Brace Yourself!

It's near the end of June and I am already hearing people say how hot it is in South Florida. Some say that they feel like a pizza baking in the oven. Some say when they step outside, it feels like they stepped into a sauna. Well, here's what I have to say: Brace yourself! We still got July and August!
So drink plenty of water and stay hydrated during the day. Then stop by Cinema Paradiso at 7 pm and enjoy some poetry.

Acronyms, to use and how to use

Tonight (Saturday, June 20, 2015), I will be at CP-H during the D.H.A.W. and next Saturday (June 27, 2015), I will be hosting poetry reading at CP-L and going afterwards to F.L.A.W.

When you look at that sentence above, does it annoy you?

The use of  acronyms is on of my pet peeve so I was delighted to read that someone sent a letter to Miss Manners* on "Understanding  acronyms." I wholeheartedly sympathize with the writer of the letter and disagree with Miss Manner's response that since the letter writer speak of the use of acronyms at work that it is up  to the letter writer "to learn the terms in common use."

I also acknowledge the usefulness of acronym but admonishes the use when acronym is unfamiliar to the addressees. In my work experience, I was at a meeting and saw on the powerpoint and heard the presenter use an acronym. I didn't know the meaning and since I saw  bunch of people nodding in what looked like assent, I asked. The first person didn't know the meaning so we both asked another who didn't know then we asked the presenter who also didn't know. Finally, we asked the manager who looked it up and gave us the definition of a new acronym for the new process that was presented in the meeting.
Just as how this presenter was using an acronym that was unfamiliar, people will use acronyms without knowing their meaning. I am reminded by my college classmate's sister who avoided using swear words and frequently admonish me when I did. One day, I heard her describe a fellow as a "S.O.B." so I asked her what it meant. She gave me a strange look like how is it that you don't know then told me that it was another word for "real jerk." Then I informed her it was  an acronym and spelt out the words for her. She was shocked.

Therefore Miss Manners, sometimes people just drop acronyms ( jargons and buzzwords too) to look cool. They might  not even know the meaning themselves. Moreover, I like the tip this letter provides:
"To ensure the meaning of your acronym is communicated is to precede an acronym with its expanded name the first time it's used in conversation" or a document.

This is very good advice as certain acronyms can be shared (picture this: a bunch of chemists who belong to ACS decided to participate in a run to benefit ACS; in the preceding, 1st ACS means American Chemical Society while 2nd ACS means American Cancer Society).

So to unencrypt my phrase above:
Tonight (Saturday, June 20, 2015), I will be at Cinema Paradiso in Hollywood during the Downtown Hollywood ArtWalk and next Saturday (June 27, 2015), I will be hosting poetry reading at Cinema Paradiso in Ft. Lauderdale and going to Fort Lauderdale Art Walk afterwards.

This is an acrostic poem that is in a novel (working title: Totems) that I am currently writing:

*Source: "Understanding Acronyms" (Letter to Miss Manners). Sun- Sentinel. Travel & Life section. Sunday, June 7, 2015. Print. or http://www.uexpress.com/miss-manners/2015/6/7/0/

Rock On!

A lot of events were occurring the weekend of May 29-31. Driven Music Conference was in town. I attended the first day of panels and there was plenty of information. I may not have a band touring and some of the information I already knew but I still learnt something knew. 

The evening was spent checking out the showcase at Revolution. I was encouraged to watch the whole showcase and support the last performing artists. Well, I'm glad I did because they are some gems. They had a diverse set from full bands to singers with pre-recorded sounds. 

I felt bad for the singers with pre-recorded sounds because they needed an uncluttered stage to dance to accompany the music. Revolution stage was really maximized for bands and just bobbing up and down. So hats off to Aurora who had been in a dance club with her freestyle like Shannon style instead of playing after the first band and Danielle Lyndsay, who for whatever reason reminded me of Mary J. Blige, closed out the evening. On the plus side, I really appreciate being able to hear the vocals, the lyrics.

Driven 5/29/15

(These are just some of the performances)

As much as Revolution is more accommodating to bands, the music tended to overwhelm the vocals and at times, I didn't know what they were saying so depending on if it had some catchy tune that I liked, later I researched them.

The first band, Above The Skyline ( https://www.facebook.com/ATS13 )  had the most audible lyrics and they were upbeat and quite contagious so I picked up their CD same night.

Then there was Aurora ( http://www.1auroramusic.com)  she started off with her guitar and strong vocal presence then she sung along with her tracks. I would have liked it better if I was going dancing because she had some dancing beats.

Next I liked Death By Paris ( http://www.deathofparis.com). I really liked that lead singer sang unaccompanied then the band joined in. Wow she could sing because the rest of the time she had to scream over the music. I checked them outline but couldn't find that opening song as I really liked it.

The music was overwhelming the vocals even with the amount of mic check between bands. I could hear some of the words of Elevators (http://elevatorsrock.wix.com/elevatorsrock ) but their melody really stood out so I was induced to check them out online and I have to say they got some rocking tracks.

Finally Danielle (http://www.daniellelyndsay.com/), a R&B songstress came on. Revolution was almost empty because people don't stay to the end of the showcase (not even the other performers). She belted her heart out regardless and bounced like she was in a packed club and the club was bouncing along.

Well Saturday I was done and didn't make it to any panels because I woke so late and still had some errands to run. My plan was the panels then the ArtWalk (skip the 2nd day of showcases because my ears can only take so much). I missed the panels but the ArtWalk was fun!

Here's a poem from The Collection:

Ft Lauderdale Art Walk

It was the last Saturday in June and this mouse had enough of the house. She called up her friend and to the Art Walk they went and boy oh boy, how things change in a year!

I hadn't been to the Ft Lauderdale Art Walk since last year so it was surprising to me how much it had grown. Fat Village had music screaming through almost every door and food trucks galore. Did I mention the garden of tents with vendors of various wares? T-shirts with Gogh's "Starry Night" to jewelry to organic fruit root drinks. I was glad to see it grow although I could do without the people who have to take their dogs everywhere. I only saw one dog with a service dog vest so I can't understand the need to take a pooch to a crowded place.

Oh and there was plenty of art to behold. My favorite was Mishu whose artwork is do appropriate to this election propaganda. It was funny with Bush quotes in the backdrop with a outline of a curvaceous woman with bush in display. I am in love with a baby grand piano from sixth star. My upright would be so jealous.

Then I drove over to Flagler Village because we couldn't figure out where the trolley stopped in Fats Village. Did I mention there were so many people?

Fats Village Garden of Tents

Flagler Village is what Fats Village looked like last year. A couple studios here and there. Music was only emanating from one place. I think Flager's Village best kept secret is S Leyden. I fell in love with her "Moon over Beach" but where would I put it? My living room is full. If I bought another piece, I'd need to build a wall in my living wall to fully display my pieces. I don't care if it's just a poster but Gogh's "Starry Night" stays! 

Hmm! Hmm! Hmm! "Moon over Beach," I will dream of you.

Since the moon rising, reflecting off the water is my favorite, here's a poem inspired by sunrise: