K.A. Laity's Blog, page 139
November 28, 2011
Know-vember: Peg Aloi
My movie buddy! Peg and I have seen a lot of movies together, good and bad -- and have often argued about which was which (hee)! Peg is also a writer and academic as well as an amazing cook and baker (mmmm, deliciousness). I haven't gone to the movies yet in Galway, surprisingly. The good theatre is a bus ride away (I may eventually rent a bike), but I think part of it is not having someone to go to movies with in the middle of the afternoon (AKA the best time). Miss you, Peg! Hope you can make it over here :-)
1. What's the first thing you do upon waking in the morning?
Nudge the dog to get off the bed.
2. What's a song you might be persuaded to dance to?
Was enjoying "Get Down Tonight" by KC and Sunshine Band at the dentist's office today...but I like to dance and to all kinds of music, generally.
3. Where in the world do you live?
Albany, New York.
4. What's a great night out for you?
Great food and drinks with friends, a film premiere, a super hot play ticket in London or New York, a walk along a sparkling city street, sitting in chairs beneath a starry sky in the country, a bonfire, I am easy.
5. What's a great night in?
Steak and a TV marathon of The Tudors...or having friends over for food and drinks.
6. If you were offered an all expenses paid trip anywhere in the world, where would you go?
Good question...probably Paris.
7. What book do you wish everyone would read so you could talk about it?
The Children's Book by A. S. Byatt, or Harvest Home by Thomas Tryon.
8. What movie makes you cry?
The ones where sad things happen. [Ed: hahahahahaha]
9. What makes you laugh?
The Colbert Report, at the moment.
10. Are there fairies at the bottom of your garden?
I should hope so.
1. What's the first thing you do upon waking in the morning?
Nudge the dog to get off the bed.
2. What's a song you might be persuaded to dance to?
Was enjoying "Get Down Tonight" by KC and Sunshine Band at the dentist's office today...but I like to dance and to all kinds of music, generally.
3. Where in the world do you live?
Albany, New York.
4. What's a great night out for you?
Great food and drinks with friends, a film premiere, a super hot play ticket in London or New York, a walk along a sparkling city street, sitting in chairs beneath a starry sky in the country, a bonfire, I am easy.
5. What's a great night in?
Steak and a TV marathon of The Tudors...or having friends over for food and drinks.
6. If you were offered an all expenses paid trip anywhere in the world, where would you go?
Good question...probably Paris.
7. What book do you wish everyone would read so you could talk about it?
The Children's Book by A. S. Byatt, or Harvest Home by Thomas Tryon.
8. What movie makes you cry?
The ones where sad things happen. [Ed: hahahahahaha]
9. What makes you laugh?
The Colbert Report, at the moment.
10. Are there fairies at the bottom of your garden?
I should hope so.
November 27, 2011
Know-vember: Dana Gravesen
The days are just packed, to steal a phrase from Calvin and Hobbes! No sooner does Dana compliment me on the fun to be had in Know-vember than I strong-arm him into answering my devious questions. And now they're up -- BAM. Serves him right! I first knew Dana as a snot-nosed thirteen-year-old on the Horror in Film and Literature List. He's now a doctoral student. How awesome is that? Damn. From New York City to Iowa no less, but he's one of those folks who bloom wherever they're planted. Well done, you! We need to drink more martinis together, young man.
1. What's the first thing you do upon waking in the morning?
Nicely
ask Alley (my cat) to stop chewing on my hair. [Ed: Kipper chews my hair too! I miss him :-( waah!] Then I hit the snooze
button 10 times. Then panic about what day it is and what needs to be
done. Then I hit the snooze button 5 times. Then I put coffee on to
percolate while I smoke 2 cigarettes outside.
2. What's a song you might be persuaded to dance to?
There are so very many. But dancing for me usually requires a bit of
"lubrication." The excellent thing is that I can dance to Slayer and
Rihanna on the same evening at the local gay bar. "Rude Boy" is my
favorite.
3. Where in the world do you live?
Iowa City, Iowa
USA. It's a town dominated by the University of Iowa, but it has a few
charming elements like good restaurants, the Pioneer Food Co-op, and
shirtless jock neighbors who like to leave their blinds open 24/7.
4. What's a great night out for you?
A couple of good friends at a restaurant or tavern. I'm more of a
stay-at-home kind of gal and usually get irritable or quickly exhausted
with late nights out.
5. What's a great night in?
Alley on my lap, the couch, boxed wine, and Roseanne.
6. If you were offered an all expenses paid trip anywhere in the world, where would you go?
Hong Kong. I'm a huge fan of Hong Kong cinema and I absolutely love
exploring super-metropolises. Plus I have a lot of friends who grew up
in Hong Kong and could show me the ropes. My second and third choices
would be Copenhagen (I'm part Danish) or to return to Belize.
7. What book do you wish everyone would read so you could talk about it?
Any of Maupin's first six in the Tales of the City series. [Ed: Love those! In my novel Owl Stretching, the dead cat is named Mr Tolliver]
8. What movie makes you cry?
A couple of years ago my answer to this would be the following Simpsons
quote: "This is where the tears would be if I could cry! But I can't.
