Although it is rightly said that there can be no progress, no discovery in art, but only in the sciences, and that each artist starting afresh on an individual effort cannot be either helped or hindered therein by the efforts of any other, it must none the less be acknowledged that, in so far as art brings to light certain laws, once and industry has popularized them, the art that was first in the field looses retrospectively a little of its originality.
12.14.2007
It doesn't seem that long ago.
Today, on my run, I realized that when I was in college it would have been about now, my friend Phil and I would load up his truck with all the essential items, and make the trek from Seattle to Vancouver for the Holidays. (For me, essential items included a couple books so as to look studious, as I was a college student, and every article of clothing I owned. The main reason for main reason for the clothing is that everything, and I mean everything was now dirty. I took pride in my ability to time my last wash day so that the day we left I would be wear my last clean t-shirt.) I don't know what it was about today, the light seemed right. The temperature was cool. I could see my breath, just as I would have seen my breath when we stopped for gas in Chehalis or Tumwater or Lacey. Nostalgia is a tricky mistress always residing in that long lost corner of our minds. She shows her face only when we least expect it, and appears mostly to complicate our perceptions of the reality in front of us. For it is not behind us that, in that world of the past, that we make our lives, but rather now and in what lies ahead. That trick of nostalgia relies on the complications of emotion to make opaque the task at hand.
12.10.2007
R E L I E F
As I mentioned in my previous post. I hired a coach. He seems good, although I am now only 4 days into my newly scheduled training. I will say however, one of the unintended benefits from this investment is more time. You see, it takes a lot of time to work out training plans, research races, etc. It is a huge relief to have a consultant in this process. Before, it felt as if I was on my own, which I was, in figuring it all out. Now, things are different. It already feels like I can put more into just about every other aspect of my life. This includes training, but is not limited to it.
I also noticed today, that Wilco is playing FIVE shows at the Riviera in Chicago. I will not be in attendance, but if I were in the area...MAN!!!...this is going to be awesome. Check this link:
Wilco Winter Residency 2008
If you are a member of Wilco or someone who knows or is connected to the band or its label, PLEASE release make these shows available, in some format (dvd, cd, mp3, etc) for those of us who can't make it. That is all.
I also noticed today, that Wilco is playing FIVE shows at the Riviera in Chicago. I will not be in attendance, but if I were in the area...MAN!!!...this is going to be awesome. Check this link:
Wilco Winter Residency 2008
If you are a member of Wilco or someone who knows or is connected to the band or its label, PLEASE release make these shows available, in some format (dvd, cd, mp3, etc) for those of us who can't make it. That is all.
12.05.2007
12.04.2007
A lesson for us all from the NFL
I like football, but don't always watch the Monday night game unless there is an especially intriguing match up. Sometimes, at the outset of the season, when the NFL schedulers start putting together these games in hopes to draw larger television audiences, they get it right. Sometimes they don't. Last night, New England traveled to Baltimore to take on a Ravens. At the end last season this looked like a match up that may hold the keys to home field advantage for the AFC playoffs. Now it looks like one team on the verge of absolute greatness and another stumbling through each game.
The Ravens knew they were playing an undefeated Patriots team some are calling the greatest they have ever seen. They new there chance at a playoff berth had long ago passed them by. They also new that if they had any hope of winning it was going be by hitting the Patriots square in the mouth. They didn't win, but they certainly hit the Patriots in the mouth.
I admire that perspective. The Ravens had little to play for and were out matched in most every category, but they fought and fought hard. When the game had ended they had nothing left to give. They barely lost, and they were pissed. They should have won. As a spectator you could seen their pain. There were tears on these men considered to be modern gladiators. In a world that has made us skeptical about professional sports, this game showed some one, or better some team, still cares about winning and loosing. The punishment they dealt to each other on that field was only surpassed by the pain they felt in defeat. From that we can all learn.
