So, Today was not a great day. The article I had prepared was nixed, the fixes I made were nixed and then I started my other job. Now teaching isn't terrible, on the OK days, and today was one of them, but it is stressful and murder on your throat. Add the drizzly yet muggy weather, the utter lack of sleep from the night before and the idea of seeing my contentious family tomorrow and you get, yes- a not great day.
Which makes Cameron Moore's Thanksgiving article a real treat. Cameron's piece, Thanks for Nothing , really hit home with me.
I'm not going to give you the details and ruin the article for you, but once you've read it you'll understand.
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
The Story Behind the Article
If any of you are reading my new eGO article, "Nothing Personal, But..." you might find that it's a bit more intense than the usual, a bit maudlin maybe.
Well, what happened is this; I had a departmental meeting tonight and I basically got told off for not following all the procedures and schedules that the school had provided. Now it doesn't matter that each time I deviated I asked my Dept. Head, who always approved them, because he was the one telling me off. His excuse was that he misunderstood me and that the sort of things I was doing were so out there that he obviously couldn't have thought I meant that because he wouldn't have let me do that for a second.
Get the picture? I could go on all night about this but the point is in my article. I sat down on the train and thought it out. What he was asking me to do wasn't really a bad idea and it would help the school out. Why should I be the maverick out of spite? The fact is, the way the school wants stuff done could turn out to be better for my students (I doubt it, but stranger things have happened!). Even if it's not better for them, I realized, it wouldn't actually be worse, so why not do it?
The only reason I had was my personal embarrassment and shame. I realized that both those emotions were actually fueled by my pride and, voila! An article is born!
PS: I'm especially proud of the image I chose for the article. What do you think?
Well, what happened is this; I had a departmental meeting tonight and I basically got told off for not following all the procedures and schedules that the school had provided. Now it doesn't matter that each time I deviated I asked my Dept. Head, who always approved them, because he was the one telling me off. His excuse was that he misunderstood me and that the sort of things I was doing were so out there that he obviously couldn't have thought I meant that because he wouldn't have let me do that for a second.
Get the picture? I could go on all night about this but the point is in my article. I sat down on the train and thought it out. What he was asking me to do wasn't really a bad idea and it would help the school out. Why should I be the maverick out of spite? The fact is, the way the school wants stuff done could turn out to be better for my students (I doubt it, but stranger things have happened!). Even if it's not better for them, I realized, it wouldn't actually be worse, so why not do it?
The only reason I had was my personal embarrassment and shame. I realized that both those emotions were actually fueled by my pride and, voila! An article is born!
PS: I'm especially proud of the image I chose for the article. What do you think?
Thursday, November 19, 2009
this Quintessence of Dust
For some reason, I can't help thinking in Hamlet quotes while I'm teaching it. There's just something about that Bard that moves me.
While not the central focus of my piece over at eGO.com, I do mention teaching it and I do use a line from this same speech in the title: "In Apprehension, How Like a God?"
The quote comes from a little bit of Free Verse Hamlet throws out at Rosencrantz and Guildenstern and it goes like this:
"What a piece of worke is a man! how Noble in
Reason? how infinite in faculty? in forme and mouing
how expresse and admirable? in Action, how like an Angel?
in apprehension, how like a God? the beauty of the
world, the Parragon of Animals; and yet to me, what is
this Quintessence of Dust? Man delights not me; no,
nor Woman neither; though by your smiling you seeme
to say so"
(No spelling comments, please, this is how the piece appears in the First Folio)
Who agrees with Hamlet?
Class?
While not the central focus of my piece over at eGO.com, I do mention teaching it and I do use a line from this same speech in the title: "In Apprehension, How Like a God?"
The quote comes from a little bit of Free Verse Hamlet throws out at Rosencrantz and Guildenstern and it goes like this:
"What a piece of worke is a man! how Noble in
Reason? how infinite in faculty? in forme and mouing
how expresse and admirable? in Action, how like an Angel?
in apprehension, how like a God? the beauty of the
world, the Parragon of Animals; and yet to me, what is
this Quintessence of Dust? Man delights not me; no,
nor Woman neither; though by your smiling you seeme
to say so"
(No spelling comments, please, this is how the piece appears in the First Folio)
Who agrees with Hamlet?
