The Quixotic Hierophant

A New Endeavor

noreply@blogger.com (Bruce, a work in progress) — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 15:41:00 +0000

For those of you who are still following this blog and those who may find their way to it, I'd like to announce that I've recently launched a new project. I won't go into a lot of detail about it here but I will provide the links in the event you'd like to check it out and follow along with me.

The new site is a combination blog/website and can be found at

Secrets of a Romance Writer's Husband

Yes you read that right. Go to the site to see what it's all about.

I've also, like everyone else in the known Universe, ventured into the realm of Facebook and Twitter.

As you can probably tell, I haven't done much with this blog for quite a while, having moved on to other things and finding myself with limited time. It's unlikely that I'll be adding much in the way of content here in the future, however the archive of posts will remain for those who wish to read my old ramblings.

I really enjoyed this first foray into blogging. Perhaps one of my favorite things was the great people who I met and interacted with on a regular basis. I'm sorry I've let those contacts lapse and I miss you guys. If you're still around and want to say hey, please stop by my new digs. You'll always be welcome.

Thank you and I hope to see you over in the new house.

Ouch! My Eyes!

noreply@blogger.com (Bruce, a work in progress) — Mon, 17 May 2010 21:18:00 +0000

Man. I just crawled out of my cave and it sure is bright out here.

I was just going through some of my things and I came across this old blog that I had laying around. Wow. It's been a while.

I was wondering if anybody was still around. Hello!

Call HER a Band Geek. Go Ahead, I Dare Ya.

noreply@blogger.com (Bruce, a work in progress) — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 13:41:00 +0000

Girl beats off muggers with marching band baton

"...The girl punched one of the men in the nose, kicked the other in the groin and beat both with her large baton before she ran away on Friday morning, officials said..."

This is my favorite part:

"...Deputies searched near Quartz Hill High School for the muggers, looking for a man who was holding his bloodied nose and the other limping..."

Yeah girl!

Can you get this martial arts/self-defense manual on Amazon?

Clap if you believe in...flying dogs

noreply@blogger.com (Bruce, a work in progress) — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 13:17:00 +0000

Okay. What can you do with a headline like this:

Gone with the wind: Chihuahua blown away

It seems that six-pound Tinkerbell (really) was picked up and blown away by a 70 mile per hour gust of wind.

(Cue superhero music)

But wait! There's no need to fear. With the aid of a pet psychic (REALLY), little Tinkerbell's owners found her in a wooded area a mile from her home. She was dirty and scared to death but otherwise unharmed.

The puppy is safe and sound AND I got to do an image search for Tinkerbell. All's well that ends well. Come on, you know that little cartoon fairy is hot.

Take a Five Minute Break and "Stand by Me"

noreply@blogger.com (Bruce, a work in progress) — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 13:12:00 +0000

One of my oldest and dearest friends sent this link to me (thanks Jim!). It requires no introduction other than to say, stop for a few minutes and enjoy.

Note: I'm having trouble getting the embedded video to show up so if for some unexplained reason the video isn't working, just click on the link below it. Thanks.

"Stand by Me" performed by musicians around the world from SKAT on Vimeo.

A Safe and Healthy Honeymoon

noreply@blogger.com (Bruce, a work in progress) — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 12:17:00 +0000

Being a health & safety professional I feel it is incumbent upon me to pass along important information that can keep you safe, not just at work but in all areas of your lives. For this reason I'd like to touch on a hazardous situation that many of us take for granted. Often we are ignorant of or outright choose to disregard the dangers of this insidious threat. The activity I'm referring to is...the Honeymoon.

Yes. I said Honeymoon.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have published a "Healthy Bride" feature on their website. Those of you planning a wedding should read this. If you have friends or loved ones who are in the stressful process of planning a wedding, share this link. The document is brief but full of valuable information that could get a marriage started without injury or illness. As an example, the experts at CDC have this to say about preparing for your honeymoon:

"Whether it's by car, plane, train, ship or foot, take steps to stay safe and healthy during your honeymoon. Plan ahead. To lower your risk for illness and injury, check health scores for cruise ships; learn about common diseases for the area if traveling abroad; get vaccinations; and pack and use sunscreen, insect repellent, and appropriate safety gear for activities (such as helmets, life jackets, and knee pads)."

