| The flawed master giveaway |
[Dec. 7th, 2009|09:23 pm] |
Master, bless.
My dearest ones,
I did this for the members of ![[info]](http://l-stat.livejournal.com/img/community.gif) robed_embrace a little while ago, and I thought I would do it here also...
I am so grateful for you all, for your love and encouragement. Many of you have been here with me since the beginning... 2004. What a ride it has been, eh? You are all like precious treasures inside my heart. You have upheld me in ways you cannot imagine; you have watered me like a plant, and I have grown before your eyes.
I wish to give one of you a copy of The flawed master: lessons Professor Snape taught me. If you would like to enter the draw, merely comment here. I shall write each participant's name on a piece of paper, then I shall put the pieces in a cauldron, close my eyes and retrieve the name of the winner.
I shall select a winner on friday.
My heart is full of peace and I am very happy.
God bless you always and forever.
Speaking of the passage of time, I have noticed that my eyesight is starting to change... Based on my mother's experience, I figure that I have about a year and a half or so left before I need my first pair of reading glasses. How amusing.
Your devoted
Logospilgrim, the quiet professor |
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| luminous hiddenness |
[Dec. 7th, 2009|08:06 pm] |
Master, bless.
My most precious ones,
we are supposed to get our first snow storm this week... I do not mind. I am looking forward to that snowed in feeling, which I relish.
Fortunately, this turn of events will not interfere with my neck massage, which I am also immensely looking forward to. I rather need it.
Today, I sent copies of my books to Jane G. Meyer (re: Ancient Faith Radio review). This week, I shall be mailing my first press kits. I must confess that it is all taking some getting used to, the whole... emergence. I feel a bit lost, awkward. However, I am strengthened by the Lord. I depend on Him entirely.
Saturday, I went to the Holy Unction and was anointed by Archbishop Seraphim and Father James; soon after, it was time for Vespers, then a Vigil and thus another anointing. Upon entering the church, I saw, to my great joy, a copy of the icon of the Theotokos of Pochaiv; it was blessed upon the original. The sight of it, in its exquisite, bejeweled golden casing, soothed my heart. It is ours and will always be there for veneration, glory to God.
I am so grateful to the Lord for His goodness, His unending goodness to me. My only desire is to delight Him forever. I have no other purpose.
My work is increasing my visibility, but the depths of my heart... That sacred place will always be veiled by a curtain, His alone. The more I dedicate this inner sanctuary to Him, the more I can reach out lovingly. The closer I am to Him, the more aware I am of my imperfections, and so I must reach out lovingly, otherwise I sin against His merciful love. I wish to behold Him, and so I must see with His eyes, otherwise I am blind to Him and everything else, including myself.
I AM THAT I AM has taught me to be.
O, sweetness of the Lord! I never existed 'til I knew Him.
O Lord, illumine me and save me.
My dearest ones, I shall dedicate myself to you until my last breath. This afternoon, I picked up a passport renewal form... Ah, goodness.
Your devoted
Logospilgrim, the quiet professor |
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| Breakfast recommendations |
[Dec. 7th, 2009|12:06 pm] |
Can anyone recommend affordable places for a group to meet on a Friday late morning (10 to 10:30 start time) for breakfast close to Arlington National Cemetery? I am looking for something in between iHop and the $17-$20 all you can eat hotel breakfast buffet options. Since most of the people attending are from out of town, proximity to the cemetery is more of a priority than 5 star cuisine. (I also recognize breakfast that late limits options.) TIA |
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| Best place to grab an out-of-town newspaper |
[Dec. 6th, 2009|11:42 pm] |
I want to get a copy of this. So, looking for the Miami Herald, Guardian, Le Monde, El País, Toronto Star, Irish Times, Hindu, etc. Preferably in north Arlington (esp. Rosslyn) or downtown DC. Suggestions?
Yelp likes News World by Farragut Square. Yea / nay?