The Ravens knew they were playing an undefeated Patriots team some are calling the greatest they have ever seen. They new there chance at a playoff berth had long ago passed them by. They also new that if they had any hope of winning it was going be by hitting the Patriots square in the mouth. They didn't win, but they certainly hit the Patriots in the mouth.
I admire that perspective. The Ravens had little to play for and were out matched in most every category, but they fought and fought hard. When the game had ended they had nothing left to give. They barely lost, and they were pissed. They should have won. As a spectator you could seen their pain. There were tears on these men considered to be modern gladiators. In a world that has made us skeptical about professional sports, this game showed some one, or better some team, still cares about winning and loosing. The punishment they dealt to each other on that field was only surpassed by the pain they felt in defeat. From that we can all learn.
12.03.2007
How many roads must....
The other day I was at the local community center using their one not antiquated treadmill. It was tortuous to run 10 miles staring at a blank wall. My mind was nearly numb upon completion. I was a little out of sorts. My joints hurt and sweat stung my eyeballs, as I stumbled to regain some semblance of consciousness. When I started to come around, I heard this young girl, she couldn't have been more than four years old. start singing 'Blowin' in the Wind'. She new every word, verse and chorus alike.
A smile crept on to my face. She paused, obviously feeling a little self-conscious, as I and everyone in the vicinity watch this timid performance with eager anticipation. There weren't more than 5 of us watching as her father prepared her to leave and she sang. When she had completed her cover of Dylan's classic song, I told her father that she had made my day. Her father, with a wry grin, said, "It pretty much makes my day too."
I left soon after and quickly put Dylan's version on the radio in the car (Thank god for some modern technology). It quickly led me to start thinking about the time and place it was composed. It made me think our time and place, the state of our world and the role music plays in the way we define ourselves both collectively and individually. It made me wonder, like I haven't in a long time, what is going on? How have I become so disillusioned? What can I do now?
It left me with things to think about and other things to learn. But...What I do know is that I will certainly never hear that song without thinking of that day and that little girl. She gives me hope.
A smile crept on to my face. She paused, obviously feeling a little self-conscious, as I and everyone in the vicinity watch this timid performance with eager anticipation. There weren't more than 5 of us watching as her father prepared her to leave and she sang. When she had completed her cover of Dylan's classic song, I told her father that she had made my day. Her father, with a wry grin, said, "It pretty much makes my day too."
I left soon after and quickly put Dylan's version on the radio in the car (Thank god for some modern technology). It quickly led me to start thinking about the time and place it was composed. It made me think our time and place, the state of our world and the role music plays in the way we define ourselves both collectively and individually. It made me wonder, like I haven't in a long time, what is going on? How have I become so disillusioned? What can I do now?
It left me with things to think about and other things to learn. But...What I do know is that I will certainly never hear that song without thinking of that day and that little girl. She gives me hope.
11.11.2007
This is what's new.
1. I sent my money in to join Ironheads. A Local triathlon team.
2. I read The Road, by Cormac McCarthy. Yikes.
3. Friends from Boston visited. It was awesome.
4. The Huskies haven't won a game in a long time. It is only interesting to write about competitive teams. I am glad I am not a sports beat writer. Can you Imagine?
5. I started reading Within a Budding Grove. Proust can really construct a sentence. (Next up is probably Nausea, by Jean-Paul Sartre.)
6. No real leg or knee pain to speak of. Some strange muscle knots, but working those out is manageable.
7. My sister is moving to the Portland area from Seattle to take a job with the Nike Foundation. Interesting.
8. Unconfirmed: My best friend is moving from Portland to Colorado Springs. Interesting.
9. We are thinking of getting a cat.
10. Also reading a collection of William Butler Yeats.
2. I read The Road, by Cormac McCarthy. Yikes.
3. Friends from Boston visited. It was awesome.
4. The Huskies haven't won a game in a long time. It is only interesting to write about competitive teams. I am glad I am not a sports beat writer. Can you Imagine?