Botched facelift." I never used to cry at films. But the first film to
ever make me cry was The Bridges of Madison County. I threw the book
across the room but thoroughly enjoy the film (Go Iowa!). Truth be told,
the first movie to ever make me cry was Bird on a Wire with Mel Gibson
and Goldie Hawn. I was 8 years-old when it was released and I forced my
mother to take me to the lobby during the final "zoo" sequence because I
didn't want to see any animals get hurt.
9. What makes you laugh?
Witty friends and drag queens.
10. Are there fairies at the bottom of your garden?
No, but there are often fairies smoking with me on my stoop.
Thank you, you're beautiful!
1. What's the first thing you do upon waking in the morning?
Nicely
ask Alley (my cat) to stop chewing on my hair. [Ed: Kipper chews my hair too! I miss him :-( waah!] Then I hit the snooze
button 10 times. Then panic about what day it is and what needs to be
done. Then I hit the snooze button 5 times. Then I put coffee on to
percolate while I smoke 2 cigarettes outside.
2. What's a song you might be persuaded to dance to?
There are so very many. But dancing for me usually requires a bit of
"lubrication." The excellent thing is that I can dance to Slayer and
Rihanna on the same evening at the local gay bar. "Rude Boy" is my
favorite.
3. Where in the world do you live?
Iowa City, Iowa
USA. It's a town dominated by the University of Iowa, but it has a few
charming elements like good restaurants, the Pioneer Food Co-op, and
shirtless jock neighbors who like to leave their blinds open 24/7.
4. What's a great night out for you?
A couple of good friends at a restaurant or tavern. I'm more of a
stay-at-home kind of gal and usually get irritable or quickly exhausted
with late nights out.
5. What's a great night in?
Alley on my lap, the couch, boxed wine, and Roseanne.
6. If you were offered an all expenses paid trip anywhere in the world, where would you go?
Hong Kong. I'm a huge fan of Hong Kong cinema and I absolutely love
exploring super-metropolises. Plus I have a lot of friends who grew up
in Hong Kong and could show me the ropes. My second and third choices
would be Copenhagen (I'm part Danish) or to return to Belize.
7. What book do you wish everyone would read so you could talk about it?
Any of Maupin's first six in the Tales of the City series. [Ed: Love those! In my novel Owl Stretching, the dead cat is named Mr Tolliver]
8. What movie makes you cry?
A couple of years ago my answer to this would be the following Simpsons
quote: "This is where the tears would be if I could cry! But I can't.
Botched facelift." I never used to cry at films. But the first film to
ever make me cry was The Bridges of Madison County. I threw the book
across the room but thoroughly enjoy the film (Go Iowa!). Truth be told,
the first movie to ever make me cry was Bird on a Wire with Mel Gibson
and Goldie Hawn. I was 8 years-old when it was released and I forced my
mother to take me to the lobby during the final "zoo" sequence because I
didn't want to see any animals get hurt.
9. What makes you laugh?
Witty friends and drag queens.
10. Are there fairies at the bottom of your garden?
No, but there are often fairies smoking with me on my stoop.
Thank you, you're beautiful!
November 26, 2011
Know-vember: Alessandra
The lovely poet of Rome, monarch of Pandemonium, translator extraordinaire and jester full of sprezzatura -- yes, it's La Bava! How she brightens my days simply by being her extraordinary self. She was my hostess in Rome who took me to all the dazzling sights and fed me the very finest food, most of it at her own table along with her handsome son, the knight Eduardo, and the delightful royal taster, Ghibli the dalmation. You must see some of her fabulous poetry and why not check out her devoted partner John, who took this lovely photo of Ale during their holiday in Umbria, Lazio & Tuscany.
1. What's the first thing you do upon waking in the morning?
I curse the alarm clock since it's usually 5.30 am, then I shower, I get dressed and at that point I am in dire need of coffee. Not to mention the fact that there is a hairy mister wagging its tail demanding to be fed!
2. What's a song you might be persuaded to dance to?
No song in particular, rather the disco dance of the Seventies.
3. Where in the world do you live?
In the most charming spot of the planet. A place also known as the Eternal City.
4. What's a great night out for you?
A happy hour or dinner out somewhere in the center with the people I love and/or with friends.
5. What's a great night in?
Excellent food and wine, a movie and fireworks in the pink room.
6. If you were offered an all expenses paid trip anywhere in the world, where would you go?
I would head to St. Petersburg, Moscow and the Article Circle to experience the Aurora Borealis. Japan and Patagonia would be next on my wish list.
7. What book do you wish everyone would read so you could talk about it?
Any of Dostoevsky's works. It's one of the authors whose entire works I have read and re-read over the last 30 years.
8. What movie makes you cry?
Many do. Bright Star, to name one. But, Million Dollar Baby is the movie that really had me cry my heart out.
9. What makes you laugh?
Witticism of any kind and my dalmatian -- he is a comedian in disguise. By the way, John and I laugh ALL the time! [Ed: I am unsurprised ;-)]
10. Are there fairies at the bottom of your garden?
Of course! But, the malicious house kobold is the sprite I am more fond of.
Thank you, my dear!
1. What's the first thing you do upon waking in the morning?
I curse the alarm clock since it's usually 5.30 am, then I shower, I get dressed and at that point I am in dire need of coffee. Not to mention the fact that there is a hairy mister wagging its tail demanding to be fed!
2. What's a song you might be persuaded to dance to?
No song in particular, rather the disco dance of the Seventies.
