Good or Bad?

With today being the Martin Luther King Jr. official holiday, many folks will be writing specifically about him and his very strong significance in history.   I cannot add much of interest to that.  He was a very important and valuable figure.  He did work that was enormously positive.  On a friend's blog I lamented how he and several other folks who have come to define major national and global events in the 1960s.... and that at that time, there felt like a purpose and a hope for the future.  I also commented on how back in the 1960s I would never have thought our society would then have brought forth political "leaders" such as Reagan in the 1980s and our current Trump eras.  It is shocking and sad.

However, what I thought I would comment on a bit is how art can sometimes be viewed in contexts by different people in ways that I suspect artists may not have intended.  Three cases in point in song come to mind:

Abraham, Martin & John - This song, a tribute of sorts about good men who were assassinated because of their work.  This song is one that easily harkens one back to the feelings of hope and promise that many of us felt in the 1960s and juxtaposes how harsh things can be and are as well.  

The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald - This song, another song about an historical tragedy.... the destruction and sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald is a strong song that can bring forth tremendous emotions and remembrance.  

Ohio - This song, about the deaths of four Kent State University students on May 4th, 1970 also is about a horrific even of the era.  The emotions this song can evoke is also profound.  

The above three songs are exceedingly well known (at least by a certain age demographic) and each has exerted influence on a whole lot of folks, myself included.  And, at least for ME, I find each of these songs to be poignant reminders of good (the good leaders, the hard working folks, the protestors) and bad (their tragic deaths).  

But, what I also try to grapple with is that there have been many who denigrate the art of the three songs (as examples of many such things) as being in "poor taste" or in being "money grabs" because each song was a commercial success.  

While I can somewhat understand the ideas that some put forth that these songs did to some degree each "capitalize" on these very tragic events, I am much more of the opinion that each of these songs (and hell... art in general) was created to allow the artist to express his emotions about horrors that moved each of them.  To me, the better way to view these songs (and similar other types of art) is that each one is.... like any art in general.... a way for a person to communicate their thoughts and ideas and emotions.... with the hope of sharing these ideas with others.  

It is with this view that I listen to the above songs... I hear the musician's pain and emotion.... I can feel that pain and emotion again myself over the events when I hear these songs.  I see the songs as art, and as art about history... and at least for me, I cannot see these songs as anything but good.  

PipeTobacco 

Hoof & Mouth

The beautiful pipe I spoke of a couple of days ago has still been on my mind.  To me, it is exquisitely beautiful, in a rather artistic way.  I also think that it would be an absolutely wonderful smoking pipe as well.  It would be too damn foolish of me to actually buy the beautiful beast, as it is ~ $175 in price. So, I end up just sitting around, dreaming about it.  

I have not bought a new pipe in a helluva long time.  Well, actually….. I am closing in on what I think now is damn near eight full years (or is it nine?) (I will have to figure it out ) that I sadly laid down my pipes.  It seems like an eternity.  And, I know it was many years even before that sad day.... when I had purchased a brand-damn-new pipe.... because I already have so many.  

But, the one above..... I don't know..... it is a head turner for certain.

* * * * *

My heel-focused form of plantar fasciitis has been more stubborn and aggravating to get rid of than it was when I had a brief bout of it in my other foot. On my other foot it was primarily located in my foot's arch. 

What I figured out from experience, and confirmed while reading.... was that I could alleviate the pain and discomfort by programmed stretching.  But, no amount of stretching I have been doing every day seemed to permanently eliminate the discomfort.  I would go to bed hopeful, because I was pain free... but in the morning, the first steps would be AGONY.  It was getting me worried.... for I would have walk through the pain for 15-20 minutes to get it to reduce to a bearable level…. and then it would dissipate through the day.   It felt so illogical and painful.  

My earlier plantar fasciitis (in my other foot) went away quickly with adequate stretching. BUT.... apparently especially in the heel region, what can happen is that the tendonous area that is inflamed will naturally SHORTEN naturally while you sleep because when we sleep, we naturally point out toes (a movement called plantarflexsion).  Plantarflexion then results in the tissues healing in a more shortened length and upon awakening the region is stiff and can be painful….. and this causes a viscous cycle of ne inflammation.  This is NOT an issue when your plantar fasciitis is in the arch region.  

