Wednesday, November 23, 2005

Courtesy


I don't want this to sound like an rant, but people really don't have good manners. In fact, I'd say most people are down right RUDE! This book is great! I think it should be mandatory reading for everyone.

“Talk to the hand ’cause the face ain’t listening,” the saying goes. When did the world stop wanting to hear? When did society become so thoughtless? It’s a topic that has been simmering for years, and Lynne Truss says it’s now reached the boiling point. Taking on the boorish behavior that for some has become a point of pride, Talk to the Hand: The Utter Bloody Rudeness of Everyday Life (or Six Good Reasons to Stay Home and Bolt the Door) is rallying cry for courtesy.

Saturday, November 19, 2005

Farewell to Peter Drucker!

Peter Drucker passed away on November 11, 2005, at the age of 95. I always admired him. If you haven't read his works, please at least read this article. Also find out what he said about "knowledge workers" extremely good assessment. Farewell, Peter Drucker: A Tribute to an Intellectual Giant

Tuesday, November 15, 2005

LINK SPAM...

Link spam (also called blog spam or comment spam) is a form of spamming or spamdexing that recently became publicized most often when targeting weblogs (or blogs), but also affects wikis (where it is often called wikispam), guestbooks, and online discussion boards. Any web application that displays hyperlinks submitted by visitors or the referring URLs of web visitors may be a target. This is from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

What a PAIN! Just stop it with the SPAM! What makes you think I'd buy anything you were selling after you clog up my email, my blog, my life with your crap?

Monday, November 07, 2005

Good-bye Gracie!


Gracie is no longer with us. She died on Saturday, November 5, 2005.

Wednesday, November 02, 2005

Gracie [2]


Gracie is still alive; the vet in Knoxville is making house calls and says that Gracie "is still pretty happy." Mark knows it won't be a lot longer but she is okay and comfortable and I know just how hard it is to make this decision. Love you!

Sunday, October 30, 2005

Gracie


Roy's son may have to have Gracie euthanized. She has cancer and her quality of life is in serious decline. She is a great dog and I will really miss her. Love you Gracie!

It has been ages

Not that it stops most people but I just haven't had that much to say, so why waste my time or anyone else's.

I am sick of the war in Iraq. It is hard to imagine that over 2000 American soldiers have died. Is anyone counting the Iraqi dead? I certainly hope so they all have families and loved ones and their deaths are just as relevant as the American war dead. I just hope that somehow we'll be extricate ourselves from this debacle. I'm sure it will never happen with Bushie in office -- F*ing War-Monger! Interesting sites: What I Did in the War and Political T-Shirts.

I have to try to figure out the new Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage for my father. It might be an improvement but the literature provided by the government isn't very much help. At least he has options since he can afford the cost of his coverage.

Climate Change Your choices about energy use and transportation can have a direct impact on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and therefore, on reducing the threat of global warming. Specific examples of what individuals can do to reduce energy use at home include purchasing energy efficient appliances, minimizing waste and maximizing product reuse and recycling, purchasing green power where available, reducing daily electricity use, and planting trees (which take CO2 out of the atmosphere). Transportation is another area where the individual can have a significant impact on greenhouse gas emissions reductions. For every gallon of gasoline burned, 20 pounds of carbon dioxide go into the atmosphere. By walking, taking public transportation, carpooling, and purchasing fuel efficient or alternative fuel vehicles such as gas electric hybrids, we can significantly reduce the amount of gasoline that we use. Purdue Climate Change Research Center

AND

The U.S. EPA has developed several web-based tools to assist individuals, communities and states estimate their greenhouse gas emissions and calculate the emission savings that come with specific reduction strategies. Global Warming - Resource Center Maybe it's just me but I think it is extremely depressing to actually have a site named GLOBAL WARMING - RESOURCE CENTER. The next question do the cretins running the government and major corporations pay any attention to global warming?

I may have to read this:
CHRIST THE LORD: Out of Egypt by Anne Rice (Hardcover/Knopf/Fiction/November, 2005/$25.95)

Do not follow
where the path may lead.
Go instead where there is no path,
and leave a trail.

Ralph Waldo Emerson

Tuesday, September 13, 2005

This is GREAT [very SAD but a great commentary!]

The "city" of Louisiana (Keith Olbermann)

SECAUCUS — Secretary of Homeland Security Michael Chertoff said it all, starting his news briefing Saturday afternoon: "Louisiana is a city that is largely underwater..."

Well there's your problem right there.

If ever a slip-of-the-tongue defined a government's response to a crisis, this was it.

The seeming definition of our time and our leaders had been their insistence on slashing federal budgets for projects that might’ve saved New Orleans. The seeming characterization of our government that it was on vacation when the city was lost, and could barely tear itself away from commemorating V.J. Day and watching Monty Python's Flying Circus, to at least pretend to get back to work. The seeming identification of these hapless bureaucrats: their pathetic use of the future tense in terms of relief they could’ve brought last Monday and Tuesday — like the President, whose statements have looked like they’re being transmitted to us by some kind of four-day tape-delay.