3. Where in the world do you live?
In the most charming spot of the planet. A place also known as the Eternal City.
4. What's a great night out for you?
A happy hour or dinner out somewhere in the center with the people I love and/or with friends.
5. What's a great night in?
Excellent food and wine, a movie and fireworks in the pink room.
6. If you were offered an all expenses paid trip anywhere in the world, where would you go?
I would head to St. Petersburg, Moscow and the Article Circle to experience the Aurora Borealis. Japan and Patagonia would be next on my wish list.
7. What book do you wish everyone would read so you could talk about it?
Any of Dostoevsky's works. It's one of the authors whose entire works I have read and re-read over the last 30 years.
8. What movie makes you cry?
Many do. Bright Star, to name one. But, Million Dollar Baby is the movie that really had me cry my heart out.
9. What makes you laugh?
Witticism of any kind and my dalmatian -- he is a comedian in disguise. By the way, John and I laugh ALL the time! [Ed: I am unsurprised ;-)]
10. Are there fairies at the bottom of your garden?
Of course! But, the malicious house kobold is the sprite I am more fond of.
Thank you, my dear!
November 25, 2011
Know-vember: Chloë
What is more awesome than awesome? It has to be the lovely Chloë! She sent me absinthe chocolates. That would already make her more awesome than awesome, but she's also hilarious and has adorable Maudie to help with the awesomeness, too. We finally got to meet in Derby this year at Alt.Fiction after having lots of laughs on line. Not surprisingly, we had lots of laughs in person too. How awesome is that? Very awesome! Like Chloë. Here she is with a ladybird hat & Mr Y.
1. What's the first thing you do upon waking in the morning?
Think "oh fuck, not this again" and then get a kick in the head from
Maud the dog who objects to me being compos mentis as it generally
involves me moving and disturbing her.
2. What's a song you might be persuaded to dance to?
I could probably be persuaded to dance to anything because I'm easily
led, let's get that clear early on – and I'm especially easy once I've
had a few, ahem, blackcurrant cordials. I have a fond memory of dancing
in a student night club to "I Touch Myself" by the Divinyls and putting
the fear of god into the tiny student girls and boys (I was a "mature"
student) with my earthy hip movements … Nowt better than scaring the
children.
3. Where in the world do you live?
Fribourg, Switzerland. It's the city that all the other Swiss cities
look down on. And they shouldn't because Fribourg is shiny. As long as
you don't mind life at a molasses slow pace and occasionally being bored
titless.
4. What's a great night out for you?
Unexpected nights out - ones that are organised last minute or when you
think to yourself, "This is going to be average, so I'll just have a
couple and then get an early night" only to wind up crawling home, full
of Jägermeister or some other deadly concoction at three in the morning.
Which makes me sound like a lush ... okay, I confess. In truth, the
best nights are the ones where you can relax and talk to the people
around you and not feel awkward. That's all I really ask.
5. What's a great night in?
Me, Mr Y and a paddle. Not that kind of paddle either. Ain't no creeks round here.
6. If you were offered an all expenses paid trip anywhere in the world, where would you go?
India. It has been a constant desire since I was about 6 years old. I
want to see as many Ganeshas as I possibly can, see the full moon light
up the Taj Mahal, breathe in the air of the Himalayas, sink my toes
into a beach in Kerala, launch a lamp onto the Ganges at dusk for my
Grandfather, and to witness New Delhi – amongst a catalogue of other
things. I also have a hankering to see Canada (and to meet Isa and
catch up with my pal Shelley) and to see the Aurora Borealis in Iceland
(especially now as they should be at a peak for the next year or two).
Can I have one of those round-the-world-many-stop-ticket thingies
please? [Ed: yes, and me too so I can go as well.]
7. What book do you wish everyone would read so you could talk about it?
Vegan Freak: Being Vegan in a Non-Vegan World by Bob and Jenna Torres.
8. What movie makes you cry?
Oh lordy, I am a sap when it comes to movies. In real life, I'm not much
of a crier, but the movies can manipulate the crapola outta me and I'll
fall for it every time. I've never seen all of ET, just can't do it,
can't even watch clips of it. Out of Africa nearly killed three
generations of the women in my family when I watched it with my mum and
grandmother. And then there was Reservoir Dogs. I had an immense crush
on Harvey Keitel for a very long time and I thought he was beautiful
when he was trying to keep Mr Orange alive. I bawled like a baby and
everyone looked at me like I was crazy. They may have had a point.
9. What makes you laugh?
Odd things. Mr Y can make me laugh like a donkey – he's got a mainline
to my funny bone and I couldn't even explain why most of the time. I
love Mighty Boosh and The IT Crowd, and a cornucopia of other tv stuff,
but I have to confess to a penchant for Jackass. I know it's wrong on so
many levels but watching a man snort wasabi and then retching
inexplicably tickles my funny bone. I can't lie to you; I'm clearly a
base and desolate creature.
10. Are there fairies at the bottom of your garden?
I used to talk to the ones at the bottom of the garden of the house
where I grew up. I had my own little plot at the back of the shed where
all I grew was a climbing white rose because that was all they wanted. I
spent many happy hours there.
Thank you, ma'am. You are a delight.
1. What's the first thing you do upon waking in the morning?
Think "oh fuck, not this again" and then get a kick in the head from
Maud the dog who objects to me being compos mentis as it generally
involves me moving and disturbing her.
