Hibiscus @ State Library: Photo's by Paul Donovan, Law Librarian

[photo's by Paul Donovan, Reference Law Librarian]

The above pictured Hibiscus is found just outside the offices of the state law library within the Pavilion Building in Montpelier, which I pass by each time I enter and exit on my way to and from the law library where I gain some of my online access when I am in town.

With my wanting to blog photo's of it for some time now -- once another flower had blossomed and it could be worked out to do so anyway (as I do not have a digital camera), Paul Donovan was kind enough to take these photo's for me when the plant flowered again, which happened on Friday (October 28, 2005) when I was not around to view it.

[thanks Paul]

JibJab: Totally Pissed Off Face-Off Contest

Visit JibJab's Totally Pissed Off Face-Off Gallery and see if you notice anyone you recognize or not (hint, hint).

From there, then go to the contest's face-off main page to vote for whom you think is the most pissed off between any of the two faces featured at any given time, here.

Each time you select one from among the choices provided, yet another two images are presented for you to choose from all, over again along with a comparison of your previous selection versus what others voted for in the upper left-hand column of the page.

Even better, is -- like me -- you too can opt to enter the contest and find out how your most pissed off look matches up. So get really pissed off and find out today!

Enjoy!

Update: *Save the Date*: 2005 Vermont Blogger Meetup on for Saturday, November 5th @ 3:00 PM (EST): Langdon Street Cafe in Montpelier

Vermont Blogger Meetup II — it's official

Date: Saturday, November 5
Time: 3 p.m.
Place: Langdon Street Cafe, Montpelier
Cost: Free, but you might want to get somethin' to drink while we're there.
Who's invited: Vermont bloggers, blog-readers and the people who love them.

Spread the word.

[Reprinted via 802 Online, here]

For those attending who not already know me or, otherwise may not recognise me from my photo('s), I'll be the one wearing the light blue tee-shirt that reads: Militant Bloggers for Housing in Vermont.

The back story on that particular item, read a previous blog post of mine on the subject (Wednesday, May 19, 2004): Mutant Bloggers?

Going Inside for the Winter Starting Today (Until Spring 2006): No Longer Homeless

Just received word that the potential arrangement I had to Winter again come November 1st, like I did last year from December 1st (2004) to the end of May (2005), has been moved up and , as a result, I am going inside until sometime in the Spring of 2006 beginning today.

[Morgan throws his hands up and gets up to dance a jig to celebrate; figuratively speaking anyway, will do it later when no one will wonder what is wrong with me and I am not on the computer]

:-) [smile]

By the way, for those who had not come across it from last year, below are photo's of the room I will be staying in once again.



Closeup view of my hat,
which hangs on the inside
of the door to my room


Photo's of My Room:


window view


exit view


angled side shot view

The hat will be going back up on the door to the room once I am able to get my stuff from my friend who has been kindly storing it for me since June of this year [Thank you PH and do not worry, no rush. We can do it anytime. I'm not in need of anything at the moment, except to get inside, then rest for a while and clean up really well.]

Photo's originally posted here (Friday, February 25, 2005).

Out There Somewhere: Two Children of Mine, Young Adults Now

If I have ever blogged about them before, it has only been with rather vague and general mentions of the two children I fathered with their mother, my ex-wife.

The youngest of the two, our daughter, is turning twenty (20) years-old in just a couple of hours or so, born to this world during the wee hours October 22nd; a birthday she shares with her mother.

The oldest, our son, turned twenty-one (21) years-old in late March, having come into to this world a little sooner than we expected and during a blizzard. The might before his little sister was born, he and I helped his mother celebrate her birthday because I sensed it might be a good idea to do so and it proved to be correct.

My memories of them are still fresh and vivid, as ever such a memory from so long ago can possibly be, from the very first moments they each arrived and were held by their mother after she gave birth to them before my eyes and then held within my own arms; or, when they began to grow, take their first crawls and, later, their first steps as well as make sounds and, then words, to the last time I ever saw them in person so many years ago.

There is also the picture I still hold within my minds-eye of the photo of them together from twelve years ago, which has been lost for at least a few years now, along with so many other photo's and other personal belonging from too many moves and being homeless too long.

Sometimes when I walk the streets, whether here or elsewhere, I often look at young people their age to help me gauge basically how old and the size they may be as well as what they may generally be like personality-wise, based upon a very broad and far reaching sampling of people from their age group just so I have something to hold onto besides what I remember of them.

Without getting into all the details, which like with water passing under a bridge - sometimes take on a life of its own, all I know is what I have felt and experienced during our long absence from each other; which includes a deep longing to be reunited with them whenever -- if ever -- they so choose, which in my mind -- once they came of age -- would of course be up to each of them and not up to me.

It is always possible they could be content with never doing so and that is a possibility I have accepted, not only because I have no control or little say over the matter, but even though I love and dearly miss them both the same as ever, I accept that it their decision alone, not mine.

Whatever they choose in these regards, I have accepted this a long time ago and will continue to accept it no matter what.

