This is a discussion group that will have various missives
from me on this trip - until I get bored with doing it, at least.
The site is hosted by my friend Babak, so any problems, contact him.
You'll have to check back from time to time on your own to see if
there is anything new.
 | |
Hey it's damn pretty here. Spent the morning on the Blue Ridge Parkway. They call it the prettiest road in the country and it might well be. Had breakfast - bread and cheese in the car - at the highest point, watching as the fog started to burn away. Just amazing.
Asheville seems to be a pretty nice town. A little early 90s alternative maybe: gems and crystals, enviro blah blah, kids in tye-dyes, tats and funky hair. Has a couple modern furniture stores though that I saw and I grabbed some museum info at the visitors place.
|
|
| | OK, so we go from "woohoo got the car back" to "Here I am in Asheville"...so have decisions been made? Is this just an offshoot of the Savannah trip? What's going on?
-------- Original Message --------
Hey it's damn pretty here. Spent the morning on the Blue Ridge Parkway. They call it the prettiest road in the country and it might well be. Had breakfast - bread and cheese in the car - at the highest point, watching as the fog started to burn away. Just amazing.
Asheville seems to be a pretty nice town. A little early 90s alternative maybe: gems and crystals, enviro blah blah, kids in tye-dyes, tats and funky hair. Has a couple modern furniture stores though that I saw and I grabbed some museum info at the visitors place.
|
|
| |
Now I have to really decide whether I am staying here or moving on...
|
|
| | Move on!???
I want to know what happens with the writing workshop and the smooch and the roach infested apartments! Don't leave me hangin'.
|
|
| |
3 movies I've caught on the tube recently, mostly late night, that are worth talking about:
"The Straight Road" a David Lynch flic shown on Bravo. Very very good. Simple story, simple sincere acting. Old guy, very poor, living with his mildly retarded daughter in WI, needs to go see his estranged brother who is nearing death and lives in IA (I may have the states wrong, my knowledge of the geography of the midwest is pretty weak). The only means of transport the guy comes up with is a riding lawn mower, to which he attaches a covered trailer. The story is about the people he encounters on the way and the understanding he reveals about life, himself and his brother. Not sentimenalism at all, just honest. Good stuff.
"Jacob's Ladder". Had seen this years ago but had forgotten it. Jacob is a vietnam war vet back from the states and he is seeing things, devils, his dead child, his estranged wife, etc. Supposedly his platoon was fed experimental drugs in vietnam and these are the effects of it. Great 70s movie. It makes me think how far we have come in such a short time that the very scary issues raised by the world at that time and reflected in the art from then have been forgotten and are being rediscovered today. This is barely history and we have already forgotten it.
Finally, saw "Great Expectations" last night. This not a good movie by any standard of acting but it is a decent story and it really is a pretty movie - the sets are just great, beautiful people and houses and streets and it's wonderland. And fun because of it. Shame it was on TNT or something and I didn't get to see Gwyneth Paltrow naked.
|
|
| | That's the second glowing review I've heard for The Straight Road. It's becoming a must-see flick.
|
|
| | Saw a new (to me) British comedy Sat night on PBS, called Coupling. Really very funny. If you can catch it some time, do so.
Great scene in it: 7 people sit down to dinner, each one mad at the other for lots of complicated and silly reasons. Noone speaks and faces are made across the table. The silence of the scene, and thus the tension of how will it break, goes on and on - for like 5 minutes into the scene at least, I mean a really long time on a TV show. No sound and the camera panning to each face, and the viewer just has to wait and wait to see how this breaks. Finally one of the women slams back from the table, throws down her napkin, and you think, ok this is it, everyone will just leave in a huff, but no, she strides over to the sideboard where the piece of lamb roast that they are eating is, picks up the knife, and then starts baa-ing like a lamb as she cuts herself another slice. "Baaaa Baaaa Baaaa". I fell off the bed I was laughing so much.
|
|
| | I used to follow another similar british show called Cold Feet (on Bravo). The female lead actually did a stint on Friends as Ross' love interest from England.
|
|
| | Ah, and then, the bad news...
To prove once again there are no new ideas, this has now been turned into an "American" show. To not miss anything, I'm quoting from the NBC website:
Based on the BBC/Hartswood Films series of the same name, created by Steven Moffat, Coupling concerns love and lust among six thirtysomethings who are either involved, formerly involved or looking to become intimately involved -- often with each other. The result, not surprisingly, is a very involving comedy filled with eye-popping situations and equally jaw-dropping one-liners. The comic possibilities for pairings appear as limitless as the characters' desires for Coupling. Wild comedy... Insatiable laughs.
And this is different from Friends...HOW? In one fell swoop, they've cannabalized one idea (Friends) and ripped off another (the British version)...and, of course, they're putting it on Thursday nights - MUST SEE TV y'know!
Our only hope...is that it fails miserably.
-------- Original Message --------
Saw a new (to me) British comedy Sat night on PBS, called Coupling. Really very funny. If you can catch it some time, do so.
Great scene in it: 7 people sit down to dinner, each one mad at the other for lots of complicated and silly reasons. Noone speaks and faces are made across the table. The silence of the scene, and thus the tension of how will it break, goes on and on - for like 5 minutes into the scene at least, I mean a really long time on a TV show. No sound and the camera panning to each face, and the viewer just has to wait and wait to see how this breaks. Finally one of the women slams back from the table, throws down her napkin, and you think, ok this is it, everyone will just leave in a huff, but no, she strides over to the sideboard where the piece of lamb roast that they are eating is, picks up the knife, and then starts baa-ing like a lamb as she cuts herself another slice. "Baaaa Baaaa Baaaa". I fell off the bed I was laughing so much.
|
|
| |
I will admit that there was a trifle of a "Friends" feel to it. The difference being that because the British do it, it's witty and edgy, rather than cutesy. Still, it's not going to change the world.
Ya know, it occurred to me over the weekend as I watched the intermittent coverage of the British Open on ABC - one shot of Tiger spaced between 5 minutes of commercials - that I no longer watch anything except sporting events on any of the 3 "major" networks (ABC, NBC, CBS). And frankly, they give such poor coverage of sports too that I think about the day soon to come when I can just watch the event, real-time, on the internet.
-------- Original Message --------
Ah, and then, the bad news...
