No singular thing seems to cause anything in particular. It always seems to be multiple things contributing to an effect of any sort. This is true with nature, science, and especially thoughts.
Combine reading "A Short History of Progress"a few months ago, with 2006 poised to be the new 'hottest year on record' (congratulations '06), and add seeing "Apocalypto" in for good measure and your end result will be some pretty interesting thoughts from yours truly.
As a society we tend to hold some romantic nostalgic view of the past. During tough times (like now for example) we like to think back on the 'good olde days'. Those peaceful times of our forefathers. Those happy-go-lucky early days of man, nobly struggling to survive while creating the foundations of our current society. Those great times in the 80's when everyone popped their collar and... wait... the 80's sucked and most everyone dressed like jack-offs.
My point exactly!
Man has been killing man in order to acquire more wealth since time first began. The few isolated societies that achieved something resembling balance with their surroundings (although none were perfect themselves) were all eventually slayed by other men looking to acquire MORE. Man has always killed man for his own benefit and man will continue to kill man for believed benefit. Or will he?
It seems someone else has stepped up, or in if you will. Good ol' Ma Nature. And like any mother of fighting children would do, we are about to get the proverbial slap to the back of the head. She, however, hits a little harder than my own mum (just a little bit mind you).
You see, she has had about enough of our little tirade. This will not stop us though. As things take a turn and we find ourselves with not enough land, food, water (your pick really) man is going to continue to do what man has always done: kill other men to acquire that which he desires. This is the reality to our fairey tale history classes.
Those who have found some sense of balance will ultimately surcome to the violence of his fellow man. If man continues to play out this drama which he has played out for ages he will find that nature has decided to take what she needs and man will find himself without... and soon gone.
Life will go on. Energy will go on. Man, however, will walk himself right off the stage like Kelsey Grammer giving a speech at Disney. i don't mean to sound pessimistic but the reality is man has never changed since his inception. That is a lot of momentum. If we cannot find it in ourselves to change, we will have the opportunity taken away from us. The first step is to acknowledge the past for what it is. Waxing nostalgic stops us from making amends and even more importantly corrections.
This is as true for looking back over this passed year as it is for looking back over man's history. We must look at it for what it is and hopefully take something away from our mistakes. There is always room to hope if we allow ourselves room to change.
(Why does typing "it is" always make me want to type "titties"?)
Dec 30, 2006
Word of the Year
Giving my significant other a good olde fashioned hard time on the ride home tonight i invented a new term that i am quite proud of: "Brattitude".
The word seems pretty straightforward but for those of you whose mom and dad were cousins before spouses it is a combination of brat and attitude, or a bratty attitude.
This stopped her in her tracks (as one might imagine) and got me so proud of myself i felt the need to insert it into several common attitude quotes from various movies and songs.
There... you can't say i didn't accomplish anything this year. i came up with a new word. What did you do this year? Bet you didn't invent a new word.
The word seems pretty straightforward but for those of you whose mom and dad were cousins before spouses it is a combination of brat and attitude, or a bratty attitude.
This stopped her in her tracks (as one might imagine) and got me so proud of myself i felt the need to insert it into several common attitude quotes from various movies and songs.
There... you can't say i didn't accomplish anything this year. i came up with a new word. What did you do this year? Bet you didn't invent a new word.
Dec 21, 2006
Hugs
i am using this time of year where we are constantly getting together with friends and family on what seems like a daily basis to improve my public hugging. Yes this sounds silly and simple but this is truly a subtlety that needs some adjusting.
You see, i do not come from a physically affectionate family. The minimal physical contact experienced as a youngster revolved around trying to dodge older female extended family members from trying to kiss me on the cheek or getting hit. Hugs, for me, only really came into my life as i started to have "relationships" with members of the opposite sex. As far as that goes i think i am quite accomplished. i can pull off those types of hugs no problem. i even enjoy them.
It's those other types of hugs. The friendly, more than just a hand-shake hugs you exchange with friends and family members. i still struggle with these... hence my decision to practice this holiday season.
What i have such trouble with is the sense of "i'm making full body contact with you but am not either a) trying to knock you to the ground; b) trying to get WITH you; or c) trying to knock you to the ground so i can get WITH you. i guess my problem is that somewhere along the way in my fucked-up childhood i became programmed with the concept that touching is only allowed for fighting or sex.
So as i practice my 'friendly hugging' this yule time season, please bare with me if from time to time i may freeze up expecting a punch or try to mount you like a dog in heat. It's all in the spirit of self improvement.
You see, i do not come from a physically affectionate family. The minimal physical contact experienced as a youngster revolved around trying to dodge older female extended family members from trying to kiss me on the cheek or getting hit. Hugs, for me, only really came into my life as i started to have "relationships" with members of the opposite sex. As far as that goes i think i am quite accomplished. i can pull off those types of hugs no problem. i even enjoy them.
It's those other types of hugs. The friendly, more than just a hand-shake hugs you exchange with friends and family members. i still struggle with these... hence my decision to practice this holiday season.
What i have such trouble with is the sense of "i'm making full body contact with you but am not either a) trying to knock you to the ground; b) trying to get WITH you; or c) trying to knock you to the ground so i can get WITH you. i guess my problem is that somewhere along the way in my fucked-up childhood i became programmed with the concept that touching is only allowed for fighting or sex.
So as i practice my 'friendly hugging' this yule time season, please bare with me if from time to time i may freeze up expecting a punch or try to mount you like a dog in heat. It's all in the spirit of self improvement.
Xmas Shout-Out
Just wanted to thank everyone who came last saturday. i had a great time. It's nice to be reminded how many people we are lucky enough to have in our lives.
And to those who couldn't make it: have a very merry Christmas.
Ding fries are done...
And to those who couldn't make it: have a very merry Christmas.
Ding fries are done...
Dec 12, 2006
Christmas Trees & Vinyl
Being the environmentalist that i am, i try to keep up on the latest in news on the earth front. i have always been of the 'Real' Christmas Tree persuation. My thinking is that Christmas Trees are raised the same way all the vegetable you eat are so i figure you can't take much argument with that. They are not cut down on some romantic mountain side, they are grown on farms: Christmas Tree farms.
With this being my stance i originally was pleased to discover that going the 'real' tree route was considered the more environmental choice (not counting skipping the tree all together... Blasphemous!). This is due to the fact that almost all fake Christmas Trees are made with vinyl. Due to all the hazardous materials needed to process vinyl and throw in the oil needed, fake trees are bad for the environment. In fact most environmentalists are now taking on a 'no vinyl ever' policy.
Take that you fake tree muther... wait a minute... no vinyl EVER? Lets not get carried away now. i'll give up meat and adopt a vegetarian lifestyle. i'll give up my 4 wheel drive SUV and drive a hybrid. i'll pick up a 'real' Christmas tree and forgo the 'fake' pieces of crap but if you think i am going to give up records you've got to be smoking crack.
i'll listen to records on a solar cell driven turntable as the rising seas take my state and the warmpth of a run-away greenhouse effect burns my skin. i'll throw 7-inches at the grills of Hummers to fight their evil. i'll run into my burning house to save my record collection.
Everybody has their limits. i can't get behind this 'no vinyl ever' stance. Ladies, any time you want to wear skin tight vinyl outfits feel free. Don't let me get in your way... unless of course you WANT me in your WAY...
With this being my stance i originally was pleased to discover that going the 'real' tree route was considered the more environmental choice (not counting skipping the tree all together... Blasphemous!). This is due to the fact that almost all fake Christmas Trees are made with vinyl. Due to all the hazardous materials needed to process vinyl and throw in the oil needed, fake trees are bad for the environment. In fact most environmentalists are now taking on a 'no vinyl ever' policy.
Take that you fake tree muther... wait a minute... no vinyl EVER? Lets not get carried away now. i'll give up meat and adopt a vegetarian lifestyle. i'll give up my 4 wheel drive SUV and drive a hybrid. i'll pick up a 'real' Christmas tree and forgo the 'fake' pieces of crap but if you think i am going to give up records you've got to be smoking crack.
i'll listen to records on a solar cell driven turntable as the rising seas take my state and the warmpth of a run-away greenhouse effect burns my skin. i'll throw 7-inches at the grills of Hummers to fight their evil. i'll run into my burning house to save my record collection.
Everybody has their limits. i can't get behind this 'no vinyl ever' stance. Ladies, any time you want to wear skin tight vinyl outfits feel free. Don't let me get in your way... unless of course you WANT me in your WAY...
Nov 30, 2006
Pictures...
While doing work around the house i started to interview myself. Maybe this is a product of the cold medicine i was on or maybe it's due to too much time spent alone as a child but it seemed like a fun thing to keep my brain entertained as i did mindless work around the house.i was a difficult interview. i got all hung up on the first question: what's your favorite picture of yourself? When the camera was first invented there were people who believed it was an evil instruments that trapped a piece of your soul when your image was captured. There may be something to that.
i enjoy the art of photography. i enjoy decorating my hovel with photographs by professionals, as well as pictures of friends and family. Where pictures of important people in my life brings thoughts of joy, a pictures of myself somehow feels like some invasion of my privacy, i get overwhelmed with some sense of entrapment.
Maybe i feel some sense of less than ideal representation on film. Maybe i am uneasy with the thought of someone looking at me without me knowing (even if it is just a picture). Maybe i'm a megalomaniac in denial. Ultimately i don't put much weight behind my looks. Although i look in a mirror every morning it's usually with very specific intent: checking the cleanliness of my teeth, inspecting runs with my razor, checking under my nose for remnants of Kleenex from my regular nose-blowings. i don't associate myself with my physical body. For that matter, i don't typically see myself from outside myself.
Therefore, seeing pictures of myself is an odd thing. It doesn't seem like they are of me, yet i know they are. Combine this with the fact that i never learned how to smile on command and pictures become an odd situation for me. i smile when i'm happy and cry when i'm sad. i can't fake either insincerely so the inevitable "smile!" yelled by someone about to flash a bright light in my eyes brings discomfort and unease. This may also be why my passport photo looks like a mug-shot.
So, to recap: i am a difficult interview and i don't like people taking pictures of me. Yeah... i should probably lock myself in my house and leave the rest of the world alone. Damn hermit punk monk ... sffssg;nbuvjnunibvgbfbv...
A Letter From The Rest Of Us
Regarding what it is to be American:
To Whom It May Concern,
Despite what those Chevy and Marlboro commercials may be telling you we are not a nation of cowboys. Not only does no one herd domesticated animals across the now non-existent open plains of this continent, but this country was not founded upon the back or the ideals of the cowboy.
Like everything else in this country, farming has become industrialized. Cows are force fed in closed areas, occationaly allowed to walk around small, overcrowded, fenced in areas on the "farm". Men in ten gallon hats are not ushering these feeding creatures across the fertile crescent within the midwest of our country. No 'awe shucks' corn-fed individual who's high on work ethic but low in education is ensuring that you get the protein you need. This is a characterture that never existed. It has been developed to sell you pick-up trucks.
Secondly, this country is not based upon the character of the cowboy. That outcast criminal who killed Indians so that he could fence off large amounts of land for his own wealth is not a representation of the rest of us. This country is founded on the ideals of well intentioned, well educated idealists, and has been built on the backs of every immigrant group to grace it's shores.
Idealists who decided that they didn't want to be ruled by a distant crown, idealist who decided that owning slaves was unjust, idealists who believed women had equal rights, idealists who wanted to create something for their children better than what they themselves had known are the inspiration within this country. This is America, not people who stick scalding hot irons onto cows hides, and not people who throw loops of rope around calf's necks.
The infrastructure within this country was built with the labor of the immigrants who came here to work for something better. The railroads, bridges, buildings, and streets were all brought to fruitian through the labor and toil of every culture that now is a part of OUR country. This is why it is OUR country and why we should all be proud of our respective cultures. We are Irish-American, African-Americans, Latino-Americans, Italian-Americans, Portuguese-Americans, and the list goes on and on and on. Our ancestors' blood is in every part of this country as is our blood. It belongs to all of us, not just the rich, not just the WASP's who belong to secret brotherhoods.
America is everyone and no one in particular. It is not represented by some Walmart shopping, Stetson wearing, cowboy. Stop insulting us with these ridiculous advertisements and charactertures.
Signed,
-1punkmonk
To Whom It May Concern,
Despite what those Chevy and Marlboro commercials may be telling you we are not a nation of cowboys. Not only does no one herd domesticated animals across the now non-existent open plains of this continent, but this country was not founded upon the back or the ideals of the cowboy.
Like everything else in this country, farming has become industrialized. Cows are force fed in closed areas, occationaly allowed to walk around small, overcrowded, fenced in areas on the "farm". Men in ten gallon hats are not ushering these feeding creatures across the fertile crescent within the midwest of our country. No 'awe shucks' corn-fed individual who's high on work ethic but low in education is ensuring that you get the protein you need. This is a characterture that never existed. It has been developed to sell you pick-up trucks.
Secondly, this country is not based upon the character of the cowboy. That outcast criminal who killed Indians so that he could fence off large amounts of land for his own wealth is not a representation of the rest of us. This country is founded on the ideals of well intentioned, well educated idealists, and has been built on the backs of every immigrant group to grace it's shores.
Idealists who decided that they didn't want to be ruled by a distant crown, idealist who decided that owning slaves was unjust, idealists who believed women had equal rights, idealists who wanted to create something for their children better than what they themselves had known are the inspiration within this country. This is America, not people who stick scalding hot irons onto cows hides, and not people who throw loops of rope around calf's necks.
The infrastructure within this country was built with the labor of the immigrants who came here to work for something better. The railroads, bridges, buildings, and streets were all brought to fruitian through the labor and toil of every culture that now is a part of OUR country. This is why it is OUR country and why we should all be proud of our respective cultures. We are Irish-American, African-Americans, Latino-Americans, Italian-Americans, Portuguese-Americans, and the list goes on and on and on. Our ancestors' blood is in every part of this country as is our blood. It belongs to all of us, not just the rich, not just the WASP's who belong to secret brotherhoods.
America is everyone and no one in particular. It is not represented by some Walmart shopping, Stetson wearing, cowboy. Stop insulting us with these ridiculous advertisements and charactertures.
Signed,
-1punkmonk
Nov 28, 2006
Super Heroes
My brother is the Wolverine. i, however, have no super hero type qualities... unless being an incredibly good host to bacteria and viruses counts (the INCREDIBLE HOST with green complexion and all). i don't think that would make Stan Lee's cut though. Oh well. At least my brother has a metal skeleton. i bet you don't have any x-men in your family (no i'm not talking about the one's who fly over to Europe for THAT operation... i said x-men, not ex-men).
You Owe It To Yourself
In the name of Upstairs Construction '06 i have been neglecting my social life and my blogging life (despite having a now up and running computer). Running my frail body non-stop at full speed for too long has resulted in a system failure and i am now completely sick... which is forcing me to stop work... which allows me to write in between sick naps and cold medicine induced hallucinations.
Piktured (how the word should really be spelt) are a few of the warnings that came on the box to my new indoor soccer shoes. i think i'll have them tattooed on me as they are important life warnings which also somewhat apply to me: no batteries requires and contains no animal byproducts (also looking for an escape).
Piktured (how the word should really be spelt) are a few of the warnings that came on the box to my new indoor soccer shoes. i think i'll have them tattooed on me as they are important life warnings which also somewhat apply to me: no batteries requires and contains no animal byproducts (also looking for an escape).
i also wanted to drop a quick public service announcement concerning music, in particular two important albums. First, if you listen to any modern music which could possibly be characterized by someone as emotional punk, EMO, or indy you owe it to yourself to find a copy of Sunny Day Real Estate: 'Diary'. If you are in any way into this genre of music this is a classic album that was ahead of it's time and could easily be said to be the start of the music stylings so popular today. Such a personal album.
