IIDD, Moondance: Wednesday, October 31st, Halloween!

You can't do anything with anybody's body to make it dirty to me. Six people, eight people, one person -- you can do only one thing to make it dirty: kill it. Hiroshima was dirty. -Lenny Bruce, comedian and social critic (1925-1966) 

All Hallows' Eve!

This is a video of saving a whale caught in fish netting and of how the whale showed its

appreciation.

http://www.youtube.com/embed/EBYPlcSD490?rel=0

Something for you, Kerry, and Tia to enjoy.

Ray

  

Ray,

Hope this finds you well.

Thanks for the Whale watching video. We were all enthralled.

I loved this video! Ayn

Greetings all,

its that time again and unfortunately I have been roped into growing the Mo for Movember.

As with last year the funds raised will go to research for Prostate Cancer and Men's Mental health.

If you can spare a buck or 2 it would be greatly appreciated. Just click on the link below.

http://mobro.co/95247

I'll have a pic on the website in a few weeks.

In the meantime, thanks.

Oo Roo Kangaroo.

Tim

I thought you lads would enjoy this -- from a cycling friend in Boston and their (our) near winter rides:

"OK, it's cold, but at least it's dark." 

G

OK, it's light but at least it's raining!

Enjoying Road to Valour. If you haven't got a copy yet, George, you can borrow mine. It has about 2 weeks left and I'll be finished in a day or so.

Ray

Coincidentally, just got a VPL copy of Road to Valour myself and I am hooked already. Thanks for the offer. Maybe Mark would like to borrow it?

G

Thanks, George,

I enjoyed the Joe Queenan piece.

For any NRBCers who care to make like an Irishman and transcend reality (auditorily), I have an mp3 version of Thinking Fast, Slow. It even comes with a .pdf of the relevant illustrations.

Let me know if you're interested, and I'll pop it in a Dropbox folder for you. 8^) cheers, Mark

 David Kessler

Madrigali, madrigali, madrigali...sigh, so beautiful, dolcissimo sospiro....so grateful to have such heart-breaking soul-searing music floating through our home....

Patrick,

        Marilyn and I am really very sorry to hear that your mother died.  She was such a nice person.  She was really fortunate to have such good care from Corinne and you for so many years.  Also, when she was more herself, Corinne and you did a lot of things with her that she really enjoyed.  Further, to live almost 99 years was a remarkable thing and you were lucky to have her for so long. 

        I have been slowly recovering from the surgery and it has not been as bad as the first one three years ago.  However there is still a very long recovery to go.

        Best wishes, Mike

P,

Hope your dinner was more than Edible.

Great film lasterday -- thanks for getting me out to it.

Looks like I cannot renew the Kahneman. I doubt if I will get through it
much before the 13th but I will try.

Thinking, Fast and Slow
By Kahneman, Daniel (Book - 2011)
Barcode:31383098207841 Due:Nov 13, 2012

The forecast is most favourable for Thursday morning (the only good forecast
until May, 2013) so I will get out there unless it is teeming.

W

You’re #4 in the 7:30 set!

Kathryn

IIDD, Moondance: Tuesday, October 30th

The sick do not ask if the hand that smooths their pillow is pure, nor the dying care if the lips that touch their brow have known the kiss of sin. -Oscar Wilde, writer (1854-1900) 

Eddie "Son" House

Preachin' Blues

Eddie House was a troubled man. He grappled for years with the seeming incompatibility between his growing love of the blues and his teenage desire to be a Baptist preacher, and reached the point where that dream became a distant memory. This transition wasn’t easy on the artist. Eventually, House became somewhat of a legend through a murder conviction that landed him in jail for two years (as the killing allegedly happened in self-defense). As a result of this history, his heartfelt lyrics paint a compelling picture of his own perspective, “a very gentle mocking of the hypocrisy often found in organized religion.” 

Dear Patrick and Chloe, 

I would like to express my most sincere condolences with the news of your mother's/grandmother's passing. My thoughts are with your family. My reflections are not rich in intimate memories of close friendship, or the like, but they are rich with a warm image of a happy person, always wearing a smile, and most gentle and kind to all. After a long, healthy life, in family and love, she will rest, in peace. 