Class?
Monday, November 16, 2009
Ever get the feeling Cameron Moore is Talking Directly to YOU?
It's like everytime I get one of these articles he writes (balloon boy notwithstanding), I feel like he has been spying on me, or reading my mind from across the country.
HOW DOES HE DO IT?
My theory is this: Unlike myself, Cameron writes about general truths about life, he writes about what we do and what we think, on a whole. I stick to more personal whining and complaining.
And that's why he's a better writer than I am.
(Well, that and his spelling.)
Check out his latest:Honesty
HOW DOES HE DO IT?
My theory is this: Unlike myself, Cameron writes about general truths about life, he writes about what we do and what we think, on a whole. I stick to more personal whining and complaining.
And that's why he's a better writer than I am.
(Well, that and his spelling.)
Check out his latest:Honesty
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Glee
OK, so... I know this show is super popular and anyone who read Cameron Moore's article knows that there are those at eGO.com who love it but I don't really understand how it is soooooo accepted in the high school world. Why is it that super-"tough" students I have and very popular "hip" girls are talking about how much they love it and how wonderful it is? Don't they realize that the show is anti- them? Or maybe not "Anti" but certainly not aimed in their direction.
Or am I wrong?
Explain.
Or am I wrong?
Explain.
Monday, November 9, 2009
Lazy
Sorry I've been so lax here on the blog. I am trying to juggle a lot of balls right now and I find myself putting this as a low-priority one.
Which is ridiculous. This blog is a more informal aspect of eGO.com and should be the place I can really let go, spark discussion and get ideas for articles. It's a resource, not a task but I find myself forgetting that or lying to myself so that I have "less" to do. In all honesty, though, I am making my job harder- I could be sending out feelers for ideas or just sparking an interesting discussion that could help me deal with the other writing I have to do.
So... Anyone have any topic or idea they would like to see me tackle over on the eGO.com site? Any discussion they'd like to get feedback from others on? Hit me!
Which is ridiculous. This blog is a more informal aspect of eGO.com and should be the place I can really let go, spark discussion and get ideas for articles. It's a resource, not a task but I find myself forgetting that or lying to myself so that I have "less" to do. In all honesty, though, I am making my job harder- I could be sending out feelers for ideas or just sparking an interesting discussion that could help me deal with the other writing I have to do.
So... Anyone have any topic or idea they would like to see me tackle over on the eGO.com site? Any discussion they'd like to get feedback from others on? Hit me!
Friday, October 30, 2009
10 Questions for Amanda Palmer
Amanda Palmer is, really, indescribable. A living statue, actress, writer, singer, musician, yoga enthusiast... the list goes on and on. When asked to describe what kind of band her group, The Dresden Dolls, were she called them "Brechtian punk cabaret" and left it at that. When her record label wanted to cut some shots of her stomach out of a music video because they thought she looked fat, she inspired her fans into what they later termed a "ReBellyon", bombarding the company with e-mails, calls and pictures of their own less than perfect abdomens.
Clearly we are not dealing with just some rock star here. Nor just some writer or popular blogger. Amanda Palmer is a new breed of talent. eGO.com was lucky enough to get a sliver of her time just days before she set off for China and disappeared off the grid. With no further delay:
Ten Questions for Amanda Palmer
1. As a successful artist, singer and cabaret force of nature how do you actualize your dreams?
I simply grapple on an every morning basis with the fact that nothing will manifest perfectly. Then I leave the house at top speed and regret nothing.
2. What are the greatest obstacles you have faced in doing this?
My own expectations. And fear.
3. When creating/songwriting do you just start and let the piece "find" itself or do you plan meticulously to "discover" what you want to do?
It's different for every project. And song. Sometimes I simply let things go wild and pare down afterwards, and sometimes I build bit by bit with anal precision . Usually the former. I'm better at that, I think. And I like doing what I do better.