There is nothing whatsoever noble about my stance on this either. The fact is that accepting personal loss and failure within one's own life, no matter how terrible and hard to bare alone it may be, is only but a natural part of living and growing. Not to mention there was a time when I was not willing to do so and, it nearly cost me my life at my own hands; and that, quite simply, is completely unacceptable to me anymore, especially if there is even the slightest ray of hope to ever become reunited with them within this lifetime once again or even the chance to let them know what their father feels for them still and how he has always yearned to be with them.

The distance I put between them and me by moving to Vermont in 1988 was to be able to live somewhere more conducive to better healing as well as living if at all possible, especially since it pained me way too much to be so close to them geographically, yet so far away at the same time, limited in when and how we could be together at the time.

When I was nearly very successful at taking my own life in the Summer of 1987, due to not being able to cope with those circumstances any longer and, finally while laying in the hospital bed after recovering consciousness, I knew I had to do something different and had to begin trying to take care of myself. Thus I refocused all my efforts to actually doing so, because I was the only one who could or was responsible for doing so, no one else was better qualified or else should be.

As hard and painful as this was to do, especially given what shape I had gotten into (which had been a process many, many years in the making long before I met their mother), my only real remaining choice -- among several poor choices -- was too let go of everything else including of those I held most dear and try to find what I could within myself to use as a seedling of sorts for a rebuilding effort within a different soil and environment, if you will.

Although I have had a few ups as well as plenty of major downs along the way and, it has not always been what others would view as productive or successful or great to look back upon either for that matter, I am still trying and I will never give up trying.

If my children have anything from me worth keeping within for their journey ahead of them, it is that much. Plus all the great gifts they have received from their mother and other people in their lives.

It is not stubbornness, nor pride either, as too many people mistake it for. Rather it is a strong sense of determination along with whatever little sense of self-respect and sense of self I have been able to grow of my own and maintain over the years. It is not much, really, however it is mine and it is about all I have of my own, save my two children, who are no longer children, but young adults coming into their own.

For them, I will not ever try to get in their way as they continue on their journey in life, accept to wave them on and wish them well as they go forth.

No matter if either of them get a chance to read my words and thoughts or not, they are sent their way upon the winds full with the love of a father who cares for them still, just as I did the last day we were together and every day since.

To Amanda, I wish with all my heart that you have a blessed, Happy 20th Birthday today and, throughout the rest of the entire year as well, my daughter.

To Justin, a belated, yet blessed Happy 21st Birthday I wish from deep within myself to you my son, of which I have been wishing such each day since it was observed earlier this year.

To the both of them I offer my sincere apologies for all those past birthdays as well as all the days in between I have missed spending with you. For whatever it may be worth, please know that while I may have been lost to you, you have never been forgotten to me for even a moment, ever, nor will you within my mind, heart and soul for as long as any one of these continue to exist in one form or another.

Wherever these young adults are or, may travel to and, whatever they choose to do with their lives, time, energy and future(s), may each of their days be happy and blessed. This is all I have ever wished for them all along, nothing more, nothing less.

The rest is in the hands of a much higher power and, have been for quite some time now.

*Save the Date*: Vermont Blogger Meetup II on for Saturday, November 5th in Montpelier

For more information, as well as to keep updated about the 2005 Green Mountain State BloggerCon (as I tend to refer to it anyway), read Seven Days j-blogger Cathy Resmer's post: Vermont Blogger Meetup II [via 802 Online; Friday, October 21, 2005].

In addition, for anyone who has not already come across and is interested in reading it, a recent article of mine on the subject of blogs and blogging is: Discovering Vermont's homegrown blogosphere [via Vermont Guardian; Week of Friday, September 23, 2005].

Good Morning Montpelier & Bon Appétit!

As I was heading over to Kellogg-Hubbard Library's annual volunteer breakfast this morning (Thursday, October 20, 2005), I came across Mickey and Rick of terrapin gardens.

Read Rick's account of it, here [via terrapin gardens].

Once my visit with Mick and Rick was over, I attended the breakfast. There were forty (40) or so people there, including both library staff as well as volunteers. The event was catered by a two person crew, a chef and his assistant, who -- while I never did get their names -- I later learned from them that their outfit is Le Petit Gourmet Catering.

The food was high quality and we were treated to individually made Hotel Style Omelettes of which we informed the chef know what we wanted within it, everything freshly sliced, diced and prepared right there in front of us.

The chef had two small pans going and, when I got to the table he was cooking at, one of the pans flamed just a little bit for a moment and, he said something like, I don't know how that happened, twice.

It was actually cool and rather exciting to watch, with him having it all under control really quick of course. My quick reply to his comment was that he just experienced a Julia Child moment (5th paragraph) to which everyone laughed and, he quipped something akin to what Julia Child (also, here) probably would have, to which more laughter and commentary followed.

The Omelette and all the accompanying food was truly great and nourishing, especially for this soul so much in need of such on this particular day.

Let me tell you something I happened to know, as someone who both loves and enjoys cooking Omelette of various types too, the fact is that even with two pans going at the same time, it is not easy to prepare and cook 40 or so individual omelets in such a short time span as they managed to do unless you are truly skilled. They definitely impressed the heck out of me.

