Sin City Symphony

Kindred's Random Song for Today

2009-04-04T17:50:09Z

Looking For Space
John Denver

On the road of experience, I'm trying to find my own way.
Sometimes I wish that I could fly away
When I think that I'm moving, suddently things stand still
I'm afraid 'cause I think they always will

And I'm looking for space
And to find out who I am
And I'm looking to know and understand
It's a sweet, sweet dream
Sometimes I'm almost there
Sometimes I fly like an eagle
And sometimes I'm deep in despair

All alone in the universe, sometimes that's how it seems
I get lost in the sadness and the screams
Then I look in the center, suddently everything's clear
I find myself in the sunshine and my dreams

And I'm looking for space
And to find out who I am
And I'm looking to know and understand
It's a sweet, sweet dream
Sometimes I'm almost there
Sometimes I fly like an eagle
And sometimes I'm deep in despair

On the road of experience, join in the living day
if there's an answer, it's just that it's just that way

When you're looking for space
And to find out who you are
When you're looking to try and reach the stars
It's a sweet, sweet sweet dream
Sometimes I'm almost there
Sometimes I fly like an eagle
But sometimes I'm deep in despair
Sometimes I fly like an eagle,
like an eagle
I go flying flying

Travel songs on my mind

2009-03-15T21:39:46Z

Travel songs on my mind, in no real order

"Moving Right Along"
Route 66-lots of versions to choose from. Got a favorite?
Life is a Highway
King of the Road-Elvis version
I hate to Wake Up Sober in Nebraska
Take it Easy

Got suggestions?

Facebook

2009-03-05T05:22:53Z

I finally joined it.
That is all

Kit's Mental Soundtrack for Accursed February

2009-02-27T07:13:06Z

Bad Day-Daniel Powter

Where is the moment we needed the most
You kick up the leaves and the magic is lost
They tell me your blue skies fade to gray
They tell me your passion's gone away
And I don't need no carryin' on

You stand in the line just to hit a new low
You're faking a smile with the coffee you go
You tell me your life's been way off line
You're falling to pieces every time
And I don't need no carryin' on

Because you had a bad day
You're taking one down
You sing a sad song just to turn it around
You say you don't know
You tell me don't lie
You work at a smile and you go for a ride
You had a bad day
The camera don't lie
You're coming back down and you really don't mind
You had a bad day
You had a bad day

Will you need a blue sky holiday?
The point is they laugh at what you say
And I don't need no carryin' on

You had a bad day
You're taking one down
You sing a sad song just to turn it around
You say you don't know
You tell me don't lie
You work at a smile and you go for a ride
You had a bad day
The camera don't lie
You're coming back down and you really don't mind
You had a bad day

(Oooh.. a holiday..)

Sometimes the system goes on the blink
And the whole thing turns out wrong
You might not make it back and you know
That you could be well oh that strong
And I'm not wrong

(yeah...)

So where is the passion when you need it the most
Oh you and I
You kick up the leaves and the magic is lost

Cause you had a bad day
You're taking one down
You sing a sad song just to turn it around
You say you don't know
You tell me don't lie
You work at a smile and you go for a ride
You had a bad day
You've seen what you like
And how does it feel for one more time
You had a bad day
You had a bad day

You're Beautiful –James Blunt
My life is brilliant.
My love is pure.
I saw an angel.
Of that I'm sure.
She smiled at me on the subway.
She was with another man.
But I won't lose no sleep on that,
'Cause I've got a plan.

You're beautiful. You're beautiful.
You're beautiful, it's true.
I saw your face in a crowded place,
And I don't know what to do,
'Cause I'll never be with you.

Yeah, she caught my eye,
As we walked on by.
She could see from my face that I was,
Flying high,
And I don't think that I'll see her again,
But we shared a moment that will last till the end.

You're beautiful. You're beautiful.
You're beautiful, it's true.
I saw your face in a crowded place,
And I don't know what to do,
'Cause I'll never be with you.
You're beautiful. You're beautiful.
You're beautiful, it's true.
There must be an angel with a smile on her face,
When she thought up that I should be with you.
But it's time to face the truth,
I will never be with you.

I Hope That Something Better Comes Along-Rowl and Kermit

You can't live with 'em, you can't live without 'em.
There's somethin' irresistabullish about 'em.
We grin and bear it 'cause the nights are long.
I hope that somethin' better comes along.