(Hey, I'm just sayin'.)

If you don't believe me, click on the link and read it for yourself.

What the CDC does not say is that this is also an excellent time in your relationship to practice open and honest communication skills with your spouse-to-be. Ladies, in order to avoid any later misunderstandings or problems you should have a discussion about realistic expectations, anticipated activities, what you are packing in preparation for those activities and why. The reason for this is simple. If a guy about to go on his honeymoon walks past his wife-to-be as she's packing and sees helmets, life jackets, and knee pads there will likely be one of two reactions.

He's going to get REALLY excited

He's going to get REALLY nervous

Number 1 could lead to unrealistic expectations (okay, maybe they're not unrealistic - go you!), misunderstandings and hurt feelings. Number 2 could lead to unrealistic expectations, misunderstandings and hurt feelings, and performance anxiety. Either situation should be avoided during one's honeymoon and for that matter during one's marriage.

So folks, remember to include what happens beyond the actual wedding day in the planning and preparation. And NEVER forget the importance of communication before, during and after the wedding. It can up your chances of not only still being together 25 years from now but of still needing to pack helmets, life jackets, and knee pads...if you know what I mean.

Have a safe, healthy, and very happy wedding, honeymoon, and life together. And pack appropriately.

A New Blog and a Worthy Cause

noreply@blogger.com (Bruce, a work in progress) — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 18:23:00 +0000

I recently stumbled on a new blog and blogger (new to me) and thought I'd share. Her name is Janiece Murphy and the blog is Hot Chicks Dig Smart Men. Janiece is a veteran of the US Navy living in Colorado and she uses foul language. As she says in her bio "That's right - I've got the F-Bomb, and I'm not afraid to use it". You like her already don't you? Her blog is where I discovered (and stole) the biblical morals quiz.

Janiece has some recurring features on her blog with titles like: 'Tard of the Week, Conversations With Karma, What the Fuck is Wrong With These People?, and When Hillbillies Attack. You like her even more now doncha? The worthy cause I made mention of in the title is posted under her Well Behaved Women Rarely Make History section. Janiece clued me in to an organization called Jewish World Watch and specifically a woman named Rachel Andres who is the director of JWW's solar cooker project. Please follow the link to get the details but I'll summarize it by saying that through very simple and creative means, a Jewish woman is working to save the lives of Muslim women in Darfur. Could we please get the half of the population with dangly bits to sit down and take a break and let the women run things for a while? Please?

Thank you Rachael Andres and thank you Janiece.

Do You Have Biblical Morals?

noreply@blogger.com (Bruce, a work in progress) — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 20:55:00 +0000

Just a fun little quiz for a Friday afternoon. I already knew the results for this before I took it. I would've been really upset if it had turned out any other way. Have fun my fellow heathens and enjoy the weekend.

Your morality is 0% in line with that of the bible.

Damn you heathen! Your book learnin' has done warped your mind. You shall not be invited next time I sacrifice a goat.

Do You Have Biblical Morals?
Take More Quizzes

I'm in an Award Winning Movie!

noreply@blogger.com (Bruce, a work in progress) — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 15:09:00 +0000

With the Academy Awards just around the corner and the buzz starting about who's going to win what now seems like the right time to tell you that I have appeared in an award winning film. Oh yes. Believe it. A little background.

The ladies over at http://www.smartbitchestrashybooks.com/ (yeah, I love the name too) have written a book entitled "Beyond Heaving Bosoms, The Smart Bitches Guide to Romance Novels". It will be released soon and to promote it the SB's sponsored a contest. The task was to make a video in praise of their book.

Some of you may remember the Trash Talkin' video put together by my wife and the other ladies who were nominated for the Rita awards last June. Well, with a gauntlet such as the SB contest thrown before them how could they resist?

The short of it is, they entered, the winner was announced on Valentine's Day while I was frolicking and being fleeced in Atlantic City and guess who won. That's right, they did. My wife is in the video along with several other very talented writers, our daughter and even our dogs guest star, AND if you watch all the way through the credits you'll even get to see yours truly. Without further ado, get the popcorn and enjoy.

