location), amongst many quality items.  

If you're interested in going and or have something to donate, please let me know! (I can provide a formal letter and or tax ID info)  Oh, and I think a "special KFOG personality" will (hopefully) emcee the event.  To be confirmed.  Fingers crossed!

I would love for you all to be there.  Maybe we can make this a club get-together!   :) :D ;D

*I'll post a link to the online auction catalog as soon as it's up.  I'm the person processing all the items...there's some good stuff with low starting bid prices.



Renee from the KFOG Morning Show will emcee the live auction part of our event!  Confirmed!  For the record, I approached AL first and she pretty much agreed to do it.  But then I found out that Renee went to auctioneering school.  Our preschool really pushed for Renee upon hearing that.  I'm hoping AL will show up anyway.  Hope you guys can too!  It's gonna be great fun with fabulous merchandise.  Let me know if and when you'd like to buy tickets.

Oh, and a big thanks to Lattegirl for hooking us up!   :)

Sounds like it should be an evening to remember! Wish I could be there, but the commute from OR would be a bitch. Hope it's a rousing success for the cause!
I forgot to mention that the dad who is in charge of the food/kitchen during the event is the head chef at Zuni Cafe.  Some of the food and wine was donated by Zuni, as well as other fab SF establishments.   :)

Here's where you can start previewing the auction items.  It's constantly being updated, so keep checking back:  http://www.glenridgecoop.org/auction/
Here's some great Glenridge auction items that might pique your interest:

- 2 orchestra seats to any show at the Fox Theatre
- 2 tickets to Feist at the Warfield
- 2 tickets to The National or Sara Barielles or Lykke Li
- 2 tickets to any show at the Fillmore
- 2 tickets to Stephen Stills at the Regency Ballroom

More auction items here:  http://glenridgeauction.org/auction/shop.php
(We're expecting a huge slew of new items on Sunday, which is the last item drop-off day)

Renee from the KFOG morning show will be the live auction emcee.  That Paris apartment is an awesome deal.  

If any of you are going, please PM me on FB, so I can send you a SASE so I can send you a ticket and get credit for it.  Thanks!  Sorry for all the messages and repeat info.



Last call for the auction!  Can't wait to see you guys there!   :)
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: urth on November 05, 2011, 03:55:18 PM
Mark your calendars!  My son's preschool is having their 41st annual auction benefit on Saturday, November 5th (6-10pm) at the Janet Pomeroy Center near Lake Merced.  Tickets are $20/pair and $10 for a bottomless glass of wine or beer.  Gourmet food, and live music, to boot!   ;)

There's over 1000 auction items, including a Maui getaway, a week at a Paris apartment (great location), amongst many quality items.  

If you're interested in going and or have something to donate, please let me know! (I can provide a formal letter and or tax ID info)  Oh, and I think a "special KFOG personality" will (hopefully) emcee the event.  To be confirmed.  Fingers crossed!

I would love for you all to be there.  Maybe we can make this a club get-together!   :) :D ;D

*I'll post a link to the online auction catalog as soon as it's up.  I'm the person processing all the items...there's some good stuff with low starting bid prices.



Renee from the KFOG Morning Show will emcee the live auction part of our event!  Confirmed!  For the record, I approached AL first and she pretty much agreed to do it.  But then I found out that Renee went to auctioneering school.  Our preschool really pushed for Renee upon hearing that.  I'm hoping AL will show up anyway.  Hope you guys can too!  It's gonna be great fun with fabulous merchandise.  Let me know if and when you'd like to buy tickets.

Oh, and a big thanks to Lattegirl for hooking us up!   :)

Sounds like it should be an evening to remember! Wish I could be there, but the commute from OR would be a bitch. Hope it's a rousing success for the cause!
I forgot to mention that the dad who is in charge of the food/kitchen during the event is the head chef at Zuni Cafe.  Some of the food and wine was donated by Zuni, as well as other fab SF establishments.   :)

Here's where you can start previewing the auction items.  It's constantly being updated, so keep checking back:  http://www.glenridgecoop.org/auction/
Here's some great Glenridge auction items that might pique your interest:

- 2 orchestra seats to any show at the Fox Theatre
- 2 tickets to Feist at the Warfield
- 2 tickets to The National or Sara Barielles or Lykke Li
- 2 tickets to any show at the Fillmore
- 2 tickets to Stephen Stills at the Regency Ballroom

More auction items here:  http://glenridgeauction.org/auction/shop.php
(We're expecting a huge slew of new items on Sunday, which is the last item drop-off day)

Renee from the KFOG morning show will be the live auction emcee.  That Paris apartment is an awesome deal.  

If any of you are going, please PM me on FB, so I can send you a SASE so I can send you a ticket and get credit for it.  Thanks!  Sorry for all the messages and repeat info.



Last call for the auction!  Can't wait to see you guys there!   :)

Good luck tonight--hope you pack the house and make a pile o' $$$! I'll be thinking of y'all while I'm seeing Jay Farrar in PDX.

PS And hope you get a good turnout from the KFOG airstaff, if you know what I mean and I think you do.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: sundaygal on November 05, 2011, 11:00:20 PM
A big thank-you to everyone who turned up tonight!  TC, RG, HTY, Swellegant, Lattegirl.....
It was really great meeting everyone.  Haaaay!
Man, I had my camera in my purse, too.  Damnit.  Next time, group shot!

Oh, I had a chat with Renee about KFOG, DC and the future of Kaboom.  She's super cool and very approachable.  She did an awesome job with the live auction!
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: RGMike on November 05, 2011, 11:09:55 PM
A big thank-you to everyone who turned up tonight!  TC, RG, HTY, Swellegant, Lattegirl.....
It was really great meeting everyone.  Haaaay!
Man, I had my camera in my purse, too.  Damnit.  Next time, group shot!

It was a lot of fun, and Renee really is good at the auction thang. Thanks
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Tinka Cat on November 06, 2011, 08:15:57 AM
A big thank-you to everyone who turned up tonight!  TC, RG, HTY, Swellegant, Lattegirl.....
It was really great meeting everyone.  Haaaay!
Man, I had my camera in my purse, too.  Damnit.  Next time, group shot!

It was a lot of fun, and Renee really is good at the auction thang. Thanks

Yes, good Haaaaay vibes all around.  Free flowing wine and unlimited brownies/truffles/etc. certainly helped!  A guy I work with was there, and he and his partner bid successfully on a number of things, including a week-long stay in a Paris apartment and the Joe Montana autographed football. 

Betty Botter had some butter,
"But," she said, "this butter's bitter.
If I bake this bitter butter,
it would make my batter bitter.
But a bit of better butter--
that would make my batter better."

    -- Renee Richards

Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Wayback on November 06, 2011, 08:54:18 AM
A big thank-you to everyone who turned up tonight!  TC, RG, HTY, Swellegant, Lattegirl.....
It was really great meeting everyone.  Haaaay!
Man, I had my camera in my purse, too.  Damnit.  Next time, group shot!
Congrats, glad the event was a success!!  Sorry I wasn't available, perhaps the Club might have a meet-up in Dec, in downtown SF on a weekday eve or a Sat.  A holiday get-together!
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Alicat on November 07, 2011, 09:36:40 AM
A big thank-you to everyone who turned up tonight!  TC, RG, HTY, Swellegant, Lattegirl.....
It was really great meeting everyone.  Haaaay!
Man, I had my camera in my purse, too.  Damnit.  Next time, group shot!
Congrats, glad the event was a success!!  Sorry I wasn't available, perhaps the Club might have a meet-up in Dec, in downtown SF on a weekday eve or a Sat.  A holiday get-together!
We do have a club get together thread. In past years we have had lunch and then wandered over to Amoeba for some musical delight.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: RGMike on November 14, 2011, 10:19:50 AM
This morning at 5:48 (2 minutes before my alarm usually goes off) the phone rang; it was my boss saying "they're rioting in Oakland, so stay home". I rolled over and went back to sleep.

When I finally got up and was showered and shaved 3 hours later, I called the employee hot-line which is now saying Kaiser is open as of 10am.  My supervisor is trying to find out whether I really need to come in for a half-day at this point.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: RGMike on November 16, 2011, 07:44:21 AM
Ahm BACK, bishes! The board is once again accessable from my work PC.

I still don't get this "they don't censor profanity but they monitor for 'adult content' " thing -- WTFF? I can say "fuck" but I can't type "s--k my d--k"? Jeez.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: ggould on November 16, 2011, 09:55:51 PM
Ahm BACK, bishes! The board is once again accessable from my work PC.

I still don't get this "they don't censor profanity but they monitor for 'adult content' " thing -- WTFF? I can say "fuck" but I can't type "s--k my d--k"? Jeez.
supposedly we're now whitelisted, so i imagine that means you won't trigger the porn spam thingy again, we hope!
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: sundaygal on November 16, 2011, 10:10:22 PM
Ahm BACK, bishes! The board is once again accessable from my work PC.

I still don't get this "they don't censor profanity but they monitor for 'adult content' " thing -- WTFF? I can say "fuck" but I can't type "s--k my d--k"? Jeez.

Such a fragile flower, that RG.....    :P
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: RGMike on December 19, 2011, 09:29:47 AM
Time for the annual "who'll be around for the holidays?" survey.

I'll be taking my usual Xmas-thru-New Year's "staycation" -- my last day of work is Wed 12/21 and I'll be back in the office Tue 1/3/12. Posting a lot from home, of course, and seeing a lot of movies. 

I'm guessing that (unlike years past) AL will not be taking next week off since she had all those extra vacay days last month.  But I've been wrong before...
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Alicat on December 19, 2011, 10:49:46 AM
Time for the annual "who'll be around for the holidays?" survey.

I'll be taking my usual Xmas-thru-New Year's "staycation" -- my last day of work is Wed 12/21 and I'll be back in the office Tue 1/3/12. Posting a lot from home, of course, and seeing a lot of movies. 

I'm guessing that (unlike years past) AL will not be taking next week off since she had all those extra vacay days last month.  But I've been wrong before...
I'm going going gone at the end of the week. It's hula time. Christmas dinner luau. Back Jan 3. Once more Sharks game on the 21st.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: RGMike on December 19, 2011, 10:52:29 AM
Time for the annual "who'll be around for the holidays?" survey.

I'll be taking my usual Xmas-thru-New Year's "staycation" -- my last day of work is Wed 12/21 and I'll be back in the office Tue 1/3/12. Posting a lot from home, of course, and seeing a lot of movies. 

I'm guessing that (unlike years past) AL will not be taking next week off since she had all those extra vacay days last month.  But I've been wrong before...
I'm going going gone at the end of the week. It's hula time. Christmas dinner luau. Back Jan 3.

woo hoo! Mele Kalikimakka! (sp?)
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Big Fingers McGee on December 19, 2011, 11:54:28 AM
Chicago 12/24 through 12/29
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: sundaygal on December 19, 2011, 12:26:22 PM
How about tomorrow or Wednesday night?  I'll be kid-free, but working 'til 6ish......
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Wayback on December 19, 2011, 12:54:40 PM
Time for the annual "who'll be around for the holidays?" survey.  I'll be taking my usual Xmas-thru-New Year's "staycation" -- my last day of work is Wed 12/21 and I'll be back in the office Tue 1/3/12. Posting a lot from home, of course, and seeing a lot of movies.
Phoenix 12/23-27, otherwise 'staycation' - attending to some chores, catching up with some friends and movies until back to work Jan 4th.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Lightnin' Rod on December 19, 2011, 02:55:39 PM
Time for the annual "who'll be around for the holidays?" survey.

I'll be taking my usual Xmas-thru-New Year's "staycation" -- my last day of work is Wed 12/21 and I'll be back in the office Tue 1/3/12. Posting a lot from home, of course, and seeing a lot of movies. 

I'm guessing that (unlike years past) AL will not be taking next week off since she had all those extra vacay days last month.  But I've been wrong before...

I'm off the week following Christmas, but my staycation has been damaged by the owner of the condo I rent, who wants to move back.  So, I'll be packing up the belongings, looking for a new place, etc. etc.  Bah humbug.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: sundaygal on December 19, 2011, 07:11:22 PM
Time for the annual "who'll be around for the holidays?" survey.

I'll be taking my usual Xmas-thru-New Year's "staycation" -- my last day of work is Wed 12/21 and I'll be back in the office Tue 1/3/12. Posting a lot from home, of course, and seeing a lot of movies. 

I'm guessing that (unlike years past) AL will not be taking next week off since she had all those extra vacay days last month.  But I've been wrong before...

I'm off the week following Christmas, but my staycation has been damaged by the owner of the condo I rent, who wants to move back.  So, I'll be packing up the belongings, looking for a new place, etc. etc.  Bah humbug.
Aww, sorry man.  Merry effing Christmas!
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: urth on December 19, 2011, 11:29:43 PM
Time for the annual "who'll be around for the holidays?" survey.

I'll be taking my usual Xmas-thru-New Year's "staycation" -- my last day of work is Wed 12/21 and I'll be back in the office Tue 1/3/12. Posting a lot from home, of course, and seeing a lot of movies. 

I'm guessing that (unlike years past) AL will not be taking next week off since she had all those extra vacay days last month.  But I've been wrong before...

I'm off the week following Christmas, but my staycation has been damaged by the owner of the condo I rent, who wants to move back.  So, I'll be packing up the belongings, looking for a new place, etc. etc.  Bah humbug.

Impeccable timing, eh? Sorry to hear that, Rod. Good luck with the househunting.