But no. The incompetence and the ludicrous prioritization will forever be symbolized by one gaffe by of the head of what is ironically called “The Department of Homeland Security”: “Louisiana is a city…”

Politician after politician — Republican and Democrat alike — has paraded before us, unwilling or unable to shut off the "I-Me" switch in their heads, condescendingly telling us about how moved they were or how devastated they were — congenitally incapable of telling the difference between the destruction of a city and the opening of a supermarket.

And as that sorry recital of self-absorption dragged on, I have resisted editorial comment. The focus needed to be on the efforts to save the stranded — even the internet's meager powers were correctly devoted to telling the stories of the twin disasters, natural... and government-made.

But now, at least, it is has stopped getting exponentially worse in Mississippi and Alabama and New Orleans and Louisiana (the state, not the city). And, having given our leaders what we know now is the week or so they need to get their act together, that period of editorial silence I mentioned, should come to an end.

No one is suggesting that mayors or governors in the afflicted areas, nor the federal government, should be able to stop hurricanes. Lord knows, no one is suggesting that we should ever prioritize levee improvement for a below-sea-level city, ahead of $454 million worth of trophy bridges for the politicians of Alaska.

But, nationally, these are leaders who won re-election last year largely by portraying their opponents as incapable of keeping the country safe. These are leaders who regularly pressure the news media in this country to report the reopening of a school or a power station in Iraq, and defies its citizens not to stand up and cheer. Yet they couldn't even keep one school or power station from being devastated by infrastructure collapse in New Orleans — even though the government had heard all the "chatter" from the scientists and city planners and hurricane centers and some group whose purposes the government couldn't quite discern... a group called The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

And most chillingly of all, this is the Law and Order and Terror government. It promised protection — or at least amelioration — against all threats: conventional, radiological, or biological.

It has just proved that it cannot save its citizens from a biological weapon called standing water.

Mr. Bush has now twice insisted that, "we are not satisfied," with the response to the manifold tragedies along the Gulf Coast. I wonder which "we" he thinks he's speaking for on this point. Perhaps it's the administration, although we still don't know where some of them are. Anybody seen the Vice President lately? The man whose message this time last year was, 'I'll Protect You, The Other Guy Will Let You Die'?

I don't know which 'we' Mr. Bush meant.

For many of this country's citizens, the mantra has been — as we were taught in Social Studies it should always be — whether or not I voted for this President — he is still my President. I suspect anybody who had to give him that benefit of the doubt stopped doing so last week. I suspect a lot of his supporters, looking ahead to '08, are wondering how they can distance themselves from the two words which will define his government — our government — "New Orleans."

For him, it is a shame — in all senses of the word. A few changes of pronouns in there, and he might not have looked so much like a 21st Century Marie Antoinette. All that was needed was just a quick "I'm not satisfied with my government's response." Instead of hiding behind phrases like "no one could have foreseen," had he only remembered Winston Churchill's quote from the 1930's. "The responsibility," of government, Churchill told the British Parliament "for the public safety is absolute and requires no mandate. It is in fact, the prime object for which governments come into existence."

In forgetting that, the current administration did not merely damage itself — it damaged our confidence in our ability to rely on whoever is in the White House.

As we emphasized to you here all last week, the realities of the region are such that New Orleans is going to be largely uninhabitable for a lot longer than anybody is yet willing to recognize. Lord knows when the last body will be found, or the last artifact of the levee break, dug up. Could be next March. Could be 2100. By then, in the muck and toxic mire of New Orleans, they may even find our government's credibility.

Somewhere, in the City of Louisiana.

Friday, September 09, 2005

Greed, stupidity, or both?

Philadelphia looks into some of the stupidest proposal in the world! Car racing on the Parkway would be terrible!

Champ Car World Series Paul Newman and his colleagues still want to hold a high-speed auto race on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. My god in heaven are these people that arrogant that they can think this would be a good idea. I don't mind car races but there is a place for them RACE TRACKS, not city streets. Give me a break! "They" fuck the Parkway with every event known to man and now they want to endanger the buildings, the residents, with something like this. Stop with all the money grabbing and do some positive things for the beautification of the Parkway.

Some of the recommendations needed for the race are at least four pedestrian bridges and the widening of some of the roads to meet Champ Car World Series minimum requirements. These enhancements would do "irreparable damage to all the parkway institutions as well as the parkway itself."

Stewart Graham, a spokesman for Councilman Frank Rizzo, one of the supporters of a Champ Car race, said he thought an agreement could be reached because of the dramatic visual appeal of the parkway. "I think it might be possible to adjust these plans," Graham said. "If it's that attractive, maybe they'll just make adjustments in their proposal."