To prove once again there are no new ideas, this has now been turned into an "American" show. To not miss anything, I'm quoting from the NBC website:
Based on the BBC/Hartswood Films series of the same name, created by Steven Moffat, Coupling concerns love and lust among six thirtysomethings who are either involved, formerly involved or looking to become intimately involved -- often with each other. The result, not surprisingly, is a very involving comedy filled with eye-popping situations and equally jaw-dropping one-liners. The comic possibilities for pairings appear as limitless as the characters' desires for Coupling. Wild comedy... Insatiable laughs.
And this is different from Friends...HOW? In one fell swoop, they've cannabalized one idea (Friends) and ripped off another (the British version)...and, of course, they're putting it on Thursday nights - MUST SEE TV y'know!
Our only hope...is that it fails miserably.
-------- Original Message --------
Saw a new (to me) British comedy Sat night on PBS, called Coupling. Really very funny. If you can catch it some time, do so.
Great scene in it: 7 people sit down to dinner, each one mad at the other for lots of complicated and silly reasons. Noone speaks and faces are made across the table. The silence of the scene, and thus the tension of how will it break, goes on and on - for like 5 minutes into the scene at least, I mean a really long time on a TV show. No sound and the camera panning to each face, and the viewer just has to wait and wait to see how this breaks. Finally one of the women slams back from the table, throws down her napkin, and you think, ok this is it, everyone will just leave in a huff, but no, she strides over to the sideboard where the piece of lamb roast that they are eating is, picks up the knife, and then starts baa-ing like a lamb as she cuts herself another slice. "Baaaa Baaaa Baaaa". I fell off the bed I was laughing so much.
|
|
| | Thinking to myself that the Pearl Jam song on the radio must be about 10 years old now and realizing, as I, slack-lipped and fish-faced, made vowel sounds a beat or so behind the singer, that in all that time I have learned neither the words nor the name of it, I discovered that I had made a wrong turn and wasn't so sure where I was. In my Jeep, in the shop, I have the little compass given to me by Karen just for problem, but in the rent-a-car, I was left with just my remarkably poor sense of direction. Still as long as the road stayed straight, I was headed in the right direction.
Interesting thing about these roads, the smaller ones are always liable to dead-end at the least provocation. This one did so at the gates to a magnificent plantation.
When I hear plantation, VA comes to mind: a giant house, maybe on the crest of a small hill, painted white, with columns and very well landscaped bushes, with fields behind and all around. Around here the swamp wins out more. It's about a victorian house, larger than normal, a drive lined with trees covered with spanish moss, shadowed views making it feel a little spooky, damp and earthy and hot, even on a relatively non-humid day like today. I cant imagine what, if anything, they grow on their fields. Coffee? Rice? Wet things.
Turning around, I looked and wondered and through my head run the words to a Charley Daniels B-side that I had when I was a child:
"If you ever go back in the wooley swamp, you better not go at night
There's that crawl and things that howl, and it'll makes a grown man die of fright"
Which just goes to show that in another 15 years or so, I will likely find myself in some situation singing the words to Pearl Jam.
|
|
| | Yeah, but I bet you could sing the words to the Teris song without too much trouble. It all depends on where you set your priorities.
-------- Original Message --------
Thinking to myself that the Pearl Jam song on the radio must be about 10 years old now and realizing, as I, slack-lipped and fish-faced, made vowel sounds a beat or so behind the singer, that in all that time I have learned neither the words nor the name of it, I discovered that I had made a wrong turn and wasn't so sure where I was. In my Jeep, in the shop, I have the little compass given to me by Karen just for problem, but in the rent-a-car, I was left with just my remarkably poor sense of direction. Still as long as the road stayed straight, I was headed in the right direction.
Interesting thing about these roads, the smaller ones are always liable to dead-end at the least provocation. This one did so at the gates to a magnificent plantation.
When I hear plantation, VA comes to mind: a giant house, maybe on the crest of a small hill, painted white, with columns and very well landscaped bushes, with fields behind and all around. Around here the swamp wins out more. It's about a victorian house, larger than normal, a drive lined with trees covered with spanish moss, shadowed views making it feel a little spooky, damp and earthy and hot, even on a relatively non-humid day like today. I cant imagine what, if anything, they grow on their fields. Coffee? Rice? Wet things.
Turning around, I looked and wondered and through my head run the words to a Charley Daniels B-side that I had when I was a child:
"If you ever go back in the wooley swamp, you better not go at night
There's that crawl and things that howl, and it'll makes a grown man die of fright"
Which just goes to show that in another 15 years or so, I will likely find myself in some situation singing the words to Pearl Jam.
|
|
| |
Hey Bolson, I finally went to that coffee shop that you were hot on, The Sentient Bean. It's a good place - coffee, tea, smoothie, your variation on the muffin. I think it has readings and music sometimes too, though it's not a tremendously big place. Has a nice relaxed feel to it and it's right across the street from Forsythe Park - that's the biggest of the parks, I think, where they play socceer and etc, tennis courts, fountains, blah blah. This is the student ghetto, though there is nothing inherently wrong with that, for instance, the cutie behind the counter. Their coffee is good but not great but I think I had already told you that I am not much of a fan of organic coffees; on several occassions I have bought pounds of mexican organics and been mildly disappointed in that it had no bite. It might well be that it's Mexican coffee that is non-descript or maybe there is only one organic coffee farm in Mexico that all these places buy their beans... or it could be the processes that make it "organic" (which, particularly in coffee growing, I am not so sure I know what that means).
|
|
| | It's funny you bring up coffee. #1 - thank you for trying the place out. It had a student-hangout vibe to it on their website, so I'm not surprised at that. #2 - I've been jonesing for some more of that Peruvian magic you left for us from Hollywood Coffee. I'm definitely going to be placing an order for more of that. I'll mention your name!
Now if you hit a cigar shop, you'll have answered the bulk of my questions.