It's no good complainin' and pointless to holler.
If she's a beauty she'll get under your collar.
She made a monkey out of old King Kong,
I hope that somethin' better comes along.

Ah, but what could be better than a saucy Irish setter
When puppy love comes on strong?
Or a collie that's classy, a laddie needs a lassie,
A lover and wife gives you a new leash on life.

I don't mean to scare ya, my friend, but I betcha
Come "Father's Day", the litter bug's gonna getcha;
The urge is righteous, but the face is wrong.
I hope that somethin' better comes along.

Still, it's fun when they're fetching,
And agree to see an etching
That you keep at your lily pad.
There is no solution, it's part of evolution,
You'll sooner hear the souls,
The little feet of tadpoles.

(Ah, Rowlf, tadpoles don't have feet!)
(Oh. Sorry about that.... 2, 3, 4)

There's no limitation to mixin' and matchin'
Some get an itchin' for a critter they've been scratchin'.
A skunk was badgered the results were strong.
I hope that somethin' better,
I hope that somethin' better,
I hope that somethin' better comes along.
(Beep bop bidder da dum dum bum bum bum!)

"It's My Life" –Bon Jovi

This ain't a song for the broken-hearted
No silent prayer for the faith-departed
I ain't gonna be just a face in the crowd
You're gonna hear my voice
When I shout it out loud

[Chorus:]
It's my life
It's now or never
I ain't gonna live forever
I just want to live while I'm alive
(It's my life)
My heart is like an open highway
Like Frankie said
I did it my way
I just wanna live while I'm alive
It's my life

This is for the ones who stood their ground
For Tommy and Gina who never backed down
Tomorrow's getting harder make no mistake
Luck ain't even lucky
Got to make your own breaks

[Chorus:]
It's my life
And it's now or never
I ain't gonna live forever
I just want to live while I'm alive
(It's my life)
My heart is like an open highway
Like Frankie said
I did it my way
I just want to live while I'm alive
'Cause it's my life

Better stand tall when they're calling you out
Don't bend, don't break, baby, don't back down

[Chorus:]
It's my life
And it's now or never
'Cause I ain't gonna live forever
I just want to live while I'm alive
(It's my life)
My heart is like an open highway
Like Frankie said
I did it my way
I just want to live while I'm alive

[Chorus:]
It's my life
And it's now or never
'Cause I ain't gonna live forever
I just want to live while I'm alive
(It's my life)
My heart is like an open highway
Like Frankie said
I did it my way
I just want to live while I'm alive
'Cause it's my life!

Its Ash Wednesday!

2009-02-26T00:43:28Z

Listen up, you primitive screwheads! it's Ash Wednesday! The Grooviest of all holidays! The holiday in which we celebrate the victory of the common man over the Evil Dead. Go celebrate in the traditional fashion: the viewing of Evil Dead, Evil Dead 2, and Army of Darkness.

The Things I Endure for Students

2009-02-22T09:23:54Z

This weekend was CMHS' annual physics/forensics day trip to Magic Mountain. I've chaperoned it for the past 3 or more years. This year, despite my being at another school, many students and teachers requested I continue to chaperone the trip.
The trip runs from 1 AM Friday night/Saturday morning to midnight [or later] Saturday night/Sunday morning.
Becuase I was all stressed out, I got no sleep before the trip began.
Long bus rides are a pain for me due to the injuries, but they're necessary for the trip.
At Magic Mountain, I wander or sit and listen to books on tape because the injuries [and the heart] mean I can't go on any of the rides.
On the way back, the right rear tire disintegrated in a firey mess.
I got to be the guy who helped the driver determine what had happened and see what we could do about it.
We ended up moving everyone to the other bus. So, we didnt have enough seats.
I sat i nthe bus stairwell for 81 miles.
I felt every single imperfecton in the road.
My back is tradshed. My neck is trashed. My ribs are killing me. My head hurts. And my arm...well, it went out of socket again. I'm in agony. I can sit. I cant stand. I cant lie down. I cant sleep
i'm moody and upset and stressed beyond words
The rest of the weekend should be fun.
Hopefully y'all are having a much better weekend.

For Your Amusement

2009-02-18T07:03:45Z

For best results, this requires:
1) Knowing me
2) knowing the musical, ONCE UPON A MATTRESS

Still there?

