Monday, November 22, 2010
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
The Perils Of Boxing
Two steps forward, one step back. In boxing parlance that could refer to a double jab followed by a defensive hook but for the purpose of this article it will refer to my progress at the Harvard Boxing Club. I went again today after a tentatively successful experience on Monday where I felt more welcomed and part of a group rather than the old raspberry ruining everyone's fun by being totally uncoordinated and as slow of mind as of body.
Today though I left with a spring in my step. I had constructive advice from Coach (no idea what his name is, everyone just calls him coach) about my pathetic left hook, I was teamed up with Phillip (Archaeology Doctorate) who also tried to enlighten me as to the failings of my hook and I kept going right the way through our sit-ups and press-ups and although I need to pull a few faces to get through I thought that lack of decorum was a small price to pay for the sense of achievement afterwards.
The sit-ups were especially hard for the first 20 or so as I could feel where the swimming trunks I'd worn on Monday really rubbed against the tatami type floor and irritated my skin but other greater pain takes over and I just ploughed on.
I don't change after boxing as it's only about a 10 minutes walk away and I'm so sweaty that putting any other clothes on would be pointless so I just pulled up my hoodie and amble home. I finished cooking dinner (smoked salmon and potato quiche with a walnut and bean salad I will add) and thought I'd take a photo of the sores on my arse from the sit-ups. Imagine my disappointment as I tried to angle the camera in the bathroom mirror and noted the rather obvious patch of blood which decorated the shorts I was still wearing.
My previous confidence disappeared oddly enough. I imagined my proud walk as I left the gym, swinging my bag over my shoulder as I bid my fellow fighters good-night. I imagined what horrors I may have left on the gym mats we all have to pick up and put away at the end of every session and I imagine what people must have thought on that walk home through Harvard Square.
I know what they weren't thinking. None of them thought, Oh I bet he's got a small sore near his coccyx which he must have irritated while manfully ploughing though sit-ups at his boxing gym.
Monday, November 15, 2010
The Good Son - Michael Gruber
I finished this novel today and was quite pleased to have done so. It tries to combine an action and adventure story with a discussion about Islam and the possibility of peace. The manner in which this is achieved is unsurprisingly something of a contrivance but the whole thing hung together pretty well for me.
Pashtun culture, recent wars in Afghanistan and the many views on the possible establishment of a Caliphate were fascinating and I likes a good shoot 'em up too.
I marked a few pages in the book and am writing a few notes for my benefit rather than for anyone else (that is to say they won't make sense).
Legerdemain - Slight of hand.
On Women in Islam
I have the greatest respect for women. A modest woman caring for her family is one of God's greatest creations. But it is also true that when the head is full the womb is empty, as we observe throughout the West. IN whatever nations that accept the curse of women's education and freedom from the control of men we see a rapid decline in population; we see pornography; we see sexual disease. Not a single one of the so called advanced countries is reproducing its original population at replacement levels, an it is now clear that in a certain number of years all these nations will have Muslim majorities. This is because we understand that the function of women is established by God and anything that seeks to destroy that function must be haram.
On Cultural Imperialism
You look at us and you see oppression; we see stability and harmony . You see corruption; we see ties of family, friendship and mutual support. You see feudalism: we see mutual responsibility. You see the oppression of women; we see the defence of modesty.
Pashtun culture, recent wars in Afghanistan and the many views on the possible establishment of a Caliphate were fascinating and I likes a good shoot 'em up too.
I marked a few pages in the book and am writing a few notes for my benefit rather than for anyone else (that is to say they won't make sense).
Legerdemain - Slight of hand.
On Women in Islam
I have the greatest respect for women. A modest woman caring for her family is one of God's greatest creations. But it is also true that when the head is full the womb is empty, as we observe throughout the West. IN whatever nations that accept the curse of women's education and freedom from the control of men we see a rapid decline in population; we see pornography; we see sexual disease. Not a single one of the so called advanced countries is reproducing its original population at replacement levels, an it is now clear that in a certain number of years all these nations will have Muslim majorities. This is because we understand that the function of women is established by God and anything that seeks to destroy that function must be haram.
On Cultural Imperialism
You look at us and you see oppression; we see stability and harmony . You see corruption; we see ties of family, friendship and mutual support. You see feudalism: we see mutual responsibility. You see the oppression of women; we see the defence of modesty.
The Comeback Kid
If it's good enough for Evander Holyfield then it's good enough for me. While I suffered a few blows to the head and the ego last week he had to endure Tyson biting part of his ear off and still he boxes on. As do I.
I decided to give it one more go and if I still felt like an battered spanner at the end of the week then I'd call it quits. Only Monday today but it all went quite well and I feel heartened that I took my own advice and persevered.
On a less bright note I have to report that while I wasn't called upon to spar I did have to put a head guard on for the first time and watched my fellow boxers get into the ring and hit one another. Maybe not too much of a surprise in a boxing class but a new one on me and it was only the pity of my coach which spared me from the horror which will inevitably meet me once I am chosen from the throng and thrown into the arena. I see the possibility of tears, puddles of urine splashing on the floor of the ring and me with my eyes closed, my arms swinging wildly and coach trying to talk me down.
I decided to give it one more go and if I still felt like an battered spanner at the end of the week then I'd call it quits. Only Monday today but it all went quite well and I feel heartened that I took my own advice and persevered.
On a less bright note I have to report that while I wasn't called upon to spar I did have to put a head guard on for the first time and watched my fellow boxers get into the ring and hit one another. Maybe not too much of a surprise in a boxing class but a new one on me and it was only the pity of my coach which spared me from the horror which will inevitably meet me once I am chosen from the throng and thrown into the arena. I see the possibility of tears, puddles of urine splashing on the floor of the ring and me with my eyes closed, my arms swinging wildly and coach trying to talk me down.
Friday, November 12, 2010
Our First Guest
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IMG00048-20101111-1905.jpg
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Tuesday, November 9, 2010
The Best Of Boston
Myself and Hayley went to the Harvard Natural History Museum on Sunday and while we didn't stay for long I founds two areas of note. They had a marvellous collection of mineral samples and while I've not previously mentioned my love of minerals I did spend much of Saturday night fondling a large bar of what might have been calcite at Elspeth's flat which may have piqued my curiosity on the following morning. There were some very dark, black samples which may have been manganite, galena and antimony samples which I can heartily recommend.
It could all have gone downhill from there but no, the very next room housed the amazing (yes, amazing) collection of glass flowers made by Leopold and Rudolph Blaschka. They made marine animals out of glass for the purposes of display and education back in the 19th Century. Someone saw one of their jellyfish or something and commissioned them to make a huge range of glass flowers. These cats knew their glass and they clearly didn't get out much, the collection is stunning.
Before the Natural History museum we went to the Peabody Museum. Not so much.
However, Peta met us later in the day and we went to the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum which was probably one of the best museums I've been to for the following reasons, (a) small, (b) no explanatory plaques to reveal what I was looking at (c) it was closing an hour after we arrived (d) great garden.
