Recent Event Highlights: HUM 324 Lecture, 01.22.2010, HUM 324 Lecture, 01.15.2010, Remembering: Ice Storm, 2005, Poster: Screaming Js, AVL Street Style, After-Party Invites, and 49 more...
Created by andrewjfletcher on Nov 19, 2008
Last updated: 01/30/10 at 12:14 PM
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As promised, though a couple days late, I’m posting the latest UNC-Asheville Humanities 324 lecture from this week. The topic was The Enlightenment, and you can read the lecture outline [pdf]. Dr. Rizzo was the speaker. We watched some clips of a movie about this guy to the left, Olaudah Equiano.
For the complete podcast series, check this post: http://blog.afletcher.net/2010/01/humanities-324-lecture-podcast/
http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/afletcher/XUcW/~3/5qNx_6A4qoA/
As promised, the recordings of the the Humanities 324 lecture’s have been podcasted and were just accepted into the iTunes store. Here are all the links.
Subscribe in RSS reader
View and stream on the web
Subscribe in iTunes
New episodes should post Friday afternoons.
I’m using an iPod Touch 2nd gen. with headphones and included mic. The recording quality will get better as I experiment with where to sit and where to set the mic (I’m trying to be unobtrusive).
Also, somebody told me that UNC-A did or perhaps still does offer a podcast of these lectures. I couldn’t find it on their website, can anyone confirm or deny?
I really think that these lectures are valuable and informative and should be available to the public. Many of the top tier colleges like MIT, Harvard, Yale, Columbia, et cetera offer podcasts of their classes to the public. After all, schools are in the business of selling degrees, not information. Let’s emancipate the information from the lecture hall. Enjoy!
http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/afletcher/XUcW/~3/S8cF9pQ0nLE/
Well the semester has just started and I’ve been trying to think up new ways to stay engaged and motivated in school, so I’m going to synthesize school with the geeky things that I love to do like blogging. With that in mind, I’m going to (attempt) to record and post every HUM 324 lecture this semester here on. You’ll find them all under this category, and if you want to subscribe in your RSS reader, here’s the feed. And Coming Soon: This will be a podcast, which you will be able to subscribe to in iTunes.
Oh, and while you’re at it, if you use this, add me on the bookFace.
Yes, I’m bootlegging academia and podcasting it. ZOMG! Technology FTW!
http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/afletcher/XUcW/~3/bfr2gcX0GCU/
This recent snow storm reminded me of the last severe winter weather that we had, four years ago this month. I was living way out in B.F.E., an hour from Asheville and 15 minutes from the closest store of any kind. I purposely stayed put and enjoyed the quiet of being thrust off the grid for a few days. Sure it was cold, sure the plumbing didn’t work and the power was out, but remembering that when it comes down to it you’ve got to rely on yourself is an invaluable lesson that is too rarely taught in our modern times. I shot these pictures on the first day, when the entire world seemed to be made of diamonds. Everything sparkled and leaned, the sum of the weight of ice and the light that it spread thickly in the air. Chiaroscuro faded from the blinding new world, and the places I knew so well became palatial and regal, a Forbidden Fortress all my own. The photos don’t do it justice at all, but I had to try. I’ve never seen anything like it. Have you?
In the cold and the dark, alone.
http://blog.afletcher.net/2009/12/remembering-ice-storm-2005/
This recent snow storm reminded me of the last severe winter weather that we had, four years ago this month. I was living way out in B.F.E., an hour from Asheville and 15 minutes from the closest store of any kind. I purposely stayed put and enjoyed the quiet of being thrust off the grid for a few days. Sure it was cold, sure the plumbing didn’t work and the power was out, but remembering that when it comes down to it you’ve got to rely on yourself is an invaluable lesson that is too rarely taught in our modern times. I shot these pictures on the first day, when the entire world seemed to be made of diamonds. Everything sparkled and leaned, the sum of the weight of ice and the light that it spread thickly in the air. Chiaroscuro faded from the blinding new world, and the places I knew so well became palatial and regal, a Forbidden Fortress all my own. The photos don’t do it justice at all, but I had to try. I’ve never seen anything like it. Have you?
In the cold and the dark, alone.
http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/afletcher/XUcW/~3/Pg3m1Ndb-Ls/
Welcome to WordPress. This is your first post. Edit or delete it, then start blogging!
http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/afletcher/XUcW/~3/hNYMfTNBXNA/
Good friends Screaming Js, the house band at MoDaddy’s, needed a poster to help with some promotion. So they asked me to put something together, and this is what I did. I tweaked the type (I used Blackmoor) and stole the piano from the 1902 Sears, Roebuck Catalogue. They liked it, I liked it and I think it represents their music pretty well.
You can catch them, and often me, tonight at MoDaddy’s and every Wednesday. They put on a kickin good show, and you owe it to yourself to catch these guys. And it’s free. See you there!
http://blog.afletcher.net/2009/12/poster-screaming-js/
Good friends Screaming Js, the house band at MoDaddy’s, needed a poster to help with some promotion. So they asked me to put something together, and this is what I did. I tweaked the type (I used Blackmoor) and stole the piano from the 1902 Sears, Roebuck Catalogue. They liked it, I liked it and I think it represents their music pretty well.
You can catch them, and often me, tonight at MoDaddy’s and every Wednesday. They put on a kickin good show, and you owe it to yourself to catch these guys. And it’s free. See you there!
http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/afletcher/XUcW/~3/ZKfx3ISBTBc/
After months of hoping to find myself on MountainX’s StreetStyle, I finally caught up with Ally outside the Flat Iron building a few weeks ago. She even said I was her new favorite model. Any time! It was fun. Here are the results.
Boots are some battered old US Army combat boots that I’ve worm almost everyday for 5 years. Pants are straight leg slim fit Express Rocco, shirt is Express 1MX Modern Fit (last year’s). Generic reversible black/brown belt. Tie is a black on black paisley that I found at my house after a party. Shades are Ray-Ban knock offs that I bought at a stand on Main Street in Hickory during their Oktoberfest. Jacket is a non-labeled find from Madame Butterfly on Lexington Ave (they have a small but excellent men’s section). Watch is a Citizen Eco-Drive 200 Meter BM6400-00E that my grandparent’s gave me as a graduation present.
P.S. I am a heterosexual male.
http://blog.afletcher.net/2009/12/avl-street-style/
After months of hoping to find myself on MountainX’s StreetStyle, I finally caught up with Ally outside the Flat Iron building a few weeks ago. She even said I was her new favorite model. Any time! It was fun. Here are the results.
Boots are some battered old US Army combat boots that I’ve worm almost everyday for 5 years. Pants are straight leg slim fit Express Rocco, shirt is Express 1MX Modern Fit (last year’s). Generic reversible black/brown belt. Tie is a black on black paisley that I found at my house after a party. Shades are Ray-Ban knock offs that I bought at a stand on Main Street in Hickory during their Oktoberfest. Jacket is a non-labeled find from Madame Butterfly on Lexington Ave (they have a small but excellent men’s section). Watch is a Citizen Eco-Drive 200 Meter BM6400-00E that my grandparent’s gave me as a graduation present.
P.S. I am a heterosexual male.
http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/afletcher/XUcW/~3/0wuvLJtf4uc/
Michael Sanacore, Chris Riddle and I made these one-of-a-kind invitations to an after-party earlier this year. Something about the flexibility and the limitations of the typewriter was really inspiring. It made me think of the typewriter in a whole new way. It’s really a miniature printing press, that can only use one font, one style, one size, one color and one weight. But other than that — you can use almost any size paper, any orientation. It’s really marvelous, and lots of fun. They turned out very well I think. My favorite one:
“Don’t listen to her. Come to the after-party.”
http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/afletcher/XUcW/~3/Kp29MdA2ZDY/
Michael Sanacore, Chris Riddle and I made these one-of-a-kind invitations to an after-party earlier this year. Something about the flexibility and the limitations of the typewriter was really inspiring. It made me think of the typewriter in a whole new way. It’s really a miniature printing press, that can only use one font, one style, one size, one color and one weight. But other than that — you can use almost any size paper, any orientation. It’s really marvelous, and lots of fun. They turned out very well I think. My favorite one:
“Don’t listen to her. Come to the after-party.”
http://blog.afletcher.net/2009/12/after-party-invites/
4th of July from John Carl on Vimeo. Music: The Guest Room “When Might Makes Right”
Back in early July, @bentmatches and I were standing at the Skybar a little after a beautiful sunset when our friend @AVLSkylie introduced us to three people looking for an adventure to film. Being expert adventurers, we shared a knowing glance and smile and set to work. Here is what they said about that night:
We went on a road trip for 30 days to 30 cities filming one story each day of people around America. This day we were in downtown Asheville, NC for the 4th of July celebration. We didn’t know a soul but by the end of the night we found ourselves in a parking lot with new-found friends setting off fireworks illegally. And we got there in a convertible driven by a friend who looked like he fronted a 50’s rockabilly band. All in all, an amazing night and one of the more meaningful videos we made.
This night was one of the best of my life. To be young, in love, and feel like the king of town in a hot red convertible surrounded by the talented and beautiful — I know of little better. It doesn’t matter how old I get, I’ll always want to go back to that day. I’d like to go back right now.
The folks we met were an artist collective (The Duck Duck Collective) and were filming a series of short spots all over the Eastern US for a really hip Levi-Strauss ad campaign. They had awesome equipment and great personalities and threw themselves into the fun of the evening. We went to the Admiral first and danced, then went to that abandoned parking lot off Merrimon where we lit all the fireworks. You can see me driving the convertible and vaulting through the fireworks at the end. I’m so glad there is footage of this day of my life.
http://blog.afletcher.net/2009/12/fourth-of-july-2009/
4th of July from John Carl on Vimeo. Music: The Guest Room “When Might Makes Right”
Back in early July, @bentmatches and I were standing at the Skybar a little after a beautiful sunset when our friend @AVLSkylie introduced us to three people looking for an adventure to film. Being expert adventurers, we shared a knowing glance and smile and set to work. Here is what they said about that night:
We went on a road trip for 30 days to 30 cities filming one story each day of people around America. This day we were in downtown Asheville, NC for the 4th of July celebration. We didn’t know a soul but by the end of the night we found ourselves in a parking lot with new-found friends setting off fireworks illegally. And we got there in a convertible driven by a friend who looked like he fronted a 50’s rockabilly band. All in all, an amazing night and one of the more meaningful videos we made.
This night was one of the best of my life. To be young, in love, and feel like the king of town in a hot red convertible surrounded by the talented and beautiful — I know of little better. It doesn’t matter how old I get, I’ll always want to go back to that day. I’d like to go back right now.
The folks we met were an artist collective (The Duck Duck Collective) and were filming a series of short spots all over the Eastern US for a really hip Levi-Strauss ad campaign. They had awesome equipment and great personalities and threw themselves into the fun of the evening. We went to the Admiral first and danced, then went to that abandoned parking lot off Merrimon where we lit all the fireworks. You can see me driving the convertible and vaulting through the fireworks at the end. I’m so glad there is footage of this day of my life.
http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/afletcher/XUcW/~3/xZiUoXXxqak/
You look ridiculous. Come get ridiculous.
I know everybody has a place to be on Halloween, but it always ends early too early, doesn’t it? Come anytime after midnight and we’ll keep it going til the late night. Last year’s party was so much fun I can’t help but try and and repeat the success. And you are all invited! And service workers: just because you couldn’t get Halloween off doesn’t mean you missed all the good parties — we’ll be waiting for you.
Some of the highlights:
It’s not a basement. It’s a dance dungeon.
DJ Par will be spinning again
Look a fool in @itswendylou’s Photo Booth of Horrors
Purple Jesus will save you.
Drink up! (Donations accepted.)
Facebook much? RSVP why don’t you.
I made the flyer, and I made a map too.
Check here and here for pics from last year.
http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/afletcher/XUcW/~3/SRsCRhLmSoE/
You look ridiculous. Come get ridiculous.
I know everybody has a place to be on Halloween, but it always ends early too early, doesn’t it? Come anytime after midnight and we’ll keep it going til the late night. Last year’s party was so much fun I can’t help but try and and repeat the success. And you are all invited! And service workers: just because you couldn’t get Halloween off doesn’t mean you missed all the good parties — we’ll be waiting for you.
Some of the highlights:
It’s not a basement. It’s a dance dungeon.
DJ Par will be spinning again
Look a fool in @itswendylou’s Photo Booth of Horrors
Purple Jesus will save you.
Drink up! (Donations accepted.)
Facebook much? RSVP why don’t you.
I made the flyer, and I made a map too.
Check here and here for pics from last year.
http://blog.afletcher.net/2009/10/halloween-the-after-party/
I saw this episode of the Twilight Zone many years ago and it made a big impression on me. I love the setting (I like pretty much anything apocalyptic) and the simple way of telling the story. This is one of the few episodes of the Twilight Zone not to feature the supernatural as a plot device. The actors are Charles Bronson and Elizabeth Montgomery. Warning: Uniformed hotness for everybody.
http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/afletcher/XUcW/~3/TarO6nydcrw/
I saw this episode of the Twilight Zone many years ago and it made a big impression on me. I love the setting (I like pretty much anything apocalyptic) and the simple way of telling the story. This is one of the few episodes of the Twilight Zone not to feature the supernatural as a plot device. The actors are Charles Bronson and Elizabeth Montgomery. Warning: Uniformed hotness for everybody.
