Long ago, in a galaxy far, far away… Some cave-dwellers set aside their polyhedral dice and ventured forth to Radio Shack where they obtained hardware known as a modem and one of the free computer magazines sitting in a heap outside the store …This was the dawn of the BBS era.

Or at least that’s close to how it all started for me. I’ve been a BBS junkie since 1990, when I received a hand-me-down modem and a cheapass 386. So imagine my delight when I heard of a documentary being made about BBS culture.

The four-year project was finally released on DVD this year, but there’s tons of footage that didn’t make the final cut. However, the whole ball of wax was released under a Creative Commons license and soon the complete archives will be available online.

Check out the official website for blast-to-the-past details.

7 comments August 17th, 2005

Not only was this girl born in Pasadena, California… She never left! As a graduate of their schools, an occassional volunteer, a former docent, local newspaper employee, and performer - I may be uniquely qualified to respond to this week’s topic:

Ten Things I Love About My City

1. Caltech - It’s nice being home to so many brilliant minds, and the California Institute of Technology brings them in by the truckload every semester. When we’re lucky, they stay on to work at JPL.

2. Art Center - Not just any college of design, but arguably one of the best in the world. Art Center continues to churn out stunning works in everything from automobile design to filmmaking.

3. Restaurants - Maybe what’s nourishing all this young talent is nothing more than the amazing food! What else do you expect when the US campus of the famous Le Cordon Bleu is right here in town?

4. City Hall - We have the most beautiful civic building I’ve ever seen. Built in 1927 by Bakewell & Brown, this elegant feature of our local skyline is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

5. Kidspace - Newly redesigned, this children’s museum is unique. Every exhibit is a functioning work of art with lessons for kids to learn by the best of all possible methods… Play!

6. Architecture - We’re fortunate to live in an adorable little home in the historic area of Bungalow Heaven. Craftsman homes are the rage right now, and we take them for granted because they’re everywhere!

7. Huntington - Library, art collections, and botanical gardens… It’s a wonderful place to take the ladies for afternoon tea. Or go by yourself for some quiet contemplation amidst your pick of lovely surroundings.

8. Tournament of Roses - Forgive me for putting it so low on the list, but it’s not as big a deal for the locals as it is for the rest of the world when they invade on New Year’s Day for the Rose Bowl game and parade.

9. Mountains - Living at the foothills of the San Gabriel mountain range makes great hiking adventures easy. Of course, if you’re a clutz like me you might want to make your expeditions less frequent.

10. People - Compared to most of Los Angeles we’re pretty laid back. I knew a guy who moved from out of state to the west side. He grew homesick until he found a place that felt more like home in Pasadena.

6 comments August 16th, 2005

Twice a year I pick up a few fashion magazines and eagerly scour them to find the best of what’s new. This time, however, I find myself rather perturbed… What is up with this frumpy, bohemian madness?

The colors and styles for Fall 2005 seem desperately unflattering. Something is amiss. I can’t find anything in stores that looks even remotely attractive, and I’m worried… My wardrobe is looking thin.

When I lost weight, I sold all my suits at a consignment store. Since then, I’ve been trying to rebuild my business wardrobe… To little avail. Once in a while I’ll find something from Nanette Lepore, Kay Unger, Ann Taylor or Tahari, but mostly it’s been a bust.

I made this resoution that I’d only buy pieces I absolutely love. That’s turned out to be a tall order, and one that’s left me with less than ten outfits in rotation. Maybe it’s time to re-think my strategy.

11 comments August 14th, 2005

Happy Left-Handers Day to all the sinister creatures out there. I’ve always been glad to be a leftie, even when it wasn’t easy. As it turns out, my love for being a southpaw wasn’t without justification. Apparently our brains are more balanced, and we can kick your ass.

On this special day, I’d like to express my gratitude to my mom and dad for defending my left-handedness when that crazy first grade teacher tried to make me switch on the first day of school. Thanks for making sure I kept something in common with these amazing people.

11 comments August 13th, 2005

Added some new images to my Photo Albums in the “Polar Lights” category - Depictions of both the auroras borealis and australis. Remember that once inside the gallery you can click on a thumbnail to view the complete image. Happy Friday!

9 comments August 12th, 2005

Maybe I need to wear a burqa. Nah… Too oppressive, especially in this August heat. Or how about a ninja mask - Yeah! All I know is that I can’t stand another day of the pink, peeling mess that’s looking back at me in the mirror, without some kind of cover.