It could all have gone downhill from there but no, the very next room housed the amazing (yes, amazing) collection of glass flowers made by Leopold and Rudolph Blaschka. They made marine animals out of glass for the purposes of display and education back in the 19th Century. Someone saw one of their jellyfish or something and commissioned them to make a huge range of glass flowers. These cats knew their glass and they clearly didn't get out much, the collection is stunning.
Before the Natural History museum we went to the Peabody Museum. Not so much.
However, Peta met us later in the day and we went to the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum which was probably one of the best museums I've been to for the following reasons, (a) small, (b) no explanatory plaques to reveal what I was looking at (c) it was closing an hour after we arrived (d) great garden.
No piles today
Following recent concerns over my health I am happy to report that I have no problems with haemorrhoids.
No pain when sitting down, no grimacing on the lavatory and no blood in my underpants. It's all gravy as they say. I think over here they say there are no lumps in their Cream O' Wheat.
When speaking of haemorrhoids I don't imagine that sufferers would enjoy thinking about either gravy or the aforementioned lumps but there you are. I am not suffering from them and while I pity those poor souls who have been neglecting their diet to such an extent that their farmers are playing up again I can't curb my enthusiasm solely to suit their delicate ears.
No pain when sitting down, no grimacing on the lavatory and no blood in my underpants. It's all gravy as they say. I think over here they say there are no lumps in their Cream O' Wheat.
When speaking of haemorrhoids I don't imagine that sufferers would enjoy thinking about either gravy or the aforementioned lumps but there you are. I am not suffering from them and while I pity those poor souls who have been neglecting their diet to such an extent that their farmers are playing up again I can't curb my enthusiasm solely to suit their delicate ears.
Customer Survey
Thank you to those readers who responded to our request for some feedback on your experience while reading our blog. The responses have been compiled and we will be revealing your suggestions over the coming weeks.
This week we wanted to focus on the most common response to the question, "What can The Boston Cheese Party do improve?" It seems that most readers are finding the blog to be preoccupied with matters related to dentistry and as one responded wrote, "Who wants to read all this misery? Just make up some happy shit."
So with these sage words in mind we would welcome to you to our special series, Happy Shit.
This week we wanted to focus on the most common response to the question, "What can The Boston Cheese Party do improve?" It seems that most readers are finding the blog to be preoccupied with matters related to dentistry and as one responded wrote, "Who wants to read all this misery? Just make up some happy shit."
So with these sage words in mind we would welcome to you to our special series, Happy Shit.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Another fun day at the dentist.
Thankfully a local anesthetic was allowed but curiously it was Pina Colada flavour.
Back again tomorrow for some more root canal.
Do I have anything else to write about other than my teeth?
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Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Throwing In The Towel
While my boxing career has yet to reach the heights of the late, great Frank Bruno I know what he meant when he said, 'Boxing is the toughest and loneliest sport in the world'. Those who have never lived the life of a fighter may strive to include mountain climbing in the lonely sports list but I can tell you from bitter personal experience that being punched repeatedly on the side of the head by a stranger is a pretty lonely experience.
That's why I find myself sitting here tonight considering my future in the ring. Tonight was my first day back at boxing and frankly I wasn't looking forward to it. I've been to the gym four times in the last five days in a vain attempt to ready myself for the physical demands of the class but I was unprepared for the mental scars which would result from being humiliated by a man half my age, with twice my strength who seemed a little irked at being paired up with me and explained that I'd learn nothing of he didn't go for me with real punches. School's out mister!
I have experienced the thrill of being punched in the head when training on King Island but on that occasion Elgin (the coach rather than the marble enthusiast) knew what he was doing and hit me a manner which suggested that he knew what he was doing and was sharpening my skills. My 'buddy' for this evening however took more of the school of hard knocks approach, making no allowances for my feeble reaction times and my limited capacity for prompt evasion.
Once we moved upstairs for pad work I was thankfully paired with George who is a delightful coach, humble, knowledgeable and considerate but the damage was done and I felt dejected and left class early (before we sang our club song and did that thing when you all get in a huddle and shout 'TEAM' while simultaneously throwing an arm in the air.
Admittedly I was already in a shitty mood not having quite recovered from the loss of my dear bicycle which caused me to head out the hills last night in search of the succour one finds in a cigarette. Things were that bad it was time to pull out the dramatic gesture! As I positioned myself on the hill next to the Harvard Observatory I pulled my tobacco from my pocket (where it has lain dormant for what seems like a month) and realised that I had no Rizla with which to construct my symbol of anger and frustration with which I would rage at the cruelties of a world that allows someone to receive an interim bill for $6000 for their teeth, have a bike stolen and have failed to take out insurance on either of these eventualities, all in the same week.
I now console myself with wine and have taken the additional precaution of 150mg of Tramedol which is in theory for my back but is in practise for my mood. I expect that's how it started for that Aussie bloke who played the Joker. 'Just a little something to take the edge of the loss of my bike'. And look where he ended up. But he didn't actually because that bloke with the beard says he was 'whacked' by a hit squad of star killers.
Glad I've got to the end of that posting.
That's why I find myself sitting here tonight considering my future in the ring. Tonight was my first day back at boxing and frankly I wasn't looking forward to it. I've been to the gym four times in the last five days in a vain attempt to ready myself for the physical demands of the class but I was unprepared for the mental scars which would result from being humiliated by a man half my age, with twice my strength who seemed a little irked at being paired up with me and explained that I'd learn nothing of he didn't go for me with real punches. School's out mister!
I have experienced the thrill of being punched in the head when training on King Island but on that occasion Elgin (the coach rather than the marble enthusiast) knew what he was doing and hit me a manner which suggested that he knew what he was doing and was sharpening my skills. My 'buddy' for this evening however took more of the school of hard knocks approach, making no allowances for my feeble reaction times and my limited capacity for prompt evasion.
Once we moved upstairs for pad work I was thankfully paired with George who is a delightful coach, humble, knowledgeable and considerate but the damage was done and I felt dejected and left class early (before we sang our club song and did that thing when you all get in a huddle and shout 'TEAM' while simultaneously throwing an arm in the air.
Admittedly I was already in a shitty mood not having quite recovered from the loss of my dear bicycle which caused me to head out the hills last night in search of the succour one finds in a cigarette. Things were that bad it was time to pull out the dramatic gesture! As I positioned myself on the hill next to the Harvard Observatory I pulled my tobacco from my pocket (where it has lain dormant for what seems like a month) and realised that I had no Rizla with which to construct my symbol of anger and frustration with which I would rage at the cruelties of a world that allows someone to receive an interim bill for $6000 for their teeth, have a bike stolen and have failed to take out insurance on either of these eventualities, all in the same week.
I now console myself with wine and have taken the additional precaution of 150mg of Tramedol which is in theory for my back but is in practise for my mood. I expect that's how it started for that Aussie bloke who played the Joker. 'Just a little something to take the edge of the loss of my bike'. And look where he ended up. But he didn't actually because that bloke with the beard says he was 'whacked' by a hit squad of star killers.
Glad I've got to the end of that posting.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Good news, bad news.
I'm sitting in the second row of a free screening of Four Lions, the new (first?)Chris Morris film.
My bike has been stolen.
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My bike has been stolen.
