the Book of Life

i just hit the wall.

three hours left, so look busy.

friday, you are fired....

Originally published at christopherhord.com. You can comment here or there.

The City of Tacoma is now accepting Tacoma Artists Initiative Program (TAIP) funding applications from eligible individual artists. The application deadline is Jan. 26, 2009.

TAIP funding ranges from $1,000 to $5,000 and supports the generation or completion of new artwork as well as a public component in which the artist shares their talents with the citizens of Tacoma . Past funding has supported the creation of a short film, the choreography of a new dance, exploration into a new body of paintings, time to write and publish poetry and fiction works, the assembly of multi-media installations and much more. Public components include, but are not limited to, a public exhibition of artwork, a public reading, a free workshop or artist talk, a free performance and a public screening of a film.

 

 

Applicants are encouraged to attend a free workshop, which explains the application process and addresses questions. The workshop will be held on Jan. 26, 2009, from 5:30 – 7 p.m. at the Tacoma Municipal Building , 747 Market St. , Room 1444. All artists funded by the commission must complete their funded project and public component by Dec. 15, 2010.

 

 

 

To be eligible, an applicant must be a resident of the City of Tacoma, a practicing artist who is dedicated to producing artwork on a regular basis, at least 18 years old, and not a full time undergraduate or graduate student in an arts-related degree program. Artists who have received TAIP funding between 2004 and 2008 are not eligible to apply. Other eligibility requirements are listed in the TAIP guidelines.

 

 

Artists interested in applying for TAIP funding can read about past funded artists and download the guidelines and application form on the Tacoma Arts Commission Web site at www.tacomaculture.org.  Application forms are also available by calling (253) 591-5191 or by e-mailing nstrom-avila@cityoftacoma.org.

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i'm up too late again, but not ridiculously so. and i'm going to bed in a moment so that's all good. however, i made the mistake of catching up on some news and now i have to vent. i rarely do this, so -- let's get mean!

1) once i got past the sheer audacity of bush's speech to the knesset. his politicizing of our foreign policy and the sheer, cold-blooded shallowness of his intellect, i found something new. he compares, to nazi appeasers, those who would try to engage "terrorists and radicals."

radicals?
WTF?!?

let's say i give you rogue nations. when the fuck did being radical become exactly analogous to trying to take over the world and kill off millions upon millions? you goddamned different people -- insisting on being different, even after we told you to stop it! i hate you SO MUCH!

2) i was born in this country and was aware of the world around me when blacks were not infrequently beaten to death for trying to vote. obama winning 27% in west virginia is NOT a clinton landslide. it is a fucking miracle. to be perfectly blunt, i would have been satisfied with getting obama out of west virginia in one piece!

finally, on a related note:

3) the word your looking for is "racists." while i generally appreciate the ny times attempt to lift everything to the level of the genteel, well, just read the quote, "Two in 10 white West Virginia voters said that race was an important factor in their vote, and more than 8 in 10 of them backed Mrs. Clinton, according to surveys of voters leaving the polls."

see? racists. 20 percent of the surveyed voters. let's just drop the fancy language because part of the story here is how well a black man can do when there is still pervasive racism in this nation. don't get me wrong -- clinton faces sexism and a lot of people probably compare mccain to their crotchety granddad -- we all have our crosses to bear.

but i have hear and read reporters dancing circles around this phrase, when it is simple, accurate and concise. obama's campaign depends, in part, on bridging the gap to some significant amount of racists. let's trot out our racist correspondent for commentary, right after this message....


that is all. good night and good luck.

Originally published at christopherhord.com. Please leave any comments there.

The City of Tacoma is developing a juried catalog of Tacoma artist-made objects that may be purchased and presented to representatives of our Sister Cities and International Dignitaries. Artwork in the catalog must be available for purchase as the need arises. For more information, please check out the Call to Artists (PDF). Deadline: June 23, 2008.

The mission of the Tacoma Sister Cities program is to promote cultural and political diversity. Sister Cities encourage exchange between business, governments, health, arts, cultural and educational groups and organizations. The City of Tacoma has ten Sister Cities: Aalesund, Norway; Cienfuegos, Cuba; Davao City, Philippines; Fuzhou, China; George, South Africa; Gunsan, Korea; Kiryat-Motzkin, Israel; Kitakyushu, Japan; Taichung, Taiwan; and Vladivostok, Russia.

