Is it me or does anyone else have the vision of John Edwards as a psycho killer? Not quite a programmed robot, but when he pauses, tips his head, then smiles, then starts speaking again. It's like he is scanning the next memory or something. Then, when the inauguration happens in January, he breaks loose and kills Kerry, taking over the government.
Or maybe that was a dream.
He does bear an uncanny resemblance to John Ritter, who played a serial killer robot in Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
Saturday, July 31, 2004
Friday, July 30, 2004
Gaffe on CNN
I tried posting this earlier but my modem conked out on the sending...
For those of you who did not watch CNN's coverage of the Democratic National Convention, here's an interesting tidbit for you.
After Kerry's speech, when the balloons were scheduled to come down, there was a bit of a snafu (Situation Normal, All F*cked Up). Seems the balloons were caught in the rafters. Well, CNN's microphones somehow snagged the frequency of the radios the Fleet Center crew was using. (I was wondering why I kept hearing "Go Balloons" and then later "Go Confetti". Having worked stadiums before, it wasn't hard to figure out.) Well, at first it was just a repeated call for "Go Balloons". Over, and over. Finally a trickle of balloons started to fall. Here and there, spotty at best. Then, the call for confetti. Confetti came down like a soft rain, balloons were still spotty. Well, the voice on the radio got really upset by this apparently. After a few "What's happening?"'s and a "Shit" or two, well, the bubble burst. "What the F*CK is happening???" was broadcast to the nation and the world.
So, to all of you viewers who tuned in to Fox (once again missing a chance to blast Dems), ABC, NBC, CBS, or PBS (or C-SPAN), well, there you go. Something funny happened on the way to being President.
Wait til the FCC realizes it. At least it happened after kiddie hours.
For those of you who did not watch CNN's coverage of the Democratic National Convention, here's an interesting tidbit for you.
After Kerry's speech, when the balloons were scheduled to come down, there was a bit of a snafu (Situation Normal, All F*cked Up). Seems the balloons were caught in the rafters. Well, CNN's microphones somehow snagged the frequency of the radios the Fleet Center crew was using. (I was wondering why I kept hearing "Go Balloons" and then later "Go Confetti". Having worked stadiums before, it wasn't hard to figure out.) Well, at first it was just a repeated call for "Go Balloons". Over, and over. Finally a trickle of balloons started to fall. Here and there, spotty at best. Then, the call for confetti. Confetti came down like a soft rain, balloons were still spotty. Well, the voice on the radio got really upset by this apparently. After a few "What's happening?"'s and a "Shit" or two, well, the bubble burst. "What the F*CK is happening???" was broadcast to the nation and the world.
So, to all of you viewers who tuned in to Fox (once again missing a chance to blast Dems), ABC, NBC, CBS, or PBS (or C-SPAN), well, there you go. Something funny happened on the way to being President.
Wait til the FCC realizes it. At least it happened after kiddie hours.
Kerry
Is Kerry worth voting for? I'll give you a summation:
1) Actual military experience. While the Guard is now basically serving as a branch of the real Army - if not supplanting active duty - when George VI and Bubba were serving, it was a way out of serving combat duty. The person who serves as the leader of an army should have some active military background.
2) Not a backwards-looking, anti-science return-us-to-the-Dark Ages persona. Need I say more? Okay. Kerry supports research. Bush supports research that denies reality and chunks the rest into the garbage pail. Embryonic stem cell research that can save or improve lives. Global warming exists and is not caused by el Nino.
3) Optimistic outlook on the future. Bush can say all he wants about optimism. Meanwhile, terrorists are lurking in your bedroom. They're coming to get you. "We know they're up to something. We don't know what. But soon, very soon, something, somewhere, will explode." Not a direct quote of the Republicans, but I know I can find one if you want.
4) Iraq Okay. Invading and setting up a puppet government that is based on our beliefs that will pressure the fundamentalist Wahhabis in Saudi Arabia and the Ayatollahs in Iran. Good. Give them freedom. But in the meantime, give all the nation's money to your cronies or your Veep's company, don't protect or supply enough troops to protect our people we placed in harm's way, claim that whether he had WMD's or not is pointless (when it was your main point for the war in the FIRST place) as he's a bad man (Saddam, not Dubya) that needed removal, and claim victory when nearly a 1,000 military people have been killed (accidents or attacks) and thousands more wounded... I could go on. It's a good thing Saddam is out of power. Yes. Lying to your country, flip-flopping on reasoning, denying your soldiers the support they need, whether at home or in the field... Face it, Bush is NOT what our soldiers need.
5) The Supreme Court. A federal appeals court just ruled that there is "no right to privacy." Read here about how Alabama can deny individuals the right to use vibrators, inflated sheep, sex dolls, dildos, etc., because there is no right to privacy. If Bush stays in office, and two Supreme Court justices retire, face it, there will be "no right to privacy" USSC ruling in the next four years. Bush and the Republicans don't like activist judges who are against them, but friendly courts, they love.
I could go on with a few more, but I basically believe that a government that exists to scare you into giving it more power, that benefits no one but the rich, is not a good government. It's not good for you, me, or the country. Smaller governments, that support individual responsibility while helping individuals overcome their insurmountable obstacles, such as those created by society, history, biology, or psychology, are the best governments. Governments that support mankind's dreams amitions, not those of the petty few, are the best kind. We have neither in the Bush Administration. King George VI, Dubya, whatever you may call him, he needs to go. I voted for him in 2000. I believed he would provide good leadership and I had been turned off by Clinton and Gore. I was misled. So were a lot of people.
