Now, go out and play.
Or stay here and talk. Figure out complicated things, or make it easy on yourself. For example: What did you eat for breakfast? We had hush puppies!
November 8, 2009
Post not posted.
Often, a post of mine begins as an attempt to figure something out. I think by writing, because then I get stuff written. And it's bloggy. And it helps me keep track of various complicated elements of what I'm trying to think about as I go along. Many posts are easily written, because there's not that much to figure out. But some of the most time-consuming posts are ones where what's figured out is that there's nothing interesting. And this blog is all about interestingness (as judged from my perspective). Hence, no post. Sorry!
Now, go out and play.
Or stay here and talk. Figure out complicated things, or make it easy on yourself. For example: What did you eat for breakfast? We had hush puppies!
Now, go out and play.
Or stay here and talk. Figure out complicated things, or make it easy on yourself. For example: What did you eat for breakfast? We had hush puppies!
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Posts
42 comments:
Interestingness is boring.
sausage, eggs, and toast for moi!
I'm writing too, but kind of on autopilot... I wish I loved it more than I do. It's odd to feel sad and dissolute at the same time.
This is one of those days where I have a misplaced faith that a lot of sleeping will get rid of a lot of little aches and pains.
Here's my attempt at an interesting question:
Why do we bother to comment here? Do we really think we will persuade anyone? Do we have no friends?
I admit it is a presumptuous question coming from a relative noob like myself, but I have been asking myself why I am drawn back here over and over.
Peanut butter and banana sandwich.
I see a lot of blogging, for myself certainly, as being like sketching.
Studies of figures, thoughts, explorations of a theme, not with any really settled intent but to explore a bit and see what happens. Sometimes it works out this sketching forms itself into a more steady subject of focus, sometimes clarifying in a way that leads to more substantive use of the thought in work or in life.
"Why do we bother to comment here?"
It's like a good ol' salon, where people gather and chat about themes of the day. Which often doesn't happen a lot in regular life.
It's gratifying to share thoughts on a topic, hear how others relate to the topic, be agreed with, and even disagreed with. We don't necessarily like everyone who wanders through, but there are folks we do like, who we do respect, who have specialties different from our own.
It's intellectually social in a way that so many places tend not to offer. Even if we don't convince, we do learn and we can contribute--either venting a bit some of the steam, or sketching an argument or thought and see how it's received. Get to hear a broader range of thought and priorities than our own chosen circles might allow.
Black coffee. I have no appetite. I wrote something last night that upset one of my children. Yeah, she's grown, but my comment among others made her cry and I feel like a big ole meany bully today.
Of course I didn't mean to hurt her feelings, I didn't even think I was disagreeing much... my stupid attempt to comfort had the opposite effect.
So, what's the cure (besides sincere apology which I made almost immediately) for feeling like a stupid shithead douchebag?
Tyrone -- that's a good question.
Do we think we'll persuade anyone? Perhaps. There was once a commenter here, Palladian, who changed my mind on a couple of issues. There have been other commenters here who left an impression on me, or gave me information or a line of reasoning that I never would have found otherwise.
So if they can have an impact on my thinking, then maybe I can have an impact on some commenters. But I'm not really here to convince liberal commenters to come over to the dark side; I'm just here to participate in a conversation with some of the most intelligent and well-informed people I've ever communicated with, on a wide range of interesting topics.
I find myself wondering...what was the original topic of Althouse's unfinished post? Here's a guess: Yet another defense of her vote for Obama, prompted by critical comments in previous threads.
Initially, I was very disappointed by Althouse's vote, but now I've come to see the logic in it. If we actually survive to 2012, and if we have an actual free election, then Obama might be the greatest thing for the conservative movement since Jimmy Carter.
DonnaB, I frequently have those "stupid shithead douchebag" feelings. In fact, I might be the biggest asshole you'd ever meet.
My suggestion: Tequila.
First, as you first begin your tequila therapy, you'll come to realize that you're not the douchebag; rather, everyone else in the entire world is a douchebag. No one is ever wrong when drunk on tequila; and you'll also be invincible, able to challenge people much larger than you to physical combat. Like that big douchebag with the tattoos at the bar over there.
Next, the tequila therapy will serve as a sort of psychological analgesic, and as you sit in the gutter counting the teeth that your opponent at the pub left in your mouth, you will have forgotten completely about the problem with your daughter.
Finally, when you awake in the morning and you barely have the strength to wish for your own death, your only solace the nice cold porcelain against your forehead, you'll realize that you've paid your penance for your transgressions. In fact, if it's El Toro tequila, you will have overpaid, and you'll receive a credit of one depraved act to your moral account.
I'm back from a 150 mile motorcycle ride. The weather here is sunny and warm; quite unexpected for the time of the year.
I wanted to have lunch at that Alla Who Snackbar I keep hearing people talk about, but I couldn't find it.
Nothing like wasting time struggling with your muse only to come to the realization that you have nothing interesting to say about...
Aw, fuck it!
You know, I was going to suggest that DonnaB take her daughter to lunch or otherwise do something pleasant and companionable with/for her, but Pastafarian ran me right out of the room with tequila therapy. Well played!
Pastafarian, thank you! I've laughed for the first time today.
If only I didn't live in an uncivilized community where one can't buy tequila on a Sunday. :-)
One thing I'm having trouble figuring out is where the Teaparty tools got the idea that waving loopy signs and throwing protests is effective. There are other ways they could have gotten their point across: letter writing campaigns, starting websites, organizing lobbying trips, and on and on.