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Day 2
Yesterday was Day 1 of Nanowrimo and I completed my 1667 word target for the day. Not saying the words were strung together in a particularly cohesive manner but thus far I'm on target. Hopefully I'll hit my Day 2 target but I need to get out of the apartment and head down to the library if I'm to stand any chance of success.
One of the problems with having a fair bit of time on my hands (coupled with access to an excellent public library) is that I get to read some marvellous books which is inspirational in some ways and intimidating in all others. If I was reading rubbish crime novels I would be able to adopt the 'I could do that'
attitude but having just read a novel by Jess Waters and currently reading Child 44 by Tim Rob Smith, interspersed with browsing through The Best American Nonrequired Reading 2010 I'm (a) intimidated, (b) disheartened but also (c) enjoying some excellent writing.
I can't do that.
I'm going to see Four Lions with a talk by Chris Morris (satirist) tonight which is quite exciting so I'd better get cracking.
Extract from - Best American First Lines of Poems Published In 2009
No one will read to the end of a poem about butterflies.
Butterflies - Mike White
Best American Nonrequired Reading 2010.
One of the problems with having a fair bit of time on my hands (coupled with access to an excellent public library) is that I get to read some marvellous books which is inspirational in some ways and intimidating in all others. If I was reading rubbish crime novels I would be able to adopt the 'I could do that'
attitude but having just read a novel by Jess Waters and currently reading Child 44 by Tim Rob Smith, interspersed with browsing through The Best American Nonrequired Reading 2010 I'm (a) intimidated, (b) disheartened but also (c) enjoying some excellent writing.
I can't do that.
I'm going to see Four Lions with a talk by Chris Morris (satirist) tonight which is quite exciting so I'd better get cracking.
Extract from - Best American First Lines of Poems Published In 2009
No one will read to the end of a poem about butterflies.
Butterflies - Mike White
Best American Nonrequired Reading 2010.
Friday, October 29, 2010
Dirty Rotten Scoundrels
Did I mention the fact that I've had two life saving operations since I arrived in Boston?
Possibly.
Anyway, as it turns out I had no health insurance I was a bit worried about the bill. Imagine my surprise when a representative of the the Massachusetts Physicians board phone me yesterday to tell me that my bill was only $841 and that I would get 25% of that if I paid within 30 days. Never before have I received a bill of this size with such delight. It seemed like a bargain for a CT scan, an emergency operation, blood tests and so on. Peta was already planning to buy another pair of shoes to go with the two pairs she bought last week.
Turns out they were messing with me as today I received not one but three bills. One was indeed for $841 to pay the physicians who did such sterling work. Another was for $300 for 'other services' (still hopeful) and the third was for nearly $5000 (hope-less).
Dagnabbit!
Then of course I can look forward to the bill from the Harvard Dental School who did the first operation and (although I'm no expert) possibly didn't make such a good job of it as I was back in hospital within 24 hours.
Luckily I can start to earn all this money back as I checked on the status of my work visa this morning and I've only got another 3 months to wait until that is granted.
On a brighter note I'm just back from the gym where I ran for half an hour and did some ineffectual exercises on big white weight machines.
Possibly.
Anyway, as it turns out I had no health insurance I was a bit worried about the bill. Imagine my surprise when a representative of the the Massachusetts Physicians board phone me yesterday to tell me that my bill was only $841 and that I would get 25% of that if I paid within 30 days. Never before have I received a bill of this size with such delight. It seemed like a bargain for a CT scan, an emergency operation, blood tests and so on. Peta was already planning to buy another pair of shoes to go with the two pairs she bought last week.
Turns out they were messing with me as today I received not one but three bills. One was indeed for $841 to pay the physicians who did such sterling work. Another was for $300 for 'other services' (still hopeful) and the third was for nearly $5000 (hope-less).
Dagnabbit!
Then of course I can look forward to the bill from the Harvard Dental School who did the first operation and (although I'm no expert) possibly didn't make such a good job of it as I was back in hospital within 24 hours.
Luckily I can start to earn all this money back as I checked on the status of my work visa this morning and I've only got another 3 months to wait until that is granted.
On a brighter note I'm just back from the gym where I ran for half an hour and did some ineffectual exercises on big white weight machines.
Dorus
In my effort to do something more useful with my time than watch Chris Morris in The Day Today on YouTube I met up with Deborah from Ethos and was taken to meet an 88 year old, blind, ex marine at his apartment on Blue Hill Avenue.
Dorus fought in the Pacific during WW2 and has been blind for about 40 years which is probably due to his diabetes which may or may not be the reason his eyes are so vividly blue. He declined the offer of my help, preferring instead to stick with his nurse Tony who has been running his finances recently. Dorus married a 30 something year old woman last year who promptly took him to the cleaners for about twenty thousand dollars before the police threw her out and issued her with a two year restraining order. Dorus had also had some similar problems with one of his previous nurses so Tony was understandably worried about being accused of embezzlement.
Tony is a Pastor of 4 churches, has 9 children and three jobs and seems to have a lovely rapport with Dorus who he tells us is a sailor through and through. Dorus agreed saying he loved fishing and swimming, "In fact I love the water so much that I take a bath twice a week whether I need it or not".
Dorus also asked Deborah whether she could fix him up with a wife and declared his desire to go to India, 'for lunch'. When asked why he hesitated before revealing that he'd heard they had a new deli there.
It was a pleasure to meet Dorus and Tony and although I'd like to hear a few more of his stories I think he's in safe hands with Tony who will be around for longer than I will.
Last word to Dorus who has a lifelong love of music and dancing.
'I used to tap and move my feet while dancing to the rhythm.
These days I only wash my feet and can't do a thing with 'em'.
Dorus fought in the Pacific during WW2 and has been blind for about 40 years which is probably due to his diabetes which may or may not be the reason his eyes are so vividly blue. He declined the offer of my help, preferring instead to stick with his nurse Tony who has been running his finances recently. Dorus married a 30 something year old woman last year who promptly took him to the cleaners for about twenty thousand dollars before the police threw her out and issued her with a two year restraining order. Dorus had also had some similar problems with one of his previous nurses so Tony was understandably worried about being accused of embezzlement.
Tony is a Pastor of 4 churches, has 9 children and three jobs and seems to have a lovely rapport with Dorus who he tells us is a sailor through and through. Dorus agreed saying he loved fishing and swimming, "In fact I love the water so much that I take a bath twice a week whether I need it or not".
Dorus also asked Deborah whether she could fix him up with a wife and declared his desire to go to India, 'for lunch'. When asked why he hesitated before revealing that he'd heard they had a new deli there.
It was a pleasure to meet Dorus and Tony and although I'd like to hear a few more of his stories I think he's in safe hands with Tony who will be around for longer than I will.
Last word to Dorus who has a lifelong love of music and dancing.
'I used to tap and move my feet while dancing to the rhythm.
These days I only wash my feet and can't do a thing with 'em'.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
The Quiet American
Sometimes I feel that I dislike books/films/plays which are widely feted, either because I'm a contrarian or because my expectations are too high and cannot be met.