2. What's a song you might be persuaded to dance to?
I could probably be persuaded to dance to anything because I'm easily
led, let's get that clear early on – and I'm especially easy once I've
had a few, ahem, blackcurrant cordials. I have a fond memory of dancing
in a student night club to "I Touch Myself" by the Divinyls and putting
the fear of god into the tiny student girls and boys (I was a "mature"
student) with my earthy hip movements … Nowt better than scaring the
children.
3. Where in the world do you live?
Fribourg, Switzerland. It's the city that all the other Swiss cities
look down on. And they shouldn't because Fribourg is shiny. As long as
you don't mind life at a molasses slow pace and occasionally being bored
titless.
4. What's a great night out for you?
Unexpected nights out - ones that are organised last minute or when you
think to yourself, "This is going to be average, so I'll just have a
couple and then get an early night" only to wind up crawling home, full
of Jägermeister or some other deadly concoction at three in the morning.
Which makes me sound like a lush ... okay, I confess. In truth, the
best nights are the ones where you can relax and talk to the people
around you and not feel awkward. That's all I really ask.
5. What's a great night in?
Me, Mr Y and a paddle. Not that kind of paddle either. Ain't no creeks round here.
6. If you were offered an all expenses paid trip anywhere in the world, where would you go?
India. It has been a constant desire since I was about 6 years old. I
want to see as many Ganeshas as I possibly can, see the full moon light
up the Taj Mahal, breathe in the air of the Himalayas, sink my toes
into a beach in Kerala, launch a lamp onto the Ganges at dusk for my
Grandfather, and to witness New Delhi – amongst a catalogue of other
things. I also have a hankering to see Canada (and to meet Isa and
catch up with my pal Shelley) and to see the Aurora Borealis in Iceland
(especially now as they should be at a peak for the next year or two).
Can I have one of those round-the-world-many-stop-ticket thingies
please? [Ed: yes, and me too so I can go as well.]
7. What book do you wish everyone would read so you could talk about it?
Vegan Freak: Being Vegan in a Non-Vegan World by Bob and Jenna Torres.
8. What movie makes you cry?
Oh lordy, I am a sap when it comes to movies. In real life, I'm not much
of a crier, but the movies can manipulate the crapola outta me and I'll
fall for it every time. I've never seen all of ET, just can't do it,
can't even watch clips of it. Out of Africa nearly killed three
generations of the women in my family when I watched it with my mum and
grandmother. And then there was Reservoir Dogs. I had an immense crush
on Harvey Keitel for a very long time and I thought he was beautiful
when he was trying to keep Mr Orange alive. I bawled like a baby and
everyone looked at me like I was crazy. They may have had a point.
9. What makes you laugh?
Odd things. Mr Y can make me laugh like a donkey – he's got a mainline
to my funny bone and I couldn't even explain why most of the time. I
love Mighty Boosh and The IT Crowd, and a cornucopia of other tv stuff,
but I have to confess to a penchant for Jackass. I know it's wrong on so
many levels but watching a man snort wasabi and then retching
inexplicably tickles my funny bone. I can't lie to you; I'm clearly a
base and desolate creature.
10. Are there fairies at the bottom of your garden?
I used to talk to the ones at the bottom of the garden of the house
where I grew up. I had my own little plot at the back of the shed where
all I grew was a climbing white rose because that was all they wanted. I
spent many happy hours there.
Thank you, ma'am. You are a delight.
November 24, 2011
Know-vember: Mark Walker
In the States, today is Thanksgiving day; depending on who you ask it's either a day to commemorate when the Pilgrims survived the vagaries of New England despite their ignorance and arrogance with considerable help from some of the indigenous folks (who would come to regret that kindness), or it's a day to stuff yourself comatose with all kinds of foods and watch sporting events while ignoring endless family arguments.
Okay, it's also a day to show you're grateful and give thanks, so while I'm grateful for all the friends I'm featuring in Know-vember (and all the ones who didn't let me feature them here >_<) I am especially grateful for this friend. He's why I'll be going back to Scotland for my birthday and Xmas, too. Here's a very sweet picture of Mark with his son Allan.
1. What's the first thing you do upon waking in the morning?
I reach for you. If you are not there, I reach for my
phone and look for messages from you instead.
2. What's a song you might be persuaded to dance to?
I love to dance so will be quite happy to dance to pretty
much anything. Personal favourites include: Panic by The Smiths, ABBA's Dancing Queen and anything by The Fall. [Ed: smart man!]
3. Where in the world do you live?
I live in a little
house in Dundee, Scotland. It
looks a bit like Paddy's market in places but it's home and I like to think full
of love.
4. What's a great night out for you?
Good company, something nice to eat, a few drinks and some live
music. Pretty much the perfect evening.
5. What's a great night in?
A little drink perhaps. Nice cozy up on the sofa with a decent film
on the telly and a really nice cozy in bed just to finish the night.
6. If you were offered an all expenses paid trip anywhere in the world, where
would you go?
It's a tough call as there are quite a few places I would love to see. The
Great Lakes and Northern Scandinavia would be high up the list. If I had to
pick just one I would plump for Iceland. It just seems such an amazing place
and who knows I might just run into Björk.