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Originally published at christopherhord.com. Please leave any comments there.

Just a few excerpts….

Inmate Count in U.S. Dwarfs Other Nations’
By ADAM LIPTAK

[nytimes.com, free, registration may be required]

The United States has less than 5 percent of the world’s population. But it has almost a quarter of the world’s prisoners.

Indeed, the United States leads the world in producing prisoners, a reflection of a relatively recent and now entirely distinctive American approach to crime and punishment. Americans are locked up for crimes — from writing bad checks to using drugs — that would rarely produce prison sentences in other countries. And in particular they are kept incarcerated far longer than prisoners in other nations.

Criminologists and legal scholars in other industrialized nations say they are mystified and appalled by the number and length of American prison sentences.

The United States has, for instance, 2.3 million criminals behind bars, more than any other nation, according to data maintained by the International Center for Prison Studies at King’s College London.

China, which is four times more populous than the United States, is a distant second, with 1.6 million people in prison. (That number excludes hundreds of thousands of people held in administrative detention, most of them in China’s extrajudicial system of re-education through labor, which often singles out political activists who have not committed crimes.)

…The United States comes in first, too, on a more meaningful list from the prison studies center, the one ranked in order of the incarceration rates. It has 751 people in prison or jail for every 100,000 in population. (If you count only adults, one in 100 Americans is locked up.)

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...but i have met a lot of new people in the past year or so and added several new lj friends. so i am gonna adopt this thing tht's been going around, to wit:


Stolen from nearly everywhere:
Everyone has things they blog about. Everyone has things they don't blog about. Challenge me out of my comfort zone by telling me something I don't blog about, but you'd like to hear about, and I'll write a post about it.



entries will be screened so go for the gold, if you are inclined. replies will come as separate posts so nobody ever need know it was you, unless you specify that's what you want....

i am stuck at this damn keyboard almost all day and it will be nice to have an excuse from doing data structures homework and a software architecture paper

tally ho!

Originally published at christopherhord.com. Please leave any comments there.

On February 22nd, on the steps of the Washington State Capitol, State senators gathered with students from The Evergreen State College and other area schools to call for climate change legislation. To find out what new laws may help preserve the environment, listen for more on The Evergreen Report.

About The Evergreen Report

The Evergreen Report is a new program on KAOS 89.3 FM in Olympia, WA, appearing Monday mornings, before Democracy Now! with Amy Goodman

Produced at The Evergreen State College, The Evergreen Report is a weekly news program that examines events going on at the Evergreen campus. It also focuses on events at the campus that affect the community and events in the local area – Olympia, Lacey and Tumwater, primarily – that affect life on campus. In only five minutes, host Christopher Hord tells you about a local issue or event, while students and local residents speak out in their own words.

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Originally published at christopherhord.com. Please leave any comments there.

At the Evergreen State College, in the City of Olympia and beyond. February 14th, 2008 has already become known as the Valentine’s Day riot. After an arrest at a show by recording artists Dead Prez, a crowd of people confronted police and destroyed a police car. For the first time, the student who organized the concert speaks. Listen for more on The Evergreen Report.

About The Evergreen Report

The Evergreen Report is a new program on KAOS 89.3 FM in Olympia, WA, appearing Monday mornings, before Democracy Now! with Amy Goodman

Produced at The Evergreen State College, The Evergreen Report is a weekly news program that examines events going on at the Evergreen campus. It also focuses on events at the campus that affect the community and events in the local area – Olympia, Lacey and Tumwater, primarily – that affect life on campus. In only five minutes, host Christopher Hord tells you about a local issue or event, while students and local residents speak out in their own words.

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Originally published at christopherhord.com. Please leave any comments there.

During the contentious debates in Congress over whether to grant telephone companies immunity over illegal warrant-less wiretapping, the House of Representatives let the enticingly-named “Protect America Act” expire. The Protect America Act made the wiretaps legal for a six-month test period.

Fortunately, our federal executive branch is on the job. On Saturday, February 23 — Saturdays are the traditional day to make announcements that you don’t want in the next day’s newspaper — the Department of Justice and the office of the Director of National Intelligence announced they were correcting that little oversight for us.