http://blog.afletcher.net/2009/09/twilight-zone-two/
From the 1940 Supreme Court case Minnersville School District v. Gobitis
History teaches us that there have been but few infringements of personal liberty by the state which have not been justified, as they are here, in the name of righteousness and the public good, and few which have not been directed, as they are now, at politically helpless minorities. — Justice Harlan Fiske Stone
http://blog.afletcher.net/2009/09/infringements-of-personal-liberty/
From the 1940 Supreme Court case Minnersville School District v. Gobitis
History teaches us that there have been but few infringements of personal liberty by the state which have not been justified, as they are here, in the name of righteousness and the public good, and few which have not been directed, as they are now, at politically helpless minorities. — Justice Harlan Fiske Stone
http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/afletcher/XUcW/~3/Lto8tCGZRGI/
I’m very excited to have my Andrew Bird tickets (Orange Peel, $25) already purchased. He is one of my absolute favorite musicians and songwriters out there right now, and his live shows are spectacular displays of his musicianship and uniquely melancholy heart, proudly bruised and bandaged in esoteric words that make me reach for a taxonomic glossary. His lyrics recall the most flowing lines of Tennyson’s work, without the classical allusions. I saw him in 2007 with Reese, who played with him briefly in the early 2000s in the Squirrel Nut Zippers, and I got to shake his hand and speak to him briefly, but in rare form I was star struck and couldn’t think of a single bit of conversation. I’m not familiar with the opening act — has anybody seen St. Vincent?
He’s just as good live as in the video. I’ll see you at the show.
http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/afletcher/XUcW/~3/1VSBBUf6LDs/
I’m very excited to have my Andrew Bird tickets (Orange Peel, $25) already purchased. He is one of my absolute favorite musicians and songwriters out there right now, and his live shows are spectacular displays of his musicianship and uniquely melancholy heart, proudly bruised and bandaged in esoteric words that make me reach for a taxonomic glossary. His lyrics recall the most flowing lines of Tennyson’s work, without the classical allusions. I saw him in 2007 with Reese, who played with him briefly in the early 2000s in the Squirrel Nut Zippers, and I got to shake his hand and speak to him briefly, but in rare form I was star struck and couldn’t think of a single bit of conversation. I’m not familiar with the opening act — has anybody seen St. Vincent?
He’s just as good live as in the video. I’ll see you at the show.
http://blog.afletcher.net/2009/09/andrew-bird-this-october/
So this weekend I’m going to the Trinumeral Music and Arts Festival at Deerfields. It’s just outside of Asheville, abotu 20 minutes past the airport. Should be a great time, a few days out in the wild with some friends and excellent music will be a nice break from the grind. I’ve been working everyday for three weeks in some capacity, as well as a 15 credit hour load at school. It keeps me stimulated and engaged, but I’ll be glad to go rusticating for a few days. I’ll be back Sunday night.
http://blog.afletcher.net/2009/09/trinumeral-9/
So this weekend I’m going to the Trinumeral Music and Arts Festival at Deerfields. It’s just outside of Asheville, abotu 20 minutes past the airport. Should be a great time, a few days out in the wild with some friends and excellent music will be a nice break from the grind. I’ve been working everyday for three weeks in some capacity, as well as a 15 credit hour load at school. It keeps me stimulated and engaged, but I’ll be glad to go rusticating for a few days. I’ll be back Sunday night.
http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/afletcher/XUcW/~3/KSV5WaLWwcI/
This guy Charlie is pretty funny. I’m from the Michigan countryside but we were close enough to be aware of the city. The second house I ever lived on was located on infamous 8 Mile Road, but far enough out to be a dirt road surrounded by farms. If I grew up in the Shire, Detroit was Mordor, always the dark cloud on the eastern horizon. The news from the east was full of Coleman Young’s policy failures, white flight and population decline, auto plant closings, the yearly immolation of Devil’s Night, police brutality and murder after murder. I applaud Vice for focusing editorial attention on this problem, unconventional though it may be.
Yes, I agree that Detroit is a great city for journalism. The difference is there is no hurricane or war or financial crisis to capture headlines blame — but there are some Pulitzers hiding in the rubble.
http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/afletcher/XUcW/~3/Gf6vD1qIgjg/
Photograph by Lydia See
Transfigurations for me was all diamonds and no rough, and I only saw six of the acts. One of the highlights was being there last Friday at Diana Wortham Theater for Will Oldham / Bonnie “Prince” Billy, who played a long set with lots of rare gems, including this song written by Gayle Caldwell and recorded as the title track by Frank Sinatra on his 1968 Cycles LP. I’m going to be on the lookout for that on vinyl, but until then this will have to do. He introduced this as a ‘recession song.’