The director of the annual charity benefit faculty play today contacted me and offered me the role of Sir Studly...

On a lighter note

2009-02-16T23:51:18Z

I'm at a great local restaurant called CREATE quite a bit. Its close to CMHS and my doctor so its convenient for eating before i work a sporting event or just as a meeting spot.
Everyone there is really friendly.
I now have a former student there who is very sad that I'm not at CMHS and says the kids are asking about me all the time.
One of the girls is a twenty-year old. Shes a very nice and very pretty kid. When she went on a diet around the holidays, I was one of the people encouraging her to make healthy choices and not choose to diet because of pressure of boyfriend or ludicrous model of what women should look like. Sometime a month or so ago, her boyfriend got stupid, so she got rid of him. I was one of the people who told her she did the right thing and have helped her try to keep upbeat.
Yesterday while Rob and Suzanne and I were there, she called me over so she could take my order. Weirdly, they were out of white buns that day. She checked to see what was avaialble and what wouldnt kill me. There were no really great choices left. I Frowned, said, "you're killing me, Chelsey," and ordered the wheat bun.
She looked at me and said, "I'm white, Kindred, I could be your bun."
Fortunately, I wasnt drinking at the time.
My life is very odd sometimes

How Kit Ends the Valentines/Presidents Day Weekend

2009-02-16T12:26:36Z

Is use my insurance at an all-night quick care. Sigh
Last night, my chest felt like a ton of bricks was pressing on it. Heart rate was off the charts. It was hard to breathe. I was also getting increasingly delirious and emotional.
Went in.
Waited.
Poked. Prodded.
Result: My suspicions seem to be confirmed: my over the counter cold medicine was doing BAD things to my heart. VERY SCARY.
Home now.
Feel icky
In the words of the Lost Skeleton, “I sleep now.”

Fighting a Time War? Defending the Earth?

2009-02-14T22:05:51Z

There are some cool new Doctor Who prop toys available.

The 10th Doctor's future sonic screwdriver, which he eventually gives to River Song, is available now

The book of impossible things, which he wrote and sketched in while living as a human in 1914 is available. It comes with a mini sonic screwdriver.

if you need to do some emergency time travel from the end of the universe, Captain Jack's Vortex Manipulator is available. It also comes with a mini sonic screwdriver.

Now, if only they would release a prop toy of Captain Jack's [and later, River Song's] sonic blaster.

All of these are available at www.mikescomics.com

V-Day Eve

2009-02-13T15:13:58Z

What Kit Wants/Needs for Valentine's Day [in no real order]

a functioning lightning/ray gun
a full-size replica of Captain Kirk's chair
winning Megabucks
finding a way to buy my uncle's house
PowerPuff Girls of my own to send to do my bidding and takeover the world
A Freeze Ray [not a cold ray]
a Tibetan Mastiff [mountain type-they are less drooly]
"a pony and a plastic rocket"
crazy, uninhibited sex [obvious granted, but if you don't list it...]

Another Step Toward Nevada Being #50 in Education

2009-01-30T00:35:39Z

Its bad enough that our teachers are underpaid [leading to it being hard to recruit teachers]
That our classrooms are overcrowded [which also makes it hard to recruit teachers]
That we have too few books/computers, etc
But allegedly bright peopel at the State level who make way too much money get to decide what we teach. and, the decisions they make are intelligence draining and soul destroying.
To wit, efffective in August, the following changes will be made to Social Studies curiculum.
World History: Nothing before the Renaissance will be covered.
US History: Nothing before the Post-Reconstruction period will be covered.
Stocial Studies across the State are horrified, but these rules are set in stone. We can actually be reprimanded for covering the other material.
So, if you happen to teach History at the college level and wonder why none of your students know anything, you'll know its not our fault or the fault of the kids.

"I came for the waters."

2009-01-28T05:27:49Z

A local theater is showing a different classic film for one showing each week. Last week was Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. Tonight was Casablanca.
When I arrived at the theatre, I asked a manager if there were thoughts of continuing beyond the four sheduled films. He told me that they would like to and that based o nthe success of last week's film, he thought they might be able to do so.
Last week there were probably about 20 or so people in the theatre. Yes, they only paid $5 each, but most but snacks. Plus, it is 20 people who probably wouldn't be in the theater otherwise on a Tuesday night [even incredibly popular first run new release films seem dead on Tuesdays]
Tonight, 182 people saw Casablanca. The theater had to stop selling tickets.
I take this as a good sign.
I just have to remember to be really early for the Adventures of Robin Hood next week.

