Eclectic Views

    
Exactly!
  

    
Then you won't want to read my blog: http://www.travelgearblog.com/
  

    
Jeez, now I'm a goner all over again.  See ya!
  

    

This is the time of year that the WELL <travel.> conference gets cookin'
too.

June makes me restless.
  

    
Same for <garden.>. New gardeners checking in for advice, lists of
who's planting what, soil stories and more. Ah, the seasons. So
dependable.
  

    
<inkwell.vue.184>: William Illsey Atkinson, _Nanocosm_
Meet author Bill Atkinson and join the discussion about the world
of the inconceivably small.

<pre.vue.53>: If Clinton could run again ...
Could Clinton be elected today? What about his comment that the
two-term presidential limit be reviewed? Please note: posts in
Vue conferences can be read by non-WELL members too.

<writers.1991>: The Genre Thrash Topic 
This discussion about just what "genre fiction" is meant to mean
has recently uncovered some wonderful sub-sub-genres, such as
Shakespeare and Elvis as detectives (Blue Suede Clues!!)

<south.57>: Southern sayings...
Just how rumpled must you be to be told you look like you was
licked by a possum? And what's it called when the sun's shining
at the same time it's raining?

<oakland.47>: The East Bay Express
This has turned into quite an interesting discussion in the last
maybe week, about an issue rather larger than the East Bay!

<cross.319>: Did Jesus Live in India?
Evidence and speculation suggests that Jesus might have spent
time in India before beginning his ministry. How likely is it?
How much were Jesus' teachings similar to those of Buddhism?

<sports.1210>: NBA 2002-03 Playoffs
Nets, Spurs. Two former ABA teams meet for the NBA Championship.
The Jason Kidd derby. The MVP controversy. Championship play
starts Wednesday, but the talk is already well underway. (See
also <sports.1181>: NBA 2002-03 Season.)

<attack.311>: Media coverage of the invasion of Iraq
So let me get this straight: we fought the 2nd Gulf War to remove
weapons of mass destruction from Iraq, right? So - where are
they?

<health.1727>: FAT
Not that any of us here have to worry about this much, being all
very fit.

<popcult.698>: my television rolemodel
Who's yours?

<travel.947>: Airline in-flight magazines
Does anyone actually read these? If so, which are the best, and
which should you not waste your time even glancing at?

<plumage.566>: Your Favorite Early Plumage
The plumage conference is reminiscing. What plumage stands out
from your childhood?

<work.451>: Salary vs. contract rates / employee vs. consultant 
What's the difference between a "market" wage and a "fair" wage,
if any? Are programmers being paid less than in the recent past?

<party.242>: The WELL 2003 Picnic: Sat. Jul 12, noon-dusk, China
Camp
Even if you're not close enough to come to the annual picnic, you
can still enjoy eavesdropping on the preparations and banter
ahead of one of The WELL's social highlights of the year.

And related:

<eastcoast.516>: The planning topic devoted to the 2003 East
Coast Lobsterfest and Beach Party 
If you love lobster and you're going to be on the East Coast this
summer, be sure to check out this annual Lobsterfest topic.
  

    
<inkwell.vue.186>: Jesse James Garrett, _The Elements 
of User Experience_
One of the leading experts in the world in the subject of
interface design and information architecture, author Jesse James
Garrett is here till June 27 to offer tips on maximizing the
business effectiveness of your web site and to discuss such
fundamentals as the future of the 'page' paradigm.
 
<obsess.520>: Trading Spaces Obsession!
Committed fans discuss how the various makeover shows compare,
and how good the quality of advice being dished out is anyway.
 
<britain.9>: Politics British style
When you know that one more thrash about American politics will
be enough to send you over the edge, stop in here and read up on
the antics of President Blair.
 
<travel.733>: Laos
Our intrepid traveler is holding forth on water buffalo and baby
elephants sightings on the banks of the Mekhong and the paucity
of geckos in his $2.50-a-night room.
 
<movies.2966>: Alternative Titles - Real & Imaginary
Film titles occasionally get translated when they go to Japan:
some are worse ("The Italian Job" becomes "Mini Mini Big
Maneuvers") and some much improved ("Reign of Fire" becomes
"Salamander").
 
<sports.1214>: Sammy at the bat - the cork controversy
Sammy Sosa's corked bat scandal has everyone talking. Did he just
grab the wrong bat? Discuss the penalty Sosa should get, and just
how much help 'corking' is (or isn't) anyway.
 
<gay.604>, topic 604: Dyke Drama.
What would happen if one of the major networks created a TV
series centering around lesbians?  Discover the awful truth.
 
<current.1441>: The NEW israeli / palestinian peace process
Does the Roadmap stand a chance in the Hell that is the perpetual
Middle East conflict?
 
<politics.2003>: The Day's Proposal:  $2000 in Savings to Vote
What do you think of the idea that you must have $2000 in savings
in order to be eligible to vote? Is it an outrageous attack on
the principles of democracy - or does it underline the difference
between being a mere subject and being a citizen?
 
<blair.ind.65>: Anniversaries
An extremely useful new service from the source of so many useful
WELL stats: a daily posting of which members joined on that date
in the past.
  

    
<inkwell.vue.187>: Bill Ayers, "Fugitive Days"
Bill Ayers, one-time founder of the '60s radical-left Weather
Underground and himself once on the FBI's 10 Most Wanted list,
delves into his life as a political radical and his years in
hiding.
 
