Outer Blogaria

It's Time For The Ol' Bats-O-Matic

ThalassaRaptor — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 03:16:13 GMT

The San Francisco Bay Area Tarot Symposium (SF BATS) is one my favourite things in the whole wide world to do. It is a kind of "gift of service" that brings all kinds of folks together around a common love and creates a social glue (if it sounds like Faire, you wouldn't be quite wrong). However, it's also a lot of work, at the busiest time of my year. I am a mess (ask my DH!) but very excited too. Then it will be over, and I will have a nice collapse. Some day I may even start seeing friends in what I believe is still called a social context. As we say in the DoD (not to be confused with the Department of Defence) "Onward in Excelsior!"

Not Going Anywhere

ThalassaRaptor — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 19:04:00 GMT

I will have to be pried away with a cowbar. And I'm not giving anyone my contact data. So there.

Free Tibet With Purchase of China

ThalassaRaptor — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 00:17:56 GMT

This is tough to watch in places, but it is a powerful and impassioned plea to take action for Tibet. http://digitaldharmafilms.org/2008/08/china-time-to-know-the-truth/ If it doesn't happen now, I do not doubt that in a very short whil there won't be much left to save

Don't You Just Hate It When...

ThalassaRaptor — Sun, 10 Aug 2008 01:44:42 GMT

..Your plans for the afterlife go awry?

Flights of Angels - Randy Pausch

ThalassaRaptor — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 18:36:19 GMT

Here's to a life well-lived and making a good death. Although he was a little too perky sometimes, I admired his incredible verve and his unflinching way of facing the Fate That Awaits Us All. He fought the good fight. Vaya con diosa, sir. http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20080725/ts_alt_afp/uspeoplepausch_080725150746

Our Agents Are Everywhere

ThalassaRaptor — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 17:43:51 GMT

http://www.switched.com/2008/07/10/buzzing-cell-phone-turns-out-to-be-live-bat-in-bra/?icid=100214839x1205538122x1200268969

Stop With The Meez Already!

ThalassaRaptor — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 19:36:05 GMT

Y'all are creeping me out.

Bwahahahahaha

ThalassaRaptor — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 22:45:55 GMT

New meme (from Kelly, thankyouverymuch). Go make one yourself! It's tons o' fun: bighugelabs.com/flickr/motivator.php

Now! 100% More Steeped in Culture!

ThalassaRaptor — Sun, 08 Jun 2008 18:33:36 GMT

Friday Night - Das Rheingold (first installment in an A "American Ring" being undertaken by SFO and remarkably fresh and clever it is) Satruday Night - "The Turn of the Screw" presented by SF Lyric Opera (technically superb, and more fun than actually reading Henry James) Sunday afternoon - Symphony Parnassus doing Beethoven's 9th (featuring our own blushing bride-to-be Cat Taylor) Two weeks from tomorrow - back to SFO for "Lucia di Lamamour" Culture! I'm soaking in it!

Last on the Bandwagon

ThalassaRaptor — Fri, 23 May 2008 19:43:16 GMT

Blame it on Sacramento - it kept me away from the computer. Yoinked from EVERYBODY (X ) Gone on a blind date (X) Skipped school () Watched someone die - seen just before and just after, but never seen someone actually shuffle off this mortal coil ( ) Been to Canada (someday I will visit British Columbia!) ( ) Been to Mexico ( X) Been to Florida (and a charming place it was?) (X) Been on a plane (X) Been lost (I'm constantly lost) (X) Been on the opposite side of the country (just a few weeks ago, as a matter of fact) (X) Gone to Washington DC ( ) Swam in the ocean (do I look crazy to you?) (X) Cried yourself to sleep (oy!) (X) Played cops and robber ( ) Recently colored with crayons ( X) Sang Karaoke (not the proudest moment of my life - do you know how much alcohol it takes to get me on a karaoke stage?) ( ) Paid for a meal with coins only? (close, though) (X) Done something you told yourself you wouldn't? (and more than once!) ( ) Made prank phone calls ( ) Laughed until some kind of beverage came out of your nose (many have come close to eliciting that response, and yet me nose remains inviolate) ( ) Caught a snowflake on your tongue (I'm a third generation San Franciscan; I can count on the fingers of one hand - with fingers left over - how many times I've even seen snow) (X) Danced in the rain ( X) Written a letter to Santa Claus ( X) Been kissed under the mistletoe ( ) Watched the sunrise with someone you care about (I might have, but some things blur) (X) Blown bubbles (X) Gone ice-skating (and lemme tell you what a disaster THAT was) ( ) Been skinny dipping outdoors (X) Gone to the movies (although not in years and years, I'm ashamed to admit) 1. Any nickname? Many, but I'll let you call me Your Imperial Majesty 2. Mother's name? Mary Ellen (also loathsome psychotic hose beast) 3. Favorite drink? Champagne! coffee, good red wine, fizzy water 4. Tattoo? an ancient one - a pentacle 5. Piercings? Ears only 6. How much do you love your job? Sometimes I really do like it 7. Birthplace? Oak Knoll Naval Hospital 8. Favorite vacation spot? Monterey, Morro Bay (someday - the UK) 9. Ever been to Africa? not the least interest in visiting the Dark Continent, except maybe Egypt 10. Ever eaten cookies for dinner? Cookie dough and red wine for dinner so rocks 11. Ever been on TV? Yup 12. Ever steal any traffic sign? They've been stolen for me - does that count? 13. Ever been in a car accident? Nope 14. Drive a 2-door or 4-door vehicle? neither 15. Favorite salad dressing? Salad? I think not, although I like ranch dressing as a dipping sauce 16. Favorite pie? Pumpkin 17. Favorite number? 3, 5 18. Favorite movie? LOTR, Cold Comfort Farm, Enchanted April, Casablanca, the BBC adaptations of Pride and Prejudice and Middlemarch 19. Favorite holiday? I like all holidays - there should be more of them 20. Favorite dessert? Cheesecake, Creme Brulee. 21. Favorite food? Pizza! 22. Favorite day of the week? Any day that allows me a chance to stay home and relax 23. Favorite brand of body wash? Soap - good old fashioned soap -= preferably cookie type scents (vanilla, milk-&-honey, &c) 24. Favorite toothpaste? Crest Pro-Health is the bomb. 25. Favorite smell? Lilac, Wisteria, Vanilla, Cinnamon, the smell of RenFaire 26. What do you do to relax? crosswords, needlework, nattering, snorgling Mr Downward. and - but of course! - drinking 28. How do you see yourself in 10 years? Good grief - I'll praise the gods and sacrifice a goat if I'm still alive. Maybe I'll even have written and published the goddamned book by then 29. Furthest place you will send this to? Alpha Centauri? I've got friends there

