Happy New Year; tonight!

This is the famous address "Flatiron Building, New York." The Manhattan landmark under construction circa 1902. Here’s hoping everyone has a safe and prosperous New Year.

Hay Alice, what was at the bottom of that hole?

Tim Burton let loose with the Disney brand name. Humm, he takes over the Haunted Mansion at Halloween, will we see a special ‘overlay’ maybe in the near future. This could be fun, I hope so!

different, but with seasonal best wishes

i give you the Tesla Xmas Tree

I hope everyone has a wonderful celebration of the birth of Christ, a wonderful and healthy New Year and a most warm and safe Holiday Season.

Remember to be thankful for what you have and who you are.

Happy Birthday Mother, I love you very much.

This morning Lord Vader rang the bell!

for my oldest son…he loved shenmue

and of course, I just love Tokyo.

43 years ago today.

DISNEYLAND DAZED
By Thom Barley
Santa Ana Register Staff Writer
December 15, 1966 / Afternoon Edition

“Feel? Nothing yet. I’m so numb ... I felt like this when they told me President Kennedy was dead.”
“I was trying hard and now you’ve made me cry. I’m hurt deep inside. To think that that marvelous, marvelous man won’t be back ... “

“Mr. Disney stood right there and told me that when his apartment was finished my group was to come and play for him ... Said we played his kinda music. All I can say is that he played my kinda music too.”

The tributes came from Disneyland employees who were desperately trying to carry out an unprecedented instruction from the top brass: “Carry on normally. Behave as if nothing had happened.”

For once, a Magic Kingdom order wasn’t being carried out very well.

Guide Suc McKinnon, 19, took a firm grip on her reception table near the Main Gate and a deep breath before she answered our question. She spoke slowly and clearly. “I’m just empty inside. I wouldn’t have thought that such a thing could happen. I thought Mr. Disney was getting better.” Her companion, Sally Sherbin, 19, took over as Sue nervously shuffled papers. “I felt like this when they told me President Kennedy was dead.”

“We should close Disneyland if only for a day,” said Carol Paul, 21, trying hard to maintain her composure as she welcomed visitors to a Frontierland saloon. “He was a marvelous man, a good and kind man,” the Anaheim girl went on. “We were all on a first name basis with him and he wouldn’t have it any other way. This has been the biggest shock of my life and I have an idea that I haven’t really accepted the news yet.”

Reactions from Disneyland’s young visitors ranged from tongue-stilling astonishment to disbelief. Susan Burky, 7, of San Francisco, happily confirmed that she knew just who Walt Disney was -- “I’ve seen him a lot on TV.”

But she stopped smiling when she was told that Walt Disney, the man indirectly responsible for the “Mouseketeer” hat her father had bought her a few moments ago, had died that morning. “Yes, I’m sorry,” she said. “No, I don’t know what to say ... . ”

So it was with a shocked David Squire, 10, of Urbana, Illinois, and Sandy, 14, Carol, 12, and Janet Fritzen, 10, of San Francisco.
Overlooking New Orleans Square, we wandered through what had been, we understood, one of Disneyland’s closely guarded secrets: a suite of rooms which Walt Disney was to have moved into on January 15.

Painter Ernest Hart of Santa Ana interrupted his masterly glazing of a fireplace to acknowledge, with a sad smile, that he had heard of the death of the man who would have been admiring that beautiful fireplace a month from now.

Below a balcony of the executive suite, a Disneyland quartet was preparing to entertain the incoming crowds and obviously trying valiantly to “behave as if nothing had happened.”

“He loved to hear us,” smiled Herman Mitchell. “He told us, not very long ago, that when his apartment was ready he wanted us to come in there and play some Dixieland. “I told him, ‘Walt, just let us know when and we’ll be around.' ”

They weren’t playing Dixieland as we made our way to the Main Gate. We couldn’t place that slow blues by name but we’re sure that Mr. Disney would have enjoyed it.

Sometimes, a newsman gets his best reactions when he’s back at the office, pulling his story together.