Anyway, I only have one skin treatment left to endure, but these last two in the series are a downer. If the next one wasn’t medically important, I’d do anything to avoid it. A face that looks like molting snakeskin wakes you up to a new world of shy embarassment.

Murphy’s law kicked in today:

Never in the history of this company have they called an impromptu leadership meeting, but today they did… Twice, and for trivial crap. All my colleagues got to take a nice long look. I guess working in my office in the dark with the door closed wasn’t working for them.

5 comments August 10th, 2005

I’m not keen on this week’s topic, so I’m picking from the archives…

This Week: Things That Turn Me Off

1: Excess Hair - Those of you who love the guys with the furry chests have nothing to fear from me. I prefer the smooth types, even if achieved by artificial means. I’d rather have a guy that shaves than one who trails body hair all over the bathroom floor.

2: Wusses - I can’t be attracted to a man who has less strength and stability than I do. That’s a tall order, because I’m a fairly strong woman. The farther along I am on the feminine spectrum, the farther you need to be on the masculine end for balance.

3: Smokers - Never mind that it’s smelly, bad for your health, darkens your smile, and makes you age faster: You can’t enjoy much when all you’re thinking about is that next puff, because smoking is now illegal almost everywhere in California.

4: Liars - Why bother opening your mouth and expelling sound if it’s only to deceive? It defies the whole purpose of communication. I don’t want much to do with people who don’t love the truth.

5: Tattoos - Don’t get me wrong, I’ve seen some awesome body art. But for some reason I’m not interested in a partner with permanent markings. This may have something to do with the fact that for every attractive tattoo I’ve seen, there are fifty lame ones around.

6: Shorties - While I realize this is totally unfair, I can’t help having a preference for taller men. Six feet and up qualifies. While I know charisma makes up for what they lack in height, I have a hard time taking short men seriously… I keep wanting to pat them on the head.

7: Models - If you’re hot enough to appear on the pages of GQ, that probably means every sex-starved woman and gay man is constantly trying to get into your pants. Plus, chances are your personality never had to develop because your good looks were enough to get by.

8: Shaggies - You can’t be bothered to brush your hair or wear unwrinkled clothing, yet I’m supposed to think you’re the cat’s meow? Impossible! News flash: Women can tell the difference between lazy and purposefully disheveled.

9: Flakes - Have some beliefs, and stick by them. It shows you’ve mulled over some of life’s important issues. While you’re at it, be a man of your word. It’s great to be open-minded and encourage other views, but you still need ideas of your own… Wishy-washy ≠ sexy.

10: Ball Sweat - This one doesn’t need any explanation.

What are your biggest turn-offs?

16 comments August 9th, 2005

Giada De Laurentiis - I heart you… We should totally be best friends.

In fact, we have so much in common that I could probably pass you off as my older sister. You and I seem to have the same taste in food, kitchen implements, and and ultra-feminine fashion.

We each have nerdy husbands, too. Just think: They could geek around together while you and I enjoy shopping in Italy. Later on we could even bake banana muffins… Call me!

7 comments August 8th, 2005

The mermaids went home today… And that’s all I have to say about that, except to add that this summer was the most fun ever.

It’s awfully quiet around here now.

10 comments August 7th, 2005

My hairstylist finally returned from maternity leave, and it wasn’t a moment too soon because my style had just started to fade from its former bombshell glory. Rest assured, it’s back to gorgeous again.

Speaking of fading, over the last month I witnessed three grays arriving on the scene. Of course, I could never be fortunate enough to have them hidden somewhere in the middle of my mane. Naturally, mine have to appear right at my hairline for all to see.

I’m fully bummed that I’ll need to dye my hair. Though in fairness, half the reason I never got into changing its color was because I knew this day was coming. My stylist assures me that the new dyes are fabulous. We’ll see about that… I booked an appointment.

For those of you in the Los Angeles or Orange County area interested in a referral to a salon staffed by ladies that really know what they’re doing: Please contact Janine (that’s my little hair nazi) or her buddy Jean at Votré Salon in Arcadia, California. They’re located at 834 South Baldwin Avenue, just below the 210 freeway, south of the Santa Anita Fashion Park and Los Angeles County Arboretum… Make a day of it!

9 comments August 6th, 2005