Maybe a pre-security newsstand at National Airport? Hudson News seems to usually only have a few (a local paper, New York Times, Wall Street Journal, maybe USA Today or Financial Times).
Thanks! |
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| MTC update. |
[Dec. 6th, 2009|01:06 am] |
Goal is 90,000
6786 words.
I've laid the groundwork. Ammie's explained completely what she's going to do to Jim and he's agreeing to it, hook, line, sinker, net and bucket. Foreshadowing. Love it. |
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| Good ramen is not an oxymoron. |
[Dec. 6th, 2009|12:52 am] |
There's been a bit of talk in the City Paper about ramen, and they pointed out a ramenya in Bethesda that sounds pretty good. Unfortunately, it and the one that just opened lately in Farragut next to Java Green are pretty much the only two I'm aware of.
Does anyone have any relatively traditional ramenyas they like other than these two? Even if they are just those two, what do y'all think of them? |
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| Library of Congress |
[Dec. 5th, 2009|04:56 pm] |
I went to the Library of Congress today to visit my book.
I boarded the Metrorail at Vienna in the dark and arrived at Union Station just after sunrise. Oddly, as I was passing through the main hall after disembarking, I noticed it was eerily empty; far from the compacted crowds I was expecting to find on this Friday morning in the nation’s capital. The relative emptiness followed me out onto Delaware Avenue, which led me past the U. S. Capitol building and to the steps of the Library of Congress. The last time I was in D.C., it was a claustrophobic, shoulder-to-shoulder scuttle through the streets. Today though, it was a comfortable delight.
After passing through library security, I went straight to the restroom. When done I must have looked confused. A man with no arms came up to me in the hallway and wanted to know if I was interested in a tour. I was planning on joining the 10:30 tour later, but he said with a wink that there was an opening in a special Reserved Congressional Tour just about to start. Not ever wanting to miss out on special treatment, I gratefully accepted the offer from the winking man with no arms. Our small group spent the next hour following Pat the tour guide as she provided a continual stream of fascinating details about this incredible building, it’s contents, and it’s history.
In 1800, the members of Congress began accumulating a reference library – books to help them better understand their constituents. In 1812, the British, still holding a grudge over that independence declaration issue, stormed Washington torching the White House and U.S. Capitol. And hence, the reference library went up in flames. Three years later, retired president Thomas Jefferson sold his immense personal collection of over 6,500 books to the U.S. government, and the Library of Congress was re-born.
In 1851, flames again brought trouble to Congress’ collection. An accidental fire on Christmas Eve destroyed approximately two-thirds of the Jefferson collection. It was a devastating loss. One hundred and fifty years later though, a football team came to the rescue. Jerry Jones, owner of the Dallas Cowboys, began financing an effort to restore the original Jefferson collection. A worldwide search remains underway to obtain copies of the books that were destroyed in the fire of 1851.
Today, the Library of Congress has grown into the world’s largest, containing over 142 million items covering every imaginable topic, including even the history of my father and his ancestry. In effect, the Library of Congress represents an accumulation of all knowledge garnered by mankind, catalogued and secured under the auspices of the United States government. It’s like a hard copy of the internet. Quite an extraordinary and ongoing accomplishment.
Some other fascinating facts about the Library of Congress:
I contains 650 miles of bookshelves.
The smallest book is a mere 1/25th of an inch square.
The library contains an original Gutenberg bible, printed by what is universally recognized as the most important invention of all time.
The building contains thousands of intricate and beautiful statues, paintings, and ornamentations full of thoughtful symbolizations.
And here’s one more fact, albeit a selfish one: if you search for “Koppenhaver” in the Library of Congress’ data base - all 142 million items - the first result returned is the book I came to visit today. |
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| Feast of the Seven Fishes |
[Dec. 5th, 2009|04:21 pm] |
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I am originally from NY and will not be getting home for Christmas Eve this year and a homey Feast of the Seven Fishes celebration. Can anyone recommend a Feast in the DC or VA area that you know if authentically good? Thank you! |
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| (no subject) |
[Dec. 4th, 2009|08:54 pm] |
I know it's far away, but I figured I'd post here anyway...
