Boston Review — Marjorie Perloff: Poetry on the Brink:
"What happens to poetry when everybody is a poet? "
I know, I know! A lot of crap.
Monday, April 30, 2012
Productive morning
Just past ten and I finished my class prep ... made scrapple ... had breakfast ... ready for a mellow day.
Portland State Currently | News
Portland State Currently | News:
"Charles Deemer, English adjunct faculty, publishes Varmints, an opera libretto in search of music, as a Kindle book. Round Bend Press will publish a paperback in the fall. This tragi-comedy of the Old West, set in the gold fields of eastern Oregon, is based on his stage play of the same name, which was written with an Oregon Arts Commission grant to conclude the 1988-89 play series "Charles Deemer's Oregon.""
"Charles Deemer, English adjunct faculty, publishes Varmints, an opera libretto in search of music, as a Kindle book. Round Bend Press will publish a paperback in the fall. This tragi-comedy of the Old West, set in the gold fields of eastern Oregon, is based on his stage play of the same name, which was written with an Oregon Arts Commission grant to conclude the 1988-89 play series "Charles Deemer's Oregon.""
Kickstarter Basics » Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) — Kickstarter
Kickstarter Basics » Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) — Kickstarter:
3 years old, a revolutionary new way to fund indie artistic projects. I wish this existed 20 years ago, maybe I could have funded the Seagull Hyperdrama.
3 years old, a revolutionary new way to fund indie artistic projects. I wish this existed 20 years ago, maybe I could have funded the Seagull Hyperdrama.
Gatz: The greater Gatsby | Stage | The Guardian
Gatz: The greater Gatsby | Stage | The Guardian:
"A performance of every word of F Scott Fitzgerald's jazz era classic, Gatz lasts a marathon eight hours (with a break for dinner). How do the actors manage it?"
"A performance of every word of F Scott Fitzgerald's jazz era classic, Gatz lasts a marathon eight hours (with a break for dinner). How do the actors manage it?"
Monday Monday
Most prep work finished yesterday. Loose ends today. Rain back but I did mow a bit of lawn before it arrived. No energy for my outside in work but good energy for harmonica practice. Should make scrabble today. Term at halfway point. Amazing.
Sunday, April 29, 2012
Has the internet run out of ideas already? | Technology | The Observer
Has the internet run out of ideas already? | Technology | The Observer:
" from somebody's hobby to somebody's industry; from jury-rigged contraption to slick production marvel; from a freely accessible channel to one strictly controlled by a single corporation or cartel"
Alas, I see nothing to change the pattern toward corporate control.
" from somebody's hobby to somebody's industry; from jury-rigged contraption to slick production marvel; from a freely accessible channel to one strictly controlled by a single corporation or cartel"
Alas, I see nothing to change the pattern toward corporate control.
The 10 best first lines in fiction | Culture | The Observer
The 10 best first lines in fiction | Culture | The Observer:
Terrible list! No James Cain. No J. D. Salinger.
Terrible list! No James Cain. No J. D. Salinger.
Not all roads lead to London when it comes to culture | Catherine Bennett | The Observer
Not all roads lead to London when it comes to culture | Catherine Bennett | Comment is free | The Observer:
Ah, these Brits! More smug than Portlanders ha ha.
Ah, these Brits! More smug than Portlanders ha ha.
Robert Redford praises Prince Charles's film at Sundance festival | Film | The Observer
Robert Redford praises Prince Charles's film at Sundance festival | Film | The Observer:
"The film, Harmony: A New Way of Looking At Our World, was being given its premiere at the opening night of Sundance London, the first non-US outing for Redford's successful film and music festival."
"The film, Harmony: A New Way of Looking At Our World, was being given its premiere at the opening night of Sundance London, the first non-US outing for Redford's successful film and music festival."
Youngest F1 Champion Sebastian Vettel's stylish pictures
German F1 Champion Sebastian Vettel is the youngest F1 champion and a double time Formula 1 champion too driving for his Red Bull Racing team. He won the F1 Championship in the years 2010 and 2011.
Vettel started out as the youngest Formula One driver to drive at a Grand Prix, at 19 years and 53 days. At the 2007 US Grand Prix when he became the youngest driver to score championship points.
Here is a collection of Sebastian Vettel's stylish pictures that I like and which also matches his calm and simple personality.
Pics courtesy: From the great world wide web..
