Here, there, everywhere. We have to call it something, don't we? Who's got an idea? Let's call it Toponymy.

2.23.2004

Walking back from economics class

I had the notion that perhaps government, on all levels, now exists only as a wing to protect and uphold corporate interests. I know that the idea of Corporate Welfare is nothing new but my thoughts were on a more holistic level. I need to work it out better to articulate it but I know I'm onto something larger. For instance, while all corporations pay in part to the government they all benefit from its existence as a way to contain dissent and inequity complaints and thus protect corporations. Public colleges train brilliant young minds to accept and conform to the corporate mindset and (on the other side of things) train people to work for a governmental institution that only assists market values and interests.

I love this song. Step into my office, Baby by Belle and Sebastian is really amazing. Download it now.

"Oestergaard said the problem of sowing the seeds in a potential land mine could be overcome by clearing strips through a field by conventional methods or by using crop planes." -- Using flowers to detect land mines. Cool. -- Language death, not cool.

This is why I still read Hivelogic, sometimes.

Original area codes in 1947. Current area codes (2003) and Caribbean area codes (apparently I can't call Cuba).

2.12.2004

New Site.

Toponymy is not suited to provide for fictional posts. I am going to begin a new blog where I will only post original fiction and links to online short stories and excerpts from books. Toponymy will continue to provide chronicles of interesting events in my life and links to outside sites. So, as soon as I'm ready I'll announce the release of the new site. Right now, I need a name for it. Submit any suggestions by clicking on "comment" below the text.

2.11.2004

The Wells Bridge

is a common place for evangelists of all sorts. Most of my encounters have been of two types: the-end-is-nigh flyer guy and the Jesus freak. Today I was walking past this religious advertisement zone. It was then I overheard a girl saying to her friend, "Are those God people?" referring to the four casually dressed guys and costume gorilla handing out little orange slips to passers-by. They were the MSU Freethinker Alliance promoting the anniversary of Darwin's birthday. [I'll just try not to think about the implications of calling curbside preachers "God People".] Now, one of these Freethinkers is in my Studio Drawing class. He is an "Art Fag" by even the strictest definition. I tried to avoid eye contact with this leech of a human as I passed the busy intersection.

Pizza Party, U.S.A. is a great idea. Turn leap day into a holiday where the entire country has a pizza party. Why not.

I've been looking more and more into graphic novels [which is a nice way of saying comics]. There are some interesting ones described here. Speaking of novels, this parrot could probably dictate one.

Funny state shapes. Funny Color Alert System. Interesting ramifications of the Super Bowl halftime incident.

Have you ever put your truck on cruise control, opened the driver side door, climbed onto the top of the cab, closed the door and, oh just watch the movie. [quicktime, 2+ min for dial-up.]

2.09.2004

Teeth

“Seven dollars and thirty one cents.” I grabbed the paper bag with the menu stapled to the outside. The delivery man took my money and tucked it into his leather jacket’s inside pocket. He wore a purple dress shirt and tie underneath. He kowtowed and left.

This egg roll is delicious. I dip it in hot mustard sauce for a little extra spice. Men can go to hell and back; you can even make it a day trip.

Rehab kept Carter alive long enough so he could get addicted to cigarettes. Carter was using his massive biceps as makeshift pillows last night. Some spoiled fish kept his stomach churning through the night.

At two-thirty a.m. I hear the television switch on.

Hermann-the-Machine has just dominated the League of Force tonight. Nothing can stop this tank-like rampage. What a tremendous display of, wait. Oh no, Oh my God! Kolossus has just stood up. – And after such a crippling blow to his...

The crowd winced and screamed.

Tracy looked over at me. She wants the TV off. She wants Carter gone. I put on my plastic sandals and go downstairs. That was when the glass started coming down.

We like to think our problems are resolvable, that a solution is achievable. Normal is just a few weeks away.

Carter’s hand was fully around one of my favorite glasses. Few things could withstand his grip. The heavy base fell to the tile floor and shattered.

“Carter!” There was a fury gushing from his mouth, his neck, his forehead. “Stop it for chrissakes.” I can’t talk with him, he doesn’t see me now. Hew was in a different place. Shit. The blood was pouring from his hand steadily now. Tiny shards of glass remained in his fingers.

Fried rice makes a fine compliment to any Styrofoam box of Chinese delivery. I pry open the soy sauce packet. Fried rice also has its price.

Now I’m trapped in my kitchen. My condo looks over a tiny creek, there is a good view from the window just above the sink. A thin line of reflected moonlight lit up Carter’s left arm. Sgt. Hurricane was his stage name. I always thought it was a terrible name. Carter thrived in spite of it.

I reached for the remote and shut off the television. Another ape-like scream pierced my skull. I know Tracy is hiding under her covers.

I put my hands out to Carter, palms up. He looks at me, finally. “Let’s go.”

The emergency room is the most uncomfortable place in the world. I was bent up like a broken ruler trying to rest on a misplaced wooden armrest. I hadn’t seen Carter in an hour now, four a.m. passed by. I tried to sleep pitifully.

I dig my plastic fork into the sweet and sour chicken. The red sauce drips from my lips.

The nurses are screaming. They flood out of the corridor in all directions. I jumped out of my seat. My back strained and my legs nearly tripped one another. I was running faster than I had in years. Only one nurse remained, she was talking to Carter in a soothing, relaxing tone. “No, you don’t understand!” I pleaded with her to run and let somebody else handle him. She never let her focus away from Carter.

The local anesthetic was already applied to his hand.

“Come this way, that’s right. Everything will be okay. Just keep breathing. In,” inhale, “out,” exhale. Carter closed his eyes and his shoulders fell slowly. Two orderlies sweep in to wrestle him down. Before the electric taser ignites Curtis swings at one of the men. The dark red blood from his mouth splashes down the wall, cutting across the teal trim.

I filed the paperwork for the hospital and the police. I said good bye to Carter and I greeted today with heavy eyes.