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Theecarey's Journal

theecarey
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02/04/2009 18:07 #47639

A Life Worth Reading ?
Category: reflection
Blogging. Public. (often)Personal. Informative.
Incriminating?

I usually write as I think. Not too concerned with spelling, grammar or flow of thought. My writing is usually for me, even with the awareness that there is an audience somewhere, it isn't enough to edit anything of what or how I write. Only once here do I recall making a post private after ranting, blowing off steam about family and religion. For various reasons, I couldn't keep it "out there" for long. However, most everything else is out there for good, for better or worse in any form that I present it. If I were more conscientious of what I wrote I would either not write at all or I would be more productive and acclaimed. But I am neither, and I just sit somewhere in the middle, fluctuating in my style, voice, content, basic English writing ability and presentation. Often my writing aim is vacillating between the effects of buckshot and that of a sharpshooter.

Only recently have I really wondered about who reads my stuff and more specifically, who among my family and close friends, if any? I never really put it out there where I write, but this past year or so, I have added visible links to some of the places I write or mentioned it in conversations, or showed them something on my laptop. Have they checked it out beyond that? Would I be made to know if they had? Would I care? Do I?

There are a lot of journals out there. Over time, I have written at estrip (obviously), at two of my LiveJournal accounts, two Myspace accounts and a blogspot/blogger account. Facebook format (and all that it is, sorry) annoyed me too much, and the old Friendster format has long been abandoned, although blogs still exist there (I've been lazy in removing them, or bothering to log in). Pen/Paper journals are not included as part of this discuss, but there are many of them, tucked away). Those sites that I listed are the main ones, anyways, for longer random write-ups. Then there are the less regular yet more specific posts at political, art, theater, writing and book oriented sites. It is weird, when on occasion someone has stumbled upon a blog, or when they have intentionally sought it out, to be made aware of it. I used to have estrip distinctly linked to many of the other blog place and/or social network sites- which was good and bad. Good for some readership in general, (and the ensuing comments, private messages etc), bad for the 'stalkerishness' of some readers I came to know about. Due to the increasing of the latter, and the location and familiarization of the context of this blog (and site in general), I took down the link. That was awhile ago, and a lot of those issues have simmered down, respectively. A lot of readers still find me here (via related and unrelated searches), but it is with good intent. Maybe now I can re link again.

I happened to be in a conversation today with my mom that benefited from my showing her some pictures and accompanying write up from a few old posts. This made me realize that she has not been privy to my writing world, well, not my blog world, anyways. Not in the way that reading to her/showing her would allow. So in contemplating all this, it is what brings me to writing this post today. It is one thing to wonder about who reads your stuff quite another to know for sure, and how that makes me feel. It isn't bad nor good, just kind of weird. The known difference between fluid conversation and interaction and those that are electronically 'set in stone' and limited in personal nuance.

The writings in this blog from the past year and a half have been topical; nothing too deep or revealing. It is the first 2 years that has much more depth, reflection and insight into me. Still an insignificant snapshot compared to all that it there, all that I 'contain', but still a view inside nonetheless.

In hindsight, it really doesn't matter who reads what. It is humbling to know that people do, especially those that do so on purpose. (thank you)

I'd like to pull more of my writing into one accessible spot- something that anyone can read, if they choose. Something that is easier for even myself to look back on, refer to, track and make mental notes on.

We do a lot of living 'out there'
but we have a lot of it documented right 'here'.

Happy Wednesday, folks.


tinypliny - 02/06/09 22:03
Heh. My brother and parents know about this blog but I think they are bored stiff by it. They don't share my taste in music. They are not interested in various grocery expeditions or other ridiculous things I write. Most probably 40K of those 50K views are from my IP. LOL
theecarey - 02/06/09 21:32
I pretty much read most everyone here. I get lazy on comments though, I apologize. I like the insight into people. eStrip is familiar and I feel like we are all related, part of a club. I pretty much have to say that I like everyone, even those I don't know or who I've had scuffles with, haha. I think of all the "outsiders" who read estrip, and it is feels like someone is eavesdropping on us. My mom doesnt want to use the computer so I dont think that she would read my stuff, although if I left one of my old journal books out, likely that would be opened up. I think.
My BF knows about my blogs, but I dont think he reads them, which he can if he wants, but I've never heard any indication that he's come over here to take a peak.
and I agree (e:jenks)- "I do try to keep it not very google-able though. Wouldn't want random work people, dates, etc to find this before getting to know me, you know?" That had/has been the weirdest part, when someone interested in me would know soooooo much more about me already because they had hundreds of journals worth to read through and get to know info I hadn't yet told them.
(e:metalpeter): "What I wonder is if you or I or anyone knew who everyone was who read our blogs for sure if that would cause us to change or alter how we write."- yeh, I dont think I would change much, as I dont go too deep, but it would put a weird sense of "knowing my audience" in a way I hadn't so much thought about before.
"I think I write the same way you do as I don't really plan it out I just kinda write what I'm thinking"- that's how I hope to keep it. Keep it as authentic as possible but then edit to make sense, but often i dont even do that :)

