The "shower meme", Take 1
Jun. 4th, 2003 10:54 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
libertango![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif){kind=small}
eleanor asks:OK, here are your five:
1. Tell me about your LJ name?
Sure. There's a movie by Sally Potter, called The Tango Lesson. The movie itself is not to everyone's taste -- a bit slow sometimes, to the Amurrican eye -- but it has some great dance sequences, and a kick-ass soundtrack. And I just fell deeply in love with Astor Piazolla's song "Libertango", which is heard twice -- once in a vintage recording, once in a cover featuring Yo-Yo Ma on cello. And I just like the sound of the word. My one APA 'zine was titled Koyaanisqatsi for similar reasons, and I keep thinking of pubbing my ish under the title Transbordeur, or ¡Terremoto!, or something like that.
2. Let's talk about one of the more obvious things we have in common:
Redheads. Tell me why you think they're better than blondes or
brunettes. Unless you don't, in which case I'd like a really good
explanation.
"Better than"? That's a judgement I'm uncomfortable making. I can tell you that I've always had a love-hate relationship with my hair. In grade school, in particular, it was yet another cross on the list: too tall, too smart, too thickly glassed, too boy soprano -ish, too damn much the nail that needed to be hammered down. All through my youth I mostly just wanted to hide, and my hair was one more thing that wouldn't let me. These days I'm more comfortable with it, but only just.
OTOH, there is the performer side of me that likes being easily spotted. And it's not like I don't know what people will always notice first.
I guess I wish I somehow had a lamp cord I could pull to switch hair colors to suit my mood. :)
3. I really don't know the answer to this, so , are you originally from
Seattle? If not, how did you get there (no fair saying "a plane") and if
you are, why did you stay?
No, we (Ulrika & I) are recent immigrants to Seattle. I was born in Boston, and we (my mom and I) moved to the LA area when I was nine, which would've been 1972. I lived in LA 'til moving up here, in Oct 2001.
We had been coming up to Seattle for years, visiting friends. Both Ulrika and I just loved the place, both for the kind of town it can physically be (even if the Eastside is Orange County with pines), and the people who are ever so much more friendly, on average, than Angelenos. So, when I was most recently laid off, we decided to take the plunge and use my unemployment and my severance to do the Big Move. After all, I was laid off in October, how long could finding a new job take? February? March?
360 days, is what it took. Oct 19 2001 - Oct 14 2002.
Through that time, I was lucky enough, due to fandom, to be able to stay with friends -- first Jeff and Liz Copeland (and kids Allie and James), and then Alan Rosenthal and Janice Murray. Praise be upon them all, and a million thanks, as always.
But... I think I've earned the right to live up here. :)
4. How did you meet your wife?
At LASFS, the Los Angeles Science Fantasy Society.
Actually, it's funny... after meeting Ulrika, and being invited to a party at the house of her and her sweetie of the time, I made such an ass of myself at that party that I was "blue screened" for about a year. There are events we know we were both at that Ulrika has no recollection of seeing me, because I was unpersoned.
We got over it. :)
5. We are connected through science fiction fandom in ways I can't even
begin to imagine. How did you become involved in that universe?
LASFS again.
I was enough of a Heinlein fan that I would read various things about the years when Heinelein lived in LA... And that would pick up in other memoirs, too, like Ray Bradbury, Jack Williamson, David Gerrold... Many.
So, the summer between my senior and senior-plus-one years in college {cough}, I decided to look up this LASFS outfit I'd read about. Turned out it was just about two miles down Burbank Blvd from where I lived with my mom at the time. That was close enough that I could bike, take the bus, or sometimes even walk to LASFS.
It was a touch and go thing, really. I was about to give up on LASFS when I went one night and ended up filk singing (I love to sing -- 14 years in choirs)(although I haven't really sung much filk since), and playing aeroplane games (Ace of Aces) with my soon-to-be-friend Terry Karney (who's in Iraq right now {crossing fingers}). That got me jazzed enough to go to Loscon that year, and fandom's been saddled with me ever since.
So... anyone care to be interviewed?
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Date: 2003-06-04 11:14 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2003-06-04 11:37 pm (UTC){besides, i have to figure out to make the questions... unselfish ;) }
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Date: 2003-06-04 11:42 pm (UTC);-)
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Date: 2003-06-05 11:03 pm (UTC)OK, let me think, here...
