Stuff - Postings coming soon

One of my parents was in the hospital for the past week, so my priority was NOT posting. My parent is doing well right now. It was a bit touch and go for a few days.

However, I had the opportunity to finish a couple of great books. I will have reviews for them soon.

Plus, I had wanted to let you know how it is to live in New Orleans before the one-year anniversary of the 'Kane, but I had more important matters to take care of. I basically put my life on hold and didn't participate in my usual activities.

No, I did not participate in any of the memorials. I told the CNN reporter that I thought all commemorations should be private.

If my clip gets on the CNN site, I'll let you.

Books - katrina-ku: storm poems

I can't give an impartial review of this book, because I am one of the many co-authors.

Plus, I am the Publicity and Marketing person.

So, get a copy, and give me permission to publish your review.

Domo agrigato.

Stuff - Peace

Words from a church song (I forgot which one):

"Let there be peace on Earth, and let it begin with me..."

Rodney King's words, "Why can't we all get along?"

'Nuff said.

Book - Mystery

What is this? Click the ? to find out.

Stuff - Even Jesus Had This Problem

My mom is always saying “No hay profeta en su casa,” a variation of Matthew 13:57, “But Jesus said to them: Only in his hometown and in his own house is a prophet without honor."

I think the same things happen with authors and playwrights and culture in general.

I live in the city where Jazz was born, but I know very little about the history. I hear so many types of Jazz that I just take it for granted.

It’s different for the people who are not natives of the city. A haiku blog friend knows the names and the music of the early Jazz musicians. When he wrote to me about some information, I was embarrassed that I didn’t know what he was asking me.

Norwegian Seamen's Church, where I go swimming, have an annual Jazz festival and sell a CD of the events.

But,the opposite also happens.

Kim Nesselquist,who is the CEO of Norwegian American Foundation also admits that he didn’t realize the impact of Ibsen’s works until he moved from Norway to Seattle, WA!

So, I don’t feel too badly if my knowledge of Jazz is woeful. Hey, even Jesus had this problem in Nazareth!

Stuff - Ibsen Celebration and other Norwegian Topics

2006 is the 100th year of playwright Henrik Ibsen. I have seen only one play of his, the movie version of Hedda Gabler with Ingrid Bergman.

The News of Norway magazine has several articles that analyze the themes of absence plays and why they are relevant in this century. As the cover declares, his plays talk about "freedom of expression, gender equality, and environmental protection."

This magazine has sparked my interest. I will try to find some DVDs of the plays or try to attend local productions.

Unfortunately, I can't attend the celebrations and productions that are planned on the various U.S. cities nor in Europe.

In case you are wondering how in the world I came across this information; it's a bit strange.

I go swimming at the Norwegians Seaman's Church. Membership is $40/year. The pool is great; it's relaxing for me to swim there.

I pick up anything I can read over there, because I like to learn about other cultures. However, I still can't read Norwegian, although I can guess at a few words, since the English language has root words from Scandinavia, during the time of the Viking conquests of northern Europe.

It's wonderful to be in a place, where cultures can co-exist.

Stuff - Being Curious - Part 2

On Saturday night, I volunteered at the CAC for White Linen night. On my way home, I stopped at the Co-of Gallery. I saw works by Chuck Selsorand Carrie Plank.

I read Chuck's bio and it stated that he used to be in the U.S. Navy. I talked to him and it turns out that he was at the Naval Academy.

I had seen some movies about Academy (most recently Annapolis), and one of my favorite TV shows was JAG, so I had a few questions.

Chuck told me how the cadets select their majors.

There are three major departments for studies: The Engineering track (mechanical, electrical, civil, chemical, etc). Most cadets are encouraged to study in this group.

The second group is the Hard Sciences (Physics, Chemistry, Biology, etc).

The third track includes Psychology, History, and Sociology.

Chuck studied Mechanical Engineering and now applies it to his new careers of artist and designer for co-op units.

Since the 'Kane hit, many people are now moving to converted warehouse condominiums. His designs fit the loft styles.

The photographs and sculptures that he make have a linear/mechanical feel. None of his photographs are altered by Photoshop; it's all darkroom skills.

Check back on the Co-Op site for more updates.

Stuff - Being Curious

My first career choice was to be a print journalist. However, I noticed that the newspapers and magazines were becoming less relevant. I didn't want to work in TV, so I changed my mind.

When I made this decision, computers were only used by scientists, and there was NO Internet yet. (Yes, Virginia, these things were not part of my youth). Little did I realize that I could have become a print journalist via the Internet.

But, I don't regret my life choices. I have had many interesting detours and adventures along the way.

But, I would have made a great one. People tell me things that I really don't want to hear, and I don't ask any questions. If I do want to find out something, I know how to ask questions without seeming nosy. I am also patient; if I want details, I can ask the questions over several days and eventually find out everything.

Stuff - One Book Meme

I was tagged by Book Girl for my first ever meme.

I am intrigued by the word meme. Is it an abbreviation of memetic? Several episodes of Star Trek: Next Generation dealt with memetic entities, who wanted to disguise themselves as humans and hurt Capt. Picard and the gang.

Well, enough ramblings.

I am not sending this to anyone else, because I just started blogging and don't know anyone.

1. One book that changed your life.
None.

2. One book that you've read more than once.
A Canticle for Leibowitz by Walter M. Miller. When I want to read some post-nuclear misery, I read this book. I also practice reading my Latin. However, this year, some parts of New Orleans still looks like a nuclear bomb went off, so I might skip this book this year.

Added on August 4th - Every year, I look at the map of the kingdom of TexArkana and try to figure out the 21st century names of the cities and towns on the map. I am still trying to figure out New Rome; it's in the former USA and not in Italy.

3. One book you'd want on a desert island.
A complete work about the history Antartica exploration by the Norwegians and English: The Last Place on Earth by Roland Huntford

4. One book that made you laugh.
Captain Underpants and the Big, Bad Battle of the Bionic Booger Boy, Part 2: The Revenge of the Ridiculous Robo-Boogers by
Dav Pilkey.

I was introduced to this series by a young relative.

5. One book that made you cry.
None.

6. One book that you wish had been written.
The DaVinci Code. Just for the royalties, not for its artistic merit.

7. One book that you wish had never been written.
Maquis de Sade's stuff

8. One book you're currently reading.
I forgot the name. Blame it on KRSML (Katrina-Related Short Term Memory Loss). I will update this blog later.
added on August 4th - got the name
Ex-Libris by Ross King

9. One book you’ve been meaning to read.
I read what I am in the mood to read. That way, I don't feel guilty about not reading something.