Second, if you enjoy music at all you really owe it to yourself to own a copy of Moby: 'Play'. Again, you'd be hard pressed to find anyone who likes any kind of music at all who doesn't like this album. i was recently reminded of both albums and they are really two records that everyone should have in their music collection. Both are moving and inspiring in two very different ways. Being sick makes me emotional and nostalgic... sorry.
Nov 16, 2006
Rules
Rules are for weak people. As a society we keep adding on to the number of rules we imply because we are afraid of that which we can not control. From fear we strive to limit what may possibly happen attempting to steer all situations into our comfort zone. In the mean time, we are eliminating the creativity, the breathing room, the random moments of unexpected joy.
We need guidelines not rules. Guidelines are flexible. Rules are limiting. i really do not like having things stolen from me, therefore, i try to live a lifestyle were i do not cause others to lose possessions. i do not want someone to end my life, therefore, i try to live a lifestyle were i do not lead to other's death. i do not enjoy living in filth, therefore, i try to live a lifestyle where i leave things as pristine as possible.
Rather than coming up with a rule to dictate what you want to see happen in every given situation a few general guidelines can be applied to every situation. What religion does not include something to the effect of treating others as you would like to be treated? Should not that statement alone eliminate the need for rules about not killing, not stealing, and not cheating? With all the people on this planet who claim to be religious, you would think that this would be enough.
By establishing rules we are basically saying that you are too stupid to be left to your own decision making skills and need to be told what to do in any given situation for the betterment of society. How insulting? Maybe the better question to address should be fact that if you can not be trusted to to make appropriate decision maybe you should not be allow to participate in our society?
All these rules are punishing and limiting those who do what they should in an attempt to rein in the few who can not be trusted. Should not those who can not be trusted be addressed in a more individual and productive manner?
The other day i accidentally almost cut someone off in traffic. He was in my blindspot. He honked, i pulled back over, and he flipped me off yelling. All is good. i made a mistake and if someone almost cut me off i would probably have done the same thing. i realized i would have done the same thing so i was not mad at his reaction and no one got hurt. No property was damaged. Steam was released.
We need to be understanding of those around us but not foolishly tolerant of unacceptable behavior. When that player on the soccer pitch is getting a bit too physical, knock him on his ass. No hacking, no injury, just a nudge to remind him where the line is. Letting people know where your line is can be far more effective than trying to set up rules for individual situations.
...and a well placed OUP can work wonders...
We need guidelines not rules. Guidelines are flexible. Rules are limiting. i really do not like having things stolen from me, therefore, i try to live a lifestyle were i do not cause others to lose possessions. i do not want someone to end my life, therefore, i try to live a lifestyle were i do not lead to other's death. i do not enjoy living in filth, therefore, i try to live a lifestyle where i leave things as pristine as possible.
Rather than coming up with a rule to dictate what you want to see happen in every given situation a few general guidelines can be applied to every situation. What religion does not include something to the effect of treating others as you would like to be treated? Should not that statement alone eliminate the need for rules about not killing, not stealing, and not cheating? With all the people on this planet who claim to be religious, you would think that this would be enough.
By establishing rules we are basically saying that you are too stupid to be left to your own decision making skills and need to be told what to do in any given situation for the betterment of society. How insulting? Maybe the better question to address should be fact that if you can not be trusted to to make appropriate decision maybe you should not be allow to participate in our society?
All these rules are punishing and limiting those who do what they should in an attempt to rein in the few who can not be trusted. Should not those who can not be trusted be addressed in a more individual and productive manner?
The other day i accidentally almost cut someone off in traffic. He was in my blindspot. He honked, i pulled back over, and he flipped me off yelling. All is good. i made a mistake and if someone almost cut me off i would probably have done the same thing. i realized i would have done the same thing so i was not mad at his reaction and no one got hurt. No property was damaged. Steam was released.
We need to be understanding of those around us but not foolishly tolerant of unacceptable behavior. When that player on the soccer pitch is getting a bit too physical, knock him on his ass. No hacking, no injury, just a nudge to remind him where the line is. Letting people know where your line is can be far more effective than trying to set up rules for individual situations.
...and a well placed OUP can work wonders...
Nov 14, 2006
Irish-Punk
Whooohooo... the computer's back up and running. My ideas have been backlogged so here comes...
i've been wanting to write about this for some time but it hasn't been the right time... but now appears to be the right time... so here it is.
i'm a fan of the recent wave of irish/punk bands so i wanted to give a bit of a intro to the three more notable such bands: Dropkick Murphys, Flogging Molly, and The Tossers. Here they are in order of my preference. Give 'em a listen, but to really enjoy these bands you've got to see them live.
1) Dropkick Murphys. On the irish-punk spectrum they are a punk band first and foremost that is influenced by the member's irish ancestry. i've got to admit i'm am largely partial to this band due to geographic upbringing. Irish-American culture, although having much in common across the country, has regional subtleties. Having spent almost all of my pre-kindergarten weekends in the greater Boston area, scally caps and working class sing-a-longs hold a sentimental spot in the heart that pumps my Irish-American blood.
In high school i snuck down to Boston, any excuse i could get, in my green Dr. Martens. Getting a ride in to see the Red Sox, then blowing off the game to hang out in the city worked for me. Later in college (still wearing the same green boots) i'd head to Boston whenever i could scrounge the money to take the train to see a show. Blend my liking of punk shows, my earliest memories of music (my Grandfather playing the piano, accordion, and tin whistle) and it's no wonder i listen to Dropkick and go to their St. Patrick's Day shows every year.
A punk band peppered with traditional irish instruments like the bag-pipes, tin whistle, and accordion, Dropkick mix working class punk arm-in-arm sing-a-longs with some traditional covers to create a sense of united brotherhood. Recommended songs: Version of "Rocky Road to Dublin", "Boys on the Docks", and "I'm Shipping Up to Boston". Recommended first cd: Sing Loud, Sing Proud.
2) Flogging Molly. This LA based band leans more towards the traditional side of the irish-punk spectrum. The songs are primarily written by the older Irish lead singer giving them their distinct irish feel with several members of the band bringing in the more punk edge to the sound. This is a larger, 7-piece band with full time accordion, mandolin, and fiddle players keeping the pub sound against the more punk driven drum, guitar, and bass.
A bunch of irish punk pirates, this is another band that puts on an amazing live show creating a sense of brotherhood within the audience. After seeing a show, or seeing their recent documentary style dvd, you'd be hard pressed to not enjoy this band. i recommend falling asleep to "The Son Never Shines (On Closed Doors)". Their album Within A Mile of Home stands out a bit for me but you can't go wrong grabbing any of their albums. We all go the same way home.
3) The Tossers. Out of Chicago i've only recently started listening to these guys. They seem mostly to be the lead singer's band. They again lean more towards the traditional end of the irish-punk spectrum. The music is more of an irish pub sound with a punk swagger in the lyric's attitude. Again this is a larger band with a full-time mix of punk and traditional instruments. Recommended songs: the acapella "Purgatory" and "Good Morning Da".
There you have it. You don't have to be irish to enjoy these bands (although as a child i was told there are only two types of people in the world: those who are irish and those who wish they were), nor do you have to be punk. These are all-inclusive bands you can't help but enjoy. Give 'em a listen.
i've been wanting to write about this for some time but it hasn't been the right time... but now appears to be the right time... so here it is.
i'm a fan of the recent wave of irish/punk bands so i wanted to give a bit of a intro to the three more notable such bands: Dropkick Murphys, Flogging Molly, and The Tossers. Here they are in order of my preference. Give 'em a listen, but to really enjoy these bands you've got to see them live.
1) Dropkick Murphys. On the irish-punk spectrum they are a punk band first and foremost that is influenced by the member's irish ancestry. i've got to admit i'm am largely partial to this band due to geographic upbringing. Irish-American culture, although having much in common across the country, has regional subtleties. Having spent almost all of my pre-kindergarten weekends in the greater Boston area, scally caps and working class sing-a-longs hold a sentimental spot in the heart that pumps my Irish-American blood.
In high school i snuck down to Boston, any excuse i could get, in my green Dr. Martens. Getting a ride in to see the Red Sox, then blowing off the game to hang out in the city worked for me. Later in college (still wearing the same green boots) i'd head to Boston whenever i could scrounge the money to take the train to see a show. Blend my liking of punk shows, my earliest memories of music (my Grandfather playing the piano, accordion, and tin whistle) and it's no wonder i listen to Dropkick and go to their St. Patrick's Day shows every year.
A punk band peppered with traditional irish instruments like the bag-pipes, tin whistle, and accordion, Dropkick mix working class punk arm-in-arm sing-a-longs with some traditional covers to create a sense of united brotherhood. Recommended songs: Version of "Rocky Road to Dublin", "Boys on the Docks", and "I'm Shipping Up to Boston". Recommended first cd: Sing Loud, Sing Proud.
2) Flogging Molly. This LA based band leans more towards the traditional side of the irish-punk spectrum. The songs are primarily written by the older Irish lead singer giving them their distinct irish feel with several members of the band bringing in the more punk edge to the sound. This is a larger, 7-piece band with full time accordion, mandolin, and fiddle players keeping the pub sound against the more punk driven drum, guitar, and bass.
A bunch of irish punk pirates, this is another band that puts on an amazing live show creating a sense of brotherhood within the audience. After seeing a show, or seeing their recent documentary style dvd, you'd be hard pressed to not enjoy this band. i recommend falling asleep to "The Son Never Shines (On Closed Doors)". Their album Within A Mile of Home stands out a bit for me but you can't go wrong grabbing any of their albums. We all go the same way home.
3) The Tossers. Out of Chicago i've only recently started listening to these guys. They seem mostly to be the lead singer's band. They again lean more towards the traditional end of the irish-punk spectrum. The music is more of an irish pub sound with a punk swagger in the lyric's attitude. Again this is a larger band with a full-time mix of punk and traditional instruments. Recommended songs: the acapella "Purgatory" and "Good Morning Da".
There you have it. You don't have to be irish to enjoy these bands (although as a child i was told there are only two types of people in the world: those who are irish and those who wish they were), nor do you have to be punk. These are all-inclusive bands you can't help but enjoy. Give 'em a listen.
Nov 6, 2006
An Open Letter To The South
(another low-tech blog entry)
This entry goes out to 'the south' because i know how much southerners love soccer and people from 'the north'.
Tonight my soccer team lost... badly. i have NO desire to tattoo the final score across my chest so that i can forever celebrate that ill-fated, ill-conceived, poorly executed game. i would rather move on. i may even learn from the mistake. i just humbly shook the other team's hands and quietly went home.
On a similar note, stop with the confederate flag already. You lost... badly. Stop waiving around that redneck symbol of bigotry. Sticking that thing on the back of your pick-up truck and hanging it around your home just makes you look like even more of a jack-off.
Oh, and also... please stop having sex with your cousins.
Sincerely,
Your Friendly Neighborhood Elitist New Englander
This entry goes out to 'the south' because i know how much southerners love soccer and people from 'the north'.
Tonight my soccer team lost... badly. i have NO desire to tattoo the final score across my chest so that i can forever celebrate that ill-fated, ill-conceived, poorly executed game. i would rather move on. i may even learn from the mistake. i just humbly shook the other team's hands and quietly went home.
On a similar note, stop with the confederate flag already. You lost... badly. Stop waiving around that redneck symbol of bigotry. Sticking that thing on the back of your pick-up truck and hanging it around your home just makes you look like even more of a jack-off.
Oh, and also... please stop having sex with your cousins.
Sincerely,
Your Friendly Neighborhood Elitist New Englander
Nov 1, 2006
AP Workshop
Today i drove down to Waltham for an AP Environmental Science workshop (where they show you the hoops you need to jump through to have your environmental science course approved as AP). What an event this was. i was hoping that my school system would send me to the one in Florida, but unfortunately they were only willing to spring the funds for a trip to Waltham Massachusetts (not including gas).
First i had to wake up earlier than punk monks are built to wake up so i could make it there on time which still didn't give me enough time. i failed to plan for the fact that it took an hour to get from the far side of Burlington to Waltham on 95/128. Thankfully i had "Get In The Van", Henry Rollins' account of his time in Black Flag on my iPod to get me through.
After playing in a soccer game which started at 10pm monday night and scaring trick or treaters last night i haven't had a full night sleep yet this week so being stopped in traffic i struggled to stay awake, although i'm sure the kind folks behind me would have been more than happy to wake me up if traffic started moving while i was sleeping. Hank helped me out though.
In between cat naps on the parking lot/highway i realized the sad humor (dare i say irony) of sitting in traffic with hundreds of single passenger cars as i tried to get to a workshop on teaching environmental science. At least my hybrid turns off while i'm sitting in traffic. If only my brain was capable of such.
Now, if you put 13 teachers in a room together you'll end up with 50 different opinions. Teachers LOVE to be heard. At any given workshop you will end up with three types of teachers:
1) Those who get great pleasure from talking about themselves (as oppose to people with blogs). Everything they do is THE BEST and everyone should be more than happy to be graced with a detailed account of how they do everything and anything. Fortunately there were several of these people in attendance so i now know several proper ways to teach my class... but which one was the best-best? Maybe that guy from the private school who was bought 12 kayaks to help with his classroom lessons had the best-best... he seemed to get the most money so he must be right.
2)Those who feel the need to ask a question for every topic discussed. Somewhere along the way they were told that there's no such thing as a stupid question and really took it to heart and ran with it. In fact, there is such thing as a stupid question... there's also such thing as stupid people who waste everyone's time trying to appear smart by asking useless questions that prevent the rest of us from moving on to the next subject. Next subject...
3) Those sarcastic assholes (me) who pepper workshops with little comments intended to simultaneously fuck with #1 & #2 and attempting to make 'serious guy' up front laugh. Done and Done. i've got to stop listening to Henry Rollins before teacher workshops.
For quite some time now i've realized that education in this country is broken and all i can do is fix what i can within my classroom. Teacher workshops, however, always seem to throw fuel on that fire (even when they are informative... as today was). This hypocritical room of individuals were suppose to be teaching students to tread lightly on our earth yet did not practice what they preach (or teach in this case).
Looking at an activity exploring the amount of land needed to sustain various sized populations of people i brought up that they were only looking at an omnivorous diet. After having to then explain to a room full of science teacher's what omnivorous means i recommended comparing those results to how many vegetarians could be sustained on the same amount of land. Most of the more respected scientists, including Einstein, believed that humans will have to one day become vegetarians as a result of our population growth. They dismissed me like i was a leper. Moments latter we broke for our complimentary lunch and they all chowed down on their meat while i had my bag lunch from home. Way to sustain the earth.
Throughout the day people kept mentioning their kids. i was in a room full of breeders. Not very environmental-like having 3+ kids. i guess they over-look that required unit on population.
Lastly, as we were all leaving (after they threw out the coffee cups and plastic plates, and after failing to recycle complimentary soda cans) i realized that i was the only one with a hybrid. SUV's, pick-up trucks, you name it. No other hybrids.
Growing a beard, wearing plaid shirts, and sporting one piece leather hiking boots alone does not make you an environmentalist. Apparently it's all that's needed to TEACH an environmental class though. i guess i better throw out my razor.
First i had to wake up earlier than punk monks are built to wake up so i could make it there on time which still didn't give me enough time. i failed to plan for the fact that it took an hour to get from the far side of Burlington to Waltham on 95/128. Thankfully i had "Get In The Van", Henry Rollins' account of his time in Black Flag on my iPod to get me through.
After playing in a soccer game which started at 10pm monday night and scaring trick or treaters last night i haven't had a full night sleep yet this week so being stopped in traffic i struggled to stay awake, although i'm sure the kind folks behind me would have been more than happy to wake me up if traffic started moving while i was sleeping. Hank helped me out though.