Yet, somehow, they've tied their aberrant Randroid ideology to ineffective techniques. The two don't have to be linked, but in their minds you can't have one without the other.
Is this psychological, in the same way that some people are predisposed to joining cults and the like? Is it that they aren't that bright, and that explains both the Randroid and the loopy signs part? Should mental therapy professionals go to their meetings in order to find new clients?
The post which is the post
is no post.
It's all right not to be interesting,
In fact it's inevitable
To be boring.
That's what the scenery's for --
To pick up the slack
When we're passively touring.
It seems that Salvation Army is still going strong after 120 years. They don't do the bands and street preaching like on the Guys and Dolls play/musical, but they do save many street people with a place to stay and get back on their feet after taking a Tequila Cure. Their customers are suddenly exploding under the current "Obama Destroys America" first five year plan. IMO They are worthy of a big financial contribution at Christmas.
I wanted to have lunch at that Alla Who Snackbar I keep hearing people talk about...
Snacks are great!
I just finished reading Super Freakonomics. Now there's something interesting.
I have formulated a theory on hush puppies, and I'm still testing it at this point. My theory is that hush puppies are tastiest when they are oblong-shaped, like dog turds. When they are spherical they tend to be overcooked, dry, and rather bitter tasting. I also think that most of the spherical hush puppies came from pre-made mix, using the recipe on the box, which results in crap hush puppies.
Big Mike...My wife is reading Super Freakonomics and can't say enough good about it. She says that the authors do real science by only using verifiable facts instead of illusory and made up "facts" dressed up like they are from a scientific study by the spinners of tall tales. The war we are in today pitts verifiable information against disinformation. The Love of The Truth is the only antidote to the tidal wave of delusions today. Hey that is Crack Emcee's line.
Hush puppies are Indiana falafel.
Puppy turn.
Note cross control, left rudder in right turn.
"Why do people comment here?"
Althouse is eclectic... a little of this, a little of that. She always has at least one post going where nearly anyone, in their personal mood of the day, whatever it might be, can drop in a comment and feel better for having done so.
Important bike commute photos today
1. Halloween.
2. Party.
3. Hand-holding.
Did you know that Cpngressman Jerrold Nadler's hobby is playing beach volleyball? His workout video kicks ass.
I come back here because I feel I must stay informed about Titus' Loaves.
I miss Palladian. Where is he?
It's so digital immigrant to think online friends don't count as real friends. You must be old.
It's weird to hang out at the Althaus and think that. After all, from Meade's perspective, Annie ain't feeling so virtual nowadays. heh heh heh
I enjoy getting in touch with my inner cantankerous curmudgeon--something my good British manners would never permit IRL. The Internet wasn't around when Mom was alive, so I don't hear her voice inside my head being critical about anything I do online. :-)
Her voice is critical with an angry British accent. If I could play dress-up and speak with that voice, I'd be a wealthy dominatrix.
You've been a very naughty boy.
I've been persuaded by different viewpoints here, not in the sense of changing my overall perspective but in seeing more shades of difference among conservatives and liberals overall. That's good for me as a person, and as an instructor, so I appreciate that.
And have I mentioned that the New Orleans Saints are going to win the Superbowl this year?
We went out for brunch today: mine was shrimp, tasso and grits, with two Bloody Marys and coffee.
On the way home we came across a second line parade and stopped to watch the dancers and listen to the brass bands.
Tomorrow, I'll move my porch plants to a sheltered position, and bring in the garbage cans and other loose objects, in case we get some big wind from Ida, assuming she passes to the east.
I love living in New Orleans.
And have I mentioned that the New Orleans Saints are going to win the Superbowl this year?
It certainly looks that way, doesn't it. Much to the chagrin of a certain gentleman who traffics in ladies dresses.
I baked muffins. They were whole wheat walnut spice muffins made with buttermilk and molasses (I could claim to be on a health kick, but in fact I was trying to use up a random collection of ingredients).
They turned out rather well actually. The nice thing about muffins, BTW, is that you can throw almost anything into them.
I think by writing, because then I get stuff written. And it's bloggy.
I think therefore I blog?
Tyrone Slothrop asked...
Why do we bother to comment here?
Because, every now and then, even I need a break from the internet porn.
Breakfast was pumpkin bread, but just an out-of-the-box mix.
I haven't had hush puppies in about 15 years, not since I lived in Alabama. Just yesterday I was trying to explain to my 13 year old son what they were.
Much to the chagrin of a certain gentleman who traffics in ladies dresses.
Exactly what does he traffic while in ladies dresses?
"And have I mentioned that the New Orleans Saints are going to win the Superbowl this year?"
I think you have, Beth.
Has anyone noticed that we are about as objective today about our politics as we are about favored sport's team?
Why do we bother to comment here?
Well now, I've thought about it some. The commenters here cover a wider range of political angles than any other site I've ever been to, from C4 to erst MUL, but this isn't really a political site. I get kind of tired of sites where 400+ commenters compete with each other in coming up with new ways to say "Obama sucks" (even though Obama does suck). Commenters here also seem to have an astonishing range of life experience. This must be true of other sites, but nobody ever sticks around long enough for anyone to find out. So just let me say, "Thanks, Althouse" and henceforward I will try to keep my brownnosing to a minimum.
Penny, surely you're not implying that I am biased? Is the favored professional sports organization in everyone else's general region currently 8-0?
Because the New Orleans Saints are - 8-0.
It certainly looks that way, doesn't it. Much to the chagrin of a certain gentleman who traffics in ladies dresses.
He's got the World Series to keep him happy!
I come for the boobs.
Post a Comment