The Fist Bump Heard Around the World

The night Obama won the Democratic primary, he gave his wife Michelle an endearing "fist bump". I let out quite an audible "awww" when I saw it.

Michelle and Barack would make the cutest first couple ever. Let's make it happen!

Check it:
Barack Obama

Hello Summer!

Hello Summer!

Finally ... I can just about say with confidence that all of the nonsense that I've been dealing with has come to an end. I've been very bad with postings due, in large part, to my move into the lovely neighborhood of Ballard (in Seattle). My old apartment had been recently bought out by a new property management company, who blind-sided most of the tenants with a $500 increase in rent. According to my informant, the company did this to drive the tenants out ... no joke. And of course, no one who got the rent increase stayed. I would ultimately love to flame the property management out, but I will hold off here, since the person who actually managed the day-to-day activities of the building still works there, and he was the only one who showed any empathy and care for the tenants. He told me today that my apartment, after renovations, is expected to rent for $1700! One word: Suckers! Who in their right mind would move to the Magnolia neighborhood and spend that much money on a 1-bedroom apartment, nearly twice the average rental rate in that area. I wish the company a rude slap in the face.

Anyway - I'm rambling. So I moved, and I love my new apartment and living in Ballard.

Tomorrow I will be leaving for the summer, spending the bulk of the summer months in the Midwest with my partner-in-crime, Mark. I'm excited by my summer break, but equally excited to have my life back and time to blog, travel, listen to music, and work. So more to come on Sprampblog.

Spramp Shots: Squirr vs. the Blanket

(Source)

Squirr loves his blanket.

Chicken In-A-Tube

(Source)

PETA is offering $1 million dollars to anyone who can produce and sell chickens without having to kill them ... (think "test tube"). Sound strange? I think it's brilliant, actually. I totally want to see it happen!

Animal rights group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (Peta) says it will give the prize money to anyone who grows the meat and sells it commercially in at least 10 US states by 30 June 2012. The meat will have to pass a taste test after being cooked to a fried chicken recipe and given to a panel of 10 judges. (Source)

I'm all for in-vitro chicken!

Check it:
PETA

Happy Bear!

(Source)

This is just too precious. Can we have a collective: "Awww." This bear has moves better than some peeps I know. Papa Walt would be proud.

Happy Tuesday, folks!

Spramp Shots: Monorail

Monorail, 2008 (Source)

This week has been killer! I can't believe Friday is here since it feels like all the days have bled into each other. Yup, my plate hasn't gotten any lighter, and it looks only to get more crazy in the upcoming days. I head out to Chicago for a conference next week and haven't really gotten my crap together for it. Though I do get to spend a few days with Mark, which will be nice. I'll be in good ole Ann Arbor for a few days after that to tie up some loose strands then back to Seattle to what I hope will be nice, warm Spring weather. My students are getting antsy now that the semester is drawing to a close. Their pained faces staring out the window while I lecture always bring a smile to my face. I can empathize - we are to reach close to 70 degrees on Saturday! I need to be outdoors for that.

I snapped the shot above using my camera phone. I pass along the monorail on my way to the office. I realized the other day as the actual monorail train passed by that the train itself is pretty old and crappy-looking. No wonder it keeps breaking down. Time for an upgrade!

Some Kind of Funny

(Source)

I actually wish I got more e-cards from folks (hint, hint). This one from someecards is fun and fantastic! There are more like this to send - go crazy!

Check it:
someecards

Banksy

I ran across an article about how George Michaels (the singer) wants the elusive artist, Banksy to tag his London home - I'm sure it would certainly help to appreciate the value of his home.

I really love the one he did of the two cops kissing (above). Hot!

Check it:
Banksy
Banksy [Wikipedia]

Poop

14,000 Year-Old Human Poop (Source)

I don't know why this intrigues me so much. Scientists in Oregon have found 14,000 year-old fossilized human poop - "coprolites". The proper British spelling of "poop" is a lot more interesting than American English - "faeces".

I feel like poop right now.

My Partner Reads ...

Some of My Books

He reads mainstream war and shoot-em-up novels (think Tom Clancy) that you would find at the airport bookstore. I wonder what that says about me? I know what it says about him.

I just read an amusing article in the New York Times about relationships and literature. I suppose if Mark had shown up at the bar that cold February afternoon with a copy of, say, Remembrance of Things Past (any volume) by Proust, I would've rolled my eyes, drank my beer, and said "see ya!" (even though I love Proust). Although as I recall, I had brought a book that day, and I think it was The Queen of America Goes to Washington City: Sex and Citizenship by Lauren Berlant. I guess that's equally pretentious, but I was reading it for a grad seminar. Mark didn't really notice - nor care. He often rolls his eyes at my books and the inanity of academic writing. Yup. I agree, it's pretty insane and comical. I don't know why we're together, actually. According to the New York Times article, I should've broken up with him at the sight of the Hunt for Red October on his nightstand (can you imagine ... cringe!). Indeed, we did almost break up once, driving in his car, when he confessed he didn't have a 401k or an IRA. The horror! I was extremely livid - not because I saw myself benefiting in any way down the line - hardly - but because any person who couldn't envision financial security for him/herself down the line (when one has the means/resources to do so) obviously has no respect for him/herself. At least that was my hard-line thinking then. He did say in the argument that he had every intention to do so, even before we met. I think the argument pushed him hard. And luckily for our relationship, he started a 401k plan a few days later. Phew!