Check out all the other recordings I made at Transfigurations. By the way, these awesome photos were taken by Lydia See. You should click on them and see her other work. You’ll like it.
Photograph by Lydia See
http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/afletcher/XUcW/~3/CUVYOiBxbkw/
I’m desperately trying to figure out the name of this song. Any help? Thanks to @aidanz and @bentmatches for coming up with the title! It’s a Chris Knox cover called “My Only Friend,” performed by Bonnie “Prince” Billy / Will Oldham, and it’s going to be on a forthcoming compilation to benefit Chris after a stroke he had last month. You heard it hear first.
This was recorded at Diana Wortham on August 14, 2009 during the Transfigurations music festival.
http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/afletcher/XUcW/~3/XWL6CdpvQaw/
The Books recording didn’t turn out as well, but it is still very listenable. The audience made a lot more noise during the music than with Espers or Will Oldham, and the ‘third member’ of the band you can only glimpse aurally. That would be the footage they projected on a screen behind them that was incredible and jawdropping — really, I appeared like a troglodyte during the whole thing because my mandible was flapping with awe. Enjoy!
Oh — and if you like these bootlegs, you should really buy the records from Harvest Records. Asheville should thank those guys for bringing such great music and presenting it so well. Thank them by spending money at their store.
Here’s the official video and the studio version of the song.
http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/afletcher/XUcW/~3/ZVNZ9IaoWhs/
And now a recording of Philadelphia’s psychedelic folk outfit Espers playing Blue Öyster Cult’s Flaming Telepaths. This bootleg was recorded at Diana Wortham on Friday August 14, 2009, during Harvest Record’s Transfigurations music festival.
By the way, an ‘esper’ is a person who is capable of telepathy, so it is fitting that they’ve chosen this song to cover.
Don’t know the original? Check it.
http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/afletcher/XUcW/~3/1_gWLQRhwbM/
In a rare solo performance, Will Oldham of Bonnie “Prince” Billy performed at the Diana Wortham Theater in Asheville, NC as part of Harvest Record’s Transfigurations music festival. Recorded with an iPod Touch and headphone mic. I’m not an audio wizard (yet) so you may need to turn up the volume.
http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/afletcher/XUcW/~3/BV6U_ZIe-eQ/
Damn, I love this town. Harvest Records is celebrating their 5 year anniversary with the Transfigurations music fest, and I’ve been able to attend the two performances at Diana Wortham. And with my new iPod and headphones with built-in microphone, I thought I’d test making some bootleg recordings. They turned out surprisingly well. After this post I’ll be posting some of the recordings. I’ve got some of The Books, The Espers and Bonnie Prince Billy’s Will Oldham. Enjoy!
P.S. I didn’t catch most of the names of the tracks. Help a guy out if you do!
http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/afletcher/XUcW/~3/fb5mQy9ZLbE/
The daily newspapers owned by the conglomerates have failed to serve the local market, and instead serve up cheap, stale wire news. Why should I trust a newspaper headquartered in Asheville to serve up quality news about national issues? I go to the Times or the Journal for that.
Most newspaper’s business model is as outdated as this clipart.
Likewise, I wouldn’t trust a national newspaper to tell me about local sports scores, local business news, local features, etc. I go to the Mountain XPress for that. Here are three observations and recommendations, partly inspired by the XPress.
The key to success in this third age of newspapers is to only cover the region where the readers actually spend their time. Where they eat, work, shop, commute and reside. This is what’s missing. I don’t just mean endless slide shows of holiday parades — I mean actual, investigative reporting on local issues, compelling features of local successes, sprinkled with a few more “this is how we fit in the world” stories that broaden the scope into the wider context of our region, state and nation. National news should not be “how many Senators voted for the stimulus” it should be “how does the stimulus actually affect local institutions and governments?”
Tight integration with online tools will help get the real product — not the 1/2 pound of ink and paper but the local reporting, the original can’t-get-it-elsewhere information into the pipeline and in front of people however they choose. RSS newsreaders, Twitter and other tools are now accessed by people on their cell phones and homes. Information is cargo, so embrace all of the delivery methods.
Where there are eyes, there will be advertisers. Advertising will follow. Don’t worry about it. Concentrate on your original content. However, I do see a role for national ad organizations that newspapers buy into so as to still be able to access the national advertisers that would otherwise ignore the under-50,000 viewer markets.
