They're Rebelling Already!

They're Rebelling Already!

Mamas, don't let your babies grow up to be bikers.....

Kittens!

Kittens!

Just got two kittens! They're running around just now. The kitties are both female, & have a tiger pattern. (in fact it's difficult to tell them a-part) One has more orange on her nose, & is smaller. (the runt of the litter). Don't know what to call them yet...

Marmots, & Slugs, & Orcas.. . Oh My!

Marmots, & Orcas, & Slugs, Oh My!

• Just got back from a trip to Washington State & Seattle! Got to do some fantastic hiking at Mt. Rainier National Park & Olympic National Park. Also went on a whale watch out of Port Townsend, Washington through the Puget Sound & to the San Juan islands. During our time hiking & boating we encountered some curious new critters. Here are a few facts I learned:
  
• Marmots, (also called groundhogs or woodchucks) are the largest of the squirrel family. Marmots are kind of cute (for a rodent), and basically lie around on rocks sunning themselves & chewing vegetation all day. They make a loud, shrill whistling sound (which we did not have the pleasure of experiencing).
• Orca whales can live to be over 90 years old! There was an orca whale born in 1910 in one of the pods we saw. Orcas are also matriarchal. Adult males will stay with their mommies, aunties, sisters, & grammies their whole life. Some orca whales (like the ones in the Puget Sound) only eat fish like salmon. They do not hunt seals or sea lions.
• Banana Slugs are found in the Hoh temperate rainforest in Olympic National Park. They are bright yellow of course. Banana slugs have a large breathing hole & delicate antennae with knobby eyes at the end. ((Aside: Over a beer at the airport a woman from Portland told me that for fun kids in Oregon & Washington lick banana slugs on a dare. Apparently banana slugs have a toxic chemical on their skin that makes your tongue numb hmmm!! ))
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The Mona Lisa

The Mona Lisa

Have you ever wondered: Why is the image of the Mona Lisa so intriguing? Why is her image plastered upon everything from underwear to hang-bags?
>Is she just a good-looking lady??
>Did Leonardo just have a poor trademark lawyer??
> Is she Jesus in disguise??

Some of the reasons for the Mona Lisa’s fame are straightforward & factual:

1. Indeed the Mona Lisa was painted by a world-famous artist (even more so now because of that Da Vinci Code )
2. The Mona Lisa was stolen in 1911 & but later returned in 1913. (notoriety always gains attention).3. The Mona Lisa hangs in one of the most famous museums in the world (you even have to wait in line under a glass pyramid for a couple of hours to get in).

Still, something about this painting captures the human imagination. No other painting has been reproduced, parodied, and placed upon more human paraphernalia. ((Despite sappy ballads & ear slicing, it even beats Van Gogh’s ‘Starry, Starry Night.’))

Why?

Several folks have put forth their theories about the Mona Lisa’s 'enigmatic smile.' 1.The Scientific Theory: the Mona Lisa’s smile is captivating because the human eye naturally focuses its gaze upon the Mona Lisa’s eyes, whereupon her smile falls in the ‘less accurate peripheral vision.’ Shadows on the Mona Lisa’s cheekbone make her look like she is smiling. But when the eye actually focuses on her mouth she's not smiling! 2. The Ridiculous Theory: the Mona Lisa’s smile actually reveals her secret: she is pregnant by Leonardo!! (No wait, he was gay) 3. The Sexy Theory: The Mona Lisa is actually Leonardo himself in drag. He originally had a model, but she got pissed off and left. He had to use his own self-portrait to finish the painting! (suggested by digital imagining analysis) Hence this androgynous combination makes for an intriguing picture that neither women nor men can resist staring at. 4. The Mathematical Theory: Leonardo used the 'golden ratio' when he painted the Mona Lisa. This geometric ratio of perfection -- also used in the Parthenon—attracts the human eye & inspires the perception of beauty. We can’t keep our eyes off her! 5. The Queer Theory: The Mona Lisa was a lesbian, and is simply revealing that knowing smile.