Thursday, September 08, 2005

Please help if you can...

Here are more resources to help the victims of Hurricane Katrina:

Habitat for Humanity Help Hurricane Victims Rebuild Their Lives. The situation on the Gulf Coast is grave. Reports of devastation are staggering. Thousands of families are left homeless or with homes that are severely damaged. Katrina was nothing short of catastrophic--especially for families in low-income housing and mobile home parks. In a disaster like this, families who were hanging on by a thread before the hurricane will sadly suffer the most in its aftermath. They have lost so much. We must help them piece their lives back together.

ACORN the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now, is the nation's largest community organization of low- and moderate-income families, working together for social justice and stronger communities. Since 1970, ACORN has grown to more than 175,000 member families, organized in 850 neighborhood chapters in 75 cities across the U.S. and in cities in Canada, the Dominican Republic and Peru.

NAACP Disaster Relief Fund In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, the NAACP has launched the Disaster Relief Fund to raise monies through its members and those citizens of good will who want to help. The funds raised will be used to: 1) provide immediate assistance to the worst affected victims, 2) mobilize resources to feed, cloth and shelter displaced victims, and 3) to ensure the equitable distribution of money and resources from Federal, state and local government and other relief agencies.

Great work by a "blogger"!
Katrina - IF YOU WANT TO HELP :: Where to send goods/supplies.

An online resource to help architects and students resume work and school until New Orleans' infrastructure is stable enough for its citizens to return. This resource also contains updated disaster news and related discussions, targeted primarily toward the architecture and design industry.

Sunday, September 04, 2005

Laissez Les Bons Temps Rouler!

You can help those who can not help themselves Noah's Wish dedicated to sheltering and rescuing animals in disasters throughout the United States.

I have so little respect for the current administration and then I read this and feel all the more frustrated. It is so terrible that billions of dollars are wasted everyday to fight a war and the infrastructure of the U.S. is failing because of mismanagement, egotism and poor judgment.

and if that isn't enough... Did New Orleans Catastrophe Have to Happen? 'Times-Picayune' Had Repeatedly Raised Federal Spending Issues.

Let's toast New Orleans:

My favorite and a truly quintessential "old" New Orleans cocktail: The Sazerac Cocktail
1 teaspoon of simple syrup (or 1 sugar cube or 1 teaspoon of granulated sugar)
3 - 4 dashes Peychaud's bitters
2 ounces rye whiskey (most New Orleans bars use Old Overholt)
1/4 teaspoon Herbsaint, a New Orleans brand of anise liqueur
(You may use Pernod, or some other pastis or absinthe substitute)
Strip of lemon peel

Of course there is the Pimms Cup (never one of my favorites)
Ice cubes
2 ounces Pimms Number 1 Cup
6 ounces ginger ale
2 ounces lemon lime soda or club soda
1/4 cup cucumber pieces or 1 cucumber spear
Put ice in a highball glass or mug. Add the Pimms and then the ginger ale and soda. Stir and garnish with cucumber. Serve.

And ever tourists favorite -- The Hurricane (I don't like these either)
1.5 ounces light rum
1.5 ounces dark rum
1 ounce orange juice
1 ounce fresh lime juice (NOT Rose's or RealLime)
1/4 cup passion fruit juice, or 1 tablespoon passion fruit syrup
1 teaspoon superfine sugar
1 teaspoon grenadine
Cherries with stems, and orange slice to garnish
Ice cubes
In a cocktail shaker, mix the rum, passion fruit juice or syrup, the other juices and the sugar until sugar is dissolved. Add the grenadine, and stir to combine, then add ice and shake. Half-fill a hurricane glass with ice, then strain drink into glass; add ice to fill. Garnish with orange slice and cherries.

And if this isn't enough check out the following page and remember and enjoy New Orleans.

Friday, September 02, 2005

Exactly...

Can we recover? I really have to wonder with George W. Bush running this county. This blog expresses it so well -- listen to the music playing in your head Economically speaking, the Bush administration has depleted our resources in the Iraq war with an eye towards its own imperialist agenda. The war was waged by a group of men seeking to benefit financially on an individual level, exercising an inhumanitarian version of free market capitalism that bred international scrutiny, fueled domestic distrust, and most notably from an economic standpoint, cost quite a lot of money.

More ways to help...

Operation USA assists developing communities here and abroad in addressing problems relating to natural and man-made disasters and chronic poverty through the creation of sustainable health, nutrition and disaster response programs. We provide essential materials, training, advocacy and financial support for such programs.

Bnai Brith International Disaster Relief Donations Form In response to the tremendous devastation wrought by Hurricane Katrina, B’nai B’rith is activating its disaster relief fund. The fund will collect funds that will be used to provide assistance to victims of this vicious storm.

AmeriCares: Humanitarian lifeline to the world.