Kerry If You Care.
TTFN
1) Actual military experience. While the Guard is now basically serving as a branch of the real Army - if not supplanting active duty - when George VI and Bubba were serving, it was a way out of serving combat duty. The person who serves as the leader of an army should have some active military background.
2) Not a backwards-looking, anti-science return-us-to-the-Dark Ages persona. Need I say more? Okay. Kerry supports research. Bush supports research that denies reality and chunks the rest into the garbage pail. Embryonic stem cell research that can save or improve lives. Global warming exists and is not caused by el Nino.
3) Optimistic outlook on the future. Bush can say all he wants about optimism. Meanwhile, terrorists are lurking in your bedroom. They're coming to get you. "We know they're up to something. We don't know what. But soon, very soon, something, somewhere, will explode." Not a direct quote of the Republicans, but I know I can find one if you want.
4) Iraq Okay. Invading and setting up a puppet government that is based on our beliefs that will pressure the fundamentalist Wahhabis in Saudi Arabia and the Ayatollahs in Iran. Good. Give them freedom. But in the meantime, give all the nation's money to your cronies or your Veep's company, don't protect or supply enough troops to protect our people we placed in harm's way, claim that whether he had WMD's or not is pointless (when it was your main point for the war in the FIRST place) as he's a bad man (Saddam, not Dubya) that needed removal, and claim victory when nearly a 1,000 military people have been killed (accidents or attacks) and thousands more wounded... I could go on. It's a good thing Saddam is out of power. Yes. Lying to your country, flip-flopping on reasoning, denying your soldiers the support they need, whether at home or in the field... Face it, Bush is NOT what our soldiers need.
5) The Supreme Court. A federal appeals court just ruled that there is "no right to privacy." Read here about how Alabama can deny individuals the right to use vibrators, inflated sheep, sex dolls, dildos, etc., because there is no right to privacy. If Bush stays in office, and two Supreme Court justices retire, face it, there will be "no right to privacy" USSC ruling in the next four years. Bush and the Republicans don't like activist judges who are against them, but friendly courts, they love.
I could go on with a few more, but I basically believe that a government that exists to scare you into giving it more power, that benefits no one but the rich, is not a good government. It's not good for you, me, or the country. Smaller governments, that support individual responsibility while helping individuals overcome their insurmountable obstacles, such as those created by society, history, biology, or psychology, are the best governments. Governments that support mankind's dreams amitions, not those of the petty few, are the best kind. We have neither in the Bush Administration. King George VI, Dubya, whatever you may call him, he needs to go. I voted for him in 2000. I believed he would provide good leadership and I had been turned off by Clinton and Gore. I was misled. So were a lot of people.
Kerry If You Care.
TTFN
Thursday, July 29, 2004
Democratic Convention
If you didn't listen to the speeches tonight, you missed out. Bubba and Jimmy Earl (Clinton and Carter), along with the Alleycat (Gore) were very good Monday. I slept through last night's, but Reverend Al was on fire. Literally. Was like listening to a Huey Long stump speech (I imagine). I do think Rev. Jackson was jealous.
Imagine if Al running for office in a desegregated version of the Great Depression.
Mmm... idea for a short story at least.
Edwards was good. Nice homilies, optimism. Rebukes and promise. Not bad, but not as on fire as the Rev.
Couple of highlights from the Rev.--
- "We didn't get our mule, so we'll ride this donkey as far as it will take us."
- "I suggest to you tonight that if George Bush had selected the court in '54, Clarence Thomas would have never got to law school."
CNN kept harping on the Rev, saying "Rev, you took more time than was allotted to you (20 min vs. the allotted 6) and you went after the President" message. Trying to create conflict. Meanwhile, the network news that would've LOVED to see the conflict was basically masturbating over the Moore / O'Reilly confrontation the night before, with Bill talking himself up with a couple of preppie Republicans. Shame they missed it.
An interesting thing about FOXNews and CNN.... compare their transcripts of the Teresa Heinz Kerry speech:
FOXvs. CNN
"We Report... You Decide..." who's giving you the full story, and who's giving you the bu--sh--.
P.S. I had a good idea for a bumper sticker:
NO MORE
BU--SH-- '04
Monday, July 12, 2004
An idea for the local public radio station
Here in Jacksonville, the local public radio station is WJCT, 89.9 FM. They do the usual, NPR programs, local news shows (Jacksonville Exchange), etc.
But, honestly, I really can't feel the love for the network like I did in Baton Rouge (home of WRKF, 89.3 FM).
And I believe I know why. There are simple things that WJCT could do to enhance their responsiveness to the community, as well as bring in more voices and money. (The two pledge drives I've listened to both came up short... Not saying WRKF never did, but their approach is much better, IMHO.)
1. Challenges... WRKF let people who would make donations challenge co-workers to match. Co-workers, fellow students, fellow residents, etc. It gives a giver a sense of pride, and brings in a little competition, when you can challenge co-workers, whom you believe have that extra little bit they can donate. It works. Not every time, but even once means that effort was worth it.
2. Recognizing the donors. WRKF would try to list everyone that made a donation, and given that recognition, that moment of "I done good" emotion brings a certain satisfaction to donation, as well as the good the donation itself brings the community. WJCT - to my knowledge - does no such thing.
