Where in the World is Michael Staples?

I'm still here. However, since going F/T at work I've completly forgotten to update this page. My new job is almost as crappy as my P/T gig but with much more responsibility. There's life for ya. True, I finally have some health insurance again after not having anything since 2002. Hard to believe? It's true and not nearly as terrifying as I once thought it would be, though a bit inconvenient when you have to cart yourself in the early twilight hours to the free clinic or Cook County for services. No more of that.

So, in my new position, I'm an actual Acquisitions Editor. Whoo-Hoo! What's that? Oh, well, it basically means I worked my ass off for our crappy editors trying to "acquire" whatever and whomever they think is needed to pull any number of books together. I was doing this before but now I have to do budgets and schedules and all the other boring minutiae that comes with managing projects. Why am not a Project Manager like all those wanna-be "Trumps" on the Apprentice? Couldn't say but I like my title better.

Lately, I've been working on a book for making your own Living Will. Kind of morbid, I know, but necessary too. The gods know we don't all want to be tube fed or resuscitated a million times. I'm okay to go should I be in such a state. Anyway, I'm going to spend alittle time haunting all my friends and traveling. Speaking of haunting, I'm also working on our 2006 edition of Halloween Fun. Yes, well, this is one of the odd things about publishing an annual magazine on Halloween. You have to start long before the holiday. We actually just wrapped a book on Easter crafts. It's like the fashion industry, a season ahead.

Aside from work, I've been working out fairly often. Unfortunately, it hasn't done much to my physical appearance but I do feel pretty good. I've also joined a volleyball league through my club and have been playing the sport for almost 5 months. I'm almost at the point where my teammates don't scowl every time the ball comes my way. Just wait, next season I'll be really great.

Anyone seen Jarhead? What about The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe? Both great and recommended. However, skip Brokeback Mountain. Sorry friends but it's nothing like it claims to be. I was very disappointed in Ang. He did a better job on The Wedding Banquet.

Gods, look at the time! I gotta go! More later.

Happy Holidays!!

Big Questions, Short Answers

The following questions and answers concern the weighty topic of ending discrimination against gays and lesbians right to marry in the U.S. All material, save this intro, is from:

Wolfson, Evan. Why Marriage Matters: America, Equality, and Gay People's Right to Marry. Simon & Schuster. New York, 2004.

1. Why does our country need "gay marriage"?

We don't. The term "gay marriage" implies that same-sex couples are asking for rights and privileges that married couples do not have, or for something lesser or different. What gay people are seeking is the legal and equal freedom to marry the person they love and care for, just as non-gay Americans do. The Constitution's guarantee of equal protection and the right to marry belongs to us all.

2. Why do same-sex couples need the right to marry?

Many committed same-sex couples share the same responsibilities as married couples. However, without the freedom to marry, they do not receive the same recognition or protections for their families as married couples. In fact, same-sex couples and their kids face tremendous discrimination. For example, lesbians and gay men who have been their partner's primary caretaker are often denied hospital visitation when there's been an accident or illness, or the ability to obtain "family" health coverage, or taxation and inheritance rights, or even protection in case the relationship ends. Sometimes they see their children taken away, or their role as a parent denied. Regardless of the fact that they have taken responsibility for thei children's and their partner's well-being, both economically and emotionally, legally their status is, at best, that of a roommate. Denied the freedom to marry, same-sex couples and their kids are deprived of literally thousands of legal and economic protections and responsibilities, as well as the emotional, social, and spiritual meaning that marriage has for many.

3. Why change the definition of marriage?

Ending the exclusion of gay people from marriage would not change the "definition" of marriage, but it would remove a discriminatory barrier from the path of people who have made a personal commitment to each other and are now ready and willing to take on the responsibilities and legal commitment of marriage.

This is not the first time our country has struggled over the exclusion from and discrimination in marriage. Previous chapters in American history have seen race discrimination in marriage (ended only in 1967), laws making wives legally inferior to husbands (changed as late as the 1970s and 1980s), resistance to allowing people to end failed or abusive marriages through divorce (fought over in the 1940s and 1950s), and even a refusal to allow married and unmarried people to make their own decisions about whether to use contraception or raise children (decided in 1965).

In each of these struggles, opponents of equality claimed that the proposed change was "against the definition of marriage" and "against God's will." Many of the same claims are made today by opponents now seeking to prevent loving same-sex couples from taking on the legal commitment of marriage. Fortunately, our country rejected the "sky is falling" claims opponents of equality and made marriage a more inclusive and fair commitment of equals. Today we realize that government discrimination in marriage is wrong, and that the choice of a marriage partner belongs to the committed people, not politicians or pressure groups.

4. Isn't marriage really about procreation?

No. Many non-gay people marry and cannot or do not have children. Any many gay men and lesbians do have children but have been denied the right to raise those children within a marital relationship. Legally and in reality, marriage is best understood as a relationship of emotional and financial interdependence between two people who make a public commitment. Many people wanting to get married---gay or non-gay---wish to be parents; many others do not. The choice belongs to the couple, not the state.

5. What if my religion opposes same-sex relationships?

This is not about forcing any church to perform or extend religious recognition to any marriages it doesn't want to. This is about the right to the civil marriage license issued by the state, which religious groups should not interfere with (just as the state should not interfere with religious ceremonies one way or the other). Of course, many lesbians and gay men are active in their respective religions, many of which do recognize and suppot their loving unions and commitments.

6. Why aren't domestic partnerships or civil unions good enough?

In one state, Vermont, there is now a nonmarriage marital status called "civil union," and other states from California to New Jersey have begun creating new legal relationships to begin providing protections and legal obligations for committed same-sex couples and their kids. Often, in certain municipalities and companies, this limited recognition of relationships between unmarried partners, including same-sex couples, is called "domestic partnership." The legal and economic consequences of such nonmarriage protections vary considerably and are of value to the families covered. However, neither civil unions nor domestic partnerships cofer the full security and range of tangible and intangible protections a marriage itself. Such additional forms of recognition and no substitute for the equal right to marry.

7. Isn't this a bad time to fight for the right to marry?

To some, there is never a good time to fight any battle for equal rights. But same-sex couples are lining up by the thousands all across the country seeking marriage licenses, while legislatures and courts are grappling with ending discrimination. Meanwhile, opposition groups for their own political purposes and broader anti-gay, anti-civil-rights, and anti-choice, and anti-separation-of-church-and-state agendas, are trying to stampede politicians into denying not just marriage, but any equal protections or recognition for America's gay couples and families. As always in the struggle for human rights, the outcome will depend on how those of us committed to equal rights engage in the state-by-state and national leagl and political battles under way and on how many fair-minded (non-gay) Americans speak up against discrimination and division.

8. How can I help?

Whether you are gay or non-gay, you can help by speaking out against discrimination and in favor of equal responsibilities and rights for all Americans. By telling your personal stories and explaining to your family, friends, co-workers, neighbors, and fellow citizens why you cannot remain silent at a crucila civil rights turning-point. By supporting or joining the broad-based coalition of gay and non-gay individuals and groups that support equal marriage rights. By signing on to the Marriage Resolution at www.freedomtomarry.org, and asking others to do the same. By telling politicians, judges, neighbors, and others that it is time to end discrimination throughout the United States.

Fall is kinda sorta in the air

Was this past weekend spectacular or what!? That clear blue sky and the temperate temp was the best. Why can't Chicago always be just like that! Although, it's strange, I used to prefer much warmer temps. I suppose if I had my druthers, I would still prefer more temperate temps year round but I don't currently have my druthers, so I must deal with the impending doom of dreary, depressing, and life threatening winter. Okay, maybe that's a bit melodramatic.

I went to see Thumsucker over the weekend. It was a curious film about self dicovery, gaining self confidence, and getting the hell away from home. The cast was quite good including Tilda Swinton (love her!), Vincent D'Onofrio, Vince Vaughn, Keanu Reeves and others whose names escape me (as names often do). I'm no film critic, so I can't really (at all) tell you why I liked it or what worked versus what didn't. All I can say is, it made me feel good but it wasn't a feel-good movie by any means.

I decided I needed to re-pot my houseplants before winter set in and getting out on the back porch would be unbearable. Although, with this Indian fall were experiencing there may be good days yet. Anyway, while I was perusing the foilage at Home Depot I decided I needed a new big plant and something striking. So, I bought a palm and an orchid. Oddly (but providentially), there was also a woman on some orchid board there when I was and she told me I had an excellent eye for orchids. Hm. She also gave me the lowdown on orchid care for seasons of good orchid to come. We'll see. However, my apartment does seem much improved with the addition of the palm and the orchid. Ah!

(incoming random thought) I just remembered I was supposed to upload pix from the D.C. march.

Just kill me now!

I don't know how much longer I can deal with my life. It seems like everyday there's a new issue I have to contend with and I'm beginning to feel buried. Last Friday was a particularly drob day. My dear friend, the sun, never showed his shining face once all day and I missed his presence sorely. I don't even remember what I did on Friday. I must have slept through most of it. Oh, wait, it's coming back to me. I had to work. Oh, yeah, because I injured my wrist earlier in the week and missed two days of work, so I had to work on a Friday. Ur!

