29 September 2010
Cagey's listening to
"I Will" - Walkabout (1984)
"This is, hands down, The Fixx's masterpiece, where the band honed its music making and its life-exploring, inward-directed lyrics to a sharpness and uniqueness unequalled in most of pop music." - M. Mikesell
I've seen The Fixx in 2008, 2009, and this year, 2010. The in-betweens have left behind fixed points of reference that I could almost describe as drifting buoys, with messages lashed upon with bits of shoestring.
Reason # 3,462 why I'm moving
Precis: Long-time teacher JAILED for escorting little $h!t out of the classroom. Apparently teachers not permitted to act while in extremis. Teacher had other court actions pending, tangentially relevant to the story. Judge deems defendant had not been feminized enough, "...Unable to control actions while under stress."
Meanwhile, inner-cities burn. And lest we forget, "This is why we can't have nice things."
N.J. teacher to serve 90 days in jail for physically removing student from class
Published: Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Sue Epstein/The Star-Ledger
MONROE TOWNSHIP (Middlesex County) — A former Monroe Township High School physical education teacher and coach was ordered today in New Brunswick to serve 90 days in the Middlesex County jail for propelling a student out of his class by holding onto his ear and pushing his back.
Superior Court Judge Frederick De Vesa also ordered that Troy Rushing, 49, has forfeited his right to ever hold public employment in New Jersey.
Rushing pleaded guilty on July 23 to simple assault in connection with the incident and subsequently resigned.
Recalling the incident, Rushing told the judge today that the boy walked into his classroom looking for something and refused to leave.
After the boy, who wasn’t supposed to be in his class, refused three orders to leave, he went over to him and told him to leave again, but the boy cursed at him, Rushing said.
Rushing said he then grabbed the boy by the ear, placed his other hand on his back and propelled him out of the classroom.
"It doesn’t give me any pleasure to sentence someone who has given a long time in public service," De Vesa told Rushing.
The judge pointed out that Rushing has a history of violating restraining orders placed against him by his wife and ex-wife. He is currently in the Middlesex County jail pending action on four contempt of court charges in Family Court resulting from violating the restraining order against visiting his second wife.
"There is a documented pattern of unlawful behavior," De Vesa said. "He even admits that he is unable to control his behavior when he is under a great deal of stress."
Before he was sentenced, Rushing told the judge he taught for more than 20 years and coached football in Philadelphia, Massachusetts and other high schools, including Monroe, where he was employed for six years prior to Feb. 19 when the incident occurred.
"I’ve spent 25 years helping kids," he said, breaking down into tears. "I just hope I can again."
Rushing’s attorney Michael Barrett pointed out that the two charges of assault filed by his ex-wife and second wife were dismissed.
But, Middlesex County Assistant Prosecutor Brian Gillet said that after he was arrested on the charges involving the student, Rushing was arrested once in Pennsylvania, charged with stalking his ex-wife.
He was extradited from Pennsylvania July 1 to face several contempt of court charges in New Jersey, freed on bail July 2 and rearrested July 3 in New Jersey for violating the restraining order his second wife has against him.
Meanwhile, inner-cities burn. And lest we forget, "This is why we can't have nice things."
N.J. teacher to serve 90 days in jail for physically removing student from class
Published: Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Sue Epstein/The Star-Ledger
MONROE TOWNSHIP (Middlesex County) — A former Monroe Township High School physical education teacher and coach was ordered today in New Brunswick to serve 90 days in the Middlesex County jail for propelling a student out of his class by holding onto his ear and pushing his back.
Superior Court Judge Frederick De Vesa also ordered that Troy Rushing, 49, has forfeited his right to ever hold public employment in New Jersey.
Rushing pleaded guilty on July 23 to simple assault in connection with the incident and subsequently resigned.
Recalling the incident, Rushing told the judge today that the boy walked into his classroom looking for something and refused to leave.
After the boy, who wasn’t supposed to be in his class, refused three orders to leave, he went over to him and told him to leave again, but the boy cursed at him, Rushing said.
Rushing said he then grabbed the boy by the ear, placed his other hand on his back and propelled him out of the classroom.
"It doesn’t give me any pleasure to sentence someone who has given a long time in public service," De Vesa told Rushing.
The judge pointed out that Rushing has a history of violating restraining orders placed against him by his wife and ex-wife. He is currently in the Middlesex County jail pending action on four contempt of court charges in Family Court resulting from violating the restraining order against visiting his second wife.