-------- Original Message --------
Hey Bolson, I finally went to that coffee shop that you were hot on, The Sentient Bean. It's a good place - coffee, tea, smoothie, your variation on the muffin. I think it has readings and music sometimes too, though it's not a tremendously big place. Has a nice relaxed feel to it and it's right across the street from Forsythe Park - that's the biggest of the parks, I think, where they play socceer and etc, tennis courts, fountains, blah blah. This is the student ghetto, though there is nothing inherently wrong with that, for instance, the cutie behind the counter. Their coffee is good but not great but I think I had already told you that I am not much of a fan of organic coffees; on several occassions I have bought pounds of mexican organics and been mildly disappointed in that it had no bite. It might well be that it's Mexican coffee that is non-descript or maybe there is only one organic coffee farm in Mexico that all these places buy their beans... or it could be the processes that make it "organic" (which, particularly in coffee growing, I am not so sure I know what that means).
|
|
| | So I did it today - I ordered from joetogo.com. Ordered another pound of the Peru. That was stellar. Then I took part in a guilty pleasure I have - flavored coffee. I ordered a nice chocolate macadamia. I know Paul is cringing as he reads this, but I'm a big fan of nutty coffees. And who doesn't like chocolate. So I ordered it, and I'm sure it will be lovely. I promise I won't be smoking vanilla flavored cigars any time soon.
-------- Original Message --------
It's funny you bring up coffee. #1 - thank you for trying the place out. It had a student-hangout vibe to it on their website, so I'm not surprised at that. #2 - I've been jonesing for some more of that Peruvian magic you left for us from Hollywood Coffee. I'm definitely going to be placing an order for more of that. I'll mention your name!
Now if you hit a cigar shop, you'll have answered the bulk of my questions.
-------- Original Message --------
Hey Bolson, I finally went to that coffee shop that you were hot on, The Sentient Bean. It's a good place - coffee, tea, smoothie, your variation on the muffin. I think it has readings and music sometimes too, though it's not a tremendously big place. Has a nice relaxed feel to it and it's right across the street from Forsythe Park - that's the biggest of the parks, I think, where they play socceer and etc, tennis courts, fountains, blah blah. This is the student ghetto, though there is nothing inherently wrong with that, for instance, the cutie behind the counter. Their coffee is good but not great but I think I had already told you that I am not much of a fan of organic coffees; on several occassions I have bought pounds of mexican organics and been mildly disappointed in that it had no bite. It might well be that it's Mexican coffee that is non-descript or maybe there is only one organic coffee farm in Mexico that all these places buy their beans... or it could be the processes that make it "organic" (which, particularly in coffee growing, I am not so sure I know what that means).
|
|
| | So, it's Sunday night, nothing on the tube, flip, flip, flip - oh wait, here is some random channel showing the running with the bulls in pamplona. But here's the thing, these people are reporting it like it's some sports event. Like it's nascar. "and at the turn, they have a pretty quick pace, that one bulls seems to be making a move on the outside..." And this wasn't tongue in cheek, no irony, no humor, this could have been the olympics the way it was reported. Replays and everything. Strange.
|
|
| |
What's even stranger is that I have a sense of dejavu about this whole riff: have I talked about this before, made these same jokes?
-------- Original Message --------
So, it's Sunday night, nothing on the tube, flip, flip, flip - oh wait, here is some random channel showing the running with the bulls in pamplona. But here's the thing, these people are reporting it like it's some sports event. Like it's nascar. "and at the turn, they have a pretty quick pace, that one bulls seems to be making a move on the outside..." And this wasn't tongue in cheek, no irony, no humor, this could have been the olympics the way it was reported. Replays and everything. Strange.
|
|
| | I was sitting last night enjoying the last Cohiba in my humidor, courtesy of Paul, and I was thinking, "Are we really still that mad at Castro? Aren't we hurting us more than them by not importing their cigars?"
Free Elian!
|
|
| | Hm.. Coincidentally, I saw this article at the BBC over the weekend:
Cuba greets US cargo ship
A cargo vessel sailing under a US flag and with a US crew has arrived in Havana harbour for the first time in 42 years.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/3060491.stm
- pgw
-------- Original Message --------
I was sitting last night enjoying the last Cohiba in my humidor, courtesy of Paul, and I was thinking, "Are we really still that mad at Castro? Aren't we hurting us more than them by not importing their cigars?"
Free Elian!
|
|
| | Speaking of... When we opened our luggage after the trip, we had a note from the Transportation Safety Administration apologizing for breaking the lock on one of our suitcases to search for illegal substances. Fortunately, the Cubans and Spanish foods were in the other two bags.
|
|
| |
As I am looking at apts, I keep noticing that there are dead roaches all over the place. At first I thought, god that's gross, you'd think someone could come around with a broom and clean them up, but now I've changed my mind about it. I think what is happening is that they are having the apts sprayed right before they show them, and they are deliberately leaving the dead bugs around to show that the place has been treated. I fear the thinking is, if you don't see dead bugs then there are live bugs that are in hiding. It's either that there are so freakin' many of them that they cant keep up with the cleaning - it's like a little rainshower of roaches falling all the time after the pesticide has been delivered. They say the standad practice is to have your home sprayed once a month.
|
|
| | They are very common in the South, and in Florida they even call them Palmetto Bugs (I believe they think this sounds better than cockroach). Many ar large enough that they will rearrange your furniture when you are out.
-------- Original Message --------
As I am looking at apts, I keep noticing that there are dead roaches all over the place. At first I thought, god that's gross, you'd think someone could come around with a broom and clean them up, but now I've changed my mind about it. I think what is happening is that they are having the apts sprayed right before they show them, and they are deliberately leaving the dead bugs around to show that the place has been treated. I fear the thinking is, if you don't see dead bugs then there are live bugs that are in hiding. It's either that there are so freakin' many of them that they cant keep up with the cleaning - it's like a little rainshower of roaches falling all the time after the pesticide has been delivered. They say the standad practice is to have your home sprayed once a month.
|
|
| | Paul-have a wonderful 4th of July!
|
|
| |
The car is not totalled, which is good. But it'll be in the shop for a couple weeks. They also don't have the part to repair the sunroof. Rah.
I am looking for an apt and investing work options now. I've had to change my expectations a little bit in the apt area: unlike DC where everything is brand spanking new, the buildings here are older and while they have more character, they also show more age. Not a bad thing, don't get me wrong, just have to get used to seeing old pipes and bathrooms, wooden floors, dirty utility closets, etc.
Work-wise it's amazing how open I am to anything. I've been chatting with the lady who ran the writing workshop about putting on a basic business skills type thing too - how to use email, search the web, crap like that. Also there is a friend of a friend who runs a restaurant out on Tybee that I am supposed to look up. Things proceed, I will fall into something, I'm sure.
|
|
| | Not good news about the car. Stinks. Hope all works out well.
