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September 12, 2005
News Round-Up
As usual, going from the most personal to the most global (or wait, do I usually go the other way around?):
#1
I have lost all desire to blog. I think it's a combination of 1) the soul-sucking nature of the basement, where my computer usually resides, and 2) nothing really to say. It's all the same-old, same-old: new business, contracting, blah, blah, blah. How to resolve this? Well, I could just declare a hiatus from the blog, or call it quits altogether. Or, I could set aside some time specifically for writing, which I found very helpful in Sweden. Or, I could make an effort to do more fun things that would encourage blogging. Does anyone have strong feelings one way or the other about a hiatus? I'm not sure anyone even reads this anymore...
#2
The one interesting thing I've done lately is see Sigur Ros perform at Strathmore Hall on Sunday night. I had never been to that venue, and was quite impressed with the lovely outdoor seating. (Mr. Bad Apologies mis-read the ticket and we found ourselves there an hour early, giving us PLENTY of time to peruse the accommodations.) Inside was beautiful as well, with rich wood paneling in a tasteful way that I hope won't make patrons shudder in 30 years. Once we finally found our seats, we were even impressed by the small vent under each seat--perfect for maintaining proper body temperature during a performance. Unfortunately, it also meant that--used improperly--the temperature controller wielded absolute power over the audience. With a positive torrent of frigid air issuing from each vent (I swear, it was like sitting on top of an icebox), the girls' bear legs were numb, and I suspect that poor Mr. Bad Apologies' charming rear end was also bitterly chilly.
Even if we had managed to achieve perfect temperature control, however, the opening act was atrocious--although you'd never know from this article:
amina is four, small girls. edda, hildur, maría huld, and sólrún are entirely unassuming and forthright, considering the world tours and enormous recognition they have been exposed to over the past four years. as the string quartet composing songs and touring with sigur rós, they have been indoctrinated into the world of big-name bands, but they remain remarkably grounded and demure despite all the celebrity surrounding them. now they have taken a summer to see what they can do on their own. amina are stepping out from behind their stringed instruments and exploring the endless permutations of unconventional and invented instruments, computer sampling and composition, and general cavorting and carousing in the recording studio. the little darlings of sigur rós are all grown up and cooking up something good.
In my humble opinion, scientists concerned with the connection between whale beachings and the Navy's use of sonar would better spend their time investigating the potential effect of Amina's music on our poor oceanic mammal friends. I knew it would be bad when Mr. Bad Apologies, in response to my look of horror, leaned over and assured me that "they were just warming up". You know, like classical orchestras do. But no, after several minutes, it became obvious that this dissonance was, in fact, what we had paid to see. As Mr. Bad Apologies noted, "Cacophony is the new mellifluousness." Actually, I believe he said "mellifloudy", but I take the liberty of correcting his vocabulary.
Suffice it to say that I did not enjoy the opening act, and was a little worried about the main act. I had studiously avoided listening to any of Sigur Ros's music, although much of it is available for download from their website. I spent most of the intermission debating whether I ought to stay, since the others in my group noted that the main act was much like the opening one. I took the rest of that time and found a group of ushers, including the "head" usher, and inquired about the possibility of turning off the under-seat vents, since I could now only identify my legs by sight, as all other feeling had left them. (They were polite, but ultimately the air stayed on. I will be sending them a stern note explaining my inability to enjoy the concert in the next day or two.)
Fortunately, Sigur Ros was MUCH better than Amina--which is why, I suppose, they are the main act while Amina opened for them. It was rather dissonant at times, but the interesting montages played on a giant screen behind the band offered a little solace in the face of too-loud music and freezing body parts. Not all was to be enjoyed, however, as there was a scary selection that involved a close-up panning of old dolls. It was generally agreed to be one of the creepiest things the audience had ever seen.
My overall review? Not worth the $50. Perhaps $25, and a pair of sweatpants to keep my poor gams warm.
#3
I finally got my software issue resolved, and can fully proceed with my new business. (Yawn, I know that everyone is tired of reading about the Big Idea. In fact, I'm a little tired of it myself.) The next step is to meet with the existing clients (who, by the way, are not paying me, but have agreed to provide feedback on the process in exchange for a preview of the product), and write "pitch" letters to a new group of targets. Goal: finish this phase by the end of the week.
#4
My current consulting project involves a review of the social and environmental impacts of the international media industry. When I started it three weeks ago, I had no idea it was going to be so complicated. But with huge media conglomerates representing both angelic and satanic companies, and portraying both the best and the worst of humanity, it's hard to decide who is "good" and who is "bad". Already I find myself disagreeing with a LOT of the decisions made by the previous analysts, just because I value consistency over the "truth". If we're going to get it wrong, at least let's be consistent about our decision-making process, right? At least, that's the way I'm going to pitch it at the end of September, when the project will be complete.
#5
I received Lost: Season One in the mail today from Amazon. Since I was in Sweden, I didn't see any of the episodes, and it was a pure pleasure to watch it from the beginning tonight. My mom and I watched the first 4 episodes, figuring we need to average about 3 episodes a night in order to be caught up for the season premiere on September 21. (Note to self: perhaps all this television is another reason why the blogging has tapered off.)
#6
eBay is buying Skype. I *heart* Skype, and I'm not sure how I feel about this acquisition. No word yet on if eBay plans to significantly change the way Skype operates (like charging a fee). I hope it stays exactly the same, as it is my new best friend.
That's about it, I think. Adios, para ahora.
Comments
For the record, I ready your blog. I would be sad if their was a hiatus. That said, I think you should do whatever makes you happiest when it comes to your writing space. Perhaps more creative writing?
Posted by: La at September 13, 2005 08:36 AM
11 days into my own blogging, and one of the original Queens o' bloggin' wants to toss it all in. I don't know how I feel about that--is she bowing out in deference to overwhelming talent she sees in mine? ;) or is she just so dismayed that now "just anyone" can blog...In any case, I do read your blog, and check in daily to see if there is something new there to read--although I must say 4 entries in the month of September has left this loyal reader wanting more!
Posted by: Red at September 13, 2005 09:26 AM
I also read your blog and I would lament its demise.
Posted by: KT at September 13, 2005 10:07 AM
I think you should blog about that media thing. I have long felt so guilty for promoting movie makers. They must be SOOOOOOO bad environmentally. The amount of waste they go through, and the "degredation of nature" they do in order to make their movies, the carbon costs of flying people all around the world to shoot a scene here or there.... I often feel that if there is one ting I really should boycott, it's the big time entertainment media. I guess this means I have to get cultured and start watching theater where the props -though maybe made with baddy plastic, are at least minmal and re-used.
Posted by: gizmo guy at September 14, 2005 09:21 AM
