FYI Friday

FYI:
This is a bark-beast.







Just thought you oughtta know.

Confessions of Faith

"This is Not a Pipe"

Rene Magritte is one of my favorite artists because he paints not only his interpretation of the subject matter, but also the matter behind the subject matter. He was quoted as saying, "Everything we see hides another thing, we always want to see what is hidden by what we see."

In the illustration of the pipe above, Magritte textually adds, "This is not a pipe." It is not - in fact - a pipe, but merely a painting of a pipe. It is not tangible as a pipe would be. One cannot pick it up and smoke it as a pipe is intended.

I happened upon a site this morning and noticed that the author used the 'Pipe' illustration in an attempt to define spirituality and truth:

"Beliefs are not Reality. It's essential to remember that all of these ideas are metaphors. Doctrines, words, concepts, thoughts and pictures all translate, emphasize, reflect, and otherwise point to reality. But no description of reality is the reality it describes. Words and pictures, ideas and doctrines, are not the things they point to. They are distorted indicators, utterly different in kind from what they point to. You can describe a tree in your backyard to me all day long, but until I touch it with my own hands, I can't feel its bark. If description can't communicate the tree-ness of a tree, how much less can words communicate God!

...

"Awakening is the transition from "religion" with its firm answers, perspectives, and experiences, to realization, the awareness of what IS. Even more important is “Real-ization,” the embodiment of that awareness."

The above text refers to, I gather, the basic "belief"-structure of Christian Mysticism. Honestly, I don't know anything about Christian Mysticism - maybe it's like Kaballah to Judaism - so I'll choose to remain skeptical until I can read up on it a bit. Regardless, the author makes some good points on the exemplifications of faith.

Becky's mom has a plaque with the following quote hanging in her first-floor powder room. I'd read it often as a kid, having consumed copious amounts of grape juice:

"I was regretting the past, and fearing the future, when suddenly my Lord was speaking. ‘My name is I Am.’ I waited, He continued, ‘When you live in the past with its mistakes and regrets, it is hard. I am not there. My name is not I Was. When you live in the future, with its problems and fears, it is hard. I am not there. My name is not I Will Be. When you live in the moment, it is not hard. I am here. My name is I Am. I Am.'"

-Helen Mallicoat

I trust, without doubt, that the Lord is real. Although the concept of God is not tangible, He is tangible because He is. I've never had a problem with putting my faith in God. Perhaps having such doubtless faith prevents me from understanding the antithesis, those who doubt. Since I do not seem to possess the capability to comprehend a Godless reality, I cannot efficiently communicate to inquisitive doubters why or how I choose to assert 100% trust is God's is-ness. But then I think of Magritte, and the author of the aforementioned site, and I agree that "no description of reality is the reality it describes."

It's Time to Get Hard On Porn

According to the Washington Post, "The FBI is joining the Bush administration's War on Porn. And it's looking for a few good agents."

In response to the search for "a few good agents," Fark.com initiated a PhotoShop contest for a logo or poster promoting the change. I thought this one was especially good:

Closer Than Zero

I had a strange conversation tonight with Maddie and my dad. Basically, I was telling dad about how I couldn't believe Shawn would be turning thirty this November and I realized that, no matter Shawn's age, I'm only two years behind.

So, I sneered, "I'm closer to 50 than I am to zero."

Dad shook his head and answered, "I'm closer to 100 then I am to zero."

Maddie, of course, is closer to 11 than she is to zero.

Check it Owwwt:

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An Introduction

Jim Foxwell and John Cairns have been a part of my life for several years and I am a better person for knowing them. As a matter of fact, the neighborhood is better because of this dynamic duo. It's a long wonderful story, but I don't have time to go in to it right now. Regardless, an introduction is long overdue!


Clockwise from upper right are Tyrone Naramore, Andrew Gourlay, Jim Foxwell and John Cairns. Tyrone and Andrew are visiting Iowa from California and London, respectively. The Scottish flag hangs because Andrew's father is from Scotland... and he couldn't find a Union Jack.

I had the opportunity to briefly speak with Andrew before he headed out to catch a flight home, and he wanted me to note that he expresses deepest appreciation for the hospitality he received while in Iowa during the past week. Prior to visiting Iowa, Andrew imagined that it would look like a scene from "Little House on the Prairie". He was satisfied to find that Iowa was a land rich in rolling landscapes and fine cities... and not just a hut in a flat field of wheat.

Andrew & Tyrone, it was a pleasure to meet you if only for a moment. Jim and John, rock on!

Let's Discuss...

I was at Becky's house the other day and we read this quote on the television ticker (CNN, I think it was):

"One cannot simultaneously prevent and prepare for war." - Albert Einstein

The quote was shown in reference to the issues surrounding Sheehan, et al. You know, the "drop the nukes, stick a daisy in your hair, hold hands and live happily ever after" frame of mind.

...If only it was that simple. Becky came up with a great alliteration: cancer & chemo. If the body has cancer, chemo will simultaneously kill the cancer and destroy other healthy parts of the body. Without chemo, the body would probably die faster than letting the cancer take its course. So it's the lesser of two evils. Ideally, we'd have no cancer, thus negating our need for chemo and all its downfalls. Unfortunately, bodies get cancer. What's more, healthy bodies get cancer.

I don't really know anything about the strategies involved with warfare, but I really dig this whole freedom thing. My government may not be able to prevent natural disasters, but they work damn hard to maintain my freedom... and I don't think I'd feel as secure if those who work to ensure our freedom should suddenly stand down for the sake of peace. It just isn't that simple.

An Exercise in Hilarity

From an irate customer (click for the entire letter):

"Dear Cretins...