As for me, Sarah and I are spending the holiday (and not too much more) in Marin. Flying down Saturday, returning home on Tuesday. Mostly just family time, I think but we may try to arrange a hookup with whoever's willing to trudge over to Marin sometime Monday. This is still in the discussion phase, location and time tbd.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Alicat on December 20, 2011, 09:31:20 AM
Time for the annual "who'll be around for the holidays?" survey.

I'll be taking my usual Xmas-thru-New Year's "staycation" -- my last day of work is Wed 12/21 and I'll be back in the office Tue 1/3/12. Posting a lot from home, of course, and seeing a lot of movies. 

I'm guessing that (unlike years past) AL will not be taking next week off since she had all those extra vacay days last month.  But I've been wrong before...

I'm off the week following Christmas, but my staycation has been damaged by the owner of the condo I rent, who wants to move back.  So, I'll be packing up the belongings, looking for a new place, etc. etc.  Bah humbug.
Bummer. Good luck on a new landing pad. Moving sucks.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Lightnin' Rod on December 29, 2011, 11:02:35 PM
Going through my stuff, and ran across my very first baseball glove, circa 1967.  A Sports Master J-300, can't tell the maker.  I might do a google search in a minute.  I wish I had my original Willie Mays bat day bball bat from the same period. 

Still, what do you do with something like this at age 52?  I can't throw it away.  But I don't really see the need to keep it either.  But there is nothing -- absolutely nothing! -- I loved more than that baseball glove when I was 10 years old.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Lightnin' Rod on December 29, 2011, 11:16:27 PM
Going through my stuff, and ran across my very first baseball glove, circa 1967.  A Sports Master J-300, can't tell the maker.  I might do a google search in a minute.  I wish I had my original Willie Mays bat day bball bat from the same period. 

Still, what do you do with something like this at age 52?  I can't throw it away.  But I don't really see the need to keep it either.  But there is nothing -- absolutely nothing! -- I loved more than that baseball glove when I was 10 years old.

MIKE!!!!  It finally happened!  This post did NOT show up for a while.  It was like it didn't take until I made it show up by refreshing a few times.  Excellent.  Now I know the symptoms a bit better.  Still a random kind of deal, but I've reproduced it.  Always a help when trying to troubleshoot.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: urth on December 30, 2011, 12:09:49 AM
Going through my stuff, and ran across my very first baseball glove, circa 1967.  A Sports Master J-300, can't tell the maker.  I might do a google search in a minute.  I wish I had my original Willie Mays bat day bball bat from the same period. 

Still, what do you do with something like this at age 52?  I can't throw it away.  But I don't really see the need to keep it either.  But there is nothing -- absolutely nothing! -- I loved more than that baseball glove when I was 10 years old.

Keep it. Doesn't matter where, just keep it. You would regret tossing it out far more than you'll regret hanging on to it. If it gives you even a little bit of pleasure to recall what it was like at 10 to be playing ball with it, it has earned its keep.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Alicat on December 30, 2011, 01:14:01 AM
Going through my stuff, and ran across my very first baseball glove, circa 1967.  A Sports Master J-300, can't tell the maker.  I might do a google search in a minute.  I wish I had my original Willie Mays bat day bball bat from the same period. 

Still, what do you do with something like this at age 52?  I can't throw it away.  But I don't really see the need to keep it either.  But there is nothing -- absolutely nothing! -- I loved more than that baseball glove when I was 10 years old.

Keep it. Doesn't matter where, just keep it. You would regret tossing it out far more than you'll regret hanging on to it. If it gives you even a little bit of pleasure to recall what it was like at 10 to be playing ball with it, it has earned its keep.
Agreed.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Gazoo on December 30, 2011, 08:17:08 PM
Going through my stuff, and ran across my very first baseball glove, circa 1967.  A Sports Master J-300, can't tell the maker.  I might do a google search in a minute.  I wish I had my original Willie Mays bat day bball bat from the same period. 

Still, what do you do with something like this at age 52?  I can't throw it away.  But I don't really see the need to keep it either.  But there is nothing -- absolutely nothing! -- I loved more than that baseball glove when I was 10 years old.

Got any baseball-interested nephews or nieces?  Or a Boys' Club type organization that provides gifts to kids?
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Gazoo on December 30, 2011, 08:28:37 PM
So I've been way out of touch - whole lotta threads to catch up on over this holiday weekend - but I want to say HI to all and a belated Merry Christmas (and Hannukah and Kwanzaa and Festivus).  It's been a tough month for emotionally and I've been taking it out over things I can't control (as those of you who follow my Facebook posts can attest).  Trying to work on mellowing out a bit.  Meantime, for those of you who aren't on FB, some good news: I did a piece for TIME.com summarizing (with a sentence each) the lives of the lesser-knowns in the music biz who died in 2011.  (I wanted to add the Music Machine singer at the last minute but didn't know who to cut.)  Just between you and me, I don't think the editor really read it before giving the producers the go-ahead to publish it; I didn't think the Joseph Brooks snark would slide through.

http://entertainment.time.com/2011/12/30/2011s-50-new-members-of-rock-and-roll-heaven/

BTW, last year, staying local on NYE, I staged an impromptu FB dance party via YouTube clips.  If I do the same tomorrow I'll let y'alls know.

Wishing you love, peace, happiness and health in 2012,
Gaz.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Gazoo on December 30, 2011, 08:42:55 PM
And I want to add: I am deeply indebted to you all, particularly Wayback and Mike, for the running RIP thread that gave me a great deal of my source material.  If I'd gotten paid for the piece, I'd be sharing it with you.  (Or I'd be covering the server costs next time it's due.)
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: sundaygal on December 31, 2011, 07:53:27 AM
Going through my stuff, and ran across my very first baseball glove, circa 1967.  A Sports Master J-300, can't tell the maker.  I might do a google search in a minute.  I wish I had my original Willie Mays bat day bball bat from the same period. 

Still, what do you do with something like this at age 52?  I can't throw it away.  But I don't really see the need to keep it either.  But there is nothing -- absolutely nothing! -- I loved more than that baseball glove when I was 10 years old.

Can't get rid of your first glove.  It doesn't take that much space in the closet! 

How's the apartment search going? 
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: RGMike on December 31, 2011, 09:12:32 AM
Going through my stuff, and ran across my very first baseball glove, circa 1967.  A Sports Master J-300, can't tell the maker.  I might do a google search in a minute.  I wish I had my original Willie Mays bat day bball bat from the same period. 

Still, what do you do with something like this at age 52?  I can't throw it away.  But I don't really see the need to keep it either.  But there is nothing -- absolutely nothing! -- I loved more than that baseball glove when I was 10 years old.

Got any baseball-interested nephews or nieces?  Or a Boys' Club type organization that provides gifts to kids?

yeah, the Giants have a glove drive every year for the Junior Giants.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Alicat on January 03, 2012, 10:23:15 AM
Back from vacation. Didn't want to leave but now feeling glad to be home. Back to reality. Home today, work tomorrow. Thankful for having a job. First online task, online banking, do I have any money left to buy groceries today? A little.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Here'sToYa! on January 03, 2012, 11:34:30 AM
Back to reality
Oh there goes gravity
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Alicat on January 05, 2012, 04:33:44 PM
Asking for used book advice please. I have 10+ boxes of books that were my Moms. In a storage locker now and I want to sell if possible. I am familiar with Green Apple. Just read about Moes in Berkeley. Any advice on where to get them looked at and maybe get a fair price? Most are art books, some are fiction. All are old. I am paying $300/month for the locker and want to get it cleared out ASAP.
Thanks.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: urth on January 06, 2012, 12:39:36 AM
Asking for used book advice please. I have 10+ boxes of books that were my Moms. In a storage locker now and I want to sell if possible. I am familiar with Green Apple. Just read about Moes in Berkeley. Any advice on where to get them looked at and maybe get a fair price? Most are art books, some are fiction. All are old. I am paying $300/month for the locker and want to get it cleared out ASAP.
Thanks.

Maybe Black Oak Books in Berkeley? The store they used to have in the Inner Sunset had a lot of that sort of books, but it closed before I moved north.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: sundaygal on January 06, 2012, 06:48:05 AM
Asking for used book advice please. I have 10+ boxes of books that were my Moms. In a storage locker now and I want to sell if possible. I am familiar with Green Apple. Just read about Moes in Berkeley. Any advice on where to get them looked at and maybe get a fair price? Most are art books, some are fiction. All are old. I am paying $300/month for the locker and want to get it cleared out ASAP.
Thanks.

I've only sold books to Green Apple.  Great store and around the corner from me.  Let me know if you decide to take your books there.  Maybe we can me for drinks or coffee or something.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Alicat on January 06, 2012, 09:41:58 AM
Asking for used book advice please. I have 10+ boxes of books that were my Moms. In a storage locker now and I want to sell if possible. I am familiar with Green Apple. Just read about Moes in Berkeley. Any advice on where to get them looked at and maybe get a fair price? Most are art books, some are fiction. All are old. I am paying $300/month for the locker and want to get it cleared out ASAP.
Thanks.

I've only sold books to Green Apple.  Great store and around the corner from me.  Let me know if you decide to take your books there.  Maybe we can me for drinks or coffee or something.
I am probably coming up on Saturday. I'll fb msg you. My old hood. I grew up on 7th and have lived on 4th and Arguello and 26th.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Lightnin' Rod on January 06, 2012, 10:07:55 AM
Asking for used book advice please. I have 10+ boxes of books that were my Moms. In a storage locker now and I want to sell if possible. I am familiar with Green Apple. Just read about Moes in Berkeley. Any advice on where to get them looked at and maybe get a fair price? Most are art books, some are fiction. All are old. I am paying $300/month for the locker and want to get it cleared out ASAP.
Thanks.

I've only sold books to Green Apple.  Great store and around the corner from me.  Let me know if you decide to take your books there.  Maybe we can me for drinks or coffee or something.
I am probably coming up on Saturday. I'll fb msg you. My old hood. I grew up on 7th and have lived on 4th and Arguello and 26th.

You should probably call ahead and let Green Apple know you are coming.  The last time I showed up with 10 boxes of books for them to go through (different store), they weren't all that happy to see me.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Alicat on January 06, 2012, 01:37:10 PM
Asking for used book advice please. I have 10+ boxes of books that were my Moms. In a storage locker now and I want to sell if possible. I am familiar with Green Apple. Just read about Moes in Berkeley. Any advice on where to get them looked at and maybe get a fair price? Most are art books, some are fiction. All are old. I am paying $300/month for the locker and want to get it cleared out ASAP.
Thanks.

I've only sold books to Green Apple.  Great store and around the corner from me.  Let me know if you decide to take your books there.  Maybe we can me for drinks or coffee or something.
I am probably coming up on Saturday. I'll fb msg you. My old hood. I grew up on 7th and have lived on 4th and Arguello and 26th.

You should probably call ahead and let Green Apple know you are coming.  The last time I showed up with 10 boxes of books for them to go through (different store), they weren't all that happy to see me.
Thanks. I called. They said week days are much better but they don't make appts. Not better for me though. I will test the water by taking no more than 5 boxes. I will have to park where ever and use a hand truck to get the boxes there. No easy parking on Clement St.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: RGMike on February 20, 2012, 10:59:16 AM
Last nite my kitchen stove died. Luckily, it was AFTER I cooked dinner!  Damn thing was here when I moved in 22 years ago and it didn't look new *then*. Amazed it lasted this long.  I've had several refrigerators die on me but never a stove.  The good news: they'll be installing a new one tomorrow.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: sundaygal on February 20, 2012, 05:06:11 PM
I found out that an old friend of mine was murdered walking in the Castro Saturday night.  He told his partner that he needed to pick up some meds at Walgreen's and never came back.  His partner got worried after a while and called around to the hospitals thinking he got hit by a car or something.  A few hours later he got a call to I.D. the body.   :'( The police have someone in custody and said that he wasn't shot or stabbed, but said it was an ongoing investigation and couldn't say much else. 

He was also violently attacked 4 years ago on Valencia by a group of kids who took his watch and cell phone.  He was a sweetheart and I'm just crushed by this.  Be careful out there, kids. 
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: RGMike on February 20, 2012, 06:09:18 PM
I found out that an old friend of mine was murdered walking in the Castro Saturday night.  He told his partner that he needed to pick up some meds at Walgreen's and never came back.  His partner got worried after a while and called around to the hospitals thinking he got hit by a car or something.  A few hours later he got a call to I.D. the body.   :'( The police have someone in custody and said that he wasn't shot or stabbed, but said it was an ongoing investigation and couldn't say much else. 

He was also violently attacked 4 years ago on Valencia by a group of kids who took his watch and cell phone.  He was a sweetheart and I'm just crushed by this.  Be careful out there, kids.

Damn.  :'(
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Here'sToYa! on February 20, 2012, 06:59:25 PM
I found out that an old friend of mine was murdered walking in the Castro Saturday night.  He told his partner that he needed to pick up some meds at Walgreen's and never came back.  His partner got worried after a while and called around to the hospitals thinking he got hit by a car or something.  A few hours later he got a call to I.D. the body.   :'( The police have someone in custody and said that he wasn't shot or stabbed, but said it was an ongoing investigation and couldn't say much else. 

He was also violently attacked 4 years ago on Valencia by a group of kids who took his watch and cell phone.  He was a sweetheart and I'm just crushed by this.  Be careful out there, kids.