7. What book do you wish everyone would read so you could talk about it?
It would be great if everyone was to read The Bridge by
Iain Banks. Then maybe just maybe one of you might be able to tell me what the
hell is going on. Other than that my wish would be simply that more people take
the chance to read.
8. What movie makes you cry?
Oh dear, this question should have a subtitle of 'guilty pleasures'; I
am a sucker for a RomCom. Bits of Notting Hill have been known to have the old
tear ducts in use. My god did I just admit to that? [Ed: yes, yes, you did o_O] ET had me in floods of
tears as did the child catcher in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.
9. What makes you laugh?
Ah, now we are talking. In no particular order as it would change
pretty much on a daily basis. The genius of Peter Cook, Tony Hancock, Sid James,
The Goons, The Goodies, Monty Python, Tommy Cooper, Eddie Izzard and Kenneth
Williams. Oh and of course, Steptoe and Son.
10. Are there fairies at the bottom of your garden?
Not any more as I have invited them all into the house along with the little
people.
Good plan :-) Thanks, sweetie.
Okay, it's also a day to show you're grateful and give thanks, so while I'm grateful for all the friends I'm featuring in Know-vember (and all the ones who didn't let me feature them here >_<) I am especially grateful for this friend. He's why I'll be going back to Scotland for my birthday and Xmas, too. Here's a very sweet picture of Mark with his son Allan.
1. What's the first thing you do upon waking in the morning?
I reach for you. If you are not there, I reach for my
phone and look for messages from you instead.
2. What's a song you might be persuaded to dance to?
I love to dance so will be quite happy to dance to pretty
much anything. Personal favourites include: Panic by The Smiths, ABBA's Dancing Queen and anything by The Fall. [Ed: smart man!]
3. Where in the world do you live?
I live in a little
house in Dundee, Scotland. It
looks a bit like Paddy's market in places but it's home and I like to think full
of love.
4. What's a great night out for you?
Good company, something nice to eat, a few drinks and some live
music. Pretty much the perfect evening.
5. What's a great night in?
A little drink perhaps. Nice cozy up on the sofa with a decent film
on the telly and a really nice cozy in bed just to finish the night.
6. If you were offered an all expenses paid trip anywhere in the world, where
would you go?
It's a tough call as there are quite a few places I would love to see. The
Great Lakes and Northern Scandinavia would be high up the list. If I had to
pick just one I would plump for Iceland. It just seems such an amazing place
and who knows I might just run into Björk.
7. What book do you wish everyone would read so you could talk about it?
It would be great if everyone was to read The Bridge by
Iain Banks. Then maybe just maybe one of you might be able to tell me what the
hell is going on. Other than that my wish would be simply that more people take
the chance to read.
8. What movie makes you cry?
Oh dear, this question should have a subtitle of 'guilty pleasures'; I
am a sucker for a RomCom. Bits of Notting Hill have been known to have the old
tear ducts in use. My god did I just admit to that? [Ed: yes, yes, you did o_O] ET had me in floods of
tears as did the child catcher in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.
9. What makes you laugh?
Ah, now we are talking. In no particular order as it would change
pretty much on a daily basis. The genius of Peter Cook, Tony Hancock, Sid James,
The Goons, The Goodies, Monty Python, Tommy Cooper, Eddie Izzard and Kenneth
Williams. Oh and of course, Steptoe and Son.
10. Are there fairies at the bottom of your garden?
Not any more as I have invited them all into the house along with the little
people.
Good plan :-) Thanks, sweetie.
November 23, 2011
Know-vember: Susan
Susan is the third of the Three Mothers with me and Mildred, Mater Suspiriorum. My cat Colette is buried in the backyard of her old house: that's the kind of friends we are. Small critters of all kinds know to trust her. Her home, consequently, is ruled by cats. Her home is an oasis for humans, too -- as long as they know the score. I love being there: kitties to cuddle, screened-in porch at night when it's cool for chatting and drinking, big screen tv for movies and friends who laugh along with Lost Skeleton of Cadavra and The Lost Skeleton Returns! The Three Mothers [plus significant others] Reunions are always a joyful respite. Here Susan is looking lovely at her niece's wedding along with her husband Ron (who's looking surprisingly calm and mayhem-free).
1. What's the first thing you do upon waking in the morning?
Pour myself a cup of coffee and feed the cats. I know, that's two things but they're done simultaneously. Five "starving" moggies wait for no woman (or coffee).
2. What's a song you might be persuaded to dance to?
Almost anything. I used to go dancing a lot and had a dance partner for a while when I was "young" with whom I danced in competitions.
3. Where in the world do you live?
In the middle of the United States bible belt - central North Carolina. Thankfully though due to the influence of several major universities, our area is a fairly liberal and enlightened spot. Not sure I could stand it if it was more, uhm, rural (Trying to be polite).
4. What's a great night out for you?
A nice dinner, great conversation and a good bottle of wine.
5. What's a great night in?
See 4. :)
6. If you were offered an all expenses paid trip anywhere in the world, where would you go?
I have to pick just ONE?!?! Since it's all expenses paid, I'll pick the most expensive - China. Their ancient culture both repels and fascinates me. I would like to explore some of the old cities including the Forbidden City, see the Great Wall and visit the panda preserve. I'm an ancient history buff. (Spent all day yesterday watching documentaries on ancient Egypt. :) )
7. What book do you wish everyone would read so you could talk about it?
The one book I keep going back to (can't really tell you why) is Mary Doria Russell's The Sparrow. The only science fiction novel that I have read where the aliens were truly ALIEN. Plus, like Mary, I fell in love with Emilio the first time I read it. The story is just heartbreaking due to the mistakes made by Emilio and the rest of the crew through trying to map human behavior on an alien culture. That description isn't quite right (map human behaviour) but I can't summon the right words and emotions at the moment.