Mrs. Ilse Henry of Newport Beach phoned in to ask: “Is it true that Walt Disney is dead?” “Yes, ma’am, I’m afraid it is.” The voice of a child broke in, apparently via an extension phone: “He’s dead,” but it’s Christmas!” “She didn’t believe it,” the obviously upset Mrs. Henry added.

“Sure, we’ll carry on, just like they said. But it isn’t going to be easy.” Jeri Heffner, 20, was feeding the sparrows at her Floral Market stand “because I just had to something.” She responded to a question with unseeing eyes. “Look, that’s ‘Fatty’ over there,” she pointed out. “He comes every day and he eats too much. It’s better to keep busy like this. I guess I’m just stunned at the news, that’s all ... “

Orders or no orders, Linda Lee, 19, a soda counter waitress quickly abandoned her forced smile and wept. “Oh, he was a wonderful, wonderful person,” sobbed the San Francisco girl. “Nothing you or anybody can say is going to make this any easier. I met him several times here and I ... I’m sorry,” Linda cried, “I’m very, very sorry ... .”

Happy Thanksgiving

Remember that we are blessed.

Here's hoping Global Frequency makes it through all the hurdles this time.

Global Frequency just may be made. Warren at almost his best!

Clash of the Titans

 

…was a movie that my children grew up on and enjoyed. Remake time:

A special place.

 

For some reason, I am in the mood to be here this morning and every morning here after.

I sometimes do not feel alone.

 

Sorry, just could not stop laughing.

J.G. Ballard on my mind this morning

 

‘London after the Rain’, by Ben Olszyna-Marzys. A film produced for Nic Clear’s Unit 15 course, ‘Crash: Architectures of the Near Future’.

 

 

‘The Sound-Sweep’, by George Thomson, based on the story by J.G. Ballard. A film produced for Nic Clear’s Unit 15 course, ‘Crash: Architectures of the Near Future’.

 

 

To find out and learn more; go here! However, I must warn you.  Realization of what is going on around you may change.

You had to know this was coming!

Small, but ever a warning:

http://sciencedude.freedomblogging.com/2009/11/05/microquake-occurs-near-disneyland/67017/

Order of the Red Guard

E-mail to my support group this morning

Hello everyone'

I trust you are all healthy and happy.

The magic time is almost here. The 'holidays' hasten down upon us and I am sure there are those who will be most ecstatic by their delivery. Some of us will despair at the subtraction of time and clarity brought about by self inflected aspirations brought about by society. It is hard I know, but try to find a moment to stop and reflect, give thanks and revel in the thought of a new beginning.

Halloween is upon us this weekend. The festival of Samhain celebrates the end of the "lighter half" of the year and beginning of the "darker half", and is sometimes regarded as the "Celtic New Year". Also see All Saints for those interested. I see it as a celebration of toil and perseverance. October of the year of our Lord 2006 was when I received the dreaded news of my physical aliment. That was three (3) years ago. With no small thanks to each and every one of you. Both here an now, amongst us; and those who have passed on to a better realm. I have made it this far and I am now of a mind to die at a much older age than I am and of nothing more important or earth shacking than boredom. Take that Cancer. I deplore and loathe you; I have toiled and persevered. I endeavor to live.

Don't blink my friends. Thanksgiving is in your headlights and will be a most welcomed perceived odor and time to make hearth with family. I so miss the ability to smell and eat. Blessed are all of you who can partake in the wonderful ceremony of breaking bread. I will give thanks with a syringe as most will use knife and fork. Know that I am as thankful for that syringe and 'can of manna' as any pilgrim could every be. As I am thankful for all of you. You all give me pause. You all are a source of inspiration and diligent love. Thank you.

As to the observance of the birth of your Lord; I respectfully leave that unto each of you as you and your house see fit. Be bold and respectful of your truth and faith. Be at peace and joyful in a manner that most keeps your heart happy and your soul at ease.