"Who ARE Those Guys?!!?"

2009-01-21T06:44:03Z

The newest casino and theatre in Las Vegas is showing classic movies for a month. One movie a week, every Tuesday night for one showing.
Tonight was the first movie. It was Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.
I love this film and i'm doubtful that I've ever seen it on a big screen.
great film.
Next Tuesday is CASABLANCA!
Sadly, the third film is The Adventures of Robin Hood. I love that film and love it more on a big screen. However, the night it screens is the night of one of my teacher conferences. you know the ones. The ones i have to attend and do huge amounts of homework so that I get a pay raise next year-the pay raise the governor is taking away while he also gives me a 6% pay cut. I'd rather see Robin Hood.
Anyway...
Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid remains one of my favorite films and i'm glad they screened it on a big screen.
Hopefully, they will screen more classic movies after this group is finished.

My School in the News

2009-01-20T21:01:09Z

http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2009/jan/20/review-whos-giving-dropouts-their-second-chance/

I can tell you with certainty that college instructors do NOT want my students. They are having enough trouble with the freshmen they get who have graduated high school [students wanting parent conferences; bad attitudes, other problems formally only seen in high school]

I hope this does not go through. for one thing, it would mean that at best, i'd need a new school, possibly a new job.

Be Seeing You, Number 6

2009-01-15T06:58:38Z

It says something about me, I expect, that I'm quite saddened by the passing of Patrick McGoohan. I loved Secret Agent/Danger Man. I loved the Prisoner [and fear the coming remake], I loved the Scarecrow of Romney Marsh, and Ice Station Zebra. Having just watched the Scarecrow of Romney Marsh last week, and being unable to pick just one or two episodes of Secret Agent/Danger Man or The Prisoner, I raised a glass and watched Ice Station Zebra.

Be seeing you, sir.

Scarecrow! Scarecrow! The Soldiers of the King Feared his Name!

2009-01-06T01:43:48Z

My coopy of Dr Syn: The Scarecrow of Romney Marsh on DVD arrived today! Now, to the TV!

On the Day Before the Day Before New Years Eve

2008-12-30T11:13:17Z

Kit endured a gathering of many family members at a buffet. Kate knows what just part of my family is like at a buffet. Sarah knows what my family is like at a gathering. < SHUDDER >
So, really, you can see why, when the call came asking if I wanted to walk up and down The Strip this evening with Jeremy and his cousin, it seemed like not the worst experience I'd have that day.
So, I drove to the Stratosphere. The idea was that we would park at the Stratosphere, walk to Manadaly Bay, cross to the MGM and backdown to the Stratosphere. Then, go up the tower and see Vegas at night from the tower.I believe this is a roundtrip of about 6 or 7 miles in a car. By foot, its longer due to actually walking around inside the various casions and doubling back periodically due to casino layout and walkway placement. Kate and i did something almost this bad a few years ago. We used the tram on direction which made it faster, but still a pain.
We left the Stratosphere at 4:45 to begin our walk towards Manadalay Bay. It was about 2 AM when we arrived back at the Stratosphere. to be fair, there were long periods of nonwalking. We waited almost 45 minutes for the revamped Volcano to go off. Apparently it no longer erupts every half hour or 15 minutes or whatever it used to be, Now its at least an hour apart and lots less cool, Its not Sirens of TI bad, but its less cool. We also periodically had to wait FOREVER for Jeremy to destroy various casino restrooms. We were also at dinner for at least an hour.
About dinner. We went to the Cheesecake Factory after wandering through the Forum Shops. Our waitress was the incredibly cute, and Russian, Elena. I've been to the Forum Shops Cheesecake Factory twice. Both times Elena was the waitress. Which leads to an observation, useless though it may be, about Kit. Guys have different things they like. Their are breast guys and leg guys and butt guys. Me? Odd things I have a weakness for are interesting noses [button noses need not apply] and great accents. I'm a sucker for a great accent. British. Irish. Scottish. French. Southern United States . Russian. if its a -good- accent, i find it intriguing. Its not enough to have an accent, it has to be a good accent. Bad accents make me cringe. i'm looking at you, sarah Palin. Its an intangible thing. I cant describe a good accent, but i know when I hear one. Useless factoid about me, but there ya go. Elena has a great Russian accent. If only i could have heard her say "Moose and squirrel" oh well...
Anyway, we walked and walked and walked. Many sights were seen.
We looked at the 9-11 memorial at New York New York. Its a neat thing becasue in the hours and days after 9-11, people left memorials at the base of the Statue of Liberty at New York New York. They eventually made a permanent memorial there. However, the glass cases dont seal properly and moisture is getting in. This needs to be correted ASAP as the shirts are getting ruined.
We discovered that pretty much everything on The Strip that isnt a bar closes by midnight.
When we eventually made it back to The Stratosphere, Jeremy's cousin didnt want to go up in the tower [assuming it was even still open]
So, back to cars and home.
Enroute, I encountered some really bizarre police activity, but got home safely.
I should be free of any similar craziness with The Strip for another few tears.
Jeremy and cousin are planning to spend New Years Eve amongst the crazies on The Strip.
Me? I'll be hosting my annual party.