{{you're all about to see why i desperately need an editor.}}
1) I've just been rooting around your LJ for the answer to this, and it doesn't seem to be there. You were in New York before you moved here. You work in the fashion industry. Glad though I am to see you in Seattle... Wasn't that an awfully big leap? What was the appeal of the job out here (other than, perhaps, being a job? :) And does this mean you're only in Seattle for the length of your current job?
2) Do you think love is something that's a fixed pool within us? That is, "If I love you so much, I must love him that much less." -- or -- Do you think love is something more like a skill, where one can learn and always get better at it? Or some mix of both?
3) Again, going through your LJ, it's clear the moon is an important symbol for you. What are your thoughts/feelings about water?
4) If your family had stayed in Guangzhou (I think that's right), what do you think your life would be like? What would you be doing now?
5) Is there a difference between your favorite fabric to design, that is, what you can make look best/most like what you as the designer wants... And your favorite to wear, that is, what feels best against your skin? Name each one, or the one that is both, if there isn't a difference. :)
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Date: 2003-06-07 11:09 am (UTC)Good observation, No, the job, although is fabulous, is not the only reason that brought me here. I admit, it is a big career jump for me, but I also here for the fact that my Love is here. Chris and I had known each other for 5 years, going on 6. It is a long time for some one my age. When I found this opportunity, I had a hard time passing it, but when Chris voluntarily jumped and pack his stuff to drive out here, I knew then this is it. It is almost faith, as during the interviewing process and portfolio examinations, I had so many hints faith dropped me. I would heard strangers on the bus talking about Seattle, the tea infuser a friend gave me is made in Seattle. The days where rainy in New York. Of course I could be obsessed with it too. But looking back it was all very obvious, and I wonder why I even think that I was not mean to come here. As to how long, I would say right now my plan would be to establish myself as a career worthy woman. That would probably take about 5-6 years. That is my vague plan. I do plan to retire early and travel and travel afar in my lifetime.
2) Do you think love is something that's a fixed pool within us? That is, "If I love you so much, I must love him that much less." -- or -- Do you think love is something more like a skill, where one can learn and always get better at it? Or some mix of both?
No, I think love is like a fountain that never dries. It's beginning is probably as mystically as it ends. I don't think there is a set amount to how many you can/should love. Ideally, a person should romantically love one person, but that is ideally speaking. Not long ago, I was in love with more than one person and in the mean time both of them are dear to me. Yes it caused heart ache, but the communication and the level of intimacy and sharing is so much so that I am profoundly inspired by it.
3) Again, going through your LJ, it's clear the moon is an important symbol for you. What are your thoughts/feelings about water?
Water to me is the motherly combination of Yin and Yang. As much as it can be soft, it can also be hard. As much as it can be gentle, it can also be fatal. It is important and omnipresent as air. and Within one the other exists. I remember when I was very young, my family and I went to the harbor, and I will never forget the way the water swirl around me and in between my legs. It is both supporting and repressive.
4) If your family had stayed in Guangzhou (I think that's right), what do you think your life would be like? What would you be doing now?
I am probably not as active, not as spiritually inspired as I am now. I would be married by now, and probably already have a baby on the way. On a sunny day like this, I would probably be staying home watching TV, preparing and cooking a big family meal.
5) Is there a difference between your favorite fabric to design, that is, what you can make look best/most like what you as the designer wants... And your favorite to wear, that is, what feels best against your skin? Name each one, or the one that is both, if there isn't a difference. :)
I like a fabric / yarn that is versatile. There isn't one. But thinner fabric/yarn is my preference. I don't have a favorite thing to wear, garment wise. I have my preference and choices to make everyday. I think, the handfeel of a garment is important, but, it is not the final call. I would say the price, fit and quality would be my first concern when choosing a garment. I like silk fabric, and I like garments that has a high neckline, narrow on the waist. I used tend to design things that looks good on me yes. But right now, as my career proceeds, tools of the trades I picked up on is that we work for our customers. If it was not for the customers we will not be here. so marrying demand with my likings are the next goal for me.
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Date: 2003-06-07 11:41 am (UTC)Interview?