"There is a documented pattern of unlawful behavior," De Vesa said. "He even admits that he is unable to control his behavior when he is under a great deal of stress."
Before he was sentenced, Rushing told the judge he taught for more than 20 years and coached football in Philadelphia, Massachusetts and other high schools, including Monroe, where he was employed for six years prior to Feb. 19 when the incident occurred.
"I’ve spent 25 years helping kids," he said, breaking down into tears. "I just hope I can again."
Rushing’s attorney Michael Barrett pointed out that the two charges of assault filed by his ex-wife and second wife were dismissed.
But, Middlesex County Assistant Prosecutor Brian Gillet said that after he was arrested on the charges involving the student, Rushing was arrested once in Pennsylvania, charged with stalking his ex-wife.
He was extradited from Pennsylvania July 1 to face several contempt of court charges in New Jersey, freed on bail July 2 and rearrested July 3 in New Jersey for violating the restraining order his second wife has against him.
28 September 2010
Good decision
Cricket caught in my kitchen. I thought about it, then gave it to the neighbor kids who have a terrarium and are obsessed with catching bugs. It was a judgment call, pausing before ringing the doorbell. But what the heck, I'm a kid at heart.
A song by King Missile, modified by the power of Fark
I thought this lyrical poem was just terrific! Kind of evokes Shel Silverstein, no?
So then I got this idea
about driving a little debbie truck,
'Cause I figured at the end of the day,
I could take some of
the leftover snackcakes home
And I love snackcake.
So I went to the little debbie company
And they asked me
if I could drive a truck
And I said "yes"
And they said "You're hired!"
So the next day
I got in the truck with all
the snackcakes
And I drove about a block
and I just had to have a snackcake
So I pulled over and opened the truck
And I got a snackcake
And I also took another one for later
And I took one to bring home
And I took one for my friend Farm boy,
And by that time I had
Eaten one of the snackcakes
so I took another one.
Then I figured I might as well
stop at my house
To drop off all the snackcakes
So I take five cakes
to eat on the way
And i drive another block
and a half to my house.
Now it's lunchtime
so I eat ten snackcakes
And a snackcake for dessert.
I should point out by the way
That all of these snackcakes were very delicious.
Anyway I decided
that the only thing to do
Would be to eat all the rest
of the snackcakes
And hide the truck somewhere
And leave town.
And I miss everybody a lot
But I'm not really sorry,
'Cause they were
very delicious snackcakes.
So then I got this idea
about driving a little debbie truck,
'Cause I figured at the end of the day,
I could take some of
the leftover snackcakes home
And I love snackcake.
So I went to the little debbie company
And they asked me
if I could drive a truck
And I said "yes"
And they said "You're hired!"
So the next day
I got in the truck with all
the snackcakes
And I drove about a block
and I just had to have a snackcake
So I pulled over and opened the truck
And I got a snackcake
And I also took another one for later
And I took one to bring home
And I took one for my friend Farm boy,
And by that time I had
Eaten one of the snackcakes
so I took another one.
Then I figured I might as well
stop at my house
To drop off all the snackcakes
So I take five cakes
to eat on the way
And i drive another block
and a half to my house.
Now it's lunchtime
so I eat ten snackcakes
And a snackcake for dessert.
I should point out by the way
That all of these snackcakes were very delicious.
Anyway I decided
that the only thing to do
Would be to eat all the rest
of the snackcakes
And hide the truck somewhere
And leave town.
And I miss everybody a lot
But I'm not really sorry,
'Cause they were
very delicious snackcakes.
25 September 2010
Cagey's listening to
"The Old Man's Back Again" - Scott Walker
More information:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prague_Spring
http://colourmeimpressed.blogspot.com/2007/08/scott-walker-old-mans-back-again.html
23 September 2010
Desiderata
Go placidly amid the noise and haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible without surrender
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons,
they are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain and bitter;
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs;
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals;
and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself.
Especially, do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love;
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment
it is as perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe,
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be,
and whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy.
and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible without surrender
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons,
they are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain and bitter;
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs;
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals;
and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself.
Especially, do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love;
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment
it is as perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe,
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be,
and whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy.
20 September 2010
Straight talk on rapid weight loss and body wraps
Cutting weight in short order (1-2 weeks through to a month) can be a nasty proposition. Athletes do it, the military does it (and making tighter specs). You can do it, but it won't be pretty.