3. Encouraging, rather than discouraging, donations. Personally, I do not like it when the individuals trying to raise money for the radio station stoop to begging negatively. The "oh come on, you can donate... it's only so much $$$" method shames a listener and doesn't engender positive feelings. Speak of the positive, recognize the donations, get that plus-vibe going.
4. Connect with the major local companies (or even the small ones) to become matching donors. WRKF constantly mentioned that Exxon or Albemarle or whomever was a matching donor, and that the money donated by any employee would be matched, once or twice over. Corporations love donations as they are tax write-offs. With major companies like CSX, Winn-Dixie, Bank of America, etc. having main or regional HQ in the area, there has to be some matching donors. Simply mentioning them will encourage employees.
5. Mention day sponsors in a more friendly voice. These messages mean something to the person spending the money for them. They have a purpose, a voice, a heart. Simply dry-delivering them in between traffic accidents does not convey anything similar to an "I love you", "Happy anniversary", or "Happy birthday" right before the beginning of a news program with the nice jingle always provided by NPR.
6. When you are trying to reach a goal, say how many of the recommended amount may get you there. Say you are 50,000 from your goal for the year, how many of the $120 donations does that take? 415. In two weeks of 24-hour coverage, 415 people don't call? (The goal is higher, but this is just hypothetical.) There are 168 hours in a week. That means 336 hours in two weeks. 1.25 people an hour, basically. You want to encourage higher donations, of course, but instead of shaming people into donating, encourage them, challenge them, to be that 2nd or 3rd (or higher) caller that hour.
7. Merchandising. I'm not sure how many radio stations do this, but giving a Morning Edition or All Things Considered coffee mug, a Car Talk T-shirt, etc. for reaching that $120 a year donation may also encourage listeners to donate.
I know, just a listener. And I haven't donated. Because I do not feel encouraged to, when my funds are pretty tight anyway.
TTFN
But, honestly, I really can't feel the love for the network like I did in Baton Rouge (home of WRKF, 89.3 FM).
And I believe I know why. There are simple things that WJCT could do to enhance their responsiveness to the community, as well as bring in more voices and money. (The two pledge drives I've listened to both came up short... Not saying WRKF never did, but their approach is much better, IMHO.)
1. Challenges... WRKF let people who would make donations challenge co-workers to match. Co-workers, fellow students, fellow residents, etc. It gives a giver a sense of pride, and brings in a little competition, when you can challenge co-workers, whom you believe have that extra little bit they can donate. It works. Not every time, but even once means that effort was worth it.
2. Recognizing the donors. WRKF would try to list everyone that made a donation, and given that recognition, that moment of "I done good" emotion brings a certain satisfaction to donation, as well as the good the donation itself brings the community. WJCT - to my knowledge - does no such thing.
3. Encouraging, rather than discouraging, donations. Personally, I do not like it when the individuals trying to raise money for the radio station stoop to begging negatively. The "oh come on, you can donate... it's only so much $$$" method shames a listener and doesn't engender positive feelings. Speak of the positive, recognize the donations, get that plus-vibe going.
4. Connect with the major local companies (or even the small ones) to become matching donors. WRKF constantly mentioned that Exxon or Albemarle or whomever was a matching donor, and that the money donated by any employee would be matched, once or twice over. Corporations love donations as they are tax write-offs. With major companies like CSX, Winn-Dixie, Bank of America, etc. having main or regional HQ in the area, there has to be some matching donors. Simply mentioning them will encourage employees.
5. Mention day sponsors in a more friendly voice. These messages mean something to the person spending the money for them. They have a purpose, a voice, a heart. Simply dry-delivering them in between traffic accidents does not convey anything similar to an "I love you", "Happy anniversary", or "Happy birthday" right before the beginning of a news program with the nice jingle always provided by NPR.
6. When you are trying to reach a goal, say how many of the recommended amount may get you there. Say you are 50,000 from your goal for the year, how many of the $120 donations does that take? 415. In two weeks of 24-hour coverage, 415 people don't call? (The goal is higher, but this is just hypothetical.) There are 168 hours in a week. That means 336 hours in two weeks. 1.25 people an hour, basically. You want to encourage higher donations, of course, but instead of shaming people into donating, encourage them, challenge them, to be that 2nd or 3rd (or higher) caller that hour.
7. Merchandising. I'm not sure how many radio stations do this, but giving a Morning Edition or All Things Considered coffee mug, a Car Talk T-shirt, etc. for reaching that $120 a year donation may also encourage listeners to donate.
I know, just a listener. And I haven't donated. Because I do not feel encouraged to, when my funds are pretty tight anyway.
TTFN
Librarian Lists
Two things I would recommend as they host the voices of some of my most erudite compatriots in the librarian world: NexGenLibrarian.Net and ChattyLibrarians.
(I generally tend to post quite lucidly, only either very pointedly (NexGen) or lackadaisically (Chatty).)
(I generally tend to post quite lucidly, only either very pointedly (NexGen) or lackadaisically (Chatty).)
Stepping on toes...
I believe I am prone to stepping on the toes of co-workers, supervisors, those I have supervised... does that leave anyone out? I'm pretty sure I'm not the only one, but there are times I really feel like I've screwed the pooch.
At least it never ends up like this:
At least it never ends up like this:
Thursday, July 08, 2004
Terror levels
Again we go with the terror threats. Let's see, there were threats in 2002 (everyone remember the threat around that Christmas?) There were plenty of threats in 2003 (even with the error-prone State Department). Now new threats are being made against the States, supposedly in "an effort to disrupt the democratic process".