In the case of Graham Greene's The Quiet American the plaudits don't get much better but I was none the less hugely impressed. I read the introductory essay by Robert Stone in the Penguin Classic edition I borrowed from the library and until the last page of his essay he seemed highly disdainful of Greene as a flawed catholic imperialist, the characters as mere ciphers and the plot as fraudulent. Very odd.
I've written a couple of notable quotes from the novel below, for my benefit rather for any meaning they may hold to others.
"And bombs aren't for boys from Boston."
"Find me an uncomplicated child, Pyle. When we are young we are a jungle of complications. We simplify as we get older."
Suffering is not increased by numbers: One body can contain all the suffering the world can feel.
In the case of Graham Greene's The Quiet American the plaudits don't get much better but I was none the less hugely impressed. I read the introductory essay by Robert Stone in the Penguin Classic edition I borrowed from the library and until the last page of his essay he seemed highly disdainful of Greene as a flawed catholic imperialist, the characters as mere ciphers and the plot as fraudulent. Very odd.
I've written a couple of notable quotes from the novel below, for my benefit rather for any meaning they may hold to others.
"And bombs aren't for boys from Boston."
"Find me an uncomplicated child, Pyle. When we are young we are a jungle of complications. We simplify as we get older."
Suffering is not increased by numbers: One body can contain all the suffering the world can feel.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
PETA'S FIRST POST!
Chris wants me to do music review of his very unselfish gesture of taking me to Angus and Julia Stone at the Paradise Rock Club...Thank you darling! I loved it! Her voice is like melted molasses tinged with Bjork, and she is precociously talented - grabbing a guitar and then a trumpet, and then a mouth organ and then caressing a keyboard. Not to mention her flowing locks and accompanying kaftan. She even did a cover of 'You're the one that I want'... Like a little elfland princess. Angus is more like the old man of the mountains on mushrooms, with a gruff beard and plaintive longing beautiful voice. Can you tell that I loved it yet? Yep, my sort of gig and Kate Grady was there with me in spirit. I reckon they'll be as big as Simon and Garfunkel, maybe one day when I am old.. oh yep, I'm that now, I meant 'older'... xx All up, a great gig. Ta, Christopher. xx
Julia and Angus
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Kingsley Flood
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Monday, October 25, 2010
Lazy Beach
Lazy Beach is a spot I hope to visit on the way back to King Island from our American experience.
I didn't really consider the other meaning until I mentioned it to Peta and she thought I was cussing her.
Why she thought that I can't imagine.
After all, she made lunch today. This is the second time she's been so generous in the kitchen since we arrived in Boston. She made scrambled eggs with bacon. Bacon is not grilled in the States as they don't have a grill setting on the oven. They have a broil setting instead which seems quite similar to grilling in many ways but is actually rather more sophisticated. Anyway, lunch was made and it proved to be the high point of my day after which my mood slid downhill thanks largely to my diary being a little on the blank side which is not the most enlivening way to start the week.
Tomorrow is a whole other matter as not only do I have a visit to the dentists to look forward to but on my return I can visit the weekly Harvard Farmers Market to buy some delicious, tatty-looking, organic vegetables and a loaf of wonderful bread which turns to rock if not eaten within hours of purchase. For possibly the first time since my arrival in the US I have a third activity to add to this heady calendar and it's quite something, not just cooking dinner or picking pubes off the bathroom floor, we're going to the Paradise Rock Club to see Angus and Julia Stone.
It's turns out that they're Australian which seems a bit daft but I didn't know that until today. I should have guessed when I found out that the tickets were only were only $15.00 each which for a band that I've actually heard of seems ridiculously cheap.
Tune in this time tomorrow when I'll be uploading photos of the gig and writing a review.
Bacon, that was it.
So yes, I also went out for a walk to Harvard Wine Company ( I said I was having a bad day) and left a note asking Peta to put the oven on for the pizza. Obviously I forgot that she had omitted to clean the oven after broiling the bacon but I quickly remembered when I returned to a stinking smoke filledflat condo and was compelled to eat pizza that tasted of the black crispy droppings at the bottom of the oven.
I imagine this is similar to a mother who has their child treat them to breakfast in bed on Mothers Day. It's a nice idea but it tastes like shit and I know I'll have to spend the next hour mopping up milk, sweeping up cornflakes and picking bits of tea-bags out of the kettle.
I couldn't get the baked on burnt bacon fat out of the oven tray which would have made my day a total failure were it not for the fact that spurred on by a glass of wine I started planning for NaNoWriMo.
I didn't really consider the other meaning until I mentioned it to Peta and she thought I was cussing her.
Why she thought that I can't imagine.
After all, she made lunch today. This is the second time she's been so generous in the kitchen since we arrived in Boston. She made scrambled eggs with bacon. Bacon is not grilled in the States as they don't have a grill setting on the oven. They have a broil setting instead which seems quite similar to grilling in many ways but is actually rather more sophisticated. Anyway, lunch was made and it proved to be the high point of my day after which my mood slid downhill thanks largely to my diary being a little on the blank side which is not the most enlivening way to start the week.
Tomorrow is a whole other matter as not only do I have a visit to the dentists to look forward to but on my return I can visit the weekly Harvard Farmers Market to buy some delicious, tatty-looking, organic vegetables and a loaf of wonderful bread which turns to rock if not eaten within hours of purchase. For possibly the first time since my arrival in the US I have a third activity to add to this heady calendar and it's quite something, not just cooking dinner or picking pubes off the bathroom floor, we're going to the Paradise Rock Club to see Angus and Julia Stone.
It's turns out that they're Australian which seems a bit daft but I didn't know that until today. I should have guessed when I found out that the tickets were only were only $15.00 each which for a band that I've actually heard of seems ridiculously cheap.
Tune in this time tomorrow when I'll be uploading photos of the gig and writing a review.
Bacon, that was it.
So yes, I also went out for a walk to Harvard Wine Company ( I said I was having a bad day) and left a note asking Peta to put the oven on for the pizza. Obviously I forgot that she had omitted to clean the oven after broiling the bacon but I quickly remembered when I returned to a stinking smoke filled
I imagine this is similar to a mother who has their child treat them to breakfast in bed on Mothers Day. It's a nice idea but it tastes like shit and I know I'll have to spend the next hour mopping up milk, sweeping up cornflakes and picking bits of tea-bags out of the kettle.
I couldn't get the baked on burnt bacon fat out of the oven tray which would have made my day a total failure were it not for the fact that spurred on by a glass of wine I started planning for NaNoWriMo.
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Volunteering
I finally heard back from Ethos about volunteering with old people. They suggested Ruth from Roxbury as their most in need client but again, once I accepted the offer she was uncontactable. This could mean that everything is well with Ruth but could also have more negative implications as she could have been waiting for up to six months for urgent financial assistance.
Anyway, next on the list is Richard from Blue Hill Avenue. Interesting I was reading an article on this area in the excellent local free listings paper The Boston Phoenix which described the problems festering in this neighbourhood. Regular readers will remember the Mattapan murders in which four people including a 2 year old were shot dead recently but this is just the headline grabbing incident among many shootings in the area.
