Fiber Optics: the EYE of the Anti-Christ
by
Dr Emil Gaverluk
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Today's minor annoyance
Aside from the surplus of winter sunshine and mild temperatures, that is.
Passive aggressive shoppers who make a big deal out of "getting _____ on Amazon", with _____ being whatever book you've just scoured the section for and not found.
Amazon is great, yes, we know- we sell tons of stuff on Amazon.
Please don't carry on like you're doing us some big favor giving us a chance.
Yes, you can find that Stephen King pocket book on Amazon for less than a buck.
You can also pay $3.99 for shipping and hope the bottom-feeder who listed a book for 40 cents ships it in a timely fashion, and that they graded it accurately.
Used book stores can't compete with a virtual aggregator in terms of stock, but we do have substantial advantages in other areas.
It's been interesting watching the public's learning curve with internet book sales.
It took them a long time to catch on. I remember when we'd have to walk them through the process.
Now most everyone has grasped the basic concept, but they still don't notice the hidden costs like shipping fees (Ebay being the worst offender, with its culture of "sell for next to nothing, make it up on the shipping") and waiting for your book to arrive.
I buy stuff on Amazon too, but I don't gloat about it to the clerk at the housewares store that didn't have the rice cooker I was after.
Passive aggressive shoppers who make a big deal out of "getting _____ on Amazon", with _____ being whatever book you've just scoured the section for and not found.
Amazon is great, yes, we know- we sell tons of stuff on Amazon.
Please don't carry on like you're doing us some big favor giving us a chance.
Yes, you can find that Stephen King pocket book on Amazon for less than a buck.
You can also pay $3.99 for shipping and hope the bottom-feeder who listed a book for 40 cents ships it in a timely fashion, and that they graded it accurately.
Used book stores can't compete with a virtual aggregator in terms of stock, but we do have substantial advantages in other areas.
It's been interesting watching the public's learning curve with internet book sales.
It took them a long time to catch on. I remember when we'd have to walk them through the process.
Now most everyone has grasped the basic concept, but they still don't notice the hidden costs like shipping fees (Ebay being the worst offender, with its culture of "sell for next to nothing, make it up on the shipping") and waiting for your book to arrive.
I buy stuff on Amazon too, but I don't gloat about it to the clerk at the housewares store that didn't have the rice cooker I was after.
Monday, February 23, 2009
today's minor annoyance
Lots of people today whining about the rain.
Complaints are always prefaced by "I know we need it, but...."
Because, you know, it's been a whole three days without sunshine.
Complaints are always prefaced by "I know we need it, but...."
Because, you know, it's been a whole three days without sunshine.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
what do they WANT from me?
young guy wearing too much cologne:
"I wonder if you could help me? I don't really read or anything, but I'm looking for a book, about like a life journey, or something? But not too long, or to short? The verse, you know? Like a life journey, about someone? Would you have any suggestions?"
dream reply:
"Here's a dart and a copy of Books In Print- knock yourself out."
/edit
Somehow, after all that, he ended up buying The Unexpected Legacy of Divorce: The Landmark 25 Year Study.
"I wonder if you could help me? I don't really read or anything, but I'm looking for a book, about like a life journey, or something? But not too long, or to short? The verse, you know? Like a life journey, about someone? Would you have any suggestions?"
dream reply:
"Here's a dart and a copy of Books In Print- knock yourself out."
/edit
Somehow, after all that, he ended up buying The Unexpected Legacy of Divorce: The Landmark 25 Year Study.
booktales
just sold a book on the Three Stooges to a girl who looked EXACTLY like the actress who played teenaged Janet Frame in Angel at my Table, if she'd been a nerdy California girl instead of a nerdy NZ girl.
shallow learning curve
The Fuss yesterday, on our walk.
So about a month ago he started sitting up. A couple of days ago, just before his seven month 'birthday', he stood up unsupported for the first time.
I was reading in bed and he was clambering around on me like one of those fake rock walls on cruise ships. He scaled my leg and did his latest trick, taking one hand off and waving it around. He's been doing it for a few days, so I made encouraging noises but kept reading. Then he pulled back his other hand and was waving them BOTH around.
He stood for a few seconds, like the Coyote suspended in mid-air after speeding over the edge of the cliff, then fell over laughing.
