arse poetica

Can Obama Repel 'Swift Boat'-Style Attacks?

I'm delighted (thrilled!) to hear that the Obama camp has a few rapid-response tactics up their sleeves, but I really wanted to post this, because this is such a cute picture of him. /shallowness

Can Obama Repel 'Swift Boat'-Style Attacks?

David Axelrod, Obama's chief strategist, tells NEWSWEEK that the Illinois senator won't let himself be "Swift Boated" like John Kerry in 2004. "He's not going to sit there and sing 'Kumbaya' as the missiles are raining in," Axelrod said. "I don't think people should mistake civility for a willingness to deal with the challenges to come."

Signs of Intelligent Life in the Universe

This level of observation and whimsy just makes me want to hug the whole world.

[via]

Friday Dingo Blogging

Angel Dingo sent from the heavens.

Taqueria + Bistro = Happiness

What a great night filled w/ the baaaad jokes and easy company of our pals JM and Pablo. We started the evening w/ amazing soups and tasty tacos from Taqueria Lopez, one of the many highly regarded taquerias 'round these parts. TaqLopez was the first stop on what will become our culinary tour of the local taquerias, regarded highly enough to be lauded in Gourmet magazine, no less (no link, hmmph). Can't wait to sample the fares.

Our Spanish is so miserable that in attempts to order two draft cervezas we ended up w/ two of the biggest beers I'd ever seen. A liter each! We have got to get it together for Round 2 of the Taqueria Tour. Jeez.

We followed our delicious meal w/ Nightcap #1 at Vin Rouge, followed by Nightcap #2 (and world famous homemade cookies from Pablo's mom -- well, they should be world famous) at Pablo's. Fat-n-happy, yessirree.

Some fuzzy pix from Vin Rouge, which is probably our favorite spot in Durham. Tasty morsels, great service, great vibe -- lively w/o being loud, and the exact right amount of light. Cozy.

At my pal JM's suggestion, I had a French 75. Yummy!

What, No "I Hate Murka" Button?

My pal went as a conservative going as a "goddamn librul" for Halloween this year. Nice.

Those hipster pants practically scream Homosexual Agenda!

P.S. My favorite button: It's a toss up between "Freedom Sucks!!!" and "I Live for Orgies!!!" Must we decide?

Atrium, National Gallery

It's so pretty! I want to take all of my coffee breaks there.

Want.Baby.Tigers.

It's probably a good thing I'm not a decadent rich person, because I could see that if I had ridiculous money (and the attendant entitlement) I might break all rules of common sense and what is right and just have to have a baby tiger. I'm 100% id right now.

Photo Gallery: Tiger Triplets Christened in Leipzig Zoo.

Today's Visitor

What a cutie! First thing I saw when I stepped out the door this morning. Poor db had to interpret my frantic hand signals and strained pantomime for "get the camera!" I really should just walk around w/ a camera. The world is full of critters!

Another gray tree frog, I'm guessing. Look how teeny!

And a close up of the handsome devil. I don't think he was even an inch long.

Human Doings

Odd sign I saw this afternoon in the bar where db and I met our pals JM and PM for a quick drink to celebrate JM's happy news. Odder still: the rednecks who gave db grief for taking a picture of the sign. Whatevs, dudes. How do they know we're not going to spread the word and help DR out? Pfft.

What a day. Maybe this will be a public service announcement after all. Ready? Do yoga! My pal PM and I did yoga this afternoon, and everything about it was wonderful. Walking out of work at 11:45 a.m. and across campus under the gorgeous trees and the warm sun (nice and warm for the first few minutes because my office is cold), being in a beautiful space, stretching and breathing and moving in the middle of the day, walking back with senses alive, staying in my yoga clothes for the rest of the afternoon, because I just didn't feel like changing into my jeans, doing my work on the porch (though more chatting than working). Then capping the day off w/ drinks and dinner w/ pals after work. I don't want summer to end.

Post title comes from our yoga teacher's reminder to just let ourselves be, that we are human beings not human doings. How easy it is to forget that. Before yoga -- true story -- I thought to myself: I'll just bring this work w/ me and read over it on my walk and before class starts. How damn unyoga-ish is that?? Best thing about yoga for yours truly: brain OFF.

Everything Will Be OK

On January 20, 2009.

[photo: ae | Asheville, NC | June 2007 ]