We Will Be Invincible

It's not that England would have won yesterday's World Cup match. The goal that was completely missed by all the officials would have tied the game at two. But, there would have been a shifting in momentum and urgency by both teams that could have changed the complexion of the game. I think Germany would have won, and decidedly so, we'll never know now.

Missing or allowing goals due to blown offside calls is one thing. Screwing up when the ball has clearly past the goal line is another thing entirely. FIFA have a great deal to answer for. They're earning billions with this tournament and for a goal to be clearly missed in the net messes with the game's integrity.



I was very impressed by this memoir by Pat Benatar. A very compelling story of being one of the only female rock stars in the early eighties. During that time, there really were not many solo rock women out there other than Debbie Harry, Joan Jett and Chrissie Hynde. She is one of the few stars who never went into rehab or hit any deep rock bottoms in her personal life. Despite unbelievable pressure by a douchebag record company to produce music and an incredible amount of sexism she prevailed and is now living her own life on her terms. She has a story to tell, and slapping a record company executive is a stunning part of this book.

I was not overly wowed by The Passage, Justin Cronin's thick book about the end of the world. American scientists have created a virus that may slow down the aging process, it's put into convicts, things go horribly wrong. For the first 150 pages it was quite the page turner, then the point of view shifted and I was left bored and stranded. I plodded on through the last 450 pages and could not wait for the book to end. It reads a lot of Stephen King's The Stand and even includes a pious and wise black woman for spiritual relief. Ugh. After finishing the book I was told it's to be a trilogy. Books two and three will not be in my house.

Been trying to shake a cold. Now Captain Trips has invaded my sinus cavity.

Getting out of the House

Last night, during a screening of Sherlock Jr. at the Ohio Theater half a reel of film was shown out of focus, and out of frame. It was also one of the most technically proficient scenes ever put on film.



Buster goes into the screen and the scenery changes around him as he stays in exactly the same place. Pure magic, and my enjoyment of that scene was diminished because of the projectionist's lack of attention.

I did send CAPA an email. A rather friendly reminder to get it right the next time. I did not spout off by making icons of cats out of focus with the caption CAPA FAIL or say that I'm never going to any of CAPA's events ever again.

Admittingly, I'm a grumpy old ass. To spend my time posting links of things I do not like with a snide comment is something I do less and less, which is good for everyone. I'm shunning political debate, especially online because it's not worth the effort. The link of, whatever, gets posted. Look how bad this person is. Look how bad these people are. This is a horrible thing, look! See how terrible our government is? Look at the oppression that continues to this day! People agree, or there is dissent. Links are posted countering the link in question. Arguing ensues. Latin terms are used. Personal insults are exchanged. Someone breaks Godwin's Law and for what?

Great, the ability to archive outrage exists in this day and age. Congratulations. But, again, what are you doing about it besides hating on Comfest?

Keep burning down the forest because there are couple of trees in it you don't like while you hide in the enclave.

The Everton Connection

Very cool to see Tim Howard made the save, then the throw to and eventual game winning goal by Landon Donovan in yesterday's World Cup match. Three months playing for Everton turned Donovan into a man!

Had it on at work, listening in headphones. They know, and appreciate my updates. I don't cuss and click the screen on when something exciting may happen. When the goal was scored I clapped loudly.

Feeling like a wreck physically so I was far from 100% at last night's slam. It's no excuse but my energy was not there. Came in sixth out of seven and had a great time while doing so. My three minute did not grab the crowd but my one minute had them, but not the judges. Oh well, another night perhaps. It's good to have a one minute poem to be able to use on the subway or in a pinch.

Been reading a book that I'm plodding through. Started out exciting enough then took a point of view turn about a third of the way through that initially turned me off, but I'm dealing with it. If it was not over six hundred pages I'd be bailing.

Tonight at the Ohio Theater the CAPA Summer Movie Series is presenting Buster Keaton's Sherlock Jr and Second Chances. Both will have scores performed by Clark Wilson on the Mighty Morton Organ. I've seen both of these films, but never in this setting. My Scottish Wife has not seen either of these treasures. It's going to be a spectacular night at the cinema!

Filling in Gaps

In the post Father's Day wake this article struck home on a few points. Most of the author's experiences are not like my own, but there are a few. I know my father has been ill and am expecting the call at any time that his time is up. We never really met. I sent him a brief note and a few photographs of my son a couple of years ago. He never replied. My stepfather raised me. He's a great man and I do not thank him enough.

I have a half sister I've never met either, but she is on Facebook. I sent her a message last year and she replied then immediately added me. We have a sporadic, but cordial contact. I'm sure we'll meet someday.

Another Year Older, a New One Just Begun

Survived another year. I might be in a new demographic now. Having a shot and a beer while the rest of the house should be asleep.

I don't know where aging is taking me. When it's hot outside I feel my age. The heat slows me down, makes me cranky. The usual things do not work the way they used to, maybe that's for the best. I eye the desks and tables at work and remember when I could jump on them in a single vertical leap - wonder if I can do that now, or break my leg trying?

My Scottish Wife does not like the heat either. This is an entirely new climate for her. She complained when she was here two years ago when the temperatures were in the low nineties. Then she visited friends in Austin when the temperatures were hitting record highs of 107, and the locals were complaining. When she came back, she did not say much about the weather.

We're staying here though. For obvious reasons. Even though there are many days when I feel stuck and trapped in this city there are more reasons for me to stay. This house is falling apart. Trees are growing in the gutters. Basement shelving is collapsing, taking out outdated media along with it and I have no idea what to do to make it all better. At least the roof is not failing, yet.

A road trip is not possible until October. An international air trip, which I really want to take, April 2011, if funds can be saved, if people can cooperate.

Father's Day in the Heat

My wife's friend Mary Jessica interviewed me, and other fathers in this article.

As I get older, my tolerance for hot weather decreases. I used to love the heat, until I came to Columbus. Here, the heat lingers all night. It does not cool off at night they way it did on Long Island, or Fredonia. The air here is stagnant, polluted, filled with cottonwood.

Time to wake up the boy and get him ready for the sprinkler and what not.

Going Once, Going Twice...

Another night at WB

We don't do deep shit here
Vernell's cookies
Amir's shadow
Prompts for Marshall
Virgin One: Son of Joe;
Enthusiastic Paula bidding
Eggplant scrotum
Ethan's violin
It's delicious as fuck
Virgin Two wrote her poem two days ago
Hypothetical black man
Jump up to get it poetry

And this:



If you did not bid on any items at last night's auction, Dave would put you in his sights.

We raised over $1,200 for the Writers' Block team to go to the National Poetry Slam in St. Paul. Quite incredible! Props to Joanna who worked the crowd as auctioneer.

The fall out from the management situation at Claddagh is chronicled here. There's a boycott Claddagh movement on Facebook. I, and others who supported the departed management have been dropped from their Facebook page. Oh, the drama!

On Sunday night at Jimmy V's on South High there's a party to celebrate Craig and all he did for the local soccer pub community.

Hey Flint, hope you had a fun day reading my pages.