The release states, “new surveillances under existing directives issued pursuant to the Protect America Act will resume, at least for now.” The release also chides the House for failing to pass the law — although it’s apparently one they don’t literally need, since they’re still busily wiretapping. They also laud the telephone companies for continuing to aid and abet their lawbreaking, “We appreciate the willingness of our private partners to cooperate despite the uncertainty.”

It’s reassuring to know that the Department of Justice is willing to break as many laws as it takes to keep us safe. And thanks for reading, guys!

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Originally published at christopherhord.com. Please leave any comments there.

I put this on my personal blog but forgot to post it here: I’m part of a literary reading this Saturday at Last Word Books in downtown Olympia at 8 p.m.

Seattle poet Sarah Mangold headlines the event. A couple of local faves at the bookstore are the home team and a young woman named Theodora — i don’t know her last name — and myself are here are on behalf of The Evergreen State College.

This is in support of — and to raise awareness of PRESS: A Cross-Cultural Literary Conference at The Evergreen State College, May 24-25 2008

Last Word Books
211 4th Ave E
Olympia, WA 98501
(360) 786-9673

Come on down!

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Originally published at christopherhord.com. Please leave any comments there.

On this week’s episode of The Evergreen Report, the broadcast looks at the status of Evergreen’s upcoming student cafe, The Flaming Eggplant. Armed with student fees, a group of students plans to open an outdoor, cafe-styled trailer in Evergreen’s Red Square. The cafe is already promised a permanent home in an ongoing campus redesign. In only five minutes, get more info on this popular initiative.

Stream the audio or download the np3 using the button or links at the bottom of this post….

About The Evergreen Report

The Evergreen Report is a new program on KAOS 89.3 FM in Olympia, WA, appearing Monday mornings, before Democracy Now! with Amy Goodman

Produced at The Evergreen State College, The Evergreen Report is a weekly news program that examines events going on at the Evergreen campus. It also focuses on events at the campus that affect the community and events in the local area – Olympia, Lacey and Tumwater, primarily – that affect life on campus. In only five minutes, host Christopher Hord tells you about a local issue or event, while students and local residents speak out in their own words. It’s an engaging, magazine-like format, familiar to legions of NPR fans worldwide.

Christopher Hord is an Evergreen student and also a veteran journalist – with more than 20 years experience in newspapers, radio and TV. He was a member of the radio news team with the award winning Seattle/Tacoma station, KPLU—88.5 FM. His work has also appeared on NPR national broadcasts.

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...just a quick note as i don't know how much i'll be online tomorrow -- or any of you, for that matter.

to those of you who celebrate christmas, merry christmas to you. to those who do not, i wish all the joy the day is meant to symbolize.

these days, i feel a little peace on earth and good will towards on another is a consumation devoutly to be wished for all....

Todai in da city ov David, you can has sayvur! is Christ da Lord! w00t!12 Is sign fer u, find da baybee wrapd like brrito in a big fud dish."13 An suddenly, moar angelz! They sez, 14 "w00t to teh Ceiling Cat! An peace fer doodz he luffs! Kthxbai."

Luke 2:11-14

Originally published at christopherhord.com. Please leave any comments there.

Via local daily paper, The Olympian, some information on disaster releif efforts for those who want to help.

• A 53-foot Mayflower truck and tractor will be parked at Lacey’s South Sound Center near Rite-Aid Drugs Saturday to collect items including new toys, food, cleaning supplies, warm clothing like socks and gloves and other items to help families celebrate Christmas. A list of suggested items will be available at the Web site for KFMY - 97.7 The Eagle radio station, which is coordinating the effort: www.977theeagle.com. The drive will be staffed by 97.7 The Eagle radio station personnel and community volunteers. For more information call 918-9000.
• KGY radio and the Salvation Army are teaming up to route non-perishable foods, water, household items and money to folks in Grays Harbor and Pacific counties. People can drop off items and money today at the station, 1700 Marine Dr. N. The radio station will also collect items at the Tumwater Mega Foods Tuesday from 2 and 6 p.m. Additional locations will be announced. Information: 943-1240.
• The Tumwater Costco is collecting clothing, food and toiletries at the 5500 Littlerock Road store from 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. today through Friday; 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday.
• The Lacey Costco at 1470 Marvin Rd NE also has set up a bin outside its warehouse to collect similar items. Donations can be made during store hours: 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Monday through Friday; 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday; and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.
  • Mason General Hospital is gathering new clothing, non-perishable food items - or money - to help. Collections points are:
  • Mason General Hospital Front Entrance, 901 Mtn. View Dr, Shelton, Monday - Friday; 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
  • Mason General Hospital Employee Entrance, 901 Mtn. View Dr, Shelton, Monday - Friday; 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  • Mason General Hospital Business Office Patient Accounts, 2505 Olympic Hwy North #460, Shelton, Monday - Friday; 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. (360) 426-1611
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Originally published at christopherhord.com. Please leave any comments there.