Every time I see a national headline on a local newspaper, I see the death of that business model is yet a little closer. The endless katamari of the national conglomerates has expired, and the quicker they die the better. The long slow decline has accelerated, and there are opportunities to be had for nimble organizations that have the cojones to adapt quickly.
Do you have examples of good implementations of the new old media? Here are my two local favorites:
Tryon Daily Bulletin (for its print edition)
Mountatin XPress (for both web and print)
And please, poke some holes in this and give me some other perspectives — I’m continually shaping my outlook.
http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/afletcher/XUcW/~3/-DIeIMgFevI/
I'm hanging a shingle for myself: I fix computers, and I'd like to fix yours.
I'm going back to school in August and I need to start creating a more flexible line of work for myself, something that I can mold and make work around my 16-hour academic calendar. I've got 10 years experience fixing computers for people, and I'm not being a braggart when I say: I'm good. I enjoy making computers work better, and I explain what I'm doing in friendly terms. I usually work in your home, but if I can do a better job by taking your computer back to my workbench, I'll offer that. I'm good at discerning whether the computer is the problem — or whether you're trying to do something you shouldn't (Doh!). If you want my advice while buying a computer you can bring me to the store. I may be able to save you money even after my fee, and you'll get the right computer for your needs.
Also, I design business cards and flyers and such, like the ones you see here.
You can even call me and leave a message from right here, with this widget. Try it!
http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/afletcher/XUcW/~3/pP2Y8INlpBY/
Check out this CNN.com poll I found recently. 40 Years on and this is how America perceives the greatest achievement of mankind. I really couldn't believe this when I saw it. (CNN also ran an article on the persistence of the hoax moon landing conspiracy.)
14%? REALLY? More than one out of eight people?
If there really is a moon landing conspiracy and thousands of people are in on it as well as some of our nations most bloated bureaucracies, you really believe that Buzz Aldrin punched that guy in the face (see CNN clip below at the 2:45 mark) for nothing then by the transitive property one must also believe that NASA is could be so very clever that they actually flew a couple guys up there to plant some evidence and brought them home.
Ever wondered what would have happened if they didn't make it home? The Smoking Gun is there.
Snopes has the skinny on this footage, but I added it for good measure.
http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/afletcher/XUcW/~3/d6s-hnzFzKI/
My first car, a gold 4-door, 5-speed 1997 Ford Escort burned up on my way home last month. And it was my fault. I failed to do a repair correctly and fuel leaked onto the hot exhaust, igniting and setting the car ablaze. I got myself and the laptop out without a scratch or a burn, but it was sad to see the old car go. I'd put almost 150,000 miles on it. Owned that car longer than I'd lived on any piece of land. It had been a faithful machine servant, and taken much abuse and kept on going.
Before I get too nostalgic over 2600 pounds of steel and plastic, check out my new car:
It's a 1997 BMW 328i convertible. In beautiful shape for a car with 100,000 miles, it's a 5-speed and gets over 23/30 mpg city/highway. So much fun to cruise around on the parkway in this, and it actually is a pretty practical car for me — as long as the maintenance and repair costs don't kill me. It does need a timing belt. Know any BMW mechanics?
http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/afletcher/XUcW/~3/tCi8xerNyRo/
So, as some may know I got accepted to UNC-Asheville for the fall. I’d been trying to go for 6 years and kept getting sent back to the minor-leagues, but I graduated last month – and got called up to the majors. I had nearly given up on my dream of higher education, and now that I’m really there I find myself to be childishly excited about all of it, right down to the droll and boring aspects of registration and orientation which I completed last week.
I’m stoked about my schedule. Here it is:
American Indian: Pre-Contact to 1840
World Civilizations to 1500
Macroeconomics
Tai-Chi
Germany: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow
The United States after 1865
I hope that I am challenged and accepted by my peers. At AB-Tech, I consistently felt that I had a grasp of the material that exceeded what was expected, and there were many missed opportunities to engage the other students because they had little broader educational context to plug in to. Just ask me about some of the PowerPoint fueled presentations that I saw get passing grades. Embarassing. Edward Tufte would have croaked.
I’ll see you on campus! I’ll be the one with the big smile.
http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/afletcher/XUcW/~3/n2fxMiELv5U/
For the past two years I’ve gone to the POP Asheville Festival, and I had an awesome time both years. I blogged about it, too.
