Bor-ing

No, there's nothing interesting about ghost towns and abandoned cities.

A recommendation

God Grew Tired of Us is a totally compelling story of some Sudanese refugees who are given the chance to come to America and we then get to see our world through their eyes.
It reminded me how complicated and wonderful and awful life can be. I cried a minimum of 6 times. It was really good. Like important good - not lighthearted good.

Devastated

Tonight the Parkway Speakeasy Theater is closing and I am grief stricken.

This Oakland institution has been around since 1926 and the most recent "Speakeasy" incarnation has been open since 1997 (which also happens to be the year I arrived in California - adding personal poignancy). Gone now are the days of being able to walk 2 blocks out my front door and catch a second run flick while enjoying beer and pizza on a couch for $5. They also often held fundraisers and played the classics (Desperately Seeking Susan, Blade Runner, Spinal Tap and others) many of which became my one and only opportunity to see these gems on the big screen.

I am now moving through the second stage of mourning - anger. We just tried to go see the final showing of "Let the Right One In" and cry a salty tear in the dark - but we were turned away. All final shows were "Sold Out". How will I find closure?

Farewell old friend, the neighborhood won't be the same without you.

note to self: get excited about something

Like this guy.

For prompt control...

Mom, I'm looking at you....

Quote of the Day: "Needless to say..."

"Needless to say, his declaration was poorly received in court. He was executed in royal fashion: thrown into a velvet sack (so as not to spill any royal blood) and then beaten to death with a sandal wood club."

-referring to General Phraya Taksin, after his suffering from the unfortunate misconception that he was a reincarnation of the Buddha. This was in the Late 1780's.
The passage comes from my 'Let's Go - Thailand' travel guide History section, and I find - is quite nicely put.

People in the olden days were so crazy.

Vital Stats

As of today I am 11652 days old. (The "How Old Are You" Clock)
And as of today there are 1910 days until The End of the World. (The "Countdown Timer" Clock)
My life expectancy is 84 (which is another 19008 days). (The "Life Expectancy Calculator")
Uh oh.

There are many more educational clocks and stats at www.poodwaddle.com
Find out how many people get leprosy a day! And don't miss the Crime Clock to check those Embezzlement stats!
Yeah Hooray!