Yesterday he staged a repeat performance for the wife, using his favorite box in the living room as a prop. Her yell of surprise spun me around in time to catch a glimpse before he tipped over.
Will he be walking next month? Soon, anyway.
All he ever wants is to be UP.
Aunt Burl was surprised at the way he locks his knees when you try to sit him down, and his eagerness to climb everything within reach. The Fiend had no such urge- if you tried to pull her up, she'd do the jelly leg until you stopped. Fuss has been standing up (with help) for months already.
He's a speedy crawler, but he doesn't approach it recreationally. It's just the intermediary stage between the place you set him down and nearest object low enough to grapple his way up.
His slacker parents view this boundless drive and ambition with happy bemusement, two old crows that somehow hatched a hummingbird.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
My Morning Fuss
I found the cable for charging the camera and feel compelled to make up for lost time.
Going to try and take a few pictures of him every morning and put them on Flickr.
I doubt endless close ups interest anyone else besides Devra, but suck it up you whiners!
Going to try and take a few pictures of him every morning and put them on Flickr.
I doubt endless close ups interest anyone else besides Devra, but suck it up you whiners!
Monday, February 16, 2009
Sunday, February 15, 2009
V Day
I picked up a bouquet for the wife in spite of her wordy protestations that we skip this year.
"This time I'm serious!" she concluded.
I was not fooled.
A bouquet is a negligible price to pay for domestic harmony.
Devra was on Fuss Patrol when I arrived, watching The Dresser while the wife changed the bedding and did laundry.
Startling that an Albert Finney enthusiast hadn't seen his finest performance.
We seized the opportunity for a fuss-free stroll through the elfin forest. Sitting down and and watching the sun set without the goad of the Fuss at our backs, his insatiable thirst for novelty driving us ever forward, was sublime.
These are the pedestrian joys a child reduces you to, a carefree laundry day and viewing a sunset at your own pace.
"This time I'm serious!" she concluded.
I was not fooled.
A bouquet is a negligible price to pay for domestic harmony.
Devra was on Fuss Patrol when I arrived, watching The Dresser while the wife changed the bedding and did laundry.
Startling that an Albert Finney enthusiast hadn't seen his finest performance.
We seized the opportunity for a fuss-free stroll through the elfin forest. Sitting down and and watching the sun set without the goad of the Fuss at our backs, his insatiable thirst for novelty driving us ever forward, was sublime.
These are the pedestrian joys a child reduces you to, a carefree laundry day and viewing a sunset at your own pace.
Saturday, February 14, 2009
be ever vigilant
Nice Arcade Fire tour poster. Price looks ok.
Well, until you notice it's still available at their web site for $12.50.
Well, until you notice it's still available at their web site for $12.50.
musique non stop
They delivered Meggsie's piano yesterday, after some travails occasioned by the odd placement of downstairs entrances. She celebrated by essaying the theme from Amelie, entrancing the Fuss so thoroughly even his omnipresent strand of drool froze in place.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
choral
I was listening to Thich Nhat Hahn on the way to the store, with his voice like a stone rimmed forest pool saying 'no one is ever born, no one ever dies' and talking about burning paper, smoke and heat.
Now I'm listening to the girls downstairs singing along to Joni Mitchell. Mom's record, the one I memorized when I was five and turned over and over on the record player like flipping a big black coin. A Case of You and All I Want piercing the floor and rising to the sky through the roof, mingling with the smoke in the clouds and finally coming back down as rain.
I suspect mom likes it.
Now I'm listening to the girls downstairs singing along to Joni Mitchell. Mom's record, the one I memorized when I was five and turned over and over on the record player like flipping a big black coin. A Case of You and All I Want piercing the floor and rising to the sky through the roof, mingling with the smoke in the clouds and finally coming back down as rain.
I suspect mom likes it.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
CDs stink, I'm going back to the source
Meggsie has shown me the light!
Inaugural vinyl purchases:
Arcade Fire, Funeral
The Pains of Being Pure At Heart, self titled
Elliott Smith, Figure 8
Wolf Parade, Apologies to the Queen Mary
Inaugural vinyl purchases:
Arcade Fire, Funeral
The Pains of Being Pure At Heart, self titled
Elliott Smith, Figure 8
Wolf Parade, Apologies to the Queen Mary
Today's Odd Find
Sweet & Hard Cider- Making It, Using It, Enjoying It.