"...I have made 9 calls on my mobile to your no-help line, and have been unhelpfully transferred to a variety of disinterested individuals, who are it seems also highly skilled bollock jugglers...

"...it's far more satisfying as a customer to voice my frustrations in print than to shout them at your unending hold music. Forgive me, therefore, if I continue...

"I enclose two small deposits, selected with great care from my cats litter tray, as an expression of my utter and complete contempt for both you and your pointless company. I sincerely hope that they have not become desiccated during transit - they were satisfyingly moist at the time of posting, and I would feel considerable disappointment if you did not experience both their rich aroma and delicate texture...

"Have a nice day - may it be the last in your miserable short life, you irritatingly incompetent and infuriatingly unhelpful bunch of twats."

Brilliant!

Trends: Decor

Mike and I visited Davenport last Saturday and enjoyed an afternoon at the Figge Art Museum, followed by a lovely dinner at Centro. While we were chatting over our 4-cheese soup, I asked Mike his opinion on the "next big thing" in interior design (expertise: he holds a Master's Degree in Art History from the University of Kansas). Design trends seem to be emerging from the vintage Art Deco/Pop Art scene as seen at left (e.g. Mauzan), but I have no clue where they're going next.



Mike suggested Art Nouveau may be on tap, and maybe he's right. I received an invitation to "BrewNost", an internat'l beer tasting fundraiser, and it looks strikingly similar (read: ripped off) to a work by Nouveau's own spokes-painter, Alphonse Mucha (left). However, I think art nouveau may have been somewhat included with the recent popularity of vintage pop art.

I've noticed a trend that leans toward a combination of minimalism and abstract expressionism. It's a very Ikea world right now. You may have noticed a simialr theme in iPod & Target ads. As a matter of fact, Target contracts design work from Karim Rashid. It's a bit mod, but mod tends to be minimal and expressive. Whatever... I like it.

LOST: Season 2 Premiere

I don't watch television shows with any sort of commitment or regularity... except Emmy Award winning LOST.


Tonight is the premiere for season 2 and I am freakin' excited! Pop the popcorn and break out the Guinness, because tonight is the night that reveals... well, probably very little. That's LOST for ya! I'm continually on the edge of my seat searching for parallels between the characters and their supposed philosophical counterparts, or trying to decipher the mysteries of LOST's enigmatic island in the South Pacific. It's the most intellectually interactive storyline I've encountered.

Thanks to those who turned me on to this show mid-way through the first season ( and thank goodness for re-runs!): Kate & Scott S., Nana G., Rachel S, and Kerri M.

The Baker's Dozen

Your life may be more complete upon aurally consuming one or more of the following tunes:
(in no particular order)

1. The Time We Lost Our Way, Thievery Corporation
2. New Energy, Gram Rabbit
3. Soft As Snow (But Warm Inside), My Bloody Valentine
4. Golden Brown, The Stranglers
5. Somersault, Zero 7
6. Easy Muffin, Amon Tobin
7. Cherry Blossom Girl, Air
8. Omission, John Frusciante
9. Space, The Beta Band
10. Hoist That Rag, Tom Waits
11. Not For All the Love in the World, The Thrills
12. Golden Touch, Razorlight
13. Dominique, Gus Gus

Class Project: Part 2

Maddie sends an enormous "THANKS!" to everyone who helped with her Star Student poster. She exhausted herself by choosing a color scheme, cutting numerous circles, deciding on appropriate imagery to best convey her "favorite things", and creating a meticulous layout.

She is now sleeping quite soundly.

Class Project

I mentioned in an earlier posting that Maddie has been selected by her teacher as the first Star Student of the year. Mrs. Meier sent home a poster board and asked that we cover it with bits of relevant "All About Me" information.

After talking about the project, Maddie and I decided we want to make it unique... cutting out the basic, "This is me at Disney World. This is me banging a drum. This is me with a gaping head-wound. This is me giving a high-five to John Corbett of tv's Northern Exposure."

What I'd like from those of you who know Madeleine - in any capacity - is to send a quick note or write a comment regarding who Maddie is to YOU, then we'll include those comments as part of her project.

Trivial Causes of Excitement: Part 1

Do you ever look at your odometer and get excited when the mileage hits a really cool number? Probably not...
But I was excited enough to whip out the camera when my car hit 23456. Stay tuned for 33333!

Job Security: The Oral Health Industry

I have a theory about dentists... and it's not a popular theory:
We've all heard the phrase "job security", and I think those in the dental industry adhere to this philosophy as much as those in any other trade.

I visit my dentist only once every 5 years... because I don't want them messing with perfection. I've never had a cavity, so I'm going with what works for me. When I DO make it to an appointment, the dentist and hygienist both rave about the spectacular condition of my teeth and gums: "You obviously floss twice daily and brush no less than three times a day. Well done!" When in fact, I rarely floss and brush only twice a day... with a normal toothbrush (none of that fancy stuff).

My secret: Trident chewing gum. It rids the pearlies of any afternoon fuzz and offers sweet freshness to anyone with a hankerin' for some oral activity (e.g. talking, kissing, breathing...). That, and I don't have dentists scraping away at my enamel every 6 months. Like I said, job security.

Note: My theory does not apply to orthodontists. The buck stops here!

Random thoughts...

• The layout of this blog is very bad. Maybe I'll fix it someday (check).
• Maddie is her classroom's first "Star Student" of the year - of course.
• Maddie's soccer team, "FUSION", won the first soccer game of the year against the much bigger girls of the "Clash". The score was 4-2.
• I now chair the "Art Presenter" committee for the PTA at Maddie's school. I am such a mom.
• My 28th birthday is coming up soon... what to do... what to do...???