Damn.  :'(

That's truly awful. RIP to your friend, and hopefully his sweet soul is off to a better place.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Big Fingers McGee on February 20, 2012, 08:16:19 PM
I found out that an old friend of mine was murdered walking in the Castro Saturday night.  He told his partner that he needed to pick up some meds at Walgreen's and never came back.  His partner got worried after a while and called around to the hospitals thinking he got hit by a car or something.  A few hours later he got a call to I.D. the body.   :'( The police have someone in custody and said that he wasn't shot or stabbed, but said it was an ongoing investigation and couldn't say much else. 

He was also violently attacked 4 years ago on Valencia by a group of kids who took his watch and cell phone.  He was a sweetheart and I'm just crushed by this.  Be careful out there, kids.

Blech. I'm sorry to hear about this.... I guess it shows once again that we can't take life for granted.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: sundaygal on February 20, 2012, 08:23:36 PM
Thanks, guys.  I'm still in a state of disbelief.  Like IE said -- can't take life for granted. 
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: ggould on February 20, 2012, 08:51:51 PM
Thanks, guys.  I'm still in a state of disbelief.  Like IE said -- can't take life for granted.
I saw an RIP post you made on fb, but didn't know the context.  This is just horrible.  I get kind of awestruck that such evil goes on, but of course it does.
 :'(
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: urth on February 21, 2012, 12:07:13 AM
I found out that an old friend of mine was murdered walking in the Castro Saturday night.  He told his partner that he needed to pick up some meds at Walgreen's and never came back.  His partner got worried after a while and called around to the hospitals thinking he got hit by a car or something.  A few hours later he got a call to I.D. the body.   :'( The police have someone in custody and said that he wasn't shot or stabbed, but said it was an ongoing investigation and couldn't say much else. 

He was also violently attacked 4 years ago on Valencia by a group of kids who took his watch and cell phone.  He was a sweetheart and I'm just crushed by this.  Be careful out there, kids.

My god, that's horrific. My heart goes out to you, as well as to his partner. 
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Tinka Cat on February 21, 2012, 08:15:13 AM
Thanks, guys.  I'm still in a state of disbelief.  Like IE said -- can't take life for granted.

So sorry to hear this, SG. 
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: RGMike on February 21, 2012, 08:01:53 PM
Thanks, guys.  I'm still in a state of disbelief.  Like IE said -- can't take life for granted.

So sorry to hear this, SG.

It didn't dawn on me until this afternoon that I walk down the block where that took place (Julien betw 15th & 16th) something like 5 times a week, on the way from BART to my gym.  In broad daylight, but still.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Here'sToYa! on February 21, 2012, 08:24:51 PM
Thanks, guys.  I'm still in a state of disbelief.  Like IE said -- can't take life for granted.

So sorry to hear this, SG.

It didn't dawn on me until this afternoon that I walk down the block where that took place (Julien betw 15th & 16th) something like 5 times a week, on the way from BART to my gym.  In broad daylight, but still.

And people in the neighborhood didn't call for help until five hours after they first heard his cries for help. So heartbreaking.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: sundaygal on February 21, 2012, 08:49:37 PM
Thanks, guys.  I'm still in a state of disbelief.  Like IE said -- can't take life for granted.

So sorry to hear this, SG.

It didn't dawn on me until this afternoon that I walk down the block where that took place (Julien betw 15th & 16th) something like 5 times a week, on the way from BART to my gym.  In broad daylight, but still.

And people in the neighborhood didn't call for help until five hours after they first heard his cries for help. So heartbreaking.

This makes me so angry.  Richard was the nicest guy.  He just posted on my FB a few weeks ago, wishing me well and a Gung Hay Fat Choy.  If someone screams they need help -- even if it's in a dark alley and the person seems disheveled -- DO SOMETHING.  What kind of world do we live in??
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: ggould on February 21, 2012, 08:54:50 PM
Thanks, guys.  I'm still in a state of disbelief.  Like IE said -- can't take life for granted.

So sorry to hear this, SG.

It didn't dawn on me until this afternoon that I walk down the block where that took place (Julien betw 15th & 16th) something like 5 times a week, on the way from BART to my gym.  In broad daylight, but still.

And people in the neighborhood didn't call for help until five hours after they first heard his cries for help. So heartbreaking.

This makes me so angry.  Richard was the nicest guy.  He just posted on my FB a few weeks ago, wishing me well and a Gung Hay Fat Choy.  If someone screams they need help -- even if it's in a dark alley and the person seems disheveled -- DO SOMETHING.  What kind of world do we live in??
It's like the old Kitty Genovese story, something I periodically tell my students about.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Murder_of_Kitty_Genovese
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Here'sToYa! on February 21, 2012, 09:30:51 PM
It's like the old Kitty Genovese story, something I periodically tell my students about.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Murder_of_Kitty_Genovese

Reading about the Genovese case made a big impression on me when I was growing up. But some of the facts presented in the Wikipedia article make it seem that the neighbors made a greater effort for her than the people on Julian Street made for Richard. And that's the textbook case of bystander indifference.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: ggould on February 21, 2012, 10:07:56 PM
It's like the old Kitty Genovese story, something I periodically tell my students about.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Murder_of_Kitty_Genovese

Reading about the Genovese case made a big impression on me when I was growing up. But some of the facts presented in the Wikipedia article make it seem that the neighbors made a greater effort for her than the people on Julian Street made for Richard. And that's the textbook case of bystander indifference.
Just did some Googling to learn more about Richard, and it seems quite tragic, above and beyond the tragedy that any violent death would be.  I'm surprised I hadn't heard about it before.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Gazoo on February 23, 2012, 10:29:07 AM
Thanks, guys.  I'm still in a state of disbelief.  Like IE said -- can't take life for granted.

So sorry to hear this, SG.

It didn't dawn on me until this afternoon that I walk down the block where that took place (Julien betw 15th & 16th) something like 5 times a week, on the way from BART to my gym.  In broad daylight, but still.

And people in the neighborhood didn't call for help until five hours after they first heard his cries for help. So heartbreaking.

This makes me so angry.  Richard was the nicest guy.  He just posted on my FB a few weeks ago, wishing me well and a Gung Hay Fat Choy.  If someone screams they need help -- even if it's in a dark alley and the person seems disheveled -- DO SOMETHING.  What kind of world do we live in??

My heart's hurting for you.  RIP.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Wayback on February 23, 2012, 12:11:40 PM
I found out that an old friend of mine was murdered walking in the Castro Saturday night.  He told his partner that he needed to pick up some meds at Walgreen's and never came back.  His partner got worried after a while and called around to the hospitals thinking he got hit by a car or something.  A few hours later he got a call to I.D. the body.   :'( The police have someone in custody and said that he wasn't shot or stabbed, but said it was an ongoing investigation and couldn't say much else.
He was also violently attacked 4 years ago on Valencia by a group of kids who took his watch and cell phone.  He was a sweetheart and I'm just crushed by this.  Be careful out there, kids.
M - just saw this update posted today on sfgate:
http://blog.sfgate.com/inthemission/2012/02/23/sf-man-arrested-with-homicide-victim%E2%80%99s-atm-card/?tsp=1
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: sundaygal on February 23, 2012, 07:24:21 PM
I found out that an old friend of mine was murdered walking in the Castro Saturday night.  He told his partner that he needed to pick up some meds at Walgreen's and never came back.  His partner got worried after a while and called around to the hospitals thinking he got hit by a car or something.  A few hours later he got a call to I.D. the body.   :'( The police have someone in custody and said that he wasn't shot or stabbed, but said it was an ongoing investigation and couldn't say much else.
He was also violently attacked 4 years ago on Valencia by a group of kids who took his watch and cell phone.  He was a sweetheart and I'm just crushed by this.  Be careful out there, kids.
M - just saw this update posted today on sfgate:
http://blog.sfgate.com/inthemission/2012/02/23/sf-man-arrested-with-homicide-victim%E2%80%99s-atm-card/?tsp=1
The story just gets more tragic by the minute, both publicly and privately.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Alicat on February 23, 2012, 10:03:37 PM
I found out that an old friend of mine was murdered walking in the Castro Saturday night.  He told his partner that he needed to pick up some meds at Walgreen's and never came back.  His partner got worried after a while and called around to the hospitals thinking he got hit by a car or something.  A few hours later he got a call to I.D. the body.   :'( The police have someone in custody and said that he wasn't shot or stabbed, but said it was an ongoing investigation and couldn't say much else. 

He was also violently attacked 4 years ago on Valencia by a group of kids who took his watch and cell phone.  He was a sweetheart and I'm just crushed by this.  Be careful out there, kids.
Sorry. Life can be just awful.
eta...1969 and YouTube aren't making me feel so good anymore.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: radical347 on February 24, 2012, 12:45:57 AM
I found out that an old friend of mine was murdered walking in the Castro Saturday night.  He told his partner that he needed to pick up some meds at Walgreen's and never came back.  His partner got worried after a while and called around to the hospitals thinking he got hit by a car or something.  A few hours later he got a call to I.D. the body.   :'( The police have someone in custody and said that he wasn't shot or stabbed, but said it was an ongoing investigation and couldn't say much else. 

He was also violently attacked 4 years ago on Valencia by a group of kids who took his watch and cell phone.  He was a sweetheart and I'm just crushed by this.  Be careful out there, kids.

I'm so sorry to hear this about your friend...just awful :(
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Tinka Cat on February 24, 2012, 08:38:45 AM
I found out that an old friend of mine was murdered walking in the Castro Saturday night.  He told his partner that he needed to pick up some meds at Walgreen's and never came back.  His partner got worried after a while and called around to the hospitals thinking he got hit by a car or something.  A few hours later he got a call to I.D. the body.   :'( The police have someone in custody and said that he wasn't shot or stabbed, but said it was an ongoing investigation and couldn't say much else. 

He was also violently attacked 4 years ago on Valencia by a group of kids who took his watch and cell phone.  He was a sweetheart and I'm just crushed by this.  Be careful out there, kids.

I was on 16th street yesterday and walked near Julian, but I didn't go down the street (because of time constraints). I was wondering if here was a memorial set up there for Richard.  It's so disturbing and sad. 
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: RGMike on February 24, 2012, 08:50:26 AM
I found out that an old friend of mine was murdered walking in the Castro Saturday night.  He told his partner that he needed to pick up some meds at Walgreen's and never came back.  His partner got worried after a while and called around to the hospitals thinking he got hit by a car or something.  A few hours later he got a call to I.D. the body.   :'( The police have someone in custody and said that he wasn't shot or stabbed, but said it was an ongoing investigation and couldn't say much else. 

He was also violently attacked 4 years ago on Valencia by a group of kids who took his watch and cell phone.  He was a sweetheart and I'm just crushed by this.  Be careful out there, kids.

I was on 16th street yesterday and walked near Julian, but I didn't go down the street (because of time constraints). I was wondering if here was a memorial set up there for Richard.  It's so disturbing and sad.

I haven't seen one -- I looked in front of the building (125 Julien). Lots of "Did you see anything" flyers around the 'hood tho'.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: sundaygal on February 24, 2012, 07:01:23 PM
I found out that an old friend of mine was murdered walking in the Castro Saturday night.  He told his partner that he needed to pick up some meds at Walgreen's and never came back.  His partner got worried after a while and called around to the hospitals thinking he got hit by a car or something.  A few hours later he got a call to I.D. the body.   :'( The police have someone in custody and said that he wasn't shot or stabbed, but said it was an ongoing investigation and couldn't say much else. 

He was also violently attacked 4 years ago on Valencia by a group of kids who took his watch and cell phone.  He was a sweetheart and I'm just crushed by this.  Be careful out there, kids.

I was on 16th street yesterday and walked near Julian, but I didn't go down the street (because of time constraints). I was wondering if here was a memorial set up there for Richard.  It's so disturbing and sad.

Thanks guys.  They're having a memorial service in his hometown in Washington state.  Here's his obit:

P.S. I'm not a fan of editing other people's posts, but I deleted Rick's surname in the previous posts since there is an ongoing police investigation and this thread is searchable via the internet.  Sorry guys.   :-[
 
Survived by father Neil, stepmother Dorothy, siblings Debi, Bob, & Gayle, and Life Partner of almost 20 years David. A graduate of Inglemoor High School he later in life decided to pursue one of his many passions and received a Graduate Gemologist Degree from the Gemological of Institute of America (GIA), where he was also Certified as an Accredited Jewelry Professional. Beloved son, brother, spouse, uncle, and friend. Taken at the age of 47 in San Francisco. Richard’s passion for life and animals made him the beautiful person he was. He had worked as a Jewelry Professional for Neiman Marcus. In lieu of flowers please make donations to PAWS or Victims of Violent Crimes. Services being held at Emanuel Presbyterian Church 3/3/12 at 2pm. 

Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Tinka Cat on February 25, 2012, 09:30:07 AM
P.S. I'm not a fan of editing other people's posts, but I deleted Rick's surname in the previous posts since there is an ongoing police investigation and this thread is searchable via the internet.  Sorry guys.   :-[

No problem.  Makes sense to keep things as low key as possible here.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: sundaygal on February 26, 2012, 04:07:12 PM
I found out that an old friend of mine was murdered walking in the Castro Saturday night.  He told his partner that he needed to pick up some meds at Walgreen's and never came back.  His partner got worried after a while and called around to the hospitals thinking he got hit by a car or something.  A few hours later he got a call to I.D. the body.   :'( The police have someone in custody and said that he wasn't shot or stabbed, but said it was an ongoing investigation and couldn't say much else. 

He was also violently attacked 4 years ago on Valencia by a group of kids who took his watch and cell phone.  He was a sweetheart and I'm just crushed by this.  Be careful out there, kids.