<tv.1447>: Biography's 15 Greatest Television Comedians
Biography's list of the top 15 includes Lucille Ball and Robin
Williams - but misses modern stars such as Jerry Seinfeld and
"Frasier"'s Kelsey Grammer.
 
<words.1547>: Rules of Thumb
Guidance on everything from bridge and marking time to compound
interest and piloting blimps.
 
<sf.570>: The Well Sf Reading Group
The Science Fiction and Fantasy conference is starting a Reading
Group for focused discussion of selected books and stories. On
July 14, a Monday, we will begin discussion of Heinlein's
long-beloved novel "The Door Into Summer." All interested Well
members are invited to read or re-read it, then join in the
conversation.
 
<books.1469>: "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix"  
Spoilers Topic
You knew there had to be one.  Here we are discussing the plot of
book #5, and speculating on possible paths for books #6 and #7 to
take.  And, of course, we all know who died.
 
<fitness.160>: Denial
<fitness.151>: Excuses
I think I'm getting a cold. I just ate. It's too hot. It's too
cold. The parts of me I can't see in a mirror don't need
exercising ... These two topics should surely be in anyone's
Fitness Bible!
 
<misc.1647>:  What cheese did you eat today? redux
The queso query sequel has no equal. Not only what, but also how,
where, why, when, and with whom, of fromage. The occasional
curdling pun and tantalizing tangents.
 
<legal.970.277->: Case of the Week! II
<current.1449>: Supreme Court strikes down Texas sodomy law
<gay.516.605->:  News and Current Events
The Supreme Court decision ruling Texas' laws against sodomy
unconstitutional has sparked several engrossing discussions on
The WELL. Your right to choose which you read first.
 
<energy.255>:  Enron II; Corruption Continues ....
Over in Energy, we're still bitching and moaning about the doin's
at the Lazy E Ranch. It appears that Kenny Boy Lay may be liable
for $1,000,000,000 or so for pensions gone bad.
 
<vc.478>: What is Collaborative Intelligence?
A difficult question, concedes the topic starter. It's to do with
the augmentation of individual human intelligence though the use
of tools such as the internet. Are we making the best use of as
such tools as we could be doing?
 
<politics.2010>: Kucinich -- the New Progressive Hope?
Does Dennis Kucinich have a chance at the presidency? Or is he
simply going to dilute the vote like Nader did in 2000?
 
<pre.vue.3>: Question of the Week
Variously answerable by Madonna, Salt, News, Coke, California in
July, and on a church altar, with the choir director. It all
depends on the week. (Remember, posts in Vue conferences can be
read by non-WELL members too.)
  

    
wow, great list.  Thanks!
  

    
<inkwell.vue.188>: Scoop Nisker, "The Big Bang, the Buddha, and
the Baby Boom"
We're midstream in this conversation with radio personality,
meditation teacher, author, and performer Wes "Scoop" Nisker, on
the way to learning, "Why did this Jewish boy begin studying
Buddhist meditation, a practice that involves sitting on a floor
rather than on a nice soft couch?"  Starting July 25, Jeff
Tamarkin, author of "Got a Revolution," joins us to talk about
seminal psychedelic-era San Francisco rock band the Jefferson
Airplane.)
 
<sf.554>: Hating Harry Potter
You've either read one or more of the books, or you are avoiding
them. And you just don't get the hype. And if you say this in
public you will be ripped to shreds. Commiserate here.
 
<space.142>: Space Shuttle Disaster 
<space.145>: Columbia Disaster: What is the future of the space
program?
Six months on, and the various inquiries set up in the wake of
the Columbia disaster are reporting back. There are plenty of
findings and proposals to discuss.
 
<movies.2971>: Yaaaaarrrr...Beware the Pirates of the Caribbean
Ahoy, maties! You never thought they could pull off a movie based
on a theme park ride. Or that Orlando Bloom could be anyone but
Legolas.
 
<hosts.512>: Hosting Stigmata Confs
Some conferences confer a stigma on participants. How is
participating in or hosting such a conference different?
Practices, guidelines, and experiences are being shared in this
conversation.
 
<genx.1071>: Post Hungover Here!
In which we follow the adventures of a Well user blearily making
his way back to his hotel room after a wild night in Shibuya. No
bellhop assistance necessary.
 
<web.404>: Web sites (and pages) that suck
In this well-numbered topic, a complaint about a Flash-only Web
site for a yoga studio leads to nasty, belittling e-mail from the
designer, which leads to -- well, go see.
 
<tv.1351>: Things I've Learned Watching Law & Order
In the criminal justice system, it's possible for a topic to have
great fun with a long running TV show and still make witty quips
about The WELL itself.
 
<misc.388>: (Re)Learning to Play a Musical Instrument as an Adult
Some people never did play, some tried, some succeeded but quit.
Here's where they're talking about the what and how of picking up
an instrument for what seems like the first time once all grown
up.
 
<radio.537>: Radio Consolidation: Do We (and Should We) Care?
Ten by ten, local radio stations lose voice as they're
amalgamated with hundreds of others under corporate umbrella. Is
there special value in local programming? What's with the demand
for homogenized radio?
 
<travel.>
Got a bad case of wanderlust? This time of year the best way to
watch the comings and goings is to hang out is the Travel
conference. From "Tropical Island Wanted" to "Scandinavia and The
Netherlands," from "Traveling in Search of Birds and Wildlife" to
"The decline and fall of United Airlines" it's wellfolk on the
road.
  