I love you both greatly. Look forward to a visit some time soon by a couple of little Sanders monkey-men. Adrian 

Hello Adrian!

As your Dad may have mentioned, I was waiting until things had settled down a bit in your life before replying to your very kind and comforting email regarding Mom's death. Your sympathy and concern and love are greatly appreciated and doubly so, given your own extremely difficult family crisis. I know many issues need to be resolved and negotiated around the custody of your children but all of us, Chloë, Corinne and I, are more than relieved that they are safe and well and in your care. We were heartsick when we learned what happened, for everyone's sake, of course, and trust that somehow you will find your way forward.

[What follows is a fairly long missive but I thought that you might enjoy a bit of "distraction", from time to time, as reading, drinking malt and cycling, all activities at which you excel, feature prominently!]

Fondestos from Cora Lee and Chloë to you three, monkey people! Cheers, Patrizzio!

Sorry, all, the correct day and date of the volunteer party is THURSDAY, November 1st, 7-10:30 pm. Hope to see you there! Kathryn Fowler, Volunteer Manager 

What Do Librarians Do All Day? Or, a Day in the Life of a Research Librarian 

Like many librarians, I am often asked if I read books (or listen to recordings) all day long. I realize this question is often asked with tinges of envy since, in academia, we are all in our lines of work because we love books and music. But it does reveal the fact that many people have no idea what librarians and archivists spend their time doing. This is a real concern for those of us in a field whose value is somewhat in jeopardy.  My name is Liza Vick and I am Music Reference and Research Services Librarian at Loeb Music Library, Harvard University, and my job is heavily focused on ethnomusicology.

Michele;

Does this mean I receive a free session? Cheers, Patrizzio!

sometimes a good therapist is defined by recognizing when help is futile 

Who defines "good"? Personally, I'm usually attracted to "bad" girls as they seem to be much more fun! Strike any chords?

To celebrate our 25th anniversary, our theme this year for our Open Mic readings on Thursday Nov 2 is "Festival Stories". Bring  your best tales from festivals present or past!
If you wish to take part in the readings, please let me know as soon as possible. We have a limited number of time slots available. There will be three half-hour sets: 7:30, 8:30 and 9:30. Readings should be 3 to 5 minutes in length. Only one reading per volunteer.
We look forward to hearing from you! Kathryn Fowler, Volunteer Manager

thanks patrick;matt

Hi Kathryn:

If there are any slots still available, I'd like to ask for one. Do I need to fill out a grant application and apply for funding as well? Will transportation be provided? Oh yes, before I forget, I'll need a "minder" and I'd like the most expensive suite at the GI Hotel. Please have Room Service bring along a couple of expensive bottles of  single malt before I check in. I leave the choice of whiskey in the hands of the Dram Come True Organizing Committee. That's all for now. Thanks and Cheers, Patrizzio!

PS:  Thanks very much for lovely thank you card from yourself and Lili!  

Just over half of our 2012 volunteers have completed and submitted the on-line volunteer feedback survey. Thank you all of you who have submitted your feedback! I read it all and many points are taken into consideration when planning for next year. Every entry that is submitted with a name will be entered into a draw for 2 tickets to an upcoming production at the Arts Club in the New Year: "Ride the Cyclone". The Globe and Mail described it as "Probably the most uproarious and outrageous piece of musical theatre Canada has ever produced." If you have not already submitted your feedback please click on http://www.surveygizmo.com/s3/1067876/Volunteer-Feedback and submit before Thursday Nov 2. Many thanks!

Patricio,

What time slot would you like: 7:30, 8:30 or 9:30???

Kathryn Fowler, Volunteer Manager

Hi Kathryn!

I'm delighted with either 7:30pm or 8:30pm. Whichever time slot is available and easiest for you. Thanks again and Cheers, Patrizzio!
By all means. By the way, I assume the next book is Thinking Fast, Thinking Slow by Daniel Kahneman. Moe

Hi again, Moe!

Yes indeed on both counts! Cheers, Patrizzio!


  

IIDD, Moondance: Monday, October 29th

Time changes all things: there is no reason why language should escape this universal law. -Ferdinand de Saussure, linguist (1857-1913)

Rebecca Frazier

Double full rainbows!!!!