On the job front: I would think making some cash in the restaurant might be fun - - you could meet a ton of people. Plus, I just like the idea of a place called "Tybee."
I owew you a call - - I'll call you.
-------- Original Message --------
The car is not totalled, which is good. But it'll be in the shop for a couple weeks. They also don't have the part to repair the sunroof. Rah.
I am looking for an apt and investing work options now. I've had to change my expectations a little bit in the apt area: unlike DC where everything is brand spanking new, the buildings here are older and while they have more character, they also show more age. Not a bad thing, don't get me wrong, just have to get used to seeing old pipes and bathrooms, wooden floors, dirty utility closets, etc.
Work-wise it's amazing how open I am to anything. I've been chatting with the lady who ran the writing workshop about putting on a basic business skills type thing too - how to use email, search the web, crap like that. Also there is a friend of a friend who runs a restaurant out on Tybee that I am supposed to look up. Things proceed, I will fall into something, I'm sure.
|
|
| |
You must have some pctures - get 'em developed man. I was digging the idea of sittin' on the beach drinkin' beer in spain, give me more of that.
PGW
|
|
| | Just got back after a one day airline-induced delay (there are worse things in the life than having to spend an all expenses paid evening in Madrid during Gay Pride Day).
I have around 200 digipix that I'm going through and I'll put up a few next week. What can I say, two days ago I had my toes digging the sand in the beach in front of my parents' place, and as if by magic, I'm back to the my keyboard and desk piled with unfamiliar papers.
Only regret is that with the EU becoming more coutry-like, half the population of Europe decends on Spain in the summer and you sometimes have to work hard to find a real Spaniard in the South. We did get our fair share of aged Manchego, red wine and jamon Serrano anyway.
Wine recomendation: It's not your typical full Spanish red, but the Torres Viña Esmeralda is a really delicate fruity white that rocks with simple fish or steamed veggie dishes.
B
|
|
| | Now you've got me thinking about watching the sun set with a nice plate of Spanish cheese (Manchego is my favorite) and a glass of Rioja or Albarino. I love me some Spanish wine.
-------- Original Message --------
You must have some pctures - get 'em developed man. I was digging the idea of sittin' on the beach drinkin' beer in spain, give me more of that.
PGW
|
|
| | When did you all get so damned sophisticated? Cigars, spanish wine, exotic cheeses of the world clubs? The last I remember the extent of your sophistication was determining what beer went with 2 day old cold pizza.
Who are you people!
-------- Original Message --------
Now you've got me thinking about watching the sun set with a nice plate of Spanish cheese (Manchego is my favorite) and a glass of Rioja or Albarino. I love me some Spanish wine.
-------- Original Message --------
You must have some pctures - get 'em developed man. I was digging the idea of sittin' on the beach drinkin' beer in spain, give me more of that.
PGW
|
|
| | Generation W makes an attempt at bulletin boards
Paul, what's new with the car? Rain is back, could dampen the holiday. Noah had a righteous 4th birthday party, way too much water thrown around, some serious water gun hardware and I was the main target . Paul, you would have been a great target. In case anyone cares, the Hulk wins hands down withthe 4-9 yeard old crowd, followed by perennial favorites Power Rangers and Pokeman. Those of us what grew up with water rockets and vitamin bottle volcanoes (vinegar and baking soda) still out think and out gun the new kids. This is the real reason to have kids - to re-live those crucial water gun battles and revolving alliance water balloon fights.
One assumes Georgia is the land of available firecrackers, more so than ol' Virginny.
And yes, you may now regret telling us about Babak's site. And give me Sangria and snails in garlic sauce.
Dick
-------- Original Message --------
When did you all get so damned sophisticated? Cigars, spanish wine, exotic cheeses of the world clubs? The last I remember the extent of your sophistication was determining what beer went with 2 day old cold pizza.
Who are you people!
-------- Original Message --------
Now you've got me thinking about watching the sun set with a nice plate of Spanish cheese (Manchego is my favorite) and a glass of Rioja or Albarino. I love me some Spanish wine.
-------- Original Message --------
You must have some pctures - get 'em developed man. I was digging the idea of sittin' on the beach drinkin' beer in spain, give me more of that.
PGW
|
|
| | In this age of pagers, cell phones, wireless internet, blah, blah, blah, you'd think people would be easier to reach. But I contend that we've gotten so blase about how easy it is to reach people, we don't even try anymore.
Take me for instance...please. I have a cell phone, work-issued, but on the weekends, I don't always have it with me. So Paul tries to reach me, but he can't, as my phone is sitting on my dresser, and I'm nowhere near my dresser. When I finally get home and see, "Hey, I missed a call from Paul!" I try to reach him - on his cell phone - unsuccessfully.
Let's just go back to the day when everyone had one phone, if they were there, they answered it, and if not, you tried again later. You wind up with the same results anyway.
|
|
| |
Let's go back to letter writing.
Hey, you notice, as I predicted, that you and I are the only ones on this thing anymore? I suppose Babak will catch-up some time this week (if he has the mustard for it) as I think he is back now.
-------- Original Message --------
In this age of pagers, cell phones, wireless internet, blah, blah, blah, you'd think people would be easier to reach. But I contend that we've gotten so blase about how easy it is to reach people, we don't even try anymore.
Take me for instance...please. I have a cell phone, work-issued, but on the weekends, I don't always have it with me. So Paul tries to reach me, but he can't, as my phone is sitting on my dresser, and I'm nowhere near my dresser. When I finally get home and see, "Hey, I missed a call from Paul!" I try to reach him - on his cell phone - unsuccessfully.
Let's just go back to the day when everyone had one phone, if they were there, they answered it, and if not, you tried again later. You wind up with the same results anyway.
|
|
| | You lost the bet, Paul. I'm still in - - lingering in the shadows.
Actually, just catching up - - had not checked in for a few days. Sounds like your gathering some good material for a few short stories.
-------- Original Message --------
Let's go back to letter writing.
Hey, you notice, as I predicted, that you and I are the only ones on this thing anymore? I suppose Babak will catch-up some time this week (if he has the mustard for it) as I think he is back now.
-------- Original Message --------
In this age of pagers, cell phones, wireless internet, blah, blah, blah, you'd think people would be easier to reach. But I contend that we've gotten so blase about how easy it is to reach people, we don't even try anymore.
