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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 37 to 61 of 61. Go back in thread:
Posted by sigismund on October 2, 2011, at 4:16:49
In reply to Re: Another day on Wall Street » floatingbridge, posted by sigismund on October 2, 2011, at 4:13:54
Negative reviews are always interesting. The most negative ended with....
In trying to give Grossman the benefit of the doubt, I forced myself to read the whole book. It wasn't worth it. To be fair, though, Grossman's book is less propagandistic than a speech by Ben Bernanke.
Posted by sigismund on October 2, 2011, at 4:19:54
In reply to Re: Another day on Wall Street, posted by floatingbridge on October 1, 2011, at 19:29:05
You will find a way to remain humane. It might be easier if you are not?
I enjoyed "Life and Fate" on that general subject (but you may not!).
I'm travelling for a bit and will look in from time to time.
Not sure I want to travel any more (that's the sort of thing you think in the departure lounge). I prefer Pilates and rainforest regeneration.
Should be catching a local train from Dakar to Bamako. Maybe. Visa permitting. If I survive the 22 hour flight to Madrid.
Posted by floatingbridge on October 2, 2011, at 7:32:49
In reply to Re: Another day on Wall Street » floatingbridge, posted by sigismund on October 2, 2011, at 4:19:54
Happy traveling. The destinations look fantastic. Yes, I would love an update from time to time. I'm sure others would, too.
Good music in Bamako?
Cheers, sigi!
Posted by floatingbridge on October 3, 2011, at 11:08:07
In reply to Re: Another day on Wall Street, posted by sigismund on October 2, 2011, at 4:16:49
Seems to be going strong despite negative reviews....
Was pleased to read this (and to find out I needn't go to SF to participate. There will be an occupation here).
http://www.truth-out.org/five-ways-occupy-wall-street-has-succeeded/1317476360
I hope your travel is pleasurably engrossing now.
Posted by sigismund on October 4, 2011, at 10:03:06
In reply to Re: Another day on Wall Street » sigismund, posted by floatingbridge on October 2, 2011, at 7:32:49
My feet eventually gave way in the Prado.
(Some of the Christianity is a bit wearing. I couldn´t help thinking of Lou since so much of the collection seems to come from Phillip II and often shows that old fashioned Christian antisemitism.)
But I did get to see some things I really liked. The Garden of Early Delights was spine tingling, the Breughels were pretty good but I wanted more, there were a couple of rooms of El Grecos (that kind of Christianity never bugged me) and lots of Goyas (including his black paintings). And some Rafaels.
Madrid is hot. Am I just imagining that it a bit run down? Unemployment is 20%? Some homeless, some begging, nothing you wouldn´t be used to though. It can´t be so hard to sleep out for now.
Posted by sigismund on October 5, 2011, at 4:49:20
In reply to Re: Another day on Wall Street, posted by sigismund on October 4, 2011, at 10:03:06
My feet are swelling up. And I don´t even take Nardil.
The worst painting of that sort was one where the Virgin is in purgatory and either she or some infant (I forget) squeezes her nipple so her milk falls on the heads of those suffering the torments to relieve them.
Posted by floatingbridge on October 5, 2011, at 8:25:15
In reply to Re: Another day on Wall Street, posted by sigismund on October 5, 2011, at 4:49:20
Sigi, do you know I just laughed about that. Thanks. That's the surreal catholicism I remember growing up. Though not that particular image.
Is the garden of earthly delights the same as the garden of early delights, or did the later come first?
Well, as I get older, I do a normal activity like walk all day, and my feet swell or my hips hurt. I am beginning to get used to this, but resent the impingement. I hope your feet
aren't really, really swollen. Are they? Keep them up. Arnica oil massaged into them and lower leg?Did you sleep well last night? I would have seen all the paintings of that day when I closed my eyes at night. I haven't been so overstimulated by art for years. I find it delightful. Maybe you have other descriptions.
What's on the agenda today? Your wife is surviving this art onslaught well?