all in all, if I didnt want people to know anything, I would keep it topical all the time. But I like to write and it is bound to get personal. So it is more about the curiosity of who reads, what they think about it, and whether I would ever really know- especially family.
heidi - 02/06/09 20:20
I had two separate people in my Tioga County life tell me that my parents read my blog here. Uncomfortable... but I guess that's the risk I take. I don't really have illusions of privacy. In a small town no one really has any. My truly personal stuff is elsewhere.
jenks - 02/04/09 20:42
yeah, I wonder too- and tested it last week. I think I wrote about how Paul sent me a message he got, in which a distant family member found my blog by googling my great-great uncle.

So, this was kind of exciting, and I wanted to tell my family, but didn't really want to explan it all... so I just sort of said "yeah I had a picture online and he found it wrote to me..."

My mother is SUPER nosy (like pick-the-lock-on-your-diary nosy), but completely technophobic, so I don't really worry. You could leave your diary open on my dad's desk and he wouldn't look at it.

But my cousin did what I feared (and what I would do), and googled the great uncle, and found my blog. I don't care, she loved it, etc. But I had to cross the line and say "don't tell mom". I guess I don't know why I care if they read it, but.... I'd rather just keep them away from it for now. I do try to keep it not very google-able though. Wouldn't want random work people, dates, etc to find this before getting to know me, you know? It caused big drama with eric... and so the fact that I intentionally TOLD dan about it was kind of huge. he told me recently that he still even reads it sometimes. Hmm.
metalpeter - 02/04/09 19:31
Interesting post. I kinda wonder if and who reads my posts here also. It should be noted that somethings I write here I then copy and paste and put on myspace, okcupid, and Fubar , I don't have a facebook and think that one more place might be to much. But there are a lot of posts that are just on (e:strip). Some posts that have pictures become different on the other two sites since you can post a slide show there. I don't think that any of the sites have an option to show you who has viewed each blog or posting to unless some one leaves you a comment it is tough to know if anyone read it and what they think of it. I do know some people at least look at my pictures on myspace since they tell me about them or ask how the monster truck show was. In terms of blogs that are private I know I have one and maybe a second one not sure. What I wonder is if you or I or anyone knew who everyone was who read our blogs for sure if that would cause us to change or alter how we write. I think I write the same way you do as I don't really plan it out I just kinda write what I'm thinking.
hodown - 02/04/09 18:21
I often wonder who exactly reads my blog- or if anyone actually does.

02/02/2009 18:20 #47606

Monday Snicker
Category: silliness
A really good deed

This guy arrives at the Pearly Gates. He has to wait to be admitted, while St. Peter leafs through his Big Book. He's checking to see if the guy is worthy of entry or not. Saint Peter goes through the books several times, furrows his brow, and says to the guy, "You know, I can't see that you did lots of good in your life but, you never did anything bad either. Tell you what, if you can tell me of one REALLY good deed that you did in your life, you're in."

The guy thinks for a moment and says, "Well, there was this one time when I was drivin' down the highway and I saw a Biker Gang assaulting this poor girl. I slowed down my car to see what was going on, and sure enough, that's what they were doing. There were about 50 of 'em attacking this chick.

Infuriated, I got out my car, grabbed a tire iron from my trunk and walked straight up to the leader of the gang. He was a huge guy with a studded leather jacket and a chain running from his nose to his ear. As I walked up to the leader, the Gang formed a circle all around me.

So I ripped the leader's chain off his face and smashed him over the head with the tire iron. Then I turned around and yelled to the rest of them, 'Leave this poor, innocent girl alone, you slime! You're all a bunch of sick, deranged animals! Go home before I teach you all a lesson in pain!'"

St. Peter, extremely impressed, says, "Really? Wow, when did all this happen?"