Then as the two of them were packing up, one of the librarian staff members asked about the food and they were going to throw it away if the library did not want to keep and use it in some way.

Discussion followed and I suggested that the there were people at the Another Way Drop-In Center that would very much appreciate being on the receiving end of what remained.

They carefully bagged it up, while I called over and got a hold of the Associate Director who came by to pick it up right away. Later I heard that it was enjoyed by several people that were around during the day.

In fact, surprisingly enough, I called the drop-in center just after closing to ask one of the staff member still there if there was anything left and there was; so I went over and had a nice supper, finishing the rest of it off.

By the way, just as an fyi for anyone within Vermont, if you ever have an event in need of catering, consider giving the good, friendly and, low key, but classy folks at Le Petit Gourmet Catering of Waterbury a call or send them an e-mail. In my opinion, they excel at what they do!

Who knows, if you're lucky, maybe you will be able to witness a small Julia Child moment for yourself as well.

On top of all that, it was also good to get what of the Sun managed to shine through during the day; a day full of plenty of small blessings and gracious moments with which to help one possibly get through to the end of what has otherwise been proving to be a tough month of survival.

Quality Bird's-eye View of CVMH Construction Project

For those readers of this particular blog of mine who may not have already known about it, the Barre -Montpelier Times Argus (TA) began featuring their Reader Roundtable blog (RTB) last month.

The blog description reads:

The Reader Roundtable Blog features a diverse team of TimesArgus.com readers and Times Argus editor Maria Archangelo, posting commentary, critiques and analysis of the Web site's coverage of local and national news and opinion.

A little while after it started, I joined as one of the TA RTB reader bloggers, making my first post that very day (Thursday, September 22, 2005), here.

Today (Thursday, October 20, 2005) marks only my fourth post to the blog, which is my first post that has not focused on mental health and related matters at all and, as such, had been somewhat activist-like in nature, here (which is focused on what the title of this post is about).

Look for me to post at least one post a week to the TA RTB and, possibly more depending on the news and the TA's coverage of it, at least whenever I am able to do so anyway.

By the way, the Rutland Herald -- which the TA is a sister paper to -- has their own Reader Roundtable blog and is also one I try to keep up with as well, here.

Free E-Cards from Hallmark!

As it is my sister's birthday tomorrow (Wednesday, October 19, 2005) and, having failed to pick up a card by yesterday in order to have in it to her in time, I went searching for the best free e-cards I could find online and came across some at the Hallmark Website.

Once you are at the Website and it loads up, scroll down to the bottom of the page and find the link for their Free E-Cards and click onto it, then select the type of card category you are looking for, which will bring up a page of various selections to pick from.

Am pleased it worked out as it did, since the card I found and sent her said what needed to be said and was perfect, better than most print cards these days actually, especially given that it comes complete with music, animation and all; plus it is free of course.

Thank you Hallmark!


Hmmm, speaking of which (one moment please, yeah, okay, here it is), I have managed to pull this out from within my archives just for the occasion:

Happy Birthday Ali!

Neighbors in Need

For thirteen (13) of the last fourteen (14) years, I have resided within the Montpelier, Vermont area.

While living here, I often have been in need in various ways, including when living homeless as I am once again.

Yet over all these several years in which this particular parish has assisted me in a great variety of different ways, I never bothered to keep count of the many times I have been served by the efforts of the Christ Episcopal Church, located on State Street.

The church has devoted, caring, generous and hard working staff, church members as well as volunteers, offering access to the Montpelier Clergy Association run food pantry as well as its own small emergency food pantry, hosting a weekly soup kitchen, providing meeting space to various groups and so much more. All of which benefits lots of people on a community-wide and individual basis.

On Christmas Day the church facilities are used to host a free community dinner for people to attend that is prepared by volunteers. The list could go on and on.

Another example of this is the time, back in the mid-90's or so, when a large portion of a cliff ledge gave way and severely damaged the building on Elm Street which had housed the Another Way Drop-In Center and three residential apartments. While the other tenants found new places elsewhere, the drop-in center had no where to settle right off. Another Way has a Friday night dinner for those who frequent the drop-in center as well as any guests who may show up. It is this dinner which had been the seed that eventually evolved into the drop-in center.

After the falling ledge fragments tore into the building, and before Another Way moved into its current larger space on Barre Street, Christ Church allowed the weekly dinners to be held there in the meantime.

I have several fond memories of those dinners at Christ Church. I am very grateful to both Reverend David Hall and the church for letting the drop-in center hold the weekly gatherings there during that period. It helped to keep Another Way going through extremely trying times for the drop-in center and its director.

Christ Episcopal Church is not known for turning away people in need. They usually try to help in some way where and whenever they can.

The church is a good neighbor, with those associated with it doing such good work for many people in need.

However, due to the rise demand of those in need whom the church seeks to assist in their, as well as the price of oil and the other related costs that it takes to cover the expenses incurred in running a community-minded church like this, the funds to do so have to come from somewhere.