Take me for instance...please. I have a cell phone, work-issued, but on the weekends, I don't always have it with me. So Paul tries to reach me, but he can't, as my phone is sitting on my dresser, and I'm nowhere near my dresser. When I finally get home and see, "Hey, I missed a call from Paul!" I try to reach him - on his cell phone - unsuccessfully.
Let's just go back to the day when everyone had one phone, if they were there, they answered it, and if not, you tried again later. You wind up with the same results anyway.
|
|
| |
And are you still laughing over "Babak needs to catch-up (if he has the mustard for it)" ?
-------- Original Message --------
You lost the bet, Paul. I'm still in - - lingering in the shadows.
Actually, just catching up - - had not checked in for a few days. Sounds like your gathering some good material for a few short stories.
-------- Original Message --------
Let's go back to letter writing.
Hey, you notice, as I predicted, that you and I are the only ones on this thing anymore? I suppose Babak will catch-up some time this week (if he has the mustard for it) as I think he is back now.
-------- Original Message --------
In this age of pagers, cell phones, wireless internet, blah, blah, blah, you'd think people would be easier to reach. But I contend that we've gotten so blase about how easy it is to reach people, we don't even try anymore.
Take me for instance...please. I have a cell phone, work-issued, but on the weekends, I don't always have it with me. So Paul tries to reach me, but he can't, as my phone is sitting on my dresser, and I'm nowhere near my dresser. When I finally get home and see, "Hey, I missed a call from Paul!" I try to reach him - on his cell phone - unsuccessfully.
Let's just go back to the day when everyone had one phone, if they were there, they answered it, and if not, you tried again later. You wind up with the same results anyway.
|
|
| | Nice of you to include a tribute to the late Buddy Hackett. That joke's so old it was wearing shorts, dress socks and wingtips.
-------- Original Message --------
And are you still laughing over "Babak needs to catch-up (if he has the mustard for it)" ?
-------- Original Message --------
You lost the bet, Paul. I'm still in - - lingering in the shadows.
Actually, just catching up - - had not checked in for a few days. Sounds like your gathering some good material for a few short stories.
-------- Original Message --------
Let's go back to letter writing.
Hey, you notice, as I predicted, that you and I are the only ones on this thing anymore? I suppose Babak will catch-up some time this week (if he has the mustard for it) as I think he is back now.
-------- Original Message --------
In this age of pagers, cell phones, wireless internet, blah, blah, blah, you'd think people would be easier to reach. But I contend that we've gotten so blase about how easy it is to reach people, we don't even try anymore.
Take me for instance...please. I have a cell phone, work-issued, but on the weekends, I don't always have it with me. So Paul tries to reach me, but he can't, as my phone is sitting on my dresser, and I'm nowhere near my dresser. When I finally get home and see, "Hey, I missed a call from Paul!" I try to reach him - on his cell phone - unsuccessfully.
Let's just go back to the day when everyone had one phone, if they were there, they answered it, and if not, you tried again later. You wind up with the same results anyway.
|
|
| | And really is there anything quite as humerous as having a joke pointed out to you, just in case you missed it? Paul, perhaps you could also explain it for us too, so that anyone who saw it , but didn't get it won't feel left out.
-------- Original Message --------
Nice of you to include a tribute to the late Buddy Hackett. That joke's so old it was wearing shorts, dress socks and wingtips.
-------- Original Message --------
And are you still laughing over "Babak needs to catch-up (if he has the mustard for it)" ?
-------- Original Message --------
You lost the bet, Paul. I'm still in - - lingering in the shadows.
Actually, just catching up - - had not checked in for a few days. Sounds like your gathering some good material for a few short stories.
-------- Original Message --------
Let's go back to letter writing.
Hey, you notice, as I predicted, that you and I are the only ones on this thing anymore? I suppose Babak will catch-up some time this week (if he has the mustard for it) as I think he is back now.
-------- Original Message --------
In this age of pagers, cell phones, wireless internet, blah, blah, blah, you'd think people would be easier to reach. But I contend that we've gotten so blase about how easy it is to reach people, we don't even try anymore.
Take me for instance...please. I have a cell phone, work-issued, but on the weekends, I don't always have it with me. So Paul tries to reach me, but he can't, as my phone is sitting on my dresser, and I'm nowhere near my dresser. When I finally get home and see, "Hey, I missed a call from Paul!" I try to reach him - on his cell phone - unsuccessfully.
Let's just go back to the day when everyone had one phone, if they were there, they answered it, and if not, you tried again later. You wind up with the same results anyway.
|
|
| | On Tuesday I saw a blurb for a writers' workshop with the Savannah Writers Group. Inquiring further, I learned that the workshop was being held Wed-Fri and what's more it was free. How could I say no to that?
So went I did. Good stuff. The content was, well, about what I remembered from creative writing in school, but hey the people were super nice. There was the earnestly nice, slightly anal, a little touchy-feelie organizer of the thing. There was the british novelist co-organizer. There was a sweet old broad, who is writing away her retirement in a fever of sobriety (like the lyrics to a country music song, her conversation focused regularly on AA). A super vibrant black woman with a great laugh. Two self-described country bumpkin women, heavy accents, exuding christianity, who mysteriously dressed identically and had the entire room wondering just what the hell their relationship was. And finally Alexia, ex-army, ex-cop, ex-wife, now fitness trainer and dissatisfied party girl. Boy, I tell you, that's a line-up only found in the south.
Great fun Everything you would expect happened:
- I wowed them with my writing.
- I participated in a feverishly hot ad-lib dialogue with one of the bumpkins (reminiscent of that famous scene starring Jerry & Elizabeth, "This is Sexual Harrassment").
- The Brit offered to connect me with some overly posh apts that he knows about.
- Linda, with open arms and beaming smile, invited me to attend her church.
- Mother Marie, invited me to come live for free in her son's room at their house on the beach.
- And I fooled around with Alexia late night at her gym (her boyfriend is a brewer at the local brewpub - we went there first).
I'd call that a successful entre into town
|
|
| | So when you say fooled around do you mean that you physically overpowered her? Odd how she mentioned the boyfriend after you kissed her? But hey, it's better than cruising the high schools.
This is all very bohemian in a David Lynch sort of way . If I add the Georgia accent to the scene I am sure it all gets a little extra bizzare.
Keep us updated on your progress and hey. Why not Post some of your writing here, we can do a workshop of our own. Who knows maybe Bolson will fool around with you after.