"Er.. about two minutes ago."
ladycroft - 02/06/09 05:38
hehe
tinypliny - 02/02/09 19:07
Good one! :)

02/01/2009 13:46 #47591

Numbered Things
Category: life
In the mood to write and update, but not sure about what, and I don't want to go to deep or profound, so I will just list whatever comes to my mind and stop once distracted :)

1. Glad to see the sunshine and snow-ice-glops melting. Today feels like a heat wave in comparison to the last couple of weeks or so.

2. We have had plenty of snow. Even Youngstown has been covered in it this whole winter, something I am usually complaining that we don't have.

3. I'm usually in want of snow in my area, just so I can get some good use out of my cross country skiis. They are always ready and waiting, propped up next to my front doors. For the past three years, there has been only about a weeks worth of decent snow in Y-town; usually there is nothing but green.This year, I just haven't made it out. I NEED to before I kick myself in the butt for not taking the XC skiis out for the day.

4. I have several bags of pop bottles to return, and I have been waiting for a nice(r) day to do so. They have been collecting in my car for that very occasion. I just keep tossing full bags of empty cans into my car, thinking that I would have gone already to return them, but not the case. My back seat looks trashed from this. Today would be a good day, if I can muster the enthusiasm to do so.

5. Superbowl today. Sometimes I watch, sometimes not. If I have to choose, I'm for the Arizona Cardinals. My mom has a giant tv, and invited me over, so my bf and I will go over there later this afternoon/early evening to watch.

6. My gym membership ended a month or so ago, and I REALLY need to get back. I need to scrounge up the membership fee somewhere, somehow asap! I actually miss going. so do my jeans.

7. February already. Getting closer to Spring.... yay!

8. There is a gem of a bookstore in Niagara Falls called, The Book Corner. Tons of new and old books in a multi level musty smelling building. My nose itches like crazy while I am there, but its such a cool place and had pretty great prices, too. I am almost never in that area, but I've been wanting to go to that store, but I am not sure if it is still there. Anyone know? I will call around, just thought I would ask...

9. I'm trying to learn more about Blogspot/Blogger- a lot of good reads over there. Technorati helps point the way to various blogs, and I keep ending up over at Blogspot. However, there are a few snafus to sort out. The general help area hasn't been very helpful and navigating random blogs leads me to consistently enter into foreign language blogs. Ok, if it is french, not so great if its swahili. Not many have a translation option, so I often close out and head elsewhere.

10. I'm addicted to the site, blu-ray.com I've likely mentioned it before. It isn't all about bluray, even though it is the leading technology. There is just so much fun stuff to learn (and to share knowledge, opinions, etc) about home theater stuff. Also some decent book and movie discussions have been had, a big bonus for me. I've always been a fan, but it is nice to have a bit of a one stop place to go for info and share info. I love my music, and so audio components are important. I don't have much to speak of anymore, but I aim to have a better set up someday. Although I don't watch tv, I do enjoy film- and having a solid system to enhance picture and audio quality is another goal. In the mean time my little (and old) 27" cr-tube will have to do.

11. I haven't had a drink in way too long. I think about it, but never follow through. Last I had was a bottle of cheap champagne on New Years Eve. mmmmmmmmm....

and now, time for some chores; been sitting too long.

have a good one, peeps. Open the curtains and let the sunshine in!


theecarey - 02/02/09 18:26
yep, I like Wordpress too. Of course, I love estrip, but I do a lot more reading than everyone can keep up with writing (for me), and I like to read thoughts from all over the world.

I write all over the place too..
drew - 02/02/09 09:10
why would you need to learn blogger? (e:strip) is awesome, and if you are going to go all big, wordpress still beats it!

01/26/2009 22:28 #47526

Book Autopsies- Artist, Brian Dettmer
Category: art
Scouring fine art related forums, I found myself curious about one contemporary artist in specific, Brian Dettmer. He makes creative use of books as an artwork medium. He carves into the books creating visually intriguing images, "revealing the artwork inside, creating complex layered three-dimensional sculptures". He calls his collection of pieces, "Book Autopsies". I would very much appreciate seeing these pieces close up and anything else that he was worked on. He uses other items such as "maps, record albums, and cassette tapes -- to create new, transformed works of visual fine art."

Link with several pictures from this collection:

Link to wikipedia article on him, bio, art work- short with a few pictures


image

image

image

image

image

image

image

image

image

image
mike - 02/01/09 17:39
i really like those, theya re very cool.
imk2 - 01/27/09 15:50
these are really cool

01/20/2009 23:10 #47469

Sunshine
Category: music
I added to my music collection this weekend.