I wish you all the joy that you can wish. -William Shakespeare, playwright and poet (1564-1616)

Pat,

Thanks again for your hospitality (snacks and bevies) at the Islay Inn last night. The next gathering is the 25th of November, at the Islay Inn.

The book is: Thinking Fast, Thinking Slow by Daniel Kahneman (Mark). Misha will (promptly – thinking fast) choose the book to follow the Kahneman. 

Hello again, Laddage!

I must apologize, profusely, for allowing the above mentioned date to go forward as I suddenly realized, upon reading The Secretary's message, that I had booked the 25th of November already! When Giorgio and I went to the Macallan Tasting at the Eclectic Owl last Tuesday, I noticed a poster advertising a Jill Barber concert.  As it turns out, the concert is on the 25th so I cannot meet then. I had slipped my mind completely as it is meant to be a surprise for Cora Lee. Since it will be getting perilously close to Christmas parties, etc, by this date, don't feel the NRBC should try to re-book date if it is convenient for most. However, I could host on November 18th or December 2nd. I leave it to the rest of you to decide. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Pat,

Thanks for the wee drammage last night.

I could probably go today but I won’t know for a while. The container on out front street, that holds all Jake’s earthly belongings, has been tagged and is under a threat to be towed… I have to try and sort this out with the City. As soon as I know I will let ya know. W

Please let us know if one or the other of these dates is better for you -- the 18 November or the 2 December.

I would prefer the 2 December but can do either date. 

Either works for me, but December 2nd is preferred. Guy

Hi,

December is better for me. Cheers, Moe

I think either the 18th or the 2nd will work for me.

Pat, 

Thanks for hosting yet another fine evening.

I do have a couple questions for you: 

1. How do you "slip your mind"? Is this something we can do (i.e., slip your mind)? We've been trying to figure out (for years) if that were even possible.
2. What's the causal link between something that "is meant to be a surprise for Cora Lee" and your mind slippage? Is this a perennial phenomenon for which Coriander deserves our [deepest] sympathies?

Any clarification would be of interest ...8^), cheers, Mark

Dearest Marcus Aurelius, aka Slippery Fingers!

In response to your two queries I am rather surprised to have to answer the first one, (ie. Mind Slippage, or in your case, Mind Sloppage), as it seems quite obvious that you practice this on a regular basis, inasmuch as you always reply to the Peletonii that you will be joining the group for a ride only to realize an hour or so later, that you have unfinished renno work, uncorrected/unedited daughter's essays or a sore back. To my mind, you have taken Slippery Slippage to new heights of prestidigitation and legerdemain. I take off my riding helmet and salute you, O Master of Sleight of Mind!
 

With respect to clarification between "the causal link between something that 'is meant to be a surprise for Cora Lee' and [my] mind slippage", there is none! As I have already demonstrated, you are the Godfather of Hypomnesia and, wearing such a mantle, it is a perennial phenomenon inflicted upon your long suffering spouse, Susan, (not Coramandel, I hasten to add), for which she, (Susannah, not Coriandre), deserves our utmost understanding and deepest sympathy. I am more than sure that you have already "slipped" one such memory from your "greased" mind, so to speak. I refer to the evening of Tuesday, October 16th, when we saw you at An Intimate evening With Donna Morrissey. Before we had so much as said hello, Susan blurted out, "He hasn't read the book!", referring of course to Adams River David, The Brokenhearted Richard. To tell the truth I was rather taken aback at the vehemence with which she delivered this stinging revelation but then again, at this time, I wasn't as fully aware of the pervasive and pernicious nature of your mind boggling blankouts. Perhaps you should suggest Memory For Dummies as your next selection for the NRBC, if System 1 or System 2, (I can't keep them straight, they keep slipping in and out of mental focus), can remember the title long enough to enable you to convey your opinion to Secretary "Sharp as a Tack" Giggster! Cheers, Dottore Dunn!

Christopher de Bellaigue

PS: The next consultation/diagnosis will cost you a bottle of single, (NOT Blended), malt!

The date for the next gathering is confirmed -- the 2 December, at the Islay Inn.

Pat,

Thanks again to for offering the Islay Inn.