How I wish I could see some of the Prado.
Posted by sigismund on October 10, 2011, at 5:03:17
In reply to Re: Another day on Wall Street » sigismund, posted by floatingbridge on October 5, 2011, at 8:25:15
I saw demonstrations in Madrid. One of many thousands which must have been about cuts to public education, and another one which looked like a trade union one.
I wonder what is happening? Is this deleveraging an economy? Negotiating the end of the American Empire? The start of a completely new politics as the next generation (and the 99%) discover how completely they have been ripped off?
There was so much bad attitude to the mind/body thing on evidence in the Prado. Christianity has some wonderful points, mainly literary ones, I suppose, but the attitude to the body and sex is just so bad in so many ways it astonishes me.
Posted by sigismund on October 16, 2011, at 6:16:29
In reply to Re: Another day on Wall Street, posted by sigismund on October 10, 2011, at 5:03:17
There are big manifastasiones (as I think they call them) all over Spain. Los indignados filled up the Puerta del Sol in Madrid, and there was a big one here in Seville. I can see that because this started in the Anglosphere resistance will be hardest there. I think, but I may be wrong, that the Occupy Wall St movement had Spanish origins? I wouldn't say that it feels prerevolutionary here, but the feeling is palpable, even up to amusing gafitti such as 'F*ck Wikipedia'. I doubt that Spain has an equivalent of Michelle Bachman. I would like to know that.
It's always good to go to the local services anywhere (except at home), and I find them more moving for not understanding them completely. Spanish churches have so much gold and silver you cannot help wondering where it came from. Did any Amerindians die for it? They are amazing places nonetheless. No young people though.
I wonder if Christianity's martyrology is connected to its bloody history? Like Islam's perhaps? But Judaism? Of course after the Holocaust, Israel.
Posted by floatingbridge on October 16, 2011, at 17:37:54
In reply to Re: Another day on Wall Street, posted by sigismund on October 16, 2011, at 6:16:29
I think Occupy Wall Street has origins in and shares origins with Los Indignados. I think, but am not sure they are inspired by the Arab Spring movement. Where the Arab Spring movement draws from, I don't know.
(Gratuitous Hedges footage. Apologies.)
I would think the gold you saw was mined by Amerindians. But I don't know where European gold came from before the new world.
The reminders of that very evident in California, but nowhere near what I imagine in SA. Here, every fifth street seems
to have some mission reference. Then there are the preserved missions themselves. Yes, so much shame of the body. As in Australia I imagine.About christian martyrs, I can't wrap my head around that question, but I imagine so. There are so many gruesome images. The most extreme I've seen from Mexico. Though Spain might have some fine relics. But even where I am from, very removed from California, the images and icons were pretty bloody. Hard not to have the imagery affect (reflect?) one's bearings.
Posted by sigismund on October 17, 2011, at 10:21:22
In reply to Re: Arab Spring » sigismund, posted by floatingbridge on October 16, 2011, at 17:37:54
500,000 in the Puerta del Sol
500 in SydneyI'm sick of the values based culture wars in the Anglosphere. The whole thing is moronic.
And we have 10 years of Tony Abbott's tough love to which to look forward.
I'm currently in a lobby. I will watch the Hedges with interest later. Ever since I heard about his speech night thing I have followed him with interest.
I think my Hotmail account has been hacked by los bandidos espanoles. I hear that Hotmail is a sewer anyway. Maybe I will just abandon it and the viruses can multiply unvisited by me. I don't know how to change my password, and I have been sending people emails giving them spurious unsolicited financial advice.
Posted by floatingbridge on October 17, 2011, at 13:47:10
In reply to Re: Arab Spring » floatingbridge, posted by sigismund on October 17, 2011, at 10:21:22
Very sorry about your email hacking. I would most likely not remember my password either. Very frustrating.
Too bad the advice your account is distributing isn't any good.