The Divine Arabica Ritual

ThalassaRaptor — Sat, 17 May 2008 16:56:03 GMT

This was in yesterday's Chronicle, as part of of an article extolling exquisitely over-geeked coffee which is now becoming the "next big thing" in our jaded foodie paradise. When enacting this ritual for my husband I add the extra step of macerating the beans myself. <Individual drip coffee These instructions for preparing a cup of coffee are a slightly condensed version of what appears on the Blue Bottle Coffee Co. Web site (bluebottlecoffee.net), where you can get more details and instructions for other types of coffee preparation. Owner James Freeman recommends using Chemex or Trader Joe's unbleached filters; he also sells a Beehouse ceramic coffee dripper ($16) that retains heat better than plastic models. -- For each 8 ounces of water use 3 to 5 level tablespoons of coffee. -- Put double the amount of good-quality water than you intend to drink in a kettle and bring to a boil. -- While water is heating, grind the coffee. The grind should be soft but still a little gritty, fine enough that it forms into a clump when pressed between thumb and forefinger. Almost an espresso grind. -- When the water has come to a boil, place the kettle on the counter for 45 seconds or so (or, better yet, until an instant-read thermometer reads 198 degrees). -- If you do not use Chemex filters, pour water through the empty filter into the cup to get rid of as much papery taste as possible and to warm up the filter and cup. -- When water has drained from the empty filter, dump the hot water from your cup, add ground coffee to the filter, and pour several tablespoons of water over the grounds. Let the grounds expand for a few seconds, then pour the rest of the water in a thin stream over the grounds. While you are pouring, gently but steadily stir the grounds as the water runs through the filter. Stir, stir, stir. -- When the coffee has drained from the filter, stir. Serve entire contents immediately. Do not let it sit. Do not reheat. Drink your coffee. Now. >>

Gavin is God

ThalassaRaptor — Fri, 16 May 2008 19:45:27 GMT

I don't know what's more gratifying - the California Supreme Court's decision on same sex marriage, or the number of my tribe friends who have giddily posted the news and the many more who have commented happily. It isn't a question of "gay rights," it's simply a matter of being permitted to love - and build a life with - the person you choose. Period. As someone who raised partly raised by "fairy godfathers," I have always felt that the pair bond itself is sacred, and the gender of those involved is of no especial consequence (after all, I had observed very young the example of my fairy godfathers being a lot more successful at their marriage than my toxically divorcing parents). Gavin Newsome is directly responsible for this whole chain events with his decision to permit same sex marriages in San Francisco in 2004. That was a heady time, and a great moment for the young Mayor of San Francisco. It took a kind of courage and compassion that while potentially risky to a political career has far-reaching consequences for promoting basic human dignity. It is his legacy, and a damned fine one, sez I. He hasn't always been the best mayor, but he has some terrific vision. Plus, he's really cute.

W.W.K.D.

ThalassaRaptor — Mon, 12 May 2008 18:16:23 GMT

(What Would Kali Do?) Not even cuteoverload is helping. May the Gods give me strength to not start ripping throats.

My New Mantra

ThalassaRaptor — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 18:30:12 GMT

As I tremble on the brink of the tarmac -- Life does not suck! It may blow upon occasion, but who doesn't?

If I Can Make It There...