And, (hehehe; I love playing with the English language) And, that leaves us with the observance of the promise of wonder an beauty an excitement of things to come. It has been said that it is never to early to look forward.---

--- I am always happy to have new and wonderful members come to visit and join our family. With a tip of my top hat to Mr. Moore; our 'League of Extraordinary Survivors'. I enjoy and look forward with anticipation to meet, greet and learn of your journey. I pray that I am forgiven for this trespass. I know I should be saddened by the perverse and hideous cause of our meeting; I am sorry that you have been compelled to be a part of this location at this time. However, I am emboldened by your presence and I enjoin in your toil with your yoke. Know that all of you which are new to this most extraordinary support group give both tears and hugs without question nor judgment. If you are new to us, be at peace for you are in the right place.

Wow, I almost made it without a nod to history, but alas, I fall pray to that monster in my mind. I will attempt to make this one short. ( I promise)

I want to stop and think of Tran Hung Dao and introduce you to the General who never lost a battle. General Trần Hưng Đạo's military brilliance and prowess is reflected in his many treatises on warfare and he is considered one of the most accomplished generals in world history. He never lost a battle; much less the war. As Kublai Khan came roaring through the Kingdom of Đại Việt (in northern Vietnam), his army happened upon someone who gave toil to the art of perseverance. Tran Hung Dao knew that he and his people had to survive. He knew that the toil would be great, the task hard but the rewards, oh, the rewards would be life. He never lost. He came up with a way to fight an overwhelming foe and win. His story reminds me of all of you. In my mind he is the source of what D&D refers to as the 'Order of the Red Guard'. One that is so respected in fight that armies many times in sheer size have been know to flee upon the mere presence of one Guard being on the side of the opposition.

We, each of you are in this order. The Order of the Red Guard. You are all dissident from Tran Hung Dao, the General who never lost. Be earnest in your fight. Be thankful in your victory. Look forward to a future where our numbers know No new conscripts.

I love you all and I look forward to seeing and greeting those who will be attending of gathering and I and thoughtful of those who are distant and unable to be with us. Please know and rejoice in my 3^rd anniversary of struggle, enjoy your tradition of Holiday and look forward to your New Year. Don't hide your head ostrich, it's tugging at us all. Try and enjoy this period. For those of you who struggle with the 'Holiday Blues'; never think you struggle alone. Reach out to any member you trust. Never feel you have to fight alone. Any of us will be happy to share your plight and conflict with cancer or any obstacle you have variance with.

Be strong, because Cancer sucks.

PS. as promised, I kept the story of Tran Hung Dao short and most abridged. Please, at your leisure, look into this most extraordinary life and his amazing story. It is most fascinating and encouraging.

I have hopes;

however, I shall not hold my breath. I do hope this turns out well.

The D20 geek in me smiles.

Surfacescapes Demo Walkthrough from Surfacescapes on Vimeo.

 

It’s not your dads D&D anymore. I so have thought of something like this for years. I smile at where this may lead too. The future can be so cool if we just go with it.

from the magical time

just after the turn of the century and just prior to the great war, there was what I call the magical time of man. was it? oh I don’t know. maybe, maybe not…but here is a look at 1908 Moscow. yes, i yearn. just look at the everyday wonder. i yearn for a time when what could have been actually occurred. it was a magical time, at least i like to think; just maybe, it was.

"I wanted to be the first to let you know"

e-mail this morning to my support group:

 

Hello everyone,

October 5th, 1955 the Disneyland Hotel opens with seven rooms while an 8th was used as the original office.

That is probably not exciting news to anyone other than to a ‘Disney-phile’ like myself. I would dare think that in the original days of both the hotel and the park itself, the future was a tentative thing. I could recount the naysayers who told Walt of the impending doom of his magical little park. Much less the pomposity of building a five star resort in the middle of orange groves.

A lot like naysayers of today. I admitted that I sometimes get caught up in the whole end of days thing going on about us. I sometimes get discouraged by the news of the day involving war, storms, the stock market decline and the uncertainly of what will happen with America’s health care system. Yes, I’m guilty of enjoying the titillation of the 2012 thing.

