November 18, 2008 at 5:24 pm · Filed under politcs, Art, Photography
This is my husband Michael and my sixth appearance at the Park Tavern Halloween party. And we are all about costumes and accessories. Last year was by far my best as Lizzie Borden waitress at the Damned Cafe so the objective wasn’t to top that but to have an unexpected but interactive costume without spending a bunch of money or time in preparation. Okay, at least the money part we are graphic artists afterall.
Maybe it was my addiction to all the election coverage but I had a dream about what our costume should be for the Park Tavern Halloween Party. The idea harkened back to the old 1940 movies about investigative reporters and photographer that were in all the vintage cop movies like Citizen Kane, Ace in the Hole and After Office Hours. Our costuming needs were not so expensive as previous years. They consisted of a couple old suits from Goodwill, Fedoras and novelty ties (Michael’s had cameras on his and I had fish on newspaper) off of Ebay, an oversized pencil from a Novelty shop and the Graphix Camera. The original cameras still command a hefty price so Michael made his own from styrofoam and a lot of ingenuity. He made it so that our digital camera could fit in it and yet no one could tell it wasn’t the real deal. He definitely pulled it off with comment such as “Can you still get the film developed?” and “That must cost you a pretty penny!”. Of course we needed names and press passes. I found a picture of an original one on Google images. Michael used it as reference and made our’s up. He became Flash Shutterbug, photojournalist and I was Walter Willtell, reporter (after the famous Walter Winchell) for the Medicine Creek Tattler.
Once at the party I went around doing some investigative inquiring while Michael snapped pictures for the Park Tavern website. All I can say that the costumes worked like a dream.
photo courtesy Vycke McEwen
October 27, 2008 at 5:49 pm · Filed under politics, computer
:Going off Half-Blocked
I am going to come right out and say it. People are going off half-blocked in the frenzy of the election. There is NO excuse for this as there are so many balanced sources from which you can get your information on the Internet. What I am seeing a lot of this election are intelligent people who are not bothering to explore, novices to the internet who are haven’t learned the ins and outs of the net or intolerant people adding more to filler to the blanket of intolerance they wrap themselves in. The last group cannot be helped or guided by any form of logic but there is hope for the others.
I have gotten forwarded…forwarded…forwarded email with extremist views disguised as real deals. Usually the people who forward them have not checked out the voracity of the contents. I say, it’s not that hard to research. Giving the source it is the only responsible thing to do. Didn’t everyone learn that in high school English class when they wrote their term papers? When I get forwarded emails I will research it and reply back citing legitimate links to the sender so they can be a little more informed. Debating the information has not gotten me anywhere however finding sources seems to occasionally work. I could obviously delete all forwarded email but occasionally one might hit that is intriguing or has the ring of truth that I will do a Google search and I, in process, become more informed myself.
Far right and the far left blogs I just avoid altogether. I read news feeds but never exclusively just one. I might stop CNN, New York Times, Wall Street Journal and NPR while throwing in a little Daily Show and Colbert Report just for laughs. Yes, and I know the last two lean left but they make digs on the Democratic side as well. I’m not opposed to checking out FOX for news (but not the commentary).
Twitter is another story. Currently it is featuring Hot Political Topics. I like to check it out to see what the buzz is about. If someone is off the mark and I can steer him or her to a solid source I will. It could be as simple as the twitter that claimed that Obama couldn’t be speaking in Denver because he was speaking in Ft. Collins that day. In few seconds that person could have checked to see he was doing both. So I posted a link. On Twitter you will also find twits from Aryan Nations that spew bile. It is not worth my while to even reply to that sort of junk. Because if your that extreme there is no logic.
I function from a logic base but also from a diversity and tolerance base. I vote Democrat generally but never a straight ticket. And that goes for this election as well. If you want my vote don’t send me scare propaganda, fear does not motivate my vote.
So in a election year that promises to be the biggest year in percentage of voter participation since 1908 according to Michael McDonald, an associate professor of politics and government at George Mason. University, get your facts straight and enjoy the amazing American political process.
politico.com
Here my top six biparitson websites I keep on my Bookmark Menu bar…
- Real Clear Politics…..Averages Polls, Presidential, Senatorial, Congressional etc.
- Pollster…. Similar to RCP but with very good daily commentary on election trends
- Early Voting…. Keep up with the early voting breaks down Rep/Dem , Black/White, Male/Female percentages
- Fair.org….Fairness and Accuracy in Reporting. Offers well-documented criticism of media bias and censorship.