Thursday, September 01, 2005

I have no idea what to do…

Hurricane Katrina is overwhelming and I just wish I could go there and help. Since that would be unrealistic here are some ways to help:

Network for Good: Resources for non-profit organizations.

Architecture for Humanity Our thoughts are with all those left stranded without food or water, those coping with the loss of loved ones and those left homeless by the disaster. Over the course of the next several weeks we will be evaluating ways that we can help locally-based architects and community groups rebuild their homes and communities.

Animal Evacuation and Recovery Plan for New Orleans The Louisiana Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (LA/SPCA), the Louisiana Veterinary Medical Association (LVMA), the Louisiana Animal Control Association (LACA), and the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine (SVM) are managing animal evacuations and recovery plans for New Orleans pets and displaced animals.

Imagine

What a great use for all those old audio cassette tapes SONIC FABRIC

Wednesday, August 31, 2005

What next?

The situation in New Orleans is so sad. I've visited N.O. so many times and the city is wonderful but there are so many people who live in and around the city that are so poor I can not imagine how they will recover from this tragedy.

It also disturbs me that so many people have left their pets behind and are now forced to leave their animals. The "reason" is that human life is more valuable and that people need to be saved -- this just does not seem right.

I really want to do so much more for the people of New Orleans -- I can give money but that just doesn't seem to be enough.

Thursday, August 11, 2005

Another very HOT day

typical guy, atypical situation -- a solid soul trapped inside of a broken body This blog is amazing. Really made me think -- none of us has any guarantee. Make sure you appreciate everyday of your life and enjoy the smallest things in life!!

Some interesting things I came across:

Architecture for Humanity

Recycline was established, first and foremost, to provide high-quality recycled content & recyclable products to our consumers. We strive to make sure that our products introduce a new function – improving upon what is currently offered in the marketplace.

Gone to the Dogs is a surreal comedy about the trials of canine metamorphosis. When wayward Jack retires to the seaside with his wife Rose, he thinks the end is in sight. But he soon discovers that life isn't a one-way ticket. After a fatal heart attack Jack returns to earth as a stray dog and is unwittingly adopted by Rose. So begins Jack's bizarre journey of self-discovery as he struggles with his new existence and finally learns what a good marriage is all about.

Early Children's Books: The Fox Collection at San Francisco Public Library The San Francisco Public Library holds a unique archive for the study of early children's books, which will interest scholars of printing, parents, artists, writers, or anyone curious about the book arts. It wasn't until the eighteenth century that children began to be treated differently from adults and a special class of literature beyond ABCs was provided for them. I would really like to write children's books! I know nothing is stopping me except I don't think I have the talent.

Book lust

Wednesday, August 10, 2005

Update: Dilworth House [August 12, 2005, meeting]

Here is a waste of time, taxpayer’s dollars and for what? To save a piece of property that by all rights should be destroyed. It has no historic relevance; it is ugly and not maintained. It is a pity that some people are wasting their time trying to save this building when so many Philadelphia buildings are under the wrecking ball. Just proves how short sighted most people really are! Save Dilworth Now Save Dilworth Now is a cooperative effort of the Society Hill Civic Association and the Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia. Our purpose is to advocate for the preservation of the historic Dilworth House, located on 6th Street on the eastern side of Washington Square in Center City Philadelphia. Under Philadelphia’s Historic Preservation Ordinance the house is already designated as having “significant” historic value. This is the highest level of legal protection. Nevertheless a real estate developer has recently applied (on May 27, 2005) to the Philadelphia Historical Commission for permission to raze the house to make way for a 15-story luxury condominium tower. Save Dilworth Now is working to preserve the Dilworth House.

On May 27, 2005, owner/developer of the Dilworth House, John and Mary Turchi, filed an application with the Philadelphia Historical Commission to “reclassify” the Dilworth House as a “non-contributing” site in the Society Hill Historic District (the property is presently classified as “significant”). Concurrently, the property owners asked the Commission to review and approve the demolition of the Dilworth House for the purpose of constructing a new condominium tower on the site. The plans for the new construction will be reviewed by the Commission’s Architectural Committee on July 26, 2005. The consideration of the reclassification of the property by the Commission’s Designation Committee will be July 28, 2005 with an expected report to the full Historic Commission at its August 12, 2005, meeting.

Please if you read this consider the buildings that are destroyed everyday in Philadelphia, much of what is torn down and paved over for parking lots has much more historic significance than the Dilworth House! Please think about what these people are wasting their time trying to save and your tax dollars trying to save!

Tuesday, August 02, 2005

Women's health issues

Last Thursday I received a call, the radiologist had found a problem with my mammogram and I needed additional scans and possibly an ultra-sound scan. I went yesterday and thank god everything was fine and I have no problem. My best friend who lives near D.C. is not so lucky and she still faces a daily battle dealing with the effects of breast cancer. Please get your annual mammogram and do monthly breast self exam (BSE). If you take the pill start doing self exams I discovered my first benign lump in my 20s when I was taking birth control pills. One out of every 8 women will get breast cancer in the course of a 90-year life span.

