Mercury's Christmas Letter to Santa, 2013

 

Dearest, darling, Santa,

    

-->     I am distressed to compose my letter at this time  when I am driving Maman to distraction with my bad behavior and just at the time when she has a few precious weeks off from her highly demanding job. I trust you will not hold it against me and not measure the dog by the behavior of a few weeks.

     This has been a harrowing year as well: I was attacked by my neighbor Chad, a large (intimidating) Chow mix. My injuries were slight but it was necessary to be driven to the doggie ER and to visit my regular doctor on Monday. Blood was drawn! Papa and Maman valiantly leapt to my aid-- Papa scooping me and Maman putting herself between Chad and Papa. In any case, that's all in the past. Chad's Mom was so kind to me and I've forgiven him; it's really not his fault.

     And in general, over the course of the last 12 months, I have tried to be as good as possible, helping Maman with her work, serving as sous-chef for Papa, cleaning my own home and suffering clothing willingly if not gladly.

     Plus, you are my very best friend. I love you more than anyone and I've missed you all year long.  Therefore, I'm hoping you'll forgive my lapses and leave me the following gifts:

Mercury's Christmas List

1 Santa Belly Gourmet Cookie Box

Peanut Butter Madness & Personalized Tote

New & pretty water bowl, preferably a 2-cup jewel tone pedestal bowl

Personalized Sequined Reindeer Tee (this to make Maman happy: note this example of good behavior)

A TV and a smart phone (preferably iPhone 5s) of my very own

A Furby (purple)

For Maman:

Old Gringoembroidered Jasmine 10" boots

For Papa:

Maman and I agree that his Mercedes (E-series, over 300-horse power, polar white with two sun roofs and satellite connection) is gift enough for 1 year (possibly more?--just a suggestion; you're the expert).  If you feel especially well disposed to Papa, he does need a new pair of socks.

     As you can see, our requests are modest this year. I am truly sorry for my bad behavior. If you only leave coal for me, I'll understand.  But please don't punish Maman for my sins. She did her best and I hope you'll leave those Old Gringo boots for her.

     Well, my darling friend, that's all for now. Is there anything that you'd like me to give you? The traditional milk and cookies? A large bowl of caviar and toast? A new suit?

     Very truly yours, with love, Mercury Murphy Roushanzamir!

PS: you can visit me and even stay for a few days. I'd be happy and honored to share my own little home. I expect that you'd like a break from the exertions of this Christmas season (I hope I'll have a TV and smart phone by that time; I'll share them with you.)

Another PS: I promise to be nicer to Kelly Noonan who after all is a wonderful groomer. Perhaps you could bring some  furniture or decorations for her luxurious new location: Doggie Styles. (note, another example of good behavior)

Semester begins with gatherings and parties

Perhaps you think that teaching at, or attending, a university, is all about books, classrooms, computers, mobile devices, homework, papers, quizes and tests, grading, office hours and etc. And you'd be (almost) right.

However, Fall 2013 started off with a round of parties.

President Jere Morehead's gathering to welcome Grady Dean Davis.  Dean Davis' party to welcome back Grady faculty and staff. Graduate Student Caucus' pizza and soft drinks (cash bar for those, like me, with appropriate documentation) get-together, and more.

What a social whirl!!

Above you see me driving my new Mercedes to 5Points Liquor Store (stocking up for the party I'm throwing) and dusting off my tux to make sure it still fits (it does).

I hope you've spent the 2nd half of August as pleasantly as I have. Looking forward to Fall Break and then to Thanksgiving Break and then to my favorite time of all, Christmas Break when my very best friend in the Universe (not just the galaxy but the Universe) will visit me once again (my darling Santa)

And, yes, we're also studying and learning to our hearts' content.

I begin year 3 as UGA Professor

The UGA term started excessively early, Monday, August 12. With campus bustling, cars roaring down our formerly quiet street, bewildered students popping out of every corner & the antics of returning students, you will understand  why, having donned my new UGA t-shirt, I've taken to my bed. 

Check back next week for more about my work as a professor. (Yawn) Au revoir for the duration til then, MM. 

Pretty Mercury, happy Papa

The Babeee is a Muse

When in Doubt, Always Choose Laughter is the latest vehicle for my favorite Big Star, known as The Babeee. You can see all his Vines if you search his director's name: Nick Confalone. Click the director's name below and,




if you can't hear sound when the new window opens, click the upper left hand corner. I certainly hope this great work of video art gives you as much pleasure as it does me. And that you'll be inspired to see how director Confalone explores universal themes via The Babeee.

Also: do not neglect to read today's other entry, below. Please post your support for Maman et Papa gifting me an iPhone of my very own. Perhaps once I have one, I too will create Vines.

My very own iPhone

Cher Maman et Papa,

Now that I am 8, it's time to buy me an iPhone of my very own. Please buy the newest version and sign me up for unlimited talk, text and data. I can take it from there. 

After all, I'm posting this entry from Maman's iPhone. 

I have a special place for it in my home.  I keep your phone there when I borrow it!

I'm willing to use AT&T to keep your billing simple. So please go to their corner store to pick up my iPhone today. 

Perhaps better if I go with you so I can choose my own stylish case. 

Love, MM

Vines

Vine is a social medium. Record 6 seconds of looping images and sound. It's a new art form! And notably Vines were featured in their own category at the 2013 TriBecA film festival.


Here are 2 examples of Vines. [Both contain sound; if you don't hear anything, take your cursor to the upper left corner of the visual where a sound icon will appear; if there's an 'X' click it to eliminate it and you'll hear the sounds.] The first is by Viner Nick Confalone, "trying to be a good dad in 6 seconds or less."




one from Tzaddi who "wakes up to experience the exquisite joy--the joy of being Salvador Dali"



There are all sorts of Vines: beautiful, raunchy, funny, serious, with all sorts of topics-- comedy, art and experimental, family, fashion, food, news, special FX, weird, cats, and yes, Dogs. Check them out including my own under the name "Elizabeth Roushanzam"  (I've used Maman's name but most of the Vines are my very own creative work. You can download the Vine app on iPhone or Google Play or read about it by clicking HERE.)

 Enjoy and Create! As always, your pal, Mercury