Vettel had a slow start to this year's F1 championship but Vettel and his team Red Bull are getting better as he won the Bahrain Grandprix last week to open his win account for the 2012 F1 racing season.
Youngest F1 Champion Sebastian Vettel showing his trademark Number 1 sign
Vettel started out as the youngest Formula One driver to drive at a Grand Prix, at 19 years and 53 days. At the 2007 US Grand Prix when he became the youngest driver to score championship points.
Here is a collection of Sebastian Vettel's stylish pictures that I like and which also matches his calm and simple personality.
Red Bull Racing's F1 World Champion Sebastian Vettel's wallpaper pose
A close-up portrait of the Youngest F1 World Champion Sebastian Vettel of Germany
Young Sebastian Vettel in his teens when he started racing at the Formula 1 level
A grown-up Sebastian Vettel, now a double F1 World Champion for the Red Bull Racing team
German Formula 1 Champion Sebastian Vettel in a close-up portrait
Pics courtesy: From the great world wide web..
Vettel had a slow start to this year's F1 championship but Vettel and his team Red Bull are getting better as he won the Bahrain Grandprix last week to open his win account for the 2012 F1 racing season.
Fernando Torres Hairstyles...
Spanish footballer and striker for Chelsea club Fernando Torres is known for his different hairstyles.
Here is a look at the different hairstyles that Spaniard Fernando Torres had on n off the field..
Which hairstyle of Fernando Torres do you like the best?? Tough to chose isn't it :)
Here is a look at the different hairstyles that Spaniard Fernando Torres had on n off the field..
Chelsea striker Fernando Torres sporting a layered hair cut
Playing for Liverpool club earlier, Fernando Torres had long hair which suited very much for his boyish charms
Fernando Torres in a mohawk hairstyle modeling for Pepe Jeans
Handsome Fernando Torres in a blonde layered hairstyle
Spanish striker and leading soccer player Torres in a long hairstyle
Fernando Torres in a stylish hairstyle
Which hairstyle of Fernando Torres do you like the best?? Tough to chose isn't it :)
Saturday, April 28, 2012
The Freshman
I started classes at the Harmonica Academy today. Early lessons should go quickly since I'm familiar with the harp but looking over the syllabus, the last half of the Freshman work looks challenging. This will be fun. It's actually quite different from playing on the rack.
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| Young Paul deLay, harp master |
Round Bend Press: Rough Cut #1/Dreams of Journalism
Round Bend Press: Rough Cut #1/Dreams of Journalism:
First teaser from Terry Simons about his film project.
First teaser from Terry Simons about his film project.
Federer's endorsement of Jura coffee makers
Swiss coffee makers Jura made a new commercial with the Swiss master Roger Federer which was posted earlier.
I wasn't aware of this Jura coffee machines till I first saw Roger Federer's commercial. It seems Jura is a high-end coffee maker whose machines sell for more than $1,000 in upscale retail shops such as Williams-Sonoma. It’s a small company from a small village in Switzerland and has used Roger Federer as its brand ambassador for the past few years. They have a 10 year endorsement deal with Federer which includes advertising and commercials like the new one.
I found a few more earlier advertisements and posters of Roger Federer endorsing for Jura coffee makers. Sharing it here with you all :)
Excluding Jura, Federer has a decade-long endorsement deals and long-term contracts with three more major companies - Nike, Wilson and Rolex watches.
The Swiss master Roger Federer also endorses Gillette, Mercedes-Benz, Lindt, NetJets, Maurice Lacroix, Swiss International Air Lines, Emmi and the list just goes on n on...
Swiss maestro Roger Federer endorsing Jura coffee makers of Switzerland
I wasn't aware of this Jura coffee machines till I first saw Roger Federer's commercial. It seems Jura is a high-end coffee maker whose machines sell for more than $1,000 in upscale retail shops such as Williams-Sonoma. It’s a small company from a small village in Switzerland and has used Roger Federer as its brand ambassador for the past few years. They have a 10 year endorsement deal with Federer which includes advertising and commercials like the new one.
I found a few more earlier advertisements and posters of Roger Federer endorsing for Jura coffee makers. Sharing it here with you all :)
Handsome Swiss FedEx modeling for Jura coffee makers
Tennis star Roger Federer in a Jura advertisement. Federer has a ten year endorsement deal with Swiss coffee machine makers Jura
Young Federer having coffee made from Swiss Jura coffee makers in this poster ad
The greatest tennis player ever Roger Federer in a Jura coffee makers commercial
Excluding Jura, Federer has a decade-long endorsement deals and long-term contracts with three more major companies - Nike, Wilson and Rolex watches.