Anywho - check out the article:
It's Not You, It's Your Books, New York Times (March 30, 2008)

On a related tip, NPR did a pretty interesting program the other day on bibliophiles and social networking. Check it here.

I'm trying to bring back "the novel" back into my life, and I'm pleased to announce that I'm currently reading A Golden Age by Tahmima Anam (and I'm loving it so far).

Speaking of Books ...
The Friends of the Seattle Public Library is hosting their Spring Book Fair in two weeks! Over 200,000 books, music, cds, dvds, etc. will be on sale on April 11 through April 13. Most books are $1.00. Be sure to bring a box or a large tote bag! I went last Fall and it was totally overwhelming. I walked away with a several essay anthologies and back issues of Art Forum - I got there a day late, and I think a lot of what I would've wanted was already sold.

The Book Sale is held in Building #30 at Warren G. Magnuson Park, Seattle.

Breaking Up Is Easier in Warm Weather

Wilkins Ice Shelf Breaking Up in Antarctica (Source)

Didn't that book cover in the last post make you want to chew gum or something?

So here's a totally non sequitur post that should cool you off, as much as it should make you think. The Wilkins Ice Shelf has collapsed - it's larger than Manhattan. Global warming, anyone?

Come to think of it, that ice-slab is pretty phallic.

What Is It?

"The Thing" (2008)

"It looks like a shield," was what one of my welding mates called it. Another guy who sat at my table said that it should be a lot larger - "like 30 feet tall," he said. My instructor really just wanted me to melt metals together. He seems very concerned; and at one point, he asked me why I was just sitting in my chair staring at my cut metal - I said I was thinking. I suppose when you're just starting off and learning techniques, there's not much aesthetics, let alone rhyme or reason, to what you make. So unfortunately, because of all of my thinking, I didn't really get to make anything special - in fact, close-up it looks like crap (er, it sorta is crap - but I'm a believer in baby steps). The resolution is crappy because I used my camera phone. Today's class was real fun - I got to play with a few large machines that in any normal state of mine I'd be frightened of. If you ever want to (re)affirm your masculinity, welding class is the place to do it. I stand out like a sore thumb, and I think about what to wear for class far longer than I should, but I love it.

So now I'm pooped. I accomplished a lot today, but the work is never ending. The next four weeks are beyond busy for me. Ack! I really need an intern or something to help me get organized - or a miracle - or a few vodka martinis.

One of These Things

Take Yer Pick

One of these things is certainly not like the other. Imagine my surprise getting this tailgating chair today. It came in a honking box, which I thought came from a secret admirer or something. Nope. It came from Bank of America. Yup. I have a U of M credit card, but only for the 0% balance transfer it was offering. Oh - yah - I'm an alumnus. This chair makes two things I have showing my school pride. I wear it more ironically than proud, actually. It's such a sports school - and I'm so not. So What to do with this chair? I might sell it on eBay, or give it to my friend Paul, who is also an alumnus - or if you want it, shoot me a message. The chair really clashes in my apartment.

I'm back from an oddly longish day. I told my students today that I needed a vacation, and most of them could empathize. I have a very predictable life these days, and my only therapeutic outlets are my class that I teach and my welding class that I take. But this is what I wanted, so I shouldn't complain about my frenetic schedule.

Yah, it would be nice to have a secret admirer. Mark, my partner-in-crime, is not paying much attention to me these days. Not that I'm paying much attention to him either. Sigh.

Midnight Snack: Watching Bears

Funny Videos - Banned Commercials - Norwegian Airlines (Source)

Why is it that seeing naked fat bears on TV is almost always funny? I spotted this commercial on the news (of all places - that's Seattle for you) awhile back and have been meaning to post it on here, you know, since I have this "thing" for the bearded persuasion (if you haven't already figured that out). This commercial was apparently banned in Norway (I think). And of all things, it's an ad for an airlines. Naked bear man and the airlines? - the connection is beyond me, though I would like to see more ads in this masculine genre.

I really ought to sleep, but YouTube is so evil like that.

Island Day-Dreaming

San Marco Island (Source)

I have a fondness for islands - it's in my blood. I had never heard of the Venetian Islands in Florida until I read an article about them in the New York Times. I'm not fond of Florida as a whole, which is probably why I've remained unaware. But it would be nice, wouldn't it, to live on an island, man-made or not. I think I might be in the wrong profession.

Read it:
Islands of Calm, New York Times (March 21, 2008)

Happy Sweater Day!

Mister Rogers' Neighborhood Episode 1468 Opening (Source)

Today will inevitably turn into one of my favorite unofficial holidays. It would've been Mister Roger's 80th b-day today. Remember the cat on the show who spoke with "Meows?" I miss that puppet. Anyway, I'll take a sweater day any day. I'm a sweater whore ... I am. We have a twofer today. It's also Spring! (Actually it's a trifecta for me: Happy Birthday, Mark!)