2 bedrooms upstairs available in a single family townhouse in Dale City. The house is very well maintained; the owner is my (quiet) uncle.
Uncle's space is the basement; renters would get the upstairs bedrooms. Shared kitchen but total upstairs privacy in living space (including your own living room).
$500 for one bedroom; $800 for both. ALL utilities included - electric, cable, water, etc -- even DVR.
Kids, families, singles, anyone welcome. :) Owner does have dogs, but they live downstairs. Pets OK.
Email me at photochik at hotmail.com! |
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| Karaoke Bars with Contests |
[Dec. 4th, 2009|03:54 pm] |
I see a few previous posts about karaoke bars in the metro area, but are there any that hold regular contests?
Thanks! |
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| Plan 9 from the dungeons |
[Dec. 3rd, 2009|06:40 pm] |
Master, bless.
My dearest ones,
Jane G. Meyer has just emailed me her address (see my previous post)... I shall be sending her Bring forth the best robes and The flawed master. She wrote that she would email me and let me know when she reviews the books on Ancient Faith Radio...
She also loves my website. She thinks it is beautiful. Which is very generous, considering how lovely hers is. But I am glad, because I worked on it so hard...
O, God! My little books will be discussed on Ancient Faith Radio! I really did not expect anything like this. The list of books that have been reviewed there includes material published by St. Vladimir's Seminary Press, Paraclete Press, Ignatius Press, Conciliar Press, HarperOne... And here I am, with my self-published ramblings. Perhaps my books will be too, um, too... I do not know, but not of sufficient quality...
I am forty, but I have never felt more like a novice than I do now. The Lord is so good; glory to Him forever.
Thank heaven I am getting my neck massaged next week. And, I shall see loved ones tomorrow, ![[info]](http://l-stat.livejournal.com/img/userinfo.gif) sheryll, wolfraven80, loudmeggaphone...
I think I am going to watch "Ed Wood" tonight. That film always warms my heart.
Your devoted
Logospilgrim, the quiet professor |
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| all things are possible |
[Dec. 3rd, 2009|01:11 pm] |
Master, bless.
My most precious ones,
due to the affliction, I am somewhat medicated at the moment, but I needed to share something with you... I am... Well, bewildered.
As I mentioned on sunday, I now have an author account on Goodreads. I have joined a few groups (including an Orthodox one), and summoned up the courage to inform people of my work.
This morning, I received a very kind email from Jane G. Meyer, Orthodox author of children's books such as The Life of Saint Bridget, The Man and the Vine, The Woman and the Wheat... She does reviews ("Speaking of Books") on Ancient Faith Radio, and offered to review my books of Snape essays.
For a while I sat in front of my computer screen, blinking. Then I took another anti-inflammatory pill. Then I had soup and sat quietly, my brain attempting to process this amazing development.
I emailed her back, writing what I hope was a coherent message, and said that, if after reading the books she thought they had merit...
Can this be happening?
You know... Just before I watched The Butterfly Circus the other day, I had been feeling weary and thinking that my life had become a circus. Was this good, I wondered? God's reply was a categorical and gentle, "Yes." So I shall continue to try to be like the ringmaster... I shall continue to try and be a harbinger of hope.
The Lord is right. I was meant for the beautiful circus He has entrusted to my care. One of my favorite films has always been "The Circus" by Charlie Chaplin... When I was young, I wanted to run away and join a circus.
It was symbolic. It was prophetic.
I am grateful for your tender support. I cannot begin to tell you how overwhelming all of this is sometimes. And yet, it seems to be happening at the precise time when I am ready (more or less) for it. I daresay that I have been prepared.