In fact a look at the Boston Murder Map illustrates the cluster of shootings that blight the area. For those of you unfamiliar with Boston's geography then just find the centre of the area with the greatest density of red dots and you'll find Blue Hill Avenue.
So next week I'll be off to visit Richard who's blind and lives in a sheltered housing development. I'll be sure to take along my BlackBerry and will be uploading the best shots just as soon as I make good my escape.
Anyway, next on the list is Richard from Blue Hill Avenue. Interesting I was reading an article on this area in the excellent local free listings paper The Boston Phoenix which described the problems festering in this neighbourhood. Regular readers will remember the Mattapan murders in which four people including a 2 year old were shot dead recently but this is just the headline grabbing incident among many shootings in the area.
In fact a look at the Boston Murder Map illustrates the cluster of shootings that blight the area. For those of you unfamiliar with Boston's geography then just find the centre of the area with the greatest density of red dots and you'll find Blue Hill Avenue.
So next week I'll be off to visit Richard who's blind and lives in a sheltered housing development. I'll be sure to take along my BlackBerry and will be uploading the best shots just as soon as I make good my escape.
Happiness
I think by the time you're grown you're as happy as you're goin to be. You'll have good times and bad times but in the end you'll be about as happy as you was before. Or as unhappy. I've knowed people that just never got the hang of it.
Ellis - Cormac McCarthy - No Country For Old Men
Ellis - Cormac McCarthy - No Country For Old Men
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Global Culture
Our flat is really very small so when Peta is having a little difficulty with her work I like to afford her some time for contemplative reflection by getting away from the accompanying huffing and puffing. Were I a native of these parts I would probably make my way to Dunkin' Donuts and enjoy a watery coffee with my chubby pals, go bowling or shooting elk but as it is I have no recourse to such conviviality as I have no friends within a 5000km radius.
As it is I go to the library which I think I've already mentioned is the nicest place Peta has been to in the US (mind you that was before we went to see the baseball at Fenway Park). I was looking through the shelves of recently returned DVD's when a skittish woman with long dreadlocks approached the information counter to my left. 'Do you have...I'm looking for...can I order...I'm sorry. Hetty Wainthrop Investigates? Do you have it? Season 2. I watched season 1 but I've been waiting for all time for season 2.'
The librarian explained that the DVD was on order but there were fourteen people on the wait-list in front of her. Fourteen! Can you believe it? Recent release movies like last year's Oscar winner, The Hurt Locker, are just sitting there but Hetty Wainthrop Investigates is in high demand.
Having given up on Hetty the woman asked whether they had Doc Martin, series 4. I didn't even know they'd made four series of Doc Martin let alone that anyone would want to watch it. It was also out and was overdue by about three weeks which either means that the borrower cares not about the dime a day late fees or has laughed themselves to death at Doc Martin's hilarious post wedding scrapes.
As it is I go to the library which I think I've already mentioned is the nicest place Peta has been to in the US (mind you that was before we went to see the baseball at Fenway Park). I was looking through the shelves of recently returned DVD's when a skittish woman with long dreadlocks approached the information counter to my left. 'Do you have...I'm looking for...can I order...I'm sorry. Hetty Wainthrop Investigates? Do you have it? Season 2. I watched season 1 but I've been waiting for all time for season 2.'
The librarian explained that the DVD was on order but there were fourteen people on the wait-list in front of her. Fourteen! Can you believe it? Recent release movies like last year's Oscar winner, The Hurt Locker, are just sitting there but Hetty Wainthrop Investigates is in high demand.
Having given up on Hetty the woman asked whether they had Doc Martin, series 4. I didn't even know they'd made four series of Doc Martin let alone that anyone would want to watch it. It was also out and was overdue by about three weeks which either means that the borrower cares not about the dime a day late fees or has laughed themselves to death at Doc Martin's hilarious post wedding scrapes.
Monday, October 18, 2010
All clear
I had an appointment at the Oral Surgery department at the MGH this afternoon and they report that the swelling has gone down and things in my mouth are looking pretty good.
They also removed the wick which means that I no longer have blood and pus draining into my mouth which will come as something of a relief to Peta I imagine.
Dr Ok phoned me on my way back so all I need to do now is schedule an appointment for him to either finish off my root canal or whip the bugger out and we should be able to get back to non-dental topics.
They also removed the wick which means that I no longer have blood and pus draining into my mouth which will come as something of a relief to Peta I imagine.
Dr Ok phoned me on my way back so all I need to do now is schedule an appointment for him to either finish off my root canal or whip the bugger out and we should be able to get back to non-dental topics.
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Oral Health Update
Anyway, after feeling much better on Tuesday night after the first operation I was rather disappointed to wake up on Wednesday morning feeling unbelievably awful. I phoned Dr Ok and outlined my symptoms; feverish, cold sweat, shaky, nauseous, run down and he suggested that I come down to see him at the Harvard Dental School. I explained that there was no way I was going to get there on my own. I was finding it difficult to get out of bed and even on the previous day when I thought I was quite well I had missed my stop twice on the subway. He then consulted with his colleague and recommended that I should go straight to emergency at MGH.
I waited for Peta to come home, she called a cab and we started the extensive triage process that they have to assess the extent of the problem. The last man I saw wanted me to choose a number between 1 and 10 to describe the level of pain I was in. This was the closest I came to breaking down as I tried to explain that I wasn't in any specific pain, I just felt awful. Understandably he wanted me to evaluate the level of this awfulness for his form but eventually saw my distress and gave up muttering, Fast Track, to one of his colleagues.
Dr Merrl saw me next and recommended a cat scan and blood test to see what was happening with the pockets of pus in my face. When the nurse came to see me I was quite surprised when rather than just taking a blood sample she inserted a cannula into my arm and left it there for the saline drip she attached soon after.
This set alarm bells ringing. This was the opposite of the delight I felt on the previous day when the doctor used the words, 'life threatening', 'acute' and 'immediate emergency operation' in one sentence. I felt validated, I was sick, I'm not a malingerer. To see a saline drip being utilised made me think that I wasn't ill at all, that I'd just not been eating and drinking properly which was true. I felt the pendulum of public opinion swing away from one of pity to one of disgust and I wished again for some more visceral outward sign of the pain and discomfort I had been feeling over the past week or so, more blood, a gaping wound, bandages, just something more than the Don Corleone type swelling under my chin and on the left side of my face.
And worse was to come. I started to feel great, the saline drip had worked and I was now being wheeled on a trolley down to the CAT scan room. 1. I never needed a CAT scan I needed a drink of water and a banana. 2. How much does a bloody CAT scan cost?
But once you're on a hospital trolley it's hard to get off both literally and otherwise so I decided that I'd stick it out and try to learn something from the experience. Luckily the porter was not waiting for me when the scan had finished and the machine operator was very happy to educate me. Computerised Tomography apparently, 'tomos' being the Greek for cut, it takes pictures of you in slices. It also whirs and clunks just like in the movies.
The porter turned up and took me back to emergency where my bed had been taken by someone who had been in a car accident and who claimed on the phone to her employer that her foot was as big as her head. It wasn't, it was a big as her other foot but she didn't want to go to work after writing off her (boyfriends) car and that was fair enough.