Saturday was a bit better. I was able to play a little volleyball while compensating for my left wrist. My playing was decidedly not up to par but it was good to be active. Although, I tried to work out alittle but found I couldn't do anything involving arms because of my damn wrist. I felt like such a slush. Saturday night, I had plans to meet up with some friends for a play and dinner, except the place I recommended ended up being closed (forever). Of course, there was no mention of their closing on their website or in any of the local entertainment papers. Whatever! So we then walked up and down Halsted and North searching for a decent meal. We discovered that only Italians eat out in that part of town. Very odd. Okay, there is one Mexican place but it was packed, packed, packed. Well, I guess when you offer the only alternative in a part of town, you're bound to be busy. So we ended up at Pizza Capri (not to be confused with California Pizza Kitchen) and we're supposed to meet our friend Lauren there, except she went to CPK. Whatever! I lost my appetite. After dinner, we made our way to the Royal George where we enjoyed a lovely piano recital by a man dressed up as Chopin. It was okay. I shouldn't complain too much since I wasn't paying. I just kept feeling like I was going to fall asleep. Then when I thought it was all over and we were free, Chopin had the nerve to demand we all take part in a sing-a-long to songs I didn't know the lyrics to. Nerve! Whatever. Eventually we were released and as we slowly existed the theater, one of my friends correctly noted that a fire in the building would definitely result in a slow painful death.

Sunday, the sun returned. Thank you sun! However, I managed to stay inside most of the day anyway. I don't know, I guess I was wiped out from the sluggish weekend already. I did manage to play a few dull games with my volleyball league. Everyone seemed to be spaced out and we all made numerous dumb mistakes. At least we were able to laugh at ourselves over it. And, I got dubbed "Thunder" for my oh-so powerful serves. I told my team I'm going to get a shirt made with my title across the back. Anyone know where I can get a shirt made?

Monday morning as I went out to my car to go to work ON COLUMBUS DAY GODDAMMIT! I found this note stuck in the driver's side window. It said "Get news the 49th Ward leaders don't want you to know!" followed by a blog address. If you too are curious on the dirt on Rogers Park, then go here. The wierd thing was that only my car had this note. What made whomever placed the note place it on my car. Was it the selection of liberal cause bumperstickers? Or was it the simple fact that I drive an old, beat up Volvo (the universal sign of liberalism)? Hm? I also received a disturbing email from my student loan provider to let me know I had a payment due this month. I just graduated last month. I was like, what? no grace period? It became a screaming and bitching match between myself and the Indian customer service man at Sallie Mae. I still don't understand what's going on. I need a stiff drink. Who's up for Monday Margaritas?

Good Times/Bad Times

Over the weekend, I went to a fantastic BBQ at my friend Linda's place. First, she lives in this incredible Chicago apartment in a neighborhood where most apartments are small and crappy. I know. I've looked. Anyway, I was shocked to see how high her ceilings were, like fourteen feet. Wood floors throughout, of course, and transets over every door. Big kitchen, enclosed back porch, parking, BBQ area, laundry. Did I mention it's a two bedroom? Oh, and the landlord installed these cool motion sensor lights that go on whenever you get near them in all the hallways. It's a diamond in the rough of the near westside.

Then, if the surroundings weren't enough, we had a virtual buffet of savory foods like seasoned shrimp skewers, pork and veg kabobs, sweet potato with ginger, fresh greens salad, fresh guacamole, fresh black bean dip, steak! Also, my hostess made a huge pitcher of the best sangria ever. It had a special ingredient which I can't reveal. Secret. There was also beer for days and days. Lordy! Then, to top it all off, the company was perfect. Everyone was able to enjoy the group vibe. I met some very interesting and funny people. A couple of them work at Columbia where I received my BA. They described the place as incestuous. HA! It's true. They were refering to the faculty but, trust me, it's true all around.

There were two weird things that happened that night. One, someone drove down their street and decided to dump their garbage on the street! One of our hostesses tried to call them out but they just drove away. Idiots! Then, as I was leaving, I saw some guy passed out in his car, only he was parked in the street. I mean, he was right in front of a parking space but not quite in it. Linda's friend went up to the guy's window and was like "hey, dude, wake up!" The guy must have been blitzed. HA!

So that was Saturday. Sunday I had my second volleyball league day. I love playing on the team and this particular league is really great because they teach you how to play the game right. I never knew about proper ways of hitting the ball, what was legal , what wasn't. I never really knew about proper positioning on the court. I've learned to serve like a pro, swoosh, right over the net. Unfortunately, I also took a fall like a pro onto a hard gym floor and managed to severly sprain my left wrist. It didn't really hurt Sunday night, so I kept playing. It was about 1am Monday morning that I was awakened by a pain so intense I almost cried. However, I went to the doctor (Cook Co., which is another story) and he gave me Vicodin (sp?) and Ibuprofen. He said I should be okay in a few days to a week. Doesn't really matter as long as I can play by Sunday. HA! It's true.

"What do we want? Peace! When do we want it? Now!"

I'm standing shoulder to shoulder in a crowd of hundreds of thousands of American men and women from all over the country. We're massed on the lawn of the Whitehouse late morning on Saturday, September 24, 2005. While much of the Gulf States were bracing for another hurricane, we were getting geared up to march for peace. To end the war in Iraq. And to end the conflict in Israel. As I looked back and forward through the throngs of people, I was empowered to see the great diversity of people who made the trip to D.C. to take part in this historic event. Men, women, children, and people of every conceivable ethnicity were present. There were multitudes of signs with slogans like "George Bush, Iraq War, Hurricane Katrina . . . All Disasters," "War is a lack of Imagination," "Impeach Bush," "Who Would Jesus Bomb," and so many others. Buses rolled in from every state in the union sponsored by groups like Answer Coalition, United for Peace and Justice, Neighbors for Peace, Impeach Bush.org, etc. In many cases, buses were sponsored by community groups of like minded individuals who just needed to be there and make their voices heard. I had never seen so many people united for a cause in all my life. We listened to speeches delivered by Rev. Jesse Jackson, Congresswoman Cynthia McKinney, Elias Rashmawi: National Council of Arab Americans, Ben Dupuy: Former Ambassador At Large for the government of President Jean-Bertrand Aristide, Malik Rahim: New Orleans community activist who survived Hurricane Katrina, Cindy Sheehan, Wesley Clark, George Galloway: British Member of Parliament, Jos Williams: President, President of the Metropolitan Washington Council, AFL-CIO, Curtis Muhammed: Community Labor Union of New Orleans, Peta Lindsay: Youth and Student A.N.S.W.E.R. Student, Howard University student, Jeanette Caceres: Spoken word artist from New York University, and representatives from the two major groups who organized the event: A.N.S.W.E.R. and United for Peace and Justice. Then we took to the streets of Washington D.C. A river of protestors chanting slogans like "What does democracy look like? I'm what democracy looks like!," "Impeach Bush," "What do we want? Peace! When do we want it? Now!" The march route took us from the Washington Monument grounds passed the Whitehouse and throughout downtown D.C. We effectively shut down all transit in the city. They're were protestors everywhere, as far as the eye could see. There were so many people that the protest line moved in a slow step by step progression. There were people lining the route from end to end, spilling out from city buildings and hotels, intersecting the route from sidestreets. Our contingent became especially vigilant in front of the Whitehouse where chanting became feverish and people screamed for peace. As the day ended, we reconvened on the Whitehouse lawn for a concert featuring Joan Baez and other socially minded musicians. On September 24, 2005, the American voice was heard resoundingly. The American people's presence was felt.

Going into this event, I didn't really know what to expect. I had frivolously been trying to come up with a plan for my birthday weekend. Last year, I had gone to New York City and this year wanted to plan something as fun. It was my friend Jamie who initially told me about the march and the local group out of Evanston that was sponsoring a bus to get there. I hesitated to make a commitment to going for a couple of weeks, but soon decided that I needed to take part in this and that it would be the best thing I could do with my b-day weekend. I traveled on a fairly uncomfortable bus for 15 hours each way through the night making a few stops and eating the worse possible food. However, none of that mattered because I was with an amazing group of people who had come together from all across Chicago. I was amongst people from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds and ethnicity who were united for a cause. My friends Jamie, Cathy, and I also had the opportunity to visit both the WWII Memorial and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. We walked from end to end of our nations capital and at the end of the day knew there was no better way to have spent 8 hours in a day.

Music and Movies

I don't know about you but I had a great weekend. Saturday I went to the Hideout Block Party. Normally, I rarely attend these kind of events. I don't really care for large, open crowd kind of shindigs but the lineup and the fee were perfect. It was $10 bucks for a bunch of awesome bands. Although, the three that really stood out were Eleventh Dream Day, The Sam Roberts Band, and The DB's.

Eleventh Dream Day did alot of new material but rocked us like they are known to do. The way Rick Rizzo plays guitar shows just how much fun he has. They played a couple tunes they haven't even named yet. Following them was this group out of Canada called The Sam Roberts Band. I had no idea what to expect, never having heard of them before, but they are like a 70s/80s rock and roll band (hair and all). They do the kind of songs that could easily become anthems. They sing about social change and the betterment of society. I know, doesn't sound like a rock band but they are. Following them were The DB's who haven't played together since the early 80s. They still have that 80s new wave sound and their songs were all about screwed up love. Ha! They were also the only band that the Hideout crew aloud to do an encore. We all cheered for both Eleventh Dream Day and The Sam Roberts Band to do extra songs but The Hideout was trying to stick to a tight schedule. I guess b/c The DB's hadn't played live in so long, they let them do it. You can check out the whole lineup at The Hideout.

On Sunday, I went to see the funniest movie I've seen in a long time. The Baxter cracked me up. I almost never laugh out loud to the point of tears but Michele Williams is a gem in this flick. The writer/director/and lead Michael Showalter was great as "the baxter." Others in the cast were Paul Rudd and Elizabeth Banks. The infectious humor reminded me of the same kind of things I liked about Kissing Jessica Stein, though not a laugh out loud. I highly recommend this movie to everyone who has an ounce of a romantic nature and you can even take a quiz to see if you're a baxter here.