Looked it up on a whim, didn't notice it was written by Annie 'Brokeback Mountain' Proulx until I saw the price and said "WTF".
Looked it up on a whim, didn't notice it was written by Annie 'Brokeback Mountain' Proulx until I saw the price and said "WTF".
Monday, February 9, 2009
Placatory Update for Malderor
I have not composed my magnum opus on your magnum opus yet.
I can report that Skindred was playing on a loop in my head last night as I scoured the sink, and I find their blend of dub, metal & punk piquant and unique.
Just the sort of thing I was hoping for.
I can report that Skindred was playing on a loop in my head last night as I scoured the sink, and I find their blend of dub, metal & punk piquant and unique.
Just the sort of thing I was hoping for.
true customer tales
nerdly dad and little boy at the counter.
little boy: *snatches penny from change cup and pops it in his mouth*
dad: Don't put that in your mouth!
little boy, mumbling around penny: I didn't, I'm just feeling it with my tongue!
little boy: *snatches penny from change cup and pops it in his mouth*
dad: Don't put that in your mouth!
little boy, mumbling around penny: I didn't, I'm just feeling it with my tongue!
Today's Rude Awakening
5:30-ish, still dark and raining like a bastard.
First he climbed on the pillow I was using to shield my head and wrapped himself around both like a starfish.
When that didn't rouse me, he dragged off the pillow and started wailing on my cheek;
SMACK
SMACK
SMACK
SMACK
gurgling happily all the while.
Then the wife burst out laughing.
First he climbed on the pillow I was using to shield my head and wrapped himself around both like a starfish.
When that didn't rouse me, he dragged off the pillow and started wailing on my cheek;
SMACK
SMACK
SMACK
SMACK
gurgling happily all the while.
Then the wife burst out laughing.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
e-friends
John Lurie friended me on Facebook, I assume because I was one of the denizens of the Lounge Lizards and Fishing with John appreciation groups.
Laurie R. King friended me on Goodreads because she liked my review of one of her early works.
/edit
also appropos of the omnibus post down the street, Amazon has a vinyl store.
Laurie R. King friended me on Goodreads because she liked my review of one of her early works.
/edit
also appropos of the omnibus post down the street, Amazon has a vinyl store.
Saturday, February 7, 2009
This week's rude awakening
The first in what I fear will be a regular feature of the Baxblog.
So I'm dead asleep in the wee hours or the morn when the Fuss head-butts me.
Confused, I start up saying "WHAT?!"
Which must have scared him, because he started wailing at the top of his lungs.
He's lucky years of therapy have steam-pressed my night time neuroses relatively flat- his mom still bears scars from past run-ins with my nocturnal reactions.
So I'm dead asleep in the wee hours or the morn when the Fuss head-butts me.
Confused, I start up saying "WHAT?!"
Which must have scared him, because he started wailing at the top of his lungs.
He's lucky years of therapy have steam-pressed my night time neuroses relatively flat- his mom still bears scars from past run-ins with my nocturnal reactions.
omnibus update
Apologies to all the folks I'm supposed to do things with/for who have been flaked on the past few weeks. Demands are high and energy is low- I haven't been totally healthy since Christmas. The combined stresses of last year were a heavy load-
I'm like the camel that marched stoically across the desert and collapsed after reaching the relative safety of the oasis, right down to the vile temper and excess of mucus.
The Fuss is a major contributing factor. Indisputably charming and lovely, as well as strong, wise, bold and a snappy dresser, he is also a black hole of need devouring every atom of attention in his vicinity with mathematical efficiency.
The wife relays anecdotal evidence from her Parent Participation class that he's a more difficult prospect than the others of his generation. Wild tales of babies sleeping through the night and chasing it with multi-hour afternoon naps abound. Meanwhile, Fuss thinks himself ill used if he is required to spend more than two hours in a row at rest.
He made a nuisance of himself this week, crawling about stealing the chew toys of his defenseless, non-ambulatory classmates. He sidled up crab-like, wresting the prize from their grip then scampering out of reach, leaving them to wave feeble protest in his wake. In the arms race of the nursery, he totes a water cooled machine gun through a thicket of sharpened sticks.
Tending a baby is difficult but possible. The desire to simultaneously have a life is what catapults us into the mist-tinged realm of fantasy.