Since this is my “serious” blog, I’ve hesitated before publishing any role-playing game material. However these games are also a thriving form of publishing with some innovative work going on so I’ve decided to pay the form more serious consideration. The game that led me to this decision is Unhallowed Metropolis.

Unhallowed Metropolis, from Eos Press, is a fast-paced role-playing game (RPG) dealing with an alternate reality where zombies stalk gas-lit streets not of olden London, but of today’s. The basic background posits that a literal plague of Zombies fell across the globe fostering the terror of a zombie attack and the devastation of plague-level contagion. The entire globe is thrown into a dark age from which it is slowly emerging. So, along with the horror element, an alternative history is thrown in as well.

Heady stuff to be sure. If you are unfamiliar with RPGs, this may not be the place to start. Also, if your idea of role-playing games still exists in the continuum between JRR Tolkien and Robert E. Howard, this may not be to your tastes either.

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Craig fiercely defends himself in interview, claims entrapment

...Throughout the interview, Craig painted himself as the victim in the incident.

“Now I know all about profiling,” he said. “I know what people feel like when they're profiled. When innocent people get caught up in what I was caught in as an innocent person, it's very angering at times....”

profiling....

because, when i think "queer." i think "the republican senator from idaho."

the two phrases are, in fact, largely interchangeable in my mind. when will a brother be free?!?

i was once stopped by four police cruisers in tacoma because i went out in blue jeans and a white t-shirt at the wrong moment.

now i know, i can call republican senators and they'll have my back, because they have felt prejudice's bitter sting!

"free at last
free at last
thank god, almighty,
i'm free at last!"

-- martin luther king

[i'm sorry. did i say that out loud?]

woolgathering during my operating systems lecture, assisted by the rustic rimrunner:

( my sci-fi crew has known all about your sci-fi crew for, like, 40 YEARS bow.... )

Greetings!

I.e. damn dictating this Post we have my a new with voice recognition Software.

As you can see a, their our still a few ballots in the move fellow system.

Still and all, I am unused.



[I am dictating this Post with my new voice recognition Software.

As you can see, there are still a few bugs in the system.

Still and all, I am amused.]

Originally published at christopherhord.com. Please leave any comments there.

Next week, as part of Live Theater Week, playhouses across western Washington will open their doors for free performances to promote their quality and variety of offerings.

Sponsored by regional trade association, Theatre Puget Sound, approximately 40 theaters will be presenting more than 3,000 shows.

Highlights include Olympia’s Capital Playhouse presenting Sweeney Todd, the Demon Barber of Fleet Street, Seattle Repertory Theatre performing Twelfth Night and Whidbey Island Center for the Arts performing Wait Until Dark.

Live Theater Week runs from Oct. 15 - 22. For a schedule of free performances, visit Seattle Performs: Live Theatre Week.

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hpl film fest was fun. saw a lot of movies, hung out with friends. met some cool folks. picked up a few items and ate some good food.

didn't try to blog from it as it turned out that the theater didn't seem to have wi-fi and i didn't have the cable to download my photos. i'll deal with it this evening.

this week promises to be very busy!

...more soon.

...and then meandered around.

i don't know what it is about portland but i'm pretty certain i've never found my way to anything without getting lost. sigh.

still, made it to a nice dinner, stopped in at hpl fest and said hello to lilmartini, mskoi, joanarkham, citizen_ken and more. it was fun.

anyway, toying with bringing the camera and laptop with me. I haven't really tried blogging live from a site, so that could be fun.

christopherhord.com