It would be so easy to become absorbed by all of the QUICKENING (for you listeners to Art Bell) we seem to be rushing pall-mall into. It’s hard not to be caught up into a permanent depression akin to being perpetually stuck in the History Channels Armageddon Week.

But, However, Alas, Nay, Be of good heart! It may be harder to write of a more happy time. Let alone try and live a more positive outlook. Tonight, once again I shall be blessed by you all. Both in person and by those who for myriad reasons cannot join us in person; we will gather and embrace each other in a celebration of positive light. We come together to acknowledge each other.

No matter the individual story (which are all amazing and are monuments to a smile); but as a group, we are a song, a mighty choir a living voice to what is good in life. In simply being still alive. No matter how black the cancer, each of us throw off that shroud and let our being shout that we are alive and we are happy for that privilege. YES, never ever take even one second of life for granted. Oh, I know, ‘for all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God’. You know what? I would match this group up against the worst that the world and Satan could ever sling at us. We live, we are alive by His grace and I for one am humbled by each of you. By each of your stories, by your courage to be alive and live each and every day no matter the pain or hardship. By that grace, we are here again on the first Tuesday evening of this and each and every month. I look forward to our fellowship. I hope you do as well.

I got a call this morning, early as I was drinking my morning coffee. It was my favorite Oncology nurse on the other end. An Jan shared with me the good news; my Petscan was clear and she wanted to be the first to let me know that I was yet again, cancer free. What wonderful anti - end of the world, all are doomed news.

Do not let the naysayers discourage you. Get up each and every day. Enjoy the fact that you are alive and that you can.......

Over the weekend I was talking with my eldest daughter. We had know for awhile that she was pregnant with my 6^th (sixth) grandchild. She has 3 (three) beautiful girls, but; this grandchild is a boy. After 5 times, I decided to know the sex. I always wanted to be surprised. I was so happy to learn that it was to be a boy and she has decided to add my name to the future. There will be another Stephen in this world. This world which is wonderful and happy and pleasing. See, it is a good day indeed.

I look forward to seeing you all tonight and to those who are distant or absent; you are all in my prayers.

Be strong my brothers and sisters because Cancer Sucks.

Is that just one bobsled?

Some interesting facts about the (first) mountain and what has been my favorite ride in the park from my first visit in the early 60’s through today.

In the scamper of opening day on June 14th of 1959, the flag of Denmark was mistakenly placed on top as opposed to the flag of Switzerland; continuing the legendary opening snafu(s) which have occurred at the park.

Yes, there is a basketball hoop in the top. Note that this may now be gone, but was placed there by Walt for employees.

At 147 feet, it was and still is the tallest structure in Disneyland, and for many years until the 1960’s, it was the tallest structure in Orange County.

The Matterhorn was moved. Yes, well, in the souvenir guide books anyway. From 1959 until 1968 the mountain and ride were officially a part of Tomorrowland. After 1968, she was ‘moved’ to Fantasyland in all the guides.

On opening day, the peak was scaled by members of the local ‘Sierra Club’. The climb is still made to this day, however, did you know there are 30 ‘routes’ the climbers can make to the summit.  Now, on a clear day, while on the summit, one can see both Catalina Island and the Hollywood sign which are 40 miles away.

The famous “doggie” as described by my daughter was added in 1978.

This is one of my favorite cards in my collection. I love the ‘fall season’ grayness of this shot.

Did you know there is an elevator inside which is for the use of employees and Tinker Bell and for decorating (seasonal) as well?

I could go on, but one last question. Notice the number of cars(bobsleds) in the postcards above? 1 (one); that’s correct. Until the 1978 redo of the ride, there was only one car. A second car (tandem hooking) was used to increase the ride capacity.

One last and personal tid-bit. While the fantasyland side is longer by a few seconds (between 15-20 seconds) the tomorrowland side is considered the more exciting ride.

I woke up this morning and found this.

Enjoy and make sure you are prepared. Dec. 21st, 2012 is coming.

Yes, there was a time

when you knew what was right in this world.