Yesterday, in the mail, I received what is called a pair of "night splints" that can be used to force the foot to maintain a position opposite that of plantarflexion  (called dorsiflexion).   I wore these devices when I went to sleep last night, and while not comfortable, it was not bad.  I COULD feel my foot with the plantar fasciitis, however, struggle a bit, and it felt sore having its heel stretched.  I slept in them until ~3:30, when I had to get up to go to the bathroom.  I took them off to walk to the bathroom, and the pain was dramatically reduced.  But I was so groggy that when I got to bed, I just went back to sleep without putting on all the various straps to the devices.  In the morning when I got up for the regular day, I could feel that my heel region had tightened some, so I think for this to work, I have to be more persistent.

But.... I am thankful that it appears I am on the right track now! From what I have read, perhaps in 2-3 weeks of this, I should be back to normal.

PipeTobacco   

Wind Chill

This morning, we are experiencing a wind chill temperature of -12 F (~ -24 C).  It is brisk to say the least.  The actual temperature was 6 F (~ -14C).  I decided to wear long underwear this morning under my normal professorial attire.  It will be helpful going between the several buildings today at the U.  I hope I do not get too warm in my actual classes, however.  It will also be useful for travel to the Retiree's Cigar Group as I park considerably far away in a zone that has 4 hours of free parking, instead of searching for an occasionally open 1 hour free parking spot (too short of a time to spend at the shop) or feeding quarters into the meters (which only allow a 1 hour supply to be added at a time).  I suppose I could fuss around and download, learn, and then use that community's "parking meter app" (I dislike that word, "app" as you know) so I could do it from my phone..... but the "gizmo-ey-ness" of it does not seem worth it.... when.... instead of paying..... I can walk farther and park for free.  It is only a few blocks.  Today, with the bitterness.... I may end up feeling a different solution might have been better.... but.... it is what I will do.  

The pipe I showed on my post yesterday.... I actually do not HAVE that particular pipe.  But, it is one I have been eyeing quite a bit the last several days as I window-shop (online) the various pipe shops.  It is a damn attractive beast, and I have a bit of an itch to want to buy it.  But, I keep reconvincing myself that it would be a superfluous, silly purchase for me.  

I am going to work with my flies and rodents now before heading to my classes.  And, as soon as I get out of class this mid-afternoon, I am traversing the land to the shop to HOPEFULLY see at least one or two of the guys in the group.  I hope so anyway.  

Addendum.... I am not sure what character the cartoon figure is that I chose to post atop of this post.  If anyone has a clue, please let me know.  I selected that image to correlate with the "wind chill" discussion.  

PipeTobacco

The "Hunger From Within"

Tomorrow is the day I go to attend the Retiree's Cigar Group.... and I am truly looking forward to it.... although I am going to arrive later than I would like due to this semester's schedule... and I am not sure who, if any will be there.  I HOPE at LEAST one or two of the gang are still hanging around so I can chat with them.  We shall see, however.  I know SOME of the fellows will have already left, which is sad, but understandable.  Retirees LIKE their plans and schedules.  I am only a "Apprentice Retiree" in the group.... and I regrettably cannot get there at the optimum time this semester.  

But, even though I have this event to look forward to tomorrow.... it does not quell nor dissipate the desire I have for a pipe.  When I DID indulge in a bowl of pipe tobacco back at my Dad's 102nd birthday.... the pipe was profoundly beautiful and actually quite hard to describe.... at least to describe ADEQUATELY.  Most folks would (perhaps) logically presume a cigar and a pipe are pretty much the same damn thing.  But, I can attest that this is not the case.  Please do not get me wrong..... I have grown to appreciate a cigar from being in the Retiree's Cigar Group.  But.... a cigar is really of little or no consequence when it is compared to a pipe.  I do not know how to explain it, as I cannot actually figure it out myself.  I just "know" it is true... at least for me.