What Can Make Your Risk for Breast Cancer Go Down?
Eating a healthy diet, losing extra weight, regular exercise, reducing alcohol use, quitting smoking, and minimizing/eliminating extra estrogen.

What Can Make Your Risk for Breast Cancer Go Up?
Personal or family history of breast cancer, smoking, excessive weight, prolonged estrogen exposure, abnormal breast cell growth, first full-term pregnancy after age 30, never having a full-term pregnancy, heavy alcohol use, early start of menstruation, late menopause.

Another friend was just diagnosed with endometrial cancer . Endometrial cancer is one of the most common cancers in American women. In fact, about 40,000 American women receive a diagnosis of endometrial cancer each year, making it the fourth most common cancer found in women — after breast cancer, lung cancer and colon cancer.

ALCOHOL—IS AN IMPORTANT WOMEN’S HEALTH ISSUE: While it’s true that men are more likely to drink alcohol and more likely to drink greater amounts, women have a higher risk of developing problems from alcohol consumption. When a woman drinks, the alcohol in her bloodstream typically reaches a higher level than a man’s even if both are drinking the same amount. This is because women’s bodies generally have less water than men’s bodies. Because alcohol mixes with body water, a given amount of alcohol is less diluted in a woman’s body than in a man’s. Women become more impaired by alcohol’s effects and are more susceptible to alcohol–related organ damage. That is, women develop damage at lower levels of consumption over a shorter period of time.

And there are significant diferences between men and women when it comes to health. Just the Facts: Differences between the sexes exist and whether a person is male or female matters in the prevalence and severity of a broad range of diseases, disorders, and conditions. It matters at every stage of life - from the very beginning to the very end. It matters at every level - from the single cell to the entire body. Women and Men: 10 differences that make a difference When it comes to health, there are many crucial health differences between men and women. Yet many women do not know that they react differently to some medications, are more vulnerable to some diseases, and may have different symptoms.

And most important please feel good about who you are BODY IMAGE: Are you imagining the wrong body? In general, women seem more dissatisfied with their appearance than men. Women most commonly complain about their thighs, abdomen, breast, and buttocks while men are dissatisfied with their abdomen, upper body, and balding hair. Sometimes, the problem is imaginary, such as the runner who complains about her fat thighs, or the bikini wearer whose stomach is not absolutely flat. Sometimes, the problem is real and ranges from a mild complaint about cellulite to a major preoccupation with "thunder thighs" that results in relentless dieting and exercise akin to punishment.

Friday, July 29, 2005

Dilworth House [Philadelphia, PA]

There was a meeting of the Philadelphia Historical Commission on July 28, 2005, the outcome: Philadelphia Historical Commission's Designation Committee voted unanimously to recommend that the commission retain its designation of the Dilworth house as a significant contributing building within the historic district.

What is a designation: Designation means the listing by the Historical Commission of a building, structure, site, object or district on the Philadelphia Register of Historic Places. Cultural resources on the Philadelphia Register include neighborhoods, houses, churches, cemeteries, stores, bridges, street surfaces and horse watering troughs. They all have a recognizable place in the historical, cultural, architectural, archeological and educational values of the City, the State or the Nation. The Commission exercises a jurisdiction over any work that requires a building permit or that changes the appearance of designated properties.

Personally I think this is all bullshit. The Dilworth House located at 223-25 S. Sixth St. is in total disrepair, no one lives in or occupies the house; most recently it was occupied and used as office space. There is no question in my mind that the house should go and I am quite sure given Mayor Dilworth’s “accomplishments” as mayor he would agree that development of the property is more important than the structure, which was at one time his home. The neo-Colonial brick Dilworth house was built by Mayor Richardson Dilworth in 1957; designed by George Edwin Brumbaugh, well known for his Colonial Revival work. The house is seen as symbolic of Dilworth's commitment to Philadelphia. Richardson Dilworth was mayor of Philadelphia from 1956 to 1962. He died in 1974.

State Senator Fumo, who appeared briefly at the July 28th meeting, vowed to fight any demolition on the site and to find state funds to place the Dilworth house in a public trust, should it comes to that. Why should my tax dollars be wasted on this house? I would really love to hear an explanation.

The Society Hill Civic Association, the Queen Village Neighborhood Association, and the Preservation Alliance of Greater Philadelphia, all oppose altering the Dilworth designation.

Sunday, July 24, 2005

CREME BRULEE

God I love crème brulee. I could eat this stuff everyday! I enjoy making it but since it is important to limit my intake I buy it pre-made. Some of my favorite recipes are available at Cooks.com

Recently found a frozen variety that is wonderful; it is available at Trader Joes in their frozen food department (it is a Trader Joes brand). This is a very bad discovery it makes it just too easy to prepare and eat!

