Houseguests

No offence to anyone who visited me in the netherlands over the past 3 or so years, but the past 6 months have been some of my most favorite houseguest adventures ever. Whether it was NoCoins and Tawdryjones coming over from Philly, my dear cousin N coming over from Portugal, or my latest houseguest characochan, who flew away this morning; I have really enjoyed their presence. Different reasons for each, but overall, to be in the city I am so in love with, and to be able to show the people I love my life here.

I think we all go through this, right? Maybe it’s called validation or something. The idea that something is important to you, and you want important people in your life to see it first hand and if possible – share in it.

And as if the year couldn’t get any better, one of my newest and most favorite friends and blogscientist is making the journey from northern sweden, in only a few weeks. Excited isn’t word enough to describe. And it doesn’t stop there, formerly of blogging.la fame, and now a sf.metblogs.com gal, Bronwyn is coming to town and by that time we will have a powerbook duel. (consider it the dueling banjos of the 2000’s)

Speaking of Apple… a few more tips today: Brian and BadHareDay, thanks to everyone who’s been able to toss in a few bucks in the jar… I’m well on my way to hitting my target (money for half of it), so really – thanks to all of you.

Hey go check me out gueststarring on a blog about coffee! Mat? represent!


Today’s Sounds: Bill Frisell – Transcontinentals

Soldierblogger Homecoming

It seems I’ve gone back to being a nocturnal blogger, which is the only way I used to do it. It’s funny what you do differently… think, talk, write, depending on what time of day you do it. What time do you all blog?

So some of you may know about what are sometimes called Warblogs. (a name I don’t dig) I think a more accurate description would be soldier blogs, since they are -in fact- blogs written by soldiers. And if you’re familiar with the Communiqu?, you know that over the past year I’ve become fast friends with a soldier blogger, Chris Missick, stationed in Iraq. As I’m always telling people, despite different worldviews, Chris and I share important things in common: music and a love for blogging.

Well last week, in what came as a huge surprise to me, Chris Missick returned to the US, ending (i think) his tour of duty, and letting him be home with his fam in Calipornia. I was surprised because, though he said it would happen soon, in my mind it was always going to take longer than expected… like one of those things you try not to look forward to because the wait will make you grow restless.

Many of you might not read Chris, I’ve noted that bloggers are more likely to read writing they agree with. So if you agree with me too often, you might not wish to read someone who is patriotic, a Bush supporter, and an active participant in what is called “the war on terror.” But I decided long ago that I don’t read blogs solely for their politics, and since so many millions seem to agree with him, it might be interesting to walk in his shoes thru his blog.

Reading about his return home, I felt both relief and frustration. Relief to hear that my friend is home and safe… not to mention excited about the future. Frustration because I don’t agree with the idea that the American invasion of Iraq has made the world a safer place.

If you think about it, it’s basically a theory; many people believe their world is safer because the US forced Iraq to become a “democracy”. Many people also believe there is a bearded deity who lives in the sky and demands that people worship him. Again.. a theory that many believe. Neither holds much water with me.

My point was, prior to bitching about feeling safe or not, I’m glad to hear Chris is home and I look forward to his veteran blogging. Stories of him driving to the beach and getting the house that he has wanted.

Update on my macfund: I’m very excited… not only am I raising the necessary funds, but I’m feeling all warm and loved! Thanks to Green Catfish, Slykk, and a kind-caring mother.

Today’s Sounds: Accident Hash Podcast #8

All About the Mothers

The latrines and the cooking facilities at the bicyclemark ranch are all cleaned. I mention that cause I’m damn good at it… my mom taught me well… which leads me to tonight’s topic: mothers.

For some she’s no longer around, for others she lives in the next town/room, and for many – including myself, she lives across the ocean. And as you may have experienced in your own life, this can be rough.

Of course you miss the moma. Especially if she makes you feel like the most important thing in the universe! But what’s a bigger issue is the influence and emotion of the mother who’s child is far away. You try and raise your child to be strong, independent, and determined to do all they can in this life. But you hope when while they do that they still come home occasionally, pick up a phone, or be located in a strategically good spot for the occasional hug and snuggle.

So here I sit, 4 years after having gone beyond leaving the nest, leaving the whole damn continent. And maybe normally that’s not bad, since the moma has part of her life on this continent, but I went and chose a completely different and unfamiliar corner of this contintent to live on. While she normally cheers me on, you can bet there are frequent, and sometimes loud statements of “I wish you would come live near me.” And it can often hit your weakspot, cause who knows how to push your buttons better then mom… telling you stories of the cutest and funnest nephew of all time, and you can feel the exciting energy that an almost 1-year old can bring an aging family.

These are the moments where my Amsterdam bubble is popped, not for good, but for the remainder of that day or night. The love for riding your bike through the holland snow or cruising the chilly canals on a boat is replaced by mixture of guilt, worry, wonder, resolve and frustration flowing through your veins. All those notorious words come around… regret, roots, future…. family.

Then I wake up to the BBCworldservice, smile at the semi-grey sky, and its time for soymilk, branflakes, and banana… right about then I remember I love the moma and all the familia… and the rest I’ll figure out later.

note: my mom does indeed read the blog! beijinho m?ezinha.

ps — Huge thanks to RussDev in the UK, D-Rock in DC, DucSloerie in NL, Keith in Canada, and J.P. in Jersey for leaving tips and contributing to my AppleFund.

