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Ryan Gillespie
Author's posts
Jan 17 2008
mmm…pretty
The owner of the coffee shop I frequent (Cafe Corsa on Figueroa & 23rd), gets to test ride this on Sunday:
Yes, that is the new 2008 Ducati 848 Superbike, which is technically not for sale yet (he’s riding a demo unit). Probably a little bit too much bike for my virgin motorcycle dreams…but still so pretty.
Permanent link to this article: https://www.rhinoblues.com/thoughts/2008/01/mmmpretty/
Jan 08 2008
Sketch 1
Inspired partially by one of my friends weekly emails, I’m going to write weekly entries in my blog that focus on what I’ve been doing the past week. Little sketches on what is going on in my life.
New Year’s was spent at Zanzibar in Santa Monica with some new friends. There was a DJ set by Jason Sole (of KCRW) until the countdown at midnight. Breaking in the first hours of 2008 was the band Breakestra, a funky hip-hop orchestra. It was a great night of dancing and meeting new folks. (Pics Here)
After sleeping in and watching football for much of the rest of New Year’s Day, it was back to work on Wednesday. My first day back in the office since getting back to LA (but not my first day of work). Caught a showing of There Will Be Blood, the new film by Paul Thomas Anderson at the Arclight Cinemas in Hollywood. The movie was amazing and the score was mindblowing, a character in itself. I still like No Country for Old Men as my favorite for best movie of 2007, but There Will Be Blood was definitely nipping at its heels.
I went to the dentist on Thursday. The dentist actually cleaned my teeth, which was kind of weird. I don’t think I’ll be going back to this dentist though. She wasn’t horrible once I actually got in, but I definitely felt as I was just a $ sign to her.
Friday was back in the office and a long conversation with my boss about goals for the coming semester. The weekend was full of NFL Playoffs, reading and relaxing.
Classes don’t start here at USC until next Monday, so work is pretty quiet, but I should be able to get a bunch of stuff done this week as well.
Permanent link to this article: https://www.rhinoblues.com/thoughts/2008/01/sketch-1/
Jan 07 2008
The State of TV (or the return of American Gladiators)
Granted, I don’t watch a whole lot of non-Sports related television anymore, but the writers strike is going to really damage television as we know it. Without the ability to produce new episodes of the standard dramas and sitcoms, the networks are resorting to filling the schedule with new reality tv shows. The sad thing is, even these they are managing to do poorly.
Sunday night on NBC saw the return of American Gladiators. Originally run as a syndicated show from 1989-96, it has been “revived” for prime time viewing. The basic premise is that two contenders compete against each other in a series of challenges that test physical strength and stamina. Complicating this competition, is each event has “Gladiators” that they must face. These gladiators are basically pro or amateur bodybuilders (or in the case of the men ex-football players).
Out of morbid curiosity, I watched Sunday’s special two-hour premier. Having watched some of the original run, I was curious to see how it would be updated for the 21st Century. In probably a good move by the producers, not much had changed. There was perhaps more safety equipment, but the basic format and challenges hadn’t changed much. What was sad, is that the production seemed to me to be worse in this new version. At least in the first episode of the night, the editing seemed to be pretty shoddy and rushed. Plus one contestant and one gladiator were injured. Not a good way to start off a new show. The second episode of the night did seem to improve a little in the editing department, however it still seems a bit rushed. The transitions between show and commercials could also be improved.
I will not be watching tonights episode (in its normally scheduled time). If the writers strike carries on much longer, I feel that it will definitely be a major blow to the networks. Will even the people that like reality tv finally get sick of it all? I know I am, and I barely watch tv as it is. What will I watch tonight (Besides the BCS Championship Game)? The Daily Show and Colbert Report’s return to the air without writers.