I sometimes ask myself…

ARTIFICIAL PARADISE,INC. from Jp Frenay on Vimeo.

 

I use to wash my dad’s old Ford Pick-up. The holes in the body walls provided a most pleasing smell while still moist. I would breath in the the unknown and go through doorways to another place. I would sometimes ask, am I addicted? Some day, there will be only crab grass and cockroaches. I miss not smelling the world, I miss that reassurance.

Pulp

It didn’t really matter which direction we traveled. West to East, or, East to West. From my back seat I would peer out the window and look up into the endless small canyons which lay to the south side of the highway. There, would be my secret laboratory. The base from which I would go out from and explore the world. A castle of my mind with every conceivable need spread before my eye. There, out from Van Horn, in the monotony of endless miles were desires that were to never be. My finger keeping my place within the Terror In the Navy; my mind having need to be elsewhere, I would stare off, up into those canyons; looking for my fortress of solitude.  They were really wonderful miles. The back seat would have to do.

I need coffee.

No matter  what {time} you wake up, the only thing that matters is that first cup of coffee.

We're all Imagineers now...

OK, this was posted on White Chapel and I just can not resist. For those of you who do not know, Disney bought Marvel Comics today. My favorite author/writer is Warren Ellis. Warren is currently writing Astonishing X-Men as well as Anime for Marvel. It all boils down to this and I give credit @cornelius.urquhart a fellow White Chapel-er; and the future looks like this:

To my Grandchildren:

 

Never forget to stop and look around your world. Soak in in. Peek around any corner you desire. Sneak into the crevices and touch. Partake in your desires no matter where they lead you. If you step up to a mountain, climb it. If you stumble into the crest of a wave lapping onto the sand at you feet, wade in, jump in; do not be afraid to get wet. If you lay upon a bed of grass, smell it. Both giant trees and small flowers have no scale or distain to be a part of your reality. Open your eyes and never close you heart to discovery. Never let the bitter angels of mans inability to properly grow up stagnate your ability to observe, touch, hold, consume and indulge your wants and desires to learn. There is much out there. Do not let anyone tell you any location or knowledge is prohibited to you. Take hold of your mind, hold on and press the button. Steer it with cheer as it is your vehicle to everywhere. Enjoy the trip children, your world is so much bigger than mine. Do not be afraid, embrace it. Make it yours. Hold it in your hands, pull it, squish it and fashion it into any shape you can conceive.  Pass it along to your grandchildren as a more better place that I was able to leave for you.

 

My cool new shirts from Avatar

Friday is FA’s day and this afternoon, this package got dropped off at my door. It just doesn’t get any better.

 

Opening the package is always a blast.

Shirts and a notebook……..Yessssss!

It is so cool to get sh*t from Avatar Press.

This caused so much fun on ‘WhiteChapel’ everyone just went anti-chikkinz for the whole week.

This just may be my favorite shirt of all time. {WE is so frappin cool and I love the international orange color.

Good stuff.

And, there is that new notebook in my ‘White Chapel’ man purse.

Life is good today. I just love getting crap from Avatar.

sometimes you just have to laugh

this is what you find when you get up at 2:50 am and decide to take a run around the internet.

Walt on What’s My Line

This is the Nov. 11th 1956 appearance of Walt Disney on What’s My Line. What is interesting to see is the famous eyebrow raising of Walt’s. Also of interest is his ‘down beat’ almost secretive attitude of what he was planning for Disneyland. Also, the money plug by J. Lewis is funny especially today. For fans of older TV game shows and of Walt Disney, enjoy this look into the past. It was a different time when TV was new. 

 

 

I am reminded of the time Walt was asked about running for political office to which he responded…

"Why be a governor or senator when you can be king of Disneyland?"

“your not the public, your developers.”

Most of you will not watch this to the end.

Every day almost everyone of us wakes up and would like to be somewhere else. Not all, but most everyone. The reasons are varied. The desire of the ‘need’ is either real or preserved to be.