5. I started reading Within a Budding Grove. Proust can really construct a sentence. (Next up is probably Nausea, by Jean-Paul Sartre.)
6. No real leg or knee pain to speak of. Some strange muscle knots, but working those out is manageable.
7. My sister is moving to the Portland area from Seattle to take a job with the Nike Foundation. Interesting.
8. Unconfirmed: My best friend is moving from Portland to Colorado Springs. Interesting.
9. We are thinking of getting a cat.
10. Also reading a collection of William Butler Yeats.
10.13.2007
Ahhh....Saturday
Today is the Ironman World Championships from Kaihlua-Kona, Hawaii. I, like I think a lot of people who are more than casual observers of the sport, have been planning to watch this triumphant spectacle of sport on the internet, as there is not live coverage. However, there are some technical difficulties with the connection and now I am forced to write about an event, I am not watching. Sweet.
At last report, many of the favorites either didn't start or were already throwing up on the bike. This would make for great television. Now, I know it is college football season, and I am as big a fan of college football as you can find. I often plan my fall weekends around attending Husky Games or ensuring I get to watch them on television....
OH...SHIT....It's back on....never mind the beginnings of my rant.....
I had a nice run today.
more later.
At last report, many of the favorites either didn't start or were already throwing up on the bike. This would make for great television. Now, I know it is college football season, and I am as big a fan of college football as you can find. I often plan my fall weekends around attending Husky Games or ensuring I get to watch them on television....
OH...SHIT....It's back on....never mind the beginnings of my rant.....
I had a nice run today.
more later.
10.07.2007
Apizza Scholls
Dacia and I went to Apizza Scholls on Friday night. I cannot actually express in words how fantastic their pizza is every time I go there. I love pizza and am constantly in search of a great slice, but I eaten the greatest there is or ever will be. Every detail is perfect from the crust and sauce to the cheeses I can't pronounce. The staff is friendly and I can really tell they know they are involved in something special. They are not pretentious, but rather understanding. (Thanks for the recommendation Ashley.)
10.04.2007
Small Triumphs
10.02.2007
Dylan Thomas
DO NOT GO GENTLE INTO THAT GOOD NIGHT
Do not go gentle into that good night,
Old age should burn and rave at close of day;
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
Though wise men at the end know dark is right,
Because their words had forked no lightning they
Do not go gentle into that good night.
Good men, the last wave by, crying how bright
Their frail deeds might have danced in a green bay,
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
Wild men who caught and sang the sun in flight,
And learn, too late, they grieved it on its way,
Do no go gentle into that good night.
Grave men, near death, who see with blinding sight
Blind eyes could blaze like meteors and be gay,
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
And you, my father, there on the sad height,
Curse, bless, me now with your fierce tears, I pray.
Do not go gentle into that good nigh.
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
-----------------------------------------------------------
In times when my own words cannot express my sentiments with the great clarity I find in others, I will defer.
Do not go gentle into that good night,
Old age should burn and rave at close of day;
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
Though wise men at the end know dark is right,
Because their words had forked no lightning they
Do not go gentle into that good night.
Good men, the last wave by, crying how bright
Their frail deeds might have danced in a green bay,
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
Wild men who caught and sang the sun in flight,
And learn, too late, they grieved it on its way,
Do no go gentle into that good night.
Grave men, near death, who see with blinding sight
Blind eyes could blaze like meteors and be gay,
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
And you, my father, there on the sad height,
Curse, bless, me now with your fierce tears, I pray.
Do not go gentle into that good nigh.
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
-----------------------------------------------------------
In times when my own words cannot express my sentiments with the great clarity I find in others, I will defer.
9.30.2007
Husky Game Summary: 9.29 vs. USC
Man! The Huskies will break my heart every time I give them a chance. I give them my heart and they stomp on it. Every time. This weekend was no exception.