4. What is your overall goal, as an artist?
I don't have one. Do other people? How terrifying. If you put a gun to my head, I'd probably say that it's no different from my overall goal in life: being present.
5. What is the most courageous thing you've ever done, as an artist or "just" as a person?
Leaving the band and going solo. That was hard. Massive paycuts.
6. How do you decide that something is "finished"?
When there's no possible way I can improve it, even if it's not perfect.
7. LOFNOTC- Explain.
Losers Of Friday Night On Their Computers. It started one Friday on Twitter and I found thousands of other losers out there online. We started a movement. With goals to get the government to issue us vodka, pizza and sweatpants. I love twitter.
8. Please share your favorite bit of wisdom (learned or heard) with us?
My mentor Anthony, taught me this one: honor those who seek the truth, beware of those who've found it.
9. When it comes to knowledge, which do you feel is stronger, learned wisdom or inherent sense?
Inherent sense will tell you to incorporate your learning, so I think that one trumps.
10. What are you working on next?
My next big project is the Evelyn Evelyn record, a concept album by two conjoined twin sisters that I produced with my friend Jason Webley. Cythia Von Buhler is making some wonderful art for the album and also working on a graphic novel to be released after the record. After that? World takeover.
More Info:
Amanda Palmer has released six albums in the the last seven years, five with the Dresden Dolls and one as a solo artist, she has written or co-written three books and has tweeted over Forty-Five hundred times.
Links
http://amandapalmer.net - blog, music and more
http://www.postwartrade.com - find all sorts of Dresden dolls and Amanda Palmer inspired items
http://twitter.com/amandapalmer- join Amanda's over 150,000 followers on Twitter.com.
Clearly we are not dealing with just some rock star here. Nor just some writer or popular blogger. Amanda Palmer is a new breed of talent. eGO.com was lucky enough to get a sliver of her time just days before she set off for China and disappeared off the grid. With no further delay:
Ten Questions for Amanda Palmer
1. As a successful artist, singer and cabaret force of nature how do you actualize your dreams?
I simply grapple on an every morning basis with the fact that nothing will manifest perfectly. Then I leave the house at top speed and regret nothing.
2. What are the greatest obstacles you have faced in doing this?
My own expectations. And fear.
3. When creating/songwriting do you just start and let the piece "find" itself or do you plan meticulously to "discover" what you want to do?
It's different for every project. And song. Sometimes I simply let things go wild and pare down afterwards, and sometimes I build bit by bit with anal precision . Usually the former. I'm better at that, I think. And I like doing what I do better.
4. What is your overall goal, as an artist?
I don't have one. Do other people? How terrifying. If you put a gun to my head, I'd probably say that it's no different from my overall goal in life: being present.
5. What is the most courageous thing you've ever done, as an artist or "just" as a person?
Leaving the band and going solo. That was hard. Massive paycuts.
6. How do you decide that something is "finished"?
When there's no possible way I can improve it, even if it's not perfect.
7. LOFNOTC- Explain.
Losers Of Friday Night On Their Computers. It started one Friday on Twitter and I found thousands of other losers out there online. We started a movement. With goals to get the government to issue us vodka, pizza and sweatpants. I love twitter.
8. Please share your favorite bit of wisdom (learned or heard) with us?
My mentor Anthony, taught me this one: honor those who seek the truth, beware of those who've found it.
9. When it comes to knowledge, which do you feel is stronger, learned wisdom or inherent sense?
Inherent sense will tell you to incorporate your learning, so I think that one trumps.
10. What are you working on next?
My next big project is the Evelyn Evelyn record, a concept album by two conjoined twin sisters that I produced with my friend Jason Webley. Cythia Von Buhler is making some wonderful art for the album and also working on a graphic novel to be released after the record. After that? World takeover.
More Info:
Amanda Palmer has released six albums in the the last seven years, five with the Dresden Dolls and one as a solo artist, she has written or co-written three books and has tweeted over Forty-Five hundred times.