Dear Penthouse Forum...

noreply@blogger.com (Bruce, a work in progress) — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 00:40:00 +0000

...I spent Valentine's night in a hotel room in Atlantic City with my wife and two of her sisters.

You see, the one sister had a birthday last week and the other sister decided to take her to Atlantic City to gamble and celebrate. They then decided it would be a great idea for my wife and I to go with them. She already had a complimentary room reserved and it was plenty big enough for four. We thought, sure, why not.

I'll pause here to allow the mow-chicka-mow-mow soundtrack to play and your fantasies to run wild.

And now back to our regularly scheduled reality. If you refer to the picture above the tower on the right is where we slept, the tower on the left (Bally's) is where we lost our money. The fact is, neither my wife nor I are big gamblers. Not that it's not fun but being broke and all kinda hinders your ability to fully enjoy it. We limited ourselves to the absolute minimum we were willing to lose and as a result after about an hour or two in the casino we didn't really have much to do. So, while my sisters-in-law gambled Leslie and I went back to the room and celebrated Valentine's Day with an in room picnic and a bottle of wine. And the "Do Not Disturb" sign on the door.

We were treated to an absolutely fabulous dinner by friends of my sister-in-law who frequent AC. Then it was back to the casino for them and back to the room for us. It wasn't too long before the gambling girls decided on an early night and returned to the room themselves. Bedtime. For the four of us. Anyone who has read this blog for a while will recall that I have sleep apnea and use a CPAP machine and mask at night. I decided to spare everyone the very annoying cycle of SNORE-SLIENCE-GASP by bringing the machine along. So there we were. Three beautiful women. And me. With a fighter pilot mask strapped to my head breathing like Darth Vader. Hot. Oh so hot.

I'll pause once again to allow the mow-chicka-mow-mow soundtrack to play and your fantasies to run wild.

And then it was morning. My sisters-in-law got up early to hit the blackjack tables again while Les and I took our time packing up. We joined them in the casino where they finally succeeded in talking Leslie into joining them at the table and giving blackjack a try. They felt sorry for me and gave me some money. Mainly I think it was because they didn't want me standing around behind them sucking all the luck out of the room. I went off to get us checked out of the room then I proceeded to donate the money I had just been given to the dealer at the Three Card Poker table. Julio was very grateful.

After cashing in their chips and a eating nice lunch we summoned our car from the valet and headed home. On the ride home I got to have a flash forward and see what my middle and youngest daughters will be like as adults. SHUT UP! NO, YOU SHUT UP! NO. YOU SHUT UP. Stop touching me. Stupid. I'm not stupid, bitch. Are we there yet?

I was also reminded just how much I love spending time with my wife and the sisters I always wanted.

Where am I? Who are you?

noreply@blogger.com (Bruce, a work in progress) — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 20:40:00 +0000

Jogging. A car approaching. Barking, snarling dogs. I...just...can't remember. It'sallablur. My god, what happened...where am I?

The last thing I remember is

And then I heard a car, a screech of tires, a thud. I was flying. I was looking at the sky. It's full of stars.

And then...and then the sound of a snarling, angry animal. I remember suddenly being attacked by an angry animal. It was...it was...a

No, that's not right. It was a...

No. I don't think so.

YES! One of those.

And then it all went dark and I remember hearing voices and it seemed like a dream...

...But it wasn't a dream -- it was a place. And you -- and you -- and you -- and you were there. But you couldn't have been, could you? No, Aunt Em -- this was a real, truly live place. And I remember that some of it wasn't very nice...but most of it was beautiful. But just the same, all I kept saying to everybody was, I want to go home. *

And then I started to wake up. I was lying on a hard surface and I couldn't move my arms or legs. My face was covered with a blindfold. I heard screaming. A woman's voice. She kept saying "WAKE UP AND BLOG SOMETHING!!! BLOG SOMETHING DAMN YOU!!!" And then there was water on my face...and I couldn't breathe. I was struggling, trying to make it stop.

The blindfold shifted and I thought I caught a glimpse of someone...something...it isn't very clear but it looked like...beads?

I don't know. I can't be sure. I lost consciousness after that. The next thing I remember is waking up here. In front of the computer with my Blogger account open.