    

Yeah, <travel.> is terrific.

What a great list of tips, as usual.  The group who comes up with this can
be found in the <tips.> conference, of course.
  

    
<inkwell.vue.189>: Jeff Tamarkin, "Got a Revolution:  The
Turbulent Flight of Jefferson Airplane"
Currently in Inkwell, author Jeff Tamarkin is talking about just
why one rock band was considered the embodiment of "The San
Francisco Sound" in the psychedelic-era '60s.
    
And from August 8, "The Book of WI-FI" author John Ross starts a
two-week stint in Inkwell to share his knowledge about wireless
networking.
 
<science.622>: The Gaia Hypothesis
Does the idea that the earth as a whole acts in many ways like a
living organism have scientific merit? Is it just a fancy
metaphor or a useful way of thinking about the world?
 
<software.402>: Type Theory
The software conference takes a more theoretical turn. What are
types, why do we have them, what do they give us, how do they
restrict us?
 
<sustainability.171>: A Peace Corps Journal
It's been a year and a half since one of our fellow Well members
went to Ecuador to serve in the Peace Corps. His
thought-provoking journal about his experiences just keeps
getting better and better.
 
<plumage.574>: UK Style! / US Style??
Is UK style ahead or behind US? Or just different? Plumage
debates whether U.S. style is old, worn out and generic - and
whether UK style is really any more vibrant anyway.
 
<tv.1457>: MI-5 on A&E
A new spy drama from the BBC is now airing in the U.S. - and
seems to be piquing the interest of a fair number of the
participants in the <tv.> conference.
 
<photography.162>: What Did You Shoot Today.
In which the WELL's photographers show off their day's handiwork.
 
<politics.2008>: The Gray Davis recall
<media.2136>: Media Coverage of the Gov. Gray Davis Recall
The recall of the Governor of California is big news, and not
just in the state itself. Arnold Schwarzenegger's flirtation with
joining the race has added extra spice.
 
<theater.241>: Chautauqua
What's it like to tour the country with a troupe of 60
vaudevillians?  A Well member reports from on the road.
 
<genx.1848>: Friendster bandwagon
Looking for the Next Big Thing? Friendster might be it: an online
community connecting people through networks of friends: or to
put it another way, the second coming of sixdegrees.com. Hit or
miss? The target demographic (i.e. Gen X) decide.
 
<cross.324>: Interfaith and other interesting wedding ceremonies
Some interesting problems, things to consider, and possible
solutions for couples who want to be married in two different
faiths.  As an added bonus, a Well member tells us all about her
upcoming wedding in Croatia.
 
<bookclub.ind.>
Check out the Book Club's superb discussion of Hillary Rodham
Clinton's autobiography, or join in the just-started discussion
of the world's current top read, the latest Harry Potter. (This 
is an independent conference, or "indie", not one of the featured 
Well conferences.)
  

    
<inkwell.vue.191>: John Ross, "The Book of Wi-Fi"
<inkwell.vue.192>: Gary Wolf, "Wired -- a Romance"
Busy times in Inkwell: Alongside the continuing discussion with
wireless networking expert John Ross, we have co-founding Wired
editor Kevin Kelly talking with longtime Wired writer Gary Wolf
about Wolf's new book on the history of this influential
magazine.  And watch out for best-selling author Mary Mackey,
here from August 22 to chat about her new comedy novel "The Stand
In."
 
<ny.298>: New York Neighbors
This topic is chock-full of great stories from people living too
close to other people.
 
<biztech.161>: SCO sues IBM over Linux
Interesting current-events story, some knowledgeable people
commenting, and so far hardly any flaming or the like. Linked
from the Linux conference.
 
<politics.2033>: Patriotism
Do you consider yourself a patriot? And if so, what plucks your
patriotism heartstrings?
 
<eastcoast.516>: The planning topic devoted to the 2003 East
        Coast Lobsterfest and Beach Party
Final negotiations over the date are happening now, but it looks
like the fifth annual Lobstahfest will probably be a week or two
after Labor Day. Stop by, get the real date, and mark your
calendars.
 
<popcult.688>: Post Your Favorite Lines from "Futurama"
<sftv.143>: Futurama
It really is too bad that no more new episodes of this show will
be made. Savour some of the great lines from the show: "Stop
being such a baby and chop my hands off!"
 
<decor.106>: Decor on an itsy bitsy teeny weeny budget
Where are the best places to get your furnishings without having
to win the lottery first?
 
<travel.954>: Good airports, bad airports
There has long been a topic in the travel conference devoted to
the good and the bad among airlines. But how about airports?
Which is worse: Dulles, Logan, or DeGaulle terminal 1?
 
<windows.368>: Anti-Virus Software for Windows
How do you know if your computer is vulnerable to a virus? Just
look for the Microsoft logo! And check out this topic for hints
and tips on how to beat the MSBlast worm.
 
<movies.2436>: Movie Marries Movie
Q: "A spoiled heiress runs away from her family, and onto a
doomed ocean liner, crewed by a racially-integrated football
squad"
A: "It Happened One Night to Remember the Titans." 
Try your hand at this long-running game of mingled movie titles.
 
<tv.1394>: Big Brother 4
Despite everyone's best intentions, this show just lures you in
again every season. The scheming is well underway and
double-cross the order of the day.
 
