Free Philosophical Discussions 2010-09-10 12:05:00
This a beautiful song to start with. This arrangement is just amazing.
Visual and Audio…
Roy Blount jr. is hilarious. The review from Garrison Keillor said it very well, "He can be literate, uncouth, and soulful, all in one sentence." I enjoy listening to the NPR show "Wait Wait" and Roy is often a panelist, so when I heard he had written this book I reserved it at the library. If you love language, word usage, and etymology you will appreciate this book. My use of language throughout my years has been a mixed bag. I get some things right and some things wrong. His entry on the word phenomenon is a hoot. He talks about certain words being "sonicky". Sonicky is his word that replaces onomatopoeia.
Blount has personal stories throughout the text and political opinions. On page 243 he gives the example of John Adams and Josiah Quincy who acted as lawyers for the British troops who reacted by shooting into a mob by writing, "...The country wasn't just threatened by jackleg terrorist, it was occupied by an army, and yet people like Quincy and Adams felt strong enough to focus on due process-to resist the occupation but still identify with the occupiers as people. Those were the days."
The story about the eighth/ninth Marquess of Queensberry was strange and intriguing. Another strange story was found in "S" about a 2003 study done with Sulawesi macaques. The macaques would relieve themselves on the computer keyboards they were supposed to use for typing. Blount goes on to say, "Anyone who hasn't felt like that has never tried writing anything."
I had one of those AH HA! moments in the "S" section when I came to the word sesquipedalian. We just finished reading the last book in the series from The Mysterious Benedict Society and one of the recurring characters is named S.Q. Pedalian. The word means a long uncommunicative word used for the sake of showing off. I chuckled for quite a bit thinking about reading those three books and not knowing the joke.
Blount brings up a word that is used euphemistically for the male anatomy. The etymology of the word is unclear. I have heard this word used since I was very young. My stepmother, who is from Alabama, as is Blount, has used this word for as far back as I can remember. My sister, Tracy, uses it as well. It was a surprise to find it so thoroughly researched in this book. Alice and Tracy should have been interviewed for the section.
The comment he has on the word "Veracity" struck a chord with me, "Is not a simple matter. Some people cause more misunderstanding by going around saying exactly what they think all the time, than others by being hypocritical."
One of the things that is great about the book is just thumbing through and stopping on any word that suits your fancy. The entries are mostly come off as stream of consciousness and the tangents are fun. So word lovers give it a try, but be warned of that he has a salty tongue.
::::::::::Surfing MP3s:::
I am working on a short video for next week and came across this song:
::::::::Observation of the Day:::
It is fun to listen to Run DMC, while seating in a chair with wheels.
Must keeping listening to different songs...later!
Beyond the Bog Road…
My mother invited me to go with her to the Eileen Ivers concert held at the Ferst Center on the campus of Georgia Tech. She also had tickets for our good friends Suzanne and Jason (always fun at a concert). The weather cooperated intermittently. The only problem was the frog strangling downpour and being directed by a police officer in the wrong direction to get around a broken down 18-wheeler in the middle of the intersection. I said a choice word (sorry about that to my car companions), but we got turned around and in the parking deck as the rain subsided.
Eileen Ivers was accompanied by an amazing ensemble. Ms. Ivers is an energetic, genuine and consummate celtic fiddle performer. Her show has a running video behind the performers that intersperses HD video footage of places in Ireland and New York, with vintage family and historical footage. Beyond the Bog Road tour informs the audience of the history of the Irish and the reasons they immigrated to places like Canada and America.
Tommy McDonnell, on lead vocals, percussion, & harmonica was a member of the original Blues Brothers Band and boy howdy can you tell. He does that jubilant call and response that I love. His voice hits just the right notes and invites everyone in to enjoy the music.
Buddy Connolly on accordion, whistle, and keyboards was fantastic. One of my favorite parts of the show was the dueling accordion/violin he did with Ms. Ivers. There was intensity, brilliance and humor.
Leo Traversa's bass playing was spectacular. I wish my son, Aaron, was at the concert to hear and see Traversa play. Aaron would have been in awe, too.
Greg Anderson was on acoustic guitar, bouzouki, and back ground vocals. He was such a pleasure to listen to and watch as he helped meld all of these sounds to create an out of this world show.
The changes of tempo in the show were perfect and the invited guest singer, and the Irish step dancers were an integral part of the energy and flavor of the show. This was a toe tappin', hands clappin', hip poppin', and head bobbin' show. I thoroughly enjoyed myself. Having great company along for the ride was a bonus. Thanks for the invite, mom!
A Fond Memory…
This song is one of my favorite songs. My mom and I used to sing it together on trips to Phenix City, Alabama. She owned a Volkswagen Beetle that logged a lot of miles. I often slept in the very back and woke up very sweaty mid trip.
Something else that I have a fond memory of:
Now for something new:
****Last call for Girl Scout Cookies...mmm...made from 100% real Girl Scouts.
Smiles...
“I’m Ashamed of What I Would Do For A Klondike Bar!”
The blog title was taken from a statement made by Rachel. Do your kids have any disturbing quotes, as well?
::::::::::::Book Review:::::::::
Another winner from Michael Buckley! The kids were so excited to read this book, so was I. I think the consensus is that Puck is our favorite character. He is unruly, contrary and big-hearted. This book reveals the "Master" who leads the Scarlet Hand (the baddies). The kids are I were shocked by who ended up to be the dastardly Master. The other exciting reveal that I can let you know...a positive spoiler...there is going to be another book! WOOT WOOT!