The festival right now is in a little trouble – the money kind of trouble. Now, I don’t have any money to give but if I can support a great event by talking about it here, then I’m gonna do that. Please, Asheville, support this festival – it’s one of my favorite things about living here and gives such color to an otherwise grey January. I’ve discovered great bands, had an awesome time on LaZoom, and felt like I was stealing it because it was all so cheap. So yes, I would be willing to pay more. I’d pay $25 for two nights of awesome music and bus rides. I think it’s worth that.
Also, Congrats and Good Luck to my friend and former colleague Susanne Hackett of Pollinate Consulting on being named Director of the Festival.
http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/afletcher/XUcW/~3/MrLKUdTtbN8/
I really hate awful ringtones. The ones that come with your phone I believe are terrible, and I think they are purposely bad to make you spend money on the provider’s tones. And then, you pay $3-5 for 30 seconds or less of music when you can get the same song for 99 cents on iTunes – and have the entire song! So forget about all that mess.
http://www.makeownringtone.com/
Ok, I know the website is really cheesy and there are lots of ads, but the interface works very well and even though they directly e-mailed the mp3 to my phone, they haven’t spammed me. Here’s my new ringtone:
So get rid of that stupid “Verizon Moods” factory ringtone and get a one that won’t embarass you. It’s free.
http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/afletcher/XUcW/~3/iy0qU9zmioY/
Jon Corbin of the Firecracker Jazz Band asked me to design a new poster for the band. I love designing a poster and the Firecrackers are my favorite local band, so it was a really fun project. I was initially going to go art deco, but that’s a hard milieu to swim and make it look classy and not cheesy, so I abandoned it pretty quickly.
Typography has always been my strength in design, so instead of being frustrated, I resorted to what I knew. The only typeface used is Rockwell, which looks great pulled, pushed enlarged, suggested, shown, etc. I don’t think I’ve used Rockwell previously, but it is certainly in my palette now. Only six words are used and three images, including the piano aflame image by Jason Krekel that they use as a logo.
Problem solving + creativity = design.
I love doing it.
Here’s some of my inspiration. Smashing Magazine: Breathtaking Typographic Posters
http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/afletcher/XUcW/~3/HyaV3vVI0CA/
Jon Corbin of the Firecracker Jazz Band asked me to design a new poster for the band. I love designing a poster and the Firecrackers are my favorite local band, so it was a really fun project. I was initially going to go art deco, but that’s a hard milieu to swim and make it look classy and not cheesy, so I abandoned it pretty quickly.
Typography has always been my strength in design, so instead of being frustrated, I resorted to what I knew. The only typeface used is Rockwell, which looks great pulled, pushed enlarged, suggested, shown, etc. I don’t think I’ve used Rockwell previously, but it is certainly in my palette now. Only six words are used and three images, including the piano aflame image by Jason Krekel that they use as a logo.
Problem solving + creativity = design.
I love doing it.
Here’s some of my inspiration. Smashing Magazine: Breathtaking Typographic Posters
http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/afletcher/XUcW/~3/Ellv2yQ1kpo/
I found a baby bird resting in the new grass last week. He didn’t seem hurt, but he was all ruffly and unkempt looking, and he didn’t seem particularly happy that I was paying so much attention to him. I got very close to him with the camera and after I got a few good shots I tried to see if he would move or limp or fly. He let me pet him on his head with my finger, and he was very soft. After a few minutes he hopped away. Perhaps he fell and was a little stunned, or just wanted to see the ground up close. It was a nice way to come home from work.
Anyone know what kind of bird this was?
http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/afletcher/XUcW/~3/FQbMcAz9kiM/
I found a baby bird resting in the new grass last week. He didn’t seem hurt, but he was all ruffly and unkempt looking, and he didn’t seem particularly happy that I was paying so much attention to him. I got very close to him with the camera and after I got a few good shots I tried to see if he would move or limp or fly. He let me pet him on his head with my finger, and he was very soft. After a few minutes he hopped away. Perhaps he fell and was a little stunned, or just wanted to see the ground up close. It was a nice way to come home from work.
Anyone know what kind of bird this was?
http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/afletcher/XUcW/~3/kHk0ScQKeHQ/
Graduation ceremonies seem to be to glorify the institution and not the individual, but as I never graduated high school, I thought I’d participate at least once. It also helped me draw closure to my time at AB-Tech, which I needed. I’m so glad to be out of there.
I even got recognized a little: Citizen-Times — Sensible City
A lot has changed since I last signed off here - I’ve been accepted to UNC-A, something I’ve been trying to accomplish for six years. It feels good to have a plan, accomplish a major part of it and move forward with the next step falling into line. Maybe I’m just not used to the feeling of accomplishment, but it feels like an addiction which I will gladly surrender to.