--------------> Where were you when the lights went out?
<news.2879>: More of the World (7/29/3+++)
<eastcoast.518>: The August 2003 Blackout
<media.2143>: The Great Blackout of 2003
<current.1456>: The Big Black Out -- Coincidence or Terror?
<ny.299>: Power's out
<attack.318>: The blackout of 2003
 
--------------> New conferences
 
<swg.ind.>
The WELL home of the role playing game "Star Wars Galaxies" has
opened its doors, thanks to the Well user who hosts it. And it's
got off to an excellent start: the Force is strong in this one.  
(This conference is an indie, not an officially featured Well
conference.)
 
<crimescene.ind.>
Another Well user has begun a new conference for tracking news on
real-life crimes. Participants agree it is "a real find". Stop
by, indulge your inner noir addict, and keep up on the latest
from crime scenes around the world.  (This conference is an
indie, not an officially featured Well conference.)
  

    
<inkwell.vue.193>: Mary Mackey/Kate Clemens, "The Stand In"
Mary Mackey's turned her attention from historical novels about
Goddess cultures to comic novels about movie stars and women who
work for a living. She's in the Inkwell to discuss her new book,
"The Stand In" (published under her pen name, Kate Clemens).

Starting Sept. 5, Julie Powell (of the Salon Blog "The
Julie/Julia Project") joins us to discuss cooking all the recipes
of Mastering the Art of French Cooking in one year, and writing
about it daily for public consumption.
 
<philosophy.213>: Synchronicity
Synchronicity is about "meaningful coincidences", simultaneous
events outside of cause-and-effect that resonate within us to
convey a special significance. Are they genuine wonders - or more
about people projecting meaning onto random events?
 
<classical.158>: Name Those Tunes
The classical music conf is playing "name that tune" again.
Listen to the posted mp3, and make your guess in a hidden post.

<salon.40>: Salon!
Salon's been on something of a roll this week, generating lots of
discussion about Republicans, "educrats", San Francisco
bureaucracy, environmental regulations and the legality of moving
pigeon nests - even if they're not "federally protected migratory
songbirds".
 
<current.1458>: Why isn't it news when dads murder?
Why is that? Or is it also news when dads murder? Come for the
debate, stay for the grisly stories. Or vice versa.
 
<media.1925>: Fox News: How Low Can It Go?
<legal.986>: Fox Abandons lawsuit against Al Franken...
Fox News surely put itself virtually beyond parody when it sued
Al Franken for using the words "fair and balanced" in his satire
on the Murdoch-owned news channel. The reverberations and
discussion are still going strong.
 
<parenting.1086>: Kids and Sports
Should you sign your pre-schooler up for a dance class? Does your
7-year-old need violin, ice skating and art classes after school?
And how much is too much?
 
<sports.1225>: WELL VFP XI - 11th annual virtual football pool!
It's the return of a WELL institution: if you think you can pick
the winners in this week's football matches, then step up and
prove it right here. All you stand to lose is your imaginary cash
fortune!
 
<software.350>: Software Quality
"Quality". Clearly something that belongs in software. But what
exactly is it? Can it be measured? Is it even meaningful?
 
<bookclub.ind.18>: East of Eden by John Steinbeck
<bookclub.ind.21>: The curious Incident of the Dog in the
Night-time, by Mark Haddon
Discussion has just begun on these two books, and promises to be
lively. If you have read either book recently and would like to
join in, stop on by.
  

    
<inkwell.vue.>
Richie Unterberger is back! Starting this Friday (September 19), Richie
returns to Inkwell to talk about "Eight Miles High: Folk-Rock's Flight from
Haight-Ashbury to Woodstock." This is Richie's second book in his two-volume
exploration into the roots of this influential musical genre.
 
<news.>
The News conference could have a whole Bulletin to itself for long-running
topics. The Obits topic 2873 has recently mourned the deaths of Johnny Cash
and John Ritter as well as loss of those close to WELL members. Birthdays
(topic 2861) and WELL anniversaries (topic 2884) are happily more upbeat
topics, while 'More of the World' (topic 2879) is quickfire current affairs
news from all over the planet.
 
<experts.>
Individual topics linked in conferences hither and yon, for those wanting to
know who, how, what, when, why, whether, if ... This whole conference is for
seeking and offering answers to questions - now! (Or maybe later.)
 
<noir.>, topic 71: The Mystery I'm Reading Today...
If you're looking for a mystery or thriller to read then you won't be short
of quality suggestions and discussions here.
 
<pets.>, topic 682: Pets Say The Darndest Things
When our pets talk, we listen.
 
<welltech.>, topic 323: System Status Reports: Finding Daemon
Think there's a glitch with something like Engaged, Picospan or email? This
is the topic to make reports and get updates.
 
<web.>, topic 639: CURLs 2 -- Still more cool U.R.L.s to check out
Time sinks and essentials: where to buy ice cream like the astronauts ate,
Michael Jackson's faces, innovations in cascading style sheets, and
Shockwave kitties that purr. Amaze your friends!
 
<genx.>, topic 1801: HELLO forevermore.
<genx.>, topic 1836: The TODAY topic.
HELLO, see what your friendly neighborhood GenXers are up to TODAY.
 
<words.>, topic 1518: Opposites Keep On Attracting
Despite being a long-running game, this competition just notched up a first:
a round with *no* matches whatsoever! Can you do better?
 