Next weekend, I'm flexing my activism muscle and marching on Washington. There's going to be a huge peace rally featuring Cindy Sheehan's group, bands, speakers, and folks from all over the country converging on D.C. I'll tell you all about it next week. Get a preview here.

An overly eventful weekend!

Friday was a big opening night for many of the Chicago area galleries and one of my favs was showing the work of Audrey Niffenegger. She's this amazing, prolific artist whose work is kind of mystical and dark and comic. The perfect mix of attributes. She places herself into almost all her pieces, a little self-indulgent, but her work is an expression of her inner thoughts and experiences, so why not? You have to see it to really appreciate it. The show is very thought provoking. In fact, it provoked me into buying two of the pieces. Going into debt for art seems like a noble thing to do. It's probably the closest I'll ever get to doing anything noble at all. Luckily, this particular gallery and I have a long standing relationship, so they "work" with me on payment arrangements. One must have connections when investing in art. Ha! My old friend Trish, who used to do their accounting and was my neighbor, introduced me to them and ever since they've been very accommodating.

I also got my bound MFA thesis back. I had no idea what it was going to look like. I thought, well, binding, what? like spiral bound? staples? a binder clip?! It's nothing brilliant but the lady in the liberal studies office handed me this book, like a real book-book, and I looked at it like . . . what is this? You want me to hold this? And then I realized it was my thesis! They made it look pretty cool. It's hard bound in dark green and has the thesis title and my name along the spine. I had my friend Sherri, who I work with, glue a postcard of one of Audrey's pix to the cover. If you're ever over, I'd be happy to show it off. Into poetry?

Here was the bad, very distressing, and drove me to drink (not that I need an excuse) part of the weekend. I have to give a little back story as I go into this. See, for the past few weeks, I had developed this wierd rash on both my arms and I couldn't figure out what was causing it. I thought it might be poison ivy, detergent, an allergy, something I ate, etc. Well, Saturday morning as I awoke and opened my weary eyes, my head was flat on the mattress and I saw these little things scurrying to and fro in front of my eyes. Getting the chills? I sat up and grabbed my glasses to get a better picture. The upper, right corner of the bed was crawling with little bugs! I jumped out of bed and began pulling back the sheets, slowly, so nothing suddenly jumped out. I sickeningly discovered my bed was infested with bed bugs. Did you're mother or father ever say to you "Don't let the bed bugs bite" as you went off to bed? Well, they really do bite. They're icky blood sucking vamps that feast on you while you sleep and then sneak away in the day. I can't believe I didn't know they were there for almost three weeks. I had to throw everything out. The bed (mattress, box spring), all my sheets, two pillows, my deco frame, and a bunch of old bags that were under the bed. I spent all of Saturday cleaning that room from floor to ceiling. On the upside (there is one, right?), I got rid of a lot of stuff I didn't really need. One the downside, I have no bed. I'm couching it for now. My sofa is pretty comfortable and I'm not ready to bring another bed into the house right now. I have to be sure the vamps are all gone. Anyway, I just agreed to buy art! Art/bed/art/bed . . . art!

By the time Sunday rolled around, I really needed to have some fun. Luckily, I had prearranged plans for the roller derby with my friends Charlotte and Linda. We were joined by a few others and had a blast. We began our outing at Arturo's, one of three 24/7 Mexican restaurants along Western Ave right next door to eachother. Margaritas, a haunted juke box, and the girls said the bathroom may have had a visitation too. I guess the toilet flushes itself.

After getting our buzz on, we meandered over to the Congress for the School Daze Showdown. It was The Fury vs. the Double Crossers and Smells Like Fish (aka The Manic Attackers) vs. Hell's Belles. Roller Derby is everything you might expect if you haven't been before. I hadn't but it made me think of being at a boxing match. Really loud. Groups of unusual people. Team signs and banners. Girls with kick ass names like Jackie Trip'her, Sadie Masochist, Ida Ho, Coco Bang Bang (loved her), Lucy Furr, Quiet Storm (loved her), Ana Mission (rocks!), etc. Booze of course, but really over priced. It's a vicious sport with lots of cattiness and camp, but what a riot. I highly recommend it as a start to the dreary work week.

Then, to top off the evening, we went to Margie's Candies for home-made ice cream creations! Mmmmm! I had a turtle sundae (3 scoops, hot fudge, caramel, nuts, whip, wafer, and a cherry). My friends all had other similar creations. As it happened, Margie's was my dinner Sunday night. Well, it makes sense to have a sundae on Sunday. I think it's okay, even required, to sub ice-cream for a sensible meal (aka my diet plan) on ocassion. Don't you?

An uneventful weekend

It's funny that I'm booked up next weekned but that this past weekend with its extra day, there were no advanced plans, so everything was on the fly. I saw two films: Junebug and The Constant Gardner. Both are worth a see. Junebug is your quirky family dramedy set mostly in North Carolina but with a Chicago connection in the story. This'll be particularly funny for people who know my friend Jennie Wood because she is from NC and this film will give everyone a little notion as to why she fled from there. There's also a great Henry Darger knock-off character, who plays an outsider artist that paints civil war pictures of soldiers with big dicks shooting bullets. Oh yeah!

The Constant Gardner is way more somber but a fantastic story about a diplomat (Ray Fiennes) and his activist wife (Rachel Weiz) living in Kenya. I won't give it all away but in the film's credits there is a dedication to "All the United Way workers and others who died giving a damn."

I also had Thai food with my friend Tamara followed by the best margarita's this side of Mexico. I went to the Lincoln Park Zoo and exhausted myself following my friend Christina and her six year old daughter around. Although, I also ran into an old friend who I thought was living in Germany but has since moved back to Chicago. Incidentally, I also have another friend from Chicago who is living in Germany still.

Saturday morning I had coffee with my downstairs neighbor while I was waiting for my wash to finish and met some of my other neighbors too. I found out one of them had been in the building as long as I have (5 years) and neither of us had seen the other before. The building isn't that big.

I've also been going through the Xena series. I'm up to season three. There's a lot more to that show than I ever realized. I hadn't really watched when it was on and I am surprised by the quality of the show.

The world we live in

I don't think that the world we live in today is really all that worse than it has been throughout the ages. It seems in relation to the amount of devastation we are currently experiencing that things are worse than they were 6-8 years ago but I think it's a question of perspective. The past always seems less-so in hindsight. However, it does seem like we are getting more than a fair share, in such a short time, of catastrophies that effect not just one region but have a rippling effect worldwide. I'm thinking about the Iraq war, of course, but I'm also thinking about global terrorism. I'm thinking about natural disasters like the Tsunami and the more recent destruction of hurricane Katrina. I'm in shock about the flooding in New Orleans. I've seen pictures of places my friend Kelley and I walked through that today we'd need a boat to get through. All that wonderful history just washed away. I'm also thinking about the disasters that are in our control to avoid versus the ones that aren't, or that we have less control over. When I think about the misuses of power propagated by the Bush administration, the lies, and the manipulation of Americans, it makes me angry first, then it makes me sad. What will governments do for power? What won't they do? It's interesting how when the earth shakes us up with its fury through natural disasters, we band together across political lines to aid one another but we can't effectually do the same to prevent man-made disasters. I'm not denying the work that individuals, groups, and, at times, nations have tried to bring us all closer together but it's not lasting enough. We forget too easily. The past always seems less-so in hindsight.

Take part in the anti-war movement

A.N.S.W.E.R. Chicago now has tickets ready for the September 24 March
in Washington. If you want to purchase a ticket the cost is $80 round
trip. The buses will be leaving from Columbus Drive between Jackson
and Adams behind the Art Institute. We will begin boarding between
5:00 and 5:30 pm on Friday, September 23. The buses will leave at
6:00 pm. The buses will arrive in DC between 9:00 and 10:00 am,
Saturday, September 24. They will leave DC to come back to Chicago
around 6:00 pm on the 24th and will arrive back at the Art Institute
around 9:00 am, Sunday, September 25.

We might possibly have buses leaving from other locations but for
right now the only buses that are for sure are the one's leaving from
behind the Art Institute in downtown Chicago. I will send out an
additional email to all those who have requested information if and
when we have additional pick-up points.

There will be no need for a hotel or any overnight accomodations
because the bus drops you off at the demonstration and you get back on
the bus shortly after the demonstration is over. There is no need to
bring anything since the bus will be making rest stops along the route
where food and beverages may be purchased. However, if you don't like
or eat fast food, you will probably want to bring along your own food
and drink. Please no alcohol, no smoking and no dairy (bus company
rules). The no dairy rule doesn't apply to cheese but just liquids
that can get into the upholstery. A pillow or small blanket might
make your journey more comfortable

To purchase a ticket make your $80.00 check or money order payable to
"8th Day Center for Justice". Write "Sept 24 bus" in the memo section
of your check or money order. Please make sure you include your name,
your phone number and your email address (if you have one) with your
check or money order. If you are buying tickets for more than one
person, please make sure we know the names of all the people you are
buying tickets for. When we receive your check we will email or phone
you with the ticket number/s we have assigned you. We will have a
master list of everyone going and what ticket number was assigned to
them. Once at the bus on September 23, you will be able to pick-up
your ticket from the will call table and board any bus by handing your
ticket to the bus captain.

Mail you check or money order to A.N.S.W.E.R. Chicago, 27 N Wacker
Driver, Box #199, Chicago, IL 60606. If you have not received either
a call or email within 10 days of mailing your check or money order
letting you know your ticket number/s, please call 773 920-7545 or
email answerchicago@gmail.com.

The only way we can accomodate requests for people to travel together
is to get to the bus early. The earlier you get there the faster we
can give you your ticket and you can be first in line when the buses
start boarding.