Hedges in an article mentions Julia Gulliard from Australia. Did I get the name right?
Other than the email glitch, I hope your travels are great.
Posted by floatingbridge on October 18, 2011, at 13:06:25
In reply to Re: Arab Spring » floatingbridge, posted by sigismund on October 17, 2011, at 10:21:22
Hey, I want to say I am sorry for thinking you would say anything personally critical (the sh*t post) because that isn't my experience of you. All I can say is that I am a bit of a nut and wasn't feeling well on top of it.
If I was in Europe, I would see some tapestries. Maybe you have already.
Very best on your travels. And with emails.
Posted by sigismund on October 18, 2011, at 15:01:04
In reply to Re: Arab Spring » sigismund, posted by floatingbridge on October 18, 2011, at 13:06:25
Sometimes I am incautious and just say things.
There is a thought out controlled style of posting which just isn't me and I don't try to do it.
What I like here is certain kinds of personal connection, feelings, I guess, rather than thoughts.
Granada is nice. Beautiful climate, lovely city. I hate humidity.
I see Slavoj Zizek adresed the Occupy Wall St crowd. I haven't got to listen to Chris Hedges yet.
I suspect the difference between European politics and Anglo politics is that Anglo politics has gone tribal, with every issue subject to a 'Whose side are you on?' question.
Which is dumb, because these are real issues and deserve to be treated on their merits.
Posted by floatingbridge on October 18, 2011, at 15:32:48
In reply to Re: Arab Spring » floatingbridge, posted by sigismund on October 18, 2011, at 15:01:04
Which side are you on brings to mind this picture. The union movement is important, though I have never been comfortable with that slogan on the guitar.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Woody_Guthrie_2.jpg
Yes, from Wiki of Madrid graffiti fame.
Is there a strong canary presence in Spain? Our canaries are Spanish Timbrados. Though the pictures I have seen of heavily padlocked Timbrado shops are not appealing.
I just usually blurt stuff and then I apologize. I apologize quite a bit. It's an art. Or so I tell myself.
This morality who are you type of spin to every issue in the States, (in the Anglosphere?) has shut down so much discussion. I didn't realize that in the aftermath of 9/11. But it was at a height then. I'd like to know more. Because it is effective and cowing. I have not read Shock Doctrine. I wonder if she addresses it.
Posted by sigismund on October 19, 2011, at 3:04:05
In reply to Re: Arab Spring » sigismund, posted by floatingbridge on October 18, 2011, at 15:32:48
Back in those days many people were happy to kill fascists, all those relatives who were in the services.
I know sleep is one of your issues, so..........
Last night I slept properly, and I'd even had a few drinks before bed.
The only thing different was this....I even did not take my 150mg gabapentine....so here is what I took
1.5g trytophan
1.5g lysine (mainly to prevent cold sores)
200mg pyridoxyl 5 phosphateI will try it again tonight.
Posted by floatingbridge on October 23, 2011, at 15:33:42
In reply to Re: Arab Spring » floatingbridge, posted by sigismund on October 19, 2011, at 3:04:05
How has your sleep continued? Pridoxyl 5 looks interesting. I'm afraid I'm a bit far gone at the moment to feel subtle effects. Unfortunately. But gabapentin (usually) permits 8 hours of sleep. Even if I need to add a tenazepam a few times a week.
I am reading my first Chris Hedges book. Shock Doctrine is ordered. I saw a trailer for the documentary and had to turn it off and breath into a bag. Most books allow one to go at one's pace or skip if necessary while sparing the reader a super-charged soundtrack.
Kadafi is dead. How was the news received in Spain? Obama announced the removal of US troops from Iraq in time for Christmas. Finally the man is showing some hutzpah.
A lazy Sunday here.
Posted by sigismund on October 23, 2011, at 17:28:04
In reply to Re: Arab Spring » sigismund, posted by floatingbridge on October 23, 2011, at 15:33:42
Since I have basically nothing to do, I always read a newspaper for lunch, and they are very different here because Libya is close, and the economic thing is so big, with beggars every 100 metres.