-------- Original Message --------
On Tuesday I saw a blurb for a writers' workshop with the Savannah Writers Group. Inquiring further, I learned that the workshop was being held Wed-Fri and what's more it was free. How could I say no to that?
So went I did. Good stuff. The content was, well, about what I remembered from creative writing in school, but hey the people were super nice. There was the earnestly nice, slightly anal, a little touchy-feelie organizer of the thing. There was the british novelist co-organizer. There was a sweet old broad, who is writing away her retirement in a fever of sobriety (like the lyrics to a country music song, her conversation focused regularly on AA). A super vibrant black woman with a great laugh. Two self-described country bumpkin women, heavy accents, exuding christianity, who mysteriously dressed identically and had the entire room wondering just what the hell their relationship was. And finally Alexia, ex-army, ex-cop, ex-wife, now fitness trainer and dissatisfied party girl. Boy, I tell you, that's a line-up only found in the south.
Great fun Everything you would expect happened:
- I wowed them with my writing.
- I participated in a feverishly hot ad-lib dialogue with one of the bumpkins (reminiscent of that famous scene starring Jerry & Elizabeth, "This is Sexual Harrassment").
- The Brit offered to connect me with some overly posh apts that he knows about.
- Linda, with open arms and beaming smile, invited me to attend her church.
- Mother Marie, invited me to come live for free in her son's room at their house on the beach.
- And I fooled around with Alexia late night at her gym (her boyfriend is a brewer at the local brewpub - we went there first).
I'd call that a successful entre into town
|
|
| | So when you say fooled around do you mean that you physically overpowered her? Odd how she mentioned the boyfriend after you kissed her? But hey, it's better than cruising the high schools.
This is all very bohemian in a David Lynch sort of way . If I add the Georgia accent to the scene I am sure it all gets a little extra bizzare.
Keep us updated on your progress and hey. Why not Post some of your writing here, we can do a workshop of our own. Who knows maybe Bolson will fool around with you after.
-------- Original Message --------
On Tuesday I saw a blurb for a writers' workshop with the Savannah Writers Group. Inquiring further, I learned that the workshop was being held Wed-Fri and what's more it was free. How could I say no to that?
So went I did. Good stuff. The content was, well, about what I remembered from creative writing in school, but hey the people were super nice. There was the earnestly nice, slightly anal, a little touchy-feelie organizer of the thing. There was the british novelist co-organizer. There was a sweet old broad, who is writing away her retirement in a fever of sobriety (like the lyrics to a country music song, her conversation focused regularly on AA). A super vibrant black woman with a great laugh. Two self-described country bumpkin women, heavy accents, exuding christianity, who mysteriously dressed identically and had the entire room wondering just what the hell their relationship was. And finally Alexia, ex-army, ex-cop, ex-wife, now fitness trainer and dissatisfied party girl. Boy, I tell you, that's a line-up only found in the south.
Great fun Everything you would expect happened:
- I wowed them with my writing.
- I participated in a feverishly hot ad-lib dialogue with one of the bumpkins (reminiscent of that famous scene starring Jerry & Elizabeth, "This is Sexual Harrassment").
- The Brit offered to connect me with some overly posh apts that he knows about.
- Linda, with open arms and beaming smile, invited me to attend her church.
- Mother Marie, invited me to come live for free in her son's room at their house on the beach.
- And I fooled around with Alexia late night at her gym (her boyfriend is a brewer at the local brewpub - we went there first).
I'd call that a successful entre into town
|
|
| | OK, this brings about a whole other slew of unanswered questions:
1. You committed to going to something three days in a row?! Savannah has changed you, my friend.
2. With said leads, are you closer to an actual place to live?
3. Fooled around? Like lifted weights and ran on the treadmill? Or like fooled around-fooled around?
4. What kind of beer did you have at the brewpub?
-------- Original Message --------
On Tuesday I saw a blurb for a writers' workshop with the Savannah Writers Group. Inquiring further, I learned that the workshop was being held Wed-Fri and what's more it was free. How could I say no to that?
So went I did. Good stuff. The content was, well, about what I remembered from creative writing in school, but hey the people were super nice. There was the earnestly nice, slightly anal, a little touchy-feelie organizer of the thing. There was the british novelist co-organizer. There was a sweet old broad, who is writing away her retirement in a fever of sobriety (like the lyrics to a country music song, her conversation focused regularly on AA). A super vibrant black woman with a great laugh. Two self-described country bumpkin women, heavy accents, exuding christianity, who mysteriously dressed identically and had the entire room wondering just what the hell their relationship was. And finally Alexia, ex-army, ex-cop, ex-wife, now fitness trainer and dissatisfied party girl. Boy, I tell you, that's a line-up only found in the south.
Great fun Everything you would expect happened:
- I wowed them with my writing.
- I participated in a feverishly hot ad-lib dialogue with one of the bumpkins (reminiscent of that famous scene starring Jerry & Elizabeth, "This is Sexual Harrassment").
- The Brit offered to connect me with some overly posh apts that he knows about.
- Linda, with open arms and beaming smile, invited me to attend her church.
- Mother Marie, invited me to come live for free in her son's room at their house on the beach.
- And I fooled around with Alexia late night at her gym (her boyfriend is a brewer at the local brewpub - we went there first).
I'd call that a successful entre into town
|
|
| | Well now, I am supposed to drive out to Marie's place on Tybee to meet her husband and check out the space. While it sounds interesting I am not holding out much hope - I assume it's pretty small and Marie is nice and all but I don't know that I want to chat with her everyday. But we'll see.
As for finding a place, I am hoping but yesterday afternoon I also managed to get into a car accident and now I have to see how much repairs on the car will be, so I know what I can afford. I'm sick of this hotel.
When I say fooled around, I am being mildly expansive for purpose of the story. Smooched a couple times is more accurate. Then talked about her boyfriend. Blah blah.
As for the beer, the boyfriend brought round some tasters, so I had an IPA, a porter, and some sort of very strong oat lager that he had created. Good stuff.
-------- Original Message --------
OK, this brings about a whole other slew of unanswered questions:
1. You committed to going to something three days in a row?! Savannah has changed you, my friend.
2. With said leads, are you closer to an actual place to live?
3. Fooled around? Like lifted weights and ran on the treadmill? Or like fooled around-fooled around?
4. What kind of beer did you have at the brewpub?
-------- Original Message --------
On Tuesday I saw a blurb for a writers' workshop with the Savannah Writers Group. Inquiring further, I learned that the workshop was being held Wed-Fri and what's more it was free. How could I say no to that?