I was on 16th street yesterday and walked near Julian, but I didn't go down the street (because of time constraints). I was wondering if here was a memorial set up there for Richard.  It's so disturbing and sad.

I haven't seen one -- I looked in front of the building (125 Julien). Lots of "Did you see anything" flyers around the 'hood tho'.

They set up a small memorial in front of the church on Julian yesterday.

(https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/s320x320/423783_3102089704635_1035960817_32973708_558937659_n.jpg)
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Here'sToYa! on February 27, 2012, 09:34:22 PM
http://www.sfexaminer.com/local/2012/02/san-francisco-hasn-t-been-kind-him
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: sundaygal on February 28, 2012, 08:25:11 AM
http://www.sfexaminer.com/local/2012/02/san-francisco-hasn-t-been-kind-him

The city has changed so much since I was a kid here.  As a teenager, I used to run around the Mission at all hours of the night.  Maybe I was naive, or maybe I knew the right people.  Probably both.  But, we natives always had each other's back.  If someone is screaming out to call 911, even if he looked wasted or homeless, don't shut your doors and windows and pretend you're back in the suburbs and nothing is going on outside.  Do something.  It's the city, yo.  Bad shit happens here.  We've gotta look out for each other.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Here'sToYa! on February 28, 2012, 11:33:46 AM
http://www.sfexaminer.com/local/2012/02/san-francisco-hasn-t-been-kind-him

The city has changed so much since I was a kid here.  As a teenager, I used to run around the Mission at all hours of the night.  Maybe I was naive, or maybe I knew the right people.  Probably both.  But, we natives always had each other's back.  If someone is screaming out to call 911, even if he looked wasted or homeless, don't shut your doors and windows and pretend you're back in the suburbs and nothing is going on outside.  Do something.  It's the city, yo.  Bad shit happens here.  We've gotta look out for each other.

Yeah, there was an editorial in the Examiner published around the same time as the feature that made the same point (but not as well because they dithered about safety nets and whatnot). Here it is.

http://www.sfexaminer.com/opinion/editorials/2012/02/death-street-shows-dark-side-life-san-francisco
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Lightnin' Rod on March 09, 2012, 10:14:34 AM
Sadly, my softball team has officially disbanded.  No more games on Thursday nights.  It sucks getting old (basically, team members (all in their mid-50s) have been retiring in a trickle over the last 5 years, and we started having difficulty feilding a competitive team last year).

RIP, Topeca.   :'(
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: RGMike on March 09, 2012, 10:22:07 AM
Sadly, my softball team has officially disbanded.  No more games on Thursday nights.  It sucks getting old (basically, team members (all in their mid-50s) have been retiring in a trickle over the last 5 years, and we started having difficulty feilding a competitive team last year).

RIP, Topeca.   :'(

there's always shuffleboard!  Yeah, it sucks to get old.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: mshray on March 11, 2012, 12:54:19 PM
Here's why I have been so absent lately: www.fastorsystems.com

I'll try to catch you all up on stuff better in the near future.

luv to all,
Mark
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Big Fingers McGee on March 11, 2012, 01:17:40 PM
Here's why I have been so absent lately: www.fastorsystems.com

I'll try to catch you all up on stuff better in the near future.

luv to all,
Mark

Click on "About Us" for a pic! Good to hear from you!
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Lightnin' Rod on March 11, 2012, 02:22:41 PM
Here's why I have been so absent lately: www.fastorsystems.com

I'll try to catch you all up on stuff better in the near future.

luv to all,
Mark

Ooooh, solid state drives.  One of our other developers got one for his dev machine and Visual Studio 2010 (which just a pig) runs like crazy now.  The difference is night and day.  I need one bad.  I'm sure your enterprise level drives are a bit more advanced, but that sector IS booming!

Anyway, good to hear from you bud, and good luck!
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Alicat on March 11, 2012, 03:14:56 PM
Here's why I have been so absent lately: www.fastorsystems.com

I'll try to catch you all up on stuff better in the near future.

luv to all,
Mark
Excellent. Good to know you're doing OK. Hope to catch up soon.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: urth on March 11, 2012, 05:05:45 PM
Here's why I have been so absent lately: www.fastorsystems.com

I'll try to catch you all up on stuff better in the near future.

luv to all,
Mark

Glad to hear that things have been moving in a positive direction for you, and that you still remember your old pals here at the 10@10Club.  I'll be anxious to hear what's up, as well as any comments you have on the way 10@10 has gone in the DC era. Cheers!
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: RGMike on March 11, 2012, 05:21:48 PM
Here's why I have been so absent lately: www.fastorsystems.com

I'll try to catch you all up on stuff better in the near future.

luv to all,
Mark

awesome!  we miss ya 'round these parts, bub.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: ggould on March 12, 2012, 11:05:17 AM
Here's why I have been so absent lately: www.fastorsystems.com

I'll try to catch you all up on stuff better in the near future.

luv to all,
Mark
Sounds pretty exciting, but also exhausting!  Take care of yourself during this intense period.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Gazoo on April 06, 2012, 08:32:01 PM
Here's why I have been so absent lately: www.fastorsystems.com

I'll try to catch you all up on stuff better in the near future.

luv to all,
Mark

Hey Mark,

I owe you a callback, but in the meantime wanted to say howdy here.  As you may have inferred, I don't get round these parts much anymore - work and homefront have taken more of my energy than they used to, and I just don't feel a strong urge to listen to AL's sets anymore, not that I can effectively during the workday.

Anyway, best wishes with Fastor, and I'll give a shout soon!

Gaz
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Gazoo on April 17, 2012, 10:37:19 AM
Hey gang,

I'm gonna be offline for the next two weeks: spending a long weekend in Ithaca visiting a close friend from the college days, then departing Monday for a week on the island of Curacao, which is close to Aruba.  Looking forward to the necessary decompression.  I'll be internet-free, so if there's any need to reach me, texting is the best bet.  Alicat, sorry I'll miss you in NYC!

Cheers, dearhearts!
Gaz
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: RGMike on April 17, 2012, 10:49:16 AM
Hey gang,

I'm gonna be offline for the next two weeks: spending a long weekend in Ithaca visiting a close friend from the college days, then departing Monday for a week on the island of Curacao, which is close to Aruba.  Looking forward to the necessary decompression.  I'll be internet-free, so if there's any need to reach me, texting is the best bet.  Alicat, sorry I'll miss you in NYC!

Cheers, dearhearts!
Gaz

Get tan. Get drunk. Get laid!
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Lightnin' Rod on April 17, 2012, 01:53:32 PM
Hey gang,

I'm gonna be offline for the next two weeks: spending a long weekend in Ithaca visiting a close friend from the college days, then departing Monday for a week on the island of Curacao, which is close to Aruba.  Looking forward to the necessary decompression.  I'll be internet-free, so if there's any need to reach me, texting is the best bet.  Alicat, sorry I'll miss you in NYC!

Cheers, dearhearts!
Gaz

Have a great time, Joe.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Alicat on April 17, 2012, 02:00:57 PM
Hey gang,

I'm gonna be offline for the next two weeks: spending a long weekend in Ithaca visiting a close friend from the college days, then departing Monday for a week on the island of Curacao, which is close to Aruba.  Looking forward to the necessary decompression.  I'll be internet-free, so if there's any need to reach me, texting is the best bet.  Alicat, sorry I'll miss you in NYC!

Cheers, dearhearts!
Gaz
Sorry to miss you too! As soon as I land and get to the hotel, I want to get to the MLB FanCave at E 4th and Broadway. Must see it. Forget about shopping, I'll take sports. I have dinner plans at Rue 57 and BLT Steak for the nights I'm there. Ballgame on SaturDAY and I want to check out Central Park with any remaining free time. Back at SFO by 7pm Sunday. It will be a whirlwind.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Tinka Cat on April 17, 2012, 02:02:07 PM
Hey gang,

I'm gonna be offline for the next two weeks: spending a long weekend in Ithaca visiting a close friend from the college days, then departing Monday for a week on the island of Curacao, which is close to Aruba.  Looking forward to the necessary decompression.  I'll be internet-free, so if there's any need to reach me, texting is the best bet.  Alicat, sorry I'll miss you in NYC!

Cheers, dearhearts!
Gaz

Awesome!  You better start practicing the lyrics to Kokomo: guaranteed to open doors for you!

have fun times...
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: RGMike on April 17, 2012, 02:31:00 PM
Hey gang,

I'm gonna be offline for the next two weeks: spending a long weekend in Ithaca visiting a close friend from the college days, then departing Monday for a week on the island of Curacao, which is close to Aruba.  Looking forward to the necessary decompression.  I'll be internet-free, so if there's any need to reach me, texting is the best bet.  Alicat, sorry I'll miss you in NYC!

Cheers, dearhearts!
Gaz
Sorry to miss you too! As soon as I land and get to the hotel, I want to get to the MLB FanCave at E 4th and Broadway. Must see it. Forget about shopping, I'll take sports. I have dinner plans at Rue 57 and BLT Steak for the nights I'm there. Ballgame on SaturDAY and I want to check out Central Park with any remaining free time. Back at SFO by 7pm Sunday. It will be a whirlwind.

MLB FanCave? I'll have to check that out. TANC: I just bought my SF-NY plane tix today for August.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Big Fingers McGee on April 17, 2012, 04:39:46 PM
Have a good vacay, Gazoo!
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: sundaygal on April 17, 2012, 06:23:51 PM
Have a great vacation!  Wowing someone with extensive musical knowledge is always seksi in my book.  ;)

Aruba, Jamaica....oooh I wanna take ya.....
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: urth on April 17, 2012, 10:49:53 PM
Hey gang,

I'm gonna be offline for the next two weeks: spending a long weekend in Ithaca visiting a close friend from the college days, then departing Monday for a week on the island of Curacao, which is close to Aruba.  Looking forward to the necessary decompression.  I'll be internet-free, so if there's any need to reach me, texting is the best bet.  Alicat, sorry I'll miss you in NYC!

Cheers, dearhearts!
Gaz

Wow, that sounds spectacular. I'm just a tad envious, but as I know you work as hard as anyone, I think you earned it. Be sure to drink a bit of the aperitif that gets its name from your destination. Or not. Just be sure to drink.  In the words of Bugs Bunny, bon voyagee!!!
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: RGMike on June 14, 2012, 06:54:03 AM
BART not running in the tube -- BIG fire in West Oakland. I'm stranded at home, at least temporarily.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Big Fingers McGee on June 14, 2012, 07:55:12 AM
BART not running in the tube -- BIG fire in West Oakland. I'm stranded at home, at least temporarily.

With that and a bigwig conference up in Napa, our office is about 25% full right now.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: RGMike on September 05, 2012, 01:36:10 PM
I'll be at a conference in SF Thurs/Fri/Sat -- so no 10@10s, Facebook, message board, Casey Kasem... nuthin' during daytime hours.  Hope I don't miss anything interesting, tho' I can always catch up on the various PM replays. Have fun and take notes!
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Big Fingers McGee on September 05, 2012, 01:48:12 PM
I'll be at a conference in SF Thurs/Fri/Sat -- so no 10@10s, Facebook, message board, Casey Kasem... nuthin' during daytime hours.  Hope I don't miss anything interesting, tho' I can always catch up on the various PM replays. Have fun and take notes!

I'll try to carry the mantle on Friday. Can't do anything Thursday though  :-[
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: RGMike on December 11, 2012, 01:18:06 PM
The "Ultimate Music Database" website (where you can look up any Billboard or UK chart ever published) has been blocked by my employer, which classifies it as... an "on-line gambling" site.  WTFF?  (they block the Calif Lottery results too but that at least makes sense.)
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: urth on December 12, 2012, 09:18:10 AM
The "Ultimate Music Database" website (where you can look up any Billboard or UK chart ever published) has been blocked by my employer, which classifies it as... an "on-line gambling" site.  WTFF?  (they block the Calif Lottery results too but that at least makes sense.)

Are you sure Kaiser isn't a front for the Republican party or something? These are strange and paranoid times we're living in.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Lightnin' Rod on December 12, 2012, 09:39:26 AM
The "Ultimate Music Database" website (where you can look up any Billboard or UK chart ever published) has been blocked by my employer, which classifies it as... an "on-line gambling" site.  WTFF?  (they block the Calif Lottery results too but that at least makes sense.)

"I'll wager 50 quatloos that The Osmonds 'One Bad Apple' charted longer than The Jackson Five's 'ABC'!"

Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Big Fingers McGee on December 12, 2012, 11:06:18 AM
The "Ultimate Music Database" website (where you can look up any Billboard or UK chart ever published) has been blocked by my employer, which classifies it as... an "on-line gambling" site.  WTFF?  (they block the Calif Lottery results too but that at least makes sense.)

Awesome website, by the way. I used it back in the day when Annalisa solicited requests. Still look at it as I'm compiling my own Top 100 database at home.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: RGMike on December 12, 2012, 03:12:21 PM
The "Ultimate Music Database" website (where you can look up any Billboard or UK chart ever published) has been blocked by my employer, which classifies it as... an "on-line gambling" site.  WTFF?  (they block the Calif Lottery results too but that at least makes sense.)

Awesome website, by the way. I used it back in the day when Annalisa solicited requests. Still look at it as I'm compiling my own Top 100 database at home.