Links
http://amandapalmer.net - blog, music and more
http://www.postwartrade.com - find all sorts of Dresden dolls and Amanda Palmer inspired items
http://twitter.com/amandapalmer- join Amanda's over 150,000 followers on Twitter.com.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Moved to Tears
If some of you recall, I mentioned eGO.com's other writer, Cameron Moore, here on the blog not too long ago. Cameron, as I said then, is our "media" guy, our "arts" guy. And, to be quite frank, our Up-beat guy. Those of you who know me know that it is not so easy for me to just look at the good side of things. I always feel the need to weigh both sides, see both points of view and, if all else fails, just be pessimistic. The guy who hired me at eGO.com knew this about me as well, that's why he insisted that I not take on the complete writing course-load and that we find someone else to write who has a more positive outlook, a more approachable manner.
Enter Cameron Moore, I'm not sure how my boss found Cameron but all the work I saw as samples and eventually edited was definitely... up-beat. (Not that there's anything wrong with that!)
Tonight I was waiting and waiting, hoping Cameron would at least give me something worth the wait. After reading the piece, I really do feel it was worth the wait; http://ego.com/news.aspx?id=1080
Well, what do YOU think?
Enter Cameron Moore, I'm not sure how my boss found Cameron but all the work I saw as samples and eventually edited was definitely... up-beat. (Not that there's anything wrong with that!)
Tonight I was waiting and waiting, hoping Cameron would at least give me something worth the wait. After reading the piece, I really do feel it was worth the wait; http://ego.com/news.aspx?id=1080
Well, what do YOU think?
Friday, October 23, 2009
10 Questions for Cynthia von Buhler
Posted at eGO.com this morning:
Cynthia von Buhler is a successful author, artist and performer. Her work is internationally known and award winning, while still wholly very much her own- from children's books to art installations to a machine that gives you a real, biological bit of her for a quarter, all of her work shines through with a fierce individuality and insight.
Here at eGO.com we strive to help others reach their goals and keep their flames of independence alive. We try to make inspiration and success-plans that are easy to use and access so that people don't get discouraged when faced with the fast-paced, often cruel, world of the Twenty-First century. What better way than by finding out how a true eGO-centric success has reached her goals and accomplished so much. With that in mind we have here:
10 Questions for Cynthia von Buhler
1. As a successful artist, author and sculptor how do you actualize your dreams?
I have a constant stream of ideas. In order to remember them I make daily lists and plans. It feels good when I check things off my list. I usually create these lists in the bathtub when I am relaxed with a clear mind and a relaxed body.
2. What are the greatest obstacles you have faced in doing this?
Time. There is not enough time to do everything I desire, I always feel like time is running out....and it is. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x2B8oZwVKro
3. When creating do you just start and let the piece "find" itself or do you plan meticulously to "discover" what you want to do?
I usually have a strong plan, but I am not afraid to veer off course when I'm executing.
4. What is your overall goal, as a artist?
To share who I am and how I think with the world. With my books I hope to teach children to be become better, more thoughtful, adults.
5. What is the most courageous thing you've ever done, as an artist or "just" as a person?
Placing live cockroaches on my face for a self-portrait photograph was pretty damn courageous. It later appeared on the cover of Gallery Guide NY, so I guess it was worth it. I am a strong believer in trying to do those things which you most fear. This is the best way to conquer fear. I am actually an agoraphobic, believe it or not. I am also a control freak, so I have this fear under control (most of the time). Doing performance art is an odd thing for an agoraphobic, but you'd be surprised at how many people in the spotlight are actually quite fearful.
6. How do you decide that something is "finished"?
When I'm working on an art piece I get to a point somewhere mid-way where I say to myself: "Okay this doesn't suck anymore, this is now good." Once I pass that level it isn't much farther to the: "This is complete - move on" phase.
It goes like this:
Phase 1: Idea. Phase 2: Struggle. Phase 3: "It doesn't suck anymore" (if I do not get to this phase I must start from the beginning, but 95% of the time I get pass this phase). Phase 4: Looking Good. Phase 5: Complete. Phase 6: Next!