The biggest competing factor: gain sneaks up on you - the so-called 'freshman 15', life changes, etc. Body types vary, and if you are on the heavy side, you may look just fine, but that doesn't matter to the scale fascist. Out comes the measuring tape, and that's a situation you don't want to be in: The "rope-and-choke," measuring your neck vs. your waist (right around your navel).
Obviously this topic is discussed in many nooks and crannies on the web, so there is much to filter out, ads and gimmicks, and people saying "long term is the only way." One important asset I have found is that for a ~200 lb. male, a body wrap can reduce ~two inches in one 60-90 min. session. That edge might be enough to get you make tape if you end up going the measurement route. At the end, the spa may give you a cumulative reduction figure overall, e.g. 10 inches, which will seem big, but what you care about is the part around the navel. The result is supposed to last "a month," I think that's more accurately stated as "a week or two."
The Atkins diet: They say one inch of 'fat' = about five lbs. On Atkins, you can lose up to 5 lbs. on the fifth day, and 1.5 lbs. every other day thereafter. The diet is discontinued for two days after the twelfth day. This works. As article 2 below states and I've read elsewhere, thinking can be muddled and it is important to work to quash and mental barriers, fears to achieving these feats. The worst part is muddled thinking, which I felt on days 3-5. Supposedly, this diet also boasts a great big "glycemic reset," hearkening back to our caveman roots.
Metabolism must be kept normal, that means starvation mode does not do so well for weight loss, and you should p.t. at least twice daily. I've cut up to 11 lbs. in one weekend by eating only salad, no dressing, and hitting the sauna in addition to some horrible Rite-Aid lemony drink (magnesium citrate) that did unspeakable things to my digestive system.
Additional reading:
1. "To crush your p.t. test, train like a powerlifter." http://www.navytimes.com/offduty/health/military_muscle_070723w/
2. "How to cut and make weight." http://www.grapplearts.com/How-to-Cut-Weight.html
3. "Losing inches fast (discussion thread)." http://www.airwarriors.com/forum/showthread.php/135486-losing-inches-fast
The biggest competing factor: gain sneaks up on you - the so-called 'freshman 15', life changes, etc. Body types vary, and if you are on the heavy side, you may look just fine, but that doesn't matter to the scale fascist. Out comes the measuring tape, and that's a situation you don't want to be in: The "rope-and-choke," measuring your neck vs. your waist (right around your navel).
Obviously this topic is discussed in many nooks and crannies on the web, so there is much to filter out, ads and gimmicks, and people saying "long term is the only way." One important asset I have found is that for a ~200 lb. male, a body wrap can reduce ~two inches in one 60-90 min. session. That edge might be enough to get you make tape if you end up going the measurement route. At the end, the spa may give you a cumulative reduction figure overall, e.g. 10 inches, which will seem big, but what you care about is the part around the navel. The result is supposed to last "a month," I think that's more accurately stated as "a week or two."
The Atkins diet: They say one inch of 'fat' = about five lbs. On Atkins, you can lose up to 5 lbs. on the fifth day, and 1.5 lbs. every other day thereafter. The diet is discontinued for two days after the twelfth day. This works. As article 2 below states and I've read elsewhere, thinking can be muddled and it is important to work to quash and mental barriers, fears to achieving these feats. The worst part is muddled thinking, which I felt on days 3-5. Supposedly, this diet also boasts a great big "glycemic reset," hearkening back to our caveman roots.
Metabolism must be kept normal, that means starvation mode does not do so well for weight loss, and you should p.t. at least twice daily. I've cut up to 11 lbs. in one weekend by eating only salad, no dressing, and hitting the sauna in addition to some horrible Rite-Aid lemony drink (magnesium citrate) that did unspeakable things to my digestive system.
Additional reading:
1. "To crush your p.t. test, train like a powerlifter." http://www.navytimes.com/offduty/health/military_muscle_070723w/
2. "How to cut and make weight." http://www.grapplearts.com/How-to-Cut-Weight.html
3. "Losing inches fast (discussion thread)." http://www.airwarriors.com/forum/showthread.php/135486-losing-inches-fast
19 September 2010
18 September 2010
"National pride, God and tradition"
The business daily Handelsblatt writes:
"Glen Beck, Sarah Palin and the Tea Party are part of an opposition movement outside of Congress which is moving mountains. This is a revolt against 'Obamaism,' which is seen as representing big government, more taxes, a higher deficit and not enough 'Americanism.' Day by day, it puts more and more pressure onto those at the top."