At least I’m a better student then blogger.
http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/afletcher/XUcW/~3/MGCjGbwd1j8/
Graduation ceremonies seem to be to glorify the institution and not the individual, but as I never graduated high school, I thought I’d participate at least once. It also helped me draw closure to my time at AB-Tech, which I needed. I’m so glad to be out of there.
I even got recognized a little: Citizen-Times — Sensible City
A lot has changed since I last signed off here – I’ve been accepted to UNC-A, something I’ve been trying to accomplish for six years. It feels good to have a plan, accomplish a major part of it and move forward with the next step falling into line. Maybe I’m just not used to the feeling of accomplishment, but it feels like an addiction which I will gladly surrender to.
At least I’m a better student then blogger.
http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/afletcher/XUcW/~3/-jW7A6HmHGY/
1920 Asheville Parade on Patton Ave.
I was really excited to find this photo on Shorpy, one of my favorite blogs. (Shorpy is a GREAT blog - I even got my grandparents to read it, and now they check it everyday.) What’s really neat is that my office downtown is almost right here. If the soldiers marched another 1/2 block down Patton from where I believe they were photographed, they would pass next to Pritchard Park and below my window. Were I alive then, would I be in the crowd, hanging from the windows, or maybe in the uniform? Where would you be?
Thanks to the recently enabled Google Street View of Asheville, I think I can pinpoint where the photographer was. Check out what I have and offer your own opinion.
View Larger Map
http://blog.afletcher.net/?p=470
1920 Asheville Parade on Patton Ave.
I was really excited to find this photo on Shorpy, one of my favorite blogs. (Shorpy is a GREAT blog – I even got my grandparents to read it, and now they check it everyday.) What’s really neat is that my office downtown is almost right here. If the soldiers marched another 1/2 block down Patton from where I believe they were photographed, they would pass next to Pritchard Park and below my window. Were I alive then, would I be in the crowd, hanging from the windows, or maybe in the uniform? Where would you be?
Thanks to the recently enabled Google Street View of Asheville, I think I can pinpoint where the photographer was. Check out what I have and offer your own opinion.
View Larger Map
http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/afletcher/XUcW/~3/thPPMuaImyM/
1920 Asheville Parade on Patton Ave.
I was really excited to find this photo on Shorpy, one of my favorite blogs. (Shorpy is a GREAT blog - I even got my grandparents to read it, and now they check it everyday.) What’s really neat is that my office downtown is almost right here. If the soldiers marched another 1/2 block down Patton from where I believe they were photographed, they would pass next to Pritchard Park and below my window. Were I alive then, would I be in the crowd, hanging from the windows, or maybe in the uniform? Where would you be?
Thanks to the recently enabled Google Street View of Asheville, I think I can pinpoint where the photographer was. Check out what I have and offer your own opinion.
View Larger Map
http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/afletcher/XUcW/~3/536104771/
1920 Asheville Parade on Patton Ave.
I was really excited to find this photo on Shorpy, one of my favorite blogs. (Shorpy is a GREAT blog - I even got my grandparents to read it, and now they check it everyday.) What’s really neat is that my office downtown is almost right here. If the soldiers marched another 1/2 block down Patton from where I believe they were photographed, they would pass next to Pritchard Park and below my window. Were I alive then, would I be in the crowd, hanging from the windows, or maybe in the uniform? Where would you be?
Thanks to the recently enabled Google Street View of Asheville, I think I can pinpoint where the photographer was. Check out what I have and offer your own opinion.
View Larger Map
http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/afletcher/XUcW/~3/LLiR4mbf2N0/
Just wrapped up this poster on Thursday for jar-e, an Asheville musician. Par (who is co-celebrating a birthday with me) hooked me up with this job. I’ve really been working on improving my Illustrator chops, and it’s nice to be rewarded with a little bit of paying work. Hopefully this leads to more! Look for it around town. If you see it, take your picture standing next to it and send it to me, I’ll buy you your choice of coffee or beer.
http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/afletcher/XUcW/~3/533835068/
Just wrapped up this poster on Thursday for jar-e, an Asheville musician. Par (who is co-celebrating a birthday with me) hooked me up with this job. I’ve really been working on improving my Illustrator chops, and it’s nice to be rewarded with a little bit of paying work. Hopefully this leads to more! Look for it around town. If you see it, take your picture standing next to it and send it to me, I’ll buy you your choice of coffee or beer.
http://blog.afletcher.net/?p=464
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