Honestly, given our President and his proven tactics and the entire fiasco of the 2000 election, I think the word "ploy" as well as the phrase "complete and utter poppycock" may come to mind.
I know it's not a popular opinion, but does anyone honestly think the threat level will ever be blue, let alone green with Bush in office? It's called keeping the screws to the people, or making the electorate so terrified and on edge all the time that they have to believe in someone, even someone like a Dubya.
I'm a Republican, but I'll be damned before I'm voting for Dubya again.
Honestly, given our President and his proven tactics and the entire fiasco of the 2000 election, I think the word "ploy" as well as the phrase "complete and utter poppycock" may come to mind.
I know it's not a popular opinion, but does anyone honestly think the threat level will ever be blue, let alone green with Bush in office? It's called keeping the screws to the people, or making the electorate so terrified and on edge all the time that they have to believe in someone, even someone like a Dubya.
I'm a Republican, but I'll be damned before I'm voting for Dubya again.
Wednesday, July 07, 2004
Kerry and Edwards
I totally agree with this choice. I was thinking of going Libertarian (lp.org) this year as I can't stand Kerry and I'm not voting for Bush, but Edwards seals it for me. He would've had my vote for Pres, so I'm voting for him for Veep. (I did the same for Kemp when he joined Dole's ticket. Why do some of the better people get chosen for Veep instead of the Main Man. There are notable exceptions, but, it's true a lot.)
TTFN
TTFN
Tuesday, July 06, 2004
Circumcision
This evening I was watching Nip/Tuck and one of the plastic surgery clients had undergone female circumcision. I understand that there is a difference between female and male circumcision, but why is one vilified and one almost necessitated in our culture? Used to be that male circumcision was "medically necessary" to prevent infections, etc. Let alone the rites in many religions (Jews do it, Catholics don't, Protestants do, etc.) But yet, in Asian and African cultures FGM (female genitalia mutilation, and isn't that a label that smacks of Western hypocrisy) is practised as a rite similar to the Bris Milah in Orthodox Judaism.
I'm not saying it's right. (Either male or female is wrong in my book.) But aside from some movements or organisations here and there there's not a lot of noise made about male circumcision, but the female form gets wide publicity. Such hypocrisy.
Links on the show: TV Tome and WB
FGM article by Amnesty International.
TTFN
I'm not saying it's right. (Either male or female is wrong in my book.) But aside from some movements or organisations here and there there's not a lot of noise made about male circumcision, but the female form gets wide publicity. Such hypocrisy.
Links on the show: TV Tome and WB
FGM article by Amnesty International.
TTFN
Michael Moore and Copyright
Michael Moore is on the record as saying that it is ok to share the films he makes as long as there is no profit being made off of it. I agree with this view.
Yet, the distributor of his film is opposing this.
Read I.T.Vibe for more.
Yet, the distributor of his film is opposing this.
Read I.T.Vibe for more.
ALA ... the rest
Pretty short actually....
After waking up in my own bed, I got ready and headed out. Stopped at Target to get some sandals as I knew it would be hot, filled the tank, and set off for Orlando.
Spent a couple of hours at the Placement Center in the Convention, talking about JPL to various individuals looking for a job. Then I hit the floor to see the exhibitions, which were pretty swanky. Got several freebie items, and gifts for my co-workers.
Around 5:30p, the Opening Session was beginning, so I went to see Richard Clarke speak and to see Sanford Berman get an award. Ran across Amy M., was good to see her again.
Couple of notes --
Isn't it kind of a let down that the highest award ALA can give to people is a plaque and honorary membership? There should be some named kind of award, a gift or endowment or something. It feels like giving a retiree a gold watch.
Also, Sandy Berman is a "liberator", a "visionary", yet a good number of the accolades he received, as well as his own spiel had a prominent gold cross in the background, displayed pretty obviously. The cross is a symbol of one of the most oppressive organizations around, the Christian Church (Catholic, Protestant, whatever, they're the same in my book, practices and formalities be damned). Is it supposed to be a loving, kinder God? Or get that extra note of controversy while they do the presentation? Wierd.
Is closed-captioning really that hard? "General Railings" for "Generational"? Not too mention the total inadequacy when it comes to jihadists (spelled "jehadists") or any other Iraqi/ Arab name or phrase. Spent half the session in stitches.
After the opening session, hit the Scholarship Bash at Universal Studios Florida with some of the NexGen/Chatty fellas and gals. Was fun. Sprinkled rain a lot. Ayanna, Louise, Brian, Tracey, Jenny, Meghan, kudos to you all. Cynthia was taking pictures of librarians, talked with her. Very nice. Had to catch a short bus to the Convention Center where my car was still parked, Cynthia's was there as well. I dropped her off at her car, waited to see it start, then headed on to catch my bud Ted at Chili's.
Notes on the rides:
All too short.
Jaws was the most fun.
Chili's was closed, so we ate at TGI Friday's. Continued my predilection for Margaritas.
Ended up crashing there. I have to admit, I have some serious congestion. So, I snore. Too loudly. It was only a one bedroom at the HoJo's, so I started sleeping on the floor, but made too much noise, so I moved to the bathroom (with a little help). Fully dressed, with a heavy comforter, in a room with no circulation. Whoo-whee. Kept waking up every 30 minutes to an hour in a pool of sweat. Fun. But, it was an experience, and I was grateful for the free place to rest. Not knocking it, but next time, I get a room myself.
---
Sunday...