Eventually nice Dr Tagoni and his yarmulke wearing assistant came to prepare me for my operation which mostly consisted of explaining the dangers (temporary or permanent loss of tongue sensation was the most interesting one) and getting me to sign waiver after waiver. What he didn't explain was that it would hurt quite a bit but I suppose that's the doctors prerogative and, to be fair, he did give inject quite a bit of local anaesthetic with that horrible big silver plunger thing they have.
So, 100ml of pus later we saying our thank-you's and goodbyes and Peta and I returned home at about 10.00pm, roughly seven hours after we were fast tracked.
Heartfelt Thanks
Dear Readers
Thank you for your thoughts, the flowers, the cards. I feel most humbled.
Apologies for the lack of health updates which I know many of you have found most distressing, the responsibility of maintaining this blog could be a burden upon my shoulders were it not for the loving kindness of this community which sustains me through me these dark days.
Thank you for your thoughts, the flowers, the cards. I feel most humbled.
Apologies for the lack of health updates which I know many of you have found most distressing, the responsibility of maintaining this blog could be a burden upon my shoulders were it not for the loving kindness of this community which sustains me through me these dark days.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Wednesday night at the MGH
Back again tomorrow to check up on the drain (charming), it seems to drain into my mouth which seems a little vile but a colostomy bag hanging from my ear would perhaps be worse.
Sent on the Sprint® Now Network from my BlackBerry®
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Who's sorry now?
For those readers who have been closely following my teeth related ailments I have some news. I went to the dentists today to see whether they could prescribe me something for the pain or the swelling which have become something of an inconvenience over the past week.
I had been getting the feeling that some people around these parts were treating my complaints with some disdain and believed that the grimacing, writhing and moaning I was engaging in were symptomatic of a lack of attention, something on a par with 'man-flu'. Imagine my delight therefore to be told that I had an acute life threatening condition which required immediate oral surgery. Oh, yes. Life threatening. Proper.
So I was a little disappointed when I returned home with tales of bravery and survival to notice that my wife was darting glances at her laptop screen rather than staring at me agog, wiping away a tear perhaps or begging forgiveness for her hitherto offhand approach to my life threatening illness.
Now of course I've eaten my first meal since breakfast. I've prodded small parcels of pasta into my inflamed, bloody and pus ridden mouth while my wife is out dining at the Harvard Social Club with fellow Antipodeans. Of course, she has her own life to live. I don't expect her to stay holed up with me, sharing my agony. I have a phone and Dr Ok said that if I make it through tonight without having to call 911 then things will start to improve in the morning.
Peta has made it clear that she needs me to awaken her at 8.00am with the usual cup of tea, bowl of porridge and cheery (if slightly bloodied) smile so all will be back to normal which will come as a great relief to the staff. Peta even had to go into the kitchen to make me a cup of tea yesterday. I say a cup but it was actually half a cup. She's not taken advantage of the water boiling features of this particular kettle before so didn't know how much water was required.
I had been getting the feeling that some people around these parts were treating my complaints with some disdain and believed that the grimacing, writhing and moaning I was engaging in were symptomatic of a lack of attention, something on a par with 'man-flu'. Imagine my delight therefore to be told that I had an acute life threatening condition which required immediate oral surgery. Oh, yes. Life threatening. Proper.
So I was a little disappointed when I returned home with tales of bravery and survival to notice that my wife was darting glances at her laptop screen rather than staring at me agog, wiping away a tear perhaps or begging forgiveness for her hitherto offhand approach to my life threatening illness.
Now of course I've eaten my first meal since breakfast. I've prodded small parcels of pasta into my inflamed, bloody and pus ridden mouth while my wife is out dining at the Harvard Social Club with fellow Antipodeans. Of course, she has her own life to live. I don't expect her to stay holed up with me, sharing my agony. I have a phone and Dr Ok said that if I make it through tonight without having to call 911 then things will start to improve in the morning.
Peta has made it clear that she needs me to awaken her at 8.00am with the usual cup of tea, bowl of porridge and cheery (if slightly bloodied) smile so all will be back to normal which will come as a great relief to the staff. Peta even had to go into the kitchen to make me a cup of tea yesterday. I say a cup but it was actually half a cup. She's not taken advantage of the water boiling features of this particular kettle before so didn't know how much water was required.
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Oktoberfest
Hiatus
I'm never sure whether the word hiatus refers to a break from something or a bit of a fuss. In the same way hoi polloi could be posh people or the lower classes.
Anyway, regular readers will note that I've taken a bit of a hiatus from writing to the hoi polloi about our exciting adventures inBoston Cambridge. I did go to the library last week and write about the two reasons for this which was (1) I have toothache which has now become infected and (2) A dear friend said my writing was dull and homourless but having reviewed this writing I have decided to add a third reason (3) I'm not very interesting.
Before you flood my inbox with replies to the contrary and jam my phone with reassuring messages of support I should clarify my position which is that writing about my toothache isn't very interesting and I should publish Peter's words without embellishment as a lesson in the economic use of language to great effect.
Anyway, regular readers will note that I've taken a bit of a hiatus from writing to the hoi polloi about our exciting adventures in
Before you flood my inbox with replies to the contrary and jam my phone with reassuring messages of support I should clarify my position which is that writing about my toothache isn't very interesting and I should publish Peter's words without embellishment as a lesson in the economic use of language to great effect.
Monday, October 4, 2010
Nice Young Man
Speaking of boxing I went again tonight and a nice young man made me feel so much better about myself by fainting towards the end of our exercises.
There was me thinking that I was the only lightheaded, disorientated person in the room and down he went cheering me up immensely.
To be fair to him he was new to the class so he was probably trying as hard as I was on my first time before I realised the futility of it all. Coach tells us to start doing sit-ups then leaves the room. I don't know where he goes but he's gone for a good long while and we're supposed to keeping bobbing up and down in a metronomic fashion until he returns...at which point he demands that we do different varieties of sit-ups with exciting names. Then we head for the press-ups and do two lots of 90 (which those of you not delirious with fatigue and writhing in agony will realise is more than 100 in total). I think it was around this point where the young lad passed out which gave me that natural high that everyone goes on about.
There was me thinking that I was the only lightheaded, disorientated person in the room and down he went cheering me up immensely.
To be fair to him he was new to the class so he was probably trying as hard as I was on my first time before I realised the futility of it all. Coach tells us to start doing sit-ups then leaves the room. I don't know where he goes but he's gone for a good long while and we're supposed to keeping bobbing up and down in a metronomic fashion until he returns...at which point he demands that we do different varieties of sit-ups with exciting names. Then we head for the press-ups and do two lots of 90 (which those of you not delirious with fatigue and writhing in agony will realise is more than 100 in total). I think it was around this point where the young lad passed out which gave me that natural high that everyone goes on about.
Excuse me, are you a hooker?
After boxing last week I was walking up Winthrop Street when I felt compelled to ask this question of a gaunt, pale skinned and dark eyed woman walking towards me. What's that about? I didn't ask of course but what sort of person even thinks that sort of question let alone asks them? A temporary blip you may say but at the next junction I was walking past an opticians and saw through the window a young woman trying on a pair of glasses with someone who looked like her Mum. My instinct was to tap on the window, point at her and laugh. Not the actions of a nice person.