I often wonder out loud about the world of my grand-children. I feel I have missed the question. I should be wondering out loud about this afternoon! Our world is changing. Bruce Sterling offers sage advice not only for the developer but advice for us all.

Do yourself a favor and watch this. You may even want to take notes. Tomorrow is here, it is no longer the world I grew up in. I, we; need to accept this fact. It will all be different yet again by the time I wake up tomorrow.

Augmented Reality- ha! not new. It happened the first morning of my life. Now, it can happen over your lunch break. How to make it? Do not be afraid. Accept, adapt and embrace.

 

 

Video: Bruce Sterling's Keynote - At the Dawn of the Augmented Reality Industry from Maarten Lens-FitzGerald on Vimeo.

some days mark raw emotion as just perfect

I must tell you that deep down in the bottom of my heart; I understand and agree.

My usual plug for WE/Avatar Press

Check out this wonderful cover variant for Doktor Sleepless #13 out this Wednesday.

Ladies and Gentlemen; Boys and Girls!

An inside look at the Disneyland fireworks show. Two things to look for in this, one is the control area from above Main Street. (I believe that’s atop the Plaza Inn?) The other is the amazing historical footage of fireworks being set off backstage in years past.

…If you would turn your attention to the sky above Disneyland…

The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus

Once again Terry Gilliam seems to be on the verge of movie greatness (Well, in my humble opinion anyway).  No US release date, but I hope to enjoy this little burrow into the farthest recesses of the mind, soon.

If you re not familiar with Mr. Gilliam’s work, I would encourage you to look beyond Monty Python (which I am a big fan of) and take a chance with The Adventures of Baron Munchausen, Time Bandits, Brazil (which is amazingly ahead of its time), The Fisher King or 12 Monkeys. 

The cast for Imaginarium looks stellar and marks the last appearance of Keith Ledger. The visual tone and resonance is so typically the mark of this amazing movie maker. Give your eyes dessert and give your brain a reason to smile. Enjoy.

I have no words to describe this.

Will I have to take a “Voigh- Kompff”?

Sitting in my cancer support group meeting this week it became very evident that as “Cancer” patients/survivors/family members, we are feeling a need to be leery of the coming prejudice against us. Anyone remember the movie Blade Runner; which was 'loosely' based on the book Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep by Phillip K. Dick?

I am beginning to hear a unified concern by select groups who are becoming more and more uneasy with not being perfect. Not being perfect! Can you fathom that? My Lord, in the year 2009, it is becoming clearer with each passing day that being human is no longer accepted. Now we must be super human; without flaw or blemish. Does this sound familiar to anything we have seen not too long ago?

Persecution is as old as our species. If you believe the Bible as history and not just a bed time story book, it started with the first siblings and looks to be making its way into our lives this very second. Don't look over your shoulder. And don't think your safe because your in the United States.

Will we have to wear a scarlet ' C ' on our chest? No, that probably will not happen (ANYTIME SOON). No, the ever present THEY is too clever for that. We will have to endure insurance change prior to that. You know, insurance; the new SS !!!!!!! Hell, I thought being afraid of the IRS was the worst ‘1984-ish thingy’ possible. Now; well, I think you follow me here.

We are not perfect; and society has no room for the blemish of Cancer (and all the other abnormalities humans get) any more. If you are sick or old; beware! Overpopulation compounded by a world wide recession which teeters on the brink of total social collapse is no longer the stuff of science fiction. It is the reality of today. Will there be Cancer colonies? Will there be the passing of humane elderly termination laws? How do you think this new world will look back on Dr. Kevorkian? I guess that health care will mean 'crib' selection and pre-natal societal 'Norms' committees.

We, us, you and I are becoming the “skin jobs” of a Blade Runner world and it is happening now. Right now. And, chances are pretty good that you believe in God. Oh no, you have a disease and you believe? Wake up. History does repeat itself.