Dear Delinquents!

All the better to impose sanctions! Cheers, The Hangin' Judge McNut! 
His wife is Iranian. His ideas have some ingredient of reality in them, but questionable. Cheers, Moe

Hi Moe!

Too, too bad that you were not able to join us as we certainly mentioned wondering about your opinion. Perhaps at the next gathering we can talk a bit about this book, particularly since nobody will have read the "assignment"! Cheers, Patrizzio! 

Canada Party Election Vow: Reshape America's Landscape

http://m.thetyee.ca/Books/2012/10/27/Canada-Party-Reshapes-American-Landmarks/?utm_source=mondayheadlines&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=291012

America, but Better: The Canada Party Manifesto, Chris Cannon, Brian Calvert, Douglas & McIntyre

 

As our campaign to make the people of Canada the 45th president of the United States enters the home stretch, we are simultaneously tailoring star-spangled inauguration suits and burying food caches in the forest. Should America have the foresight to vote us their leader, we will bring a touch of Canada with us to the White House. Should they instead fold to the will of people who vote based on cat-based Internet memes, well... we have a plan for that too.

 This week, we offer our plans should our bid for presidency succeed this November.

Our book lays out a general platform for how we will reshape American policies, but should we win the election, we also have a plan to reshape the American landscape to lend the U.S. a little of that "Canado" spirit. Of course we'll start with an extensive interbreeding program to pass along the Canadian humility gene, but since this will take generations to make America meek enough to inherit the earth, we have a short-term plan to integrate our cultures by sharing our countries' respective iconography.

We'll start by making some modifications to American monuments to bring a certain Canadiana to the U.S.

The Statue of Liberty doesn't seem to be welcoming foreigners anymore, so now that torch is only attracting anchor baby moths to America. We want to fix that with something worth traveling across an ocean for.

 Give us your hungry, your tired, your poor, your huddling masses yearning to breathe free, and your Boston Bruins so we can beat the shit out of them.

Hello Guy!

I thought that the hockey stick was wonderful! Cheers, Il Conduttore

Hi again Laddage!

Before this "slips" from my mind, here is one reference to one of the books we were chatting about last night, as opposed to discussing the book we were all supposed to have read!

http://www.iranreview.org/content/Documents/Patriot-of-Persia-Muhammad-Mossadegh-and-a-Tragic-Anglo-American-Coup.htm

Author: Christopher de Bellaigue, Harper, 2012)

Christopher de Bellaigue, a former contributor to The Economist, brings to light the fascinating story of one of the great anti-colonial heroes of the twentieth century: Muhammad Mossadegh, the great Iranian leader whose untimely demise resulted in the Islamic Revolution of 1979, and a man who has been demonized, ridiculed, and misunderstood in the West while remaining an icon and an inspiration across the Middle East. Patriot of Persia, a new biography exploring his life and impact, opens a crucial new window into Mossadegh—whose role in the evolution of Iran’s political climate cannot be overemphasized—providing a resource that will prove equally invaluable to academics, newshounds, and activists as they struggle to understand Mideast politics, Iran, Ahmadinejad, and the future of the region—and the world.

About the Author
Born in London in 1971, Christopher de Bellaigue has worked as a journalist in the Middle East and South Asia since 1994. His first book, IN THE ROSE GARDEN OF THE MARTYRS: A MEMOIR OF IRAN, was shortlisted for the Royal Society of Literature Ondaatje Prize. His second book, THE STRUGGLE FOR IRAN, was a collection of 14 essays on Iranian culture and politics, all of which originally appeared in The New York Review of Books. His most recent book, REBEL LAND: UNRAVELING THE RIDDLE OF HISTORY IN A TURKISH TOWN, was shortlisted for the prestigious Orwell Book Prize for political writing. Christopher de Bellaigue is the Tehran correspondent for The Economist and a frequent contributor to The New Yorker, Granta, Harper's, and The New York Review of Books. He lives in London with his wife and two children.

Link for Further Reading:

*'Patriot Of Persia' Revisits 1953 CIA Coup In Iran: http://www.npr.org/2012/05/17/152893691/patriot-of-persia-revisits-1953-cia-coup-in-iran

Hi Gran Duggaccio!