Hit the floor again, all day. Picked up a lot more gear, saw some interesting presentations from vendors. One hilarious incident took place at Baker & Taylor during an eBooks presentation (something my library is subscribing to). John Straw was speaking, and the Convention Center's fire alarm went off. It increased in tempo until it started drowning him out. He kept pausing, and someone was sent to see if the alarm was real or not. (It turned out to be false.) He kept losing track due to the alarm, so we - the participants - kept him on-topic. After the alarm was silenced, the presentation continued apace.
Then one of the building's directors hopped on the intercom for the OCCC announcing that the fire alarm was false and "people were welcome to return to the center". The announcement threw John off, as it drowned out everything else, but he recovered. Then it repeated in Spanish. And again in English. And again in Spanish. And again... for about five more minutes, with minute-intervals between announcements. By the time it was done, the whole group was laughing. Fun stuff.
That evening, some alumni from SLIS gathered with staff at the Peabody Hotel. Drs. Dawson, Ward, Carpenter, Boyce, and Thomas were there. Some other fellow graduates, including Tricia Egbert, Executive Asst. to the Director (one of the head honchos at my library) were there. Drs. Paskoff and Ju were coming in as I was leaving for the Sirsi dinner.
Sirsi (www.sirsi.com) was hosting a 25th anniversary birthday bash at Epcot Center for all ALA attendees who use its services (Workflows, etc.). It was pretty nice. Food was good, Jack was excellent, and there was a conga line. Lola was there and we talked a good bit about jobs, the field, etc. There was a wonderful fireworks display that night - Remembrance of the Earth, I believe, was the theme. Drizzled a little. Rode the bus back to the Rosen Centre, walked Lola to her hotel, went and jumped in my car and went to meet Ted and Claire - along with Shun-Jin, Jenna, and James(?) at the Bahama Breeze on International Drive. The service sucked, the music was too loud (steel drums and Caribbean-twinged versions of pop songs on speakers right behind us) and I didn't have much to add to the conversation, being the lone public lib moderate surrounded by academic radicals. Interesting conversations, just didn't have too much to add.
Called it a night and slept in the tub again. This time with the door cracked open and shorts w/ a tee. Much comfier, still waking up a few times due to the heat and cramped condition. But, overall, much better. Still, next time, I get a hotel room.
I am also going to look into getting medical assistance for this. Too many problems with my sleeping. Way too many.
Woke up in the morning, laid around a little, then figured since I'd done everything I wanted to do - at least the things I was aware of - I headed back home. Too much to get prepped to do, and catch up on around the apartment.
---
Summary of the trip:
Very good experience for my first conference. Learned things I didn't know, met people I hadn't met, and did things I hadn't done. I am aware there were more things I could've done, but given the limitations I put upon myself, overall, it was good.
After waking up in my own bed, I got ready and headed out. Stopped at Target to get some sandals as I knew it would be hot, filled the tank, and set off for Orlando.
Spent a couple of hours at the Placement Center in the Convention, talking about JPL to various individuals looking for a job. Then I hit the floor to see the exhibitions, which were pretty swanky. Got several freebie items, and gifts for my co-workers.
Around 5:30p, the Opening Session was beginning, so I went to see Richard Clarke speak and to see Sanford Berman get an award. Ran across Amy M., was good to see her again.
Couple of notes --
After the opening session, hit the Scholarship Bash at Universal Studios Florida with some of the NexGen/Chatty fellas and gals. Was fun. Sprinkled rain a lot. Ayanna, Louise, Brian, Tracey, Jenny, Meghan, kudos to you all. Cynthia was taking pictures of librarians, talked with her. Very nice. Had to catch a short bus to the Convention Center where my car was still parked, Cynthia's was there as well. I dropped her off at her car, waited to see it start, then headed on to catch my bud Ted at Chili's.
Notes on the rides:
Chili's was closed, so we ate at TGI Friday's. Continued my predilection for Margaritas.
Ended up crashing there. I have to admit, I have some serious congestion. So, I snore. Too loudly. It was only a one bedroom at the HoJo's, so I started sleeping on the floor, but made too much noise, so I moved to the bathroom (with a little help). Fully dressed, with a heavy comforter, in a room with no circulation. Whoo-whee. Kept waking up every 30 minutes to an hour in a pool of sweat. Fun. But, it was an experience, and I was grateful for the free place to rest. Not knocking it, but next time, I get a room myself.
---
Sunday...
Hit the floor again, all day. Picked up a lot more gear, saw some interesting presentations from vendors. One hilarious incident took place at Baker & Taylor during an eBooks presentation (something my library is subscribing to). John Straw was speaking, and the Convention Center's fire alarm went off. It increased in tempo until it started drowning him out. He kept pausing, and someone was sent to see if the alarm was real or not. (It turned out to be false.) He kept losing track due to the alarm, so we - the participants - kept him on-topic. After the alarm was silenced, the presentation continued apace.
Then one of the building's directors hopped on the intercom for the OCCC announcing that the fire alarm was false and "people were welcome to return to the center". The announcement threw John off, as it drowned out everything else, but he recovered. Then it repeated in Spanish. And again in English. And again in Spanish. And again... for about five more minutes, with minute-intervals between announcements. By the time it was done, the whole group was laughing. Fun stuff.
That evening, some alumni from SLIS gathered with staff at the Peabody Hotel. Drs. Dawson, Ward, Carpenter, Boyce, and Thomas were there. Some other fellow graduates, including Tricia Egbert, Executive Asst. to the Director (one of the head honchos at my library) were there. Drs. Paskoff and Ju were coming in as I was leaving for the Sirsi dinner.