I am not trying to scare you. That has more than likely been done already. I want to encourage you to find out what is happening right now, right here in your country. Please inform yourself and become involved. You (we) do not have the privilege to just sit back and think we are watching a summer mega block buster. I would never insult any of you and tell you which side of the current Health Care debate to be on. I will ask that you do look at the issue and do what you think is best. There are plenty of resources out there to help with this. You (we) just have to take the time and do it. Call, maybe write your government officials and let them know where you stand. If you can, maybe give of either your time or money to a cause specific group. Be a part of the solution.

I do not want to live in a country or world that thinks I am no longer viable. I do not want my grand children to carry the shame of my Cancer. Damn it. I will not be a skin job and I will not run. I do not dream of electric perfect people.

Where I could spend a lot of time

There is a place I would love to spend some time. It is the

Lello Bookshop
Porto, Portugal

and thanks to Miss x Grace on flickr I have discovered this most wonderful place. I am enthralled and can smell the bindings, the pages and the very soul of this homage to the written word. I would love to just sit, right there and never blink again.

check it out at http://www.pbase.com/m_architecture/lello

FRANKENSTEIN’S WOMB

Finally, out this week from Warren Ellis and Avatar Press.

Did you know ?

I can not vouch for the numbers herein; but I find them to not be out of line. Are we running headlong into becoming totally irrelevant as a species? Can we continue with this ‘quickening’ self abuse? In the game of D&D there is the ability to put the etch-a-sketch above ones head and shake it. (see Hecatoncheire in not only gaming but also Greek legend).

I have every hope and desire that we will survive ourselves, I just hope the cost of doing so will not be so high that what comes out on the other end will still be recognizable.

The End of Time!

This December, the “Master” will return. For you Dr. Who fans; enjoy.

this could only happen on a..

star wars weekend at a Disney park. i know it is funny but alas, there is a disturbance in the force not easily explained. oh, i feel so ashamed.

 

who was it that said “Nooooooooooooooooo!”?

on Palimpest

Palimpsest

Catherynne M. Valente

BANTAM BOOKS

 

I do not want to be considered neither a critic nor a reviewer of books. I certainly have no aspirations of being either. I will, however share my thoughts on this book. Happily I may add.

Have you ever just wanted to get away? Be somewhere else? Long to explore a place just past most anything you can ever imagine?  Have you ever wondered where and what is beyond the end of your journey? In a word, it is Palimsest. This is why I read! I want to escape and I want to do so in the most radiant colors and in the darkness of a blistering light. Explore the back alleys of the city beyond the wall of your experience.

The English printed word has a most perfect paint brush and it is the mind and skill of Catherynne M. Valente. She has delivered a place to be lost. A dark place exploited by the brightness of a subdued summer sun. A place to explore your own thoughts impregnated by  a desire to never return to your own version of the real world. Welcome to streets of cream and a book without words. Let the seaweed cling to your eyes and let the bees take flight with your comfort. It is all here, in the city of Palimpsest; all you have to do is get off the train.

Buy this book. Read it. Enjoy your language. I not only liked it; I liked it a lot.

Discover her at http://www.catherynnemvalente.com/.

RIP Walter

Yet another mile-stone is upon us. Life without Walter Cronkite. 1916-2009

I remember watching him at 5:30 every day. It was just what we did.

 

 

To all who come to this happy place..

Welcome!

Happy Birthday Disneyland. Thanks for the wonderful and happy memories. You look pretty good for being 54.

Yes, I know the official opening was July 17, 1955; however, I am getting it kicked off early in remembrance of the 'dry run' held on the 16th. I somehow would rather have been there on that day if for no other reason than to experience the true birthing pains which are a part of the lore and history of the park.

and finally; an end

Today, we come to the end of our series from the 50th Anniversary look at the park.

I was lucky enough to actually be in the park on the evening of July 4th 1976. The bicentennial parade and fireworks were amazing. I was also in the park for the 25th park anniversary in 1980 which produced a fairly good fantasy in the sky. I can only image what the 50th firework display (the biggest in park history) was like.

Again, we see goal-leaf in yet another park opening commemoration. This time, it’s the tea cups. OK, I will be honest. The two rides I no longer get on are the tea cups and Dumbo. Sorry, makes for too long a day.