Wednesday, July 20, 2005

Architectural musings:

I love beautiful buildings and great architecture. I appreciate very little modern construction -- just what is going on with modern architecture. There are the ubiquitous MacMansions: "a new, out-of-scale structure that is usually quite large (3000 sq. ft. on average) that does not fit into any neighborhood. These structures are usually tall and massive, losing the side yards to this mass and losing the front yards to large three-car garages and driveways. These ‘Tara on a quarter acre’ overwhelm the homes next to them. "MacMansions" stick out like a sore thumb, both architecturally and culturally." I really hate these houses and doubt if serious architects have anything to do with them. They are the product of greed and the bloated consumer economy.

I love this site -- architecture.com "architecture.com is one of the world's most extensive built environment portals, all courtesy of the Royal Institute of British Architects."

Another site I often look at is: Architecture Internet Resources a database of valuable internet resources created and maintained by the UNLV Architecture Studies Library.

Like everything else I have very specific opinions about what I like and what I don't like. And I guess I am highly critical of current architectural trends. Philadelphia has more than its share of new and current architecture and very little has any appeal to me. One architect that has some appeal is Robert Venturi, his firm is Venturi, Scott Brown and Associates. I won't begin to describe his work but some is very interesting.

So I was surprised to see this design done by Robert Venturi [personally I think it looks much too industrial and it is too tall]: The Dilworth House. I have no problem with the demolition of the current house and reuse of the property but this building won't contribute to the neighborhood.

From the press release about the building "The Dilworth House, which will grace the east side of [Washington] Square, is flanked by the Athenaeum and the Lippincott Condominiums (the former L.P. Lippincott Publishers Building). The new building will replace a Chester County-style farmhouse designed by colonial revivalist G. Edwin Brumbaugh for Mayor Richardson Dilworth and his wife in 1957. The Chester County replica replaced two important early 19th century townhouses. Ironically, Brumbaugh’s design was a suburban gesture in an urban renewal context. The Venturi design honors both the scale and magnificence of the Square. The building will complete the composition of the Square’s east side, aligning the building with the streetscape. The materials of the façade complement the buildings of the Square with brownstone and limestone, and replace Brumbaugh’s colonial-revival brick and marble. The Dilworth House is designed to preserve light in the Athenaeum’s great stair and rear garden."

Tuesday, July 19, 2005

(more) RANTS about Philadelphia:

What is this with torturing horses -- it is so hot and humid and they still allow the horse drawn carriages to operate. The horses are miserable and NO ONE does a thing to stop the abuse. My husband refers to me as a bug-hugger and I guess I am. I just hate to see these animals suffer so much for absolutely no reason! Tourism bull-shit!

Philadelphia smells like raw sewage! I walk to and from work everyday and pretty much traverse Center City and it stinks and the hotter it gets, the worse the smell gets. Odors escape from the street drains, people piss and shit on the street, people don't clean up after their pets, the list goes on and on and the city smells worse and worse. Not to mention all the exhaust fumes and people standing around outside smoking -- this is not a pleasant place to be.

City of Philadelphia Water Department: Urban Water Cycle Philadelphia has over 2,960 miles of sewers. That’s enough to stretch from the east to the west coast of the United States. Philadelphia's neighborhoods use a separate sewer system. This system collects and transports sanitary waste to a water pollution control plant in a sanitary sewer. Stormwater is transported to a stream via a storm sewer. Our combined sewers are currently designed so that during heavy storm events, stormwater overflows are diverted to our local streams and rivers. Combined sewers transport a combination of stormwater and sanitary waste. When overflows occur, the water is diverted to waterways instead of going to one of our water pollution control plants where we would normally treat it to remove pollutants and debris.

Doesn't that sound reassuring? All that crap I see and smell is just washing into either the Delaware or the Schuylkill River.

Thursday, July 14, 2005

Web surfing:

Of possible interest?

ONE The campaign to make poverty history. “WE BELIEVE that in the best American tradition of helping others help themselves, now is the time to join with other countries in a historic pact for compassion and justice to help the poorest people of the world overcome AIDS and extreme poverty. WE RECOGNIZE that a pact including such measures as fair trade, debt relief, fighting corruption and directing additional resources for basic needs – education, health, clean water, food, and care for orphans – would transform the futures and hopes of an entire generation in the poorest countries, at a cost equal to just one percent more of the US budget. WE COMMIT ourselves - one person, one voice, one vote at a time - to make a better, safer world for all.”

