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![[info]](http://l-stat.livejournal.com/img/userinfo.gif) woofiegrrl | |
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I'm going to be participating in this year's Blogathon, a 24-hour event to raise money for various charities. I did the Blogathon a few times, but it's been more than five years since my last one. I'm really looking forward to this. I'm going to be blogging for the Best Friends Animal Society, an organization that ensures every animal has a home. Best Friends believes that no animal is "unadoptable" - they rehabilitate animals with physical problems, behavior issues, or any other problem that would have made them a hard case at any other shelter. They found homes for Michael Vick's old fighting dogs, and they find homes for cats with Manx syndrome (a genetic disorder resulting in incontinence, among otherthings). They find homes for guinea pigs, pigeons, and horses. Any animal who needs a forever home, BFAS works to find them one. And if they don't, or if it takes a long time, the animals can stay on the ranch in Utah as long as they need to...even forever. But Best Friends isn't just working with the animals at the ranch. Through their No More Homeless Pets campaign, they work with shelters and retreats around the country to help them develop strategies to become no-kill. They reach out to people around the country through their show Dogtown, which airs on National Geographic Channel (and is how I learned about Best Friends). They are really a worthwhile charity, and you can find out a lot more at their website, which I linked to above. You can sponsor me for the Blogathon on a lump sum or per hour basis. Either way, you'll be making the donation directly to BFAS (not to Blogathon or to me), so it's fully tax-deductible. I haven't decided on my content yet, but I'll definitely spend some time showcasing animals that you can sponsor (minimum donation of $25 per animal) or even adopt if you want to travel to the ranch to meet them. I hope you'll consider sponsoring me in the Blogathon to help Best Friends with their important mission!
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woofiegrrl | |
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Once again T-Mobile has been good to me. I had seen their billshrink.com commercials and used them, and called up a couple of weeks ago to change plans. The rep told me I could've done it over the web, but I said I prefer to change plans through a rep. Unfortunately, THAT rep did not help me out; she assured me that "Unlimited Data" would be okay with my Blackberry. Wrong!
Today the new plan took effect. The only change I saw was that I couldn't get "EDGE" but rather only "edge" which means you are connected to BIS but not logged in. Having forgot about the plan change, I assumed this was a technical issue. After work, I called T-Mobile to ask about it. Turns out it was due to the plan change - I'd dropped the Blackberry component of my plan.
The reason this is a GOOD post is because it all worked out. I spoke with a wonderful rep who was basically able to put me back where I was. My old plan was discontinued, but somehow she got it back - or rather, it's now a business-only plan, but she was able to add it back at the old rate rather than the scary business rate. Things are a little different now - I had to have unlimited texting added - but I have the same service and features I had before for the same price. We're on FamilyTime now and have fewer minutes, but who needs 1300 minutes/month when you only use 500? I'm paying the same for 700 that I was for 1300, but WHO CARES because we only use 500 between us anyway. (I'm a big texter, not a big talker.)
So everything is hunky dory again, I have full EDGE and all is well. As for billshrink.com, I can't blame them, I think it's a good service. The end!
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fd_midori | |
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Yesterday I made a couple of yummy food place discoveries. After a 3 hour project time at the Burlingame Apple store (where I didn't get any parking tickets this time) I was hungry so asked the tech dude about cheap and tasty eateries in the area. He recommended Himawari for good Ramen in San Mateo, just down the road. When I arrived I realized that I was on a block that was sort of like a mini J-town (Japan town) and I was happy! I didn't make it to Himawari because a old store front caught my eyes. There's a certain look that been-around-forever-mom-&-pop Japanese eateries have. Sometimes they look run down. There's wood paneling. Old hand written menu signs hand in the window, little New Years good luck pieces or various other charms dangle around and the beer posters have Enka stars from decades long past. I'm betting that other ethnic eateries have their own visual cues that speak to the native eaters and expats. My suspicions were correct - they were an old time Japanese diner (with a such counter to keep the Californians happy). Japanese fitness shows droned on the TV. Finger paintings from the customers' kids decorated the wall. A well maintained electric train set chugged arond the ledge on the wall.