If anyone has seen the movie, Sunshine (Danny Boyle, sci-fi, 2007), you may have noticed the amazing and beautiful music score throughout the movie.

An official soundtrack never came out much to many fans disappointment.Every time I have seen it, I wished so much that one would be released.

Not too many details as to why, but this was tiny bit of information was readily available (from wiki):

Despite high praise for the score from many fans of the film, a soundtrack for the film was heavily delayed to be released, in part due to 'disputes' between the lawyers of Underworld and Fox Searchlight.[41] Although not released close to the film's debut, a soundtrack was still widely expected to be eventually released, until the film's producer Andrew Macdonald stated in a fansite interview that the soundtrack was "stuck" and that there were "no plans to release" it



Then not that long ago, I heard rumors that the music was going to be released, but not as a hard copy, but through iTunes. Eventually this turned out to be true (only as of the end of this past November). This still upset some fans, but personally, I am grateful that the music made it into any attainable format.

So I spent an iTunes gift card this weekend on purchasing the illustrious soundtrack to, Sunshine. It is awesome.

1. "Welcome to Icarus II" (John Murphy) - 1:59
2. "Avenue of Hope" (I Am Kloot) - 4:34
3. "Capa's Last Transmission Home" (Underworld) - 2:11
4. "Kanada's Death, Pt. 2 (Adagio In D Minor)" (John Murphy) - 2:58
5. "Mercury" (Underworld & John Murphy) - 2:10
6. "Kanada's Death, Pt. 1" (John Murphy) - 6:06
7. "Searle Finds the Crew of Icarus I / Floating Free / Searle's Last Blast" (Underworld & John Murphy) - 3:11
8. "Freezing Outside: Harvey" (John Murphy & Underworld) - 2:54
9. "Trey's Fate" (Underworld) - 2:42
10. "Pinbacker Slashes Capa" (John Murphy & Underworld) - 2:32
11. "Corazon Finds the Seedling" (Underworld) - 1:20
12. "Cassie Searches / Dead Coraz�n" (John Murphy & Underworld) - 2:41
13. "Freezing Inside: Mace" (John Murphy) - 1:51
14. "Capa Suits Up" (John Murphy) - 1:54
15. "Sunshine (Adagio In D Minor)" (John Murphy) - 4:27
16. "Capa's Jump" (John Murphy) - 1:20
17. "Distortions" (Underworld) - 5:40
18. "Capa Meets the Sun (To Heal)" (Underworld) - 2:18
19. "Peggy Sussed" (Underworld) - 2:27

thanks LC!

Trailer to Sunshine:

wiki:
(2007_film)


also, great clip from Sunshine, called, "Mercury". Watch this!!


Now I am in search of a few more pieces of music. Generally, I want a whole album, I want it as a hard copy. If I just want a few songs here and there, then individual iTunes purchasing is good.

I'd like the soundtrack to WALL-E. Really nice music peppered throughout that movie as well.

There is one Enya cd that I do not have. It is from 2005 called, Amarantine. Haven't knowingly heard anything from this album, but I would buy it without listening to it. It is Enya, it can possibly be bad (for Enya fans). I know I simply feel relaxed and loosened up upon hearing the music.

Metric is coming out with some new stuff soon. I purchased a few older tunes to add to my music library. Also a couple of songs from Lady Gaga- yeh, those songs initially annoyed the hell out of me, but then grew on me to the point of liking them.
Also added some Flaming Lips and The Psychedelic Furs. Also burned a few of my older (well purchased with the past year) cds into iTunes, some that I just hadn't gotten around to doing yet such as Gnarles Barkley(The Odd Couple), Robert Plant/Alison Krauss (Raising Sand), Tegan and Sara (The Con), Moby (Last Night) and a few others. I put music on, take it off, but I don't think I had ever had those in my list, so on they went.

I'm never done. New stuff comes out or I remember old stuff that I don't have, and so it is an on going pleasurable chore of the sort.

I don't update my music library that often, as when I do, I'm losing track of time- a good thing, if you've got it to spare. I simply get lost in searching, organizing, adding, listening, etc, that a whole day (weekend!) can pass by much too quickly.

And so, I'm good for a little while.

Stay warm and good night.
theecarey - 02/06/09 13:20
oh yes yes yes, I will share it :) Its awesome!
ladycroft - 02/06/09 05:39
glad you found something you could use it on! now will you share it!? i love the soundtrack.
museumchick - 01/22/09 12:35
I had never really heard of the movie (I don't go out much) but I'll definitely have to check it out. Thanks for linking to the movie and the soundtrack!