Man. That was crazy. Maybe I ought to lay off the spicy food before bed.

So, what's going on around here? How's everybody been?

*For some unexplained reason I started channeling Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz.

Baby I'm Just Jogging In the Dark

noreply@blogger.com (Bruce, a work in progress) — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 20:39:00 +0000

Yesterday my alarm went off promptly at 6:00 AM just like it does every weekday morning. I hit the snooze just like I do every weekday morning. What made yesterday different was that I actually fell back to sleep until the alarm went off again. Don't get the wrong idea. When it comes to the snooze button I'm no saint. Had it not been for my wife's threat of dire consequences if I hit that snooze one...more...time, I probably could have gotten the record for most consecutive hits. Hated getting up to go to a job I loathed.

Despite the roller coaster of crises we had this summer the job I have now isn't so bad. The repercussions from our little incident in June are still echoing and will be for the foreseeable future thus making work a lot less fun but when you've been to the fiery pits of hell working in a boiler room doesn't seem so bad. With this job it's been relatively easy to get up with the alarm (the first time) and spare my wife the torture of the recurring beep. That's why it was so surprising for me to hear the alarm the second time.

What surprised (and confused) me even more and probably added to my disorientation was that I not only fell back to sleep but I fell back to sleep deeply enough to have vivid dreams. For all of nine minutes I had Technicolor and CinemaScope going on. Also unusual for me because I don't generally remember my dreams.

I was alone outside in the driveway of house in a residential neighborhood. The kind with large lots where the houses are pretty far apart and there's no sidewalk. There were a lot of trees, mostly evergreens lining the street and spread sporadically on the lots through the neighborhood. It was at night and it was pitch black (then how'd you see the trees? shut up it's my dream) and cold. Like see-your-breath cold. I was dressed much like I was on Saturday when I put up Christmas lights in old jeans, a camo Army field jacket, heavy work boots, and gloves. With me so far? Good. So, there I am standing in the dark, in the cold in a coat and steel-toed boots...and I run out into the road...and start jogging.

Anybody that knows me can tell you that this was no longer a dream. It was a nightmare. For a very long time I have lived by the rule that there are only two situations which will cause me to run. 1. There is something behind me worth getting away from. 2. There is something in front of me worth catching. One or the other is a requirement.

I started friggin' jogging.

This is where the psychoanalytical look into my subconscious comes in. The neighborhood and the road seemed familiar to me but because it was so dark I couldn't see more than a few feet in front of me. It was hilly but I kept along at a steady pace. Then dogs (BIG. dogs.) start barking on either side of the road. All through the neighborhood - it sounded like the frickin' twilight bark. I could hear them barking from behind the trees but never saw them and the farther I ran the louder and closer to the road they seemed to get. Then I started hearing what sounded like a car coming up behind me but every time I turned to look there were no headlights and I never saw a car.

Then the alarm went off again.

So, to recap. I'm running in the dark and don't know and can't see where I'm going. I'm dressed inappropriately and not prepared for what I'm doing. There's some unseen potentially dangerous thing catching up to me. And I'm being assailed on all sides by barking dogs. Hmm. Wonder if I should get out the dream dictionary for this one.

I did notice one good thing. I never got winded during the entire dream. Does that mean my subconscious is in good shape?

Romance Supporting Romance - A Very Worthy Cause

noreply@blogger.com (Bruce, a work in progress) — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 15:13:00 +0000

Ya'll know that my wife is a romance writer. You also may know that I am a big fan of romance - in its written form, yes - but also a fan of romance in general. I'll admit it, I'm a romantic and I do what I can to promote romance whenever I can. Being married to a romance writer has given me the opportunity to meet a community of great people, mostly women, who work very hard to create romantic fantasies for the enjoyment of others. The majority of them do this for very little money and even less respect. They work to produce "those smut books" and "trashy romance novels" in order to express their love of writing AND of romance so that readers can pick up one of their books and escape for a short time into a world where the girl gets the right guy and they both get their happily ever after. That chance to escape is particularly important because the writers, and the readers, and everyone else knows that in real life the happily doesn't always happen. And sometimes it does but it doesn't stick around ever after. Which brings me to the reason for this post.