7. Your most recent book, "But Who Will Bell the Cats" just got nominated for a Cybil award, does that kind of recognition feel like validation or is it just a bonus?
I'm never satisfied. It's tough to be inside me; I tell myself: "Is that it girl? You can do better than that!" I appreciate the recognition though....for about 2 seconds.
8. Please share your favorite bit of wisdom (learned or heard) with us?
It is nice to be important, but it is more important to be nice. - by William Lincoln Tisdale (my dear friend who died of AIDS in the 90s)
9. When it comes to knowledge, which do you feel is stronger, learned wisdom or inherent sense?
Inherent sense, Hands down. There are many book smart people out there who are complete idiots.
10. What are you working on next?
Currently, I'm collaborating on a Graphic Novel with the wonderful musicians Amanda Palmer and Jason Wembley. It is about conjoined twins who have a really f**ked up life. The working title is Evelyn Evelyn: A Terrible Tale in Two Tomes. It will be released by Dark Horse Comics next Fall. I'm writing my next book: a surreal chapter book. I'm working on a plan to make stop-motion animations of my stories with the talented Christiane Cegavske. I'm writing ideas for children's TV shows. I'm scouting locations for film, TV and photo shoots (We just shot one of the recent winners of American Idol at one of my locations, and my house is currently being considered for a tv shoot with a live elephant). I'm rescuing animals whenever one in need crosses my path. I'm doing book signings and school appearances (see the link below). I'm the host of a 16 year girl from Thailand for the 2009-2010 school year. I'm continuing my solo exhibit at The Nassau County Museum of Art until Jan 3, 2010. I'm trying to give my darling husband some attention during all of this.
I just signed with The Gotham Group, a film, TV, and literary agency, so that should help with a few of the above tasks.
More Info:
Cynthia von Buhler’s work has been compared to a trip down an ornate rabbit hole. She is an internationally known and award-winning author and artist. Her three-dimensional works have been displayed in galleries and museums around the world, as well as in books, magazines, and newspapers. She shares her home with her husband, eight cats, one dog, seven doves, and an unknown number of mice living below the floorboards.
(PS: Her birthday is this Sat. the 24th, So wish her a happy one on Facebook or on twitter, @cynthvonbuhler)
Links
http://cynthiavonbuhler.com - painting, sculpture, past and recent press http://butwhowillbellthecats.com - latest book
http://catbooktour.blogspot.com - touring and exhibitions
Cynthia von Buhler is a successful author, artist and performer. Her work is internationally known and award winning, while still wholly very much her own- from children's books to art installations to a machine that gives you a real, biological bit of her for a quarter, all of her work shines through with a fierce individuality and insight.
Here at eGO.com we strive to help others reach their goals and keep their flames of independence alive. We try to make inspiration and success-plans that are easy to use and access so that people don't get discouraged when faced with the fast-paced, often cruel, world of the Twenty-First century. What better way than by finding out how a true eGO-centric success has reached her goals and accomplished so much. With that in mind we have here:
10 Questions for Cynthia von Buhler
1. As a successful artist, author and sculptor how do you actualize your dreams?
I have a constant stream of ideas. In order to remember them I make daily lists and plans. It feels good when I check things off my list. I usually create these lists in the bathtub when I am relaxed with a clear mind and a relaxed body.
2. What are the greatest obstacles you have faced in doing this?
Time. There is not enough time to do everything I desire, I always feel like time is running out....and it is. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x2B8oZwVKro
3. When creating do you just start and let the piece "find" itself or do you plan meticulously to "discover" what you want to do?
I usually have a strong plan, but I am not afraid to veer off course when I'm executing.
4. What is your overall goal, as a artist?
To share who I am and how I think with the world. With my books I hope to teach children to be become better, more thoughtful, adults.
5. What is the most courageous thing you've ever done, as an artist or "just" as a person?
Placing live cockroaches on my face for a self-portrait photograph was pretty damn courageous. It later appeared on the cover of Gallery Guide NY, so I guess it was worth it. I am a strong believer in trying to do those things which you most fear. This is the best way to conquer fear. I am actually an agoraphobic, believe it or not. I am also a control freak, so I have this fear under control (most of the time). Doing performance art is an odd thing for an agoraphobic, but you'd be surprised at how many people in the spotlight are actually quite fearful.