In between cat naps on the parking lot/highway i realized the sad humor (dare i say irony) of sitting in traffic with hundreds of single passenger cars as i tried to get to a workshop on teaching environmental science. At least my hybrid turns off while i'm sitting in traffic. If only my brain was capable of such.
Now, if you put 13 teachers in a room together you'll end up with 50 different opinions. Teachers LOVE to be heard. At any given workshop you will end up with three types of teachers:
1) Those who get great pleasure from talking about themselves (as oppose to people with blogs). Everything they do is THE BEST and everyone should be more than happy to be graced with a detailed account of how they do everything and anything. Fortunately there were several of these people in attendance so i now know several proper ways to teach my class... but which one was the best-best? Maybe that guy from the private school who was bought 12 kayaks to help with his classroom lessons had the best-best... he seemed to get the most money so he must be right.
2)Those who feel the need to ask a question for every topic discussed. Somewhere along the way they were told that there's no such thing as a stupid question and really took it to heart and ran with it. In fact, there is such thing as a stupid question... there's also such thing as stupid people who waste everyone's time trying to appear smart by asking useless questions that prevent the rest of us from moving on to the next subject. Next subject...
3) Those sarcastic assholes (me) who pepper workshops with little comments intended to simultaneously fuck with #1 & #2 and attempting to make 'serious guy' up front laugh. Done and Done. i've got to stop listening to Henry Rollins before teacher workshops.
For quite some time now i've realized that education in this country is broken and all i can do is fix what i can within my classroom. Teacher workshops, however, always seem to throw fuel on that fire (even when they are informative... as today was). This hypocritical room of individuals were suppose to be teaching students to tread lightly on our earth yet did not practice what they preach (or teach in this case).
Looking at an activity exploring the amount of land needed to sustain various sized populations of people i brought up that they were only looking at an omnivorous diet. After having to then explain to a room full of science teacher's what omnivorous means i recommended comparing those results to how many vegetarians could be sustained on the same amount of land. Most of the more respected scientists, including Einstein, believed that humans will have to one day become vegetarians as a result of our population growth. They dismissed me like i was a leper. Moments latter we broke for our complimentary lunch and they all chowed down on their meat while i had my bag lunch from home. Way to sustain the earth.
Throughout the day people kept mentioning their kids. i was in a room full of breeders. Not very environmental-like having 3+ kids. i guess they over-look that required unit on population.
Lastly, as we were all leaving (after they threw out the coffee cups and plastic plates, and after failing to recycle complimentary soda cans) i realized that i was the only one with a hybrid. SUV's, pick-up trucks, you name it. No other hybrids.
Growing a beard, wearing plaid shirts, and sporting one piece leather hiking boots alone does not make you an environmentalist. Apparently it's all that's needed to TEACH an environmental class though. i guess i better throw out my razor.
Oct 26, 2006
Vote YES on O.U.P.
*(Oh Yeah... Windows 98 and a tiny laptop screen. At least this old Gateway can get on the internet which is more than i can say for my other computer. My ideas have been piling up with no computer use so i'm making due here.)
In the name of the betterment of society i am calling for the legalization of unemotional violence. Maybe this is due to the fact that i am tired of skirt wearing sallies acting like idiots, or, more likely because i've gone like 4 months without being able to watch 'Fight Club'... but hear me out on this one and keep in mind i'm a vegetarian with a great respect for life.
When people are doing stupid shit that they shouldn't be doing, running off their mouth, or just overall acting like date-raping frat boys it should be the responsibility of those citizens around such person to put them back in check. i'm not talking beat-downs, assaults with weapons, or fits of rage. Legally, as a citizen of this land of the free, you should be allowed ONE PUNCH, just one... so long as you refrain from any type of emotional attachment to said situation.
Most of us have seen the rage in someone's eye as they lashed out on someone else. Once emotion has set in things easily escalate and get out of control (if there was any control to begin with). Horrible acts are possible when frustration or anger lead to physical violence. We are all capable of dangerous things in such situations, things we otherwise seem incapable of. This is what i want to prevent and avoid. We need to leave the emotion out of this.
Sometimes words are not enough. That's where the ONE UNEMOTIONAL PUNCH (O.U.P. from here on out... pronounced like soup without the 'S') comes in. Jackass in front of you in the express lane at the grocery store with a week's worth of groceries... BAM... OUP to the kidney. That fucker will think twice before doing that again in the near future.
Moronic, wanna-be thug with a crisp, clean, still tagged baseball hat barely sitting on the top of his head... OUP to the back of his empty cranium knocking that silly hat right off the top of his dome. You can't tell me people wouldn't cheer you on after that one.
Some ignorant, inbred son-of-a-bitch, still spouting out racist shit in this day and age... OUP just below the rib cage, directly hitting his diafram knocking the wind right out of that bastard. That would quiet him at least until he caught his breath again.
The social benefits are countless: people may actually start thinking about things before they do/say them; over-all stress levels decrease across the country resulting in lower blood pressure, less heart attacks, fewer heart prescriptions needed... resulting in cheaper health insurance rates; other countries and terrorists start thinking... 'those cats are fucked, i'm staying the hell away from them'; and an overall decrease in the 'Asshole Factor'.
At the very lest this would tuffen people up, and in this day and age of obesity and lawsuits, couldn't Americans use a little tuffening up?
Join the revolution: call your senators and ask that OUP's be put on this November's ballot!
In the name of the betterment of society i am calling for the legalization of unemotional violence. Maybe this is due to the fact that i am tired of skirt wearing sallies acting like idiots, or, more likely because i've gone like 4 months without being able to watch 'Fight Club'... but hear me out on this one and keep in mind i'm a vegetarian with a great respect for life.
When people are doing stupid shit that they shouldn't be doing, running off their mouth, or just overall acting like date-raping frat boys it should be the responsibility of those citizens around such person to put them back in check. i'm not talking beat-downs, assaults with weapons, or fits of rage. Legally, as a citizen of this land of the free, you should be allowed ONE PUNCH, just one... so long as you refrain from any type of emotional attachment to said situation.
Most of us have seen the rage in someone's eye as they lashed out on someone else. Once emotion has set in things easily escalate and get out of control (if there was any control to begin with). Horrible acts are possible when frustration or anger lead to physical violence. We are all capable of dangerous things in such situations, things we otherwise seem incapable of. This is what i want to prevent and avoid. We need to leave the emotion out of this.
Sometimes words are not enough. That's where the ONE UNEMOTIONAL PUNCH (O.U.P. from here on out... pronounced like soup without the 'S') comes in. Jackass in front of you in the express lane at the grocery store with a week's worth of groceries... BAM... OUP to the kidney. That fucker will think twice before doing that again in the near future.
Moronic, wanna-be thug with a crisp, clean, still tagged baseball hat barely sitting on the top of his head... OUP to the back of his empty cranium knocking that silly hat right off the top of his dome. You can't tell me people wouldn't cheer you on after that one.
Some ignorant, inbred son-of-a-bitch, still spouting out racist shit in this day and age... OUP just below the rib cage, directly hitting his diafram knocking the wind right out of that bastard. That would quiet him at least until he caught his breath again.
The social benefits are countless: people may actually start thinking about things before they do/say them; over-all stress levels decrease across the country resulting in lower blood pressure, less heart attacks, fewer heart prescriptions needed... resulting in cheaper health insurance rates; other countries and terrorists start thinking... 'those cats are fucked, i'm staying the hell away from them'; and an overall decrease in the 'Asshole Factor'.
At the very lest this would tuffen people up, and in this day and age of obesity and lawsuits, couldn't Americans use a little tuffening up?
Join the revolution: call your senators and ask that OUP's be put on this November's ballot!
Oct 23, 2006
Animals Outside The Window
"if we don't get to sit next to each other on the safari ride, i'm gonna mind..."
-Walking Concert
(i'm not slacking... my computer died... funeral pending... i'm moving into a tent with no computers so that they can no longer let me down... winter might be cold though)
Oct 20, 2006
Vinyl Fettish
i have a romantic attraction to records. i suppose i'm a hopeless romantic in many idealistic ways but there is really something to listening to music on a record. (eventually i'll put a picture here but my computer died so i'm doing this like Strong Bad on an older computer)
Those who know me know i'm attracted to round, circular objects. The bigger the better. i find it hard to get romantic with a cd (some people enjoy just a hand full)... but a record (of any color) can lead to an evening of dimmed lights; soft, low humming; and lots of flipping.
The first time you listen to a record is the best, most organic way you will ever hear a song. Granted it may decrease in quality with every listen after that but it's all worth that first listen. Who wants to live forever? i find some comfort in knowing that like me, my records have a finite lifetime.
This romance may link back to the fact that my earliest memories of music are days spent listening to records as a child. It's how music was introduced to me and i will never forget that. The convenience of having most of my music collection on a tiny iPod serves my now full-blown music addiction well, but gently holding those large, round, vinyl disks like some fragile lover and laying her down on a turntable, sleeves cast aside, warms the cockles of my heart.
All right... back to listening to my record collection...
Those who know me know i'm attracted to round, circular objects. The bigger the better. i find it hard to get romantic with a cd (some people enjoy just a hand full)... but a record (of any color) can lead to an evening of dimmed lights; soft, low humming; and lots of flipping.
The first time you listen to a record is the best, most organic way you will ever hear a song. Granted it may decrease in quality with every listen after that but it's all worth that first listen. Who wants to live forever? i find some comfort in knowing that like me, my records have a finite lifetime.
This romance may link back to the fact that my earliest memories of music are days spent listening to records as a child. It's how music was introduced to me and i will never forget that. The convenience of having most of my music collection on a tiny iPod serves my now full-blown music addiction well, but gently holding those large, round, vinyl disks like some fragile lover and laying her down on a turntable, sleeves cast aside, warms the cockles of my heart.
All right... back to listening to my record collection...
Oct 16, 2006
Groceries
Tonight i went out for a quick grocery run. Not a full fledged grocery shopping event where i wear my iPod so that no one tries to interact with me and deter me from my mission: get food, get kleenex, and get out. This was just a quick stop to get what i needed for lunches this week so i left the iPod at home. Woah nelly...
i was perusing the dental floss selection. There's something about grocery store floss displays and convenience store beverage displays that leave me perplexed. Maybe it's the myriad of choices or all that bright colored plastic but i can never make a quick decision when faced with either.
All of a sudden i hear someone singing horribly high pitched bad hip-hop. i look over to find a Backstreet wannabe rounding the corner to come up my aisle fully pretty-boyed out with blonde moused up hair, matching chin-strap beard thing, white sweater, baggy tan Abecrummy cargo pants and big white sneakers.
There i am in my Dickies (filthy from post-work yard clean-up), black hooded sweatshirt, and shaved head staring this cat down with lowered brow partially in a look of bewilderment, partially hinting 'what's your story'. Backstreet doesn't even miss a beat. In fact, he turns it up to ELEVEN as he stops at the hair-care products belting it out now at the top of his lungs. No head phones mind you, just a-capella. Stunned, i quickly just grab whatever floss first catches my eye and high tail it through the mid-aisle break in the beauty products aisle.
My hasty exit into the next row startles a mother and her two daughters who scatter in three different directions. i seem to have disrupted their deodorant selection process. A cosmic game of grocery store pool. What a suburban exemplar of the butterfly effect. What chaos theory equation could possibly have predicted that series of events?
It took George Lucas and Stephen Cobert having a light saber duel to snap me out of my shell-shock from having experienced such randomness during what should have been a simple errand. Whoa nelly indeed.
i was perusing the dental floss selection. There's something about grocery store floss displays and convenience store beverage displays that leave me perplexed. Maybe it's the myriad of choices or all that bright colored plastic but i can never make a quick decision when faced with either.
All of a sudden i hear someone singing horribly high pitched bad hip-hop. i look over to find a Backstreet wannabe rounding the corner to come up my aisle fully pretty-boyed out with blonde moused up hair, matching chin-strap beard thing, white sweater, baggy tan Abecrummy cargo pants and big white sneakers.
There i am in my Dickies (filthy from post-work yard clean-up), black hooded sweatshirt, and shaved head staring this cat down with lowered brow partially in a look of bewilderment, partially hinting 'what's your story'. Backstreet doesn't even miss a beat. In fact, he turns it up to ELEVEN as he stops at the hair-care products belting it out now at the top of his lungs. No head phones mind you, just a-capella. Stunned, i quickly just grab whatever floss first catches my eye and high tail it through the mid-aisle break in the beauty products aisle.
My hasty exit into the next row startles a mother and her two daughters who scatter in three different directions. i seem to have disrupted their deodorant selection process. A cosmic game of grocery store pool. What a suburban exemplar of the butterfly effect. What chaos theory equation could possibly have predicted that series of events?
It took George Lucas and Stephen Cobert having a light saber duel to snap me out of my shell-shock from having experienced such randomness during what should have been a simple errand. Whoa nelly indeed.
Postponed
This entry has been preempted as George Lucas is currently on the Cobert Report... please stay tuned.
Oct 15, 2006
Just A Boy Band
Politics, bosses, SUV's, there have been a lot of mentions on this page that may have upset certain types of people at different times. Here comes, possibly, the most blasphemous, controversial, and instigating entry to date, if not ever.
The Beatles where nothing more than a boy band. That's right. i said it. The Beatles mean nothing to me. They are a cheesy, pop, boy band milking the formula from day one.
Here we go, right from the start: they all got the same outfits, the same haircut, and bopped around playing simple, sing-along pop songs that made teenage girls scream. Clean-cut, TV friendly, and easily marketable putting them right into the spotlight.
Times changed and, like Madonna after them, they changed. Their audience was growing up, growing their hair long, and doing drugs. So what did The Beatles do? They continued to write easily accessible music but altered it to fit in with their new look and lifestyle, matching that of their audience. Go to India. Get a Guru. Make some rebellious comment comparing your band to Jesus. Write a song easily interpreted to reference LSD yet say it was based on a child's drawing. Yawn...
The White Album? If they can supposedly make art if given a tuba why couldn't they come up with a better album name and cover concept? Sergeant Pepper's as a response to Pet Sounds? Isn't that like the Jackson 5 and the Commodors having a dance off or N'sync and Backstreet Boys having a video showdown? Silly pop bands competing and people trying to call it art.
My favorite part: the break-up leading to the solo career. This is as humorous as Jutin Timberlake trying to pretend like he was never in a boy-band, or better that he was too good for his boy band. i have to admit, the crazy, out-of-her-mind wife route was a unique twist. The inequitable treatment of his offspring shows how songs like 'All You Need Is Love' and 'Image' were probably just lip service. Megalomania posing as salt of the earth.
i could go on but i won't. If they are the best band ever and if those where the best times ever someone please shoot me because that doesn't say much for music or humanity and the world we live in.
i know that people's favorite bands are a point of personal preference but as a society we have to acknowledge what is just sugar that many people enjoy and what is sustenance. Coltrane, Davis, Mussorgsky... these are timeless feats of music that deserve our respect, even if you don't regularly listen to them. Admit it... The Beatles are just sugary pop and we need to stop pretending that they are anything more.
The Beatles where nothing more than a boy band. That's right. i said it. The Beatles mean nothing to me. They are a cheesy, pop, boy band milking the formula from day one.
Here we go, right from the start: they all got the same outfits, the same haircut, and bopped around playing simple, sing-along pop songs that made teenage girls scream. Clean-cut, TV friendly, and easily marketable putting them right into the spotlight.
Times changed and, like Madonna after them, they changed. Their audience was growing up, growing their hair long, and doing drugs. So what did The Beatles do? They continued to write easily accessible music but altered it to fit in with their new look and lifestyle, matching that of their audience. Go to India. Get a Guru. Make some rebellious comment comparing your band to Jesus. Write a song easily interpreted to reference LSD yet say it was based on a child's drawing. Yawn...