Romance author Jo Leigh lost her real life romance hero to cancer this year. Now, while dealing with her loss she is also facing seemingly insurmountable medical bills. The romance community has come together to help support one of their own. Please read the following, follow the link, and consider bidding on some fantastic items donated by Jo's fellow authors including Leslie, plus agents and editors in the industry. And please pass the word, especially if you or someone you know is a lover of romance.

Permission to forward

Author Jo Leigh lost her husband this year to cancer. Theirs was a story of reunited lovers worthy of a romance novel. The loss of her husband hit her hard, both emotionally and financially. (authors are self-employed, so often have no medical insurance.)In an effort to raise money to help her pay off those medical debts, the romance community has once again banded together to support one of their own and an auction is being held. This is a wonderful way to purchase gifts for yourself or a loved one AND write it off on your taxes.
Please spread the word to any loops, forums, etc. that you might be on.

Sex and Intimacy

noreply@blogger.com (Bruce, a work in progress) — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 02:44:00 +0000

There's an interesting discussion going on over at The Simple Marriage Project. Corey Allan put up a blog post yesterday and posed this question to his readers : What's the difference between intimacy and sex? He's gotten a lot of interesting responses. Below is my comment to his post.

I don't think you can say sex isn't intimate. Even if it's "meaningless" purely physical sex. BUT...by itself it is just physical intimacy. And that is a small piece of the total package. And you can most certainly have intimacy WITHOUT sex.

As humans we are not purely physical beings. We are a combination of physical, psychological, emotional, and spiritual. Personally, I think one can, to varying degrees, be intimate in each of those areas. To have a truly, completely intimate relationship with someone I think you have to be intimate in ALL of those areas. It has to be a blending, a balancing of all of those areas and I believe the balance is somewhat fluid and changes (or should change) depending on the needs of the relationship (and the partners in it) at the time.

I think this is where we run into trouble sometimes. Men AND women fall into stereotypical roles, because that's what we're taught or for some other personal reasons, and those roles cause us to focus on one of those areas and neglect the others which leads to the person and the relationship being out of balance. Then you're put into the cycle of needs not being met, lack of communication, and resentment.

Real intimacy is opening yourself up on all levels to the other person and showing that you trust them to know you and love you for who you really are. The warts, scars, fears, insecurities, emotions, passions, beliefs, and on and on. The true intimacy and trust, the true union, happens when the other party returns it in kind. They open themselves to you just as thoroughly.

Like so many other things, finding balance is key. And what is the right balance for me may not be right for you. For that matter what's right for me today may not be right tomorrow. It takes work and attention to figure it out. There's no easy fix. And even if things are running great it still takes work to keep it that way.

Corey has a great blog on marriage and relationships going over there. You should check him out.

Maybe the Republicans Were Right

noreply@blogger.com (Bruce, a work in progress) — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 17:22:00 +0000

I did want a president that was like me.

Barack and Michelle: A more perfect union?

A married couple that obviously love and respect each other and aren't afraid to show it. AND he can read and write and think and be open to new ideas. I just want to cry.

Can We Nominate This Doctor For A Humanitarian Award?

noreply@blogger.com (Bruce, a work in progress) — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 21:43:00 +0000

Can it really be true?!! If so there's just one more thing to be thankful for.

Ann Coulter's Jaw Wired Shut: Report

I don't wish Ms. Coulter any undue pain and I do realize that this is a sad day for the fantasies of her many FoxNew-lovin' male fans but really...you do have to appreciate the irony.

Update to Yesterday's Post

noreply@blogger.com (Bruce, a work in progress) — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 14:45:00 +0000

Looks like I didn't make the cut. This just in:

Ariz. Gov. Napolitano is pick for DHS

Ya'll better learn to hold your breath. Waiting for both these to be distributed:

And in the event you'd ever need them. I'll bet you won't see her wearing one of these. My plan would've kept Americans safe AND smiling. Come on Janet, let's see your big plans for DHS.

Health and Safety Czar

noreply@blogger.com (Bruce, a work in progress) — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 11:00:00 +0000

I've mentioned before that I am a health and safety professional. One aspect of my job is to protect workers from exposure to chemicals and other airborne agents. One of the ways we do that is to have the worker wear appropriate respiratory protection, that is, a respirator mask with the proper filtration media. I evaluate the potential exposure, select the respirator and filters, train the employee and ensure a proper fit for the mask on the employee's face.