<books.>, topic 1473: The Curious Incident of the Mystery Logout Quote
I just wish I was widely-read enough to be able to join in this puzzler.
 
<weather.ind.>, topic 17: Worldwide Weather Check-in
Yes, we *do* talk about other things besides the weather, but this
particular topic is well worth keeping track of as it has a certain grace
and charm whether it's off-topic or on.
 
<blair.ind.>
If you want to know who's just joined, who has just left or what new
conferences have opened then the Blair conference is a goldmine. (draml)
 
<party.>, topic 246: Chili Cook-off 1-6 pm Sunday Oct 12
Another perennial: the yearly WELL Chili Cook-off is coming up! You don't
have to be a WELL member to come - friends and family are also welcome. You
just need to be in the area, and bring along something to share with the
other party-goers. If you can't cook, bring a bag of grated cheese or some
chips and dip - or a chocolate cake from the bakery!
  

    
<inkwell.vue.>
Starting Friday, October 3, Eric Gower shares some of his
cooking secrets and talks about his latest cookbook, "The Breakaway
Japanese
Kitchen"

<life.>, topic 177: When the Laughter Stops
I'm walking step by step and war story by war story through my
experiences
as a stand-up comedian a decade ago. It's a candid look behind the
scenes of
the comedy business starting at the very bottom and working up to...
well,
somewhere that's not quite the bottom.

<pre.vue.>, topic 61: Casper: Diary of a Wildland Firefighter
(izzie) offers a first-hand view of her new life as "a brand new Type
II
Forest Fire."

<politics.>, topic 2008: The Gray Davis recall
October 7 is nearly here: the showdown wherein the California governor
looks
set to be thrown out of office. Will Arnie Schwarzenegger be able to
say
"Hasta la vista" to the Democrats in the governor's mansion?

<telecom.>, topic 1565: Resolana Electronica in the Pueblos (Part 2)
Can a 75-year-old man make the climb to a 12,000 foot high Sherpa
village?
Ask a Well member who's preparing to do just that in order to bring
improved
wireless connectivity to Namche, Nepal.

<advertising.>, topic 159: Son of the Bride of TV Ads, Cool and Stupid
One of the long-running topics on the WELL (it really deserved a spot
in the
last bulletin's "stalwart special") has just rolled over to a new
version.
What ads are making you laugh, cry or just plain irate right now?

<genx.>, topic 1494: Mad about the Mouse: genx does Disneyland
Five years have gone by since the last genx Disneyland trip, and so
clearly
it's time to do it again! There will certainly be a whole pile of
embarrassing stories posted here after the weekend, so be sure not to
miss
them.

<tv.>, topic 1427: The West Wing 3/2003 -
It's the start of the new Fall season, so the <tv.> conference is the
place
to be for gossip on what's hot and what's not. How is the West Wing
faring
without Aaron Sorkin?

<sports.>, topic 1230: Sporting behavior to despise
Cowbells and thundersticks? Drunken screaming frat boys painted the
team
colors? What would drive you out of the stadium?

<popcult.>, topic 711: Vintage PopCult, and its curators
It's easy to assume that pop culture is a figment of the '90s, but as
this
refreshing wander down memory lane shows it's been with us for a lot
longer
than that. Remember Clara Bow, the original "It" Girl?

---------------> NEW CONFERENCES

<lowcarb.>
Though it's not brand new, having been launched more than a year ago
as an
independent, the popular Lowcarb conference recently became Featured.
Congratulations to the hosts!

<deadsongs.vue.>
The WELL's latest publicly-viewable conference is an experiment in
group-
mind lyrical awareness springing from Grateful Dead songs. Think you
have
some alternate readings or "brief glimpses of revealed truth"? C'mon
over!

--------------> WELL event

<party.> topic 246: Chili Cook-off 1-6 pm Sunday Oct 12
The party's drawing near and we're looking for donations of cool
things we
can give away as prizes at the Chili Cook-off.

**************************************************************************
  

    
<inkwell.vue.198>: Bill Amatneek, "Acoustic Stories"
Folk/bluegrass/jazz musician Bill Amatneek is Inkwell's guest for
two weeks from October 17. Bill has played with the best - from
Bill Monroe to the Chambers Brothers - and his book, "Acoustic
Stories," offers insights into the music and those who play it.

<words.1343>: Scratch one letter -- A silly game from the vaults
<words.481>: Oh, no.  Another damned game.
Currently enjoying something of a renaissance, both these topics
are silly games in which you either drop or change one letter
from a common phrase, such as book or movie title, and make up a
capsule description. Some funny stuff there. Warning: don't get
the two games confused!

<sports.1191>: The 2003 Boston Red Sox
<sports.1211>: Yankees, 2003
<sports.1232>: 2003 Chicago Cubs (cont.) - is it Next Year now?
The postseason is almost over, but it's been exciting enough to
draw in this (Bostonian) non-sports fan. And we were so close to
the apocalypse of a Red Sox/Cubs championship.

<sustainability.156>: Energy as a Global Issue
An interesting double discussion -- one revolving around whether
Yellowstone is overdue for catastrophic volcanic activity, the
other examining varying predictions on when the world's oil
supply will run out.