8. What movie makes you cry?
Uh oh. Gonna reveal my big secret here - it's a tie between Sophie's Choice and Starman. I think I'll die happy if I never see Sophie's Choice again.
9. What makes you laugh?
My very silly significant other every day we're together. [Ed: I can attest to that. In abundance!]
10. Are there fairies at the bottom of your garden?
Oh most definitely. They even have a village.
That's why they love your home, too!
1. What's the first thing you do upon waking in the morning?
Pour myself a cup of coffee and feed the cats. I know, that's two things but they're done simultaneously. Five "starving" moggies wait for no woman (or coffee).
2. What's a song you might be persuaded to dance to?
Almost anything. I used to go dancing a lot and had a dance partner for a while when I was "young" with whom I danced in competitions.
3. Where in the world do you live?
In the middle of the United States bible belt - central North Carolina. Thankfully though due to the influence of several major universities, our area is a fairly liberal and enlightened spot. Not sure I could stand it if it was more, uhm, rural (Trying to be polite).
4. What's a great night out for you?
A nice dinner, great conversation and a good bottle of wine.
5. What's a great night in?
See 4. :)
6. If you were offered an all expenses paid trip anywhere in the world, where would you go?
I have to pick just ONE?!?! Since it's all expenses paid, I'll pick the most expensive - China. Their ancient culture both repels and fascinates me. I would like to explore some of the old cities including the Forbidden City, see the Great Wall and visit the panda preserve. I'm an ancient history buff. (Spent all day yesterday watching documentaries on ancient Egypt. :) )
7. What book do you wish everyone would read so you could talk about it?
The one book I keep going back to (can't really tell you why) is Mary Doria Russell's The Sparrow. The only science fiction novel that I have read where the aliens were truly ALIEN. Plus, like Mary, I fell in love with Emilio the first time I read it. The story is just heartbreaking due to the mistakes made by Emilio and the rest of the crew through trying to map human behavior on an alien culture. That description isn't quite right (map human behaviour) but I can't summon the right words and emotions at the moment.
8. What movie makes you cry?
Uh oh. Gonna reveal my big secret here - it's a tie between Sophie's Choice and Starman. I think I'll die happy if I never see Sophie's Choice again.
9. What makes you laugh?
My very silly significant other every day we're together. [Ed: I can attest to that. In abundance!]
10. Are there fairies at the bottom of your garden?
Oh most definitely. They even have a village.
That's why they love your home, too!
November 22, 2011
Know-vember: Miss Wendy
You knew she would be here: the Patsy to my Edina, she of the big hair, former Elf-Queen (and survivor of many a medieval play), southern gal supreme, Mechademia Submissions editor, connoisseur of Jack Daniels and hostess of the Rosh Hashanah Ragin' Kegger and Toga Parties -- Miss Wendy! I am so happy to know that Miss Wendy will be in Ireland after Xmas and this island nation will never be the same again if we have anything to say about it. Wendy reminded me that we were together last New Year's Eve, too, when I visited her in the home of Faulkner. Ringing in another year -- where will we be in another year's time?! Who can say? :-)
1. What's the first thing you do upon waking in the morning?
Well, this morning I cursed out Pumpkin, my cat, who decided to howl, run laps around the house, and play with what I thought was not a noisy toy at 5:00 this morning (two hours before my alarm). Most mornings, I open a coffee can, savor the smell of the grinds, and make a very strong cup of coffee.
2. What's a song you might be persuaded to dance to?
I am not averse to dancing and have danced to many songs in my life -- some of which I am not proud. I can always be persuaded to dance to a Ramones song.
3. Where in the world do you live?
In my mind, in my house, in the city of Oxford, Mississippi, in the Southern United States, in North America, in the West, on Earth, third planet out.
4. What's a great night out for you?
Dinner at a restaurant in the Latin Quarter, Paris; off-Broadway play in New York; moonlight trip in a rowboat on the Vltava in Prague; and finally late night karaoke with my friends in Tokyo. (I've done three of four. Any one of them would be a wonderful night out).
5. What's a great night in?
Martinis and kung fu movie marathon.
6. If you were offered an all expenses paid trip anywhere in the world, where would you go?
A year in Tokyo; or birdwatching in Costa Rica.
7. What book do you wish everyone would read so you could talk about it?
Haruki Murakami's Hard-Boiled Wonderland and the End of the World; or his short stories The Elephant Vanishes.
8. What movie makes you cry?
These are movies that I like to cry to. They are the ones that I believe have earned my tears. I cry at other movies but either the quality of the cry is not transcendent or the stupid movie has manipulated my tears. Here's a list of the good cries: Akira Kurosawa's Ikiru; Isao Takahata's Grave of the Fireflies; Mike Newell's Enchanted April (a happy, melancholy cry); James L. Brooks' Terms of Endearment (I know, a classic tear-jerker, but darnit, both Debra Winger and Shirley Maclaine are just too good); I'm sure there are classic Hollywood films I am missing here. Kate will send me a list, I'm sure -- yes, I know Dark Victory [Ed: "Did the sun go behind the clouds?".