So went I did. Good stuff. The content was, well, about what I remembered from creative writing in school, but hey the people were super nice. There was the earnestly nice, slightly anal, a little touchy-feelie organizer of the thing. There was the british novelist co-organizer. There was a sweet old broad, who is writing away her retirement in a fever of sobriety (like the lyrics to a country music song, her conversation focused regularly on AA). A super vibrant black woman with a great laugh. Two self-described country bumpkin women, heavy accents, exuding christianity, who mysteriously dressed identically and had the entire room wondering just what the hell their relationship was. And finally Alexia, ex-army, ex-cop, ex-wife, now fitness trainer and dissatisfied party girl. Boy, I tell you, that's a line-up only found in the south.
Great fun Everything you would expect happened:
- I wowed them with my writing.
- I participated in a feverishly hot ad-lib dialogue with one of the bumpkins (reminiscent of that famous scene starring Jerry & Elizabeth, "This is Sexual Harrassment").
- The Brit offered to connect me with some overly posh apts that he knows about.
- Linda, with open arms and beaming smile, invited me to attend her church.
- Mother Marie, invited me to come live for free in her son's room at their house on the beach.
- And I fooled around with Alexia late night at her gym (her boyfriend is a brewer at the local brewpub - we went there first).
I'd call that a successful entre into town
|
|
| | OK, so we know you don't like chains, traffic is traffic no matter where you go, and water + women = good. Basic stuff, we all knew that.
Drilling down, my three queries remain unanswered:
1. Cigar availability
2. Coffee quality
3. The Sand Gnats - truly my new favorite minor league baseball team
Now I believe the SandGnats were on a road trip for the six days you've been there, so I'll throw out #3.
But I refuse to believe that you haven't had a cup of coffee or a cigar since you've been there. A good exploration in my eyes has to include a coffee shop (for locals only, of course) and a trip to the tobacconist.
And how was the Japanese festival? Did you go?
|
|
| |
See the thing is, I brought these things with me, and so have not yet had to try the local wares. I have a box of those excellent Hoyo de Monterrey's with me. Plus all the makings for excellent coffee. And of course the baseball team in the trunk.
-------- Original Message --------
OK, so we know you don't like chains, traffic is traffic no matter where you go, and water + women = good. Basic stuff, we all knew that.
Drilling down, my three queries remain unanswered:
1. Cigar availability
2. Coffee quality
3. The Sand Gnats - truly my new favorite minor league baseball team
Now I believe the SandGnats were on a road trip for the six days you've been there, so I'll throw out #3.
But I refuse to believe that you haven't had a cup of coffee or a cigar since you've been there. A good exploration in my eyes has to include a coffee shop (for locals only, of course) and a trip to the tobacconist.
And how was the Japanese festival? Did you go?
|
|
| | The sign on the way into Charleston should say "Welcome to a little bit of Long Island in the South!"
Alright, that's a little harsh, but I kept thinking it as I drove. For one thing, it's the first time I have been in asshole traffic since I left VA - way too many cars, everyone driving as selfishly and arrogantly as possible. The roads were too small (and this is a 3 lane arterial) Fast food joints lined the road. In downtown, the blocks were too short and the lights were not properly timed. Randomly and with no warning, either the left or right lane would suddenly be a "turn only" lane.
Down by the harbor, what I assumed was the old downtown, I saw that they have welcomed Starbucks and Gap and etc to trash the old buildings to put their shops in. It looked like a freaking outdoor mall! Heaven forbid you allow a non-chain store in your town. No chance of parking, of course.
On the good side, there were scores of pretty blondes walking around. (But you probably already realized that from my earlier comments about all the cars and the malls.Z) And the harbor was very good.
The harbor was huge and was, like Baltimore, a real part of the town. I must say it was very pretty out there with some huge yachts and lots of sails and a good bridge. Made me want to sail into town one day. But that might be the only way I go back.
pgw
|
|
| | Perhaps you should contact the local DOT, and lodge a complaint. Sign it "outraged transient".
-------- Original Message --------
The sign on the way into Charleston should say "Welcome to a little bit of Long Island in the South!"
Alright, that's a little harsh, but I kept thinking it as I drove. For one thing, it's the first time I have been in asshole traffic since I left VA - way too many cars, everyone driving as selfishly and arrogantly as possible. The roads were too small (and this is a 3 lane arterial) Fast food joints lined the road. In downtown, the blocks were too short and the lights were not properly timed. Randomly and with no warning, either the left or right lane would suddenly be a "turn only" lane.
Down by the harbor, what I assumed was the old downtown, I saw that they have welcomed Starbucks and Gap and etc to trash the old buildings to put their shops in. It looked like a freaking outdoor mall! Heaven forbid you allow a non-chain store in your town. No chance of parking, of course.
On the good side, there were scores of pretty blondes walking around. (But you probably already realized that from my earlier comments about all the cars and the malls.Z) And the harbor was very good.
The harbor was huge and was, like Baltimore, a real part of the town. I must say it was very pretty out there with some huge yachts and lots of sails and a good bridge. Made me want to sail into town one day. But that might be the only way I go back.
pgw
|
|
| | I don't think you should stop there. You should start a letter writing campaign to eject Chain stores of any kind. Start a grass roots movement. You could set up a little table with petitions to sign. Great way to meet chicks and do nothing at the same time.
-------- Original Message --------
Perhaps you should contact the local DOT, and lodge a complaint. Sign it "outraged transient".
-------- Original Message --------
The sign on the way into Charleston should say "Welcome to a little bit of Long Island in the South!"
Alright, that's a little harsh, but I kept thinking it as I drove. For one thing, it's the first time I have been in asshole traffic since I left VA - way too many cars, everyone driving as selfishly and arrogantly as possible. The roads were too small (and this is a 3 lane arterial) Fast food joints lined the road. In downtown, the blocks were too short and the lights were not properly timed. Randomly and with no warning, either the left or right lane would suddenly be a "turn only" lane.
Down by the harbor, what I assumed was the old downtown, I saw that they have welcomed Starbucks and Gap and etc to trash the old buildings to put their shops in. It looked like a freaking outdoor mall! Heaven forbid you allow a non-chain store in your town. No chance of parking, of course.
