Alive

This morning when I got to work I decided that my gtalk status needed to change. I thought to myself "I need something that's reassuring that life is good" I thought for a few minutes and went with "Alive", because in the end what's greater than being alive? Apparently few people share my thought process on this one. 


Almost immediately I got a series of messages asking if I was okay, was I dead before and things of the like. Every one seemed to think that there was some horrible tragedy or near death experience in my life that led to my use of this individual word. I was chatting with NESF for a few minutes about this when he made the comment, "This is an interesting phenomena. Using the word alive on its own rarely sounds reassuring." I couldn't help but wonder why that is.


I have to stop for just a second here. This cup of coffee I'm drinking is amazing. Sorry about that, but I thought you'd all really want to know.


Isn't being alive the greatest part about our existence? If we weren't alive we wouldn't be at all. However by using the word "alive" by itself I think that we immediately take it as a comparison. If someone is alive they are not dead, and if they're going as far as to say that they're alive, they must have had an encounter with the possibility of not being alive. 


I guess what this all breaks down to is death. Merely mentioning the word alive brings with it the idea of dead or death. It doesn't have to. But now I'm just rambling, as if this were something more earlier on. Here's some tube videos:

RIP Jack Horkheimer

I was at home last night watching a little Red Green Show. Now Red's on between 10 and 11 on channel 12 and after each episode they play the short "Jack Horkheimer: Star Gazer". I was shocked last night to see that it wasn't Jack! Jack passed away last month. This is a tragic loss to the astronomy community and to star gazers, young and old, around the country. The new guy just isn't the same but I'm hopeful that in time he will come to be. It's hard to best Jack though. So to Mr Horkheimer, I bid you farewell and wherever you are I'm sure that you'll "keep looking up".

Boredom, Headhunters and Constantine's Symbol

My job is horribly boring of late. After my bosses decided that we were going to have to "agree to disagree" I've lost all motivation. It's not that I'm not doing my job. It's just that I don't have any desire to do anything that isn't my job. This has left me with a lot of free time at work. I'd rather have a job that is mentally stimulating, but it's been giving me a decent amount of time to work out the outline for Buried West. I also play a lot of Bejeweled. It's so addictive...

I watched another documentary that I didn't mention last night. It was called "The Airmen and the Headhunters". It was super interesting. I'd recommend you watch it too. Oh how I love PBS. I could watch it all day long if it weren't for the overwhelming number of kids shows during the day. But I guess kids deserve public television too.

I was trying to remember what the Labarum was called. I couldn't remember for the life of me. I knew that Constantine used it in battle so I did a google image search for "Constantine's Symbol". The image below was included in the page one results...

Late night post

I've been working on an old project again lately. It's now my new project. I can't remember if I've blogged about it yet. I'm hoping it turns out to be a novel. Last time I tried to write a novel it came out somewhere in a grey area of literature I didn't know existed and very well may not. It had the basic elements but wasn't told in the way you'd expect a novel. However this time I've decided to be a little more coherent in my attempt. The working title is "Buried West". I'm not sure that will stick, but I have to call it something for now. I'm really hoping to get a good amount of work done on it over my upcoming week off from work. I guess if I really get down to it I might end up participating in nanowrimo. I'm not going to hold myself to that though...

Watched a pretty decent documentary on PBS's P.O.V. tonight, "The Way We Get By". It was about three senior citizens who great troops coming back from overseas. Seemed fitting being it's Veteran's day. Mad props goes out to all the veterans. I'd recommend it...

Does David Lynch watch PBS shows of goats eating bacon in the ocean?

David Lynch is the man. I love his movies and his general outlook on life. I recently stumbled upon a project that he's got going on David Lynch Foundation Television. He's got a bunch of interviews and other stuff up there. I'm also looking forward to the upcoming release of "Dark Night of the Soul" a collaboration project that he's doing with Dangermouse and Sparklehorse. Writing this makes me want to go home and watch Lost Highway again, followed by Mulholland Drive...

I really want to go to this. What could be better than poundin' beers and watching goats race?...

Seattle is quickly becoming bacon capital of the world. I think it's great. Bacon salt, baconaisse, bacon lube (yes, lube). It does make me question though how bacon goes together with coffee...

PBS is great. I think I've mentioned before that I'm becoming addicted. But for someone without cable it's the best that there is (and possibly for those with cable too). So far this week I've watch Nova: Cracking the Maya Code and a Frontline special on sex trafficking. Nova was awesome. Frontline was heartbreaking but interesting...

I'm still pining for the ocean. Maybe when my foot heals I'll make it there. I hope that I do...

It's been so long...

It's been a while. I haven't had much access to a computer lately. Most of you already know, but I broke my foot two weeks ago. I went and drove a pick axe into it. Pretty painful, but things are on the up and up. I had surgery to screw it back together on monday and everything seems positive. If you want to see the xray and see some nonsense my dad's been spitting check it out here (I don't know who that kid is though)...

EAT MORE CHILI!!! Chili Cook Off was great! I hardly remember it from all the pain meds, but I have been reassured by many in attendance that a good time was had by all. Here's how the winners shaped up:

Traditional: David's "Smoke"
Standard: Ray and Jen's "Five Star Mango Mojito"
Vegetarian: Elizabeth's "Mystery Pepper Moli"
Experimental: Nathan's "Ostrichili"

Best in Show: Ray and Jen's "Five Star Mango Mojito"

I want to thank everyone for participating. I think that this year was by far the most competitive cook off to date. The only half assed attempt was my entry, but I had a good excuse...

I wish that I had some bacon right now. Hmmmm, bacon....

I'd like to give a quick nod to Arlen Specter. I know that he only did it to save his political life, but it's brought duly deserved attention to the fact that the Republican party is increasing becoming a regional party that is out of touch with the majority of the county. You all you should check out this article by Sen Olympia Snowe, I think that she hit the nail on the head and I wouldn't be surprised to find that she'll be leaving the republican ranks in the near future...

I love PBS. It's been my go to since I've become secluded and strange...

For my finale I'd like to give some shout outs:

Mickey, you've been awesome. My garden appreciates your liquid love and it's been nice to have some one to talk to at random times.

Elizabeth, afternoon cribbage in the sun was the best. Now I just need to get that tincture stuff from you so I can be up and running by the weekend!

Nathan, You better be ready for some Jeopardy craziness. I'm doing some serious boning... What is the Rhone? I'm also really looking forward to diving back into your fictitious world of fiction.

Rebecca (Sister), If it weren't for you I'd be wallowing in my own filth. My rooom mates are appreciative to I'm sure.

Rebecca, Thanks for cooking! I'm sure if I tried I'd break the new stove and burn down the house. And I don't think either of us will want to be around when Jeremy gets home after that.

Mom, the cookies were great! Thanks for checking in on me.

Lil Bro, Thanks for getting the stuff at the store for me. I was clueless before you came by that day.

David, I'm sorry. I know that you're getting screwed at work. When I get back I'll have to think of something spectacular to make it up to you.

Dad, where do I start? Thank you for the laptop, helping with the insurance forms, taking me to surgery, getting me crossword puzzles...and that's just in the last 4 days. You're so awesome. I really appreciate all of your help.

Mr. Sharp, where would I be without you. Well actually I can tell you. Probably still screaming in agony with a pick ax at my side. Your patience and selflessness has gone to further solidify in my world view why you are one of my favorite people. Thank you.