Izakaya Mai served a typical Japanese diner style lunch special. Curry, katsu, etc. My saba shioyaki (mackeral grilled) had perfectly crispy skin and yummy fatty flesh. When I opened my mouth and an Eddoko dialect Japanese came out, the Mom serviing me didn't bat an eye and just shifted to Japanese. Good sign. It's one of my criteria for Japanese joints. If I speak Japanese and they don't understand me, ok, I get who their customer base is. If I speak Japanese and they look surprise and hte first question out of their mouth is "are you half?" then I never go back. But this lady blinked, smiled and just shifted to a dialect that was so familiar to me. I think she's from Kanto region too. At just under $7, what a great deal on a lunch with soup, salad, tea, big pieces of grilled fish and orange plus friendly service. I'll be back Then I went two doors down. A fish on the store flag caught my eyes. Growing up in Tokyo I loved the Taiyaki - made fresh by a dude cheerily flipping hot moulds and calling out to the pedstrians. I'd stand on my tip toes, grip the window sill with my little kid hands and stare at the wonder and alchomy of street food making. It's a hand-sized Japanese waffle filled with sweet red bean paste. The waffle's crunchy on the outside and then soft and hot on the inside, with a dollop of cool, sweet paste that fills your mouth and heart with happiness. It's still one of my favorite treats when I go to Japan Town in San Francisco. This funky little shop, Sweet Bream serves something unique - schools of Chibi Tai Chibi = dinky or tiny Tai = Sea Bream fish - symbol of good luck, often served at weddings and other important meals So they serve mini version of the classic Taiyaki. They're bite sized. About the size of Lindt truffles. The classic flavours are Azuki (red bean), Vanilla Cream Custard, Chocolate Cream Custard, Nutella and Catch of the Week. The Catch of the Week was Mint Chocolate Chip but apparantly they get really creative with flavors like lychee, rose, They make them fresh to order so you'll need to wait a little bit Fortunatley they had a really fun art exhibition going on so time flew by. If you're a fan of Giant Robot style, you'll love the art work and unique t shirts there. I even spotted several octopus themed works. The "school" of fish or dozen sweets show up in a charming eco box with cut paper flowers motif! Quirky contemporary Japanese design style meets traditional eats. Move over cup cakes! (and you know how I love them!) Here's come Chibi Tai. Let me know if any of you check these guys out. 
Posted via LiveJournal.app. Tags: via ljapp
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fd_midori | |
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Hope to see some of you! :)
Midori
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
"Rope Dance: Dynamic Passionate Movements" with Midori Presented By: Midori When: 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM Cost: $20 for Edges Members with Card, $25 for Guests and those without Edges Card. RSVP: education@edges.biz Pre-Sale Tickets: https://edges.ticketleap.com/A-Rope-Dance-with-Midori-07-18-2009-07-00A hands-on movement class using rope in a entirely new way... Learn to dance, stretch, seduce, power-exchange and connect at a deeper level using the rope in a whole new way. If you think rope bondage is just about tying knots, you're missing the core of rope seduction. This is the foundation of truly sexy and evocative rope bondage scenes. No rope experience necessary. Adjustable to all fitness and mobility levels. It’s also a great new path to explore deeper leather intimacy. How to prepare: Wear comfortable clothing. Bring your own ropes or ropes provided by Midori. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
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stivalineri | |
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 I read Dash Snow's obituary today in the New York Times. He was only 27. It seems like he was a muse or symbol for the long gone image of a wild rock and roll New York, like the love child of Edie Sedgwick and Basquiat, something that can't exist anymore in the city of Giulani and Bloomberg and SoHo Gaps. There was even an article today how unfinished condos in the Williamsburg neighborhood of Brooklyn are being squatted by young heroin addicts. I mean that's strange that in the whole island of Manhattan, there's no more habitat left for the fucked up. "Fucked up in Brooklyn" just isn't that poetic, no one's going to buy that album. Snow's aunt was Uma Thurman. His great grandmother was Dominique de Menil, who is like an art saint here in Houston. She collected most of the best Surrealist art, the best Magrittes and Ernsts and Tanguys. That lady had taste, and hired people that had real taste. Snow made photo murals and collages and installations that dealt with the Low Life, and anger at power and money. Although he clearly benefited from his ironic connection to High Art hierarchies. He left behind an infant daughter. Which is so sad for her, but then maybe not, maybe he wasn't any good as a father, and perhaps even his death, while he was still beautiful and dangerous, will inflate the value of his oeuvre, and provide his daughter with some security.