Meanwhile, another Chart site has bitten the dust:

http://www.chartstats.com/index.php
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: urth on January 01, 2013, 01:05:54 AM
Happy new year to all of the original 10@10 Club... I am very glad to have continued our dialog for another year. Cheers!4
Jim
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: RGMike on January 01, 2013, 09:37:32 AM
Happy new year to all of the original 10@10 Club... I am very glad to have continued our dialog for another year. Cheers!4
Jim

Right back atcha, bub. Happy New Year to all.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Tinka Cat on January 03, 2013, 01:31:48 PM
Happy new year to all of the original 10@10 Club... I am very glad to have continued our dialog for another year. Cheers!4
Jim

Right back atcha, bub. Happy New Year to all.

oh yeah... Happy New Year to you all!
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: ggould on January 04, 2013, 11:40:15 PM
Happy new year to all of the original 10@10 Club... I am very glad to have continued our dialog for another year. Cheers!4
Jim

Right back atcha, bub. Happy New Year to all.

oh yeah... Happy New Year to you all!
indeedely!
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: RGMike on January 16, 2013, 09:53:04 AM
Hey Urth: since you're in town... Richie Unterberger is doing one of his rock history lectures tonite at the SF Library on Page St. Something about Charlie Watts... two hours of rare Rolling Stones film clips from the 1960s and early 1970s. 6:30-8:30pm, Admission is free.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: urth on January 16, 2013, 10:09:33 AM
Hey Urth: since you're in town... Richie Unterberger is doing one of his rock history lectures tonite at the SF Library on Page St. Something about Charlie Watts... two hours of rare Rolling Stones film clips from the 1960s and early 1970s. 6:30-8:30pm, Admission is free.

I heard that on Gory's thing. Very tempting but getting home (in Marin) from the Haight afterward would be challenging. Wish it was on a Saturday afternoon.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Lightnin' Rod on February 01, 2013, 09:09:21 AM
So I am walking from the BART station to the office this morning and pass an impromptu street vendor selling Niner hats and scarves and I'm inspired to a new song based on a classic CSN&Y song.  Mine will be called "Almost Bought Some Niner Crap" and will chronicle my attempts to climb on the niner bandwagon or at least root for the wheels to stay on the damned thing so that all my niner fan friends can be happy.  But it's hard, and it's not going well.

I will be glad when it's over.

Go Niners.  Really.  I mean it, man!
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Tinka Cat on February 01, 2013, 01:29:53 PM
So I am walking from the BART station to the office this morning and pass an impromptu street vendor selling Niner hats and scarves and I'm inspired to a new song based on a classic CSN&Y song.  Mine will be called "Almost Bought Some Niner Crap" and will chronicle my attempts to climb on the niner bandwagon or at least root for the wheels to stay on the damned thing so that all my niner fan friends can be happy.  But it's hard, and it's not going well.

I will be glad when it's over.

Go Niners.  Really.  I mean it, man!

The Bandwagon is the place to be!   Just bought my ticket!  Go local professional sports team!
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: ggould on February 01, 2013, 10:20:40 PM
So I am walking from the BART station to the office this morning and pass an impromptu street vendor selling Niner hats and scarves and I'm inspired to a new song based on a classic CSN&Y song.  Mine will be called "Almost Bought Some Niner Crap" and will chronicle my attempts to climb on the niner bandwagon or at least root for the wheels to stay on the damned thing so that all my niner fan friends can be happy.  But it's hard, and it's not going well.

I will be glad when it's over.

Go Niners.  Really.  I mean it, man!

The Bandwagon is the place to be!   Just bought my ticket!  Go local professional sports team!
Thanks Rod for your at least non-negative response!  One of my students today said she hated the 49ers, because she was a Raiders fan!
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: RGMike on March 29, 2013, 07:33:33 AM
So, as my employers are cracking down on streaming etc... I'll be commenting on the "other" 10@10s when possible but not listening to them. Only KFOG's (over-the-air) is one I'll be listening to, at least for the time being. Once I upgrade to a smart phone in a month or 2, I'll be back to listening to streaming audio (I hope).  I'll also be avoiding FB during working hours.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: ggould on April 01, 2013, 10:58:52 AM
So, as my employers are cracking down on streaming etc... I'll be commenting on the "other" 10@10s when possible but not listening to them. Only KFOG's (over-the-air) is one I'll be listening to, at least for the time being. Once I upgrade to a smart phone in a month or 2, I'll be back to listening to streaming audio (I hope).  I'll also be avoiding FB during working hours.
you may want to get a plan with unlimited data.  Using the wifi at work (if you have it) still goes through their filters.  Having said that, let's hope you can get a cell signal on whatever floor you work on!
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: RGMike on April 24, 2013, 09:36:53 AM
didn't know where to put this (I mentioned it on FB too) but.. within the last couple of days, Amazon raised their shipping rates.  I ordered a CD over the weekend and the shipping was the usual 2.98... as of today it's 3.99!
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: dischead on June 20, 2013, 10:23:47 PM
My private (Catholic) high school has reached a milestone anniverary and in
response they've put out an alumni newsletter recalling notable memories and
achievements.  To my surprise I find that Bruce Springsteen played at a school
dance in 1972.  That was during the school year I attended my only "mixer," as
they were known, but I'm sure I didn't go to that one.

More telling is the complete lack of mention of the school's most famous alumnus.
Oh, they used to tout his accomplishments, but then a few years ago he came out
and admitted he was gay.  Now it's like he never existed.  Shame on them.

I'm far from a biblical scholar, but I'm pretty sure Jesus never condemned
homosexuality.  That was some crap from the Old Testament.  That's were I think
most Christians get it all wrong.  Christianity is about the teachings of
Christ, not the muddled mess that came before.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: RGMike on June 21, 2013, 07:29:17 AM
My private (Catholic) high school has reached a milestone anniverary and in
response they've put out an alumni newsletter recalling notable memories and
achievements.  To my surprise I find that Bruce Springsteen played at a school
dance in 1972.  That was during the school year I attended my only "mixer," as
they were known, but I'm sure I didn't go to that one.

More telling is the complete lack of mention of the school's most famous alumnus.
Oh, they used to tout his accomplishments, but then a few years ago he came out
and admitted he was gay.  Now it's like he never existed.  Shame on them.

Please, please, tell us who!
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Tinka Cat on June 21, 2013, 10:11:17 AM
My private (Catholic) high school has reached a milestone anniverary and in
response they've put out an alumni newsletter recalling notable memories and
achievements.  To my surprise I find that Bruce Springsteen played at a school
dance in 1972.  That was during the school year I attended my only "mixer," as
they were known, but I'm sure I didn't go to that one.

More telling is the complete lack of mention of the school's most famous alumnus.
Oh, they used to tout his accomplishments, but then a few years ago he came out
and admitted he was gay.  Now it's like he never existed.  Shame on them.

Please, please, tell us who!

make it a game. give us hints and we'll guess.  :)
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: radical347 on June 21, 2013, 11:21:30 AM
My private (Catholic) high school has reached a milestone anniverary and in
response they've put out an alumni newsletter recalling notable memories and
achievements.  To my surprise I find that Bruce Springsteen played at a school
dance in 1972.  That was during the school year I attended my only "mixer," as
they were known, but I'm sure I didn't go to that one.

More telling is the complete lack of mention of the school's most famous alumnus.
Oh, they used to tout his accomplishments, but then a few years ago he came out
and admitted he was gay.  Now it's like he never existed.  Shame on them.

Please, please, tell us who!

make it a game. give us hints and we'll guess.  :)

I know! I know! Although, there was a lot of non-gay related scandal surrounding him too.

(Isn't Jon Bon Jovi more famous than him, though?  Although, I'm not sure if JBJ technically qualifies as an alumnus.)
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Big Fingers McGee on June 21, 2013, 12:47:12 PM
My private (Catholic) high school has reached a milestone anniverary and in
response they've put out an alumni newsletter recalling notable memories and
achievements.  To my surprise I find that Bruce Springsteen played at a school
dance in 1972.  That was during the school year I attended my only "mixer," as
they were known, but I'm sure I didn't go to that one.

More telling is the complete lack of mention of the school's most famous alumnus.
Oh, they used to tout his accomplishments, but then a few years ago he came out
and admitted he was gay.  Now it's like he never existed.  Shame on them.

Please, please, tell us who!

make it a game. give us hints and we'll guess.  :)

I know! I know! Although, there was a lot of non-gay related scandal surrounding him too.

(Isn't Jon Bon Jovi more famous than him, though?  Although, I'm not sure if JBJ technically qualifies as an alumnus.)

Jim McGreevey? Yeah, if that's correct, I'd definitely say Jon Bon Jovi is the more famous one.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: RGMike on June 21, 2013, 02:11:44 PM
Jim McGreevey? Yeah, if that's correct, I'd definitely say Jon Bon Jovi is the more famous one.

McGreevey is a tad creepy. As a gay guy I really wanted to like him when he came out, despite the scandal with the aide. And I admire the work he's doing with female ex-cons (I think that's his thing; he was on the Daily Show or Colbert a while back).  But these high-profile gay men who profess celibacy are just not serving the cause, IMHO (Tim Gunn is another one -- oh gurlfriend, puh-leeze). It seems more than a bit self-hating. "Maybe straight people will like me if I don't have sex!" 
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Big Fingers McGee on June 21, 2013, 02:36:42 PM
Jim McGreevey? Yeah, if that's correct, I'd definitely say Jon Bon Jovi is the more famous one.

McGreevey is a tad creepy. As a gay guy I really wanted to like him when he came out, despite the scandal with the aide. And I admire the work he's doing with female ex-cons (I think that's his thing; he was on the Daily Show or Colbert a while back).  But these high-profile gay men who profess celibacy are just not serving the cause, IMHO (Tim Gunn is another one -- oh gurlfriend, puh-leeze). It seems more than a bit self-hating. "Maybe straight people will like me if I don't have sex!"

Is there a term for someone who is neither gay nor straight, just not interested in sex with anybody?
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: RGMike on June 21, 2013, 03:06:13 PM
Jim McGreevey? Yeah, if that's correct, I'd definitely say Jon Bon Jovi is the more famous one.

McGreevey is a tad creepy. As a gay guy I really wanted to like him when he came out, despite the scandal with the aide. And I admire the work he's doing with female ex-cons (I think that's his thing; he was on the Daily Show or Colbert a while back).  But these high-profile gay men who profess celibacy are just not serving the cause, IMHO (Tim Gunn is another one -- oh gurlfriend, puh-leeze). It seems more than a bit self-hating. "Maybe straight people will like me if I don't have sex!"

Is there a term for someone who is neither gay nor straight, just not interested in sex with anybody?

I believe that's "asexuals". It' a real thing, per Psychology Today.

http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/living-single/200912/asexuals-who-are-they-and-why-are-they-important

Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: dischead on June 21, 2013, 10:30:07 PM
I know! I know! Although, there was a lot of non-gay related scandal surrounding him too.

It turns out that radical347 doesn't know somebody at the NSA.  Of course fans of The Bruce
have obsessively documented his every appearance, and I guess he didn't play that many
high schools even in his early days.  It doesn't take an advanced belt in google-fu to go from
there.

I did gloss over a lot of that imbroglio... but perhaps if he hadn't had to maintain the facade
of a straight life and could have been out, he wouldn't have felt the need to set up his aide
in a cushy job.  Although it's hardly the first time a politician has done that.

(Isn't Jon Bon Jovi more famous than him, though?  Although, I'm not sure if JBJ technically qualifies as an alumnus.)

I guess it depends on how strictly you want to define alumnus.  I would say he wasn't, which
in turn disqualifies me from saying the same about a couple of colleges I attended.  That didn't
stop the editors of the aforementioned newsletter from including a picture of him playing a guitar
as a student.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: dischead on June 21, 2013, 10:44:22 PM
Jim McGreevey? Yeah, if that's correct, I'd definitely say Jon Bon Jovi is the more famous one.

I would wager that in New Jersey McGreevey is more recognized than Bon Jovi.  And while he
was making world headlines with his impropriety, he possibly had more name recognition
nationally as well.  There are lots of younger people, older people, and people not steeped in
American culture who are more likely to know the name of the head of their state government
than that of a rock star whose popularity peaked twenty to thirty years ago.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: dischead on June 21, 2013, 11:15:28 PM
McGreevey is a tad creepy. As a gay guy I really wanted to like him when he came out, despite the scandal with the aide. And I admire the work he's doing with female ex-cons (I think that's his thing; he was on the Daily Show or Colbert a while back).  But these high-profile gay men who profess
celibacy are just not serving the cause, IMHO (Tim Gunn is another one -- oh gurlfriend, puh-leeze). It seems more than a bit self-hating. "Maybe straight people will like me if I don't have sex!"

I'm in no position to address his possible "self-hating" or professed celibacy.  However as someone
who knew him then, I'd say there is nothing creepy about him.

I didn't count him among my friends -- he was straight, and I was one of the freaks.  (We're
talking drug culture here, for you younger viewers.)  But we were well acquainted.  He was in
my classes.  I would say we were on a first name basis, except the custom was to address
and refer to other students by their last names.  (Teachers would prepend that with "mister.")
I saw him occasionally after school as I waited for my car pool.  (Most of my car pool played
sports, and I didn't.)  And yes, I, along with many others, teased him in the gym locker room.
He was notably short in stature, and we made the expected immature comments.

That being said, McGreevey was a good person.  He sincerely cared about the well-being of
others, and was always interested in helping them.  He evinced genuine christian values,
perhaps more so than the people who condemned him.  If he had a fault then it was perhaps
being a little bit too eager to please, which made him appear slightly obsequious.  Given
New Jersey's history with political corruption, he was probably about as honest a governor
as they've had in some time.  If there's a lesson to be learned from his downfall, it's that
gay or straight, thinking with your little head is likely to lead you into trouble.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Big Fingers McGee on June 22, 2013, 08:41:52 AM
Jim McGreevey? Yeah, if that's correct, I'd definitely say Jon Bon Jovi is the more famous one.