Either that, or the medication is dulling my apprehension.
Ah, goodness... I shall read and rest a bit. God bless you all for your encouragement and affection. Please keep your servus in your prayers. I think that when I speak to Archbishop Seraphim on sunday, the odds that I shall weep are great. Like right now.
Your devoted
Logospilgrim, the quiet professor |
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| Montgomery County lease question |
[Dec. 3rd, 2009|09:04 am] |
My prospective landlord has a line in the lease that says the renter has to pay a $50 deductible for repairs to major appliances (stove, AC, water heater, washer/dryer, etc.). I've been a home owner for the last six years, so maybe I'm a little out of the rental loop, but this seems unusual to me. They claim their lease is based on the Montgomery County Residential Lease, which does have some sort of mumbo jumbo about that in there...although that kinda seems to apply more to stuff that gets broken from abuse. I'm thinking I'm gonna try and negotiate out of it. This stuff needs repair all the time, and why should I pay to fix it is my thinking. Any thoughts, ideas, experiences, etc.? AIYH.
From the lease: "When repair or replacement services are necessary for major appliances such as clothes washer, dryer, refrigerator, dishwasher, range oven, disposal, heating and air conditioning system, tenants are responsible to pay $50.00 deductible for each service." |
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| Marking the Con, Mark II - the revision begins |
[Dec. 3rd, 2009|12:55 am] |
Goal is 90,000
4444 words. I've streamlined the conversation, already created the foundation for the big twist. While I was picking and choosing from the NaNo edition, I realized that I've laid the groundwork for the climax.
I love writing. |
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| Fhat the Wuck? |
[Dec. 2nd, 2009|08:36 pm] |
| [ | Current Mood |
| |  amused | ] |
| [ | Current Music |
| | Gogol Bordello ~ Start Wearing Purple | ] |
I was looking for books on Amazon and was reading some 1-star reviews of a few of my favorites. Because I am morbidly curious like that. Anywho, I looked up Valiant by Holly Black and this was one that stood out:
"While the story was good overall, this is the second time the author has killed a cat in her stories. I do not find this entertaining or necessary to the story line in this book, and will therefore not read or purchase any of her books in the future. Parents need to know that this book is only for adults, not children or teenagers for this reason."
Srsly? No, really, seriously? I hope this was written by a 12 year-old. But then, that's really depressing, if there's a stupid 12 year-old out there that gets butthurt by the killing of fictitious cats in books about homeless teenagers that run drugs for a troll in New York. BTW, contrary to the above dork-ass' opinion, that book is YA, through and through. You know, this reminds me of the thread about the Willard movie where another group were equally as butthurt over the CGI death of Scully (cat) in the new version with Crispin Glover.
And all this ranting has brought me to my point. This kind of reasoning, hating a book because there is a dead cat, use of the "fuck" word and sex - without waiting to be married *gasps* is what allows shit like Dead Until Dark and countless other lame books to be published and gobbled up by the masses.
Le sigh. |
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| I almost friggin pissed myself about this |
[Dec. 2nd, 2009|03:33 pm] |
The 60 Rules of Horror Punk
1.) Religiously watch Horror movies.
2.) Be a "Fiend"
3.) Be a "Ghoul"
4.) Change your name to something spooky (Danzig, Sid Terror, Wednesday 13, Evil Presley)
5.) Never use the word "Spooky"
6.) Watch and thoroughly enjoy "Plan 9 From Outer Space"
7.) Use Whoas as much as possible in your music
8.) Have at least one song that’s about Zombies contain the word Zombie, Dead, or Undead
9.) Refer to graves, graveyards, or cemeteries as much as possible. They’re "Fiendish".
10.) You know what you need? some skeli gloves
11.) You know what those gloves could use? Some spikes
12.) Always refer to your band as either: Evil, Pure evil, the most evil, evilest, fiendish, or ghoulish band ever.