There are those who visit or read this blog of mine, as well as others I know in the area, who have sometimes asked me what it is I need and want.

For a couple of months now mulling over within my mind has been the thought of blogging a post of this nature to ask this blog's frequent visitors as well as regular readers, that rather than possibly giving me some gift or sending me a card this season -- whether for my upcoming 50th birthday (November 17th) or for Christmas, to instead consider giving to the efforts of the Christ Church and thereby helping more than one person in their season of need.

To my knowledge the specific areas with the greatest need on a consistent basis have been the Discretionary Fund, the Full Ladle Kitchen and, in addition, the Emergency Fuel Fund -- which is administered by the church on behalf of the Montpelier Interfaith Council's Emergency Fuel Fund for all the Churches and the Synagogue in the community.

In fact, last month's church bulletin had this appeal within it (excerpted; The Chronicle, September 2005 ):

Emergency Fuel Fund Appeal,
September 18 and 25

It comes as no surprise to anyone that the price of fuel oil has skyrocketed in the past months. The vestry is struggling with how to creatively manage our costs and still stay warm.

This task will be especially difficult for individuals on fixed incomes and others in our community who depend upon Federal and State help to make ends meet. Christ Church administers the Montpelier Interfaith Council's Emergency Fuel Fund for all the Churches and the Synagogue in our community.

We haven't put out an appeal for funds in three years, but in anticipation of a greater need we feel it is prudent to ask for help.

Other Churches and the Synagogue are also collecting funds as is the City of Montpelier.

[...]

Thank you for your help.

Anyone inclined to contribute toward helping Christ Church meet some of the needs it seeks to assist people with, may do so by sending contributions of support via check and U.S. Mail to:

Rev. David Hall
Christ Episcopal Church
64 State Street
Montpelier VT 05602

If you do so, please make certain to designate which of the three you are making a contribution to: i.e., either the:

• Discretionary Fund



• Full Ladle Kitchen



• Emergency Fuel Fund

For more information, call: (802) 223-3631
(Please read @ *Please Note* below)

If you can help out by making a contribution to the church's efforts in these regards, it will be greatly appreciated by those within the area whom would be on the receiving end.

Just so people know, this blog post as well as the idea behind it are mine alone. No one put me up to it.

In addition, for the sake of saving time on my part in writing up this post, I have drawn from an old letter to the editor I wrote four and a half (4 1/2) years ago when a certain need came to my attention then as well, here [The World; Church Break-ins Do Not Damage Spirit; Letter to the Editor; Wednesday, March 28, 2001; 1st letter of 3 posted/published].

*Please Note*: In checking with Reverend David Hall about whether he and the church would be alright with my blogging about this particular matter, he had confirmed a previous request of his to me that people not e-mail the church in response, because they are unable to handle (i.e., read and process, let alone respond to) the volume of e-mail that could result.


*Note*: Made several edits for the purposes of clarification and readability; added a second photo of the church building, this one of the inside; each of the two photo's of the church are via its Website and have been used with direct permission: last updated On Wednesday, November 16, 2005 at 10:17 PM [EDT].

Money Flying in Montpelier Today: For a Good Cause

*Updated*
(see below @ P.S. & *Update*)


On my way to eat lunch at the Full Ladle soup kitchen today, hosted each Wednesday at the Christ Episcopal Church on State Street in Montpelier, someone I knew who was sitting out on one of the benches asked me if I had gone over to the bank and gotten some free money.

Knowing the person as I do, I figured they must have been pulling my leg, given they seem to enjoy doing so from time to time.

He and the person next to him explained that Northfield Savings Bank (NSB), which is located just next and across the parking lot from the church, were having a customer appreciate day, including a fun booth with dollars bill flying around that one has to catch and put in a box via a slot within twenty (20) seconds.

They added that anyone can go over and participate, not just customers and asked if I would be going to give it a try. At first I was skeptical and also turned off by the gimmick, but then I thought about it and, figured, why not. It does no harm to just check it out.

When I walked in, no one was in the booth and the person running it asked if I wanted to give it a try, so I did. The person explained how it worked and that I had to catch and stuff the bills I caught into the box through the slot, whatever was in the money box after 20 seconds was mine. In addition, the bank would match that same amount, donating it to the Central Vermont Home Health and Hospice, which was an extra incentive of course.

He also mentioned that they keep a total of fifteen (15) dollars in the fun booth, replenishing it for the next person after someone has gone in and grabbed some.

Noticing a dryer sheet in there, I asked about it, saying I thought it would get in the way and, was told if I caught and stuffed it into the box, it was worth a dollar as well. The dryer sheet, he said, was to help cut down on the static cling, etc.

Taking off my jacket as well as anything else that could get in my way and tucking it under the nearby table for safe keeping, I stepped in, the operator turned on the fan and the clock started clicking away.

There I was flapping my arms like a wildman, looking like I was trying to take flight, chasing the bills swirling around me in the air; something which proved to be a waste of time, since at least seven (7) seconds or more went by without much in the way of results.