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fd_midori | |
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Yesterday I had a Urashima Taro moment. I headed over to Berkeley a bit early to stop by one of my fave skin product store, Body Time, before my flogging class at the Good Vibrations store over there. I needed a refill of my signature scent that I'd let long run out of - as well as beat the rush hour. While I gaze upon the hills of Berkeley and Oakland from our back deck, I don't often travel over there. Pretty typical of a San Francisco-centric life I suppose. I don't really do the bridge-&-tunnel thing citing various lame excuses. While I lived in the East Bay for 5 years, I never quite felt at home there. I can't say that they were happy year for me as I struggled with poverty of supporting myself and a sense of academic mediocrity . The parts of campus and the city that I lived in weren't particularly pretty. It was pretty gritty. Back then, MBA's, engineers and boom year capitalism ethos seemed to rule the campus atmosphere even in the symbolic liberal bastien of the Golden Bears. A recession was about to hit and things seemed pretty pathetic for simple, idealistic liberal arts students like me. As soon as I could, I crossed the water to the magical City by the Bay. (or as it used to be lovingly called, back before the various Gulf Wars, "Baghdad By the Bay") I didn't look back and I didn't miss it. Today, given how badly I get lost anywhere in the East Bay, you wouldn't know that I lived there for 5 years. I rarely cross the beautiful Bay Bridge, except to spend time with wonder-twins and their parents, and I get lost going to see them too. (BTW, the Bay Bridge suspension span is my favorite bridge. No offense, Golden Gate.) I am more frequently in London and know my way around there better. Berkeley stresses me out - and while I usually blame the traffic, in all honestly it's probably because it was such a time and place of melancholy, stress and frustration for me. I take that Hwy 80 exit and feel the aimlessness seep up from the bones of memory. After picking up my perfume from the impossibly young shop girl (did my skin look so good when I was that age?) - I walked in search of something quick nosh before class and came across Triple Rock brewery. They had just opened while I was an undergraduate. The micro beer movement was a new trend then. When I had a rare few bucks to spare I'd go there for a burger and a beer on the roof top garden. Even when dirt poor I was a foodie. While my peers would spend money on the cheapest brew possible to get sloshed, I'd save up a few bucks to buy one bottle of exotic and rare foreign brew once a month for a cultural and culinary adventure in a glass. The brewery was unchanged. It seemed smaller than I remembered but everything was the same, down to the vintage knock off beer posters. The burgers were still exquisite - better even. Opting for a coke rather than a beer, I sat in the shade on the roof garden, over hearing conversations of TAs, undergrads, grads and neighborhood residences. The gadgets were different. There were no cell phone then, much less lap tops and waitstaff computer stations. Then I realized I'd not been there for... twenty years. Had it really been that long? In a puff of smoke moment I felt the rush of time flow over me and dissipate into thin air. It's pass so quickly and now I'm here. Am I any less naive then I was then? Am I any wiser than I was then? When the pop culture icons of my youth are still huge and active contemporary pop culture icons, I'm deluded that I'm still as young as when I first heard them or saw them. Maybe that's why we're so invested in continued success of this star or that celeb. When they die, change or retire, it's like that box of smoke that washes us over with age and the realization of time passed. My life flows and moves rapidly - with all the changes around me and the adventures I have, the sense of time passed is evaded. Sometimes. that which doesn't change show our changes and passing of time all the more starkly.
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stivalineri | |
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 Dear Commissioner Robert Scott, I read today in the Wall Street Journal how the Texas social studies curriculum is being reviewed by non-academic, non-historian conservative ideologues. This news comes right on the heels of the recent revelation that the Texas Education Agency (TEA) would allow the discussion of creationism in the context of the science curriculum. These two developments are embarrassments to the state of Texas. No wonder the rest of the country and the the world think that Texans are a bunch of ignorant idiot yahoo rednecks, when our own Texas Education Agency embraces the incorporation of religious fantasy, and revisionist fictions, into the science and social studies curriculums. I am ashamed of the leadership of the TEA, which would endorse non-scientific and non-historian falsehoods and obfuscations into the education that Texans provide their children. It ill-equips them for future careers, when what they've learned in school is considered ridiculous religious and political propaganda. Even for the smartest of our students, it's a waste of their time to relearn the truth when they reach university. Your agency damages the reputation of Texas education, and Texas students, and the reputation of Texas itself, when it kowtows to Christianist and Revisionist political pressure.