"In the US, people ... spend time and money supporting the Republicans. Unlike in Germany, in America, which never had a Hitler, being 'right-wing' is not taboo. 'Right-wing' represents Reagan, religion, the free market, individualism, patriotism and small government. In reality, it is an impossible mixture: National pride, God and tradition are conservative 'us' values. The profit motive, competition and a weak state are 'me-first' sentiments ... . But this mixture of conservative values and neoliberalism works well in America, where it transcends social class -- that's the difference to Germany."
"Glen Beck, Sarah Palin and the Tea Party are part of an opposition movement outside of Congress which is moving mountains. This is a revolt against 'Obamaism,' which is seen as representing big government, more taxes, a higher deficit and not enough 'Americanism.' Day by day, it puts more and more pressure onto those at the top."
"In the US, people ... spend time and money supporting the Republicans. Unlike in Germany, in America, which never had a Hitler, being 'right-wing' is not taboo. 'Right-wing' represents Reagan, religion, the free market, individualism, patriotism and small government. In reality, it is an impossible mixture: National pride, God and tradition are conservative 'us' values. The profit motive, competition and a weak state are 'me-first' sentiments ... . But this mixture of conservative values and neoliberalism works well in America, where it transcends social class -- that's the difference to Germany."
17 September 2010
GCAS goes multilingual
Welcome, international readers!
Je veux brancher avec blogs en francais. Nous parlons francais. Bienvenue.
Tenemos ganas de relacionar con blogs en español. Se habla español. Bienvenidos.
我々は少しの日本語を話します。 英語のブログの学生たちを歓迎してください！
Je veux brancher avec blogs en francais. Nous parlons francais. Bienvenue.
Tenemos ganas de relacionar con blogs en español. Se habla español. Bienvenidos.
我々は少しの日本語を話します。 英語のブログの学生たちを歓迎してください！
11 September 2010
Cagey's listening to
The Fixx - "Yesterday, Today"
Ink (1998)
Dedicated to... many things:
~Where I was nine years ago
~My friend crossing back over the international dateline
~Breaking, shattering - old comfort zones
The Fixx - "Are You Satisfied?"
Want that Life (2003)
Picked this up by sheer luck a few years ago in Yoko...
09 September 2010
Rad 80s video of the month archive
The following videos are recognized by GCAS for outstanding contributions to New Wave/New Romantic music.
#1-5 (most recent) are displayed on the sidebar. #6 and older will be linked in this thread!
David Sylvian
Tainai Kaiki II
VIDEO LINK
"The Time Being"
The Church
VIDEO LINK
"Airwaves"
Thomas Dolby
VIDEO LINK
"Major Tom"
Peter Schilling
VIDEO LINK
"Gold"
Spandau Ballet
VIDEO LINK
"The Killing Moon"
Echo and the Bunnymen
VIDEO LINK
"Secret Separation"
The Fixx
VIDEO LINK
#1-5 (most recent) are displayed on the sidebar. #6 and older will be linked in this thread!
Tainai Kaiki II
VIDEO LINK
The Church
VIDEO LINK
Thomas Dolby
VIDEO LINK
Peter Schilling
VIDEO LINK
Spandau Ballet
VIDEO LINK
Echo and the Bunnymen
VIDEO LINK
The Fixx
VIDEO LINK
Cagey ~RAD '80s SPOTLIGHT~
"Airwaves" by Thomas Dolby
Finally, a video worthy of a new spotlight! And for the next 30 days, it's your rad 80s video of the month.
Man, oh man alive! Had not heard this Thomas Dolby (80s synthpop hero) song before tonight. It screams, "New romantic." Though I know little about him, I know of his vast influence. According to one source, he's an INTP, an architect, and of the "Promethean temperament" according to Kerisey temperament analysis.
The most striking scene in the video comes at 2:00, do the expansive rooftop views of snow, an ocean liner in fog - portray bleakness? Catharsis? What is going on here?