The Swiss master Roger Federer also endorses Gillette, Mercedes-Benz, Lindt, NetJets, Maurice Lacroix, Swiss International Air Lines, Emmi and the list just goes on n on...
Road trip
After being on the wrong end of a perfect game, the Mariners have come to life, now on a road trip's 4-game winning streak. Remarkable and cool. This young team has a future.
The real CSI: what happens at a crime scene? | Science | The Guardian
The real CSI: what happens at a crime scene? | Science | The Guardian:
"From the diver who finds the body parts, to the forensic specialist who identifies flecks of paint on the victim and the handwriting expert who examines the killer's notes... What happens behind the yellow tape of one crime scene"
"From the diver who finds the body parts, to the forensic specialist who identifies flecks of paint on the victim and the handwriting expert who examines the killer's notes... What happens behind the yellow tape of one crime scene"
Sixty years in poems | Books | The Guardian
Sixty years in poems | Books | The Guardian:
"Carol Ann Duffy invites leading poets to recall a year in verse"
An interesting concept.
"Carol Ann Duffy invites leading poets to recall a year in verse"
An interesting concept.
George Takei: We Japanese Americans must not forget our wartime internment | | The Guardian
George Takei: We Japanese Americans must not forget our wartime internment | Comment is free | The Guardian:
"The degrading treatment of Japanese American families like mine is the theme of my new musical, Allegiance"
How long will it take this to come to Portland?
"The degrading treatment of Japanese American families like mine is the theme of my new musical, Allegiance"
How long will it take this to come to Portland?
Friday, April 27, 2012
Now everyone is connected, is this the death of conversation? | Simon Jenkins | The Guardian
Now everyone is connected, is this the death of conversation? | Simon Jenkins | Comment is free | The Guardian:
"As our meeting places fall silent, save for tapping on screens, it seems we have mistaken ubiquitous connection for the real thing"
"As our meeting places fall silent, save for tapping on screens, it seems we have mistaken ubiquitous connection for the real thing"
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Current and recent reading
The Age of American Unreason
Beyond Outrage: What has gone wrong with our economy and our democracy, and how to fix them (Kindle Single)
Miami and the Siege of Chicago (New York Review Books Classics)
On The Trail Of The JFK Assassins
Mary's Mosaic
Empire As A Way of Life: An Essay on the Causes and Character of America's Present Predicament Along with a Few Thoughts about an Alternative
Beyond Outrage: What has gone wrong with our economy and our democracy, and how to fix them (Kindle Single)
Miami and the Siege of Chicago (New York Review Books Classics)
On The Trail Of The JFK Assassins
Mary's Mosaic
Empire As A Way of Life: An Essay on the Causes and Character of America's Present Predicament Along with a Few Thoughts about an Alternative
We Americans, let alone our English forefathers, have produced very, very few anti-imperialists. Our idiom has been empire, and so the primary division was and remains between the soft and the hard.
Climate change is a human rights issue – and that's how we can solve it | Olivier De Schutter | Environment | guardian.co.uk
Climate change is a human rights issue – and that's how we can solve it | Olivier De Schutter | Environment | guardian.co.uk:
"We can overcome the problems of delivering collective action on climate change by treating mining, deforestation, ocean degradation and more as violations of human rights"
"We can overcome the problems of delivering collective action on climate change by treating mining, deforestation, ocean degradation and more as violations of human rights"
Waiting for the bus
Rec'd a nasty comment on an old post here today. Man, there sure are a lot of mean-spirited folks in the world. All of them named Anonymous.
Need a dry day over the weekend to keep up with the lawn work. Also need to get back to my outside-in projects before I forget them entirely ha ha. Well, I wanted pressure-free writing. Exactly what I seem to have -- so pressure free I can hardly get myself to do it.
Discovered an unfortunate consequence of harmonica playing yesterday. I haven't started my studies in earnest but I did blow on the harmonica. And Sketch immediately started howling! He does this regularly when sirens pass by, some kind of return to the wild, but if harmonica sets him off as well, this will make practicing very interesting indeed. Maybe he'll get used to it. Maybe it was a fluke. Maybe he won't hear it if I practice in the basement. I want to practice AT the netbook, where I bring up the Harmonica Academy with its cool interactive lessons. Be curious how this all shakes out.