On the good side, there were scores of pretty blondes walking around. (But you probably already realized that from my earlier comments about all the cars and the malls.Z) And the harbor was very good.
The harbor was huge and was, like Baltimore, a real part of the town. I must say it was very pretty out there with some huge yachts and lots of sails and a good bridge. Made me want to sail into town one day. But that might be the only way I go back.
pgw
|
|
| | Lowy's on to something. If you take up a craft contiguously, you could position yourself as a local artisan and take over the lease on the old Gap building. Perhpas bead work, or macrame.
Oh God, I'm agreeing with Lowy....somebody get me a salve!
-------- Original Message --------
I don't think you should stop there. You should start a letter writing campaign to eject Chain stores of any kind. Start a grass roots movement. You could set up a little table with petitions to sign. Great way to meet chicks and do nothing at the same time.
-------- Original Message --------
Perhaps you should contact the local DOT, and lodge a complaint. Sign it "outraged transient".
-------- Original Message --------
The sign on the way into Charleston should say "Welcome to a little bit of Long Island in the South!"
Alright, that's a little harsh, but I kept thinking it as I drove. For one thing, it's the first time I have been in asshole traffic since I left VA - way too many cars, everyone driving as selfishly and arrogantly as possible. The roads were too small (and this is a 3 lane arterial) Fast food joints lined the road. In downtown, the blocks were too short and the lights were not properly timed. Randomly and with no warning, either the left or right lane would suddenly be a "turn only" lane.
Down by the harbor, what I assumed was the old downtown, I saw that they have welcomed Starbucks and Gap and etc to trash the old buildings to put their shops in. It looked like a freaking outdoor mall! Heaven forbid you allow a non-chain store in your town. No chance of parking, of course.
On the good side, there were scores of pretty blondes walking around. (But you probably already realized that from my earlier comments about all the cars and the malls.Z) And the harbor was very good.
The harbor was huge and was, like Baltimore, a real part of the town. I must say it was very pretty out there with some huge yachts and lots of sails and a good bridge. Made me want to sail into town one day. But that might be the only way I go back.
pgw
|
|
| | Don't worry Bill , the first time someone realizes how brilliant I am it is a little unnerving for them, but eventually the chills and cold sweat will subside, and like so many before you, you will resign yourself to the understanding that you will have to go on with your life and be contented with your subordinate place.
I believe there is a support group out there that meets on Wednesday through Friday at the local VFW hall. They try not to embarass anyone so they use the code name "Free Writing workshop"
-------- Original Message --------
Lowy's on to something. If you take up a craft contiguously, you could position yourself as a local artisan and take over the lease on the old Gap building. Perhpas bead work, or macrame.
Oh God, I'm agreeing with Lowy....somebody get me a salve!
|
|
| |
You guys have a lot in common. Inlcluding, apparently, a love of the suburbs.
-------- Original Message --------
Lowy's on to something. If you take up a craft contiguously, you could position yourself as a local artisan and take over the lease on the old Gap building. Perhpas bead work, or macrame.
Oh God, I'm agreeing with Lowy....somebody get me a salve!
-------- Original Message --------
I don't think you should stop there. You should start a letter writing campaign to eject Chain stores of any kind. Start a grass roots movement. You could set up a little table with petitions to sign. Great way to meet chicks and do nothing at the same time.
-------- Original Message --------
Perhaps you should contact the local DOT, and lodge a complaint. Sign it "outraged transient".
-------- Original Message --------
The sign on the way into Charleston should say "Welcome to a little bit of Long Island in the South!"
Alright, that's a little harsh, but I kept thinking it as I drove. For one thing, it's the first time I have been in asshole traffic since I left VA - way too many cars, everyone driving as selfishly and arrogantly as possible. The roads were too small (and this is a 3 lane arterial) Fast food joints lined the road. In downtown, the blocks were too short and the lights were not properly timed. Randomly and with no warning, either the left or right lane would suddenly be a "turn only" lane.
Down by the harbor, what I assumed was the old downtown, I saw that they have welcomed Starbucks and Gap and etc to trash the old buildings to put their shops in. It looked like a freaking outdoor mall! Heaven forbid you allow a non-chain store in your town. No chance of parking, of course.
On the good side, there were scores of pretty blondes walking around. (But you probably already realized that from my earlier comments about all the cars and the malls.Z) And the harbor was very good.
The harbor was huge and was, like Baltimore, a real part of the town. I must say it was very pretty out there with some huge yachts and lots of sails and a good bridge. Made me want to sail into town one day. But that might be the only way I go back.
pgw
|
|
| | Lowy's on to something. If you take up a craft contiguously, you could position yourself as a local artisan and take over the lease on the old Gap building. Perhpas bead work, or macrame.
Oh God, I'm agreeing with Lowy....somebody get me a salve!
-------- Original Message --------
I don't think you should stop there. You should start a letter writing campaign to eject Chain stores of any kind. Start a grass roots movement. You could set up a little table with petitions to sign. Great way to meet chicks and do nothing at the same time.
-------- Original Message --------
Perhaps you should contact the local DOT, and lodge a complaint. Sign it "outraged transient".
-------- Original Message --------
The sign on the way into Charleston should say "Welcome to a little bit of Long Island in the South!"
Alright, that's a little harsh, but I kept thinking it as I drove. For one thing, it's the first time I have been in asshole traffic since I left VA - way too many cars, everyone driving as selfishly and arrogantly as possible. The roads were too small (and this is a 3 lane arterial) Fast food joints lined the road. In downtown, the blocks were too short and the lights were not properly timed. Randomly and with no warning, either the left or right lane would suddenly be a "turn only" lane.
Down by the harbor, what I assumed was the old downtown, I saw that they have welcomed Starbucks and Gap and etc to trash the old buildings to put their shops in. It looked like a freaking outdoor mall! Heaven forbid you allow a non-chain store in your town. No chance of parking, of course.
On the good side, there were scores of pretty blondes walking around. (But you probably already realized that from my earlier comments about all the cars and the malls.Z) And the harbor was very good.
The harbor was huge and was, like Baltimore, a real part of the town. I must say it was very pretty out there with some huge yachts and lots of sails and a good bridge. Made me want to sail into town one day. But that might be the only way I go back.
pgw
|
|