Permanent link to this article: https://www.rhinoblues.com/thoughts/2008/01/the-state-of-tv-or-the-return-of-american-gladiators/
Permanent link to this article: https://www.rhinoblues.com/thoughts/2008/01/the-2008-project/
Dec 31 2007
a rhino walks at the end of 2007
I made my first trip back to Oregon since moving to Los Angeles for Christmas. It was an interesting experience, having been so homesick for much of my time here in Los Angeles. I drove up to Eugene with a friend (though in separate cars), stopping in one of my favorite places, Ashland, OR, to break up the drive. A nice relaxing evening in Ashland was just what was in order after a long day on I-5. We were lucky going over the Siskiyou Pass, as if we had been another 10-15 minutes later, we’d have needed chains (which neither of us had). After a late breakfast and a walk around downtown Ashland, we headed North on I-5 to continue our treks to our respective homes.
It was good being at home, seeing my Eugene friends, dancing at 80s night. There was the typical family drama/stress…but really it was ok (I can say that now with some distance…while I was there, I was ready not visit the folks the next time I went to Oregon). Really the important thing is that I was able to see my sisters. I just have this feeling that any time now, we won’t all be able to gather as a family for the holidays.
As I look to the new year, I am still trying to settle into life in LA. I’ve been here five months now and am just really starting to find my places around here. My job is much more challenging than I ever thought it would be. I often feel as if I am over my head. I’ve been thinking a lot over the past couple weeks about whether or not I’m really ready to begin the process to go to seminary. My thoughts are definitely leaning towards that I am not ready. This of course brings up the question of what do I do in meantime. Do I go back to school to teach or for law school? Do I stay in Los Angeles beyond this school year? These are the questions I’ll be trying to answer over the next few months.
That’s it for now, one of my goals for the new year is to make at least a weekly post here…so keep checking for updates 😉
I hope everyone has a great New Year!
Permanent link to this article: https://www.rhinoblues.com/thoughts/2007/12/a-rhino-walks-at-the-end-of-2007/
Permanent link to this article: https://www.rhinoblues.com/thoughts/2007/12/books-ive-read-in-2007/
Nov 27 2007
one deep breath: boulders
your ancient problems
molded by wind and rain and time
solved in climbers grace
more breaths of boulders from the poets at one deep breath
Permanent link to this article: https://www.rhinoblues.com/thoughts/2007/11/one-deep-breath-boulders/
Nov 24 2007
on thanksgiving…
I realized that this was first thanksgiving I’ve ever had without spending some time with my family. It’s kinda weird how much its got me down, since holidays at home are always kinda stressful. It is a weird dynamic, even though they often get on my nerves, I would give pretty much anything to have been home this weekend.
I’m struggling a lot right now. I’m not adjusting as quickly (or easily) as I thought I would. I’m not doing my job as well as I thought I would. I’m doubting if its really the right fit for me. Which makes me doubt whether or not the vocation I’ve been journeying towards is really where I should be going. I miss Portland. I miss the rain and grey skies.
But yet, I do not doubt that Los Angeles is where I am supposed to be right now. I can’t completely explain it and it often doesn’t make a lot of sense to me. Things aren’t all gloom here either. I’ve got a couple of old friends that live down here that I get to hang out with once and awhile (though not enough). I’ve also got a new close friend that I’ve met since being here. I’ve found a really good church (in Beverly Hills of all places) to be a part of. These are some of the things I’m thankful for this weekend. I’m also thankful for my friends in New York, Portland and Eugene…who’ve listened to my whining over instant messaging chats.
Permanent link to this article: https://www.rhinoblues.com/thoughts/2007/11/on-thanksgiving/
Nov 20 2007
New Art
I’ve got such great friends and family. Elizabeth saw the above artwork at Stumptown (one of my old haunts in Portland), so she emailed my family and a bunch of my friends and they all chipped in and got it for me.
Permanent link to this article: https://www.rhinoblues.com/thoughts/2007/11/new-art/
Oct 22 2007
one deep breath: more closeness
Permanent link to this article: https://www.rhinoblues.com/thoughts/2007/10/one-deep-breath-more-closeness/