:::::::::A Few Layouts for 2008:
:::::::::::Music Downloads:::::::
Since I was working on a slideshow for the Scout Troop's Court of Honor I decided to download a song by Andy Griffith that worked for the pictures submitted to me. I grabbed "The Fishin' Hole". I love that song, the tune, the lyrics, the finger snapping...it brings me happy vibes. Looking for music is like Pringles, I can't download just one. Here is a list of my downloads:
Song: It's Not My Time - 3 Doors Down 0.94
Song: Mama, I'm Coming Home - Ozzy Osbourne 0.94
Song: I Won't Back Down - Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers 0.94
Song: Times Like These - Foo Fighters 0.94
Song: Mercy - Duffy 0.94
Song: Hollow Man - R.E.M. 0.94
Song: Slide - The Goo Goo Dolls 0.94
Song: Cath... - Death Cab for Cutie 1.24
Song: The Fishin' Hole - Andy Griffith 0.94
Song: The Climb - Miley Cyrus 0.94
Song: What I've Done - Linkin Park 1.24
Song: Detours - Sheryl Crow 0.94
Song: Pork And Beans - Weezer 0.94
Song: Burning Down The House - The Talking Heads 0.94
Song: Magnificent - U2 0.94
Song: Chicken Fried - The Zac Brown Band 0.94
Song: Iron Man - Ozzy Osbourne Featuring 1.24
Song: Everlong - Foo Fighters 1.24
::::::::::::::Fourth of July Plans:::::
My mom is planning to take the kids to see the new Ice Age movie in 3D on Friday. The plans to see Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen have been axed due to the raunchy nature of the movie. Thanks for those who forewarned us.
We are invited to a pool party and cookout with some friends from church. It should be fun to just hangout and eat. I hope everyone has a safe holiday!
::::::::Victoria's Walk and Read Program:::::
is working out okay. I have yet to walk into a tree, step on dog poo, run into people, or parked/moving cars. Minor successes are gladly accepted. Reading slows me down, but tends to add distance. I get caught up in my reading and sometimes go an extra mile. I walked a little over 7 miles on Mon,Tue,Wed, Thurs. Fri., last week. That is 7 miles on each of those days. I finished Scientific American's April 2009 issue, but it took 2 days. There were such amazing articles. One I particularly liked was how trichromasy has developed in New World and Old World Primates. There are even people out there that can see in tetrachomatic ranges (4 colors), but don't have a way to really know they can. I have a suspicion that Michael and his brothers Reuben and Marcus maybe able to see a greater range of color. I am currently reading The Golden Ocean by Patrick O'Brian, on my walk.
There are a few authors that can write dialogue and set a scene that draws you in so thoroughly that you feel like you exist within that story as some eavesdropping spirit and Patrick O'Brian is one of those writers. For me, Lucy Maud Montgomery, Jane Austen, and J.K. Rowling write that way, as well. I have a fascination for any books about ships and submarines, but have no clue why. My guess is that I would puke my guts out on both and would have sever claustrophobic episodes. But I would almost swear that I can feel the sea spray and hear the accents in real life when I read an O'Brian book. Excellent stuff, my friends!
::::::::::My Next Read::::::
I have Forever Odd by Dean Koontz in the wings to read. My sister, Katherine, has read the series and wants to me to, as well.
::::::::::High School Reunion Coming Up:::::
I have my high school reunion this month. I'm looking forward to seeing several of the gals and catching up with what they have been doing these last 20 years. I will probably go wild a buy a new outfit for this auspicious occasion. Aaron wondered if I actually owned any shoes other than my gray croc sandals, so I might need to get a pair of shoes that come in wide, yet flattering.
::::::::::In Other Good News::::
The new heating element and thermal fuse came in today and Michael has put it in. Laundry awaits my attention.
Smiles!
Tag…I’m It
I was tagged by Marcus, so here goes:
4 Random Things I Like About My Significant Other
He is a fantastic chef.
He can do minor car repairs.
He speaks my dialect of the language "Wife".
He tells funny jokes (they maybe the same jokes, I tend to forget them).
4 Jobs I’ve Had
Medical records department at Emory Clinic (Summer Job)
Runner at Emory Clinic (Summer Job)
Office staff at Mervyn's Department store
Mom
4 Movies I’ve Watched More Than Once
Murder By Death
Ben Hur
Pride and Prejudice (Keira Knightly version)
Star Wars episodes 4-6
4 TV Shows I Watch
Forensic Files
Psych
Monk
The Daily Show
4 Favorite Foods
Wheat Bread with butter
Black bean enchiladas
Vegetarian Spring rolls
Mashed potatoes
4 Places I’d Like to Visit
Australia
New Zealand
Prince Edward Island
Japan
5 Things I’m Looking Forward to in the Coming Year
Having my teeth cleaned
A new pair of walking shoes
Eve learning to read
Noah's theory about the beginning of time...in its newest form
Aaron surviving middle school
4 People I Tag
Rachel
Heather
Kate
Shannon
:::::::::::::::RED BUBBLE::::::::::
My photographer brother-in-law, Marcus, is selling some of his photos on-line at Red Bubble, so if you are interested in gorgeous quality prints or notecards you can check out his site.
::::::::::::::::Cellos ROCK!:::::::::::
Take care! :)