End of week four, which means I collect midterms next week. The term just flies by!
The sound and fury of book-prize brouhaha leaves literature nowhere | Books | guardian.co.uk
The sound and fury of book-prize brouhaha leaves literature nowhere | Books | guardian.co.uk:
"As the fuss surrounding the Pulitzer and Orwell prizes shows, book awards are increasingly more about hype than substance"
Hear, hear!
"As the fuss surrounding the Pulitzer and Orwell prizes shows, book awards are increasingly more about hype than substance"
Hear, hear!
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Federer's new Jura coffee machine commercial
Roger Federer has been the brand ambassador for the Swiss coffee makers Jura for a long time. As part of the endorsement plans, Federer and Jura coffee makers came together to make a new commercial for showcasing the finest Jura coffee machines.
Federer posted the new Jura advertisement in his Facebook fan page when which aired first on 24th April, 2012. Take a look at Roger Federer's new Jura coffee machine commercial.
Did you like this new ad by the Swiss maestro Federer? Looks impressive ain't it?
Roger Federer's new Jura coffee maker commercial
Federer posted the new Jura advertisement in his Facebook fan page when which aired first on 24th April, 2012. Take a look at Roger Federer's new Jura coffee machine commercial.
Swiss coffee makers Jura release a new commercial featuring brand ambassador Roger Federer
In this commercial, Federer serves on a field full of coffees where he creates just one opening after drinking one of the coffees. The serve that Federer makes hits exactly that space created. Watch the commercial to see what FedEx does :)
The Making of Jura commercial featuring Roger Federer
Did you like this new ad by the Swiss maestro Federer? Looks impressive ain't it?
Harvard University says it can't afford journal publishers' prices | Science | The Guardian
Harvard University says it can't afford journal publishers' prices | Science | The Guardian:
"University wants scientists to make their research open access and resign from publications that keep articles behind paywalls"
Makes good sense of me.
"University wants scientists to make their research open access and resign from publications that keep articles behind paywalls"
Makes good sense of me.
English National Opera's new season includes controversial Disney story | Music | guardian.co.uk
English National Opera's new season includes controversial Disney story | Music | guardian.co.uk:
"A new work by Philip Glass about Walt Disney will have its UK premiere at English National Opera (ENO) in June 2013. Glass's opera – his 24th – is based on Peter Stephan Jungk's 2004 novel The Perfect American, a fictionalised account of the final years of Walt Disney's life, described by Glass as "unimaginable, alarming and truly frightening". "
"A new work by Philip Glass about Walt Disney will have its UK premiere at English National Opera (ENO) in June 2013. Glass's opera – his 24th – is based on Peter Stephan Jungk's 2004 novel The Perfect American, a fictionalised account of the final years of Walt Disney's life, described by Glass as "unimaginable, alarming and truly frightening". "
The old man and the harmonica
Although I've played harp for years, it's always been on the rack with guitar. So this will be a new adventure and I may even have some bad habits to unlearn, which was the hardest part of learning claw hammer banjo. Here I am playing harmonica on a rack.
I enrolled in the Harmonica Academy in Australia and this will be the center of my self-education. I also have some supplemental material, both on Kindle and on CD. I have no performance goals -- my performing days are long gone, though I could see changing my mind if I got really good, which in fact I don't expect. I think I'll be capable and I'll have fun. That's enough. The most adventurous thing I'm doing is this: I ordered a minor key harp so I can learn Russian gypsy songs. I love Russian gypsy songs, always meant to learn and perform them on guitar but never took the time.
Waiting for my material to arrive, most end of the week. Then the new adventure begins. (Always a new adventure.)
My teaching schedule is set for next year. There was a minor issue when, on the first advanced list, I appeared in fall schedule but not on winter or spring. The department protested and it's been fixed. I get great support. PSU was been very good to me indeed. I'm most grateful.
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Thinking in a Foreign Language Makes Decisions More Rational | Wired Science | Wired.com
Thinking in a Foreign Language Makes Decisions More Rational | Wired Science | Wired.com:
"The researchers believe a second language provides a useful cognitive distance from automatic processes, promoting analytical thought and reducing unthinking, emotional reaction."
"The researchers believe a second language provides a useful cognitive distance from automatic processes, promoting analytical thought and reducing unthinking, emotional reaction."
Eating headcheese
Stylish Fernando Torres Pictures
Fernando Torres is a Spanish football striker who also plays for Chelsea English club.