13.) Make sure at LEAST one member of your band has his face painted like a skull or a Zombie
14.) All members of your band are required to have Devil Locks. If they don’t know what that is, kill them immediately (Or kick them out of the bad, either one)
15.) Never gain popularity (cult or otherwise) until 10 years after your band has broken up
16.) After gaining popularity, reform with only one old member and tour using the same name of your "popular" band.
17.) Make sure your logo contains a creepy looking skull or some variation of the Fiend Skull.
18.) Make a skeleton shirt using only a black long sleeve shirt and White Out
19.) Make a band website but never update it.
20.) Never keep the same drummer, instead frequently hire new ones and fire them for ridiculous reasons.
21.) You’re not using enough Whoas!
22.) Pick out a creepy 1950's style horror movie font for you to write your band name in
23.) Use green and purple for shading as much as possible
24.) Spikes, spikes, spikes
25.) Only use BC Rich guitars, they’re both Ghoulish AND Fiendish
26.) Break a guitar or bass every show
27.) Get a job solely to buy new equipment
28.) Frequently attack your crowd, bash at least one person in the head with your guitar
29.) Get banned from San Francisco
308.) Write multiple songs about killing teenage girls and how much you enjoyed it
31.) Make sure your drummer gets kidnapped for 6 months while touring
32.) Whhhooooaaaahhh!!!
33.) Make sure every photo is at a graveyard, or you playing live.
34.) Why isn’t there any blood in your show? MORE BLOOD!!!
35.) Every time you play live, have an old zombie movie play in the background.
36.) Kill a cow and use its backbone on your leather jacket
37.) Frequently state in public that Jerry Only should have just let the Misfits die.
138.) Put a number in one of your songs or album covers. This insures that fiends will refer to it for years to come.
39.) Frequently whine that Balzac should tour the U.S.
40.) Make sure you have a side project or album title that has the name of a Misfits song on it
41.) Don't speak, it you have to, grumble incoherently
42.) Make sure your band has little or no musical talent
43.) Wear boots: If possible, put spikes on them
44.) Chains: Not only a great accessory, but good for attacking the crowd
44.) Tour every single day for months on end, stop only to record an album.
45.) Go to London to tour but instead get throw in jail. Write a song about it.
46.) Open up your own club
47.) Get it shut down only a couple years after it opened due to payment issues and noise and violence complaints.
48.) Release self made EPs only, then compile them into two or three cds and give the cds different names then the EPs
49.) When thinking of lyrics, cd titles, band names etc. Remember, EVERYTHING comes from outer space
50.) Make your own record label, be sure to name it after an old horror movie or horror punk song
51.) Make sure your album covers contains any combination of the following: Zombies, Demons, Skulls, Vampires and half naked women
52.) Remember, Every day is Halloween
53.) If you want your band to be happy together and last long, don't be like Danzig.
54.) When writing lyrics, if you come at a writers block refer to rule 7
55.) If you’re browsing for cds and see one from Germany, get it.
56.) Frequently point out that the Nekromantix and Mad Sin are Psychobilly and not Horror-Punk
57.) Also at every possible moment, point out the difference between Psychobilly and Horror-Punk
58.) Punk Rock Is UNDEAD!
59.) When throwing a party, see rule 1
60.) You mean you sat here a read all this when you could be watching zombies massacre each other!? For shame, fooorrr shhhaaaammmmeee |
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| Seeking a naturopath or holistic doc in Alexandria/Falls Church/Fairfax/DC areas |
[Dec. 2nd, 2009|03:22 pm] |
Hello--I just moved to the area and am looking for a naturopath or holistic doc to serve as my GP. Any recommendations/anti-recommendations? Any experiences with National Integrated Health Associates?
I am staying in Falls Church and will be living near Old Town in Alexandria. Mass transit accessibility is a big plus. Thank you! |
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happy
contemplative
groggy and bewildered