As I'm sure you know, it was stupendous day yesterday so I took advantage of rain-free weather to go for a long ride. Regular mates, Whirlygig and Robo Man, were not able to join me, Guess they have not seen the AofGT clip!

Really glad I took advantage of yesterday's sunshine as it had been pouring when I had to run errands this morning. Stopped at MEC to buy a hand pump to keep my new carbon fibre bike tires full. They lose pressure quite quickly if one does not top them up regularly I learned when last I took bike into West Point Cycles, (on a ride near there), for air! Plan to hit he Acquatic Centre for a swim tomorrow morning. Managed to do 2.5 miles on Saturday so am delighted to back in the pool after almost a year away from the water. 

Let us know the date you and David can come for dinner. Fondestos and Cheers, Patrizzio! 

Hi Sylvia and Raymond!

Trust you are back to normal now, Sylvia. Stopped at On the Rivet to buy my Idiot Savant Helmet, Charcoal, no Orange, more's the pity! Then MEC to buy a pair of "lobster" mitts for the colder weather and a hand pump to keep my Madone bike tires full. They lose pressure quite quickly if one does not top them up regularly I learned when last I took bike into West Point Cycles, (on a ride near there), for air! Saw Andrea and Sara and Martine, all very friendly and helpful. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Pat,

    Excellent riding. Don't peak too early before the Penticton run if you are still planning to do that. Haven't managed a ride for a while. Crazy work schedule at the moment and wasn't able to get out at all on the weekend. Heard from Pete who had ridden with Rod to West Van on Sunday. Very leisurely evidently with 2 stops for coffee. Shows what they get up to when I'm not around. Rod under the influence from the previous evening evidently. I'll try and get my old Giant into the shop this week - requires a new cassette and maybe a chain, I think. It has the mudguards, so it is pretty handy for this time of year. The video was very humorous and worth passing along. It certainly beat the usual rubbish I receive. Ray

Hi again, Raymond!

Guess we'd better invite Rod to join the NRBC as we seem to do more tippling than reading! Giorgio and I were only two who had read book last night! Told Sara that you might be in to see her now that I was logging some longer distances! Buona Fortuna with Giant! Cheers, Patrizzio!

dear dunns,

we hope you & yours are all well & now send you our best regards.

icelanders know how to tell a story, yes?
(highest literacy rate & per capita use of libraries in the world as i understand.)

here/hear "of monsters & men" who want to engage you in a "little talk"

clever/brilliant in my hubble opinion

as always,
filmer, (who just composed this message to you) & sally, (who's still @ work & can't be here to contribute).

http://youtu.be/ghb6eDopW8I

Hi Hubble Bubble People!

How terrific to hear from you, Filmer! Really enjoyed the music video! I do apologize for not writing sooner. We had Mom's Memorial on Sunday, October 14th, (I plan to mail copies of the program unless I can find a way to compress it as it a very large set of files, (over 32MB), and I have had trouble loading and sending it as a test. As well, will be having a graveside service this coming summer. More of that later, a little closer to the time.), and everything went off very well so quite pleased with the Service itself as well as the gathering at the church afterwards and then the Wake at our place. Fondestos and Cheers, Patrizzio!

Hello Peletonii

As I'm sure all of you know, (those not couch potatoe-ing), it was stupendous day yesterday so I took advantage of rain-free weather to go for a long ride. Since I had no word from any of the so-called Peletonii, (Please watch AofGT clip!), I set off for Horseshoe Bay at 10:30am, solo. Cheers, Il Conduttore! 
   

IIDD, Moondance: Sunday, October 28th

I have nothing new to teach the world. Truth and non-violence are as old as the hills. All I have done is to try experiments in both on as vast a scale as I could. -Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi (1869-1948)

The item above, called the "Fallen Astronaut," is a small aluminum statue (about 3" tall) and a plaque with the names of eight American astronauts and six Soviet cosmonauts who died during the Space Race. It is regarded as "the only piece of art on the moon," and was created by a Belgian artist named Paul Van Hoeydonck.  Astronauts David Scott and Jim Irwin, Apollo 15 astronauts, were able to bring the Fallen Astronaut on board without NASA's knowledge. The two placed the statue on Mons Hadley, one of the moon's highest known peaks at roughly 4.5 kilometers.