<tv.1481>: Same show-- Same actor-- Different role
And the TV companies think we won't notice when the same actor
turns up in the same show - but as a completely different person!
If *we* notice this stuff, shouldn't the characters spot these
serial identity- hoppers too? (Hey, wipe that grin off your face
- some of us love this sort of stuff!)

<history.424>: The McCarthy era.
It's not a surprise, really, that so many discussions of politics
today invoke the spectre of McCarthy. Here is a discussion of
that era which is trying its best to stay within the realm of the
historical.

<ride.309>: What's your ride?
Honda? Kawasaki? Harley? Maybe a classic old Indian? What
motorcycle are you astride these days?

<vc.448>: Weblogs as Community
Are they or aren't they, if so when and how, when not, why not?

<media.2157>: Media Coverage of (gag)(choke) Gov. Schwarzenegger
Ohmigod. He won.

<movies.2978>: Quentin Tarantino's "Kill Bill"
Quentin's back: but is he still any good? Reactions to part 1 of
his new film run the full gamut from derision through horror to
awestruck adoration. Typical response to a Tarantino film, then?

<gadgets.ind.56>: mobile phone census
What do you use, for how long? Someone's thinking about the
coming number portability and taking stock now.

<expat.ind.>
Between the US administration, the new California administration,
and the ever-present draw of the south of France, it's no wonder
we have people looking seriously into emigration. Here are people
who've done it and can give advice on practical matters.

<scorpio.ind.>
Don't forget, open soon for all those Scorpio birthday wishes!

 ---------------> NEW (FEATURED) CONFERENCE

<ebay.>
Congratulations to the eBay conference, one of those indies that
got everyone slapping their forehead going "D'oh!" wondering why
no one thought of it before. Two particular Well users thought of
it first and made such a great success of it that ascension to
Featured status was indeed inevitable. Three cheers!
  

    
Yeah ... I crossed up the games in Words and my entry:

  AGING BULL - the story of Jake Lamotta's declining years


ended up in the wrong topic.

Oh well.
  

    
> <sustainability.156>: Energy as a Global Issue

Linked from <energy.202>  ;-)
  

    
<inkwell.vue.199>: Charlie Stross, _Singularity Sky_
Halloween marked the start of Scottish short story writer Charlie
Stross' visit to the Inkwell, talking his first full-length SF
novel: "when an irresistible force for communication meets an
immovable ideological object." Or, a critique of conservativism.

And watch out for futurist Derek Woodgate discussing his new
book, "Future Frequencies," from November 14.

<socal.214>: The Fires
<current.1479>,: JFC! Fire in SoCal!
<news.2830>: Favors Requested XV [from post 582 onwards]
Keep up to date with the latest developments and make sure
everyone's okay.

<sports.1234>: The 2003-04 NBA Pre-postseason
New kids, old farts, and now all the games count, it's another
National Basketball Association season, from here 'til June.

<biztech.163>: Google
<media.2059>: Google Rules -- the future of the media in the 
Google era
Topics to discuss Google - the business, the technology, the
tools and services, as well as Google's imminent and long-awaited
IPO.

<space.58>: A Really Big Fire A Long Way Off (The Sun)
<space.91>: Space weather
The Sun seems to be throwing the temper tantrum of all time,
spewing out the largest solar flares seen in decades.

<lowcarb.47>: The Ethical Carnivore
Those on lowcarb diets mostly eat meats, but may still desire to
resolve ethical considerations about eating some but not all
animals.

<plumage.506>: The Fabulous Flying Frootbat Sweater
<news.2878>:  Well Members in the News (7/28/3+++)
The WELL's famous frootbat sweater gets into print, with coverage
in the San Francisco Chronicle magazine.

<cooking.585>: Food and Cooking for Very Young People
Talk of what kids will and won't eat has recently included a
debate on ketchup vs. red sauce, and the strange phobias some
people have about eggs.

<movies.3019>: The Song Does Not Remain The Same: Changed Context
in Film
How music can be changed by featuring in a movie: who can listen
to "Blue Danube" without thinking of space stations?

<macintosh.1597>: OS X Panther
It all started so well for the new Macintosh operating system,
but rave reviews have given way to whispers of a critical
data-destroying bug concerning external Firewire drives. Apple's
most damaging goof to date?

<novelistas.ind.>: NaNoWriMo 2003
If it's November, then it's the National Novel Writing Month. The
goal is to write a 50,000-word novel by the end of the month:
quantity not quality is premium here. And this is The WELL's
rallying point for participants.

 --------------> New independent conference

<weights.ind.>
Two Well users have taken the plunge and launched a new
conference for weight lifters and bodybuilders of all types,
persuasions, and levels of accomplishment.
  

    
NOTE: Unfortunately, Derek Woodgate's appearance in <inkwell.vue.> is
going to be postponed, new date to be set later.
  

    
<ronks> started  a new topic on "Books We Couldn't Finish" at
<bookclub.ind.26>  that has turned out to be the one topic anyone is
posting in lately!
  

    
<inkwell.vue.>, topic 201: Salon writers: "Life As We Know It"
A change of pace in the Inkwell, with essayists featuring in
"Life As We Know It: a collection of personal essays from
Salon.com," talking about the complexities of relationships,
families and truth-telling.

<inkwell.vue.>, topic 200: The Wrong War?
There's also a roundtable discussion about the war and
reconstruction in Iraq, bringing together vocal, knowledgeable
members of the WELL community for a compelling discussion of
today's most urgent political issue.