Why am I bringing this up now?  Well.... the "hunger from within" for a pipe never actually abates.  But... in the ebbing-and-flowing of time it does undulate some.  Since this past Saturday, and even more elevated beginning this Monday.... the desire for a pipe had moved into a deeply strong position in my mind.  As you all know, I have smoked a pipe for a very long time….. since I was just a kid in fact.  But, a part of why I am again in the midst of an especially strong missing for the pipe is that it may be the association I had formed as a young, wet-behind-the ears prof long, long ago when I would be extremely nervous and jittery before heading off to class to expound on whatever subject I was teaching.  I remember how exquisite it was at the conclusion of lecturing for the day, where I would go back to my office, pack a bowl of whichever pipe struck my fancy, and just relax from the day.... and indulge fully and completely in that pipe.  It was so beyond beautiful.  It was akin to a celebratory hug that I would give myself for successfully surviving another (new for me then) day of teaching.   The celebratory nature of the pipe never left me.... even though I am no longer flummoxed or worried about being able to be successful in my lectures anymore.  At the start of this semester, I am feeling the loss of that “hug”.  

But, the beauty of that rewarding delight which is found in the bowl of my pipe.... that has been consistent and perpetual.  

PipeTobacco

Probably Should Have....

 

I probably should have talked a bit yesterday about why I have been absent for a bit:

• Not really much interesting to tell, however.
• I felt quite "low" emotionally during much of last week from a variety of concerns.
• I did continue to run (by brute force of will on myself..... not that I was enthused about running last week)
• I spent far too damn much time on the computer, adjusting dates for LMS's of my five classes (yes, Pat asked if I have five actual classes this semester..... yes...... FIVE.... two of which have laboratory sections as well.  But.... one is a seminar (which is really just a group discussion), so there is not much planning for that one.  A reminder in case you forgot.... an LMS is a "learning management system" which is "1984-speak" for an "electronic classroom" or even better stated.... a STORAGE SPOT... for STUFF for a course.  

I think I hit a bit of a rebound in my emotions when I went to my sister's 50th Anniversary Party on Friday of last week.  She married very early in life, whereas I married  considerably later (as is somewhat the norm for prof-types) .  It was very enjoyable.  It was great seeing a lot of my extended family.  There was wonderful buffet food.... I made a truly HUGE salad (to be honest, I had two full dinner plates of salad), had a full plate of very good cooked vegetables (a medley of all sorts of things including zuchinni and summer squash and a bunch more), and two Chicken breasts in a Cacciatore-style sauce..... Cacciatore is a rustic Italian dish with tomatoes, onions, lots of herbs, bell peppers, mushrooms, and wine infused into a chunky sauce.  

Over the course of the long evening, I also allowed myself to indulge in three (yes.... THREE) delightful gin-and-tonics.  I think it has been at least four years, perhaps five since I had a gin-and-tonic.  

Saturday morning, I felt tremendously better emotionally.  And, the weekend turned out to be very nice overall as a result!  

PipeTobacco

Audio Books

Perhaps I am a "luddite" (I am not sure, I never thought so).  Or perhaps I am just simultaneously HESITANT and STUBBORN (I probably am both of those.... maybe... I guess.).   But, I have never really chosen to listen to a "Book-on-Tape" (an Audiobook).  Part of me thought I would rather READ the book than hear it.  Part of me did not want to pay for a service like "Audible.com".

But, times change I guess.  Haha.... actually, the following situations have changed:

• I have grown tired of too much "news" such as it is.  Even my beloved NPR is getting rather damn repetitive in terms of repeating the same thing over-and-over..... and it too is (probably a cost cutting move due to the US administration decimating their funding) becoming overly "pundit-y" focused.  
• And, even though I love listening to my NPR Classical Music Feed and my NPR Jazz Feed, and my host of stations on Pandora for music..... I cannot ALWAYS be listening to JUST music.  
• But then..... "Hoopla" came into my life.  Hoopla is an "app" (I really do not like that term.... I prefer "application" or better yet, "a program") that allows you to check out books from your public library in an e-Book format (that is only "ok" because I prefer to read on real paper as opposed to a screen)...... BUT.... also (I came to realize) a huge array of AUDIOBOOKS....... FOR FREE!  I had been checking out eBooks to read occasionally, and even checked out an album of music.... but never noticed nor thought about an audiobook.... until Saturday.
• On Saturday, I was glancing through Hoopla's "card catalogue" of my public library.... and saw the wonderful book/biography about Hemingway that is pictured above.  I was enthralled, as I had not seen that book before, and I am an ardent fan of Hemingway and especially Hemingway biographies (I have ~50+ in my own collection.... most all of which were collected long, long ago while in graduate school at used book stores in the vicinity).   
• But then..... my heart sank..... it was a damn AUDIOBOOK.  And, I could feel my face visibly grimace.  
• After looking around in Hoopla quite unsuccessfully to see if I could find an eBook copy at my library, I said in my mind, "What the hell?  It is FREE to check out.  I will probably hate it, but I can give it a try."
• But, as much as I do not want to admit it...... I am REALLY enjoying this book as an audiobook!  I have listened to it using headphones (to not disturb my wife) before bed, and I have been listening to it in my truck, and I even hooked my phone up to the "gizmo-ey" bluetooth speaker I have in my lab so I could listen there today!  