Fernando José Torres Sanz (full name) is nicknamed El Niño (The Kid in Spanish). Torres plays forward and is a stylish person in the real life and on the field too with his long hair and charming looks.
Torres was also part of the World Cup winning Spain team in 2010.
Torres was earlier with Liverpool before he moved to Chelsea for for a record British transfer fee of £50 million, which also made him the most expensive Spanish player in history.
Here are some of stylish Fernando Torres' pictures that I liked..
Pics courtesy: Pics that I liked from the world wide web
Fernando José Torres Sanz (full name) is nicknamed El Niño (The Kid in Spanish). Torres plays forward and is a stylish person in the real life and on the field too with his long hair and charming looks.
Torres was also part of the World Cup winning Spain team in 2010.
Spaniard Fernando Torres who plays for Chelsea club
Torres was earlier with Liverpool before he moved to Chelsea for for a record British transfer fee of £50 million, which also made him the most expensive Spanish player in history.
Here are some of stylish Fernando Torres' pictures that I liked..
Stylish Fernando Torres with the World Cup Trophy sporting a smart hair cut :)
Fernando Torres in a Nike T90 Laser II shoes
Young Fernando Torres shirtless for a modeling photoshoot
Stylish Spaniard soccer star Fernando Torres modeling for Piaget watches
Fernando Torres shirtless at the beach enjoying
Troilus and Cressida – review | Stage | The Guardian
Troilus and Cressida – review | Stage | The Guardian:
" the Auckland-based Ngakau Toa company, performing in classical Maori, offer a potent, swaggering production that looks entirely at home on this stage. The Globe has always been a space that rewards large performances, and few have been as outsize as this, which begins with a bulging-eyed, tongue-waggling, foot-stamping haka-style war dance and rarely loses its energy thereafter."
I am a fan of this often ill-regarded play.
" the Auckland-based Ngakau Toa company, performing in classical Maori, offer a potent, swaggering production that looks entirely at home on this stage. The Globe has always been a space that rewards large performances, and few have been as outsize as this, which begins with a bulging-eyed, tongue-waggling, foot-stamping haka-style war dance and rarely loses its energy thereafter."
I am a fan of this often ill-regarded play.
Why trailblazing Amazon should take on the publishing establishment | Books | guardian.co.uk
Why trailblazing Amazon should take on the publishing establishment | Books | guardian.co.uk:
"Scaremongers who warn of of a potential Amazon monopoly conveniently forget that one already exists in shape of legacy publishers"
Hear, hear!
"Scaremongers who warn of of a potential Amazon monopoly conveniently forget that one already exists in shape of legacy publishers"
Hear, hear!
Monday, April 23, 2012
A moment in time
I am here to say that our entire large yard is mowed and trimmed, more or less, as best as I can do with the tools and body at hand, a considerable accomplishment in my view. This will last for a few days before it's time to start all over again. Yard care embraces Sisyphus(see animation at blog title above).
Elena Vesnina - Russian Tennis Doubles specialist
Elena Vesnina of Russia might not be a top-ranked female tennis player but she is definitely one that people would notice.. This Russian beauty Elena Vesnina is a professional female tennis player from Russia. Her career high WTA ranking till now has been #22.
She is now more known as a doubles player partnering with mainly Indian players... Last year she partnered with Sania Mirza of India in the women's doubles circuit and won some tournaments.. also reached finals of the French Open last year. She also partnered with Mahesh Bhupathi in the mixed doubles at the Wimbledon last year but again finished runners-up.
Lena, as she is fondly called, partnered with Leander Paes of India in the mixed doubles competition at the Australian Open 2012 tournament and finished runners-up (again!!) in the Australian Open grand slam.
Here are some more pictures of this Russian beauty Elena Vesnina...
Hope Vesnina wins some major grand slam doubles tournaments... being runners-up in three of the previous grandslams..
Russian Tennis star Elena Vesnina striking a pretty pose in this picture
Russian tennis star Elena Vesnina cooling off in a bikini in the beach
She is now more known as a doubles player partnering with mainly Indian players... Last year she partnered with Sania Mirza of India in the women's doubles circuit and won some tournaments.. also reached finals of the French Open last year. She also partnered with Mahesh Bhupathi in the mixed doubles at the Wimbledon last year but again finished runners-up.
Lena, as she is fondly called, partnered with Leander Paes of India in the mixed doubles competition at the Australian Open 2012 tournament and finished runners-up (again!!) in the Australian Open grand slam.