ThalassaRaptor — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 03:56:01 GMT

In a short while I'm going off to dazzle my colleagues in the entrail-reading biz and troll for shriners in the lobby bars of selected hostelries (I actually fly out obscenely early on Thursday). The conference itself is in Newark ("The City That Often Naps") but I will have a small amount of time to savour anew the delights of Gotham. I'm excited, a little nervous, and trying not to succumb to some fell bug. Wish me luck on all of the above.

Eliot Was Right

ThalassaRaptor — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 18:46:25 GMT

April is the cruelest month. Memento mori. May the souls of those who have passed be embraced in Light, and those of us who mourn in their wake be comforted. Selah.

Thena Made Me Do It

ThalassaRaptor — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 21:25:28 GMT

1. What is your occupation? Membership Director (sounds way too grown up) and Tarot teacher/event producer 2. What color are your socks right now? black (duh) 3. What are you listening to right now? KDFC, a terrific classical music station 4. What was the last thing that you ate? some cheese and crackers. 5. Can you drive a stick shift? I can't drive at all (unless you count driving people crazy). 6. If you were a crayon, what color would you be? I really like the fuchsia ones and periwinkle 7. Last person you spoke to on the phone? a physician - before that, Mr Downward. 8. What happened to #8?Yeah, where's #8? 9. How old are you today? decline to state 10. Favorite drink? Champagne. Wine 11. What is your favorite sport to watch? Professional football 12. Have you ever dyed your hair? Not yet 13. Pets? Does a cuddly plush sentient alien count? 14. Favorite food? Pizza. Chocolate 15. Last movie you watched? LOTR (yes, we're back in Middle Earth again) 16. Favorite Day of the year? Any day I have nothing scheduled and I can loll about. I've given up being sentimental about holidays (except New Years) 17. What do you do to vent anger? Curse, with verve and vigour. I also occasionally dissipate anger by plotting vengeance 18. What was your favorite toy as a child? When very young I had a stuffed skunk named Stinky (yes, I know - an original thinker even as a child); as I got older it changed constantly 19. What is your favorite season? Autumn - the season that goes so gracefully into the Dark. 20. Hugs or kisses? Yes, please 21. Cherry or Blueberry? I have to choose? Sure, with a festive raspberry on the side 22. Do you want your friends to email you back? It would be nice 23. Who is most likely to respond? to what? that would be the crucial part of that question, methinks 24. Who is least likely to respond? see above 25. Where do you work? The Thoreau Center in the Presidio, which is a very cool place indeed. 26. When was the last time you cried? I puddle frequently 27. What is on the floor of your closet? shoes, laundry basket, boxes of Tarot cards and my gift-giving prezzie stash (yes, I'm one of those who shop all year so I have presents at hand for b'days, &c). 28. Who is the friend you have had the longest that you are sending this to? This requires too much calculation. 29. Who is the friend you have had the shortest that you are sending this to? ditto. 30. Favorite smells? Lilac, vanilla, honey, wisteria, impending rain, fresh-brewed coffee, Faire in the morning 31. Who inspires you? People who are decent and noble. 32. What are you afraid of losing? I'd like to say my sanity, but how can you miss what you never had? Actually, if Mr Downward were lost to me I couldn't bear it. 33. Plain, cheese or spicy hamburgers? I can has cheezburger? Bacon cheez, pleez 34. Favorite car? I love the look of sports cars and vintage automobiles, but it is a purely aesthetic pleasure 35. Favorite cat breed? Cats are small minions of Satan in fur suits 36. Number of keys on your key ring? My keychain is a zesty amalgam of googaws, amulets and too many keys, which is odd considering how few locks I need to open 37. How many years at your current job? 2 1/2 38. Favorite day of the week? Whatever day I have nothing to do 39. How many states have you lived in? California (4th generation native Californian) 40. Do you think you're funny? Yeah, but looks aren't everything

May Peace Prevail On Earth

ThalassaRaptor — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 17:32:49 GMT

May evil be transformed to peace namaste

Now THAT's An April Fool's Joke!

ThalassaRaptor — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 22:47:18 GMT

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2008/04/01/politics/p103156D64.DTL

Done to a Turn

ThalassaRaptor — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 22:32:05 GMT

I'm fork tender I'm so done.

Fuzzy Bunny!

ThalassaRaptor — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 23:08:35 GMT

Look! It's the Ether Bunny!

ThalassaRaptor — Sun, 23 Mar 2008 18:34:53 GMT

Your eggs will never be safe again...

Dare We Hope?

ThalassaRaptor — Sat, 22 Mar 2008 21:49:08 GMT

After hearing and reading snippets of Obama's March 18th speach, I finally tracked down the entire transcript. I am not ashamed to say I wept at the vision, the courage and the eleoquence of the speech while I read it. If we can get this man into office (and then keep him alive while in it) we may yet be able to save what's left of the Republic

Let the Samba Begin!

ThalassaRaptor — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 19:43:17 GMT

I've got happy feet!

Greg Palast - The Gadfly's Gadfly

ThalassaRaptor — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 22:30:48 GMT

Reading him makes one weep, gnash one's teeth and rend one's garments. The filth he uncovers simply by "following the money" boggles the mind. Try this, par example: http://www.gregpalast.com/section/articles/ Next incarnation I'm coming back as a sea urchin