Below are two versions of the Mona Lisa, including my own: Mona Harold. (Note that Harold has no eyebrows, unlike Hillary)

Baxter State Park- Maine

Baxter State Park, ME- a Gem of the Northeast

Just spent Monday thru Saturday at Baxter State Park in Maine. I’ve only been there once before & only as a day hiker. This park--- a gift to the people of Maine from former Gov. Percival Baxter—is a gem. We-18 of us – camped at the Nesowadnehunk group site, located off the Park Tote Road. Day one (Tuesday) we hiked up the Sentinel Mountain trail from Kidney Pond. This mountaintop gave us a spectacular view of Kidney & Daicey Ponds below, and the mountain range to our North. It was sunny day, with beautiful white clouds, and fairly warm. We walked along a loop atop Sentinel Mtn. which gave views of all the peaks, rivers, & ponds around. That afternoon we went swimming at Ledge Falls. Tuesday night was cold in camp (36 F) with a full moon & howling coyotes to boot.

Day two (Wed.) was our water-sports day. Four of us went to Kidney Pond and rented canoes. We experienced a leisurely paddle around the pond, ate some lunch, & went swimming. We saw frogs, fish, and an uprooted tree with spooky, gnarly roots. Again it was a beautiful sunny day, & we had great views of the mountain peaks around. Afterwards we hung around the Kidney Pond library, did some reading & chatting.

On Thurs. we (3 of us) had an easier day. We went along the Appalachian Trail from Daicey Pond to Big Niagara Falls. Not exactly “Niagara Fall” but still a fantastic series of waterfalls along the Nesowadnehunk Stream. This former logging stream runs along into the Penobscot River.

On Friday I joined one other camper to explore the Chimney Pond Trail. We had to leave camp by 5:30 a.m. to get to the Tongue Pond Gate, & to get into the Roaring Brook parking lot. Luckily, we made it, as it was Friday & the forecast called for rain .We geared up then headed up the Chimney Pond Trail. This trail was rocky, but not too steep, & ran along the Roaring Brook. We took our time, reaching Chimney Pond before lunchtime. Chimney Pond is a serene spot situated in the South Basin. As we sat we viewed Katahdin-- Baxter Peak, the Knife’s Edge, Pamola Peak, and the Cathedral Domes-- looming up in front of us. Clouds, both white and some ominous, rolled up above us. The wind was strong, & it was cold, yet still we could see hardy hikers edging their way along the Knife’s Edge.

After lunch we went back down the Chimney Pond Trail and took the North Basin Trail to the left. This rocky, steep trail led up to the Blueberry Knoll, an open area with low bushes and wild blueberries (deliciously tart). On our left was a view of the North Basin. On our right was Turner Mtn., & an expansive valley below. It was quite awesome to see clouds and blue sky for miles! We spent some time taking photos.

As we headed back down the Chimney Pond Trail, we took a few detours to stop and rest at the Basin Ponds. The descent made for a few sore knees & ankles. At one point we were treated to hailstones in August—for 10 minutes or so—by a passing, dark rain cloud.

When we returned to camp on Friday afternoon, we traded stories & rested. After a short rainstorm, a vibrant, double rainbow formed in the sky! The purple was so deep it looked as if it were glowing. The rainbow lasted long enough to snap more than a few pictures. See below...

www.baxterstateparkauthority.com/

Gigantisch Amischer Mann

Gigantisch Amischer Mann

One of my alter egos is Amish Man, so it's my sacred duty to keep up on the lastest Amish Man trivia and stories. Do a google search for 'Amish Man,' and you'll quickly find out a few fascinating facts & news reports to relate at your next party. ((Most of the reports focus on tragedy & the (infrequent) AMish man gone bad)). Here are the details:

1. only one Amish Man has ever been arrested for murder. 2. a 75 year old Amish Man was recently scammed for thousands of dollars by a prostitute. 3. unfortunately an Amish Man was recently run down in his buggy by an SUV. & 4. gigantic Amish Men figures have been lurking about for some time now in places like Strasburg, Pennsylvania and Milford, Delaware. Amish Men can be found unceremoniously propped up in front of diners and used car lots. Sometimes he has a pitchfork & is accompanied by Amish Woman. He usually looks pretty happy for an Amish Man. See below for yourself....