The White Album? If they can supposedly make art if given a tuba why couldn't they come up with a better album name and cover concept? Sergeant Pepper's as a response to Pet Sounds? Isn't that like the Jackson 5 and the Commodors having a dance off or N'sync and Backstreet Boys having a video showdown? Silly pop bands competing and people trying to call it art.
My favorite part: the break-up leading to the solo career. This is as humorous as Jutin Timberlake trying to pretend like he was never in a boy-band, or better that he was too good for his boy band. i have to admit, the crazy, out-of-her-mind wife route was a unique twist. The inequitable treatment of his offspring shows how songs like 'All You Need Is Love' and 'Image' were probably just lip service. Megalomania posing as salt of the earth.
i could go on but i won't. If they are the best band ever and if those where the best times ever someone please shoot me because that doesn't say much for music or humanity and the world we live in.
i know that people's favorite bands are a point of personal preference but as a society we have to acknowledge what is just sugar that many people enjoy and what is sustenance. Coltrane, Davis, Mussorgsky... these are timeless feats of music that deserve our respect, even if you don't regularly listen to them. Admit it... The Beatles are just sugary pop and we need to stop pretending that they are anything more.
Oct 13, 2006
Mass-accent
In Massachusetts this street would be pronounced 'vespa'. Although they would probably pronounce Vespa the scooter 'vesper'.
Enjoying the fall riding season (cold mornings and nights but perfect daytime temperatures) i came across the classic street name (if you're into Vespas and have spent any time in the Greater Boston area). On this particular day, however the Vespa ran into trouble.
As can be seen in side picture here (Vespa on Vesper Street)the old girl had some side-view mirror problems. While riding on down to the ocean one of the mirrors spontaneously broke off. Fortunately my sweet ninja skills allowed me to simultaneously catch the mirror in one hand and pull the scooter over to the side of the road, without stalling it out none the less.
Come to find out the bolt itself broke so now i have a lopsided Vespa with a bolt broken flush in the mirror mount hole. Not sure how to get that one out without stripping the threads.
For the sake of balance i have since taken off the remaining mirror. Now i have a pleasant unobstructed front view, an even more stylin' retro look, and no idea what's going on behind me as i travel around.
i should probably look into rectifying that problem as there may be some legal implications to having no mirrors... ahhh whatever. It's not like i could see a cop behind me trying to pull me over anyway.
Oct 12, 2006
Boob-tube
i needed something good here so...
"My Name Is Earl" is fucking great. i do so enjoy that show...
...and...
fall is such a lovely time of year... with all the leaves changing color, Halloween decorations, and hoodie freindly temperatures.
Over-and-out
"My Name Is Earl" is fucking great. i do so enjoy that show...
...and...
fall is such a lovely time of year... with all the leaves changing color, Halloween decorations, and hoodie freindly temperatures.
Over-and-out
McCain (sets me off)
John McCain is a fucking asshole. i could write some eloquent, well written piece politely arguing my point but that's been done for the last 6 years to no effect. Now is the time for emotional outcries and guttural moans.
Why am i so upset? i actually believed that he could be a voice of common sense embedded in the current administration but oh how i was wrong. At first i thought that when his lip-service would suddenly change to support of Jr that it was him playing the game. After his recent comments blaming the North Korea problem on Clinton i've had enough. He's an ignorant, spineless, toadie just like the rest of them. When will the current administration be held responsible for their actions? Oh yeah... NEVER!
Next is that gap-toothed cunt Condi. She gets asked straightforward questions and answers them however she likes with a condescending toen as if to say we are not worth her time. She is as successful with foreign policy as she is with hair care products.
The only reason Jr hasn't been impeached is because of the one genius move his administration made: picking a VP SO EVIL that no one in their right mind would want to give him any more power than he already has.
This North Korea issue is the scariest political issue of my lifetime, moreso than 9/11 because of the far-reaching implications. With the US tied up in two useless, unsuccessful wars, we don't have enough means to deal with this issue properly. If we were not overstretched we could point our collective military gun at North Korea and tell them to put their shit down.
The US makes up 50% of the world's military spending. This makes us the biggest bullies in the sandbox. If this wasn't the case, with our current behavior, we would probably be on the receiving end of WWIII (and not on the allies side this time). This also means that there is little the rest of the world can do to stop other countries with force, without our help. Quite a dangerous situation seeing how a country who sells arms to terrorists has started testing nuclear (not nu-q-lar) bombs.
Evil republicans, useless democrats, terrorists, and nuclear bombs. The current administration doesn't care about the human lives that they are ending. They use money and oil to lubricate themselves up while they sexually harass young boys. They have no understanding or concern for how the rest of us live.
In the 80's classic "Gleaming the Cube" the hero of the story contemplated which was worse: nuclear war or a 7-11 on every corner. Well, in 2006 we have a Walmart in every town AND nuclear weapons. Gotta love progress.
My soul weighs heavy with the current conditions of the world. i'm not sure if i should listen to Fugazi's "Argument" and do what i can to make improvements in my own little life, or if i should listen to Bright Eyes' "Land Locked Blues" and cry.
Why am i so upset? i actually believed that he could be a voice of common sense embedded in the current administration but oh how i was wrong. At first i thought that when his lip-service would suddenly change to support of Jr that it was him playing the game. After his recent comments blaming the North Korea problem on Clinton i've had enough. He's an ignorant, spineless, toadie just like the rest of them. When will the current administration be held responsible for their actions? Oh yeah... NEVER!
Next is that gap-toothed cunt Condi. She gets asked straightforward questions and answers them however she likes with a condescending toen as if to say we are not worth her time. She is as successful with foreign policy as she is with hair care products.
The only reason Jr hasn't been impeached is because of the one genius move his administration made: picking a VP SO EVIL that no one in their right mind would want to give him any more power than he already has.
This North Korea issue is the scariest political issue of my lifetime, moreso than 9/11 because of the far-reaching implications. With the US tied up in two useless, unsuccessful wars, we don't have enough means to deal with this issue properly. If we were not overstretched we could point our collective military gun at North Korea and tell them to put their shit down.
The US makes up 50% of the world's military spending. This makes us the biggest bullies in the sandbox. If this wasn't the case, with our current behavior, we would probably be on the receiving end of WWIII (and not on the allies side this time). This also means that there is little the rest of the world can do to stop other countries with force, without our help. Quite a dangerous situation seeing how a country who sells arms to terrorists has started testing nuclear (not nu-q-lar) bombs.
Evil republicans, useless democrats, terrorists, and nuclear bombs. The current administration doesn't care about the human lives that they are ending. They use money and oil to lubricate themselves up while they sexually harass young boys. They have no understanding or concern for how the rest of us live.
In the 80's classic "Gleaming the Cube" the hero of the story contemplated which was worse: nuclear war or a 7-11 on every corner. Well, in 2006 we have a Walmart in every town AND nuclear weapons. Gotta love progress.
My soul weighs heavy with the current conditions of the world. i'm not sure if i should listen to Fugazi's "Argument" and do what i can to make improvements in my own little life, or if i should listen to Bright Eyes' "Land Locked Blues" and cry.
Oct 10, 2006
Recommended Topic: Andy Rooney
i want Andy Rooney's job. Once a week he gets to rant for a few minutes on national television. i, inspired by Jack Kerouac's prose writing style, spontaneously ejaculate my rants on a near daily basis. Imagine if i spent a whole week fine tuning and researching out my rants. What potential, what eloquent levels might i reach?
i realize i would have to curb some of the swearing but the once a week thing would give people a whole week to recover before being bombarded with another installment.
Now i don't always agree with Mr. Rooney (in fact i rarely do) but i do so enjoy that he gets to do what he does for a job. i don't expect people to always agree with me. That would be both scary and boring. i would, however, like to put in my application to work as a sub for him as he is getting up there in age and i'm sure he could use someone to fill in for him from time to time, for sick days, vacations, and all.
What do you say 60 Minutes?
(shit, almost made it through this whole entry without a spelling mistake, damn)
i realize i would have to curb some of the swearing but the once a week thing would give people a whole week to recover before being bombarded with another installment.
Now i don't always agree with Mr. Rooney (in fact i rarely do) but i do so enjoy that he gets to do what he does for a job. i don't expect people to always agree with me. That would be both scary and boring. i would, however, like to put in my application to work as a sub for him as he is getting up there in age and i'm sure he could use someone to fill in for him from time to time, for sick days, vacations, and all.
What do you say 60 Minutes?
(shit, almost made it through this whole entry without a spelling mistake, damn)
Oct 9, 2006
Columbus Day
Today America celebrates Columbus who was trying to sail to Asia looking for gold and spices. Instead he landed on an island in the Bahamas. Scientists of the time knew the earth was round due to observations of shadows and most educated men of the time where aware of this. They also knew that the trip from Europe to Asia would have to be long based on believed size of the earth so Columbus's crew would not have made it if there had not been something along the way.
Upon landing in the Bahamas he took natives by force to show him where gold might be on the local islands. He then used the wood from the crashed Santa Maria to build a fort to further enslave natives of the Caribbean islands to gather gold to be brought back to Europe.
This encouraged others to do the same ultimately creating the exploitation of the North American native crops of corn and tobacco (not to be confused with tomacco). Ultimately this led to the almost complete extinction of North American Natives. All led by a man who didn't realize he had not landed in Asia.
Some of those who are short on wit like to bring up Hitler in a pinch when discussing atrocities. Me, i prefer to reference Columbus, he was far more successful at annihilating several races of people on an entire continent.
Hurray for America's pick of people to celebrate with holidays (and hurray for our lying history teachers). How long did it take for states to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr Day? Oh yeah, some still don't, using generic holiday names instead on that date. Pluto can be renounced as a planet but Columbus day still stands.
Upon landing in the Bahamas he took natives by force to show him where gold might be on the local islands. He then used the wood from the crashed Santa Maria to build a fort to further enslave natives of the Caribbean islands to gather gold to be brought back to Europe.
This encouraged others to do the same ultimately creating the exploitation of the North American native crops of corn and tobacco (not to be confused with tomacco). Ultimately this led to the almost complete extinction of North American Natives. All led by a man who didn't realize he had not landed in Asia.
Some of those who are short on wit like to bring up Hitler in a pinch when discussing atrocities. Me, i prefer to reference Columbus, he was far more successful at annihilating several races of people on an entire continent.
Hurray for America's pick of people to celebrate with holidays (and hurray for our lying history teachers). How long did it take for states to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr Day? Oh yeah, some still don't, using generic holiday names instead on that date. Pluto can be renounced as a planet but Columbus day still stands.
Oct 8, 2006
The Big 5-0
This is it, the 50th entry. The entry based on your feedback, your comments. After looking them over and spending hour contemplating the importance of each i decided to go with the recommended topic: "Deez nutz". My personal nuts of choice are pistachios. As a child i remember having to split open the dyed red nuts which left my fingertips sore and my hands red, not to mention the effect the red dye had on my developing digestive track. Thankfully with the progresses in nut technology pistachios now can be purchased de-shelled allowing for a faster consumption time. Because of this one time as a poor, starving college student with no food left i ate a whole bag in one sitting resulting in several nasty canca-sores and upset intestines. Kids: don't try this at home.
Come on now... did you really think that would be the Big 5-0? i contemplated "Yo Mama!" but didn't want to give away too much personal information online for fear of pedafiles (do they still go after people in their 30's? Senators and Representatives scare me although now i know why they're always kissing babies). i also wasn't sure if they meant my mama or their mama. Quite confusing actually.
The other two i will write about, the first now, the latter later (those two words look good together).
"Authority and answering to others": In case you haven't noticed while reading entries here, i have a more than healthy distaste for authority. i am stubbornly independent, a trait that has helped me survive and excel in my idealistic lifestyle. It has, admittedly, probably kept me from achieving a few traditional benchmarks in life but i am far from traditional, don't care for such things, was aware of it at each turn, and have no regrets.
This lack of respect for authority also means that i do not believe in or have any heros. There are many people who have inspired me, however, and most of them did not think much of answering to others as well. My two favorite literary movements: The Beat Movement and the Transcendental Movement before them spoke frequently about this subject. As a teen the thought of anarchy seemed attractive until i realized that most people can't be trusted to do the right thing.
H.D. Thoreau and R.W. Emerson (Transcendental Movement) introduced me to the idea of Autonarchy which could be oversimplified as self-rule. Having complete control over your own life, your own decisions, so long as they do not infringe on other's rights to self-rule. i have been very attracted to this concept, idealisticly, as it differentiates from just being allowed to do whatever you like whenever you like, a scary proposition indeed when one looks at our society. This like all governing ideals however, would surely reach limits just as capitalism, communism, and socialism do.
So, what to do about authority and answering to other? We all end up in situations where we have to answer to someone. Bosses, usually less intelligent than ourselves, who fell into their position based on who they know or some other strange twist of luck. Governments which have not represented us for some time (if ever). Lovers we don't want to answer to but may not want to cut off completely. Friends who we value, but disagree with on life choices. Parents we need to rebel against and break free from but know will always be a part of our lives.
Ultimately we have to answer to ourselves. When your demons come calling for you in the middle of the night can you live with the decisions you have made? When you are taking your final breathes can you say you have enjoyed and been proud of your life?
If you can do this, all else will work itself out. Sometimes we answer to authority, sometimes we rage against it. The regret will last much longer than the memory of who that asshole boss was at that job you had at one point in your life. It's never too late to impress yourself, maybe you'll even give yourself a raise.
Oct 5, 2006
26th Hour
(#49 beeeyatches)
If you've read 'The Tain' (which you probably haven't even heard of) you know that the Irish love their lists. Being true to the blood in my veins, even if it is rusted, i have my own list today.
Things i am so fuckin' done with:
...slothful people that are so incredibly lazy they are becoming more and more obese. They do absolutely NOTHING, no effort, no drive, no movement at all. If you don't do ANYTHING you lose the right to complain. Useless piles of carbon.
...people who sue (not people named Sue). This country has become such a litigious nightmare you can't do anything without the worry of someone taking legal action against you. Suddenly every jack-off thinks they know their rights and will take you to court if they think there is any possibility that they could get something out of it. Earn your money! Quit looking for free-bees while ruining it for the rest of us as now there are warnings on bags to remind me that they are not toys and warnings on my coffee to remind me it's hot and could burn me. i sign a waver every time i leave the house just in case i try to sue myself.
...people who think their time is worth more than yours. You know these people. After you've been waiting in a long line and are finally next, a cashier opens up the lane beside you and says 'I'll help the next person in line' and those bastards that just got in line hop over into the new lane because the rest of us waiting in line are not as important. You should be allowed to punch then in the back of the head, just once.
...people who write blogs. Quit wasting your fucking time and go do something productive... no wait... hmmm... yeah i guess i'll still go with this one.
...people who can't do there jobs. The rest of us are constantly picking up the slack for these people and yet they never get fired. There are hundreds of people out there who would love these people's job and who could do it a thousand times better. Give someone else the chance.
...people who shouldn't have their driver's license. These people cause the rest of us to have to pay higher insurance rates. Even worse they WASTE OUR TIME out on the road. Causing congestion, accidents, hold-ups. This is time we will never get back. This is something you can't sue someone for (not that you should anyway, as mentioned above). Maybe there should be time-insurance to compensate you when your time has been wasted. No company could make money that way though.
...people that don't stand up for others. This could and will be an entry all to itself. If we don't stick up for one another no one else will. Bullies exist at all levels of life, they have no power if we stand together.
This has gone on long enough. i could go on but i'll leave that up to you. Feel free to add your own in the comments. Make as big a list as you like, i don't believe there is a limit on space.
If you've read 'The Tain' (which you probably haven't even heard of) you know that the Irish love their lists. Being true to the blood in my veins, even if it is rusted, i have my own list today.