One might think that I'm coursing with testosterone after a few hours of boxing but I'm actually spent afterwards and need a few moments to focus on which way to go and how to walk. Maybe that's the problem, my usual temperance is worn ragged by the press-ups, sit-ups and all the rest of it.
Maybe it's a creeping grumpiness which will see me swearing at imaginary companions and punching underground posters in years to come.
One might think that I'm coursing with testosterone after a few hours of boxing but I'm actually spent afterwards and need a few moments to focus on which way to go and how to walk. Maybe that's the problem, my usual temperance is worn ragged by the press-ups, sit-ups and all the rest of it.
Maybe it's a creeping grumpiness which will see me swearing at imaginary companions and punching underground posters in years to come.
Saturday, October 2, 2010
Sox Edge Yankees In The 10th
The Red Sox and the Yankees are possibly the fiercest rivals in baseball but whereas the Yankees are in the ascendancy the Sox are in the doldrums, they're not even making the play offs this year so last night was their penultimate game for the season.
There was beer, soft pretzels, hot dogs, singing, a mexican wave, drunk people and A Rod batting for the Yankees. Peta and I acually left at the start of the 8th Innings as it was quite chilly and already gone midnight. I think the game actually finished at half past one and the Sox edged it which would have been nice to see...but not that nice.
Next stop the Celtics!
Friday, October 1, 2010
Guess what?
We went to see Catfish which was an excellent film but one which I will not provide any links to because knowing anything about it might rather spoil it. I believe it has been deliberately misleadingly marketed as some sort of Blair Witch thriller which it clearly isn't (although not bereft of thrills).
My first High Life swiftly dovetailed into my second by which time Peta, Elspeth and myself were joined at the bar by two young people who have come to Boston to stay with Elspeth and see the Red Sox play the Yankees.
Despite (speaking for myself) being rather loud and boorish we have managed to gain an invite to the game tonight which is part of a double header thanks to rain cancelling Friday's game. Last time I looked the Red Sox were 2-0 up (whatever that means) and although the Sox can't make the play offs (or something) I think they can stop the Yankees winning their league (or something).
The game starts at 9.05pm which seems quite ridiculous after a Friday evening which ended with me weaving towards home at 1.00am, quite unable to put one foot in front of the other soon after relieving myself in the gardens of some esteemed college or other.
The shame.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Shot Spotter
There was a shooting in Mattapan, south Boston on Tuesday which involved four deaths including a 2 year old child.
Police were called to the scene by Shot Spotter which is a relatively new technology which utilises sensors placed on buildings and on telegraph poles to detect gunfire and inform the Police of its location.
What a fantastic idea, much easier than banning or restricting the use of firearms.
Police were called to the scene by Shot Spotter which is a relatively new technology which utilises sensors placed on buildings and on telegraph poles to detect gunfire and inform the Police of its location.
What a fantastic idea, much easier than banning or restricting the use of firearms.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Harvard Never Sleeps
Imagine my surprise this morning!
This is a major step forward for blogging and one which ensure our loyal readers can share in even more moments of our life/lives.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Guess who ran 5 miles yesterday?
I know it may not seem like much to fit young types or fit old types but I ran on a treadmill for one whole hour and ran more than 5 miles for the first time in my gosh-darned life.
It was at least partly to assuage my guilt over not going boxing on Monday but I only hoped to run for half an hour at most (well jog I suppose would be more accurate for those of you of a mathematical bent who have worked out my speed) so I was most surprised to get to 4 miles let alone 5. That's 8kms.
It may have had something to do with staying out of the house while Peta stamped her feet, threw her arms in the air and exhaled through her teeth in the completion of a 500 word assignment. Upon my return the huffing and puffing was not quite done with so I headed off out again to submit the paperwork for my work permit...and stand around in shops...and go to the library...before the all clear was issued and I was safe to return home.
It was at least partly to assuage my guilt over not going boxing on Monday but I only hoped to run for half an hour at most (well jog I suppose would be more accurate for those of you of a mathematical bent who have worked out my speed) so I was most surprised to get to 4 miles let alone 5. That's 8kms.
It may have had something to do with staying out of the house while Peta stamped her feet, threw her arms in the air and exhaled through her teeth in the completion of a 500 word assignment. Upon my return the huffing and puffing was not quite done with so I headed off out again to submit the paperwork for my work permit...and stand around in shops...and go to the library...before the all clear was issued and I was safe to return home.
Monday, September 20, 2010
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Ethos
Yesterday I went for a meeting with Ethos which is a non-profit (whatever that is...probably the same as charity) which aims to help 'elders' to continue to live independently. I was there to speak to someone about the money management side of the service which helps 'elders' to pay bills and budget and sometimes takes over their whole account to prevent eviction or destitution.
Sounds like a very worthwhile project an the woman who interviewed me seemed very normal so next week I will go to meet an elder to see whether we get along or not. Needless to say most of them seem to have a history of mental illness but it sounds like none of them are too hardcore.
There was mention of possible employment as they have recently won some funding to employ someone to deal with their more difficult clients. This sounds like the demanding and smelly ones which might be OK, any sort of income would be pretty good and it would seem more like being a proper person if I had to get up and go to work (plus Peta might go into the kitchen for something other than coffee if I was also 'working').
I imagined that Ethos would be located in a rather more down at heel neighbourhood than Cambridge and my suspicions seemed to be confirmed on the way down there was only one other white person in my half of the train carriage...and that was a Transit Policeman, accompanied by his black colleague. Imagine my disappointment then to emerge from Green Street station and not be greeted with burning cars, street gangs and drug dealers but a rather leafy looking suburb containing a modern looking industrial estate.
Sounds like a very worthwhile project an the woman who interviewed me seemed very normal so next week I will go to meet an elder to see whether we get along or not. Needless to say most of them seem to have a history of mental illness but it sounds like none of them are too hardcore.
There was mention of possible employment as they have recently won some funding to employ someone to deal with their more difficult clients. This sounds like the demanding and smelly ones which might be OK, any sort of income would be pretty good and it would seem more like being a proper person if I had to get up and go to work (plus Peta might go into the kitchen for something other than coffee if I was also 'working').
I imagined that Ethos would be located in a rather more down at heel neighbourhood than Cambridge and my suspicions seemed to be confirmed on the way down there was only one other white person in my half of the train carriage...and that was a Transit Policeman, accompanied by his black colleague. Imagine my disappointment then to emerge from Green Street station and not be greeted with burning cars, street gangs and drug dealers but a rather leafy looking suburb containing a modern looking industrial estate.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Boxing Mk II
So, having paid to join the Harvard Athletic Club and been issued with my fancy-dan membership card I went along to the boxing class again today...and was allowed in.
While not exactly greeted with a warm welcome I didn't feel my reception was hostile (which is probably a definite bonus in a boxing club). The main coach (Vladimir/Igor something like that) took immediate exception to my boxing stance which is pretty much the only thing I was any good at. It transpires that in the Urals/Stalingrad they don't stand in the same position as in Australia.