I would wager that in New Jersey McGreevey is more recognized than Bon Jovi.  And while he
was making world headlines with his impropriety, he possibly had more name recognition
nationally as well.  There are lots of younger people, older people, and people not steeped in
American culture who are more likely to know the name of the head of their state government
than that of a rock star whose popularity peaked twenty to thirty years ago.

Not that it's the end-all, but Jon Bon Jovi's FB page has over 600K followers. McGreevey has 641.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: dischead on June 23, 2013, 05:17:42 AM
Not that it's the end-all, but Jon Bon Jovi's FB page has over 600K followers. McGreevey has 641.

Hmmm... a rock musician is more popular than a former politician?  Quelle surprise...

To be clear, I'm talking about name recognition, not popularity.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: RGMike on June 23, 2013, 10:09:03 AM
McGreevey is a tad creepy. As a gay guy I really wanted to like him when he came out, despite the scandal with the aide. And I admire the work he's doing with female ex-cons (I think that's his thing; he was on the Daily Show or Colbert a while back).  But these high-profile gay men who profess
celibacy are just not serving the cause, IMHO (Tim Gunn is another one -- oh gurlfriend, puh-leeze). It seems more than a bit self-hating. "Maybe straight people will like me if I don't have sex!"

I'm in no position to address his possible "self-hating" or professed celibacy.  However as someone
who knew him then, I'd say there is nothing creepy about him.


Well, maybe "creepy" is a tad harsh, but I just find that people (esp gay men) who willfully deny themselves sex have... issues. I feel the same way about anyone who enters the priesthood, and am always amused when people are "shocked" by stories of priests abusing kids, raping women etc. The priesthood by its very nature attracts guys with a certain, shall we say, psychological profile and that ought to be obvious but most folks are oblivious to it.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: dischead on June 25, 2013, 10:15:05 PM
Well, maybe "creepy" is a tad harsh, but I just find that people (esp gay men) who willfully deny themselves sex have... issues. I feel the same way about anyone who enters the priesthood, and am always amused when people are "shocked" by stories of priests abusing kids, raping women etc. The priesthood by its very nature attracts guys with a certain, shall we say, psychological profile and that ought to be obvious but most folks are oblivious to it.


Again, I cannot address the specific motivations of why McGreevey has embraced celibacy, or
why he chose to announce it publicly.  My comments  are general in nature.

The practice of brahmacharya has a history that goes back literally for thousands of years, and
is well-recognized as one of many spiritual techniques.  The basic idea is that by not discharging
energy through lower chakras, it can be directed up into higher chakras and aid in the attainment
of enlightened states of awareness (i.e., samadhi).  In Western terms, vows of celibacy, as with
vows of poverty and the practice of fasting, are intended to direct one's attention away from
worldly concerns and towards the spiritual realms.  Again, there is a long history connecting these
techniques with religious communities.

Apart from spiritual pursuits, there are many other valid reasons for abstaining from sex.  There
are people who are separated from their partners for extended periods of time due to military
service, work requirements, school, etc.  There are people who remain true to their marriage vows
when their partner is unwilling to engage in sex or unable due to illness.  There are people who
chose not to pursue sexual activity because the lack of resources to do so or the availability of
suitable partners.  Some may forgo sex to focus on other areas in their lives.  As mentioned in
another post, within the normal range of human sexual desire are people who simply have a low
sex drive.  This is all just off the top of my head, and certainly there are many more situations that
I haven't thought of.

What I find abnormal is the notion that anyone who through choice or circumstance abstains from
sex is regarded as suspicious.  It strikes me as a particularly narrow and uninformed viewpoint.
Perhaps I should not be surprised, as American culture seems to have degenerated into the
glorification of a shallow existence of gratifying every base desire instantly without any regard to
consequence or recognizing that such efforts rarely, if ever, contribute to our long-term happiness
and well-being.

As for the slur on the priesthood, I find it to be as substantiated and as accurate as the fact that,
by their very nature, gay men have certain psychological profiles and are very likely to be
pedophiles... isn't that "obvious" and why are we "oblivious" to it?
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: RGMike on June 26, 2013, 08:02:48 AM
Well, maybe "creepy" is a tad harsh, but I just find that people (esp gay men) who willfully deny themselves sex have... issues. I feel the same way about anyone who enters the priesthood, and am always amused when people are "shocked" by stories of priests abusing kids, raping women etc. The priesthood by its very nature attracts guys with a certain, shall we say, psychological profile and that ought to be obvious but most folks are oblivious to it.


Again, I cannot address the specific motivations of why McGreevey has embraced celibacy, or
why he chose to announce it publicly.  My comments  are general in nature.

The practice of brahmacharya has a history that goes back literally for thousands of years, and
is well-recognized as one of many spiritual techniques.  The basic idea is that by not discharging
energy through lower chakras, it can be directed up into higher chakras and aid in the attainment
of enlightened states of awareness (i.e., samadhi).  In Western terms, vows of celibacy, as with
vows of poverty and the practice of fasting, are intended to direct one's attention away from
worldly concerns and towards the spiritual realms.  Again, there is a long history connecting these
techniques with religious communities.

Apart from spiritual pursuits, there are many other valid reasons for abstaining from sex.  There
are people who are separated from their partners for extended periods of time due to military
service, work requirements, school, etc.  There are people who remain true to their marriage vows
when their partner is unwilling to engage in sex or unable due to illness.  There are people who
chose not to pursue sexual activity because the lack of resources to do so or the availability of
suitable partners.  Some may forgo sex to focus on other areas in their lives.  As mentioned in
another post, within the normal range of human sexual desire are people who simply have a low
sex drive.  This is all just off the top of my head, and certainly there are many more situations that
I haven't thought of.

What I find abnormal is the notion that anyone who through choice or circumstance abstains from
sex is regarded as suspicious.  It strikes me as a particularly narrow and uninformed viewpoint.
Perhaps I should not be surprised, as American culture seems to have degenerated into the
glorification of a shallow existence of gratifying every base desire instantly without any regard to
consequence or recognizing that such efforts rarely, if ever, contribute to our long-term happiness
and well-being.

As for the slur on the priesthood, I find it to be as substantiated and as accurate as the fact that,
by their very nature, gay men have certain psychological profiles and are very likely to be
pedophiles... isn't that "obvious" and why are we "oblivious" to it?

OK, that was way more than any of us needed, I think.

I'm a gay ex-Catholic. I detest everything the hierarchy -- the closeted, mysogynistic, fucked-up old men who run the place -- stands for. At the heart of what the Church teaches is the notion that sex is dirty and sinful.  Which is a load of crap. But that teaching is the reason that many men and women with "issues" -- people with something they think needs to be hidden, or that they think they need to be somehow "punished" for -- choose to become priests and nuns. And the church KNOWS this. They always have.

And I say this as a guy who considered the priesthood as a terrified 14-to-15-year-old. I know whereof I speak.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: dischead on June 28, 2013, 10:32:28 PM








I think it's obvious who has "issues" and what is crap here.

I have found your recent posts in this thread very offensive.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Lightnin' Rod on July 11, 2013, 04:04:04 PM
Vacation all I ever wanted...

Off to Costa Rica tonight, be back in 11 days or so.  Talk to you all then!

PS -- I'm not making this public knowledge on fb, seems like a bad idea to let people know my apartment will be people free.  But I trust you people.   ;)
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Big Fingers McGee on July 11, 2013, 04:32:27 PM
Vacation all I ever wanted...

Off to Costa Rica tonight, be back in 11 days or so.  Talk to you all then!

PS -- I'm not making this public knowledge on fb, seems like a bad idea to let people know my apartment will be people free.  But I trust you people.   ;)

Enjoy, and avoid the Lightnin'!
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: urth on July 11, 2013, 04:51:31 PM
Vacation all I ever wanted...

Off to Costa Rica tonight, be back in 11 days or so.  Talk to you all then!

PS -- I'm not making this public knowledge on fb, seems like a bad idea to let people know my apartment will be people free.  But I trust you people.   ;)

Enjoy, and avoid the Lightnin'!

Have fun, it sounds great! (And don't worry, your secret is safe with us!)
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: ggould on July 13, 2013, 01:22:34 PM
Vacation all I ever wanted...

Off to Costa Rica tonight, be back in 11 days or so.  Talk to you all then!

PS -- I'm not making this public knowledge on fb, seems like a bad idea to let people know my apartment will be people free.  But I trust you people.   ;)
you can post the pix when you get back!
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: CapnJack on July 15, 2013, 08:16:16 PM
Off to San Diego in the morning -- back in a week.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Big Fingers McGee on July 15, 2013, 09:25:52 PM
Off to San Diego in the morning -- back in a week.

Enjoy! Damn, it seems as if everyone I know is going to SD. Including the missus and I in a couple of weeks.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: ggould on July 15, 2013, 10:47:03 PM
Off to San Diego in the morning -- back in a week.

Enjoy! Damn, it seems as if everyone I know is going to SD. Including the missus and I in a couple of weeks.

Stuck in Sacramento for a week!
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: urth on July 19, 2013, 06:43:57 PM
Off to San Diego in the morning -- back in a week.

Enjoy! Damn, it seems as if everyone I know is going to SD. Including the missus and I in a couple of weeks.

Stuck in Sacramento for a week!

Yeesh, this is not the time of year I'd want to be in Sacramento. Although the nights are lovely, once the sun starts to go down.

Quiet here this week with at least 3 of our number on vacay. Envious...
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Big Fingers McGee on July 19, 2013, 06:47:51 PM
Off to San Diego in the morning -- back in a week.

Enjoy! Damn, it seems as if everyone I know is going to SD. Including the missus and I in a couple of weeks.

Stuck in Sacramento for a week!

Yeesh, this is not the time of year I'd want to be in Sacramento. Although the nights are lovely, once the sun starts to go down.

Quiet here this week with at least 3 of our number on vacay. Envious...

And the fact we've had reruns the last two days ain't helpin'. Of course, when I go on vacation week after next there'll be five sets 1963-1973, with 33 tracks that've never appeared on 10@10 before.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: ggould on July 20, 2013, 06:43:15 PM
Off to San Diego in the morning -- back in a week.
Enjoy! Damn, it seems as if everyone I know is going to SD. Including the missus and I in a couple of weeks.
Stuck in Sacramento for a week!
Yeesh, this is not the time of year I'd want to be in Sacramento. Although the nights are lovely, once the sun starts to go down.

It wasn't too bad.  It didn't get real hot until late in the week, and I was in an air-conditioned classroom all day.  It's been a long time since it was hard to drive home (back to hotel) because the steering wheel was so hot!
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: dischead on August 08, 2013, 07:04:34 PM
Mr. Crosby notwithstanding, I have ceased to entangle the entire area...


It was not a considered decision to begin with.  About four and a half years ago
I didn't have the scratch for my regular appointment, so I cancelled it.  On top
of that it was a sixty-mile round trip, which was an additional expense I no longer
wanted to assume.  It wasn't a problem when I could afford it all, because when
you find someone who not only doesn't make your head look bad, but in fact does a
credible job of making it look good, you probably should stick with them.  But it
was a luxury I could no longer maintain.  I thought I would resume after a few months,
however inertia took over and I let it go.

It took about two years to reach the point where I was clearly past that awkward,
messy, in-between stage.  Inertia continued to rule and for over two years I let
it be.  But apart from being a largely unintentional situation, the overall timing
just wasn't right.  I've gotten tired of cleaning up after it, and to a lesser extent,
taking care of it.  Perhaps most significantly, there isn't anyone in my life now
to appreciate it.  That's a shame in itself, as my natural, wavy curls are quite
enviable.  ("Wasted on a man," my mother says.)  Being called "an old hippie" by
some kid (i.e., anybody under about thirty-five) at an Ultimate tournament the
other weekend did not factor into my decision.

So today, after the first generic choice was too busy, I ended up at the local
Supercuts.  The woman did a very satisfactory job.  Right now I'm experiencing the
phantom ponytail phenomena, which I expect will persist for a few days.  It reached
about halfway down my back, or almost fifteen inches.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: ggould on August 08, 2013, 09:09:13 PM
Mr. Crosby notwithstanding, I have ceased to entangle the entire area...


It was not a considered decision to begin with.  About four and a half years ago
I didn't have the scratch for my regular appointment, so I cancelled it.  On top
of that it was a sixty-mile round trip, which was an additional expense I no longer
wanted to assume.  It wasn't a problem when I could afford it all, because when
you find someone who not only doesn't make your head look bad, but in fact does a
credible job of making it look good, you probably should stick with them.  But it
was a luxury I could no longer maintain.  I thought I would resume after a few months,
however inertia took over and I let it go.

It took about two years to reach the point where I was clearly past that awkward,
messy, in-between stage.  Inertia continued to rule and for over two years I let
it be.  But apart from being a largely unintentional situation, the overall timing
just wasn't right.  I've gotten tired of cleaning up after it, and to a lesser extent,
taking care of it.  Perhaps most significantly, there isn't anyone in my life now
to appreciate it.  That's a shame in itself, as my natural, wavy curls are quite
enviable.  ("Wasted on a man," my mother says.)  Being called "an old hippie" by
some kid (i.e., anybody under about thirty-five) at an Ultimate tournament the
other weekend did not factor into my decision.