Things i am so fuckin' done with:
...slothful people that are so incredibly lazy they are becoming more and more obese. They do absolutely NOTHING, no effort, no drive, no movement at all. If you don't do ANYTHING you lose the right to complain. Useless piles of carbon.
...people who sue (not people named Sue). This country has become such a litigious nightmare you can't do anything without the worry of someone taking legal action against you. Suddenly every jack-off thinks they know their rights and will take you to court if they think there is any possibility that they could get something out of it. Earn your money! Quit looking for free-bees while ruining it for the rest of us as now there are warnings on bags to remind me that they are not toys and warnings on my coffee to remind me it's hot and could burn me. i sign a waver every time i leave the house just in case i try to sue myself.
...people who think their time is worth more than yours. You know these people. After you've been waiting in a long line and are finally next, a cashier opens up the lane beside you and says 'I'll help the next person in line' and those bastards that just got in line hop over into the new lane because the rest of us waiting in line are not as important. You should be allowed to punch then in the back of the head, just once.
...people who write blogs. Quit wasting your fucking time and go do something productive... no wait... hmmm... yeah i guess i'll still go with this one.
...people who can't do there jobs. The rest of us are constantly picking up the slack for these people and yet they never get fired. There are hundreds of people out there who would love these people's job and who could do it a thousand times better. Give someone else the chance.
...people who shouldn't have their driver's license. These people cause the rest of us to have to pay higher insurance rates. Even worse they WASTE OUR TIME out on the road. Causing congestion, accidents, hold-ups. This is time we will never get back. This is something you can't sue someone for (not that you should anyway, as mentioned above). Maybe there should be time-insurance to compensate you when your time has been wasted. No company could make money that way though.
...people that don't stand up for others. This could and will be an entry all to itself. If we don't stick up for one another no one else will. Bullies exist at all levels of life, they have no power if we stand together.
This has gone on long enough. i could go on but i'll leave that up to you. Feel free to add your own in the comments. Make as big a list as you like, i don't believe there is a limit on space.
Oct 4, 2006
...Believe It Or Not...
(Here's #48... 50 is growing ever closer... this one's a bit serious again but i promise i'll get back to swearing and sarcasm soon enough... it must be the contemplative nature of fall)
Religion: how can something intended to improve lives be the basis of so many wars, so much killing, for oh so long? One must question people's interpretation of their respective prophets/gods/founders if this is how people are acting in their name.
The US vs The World (currently Afghanistan and Iraq): oil and money may play a part in US motivation but ultimately it comes down to a battle between fundamentalists in both the US and Iraq, Saudi Arabia, etc. Extremists are driving this war on both sides and the rest of us are paying for it (quite literally, have you see the budget? Let's not even discus the human toll: fathers/mothers, sons/daughters, brothers/sisters).
Israel vs Everyone Around Them: Land taken away from several groups of people and given to another group of harmed people (how it came to be). The parties who did this then left the groups to sort it out for themselves. Rival theologies fighting for holy land each feels they have the right to. Groups fighting ever since they came into existence.
i could go on and on mentioning areas of Africa, former Soviet countries, etc, etc, etc as religious battle are occurring on every continent (even Australia with aborigines fighting to maintain their spiritual ways... wait... Antartica? Maybe a penguin vs leopard seal philosophical upheaval?). i get disgusted when i think of how Native Americans are still struggling to be able to worship in their holy places here in the land of supposed religious freedom (we wouldn't want rock climbers or hippie campers to have to go a day without access to these lands on holy days). The one that seems to be so near to my heart, however, is...
Northern Ireland:This is such a magical little island, such a beautiful little island. So many wonderful people live here (as, i'm sure is the case in all these struggling areas of the world). England came in trying to rule the entire region and like some drunk frat boy was unable to pull out all the way. Generations later, groups of people who believe that they are English and groups of people who believe they're Irish are trying to live together in land they were both born in, stuck because of previous generation's mistakes and religious differences. Two religions based on the same person: Jesus, yet they can't seem to get his ideals straight. For all the stereotypes about the Irish being stubborn it seems it's the English Protestant side that is pig-headedly holding up the best chance of peace Northern Ireland has seen in quite some time.
i could go on and on about Northern Ireland but maybe another time.
If you could put Jesus, Buddha, The Great Spirit, Krishna, Ganesh, Mohammed, David, Moses, etc, etc, etc together in a room (just imagine that visual) i cannot believe that they would all start duking it out. i tend to think that it would be a pretty peaceful room seeing how most of them were teaching about peace, and loving one another, and improving yourself, and respect for life.
Yet, when i see pictures of Paisley, Bin Lauden, Bush, etc, etc, etc and i look at their eyes, i can't help but believe that they are missing the plot (as well as a proper sized heart...maybe the Who's could help, it worked on the Grinch... yeah, that's it... lets shift the military budget over to trying to find where the Who's live). Are they really understanding the intent of their respective religions? They're like children who walk in halfway through a movie, watch 5 minutes, and think they understand the storyline. When the 10 Commandments seem to be the ultimate set of rules for Christian religions, how can these battles, these wars, these conflicts be explained away? It's like people who say they're vegetarian but then eat chicken and fish. If you eat chicken and fish then you're not a vegetarian (fuckhead).
When religion gets brought into it things quickly get bogged down and hopes for logical ends disappear as minds close and hatred rises (the very opposite of most religious teachings). People have got to stop hiding behind religion to justify their behavior (i can't stand excuses). i hope that if i can't see world peace in my life time i can at least see peace in Ireland. Erin go bragh!
Religion: how can something intended to improve lives be the basis of so many wars, so much killing, for oh so long? One must question people's interpretation of their respective prophets/gods/founders if this is how people are acting in their name.
The US vs The World (currently Afghanistan and Iraq): oil and money may play a part in US motivation but ultimately it comes down to a battle between fundamentalists in both the US and Iraq, Saudi Arabia, etc. Extremists are driving this war on both sides and the rest of us are paying for it (quite literally, have you see the budget? Let's not even discus the human toll: fathers/mothers, sons/daughters, brothers/sisters).
Israel vs Everyone Around Them: Land taken away from several groups of people and given to another group of harmed people (how it came to be). The parties who did this then left the groups to sort it out for themselves. Rival theologies fighting for holy land each feels they have the right to. Groups fighting ever since they came into existence.
i could go on and on mentioning areas of Africa, former Soviet countries, etc, etc, etc as religious battle are occurring on every continent (even Australia with aborigines fighting to maintain their spiritual ways... wait... Antartica? Maybe a penguin vs leopard seal philosophical upheaval?). i get disgusted when i think of how Native Americans are still struggling to be able to worship in their holy places here in the land of supposed religious freedom (we wouldn't want rock climbers or hippie campers to have to go a day without access to these lands on holy days). The one that seems to be so near to my heart, however, is...
Northern Ireland:This is such a magical little island, such a beautiful little island. So many wonderful people live here (as, i'm sure is the case in all these struggling areas of the world). England came in trying to rule the entire region and like some drunk frat boy was unable to pull out all the way. Generations later, groups of people who believe that they are English and groups of people who believe they're Irish are trying to live together in land they were both born in, stuck because of previous generation's mistakes and religious differences. Two religions based on the same person: Jesus, yet they can't seem to get his ideals straight. For all the stereotypes about the Irish being stubborn it seems it's the English Protestant side that is pig-headedly holding up the best chance of peace Northern Ireland has seen in quite some time.
i could go on and on about Northern Ireland but maybe another time.
If you could put Jesus, Buddha, The Great Spirit, Krishna, Ganesh, Mohammed, David, Moses, etc, etc, etc together in a room (just imagine that visual) i cannot believe that they would all start duking it out. i tend to think that it would be a pretty peaceful room seeing how most of them were teaching about peace, and loving one another, and improving yourself, and respect for life.
Yet, when i see pictures of Paisley, Bin Lauden, Bush, etc, etc, etc and i look at their eyes, i can't help but believe that they are missing the plot (as well as a proper sized heart...maybe the Who's could help, it worked on the Grinch... yeah, that's it... lets shift the military budget over to trying to find where the Who's live). Are they really understanding the intent of their respective religions? They're like children who walk in halfway through a movie, watch 5 minutes, and think they understand the storyline. When the 10 Commandments seem to be the ultimate set of rules for Christian religions, how can these battles, these wars, these conflicts be explained away? It's like people who say they're vegetarian but then eat chicken and fish. If you eat chicken and fish then you're not a vegetarian (fuckhead).
When religion gets brought into it things quickly get bogged down and hopes for logical ends disappear as minds close and hatred rises (the very opposite of most religious teachings). People have got to stop hiding behind religion to justify their behavior (i can't stand excuses). i hope that if i can't see world peace in my life time i can at least see peace in Ireland. Erin go bragh!
Oct 1, 2006
It Nears
As i am approaching the 50th entry here i decided to try something new. For my 50th entry i will rant about the subject of your choice. No, i haven't run out of things to rant about (you should be so lucky). Just figured i'd try something new, something interactive. Comment in you choices.
Pain In The...
The other day i woke up with a yell. An hour or so before my alarm was to go off i went to roll over in bed only to find my right knee had completely locked up in a bent position. My more than half-asleep brain was flooded with electrical pulses of sudden pain sent up through nerves and over synapses. Settling back into my initial position the strong grip of sleep inspired me to try and 'sleep it off'. The pain was too much for that. Somewhere after the soccer game the night before and the low pressure system that brought us rain in the early morn' my notoriously bad knees decided they'd had enough.
After hopping to the linen closet to get the heating pad i spent the next hour, half asleep, warming up my knee and slowly working it into the straight position. My knees hurt to some degree almost every minute of every day. Like growing up in a noisy house, after awhile the consistent pain just kind of turns into the white noise of the nervous system and goes almost unnoticed. This little reminder opened my eyes in more ways than just disrupting my slumber.
Between my knee incident and seeing those around me get stuck with needles and yet another surgically enhanced (alright, repaired, no wolverine stories here) with pins and screws, i got thinking about pain, the kind we are handed and the kind we bring on ourselves.
Pain can be a great thing (no, this is not some S&M fetish thing). Pain reminds us that we are still alive. If we can still feel pain it's not too late, it's not over. It means we're still alive and kicking. Unlike mental or emotional pain physical pain is black and white. 'That needle is poking me, that's why i hurt'. 'That scar shows where i was cut with a scalpel and metal was bolted to my bones'. You know the source. It's clear, it's simple, even if it still hurts like a mutherfucker.
Maybe this is part of the reason i love skateboarding as much as i do. It regularly bumps one around enough to remind them that they are respirating, fragile little critters. Sometimes we all need to be reminded how valuable life is, what a precious thing it is, and how little time we really have here. Sometimes pain sidelines me, but most of the time it kicks my ass off the couch and makes me get busy living. It may keep me from doing what i would like to be doing, but it keeps me doing things... anything... just to do something... just to make sure i'm still alive. For that, i am thankful for the pain.
After hopping to the linen closet to get the heating pad i spent the next hour, half asleep, warming up my knee and slowly working it into the straight position. My knees hurt to some degree almost every minute of every day. Like growing up in a noisy house, after awhile the consistent pain just kind of turns into the white noise of the nervous system and goes almost unnoticed. This little reminder opened my eyes in more ways than just disrupting my slumber.
Between my knee incident and seeing those around me get stuck with needles and yet another surgically enhanced (alright, repaired, no wolverine stories here) with pins and screws, i got thinking about pain, the kind we are handed and the kind we bring on ourselves.
Pain can be a great thing (no, this is not some S&M fetish thing). Pain reminds us that we are still alive. If we can still feel pain it's not too late, it's not over. It means we're still alive and kicking. Unlike mental or emotional pain physical pain is black and white. 'That needle is poking me, that's why i hurt'. 'That scar shows where i was cut with a scalpel and metal was bolted to my bones'. You know the source. It's clear, it's simple, even if it still hurts like a mutherfucker.
Maybe this is part of the reason i love skateboarding as much as i do. It regularly bumps one around enough to remind them that they are respirating, fragile little critters. Sometimes we all need to be reminded how valuable life is, what a precious thing it is, and how little time we really have here. Sometimes pain sidelines me, but most of the time it kicks my ass off the couch and makes me get busy living. It may keep me from doing what i would like to be doing, but it keeps me doing things... anything... just to do something... just to make sure i'm still alive. For that, i am thankful for the pain.
Sep 26, 2006
Running From The Rain
i thoroughly enjoy thought provoking, yet ultimately useless questions on long car rides. After an amazing weekend in Providence, RI earlier this year to see the band 'Thursday' play and viewing of a 3D IMAX film, my significant other posed this question on the ride home: "If Thursday and Rise Against were playing shows on the same night, across the street from one another, which would you go see?"
Although i love both bands, without hesitation i chose Thursday. Their latest album is, in my opinion, the best album to come out since Pearl Jam's "Ten". Now many brilliant albums have come out between these records by some great bands but i never thought any could top the emotional bond i developed with "Ten" during my teenage years. i wore out three copies on tape and eventually bought "Ten" on both cd and vinyl. After listening to Thursday's albums and seeing them live several times i developed an attachment to their music further cemented by "A City By The Light Divided". You'd be hard pressed to find a band that puts more into their live show. Since this album came out i've had a hard time listening to much else, and some impressive albums have come out this year.
My significant other, of course, picked Rise Against. Despite the fact that during the ride home from buying one of their earlier albums she made fun of me for the purchase (you know you'll never live that one down), she has since not only grown to enjoy their music, but she has become a huge fan (strike that, a SUPER fan, she is by no accounts huge) buying all the albums they've ever put out. The line was drawn in the sand.
Well, the conflict has recently been settled, and then some. The two bands are touring together. Talk about a dream line-up. And neither of us have to choose. When Bush Jr said he was a uniter not a divider maybe he was really talking about music. i know he does get confused sometimes.
Although i love both bands, without hesitation i chose Thursday. Their latest album is, in my opinion, the best album to come out since Pearl Jam's "Ten". Now many brilliant albums have come out between these records by some great bands but i never thought any could top the emotional bond i developed with "Ten" during my teenage years. i wore out three copies on tape and eventually bought "Ten" on both cd and vinyl. After listening to Thursday's albums and seeing them live several times i developed an attachment to their music further cemented by "A City By The Light Divided". You'd be hard pressed to find a band that puts more into their live show. Since this album came out i've had a hard time listening to much else, and some impressive albums have come out this year.
My significant other, of course, picked Rise Against. Despite the fact that during the ride home from buying one of their earlier albums she made fun of me for the purchase (you know you'll never live that one down), she has since not only grown to enjoy their music, but she has become a huge fan (strike that, a SUPER fan, she is by no accounts huge) buying all the albums they've ever put out. The line was drawn in the sand.
Well, the conflict has recently been settled, and then some. The two bands are touring together. Talk about a dream line-up. And neither of us have to choose. When Bush Jr said he was a uniter not a divider maybe he was really talking about music. i know he does get confused sometimes.
It's The Hair That Makes The Man
You may not be able to tell from my profile picture because i'm wearing my helmet (bounty hunters must wear their helmets because if they were to get paralyzed in an interplanetary war their wife informed them that she wouldn't wipe their ass) but i keep my head shaved. The reactions to having a shaved head are never boring and usually fun. i feel i need to establish a little cliff-note background here before i move on with my tale though.
As a small blue-eyed boy one of our family friends got a 'wiffle' haircut one summer. i instantly knew i wanted to take it a step further and shave it. My mum said otherwise so it didn't happen. Fast-forward to years later as a rebellious punk teen. The desire didn't fade over time, in fact it only grew. One particularly rebellious night driving around with my best friend i decided i was going to go for it, no matter the inevitable trouble i'd get in. He thought they had some dog shears at his house so we headed there only to find out his parent threw them away months ago. At this point the only thing open was the local mall, which happened to have some chain hair-cutting place in it. Off we went.