- Twitter Election…..Fast moving hot political topics…What is happening in real time
- Snopes….Helps to debunk the “Urban Legends” of the Internet
October 20, 2008 at 11:09 pm · Filed under community, politcs
It’s a brave new Oklahoma. Inhofe is being challenge for US Senate seat by a smart young man, Andrew Rice. I first met him at a Comanche County Democratic Meeting. So young and yet so aware, so ready and honest. He doesn’t look past anyone. He looks at whomever is speaking and is sincerely listening to how he might help you. So I went to hear him again and ended up standing behind him as WOMEN WHO SUPPORT ANDREW RICE. I realized that I literally had his back. His wife Apple (don’t you just love that name) Dr. Apple Rice spoke to Andrew’s strengths and goals. Frankly I would have voted for a lesser person who would go up against Inhofe but luckily for us Andrew Rice is a man to watch, someone who in the business world you would keep your eye on as an up and comer. But his ambition is not just for him it is for the everyday folks of Oklahoma. As Apple related, he has a particular interest in helping small businesses. As a citizen and frankly a fan of Medicine Park I am a supporter of small businesses here. Medicine Park has some of the smallest businesses with the biggest dreams.
So I thought what can I do. I already voted by absentee ballot but if I could influence more people to vote for Andrew Rice I would. So this blog post is about Andrew Rice.
Andrew Rice knows there is global warming and will do what it is his power to save Oklahoma for our kids and grandkids. Andrew Rice knows there is a health crisis in Oklahoma. Andrew Rice doesn’t want to see Inhofe take our social security and put it in risky stocks like Inhofe would have us do.
I said to Apple Rice that being in this group was the most political thing I’ve ever done. She replied to me that it is the biggest political thing she had ever done as well.
So be a part of the solution stop by Andrew Rice’s website.
And make sure you vote.
October 11, 2008 at 5:25 am · Filed under Philosophy
I admit this is a pretty trivial endorsement but no less significant than a quarterback from the Cleveland Browns backing McCain. Strawberry Shortcake’s first choice was Hillary but then after Hillary was not successful, she got behind Obama and persuaded the rest of Strawberryland to do the same. (The exceptions being the Peculiar Purple Pieman who is backing Nader and Sour Grapes who isn’t for anyone but herself.) Strawberry’s backing is not because of some oft repeated slogan, Change, Yes We Can, etc., but because things need fixing. Not with just duck tape like some broken toy but real fixing and if that doesn’t work possibly replacement.
The Strawberry Shortcake backing was just to get your attention. I could have as easily said (as the concept artist behind the Care Bears) that Care Bears back Barrack. Or maybe it is just Tender Heart Bear that backs Obama (although Tender Heart may prefer Biden). There are so many Care Bears they could actually fill some cabinet positions. Picture if you will Cheer Bear as Secretary of Health and Human Services, Good Luck Bear as Secretary of the Treasury or Fun Shine Bear as Secretary of Energy (solar of course).
Now if this is painting me as kooky liberal so be it. It’s who I am. I am sympathetic character who creates warm and sympathetic characters. When it comes to Obama and Biden having the needed diplomacy to reach across aisle to form alliances, the Get-Along-Gang could definitely throw their support behind them. Or maybe Obama/ Biden might want to tap into the Get-Along-Gang for some advice on how to make it all work.
After much campaigning I tried to get lil’ iffi to commit but then as her name implies is not at all sure enough to back anyone. Sometimes I draw what I want out of my characters but something they take on a life of their own.
Note: All characters named where and are ones that I graphically created in my career as illustrator/ designer.
September 14, 2008 at 8:14 pm · Filed under community, politics
August 11, 2008 at 4:46 pm · Filed under computer, Philosophy
The inevitable, the passing of Louis Fahrion, occurred this month; not particularly notable unless he was your husband, dad or Pap-Pap. He was 87 with complications of heart problems and diabetes which left his body pretty useless but his brain kept on keeping on. When his physical world collapsed his virtual world opened up. His first computer came about the time her turned 80 because of the nudging of his children and grandchildren. Not surprising to us he (being much brighter than the average welder) became computer savvy, digging into CAD programs and delving into the Internet knowledge dispensary. It was, I believe, what diverted his focus from his failing health to all the new things that was yet to be learned. He was on his third computer which was being continually upgraded by his daughter.