Alas, Poor Eisner

2008-12-26T08:10:10Z

I was taken to see The Spirit on Christmas night.
I can not properly express how bad it was. It was so bad its difficult to make fun of. Its a boring painful nonsensical misogynistic film. It is NOT Eisner's Spirit.
I'll just say two things:
1) I dislocated my left shoulder slightly before the previews started running. The pain from that was substantially less than the mental pain I suffered while watching this film
2) I'm gonna go search out a copy of the Sam Jones Spirit pilot film to make me feel better

Weep that Miller is supposed to trash Buck Rogers next.

Christmas with the Doctor

2008-12-25T21:37:59Z

I spent Christmas Eve watching a marathon of Doctor Who Christmas specials. I started with Christmas Invasion, went on the Runaway Bride, and finished with Voyage of the Damned. Fun.
So, UK fans, how is "The Next Doctor"?

Time Sensitive Message Follows

2008-12-25T01:13:02Z

To Whom It May Concern

This is to inform you that you are wished a merry period of time up to and including December 25th and a happy period of time after, but not including, December 31st. The dates December 26th to December 31st inclusive, can also, for purposes of this wish, be considered a time of merriment and/or happiness, at your discretion. Please be advised that wishes for peace, goodwill, comfort, and joy are also in effect as of this correspondence

Thank you for you cooperation

[from an old greeting card]

Happy Winter!

2008-12-21T12:21:59Z

Happy 1st Day of Winter!

"When I was younger, so much younger than today..."

2008-12-20T09:06:04Z

Having seen and loved LOVE just the other night, that lyric seemed the appropriate one for today.

"...Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow."

2008-12-18T06:29:03Z

From the Clark County School District website:

No school Thursday due to bad weather

Wednesday December 17, 2008 - General

Due to weather conditions and for the safety of students, all Clark County School District schools will be closed tomorrow (Thursday). Students should not report to campus. All administrators, 12-month employees, and office staff should report to work as usual. Teachers and other classroom employees, as well as bus drivers and food service employees, are not expected to report to work since a makeup day may be scheduled later in the year.
*****

Some parts of Las Vegas got 8 inches of snow today. The official record is 9 inches in 1974. My father and i built an igloo in my front yard that year. Currently, I have about an inch of snow in my back yard. It was too dark for good pictures, alas. I'll try to get some tomorrow if possible.

Kit vs the snake from Jungle Book

2008-12-12T07:00:00Z

Random thoughts:

A few days ago was the 30th anniversary of the 1st and only airing of the Star Wars Holiday Special. So, we watched it Sunday night. Seems fat lazy whiny wookie children like watching something that looks suspiciously like Cirque.

I'm not sure what the set of KA most reminds me: A) an ewok village gone techno; or b) a Dalek command

Whatever it is, its the coolest anime meets wuxia thing ever.

Overheard on the Strip:

"Its Mr K! Mr K! Mr K! Cimarron! Cimarron!"
-Random group of kids cruising the Strip upon noticing Kit

"Mr. Lucas! i loved Star Wars! Mr Lucas!"
-street vendor acosting Kit