If you are unable to go to DC for the March but would like to
contribute money so someone who can not afford the full cost of a
ticket can go please make your check or money order payable to "8th
Day Center for Justice", write "Sept 24 bus scholarship" in the memo
section and mail to A.N.S.W.E.R Chicago at the above address.

If you would like to be considered for a scholarship please email
answerchicago@gmail.com or phone 773 920-7545 with your request and we
will put you a list. You don't have to tell us your life story but a
little bit about your circumstances will help and if you are able to
afford anything toward the cost. We will only be able to accomodate
you if we are able to raise the funds. In the past we have always
been able to give scholarships due to people's generosity. Do put
your name on the list.

Please forward this email widely to spread the word about the buses
from Chicago to DC for September 24.

Beth Massey

A.N.S.W.E.R. (Act Now to Stop War & End Racism) Chicago
AnswerChicago@gmail.com

A storm is brewing

By Joseph L. Galloway, Knight Ridder Newspapers
Wed Aug 24,12:44 PM ET

WASHINGTON - Old-timers could be forgiven this week if they hummed a few bars of "For What It's Worth," Buffalo Springfield's 1966 anti-war tune. The one that begins, "There's something happening here. What it is ain't exactly clear. ..."

The air of unreality only seemed to thicken as George W. Bush, dogged by opponents of his war in Iraq at the gates of his beloved Texas ranch, hit the road for a pair of speeches aimed at bolstering support for that war and shoring up his sagging poll numbers.

There was a time when August brought a blissful if hot and humid peace to the nation and its capital. Congress stayed home until after Labor Day, and the republic was safe for a brief spell. Presidents went golfing or drove their speedboats off Maine or even walked around Key West in coat and tie and Panama hat.

Not this week. Not during these Dog Days. A heretofore confident if not cocky White House is on the defensive and the spin patrol has been deployed in force to tell America that this is no time to think about quitting the fight against the evildoers in Iraq. No time to think about getting our troops out of the quicksand that's taken the lives of 1,873 young Americans.

Bush stopped in Salt Lake City to speak to a friendly VFW convention, but he sounded for all the world as if he were talking directly to Cindy Sheehan, an anti-war mother whose son was killed in Iraq whom he refuses to see and whom some of his acolytes on talk radio and cable TV have trashed. Bush did meet Sheehan once soon after her son was killed.

The president expressed sympathy for the families of those killed in the two and a half years of a war that the majority of Americans no longer think he's managing well.

For those who wonder how much longer the war might continue, Army chief of staff Gen. Peter Schoomaker said he's now planning rotations of soldiers and Marines four years out - 2007 to 2009, should they still be needed then.

Even amateur practitioners of the art of public relations said that if the president had just invited Sheehan in for a sympathetic talk, a cup of coffee and a hug all of this might have been postponed, at least for a while.

Where was his spinmeister Karl Rove? What were they thinking? When the White House did react, it was to set in motion a counter-demonstration of pro-war Republicans assigned to show the flag in Crawford and the ranch, and another group to patrol Sheehan's home state of California.

After a Republican maverick, Sen. Chuck Hagel (news, bio, voting record) of Nebraska, said it was time to begin thinking about how to get out of Iraq, Bush counselor Dan Bartlett was dispatched to make the rounds of network and cable talk shows to say that Bush did, too, have a strategy, and it was a sound one. Even Fox News was skeptical.

Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld pooh-poohed any thought that civil war was imminent in Iraq while Iraqi Shiite Muslims and Kurds drafted a new constitution over the objections of the Sunni minority who've fueled and manned the insurgency from the beginning.

The defense czar, who earlier was caught using a machine to sign his name to letters of condolence to the families of service members who died in Iraq, declared that anyone in his position "has to feel a great deal of empathy" for those who've lost loved ones in the war.

Those of us who are old enough have seen this movie before were reminded of other presidents, Lyndon B. Johnson and Richard M. Nixon, who were haunted by another war and dogged by war protesters and a nation that lost confidence in their leadership and wound up divided against itself.

Will history remember this week as the tipping point for George W. Bush and the Republicans who control Congress? Can they stay the course as they head into mid-term elections next year?

One more question: Will our children and grandchildren and their children harvest a bitter crop of budget deficits, higher oil prices, Islamic militancy and a broken Army and Marine Corps that was seeded in Iraq by this president, his vice president and his secretary of defense?

Will that bitter harvest, not a cakewalk, a mission accomplished and a Mesopotamian march of democracy, be Bush's legacy?

---

ABOUT THE WRITER

Joseph L. Galloway is the senior military correspondent for Knight Ridder Newspapers and co-author of the national best-seller "We Were Soldiers Once ... and Young." Readers may write to him at: Knight Ridder Washington Bureau, 700 12th St. N.W., Suite 1000, Washington, D.C. 20005-3994.

Copyright © 2005 KnightRidder.com

An excellent turn of events

Oh my gods, my life has been a bit traumatic of late and I haven't felt like writing a word for weeks. However, things are looking up. Where should I begin? Hm. Well, the biggest issue that's been on my mind since I completed my thesis was that the Registrar's Office managed to screw me royally by registering me for the wrong thesis unit. See, in my program, one has to complete 6 credit hours of thesis work but in most programs one only has to complete 3. You can take additional time, up to a year in some cases, but you have to pay the regualr rate for the initial 3-6 credit hours. That's anywhere from 2-4k. So, I was supposed to have registered for 6. 3 in the spring and 3 in the summer. Well, when I registered for summer, the registrar insisted that my advisor had written the wrong code on my form and they registered me for the thesis completion course, not the regular 3 credit hours I needed. Unfortunately, I didn't realize this at the time. Even though the tuition was reduced, I believed everything was in order. It wasn't until I was on the verge of turning in my completed thesis that I received a call from my department coordinator. She told me about the discrepancy and that I would owe more money as a result. Oh, I was so P.O.'d at her and took it out on her undeservedly. Bad me. However, once I cooled and got my thesis in on time, I decided I wasn't going to just accept that what I thought was paid for, I actually had a balance on of $2036.00!

First, I went right to the source. I complained to the Registrar's Office and they had me fill out a tutition petition form. I outlined the situation and submitted it to some unknown committee to review. This was to take two weeks. In the mean time, my thesis came back from the Graduate Dean's office who said it was spectacular! The Registrar's Office, on the other hand, were not so gracious. My petition was rejected. They wouldn't completely own up to the mistake and they based their decision on the basis that this scenario had never happened before. In other words, they had never removed a tuition expense because of a university mistake. Hard to believe but I think most people just accept it and don't try to do anything about it. However, the head registrar had a scheme that he thought could help me. He suggested they move my 3 hours from spring over to summer, which would give me 6 in summer and make me elligible for financial aid for summer. However, this didn't seem too savory to me. It felt like fraud. He did it anyway but managed to screw it up. He not only moved my credit hours but the charge for them as well, which I had already paid in the spring! Now I owed $4027.00! Can you believe this? At this point I'd had it with the Registrar's and decided I needed to go to the next level. The Provost.

I contacted the very person who said my thesis was "spectacular" and told her my story. This woman totally went to bat for me. Over a two-day period, she made calls to the Registrar, the Senior Provost, maybe the University President, Financial Aid, etc. In the end, she vindicated me and totally rocked my world! Because of her intercession on my behalf, I no longer owed a cent! I have my full thesis hours requirement. And, this awesome woman, recommened me for Honors. This last point is especially poignant because graduate students do not normally receive honors recommendations. We're expected to do honors level work because we are grad students. So the only way to get the recommendation is by "special circumstance."

I can now yell "whoo-hoo" and have it mean something! I feel much better about this degree now than I did a few weeks ago. Life is good. AH!

Also, the problem I had been having with my AC making me sick has been resolved. I was such a bozo about this. I didn't realize AC units had filters in them that you had to clean periodically. Also, the unit in question had mold inside. After cleaning the thing up, it now works better than ever. HA!

This one, no one will believe! Work is better. It's true. A circumstance arose recently where one of the Acquisition Editors left the company and she was managing a very large project. I was her sole assistant and she actually recommended me to fully take it over. So I did and almost completely stressed out in the first three days. HA! I wasn't used to so much responsibility at this job. Anyway, once I adjusted, I've found that I'm beginning to enjoy my work more. This is so wierd because, as you all know, I've hated this place forever. The question is, if this project ends well, will they offer me the editor position?

Master of Fine Arts -- Whoo Hoo!

As of Friday, July, 29th 2005 I became a card carrying member of the graduate educated no one can take it away class of over educated under employed people. It's weird, I've wanted that degree for a long time. I thought it would be a vindication or validation for my choice to pursue poetry as an art and as a way to make my voice creatively heard. I suppose it accomplished the former. However, the latter is a work in progress. The question is. What now?

Over the past two years, my debts have accumulated to catastrophic amounts. Okay, maybe they're not that bad but for what I've been living on they might as well be. I guess that's where I have to start. My job. We all know I hate it. I've bitched about it since almost day one. My problem is, and I fear this may always be a problem (my manager even suggested it might always be an issue), that I may never find any job that satisfies me.

Although, I'll tell you what continually dissatisfies me. It's dead end jobs. I continually find myself in dead end jobs. No where to go. Boredom sets in early and there's no escape. I work my ass off and I watch as people around me settle into the muck of it and somehow stay in those hells for years. I suppose they have reasons but I can't find one to sentence myself to such an end. Hell no!

bitch, bitch, bitch

I feel all out of whack these days. I've been stressed for weeks about my master's thesis, which I hope to be able to put to bed tomorrow. It sat in the graduate dean's office for over a week and now has to be copied, bound, and returned to the provost. I hate all this red-tape shit. Isn't it enough that I slaved over the damn thing for six months?! So there's that.

Have you ever felt that your AC could make you sick? Ever since I started running my AC 24/7 to combat the bloody heat, I've developed congestion in my lungs. Some people have suggested they have mold. Someone told me to replace/clean the filter. Filter? Someone else told me there's a spray that'll kill all the mold. I hate having to clean things. However, breathing is somewhat important. There's that.

My job so sucks! They've had me on this scheduling roller coaster for two years. My hours go up and they go down. Currently, they're on the upswing again. They were down as of two weeks ago but with the departure of one of the editors, they need me more again. Frankly, I'd rather they not need me at all. Why is job hunting such a pain in my ass? Why aren't the offers pouring in from everyone I've sent my fantastic resume to? It is fantastic. That's the one bit of feedback I do receive. If anyone has any luck to spare, please send some my way.

Pop Vulture Strikes Again!

POP CULTURE SURVEY II

What movie character freaks you out? I can't remember the character's name but in the film "The Comfort of Strangers" Christopher Walken plays this swarmy/psycho guy who's married to a swarmy/psycho woman played by Helen Mirren and they befriend a newlywed couple honeymooning in Venice. He/they do everything they can to challenge traditional boundaries of friendliness. The ending is very disturbing.

What is the most revolutionary television show ever? The Days and Nights of Molly Dodd. Okay, maybe not revolutionary but it at least kept my attention for the entire run of the show and it starred Blair Brown.

Who doesn’t belong in today’s pop culture? Madonna. Go away already!

If you were directing a movie, who would you cast as your leading man and woman? Are they lovers? I've given this alot of thought as I have a script in mind. I'd like to bring Winona back to the screen but I'm not sure she has the depth for the role. I also luv Parker Posey but she's probably too quirky. Oh, I know, I really liked the chemistry between Susan Sarandon and Dustin Hoffman in Moonlight Mile and they may be perfect.

What is your favorite movie line? I can barely remember what I said an hour ago much less some movie line.

What song reminds you most of a past/present relationship? The Wonder Woman theme song will always remind me of Debbie Marshall. I told her in fifth grade that she looked liked Wonder Woman and she used to spin for me.

What movie did you see recently that you could consider one of the greatest of all time? I haven't seen one of these in such a long time that I'm beginning to hate films in general.

What two television channels do you view most frequently? ME-TV and PBS

Name one celebrity that has no right being a celebrity. Most celebrities have no business being a celebrity.

What is the best concert you ever went to? Siousie and the Banshees: 7 Year Itch tour. Siousie Sioux rocks the house like no performer I've ever seen.

Pop Vultures Survey

More questions and more answers on how witty I can be about pop culture lifted from Ms. Charlotte's blog page (link to the right). Thanks Charlotte and Happy (Actual) B-Day!


If you had to donate your life savings to one celebrity, who would it be? Well, it certainly wouldn't amount to much but I send whatever was left over after bills/debts to a much overlooked actress (link to right): Parker Posey. Or as my friend Wags likes to say "Poser Parkey."

If you could be a "groupie" for one person, who would it be? By groupie, do you mean temporary lover? If so, then Colin Farrell. *sigh* and miscellaneous sounds of pleasure . . .

If you could be on one reality-based television show, what would you choose? Whichever has the best payout. Hm? Survivor except I'm into dirty camping. Big Brother but I'm not the "token" anything. Fear Factor but my gross out foods must be gluten free. The Amazing Race could be the one. I luv to travel. Now, I just need a partner. Who wants to race around the world for a cool mil?

What is the most inspiring movie you have ever seen? Naked Lunch. It inspired me to experiment with drugs and sex.

What movie can you not believe everyone loved? Cold Mountain. I love Nikki Kidman but that flick was so boring, and it didn't help that at the time I was working on a civil war book.

What movie line always gets repeated? "Here's looking at you, kid."

What is the next book you hope to read? I was just talking about this dilemma to my friend Tamara the other day. We've both recently completed master's degrees and neither one of us is able to read much more than a page without falling asleep. I'll have to put this one on hold until I build back up my reading stamina.

What "Jeopardy" category would you be good at? 20c Poetry

What is your favorite character from "Saturday Night Live"? Rosanna Rosanna Danna and no one since.

What celebrity never seems to fade away? I have to agree with Ms. Charlotte on this one, Madonna. I liked her when she first came on the scene but with each reinvention, she has become less interesting and more suburban.

Name one celebrity who you wrongly thought was attractive? Brendan Fraser, big oaf!

What movie deserves a sequel? The Craft and I must direct it. I hate when Hollywood takes a perfectly decent idea and turns it into sloth.

What actor could never be convincing in a tearful drama? Brendan Fraser, big oaf!

What movie star’s success can only be attributed to their looks? Heather Graham. Was being roller girl the height or pit of her career? Poor thing.

What television show have you surprisingly never seen? Arrested Development. However, with the advent of dvd the possibility is out there.

Watch me disappear!

If I haven't said to you in person or via email, then here it is for all who care, the South Korea thing is a bust for the time being. Fate is directing me somewhere else in the domestic arena. Where? Hell if I know but I'm setting my sites on somewhere warm. New Orleans, L.A.? Oddly, I have more friends in or going to L.A. in the near future so that may be a good choice. But, I truely love the vibe of New Orleans and the living is pretty cheap. Hm.

This weekend inaugurates the beginning of my 4 day weekends, every weekend. Life is hard, isn't it? Actually, it kind of is. It seems as though my life in Chicago is slowly vanishing. Things that have kept me grounded here for the past 13 years or so are all wrapping up this summer. For the longest time, I was focused on my education but this summer I'm completing my master's which will be the end of that, at least in any academic sense. My job which has kindly cut my hours back so far that I have 4 day weekends also has cut my workload back so far that I'm never sure what to do when I am there. And, I've been slowly unloading miscellaneous stuff (ie, books, cds, dvds, and soon furniture and the like). I guess my goal is to get everything down to what will fit in my car and then go.

Tally Ho Chicago! Whatever.

What pagan familiar are you?

CAT
You're a cat!

You are independant, mysterious, and often
motivated by your own schemes and designs.

Though you have a sense of loyalty, your only true
loyalty is to yourself.

You are nocturnal by nature, at least that's when
you're
most creative, but you can be found
during the day as well,
usually
relaxing.


Congratulations! You are the most common
pagan familiar.


What pagan familiar are you?
brought to you by Quizilla

What do witches, crystal meth, and sweet corn have in common?

Hoopeston, IL. I spent the 4th weekend down in a very small town called Hoopeston. It's about 2 1/2 hours south of Chicago and way out in the midst of corn fields for days. However, there's much more to this little town than meets the eye. For one, my old friend Ruthann is living there temporarily helping to run the largest Wiccan school in the world. Witch School, as it's known, is based in Hoopeston and has another campus in Albany, NY. They have members literally all over the world and are growing daily. It may not be long before statistics begin revealing that Wicca is one of the fastest growing religions out there.

This little town also hosts the annual Sweet Corn Festival which has the added celebrity of having about nine former Ms. Americas who were Ms. Sweet Corns first. HA! Funny but true. Also, Hoopeston has become the largest maker and supplier of crystal meth in the midwest. Evidently, about 70% of Chicago's supply comes from this little speck of a town where exploading kitchens and basements aren't nearly as hazardous in the country as they are in the city.

"Green acres is the place to be, farm living is the life for me, land spreading out so far and wide, keep Manhattan just give me that countryside."

Look at My Links>>>>>>

With my new blog look I am now able to offer additional links to other sites I like to visit. Check 'em out and let me know if there are any others you'd like to see or think I should check out too.

Oh, I Just Hate to Wait!

I feel like I'm always waiting for something. For instance, every day I have to go to my boring ass job, I can't wait for the work day to end. Also, each and every Monday, I can't wait for Thursday which is my Friday 'cause I don't work Fridays during the summer. I know. What am I complaining about? I don't know, I just feel feisty.

I've been talking about this agency in S. Korea that's supposed to be hooking me up with a job over there so I can get the hell outta here for awhile. Well, there being soooo slow to make any offers. I had one a few weeks ago that fell through before I could even interview. Then, I got a call last Thursday and was told to look for an info email. Okay? Nothing. Nothing in almost five days, and Yes I've emailed them twice trying to find out what's going on. I'm beginning to think they might be a bit flaky over there. Then again, perhaps it's just my impatience. Maybe they're busy? Who cares! Reply, Reply!

And, I've been sending out plethoras of resumes to every Tom, Dick, and Harry who might be looking for someone with my breadth of knowledge and creative skills to grace their working establishments, but for some unknown reason all their responses have been mysteriously diverted. Could it be a conspiracy?

Oh, the worst yet, I had to file an amended return this year because I basically fucked up my taxes. Well, evidentally it takes 8-12 weeks to process. We're now going on week 11 and I'm sick of waiting. GIVE ME BACK MY MONEY!

Unfortunately, there's nothing to do but wait.

80s Forever

Has anyone (other than Ms. Charlotte) been watching Hit Me Baby One More Time on Thursday nights? If you haven't and you loved 80s music, then you should definitely check it out. It's kind of a contest and kind of a come back machine for washed up 80s bands. So far, we seen the likes of Tiffany, Loverboy, Wang Chung, Irene Cara, and many more who's names escape me now as they did then. Anyway, each week the bands or performers do one song that was a hit from their glory days. Then they choose a contemporary song to cover. Whichever band/performer does the best, most memorable (for an hour show) performance gets 20,000 donated in their name to their fav charity. I don't know if it's been funnier seeing some of these people again or hearing them cover contemporary artists. Either way, it's definitely a riot! Also, if you're just in the mood to check your 80s IQ they have a short test on the website.