This weekend was my first visit to Husky Stadium in 4 years. I was afforded the opportunity to see old friends, the ones I probably hadn't seen since the last time I was at Husky Stadium. Four years ago the Huskies were at rock bottom. It has been a long four years. Losses piled upon losses. Now, with promise ahead of us, there may be light at the end of the tunnel. Maybe. (That's a big maybe.)
The reason I say they break my heart is that our record, currently, is 2-3. We may be the best 2-3 team in the nation. With wins against 'Cuse and Boise State and losses to Ohio State, UCLA, and USC, I can say we should, in all honesty, be 4-1. The only game in which we were completely out-classed was Ohio State. Now, that brings us to this Saturday's game against the number one ranked USC Trojans.
If you took the time to look at the game stats you would see a statistical game dominated by USC. But...if you watched the game, you would have seen the Huskies had every chance to win that game. It was ugly with all kinds of penalties and missed opportunities, but that may be our new game plan. We made the best team in the country play down to our level. Now let's hope this somewhat disturbing trend can manifest itself into some wins.
So here we are again: a loosing record five games into the season and looking down the wrong at the wrong end of the bowl game barrel.
Next week brings a bye and some much needed rest for a team that needs to lick its wounds a little and get ready for the second half. Jake "the Savior" Locker had better learn quickly the importance of hitting his receivers when they are open. With two weeks until ASU, I don't know if they've got enough time.
For the remainder of the season they are going to need what amounts to at least one upset, plus winning all games in which they will probably be favored to make their first bowl game in what seems like centuries. Let's hope they have enough class to make this little dream become reality.
This weekend was my first visit to Husky Stadium in 4 years. I was afforded the opportunity to see old friends, the ones I probably hadn't seen since the last time I was at Husky Stadium. Four years ago the Huskies were at rock bottom. It has been a long four years. Losses piled upon losses. Now, with promise ahead of us, there may be light at the end of the tunnel. Maybe. (That's a big maybe.)
The reason I say they break my heart is that our record, currently, is 2-3. We may be the best 2-3 team in the nation. With wins against 'Cuse and Boise State and losses to Ohio State, UCLA, and USC, I can say we should, in all honesty, be 4-1. The only game in which we were completely out-classed was Ohio State. Now, that brings us to this Saturday's game against the number one ranked USC Trojans.
If you took the time to look at the game stats you would see a statistical game dominated by USC. But...if you watched the game, you would have seen the Huskies had every chance to win that game. It was ugly with all kinds of penalties and missed opportunities, but that may be our new game plan. We made the best team in the country play down to our level. Now let's hope this somewhat disturbing trend can manifest itself into some wins.
So here we are again: a loosing record five games into the season and looking down the wrong at the wrong end of the bowl game barrel.
Next week brings a bye and some much needed rest for a team that needs to lick its wounds a little and get ready for the second half. Jake "the Savior" Locker had better learn quickly the importance of hitting his receivers when they are open. With two weeks until ASU, I don't know if they've got enough time.
For the remainder of the season they are going to need what amounts to at least one upset, plus winning all games in which they will probably be favored to make their first bowl game in what seems like centuries. Let's hope they have enough class to make this little dream become reality.
9.25.2007
...more 'Swann's Way'
"I was struck for the first time by this discordance between our impressions and their habitual expression."
"--that I learned that identical emotions do not spring up simultaneously in the hearts of all men in accordance with a pre-established order."
"--that I learned that identical emotions do not spring up simultaneously in the hearts of all men in accordance with a pre-established order."
9.20.2007
Ironman Canada
I signed up to Ironman Canada. Race date is August 24, 2008. Among my many apprehensions is that my knee (not that knee, the other one) is giving me a little trouble. Hopefully, things work out. I am also investigating joining a triathlon club. We will see.
9.17.2007
from 'Swann's Way' by Marcel Proust
"The truth was that she could never permit herself to buy anything from which no intellectual profit was to be derived, above all the profit which fine things afford us by teaching us to seek our pleasures elsewhere than in the barren satisfaction of worldly wealth."
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