One last look at the parade. Her we have monsters; from Monsters Inc.

That’s it for the ‘Home Coming’ and 50 years of Disneyland. I hope you enjoyed the up to date look. Back into the history past of the park soon.

An my sister in cause shall ever be.

 

    Black milk of daybreak we drink it at evening
    we drink it at midday and morning we drink it at night
    we drink and we drink

So begins Deathfugue by Paul Celan a poem by a survivor of Auschwitz. No, I by no means would dare to compare that horror to anything endured by myself. I use it with reverence and respect to convey a feeling most helpless and without reprieve.  The black milk of cancer once again descends into our midst and begins to consume the flesh of my ‘sister in cause’.

Once again, in our monthly visit, I am again reassured as to our special place within the world at this time.

Yes, I was sitting there feeling the pain. Feeling that for some reason, I had to atone for some sin committed. Reassured by those around me that sin was not the cause. Not the reason. It just happens; I sat and waited my turn to share. As best I could, I told of my pain, not knowing of the darkness that was to come. We all, no matter our calling, can not refrain from the black milk. God, why? My sister in cause has no crime to confess. She has brought nothing but support, happiness and respect. I look around me and see several mementoes of her giving heart in my life. The cards of hope within my medical chronicle. There, on my desk, a herald of her thoughts and best wishes, for me. Known to her only by affliction, I at those times mattered. Thank you!

Like a punch to my stomach, my mouth already dry began to crack. Her words were said. Simple, yet full of dread. They hurt and made me sad, those words, as they took away a wonderful acquaintance and left a ‘sister in cause’ in their stead. I spent that night hurting and the next day in question. I could only hope that my frail hug had conveyed my pause.

Now, a few days upon reflection I can only pass to you this little attempt at words of encouragement as you now know the taste of the black milk of daybreak.

Almost everyone does it. Scratch that, we all do it. It is defining.

To just watch the time pass by and see what it brings. I use to be guilty of it. Patting myself on the back, saying how clever I was to observe ‘Life’ from the side. Like playing the bass in my band, I never had to step into the brightest part of the beam. I was there, but living a life standing sideways to the rest. It was an excuse, an excuse for having no real relationship.

Well, guess what? You learn nothing by peering at anyone. You learn nothing at all by watching from a safe distance. To quote that wonderful writer from across the pond, Warren Ellis,”Half the literature on Earth could be safely eliminated by banning people who haven’t had sex from writing sex scenes.” This isn’t practice. It is life. We get one shot at it.

But sometimes I sit here still and I watch. I no longer pat myself on the back, because that isn’t clever at all. Maybe it’s my age. Maybe it is all the milk I have had to drink. Maybe, just maybe, it is by the Grace of God that I have learned. Life isn’t here to be just watched. It is here to be lived. You have to get up, step into that bright beam and live it; live it for all you are worth. You are my ‘sister in cause’ now. You have delivered yet another valuable testament to my life. A lesson you have taught. I wish you the best, I pray for your safe delivery. I look forward to your living. You have brought smile and comfort after the pain. You live and inspire.

yet more 50th

it’s Woody and Jessie:

another look at Sleeping Beauty Castle, this time at night:

Its Tinker Bell:

Happy Birthday to the United States of America

The Second Day of July 1776, will be the most memorable Epocha, in the History of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated, by succeeding Generations, as the great anniversary Festival. It ought to be commemorated, as the Day of Deliverance by solemn Acts of Devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more. You will think me transported with Enthusiasm but I am not. I am well aware of the Toil and Blood and Treasure, that it will cost Us to maintain this Declaration, and support and defend these States. Yet through all the Gloom I can see the Rays of ravishing Light and Glory. I can see that the End is more than worth all the Means. And that Posterity will tryumph in that Days Transaction, even altho We should rue it, which I trust in God We shall not. (The Book of Abigail and John: Selected Letters of the Adams Family, 1762-1784, Harvard University Press, 1975, 142).