I managed to organize my 'office' (a small alcove off the living room), haul the last of the books out of the garage and resume our online business. The Stephanie Meyer 1st previously noted is on ice for now- the buying public is a herd animal, and demand will predictably spike shortly before the second film hits theaters.
The cheapest genuine 1st on Amazon right now is $900, up $300 from my last check.
This is frankly insane, as I can get a 1st of Interview with the Vampire in similar condition for $300, a tremendously significant book that came out in 1976 and whos foil stamped dust jacket practically guarantees problems with condition.
By the time the movie comes out who knows what heights it will have scaled. $1500 seem within reach. Madness!
I have a nice copy of Farewell, My Lovely in DJ, a touchstone of detective fiction by one of the greatest writers the genre ever produced that's 'worth' $2500-3000. For a book published in 1940 with a dust jacket printed on paper only a few steps removed from newsprint.
When the moment is ripe, I'll dump the Meyer book and not look back. I know a bubble when I see one. Semi-literate drivel rarely has staying power.
Part of the office organization involved toting all mom's LP's down to the garage. Meggsie has a turntable, so I turned her loose on them first. I think mom would've enjoyed the strains of Joan Armatrading drifting up from below.
Speaking of her turntable, Megs has an interesting perspective on the musical conundrums of this digital age.
Whatever she loves well enough she buys on vinyl.
Apparently some publishers are savvy enough to include a downloadable digital copy with these artifacts. An elegant solution- digital convenience with the emotional heft of an album. CDs were never satisfying objects- small, hard and awkward, something an engineer would lay in a nest of wire.
Were we to pick up a turntable of our own, I would happily follow her lead.
And note to Meggsie- take good care of your copy of XO. You don't want to have to replace it at those rates.
I'm like the camel that marched stoically across the desert and collapsed after reaching the relative safety of the oasis, right down to the vile temper and excess of mucus.
The Fuss is a major contributing factor. Indisputably charming and lovely, as well as strong, wise, bold and a snappy dresser, he is also a black hole of need devouring every atom of attention in his vicinity with mathematical efficiency.
The wife relays anecdotal evidence from her Parent Participation class that he's a more difficult prospect than the others of his generation. Wild tales of babies sleeping through the night and chasing it with multi-hour afternoon naps abound. Meanwhile, Fuss thinks himself ill used if he is required to spend more than two hours in a row at rest.
He made a nuisance of himself this week, crawling about stealing the chew toys of his defenseless, non-ambulatory classmates. He sidled up crab-like, wresting the prize from their grip then scampering out of reach, leaving them to wave feeble protest in his wake. In the arms race of the nursery, he totes a water cooled machine gun through a thicket of sharpened sticks.
Tending a baby is difficult but possible. The desire to simultaneously have a life is what catapults us into the mist-tinged realm of fantasy.
I managed to organize my 'office' (a small alcove off the living room), haul the last of the books out of the garage and resume our online business. The Stephanie Meyer 1st previously noted is on ice for now- the buying public is a herd animal, and demand will predictably spike shortly before the second film hits theaters.
The cheapest genuine 1st on Amazon right now is $900, up $300 from my last check.
This is frankly insane, as I can get a 1st of Interview with the Vampire in similar condition for $300, a tremendously significant book that came out in 1976 and whos foil stamped dust jacket practically guarantees problems with condition.
By the time the movie comes out who knows what heights it will have scaled. $1500 seem within reach. Madness!
I have a nice copy of Farewell, My Lovely in DJ, a touchstone of detective fiction by one of the greatest writers the genre ever produced that's 'worth' $2500-3000. For a book published in 1940 with a dust jacket printed on paper only a few steps removed from newsprint.
When the moment is ripe, I'll dump the Meyer book and not look back. I know a bubble when I see one. Semi-literate drivel rarely has staying power.
Part of the office organization involved toting all mom's LP's down to the garage. Meggsie has a turntable, so I turned her loose on them first. I think mom would've enjoyed the strains of Joan Armatrading drifting up from below.
Speaking of her turntable, Megs has an interesting perspective on the musical conundrums of this digital age.
Whatever she loves well enough she buys on vinyl.
Apparently some publishers are savvy enough to include a downloadable digital copy with these artifacts. An elegant solution- digital convenience with the emotional heft of an album. CDs were never satisfying objects- small, hard and awkward, something an engineer would lay in a nest of wire.