But, We're Civil War Reenactors....

But We're Civil War Reenactors....

My friend Liz sent me this cartoon a long time ago. Wanted to post it for awhile.... I am a civil war reenactor, in slightly better shape than these guys, but still hopefully won't be recruited. Click on the image to see more clearly...

Speak Again, Buddha Goddess

25 More Reasons to Meditate & Embrace Buddhism

51. to open my eyes

52. to face pain

53. to be more open to love

54. to relate to children better

55. to do more, think less.

56. to know my true self

57. to see life from a new perspective

58. to integrate myself

59. to be less critical of others

60.to take in information clearly

61. to improve chakra flow

62. to face a challenge.

63. to become more disciplined.

64. to be less afraid.

65. to find peace with aging.

66. to accept the uncomfortable

67. to appreciate but not need pleasures

68.to see that others struggle.

69. to have no expectations

70. to let go of labels

71. to boost my immune system

72. to reduce depression

73. to develop more patience.

74. to maintain health

75.to dissolve cognitive precepts.

Scooter Decals

Below are some scooter decals I designed. They're magnets, and will hopefully stick to my scooter. I plan to make some stickers too!

How To Fly

How to Fly
Stage 1
1. go to cheesy costume boutique
2. buy wings (see below)
3. choose waxy feathers well portioned to shoulders
4. choose white for angel; black for fallen angel
5. go home, take wings out of 'made in china' plastic bag
6. ignore fake plastic smell of feathers
7. place wings on shoulders & secure straps
8. adjust wings as needed; must be erect and square to shoulders
9. practice flying motion by slowly swaying arms and shoulders back & forth, in up & down motion
10. at this point you will hear magical, swooshy, fluttering sound
YOU ARE READY

Stage 2
1. go outside & climb upon scooter
2. rev up motor & enact the usual adjustments
3. alter rear-view mirrors to prepare for flying position
4. slowly edge bike forward
5. make sure you have a clear path ahead of you (about 300 yards)
6. make sure it is a fairly cloudless, blue-sky day
7. gain speed gradually
8. as you do, slowly pump shoulders & arms in a billowly motion
(surprisingly, a pop-a-wheelie stunt is not required here)
9. pretty soon, you'll take off!

ENJOY THE EXPERIENCE!!

Our fearless pilot

27 Fab Movies

Below are some of my 27 favorite movies, including comedies. These are movies I've watched more than once (or twice) and still loved.....

1. The Piano
2. Babette’s Feast
3 . Hillary & Jackie
4. Taxi Driver
5. My Brilliant Career
6. I Shot Andy Warhol
7. The English Patient
8. American Beauty
9. Murmur of the Heart
10. Angel at My Table
11. Antonia’s Line
12. Drugstore Cowboy
13. Amadeus
14. The Hours
15. A Passage To India
16. To Kill A Mockingbird
17. The Children’s Hour
18. Crash
19. Raising Arizona
20. I’ve Heard the Mermaids Singing
21. Young Frankenstein
22. Psycho
23. Schindler’s List
24. T r a i n s p o t t i n g
25. Platoon
26. Rear Window
27. Boogie Nights

My Tag Cloud

My Tag Cloud

On Library Thing--- www.librarything.com-- you can 'tag' and catalog your own books, as you see fit. There are some nifty features and statistics to check out once you've entered enough books. (Only nerdy bibliophiles get excited about this stuff) Below is my 'tag' cloud, meaning the subjects I've entered. The 'bigger' the word, the greater number of books I have per that subject. A 'librarything' member can also find out the most common author and subject 'tags' of other members. It's gratifying (yet sometimes frightening) to find other members that own the same obscure books.....

