Catherine Conner
Everything Else
In Memoriam
May 30th
To all members of the American military past, present, and future: thank you. Thank you for your sacrifices, your bravery, and for protecting my right to think and speak as I believe. Because of you I have the right to disagree in safety with the powers that send you to war, if I disagree with their reasons to send you. Then, especially then, I value your service even more.
The Newspaper
Apr 28th
Even in a crowded room it is possible to be lonely.
In a room reeking of conversations and coffee, I am here alone, a casualty of the endless progress of newer and faster. Those around me converse with small shiny objects, beeping and flashing. Or with machines showing them brilliant moving paintings, music, endless scrolling text, all the raw words in the universe — prepackaged yet unfiltered.
Sometimes I understand: how can I compete with that? My information is dated, my interaction rigid. Compared to the conversations flowing around me, my presentation is stilted, inflexible. I can be eloquent, but only when allowed the time to speak.
I don’t know the latest jokes, the trendiest phrases; I can’t respond dynamically to your witticisms, or feed you the compliments that you beg for. I cannot participate in the social code swirling around me; I am aware of it, but it is always just beyond my capability. I can communicate only on my own terms. But I will also let you be you; I don’t expect you to change for me, I don’t decide whether you conform to my idea of what you should be before we can talk.
Please. It may take some effort on your part to understand me, to get to know me, to interact with me on my own terms. But I have thoughts and wisdom of my own to offer, if you will only take the time to let me. Pick me up. Please.
Rare Star Trek Pictures
Jan 3rd
Some great historical photos behind the scenes of one of my favorite series of all time.
http://slightlywarped.com/crapfactory/curiosities/2010/rare_star_trek_photos.htm
The Thirteen Virtues of Benjamin Franklin
Jun 17th
Centuries before the self-help movements began, people already understood the basic need to better themselves. Benjamin Franklin created what we would call a “to-do” list of 13 areas of his life he wanted to improve; he even charted his progress weekly. I think everyone will find at least a few of these familiar. It’s heartening to learn that even the best of us are human — we all struggle against some of the same tendencies as those of our ancestors.
Ben Franklin’s Thirteen Virtues (quoted from Franklin’s autobiography)
Gus and Ollie Meet Craft Hope
May 7th
I recently participated in a wonderful craft night where we stitched educational bean bag toys for orphans in Liberia, as part of project Craft Hope. This was coordinated by Jessica Allen, a lovely Australian expat living in Hamburg, and the creative force of Gus and Ollie over on Etsy. Not only does she make the cutest plush toys you ever did see, but she’s just started a blog as well. Give her a visit!
The Knave Abideth
Jan 8th
Two great classics that taste great together. A screenwriter has rewritten “The Big Lebowski” in the style of Shakespeare. Publicity stunt? Probably. But with this level of talent and iambic pentameter, he deserves all the attention he gets.
In wayfarer’s worlds out west was once a man,
A man I come not to bury, but to praise.
His name was Geoffrey Lebowski called, yet
Not called, excepting by his kin.
That which we call a knave by any other name
Might bowl just as sweet.
Biggest Lies of 2009
Jan 1st
This article is a nice reality check on all the guff being talked this year on both sides of the partisan divide. Presented by the Annenberg Public Policy Center – a non-partisan fact-checking organization whose site I wholeheartedly recommend. From birther nonsense, to false health care claims, to misleading swine flu data, FactCheck.org tries to get closer to the truth than any politician can offer.
The Amazing Jackie Chan
Dec 8th
The strength of an ox, the agility of a fox. He is just physically amazing. But I’d never seen some of these stunts. Prepare for a jaw-dropping experience of violence with the beauty of dance — all done WITHOUT special effects, and WITH plenty of injuries.
Cinemassacre’s Top 10 Jackie Chan Stunts (by cinemassacre.com)