Featured conferences:

<popcult.>, topic 715: Paris Hilton: Room Service!
Discussion of the Paris Hilton steamy sex video is getting the
pulp cultists waaaay too over-excited!

<tv.>, topic 1438: Survivor 7:  Panama
Where we cheer and jeer the action in the reality game show.

<cross.>, topic 167: Sacred Prostitute: Mary Magadalene
There has been a flurry of interest lately in the Magdalene,
including made-for-TV specials and books examining what her
"real" role to Christ may have been. Was she even a prostitute at
all?

<travel.>, topic 901: Good airlines . . . . . . Bad airlines - II
This has been a great read of late, not least thanks to the
contributions from an airline industry insider - a Well user - on
issues as diverse as airline management and the consequences of
disabling the reverse thruster of a 737. Eeek!

<wired.>, topic 356: Dot-Com Service Watch
The topic that documents consumer experiences - the bad and the
good, but more often the bad - with ordering online.

<telecom.>, topic 1576: Wireless Number Portability
The 24 Nov deadline for mobile phone number portability (that is,
the ability for a customer to keep the same phone number while
changing service providers) draws ever nearer. The most recent
appeal to stop it has been denied, and a new ruling clarifies
that customers should be able to convert their land line numbers
to mobile phones. What will the reality be, come the 24th?

<decor.>, topic 35: Tchotchkes
This topic on tchotchkes - or "knickknacks" - has uncovered
disturbing evidence of the existence of a Pikachu creche, as well
as a nativity scene featuring angel bears, three wise bears - and
a baby Jesus bear too.

<design.>, topic 348: Becoming a Landscape Architect
Continuing from <design.>, topic 221, a Well user decides to
change paths and documents her experience.

<boating.>, topic 249: Patrick O'Brian, continued
Members of the boating conference have a slightly different take
on "Master and Commander" with Russell Crowe than your average
movie-goer.

Independent conferences:

And on a similar theme ...

<bookclub.ind.> topic 26: Books We Couldn't Finish
The Book Club's talking about their personal worsts in the
literary department.  Who would have guessed Patrick O'Brian
could stir such resentment?

<gadgets.ind.>, topic 48: TiVO (and its ilk), continuing some more
For longtime users and newbies to TiVO, Replay, and other
personal video recording devices, with tips, short cuts,
complaints, and occasional inside scoop. Should this be an
independent conference?

New conference announcement

<anime.ind.>
A Well user has opened the doors on a brand new conference
dedicated to the discussion of Japanese animation, or anime as it
is known by the otaku (its fans), ranging from what the best
shows for newcomers to anime to start with through to a
discussion of the Japanese language.
  

    
--------------> Publicly-viewable conferences --------------------------->
 
 <inkwell.vue.202>: Max Ludington: Tiger in a Trance
 Author Max Ludington has just begun a two-week stint to discuss his first
 novel, "Tiger in a Trance," the story of a teen who follows the Grateful
 Dead from show to show.
   Following on after Max, Illinois State University professor Curtis White
 joins us from December 12 to talk about how middlebrow culture affects
 politics and the world around us - as detailed in his latest book "The
 Middle Mind."
 
 <pre.vue.65>: Ahh, the holidays!
 The bittersweet and just plain bitter of the Holidays, American style: the
 trampled Walmart lady, and a scam that will trade you a pretty piece of
 paper and an imaginary piece of eternity for $50. BYO contribution.
 
 --------------> Featured conferences ------------------------------------>
 
 <words.>, topic 1566: Google mismatches
 A Well user recommends this great new Google game that is a lot of fun: the
 idea is to enter similar phrases into Google and compare the hits: 'senior
 moment' weighs in at 23,500 compared to only 128 for 'junior moment'.
 
 <movies.>, topic 2765: LOTR: Two Towers
 The extended DVD edition of this movie has finally come out, and most people
 agree that it's a definite improvement. Also, it seems to have inspired
 a Well user to some weird ideas concerning LOTR characters in Rocky Horror.
 Fear.
 
 <music.>, topic 1834: Cool Holiday Music
 If you're tired of the old, uncool stuff.
 
 <decor.> topic 125: Decor Chicken
 Wherein some individual out of desperation or from landing butt first in the
 do-it-yourself crock of buttery half truths gets the wild idea to engage in
 wanton and possibly irreparable destruction to their place of residence and
 we egg them on.
 
 <politics.>, topic 2056: The Occupation of Iraq - Part 2
 The current situation is far from the "lived happily ever after" ending the
 politicians wanted to see before elections started looming in the U.S.
 homeland. What went wrong? Who's to blame? How can it be put right - if it
 can?
 
 <books.>, topic 1480: 13 gift books, and books that make great gifts
    (not always the same)
 'Tis the season to be shopping: this being the gift getting, err, giving
 season, here you may find inspired ideas.
 
 <wildlife.>, topic 108: Traveling in Search of Birds and Wildlife
 Birding at Disney World! Birding while watching Harry Potter!  Birds
 everywhere!
 
 <popcult.>, topic 718: The Dead Pool, tales from the seventh crypt
 Trinkets so make up for the sadness one feels when a celebrity passes to the
 great beyond. Or not, as the case may be. Come for the game, stay for the
 wisecracks - this is not the obits topic.
 
 <parenting.>, topic 1221: Interesting things kids say
 Drift carries the conversation to parental efforts to avoid dressing their
 little boys in blue and girls in pink while the tots express definite
 desires to continue the stereotyping.
 