My So Called Future

For those of you who haven't heard, my initial interview with the South Korean teaching agency didn't come off. It's not that it didn't go well, it's that it didn't go at all. The school I was scheduled to speak with decided very 11th hour that they only wanted to interview clients with previous elementary ed experience. That's fair. So, the agency is continuing to try to place me elsewhere. I'm hoping for a language school that works with adults though these are hard to come by because most adult Koreans already speak english fairly well. I'm also not laying all my eggs in Korea. I'm still pursuing the option of moving somewhere stateside if the right opportunity arises. However, I also feel like I'm entering crisis mode in that I have to get out of the midwest one way or another. So, if anyone is aware of an opportunity I may be suited for or has connections in any of the exciting creative industries, hook me up!

Recovery

It's Monday and I'm coming off a great weekend. My friend Jennie was in town and I ended up partying all the way through while managing to stay very productive. However, as Sunday evening passed by and I still wasn't ready for the coming Monday morn, I decided I needed Monday day too. Day job blues and all that. Anyway, as part of my recovery from the weekend and all its mayhem I got to playing around on the blog here and decided revamping was in order. What d'ya think? It was okay before but I think I like both the new title and the look more. Although, may be it's just the contrast from what it was.

I'm going back to bed now.

"Survey Says"

This comes to you curtesy of my friend Charlotte curtesy of her friend Ursula curtesy of whoever she lifted it from. Feel free to use it curtesy of all of us.

Have you ever...

(x) snuck out of the house... Yeah, many times. Once, I walked almost six miles. It took me all night and I took a cat nap in the lobby of a Holiday Inn. My parents tracked me down the next day by calling everyone in my personal address book. Snoops!

(x) gotten lost in your city... Well, yes, but it was due to an LSD trip. You know, everything familiar became rather unfamiliar.

(x) seen a shooting star... Who hasn't? Don't bother wishing. Try cursing instead.

(x) been to any other countries besides Canada... Germany, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Bahamas, USA

( ) had a serious surgery... No, but I was in the hospital for 7 days with a parasitic infection. What? TMI?

(x) gone out in public in your pajamas... There was a time when I thought pj pants were comfortable and cool.

(x) kissed a stranger... If only I had been paid each time.

(x) hugged a stranger... Came with the kisses.

(x) been in a fist fight... Twice. Once with my brother on the street on the way home from school. The other time was with my best friend David Childs. Although, we beat each other with frisbees. Does that count?

(x) been arrested... Yes and spent a night in the county slammer. Not fun.

(x) laughed and had milk/coke come out of your nose... Coke. It must be the fizz. Goes up yo nose.

(x) pushed all the buttons on an elevator... So juvenile. And yes. he, he!

(x) swore at your parents... My parents said I was a smug child. Said I thought I was better than anyone else. I didn't argue but I often told them so in a slew of choice words.

(x) been in love... Yeah but didn't care for it and don't do it anymore.

(x) been close to love... Being "in" is about as close as one can get.

(x) been to a casino... Whilst in the Bahamas. Although was promptly thrown out for being under age. Hm? However, I made up for it later when I was in Puerto Rico. That is I went in and wasn't asked to leave. I didn't, however, make a cent. Hm.

( ) been skydiving...

(x) skinny dipped... With Stephanie Riesman. Are you out there Stephanie?

(x) skipped school... Yeah, it got to the point that if my parents asked whether I was in school on a particular day, I wouldn't even try to lie. Often I would be seen around town by my mother's nosey friends. Bitches!

(x) seen a therapist... My years in therapy were practically a sub-career. I should have been paid for all the goods I gave them.

( ) done the splits...

(x) played spin the bottle... With Christians!

( ) gotten stitches... There have been times when I probably should have as the scars will attest.

(x) drank a whole gallon of milk in one hour... No, but I have eaten an entire 1/2 gallon of ice cream in one sitting. Mmmm!

(x) bitten someone... More like a nibble. It wasn't vampiric or anything.

( ) been to Niagara Falls... No, but was a HUGE fan of Wonderfalls: ill fated tv show set in Niagara.

(x) gotten the chicken pox... I don't remember what age that was, somewhere under 10, but I do remember showing off my pox to my mother's knitting circle.

(x) kissed a member of the opposite sex... I'm an equal opportunity kisser.

(x) kissed a member of the same sex... Like I said, EOE.

(x) crashed into a friend's car... How odd, I hadn't thought about this in years. I was parked right next to my friends brand new '83 Grand Prix. I was doing a night time backing out maneuver and I turned the wheel the wrong way. I managed to get my car embedded into hers. Nothing was ever said between us. Oh she knew. She helped me get the two cars apart. She, then, managed to hide the damage from her mother for two weeks by parking the damaged side next to trees. When her mother found out, she took the 5th.

( ) been to Japan

(x) ridden in a taxi... How can you live in the city and not have ridden in a taxi at least once?

(x) been dumped... Debbie Marshall and Denise Reynolds

(x) shoplifted... I used to do this thing where I would lift something expensive (in plain sight) and then go up to the register and buy something cheap. And, yeah, I did get caught eventually. What a scene!

(x) been fired... Twice. Once from a country club restaurant on the first day of employment. The club's president was there for dinner and I managed to knock over his server who was carrying his dinner. This all happened at his table. It was funny and completly accidental. The other time was for missing sales quotas at the County Seat (an earlier competitor of the Gap).

(x) had a crush on someone of the same sex... Still happens.

(x) had feelings for someone who didn't have them back... Doesn't the crush fall under this?

(x) gone on a blind date... Wish I had been blind!

(x) lied to a friend... Don't listen to what your mother told you. The truth isn't always the best way to go.

( ) had a crush on a teacher...

( ) celebrated Mardi-Gras in New Orleans... No, but I did see NIN there.

(x) been to Europe

( ) slept with a co-worker

( ) been married

( ) gotten divorced

( ) had children

(x) seen someone die... It's odd, actually seeing it isn't nearly as disturbing as simply contemplating it.

(x) had a close friend die... My friend Chris who was one of the first people I knew to succumb to AIDS.

( ) been to Africa... No, but I've been to both Lion Country Safari and Busch Gardens.

(x) driven over 400 miles in one day... Driven from N. Carolina to Chicago. Driven from New York City to Chicago. Driven Chicago to Lafayette, TN many times. I don't know if any of these are over 400 miles but they are all long ass drive.

(x) been to US... Is this a trick question?

(x) been to Mexico... Went with 500 bucks and came back with money to spare!

( ) been to India... Does flying on Air India count?

(x) been on a plane... Above.

(x) seen the Rocky Horror Picture Show... Seen it, participated in it, and used to have it on VHS.

(x) thrown up in a bar... in a bar, in the street, in a taxi, on the train, on myself, and all over the toilet.

( ) purposely set a part of myself on fire... What?

(x) eaten sushi... Love it! I highly recommend Akai Hana in Wilmett and Oysy in the south loop of Chicago.

(x) been skiing/snowboarding... Water skiing screaming my head off. Weeeeeeeeee!

(x) met someone in person from the internet... Sadly yes. In some ways it's worse than being set up.

(x) lost a child... I am a lost child.

(x) gone to college/university... The first 8 years are the longest.

(x) graduated college/university... Finally!

(x) fired a gun... at people. Okay, just worthless neighborhood bullies.

(x) purposely hurt yourself... Let me count the ways.

(x) taken painkillers... However, I seem to have some intolerance for them. They rarely work. Ur!

(x) been intimate with someone of the same gender... EOE Baby!

"What Now?"

I keep telling myself that changes are on the horizon. I do this to keep my spirits up because, truth be told, things change ever so slowly. I was talking to my cube mate this morning about the passage of time relative to different places one is in throughout any given day. For instance, when I'm at home or really anywhere other than the office time seems to fly by. I almost never have to look at the clock unless I'm expected somewhere. Then, when I'm at the office it's as if time puts on the brakes or even holds itself back. Errrrrrrrr! I can hear its gears screeching against the wheels. Time just drags all day! Eight hours seems like a near eternity. I know this is probably true for most people but why? Is it just because I hate being there? But I'm not always happy at home either but it doesn't alter the effect of time's passage there. Only at the office does it drag. I think offices in general must be harbingers of warped time. What other logical explanation could there be? Hm.

I hadn't heard any news from this agency I hooked up with to try and get an overseas teaching gig and I began to get concerned. What if they aren't legit? What if they were just waiting for my official documentation just so they could sell my identity to some terrorist? So I did some googling on them but everything I read was actually quite positive. I, of course, had done this previously to signing up with them but the work situation has my mind in overtime/drive. Anyway, I saw on their site that they've placed my picture and basic stats up, so I guess that's a good sign. Also, I'm not actually available until August so I don't know what I'm expecting. Take a breather, I guess.

In the mean time, I've been running books, CDs, DVDs, and old albums around town trying to sell them off. I've had pretty decent luck so far. It's a lot of work but I made more money last weekend than I do in 2 weeks at the boring office. Whoo-Hoo! Also, there's hasn't been any anxiety about giving the stuff up like I feared there might be. I think I'm basically a minimalist and feel pretty relieved at downsizing some of the clutter. Although, there's still tons more to go. SALE in late July. Send out the word to anyone who may be looking for anything. I've got quite the assortment of interesting odds and ends.

For now, I just eat peanut butter and chocolate every day to cope. What do you eat/do to cope?