9. What makes you laugh?
This sums up my sense of humor. It's a cartoon from the New Yorker. I can't find the link but I'll describe it. A clown is sitting at a table in an outdoor cafe. He's holding a balloon and a tear trickles down his cheek. A woman stands at the table, looking like she's about to walk away. She says "If you must know, he makes me laugh." It's the balloon that gets me. I never get tired of it.
10. Are there fairies at the bottom of your garden?
Nope. Cats ate them.
Be seeing you, Miss Wendy -- can't wait!
1. What's the first thing you do upon waking in the morning?
Well, this morning I cursed out Pumpkin, my cat, who decided to howl, run laps around the house, and play with what I thought was not a noisy toy at 5:00 this morning (two hours before my alarm). Most mornings, I open a coffee can, savor the smell of the grinds, and make a very strong cup of coffee.
2. What's a song you might be persuaded to dance to?
I am not averse to dancing and have danced to many songs in my life -- some of which I am not proud. I can always be persuaded to dance to a Ramones song.
3. Where in the world do you live?
In my mind, in my house, in the city of Oxford, Mississippi, in the Southern United States, in North America, in the West, on Earth, third planet out.
4. What's a great night out for you?
Dinner at a restaurant in the Latin Quarter, Paris; off-Broadway play in New York; moonlight trip in a rowboat on the Vltava in Prague; and finally late night karaoke with my friends in Tokyo. (I've done three of four. Any one of them would be a wonderful night out).
5. What's a great night in?
Martinis and kung fu movie marathon.
6. If you were offered an all expenses paid trip anywhere in the world, where would you go?
A year in Tokyo; or birdwatching in Costa Rica.
7. What book do you wish everyone would read so you could talk about it?
Haruki Murakami's Hard-Boiled Wonderland and the End of the World; or his short stories The Elephant Vanishes.
8. What movie makes you cry?
These are movies that I like to cry to. They are the ones that I believe have earned my tears. I cry at other movies but either the quality of the cry is not transcendent or the stupid movie has manipulated my tears. Here's a list of the good cries: Akira Kurosawa's Ikiru; Isao Takahata's Grave of the Fireflies; Mike Newell's Enchanted April (a happy, melancholy cry); James L. Brooks' Terms of Endearment (I know, a classic tear-jerker, but darnit, both Debra Winger and Shirley Maclaine are just too good); I'm sure there are classic Hollywood films I am missing here. Kate will send me a list, I'm sure -- yes, I know Dark Victory [Ed: "Did the sun go behind the clouds?".
9. What makes you laugh?
This sums up my sense of humor. It's a cartoon from the New Yorker. I can't find the link but I'll describe it. A clown is sitting at a table in an outdoor cafe. He's holding a balloon and a tear trickles down his cheek. A woman stands at the table, looking like she's about to walk away. She says "If you must know, he makes me laugh." It's the balloon that gets me. I never get tired of it.
10. Are there fairies at the bottom of your garden?
Nope. Cats ate them.
Be seeing you, Miss Wendy -- can't wait!
November 21, 2011
Know-vember: Byron Ballard
Yes, it's your Village Witch, the Appalachian wise woman, Ms Ballard. We first met at the witchcraft conference at Harvard and managed to keep up with one another ever since. I'm hoping Byron will be able to manage a trip over here while I'm in Ireland. Should be wonderful to have her in the land of the ancient Celts -- many megaliths and pubs to visit. Of course she would be welcome company any time, any where.
1. What's the first thing you do upon waking in the morning?
I lie still for a few minutes and imagine the day ahead. Then I get up, put away the futon that is my bed, open the shades at the window. And go pee.
2. What's a song you might be persuaded to dance to?
I will waggle my ample backside to almost any kind of music--yes, I have danced to Mozart's Requiem--but I love classic metal, trad Brit, bluegrass. They require different dances...or do they?
3. Where in the world do you live?
I live in the oldest mountains in the world in the southern highlands of Appalachia. From my window, I can see the third oldest river in the world. So here in NC, I feel pretty young.
4. What's a great night out for you?
A great night out would be seeing a play done well (a rarity), a bottle of excellent French wine, and something delicious to eat--all with friends.
5. What's a great night in?
A few friends in for high tea that morphs into us making dinner, listening to or playing music, telling stories and jokes. Perhaps a fire outside in the fire pit.
6. If you were offered an all expenses paid trip anywhere in the world,
where would you go?
My first thought is always either Meath or London but since someone else is picking up the tab, I'll go a bit further afield. Crete or Greece, I think.
7. What book do you wish everyone would read so you could talk about it?
Whichever book I'm reading at the time. Schiff's Cleopatra bio is my current one.
8. What movie makes you cry?
Gad, I cry at all of them. I'm a big sap. So, Love Actually, Calendar Girls all that sentimental rubbish. I love it.
9. What makes you laugh?
I never tire of Hot Fuzz. I've seen it a zillion times and I still fall out at "NWA" on the door of the Neighborhood Watch group.
10. Are there fairies at the bottom of your garden?
Um, yes. I call them the Cousins and we have a fair working relationship in the growing of veg, as long as I remember my place. There is also a disgruntled djinn who can't figure out how to get home and has taken up residence in the shed. Long story, I'll show you the scar sometime.