I am not sure if this will be a permanent affection, or if the joy of it will be only for this specific book.  But, I am thinking I MIGHT have found a new, enjoyable venue for me.  

The book is "Ernest Hemingway: Artifacts from a Life"

PipeTobacco

RCG

I am working diligently in my office at the U so that I can finalize date adjustments and THEN print out hard copies of my syllabi, due dates, and other paperwork so I can build my semester's notebooks that I carry for each class to the rooms I teach in.  In these notebooks I have:

• Printed and slid in the 3-ring binder's front cover (replacing the blue sheet show in the image) a page that titles the course, has the photographic image of the historical figure atop of the syllabus for the course, and my name and contact information in case I leave the notebook/binder somewhere.
• Printed and slid in the 3-ring binder's spine (again replacing the blue spine in the above) a listing of the course so that I can easily locate the specific binder when it is on my office bookshelf
• Printed and slide in the 3-ring binder's back cover, an abbreviated listing of week-by-week topics I am supposed to be hitting in my lecture and a listing of exam dates.
• Inside the binder..... a copy of the full syllabus
• Inside the binder.... a copy of the full listing of due dates for every assignment
• Inside the binder..... for courses that have a laboratory component as well..... the laboratory syllabus
•  Inside the binder.... a three-ring, zippered "pencil holder" that contains a pen, a pencil, five different dry-erase markers (black, red, blue, green, purple), a "Post-It" pad to jot down notes from student inquiries before and after class, a replacement "AAA" battery for my "gizmo-ey" slide advancer/red dot pointer in case the one in the contraption loses power (I now have this "gizmo-ey" device which has replaced my old-school "antenna-style" pointers I used to use), and a flash drive with back-up copies of my PowerPoint slides in case the U's LMS goes on the fritz (happens occasionally) and the LMS files of my "electronic classroom" are not accessible when I get to class. 

With the above.... I will have created 5 different binders…. one for each of my courses for the upcoming semester.  This then allows me to simply "grab-and-go" a notebook/binder and scoot off to whichever lecture hall I need to be at for a given class.  

* * * * *

• Running was happily uneventful this morning.  I am thinking I am FINALLY (knock-on-wood) through the recovery of the heel pain (an offshoot of the plantar fasciitis) issue I had been grappling with.   
• Because New Year's Day is on Thursday, this has impacted the Retiree's Cigar Group.  The shop is sadly CLOSED on Thursday.  However, I saw my friend at Mass on Saturday, and he told me that at the group last Friday (the one I very sadly missed due to the ice storm.... but THEY DID MEET, and I was sadly foolish to not have gone it seems) that they would again convene the Retiree's Cigar Group on FRIDAY this week too, to compensate for the closure on Thursday.  So, I have that to look forward to.  
• Not attending the group last Friday has been gnawing at me a bit after he told me that most of the guys did go even with the storm.  I am not sure yet if I will... but I have been contemplating seeing if I could head over there TODAY for a sort of "after Christmas gift" to myself and spend a part of the afternoon there.  IF I do go, I have a bit of a plan... if any of the regulars happen to be there, I would allow myself a cigar.  If none of the regulars are about... I am also taking a pipe and pouch with me which I MAY indulge in instead.   Actually, I am not even sure if I will head that way or not.... depends on what I get done here over the next while.  BUT, if I do grant myself this bit of an "after Christmas gift" that is the plan I may allow myself.  

PipeTobacco