Today’s Sounds: My Fair Lady – Soundtrack from the Musical

AudioCommuniqu?#17; Podcast Dinner for 2

This weekend’s show features a cozy dinner with Characochan visiting Amsterdam from California. It’s couscous night and we’re discussing Dutch cuisine, languages, and we do a question the answers segment. A thousand thank you’s to the following people for leaving me tips in the tip jar:

Marc the Mindcaster
Joerg in Germany
Foggy Recollection my bro
oooh and another just rolled in.

AudioCommuniqu? #17 (mp3)

25min 48sec, 64kbps, 12.1Mb

Featuring:

  • I’m still annoying the world about my a-peel for help
  • Podcast Dinner for 2
  • Bring the Beef blog
  • This new podcast service Odeo

A Peel to Readers

I’ve been racking my brains. For the past few nights… racking my brains. I thought if I watched Anti’s most excellent movieclip in a bank, I would feel better about things. But the truth is, the problem remains: my computer is dying.

Thats right.. you’ve probably been there before; the gigs are drying out, about 8 left of the original 25, and going fast due to the demand and my love for podcasting. My soundcard is defective… I can’t skype or record audio live onto my system. The mic-in jack is jacked and HP doesn’t give a shit cause my baby is from 2002, and the computer experts on the internets have given up. Plus without the help of this under-the-laptop loud-ass cooling fan, my computer will overheat and crash. – By now you gotta be pitying me… bicyclemark; daily blogger, podcaster extraordinaire, and internaut, watching his machine fade.

I don’t have much of a salary, to say the least. But I’ve had important conversations with good bloggers and podcasters out there. From Madame L in France, to Anti in LA, to DucSloerie in the NL, etc… everyone has urged me to take action. After listening to the long podcasts from Madge Weinstein, where she skypes with the whole world, and then thinking of how I’d like to do that, and really just be able to skype with my own brother and NEPHEW, I am hereby starting a campaign.

Oh it’s a bit of a shot in the dark. A risk. But I have seen what you the readers and podcast listeners are capable of. You back me up when I need backing. Sending fantastic gifts from every corner of the planet. Like cash to pay for the hosting, music for my brain and soul, bumperstickers for my wall, and you’ve even bought wacky goods from my souvenir shop. Don’t think for a second I don’t feel so greatful for all that — but this is much bigger.

I will buy a MAC! Yes a MAC! An IBook I think, since it’s most affordable. BUT — I must appeal to all of you, as much as a lame-ass that it makes me feel. I’m appealing for some support. Tips if you will. I get around 140 conventional readers per day, and my subsribe stats say 600+. So I’m askin that, if you feel so empowered and capable, and want to keep me on the internets and doing what I love to do, while sharing with you… send me some money, whatever you think my work is worth to you. Click on the tipjar in the left hand column… the paypal.. it’s hassle free.. and toss me a few bucks. I’m hoping to raise at least half of the cost of a new IBook.

Man… I feel dirty talking about money. and even dirtier asking for it. But whatever, I’ve seen so much beauty and coolness in the blogosphere and podcast world… I forsee trouble ahead if I don’t do this. And of course, I loves you even if you don’t wanna throw some cash to help me out. Thanks friends, back to REAL blogging tomorrow.

Today’s Sounds: Charles Mingus – Moanin’

Icey Nights

Well it’s late, and I’m on the wine tonight. Encouraged by a new, young, and beautiful Australian, who I can only imagine is reading this right now. The beautiful Amsterdam snow has turned into scarey but funny ice, funny in that “hey Ive fallen and broken a bone” kind of way. Not that I have… I haven’t.. ever.

Some would say, in all my recent blabber, I’ve gone UNPOLITICAL? Check the archives.. the communiqu? was built on politics, and I can assure you we still feel strongly about shit going down in the world. I wanted to talk about the country with my favorite flag ever, Lebanon, but in fact, I’m more eager to talk about DR Congo. Funny, when you write it, it looks like Dr. Congo. Dr. Congo.. you have a telephone call at the front desk.

I’ve been watching the BBC footage. Sometimes I get captivated with their images, and the recent stories out of Bunia about the UN Peacekeepers getting aggressive and killing militia members, catches me like a deer in headlights. They keep showing these images of the peacekeepers, Bangladesh and Pakistani troops in blue helmets and green camouflage that doesn’t really conceal a person amidst the yellow and brown dryness. It looks as if their uniforms don’t fit, and they have no idea where they are. Fish out of water… swimming amongst the desperate people of the DRC.

Thing is, I admire them like crazy. The UN Peacekeepers, who come from places like Jordan or Uruguay… who don’t fit that overused profile of the big and strong soldier from a wealthy nation, who fights to promote democracy or freedom, or whatever this year’s bullshit cause is. These guys just look like they’re there. Maybe a bit scared and lost, but always dedicated. I wonder if they call home and say “Hi hon, Im promoting freedom.” I doubt it. I bet they call home, to Dhaka and Islamabad, and they say “yes.. the congo is interesting… we’re doing what we can…I’m tired.. soon I will come home. love you wife/child/friend.” (is the UN taking female troops, cause theyre not in the images?)

That’s it.. I just wanted to share that. And then tell you that Ms Thingk is starting to make waves in DC and has now secured a place with the National Organization for Women. Or is it of Women? Too tired and buzzed to check.

And cheers to the man I call friend, Lloyd from Perfect Path. Not only does he do great podwalks, and podcurry, but he gave me a Flickr pro account as a gift! Thanks Lloyd! No more limit problems per month… I promise Soundseeing choc full of photos of Amsterdam in the Snow this weekend.

Today’s Sounds: Slackers – The Question