Here are some more pictures of this Russian beauty Elena Vesnina...
Elena Vesnina at the beach
Russian women's tennis player Elena Vesnina posing during an event
The bold and beautiful Elena Vesnina of Russia in a modeling pose
Russian Elena Vesnina partnering with Sania Mirza in the doubles won the BNP-Paribas cup in 2011
Russian beauty Elena Vesnina celebrating her birthday
Tennis Doubles specialist Elena Vesnina of Russia at Doha
Hope Vesnina wins some major grand slam doubles tournaments... being runners-up in three of the previous grandslams..
Track and Field: Final results from the Oregon Relays | OregonLive.com
Track and Field: Final results from the Oregon Relays | OregonLive.com:
In the men's mile (1500 m), THE FIRST 25 RUNNERS broke four minutes! Man, how times have changed! I can remember what a big deal Roger Bannister was.
In the men's mile (1500 m), THE FIRST 25 RUNNERS broke four minutes! Man, how times have changed! I can remember what a big deal Roger Bannister was.
Huffington Post's Pulitzer prize win marks a turning point for journalism | Media | The Guardian
Huffington Post's Pulitzer prize win marks a turning point for journalism | Media | The Guardian:
"Only six years ago it would have been unthinkable that a website would be celebrated in this way"
Want to see first self-published ebook win.
"Only six years ago it would have been unthinkable that a website would be celebrated in this way"
Want to see first self-published ebook win.
UN to investigate plight of US Native Americans for first time | World news | guardian.co.uk
UN to investigate plight of US Native Americans for first time | World news | guardian.co.uk:
"The UN human rights inquiry will focus on the living conditions of the 2.7 million Native Americans living in the US"
This could be big.
"The UN human rights inquiry will focus on the living conditions of the 2.7 million Native Americans living in the US"
This could be big.
Sunday, April 22, 2012
Oregon track & field rundown: UO women's team is shaping up as a "prohibitive favorite" for the Pac-12 title | OregonLive.com
Oregon track & field rundown: UO women's team is shaping up as a "prohibitive favorite" for the Pac-12 title | OregonLive.com:
"Now, the Ducks enter the second phase of the season as they gear up for the Pac-12 Championships, May 12-13 in Eugene, and the NCAA Championships, June 6-9 at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa."
"Now, the Ducks enter the second phase of the season as they gear up for the Pac-12 Championships, May 12-13 in Eugene, and the NCAA Championships, June 6-9 at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa."
Vatican Rebukes American Nuns for “Radical” Views | News | The Advocate
Vatican Rebukes American Nuns for “Radical” Views | News | The Advocate:
Radical nuns may be the best thing left in American politics, those who act in accordance with "What would Jesus do?" and have the same radical view of Christ that Woody Guthrie and others have had. Individuals who walk the walk, and I don't mean in a march. We need more radical nuns.
Sun! Warmth!
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| Art by Lynn Trimble |
This morning I even got this week's student work online, most of my prep now done!
The digital bookstore
Those bemoaning the rise of ebooks have created any number of conspiracy theories, usually with Amazon as the demon, but folks like Passive Guy at his The Passive Voice blog are quick to add rationality and sanity to an otherwise loud and angry discourse based largely on disinformation.
One of the worries is the loss of physical bookstores. I, too, would hate to see them go. But guess what? The best, the small indie bookstores, were already disappearing at the assaults of corporate chains. How interesting that one of these, Barnes and Noble, now becomes a good guy to those who see Amazon as a monster. At any rate, what is needed is imagination and faith in books, which after all are noted by CONTENT, not packaging.
Imagine a future bookstore. There is a large ebook section. This is made up of a computer terminals where a customer can sit down and browse for ebooks. These ebooks are stored at and sold by a site managed by the store itself -- the store sells the ebook. There needs to be some perks to make this competitive, of course. One perk is to offer a hard copy print service -- you get your ebook and a print out as well. Or maybe a perk is a credit with each purchase to apply to a future print book purchase. Use your imagination, book entrepreneurs! This can be done and moreover, an ebook section, perhaps modeled after coffee houses where everyone is using a laptop, coffee available and so on, nice music, an ebook section in a traditional bookstore has possibilities to explore.
Luddites have no imagination, of course. But someone is going to embrace the future and make it attractive, rather than whining in the dust of the inevitable.