 <design.>, topic 269: Kitchens
 It's amazing how absorbing the choice between granite and stainless steel
 kitchen counters can be. And that's even before the dismantling of the three
 way switch gets started.
 
 <games.>, topic 615: Dance Dance Revolution aka DDR
 Nothing to shoot? Guys think it's cool to dance? What does it take to win?
 Truly a revolution in gaming.
 
 --------------> Independent conferences --------------------------------->
 
 <gamedev.ind.>, topic 54: Case Study:  How did *Counterstrike* become
    such a phenomenon?
 The most popular multi-player online game ever, four years old and still
 going strong, created in a basement: what made it so?
  

    
 <inkwell.vue.>: The year in review
 This year in Inkwell we've had a fascinating variety of guests covering a
 wide range of subjects, from music to food, from the spiritual to the
 technical. There's a lot to explore. Here are just a few of the writers
 we've visited with during 2003:
      * Richie Unterberger examines the folk-rock movement (topic 196)
      * Jeff Tamarkin delves into the Jefferson Airplane (topic 189)
      * Eric Gower shares his culinary expertise (topic 197)
      * Julie Powell gabs about her passion for Julia Child (topic 195)
      * Matthew Fox looks at Original Blessing (topic 183)
      * Scoop Nisker broaches Buddhism and boomers (topic 188)
      * John Ross converses about Wi-Fi (topic 191)
      * Matisse Enzer covers Mac OS X's Unix implementation (topic 180)

 <pre.vue.66>: Health and Science
 Not surprisingly for the time of year, this topic is currently preoccupied
 with coughs, colds and 'flu symptoms.

 --------------> Featured conferences ------------------------------------>

 <wet.>, topic 236: live aboard in San Diego?
 There's no mistaking some virtuoso posting going on in this topic, as one Well user
 describes the search for a home and a life on the dockside waves.

 <byline.>, topic 449: Is someone else having your career?
 Does it help or hurt you as a writer if someone else is your "type" out
 there?

 <movies.>, topic 3042: LOTR: Return of the King - SPOILER
 <movies.>, topic 2905: LOTR: Return of the King
 Christmas, the season of goodwill and hobbits: it wouldn't be complete
 without discussion of the third and last (and greatest?) of Peter Jackson's
 Lord of the Rings adaptations. For those fearing Tolkien-less Christmases in
 the future, take heart: there's also discussion of the possibility Jackson
 will soon film "The Hobbit" in topic 3035.

 <sftv.>, topic 225: Starships!
 For the inner geek in all of us: discuss your favourite SF film and TV
 starships here.

 <investment.>, topic 476: The 2004 WELL Market Timing Contest
 Calling all experts, stock market mavens, know-it-alls, and blowhards! The
 2004 Stock Market Timing contest is just starting: how hard can it be?!

 <pets.>, topic 770: Children's books in Spanish, preferably about animals
 Veterinarian (condorito) has put out a call for books he can take to
 Guatemala to help stock a children's library in a remote village.

 <quake.>, topic 96: Eastbay earthquakes
 <quake.>, topic 140: Did you feel that one?
 Did the earth move for you this week?

 <eff.>, topic 970: The Alphaville Herald vs EA/Maxi
 Because the line between cyberspace and reality wasn't fuzzy enough already.
 Here we have a real company taking steps against a real news site about the
 company's virtual world, where virtual brothels seem to be run, funded by
 money that may or may not be real. What a twisted set of issues this raises.
 Also linked to the games and media conferences.

 <current.>, topic 1195: Mad Cow Disease Spreads To New Topic
 Has bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) finally hit the U.S. cattle
 industry?

 <etiquette.>, topic 30: Party Manners
 A revival of the discussion of everything from invitations to thank you
 notes and clothes to drinking problems.

 <space.>, topic 50: Mars
 Get the latest on the European Mars mission: Beagle 2 is expected to make
 planetfall on Christmas Day.

 <photography.>, topic 296: Digital Cameras, part II
 In which all the latest and greatest digital cameras are discussed, and
 reviewed. Yours truly is hoping for a nice shiny Canon Digital Rebel in her
 stocking this year. Also linked to the gadgets.ind conference.

 <hosts.>, topic 498: New Featured Conference Hosts, continued
 There's been a lot of comings and goings in the WELL host world: find out
 the latest news and say hi to the incoming new folks.

 <news.>, topic 2871: Daily Threat Level Report III
 What's the latest in homeland security over the holidays?

 --------------> Independent conferences --------------------------------->

 <chow.ind.>, topic 124: St. Auger: patron saint of chow
 You know that we have a vintage topic on our hands when it gets tipped by
 two people independently. This new topic is "very funny" according to
 one Well user and described as "a wonderful, wonderful thing" by another. If
 that doesn't make you go look, what on earth will?

 <wine.ind.>, topic 32: Beaujolais
 It's a Burgundy. It's not all Nouveau. Discuss.

 --------------> New independent conference announcement ----------------->

 <paranoia.ind.>
 We could say everyone's talking about this new conference, but that might
 give the members of it the wrong idea ... The host recommends that we
 check out topic 8, "Traveling invisibly": can you travel to New York, stay a
 week and return without leaving any trace in any database anywhere? The
 suggestions of ways to minimize visibility are many and fascinating.