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roadrageblog | |
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I started to put together a really creative, fun, and (yes, I'll say it) hip expose about the bacon phenomena. Then, I was sent the following video. It does far more than my paltry written word could ever hope to accomplish. If you can look past the painfully awkward host, this a a glorious profile of the bacon line from Accoutrements. But wait...before you click and view...think about how picking up this stuff for your store could pay off. Here's how: Print out a still from the video and create your very own "vegetarian-friendly meat case". People love to feel a part of something hot (a la The Oprah Effect). A big "As Featured on FOX & Friends" sign will help draw attention to your display. Tip a big ass, empty cooler on it's side and display the items on small acrylic shelves (or empty boxes) draped with solid color cloth napkins in and around the cooler. If you already use an old refrigerator for display, open it up, rework that bad boy and cash in! In addition to the products shown here, Accoutrements has other meat and food-related products. Your customers could have some serious fun with this and you'll have fun going to the bank. Need some help on product selection or just want it to happen? You know the drill. Give me a call at 877-277-1171 and I'll hook you up. All you have to say is: "I have X dollars to spend and I want my meat!" Be sure to let me know where you're calling from too. I find that usually helps. Operators are standing by.... In the meantime, enjoy. Tags: manufacturers
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fd_midori | |
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Because STOP AIDS Project is near and dear to me...
They're making a free class available for everyone. This is also one of my most favorite classes - a class I wished I could have taken long time ago - it would have saved me a lot of bad scenes and given me greater satisfaction.
:)
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Free class "Beyond Twisted: Kink Outside the Box" with Midori
When: Wed 7/15. Doors open at 6:45, and class starts at 7, continuing until 9pm.
Where: The SF CITADEL, 1277 Mission St (at 9th St.)
The Kink Network and the Stop Aids project have enabled this class with a special focus toward gay, bi, and trans men, however all folks over 18, of all genders and orientations are welcome.
Ever feel boxed in by the definition and expectations of kinky sex? Find your self dissatisfied with scenes or frustrated at not having your desire accepted? Want to figure out how to create a multi-person scene and with everyone happy? You're not alone! Ever notice the expectation that sadist must of course be a dominant and a submissive must of course be a masochist?
Is this right? Wrong!
Come along as Midori explodes the standard definitions of kink roles and expands the idea of what kink is all about. In "BeyondTwisted," she maps out a fine-tuned and flexible framework that anyone can use to help describe their deviant desires. And as we all know, that's the first step to fulfilling them! This is a class for those who don't quite fit into the standard boxes... and for anyone who's curious about their own possibly untapped potential!"
The doors open at 6:45, and class starts at 7, continuing until 9pm. The SFCITADEL is located at 1277 Mission St (at 9th St.
For more information please contact Jorge Vieto... phone 415.575.0150 X 208 or Email: jvieto@stopaids.org
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fd_midori | |
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Monday, July 13 8:00pm"Hands-On Flogging with Midori"
When: Mon, July 13, 8pm – 10pm Where: Good Vibrations Berkeley, 2504 San Pablo Avenue (at Dwight Way), Berkeley, CA 94702
Monday, July 13, 8-10 pm
$25 if pre-registered, $30 for drop-ins
Please call 510-841-8987 to reserve a seat.
Ahh… the flogger. It’s often what comes to mind when we think of kinky sex, but picking one out and learning to use it can be quite a challenge. If you’d like to learn the skills of using floggers and get some tips on finding one that works for you, come join Midori for a hands-on evening full of useful tips. You’ll learn how to find the toys that will create the sensations that you want and that will work for your body, as well as how to use them to deliver powerful sensations without fatigue. If you have a flogger, please bring it. Midori will also bring different types to experiment with.
We strongly recommend reserving your seat in our workshops. Some of our classes fill up and signing up up early will make sure you can attend them. Other workshops have smaller attendance and we may cancel an event if only a few people are signed up in advance. Early pre-registration is the best way to avoid disappointment.
Please call us at 510-841-8987 during store hours to register for this class. We’ll need your name, phone number and a credit card number to reserve a seat. However, we will only charge your card if you don’t come to the class and you don’t cancel your reservation by 3 pm on the day of the class. Registration fees can be paid in cash or credit card when you arrive. We’ll be open at 7:30 pm and all workshops are from 8-10 pm. We suggest that you plan to arrive a few minutes early to check in at the counter.
