Check out a blog called The Lope, where a little creature called Ace Jackalope travels America, appropriately costumed of course, and with plenty of cute pics.
A Role Model, Finally
Up until a few days ago, almost all of my female role models have been fictional. But how can the superhuman skillz of Alice from Resident Evil, or the self-deprecating inner monologue of Clarice Starling, really apply to a productive nonfiction female life?
Enter Ms. Valerie Plame Wilson.
I had the grand privilege of meeting this brilliant woman at the College Media Advisors conference at the Marriott Marquis in New York City this past Saturday. The center of the CIA fiasco a la Scooter Libby, which should have felled a certain Karl Rove, Plame put into no uncertain terms the unspeakable corruption of the Bush administration and how decades of the same you-scratch-my-back crowd has greatly hindered the intelligence community and therefore the security of the United States of America.
You know, nothing big or anything.
You could tell two things from her 40-minute lecture: a) that she was speaking more or less directly from the book she was hocking for $28 at the same time, and b) that she knows a fuckton more than she was letting on. She must seriously have an IQ of 200 or something. My friend asked her about the threat that Iran poses, and she did all but laugh. And then added, “A dirty bomb is far easier, cheaper, and likely.” Then we shook her hand and went on our merry way.
The conference as a whole was fairly informative, however, some uberegotistical toady from broadcast media gave the closing address two days later, and I wanted to vomit all over his tasseled loafers. The tripe he spewed about media being a product (call me an optimist, but I’m in favor of it being a public service) was canceled out, fortunately, by the wit and wisdom of Adam Goldstein of the Student Press Law Center, in his evaluations of the state of student media today. But that’s another story.
My First Political Donation
I gave the Obama campaign $30 last night. Since I didn’t vote in the primary (because I didn’t want to have to declare a political party) I guess this means I’ve officially jumped aboard the Obama train. Wooo-woooooooo!
I Am A Poet Fellow!
Oh, the lols, the scams, the leatherette ersatz gold pin and case! Artistry never looked so tacky.
| Office of the Publisher Poetry Division London, U.K. |
|
4 March, 2008
|
Dear Krasnaya Ekra,
Recently, I was discussing the appointment of last year’s Poet Fellows with various editors, colleagues, and publishers. The Poet Fellowship is an elite group of international writers who share a common passion for writing. In recent years, the number of Poet Fellows has grown with members from all over the world. It started in London and then quickly spread to New York, Paris, and Venice . . . and now its members literally circle the globe.
It is with great enthusiasm that I am officially inviting you to join this legendary group as a Poet Fellow for 2007. This is a marvelous opportunity for you to finally join the upper echelon of poets and writers. This will be your final chance to accept this prestigious offer.
 |
To commemorate your status as a Poet Fellow for 2007, we would like to offer you one of the Poet Fellow Pins at the membership price of $59.95/£29.53. This gold pin is worn by members around the world, and it is recognized as a symbol of excellence. Not only does the honour of wearing the Poet Fellow Pin bring a high level of respect in the poetic community, it was also designed by one of the premiere jewelry artists, Samantha Higgins, who has been in the business of crafting symbolic jewelry pieces for over twenty years. Her meticulous craftsmanship is highlighted in the elaborate design and exceptional detail of each piece of jewelry. Samantha Higgins used this same care and precision when she created the Poet Fellow Pin. This striking jewelry piece has the official Noble House emblem set with 24-karat gold. It is truly a masterpiece that honours your outstanding and well-deserved accomplishments.
This stunning pin comes with a Certificate of Authenticity attesting to its Limited Edition status. It is formally presented in a striking, dark brown “leather” display case. Just imagine the sense of gratification you will feel when others see this exquisite pin honouring your poetic accomplishments. What an impressive way to show off your status as an elite member of the Poet Fellowship!
Amelia, I was extremely delighted with your work, and I feel you deserve this type of recognition. Many people write poetry for years and never obtain the level of artistry that is present in your work. You should be very proud of your accomplishment. We encourage you to keep striving to be the best and leading your local writing community by example. When you proudly wear your pin, you will be recognized the world over as an elite poet with an undying passion for poetry. This will be your last chance to receive your 2007 Poet Fellow Pin. You don’t want to have to wait another year to join the upper echelon of poets, so act now!
Go here to accept your Poet Fellow nomination and acquire your pin.
Sincerely,
Nigel Hillary
Publisher, Poetry Division – Noble House U.K.
I’m cured!
Not really. But at least I have another theory about my piss-poor short term memory.
“Defects in working memory — the brain’s temporary storage bin — may explain why one child cannot read her history book and another gets lost in algebra, new research suggests.”
Okay. I can buy that. My brain kind of overwrites things as I go. Especially with numbers and lists of things. If I don’t repeat something back to myself in three seconds or less, it’s like you never told me at all.
“While he is not sure working memory can be expanded, Levine said children can be taught ways to function better in school. For the girl with the reading problem, Levine’s solution was for her to own a set of school books so she could underline key points when she reads. Then she can read those points into a digital tape recorder and play them back.”
Now that wouldn’t work at all. Everything would just overwrite again. But contrary to what the article says about the link between working memory and ADHD, one doesn’t mean the other. And I am more than capable of sitting down for hours and hours, digesting books and homework. Some things take longer, but my hypothalamus is still puttering along.
Whee! Primary!
I chuckled at this political cartoon, but I’m not sure that Bill is Hill’s ball-and-chain. People still really like him, and people hate Hillary more than they hate him. Two peas in a pod, eh? Besides, she probably cut a deal with him back in the day – “I stand by your philandering ass, and you help me win the presidency.” And he holds more strings in the Democratic Party than she does anyway.
In any case, I’m climbing aboard the Obama train. Woooo-woooo!