"Changes are a Comin'"

I've been thinking about what to do with this life of mine once I complete my master's. This has been on my mind, really, since before I began the program. I've been in a bit of a rut for awhile and have been craving a change in venue. Venue, of course, encompassing everything like work, where I live, what I do even. I've become a bit bored by life and I've been trying to make it a little more interesting by traveling more this year. I've gone out to California, down to Florida, up to Boston, and across the water to Germany. However, I'm hardly satisfied. If anything, I just want more. So recently I had begun looking into teaching english overseas. I had never considered this option before, mostly because I don't really have any desire to be a teacher. However, once I discovered some of the benefits, such as free housing and decent salaries, I've been taking a closer look at the possibilities. Also, these situations are contractual which means it wouldn't be forever unless I wanted it to be. At any rate, it looks like South Korea is the place to go. English is taught in other countries too, but South Korea pays more and treats their teachers better than anywhere else. What's more, is I've always been interested in Asian cultures and living there would place me practically in the center of Asia. Nothing is definite yet, but I have hooked up with an agency who seems pretty confident they can find me a post.

In the mean time, I'm also trying to downsize my belongings. Big time! Whether I go to Korea or elsewhere, I don't want to have to worry about storing a bunch of stuff. I spent last weekend sorting all my books, cds, dvds, and even some vinyl into various boxes that I'll take to the bookstores and record shops that sometimes (hopefully) buy these things. I think I have a pretty decent collection but will take what I can get. Of course, anything that doesn't sale that way will be sold later this summer when I have an apartment sale. Then, anything still hanging around will have to go to charity. Oh, this includes my car, so if you know of anyone in need of reliable transport, I have a cool old Volvo.

Enough said for now. This will be a summer long project. I won't actually complete my master's thesis until mid July and I don't expect to be going anywhere until mid August.

Ciao!

"Gutentag!"

I guess I haven't written a thing here in weeks! It's been been a bit of a whirlwind of late. I recently completed course requirements for a master's degree and that took up all my time through the beginning of May. Then I went to Germany for a week and now here I am back in the grind. It's annoying how things don't really change much unless we make them so. For instance, going on vacation or quitting a job. Going back to school or claiming bankruptcy. In every instance, it's something we initiate ourselves. Rarely does life seem to initiate change of it's own accord. Right now, I need a change.

My week in Europe was fantastic! I saw four cities with time to spare. I stayed mostly in Koln with friends but ventured out to Bonn, Dusseldorf, and Frankfurt as well as some smaller medieval cities. We also toured the wine growing region near Bonn and went hiking in the countryside.

My biggest surprise about the culture over there was the oddest thing. Their automobile industry. They have all these wonderful small cars I've never heard of and that are great on gas. These aren't hybrids, they're just good fuel efficient vehicles. They have cars that are so small they can park between two other cars. I also had the opportunity to drive on the autobahn at 200 mph. HA! That was a riot but there were some people going faster than I was. Also, my friends have this car with a GPS system that actually tells you how to get to places. I could use one of those here.

The city of Koln (Cologne) reminded me a lot of Boston. It's built on the foundations of a medieval city with some of the old city walls still standing. It's very walkable and the streets are quite narrow. Lots of cobblestone streets and lots of charm. It's a very cultural city with many museums and galleries. Plenty of nightlife though jazz venues are a bit hard to find. Another curious aspect are the public baths, which are like spas essentially except for the fact that everyone is nude. You would think it would be very strange to see your friend naked for the first time but my friend, Heather, and I went to the baths and it was very natural. I guess because everyone else was nude too.

Koln and all of Germany still have the independent coffee houses that we've largely lost in the US due to the corporate domination of places like Starbucks. Starbucks were there but only a few and not well attended. Frankly, the coffee experience at the independents is more interesting because of the diverse clientele and the quality of product that is pretty decent all around. Also, the prices were generally much cheaper than at Starbucks.

I saw an incredible outsider art exhibit at the Kunst de Palast in Dusseldorf. I had seen similar shows in Chicago but this one was unique because all of the artists represented were Europeans and many were ones I'd never heard of before. I also saw a cool exhibit on Buddhas from all over East Asia and a museum totally dedicated to chocolate. Yes, there's a chocolate museum in Koln! It's a little like being in Willy Wonka though not so quirky. No Umpa Loompas or anything but you see the whole chocolate making process from the cocoa bean to the finished product. And, of course, there are samples along the way. At the end is a fantastic shop with chocolate from all over the world.

I took a short cruise along the Rhine one afternoon and saw a lot of river cruise boats where you can actually cruise to different cities and countries while staying on the boats. You know, like ocean cruising but on the river and smaller boats. I might have to try that.

My flights both ways were fun and I flew on Air India. Fun airline that serves great, exotic food. Although, on my return the plane was commandeered by the Prime Minister and my flight got delayed a day. This worked out just fine because the airline put us all up in a 4 star hotel outside of Frankfurt, fed us, gave us drinks, and I got to see Frankfurt which otherwise wouldn't have been on the itenerary. We also got our own 747 the next day which meant about 2-3 seats for every passenger.

Returning was a little wierd. I left Frankfurt around 10am and got into Chicago about 11am. That was a long day! I'm still tired and in desperate need of a change. I think I'm going to put in my notice today and join a temp firm.

Come back for pictures in a few days!!

"The Artist Adversarial Instinct"

"Avant-gardes are by nature combative," Harold Rosenberg wrote. The uneasy relation between artists and society is sometimes replicated in the relationship between artists and their audience. The objective may be to shock the establishment, to shame it, to express outrage, or simply to exempt oneself from its strictures. By such measures, it may be argued, the avant-garde artist keeps the conscience of the time.

Lehman, David._The Last Avant-Garde: The Making of the New York
School of Poets_. New York: Anchor, 1999.

"Live Reading"

Hi Everyone!

I'll be the featured reader at an upcoming MFA Reading at Roosevelt University. It's next Tursday, April 21st at 5pm. I specifically requested a time that I was sure none of my friends could make due to work schedules. Okay, seriously, this is the kind of scheduling that can only happen in a university where it's thought that people don't have lives outside of academia. However, if you happen to be there, it'll take place in the Old Faculty Lounge on the second floor of the Chicago campus. I'll be reading a selection of my most recent poems and perhaps a little creative nonfiction. I'm almost finished with this goddamn degree! Thank the gods! I hate writing!

"I'm so BORED!"

I was awakened by the alarm this morning. That almost never happens to me unless I haven't gotten enough sleep or . . . well, there really isn't any other reason. But, the fact is, I did get enough sleep. I think I was just unconsciously reticient about going to work today. I'm so bored with my job, my MFA studies, and life in Chicago in general. I had a pleasant enough weekend. Did the usual things (worked out, saw friends, etc.) but it's the mediocrity of it all that makes life seems so dull. Truth is, I don't even feel like writing this entry right now but at the same time, I feel like I have an obligation to keep it up. Just like I have an obligation to go to work and to keep up with my studies and to keep livin life until it feels worth it again. Don't worry! This isn't the woe of a severly depressed person. Or, maybe it is but don't worry too much about me nonetheless. If I can just get through to May, I'll be getting out of here for a week and completing my final semester at the same time. Can't wait! HURRY!

"A Cold, A Couple Movies, and My Name in Print

I hate fast weekends! This past one went by so fast that it seems as though it never happened at all! It didn't help that my current employer doesn't regard Good Friday as a holiday or that I've been battling a bitch of a cold that just makes me want to sleep all the time. So, I haven't done much at all since returning from Boston a week ago. However, I did catch a couple of new flicks: The Upside of Anger and Melinda & Melinda. Both are worth seeing. Lately, I'm really into the human drama and both of these films delivers on that score. Joan Allen is quickly becoming one of my fav actresses since first seeing her in The Ice Storm. Costner is very believable as a down and out former baseball star and the supporting cast, though not as interesting, all do a good job with the small part of the story that they participate in. I believe Evan Rachel Wood is going to be someone to watch over the coming years. I think I first saw her in the film Practical Magic. Then she showed up in the TV series Once and Again. Since then she has done a number of good film roles including Thirteen and The Missing. As far as M&M, Woody can't really go wrong for me. I know he has garnered alot of criticism for his overly narcissistic films but within his greater body of work, I don't think anyone can argue his validity as a film maker or his pastiche for dramedy story telling. M&M isn't entirely new in its format. It reminds me of Sliding Doors and The Double Life of Veronique but it's still a fascinating way to explore a story from two varying viewpoints.

Also, this week, an article I wrote a few weeks ago for the community paper Rogers Park 2000 came out. The paper is a free quarterly and can be found at many Rogers Park establishments like The Heartland, library, and the Alderman's Office. I was asked to do a story of the growing involvement of two area SSA (Special Service Areas) concerning the Howard Street area and the Morse Street area. I hadn't done much journalistic type writing before but found the experience to be fairly rewarding. I say "fairly" because I'm happy with the end result (full page article) but the process about stressed me out.

"Boston, Mass 02134"

I just returned from a fantastic week in Boston. This has to be the most unusual way I've ever spent a spring break period or chose to take a vacation because of the time of year. See, I hate the cold. However, in this situation, it was mostly a timing thing. I had the time off and my contact in Boston may or may not still be there in the next six months. At any rate, the weather ended up not being a factor except for my arrival. After that, it was sunny and predominantly comfortable for the time of year. Talk about a place draped in history! Everywhere you turn there's something historic to see and experience. I don't think I've ever been in a city where most of the buildings don't exceed 3 or 4 stories. Granted, there are pockets of skyscrapers downtown and in Copley Square but most of the city still holds it's historic architectural roots. I spent two nights in the Back Bay area and five nights in Dorchester, which is this beautiful area of old victorian homes that are being renovated and the area is going through a huge revitalization. I found the city very easy to navigate on foot and on the MBTA, aka T, city transit system. Although by car it can be a nightmare. It's all one-way streets and constantly changing road construction routes. The day I was driven to the airport, my friend Nat said the road had changed since the last time she had made the same trip only a week prior. Did I mention the food?! Mmmmmmm! I ate so much good stuff from seafood (of course) to yummy pastries and a surprising mix of ethnic varieties. I'm sure I didn't see it all but I saw a lot. I went as far out of Boston as Salem and covered the city from the wharf to the far South End. I walked the Freedom Trail, well parts. I kept loosing it because the trail markers are fading and in some places completely absent but all the destinations are pretty clear. I went to Harvard U, well the square anyway, and found it very similar to Evanston. Actually, Davis Square is much more interesting and can be found just north of Harvard Square. On my last night, I even caught some theatre with "A T Stop Named Denile." Can you guess what play that's based on? I owe most of this vacation to the following people for whom I THANK YOU for making it GREAT! JENNIE, NATALIE, NEAL (whose seafood beats that of Legal Seafood), RAY, the denizens of ** Tremlett Street, and assorted others I met.