Upon arriving at the mall i ran into some punk friends of mine. Upon telling them my current mission they said not to waste my money, they had a pair of clippers at home. They ran home to get them and we all met at an electrical outlet located just outside of Lechmere's (dating myself here but this used to be a Best Buy type chain store in malls back-in-the-day). We plugged them in and off came my hair. Thinking back this probably took about 15 minutes yet no one made any effort to stop us at any point. We did get some interesting looks however, as one could image.
i found out i had an extremely round head and i was instantly sold on the cut. The feeling of swimming for the first time after shaving your head is a sensation everyone should experience once in life, boy and girl alike. i can only imagine it's how a dolphin must feel, no resistance and the massaging flow of water over your scalp. Amazing! Almost equally amazing was how i kept my new cut hidden from my mum for almost three days, another story all together. The fall-out was worse than i had ever imagined it could be (it was just a haircut) but what doesn't kill you only makes you stronger so i came out of it with some intestinal fortitude and a new favorite haircut.
i've tried several different haircuts over the years but i always seem to come back to the comfort and low-maintenance of the shaved head: the style of choice for punks and monks of every persuation.
Now back to my original train of thought: people's reactions to my shaved head are always amusing. The more daring ask to rub it to see how it feels (rubbing a shaved head or a round belly are actually considered good luck, and it feels good for me too). Some people are intimidated (which is alright when you are shy and/or anti-social). My favorites, however, are the "has anyone ever told you you look like..." commments (this is not sarcasm this time, i do really get a kick out of this one). All of us skinny guys with saved heads apparently look alike to a majority of people. Most recently i've been told i look like: Travis Barker (Blink 182), the bass player to Mudvayne (don't remember his name), and Moby (the musician, not the whale).
Much like riding around on a Vespa, having a shaved head frequently leads to entertaining interaction with random people. It also prevents helmet-head after long days of freezing scoundrels in carbonite and warm skiff rides to Sarlac's Pit.
As a small blue-eyed boy one of our family friends got a 'wiffle' haircut one summer. i instantly knew i wanted to take it a step further and shave it. My mum said otherwise so it didn't happen. Fast-forward to years later as a rebellious punk teen. The desire didn't fade over time, in fact it only grew. One particularly rebellious night driving around with my best friend i decided i was going to go for it, no matter the inevitable trouble i'd get in. He thought they had some dog shears at his house so we headed there only to find out his parent threw them away months ago. At this point the only thing open was the local mall, which happened to have some chain hair-cutting place in it. Off we went.
Upon arriving at the mall i ran into some punk friends of mine. Upon telling them my current mission they said not to waste my money, they had a pair of clippers at home. They ran home to get them and we all met at an electrical outlet located just outside of Lechmere's (dating myself here but this used to be a Best Buy type chain store in malls back-in-the-day). We plugged them in and off came my hair. Thinking back this probably took about 15 minutes yet no one made any effort to stop us at any point. We did get some interesting looks however, as one could image.
i found out i had an extremely round head and i was instantly sold on the cut. The feeling of swimming for the first time after shaving your head is a sensation everyone should experience once in life, boy and girl alike. i can only imagine it's how a dolphin must feel, no resistance and the massaging flow of water over your scalp. Amazing! Almost equally amazing was how i kept my new cut hidden from my mum for almost three days, another story all together. The fall-out was worse than i had ever imagined it could be (it was just a haircut) but what doesn't kill you only makes you stronger so i came out of it with some intestinal fortitude and a new favorite haircut.
i've tried several different haircuts over the years but i always seem to come back to the comfort and low-maintenance of the shaved head: the style of choice for punks and monks of every persuation.
Now back to my original train of thought: people's reactions to my shaved head are always amusing. The more daring ask to rub it to see how it feels (rubbing a shaved head or a round belly are actually considered good luck, and it feels good for me too). Some people are intimidated (which is alright when you are shy and/or anti-social). My favorites, however, are the "has anyone ever told you you look like..." commments (this is not sarcasm this time, i do really get a kick out of this one). All of us skinny guys with saved heads apparently look alike to a majority of people. Most recently i've been told i look like: Travis Barker (Blink 182), the bass player to Mudvayne (don't remember his name), and Moby (the musician, not the whale).
Much like riding around on a Vespa, having a shaved head frequently leads to entertaining interaction with random people. It also prevents helmet-head after long days of freezing scoundrels in carbonite and warm skiff rides to Sarlac's Pit.
Sep 24, 2006
Jackass'd Reprise
Yes, this is my second entry on 'Jackass Two' but now that some time has passed other aspects of the movie have come to the fore.
First, what the fuck is wrong with Steve-O. Really now, there is something seriously wrong with that guy. Most of the other stuff had some level of cleverness or humor to it but Steve-O's segments just made me feel dirtier than sitting through a GWAR concert. i've already spent more time thinking about this than Steve-O has spent thinking about anything. Moving on.
Secondly, did you pay attention to the fine pants that most of these stunts (if you can call them that) were performed in? There is only one clothing line that could hold up to that kind of abuse... Dickies! Take that you Carhart wearing sonsofbitches. i look at that as an endorsement of the brand i enjoy (i see how one might see this differently though). How can all those Jackasses and Boston punks be wrong?
First, what the fuck is wrong with Steve-O. Really now, there is something seriously wrong with that guy. Most of the other stuff had some level of cleverness or humor to it but Steve-O's segments just made me feel dirtier than sitting through a GWAR concert. i've already spent more time thinking about this than Steve-O has spent thinking about anything. Moving on.
Secondly, did you pay attention to the fine pants that most of these stunts (if you can call them that) were performed in? There is only one clothing line that could hold up to that kind of abuse... Dickies! Take that you Carhart wearing sonsofbitches. i look at that as an endorsement of the brand i enjoy (i see how one might see this differently though). How can all those Jackasses and Boston punks be wrong?
Sep 23, 2006
All Your Pink Parts
i didn't know 'Sixteen Candles' had boobies in it. i'd have watched it a lot earlier if i had known that. i've sat through worse for less...
Jackass'd
Holy fuck (well, you can't really have fuck without a hole right)!!! i saw 'Jackass Two' today and all i can really say is holy fuck. At least i no longer want to throw up. i wonder how many times this weekend some poor teenager earning minimum wage will have to clean up vomit from theater floors.
i'll start in chronological order and try not to spoil it for anyone who hasn't seen it yet. For you movie trailer junkies out there (as oppose to trailer trash) the fun starts early with one of the greatest movie trailers ever, it cold-cocked me. Quite a surprise and the movie hadn't even started yet. There was also a new Sam Jackson movie trailer with Christina Riche looking very Susan Surandon-ish. Not too sure about that one though, there was no purple lightsaber to be seen.
From the opening scene the audience was losing their shit. i love watching movies on opening weekend. You never get the crowd experience like the one you get on opening weekend. As the opening sequence went on you could tell the crowd felt it was a bit fake until you see the out-takes during the end credits. Poor little WeeMan.
Oh the laughs, the instinctive verbal ejaculations beyond any individual's control, the gut holds, and the spastic limbs in reaction to the physical pain our random heros were enduring. About halfway through the movie i began to think that this has got to be one of the funniest movies i have ever seen... and then something went wrong... terribly wrong. It involves Pontius and a horse and i never recovered as the movie progressed and continued down a scary, scary path. At one point, as things went on, a few of the guys diagonally behind me started gagging.
Sitting through the entire movie without throwing up is a feat worthy of the movie itself. Don't get me wrong, i am extremely glad i went to the movie but my post-movie dinner plans had to be post-poned for an hour or so as my stomach needed time to settle. i'd treat this movie like a soccer game: no eating large meals two hours before start time. It's probably the closest i've come to puking since 1997 but my record still stands. That is, unless they make a 'Jackass Three'. God save us all if that ever happens.
i'll start in chronological order and try not to spoil it for anyone who hasn't seen it yet. For you movie trailer junkies out there (as oppose to trailer trash) the fun starts early with one of the greatest movie trailers ever, it cold-cocked me. Quite a surprise and the movie hadn't even started yet. There was also a new Sam Jackson movie trailer with Christina Riche looking very Susan Surandon-ish. Not too sure about that one though, there was no purple lightsaber to be seen.
From the opening scene the audience was losing their shit. i love watching movies on opening weekend. You never get the crowd experience like the one you get on opening weekend. As the opening sequence went on you could tell the crowd felt it was a bit fake until you see the out-takes during the end credits. Poor little WeeMan.
Oh the laughs, the instinctive verbal ejaculations beyond any individual's control, the gut holds, and the spastic limbs in reaction to the physical pain our random heros were enduring. About halfway through the movie i began to think that this has got to be one of the funniest movies i have ever seen... and then something went wrong... terribly wrong. It involves Pontius and a horse and i never recovered as the movie progressed and continued down a scary, scary path. At one point, as things went on, a few of the guys diagonally behind me started gagging.
Sitting through the entire movie without throwing up is a feat worthy of the movie itself. Don't get me wrong, i am extremely glad i went to the movie but my post-movie dinner plans had to be post-poned for an hour or so as my stomach needed time to settle. i'd treat this movie like a soccer game: no eating large meals two hours before start time. It's probably the closest i've come to puking since 1997 but my record still stands. That is, unless they make a 'Jackass Three'. God save us all if that ever happens.
Pockets
Somewhere in the early evolution of jeans back pockets appeared on the scene. Ladies, (and probably gentlemen too) please only buy jeans with back pockets. Even if you don't put anything in those useless pockets they are there for a reason. Denim stretched over backsides without the benefit of pockets just looks wrong, oh so wrong.
Now this is not on the same level as owning spandex or wearing sweat pants in public, but for the betterment of society, please only buy jeans with back pockets. Thank you.
Now this is not on the same level as owning spandex or wearing sweat pants in public, but for the betterment of society, please only buy jeans with back pockets. Thank you.
Thank You Sheryl Crow
Home Depot. i hate that place. Owning a fixer-upper home mean you make regular trips to this establishment. At first it seems fun: look at all this stuff i can use to fix up my house. Within a month the joy wears off as you receive your credit card statement and see what all those little $20-$50 trips add up to over time.
A few projects in you start measuring your success by how many times you had to interrupt your project to make trips to 'the depo'. Much like mini-golf the lowest number wins. Zen Masters spend a day working with no trips. i'm quite satisfied if i score as low as a one or two. If you convince someone else to make the trip for you it doesn't count on your record because you didn't technically go, nor did you have to stop working to drive there. Unfortunately, while helping a friend build new steps to enter her breezeway a few weeks ago it ended up taking us about 6 or 7 trips before finishing the project. How embarrassing. i rectified this bad home improvement karma, however, by pulling off a ZERO trip day the following weekend. Still puts me at a 3 to 3.5 trip average for the two week period. Not great but i'll take it.
Today, as i was wondering the isles of 'the depo' looking for a piece they didn't have Sheryl Crow reminded me that "good is good" and also that "bad is bad". Brilliant! How does she come up with this stuff? As if reminding me how much work my house still needs and separating me from most of my money is not bad enough, must i also be bombarded with Sheryl Crow music? Doesn't Amnesty International have some sort of torture rules against such abuses?
If some store opened up that charged twice as much but played Black Flag and Dropkick Murphys music over the PA i'd shop there. If they refused to paint or sell anything orange i might pay three times as much.
A few projects in you start measuring your success by how many times you had to interrupt your project to make trips to 'the depo'. Much like mini-golf the lowest number wins. Zen Masters spend a day working with no trips. i'm quite satisfied if i score as low as a one or two. If you convince someone else to make the trip for you it doesn't count on your record because you didn't technically go, nor did you have to stop working to drive there. Unfortunately, while helping a friend build new steps to enter her breezeway a few weeks ago it ended up taking us about 6 or 7 trips before finishing the project. How embarrassing. i rectified this bad home improvement karma, however, by pulling off a ZERO trip day the following weekend. Still puts me at a 3 to 3.5 trip average for the two week period. Not great but i'll take it.
Today, as i was wondering the isles of 'the depo' looking for a piece they didn't have Sheryl Crow reminded me that "good is good" and also that "bad is bad". Brilliant! How does she come up with this stuff? As if reminding me how much work my house still needs and separating me from most of my money is not bad enough, must i also be bombarded with Sheryl Crow music? Doesn't Amnesty International have some sort of torture rules against such abuses?
If some store opened up that charged twice as much but played Black Flag and Dropkick Murphys music over the PA i'd shop there. If they refused to paint or sell anything orange i might pay three times as much.
Sep 18, 2006
Arrested Development
Sometime during the 2nd season of Arrested Development i decided to try watching it. i had read so many stunning reviews of how good it was from reliable sources i figured i'd give it a try. i turned on an episode about midway through and watched for about 5 minutes. It just seemed moderately silly and i quickly lost interest.
Recently, my significant other put the dvd's from the first season on our (alright HER) netflix account. Not being one to turn down quality time with the mrs (?misses? miss's, whatever, you get it) i sat with her and watched the first dvd. Within three episodes i was laughing out loud.
Now into the 3rd season of the dvd's i realize the magic of the show. You can't just jump in and enjoy it. You need to watch it from the beginning or at least give it a few episodes. The humor comes from the running jokes and continuously intertwined storyline. The quick and subtle ways it references itself and running jokes is hysterical. The charm is the way the cast sells their characters to the viewer. As you get wrapped up in it you really start to believe you are watching an actual family at their most vounerable, candid, and intimate moments. You get wrapped up in the family's sense of humor and history.
i understand why it never became popular or was never heavily watched. You can't just walk into it. You must immerse yourself in it. But, the payoff is well worth it. i now laugh from beginning to end. i'm laughing just thinking about it now. Caw Ca-caw ca-caw!
As the cooler weather starts to fall upon us and you become more homebound by winter's inevitable arrival, find someone to get warm with and give the Arrested Development dvd's a try. A little cuddling and a lot of laughing is good for the soul. (Especially after that last post. Whoa nelly, it took two episodes to get over that day at work.)
Recently, my significant other put the dvd's from the first season on our (alright HER) netflix account. Not being one to turn down quality time with the mrs (?misses? miss's, whatever, you get it) i sat with her and watched the first dvd. Within three episodes i was laughing out loud.
Now into the 3rd season of the dvd's i realize the magic of the show. You can't just jump in and enjoy it. You need to watch it from the beginning or at least give it a few episodes. The humor comes from the running jokes and continuously intertwined storyline. The quick and subtle ways it references itself and running jokes is hysterical. The charm is the way the cast sells their characters to the viewer. As you get wrapped up in it you really start to believe you are watching an actual family at their most vounerable, candid, and intimate moments. You get wrapped up in the family's sense of humor and history.
i understand why it never became popular or was never heavily watched. You can't just walk into it. You must immerse yourself in it. But, the payoff is well worth it. i now laugh from beginning to end. i'm laughing just thinking about it now. Caw Ca-caw ca-caw!
As the cooler weather starts to fall upon us and you become more homebound by winter's inevitable arrival, find someone to get warm with and give the Arrested Development dvd's a try. A little cuddling and a lot of laughing is good for the soul. (Especially after that last post. Whoa nelly, it took two episodes to get over that day at work.)