Zebra Hall: The Extraordinary Toy Shop

The Curmudgeony Librarian Superstore The Curmudgeony Librarian Superstore: "the place for all your librarian gear needs. We feature reading, books, and library related apparel. Tees, shirts, baby clothes, journals, stickers, and more are here. Our gift items include buttons, drinkware, magnets, teddy bears, tote and messenger bags, and tons of other library and book items and apparel for smart and discriminating buyers."

Jenni Bick Bookbinding One of a kind handmade books: Specializing in handmade photo albums, scrapbooks, and journals in handmade paper and leather.

Tuesday, July 12, 2005

"I cannot live without books"

A quote attributed to Thomas Jefferson -- I feel the same way. I love books. I work all day with books and I have books everywhere in my house (too many books). I actually want to start getting rid of large portions of my collection. I've worked in libraries so long I just don't want to burden any place with gift books even if I think my books are great most libraries just are not staffed to handle gift collections. I've been looking around at all the books in the house that I intend to read -- the list goes on and on. Obviously no one can read everything that is published so I'm trying to be selective. I try to limit fiction to authors that I really enjoy. of course new books are constantly published which makes it very hard to "catch up." I try not to buy books anymore with the exception of those that I want to add to my permanent collection. I am fortunate to work at a small research institution that maintains a small lending library. The library acquires most non-fiction and fiction bestsellers on a monthly basis and the books are available to the staff.

I just read The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova. It is Elizabeth Kostova's first novel, and it is a good book. In the afterword she mentions her visit to Philadelphia and her visit to an institution that can only be The Rosenbach Museum & Library.

Yesterday was one of the most unpleasant days of my life! I got to jury duty at 8:15 AM and I was finally dismissed at 6:00 PM others were still being held captive and the judge said they might go as late at 7:30 PM or until she could seat a jury. At 6:00 they had 10 jurors. The case involved 14 counts of rape, sodomy, terrorist threats, aggravated assault, the victims were all children ages 6 to 12 at the time of the crimes. They predict the trial will go through August. I could have kissed the ground when I was dismissed. I would have been a terrible person to have on the jury because just seeing the person charged I thought he "looked guilty" -- now that is really fair!

Sunday, July 10, 2005

Fish

This morning one of the fish in my aquarium died. It makes me sad. I'd rescued these fish from an Iranian New Year's Celebration in 2000 and they lived a very happy life. Two large goldfish in a 20 gallon aquarium. Mr. White was five years old and doing very well until about a week ago. I think he had a stroke. His little friend seems fine. It is really hard to tell about fish emotions. I buried the fish in my garden near the rose bushes.

Our AC stopped working last night. I called the emergency number but so far no relief!

Tomorrow I have jury duty I know that I should consider this a civic duty but all I can think about are ways to escape. I can't stand the idea of being there and I just want it over! I'll take a book and my cross-stitch and hopefully the hours will just fly by!

Monday, July 04, 2005

4th of July!

I always miss my Grandfather so much but the 4th of July has such special memories. Every 4th of July he would take me and my Grandmother to Elitch Gardens [Denver] (it was so wonderful when I was a kid not the theme park it has become. But we always spent the afternoon, had a picnic dinner, and then we'd watch the fireworks. It was always special.

I think about my Grandfather so often he died in 1972 but I still think about him almost everyday. Not morbid thoughts just really great memories. He was a wonderful, kind and gentle man. I still have many of his wonderful recipes from his bakery and make them every once in awhile. I've modified many of the recipes so that I can make one cake, one batch of cookies, or one or two loaves of bread -- all of his recipes made very large quanities. I never learned his art of making great pie crusts but I pretty good at everything else. I'd love to own a bakery but it is definitely VERY HARD work!

Happy 4th of July everyone! Elton John is going to perform this evening and so it Pattie Labelle. It is great weather for the concert and the fireworks. Hopefully everyone in the neighborhood stays sane but that is asking a lot considering the nasty renters that live next door, they are so obnoxious. Would you ever think of peeing on your neighbors garage door? Thank you Mitch you are such a pain!

Sunday, July 03, 2005

Decision

This is the message I just sent to my husband -- I give up!

Okay, I give up!

My contract goes through December. They already told me they will probably want to renew it but that won’t change my mind.

We should decide some things.

Pennsylvania probably isn't as civilized as most states even Virginia will grant a "non-contested" divorce in 6 months. But to get a divorce we can't be living in the same house. So that will have to wait. But if this is going to work it has to be a non-contested divorce -- none of my stuff is your -- none of your stuff is mine. We only split what we own jointly.

The house – we need to get an appraisal. Then sell or one of us buy it from the other.

Household items: decide what is what.

I’ll start working with a moving company – I’d rather be the one to move since I know where I want to go (maybe you do too --but you never tell me anything so I’ll assume this is where you want to be).

I’ll try to be out of here by mid-January depending on the weather where I'm moving.

Also you probably need to communicate this to H.& W. since I have been talking with them about a visit the end of October or early November for your birthday.