Managing to finally catch two bills and, with only seven (7) seconds remaining, I frantically tried to stuff the two bills into the slot as best I could. In so doing, I then found that other bills were coming right into my hands along with the dryer sheet, stuffing them into the box of course, for a total of $5.00 -- an equal mount of which going to the local non-profit home health agency of course.

Once I did that, I went to the soup kitchen and told others about it, just like those who told me of it, also with a mention of my having learned not to go chasing the bills, letting them come to me instead.

A couple of others had already gone over as well before I did, one told of grabbing $7 and another came away with $8.

Just prior to leaving the soup kitchen, one individual who does not know the area and, whom I believe is homeless asked me where it was as he was interesting in giving it a try, so I took him over and hung around to watch.

He was the most patient, quiet and non-pushy person there, staying back while others when in and came out of the money booth. When I suggested that he go up and let the person operating the booth know he wanted a turn, he said he wanted to observe and get a good idea of how it worked.

This proved to be something which paid off for him, as he came away with $8 dollars. He was pleased with himself and grateful for the opportunity for a eight extra dollars, offering me what was a hearty hand shake. The money will probably buy a little food, a pack of cigarettes if he smokes or something else he may need or want.

There were others who had come over from the soup kitchen who did okay too, with an average take of around $6, which a match of the same being donated to charity. One told of how it was needed to pay for a little gas for their vehicle, another spoke of buying food, etc.

Yet another person just came by where I am on the computer with a hamburger in his hand and, I asked if he had heard about the booth. He said yeah, I got $7 and it bought me my lunch. He also said that someone gave him a tip to hold his hands right out in front and let the money come and it did [smile].

My own take may not seem like much to most people, but it was enough to buy a small supplement to my lunch of a meat product from the local hot dog vendor for two days running (today and, the next non-rainy he is out there, putting the money aside for the purpose) -- where for $2.25 I can get a Michigan (as served at this particular stand, it is a quality 1/4 pound hot dog with seasoned meat [grilled ground hamburger with spices, not hot spicy though] on a roll; best topped with dark spicy brown mustard, my favorite!*1[see below, near bottom of post]). Plus I was able to afford one tall can of my favorite cold green tea too.

Not bad for twenty seconds of effort, helping out a local non-profit health care agency just a little bit too boot.

The circus came to town at a local branch of the NSB today, the money was flying and it was fun to experience and watch, especially as people were taking this time around -- even if only a small amount -- and not being taken for an arm and a leg instead.

It is not too often you witness a bank doing something along these lines either, so my hat is off to them for being so willing.


P.S.

On my way from one Internet access site to another just a little while ago, I bumped into someone I know coming out of the local NSB branch and they told me they came away with $6, which they could really use too. They also said that even though the customer appreciation day event was over at 2:00 PM or so, they turned it back on and allowed him an attempt.

That was a relief to me as I had just told someone else about it and they had went inside for 20 seconds in the fun booth. When I looked through the window to see if they were able to get a turn as well, they had a big smile on their face and a small wad of cash tightly clasped in their hand that had just been handed them after it was removed from the box and counted for the donation tally sheet.

Sometimes it is the seemingly smallest of things that someone extends to others that can count, especially for those struggling hard to make ends meet.

Deserving of yet another tip of the hat to the folks at the NSB, especially for making it fun as well as being such good and courteous sports about it too.


*Update*

The Montpelier NSB branch manager informs me that the branch:

... will be sending a donation to Central Vermont Home Health and Hospice for $759 to match the total amount given out in the fun machine.

Not bad at all!


*1[fyi: As a side note for those who may be interested, the hot dog vendor's usual spot most weekdays -- depending on the weather and also during non-winter months of course -- is located just out front of the Christ Episcopal Church on State Street; from around 11:00 AM (or so) until around 2:00 PM (or so). He also sells burgers as well as sausages and the like]


*Note*: Made several, mostly minor, edits for the purpose of clarification and readability; also added a P.S. with an informational update; added another informational update; added yet another informational update (i.e., insert *1): last updated on Wednesday, October 12, 2005 at 6:14 PM [EDT].

2005 AFSP Vermont Walk Out of The Darkness: Being Held in Burlington, this Saturday (10/15/2005)

Read the blog post of mine dedicated to the subject of this particular walk, here [via Beyond VSH blog; Tuesday, October 11, 2005].

Bill Simmon's Got Me But Good!

*Updated*
(see below @ both P.S. & *Note*)


Bill Simmon (Candleblog) indeed got me good today with this (partial) blog post of his, as found on the main page:

OMG, Luis Guzman is a complete asshole!!!
Sunday, October 09 2005 @ 11:42 PM
Contributed by: billsimmon

First time director Rob McKittrick got Vermonter Luis Guzman to be in his film Waiting. Read about what a prick he was on the set at the director's blog and watch a video of the two of them nearly coming to blows.



Thanks AlexC!

[...]

That did it for me, I could not continue to read more of the blog post, beyond the fold, because it all really bothered and irked me to no end.

Having completely fallen for Bill's perfectly subtle set up, I followed the link to the post posted on the director's blog about Luis Guzman.