One of the worries is the loss of physical bookstores. I, too, would hate to see them go. But guess what? The best, the small indie bookstores, were already disappearing at the assaults of corporate chains. How interesting that one of these, Barnes and Noble, now becomes a good guy to those who see Amazon as a monster. At any rate, what is needed is imagination and faith in books, which after all are noted by CONTENT, not packaging.
 |
| Ebook section at bookstore: would adults embrace as readily as kids? |
Luddites have no imagination, of course. But someone is going to embrace the future and make it attractive, rather than whining in the dust of the inevitable.
The Harmonica Academy
Harmonica Academy:
An extraordinary site for harmonica players and students, hosted by Tony Eyers, an Australian player and academic, a site that distinguishes itself in two ways:
An extraordinary site for harmonica players and students, hosted by Tony Eyers, an Australian player and academic, a site that distinguishes itself in two ways:
- harmonica lessons are organized like a college degree course, with freshman, sophomore, junior and senior terms, each with 10 "tune lessons" and 10 "blues lessons"
- tuition is $19.95 for six months, during which you have access to everything (lessons and considerable resources) at the site. You progress at your own rate
Ebooks: should their form determine their value? | Books | The Observer
Ebooks: should their form determine their value? | Books | The Observer:
"Despite what retailers think, the true value of a book lies not in its physical form but in the time spent writing it"
"Despite what retailers think, the true value of a book lies not in its physical form but in the time spent writing it"
Don't read the last rites for hardbacks just yet | Books | The Observer
Don't read the last rites for hardbacks just yet | Books | The Observer:
In the ebook revolution, hardbacks hanging in much better than paperbacks.
In the ebook revolution, hardbacks hanging in much better than paperbacks.
The talking penguin's guide to climate change | Books | The Observer
The talking penguin's guide to climate change | Books | The Observer:
"Darryl Cunningham is using the graphic novel format to address the most serious issues in science and to fight disinformation"
Hear, hear!
"Darryl Cunningham is using the graphic novel format to address the most serious issues in science and to fight disinformation"
Hear, hear!
Should judges always pick a winner? | The Observer
Should judges always pick a winner? | Comment is free | The Observer:
Decades ago I was the judge in a prestigious regional playwriting competition. I refused to pick a winner, not admiring any of the scripts. The sponsors were very unhappy. They appointed a new judge and I was never asked to judge again. In retrospect, I should have thrown the scripts up a staircase, the highest one wins.
Decades ago I was the judge in a prestigious regional playwriting competition. I refused to pick a winner, not admiring any of the scripts. The sponsors were very unhappy. They appointed a new judge and I was never asked to judge again. In retrospect, I should have thrown the scripts up a staircase, the highest one wins.
'They're killing us': world's most endangered tribe cries for help | World news | The Observer
'They're killing us': world's most endangered tribe cries for help | World news | The Observer:
"Logging companies keen to exploit Brazil's rainforest have been accused by human rights organisations of using gunmen to wipe out the Awá, a tribe of just 355. Survival International, with backing from Colin Firth, is campaigning to stop what a judge referred to as 'genocide'"
"Logging companies keen to exploit Brazil's rainforest have been accused by human rights organisations of using gunmen to wipe out the Awá, a tribe of just 355. Survival International, with backing from Colin Firth, is campaigning to stop what a judge referred to as 'genocide'"
Amazon.com: Varmints eBook: Charles Deemer: Kindle Store
Amazon.com: Varmints eBook: Charles Deemer: Kindle Store:
I'm quite proud of this. Worn well. Probably because it's so dark ha ha.
I'm quite proud of this. Worn well. Probably because it's so dark ha ha.
Saturday, April 21, 2012
White Sox RHP Phil Humber throws perfect game - MLB - Yahoo! Sports
White Sox RHP Phil Humber throws perfect game - MLB - Yahoo! Sports:
Against the Mariners!
Only other perfect game I saw was in High School, Don Larsen's perfect game in 1956, it was gym class so they let us see the end of the game.
Against the Mariners!
 |
| Berra grabs Larsen after perfect game |
Music in my life
Lately, reconnecting with people I knew decades ago, from the Army or from graduate school, I'm struck by the fact that much of what they remember about me is that I played and sang folk music. And I'm struck by the fact that the single greatest common denominator through all the changes of my years is the fact that I listen to west coast jazz. Indeed it's likely that today on the car radio I'll hear a tune that I listened to half a century ago -- and the very same version! (This is because we have such a great jazz radio station in town, KMHD).
