web-goddess

A bunch of workmen spent all day yesterday installing neon tubing and crazy coloured lighting in the alleyway behind Tapestry Craft. I’m not kidding. Apparently it’s to celebrate the “opening” of the lane (which is now to be called “Temperance Lane”) and it’ll stay up for three months. It’s like our own little bit of Vegas in an alley. The rumour is that this has something to do with Clover’s aim to develop Melbourne-style funky little laneways in Sydney, and that it cost $35K. Here’s my question: Why? Why celebrate the “opening” of a street that was already there? Why spend thousands of dollars on a tacky art installation that very few people will see and then turn around and tell us bus fare hikes are needed? Not happy, Clover.

Update: The new goss is that it might be for a movie shoot. Anybody heard what’s filming in town?

Way Later Update: Nope, it’s not a movie shoot. When I left tonight, there was a proud-looking guy taking photos out there. “But what’s it for?” I asked. “It’s an art installation to celebrate the opening of the new laneway!” he said. “See, we put up a sign with the new name and everything!” I frowned. “But… the lane existed before. It just didn’t have a name. I don’t get why we’re celebrating the opening of a lane that was already here.” He looked crestfallen and shrugged. I think I hurt his feelings. I still think it’s a stupid idea.

The Snook sent me a link to this amusing comic, which he knew I’d like. I totally didn’t get it til the 3rd panel, and then I laughed and laughed.

Albert called me during Knitting Camp on Sunday.

Him: Do you think you can teach the kids’ knitting class on Tuesday?
Me: Who in the what now?
Him: Kids. There are three little girls coming in for our school holidays knitting class.
Me: Kids? Me? Are you sure?
Him: Trust me, you were last on the list. Everyone else was busy.
Me: Well, okay. I guess if it’s only three they can’t gang up on me.

Turns out I needn’t have worried. They were great! Sidonie, Nell, and Poppy ranged from 8-11 but they all picked it up SO QUICKLY! I casted on for them and then we just practiced our knit stitches the whole time. It was interesting to me to see how their personalities manifested in their knitting styles. Poppy was a bit bull-headed, and in her impatience to slip the stitch off the needles she’d often yank her whole needle out. “Grrr!” she’d growl, but by the time I got over to her she’d often fixed the mistake herself. Nell picked it up the fastest, but she didn’t trust herself and every so often she’d freeze and I’d hear, “Something doesn’t seem right… I think.” Sidonie was quiet and methodical, but (like me) she tended to pull her stitches a little too tightly. They were all shy at first but I had them chatting away by the time their Mums returned. “Aww, just one more row!” they begged. The Mums consented, and five minutes later while they were chatting I saw Nell surreptitiously begin a second row. It warmed my icy black heart. I made three new knitters today!

Ugh. Television Without Pity redesigned, and I HATE it. What happened to the little woodcut pictures? Those were great! I wonder if this is what happens when you get bought out by a big company.

Hmm. Interesting AskMeFi question: Is a statue of a sleeping Mexican offensive? On one hand it makes me think of Speedy Gonzales cartoons, and vintage Looney Tunes cartoons make me HAPPY; but on other hand, sometimes when you watch those old cartoons you wonder how in the heck the animators didn’t see anything offensive in their racial caricatures.