Sirsi (www.sirsi.com) was hosting a 25th anniversary birthday bash at Epcot Center for all ALA attendees who use its services (Workflows, etc.). It was pretty nice. Food was good, Jack was excellent, and there was a conga line. Lola was there and we talked a good bit about jobs, the field, etc. There was a wonderful fireworks display that night - Remembrance of the Earth, I believe, was the theme. Drizzled a little. Rode the bus back to the Rosen Centre, walked Lola to her hotel, went and jumped in my car and went to meet Ted and Claire - along with Shun-Jin, Jenna, and James(?) at the Bahama Breeze on International Drive. The service sucked, the music was too loud (steel drums and Caribbean-twinged versions of pop songs on speakers right behind us) and I didn't have much to add to the conversation, being the lone public lib moderate surrounded by academic radicals. Interesting conversations, just didn't have too much to add.
Called it a night and slept in the tub again. This time with the door cracked open and shorts w/ a tee. Much comfier, still waking up a few times due to the heat and cramped condition. But, overall, much better. Still, next time, I get a hotel room.
I am also going to look into getting medical assistance for this. Too many problems with my sleeping. Way too many.
Woke up in the morning, laid around a little, then figured since I'd done everything I wanted to do - at least the things I was aware of - I headed back home. Too much to get prepped to do, and catch up on around the apartment.
---
Summary of the trip:
Very good experience for my first conference. Learned things I didn't know, met people I hadn't met, and did things I hadn't done. I am aware there were more things I could've done, but given the limitations I put upon myself, overall, it was good.
Thursday, July 01, 2004
ALA and Me
Well, as I sit here listening to U2's Hands That Built America (one of the best songs ever), I figured I'd write the story I promised my mom a week ago.
The American Library Association (www.ala.org) had its annual conference from June 24-30, and I was given the privilege of going. (I would've gone anyway over the weekend, no way I was missing a trip to see and meet new people) and the adventure getting and being there is a story, similar in a vein to some I've written before. If I offend, shoot me. If you laugh, enjoy. No harm is meant, and no sheep were harmed.
And let's begin...
---
I was pretty psyched that I was getting to go. First big conference, it's Orlando, some friends are supposed to be going, and I'd get to meet some new people, grab some swag, and enjoy the moment. Life was good. I bantered with my boss a good bit during the day. And I looked forward to getting off.
Well, for those who know Florida, the trip from Jacksonville to Orlando is pretty uneventful. Unlike the I-75 route from Tallahassee, there is a lot of construction, flat alluvial land, with trees. Not a lot of hills, few hotels, some exits. At 4pm that afternoon, I basically skipped to my car and hit the road.
On the way there, I was hoping I'd make the opening session and the Scholarship Bash (one of my main reasons for going). (For those of you snickering, pshaw.) Well, I hit that afternoon traffic in Orlando around 5:45 (I'd rushed a good bit) and I realized I was not going to make it. So I chilled, took it easy, and concentrated on meeting people around 7pm or so, like I had planned.
Well, I reached the Orange County Convention Center around 6:30 or so. Big place. BIG place. Hot place. Huge... empty... parking lots. Yep, empty. Hell, I thought people were parking out front or in the parking garage. Well, I entered the OCCC and found the only souls around were people scoping the building for where they wanted to be. There were some individuals out there setting up exhibition booths for the conference. Which I knew started Saturday (the exhibition that is). Well, I discovered the building was pretty damn hot, like the a/c had just been turned on, or wasn't working well. And I found some flyers. And promo gear.
Saying "Opening Session Saturday June 26th, 5:30-7:00" and "Scholarship Bash Saturday June 26th, 7:00-11:00". Yup, I got the dates wrong. I was walking around looking at the building, being accosted by taxi drivers on the WRONG DAMN DAY. The people I was supposed to meet weren't going to be there til the next day at the earliest (from what I'd just figured out, some were probably there, but I didn't know how to contact anyone before Friday).
So I'd just driven to Orlando for nothing!
Feeling quite chagrined, I hopped back in the trusty ole Taurus and started heading back. Not wanting to drive in quietude with my frustration, I decided to call a few friends, to shoot the shit and take me mind off things.
I called Amy, a good friend of mine in Houma, who is expecting her third child. We talked. And talked. With periods of silence, like normal. While driving, I kept my mind on the conversation and the road. But apparently I didn't quite know the route. I missed the turn from Kirkman to I-4 (the road back to I-95). I missed the turn from Sand Lake to I-4. I missed the turn from International Drive to I-4. I spent about thirty minutes or so driving in a loop around the Kirkman, International Drive area. When I finally got to I-4, Amy had to go take care of her two boys, Bryson and Brandon (great kids). So I drove towards Daytona, thinking about things.
Well, I called my dad and left a message on his cell. He called me back a few minutes later, and we talked for a while. He's a driver for J.B. Hunt and was up in Pennsylvania, driving up and down some hills. We talked about how we missed each other on Father's Day (I called, but he didn't get the message til much later - he was in Iowa at the time) and how distant the family feels. Felt really good to finally say that to him. Love my father dearly, but we are peas of the same pod, close-mouthed and stubborn. We keep deep feelings close to the chest, so small conversations usually end up expressing more than we want. Hope the road treats you well and the sun is always at your back, dad.