Thank you!
1. What's the first thing you do upon waking in the morning?
I lie still for a few minutes and imagine the day ahead. Then I get up, put away the futon that is my bed, open the shades at the window. And go pee.
2. What's a song you might be persuaded to dance to?
I will waggle my ample backside to almost any kind of music--yes, I have danced to Mozart's Requiem--but I love classic metal, trad Brit, bluegrass. They require different dances...or do they?
3. Where in the world do you live?
I live in the oldest mountains in the world in the southern highlands of Appalachia. From my window, I can see the third oldest river in the world. So here in NC, I feel pretty young.
4. What's a great night out for you?
A great night out would be seeing a play done well (a rarity), a bottle of excellent French wine, and something delicious to eat--all with friends.
5. What's a great night in?
A few friends in for high tea that morphs into us making dinner, listening to or playing music, telling stories and jokes. Perhaps a fire outside in the fire pit.
6. If you were offered an all expenses paid trip anywhere in the world,
where would you go?
My first thought is always either Meath or London but since someone else is picking up the tab, I'll go a bit further afield. Crete or Greece, I think.
7. What book do you wish everyone would read so you could talk about it?
Whichever book I'm reading at the time. Schiff's Cleopatra bio is my current one.
8. What movie makes you cry?
Gad, I cry at all of them. I'm a big sap. So, Love Actually, Calendar Girls all that sentimental rubbish. I love it.
9. What makes you laugh?
I never tire of Hot Fuzz. I've seen it a zillion times and I still fall out at "NWA" on the door of the Neighborhood Watch group.
10. Are there fairies at the bottom of your garden?
Um, yes. I call them the Cousins and we have a fair working relationship in the growing of veg, as long as I remember my place. There is also a disgruntled djinn who can't figure out how to get home and has taken up residence in the shed. Long story, I'll show you the scar sometime.
Thank you!
November 19, 2011
Publications: Mandrake & Magpies/Songs of Defiance
Just back from a visit with Elena, Rod and Lydia in Dublin where we also managed to run into Bono, Michale Bublé -- and more importantly @sirthopas and Pádraig. Pictures soon! I've also got some good news to share on the publication front.
First, my short story "Mandrake and Magpies" -- the first story to be set in Galway! -- has just appeared in the first international noir anthology, Dark Pages from Trestle Press' new imprint. The ebook is available on Amazon for just $2.99 and gives you a wealth of terrific works from a terrific group of writer including my pal Mr B, who also made an off-hand reference to the classic overwrought pop anthem "MacArthur Park" in his story.
I'm sure my ongoing obsession with magpies surprises no one; the "mandrake" part may be more obscure, but it's a reference to a Fall lyric by MES (of course, I hear you say) and actually featured first in a 140 word story I wrote (still floating around out there somewhere). I feel a bit nervous about having my first story set in Ireland out there, but I had fun making use of the areas I know pretty well now (and making a small swipe at the Gardai immigration office, grrrr). Fun!
And I think my contribution to the Drunk on the Moon series will be out this coming week: It's a Curse which is, ah, also named after a Fall song (>_<). Heh.
On a different tack, the lovely Alessandra Bava and I appear together (literally! on adjoining pages) in the Occupy Wall Street Poetry Anthology . A wonderful cause and the collection made more poignant by the brutal destruction of the OWS library by police the other night. Ale's piece "Sons of Disobedience" appears in both English and Italian. My "Songs of Defiance" originally appeared in the Bayou Review and was composed after the 2004 election, when despair filled the corridors of UHD. The fight never ends.
November 18, 2011
Know-vember: Paul D. Brazill
Welcome, Mr B, the bard of Hartlepool, the dazzler of Bydgoszcz, intoxicating scribe of darkly funny tales, like the mordantly funny but gruesome Drunk on the Moon . What's better than a werewolf PI? How about six more rip-snorting, can't-put-'em-down stories about Roman Dalton, all just a bargain at 99¢? Best of all, lucky number seven It's a Curse is by yours truly (more on that soon). You'll enjoy getting to know Dalton's dark world. Mr B and I appear together in the pages of the noir issue of Blink|Ink and in the premier anthology from Dark Pages, a new imprint from Trestle Press (that might be out today!). I could go on, but let's have a few words from the man himself. I suggest you pour yourself a stiff drink first.
1. What's the first thing you do upon waking in the morning?
I never wake up in the morning. I need be up and about for at least three hours before I start to wake up. It usually goes downhill after that.
2. What's a song you might be persuaded to dance to?
Agadoo by Black Lace. Including the movements. Especially the dirty version.
3. Where in the world do you live?
Bydgoszcz. I discovered it after getting a really bad collection of letters when playing scrabble.
4. What's a great night out for you?
Something to do with boozing.
5. What's a great night in?
See above.
6. If you were offered an all expenses paid trip anywhere in the world, where would you go?
The Edith Beales' Grey Gardens.
7. What book do you wish everyone would read so you could talk about it?
Anything written by me. I'd never lose interest.
8. What movie makes you cry?
Terminator: Sarah Connor's fringe is tragic.
9. What makes you laugh?
Bono.
10. Are there fairies at the bottom of your garden?
Yes, but they're buried deep, deep, down.
You're a cruel man, but fair. Cheers.
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