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jethead | |
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I bought a bike. Well, Jess bought me a bike as an early birthday gift. I'm NOT a cheap date, but had no problem giving up a brand new lower end bike for a slightly used higher end model. It's a big bike - 58cm - original owner was 6'2," he only rode it a handful of times last season. He broke up with his girlfriend (who sold me the bike) back in October and it's been taking up space in her garage ever since. I made sure to have her sign a copy of the Craigslist ad as receipt for cash. It's a 2008 Specialized Globe Sport - sport city commuter. More bike than I need but has everything I wanted (and more). It fits and gives me a solid upright position with slight lean. It's super clean and rode like a dream. Shimano 24 gear trigger shift (although, I can't imagine using more than 7-8 gears), rigid fork, suspension seatpost, adjustable flat handlebar that can be lowered/raised and set back or forward a bit more. No quick release seat (yay!) but quick release wheels (yay, on the front but boo, on the back). It also has a rear rack. I'm going to my first "workshop" session on Wednesday night. It's specifically for women and the trans community. Check it: http://westtownbikes.org/ I figure I'll feel comfortable there for the first night and can hopefully lower the saddle and adjust the handlebars a bit. Then I want to take the DIY bike maintenance course - one night a week for six weeks - sometime this summer or fall. How am I supposed to keep my greased pomp under a helmet, it'll be smashed and sweaty? The only thing I can think is that I'm going to have to wear more hats or possibly get a buzz cut. I've never had a buzz cut - not much you can do with one, definitely NOT a pomp. Besides, Jess and Kawika will throw fits if I don't wear one. Helmets are right up there with seatbelts for me. I HATE THEM! Yes, I know all about the safety factor but still… they feel very confining and choke me. All in all, a very nice bike for a reasonable price. I probably could've bought it for $50 less, she really wanted to get rid of it and had two no shows prior to me, but she was asking a reasonable price. Thanks for reminding me of that, Risa. Negotiating and closing deals with people as opposed to companies doesn't have to always be about the highest return or profit. Hit me up with your favorite bike accessory websites. I NEED a helmet, lock and eventually a cover for the rain and winter since we don't have a garage or basement. I WANT lights, bottle cage, water bottle, and bell. I'll dream of a compuer and Brooks saddle, but they can wait until next year - hopefully, I won't get too bruised up in my nether regions over the next few weeks. Mostly the sore parts are my butt bones; the inner thigh/butt cheek area not the groin/crotch like I used to be when I rode off road. I'm excited to ride this evening. Only residential streets for now, until I build confidence (seriously, the bike is big) and I get the dreaded helmet. Tags: bike
Current Mood:  chipper
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daddyrhon | |
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I love how she spent her only day off doing her hair and nails. Shades of red and all the nuances understood. I love how she is after her girl rituals, feeling pretty and right and peaceful. When she said all prissy, "I'm not a princess!", I love that she was propped in bed with 700 pillows at the time. I love how she now says I made it ok for her to be one. I love how she looks as delicate as a porcelain teacup when sleeping. I love how she checks the full length mirror, pooching her tiny hieny at all angles until she is satisfied. I love how she hops this way and that to avoid the squeekiest floorboards in our old treehouse. I love all the flowers that bloom when she showers, the scent clinging to the silk of her hair. I love how she knows what flimsy little things will look exactly right on her, and how she owns every fierce inch of those creamy legs. When demons screeched and hell cracked open in the scary movie, I love how she buried in my shoulder til the music stopped, and then looked back at the screen and said, "Oh. I like her shoes." I love how her ginormous purse is full of nothing but red lollipops and red lipstick. Love her sugary spicy tang. I love how she feels it is her job to be a good girl and a lady, and how she finds empowerment in being gracious, especially when she struggles. I love how she is as dark as she is light, and how both flash in her autumn eyes. I love the faint cinnamon sprinkles across her nose and the way she speaks so literally when she feels most secure, hugging her own 9 year old self. I love how she is so utterly brave to celebrate and express her femininity in a world where women are not safe. How courageous to embrace her need to be taken and owned. I love how my own name melts like chocolate in her petulant little mouth, and the way she squeezed my fat arm and said, "My Daddy got the big guns!" I love how my babygirl can drive the bus when I need her to, and how she feels valued when I ask. And I love how she feels cherished and adored when I am amused by our differences. I love how my Femme does girl. 
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roadrageblog | |
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Ah, Q3. Sweet, glorious Q3. How I love you! That's 3rd Quarter, in case you're wondering. Summer always means locking in those holiday and calendar orders, round 2 of show season, sizzling show specials and the juicy debut of new products. Yesterday, I received word that our good friends at Accoutrements (the wholesale arm of Archie McPhee, have exceeded all expectations with one particular new item:  Now, I have no idea what "salad flavor" is but you can bet I'll be ripping open my sample the day it arrives and flossing away to find out. I hope it's a pomegranate vinaigrette flavor. I love that stuff. Prepare and order early, dear readers. Set yourselves apart from your friends and peers...not to mention the competition...this holiday season. Wanna know how? Give me a call at 877-277-1171 and I'll help you put together an order of killer products, 3rd/4th Quarter transition tips AND a roll out schedule that will have you humming right along with your cash register. Usually, I charge $200/hour for advice like this but it's a recession, baby...and I'll give you this one for free.
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Previous 
I saw an old 
enthralled
tired
