missing

this blog has been slowly bleeding to death since i've left Turkey, and i'd be happy to let it except for the fact that modern narratives tick-tock, and that means i have to write some sort of closing. my sparring with the concept of social entrepreneurs and Bono's cronies isn't a satisfying enough ending because this blog was never about such things.

in extension, i have a few things to share. first, new (new to you, a few months old to me) pictures are forthcoming here. second, i've started this thing as a more suitable place for the stuff i want digitally published, which, for the moment, is a collection of quotes from books that i'm reading. in the future, it might be pictures, my own writing, or sublime and flaming computer monitors.

nearly six months removed from my life in Turkey, i miss the ease and availability of non-prepackaged adventure. i also miss being struck by a daily strangeness that forced me to ask questions and justify my way of living. it was those constants that allowed me to write here. perhaps when/if i get back to Turkey or abroad, i'll start up a sequel to this blog. for now, farewell.

-tb

Generic Update

at this time i've been in Turkey for about 3 weeks. i came during Ramadan, which just ended a few days ago and has affected my visit in interesting ways (image of women in headscarfs hollering while they play air-hockey in the park). i will be living in Erzurum, in the mountains only about 200 miles from Tehran, and i have already visited and set up my apartment and office there (i feel extremely comfortable because of the hospitality of everyone). for the moment i am in Konya, about 150 miles south of Ankara, with a gracious friend for the Bayram holiday. i've also spent 3 days each in Ankara and Istanbul, mostly visiting tourist sites and eating good food. i have posts drafted about religion and public education, driving in Turkey, McDonalds, and being the only American in Erzurum (a subjective reality that has recently changed). in the coming months i'll be teaching english and american studies at Atatürk University, fearing God and -40 weather, and traveling as much as possible.

On Tüpbebek

1. (trans: ten tube babies)
2. the name should be obvious
3. this is the tube baby
4. bebek is for myself, and everyone
5. Ted Stevens (R-Alaska)
6. artificial-asexual color and shape insemination
   
7. say what you mean:
8. i thought it was cute and messy
   
9. this is for the diverse crowd of people i wish i had here with me
   
10. recourse our life in a tube.
11. sorry to confused future Turkish tube parents
    
12. leave comments, questions, frustrations, please
    
13. love