Instead of allowing myself to become intensely angered at what I perceived as a potential set up of the esteemed actor (whom has earned my support and respect over the years for his body of work on the screen and on television) and, then sending off a terse comment or e-mail to either Bill Simmons or the director however, the activist within me attempted to directly contact Mr. Guzman himself.

Since he maintains a home in the general area where he and his family lives, when he is not off filming, etc. and, even though I would not usually want to bother anyone like him or his family with a call, I searched online for his phone number since I figured he may not have an e-mail address listed anywhere. The number listed for him was out of service, not that I blame them one bit.

After that failed I did an online search to find out if he had a Website from which I could find an e-mail address and, bingo, there was one and it did.

Working to write the best e-mail I could manage to compose at the time, I must have worked on it for nearly two hours or more before I finally sent off the concern-laded and supportive missive.

Once that was accomplished I felt a little better, relieved actually, so I decided I could deal with reading at least a little more about it and, began with the rest of Bill's post on the subject (here).

Ugh! That was when I learned, much to my chagrin, that I had been had by an extremely cynical version of pay it forward and, of course, it worked; leaving those of us who fell for such feeling rather foolish, at least this was the case for me.

Anyway, I rather quickly worked on yet another e-mail to send off to the actor, this one taking me only about twenty-five minutes or so, once I noticed my mistake and also -- this time around -- confirmed it for myself from different sources.

Both Mr. Guzman and first time director Rob McKittrick deserve most, if not all, of the credit of course; especially since they were the originators of the well thought out, planned and staged prank, turned cheap promotional gimmick with which to better hawk the film.

Hopefully that will teach me never to believe anything Bill Simmons and gang over on Candleblog posts about (or, otherwise says in person) ever again, at least not until I have had fifty-one (51) different forms of independent verification that what they posted about (or, otherwise said) is both true and accurate and, even then, remain highly skeptical of the information no matter what.

Logically speaking, the same of course goes for Luis Guzman and Rob McKittrick, as well as anyone in Hollywood and elsewhere within the film, television and stage industries, not to mention bloggers in general from now on and, rightly, even more so.

:-) [smile]


P.S.

That said, it is definitely true, I could have read further on, slowly and carefully so, following all the links provided, etc.; however when do I have the time for more of that sort of thing on top of everything else I have going and am heavily engaged in (rhetorical)? -- unless and until something prompts me into my higher and more passionate gear(s) to then go chasing after and charging against windmills, like this one proved to be; reacting before doing the requisite research.


*Note*: Made several, mostly minor, edits for the purposes of clarification and readability: also added a P.S. as an afterthought of sorts: last updated on Monday, October 10, 2005 at 7:06 PM [EDT].

Received My Vermont Guardian Tee-Shirts in the Mail Yesterday

*Updated*
(see *Note* @ bottom of post for the vague details)


When I checked my Post Office Box yesterday (Thursday, October 7, 2005) it pleased me to find a package from the Vermont Guardian, especially since it meant that I finally received the two tee-shirts I had been wanting ever since they first became available, which was either late last year or earlier this year.

Yet it was not until only recently that I could manage to afford and acquire them. The reason I need more than one such tee-shirt is due to never having enough shirts to wear, especially clean ones of course, which is not always easy to do when one is both limited on funds and also being in-between homes (i.e., living homeless).

One aspect about the Vermont Guardian tee-shirts I particularly appreciate is the ingenious, yet subtle marketing message employed by their merely switching what -- according to someone else's sense and, then others unquestioning acceptance and obedience, of conventional standards -- would usually go the front and on the back upon a double-sided shirt.

Based upon my observations and reflections about two different experiences I have had in wearing one of the tee-shirts already today, it is rather surprising to me how many people cannot get past the fact that what appears on the front and back seemed to be switched and therefore they think the person is wearing the shirt backwards, when it was not the case of course.

Such people do not even bother reading the bottom line of the banner, which according to conventional thinking one would assume goes on the front (i.e., the banner), so they miss the message; or, if they manage to read it, they miss the point.

The newspaper's masthead/banner reads (in all caps):

Vermont Guardian
For the Independent Mind
While I did not make the tee-shirt in question and, am only the person wearing it, I am glad the newspaper did so just for the proof alone that it makes in such a small way of the need for people to actually think for themselves for a change: i.e., Independently.

Those of us with open and independent minds understand, know and respect that it does not matter what side something is on a shirt or most else and, if it were a case of someone wearing a shirt either backwards or even inside-out -- whether it was by mistake, a statement of some sort or pure artistic license, whose business is it of theirs anyway.

Certainly though, one would not expect for others to be laughing and poking fun of someone just by the appearance of their tee-shirt or how they seemed to be wearing it. However it happened to me twice today. One person was someone who appeared in fashion, style and manner to be non-conventional, yet clearly illustrated they do not think or act that way.

Two other individuals, who were together, laughed and talked very loudly about it, which finally clued me in that they were doing so about me and also as to why; and, this also helped me understand what the problem of the first person was, which had eluded, mystified and bothered me a little bit up until then -- as I began wondering what was wrong with what I was wearing, what I was doing or whatever.