It felt quite out of character, therefore, when I recently found myself with no desire to play my banjo. I had played guitar through most of my life but in the Army the five-string was my primary instrument. I never did learn claw hammer style. So a few years ago, I picked up the banjo again and took some lessons and learned claw hammer. Decent, too, if a tad slow. I even did some soundtrack music for my film. And then I lost all interest.
Strange. Was music disappearing from my life?
I'm happy to report: No! Just as with the banjo, I have sudden energy to pick up an instrument I played a little and get much better at it: the harmonica! I always played it on a rack, backup to the guitar, folk harmonica, Woody Guthrie harmonica. Now I feel the urge to take it off the rack and learn how to do more with it.
So I shall! A musician once again. I guess I was in transition. Now we'll see what happens.
It felt quite out of character, therefore, when I recently found myself with no desire to play my banjo. I had played guitar through most of my life but in the Army the five-string was my primary instrument. I never did learn claw hammer style. So a few years ago, I picked up the banjo again and took some lessons and learned claw hammer. Decent, too, if a tad slow. I even did some soundtrack music for my film. And then I lost all interest.
Strange. Was music disappearing from my life?
I'm happy to report: No! Just as with the banjo, I have sudden energy to pick up an instrument I played a little and get much better at it: the harmonica! I always played it on a rack, backup to the guitar, folk harmonica, Woody Guthrie harmonica. Now I feel the urge to take it off the rack and learn how to do more with it.
'Steinbeck In Vietnam': A Great Writer's Last Reports : NPR
'Steinbeck In Vietnam': A Great Writer's Last Reports : NPR:
"John Steinbeck's reports shocked readers and family so much that they've never been reprinted — until now."
A domino theory man to the end.
"John Steinbeck's reports shocked readers and family so much that they've never been reprinted — until now."
A domino theory man to the end.
Quotations of the day
“The American People can have anything they want, trouble is, they don’t want much of anything.” --Eugene Debs
"What the people expect, they deserve. What they deserve, they get. Always." --from The Stiff (1975), a play by Charles Deemer
Theater: Serpents, true believers and ‘Holy Ghosts’ | Oregon ArtsWatch
Theater: Serpents, true believers and ‘Holy Ghosts’ | Oregon ArtsWatch:
Bob Hicks doing what he does best.
Bob Hicks doing what he does best.
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Venus Williams relaunches EleVen collection
Tennis star and seven time grandslam champion Venus Williams of United States relaunches her EleVen fashion label after four-year break.
The EleVen line first launched in 2007 as an exclusive collection for Steve & Barry’s and in 2010, EleVen partnered with Ralph Lauren on a capsule collection that sold online and at the US Open. It was forced off shelves after retailer Steve & Barry's went bankrupt.
The ready-to-wear clothing line has now relaunched with a capsule collection for Spring 2012. The new colour-filled athletic range, unveiled for the first time yesterday, features a form-fitting dress, tops, bottoms and crop-top style bras. A men’s range under the same brand will feature T-shirts and shorts.
EleVen by Venus Williams will soon be available to budding tennis champions at department and speciality stores throughout the States.
Ultimate vision - Venus Williams said: ‘Our next step is to show other players wearing it.’
Hope her tennis career too gets a second life.
Tennis star Venus Williams relaunches EleVen
The EleVen line first launched in 2007 as an exclusive collection for Steve & Barry’s and in 2010, EleVen partnered with Ralph Lauren on a capsule collection that sold online and at the US Open. It was forced off shelves after retailer Steve & Barry's went bankrupt.
Venus Williams showcasing her EleVen spring collection
The ready-to-wear clothing line has now relaunched with a capsule collection for Spring 2012. The new colour-filled athletic range, unveiled for the first time yesterday, features a form-fitting dress, tops, bottoms and crop-top style bras. A men’s range under the same brand will feature T-shirts and shorts.
Venus modeling for her EleVen spring collection
EleVen by Venus Williams will soon be available to budding tennis champions at department and speciality stores throughout the States.
Venus Williams and a male model showcasing the EleVen spring collections
Venus Williams is all smiles after EleVen relaunched after four years break
Venus Williams poses in a EleVen spring collection
EleVen got relaunched by Venus Williams after a four year break
Venus Williams' Eleven spring collection
Ultimate vision - Venus Williams said: ‘Our next step is to show other players wearing it.’
Hope her tennis career too gets a second life.
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