6. How do you decide that something is "finished"?
When I'm working on an art piece I get to a point somewhere mid-way where I say to myself: "Okay this doesn't suck anymore, this is now good." Once I pass that level it isn't much farther to the: "This is complete - move on" phase.
It goes like this:
Phase 1: Idea. Phase 2: Struggle. Phase 3: "It doesn't suck anymore" (if I do not get to this phase I must start from the beginning, but 95% of the time I get pass this phase). Phase 4: Looking Good. Phase 5: Complete. Phase 6: Next!
7. Your most recent book, "But Who Will Bell the Cats" just got nominated for a Cybil award, does that kind of recognition feel like validation or is it just a bonus?
I'm never satisfied. It's tough to be inside me; I tell myself: "Is that it girl? You can do better than that!" I appreciate the recognition though....for about 2 seconds.
8. Please share your favorite bit of wisdom (learned or heard) with us?
It is nice to be important, but it is more important to be nice. - by William Lincoln Tisdale (my dear friend who died of AIDS in the 90s)
9. When it comes to knowledge, which do you feel is stronger, learned wisdom or inherent sense?
Inherent sense, Hands down. There are many book smart people out there who are complete idiots.
10. What are you working on next?
Currently, I'm collaborating on a Graphic Novel with the wonderful musicians Amanda Palmer and Jason Wembley. It is about conjoined twins who have a really f**ked up life. The working title is Evelyn Evelyn: A Terrible Tale in Two Tomes. It will be released by Dark Horse Comics next Fall. I'm writing my next book: a surreal chapter book. I'm working on a plan to make stop-motion animations of my stories with the talented Christiane Cegavske. I'm writing ideas for children's TV shows. I'm scouting locations for film, TV and photo shoots (We just shot one of the recent winners of American Idol at one of my locations, and my house is currently being considered for a tv shoot with a live elephant). I'm rescuing animals whenever one in need crosses my path. I'm doing book signings and school appearances (see the link below). I'm the host of a 16 year girl from Thailand for the 2009-2010 school year. I'm continuing my solo exhibit at The Nassau County Museum of Art until Jan 3, 2010. I'm trying to give my darling husband some attention during all of this.
I just signed with The Gotham Group, a film, TV, and literary agency, so that should help with a few of the above tasks.
More Info:
Cynthia von Buhler’s work has been compared to a trip down an ornate rabbit hole. She is an internationally known and award-winning author and artist. Her three-dimensional works have been displayed in galleries and museums around the world, as well as in books, magazines, and newspapers. She shares her home with her husband, eight cats, one dog, seven doves, and an unknown number of mice living below the floorboards.
(PS: Her birthday is this Sat. the 24th, So wish her a happy one on Facebook or on twitter, @cynthvonbuhler)
Links
http://cynthiavonbuhler.com - painting, sculpture, past and recent press http://butwhowillbellthecats.com - latest book
http://catbooktour.blogspot.com - touring and exhibitions
Love is a Many Splendid Thing?
Just thinking about my next article and having some trouble.
How would you define the sublimation of the two different personalities into one unit in love?
I'm trying to pinpoint a secret I seem to see in the best relationships, which is not so much a common interest but a willingness to try the others interests or ideas, the fact that people in loving relationships are able to re-define themselves so easily while in those relationships.
Sort of contra-wise to those relationships were each party insists on independence and feel the need to define themselves as separate.
To my mind, the first is a much healthier relationship. What do you think?
How would you define the sublimation of the two different personalities into one unit in love?
I'm trying to pinpoint a secret I seem to see in the best relationships, which is not so much a common interest but a willingness to try the others interests or ideas, the fact that people in loving relationships are able to re-define themselves so easily while in those relationships.
Sort of contra-wise to those relationships were each party insists on independence and feel the need to define themselves as separate.
To my mind, the first is a much healthier relationship. What do you think?
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