After talking to dad, I figured I should call my mom. I hadn't talked to her since Memorial Day and wanted to see how she was doing. She was really depressed, being in a bad way (for those who do not know, as most of you won't, she had a bad bout with breast cancer, had lesions in the sac protecting the brain and chemo has led to her developing neuropathy, it pains me very much to think about it, honestly, and I admire her strength thru all of these tribulations) financially and emotionally. Well, I do what I can, so I cheered her up and listened to her woes. I enjoy being a good shoulder, for anyone. I told her about my financial woes and victories when dealing with AmSouth, my trip to Orlando, jokes and stuff. I had to stop at a Chick-fil-A's for dinner as I hadn't eaten anything but my normal granola bar for lunch (around 1pm, it was now 9pm or so). Scared her a little when I saw flashing lights behind me, but it was an ambulance. We talked til I hit Philips Hwy (about 3 miles from my apt). 90 minutes or so of good conversation.
When I got back to the house, I realized that even though I had gone early, sweated my ass off, and proven how stubborn and mule-headed I could be, the day was pretty good. Knowing me, I'd've played Morrowind and not called anyone. Instead, I had two good conversations and brightened up someone's day, someone very close to me. So, yeah, it was a good day. (Even though I was really, really due a shower.)
Slept about 6 hours or so (I usually stay up late) and woke up to the fact that I was off for Friday. So I went and relaxed, then got dressed nicely (white shirt and khakis, my uniform) and drove back down to Orlando. This time, I knew people would be there in the evening that I'd planned on meeting.
I spent around four or five hours in the Placement Center, sat in on an interview with a co-worker, talked to a few people about Systems library work, and found I have a gift of gab when it's something I want to talk about. Gave advice about interviews - how to handle and approach one - to a couple of people, things I'd picked up on over the job-hunting path I'd trod before. I was told it helped, and I'm glad it did, as helping people is a good thing.
I met the fellow NEXGENLIB members at Adobe Gila's at Pointe Orlando, a shopping center on International Drive. Wonderful people, even though alcohol and politics don't always make the best of friends. Met Amy K. and Amy M., Mark, Becky (friend from SLIS), Seale, Molly (names I was familiar with from SLIS but had never had the pleasure of meeting), Dean, John, Brian W., Ayanna, Florence, Lola, Krei, Cynthia, and others whose names I know I am forgetting. Had several Margaritas (good ones), beer, and tequila shots. Felt gooooood. Smoked cigs with a pair of pretty redheads and a blonde, laughed in the rain until it stormed, and talked politics and religion with one of the nicest people I've ever met with an opposing viewpoint. Later, there was some shouting and finger-pointing, quite rude and abusive, but there was also a strength and a resolve you have to look for to actually find. (I am a nice drunk, not that I got drunk, tho, so it wasn't me, I swear.)
Well, the evening had to end, and after the tropical downpour and the subsequent lightshow, mostly everyone was gone, so we parted ways, Amy, Mark, and I. I had called my bud earlier to see if I could crash at his hotel room. Ted and Claire were bushed and so it was a no-go. Well, I said fuck it (was not very happy at this point, what with an early evening, and a long-ass drive in the middle of th enight) and drove back to Jax. Yes, the 2-hour drive again. Fun. Did not get home til 2:45 in the morning. Not that I was very tired, but I was a little hungry, and tired of seeing the same road over and over again. So, yes, a little irritated. But I did have fun.
---
(Btw, I like The Rundown... when the midget runs out of the bar before the fight and everyone turns to watch 'cuz it's so unexpected... hehe and Seann William Scott is a lot like Bruce Campbell in this flick)
This will be continued... Saturday and Sunday are good, and there's a postscript to all of this for Wednesday.
The American Library Association (www.ala.org) had its annual conference from June 24-30, and I was given the privilege of going. (I would've gone anyway over the weekend, no way I was missing a trip to see and meet new people) and the adventure getting and being there is a story, similar in a vein to some I've written before. If I offend, shoot me. If you laugh, enjoy. No harm is meant, and no sheep were harmed.
And let's begin...
---
I was pretty psyched that I was getting to go. First big conference, it's Orlando, some friends are supposed to be going, and I'd get to meet some new people, grab some swag, and enjoy the moment. Life was good. I bantered with my boss a good bit during the day. And I looked forward to getting off.
Well, for those who know Florida, the trip from Jacksonville to Orlando is pretty uneventful. Unlike the I-75 route from Tallahassee, there is a lot of construction, flat alluvial land, with trees. Not a lot of hills, few hotels, some exits. At 4pm that afternoon, I basically skipped to my car and hit the road.
On the way there, I was hoping I'd make the opening session and the Scholarship Bash (one of my main reasons for going). (For those of you snickering, pshaw.) Well, I hit that afternoon traffic in Orlando around 5:45 (I'd rushed a good bit) and I realized I was not going to make it. So I chilled, took it easy, and concentrated on meeting people around 7pm or so, like I had planned.
Well, I reached the Orange County Convention Center around 6:30 or so. Big place. BIG place. Hot place. Huge... empty... parking lots. Yep, empty. Hell, I thought people were parking out front or in the parking garage. Well, I entered the OCCC and found the only souls around were people scoping the building for where they wanted to be. There were some individuals out there setting up exhibition booths for the conference. Which I knew started Saturday (the exhibition that is). Well, I discovered the building was pretty damn hot, like the a/c had just been turned on, or wasn't working well. And I found some flyers. And promo gear.