So today, after the first generic choice was too busy, I ended up at the local
Supercuts.  The woman did a very satisfactory job.  Right now I'm experiencing the
phantom ponytail phenomena, which I expect will persist for a few days.  It reached
about halfway down my back, or almost fifteen inches.
my condolences; I know how you feel.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Lightnin' Rod on August 09, 2013, 10:53:41 AM
Mr. Crosby notwithstanding, I have ceased to entangle the entire area...


It was not a considered decision to begin with.  About four and a half years ago
I didn't have the scratch for my regular appointment, so I cancelled it.  On top
of that it was a sixty-mile round trip, which was an additional expense I no longer
wanted to assume.  It wasn't a problem when I could afford it all, because when
you find someone who not only doesn't make your head look bad, but in fact does a
credible job of making it look good, you probably should stick with them.  But it
was a luxury I could no longer maintain.  I thought I would resume after a few months,
however inertia took over and I let it go.

It took about two years to reach the point where I was clearly past that awkward,
messy, in-between stage.  Inertia continued to rule and for over two years I let
it be.  But apart from being a largely unintentional situation, the overall timing
just wasn't right.  I've gotten tired of cleaning up after it, and to a lesser extent,
taking care of it.  Perhaps most significantly, there isn't anyone in my life now
to appreciate it.  That's a shame in itself, as my natural, wavy curls are quite
enviable.  ("Wasted on a man," my mother says.)  Being called "an old hippie" by
some kid (i.e., anybody under about thirty-five) at an Ultimate tournament the
other weekend did not factor into my decision.

So today, after the first generic choice was too busy, I ended up at the local
Supercuts.  The woman did a very satisfactory job.  Right now I'm experiencing the
phantom ponytail phenomena, which I expect will persist for a few days.  It reached
about halfway down my back, or almost fifteen inches.

You make me sad...  :'(

Does simplify life, though.

Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: radical347 on August 09, 2013, 11:07:47 AM
Off to San Diego in the morning -- back in a week.

Did you go to Comic Con too?  ;D
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: dischead on August 15, 2013, 10:30:27 PM
Where I'll be this weekend, helping out & hanging out:

www.santacruzfreestyle.com

see also

http://www.santacruzsentinel.com/santacruz/ci_23866275/its-finesse-thing-competitors-come-santa-cruz-2013

If you want to see some examples, search on Youtube for some of the names mentioned in the
article like Tommy Leitner, Arthur Coddington, or Jake Gauthier.

Of course I am nowhere near as good.  Even if I was in condition and in practice (which I am not),
I doubt I would make it out of the preliminary rounds of the competition.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Lightnin' Rod on August 16, 2013, 08:54:54 AM
Where I'll be this weekend, helping out & hanging out:

www.santacruzfreestyle.com

see also

http://www.santacruzsentinel.com/santacruz/ci_23866275/its-finesse-thing-competitors-come-santa-cruz-2013

If you want to see some examples, search on Youtube for some of the names mentioned in the
article like Tommy Leitner, Arthur Coddington, or Jake Gauthier.

Of course I am nowhere near as good.  Even if I was in condition and in practice (which I am not),
I doubt I would make it out of the preliminary rounds of the competition.

Looks like fun. 

I would have had to start learning that some years ago, I am pretty sure I'd tear up a knee leaping around like that now.  Probably would have when I was younger, too, but I healed quicker then.  I'm actually pretty good with a Frisbee (sorry, I know that is not the favored term, but they'll always be Frisbees to me), but it's strictly playing catch for me.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: dischead on August 16, 2013, 10:37:05 PM
Where I'll be this weekend, helping out & hanging out:

www.santacruzfreestyle.com

see also

http://www.santacruzsentinel.com/santacruz/ci_23866275/its-finesse-thing-competitors-come-santa-cruz-2013

If you want to see some examples, search on Youtube for some of the names mentioned in the
article like Tommy Leitner, Arthur Coddington, or Jake Gauthier.

Of course I am nowhere near as good.  Even if I was in condition and in practice (which I am not),
I doubt I would make it out of the preliminary rounds of the competition.

Looks like fun. 

I would have had to start learning that some years ago, I am pretty sure I'd tear up a knee leaping around like that now.  Probably would have when I was younger, too, but I healed quicker then.  I'm actually pretty good with a Frisbee (sorry, I know that is not the favored term, but they'll always be Frisbees to me), but it's strictly playing catch for me.

Aerial moves are dramatic, but I know plenty of crusty old jammers who can do some pretty
amazing things with both feet on the ground.  Flexibility and dexterity are more important than
raw athleticism and strength.

You're correct in saying that because Frisbee is a trademarked brand name of the Wham-O Mfg.
Company, the correct generic is "disc," but lots of people across all disc sports still call it a
Frisbee.  This despite the fact that Wham-O Frisbees are not the preferred disc for most
activities.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: dischead on August 16, 2013, 10:44:17 PM
Mr. Crosby notwithstanding, I have ceased to entangle the entire area...
my condolences; I know how you feel.

I've been through this cycle once or twice before.  The last time I cut my hair, I felt like I was
undercover or in disguise -- a feeling that persisted for years.  This time it feels like my life
fits short hair better.  A week later, and I have no regrets about doing it.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: dischead on August 21, 2013, 10:31:24 PM
Just coming down from a outstanding weekend at the tournament...

Frisbee freestyle routines are usually four or five minutes long, and they are set to music choosen
by the players.  Many classic upbeat rock and pop tunes were used.  Also heard were Beethoven,
Schubert, Frank Sinatra, what was obviously the credit roll soundtrack for a movie, and even
an ad hoc song about playing frisbee one pair had written for their routine.  One piece that
made me laugh out loud was a mashup of Thriller and Hollaback Girl by DJ Schmolli.
(Yes, I had to look that up.)  I'm sure there's a message there about creativity in music or
some such, but I'm not going to tease it out now.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Lightnin' Rod on October 16, 2013, 10:32:05 AM
Vacation, all I ever wanted...

Gone fishing for the next week and a half -- I am soooo ready.  I'm taking my laptop and may (or may not) come back to the database project during downtime.

See ya on the flip side.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: dischead on October 07, 2014, 11:25:09 PM
Somewhere deep in this section may well be a thread on things to do in the Bay Area, but not
seeing one in the first few pages, I post this here...

I can go through a little bit of hell now because I've just been to heaven... pinball heaven, that is.

I've known about this place for a little while, and now I'm sorry I didn't go earlier.  I'll be going back
soon:

The Pacific Pinball Museum in Alameda
www.pacificpinball.org

If you have any interest in pinball, make plans to go.  Yes, they have a Baffle Ball and some of
the other early machines on display, but the real attraction is about 100 machines that range
from the late 1940's through the early 2000's -- all fully operational and set on 'free play'.
After paying the $15 admission fee, you can play all of the machines as much as you want.
They also have a couple of jukeboxes, also on free play, loaded with mostly period-appropriate
music for the machines in those rooms.  It was an amazing and wonderful experience on many
levels.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: RGMike on October 08, 2014, 08:27:23 AM
Somewhere deep in this section may well be a thread on things to do in the Bay Area, but not
seeing one in the first few pages, I post this here...

I can go through a little bit of hell now because I've just been to heaven... pinball heaven, that is.

I've known about this place for a little while, and now I'm sorry I didn't go earlier.  I'll be going back
soon:

The Pacific Pinball Museum in Alameda
www.pacificpinball.org


sounds awesome!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d2fEkHCZFxU
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: urth on October 28, 2015, 11:23:46 PM
Flying to Hawaii tomorrow morning for a week+. First actual non-family, non-cheese vacation since 2006. Back here on the 9th.

Be there. Aloha.

(http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/2272/1266/400/515793/Steve%20McGarrett.gif)
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: dischead on April 05, 2016, 10:16:32 AM

10 am... a square from the patchwork quilt of illusion covering my existence has been ripped away,
exposing the emptiness underneath.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: urth on April 05, 2016, 10:54:00 AM
I feel you. After looking forward to 10am nearly every weekday for the last 18 years, it feels really weird.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: RGMike on April 05, 2016, 12:00:02 PM
I feel you. After looking forward to 10am nearly every weekday for the last 18 years, it feels really weird.

'deed it do.  I wonder if they're planning to do a playlisted, format-specific version of 10@10 when they re-launch.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: ggould on April 18, 2016, 07:46:00 PM
I feel you. After looking forward to 10am nearly every weekday for the last 18 years, it feels really weird.
'deed it do.  I wonder if they're planning to do a playlisted, format-specific version of 10@10 when they re-launch.
On some level, they've got to know what a potential asset 10@10 can be.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: RGMike on April 18, 2016, 09:21:27 PM
I feel you. After looking forward to 10am nearly every weekday for the last 18 years, it feels really weird.
'deed it do.  I wonder if they're planning to do a playlisted, format-specific version of 10@10 when they re-launch.
On some level, they've got to know what a potential asset 10@10 can be.

You would *think* so -- and 10@10 has always been KFOG's highest-rated hour of the day -- but to do a younger-demo version would probably mean ranging only from 1987 to 2007. That would get boring in a hurry. I suspect the new PD buys into DC's old theory that too many features takes away from building your brand, or somesuch nonsense.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: dischead on April 18, 2016, 11:04:19 PM
I feel you. After looking forward to 10am nearly every weekday for the last 18 years, it feels really weird.
'deed it do.  I wonder if they're planning to do a playlisted, format-specific version of 10@10 when they re-launch.
On some level, they've got to know what a potential asset 10@10 can be.

You would *think* so -- and 10@10 has always been KFOG's highest-rated hour of the day -- but to do a younger-demo version would probably mean ranging only from 1987 to 2007. That would get boring in a hurry. I suspect the new PD buys into DC's old theory that too many features takes away from building your brand, or somesuch nonsense.

Building your brand??  How can they have any pretense of that when they burned the one they
had to the ground?  That might make sense if the format is going to be completely different (frex
the EDM rumor), but if it's still going to be something resembling AAA (even if skewed younger),
why would anyone want to start from scratch, particularly with a headwind of ill-will from a
previously loyal listener base to whom you just gave a big raspberry.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: RGMike on April 19, 2016, 08:49:30 AM
I feel you. After looking forward to 10am nearly every weekday for the last 18 years, it feels really weird.
'deed it do.  I wonder if they're planning to do a playlisted, format-specific version of 10@10 when they re-launch.
On some level, they've got to know what a potential asset 10@10 can be.

You would *think* so -- and 10@10 has always been KFOG's highest-rated hour of the day -- but to do a younger-demo version would probably mean ranging only from 1987 to 2007. That would get boring in a hurry. I suspect the new PD buys into DC's old theory that too many features takes away from building your brand, or somesuch nonsense.

Building your brand??  How can they have any pretense of that when they burned the one they had to the ground?  That might make sense if the format is going to be completely different (frex the EDM rumor), but if it's still going to be something resembling AAA (even if skewed younger), why would anyone want to start from scratch, particularly with a headwind of ill-will from a previously loyal listener base to whom you just gave a big raspberry.

Agreed on all counts. Unless the music they've been playing the past 3 weeks has been a huge fake-out, what they're doing doesn't seem to make sense. Hiring Pinfield, keeping No-Name... sure *seems* like they're planning something male-skewing, but the music is pure Triple-A. Young males don't wanna hear that much Adele (or Sheryl Crow). Maybe they wanna be able to pivot to alternative if Live 105 disappears.

The "building your brand" thing was DC's argument for getting rid of the Sat morning marathon -- that you can't get people to dig your format if you're always breaking format to run features. (I don't agree with that but consultants love to say it.)
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: darryl on April 22, 2016, 04:08:56 PM
Agreed on all counts. Unless the music they've been playing the past 3 weeks has been a huge fake-out, what they're doing doesn't seem to make sense. Hiring Pinfield, keeping No-Name... sure *seems* like they're planning something male-skewing, but the music is pure Triple-A. Young males don't wanna hear that much Adele (or Sheryl Crow). Maybe they wanna be able to pivot to alternative if Live 105 disappears.

So much of the recent playlist has been straight out Alice in the 1990s it is bizarre:

4/22/2016 15:39:02   Natalie Imbruglia   Torn
4/22/2016 14:51:01   The Cranberries   Linger
4/22/2016 13:18:01   Melissa Etheridge   Come to My Window
4/22/2016 12:09:01   Alanis Morissette   Ironic
4/22/2016 11:03:02   Alanis Morissette   You Oughta Know
4/22/2016 10:24:01   Suzanne Vega   Tom's Diner
4/22/2016 8:36:02   Alanis Morissette   Head Over Feet
4/22/2016 8:03:01   Sheryl Crow   If It Makes You Happy

That is some straight up Hot AC/Adult Contemporary right there. Edging into Adult Pop.
http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/956457/train-rolls-to-100th-adult-pop-songs-no-1

So yeah, Pinfield is a really weird choice to spin Sheryl Crow and Alanis Morisette.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: darryl on April 22, 2016, 04:17:46 PM
For fun I cut and pasted all the artists from here: http://rudebadmood.com/foglist/ into Google. It turned up this very interesting and fun page:

http://www.mediabase.com/mmrweb/7/stationplaylistrequest.asp?c_let=KFOG-FM

And so.... I think I just found KFOG's entire playlist.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: darryl on April 22, 2016, 04:20:42 PM
Duncan Sheik! OMG, Alice used to play "Barely Breathing" to *death*.