Ayn P.

 

A Village Rape Shatters a Family, and India’s Traditional Silence

www.nytimes.com

A 16-year-old girl, right, who was gang-raped, sitting with her mother. The girl’s father killed himself.

Hi To all,

Unfortunately due to some hitch at work I have to work on this Sunday and will miss you enlightening conversation. See you next time. Enjoy, Moe

Lads,
sorry for the late note - i won't make it tonight too... i am 1/2 way through the River of.... book. have a good evening, Misha

Six artists, including Andy Warhol, created a tiny art gallery the size of a thumbnail, and the Apollo 12 astronauts brought it to the moon. The tiny exhibit, a replica of which can be seen at the link, is still up on the moon.

Today I took advantage of rain-free weather to go for a long ride. Since I had no word from either Raymondo or Whirlygig I set off for Horseshoe Bay at 10:30am, solo. Headed around Science World and then to Stanley Park Seawall to cross over Lions Gate. Very little traffic on Marine Drive once I was in West Vancouver so the ride to HB Village/Ferry Terminal was most pleasant. Having done this ride a fair number of times, of late, I  find it is becoming easier as I know when to gear down and pace myself for the changing terrain.

Back home with 70K on the clock, I made for UBC as I wanted to log at least 100K. After the roller coaster of the HB ride, cycling along Spanish Banks was pretty relaxed and even the Foreshore Hill didn't seem much compared to the ascent out of HB! (Freighters in English Bay were but toy boats on a mirror.) Once skirting the campus I decide to continue along Marine Drive to Crown. By so doing I knew I'd have about 110K under my belt by the time I completed the return trip. I decided to go this far, in part, due to the lack of a strong headwind plus the fact that my legs felt pretty good. Only negative incident I experienced was not being able to open the granola bar I taken along in case I needed a bit of an energy boost. After failing with my teeth, (I couldn't gain purchase with my gloved hands as they were too slippery!), and almost swerving into a small pothole, I've decided I need to cut a small slit in the "super-tough-virtually-impossble-to-open-except-with-a-scalpel" wrapping before I leave on such a long outing! Made due with some of the gum I usually take along so I was fine.

By the time I was back at the Heartbreak Terrace I showed 115k on my trusty odometre so I thought, "What the hell, go for 120K!" and made for the Cambie Bridge. From past experience, I knew I could log an extra 6K, with just a bit of conscious dipsy-doodling, so did just that and pulled up with 121.3K over 5:55:23, AVG 20.4KPH, Max 52.6KPH. Quite chuffed at AVG as my last 100K ride was only 18.6KPH, but then I was with a partial Peleton for first part of ride out to Iona and its predilection is to lollygag at times!!! Came in and after locking up my bike in storage area, had a wonderful cup of java. Had been thinking about it for last 40K or so. Don't allow myself any caffeine before a long ride as heaven forbid, I might have to stop to relieve a full bladder! 

 

Hi Moe et al:

You, Misha, were missed but Dave was able to make it after his volunteer shift. It was great to have him back in the fold even though he, along with Guy and Mark, had not finished the book or even opened its cover! I am glad that you, unlike Misha, were not able to come because you had not finished the assigned reading! Given the group's terrible track record, Giorgio is working on sanctions to be levied against Non-Readers for lack of compliance with NRBC's constitution and will post penalties with his next missive. Cheers, Il Dictatore!!!

Ayn P

Earthquake!....whoa!

• 

  Ayn P Pierre is downstairs and all I heard was Mommmmmm! lol

  
  
• 

  Chloe Alexis Dunn Oh sissy!!! Be careful!!!! Member stand in the door way!!

  
  
• 

  Ayn P We're ok Chloe owie bowie

  
  
• 

  Ed Johnson No get under furniture
• 

  Patrick James Dunn Queen Charlotte Islands also experienced a quake! Not really a laughing matter!!!

Chloe Alexis Dunn

Almost abroad!!! Mariners hold onto your hats, the ladies are thirsty!!!

• 

  Ayn P Way to represent sissy...don't get arrested

  
  
• 

  Patrick James Dunn Have you turned into a Sutherland?