Saying "Opening Session Saturday June 26th, 5:30-7:00" and "Scholarship Bash Saturday June 26th, 7:00-11:00". Yup, I got the dates wrong. I was walking around looking at the building, being accosted by taxi drivers on the WRONG DAMN DAY. The people I was supposed to meet weren't going to be there til the next day at the earliest (from what I'd just figured out, some were probably there, but I didn't know how to contact anyone before Friday).
So I'd just driven to Orlando for nothing!
Feeling quite chagrined, I hopped back in the trusty ole Taurus and started heading back. Not wanting to drive in quietude with my frustration, I decided to call a few friends, to shoot the shit and take me mind off things.
I called Amy, a good friend of mine in Houma, who is expecting her third child. We talked. And talked. With periods of silence, like normal. While driving, I kept my mind on the conversation and the road. But apparently I didn't quite know the route. I missed the turn from Kirkman to I-4 (the road back to I-95). I missed the turn from Sand Lake to I-4. I missed the turn from International Drive to I-4. I spent about thirty minutes or so driving in a loop around the Kirkman, International Drive area. When I finally got to I-4, Amy had to go take care of her two boys, Bryson and Brandon (great kids). So I drove towards Daytona, thinking about things.
Well, I called my dad and left a message on his cell. He called me back a few minutes later, and we talked for a while. He's a driver for J.B. Hunt and was up in Pennsylvania, driving up and down some hills. We talked about how we missed each other on Father's Day (I called, but he didn't get the message til much later - he was in Iowa at the time) and how distant the family feels. Felt really good to finally say that to him. Love my father dearly, but we are peas of the same pod, close-mouthed and stubborn. We keep deep feelings close to the chest, so small conversations usually end up expressing more than we want. Hope the road treats you well and the sun is always at your back, dad.
After talking to dad, I figured I should call my mom. I hadn't talked to her since Memorial Day and wanted to see how she was doing. She was really depressed, being in a bad way (for those who do not know, as most of you won't, she had a bad bout with breast cancer, had lesions in the sac protecting the brain and chemo has led to her developing neuropathy, it pains me very much to think about it, honestly, and I admire her strength thru all of these tribulations) financially and emotionally. Well, I do what I can, so I cheered her up and listened to her woes. I enjoy being a good shoulder, for anyone. I told her about my financial woes and victories when dealing with AmSouth, my trip to Orlando, jokes and stuff. I had to stop at a Chick-fil-A's for dinner as I hadn't eaten anything but my normal granola bar for lunch (around 1pm, it was now 9pm or so). Scared her a little when I saw flashing lights behind me, but it was an ambulance. We talked til I hit Philips Hwy (about 3 miles from my apt). 90 minutes or so of good conversation.
When I got back to the house, I realized that even though I had gone early, sweated my ass off, and proven how stubborn and mule-headed I could be, the day was pretty good. Knowing me, I'd've played Morrowind and not called anyone. Instead, I had two good conversations and brightened up someone's day, someone very close to me. So, yeah, it was a good day. (Even though I was really, really due a shower.)
Slept about 6 hours or so (I usually stay up late) and woke up to the fact that I was off for Friday. So I went and relaxed, then got dressed nicely (white shirt and khakis, my uniform) and drove back down to Orlando. This time, I knew people would be there in the evening that I'd planned on meeting.
I spent around four or five hours in the Placement Center, sat in on an interview with a co-worker, talked to a few people about Systems library work, and found I have a gift of gab when it's something I want to talk about. Gave advice about interviews - how to handle and approach one - to a couple of people, things I'd picked up on over the job-hunting path I'd trod before. I was told it helped, and I'm glad it did, as helping people is a good thing.
I met the fellow NEXGENLIB members at Adobe Gila's at Pointe Orlando, a shopping center on International Drive. Wonderful people, even though alcohol and politics don't always make the best of friends. Met Amy K. and Amy M., Mark, Becky (friend from SLIS), Seale, Molly (names I was familiar with from SLIS but had never had the pleasure of meeting), Dean, John, Brian W., Ayanna, Florence, Lola, Krei, Cynthia, and others whose names I know I am forgetting. Had several Margaritas (good ones), beer, and tequila shots. Felt gooooood. Smoked cigs with a pair of pretty redheads and a blonde, laughed in the rain until it stormed, and talked politics and religion with one of the nicest people I've ever met with an opposing viewpoint. Later, there was some shouting and finger-pointing, quite rude and abusive, but there was also a strength and a resolve you have to look for to actually find. (I am a nice drunk, not that I got drunk, tho, so it wasn't me, I swear.)
Well, the evening had to end, and after the tropical downpour and the subsequent lightshow, mostly everyone was gone, so we parted ways, Amy, Mark, and I. I had called my bud earlier to see if I could crash at his hotel room. Ted and Claire were bushed and so it was a no-go. Well, I said fuck it (was not very happy at this point, what with an early evening, and a long-ass drive in the middle of th enight) and drove back to Jax. Yes, the 2-hour drive again. Fun. Did not get home til 2:45 in the morning. Not that I was very tired, but I was a little hungry, and tired of seeing the same road over and over again. So, yes, a little irritated. But I did have fun.
---
(Btw, I like The Rundown... when the midget runs out of the bar before the fight and everyone turns to watch 'cuz it's so unexpected... hehe and Seann William Scott is a lot like Bruce Campbell in this flick)
This will be continued... Saturday and Sunday are good, and there's a postscript to all of this for Wednesday.
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