The fact of the matter is though, the joke is on them.

Guess what? I happen to like these tee-shirts, that is why I got them and, will keep on wearing them, no matter what.

In the future, when I am wearing one of the shirts in question, if someone laughs or pokes fun at me again, I will quietly enjoy a deep laugh to myself and simply smile.

Wouldn't it be something if they managed to come across this blog by pure accident and read this post of mine?! One can only hope. [smile]


*Note*: made several, mostly minor, edits for the purpose of clarification and readability; last updated on Friday, October 7, 2005 at 10:37 PM [EDT].

Nothing New: Typical Howard Dean(isms) at Work

Had come across the nicely designed and well put together, impressive actually, Vermont Daily Briefing (VDB) blog today (Thursday, October 6, 2005) thanks to Seven Days j-blogger Cathy Resmer, here (802 Online).

Blogged by Philip Baruth, the blog's blurb alone (displayed within the top banner) clearly indicates this will be a highly interesting blog as well as a refreshing read.

Cathy wrote of the relatively new blog and its blogger:

If you haven't gotten enough of him on VPR, or at UVM, or in your local bookstore, here's a slick new blog from Burlington writer Philip Baruth. He writes about politics in what seems to be a satirical way. Also, he does not allow comments.

In fact what Cathy failed to mention is that there are plenty of high profile blogs -- such as I am sure VDB will quickly become -- that are without comments, including for example Garrett Graff's fishbowlDC (which, to my knowledge and I hope to be corrected if I am wrong, when Cathy mentioned it within a post back after when fishbowlDC first began I do not recall her bothering to indicate that it did not allow comments either, here; Thursday, March 03, 2005).

Anyway, once I got done reading the VDB banner my eyes fell upon the subject header of today's (Thursday, October 6, 2005) post, which really caught my attention.

The post itself is a definite must-read, even if it is nothing new from Howard Dean and, is of course only more proof of his usual Deanisms still being at work -- as if there were ever any real doubt otherwise: Dean Firm on "Hide the Salami".

VDB is a blog I will be making sure to read on a regular basis.

"Is Rovegate Actually About Rove?" -- fishbowlDC

Just came across this interesting article from the Associated Press (AP): Rove to testify in leak case without immunity [via fishbowlDC, here].

In his brief blog post, besides the question raised within the subject header of his post (which is also the subject of this post as well), blogger and freelance writer Garrett Graff asks (here):

Is this is a hint of the other shoe dropping?

P.S.

It is probably a safe enough bet to assume that in his rush to quickly blog up the post, Garrett fat fingered the second to last word of that particular question and had intended to write shoe, instead of show.

That's okay, it happens to me all the time, even when I am not rushing.[Garrett corrected the word to read shoe, instead of show, which I have done as well so it now reads the same]

Moss Point, Mississippi Annual Autumn Festival, the Fall de Rah

[...]

Fall-de-Rah, Moss Point's unique celebration of Autumn, is coordinated through the Department of Economic Development. This two-month celebration begins in October and extends through Thanksgiving when it gives way to Christmas Beauty. The hallmark of Fall-De-Rah and its Christmas counterpart is imagination and artistic creativity. "Celebrations!" is the name of the group which is responsible for this beauty, and it welcomes volunteers.

[...]

[via Moss Point, Mississippi, Economic Development page].



[Photo via Dohiyimir: Pumpkins
by N. Todd Pritsky, here]

Burlington (VT) Mayor Peter Clavelle and His Pumpkin Drive to the Rescue

According to a report published in today's (October 6, 2005) Clarion Ledger (here; newspaper of Jackson, Mississippi):

[...]

Mayor in Vt. wants pumpkins for city

Vermonters stepped up last month to donate food and other essential supplies for the hurricane-ravaged Gulf Coast. Now, Burlington, Vt., Mayor Peter Clavelle is asking for provisions of another sort.

Moss Point, which Burlington adopted as a sister city shortly after it was devastated by Hurricane Katrina, was about to cancel its annual autumn festival, the Fall de Rah.

The festival traditionally has featured a display of hundreds of pumpkins around Moss Point. But because of hurricane damage to the local pumpkin crop and the drain on Moss Point's city finances, it looked as though Fall de Rah might be off this year.

[...]

Read the entire article, here.

In addition, an Associated Press (AP) article included the following the other day (here; via Boston Globe, AP Vermont local news wire page; Tuesday, October 4, 2006):

[...]

When Clavelle and a small delegation of Vermonters traveled to Moss Point last week, he learned that the fall festival was in dire straits and said, "Vermont has plenty of pumpkins."

When he got back to Burlington, Clavelle launched the Moss Point Pumpkin Project and asked that area residents donate pumpkins to be trucked to Mississippi.

Donations may be made during Burlington's Great Pumpkin Festival, from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Saturday. The festival, sponsored by Gardener's Supply, Citizens Bank and the Intervale Foundation, will be held at the Burlington Intervale off Riverside Avenue.