Were we to pick up a turntable of our own, I would happily follow her lead.
And note to Meggsie- take good care of your copy of XO. You don't want to have to replace it at those rates.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Pelf submits to the Pivot quiz
Hah!
What depths he'll plumb to appease the theater troupe premiering his latest play!
In a benediction to you, my loyal readers, I'll personally essay the quiz with no motive other than your entertainment, enlightenment and edification. That's just how I roll.
What is your favorite word?
Bastinado
What is your least favorite word?
Bro
What turns you on creatively, spiritually or emotionally?
Authenticity
What turns you off creatively, spiritually or emotionally?
bullshit
What sound or noise do you love?
the Fuss' breathing when he's asleep
What sound or noise do you hate?
the voices of advertising pitch men
What is your favorite curse word?
AW, NUTS!
What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?
graphic designer
What profession would you not like to do?
Alaskan crab fisherman
If Heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates?
"Rick Warren is gonna have to sniff Satan's balls, cause he can't hang with the dress code in this club! AW YEAH BOYEEEEEEE!"
What depths he'll plumb to appease the theater troupe premiering his latest play!
In a benediction to you, my loyal readers, I'll personally essay the quiz with no motive other than your entertainment, enlightenment and edification. That's just how I roll.
What is your favorite word?
Bastinado
What is your least favorite word?
Bro
What turns you on creatively, spiritually or emotionally?
Authenticity
What turns you off creatively, spiritually or emotionally?
bullshit
What sound or noise do you love?
the Fuss' breathing when he's asleep
What sound or noise do you hate?
the voices of advertising pitch men
What is your favorite curse word?
AW, NUTS!
What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?
graphic designer
What profession would you not like to do?
Alaskan crab fisherman
If Heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates?
"Rick Warren is gonna have to sniff Satan's balls, cause he can't hang with the dress code in this club! AW YEAH BOYEEEEEEE!"
Rules of Retail
The second you break open a fresh roll of coins, someone sporting an old bike helmet and carrying a dirty gym sock full of change will purchase a biography of Michael Jackson using neat stacks of whatever coin you just filled the drawer with.
Monday, February 2, 2009
In Soviet Russia, Cheezburger can has YOU!
clicky clicky
my favorite caption:
/edit
best comment of the young year.
my favorite caption:
Mother, if my constitution is unfit for gymnast… The grist mill shall become my pommel horse and daily labor my reward!
/edit
best comment of the young year.
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Comic apocalypse
Apparently 'alternative' newspapers are jettisoning comics left and right.
I mostly stopped reading our local rag when they dumped all of theirs except Tom Tomorrow a few years back.
I'm not sure why they're still in business. The internet killed their classifieds and personals, their articles suck (hooray for underpaid journalism majors from the architecture & engineering school up the hill!) and their clout as THEE source for local events is questionable.
The Palm stopped advertising with them quite a while ago and customers didn't seem to notice. Huge savings, no negative impact on business...what's not to like!
This does seem to fit with the newspaper business in general, which for the last decade plus has seemed intent on alienating readers in the pursuit of short term profits.
I mostly stopped reading our local rag when they dumped all of theirs except Tom Tomorrow a few years back.
I'm not sure why they're still in business. The internet killed their classifieds and personals, their articles suck (hooray for underpaid journalism majors from the architecture & engineering school up the hill!) and their clout as THEE source for local events is questionable.
The Palm stopped advertising with them quite a while ago and customers didn't seem to notice. Huge savings, no negative impact on business...what's not to like!
This does seem to fit with the newspaper business in general, which for the last decade plus has seemed intent on alienating readers in the pursuit of short term profits.
Random Lines from Crummy Fantasy Novels
from King of the Murgos by David Eddings
Queen Xantha's tree was even more vast than Garion remembered it, its branches as broad as highways and the hollows in its bole opening like the mouthes of caves. The Dryads in their brightly colored tunics bedecked the huge limbs like flowers, giggling and whispering and pointing at the visitors. Xbel led them intot he broad, moss covered clearing beneath the tree, put her fingers to her lips, and made a curiously bird-like whistle.
John Updike RIP
On the off chance Sally is a big Updike fan, I'll let someone else provide his epitaph.
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