I also have a background in biology and have worked in a biological containment laboratory with a variety of biological weapons agents such as Anthrax.

Because of my background I believe that I am qualified for a position in the new administration. I'm lobbying for Chief of Homeland Security. And to prove I'm a go-getter and am ready to hit the ground running I've already laid out my first big initiative.

You can stockpile all of the emergency equipment in the world but it is completely useless if it isn't readily available at the moment the disaster strikes. Seconds count. That's why, immediately after I'm sworn in I will mandate that every woman in America will be issued and required to wear one of these:

That's right. The Bra Facemask from Avocet Polymer Technologies, Inc., United States Patent Number 7,255,627. Here's the description from the patent page:

"A garment device convertible to one or more facemasks wherein the garment device has a plurality of detachable cup sections. Each of the cup sections has a filter device, an inner portion positionable adjacent to the inner area of the user's chest, and an outer portion positionable adjacent to the outer area of the user's chest. The garment device has at least one securing device detachably coupling the inner portions of the cup sections to one another, and the garment device has at least one other securing device attached to the outer portion of at least one of the cup sections. This other securing device is operable to: (a) detachably couple the outer portions of the cup regions to one another; and (b) for each one of the cup sections, attach the outer portion of said cup region to the inner portion of said cup region after said cup region is detached from the other cup region, thereby converting the garment device to a plurality of facemasks."

Got that? "A plurality of facemasks"! Think of the lives saved.

And since I'm a consummate safety and health professional, when these are distributed I will personally ensure that everyone is trained AND that their Bra Facemask has been properly fitted. Once that's taken care of we're going to have to practice, practice, practice. Having emergency equipment and procedures in place does no good if people can't use it effectively in an emergency situation. People have to practice until using this equipment is second nature. The only way to reach that level of proficiency is to repeatedly practice in a simulated emergency. That's right! We're going to DRILL BABY DRILL!!!

Regular, frequent, unannounced nation-wide drills. No matter where you are. No matter what you're doing. No matter who you're with. I want those puppies whipped off and on the faces of those around you in under five seconds! (You know I meant the masks, right?)

Through preparation and readiness the people of America will be more secure and confident, ready to face any challenge. No longer do we have to succumb to unforeseen catastrophes and languish while our dysfunctional emergency response system drops the ball again and again. We can take matters into our own hands. We can lay bare our fears. Free ourselves from the restraint that holds up our progress. We can expose ourselves to the sunlight and let ourselves breath the fresh air. America needs to smile again and I believe this program, THIS PROGRAM will make people feel good and will bring smiles to many, many faces.

Give me your support people. I'm the man for the job.

One Week Later

noreply@blogger.com (Bruce, a work in progress) — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 11:00:00 +0000

Here we are one week after the presidential election. One week since I woke up to a happy face painted on the Sun, rainbows in the sky and Unicorns frolicking in the meadow. There has been a lot of news since then. Many stories about Obama and the transition. Not much about McCain. Too much about Palin.

As far as Palin goes, while I found it frighteningly amusing that she couldn't name the countries in North America (even though she lives in one of them and can see another one from her house - if she turns her back on Russia) or that she thought Africa was a country not a continent I do have to say...enough already. We really need to let her go back to Alaska and fade away. The attacks and criticism will only serve to keep her in front of the cameras and shore up her base of supporters ensuring that we'll have to deal with her again in four years if not sooner. Leave her alone and let her go home wagging her tail behind her.

Just a couple thoughts about some of the stories I've read covering Obama.

I'm not sure what to think about Rahm Emmanuel personally but to paraphrase Leon Panetta, he may very well be the right son of a bitch for the job. I think the position of white house chief of staff is a difficult one and Emmanuel could be a very effective Edward Hyde to Obama's Henry Jekyll (in a good way). We'll see.

There was a behind the scenes story about Obama prepping for a debate where he was expressing irritation over stupid questions. He commented about how he HAD to answer and how he'd LIKE to answer. I like knowing that he throws the F-bomb around. And that he can be irritated by stupid. Two things I have in common with the next president.