**Pics to follow in a few days!

"Nightmares"

I had two consecutive nightmares Sunday night. Both were strangely similar and both woke me up. I had gone to bed extrememly early Sunday evening feeling depressed for no apparent reason but that's how depression falls. It's like a change in the weather, a drifting fog that silently floats in from offshore and settles into your life for awhile. The uninvited guest. Anyway, rather than fight the debilitating effects, I decided to sleep it off. I suppose it manifested itself in dreams.

In the first nightmare, I was alone in an apartment. My apartment, in the dream. It was a studio on the second floor and looked out on a quiet street. Across the street was a highschool. It was late afternoon and I was sitting near the window at a small table daydreaming when I heard the sound of a helicopter. I looked out and saw a black chopper hovering over the front lawn of the highschool. Hanging beneath the chopper was a man in some kind of police or military uniform. He wore a badge and he had a rifle. He was lowered to the ground and then the chopper flew away. It became very quiet and I watched the man come across the street toward my building. He seemed to be looking for something and I felt very uneasy. He squinted in the late afternoon sun and scanned along the first story of my building. He seemed to smile at someone on the first floor and then he scanned up along the second floor. I instintively drew back from the window but saw him scrutinize my windows. Then he disappeared from my view as he walked to the building's entrance. There was a sudden shift in time and I was awakened from a sound sleep in the middle of the night. This is still in the dream. I guess nothing further had happened since seeing the man earlier and I had fallen asleep on the bed. When I awoke, I thought I had heard a loud banging noise as if something had hit my front door very hard. I remember looking toward the window and seeing the faint glow of night reflected back. The room was very dark and there was only little bits of light glinting here and there off various surfaces. I got up and turned toward the front door where I could see a stream of light coming through the peep hole from the hallway. The door seemed undisturbed and the room was very quiet. I walked sleepily over to the door and looked caustiously through the peep hole thinking something was going to suddenly appear on the other side scaring me to death but nothing did. I just felt extremely uneasy and awoke "for real" then.

I was able to go back to sleep almost immediately but soon found myself awakened again. This time I was in an apartment similar to the one I really live in except the livingroom was where my kitchen is. I awoke because I heard the sound of the television on. It wasn't loud but just loud enough to disturb my sleep as if a roommate had stayed up late watching it. However, since I live alone I thought this was very odd and went to investigate. I walked slowly down the hallway and was able to perceive the grayish light of the TV as I got closer to the livingroom. I had to round two corners before reaching the livingroom and passed the bathroom just prior. It was in the darkness of the bathroom that I received my fright. Someone was standing in the darkness looking back at me. All I could see was their white t-shirt. I just stood there stunned and then they suddenly ran passed me back toward the bedroom. Once again, I awoke "for real" but this time I wanted to yell out. I had to sit there for a few minutes staring at the ceiling while my heart slowed down its frantic beat. I became aware of the wind blowing against the windows in the livingroom making them shake every so often. I eventually got up for some water and a walk around the apartment. Everything seemed kosher and I went back to bed again. It was 1:30am.

Monday morning, all the way to work, I kept repeating to myself "force happiness!"

"Simple Weekend Pleasures"

I had a most pleasant weekend. I hope you did too! Friday night, I met up with some friends from work at this bar on Damen Avenue called The Black Rock. Admittedly, an odd name for a tavern but it was very nice, typically Irish-y, but very low-key and not at all crowded for a Friday evening. They had a decent selection of beers on tap as well as bottles, though no Bells (not that Bells is Irish) and no McEwan's (which is Scottish) but both of which are favs of mine. Whatever! Anyway, I had a Guiness and an Oatmeal Irish Stout (which is a good alt for a Guiness). What the bar does have is a great jukebox with lots of old rock tunes (Metallica, Guns N Roses, Zepplin) and a very welcoming vibe.

On Saturday night, I saw Buster Keaton's silent classic The General for the first time. It was shown with a live musical accompaniment by Quasar Wut Wut who wrote an original score for the film. Both were brilliant. The film was hysterical! Keaton's ability to portray a wide variety of emotions with only his facial expressions was genius. I had never really had an appreciation for silent films but this experience makes me want to see more. So, there you go!

Sunday, of course, were the ever so dull Oscars. There were some highlights but you had to of stayed with it till the bitter end to catch them like Jaime Fox getting best actor for Ray. I was happy for Cate Blanchett receiving one for The Aviator, and for The Sea Inside for Best Foreign Language Film, and the ballad (performed by Antonio Banderes and Carlos Santana) from The Motorcycle Diaries for best song. Unfortunately, you had to wait through an endless variety of boredom to get to these rare moments. Do you realize that the telecast began a half hour earlier this year but still ran until almost 11:00! I don't think the problem is the acceptance speeches. I think its the number of awards given that just don't interest the general public. I know, I'll be critized cruelly for saying this but I think the network should limit the broadcast version of the telecast to just the actor, film, directing, cinematography, and song awards. Allow those recipients to have their say on stage (viewers want to hear that). We like the pre-show too! All those other awards for various technical skills (no matter all artistic the decisions may be) take up too much time for those of us watching at home. Look, for us at home this is entertainment and the length of the broadcast is killing us. If this format remains in the future, then I may have to tune out and just catch the highlights the following day.

"A new poem for your scrupulous displeasure!"

The folks in my poetry workshop hated this poem because they couldn't wrap their tiny minds around it. Their sentiments made me realize how fantastic this piece must be and, so, I'm sharing it with you and the greater net public.

borrowed flesh

A real asshole talking about cab drivers and fruits vaults a turnstile, sporting a crew cut and sharkskin suit. The heat closes in making devilish stool pigeons. Mosaic of floating news stories peaks at 6pm. Elongated issues pass through table litter night candy unknown, the author is a misplacement of sexual energy. Outside trying to thwart the odorless remnants under a vice specially designed for this and that, a character collector stands out like a hunka tin. Nobody can breathe convolutions of gristle by forcing dietary artists on logic and assaults, the silent black ooze of a gangster’s confidence! Backed by pink smell, regret cannot observe customary obscenities. In some sort of sanitarium the academy waits, thinking victims often know they are going to die often.

Getting hot, the terrible frequency that blinds, some kind of awful climax keeps getting heavier. Torture locates disciplinary procedure for twenty seconds balanced on peril like Japanese boys with fierce innocent faces. This monster, an abbreviated spinal column, grabs the stomach in moments of excitement and lapses into broken English. Rain bouncing up the stairs’ stuffy German alcoves, a limestone altar marking the center hemisphere for real, as artificial wings copulate the air with shit and whimper.

Chicken saw something ignoble and obvious reflected back from a jaunty wave carried by a little exclamation of disgust marked by tentative fades abdicated in a cold yellow halo. The Florida tan carried as a prop read as Little Abner. No pride, a distinct revulsion, can get used to anything proffered and proliferated flooding the world with cheap.

Huge iron-lungs full of paralyzed pies pop with horribles and pantomime. A room filled with green light misunderstood. No proof recommends confinement accurately contained.

"VD Again"

Some states are Red
Some states are Blue
Bipartisan politics?
How about you?

Honestly, I don't know where that little diddy came from or what it has to do with V-Day. I suppose one could make the connection that both politics and V-Day are manufactured concepts created to bring us together but, in fact, tear us apart. I mean, look at all the expectation built up around V-Day. Let's leave politics for another discussion. Was Saint Valentine the saint of love anyway? Here's the scoop:

The roots of St. Valentine's Day lie in the ancient Roman festival of Lupercalia, which was celebrated on Feb. 15. For 800 years the Romans had dedicated this day to the god Lupercus. On Lupercalia, a young man would draw the name of a young woman in a lottery and would then keep the woman as a sexual companion for the year.

Pope Gelasius I was, understandably, less than thrilled with this custom. So he changed the lottery to have both young men and women draw the names of saints whom they would then emulate for the year (a change that no doubt disappointed a few young men). Instead of Lupercus, the patron of the feast became Valentine. For Roman men, the day continued to be an occasion to seek the affections of women, and it became a tradition to give out handwritten messages of admiration that included Valentine's name.

There was also a conventional belief in Europe during the Middle Ages that birds chose their partners in the middle of February. Thus the day was dedicated to love, and people observed it by writing love letters and sending small gifts to their beloved. Legend has it that Charles, duke of Orleans, sent the first real Valentine card to his wife in 1415, when he was imprisoned in the Tower of London. (He, however, was not beheaded, and died a half-century later of old age.)

Hm. Beheadings, bird sex, and Romans. This explains alot and makes me long for the Roman society. Love would be so much less complicated if it were decided in a lottery and only lasted for a year. Perhaps I should start a movement to ressurect the Roman way of life. After all, when in Rome . . .