Pap-Pap shares a story with great grandson Gavin
When we returned to Ohio and West Virginia for my father-in-law’s funeral we took account of the (to be expected) physical things. Digging through his closets and dresser we found his clothes, Tyrolean hat, a drawer full of key fobs, books historical, technical and fiction, cufflinks, Masonic jewelry and notepads. But the expanded world of the computer proved more interesting. We weren’t there to hear his last words but we did find his last searches on Google. On our winter visit we put Pap-Pap on Twitter, so even if he didn’t leave a “tweet”, he could follow his children and grandchildren on their day to day activities. My husband sifted through his computer files moving over what might of interest for posterity, letter, notes and Eureka! a personal memoir. Now that is the inheritance Michael really wanted, his dad’s memoirs.
The computer now wiped clean of Louis Fahrion’s files, sits in my daughters Family Consumer Science classroom as Luke would have wanted it, passing on keys of knowledge to the next generation.
July 27, 2008 at 7:38 pm · Filed under music, Philosophy
Thursday night open mike, Park Tavern Medicine Park. A neighbor returns from his brother’s funeral and steps up to the mike. He sings his brother’s favorite song, “Honky Tonk Angel” with a broken hearted voice. Another Parkie r
eturns after fighting for his life a year longer than his Oklahoma doctors gave him (thanks to Texas doctors and stem cell therapy). He would sing if he could but he is not yet strong enough. Other musicians take their spot at the mike and without dedicating the songs to him, play and sing his favorite Johnny Cash songs. He sings quietly to himself. One of those is Les, a long time Parkie fixture, dressed handsomely in his fanciest cowboy duds with his signature patch over one eye and proud Stetson hat on his head. He sings songs I have heard a zillion times but they ring truer with that yodel that you hear from only the best cowboy singers.
The next night at the Tavern Mark, a park ranger, returns from fighting the fires in California. His family is much relieved and so is the town.
And it is just another night at the Tavern where we collect all the hugs and pats on the back we can get and steel ourselves with the support of those around us.
June 26, 2008 at 6:37 pm · Filed under Products
I hate house cleaning. Growing up we were not allowed to use the word “hate”. We were allowed to say I dislike intensely. Either way it is how I feel about cleaning. I remember as a married adult sitting across from my parents as we had dinner out. I was going on about my career and creative endeavors and how, since both my husband and I worked, we might get someone once a week to help clean. My mother chimed in with “a woman’s work should be her joy”. My father spoke for me and said “Catherine, Muriel hates cleaning”. Father knows best. No longer tied to corporate jobs we have a small house with all tile floors to make it easier to keep clean however when the floor feels gritty under your hard soled shoes, there’s no getting around it you gotta mop. It will take nothing short of hour to do it. So I keep buying mops that promise it will make cleaning a breeze. Don’t believe it. The last one I bought had promise, a sturdy sponge like attachment with an ergonomic slant so you could lean into the dirt to scrub but….. didn’t they go ahead and got another vendor to make the replacement mop heads. They were softer so the scrub potential was no longer where it should be. So this week shopping I figured someone may have developed better mop. (I have an uncanny or maybe canny way of knowing when a cooler product has hit the market.)
So last visit to Walmart I noticed a new Rubbermaid Mop, Self-Wringing, Ratchet Twist with a Cotton Head. Sure it was a few dollars more but it looked pretty tough and Rubbermaid has never let me down. I noted it was the only one left! None of these silly synthetic heads for me. So I got home filled a bucket and began to use it. I like the self-wringing feature. It is an easy to use gizmo and makes this funky ratchet noise to let you know it doing the job. So the mop itself because it is the rag style glides easily under furniture, under kitchen overhangs, around toilet bases and in corners. It doesn’t puddle because of it’s efficient wringing. So the first run was pretty good. I am still an enchanted mopper. The novelty may wear off but as long as it keep doing a good job I’ll just put on my ipod and lose myself in the song “Venomous” by Trevor Hall, for that hour of mopping floors.
Another image from my past just flashed through my head. My mother vacuuming our second hand carpets with the Electrolux singing “Do Wa Diddy” by Manfred Mann. And it occurs to me that maybe mother disliked cleaning in a intense way.