Parental Advisory
i know i've never been mistaken for being politically correct but dammit, i can't fucking stand ignorant mother fuckers. i've had it. i can't really get mad at stupid or dumb people, they don't know any better. i'm fine with that. It's the ignorant sons of bitches that get me all worked up. So much so i'm refusing to use the 'Enter' button at all throughout this entry. Take that fuckers. i'm talking about the people who should know better, yet they continue to do what they do anyway. You know these ball-bag, wastes of oxygen. You probably work with one. Fuck, you probably work with tons of them. They think they're hot shit in a champagne glass but their cold diarrhea in a Dixie cup. Their lives (along with all of ours) would actually be better if they just did their jobs right, but instead they seem to fuck it up. They know they're fucking it up for the rest of us yet continue on their way like it's the rest of our jobs to take care of the shit they fuck up. These lazy sloth-like human beings just make you want to club them so you can do it right the first time. If i did my job that bad i can't imagine that i wouldn't get fired. Compensating for these shit-birds is what causes the cancer. Holy fucking shit, get me a bottle of advil. Condesendingmotherfuckers...
There, i feel much better now. If you are a small child i recommend that you don't read the above rant. But fuck, sometimes you just need to swear... accept no substitutions.
There, i feel much better now. If you are a small child i recommend that you don't read the above rant. But fuck, sometimes you just need to swear... accept no substitutions.
Sep 17, 2006
You can't spell FART without ART...
i love art. No i'm not coming out of the closet. No, i'm not picking sides on the Simon & Garfunkel split. i find it difficult to think of a life without art in it. A day without music, movies, sketches, paintings, or photographs seems unimaginable.
Art represents the best of our human-ness (sure it may be a made-up word but i despise the word humanity). It IS us, yet something bigger, something better than we can hope to be. It reminds us where we come from and what we are when we dream. It's how i escape but also how i make it through the day.
For me it's the art of optimistic depression that does it. The writings of Jack Kerouac. Any of Walter's bands: Gorilla Biscuits, Quicksand, Rival Schools, Walking Concert. 50's bebop jazz. My favorite Star Wars movie: Empire Strikes Back. Favorite Weezer album: Pinkerton. Elliot Smith and Verve albums. Movies like 'The Last Time I Committed Suicide' & 'Big Fish'. Fight Club could even fall in this category. Why?
There's something about depression that i find comforting, like putting on a worn-in pair of skate sneakers. Buddhists say life is suffering. Just being aware of what's going on around us is enough to cause anyone to be depressed: war, starvation, disease, a democracy turning into a fascist regime. Compassion quickly turns to sadness with open eyes.
The acknowledgement of this state of emotion is to reveal the often hidden root in all of us as human beings. Dwelling on this without a sense of optimism, without the belief that things can be improved, might lead to a lot more Cure album sales but it won't get you out of bed in the morning. This belief in potential is what keeps us going, what keeps us looking. It's the carrot dangling at the end of a stick that keeps us asses moving forward, progressing.
Even complaining in and of itself shows some sense of hope. You wouldn't waste your breath unless at some level, in that grey matter swooshing around in your skull, you believed that you could change things. It displays that deep down (sometimes VERY deep down) you have some sense of hope that change can occur.
Art does all of this. It gives us hope and reminds us who we are when our everyday lives give us a sense of amnesia. It re-charges our batteries on car rides home. It lulls us securely to sleep. It can change the entire mood of a room. This is why i love art.
Art represents the best of our human-ness (sure it may be a made-up word but i despise the word humanity). It IS us, yet something bigger, something better than we can hope to be. It reminds us where we come from and what we are when we dream. It's how i escape but also how i make it through the day.
For me it's the art of optimistic depression that does it. The writings of Jack Kerouac. Any of Walter's bands: Gorilla Biscuits, Quicksand, Rival Schools, Walking Concert. 50's bebop jazz. My favorite Star Wars movie: Empire Strikes Back. Favorite Weezer album: Pinkerton. Elliot Smith and Verve albums. Movies like 'The Last Time I Committed Suicide' & 'Big Fish'. Fight Club could even fall in this category. Why?
There's something about depression that i find comforting, like putting on a worn-in pair of skate sneakers. Buddhists say life is suffering. Just being aware of what's going on around us is enough to cause anyone to be depressed: war, starvation, disease, a democracy turning into a fascist regime. Compassion quickly turns to sadness with open eyes.
The acknowledgement of this state of emotion is to reveal the often hidden root in all of us as human beings. Dwelling on this without a sense of optimism, without the belief that things can be improved, might lead to a lot more Cure album sales but it won't get you out of bed in the morning. This belief in potential is what keeps us going, what keeps us looking. It's the carrot dangling at the end of a stick that keeps us asses moving forward, progressing.
Even complaining in and of itself shows some sense of hope. You wouldn't waste your breath unless at some level, in that grey matter swooshing around in your skull, you believed that you could change things. It displays that deep down (sometimes VERY deep down) you have some sense of hope that change can occur.
Art does all of this. It gives us hope and reminds us who we are when our everyday lives give us a sense of amnesia. It re-charges our batteries on car rides home. It lulls us securely to sleep. It can change the entire mood of a room. This is why i love art.
Sep 12, 2006
These Aren't The Droids You're Looking For
Blame it on my mother, our inept government, or the almighty George Lucas but i am one cynical bastard. i find myself wanting to buy the latest release of the original Star Wars Trilogy because it also includes the version of the movies as they were originally released... but i find myself hesitant.
How many times must i buy these movies? i have the original theatrical release on VHS. Then i bought the Special Edition on VHS. Then, as the "New" trilogy was coming out in theaters they released the "Original" trilogy (episodes 4-6 for you newbies) in a dvd set in the Special Edition format (where Greedo shoots first).
i don't really watch VHS anymore and being a Star Wars purist i prefer the theatrical versions as they initially came out. The real dilemma is my inclination to believe that at some point, probably sooner rather than later, they will be released in a set rather than individually as they are now. Call it the anal retentive scientist in me but i like the neatness of a set. Maybe all 6 in one big ol' set in all it's glory.
By George, how many times must i buy this set of movies (sorry about that pun)! But really, if he'd just tell us how many times we need to buy it i'd be fine. Preferably he could tell us in a Special-Special Edition of episode 5 and a half where we see Boba Fett kickin' some ass. It's the mystery that is messing with my head.
Please George, just let us know: how many? Including the new 3-D versions coming out. Please.
How many times must i buy these movies? i have the original theatrical release on VHS. Then i bought the Special Edition on VHS. Then, as the "New" trilogy was coming out in theaters they released the "Original" trilogy (episodes 4-6 for you newbies) in a dvd set in the Special Edition format (where Greedo shoots first).
i don't really watch VHS anymore and being a Star Wars purist i prefer the theatrical versions as they initially came out. The real dilemma is my inclination to believe that at some point, probably sooner rather than later, they will be released in a set rather than individually as they are now. Call it the anal retentive scientist in me but i like the neatness of a set. Maybe all 6 in one big ol' set in all it's glory.
By George, how many times must i buy this set of movies (sorry about that pun)! But really, if he'd just tell us how many times we need to buy it i'd be fine. Preferably he could tell us in a Special-Special Edition of episode 5 and a half where we see Boba Fett kickin' some ass. It's the mystery that is messing with my head.
Please George, just let us know: how many? Including the new 3-D versions coming out. Please.
Sep 10, 2006
Petition
i would like someone to start a petition: i think that if someone is driving a car with a dog on their lap you should be allowed to drag then out of their car and beat them senseless (which wouldn't be long because if they had any sense they wouldn't drive with a pet on their lap... so maybe you could get one punch in... even just dragging them out of their car would be enough for me... i'll leave the specifics to someone else). Yes, this is inspired by being behind one such moron this evening.
Just in case you started taking me seriously.
Just in case you started taking me seriously.
Free Market?
i thoroughly enjoy when situations show people just as they are. No spin, no twist, no clever editing acting as an editorial... just people being who they are... idiots. This weekend i saw "Who Killed The Electric Car". No big surprises here but i dug seeing assholes playing it straight and showing their true colors.
The excuses and justifications people come up with are insulting. Just say "i wanted more money" or "i have a small penis and needed some way to compensate for it". The lines some folks will give you are hilarious, and the level of suppression of the truth (although not surprising) is disgusting. Do people really believe these lines?
Since listening to music i have moved from records to tapes to cd's to mp3's in the span of a few decades. Why have we been using the same combustion technology for over 100 years? Technology has improved so something else is clearly at play here. Could it be the wide spread control that the auto and oil companies have over this country? Otherwise, shouldn't the "free market" dictate what is sold? People were willing to pay top dollar to keep their electric cars so what's the motivation?
Interesting enough is the fact that the two companies that have solid hybrid technology and sales are Japanese companies, not the US car companies that were given large subsidies from the US government in the 90's to develop hybrid cars. Where has that money gone? Again, what is the motivation? This question must be asked over and over again. If not for laws set by our government the auto industry would not have put seat belts in cars, they would not have set mandatory impact safety standards, they would not have included the upper level brake light, etc, etc. Clearly we can't count on the auto industry to regulate itself in keeping it's customers safe or giving us all the information.
As we are bombarded over the next couple of days by the media replaying and remembering 9/11 on it's anniversary we must continue to ask how has OUR government let us down? How about our security as Jr likes to regularly comment on? A clean and safe environment is the most important thing we can have in terms of security, more important to survival than a secure economy, secure border, or even a secure middle east. None of these latter examples are currently secure anyway despite massive federal spending. With failing health and difficulty breathing what else truly matters? We have been let down over and over again.
Even now as those who worked tirelessly to help others out after 9/11 are experiencing serious health issues our government has once again turned their back on those trying to improve things. With the money our government pisses away on a daily basis how can anyone not justify taking care of those who need help after helping so many? Many people from ground zero are unable to continue their jobs and are losing health benefits (health benefits in this country are another problem all together).
As the problems pile up, as the opportunities to improve things are squandered, as politicians skirt issues and redirect blame, as the midterm elections are approaching everyone must start looking at their motivation for what they are doing. When a dvd player stops doing what it was intended to do it gets replaced. Why should we treat our politicians (or government) any differently?
The excuses and justifications people come up with are insulting. Just say "i wanted more money" or "i have a small penis and needed some way to compensate for it". The lines some folks will give you are hilarious, and the level of suppression of the truth (although not surprising) is disgusting. Do people really believe these lines?
Since listening to music i have moved from records to tapes to cd's to mp3's in the span of a few decades. Why have we been using the same combustion technology for over 100 years? Technology has improved so something else is clearly at play here. Could it be the wide spread control that the auto and oil companies have over this country? Otherwise, shouldn't the "free market" dictate what is sold? People were willing to pay top dollar to keep their electric cars so what's the motivation?
Interesting enough is the fact that the two companies that have solid hybrid technology and sales are Japanese companies, not the US car companies that were given large subsidies from the US government in the 90's to develop hybrid cars. Where has that money gone? Again, what is the motivation? This question must be asked over and over again. If not for laws set by our government the auto industry would not have put seat belts in cars, they would not have set mandatory impact safety standards, they would not have included the upper level brake light, etc, etc. Clearly we can't count on the auto industry to regulate itself in keeping it's customers safe or giving us all the information.
As we are bombarded over the next couple of days by the media replaying and remembering 9/11 on it's anniversary we must continue to ask how has OUR government let us down? How about our security as Jr likes to regularly comment on? A clean and safe environment is the most important thing we can have in terms of security, more important to survival than a secure economy, secure border, or even a secure middle east. None of these latter examples are currently secure anyway despite massive federal spending. With failing health and difficulty breathing what else truly matters? We have been let down over and over again.
Even now as those who worked tirelessly to help others out after 9/11 are experiencing serious health issues our government has once again turned their back on those trying to improve things. With the money our government pisses away on a daily basis how can anyone not justify taking care of those who need help after helping so many? Many people from ground zero are unable to continue their jobs and are losing health benefits (health benefits in this country are another problem all together).
As the problems pile up, as the opportunities to improve things are squandered, as politicians skirt issues and redirect blame, as the midterm elections are approaching everyone must start looking at their motivation for what they are doing. When a dvd player stops doing what it was intended to do it gets replaced. Why should we treat our politicians (or government) any differently?
Sep 7, 2006
I Like Today... It Was Good...
i've had a very successful and enjoyable evening under the full moon.This past weekend while cruising around on the Vespa with my special lady friend on the back the seat lock button went flying off (for reasons unknown to me) with spring loaded force. The plastic lock piece was then run over by a few SUV's, karma possibly for all the shit i give them. This resulted in some serious deformation of the square shaped button. Buying a new lock would mean a new key for the seat and the same old key for the glove box and ignition. i hate carrying keys so the thought of adding another one to the ring was motivation enough to put some work into a repair job.
This afternoon i dismantled the seat and seat lock and, with the help of a dremmel, i ground down the square peg to fit into it's square home. i locked the pieces back together and she's back in action (the Vespa that is, not my special lady friend). i now can access the gas tank so all's well in the world of the PX150. Just in time for a beautiful weekend.
On top of all that great Vespa news i also received in the mail today the vegan friendly gloves i ordered online. They should keep my mits warm and protected as fall comes knocking on our door.
Tonight also marked my return to the soccer field. It's been over a year since i played last and it felt great to get on the pitch (indoor that is) again. i got to play goal, which is my favorite position, and was oh so close to getting a shut-out with a score of 5 or 6 to 1. The one i let in was a 2 on nil situation so i can't feel all that bad about it. Man, i forgot how bad my goalie gloves smelt though. You can't wash that shit off, it lingers on your hands for days.
Today was important for my sense of balance. i need something physical to help balance the mental stresses of work. Fixing things, scooter rides, and soccer games are great physical outlets. Heartfelt compliments from my special lady friend don't hurt things either. Big Lebowski references are always fun as well.
Sep 6, 2006
Hardcore Punk... Before the Monk
i'm currently enjoying the book "American Hardcore: a tribal history". It takes me back to my teenage years and the music i still love today.Being the age that i am, i was too young or not born during the initial punk movement. The 'punk' i grew up with was the second wave, the 'hardcore' era. In time i reverse engineered my way back to the roots of punk.
After listening for years to bands like Black Flag and Minor Threat (and later Fugazi) i was finally introduced to The Ramones. At first they sounded like Beach Boy punk compared to what i was listening to. Joey Ramone's easily enjoyed vocal sense of melody is what first hit me until i realized that he was singing about beating a brat with a baseball bat. They quickly won me over.
Later i was introduced to The Clash and found were the politics met the punk, an important root in the development of the hardcore i was most attracted to. So driven. So determined.
Hardcore and skateboarding are wild bedfellows. What attracts me to skateboarding is also what attracts me to hardcore punk. Being a skateboarder growing up in the 80's and early 90's it was almost impossible to not end up listening to hardcore. Simple acts like walking through the halls of school, walking home after school, or just walking anywhere for that matter, became a potential fight. To dress or behave different from the status quo during the Reagan/Bush Sr era opened you up to public ridicule and abuse that seemed supported (or at least blindly ignored) by adults.
Eventually, if you didn't want to give up your beliefs you had to get tough. The bright colors and fun styled dress of skateboarding quickly evolved into a functional and intimidating punk look for many of us as we struggled to defend ourselves against the small minded (but large bodied) jocks, rednecks, and/or whatever you have in your own town.
The music unified us. We realized that we weren't alone. There were many of us, just separated in small groups across the country. We wore our boots, carried rolls of quarters to hold in our fists in case a group surrounded us (and they only really picked on people who were alone at the time, they never said boo if a group of us were together) and shaved our heads with clippers plugged into random outlets at the local mall (mohawks just gave steroid using football players something to grab onto in a fight).
Anger, like all emotions, is felt for a reason. When you've got to hold your ground against a bunch o' tools much larger than yourself you need something to draw strength from. When kept in check anger can have it's benefits, as all emotions serve an important purpose at various times. The discipline of hardcore, the outlet of those shows, and the feeling of not being alone were valuable things at a crucial time that have helped me become the person i am today.
Hardcore punk combined the energy and attitude of punk with an internal strength, intimidating style, and a self-correcting sense that has kept it from ever becoming corrupted by popular culture. In this day and age where any jack-off can buy a CBGB t-shirt and say they're punk, it's nice to know that Fugazi never made merchandise.