Another article, Writers Welcome a Literary President-elect reinforced for me that we did the right thing last week. Nobel and Pulitzer prize winning authors are excited to finally have a "...writer-president — and I don't mean a published author, but someone who knows the full value of the carefully chosen word..." The final quote sums it up for me, "...the larger issue is cultural. There's a trickle down from the top in the way art exists inside and outside of the culture as a whole. Here in the USA, you could feel in the Bush years how little regard there was for it. People who disliked art, literature, dance, fine arts, they had a lot of cover for this antipathy. There's reason to believe that we are in for a much better period." Oh wouldn't that be nice. I hope someday soon I can stop ranting about the laser-like focus on teaching only Math, Science and Standardized Testing in this country.

I don't know if this is important but I thought it was kinda cool. The Obama Family Secret Service Code Names have been announced. Listen up people...Renegade is on the move. I repeat, Renegade is on the move.

America, I'm Proud of You

noreply@blogger.com (Bruce, a work in progress) — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 05:01:00 +0000

President Barack Obama

When I was ten years old I stayed up late to watch Neil Armstrong take the first steps on the moon. Watching the election returns felt like that. History.

He provided the vision, let's do what we can to help make it a reality. And may the powers of the Universe keep him safe.

And They're Off...

noreply@blogger.com (Bruce, a work in progress) — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 11:00:00 +0000

Thought I'd put up a few election results links so you can follow the returns.

CNN Election Center 2008

Fox News America's Decision Interactive Map (for that fair and balanced coverage)

I was intending to put in a couple of those election map widgets from MSNBC and CBS but for some reason the damn code isn't working. You shouldn't be here looking at widgets anyway. Get the hell out and VOTE!

Here's one more for you that's pretty interesting. Intrade is an Irish internet "prediction market". Their predictions are reported as, well, odds. And their numbers are based on people who put money on who they think is going to win. That sorta sounds a little like gambling doesn't it? Anyway, several news outlets seem to think that these "prediction markets" are very accurate. Here's their map:

Also, in case you hadn't heard, several companies are offering rewards for voting. Starbucks is offering a free cup of coffee. Krispy Kreme is giving away a free star shaped donut with red, white and blue sprinkles. And if you're lucky enough to live near one of the adult themed Babeland stores you can get yourself free sex toys. So go vote then pick up some coffee and donuts and come home and play with your sex toys while you watch the election results.

Have a great day.

The Audacity of Hoping for Purple

noreply@blogger.com (Bruce, a work in progress) — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 11:00:00 +0000

"There are no real and fake parts of this country. We are not separated by the pro-America and anti-America parts of this nation—we all love this country, no matter where we live or where we come from." America's veterans have fought together and bled together and some died together under the same proud flag. They have not served a Red America or a Blue America—they have served the United States of America."

-Barack Obama

All the other issues are important. But the message above is the one I'm voting for. Will it be the motto selected by the founding fathers, E pluribus unum? One out of many. Or will it continue to be a nation fueled by fear? A nation whose politics meet the definition described by Henry Adams. "The systematic organization of hatreds."

Back in September 2007, the month I started this blog, I did two posts called "The New Kid" and "The Rise of the Three Brained Man". The first about a kid who had been bullied growing up, losing his way and becoming a bully himself. The second about irrational fear and its roots in the reptile brain. Both posts directly apply to tomorrow.

We desperately need to find our way back to the original path and to do so we must abolish the fear and move toward reason. No great advance or discovery was ever made without swallowing back the fear and taking a risk. Ya'll know what has to be done tomorrow. Let's get out there and put it all on purple.

"There is no medicine like hope, no incentive so great, and no tonic so powerful as expectation of something better tomorrow."

- Orison Marden

I've Been AWOL

noreply@blogger.com (Bruce, a work in progress) — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 16:36:00 +0000

I haven't been around for a while. Several weeks back my laptop died. Well, it didn't actually die but it did become very ill. Something went wacky with the LCD screen. When I booted the computer the screen came on but the image of my desktop was divided into quarters and there were four tiny desktops where there should've only been one. Everything else worked fine but since I already need to wear reading glasses when I'm on the computer seeing the image at one fourth the size just wasn't going to happen. I researched the problem and and as near as I can tell it needs to have the LCD screen replaced. The good news is that it's something I can do myself, the bad news is that I need to pick up a new LCD screen.