May 21, 2008 at 4:55 pm · Filed under Philosophy
So picture this…… It is 10:00 am and I am leaning against the wheel of a medicine wagon atop a trailer being pulled by a firetruck. I have on my 3 lb elk hide cowgirl skirt a cobbletop Resistol cowboy hat that sits down low on my ears, around my neck is a realistically painted rubber rattlesnake. I tell people that it’s a boa to bring out my feminine side. I am surrounded by fellow Medicine Park Marauders, outlaws and law, dressed in seedy looking outfits that fit the wild West era and some more dignified women and kids are dressed as c1900 townies. We all have our guns, pistols, rifles and the like. And here we go number 75 entry in the Armed Forces Day parade in Lawton/ Ft. Sill. In front of us are Polynesian dancers, Shriner Clowns and Vietnam Vets on motorcycles following were the Budweiser Clydesdales and Stripes life size dancing soft drinks and hotdogs. Most of the entries show their patriotism with lots of red, white and blue. Since Medicine Park has been a respite for soldiers since WWI and several of the Marauders are Vets we feel we belong in the parade as much if not more than the dancing soft drinks.
All’s good as we are allowed to shoot our guns (blanks) at random but with caution which is what the Marauders want to do anyway. Our token floozy, Miss Goodbody is atop the wagon dressed in sparkly purple complete with bustle and (real) feather boa. She sports a double barrel 12 gauge shot gun that she shoots off for special attention. Miss Idona Donotta, member of the Society for Sobriety acts indignant after each shot blast. Every other block or so we sing the chorus of “There’s Five Pound of Possum in My Headlight Tonight” led by Marshall Odie Bob. The parade spectators, to our amazement and delight sing and clap with us.
It is somewhere around the third or fourth singing of the “Possum Song” while I readying my gun for the next shoot out and adjusting the snake around my neck, that the thought occurs to me that before moving to the Park I was a corporate VP.
April 21, 2008 at 5:15 pm · Filed under Philosophy
What I Have Learned from My Kids
I am speaking of my adult children not little ones (of course you can learn from the little ones too). Colin is our tech kid. Although we exposed him to computers and more specifically computer graphics back in 1985, he took off with it and is making a career with his knowledge. He does not let us sit back on what we already know he presents us with attainable challenges. He believed (and he was right) that his dad could expand his commercial design business by creating websites. He was there for those emergency phone calls when Michael ran into what seemed to be brick walls. If Colin didn’t know off the top of his tech head he researched it until he found an answer. Michael taught Colin how to ride a bike, Colin taught his Dad how to ride the web and stay on without falling off. And he challenged me to create a blog. It seemed daunting at first but I got the hang of it and now I have four blogs under my belt.
Kim is on the forefront of what is new in the world of trends in decorating, food etc being a Consumer Science Teacher (former known as Home Ec). She sent us home with Rachael Ray magazine this time around. Although on my own I would never become stodgy my kids give me a short cut to staying fresh. They send me to YouTube for their faves. And honestly I want to know about their world like when they were young I asked them me to tell me the good news and the bad. Sometimes it comes in the form of phone call (Kim is more about the phone) but often for Colin it comes as a Twitter.
Oh sure we could sit in our rockers and listen to the nostalgic strains of Bob Dylan, the Band and Janis Joplin but why get stuck. Both Kim and Colin share with us what they are listening to on their ipods. Thanks to Colin we all have ipods. Kim, Colin & Nifer (daughter in law) have introduced us to musicians like Bonobo, M Ward, Regina Spektor and Nora Jones. They are now on our playlist along with some Irish music we started to listen to after visiting Ireland. (Not the American Irish songs.) Not that I completely lean on them for all the new stuff. I strike out on my own after I hear something at the Tavern or on a podcast. But I wouldn’t even think about podcast if it weren’t for Colin.
Kim, Colin and Nifer are all Urbanites. We enjoy the goings on in their cities, Colin & Nifer in San Francisco and Kim in Tulsa. Kim took us on a tour of the gorgeous old neighborhoods of Tulsa this weekend, loved it. The Swan Lake area was perfect for a Saturday walk and eating at the Blue Dome Diner capped off a pleasant day out. And although it has been several years since we visit San Francisco we were treated to a marvelous week of exploration planned out by Nifer.
What I continue to learn from the kids is what we shared with them when they were little ones paid off much more than we would ever have expected. I really believe in my kids and am ready to learn from others of their generation. I say if you’re a member of the baby boom generation (or older) and you haven’t tried to learn from 20 and 30 somethings you deserve to rust!
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