Too bad it has to end this way but there is no point in dragging this out any longer!

Another party!

Salsa on the Parkway July 3 from 2PM to 8PM! Near Logan's Circle. Fun, fun, fun!

IT IS AMAZING! they actually managed to get all the live 8 trash cleaned up! THANK YOU everyone who had to work so hard. Too bad people are such slobs and that there was so much trash but it looks great. We'll have to see the clean-up job after the 4th of July!

Saturday, July 02, 2005

Disturbing...

Went for a walk along the Parkway when live 8 ended how sad. The trash was amazing. I talked with total strangers and everyone was commenting on the amount of trash just left on the ground. I found a brand new baby stroller full of baby stuff, lawn chairs, barbeque grills (one with food still cooking), a $10 bill and 2 $1’s, plus lots of change. Another woman found a camcorder, camera bag, and $800. Walking out there made me think that people had suddenly vanished. How could they leave so much behind? I only walked a few blocks but I encountered others who had been walking for a while and everyone was commenting on all the stuff they had found. I talked with some Japanese tourist who could not get over the waste. They were truly astounded.

All my neighbors and I also went out at the end of the concert and cleaned up trash on Pennsylvania Avenue. Everyone who was watching live 8 near here just dumped their trash on the street. I filled eight large garbage bags. Disgusting!

I talked with one of my neighbors and all he kept saying was I have to move, this is so disgusting! Why do we have to put up with this?

Of course one of our “neighbors” also rents his house (Mitch) and the people he rents to are dreadful. They have constant parties, are usually drunk, they spread trash everywhere, and tonight the police chased one of the young men down and gave him a citation for disorderly conduct. You’d think this was the ghetto! Of course Mitch thinks he is so wonderful and that all of us owe him something. Another reason to leave this town!

I was interviewed by the BBC, they probably weren't ready for all my comments. Loved their accents!

WTF

Sylvester M. Johnson and his merry boys are obviously drinking the booze NOT allowed at live 8 since over 75% of the people I've seen and been near are drinking beer (and other things)! Too bad -- they just don't get it -- you have to enforce all the rules not just the ones you think might make you popular!

The people of PHILADELPHIA are complete and absolute SLOBS there are trash receptacles every where for live 8 and where do they put their trash -- on the GROUND! Please, that is SO obnoxious!

There are lots and lots of people at live 8! It is hot. I got a great T-shirt -- the money supposedly goes to help the poverty in Africa. I hope so!

My cats hate all the noise -- but living this close to the Parkway there is no escape. Jack loves motorcycles! Every time a V.I.P. police escort goes by he wanders out from his hiding space to watch the motorcycles! Very funny kitty.

Friday, July 01, 2005

Some things are impossible!

Living in the PRACTICE area for a major ROCK show (live 8) really sucks. I love good music but I have yet to hear any, so far it has all just been noise. They may think they are good but outdoor performances are obviously the wrong venue for these bands! They practiced all Friday afternoon -- probably the best show and I'm sure better than the actual live 8 (and NO crowds!)

THE BANDS: Black Eyed Peas, Bon Jovi, Dave Matthews Band, Def Leppard, Destiny's Child, Josh Groban, Jars Of Clay, Jay-Z, Kaiser Chiefs, Toby Keith, Alicia Keys, Sarah McLachlan, Linkin Park, Maroon 5, Will Smith, Rob Thomas, Keith Urban, Stevie Wonder

LOVE Stevie Wonder, he will be the last performer tomorrow!

I still find it hard to imagine that a city that cuts funds for education, libraries, and other necessities can find the money to fund a fiasco like this concert!

Thursday, June 30, 2005

Rants and raves

I live in a city with so many incredibly FAT people. It is hard to imagine that so many fat people live in one place. In addition the clothes they wear are so inappropriate. One of my co-workers commented that they "just shouldn't make spandex and polyester clothing in such large sizes." Do these people own a mirror?

I also live in a city that has NO CLUE what red lights and stop signs mean. They mean STOP! Pedestrians BEWARE!

This well-known city is also DIRTY and it seems that so many of the terrific citizens of this fair city are SLOBS. There are trash receptacles on almost every corner and where do people put there trash? They just drop it on the sidewalk. This really irks me!

But the biggest question is why do I complain and not just leave? I ask myself this question almost every day. And it comes down to the fact that I just need to get off my butt and get out of here. I'm pretty sure I know where I want to move. I just need to get all my STUFF organized and leave. How is it that everyone seems to accumulate so much stuff? I've pretty much decided I don't want to live with my husband anymore. He is dull, lazy, and we are totally incompatible. I have to make provision for my cats! They come with me no matter what.

That's it for now. The next post will be more cheerful or at least more interesting.

Wednesday, June 29, 2005

I really thought I might have something to say...

But here I am confronted with a blank page and the words just don't seem to be there. Possibly I'll be more creative later?