You remember a US band called Little Feat? They were the backing band for this album. These to me are two of the most impressive songs ever written.
Posted by floatingbridge on October 27, 2011, at 19:21:07
In reply to Re: Arab Spring, posted by sigismund on October 23, 2011, at 17:28:04
It's odd that I have difficulty opening certain links in youtube. I've tried sending them to myself. I'll see if that works.
At least I have the titles and John Cale.
Yes, I remember them.
Posted by floatingbridge on October 29, 2011, at 2:31:28
In reply to Re: Arab Spring, posted by sigismund on October 23, 2011, at 17:28:04
These are really lovely. Little Feat? Sounds Eno-ish.
I found them in a nicely streaming format and put them in my playlist. Thank you.
I found this on YouTube while poking around. Just very short Cale and Eno.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UrPIOjU-cuA&feature=youtube_gdata_player
Posted by sigismund on October 29, 2011, at 21:40:23
In reply to Andalucia, posted by floatingbridge on October 29, 2011, at 2:31:28
Yeah, I suppose they are dead now. Lowell George is perhaps?
These are the lyrics
Old Taylor said
Old Taylor meant to cry -- oh my
Field Marshall meant
Field Marshall went away again
Watch out below; the tides
Lean heavily like wine
We are all innocent in spite of you and meThen Martha went
Yes Martha went away again
Down in Transvaal
Where Crocodiles and men fight on
They would have played all night
Even with loaded dice
It's gold that eats the heart away and leaves
The bones -- to drySegovia watched
Gendarmerie and all that's all
The radio man
Amanda did you choose your tune
She walked away in time
She walked a crooked line
So gracefully she turned her head
And smiled -- away
I think it is the repeated theme of going away again that I find so moving. When I get to the second going away, then Martha went, then Martha went away again......it taps into this overwhelming sense of grief. It's not bad, it's good because it's real, but I'm not sure where it comes from, inherited sorrow certainly.
Posted by floatingbridge on October 30, 2011, at 11:38:06
In reply to Re: Andalucia » floatingbridge, posted by sigismund on October 29, 2011, at 21:40:23
Oh. I think the links you sent were to half past France and Andalucia, both of which are sweet songs with an Eno sort of lilt. But I have listened to this one, too. It's full of excellent lines, and his phrasing is exquisite. I wonder about all the names, though maybe he just chose them, but they have such a folk sort of feel, like the folk songs that refer to actual people who have become allegorical over time.
Posted by floatingbridge on October 31, 2011, at 1:09:31
In reply to Endless plain of fortune » sigismund, posted by floatingbridge on October 30, 2011, at 11:38:06
Universal Solar Calender by Angus MacLise:
http://open.spotify.com/track/1IfXEpMNjTzfMjmAhfi6tV
This showed up while listening to John Cale. Maybe it's dreary.
I listen to it slightly distracted....
Posted by Dinah on November 10, 2011, at 9:30:32
In reply to Re: Another day on Wall Street, posted by sigismund on October 10, 2011, at 5:03:17
> I wonder what is happening? Is this deleveraging an economy? Negotiating the end of the American Empire? The start of a completely new politics as the next generation (and the 99%) discover how completely they have been ripped off?
I wouldn't get too excited Sigi. I can't speak for the New York version of the protest, but the New Orleans version doesn't appear that pivotal a moment in human history.
http://www.nola.com/politics/index.ssf/2011/11/occupy_nola_protestors_honor_c.html
Posted by floatingbridge on November 21, 2011, at 13:24:54
In reply to Another day on Wall Street, posted by floatingbridge on September 25, 2011, at 1:52:47
http://www.newyorker.com/services/referral?messageKey=2d591e2363893374a1a9cbdd1d6b0889
Longish and breezy, about the adbuster origins of OWS, with the usual witticisms you'd expect :)
This is the end of the thread.
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