Loftware

Tue, 02 Sep 2003 07:26:47 GMT

My new weblog can be found at: http://loftware.typepad.com/

Mon, 25 Aug 2003 00:08:13 GMT

About a month ago I told you that progression of my MS was preventing me from getting any work done on my computer. I am happy to report that my visit to the Center for Accessible Technology was most fruitful. I had two primary issues to resolve; finding an alternate pointing device, and finding a better microphone.

First, as far as the mouse was concerned, I went in thinking that I would probably have to use a trackball -- something that I wasn't crazy about since I always found them to be disorienting. The woman who was working with me explained that, for several reasons, this would'nt work for me. She had me try a joystick mouse and I was thrilled to find how easy it was to use.

Regarding the microphone, something I rely on for use with voice recognition software, my headset, although very accurate, wasn't working because I often don't have the strength to lift my hands over my head in order to place it. Now I'm using this great handheld mic attached to a boom. Computing life is so much easier!

Case closed.

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During the last couple of weeks, I have been working very hard to complete a major redesign of this web site. I'm really happy with the results and will give you the new URL within the next week.

Sat, 23 Aug 2003 18:57:57 GMT

Lost Elvis Song Turns Up. A long-lost song Elvis Presley recorded for one of his films has surfaced in New Jersey in the home of one of his songwriters. By Ben Sisario. [New York Times: Arts]

Sat, 23 Aug 2003 18:18:03 GMT

When Paul Krassner started The Realist in 1958 it was hippest magazine in the U.S. He was still living with his parents and was still a virgin... [Arts & Letters Daily] [Steve's No Direction Home Page]

ah - those were the days

Thu, 21 Aug 2003 19:06:52 GMT

Return of rock's Angry Old Man. Neil Young knocks the mass media and consumer culture in his brilliant -- if sometimes incoherent -- new "musical novel." [Salon.com]

Sign the Petition to Stop Ashcroft

Tue, 19 Aug 2003 16:57:23 GMT

Today, John Ashcroft begins a national tour promoting an extension of the USA Patriot Act. Sign the petition to stop Ashcroft's erosion of our civil rights. Add your name to the Stop Ashcroft petition, and pass it on to your friends, family, and co-workers.

Wed, 13 Aug 2003 03:18:52 GMT

It's a Detroit dance party, baby! Michael McDonald's new collection of Motown hits is one of the best I've ever heard. In the two weeks since I've gotten it, I've probably listened to the whole thing 100 times. Of the 14 songs, half are by either Marvin Gaye or Stevie Wonder, including a joyful version of Wonder's "Too High", a gorgeous "All In Love Is Fair", and deeply sensual covers of Gaye's "I Want You" and "Distant Lover."

Tue, 12 Aug 2003 19:56:55 GMT

My big fat mea culpa. I haven't decided to vote for Howard Dean, but after 10 days watching his campaign, I promise never to say he's unelectable again. [Salon.com]

Plus:

As Campaign Tightens, Kerry Sharpens Message [NY Times]

Mr. Kerry's focus on Dr. Dean reflects the fact that each views the other as his biggest threat in New Hampshire because they live in adjoining states. And if advisers to Mr. Kerry and Dr. Dean agree on anything, it is that they would like to see this sprawling nine-candidate race reduced to a two-way contest.

At this still early date, most of the mainstream media is declaring this a contest between these two candidates. In general, that alone would be enough to make me highly skeptical. But I fail to see any scenario, barring some major screwup, that will make it any different.

Top of the Stax

Tue, 12 Aug 2003 01:48:51 GMT

Chatting with Steve Cropper of Booker T. & the MG's. (Seattle Weekly)

The perfectly placed lick. Kung fu soul music, haiku rhythm-and-blues. I have no idea how he did it, his playing is utterly simple, and completely elusive.

Tue, 12 Aug 2003 01:38:22 GMT

Al Gore, the Un-Candidate. If the Al Gore who gave this speech last week had shown this statesman-like style during his inept campaign in... [Dan Gillmor's eJournal]

I never thought I'd see the day when I would be interested in a speech by Al Gore, but I actually watched all 45 minutes of this and it was terrific.

Tue, 12 Aug 2003 01:32:52 GMT

Gregory Hines, Dancer and Actor, Dies at 57. Gregory Hines personified the art of classical tap in the 1980's and 90's and also managed a successful career in theater, film and television. By Jennifer Dunning. [New York Times: Arts]

It's a cryin' shame.

Thu, 07 Aug 2003 07:45:09 GMT

Dean's Secret Weapons. I'm spending several days at the Vermont headquarters of the Howard Dean presidential campaign, studying a breakthrough in American politics.... [Dan Gillmor's eJournal]

This looks more and more every day like a race between Kerry and Dean. Those are the only two candidates I'm interested in. I'm not 100% committed at this point, but as far as the primary goes, time is running out. Although it doesn't break down exactly this way, it's a classic head/heart battle. My heart is with Dean, but Kerry is probably more electable. Especially when it comes to foreign policy.

Thu, 07 Aug 2003 07:29:20 GMT

Times They Are Surreal in Bob Dylan Tale. As a movie, Masked & Anonymous is a mess. As a Bob Dylan artifact, it is endlessly, perhaps morbidly, fascinating. By A. O. Scott. [New York Times: Movies]

I saw the thing again the other night with my pal Mike. On second viewing I enjoyed it more than I did before. But the fascination fades quickly, and this time I enjoyed some of the scenes, whereas the "story" is a mess. Still, you get the feeling that it was possible for a good movie to have been made from this material, and even if they didn't make it, if you grade them on the curve and compare to some of the cynical, exploitive junk that appears these days, it's almost a worty entertainment. How's that for ambivalent? [Steve's No Direction Home Page]

I was there? Oh yeah, that's right. It's hard to remember because 1) it's all a blur and 2) I fell asleep about halfway through. As everyone, even the film's harshest critics say, the music is outstanding. Steve and I were the only people in the theater laughing. A twisted sense of humor is definitely required. Otherwise, I can say without reservation -- it sucked!

Mon, 04 Aug 2003 18:35:23 GMT

When in Doubt, Sing About Death. John Mellencamp made old songs rock and newer ones sound vintage at Town Hall on Thursday, adding new themes of gunslinging and death to his repertoire. By Jon Pareles. [New York Times: Arts]

"Just give Donald Rumsfeld about a million guns, and have it out on Highway 61."

I raved about Mellencamp's new album back on July 1. It has grown on me ever since and is one of my favorite releases this year.

Sun, 03 Aug 2003 19:54:18 GMT

"Every guy who would compare me to Coltrane, I would compare his writing to Hemingway, compare his writing to Faulkner. I'd even tell them that. 'Say, man, I was comparing your work to Faulkner. Man, you've really got a way to go.'"

Branford Marsalis

Well, not exactly. Falkner is definitely in a class of his own. Still, I get the point. (Branford, by the way, is an incredible player -- one of the best -- and considerably more authentic than his brother)