Actually, my records show KFOG has been infrequently spinning it for a while. Hrm, I should try and fix the missing 2014-2015 data....
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: RGMike on April 22, 2016, 08:30:15 PM
For fun I cut and pasted all the artists from here: http://rudebadmood.com/foglist/ into Google. It turned up this very interesting and fun page:

http://www.mediabase.com/mmrweb/7/stationplaylistrequest.asp?c_let=KFOG-FM

And so.... I think I just found KFOG's entire playlist.

Holy crap -- that's amazing!

and 2 names NOT on that list, surprisingly: John Mayer and Matt Nathanson.

ETA: also, you can substitute other call letters in that URL - here's The Peak's playlist

http://www.mediabase.com/mmrweb/7/stationplaylistrequest.asp?c_let=WXPK-FM
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: darryl on April 23, 2016, 01:21:11 PM
Wow good call on Nathanson. His last spin was 3/26 with "Come on Get Higher." Prior to that they only spun his newer song "Adrenaline."

So I guess he's no longer a friend of the station? Or at least not a friend with benefits. :-P
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: dischead on May 05, 2016, 04:44:17 PM

Connections I've stumbled over only recently...

While flipping through the on-screen channel guide I discovered that the episode titles for the fifth season
of That '70s Show (http://www.epguides.com/That70sShow/) were all Led Zeppelin songs, the sixth season were Who songs, the seventh were
Rolling Stones songs, and the eighth season titles were Queen songs.

I thought the names in Ursula 1000's Kinda Kinky (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1nb7zl2ZUyI) were lipsticks -- and perhaps they were -- but they are
long predated by the colors in the somewhat infamous "sweater scene (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DXdUNZUP_os)" with Tuesday Weld and Max Showalter
from Lord Love a Duck.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: dischead on May 06, 2016, 02:58:02 PM
I've known for years I'm an outlier... that most people don't care, and some people are totally
ignorant, like the KFOG callers months into 2009 who thought Dave was still spinning new 10@10s.

But shit.  Piss.  Fuck.  Fuckety-fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck.

I will never take crap again for using video tapes and occasionally burning stuff to DVD.

The cable-company-supplied PVR crapped out yesterday, and I lost dozens of hours of programs.  Some
can be viewed via other sources, and some I can live without.  But there were many that as a practical
matter will be impossible to find, and I don't have a complete inventory of all that was lost.

In "Silicon Snake Oil," Clifford Stoll waxed fondly about paper card catalogs in libraries, and opined
that how much a card was dog-eared and worn was information about the usefulness of the work it
referenced which was lost when the catalog was computerized.  My own memories of card catalogs are
less practical and more nostalgic, but I recognize there is an important point here.  While there can
be obvious benefits in upgrading to newer technology, there are also downsides, often hidden.  Rarely
is something gained without something else being lost.

It's also galling because I know the PVR is simply a specialized PC, that it contains an off-the-shelf
hard drive, and, if it's not the hard drive that failed, all those programs are just sitting there
as files which could be copied off easily with the right utility.  Alas, neither the utility nor that
service are offered, and the tech needed to take the old PVR for possible refurbishment.  The simple
reality is that the cable company owns the box, and my use is on their terms; no negotiation possible.

I suspect the majority of people regard all their media as ephemeral.  In one eye and out the other.
But then, their lives are largely ephemermal -- one shiny distraction after another.  Nor do they care
that their consumption is at the sufferance of one corporation or another, who can and will change
the conditions without notice to serve their interest regardless of the impact on their customers.
As Gil Scott-Heron sings in B Movie, "when the producer names the tune, the consumer has to dance."
I'm not in that majority, and I don't like being there.

This sucks.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: RGMike on May 06, 2016, 03:08:57 PM
I've known for years I'm an outlier... that most people don't care, and some people are totally ignorant, like the KFOG callers months into 2009 who thought Dave was still spinning new 10@10s....


This whole piece, above, was quite beautifully stated., my friend. I've had friends say similar stuff re: vinyl & CDs that sit on shelves as opposed to mp3s on a drive.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: dischead on May 06, 2016, 05:40:01 PM
I've known for years I'm an outlier... that most people don't care, and some people are totally ignorant, like the KFOG callers months into 2009 who thought Dave was still spinning new 10@10s....
This whole piece, above, was quite beautifully stated., my friend. I've had friends say similar stuff re: vinyl & CDs that sit on shelves as opposed to mp3s on a drive.

Although events like the elimination of 10@10 continue to nudge me toward a mostly desireable
future of MP3s, one of the impediments is my reluctance to begin digitizing my modestly large (2200+)
collection of recordings (mostly vinyl, audiotapes, and CDs) until I have a sufficiently robust system
for data backups in place.  I really don't want to invest the time and effort for that project and then
lose it to hardware failure.

I think we are at a very interesting turning point in history.  Taking a long view, I think the period of
analog media, and "electronic" analog media in particular, is relatively short -- and we are now at its
end.  How do we preserve archives  (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BBC_Domesday_Project#Preservation) dependent on obsolete hardware and software?  What does it
mean to be the "paper of record," when most of the articles are never printed with ink on paper?
(How many people under thirty have even heard of the Readers' Guide to Periodical Literature?)
How can we rely on online information sources when they can changed or deleted with a few keystrokes?
A brave new world, indeed.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: ggould on May 08, 2016, 01:44:57 PM
A year ago, I made a move from the lowest paid school district in San Mateo County to one of the highest.  It turned out that I was a dead man about 3 weeks into the year.  The entitled kids and parents tarred and feathered me, and I have decided to retire, instead of looking for some other school to catch on with.  I will focus more on my guitar work, and do some part time teacher coaching for the Exploratorium Teacher Institute.  So, who knows what tomorrow may bring indeed!
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: RGMike on May 08, 2016, 07:15:01 PM
  The entitled kids and parents tarred and feathered me

Rich people suck.  Please expand on this if it's not too painful. Sorry to hear this, Geoff.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: ggould on May 09, 2016, 08:24:19 AM
  The entitled kids and parents tarred and feathered me

Rich people suck.  Please expand on this if it's not too painful. Sorry to hear this, Geoff.

Right now I sound like too much of a whiner.  Later I might collect my thoughts.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Lightnin' Rod on May 09, 2016, 09:56:24 AM
  The entitled kids and parents tarred and feathered me

Rich people suck.  Please expand on this if it's not too painful. Sorry to hear this, Geoff.

Right now I sound like too much of a whiner.  Later I might collect my thoughts.

Their loss, I'd say.  Enjoy some free time, get out to the golf course.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: ggould on May 09, 2016, 12:53:13 PM
  The entitled kids and parents tarred and feathered me

Rich people suck.  Please expand on this if it's not too painful. Sorry to hear this, Geoff.

Right now I sound like too much of a whiner.  Later I might collect my thoughts.

Their loss, I'd say.  Enjoy some free time, get out to the golf course.
maybe someday I'll actually play golf with you!
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: dischead on November 09, 2016, 11:39:49 AM
"No one in this world, so far as I know -- and I have searched the records for years, and employed agents
to help me -- has ever lost money by underestimating the intelligence of the great masses of the plain people.
Nor has anyone ever lost public office thereby.

"The mistake that is made always runs the other way.  Because the plain people are able to speak and understand,
and even, in many cases, to read and write, it is assumed that they have ideas in their heads, and an appetite
for more.  This assumption is a folly."

-- H.L. Mencken, September 19, 1926
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: RGMike on November 09, 2016, 11:50:17 AM
"No one in this world, so far as I know -- and I have searched the records for years, and employed agents to help me -- has ever lost money by underestimating the intelligence of the great masses of the plain people. Nor has anyone ever lost public office thereby.

"The mistake that is made always runs the other way.  Because the plain people are able to speak and understand, and even, in many cases, to read and write, it is assumed that they have ideas in their heads, and an appetite for more.  This assumption is a folly."

-- H.L. Mencken, September 19, 1926

Bingo.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: dischead on December 13, 2016, 03:37:26 PM

I had been plagued for some days by a persistent earworm from a prominent '80s hair metal
band that I don't ever listen to or care about, but just happened to hear the admittedly
catchy hook one time.  A couple of days ago I was watching a stupid television program
where a forgotten gem was used on the soundtrack, and it's cleansed my head of anything
else.  It's this five-minute masterpiece from the Kinks:  Shangri-La (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kt0IXkIVvo4).  Simply amazing
how much musically and lyrically is packed into this song.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: Lightnin' Rod on October 10, 2017, 01:19:30 PM
I don't know if I mentioned it before, but I moved up to Santa Rosa in February. 

So far I'm okay, except for the smoke and unhappy dogs because I won't let them out into the smoke.  My heart goes out to those in neighboring areas.  Let's all hope the wind stays down and the firefighters can get some containment.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: RGMike on October 10, 2017, 07:26:28 PM
I don't know if I mentioned it before, but I moved up to Santa Rosa in February. 

So far I'm okay, except for the smoke and unhappy dogs because I won't let them out into the smoke.  My heart goes out to those in neighboring areas.  Let's all hope the wind stays down and the firefighters can get some containment.

Wow -- stay safe, buddy.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: urth on October 11, 2017, 11:18:04 AM
I don't know if I mentioned it before, but I moved up to Santa Rosa in February. 

So far I'm okay, except for the smoke and unhappy dogs because I won't let them out into the smoke.  My heart goes out to those in neighboring areas.  Let's all hope the wind stays down and the firefighters can get some containment.

Wow -- stay safe, buddy.

Yikes. Hope you remain upwind of the flames.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: dischead on May 30, 2019, 03:14:38 PM

I still occasionally get the feeling right before ten o'clock that I should be getting ready for something.
(sigh)
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: dischead on May 21, 2020, 10:46:06 PM
Hi, long time, no post (or lurk or anything, really),

So, I put together a 10 at 10! My first, in fact!  I used the Audacity app, which is pretty cool. I got almost all the way through before I learned I how to overlap and mix tracks.. which is AWESOME.  Anyway, give a listen if you are stuck at home or something... :)

How did you get the audio for your clips?  Is there a tool for getting the sound from
youtube videos, or did you use some other source?  I have a few ideas for sets I'd
like to make.

Just this very week I installed Audacity and started playing with it in preparation for
digitizing my cassette tapes -- including my 10@10 recordings.  It does seem like a
very nice piece of software, with lots of interesting and useful features.  A little
daunting at first, but with frequent references to their documentation and following
one of the tutorials I was able to get useful results in short order.  I've been splitting
some Dead shows where the sets were one big MP3 into separate tracks.  The
"Export Multiple" feature is very handy.  Very soon I'll be moving on to recording my
tapes.

It may be a few weeks before I start in on the 10@10 recordings, and a few months
before I have the first batch ready for sharing.  I have about 160 shows in all, so
realistically it will be a year or more before I finish them all, as I have a few dozen
other tapes to do as well.
Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: dischead on August 17, 2020, 02:24:11 PM
If anybody has the phone number for Hell, please call and tell them to take their weather back!

Out here in the East Bay (wine country!), it was 108 Saturday, a "low" of 78, 106 on Sunday,
more of the same today and tomorrow.  Intense thumpers Sunday morning and the lightning
strikes have started several fires, including one in a nearby park.  I went out to get the paper
before nine o'clock and it was very humid, already near ninety, and smoke filled the air.  Now
the prevailing winds are blowing smoke from the Sunol Wilderness fire in our direction and when
you go outside it literally smells like standing next to a campfire.

Still I'm thankful that we don't live in the hills near any of the fires.  It's difficult to imagine being
subject to mandatory evacuation and having to leave everything behind, and worrying the
whole time if there will be anything left when you can return.

Title: Re: I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' 'bout my life
Post by: dischead on February 23, 2022, 03:00:58 PM
They say old habits die hard.

Although I have largely moved into the aughts and most often listen to MP3s,
when I can I still greatly enjoy shopping at the used CD stores.  It's the
thrill of the hunt, I guess.  (I don't ever expect to duplicate my 800+
album collection, but I hope to get most of my favorites.  As far as I know,
some, like Tonto's Expanding Head Band, have never been released on CD.)
I've noted the passing of Gary Brooker, vocalist and keyboard player for
Procol Harum, one of my favorite bands from back in the day, and not long
ago I purchased the expanded edition of Broken Barricades.  It
includes some slightly interesting bonus tracks, an excellent concert
broadcast from WPLJ in April of 1971, and another concert from Swedish
radio in October of that year.  (Has it really been fifty years?  Yikes!)

While shopping with an Amazon gift certificate, I've noticed many releases
of multiple classic album packages that come from Great Britain.  The
Beach Boys' Sunflower with Surf's Up, Jefferson Airplane's
Volunteers, Bark, and Long John Silver, and Commander Cody's
Tales From the Ozone, We've Got a Live One Here!, and the
eponymous Commander Cody and his Lost Planet Airmen.  The latter being
an excellent mix of Western swing, country, rockabilly, and boogie.

I'm also currently reading Star-Making Machinery:  The odyssey of an Album
by Geoffrey Stokes.  It chronicles in great detail the creation of Commander
Cody and his Lost Planet Airmen
, and along the way the inside workings
of the music business.  Published in 1976, it is of course dated, yet still
an very interesting read.

It took a couple of years, but I no longer have the feeling that I'm missing
something when 10am rolls around.  I continue to enjoy many of Captain Jack's
10@10 sets (thanks, Cap'n!), with the Beatles' covers sets being particular
stand-outs -- a testament to the song-writing of Lennon & McCartney.  I think
they were like two draft horses, each of which pulls in a different direction.
But when you yoke them together, they plow a straight furrow.  Lennon was serious,
McCartney more light-hearted, and the combination created great works.