abolitionism adventure african american american history american literature anthropology archaeology art autobiography aviation biography biology buddhism canadian history children's civil war classics culture custer drama eleanor roosevelt elizabeth i emily dickinson english history english literature essays european history exploration fantasy feminism fiction gay-lesbian history gay-lesbian writers genealogy gtbl writers historical fiction history human evolution humor interested in ireland irish history lesbian pulp letters lincoln literary criticism literature literature-french literature-russian maritime memoir mountaineering mythology native americans nature new england history newfoundland nonfiction norway norwegians philosophy poetry pop psychology prehistory psychology queer writers reference science self-help short stories social evolution true crime vintage pbk w.w.ii willa cather women writers women's history world history

Gadgets vs. Toys

Gadgets vs. Toys

Gadgets Vs. ToyS: Alike vs. Different

An inquiry (totally my opinion)

1. ALIKE: Gadgets & and toys are objects.

2. ALIKE: Gadgets & toys are usually man/woman made or natural things shaped by humans.

3. DIFFERENT: Gadgets make some people very happy, & other people frustrated. Toys usually make most people happy, unless they’re terribly frustrated people.

4. DIFFERENT: Sometimes you can eat toys ; you usually don’t eat gadgets.

5. ALIKE: Both gadgets & toys can move & do things, but not always.

6. DIFFERENT: Some toys you just want to look at & keep. Most gadgets you usually end up using. (Some of us less able MAY end up just looking at them)

7. ALIKE: Both can be made of similar materials: metal & plastic, etc.

8. DIFFERENT: You can ‘play’ with gadgets, but ultimately with an action in mind.

9. ALIKE: Sometimes you'll miss a toy or gadget you used to have, & you’ll search for it longingly.

10. DIFFERENT: Gadgets have a useful purpose, usefully specific. The more unusual the gadget the more pointed the purpose.

11. DIFFERENT: Toys have an open purpose, or even purposelessness. You can use toys, but with free-wheeling play in mind.

12. SAME: Children & adults alike enjoy BOTH gadgets & toys. (Though children in general are more enthralled by toys, and adults gadgets.)

13. Different: Dogs & Cats definitely seem to prefer toys.

14. DIFFERENT: A toy requires less skill; a gadget more.

15. SAME: Gadgets and toys are one of the traits that make humans unique.

You Can't Teach An Old Dog New Math

Here's my Cartoon: You Can't Teach An Old Dog New Math

Scooter Humor

Scooter Humor

Wee Bad

A motorcyclist friend of mine sent me this, commenting: "I know you're a bad ass. So forget about it." I think the cartoon's from the New Yorker.

Air Bag Jacket For Cyclists!

Air Bag Jacket for Cyclists

It's no joke! I posted a cartoon of mine earlier---whole body air bag for cyclists. Shortly after beginning my hobby as a scooterist, I thought about the reality of how vulnerable I was. Even at 35 mph I thought: What if I fell of this bike??? With that thought in mind I posted an absurd cartoon about a balloon-like whole body device, deployed at impact. Turns out there really is such a thing! Someone designed an air bag jacket. Here's the link.
(Caution: I don't know if it's D.O.T. certified)

www.hit-air.com

Her Name is Stella

She’s fast, expensive, & In control
Her name is Stella
She may be my next scooter. (shhh, don’t tell my Kymco). It’s just that, I need speed now. I’ve got my motorcycle license, and Stella can go 55 mph. Also she gets 90 miles to the gallon. She’s all metal, all scoot, and comes in my favorite bad ass color--- black. She’s ‘retro-looking,’ but she’s a modern built motorcycle. Stella’s chrome accessories, windshield, and rear top case are way snappy. Shhhh. On Friday I’m going to Javaspeed Scooters in Providence, RI to see Stella. Will I trade in my Kymco and buy Stella?