Sad-making

Meant to post this on the man's passing. The more I reflect on it, the more potent it seems:

"Everything everybody does is so--I don't know--not wrong, or even mean, or even stupid, necessarily. But just so tiny and meaningless--and sad-making. And the worst part is, if you go bohemian or something crazy like that, you're conforming just as much as everybody else, only in a different way." -Salinger, Franny and Zooey

How to non-conform? Surely the dreams of a Yangshuo return, overland to Tibet, and Passage into India that haunt these cold nights qualify? More so than picking between expensive restaurants (although there are times for that too, I suppose...)

When will I see you again?

How funny was that call tonight, answered of course by young L at first. Appropriate for Robert Burns's 251... a night that proceeded to elements of a wonderful celebration, including J. Blue at the end over a conversation on the state of play of things. But strangely, maybe appropriately, no real talk of the subject of mind, except the apt reference to "volatility". Yes, admittedly there is that strangeness, partly what contributes to the overall fence-sitting. But gazing among the Martinis tonight as well, is it really all that troublesome? In a word, no. Surely there are ways to pursue the course that make sense, amidst the seeming enthusiasm and opportunity? Sunday at least can be a start.

An appropriate way to end this Rabbie night. So to close with the new lines of this year, prior to a final review of previous postings through the blog years. I well remeber our man of "dreaming laughter" those many years ago in George Square. Tonight, we did well to find the Contented with Litttle" piece, as well as indulge in the walk home to another annual reading of beloved Tam. Ride on, young man, ov'r the ills of life victorious!

My worst word is welcome, and welcome again! And with such mirth and gud humour in my pouch, I bid thee a loving good night!

Yellios

And the sun sprang from the eastern waters... Ah, yes. An unlikely bender of a few days, that. From the Shakespeare By The Sea meeting to the Seahorse and Toothy Moose and a lost/broken phone, to a resolutes lunch over pints and then a wine-enthused Kentucky Fried Chicken feast at the Palace of Nestor, to a solitary walk home shortened by the fortuitous cab and chit.

For, despite the exhaustion, there was the comfort being sought, randomly provided. Yes, random, for the Arkansas wedding to circumvent the blood test, young Louis, the predictable kareoke crowd at Michaels, the lovely gin, and late-night Young Avenue wanderings toward a night hilariously summarized as frustrating and unmemorable.

Because the world is so damn fun, so incredibly unpredictable and good. A wonderful week from that lecture referred to and reflected on below, with the ensuing days only emphasizing the inherent value of remaining bounded by this city. And so, the wondering over the wandering continues... as you also reflect on how to deal with this newest complication that has appeared of nowhere. So funny.

Walks in the Snow

Funny how certain thoughts hit at certain times in certain ways. A successful week, the petroleum promotions hearing intense in terms of hours but nicely wrapped up and a nice diversion from the usual electricity fare. But more so, an enjoyable class, students still showing up, and tonight I think you provided the first decent lecture. Fun, actually. And amazing how quickly you can get comfortable doing something new, even in a short period. The camino, of course, proved that.

So cue the thoughts on the stroll home, given the salary and this opportunity and the potential flexibility available at the office, even over the longer term if desired. Perhaps the move from here is into something more (at least semi) permanent?

Hard knowing what you want, when everything is in such a state of flux. Are you really thinking about running away? Is 1/3 of the next few years on the road enough? Oh, I wonder. As the snow falls softly on this fair city. Of "home"? Perhaps.

On tradition and nostalgia and change

Slow mid-morning trudge into work, reflecting, especially after forgetting the books that spurred the walk. But a good day finally planning out the course, and at this point - as the mind wanders as it does after midnight - quite keen to get it started. So long it seems since the email arrived on the blackberry to this very room. Still hard to conceive of that extraordinary bit of timing. Tomorrow should be a nice easy introduction (for you and them).

Back as well to the gym, amazing the fall off in strength, but no doubting a return to form. Indeed the new year as seen from the window tonight, with its promise of writing and watching some great storytelling courtesy of Mad Men, the doctor, and soon others shines bright. Inevitably, as this is simply what we do, what we live for.

Just as the setting for the personal stories needs its changing too, and if is not going to be in the traditional life arc, at least for now, let it be the escape of the moving road that provides the comfort. It has before, it will again, when you are ready. But again, as another slow dawning realization from the six months gone, the next one should be altogether less pre-planned. Not just in terms of dates, but in structure and route overall. That's a concept that has crept into recent thinking and should be left to ferment. It should also follow naturally if there is no fixed time for a return.

So begins a new year and with it wonderfully deceptive, fresh-seeming philosophy. Don't let the thoughts run too far ahead. It remains true as you sighed earlier this day, though, that there comes a point where the joys of tradition and nostalgia begin to lose their flavour, and you just end up feeling old. There should be new careers in you yet, to match racing time. 'Twill be exciting to discover what they might be...

The Original Test for Indecency

From Para 76 in the dissent, R. v. Labaye, the "factors to consider":

In contrast to our colleagues, we propose to continue applying the original test for indecency, which focusses on a contextual analysis of the impugned acts and incorporates the concept of harm as a significant, but not determinative,
factor to consider in establishing the applicable level of tolerance. Whether or not harm is sustained is merely one of several indicators or contextual factors that make it possible to gauge the degree of tolerance of the Canadian community. In our view, all the contextual factors must be considered in every case. The application of this test to the facts of the case at bar leads to the conclusion that the impugned acts were indecent and that the appellant’s establishment was a common bawdy‑house within the meaning of s. 210(1) Cr. C.

Blue Moon

Or so... Great anti-climactic new year night after a turn through Cheers 24 hours earlier and some old episodes of the Doctor to keep you company on this cold night.

Blue moon in the skies, so pretty earlier on the horizon, large and red and ever-close.

Will have to wait until 2028 for the next blue moon. Wonder where that will be.

Thanks, 2009. It was fun, and enlightening. I'm sure 2010 will hold similar wonder and majesty, as we work toward maximum freedom and laughter. 12 minutes. Isn't such relaxing wonderful? Should make the levees tomorrow all the more fun. Keep fit and have fun.