Clavelle also invited financial donations to the Burlington Moss Point Relief Fund, care of the city clerk-treasurer, 149 Church St., Burlington, Vt. 05401. Donations can also be made in person at the clerk-treasurer's office or at the TD Banknorth branch at 111 Main St. in Burlington.

Read the article in full, here.

WCAX -- Channel 3 TV -- News had a report on Sunday (October 2, 2005) about the Sister City Trip, both within the broader context of the trip as well as what Mayor Peter Clavelle, the City and residents of Burlington helped out with, along with mention of the great pumpkin drive too, here.

By the way, sorry I could not resist [smile], however the picture from a classic Peanuts cartoon (done as an animated short shown on TV, here) featured on this ABC page is definitely worth checking out in my opinion:

It's the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown

Langdon Street Cafe: Wednesday Open Mic Night

Most, though not each and every, Wednesday night at the Langdon Street Cafe in Montpelier is Open Mic Night.

In fact one is being held this evening and, while I cannot make it there as often as I would like, I will be in attendance tonight.

Sign up time for open mic performers begins at 7:00 PM and, if one hopes to get on the card, it is best to show up or phone in as early as is possible.

Langdon Street Cafe
4 Langdon St.
Montpelier, VT

[above photo via
Langdon Street Cafe Website]
Cannot recall which week it was, but I made it to one of the last open mic nights and enjoyed it a lot.

They are usually pretty good performances and, in addition, they are sometimes preludes of a sort to certain performances on Thursday or other nights of some of those participating during a given week's open mic night. That happened one week, either the last week an open mic night was held or the one before it I think, can't remember for certain.

Truth be told, especially since I use to hang in coffee houses -- somewhat like the Langdon -- back in the early seventies another lifetime ago (or, so it seems; am showing my age I guess [smile]), I really enjoy the open mic sessions almost more than I do the more professional type of gigs. There is usually plenty of good jamming of one level or another, with people singing their souls out as best they can.

If you are someone who lives anywhere in the area, whether walking or driving distance and you are looking for something to do or take in, try to get yourself over to the Langdon Street Cafe for open mic night. You will not regret it and you just might meet some old friends or begin to make new ones.

Jamie McCoy Speaks Out

Jamie McCoy (Jamie's Big Voice: A voice battling for homeless people) blogged a blog post yesterday (Saturday, October 1, 2005) from his perspective concerning homelessness both within the United Kingdom in which he resides as well as worldwide, here.

Michael Martine on "Farming The End of Oil"

Web/blog designer and Montpelier-based blogger Michael Martine opines about rising oil prices, the impact of such on the costs of many other things as well as what people can do about it in the here and now, along with providing a host of links to various informational blogs, sites and resources found elsewhere online and, he also invites people to include additional links to more within the comments of that same post, here.

By the way, his wife Denise has a blog as well, here.

"What axes are you grinding?"

Concerning the Beyond Vermont State Hospital (VSH) blog, someone recently asked me several questions, including the following few:

What are your motivations regarding the Beyond VSH blog? Whats point of view are you promoting? What axes are you grinding? [...]

To which, for the time being (i.e., until I have more time to answer each and every one of their questions much more carefully as well as thoughtfully), I replied:

As far as any ax to grind etc., certainly I have no more than you or anyone else.

To paraphrase Jesus, he without an ax to grind, throw the first ax.

Which is to say that anyone who bothers to get to know me knows I am very careful at not throwing axes around, whether sharpened ones or especially them dull ones either. :-) [smile]

Hope that said it well enough and also managed to get the point across, for now anyway.

Of course it may help for the person and others to read this blog's blog description, since it covers a bit of ground in these regards, especially the segment of it concerning my type and use of humor, etc.

WWWND?

When he is stuck or, rather, when he does not know what to do, Bo Muller-Moore (Eat More Kale blog) finds himself pondering: What Would Willie Nelson Do?

Bo then proceeds from there, because as he puts it: If it is good for Willie, it is good for me.

His blog post about it today reads (here; October 1, 2005):

Honestly, when I'm stuck, that is...I don't know what to do, I think of Willie Nelson. Then ask myself "What Would Willie Nelson Do?" Then, I proceed. If it is good for Willie, it is good for me.

If ever there was one, this sounds like as good a plan as well as a winning strategy to me, whether it be for matters of business or of life in general.

Certainly Willie Nelson is as good a role model as any, especially for the person who values people and all of life over a philosophy or model that simply focuses on a strictly business oriented or, profit centered, approach all the time.

Bo's approach as to what to do when he gets stuck is indeed refreshing, as well as heartening. It is philosophy and way of approaching certain times and experiences faced in this life that each of us could easily learn a little from, if we merely took the time to do so: i.e., WWWND?

In fact, if he has not already made such tee-shirts, especially since it would seem to be in keeping with his way designing and making the tee's he sells, using WWWND? for a tee-shirt sounds to me like it may just have some potential to become yet another big seller and customer-pleaser to me.


*Note*: Made several edits for the purpose of clarification and readability: last updated on Saturday, October 1, 2005 at 7:41 PM [EDT].