Date: 2003-06-05 04:14 am (UTC)Re: Interview?
Date: 2003-06-05 11:20 pm (UTC)2) Four words: "Curt Gowdy" "American Sportsman". Are you, like me, of an age where those words bring back memories? (Not that I fish, but given your interests... :) If not (or even if so :), how did you become interested in fishing -- something your family did? Something you picked up as an adult?
3) Given that you're Our Man In Montreal, and that you work in Language Law (among other things)... 25 years from now: Is Quebec still part of Canada?
4) Louisiana is known down here for still having elements of Code Napoleon embedded in its laws (which is why you'll see exit phrases like, "Valid in all states except Louisiana" :). Quebec transferred over to the UK earlier than that, as I recall, but how much of its legal system is straight Anglo-Commonwealth derived, and how much French?
5) Single malt -- taste, heritage, or both?
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Date: 2003-06-05 02:31 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2003-06-05 11:27 pm (UTC)Not possible. It signifies you, and you are anything but.
But it's pretty obvious -- you're member number 15703, and
I loved The Tango Lesson, but I didn't know any of the song titles.
The soundtrack is worth it on its own. The music is very good, and the package comes with a thick-ish book with lotsa still shots. Until the DVD gets released and one can get freeze frames that way... :)
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Date: 2003-06-05 06:31 am (UTC)Oh, I love being a redhead, but I'm such a screaming extrovert. I think it's actually called a "Napolean complex."
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Date: 2003-06-05 11:30 pm (UTC)You're welcome. And very kind.
Oh, I love being a redhead, but I'm such a screaming extrovert. I think it's actually called a "Napolean complex."
About the screaming part, I couldn't say. I lack data. :) {{well, aside from when you're around puppies.}} :) And I'm an extrovert too, at times. {shrug}
Re:
Date: 2003-06-06 04:48 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2003-06-06 06:02 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2003-06-05 01:05 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2003-06-06 12:28 am (UTC)Thank you -- you're very kind, as well.
I'm finding the composing questions part much more difficult than coming up with answers. Undoubtedly the professorial part of me. :)
Anyway...
1) What did a native Floridian think of John Sayles' Sunshine State? Or have you seen it?
2) Looking over your LJ, you seem mostly to be attracted to tall, skinny geeks (which I meet only 2 of 3 criteria for, alas). OTOH, your own background doesn't seem terribly geeky. So... what's the appeal?
3) The sepia-toned portrait is particularly striking. Who did it? More than that (said the guy who's thought sometimes of working with mdoels) do you recall any particular guidance at the time? Was it "Look in this direction", or "Think about X", or... ?
4) What's your favorite piece/composer to sing, and who's your favorite to listen to?
5) Do you have a favorite piece of art? Maybe not one you own, but one you go 'visit' when you can afford to do so. If so, why? Sheer aesthetic reaction? Or because it's associated with something for you?
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Date: 2003-06-05 06:59 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2003-06-06 12:29 am (UTC)Or, um, something.
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Date: 2003-06-06 09:27 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2003-06-06 08:14 pm (UTC)1) It's not clear from the way you replied (ie, to the main post, and not any threads in the discussion), but... You do realize that the questions in the main thread are from
2) If you want to blow me off on this one, I understand, or if you want to reply by email, ditto, but... Well, see, I lived in LA for thirty years. I went to a prep school with the sons of a studio head, a screenwriter, an actor, etc. So... I know you've said you work for a Big Cheese in the Industry. But, for the life of me, I can't think of anyone in Orlando who would qualify. I'm sure Orlando is a good enough place to live, and all, but from the POV of my LA/NY based Industry friends -- Orlando was where Universal folks are threatened to be re-assigned if they get too uppity (kinda like the Russian Front in Hogan's Heroes. Wayne Huizenga is down in Miami, and he sold out years ago, anyway. So, um, much as I like a good mystery... Who's Da Cheese? :)
3) How're things going in
4) I forget if you're a Florida native, but I know you've been there at least a while. So. Sand between the toes in a place with a warm current. Something to snare tourists? Just the right thing to relax the feet? Somewhere in-between?
5) If you could be an animal, which would you be? Why... What aspects of that animal would be most appealing to you?
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Date: 2003-06-09 06:29 am (UTC)