rilke

February 23rd, 2010

I live my life in growing orbits
which move out over the things of the world.
Perhaps I can never achieve the last,
but that will be my attempt.

I am circling around God, around the ancient tower,
and I have been circling for a thousand years,
and I still don’t know if I am a falcon, or a storm,
or a great song.

His gaze has grown so weary from the passing
Of bars that now there’s nothing it can hold.
It seems there are a thousand bars around him,
And, out beyond a thousand bars, no world.

Revolving in the smallest of all circles,
The sleekly powered footsteps’ mellowed pace
Is like a dance of strength about a center
Wherein a mighty will stands stunned in place.

Only at times the pupil’s soundless curtain
Is reeled away. An image then will start
Inward through the taut silence of his sinews
And come to nothing in the heart.

Color me happy

October 6th, 2009

`Kind of Blue’ at 50: Behind Davis’ masterpiece

 miles.jpg Miles picture by revdrjim59

AP

NEW YORK – Jimmy Cobb could hardly imagine he would be making history when he arrived at Columbia Records’ 30th Street Studio 50 years ago for the first of two recording sessions with Miles Davis. Full Story »

This is what started my love affair with jazz. The album was cut the year I was born but I wouldn’t hear it until 30 years later when a friend of mine gave it to me. After the 1st listen I was hooked and it started me down the bop road. Coltrane, Monk, Joe Henderson and countless others beating a path to the free Jazz of Coltrane (Hello again John!) and beyond. Thanks Miles!

I just flew in from Pakistan, boy are my arms tired!!!

October 5th, 2009

Pakistan Taliban head cracks jokes, vows vengeance

SARAROGHA, Pakistan – Flanked by heavily armed fighters, the new leader of the Pakistani Taliban sat on a blue blanket, amiable and relaxed as he cracked jokes and mixed in threats of vengeance for deadly U.S. airstrikes.

From the no use in crying over department:

October 5th, 2009

Farmers create chaos with spilled milk in Brussels

Get the hardback version

October 5th, 2009
Product Details

My parole officer recommended this book to me since I have a problem (I’m told) managing my anger.

It’s an excellent text and comes in handy when no other solid object is within reach.

War! What is it good for! Uh…civil rights?

October 4th, 2009

Obama to take on military gay ban at `right time’

   FILE - In this March 26, 2007 file photo, Andrew Chapin of New... APWASHINGTON – President Barack Obama will focus “at the right time” on how to overturn the “don’t ask, don’t tell” ban on gays serving openly in the military, his national security adviser said Sunday. Full Story » 

BAD BAD BAD IDEA!!!!!

What happens if the draft ever returns? Lets face it, sure we still have a fair amount of prejudice against gays in our society (marriage anyone?) but given the option of declaring myself gay or coming home sans legs or worse for corporate america I’d say it’s a no brainer. Although the whole legality of the “don’t ask, don’t tell” shell game has come into question anyway. (See the HuffPost & NYTimes articles for interesting details: “Military Cannot Automatically Discharge Gays, Federal Court Rules“ & “Navy Cannot Discharge Gay Officer, Court Rules” )

Ask not for whom the whale migrates.

October 4th, 2009
Product Details
Whale Watchers Guide Revisited by Patricia Corrigan
 
Thanks a lot. This book tells all the spots you may find me.
As a Humpback whale and elected leader of our pod I would like to say have a little decency and go stare at your own species for crying out loud. Don’t we have enough stress in our lives wondering when the next one of us is going to get a harpoon stuck in his bladder? How would you like it if a bunch of us whales piled into a minivan and followed you and your family around? Gawking at you and your offspring as you stand in line for your happy meals or doing what ever your brutish species does. Doesn’t sound like so much fun now does it?
Go fiddle with the banana slugs or mimes, nobody likes them anyway
 

A sermon on the mounting tape

October 4th, 2009

Product Details
3M 109 Wallsaver Removable Mounting Tape

After mounting I applied this tape and it worked perfectly. My head no longer punched a hole through the drywall although movement is minimized which kinda reduces enjoyment.

multi-functional

October 4th, 2009

Product Details
Wagner 905 1,500-Watt On-Demand Power Steamer and Cleaner

This little dynamo sure does the trick steaming hot dogs in short order and cleaning the cat. Although the cat didn’t seem to care for it too much

Crazy is as crazy does

October 4th, 2009

Arguing with Idiots: How to Stop Small Minds and Big GovernmentArguing with Idiots: How to Stop Small Minds and Big Government by Glenn Beck and Kevin Balfe

How to Stop Small Minds:

Step 1 – Don’t buy this, for lack of a better word, book.

Word of warning for the Beck fans. This book does not include crayons.