"Though he never had many hits, Thomas Dolby became one of the most recognizable figures of the synth-pop movement of early-'80s new wave. Largely, this was due to his skillful marketing. Dolby promoted himself as a kind of mad scientist, an egghead that had successfully harnassed the power of synthesizers and samplers, using them to make catchy pop and light electro-funk. In 1981, he launched a solo career, which resulted in a number of minor hits and two big hits -- "She Blinded Me with Science" (1982) and "Hyperactive" (1984)." - Stephen Thomas Erlewine
"Taught himself to play guitar, c. 1970; dropped out of school to pursue music, 1974; performed with Jamaican R&B band and played jazz in restaurants; played synthesizers for Bruce Wooley and the Camera Club, late 1970s; toured Europe and U.S. with Lene Lovich; played in Paris subways; played synthesizer for Foreigner, Def Leppard, Joan Armatrading, and Malcolm McClaren, early 1980s; released debut single, "Urges," 1981; signed with EMI Records; released first album, The Golden Age of Wireless, Capitol, 1982; co-produced Joni Mitchell's Dog Eat Dog and produced albums by George Clinton and Prefab Sprout, 1985; participated in Live Aid concert; participated in Roger Waters's production of The Wall, West Berlin, 1990. Composer of film scores." - MusicianGuide.com
08 September 2010
Canada nmeonic
Barren and snowbound,
men on quiet near
nocticlucent plains,
yearning, now
- never - nowhere at last.
British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Québec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island
Yukon, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Newfoundland and Labrador
by Cagey
men on quiet near
nocticlucent plains,
yearning, now
- never - nowhere at last.
British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Québec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island
Yukon, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Newfoundland and Labrador
by Cagey
07 September 2010
Even more TEARS FOR FEARS
...some possibly lesser known songs...
"Famous Last Words"
1989, Sowing the Seeds of Love
"Listen"
Songs from the Big Chair, 1985
"I Choose You"
1995, Raoul and The Kings of Spain
"Secrets"
Raoul and the Kings of Spain, 1995
"Famous Last Words"
1989, Sowing the Seeds of Love
"Listen"
Songs from the Big Chair, 1985
"I Choose You"
1995, Raoul and The Kings of Spain
"Secrets"
Raoul and the Kings of Spain, 1995
06 September 2010
04 September 2010
En route TEARS FOR FEARS concert
The rare 'Swords and Knives' from The Hurting, 1985.
Tears for Fears is known iconically for its sophisticated fusion of rock and jazz and layered synth.
Quote of the day
In regards to a Bosnian teen who made news for abusing some puppies:
"It's pretty obvious that what set everyone off is that she obviously enjoyed it so much. We would've all had a much different reaction to a video of a girl crying because she had to drown some puppies (although some people would still be justifiably upset)."
"A lack of empathy is one of the top causes of pain and suffering in this world. Punishing someone for being so obviously heartless seems like the right thing to me."
"It's pretty obvious that what set everyone off is that she obviously enjoyed it so much. We would've all had a much different reaction to a video of a girl crying because she had to drown some puppies (although some people would still be justifiably upset)."
"A lack of empathy is one of the top causes of pain and suffering in this world. Punishing someone for being so obviously heartless seems like the right thing to me."
Today's important question
Q: Isn't the popularly used phrase "Thus far" incorrect usage?
"Thus" seems like a transition word to demonstrate something, a sister to the word "therefore." Saying, "Therefore far," doesn't make sense. Shouldn't people say, "Up until this point," or "So far"?
Catchy phrases bug me. Everyone is running around saying, "Thus far," to try to sound smart. Let's put an end to this madness!
A: It's short for "thus, so far." You are correct that it isn't correct usage in very formal writing.
"Thus" seems like a transition word to demonstrate something, a sister to the word "therefore." Saying, "Therefore far," doesn't make sense. Shouldn't people say, "Up until this point," or "So far"?
Catchy phrases bug me. Everyone is running around saying, "Thus far," to try to sound smart. Let's put an end to this madness!
A: It's short for "thus, so far." You are correct that it isn't correct usage in very formal writing.
02 September 2010
Saving the princess
I called the folks at the kennel to let them know I'd be picking up Echo a day early. Another proven field study that people don' know 'bout my randomness, but somehow they know when I come calling.
"Daisy Hill Puppy Farm."
"Can I pick up my sweet, sweet princess a day early?"
The reaction was a lot more fun than if I'd been businesslike.
~~~~
I picked up another friend from the pier a few weeks back. Up close, the arrival is quite a spectacle: signs, hugs, palpable anticipation, that sort of thing. I earlier thought, "Who will be there to greet me home from my next deployment?" It's a freaking lonely feeling.
"Daisy Hill Puppy Farm."
"Can I pick up my sweet, sweet princess a day early?"
The reaction was a lot more fun than if I'd been businesslike.
~~~~
I picked up another friend from the pier a few weeks back. Up close, the arrival is quite a spectacle: signs, hugs, palpable anticipation, that sort of thing. I earlier thought, "Who will be there to greet me home from my next deployment?" It's a freaking lonely feeling.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)