I explained this to my wife and her reaction was...why don't we just get you a new computer? How do I love her? Let me count the ways. So about a week ago the computer stork dropped a box off at my house with a shiny new Dell Inspiron 1525.

It even has racing stripes. Cool huh? Maybe it'll help me type faster.

I'll eventually fix the old one, clean off the disk and pass it on to my daughter who is a senior in high school. It'll at least get her started with college. As you might expect I've been spending time trying to transfer my old files and programs over to my new computer. This unfortunately involves connecting my old laptop to an external monitor so I can see what the hell I'm copying and moving. The process is further complicated by the fact that the new computer has Windows Vista. Contrary to what I'd heard it doesn't seem to be terrible. It's similar enough to XP that I can find my way around but different enough that I have to be careful where I step. So far I actually think I like it but I'll reserve the right to bitch about it the moment something major happens.

This is actually a test post on my blog. I downloaded Windows Live Mail to use as my email program and in the Windows Live family of free downloads they also have this nifty blogging program called Windows Live Writer. I thought I'd give it a try. It seems to give me a bit more flexibility than Blogger but the true test will be when I publish and actually see how the two talk to each other. I guess you'll find out how it works when I do.

There certainly has been a lot of crazy shit going on with the election and the economy, etc and it's not that I haven't had anything to say but more like I haven't known where to start. Or where to stop. I'll be back with more substantial posts but for now I'm playing with my new toy.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MI!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Bruce, a work in progress) — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 14:58:00 +0000

Everybody please join me in wishing Malicious Intent (MI to her friends) a VERY happy birthday.

I've lined up some musical guests for your entertainment. MI, I hope you have a great day!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

New Tarot Deck and Contest

noreply@blogger.com (Bruce, a work in progress) — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 13:14:00 +0000

In case you didn't figure out from the name of my blog, I am into Tarot. My second blog entry gives an explanation of why I went with this name.

My new blog buddy Arwen over at Musings on the Tarot happens to be a professional tarot reader and today she has a special guest blogger. Kay Stopforth has done something really interesting in the realm of tarot. She has melded tarot with Quantum Physics. Together with Chris Butler, Kay has developed a new, absolutely beautiful tarot deck along with interpretations and a reading to go with it.

This combination of tarot and physics may seem like an odd combination to some but to me it seems perfectly natural, in fact, ideal. As I commented to Kay I am an almost stereotypical Pisces (sun and moon), i.e. creative, sensitive, emotional, artistic (in my own way), spiritual, a dreamer, one who goes with feelings before thoughts, etc. I am also a Capricorn rising which means all that touchy-feely Pisces stuff is wrapped up in a somewhat serious, responsible shell. Also I'm very spiritual but I happen to work in a very scientific/technical field.

You would think all this would cause some conflict and it does in some areas of my life, but in area of science and spirituality, in my mind at least, there is harmony. I think those two often opposing subjects fit together very well. Those things that fall under the heading of faith (such as life after death, "God", reincarnation, divination such as tarot, Reiki, even "The Secret" and Carl Jung's idea of synchronicity) all make a certain "sense" to me in a scientific way. And the deeper we delve into Quantum Physics the more sense it seems to make.

I believe that the key to having balance and harmony between science and spirituality is in having a completely open mind. If you notice I've been saying "spirituality" not "religion". That's where the conflict comes in. When you try to force fit what's happening into a preconceived, man made religious doctrine it will never work. You may be able to squeeze a size 11 foot into a size 10 shoe but you won't keep it on for long and you'll probably end up with blisters. And putting any sized foot into a shoe that already has another foot in it is just impossible. When one enters the discussion absolutely sure that their position is right without question then that mind is closed to every other possibility. And what are we without possibilities?

Go check out Arwen's blog and Kay's new tarot deck. Even if that's not your thing it's worth a look just for the artwork. Beautiful. While you're there leave a comment and you'll be entered in a contest to win a free Quantum Tarot reading from Kay.