Monday, January 08, 2007

The Book Quiz -- A Little Too Close to Home




I took the book quiz that Vivian suggested and it turns out I'm Compassion Fatigue! by Susan Moeller

You used to care, but now it's just getting too difficult. You cared about the plight of people in lands near and far, but now the media has bombarded you with images of suffering to the point that you just don't have the energy to go on.
You've become cold and heartless, as though you'd lived in New York City for a year or so. But you stand as a serious example to all others that they should turn off their TV sets and start caring again.



Feels too damn accurate. Not a good sign on the eve of a General Assembly Session that will be bogged down in anti-immigration and other mean-spirited legislation.

Take the Book Quiz
at the Blue Pyramid.

Political Ill Wind?

Today in Austin, Texas, city streets were shut down in the State Capitol on the eve of their legislative session because 60 pigeons, grackels and sparrows were found dead. I've heard of political hot air but this seems to be a new form of political toxic cloud accompanying the arrival of their state legislators.

And, in NYC, another ill wind was blowing.

Hmmmm. Better be careful to stay away from Jamestown on Wednesday. Oh, that's right, there's no room for the public anyway.

Tuesday, January 02, 2007

Gathering Change... New Music

Well, this isn't about a big idea, and it's not a "musing". It isn't even about politics. Just a sister bragging on a brother.

My brother Gus Guthrie (a Fairfax County art teacher nominated for teacher of the year) is a multi-talented guy. You can hear his latest music project, a CD on which he does lead vocals, called Gathering Change, here.

If you can get past this saccharine slop, "a beautifully crafted platform for listeners to hear Gus Guthrie’s soulful and sincere voice", you might actually enjoy the music which is a bit folk, a bit Latin with a hint of the islands.

You can also hear Gus' band, No Better Off, on Saturday night, January 6th at Bangkok Blues in Falls Church. More info here.

So, walk away from the keyboard and the blog wars and go take a listen.

UPDATE: XM Cafe is playing selections from "Gathering Change" in its Nude Music Review. XM Cafe is Channel 45 on XM Radio. Here's the schedule if you want to catch a song:

Nude Music Revue
Monday - Midnight ET Listen to new music every week on the Nude Music Review when XM Café - XM 45 plays multiple tracks from the latest CDs. Encores:Tuesday - 9 PM ET Wednesday - 3 PM ET Thursday - 9 AM ET Friday - 3 AM ET

And, No Better Off is appearing at Stacy's Coffee House at 709 W. Broad Street in Falls Church on Saturday night, February 10th from 7:30pm to 9:30pm.