I toyed with the idea of correcting him and perhaps mentioning the name of my Coach, Don Abnett from the Australian Institute of Sport, coach of the Australian Commonwealth team, the Australian Olympic team and Australian head coach at the Boxing world championships more times than I care to mention. Then I tried to think of all those great Australian boxers and mentally lined them up against all those great Russian boxers and decided that I should try to change my stance.
Regrettably they have mirrors at either end of the hall which is fine when I start out throwing my sophisticated and cultured jabs at an invisible opponent as I'm not wearing my spectacles but the closer I get to the opposite wall the more I'm puzzled to see a stoop-backed, elderly looking gentleman flailing around like a mental in a hurricane.
I met Ben and someone else who was English and from Barnes in West London and after an hour I thought it was over only to be told that we we're heading downstairs for something or other. Drinks perhaps, a smoke and a chat on the verandah or maybe a canape. Instead we all 30 of us piled into a room about the size of our condo (small) and proceed to obey barked orders from Igor and his henchmen which seemed to be variations on the theme of, 'do more press-ups'.
I think there was humour involved as one of them might say let's do 12 diamonds (press up's with hour thumbs and forefingers pressed together to make a diamond) and then another would say, let's do 12 diamonds and another might say let's do two lots of 6 diamonds without a break and so on. This seemed to be a well worn routine with a familiar sounding laugh track which was punctuated by a song, not 1-2-3-4 United States Marine Corps, (which would have been appropriate to the macho atmosphere but rather refreshingly they broke into a manly chorus of You Are My Sunshine which is a song that always reminds me of Peter.
All up it could have been a lot worse, I stumbled home in about 10 minutes and will almost certainly go again (not got my t-shirt yet).
While not exactly greeted with a warm welcome I didn't feel my reception was hostile (which is probably a definite bonus in a boxing club). The main coach (Vladimir/Igor something like that) took immediate exception to my boxing stance which is pretty much the only thing I was any good at. It transpires that in the Urals/Stalingrad they don't stand in the same position as in Australia.
I toyed with the idea of correcting him and perhaps mentioning the name of my Coach, Don Abnett from the Australian Institute of Sport, coach of the Australian Commonwealth team, the Australian Olympic team and Australian head coach at the Boxing world championships more times than I care to mention. Then I tried to think of all those great Australian boxers and mentally lined them up against all those great Russian boxers and decided that I should try to change my stance.
Regrettably they have mirrors at either end of the hall which is fine when I start out throwing my sophisticated and cultured jabs at an invisible opponent as I'm not wearing my spectacles but the closer I get to the opposite wall the more I'm puzzled to see a stoop-backed, elderly looking gentleman flailing around like a mental in a hurricane.
I met Ben and someone else who was English and from Barnes in West London and after an hour I thought it was over only to be told that we we're heading downstairs for something or other. Drinks perhaps, a smoke and a chat on the verandah or maybe a canape. Instead we all 30 of us piled into a room about the size of our condo (small) and proceed to obey barked orders from Igor and his henchmen which seemed to be variations on the theme of, 'do more press-ups'.
I think there was humour involved as one of them might say let's do 12 diamonds (press up's with hour thumbs and forefingers pressed together to make a diamond) and then another would say, let's do 12 diamonds and another might say let's do two lots of 6 diamonds without a break and so on. This seemed to be a well worn routine with a familiar sounding laugh track which was punctuated by a song, not 1-2-3-4 United States Marine Corps, (which would have been appropriate to the macho atmosphere but rather refreshingly they broke into a manly chorus of You Are My Sunshine which is a song that always reminds me of Peter.
All up it could have been a lot worse, I stumbled home in about 10 minutes and will almost certainly go again (not got my t-shirt yet).
The Good Soldiers - David Finkel
The author spent about a year with a battalion of soldiers that were part of George Bush's 'surge' in Iraq. The result is not exactly impartial, it would probably be impossible not to express some exasperation at the futility of the project but it's certainly not an anti-war polemic either.
It's the first book to bring me to tears for as long as I can remember (I'm prepared to stand corrected if anyone can think of any examples).
I wouldn't claim that it was a literary masterpiece (having just read some reviews slamming the prose) but I found it to be incredibly vivid and realistic.
Great, and what's more I borrowed it from the library so it cost me nuffink.
It's the first book to bring me to tears for as long as I can remember (I'm prepared to stand corrected if anyone can think of any examples).
I wouldn't claim that it was a literary masterpiece (having just read some reviews slamming the prose) but I found it to be incredibly vivid and realistic.
Great, and what's more I borrowed it from the library so it cost me nuffink.
Monday, September 13, 2010
The Harvard Boxing Club
My first day at the Harvard Boxing Club today, big day.
Boxing used to be compulsory for all Harvard students including Teddy Roosevelt but nowadays it's only for elite athletes like myself. I wrote to Lurie, who's one of the coaches and told him about my glorious career in boxing, my somewhat advancing years and my coaching badges and he told me to come along and give it a go.
I hoped that I would have the courage to at least go and see what it's like. I didn't like the sound of the mouth guards they issued after a couple of weeks as that made it sound like my teeth were so in jeopardy but I do like boxing and would be perfectly happy bouncing around on my own and slapping the occasional punchbag while the others hit each other and sweat and stuff.
Imagine my disappointment then when I was turned away at the door. I even had a shave and a shower for the occasion. Apparently Lurie forgot to mention that I need to join the Harvard Athletic Association ($150) before I'm allowed to join the Harvard Boxing Club ($90.00), but I do get a Harvard Boxing Club T-shirt which is worth $240 of anyone's money.
Boxing used to be compulsory for all Harvard students including Teddy Roosevelt but nowadays it's only for elite athletes like myself. I wrote to Lurie, who's one of the coaches and told him about my glorious career in boxing, my somewhat advancing years and my coaching badges and he told me to come along and give it a go.
I hoped that I would have the courage to at least go and see what it's like. I didn't like the sound of the mouth guards they issued after a couple of weeks as that made it sound like my teeth were so in jeopardy but I do like boxing and would be perfectly happy bouncing around on my own and slapping the occasional punchbag while the others hit each other and sweat and stuff.
Imagine my disappointment then when I was turned away at the door. I even had a shave and a shower for the occasion. Apparently Lurie forgot to mention that I need to join the Harvard Athletic Association ($150) before I'm allowed to join the Harvard Boxing Club ($90.00), but I do get a Harvard Boxing Club T-shirt which is worth $240 of anyone's money.
Saturday, September 11, 2010
We're in Cambridge MA
When I chose the name for this blog back in May I was under the impression that we'd actually be living in Boston but it transpires that we're actually living in Cambridge which is a city seperated fromm Boston by the St Charles river. The fact of the matter is that we've not even been to Boston yet (aside from the taxi from the airport nearly three weeks ago) but we're probably going on Thursday and might even go this weekend.
I'm just in the process of selecting who's going to be lucky enough to be invited to read this series of fascinating insights into Cambridge life so I'll leave this as is for the moment.
I'm just in the process of selecting who's going to be lucky enough to be invited to read this series of fascinating insights into Cambridge life so I'll leave this as is for the moment.
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