Come and take a look at my sweater collection sometime. (Is that the best pick-up line or what?)

Enjoy the day.

Run

I'm Loving Candle Glow

I'm taking a rare break from the madness that has been my life these past few weeks. My students return from their Spring Breaks tomorrow, and so will I (but I'll return begrudgingly). I had planned on going to Vancouver, BC, this week, and a couple of things happened. One: I didn't get enough done with a project that I've been working on; and Two: gas prices hit $3.60 in Seattle. The work is still piling on, and it seems that fitting in a break to recover is all but impossible at the moment.

I've been shopping for a Vespa on Craigslist, thinking that getting one might save me on gas. If anyone has one that they'd like to sell to me for a bargain, please let me know.

I did have a small window the other day to shop at Home Depot for some supplies for the Welding class that I'm taking at Pratt here in Seattle. Can one really be a fashionable welder? I suppose, I'll find out this Tuesday. I'm really excited. This might prove to be a good outlet for my stress. While at Home Depot, I picked out some paint swatches (above). I'm going to paint two walls in my living room. Right now "Candle Glow" (middle column, second from the bottom) is growing on me. I need something that'll emit some brightness without being too yellow. I'm giving myself a few more days to decide.

My gay bunny ears got hard last night when I discovered that the British phenom Leona Lewis did a remake of one of my fave songs by Snow Patrol on BBC Radio 1. She covered the song "Run," and it's quite good. Fierce, even. Yup, funny sometimes I forget about my inner-gay. She's due to appear on Oprah to make her U.S. debut tomorrow. I do love Leona Lewis.

Ok. Back to work.

Check it:
Leona Lewis

What a Jang!

The Freemont Bridge, Erect

Notice the blue skies? Yup. Another sunny day. I'm feeling a bit cheated, actually.

I'm also feeling a bit more productive lately, probably a result of actually using my Moleskine planner. And here I thought it was only for show when I initially bought the thing. Whatever the reason, things are moving along, things are getting sent via e-mail, lists are being winnowed down - what more can one ask for? And to top it all off - I absolutely love my new haircut that I received from Heidi, my stylist at the Rudy's in Ballard. She's got a precision to her craft that is awe-inspiring (plus she's a welder on the side, which is just so cool). Highly recommend a trim by her!

Last night I met up with my dear friend Dr. Paul, who made a lovely pulled-pork BBQ dinner. Yummy. For a minute there, I thought I was down South or something. We talked shop afterwards, and I realized how fun it is to actually work with other people. Sometimes I forget. Was it capitalism or communism that inspires the lack of incentive (or de-incentive) among its workers/proletariots, Paul? I do find it strange the lack of "real-time" communication that goes on at so many jobs. I'm not talking about the e-mail/IM bullshit-type talking that goes on, but actually conversations and engagement with each other ... And so I rant.

Moving on to bigger and more erect things, I found a lovely spam message in my spambox today that made me smile:



Who uses the word "jang" anymore? It's so retro. Seeing that word made me want to bring it back. "Oh Dora, you're such a jang for sending me that spam! What a jang-sucker!" What else goes with jang? Let's all bring it back!

Spramp Shots: In Bed

"In Bed" (Source)

I awoke somewhat earlier than normal today - grrr, to my job! I noticed whilst making my morning coffee that I had a cough. My student Hannah sounded like she was coughing up a lung last Wednesday. I'm afraid that I might have caught her illness (I told her she shouldn't sit in front of me!). Apparently there's a nationwide flu thing going around. I've been fairly lucky over the years; in fact, I don't even remember the last time I got it (knock on wood). I'll take a nasty cough over being bedridden.

Maybe a hot shower will help. Ugh.

I Don't Know

Two Kitties 69'ing

I don't know if I've turned into the type of person who swoons over pictures of their pets, but this one that Mark sent to me today is sorta adorable - I stopped short of letting out an "aww." It does make you want to, doesn't it? Those are Mark's kitties, Ceci on the left (who I named - in fact, it was my laptop's name before it was hers) and Bandit on the right. They're totally 69'ing, which is probably why I like the picture so much. Animal carnality intrigues me to no end.

The possibility of going back to Michigan this summer - Ann Arbor to be precise - is pretty good. I tend to follow the money, and something just popped up in A2 that looks promising. It's so hard to be a starving intellectual. I am, however, waiting to hear from a few other places, so a guarantee that I'm back in my old stomping grounds, it is not. We shall see.

Today I received my new passport to replace the one I lost last summer somewhere between Dublin and Chicago. It only took 2 weeks to get at the cheapest application price, about $100. I was pleasantly surprised at how fast it came, but also felt liberated! I don't know how people can go their whole life not wanting to travel outside of the U.S - it's quite shocking to me, really. Immediately, I started devising my next romp around the world. In fact, my first stop will actually come in about 2 weeks to Vancouver, BC, to see my friend Jim; after that - gosh, I don't know - the world is my playground. Sidenote: I'm really excited that my picture looks so good in the little blue book.

It's the small things that I notice that really brightens my day.