Sep 5, 2006
Orange Tree
Sometimes things are the right thing at the right time. The 'Dude' for example was the right man for his time. Seinfeld: if that meaningless shit was ever produced at another time no one would have cared... actually i don't understand why anyone watched that at ANY time. It's the television equivalent of the "Barenaked Ladies". But i had a point going here.
This weekend i saw the movie "The Illusionist". It was the movie i needed this weekend. Ed Norton is one of those short list of actors that i'll go to a movie to see just because they are in it. With the exception of "The Italian Job" he has yet to lead me astray, but with movies like "American History X" and "Fight Club" we can easily forget one such movie.
This was a great movie about love finding a way to overcome (at the expense of an evil dictator none the less). With the news getting more and more depressing it was nice to be reminded what really matters and that small personal victories are possible. Ed Norton performed so well you forgot that he isn't actually the illusionist, but an actor. The leading lady was easily believable as someone worth risking it all for. For a period piece the costumes were well done without being over-done. You really forgot about them as they just seemed like what these people wore on a daily basis... not over the top as too many movies tend to do.
Once again, where would we be without our art. It's amazing how that which defines our humanity is always the first thing cut out of school budgets. Tucked away in that dark room, with the warm glow of the projector, i regained perspective. i can't help but wonder what kind of a country we'd have if we spent more time in art museums and less time watching the news.
This weekend i saw the movie "The Illusionist". It was the movie i needed this weekend. Ed Norton is one of those short list of actors that i'll go to a movie to see just because they are in it. With the exception of "The Italian Job" he has yet to lead me astray, but with movies like "American History X" and "Fight Club" we can easily forget one such movie.
This was a great movie about love finding a way to overcome (at the expense of an evil dictator none the less). With the news getting more and more depressing it was nice to be reminded what really matters and that small personal victories are possible. Ed Norton performed so well you forgot that he isn't actually the illusionist, but an actor. The leading lady was easily believable as someone worth risking it all for. For a period piece the costumes were well done without being over-done. You really forgot about them as they just seemed like what these people wore on a daily basis... not over the top as too many movies tend to do.
Once again, where would we be without our art. It's amazing how that which defines our humanity is always the first thing cut out of school budgets. Tucked away in that dark room, with the warm glow of the projector, i regained perspective. i can't help but wonder what kind of a country we'd have if we spent more time in art museums and less time watching the news.
Aug 31, 2006
'Lost and Found' Box
Justin Timberlake claims to be bringing 'sexy' back. i wish someone had told me it was missing. i've had it at my house the whole time. i think someone left it here after last year's Christmas party. i didn't know he needed it.
You just had to call man. You didn't need to write a song about it. Isn't that a little passive-aggressive?
You just had to call man. You didn't need to write a song about it. Isn't that a little passive-aggressive?
Bad Medicine... Cabinet
It took a piece of furniture to knock the fight out of me.
i have very strong ideals. i respect other people's opinions but am uncompromising in how i live my life. i believe people should be treated with respect and am willing to defend those who can't defend themselves. i support my words with action. i am not physically intimidated despite my trim frame. In my olde age (well it feels old to me) i have improved my intellectual sparring and sarcasm to get my point across while alleviating potential physical alterations.
In adulthood fighting can get one into some pretty serious secondary problems. Nobody really wants to spend any time in jail. Criminal records are a difficult brand you carry with you for the rest of your life. Worst of all, despite the intent of injuring your opponent, the possibility that one could permanently cripple or even accidentally kill someone in a fistfight is quite a scary contemplation. i am not sure i could live with that kind of an outcome.
Despite my reasoning and knowing better, every so often i get my irish up. Frustrated with life's situations, sometimes getting physical seems like an appealing option. Youthful memories of throwing righteous fists and standing (sometimes scraped and bloody) for what you believe is right can become romantisized as the years pass.
Regular bruises and injuries from skateboarding and home improvements can teach you lessons about yourself. The pain reminds you that you are alive. The pain can make you feel physically confident. Combine this with the previous paragraph's tendencies and a pugilist is just bubbling under the surface.
The other day while putting the finishing touches on a 1/2 bath i've been adding to the house it came time to hang the fancy-dancy medicine cabinet my significant other picked out. It has an original hanging set-up that requires multiple steps. In between two of the steps the cabinet's door swung open forcing the top to pivot down with some speed. Lightning quick reflexes from years of skateboarding presented one of two options: a) let it swing down and smack you in the face... OR ... b) put your head down and take it like a man on the crown of your head. In that fraction of a second the latter seemed the logical choice (i didn't want my nose to to become even more crooked than it already is now after all).
After spending some time last night holding ice on my dome, walking around today with an egg on my head (shaved heads don't hide cranial trauma well), and having the rush of blood to the head from leaning over bring swelling pain in an instant, i am reminded that getting hit in the head SUCKS. Really.
Not that i'd be steppin' to pieces of wood, but the likelihood of taking one on the noggin' during a fight is pretty high. Any inclinations towards fighting have been successfully exorcised (for the time being). Even Tyler Durden realized the fighting needed to stop. Bitch slapped by a piece of furniture.
i have very strong ideals. i respect other people's opinions but am uncompromising in how i live my life. i believe people should be treated with respect and am willing to defend those who can't defend themselves. i support my words with action. i am not physically intimidated despite my trim frame. In my olde age (well it feels old to me) i have improved my intellectual sparring and sarcasm to get my point across while alleviating potential physical alterations.
In adulthood fighting can get one into some pretty serious secondary problems. Nobody really wants to spend any time in jail. Criminal records are a difficult brand you carry with you for the rest of your life. Worst of all, despite the intent of injuring your opponent, the possibility that one could permanently cripple or even accidentally kill someone in a fistfight is quite a scary contemplation. i am not sure i could live with that kind of an outcome.
Despite my reasoning and knowing better, every so often i get my irish up. Frustrated with life's situations, sometimes getting physical seems like an appealing option. Youthful memories of throwing righteous fists and standing (sometimes scraped and bloody) for what you believe is right can become romantisized as the years pass.
Regular bruises and injuries from skateboarding and home improvements can teach you lessons about yourself. The pain reminds you that you are alive. The pain can make you feel physically confident. Combine this with the previous paragraph's tendencies and a pugilist is just bubbling under the surface.
The other day while putting the finishing touches on a 1/2 bath i've been adding to the house it came time to hang the fancy-dancy medicine cabinet my significant other picked out. It has an original hanging set-up that requires multiple steps. In between two of the steps the cabinet's door swung open forcing the top to pivot down with some speed. Lightning quick reflexes from years of skateboarding presented one of two options: a) let it swing down and smack you in the face... OR ... b) put your head down and take it like a man on the crown of your head. In that fraction of a second the latter seemed the logical choice (i didn't want my nose to to become even more crooked than it already is now after all).
After spending some time last night holding ice on my dome, walking around today with an egg on my head (shaved heads don't hide cranial trauma well), and having the rush of blood to the head from leaning over bring swelling pain in an instant, i am reminded that getting hit in the head SUCKS. Really.
Not that i'd be steppin' to pieces of wood, but the likelihood of taking one on the noggin' during a fight is pretty high. Any inclinations towards fighting have been successfully exorcised (for the time being). Even Tyler Durden realized the fighting needed to stop. Bitch slapped by a piece of furniture.
Aug 30, 2006
Aug 29, 2006
That Wasn't Not Funny
As you get older the meanings and effects movies have on you can change. Exemplar: Rambo came out on video cassette when i was in the 5th grade. One guy taking on an entire army and blowing shit up was quite impressive for a testosterone fueled little boy. i recently saw part of it the other day and it played out more like a comedy. With time and many comic impersonations i forgot that Sly actually DID talk like that. (i still think i could hold off an army from the 80's in the woods if i had a knife like that though)
Go to any Pixar movie with a crowd of mixed age and you will hear the children laughing at one part and the adults laughing at another all together. Two different movies in one, depending on age.
Last night, reading "A People's History Of The United States" with the TV on in the background i realized that "The Money Pit" is not a comedy... it's actually a really, really mean documentary. Since buying a house i could afford and fixing it up over the last few years (not done yet) Tom Hank's comedic antics serve as salt poured into still open wounds.
Everything will be done in 'two weeks'. Fixing one problem only brings attention to four more you hadn't noticed earlier. You constantly feel like you're living in a construction site (because to some extent you are). A pile of demo is lying where you'd like to park your car. Contractor's schedule dictate your schedule, otherwise it may be months before they can make it out again.
Oh yeah, and you have to pay for it all. A friend coined the term: being house po', you're so poor you can't afford the last "o-r". You own a house so you're not technically poor but because you own a house you have no money for anything else. All money seems to go into making the home more livable seeing how you couldn't afford one in pristine condition.
Because of this, the movie "The Money Pit" ceases to be a comedy for me and should be moved to the Horror section of Netflix. i had nightmares from that shit. It makes "The Ring" look like amateur night at the local strip club (just a little scarey).
Go to any Pixar movie with a crowd of mixed age and you will hear the children laughing at one part and the adults laughing at another all together. Two different movies in one, depending on age.
Last night, reading "A People's History Of The United States" with the TV on in the background i realized that "The Money Pit" is not a comedy... it's actually a really, really mean documentary. Since buying a house i could afford and fixing it up over the last few years (not done yet) Tom Hank's comedic antics serve as salt poured into still open wounds.
Everything will be done in 'two weeks'. Fixing one problem only brings attention to four more you hadn't noticed earlier. You constantly feel like you're living in a construction site (because to some extent you are). A pile of demo is lying where you'd like to park your car. Contractor's schedule dictate your schedule, otherwise it may be months before they can make it out again.
Oh yeah, and you have to pay for it all. A friend coined the term: being house po', you're so poor you can't afford the last "o-r". You own a house so you're not technically poor but because you own a house you have no money for anything else. All money seems to go into making the home more livable seeing how you couldn't afford one in pristine condition.
Because of this, the movie "The Money Pit" ceases to be a comedy for me and should be moved to the Horror section of Netflix. i had nightmares from that shit. It makes "The Ring" look like amateur night at the local strip club (just a little scarey).
Aug 24, 2006
Unofficial Endorsement
Now, i'm not one for making endorsements so this isn't really one but, i have found a new television guilty pleasure. Today i saw the show "Who Wants To Be A Superhero". In this program a group of people are competing to be the next superhero. And the host:
....wait for it...
...wait for it...
the man himself...
Stan Lee!!!
Holy fuck! Now this isn't "My Name Is Earl" but damn, while you're cooking supper (or SUPER MEAALLLLL) this shit is great. i know i'm swearing a lot here but this show is satisfying much like swearing is. It feels good with not much substance to it. These cats take themselves EXTREMELY seriously and it makes the show that much better.
If i had known about this show during it's auditions (wait... even Stan Lee is crying on the show right now... this show rocks... no, it ROX) i sure as hell would not be writing these blog entries. i'd be sewing myself up a sweet ass pleather and spandex superhero costume. i'd be kicking super villain tail, saving kittens from trees, and scamming on Wonder Woman.
i fear i may have missed my calling in life. Maybe this will turn me into a super villain... do i here a spin-off series coming on?
....wait for it...
...wait for it...
the man himself...
Stan Lee!!!
Holy fuck! Now this isn't "My Name Is Earl" but damn, while you're cooking supper (or SUPER MEAALLLLL) this shit is great. i know i'm swearing a lot here but this show is satisfying much like swearing is. It feels good with not much substance to it. These cats take themselves EXTREMELY seriously and it makes the show that much better.
If i had known about this show during it's auditions (wait... even Stan Lee is crying on the show right now... this show rocks... no, it ROX) i sure as hell would not be writing these blog entries. i'd be sewing myself up a sweet ass pleather and spandex superhero costume. i'd be kicking super villain tail, saving kittens from trees, and scamming on Wonder Woman.
i fear i may have missed my calling in life. Maybe this will turn me into a super villain... do i here a spin-off series coming on?
Emergency Fund
Today got me thinking about my old emergency fund. In my youth i always had, stashed away, a few hundred dollars. Hidden somewhere that was secure enough to remain unfound during the many room searches of my teenage years but easily accessible at a moment's notice (if audio tapes were as easy to hide i'd still have my old tape collection). That money and a backpack always packet with a change of clothes was my insurance plan, useful for the several times i was kicked out of the house and in the event of fire (the latter never happened though).
At that point in my life those meager supplies where enough to get me through anywhere from a couple of hours to a few days if need be. Fast food and the possibility of cheap room. An insurance agent's wet dream in preparation if not for the frequency with which i had to make a claim against my rainy day plan. i wasn't that bad a kid... really.
Believe it or not i still have that emergency fund stashed away in a very similar place. Old habits die hard, especially ones so closely tied in with a personal sense of security. My security blanket of sorts. The usefulness of $100 or so, however, has changed dramatically whether due to inflation over time or lifestyle changes.
Sure that money could still feed me for several days, and possibly get me a night or two at a flea infested motel. Sure it would take a couple of months before the electricity, cable, water, and heat were turned off (summer would be a better time for this, of course, than winter). But what about the mortgage? i've grown quite fond of owning my own house, having a safe haven from the world at large. i've dropped a lot of sweat and spilled a bit of blood fixing this place up. Walking away is not quite that easy for me now.
i'm pathetically in love. This is not a solo mission any longer. How long will that money last for two people? Maybe half as long? Maybe less? Will she still be as tolerate of my ways in such a circumstance?
The argument for whether inflation or lifestyle serves as the root cause for the uselessness of my emergency fund quickly becomes a moot point. i quickly realize that freedom is the constant in this equation. Although i am in a vastly happier, healthier, and better spot at this time in my life i am not necessarily any more free than i was as that powerless teenager.
The difference here, however, is that i have chosen the limits of my freedom (a majority of them at least). In fact, i could alter many of those limitation today if i wanted, not increasing my freedom but re-defining it. Looking at how far i've come in that time, i think i'll continue with my current limitations. i'll also continue to hide a few hundred dollars as well, just for old time's sake. (Do you still have your blankey, or sheet?)
At that point in my life those meager supplies where enough to get me through anywhere from a couple of hours to a few days if need be. Fast food and the possibility of cheap room. An insurance agent's wet dream in preparation if not for the frequency with which i had to make a claim against my rainy day plan. i wasn't that bad a kid... really.
Believe it or not i still have that emergency fund stashed away in a very similar place. Old habits die hard, especially ones so closely tied in with a personal sense of security. My security blanket of sorts. The usefulness of $100 or so, however, has changed dramatically whether due to inflation over time or lifestyle changes.
Sure that money could still feed me for several days, and possibly get me a night or two at a flea infested motel. Sure it would take a couple of months before the electricity, cable, water, and heat were turned off (summer would be a better time for this, of course, than winter). But what about the mortgage? i've grown quite fond of owning my own house, having a safe haven from the world at large. i've dropped a lot of sweat and spilled a bit of blood fixing this place up. Walking away is not quite that easy for me now.
i'm pathetically in love. This is not a solo mission any longer. How long will that money last for two people? Maybe half as long? Maybe less? Will she still be as tolerate of my ways in such a circumstance?
The argument for whether inflation or lifestyle serves as the root cause for the uselessness of my emergency fund quickly becomes a moot point. i quickly realize that freedom is the constant in this equation. Although i am in a vastly happier, healthier, and better spot at this time in my life i am not necessarily any more free than i was as that powerless teenager.
The difference here, however, is that i have chosen the limits of my freedom (a majority of them at least). In fact, i could alter many of those limitation today if i wanted, not increasing my freedom but re-defining it. Looking at how far i've come in that time, i think i'll continue with my current limitations. i'll also continue to hide a few hundred dollars as well, just for old time's sake. (Do you still have your blankey, or sheet?)
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