Sometimes someone makes a statement, says a quote, that just sums up how you feel at that given time. i recently stumbled upon such a quote recently reading an interview of Ian MacKaye. In the interview he said "...I care, but I don't give a fuck...".
This quote summed up much of the reason i behave the way i do. i genuinely care about life. Quality of life. i don't like to see people suffering, struggling, being treated badly. i have no tolerance for the bullying that constantly goes on in our society. All living things deserve better than the conditions we are currently existing in. As much as i may seem cynical and jaded when it comes down to it, i care. Otherwise, i wouldn't do many of the things that i do and in turn my daily life would probably be easier.
i don't give a fuck. i have no attachment to the status quo. i care very little about what other people think of me. i can walk away from most 'things' in a second. What you think of my lifestyle is of little concern to me. There is very little middle of the road for me. i typically passionately care or don't give a fuck. Not much is truly sacred. Balance through extremes?
Despite my cynical outburst to the contrary i do honestly care about people. Without my siblings, friends, and true love (listed in chronological order) i would not have lasted as long as i have. i figure most people have family, friends, and loved ones who care about them as i care about mine. We really have more in common than we commonly think.
As far as excuses, i don't give a fuck. Stop making justifications for doing things that you know are wrong and start listening to more FUGAZI.
(i've got to stop making excuses for not skateboarding every day)
Aug 17, 2006
Aug 16, 2006
s4s/f4e: Energy
i don't want to hear about how long it would take, with current gas prices, to save enough money to counteract the extra cost of buying a hybrid vehicle. Money is not the point (how un-American of me). The environment, pollution (hybrids can use a variation on the combustion engine that expels 80% less pollutants), and oil (hybrids can use up to half as much gas as similarly sized vehicles) are the issues. Those are the reasons for taking a moral stand and buying a hybrid. You can't buy fresh air (yet) so i don't want to hear about cost differentials ever again.
You want to maintain your lifestyle? You want to improve the environment as well as the economy? Well, have i got an energy idea for you.
Bio-fuel options are not logical if people want to maintain a similar lifestyle. Using soybeans to make fuel (the most efficient crop to turn into bio-fuel), even if the entire US was covered with soybeans we still could not make enough fuel to meet our current gas addiction.
My proposal is a combination of hybrid and hydrogen technology. By the end of the '90s the major US car companies all had a hydrogen fueled vehicle close to production ready. One of the difficulties was covering similar distances in between refueling as current vehicle do without taking up too much space in fuel storage. Somewhere along the way, however, these companies are now pretending that they need more government money to develop such vehicles. Either then or now someone's lying about the state of the hydrogen program. Could it have something to do with a change in administration in that time period? Why is one of those companies selling a type of hydrogen vehicle in a progressive thinking European country?
To solve a fuel storage problem might i suggest combining hybrid technology and its impressive mileage with hydrogen fuel cells, which have been used by NASA for some time now. i won't take up space explaining how the fuel cells work because it's easily found on the internet. Hybrids already use electric engines and hydrogen fueled cars would need to use electric engines as well. If not already in existence, this technology is extremely close to being perfected. i wouldn't put too much faith in US automakers though because they are even struggling in the current hybrid race.
Now, the big problem here is the hydrogen. NO, i'm not referring to the 'bomb' problem. The Hindenberg burst into flame because its shell was covered in a highly combustible coating. It was not the hydrogen that caused the problem. There are plently of things in your house that can be turned into bombs that people are not getting worked up over so let's not dismiss hydrogen as a fuel source. Hydrogen is by far the most common element in the universe. On Earth, however, the hydrogen is bonded to other elements... not easily found already isolated. So how do we get our Hydrogen?
Despite GB Jr's idea to separate it from oil/natural gas, that doesn't solve our goal of emission free and renewable energy. If we only have 40 years of oil left on the planet based on our current rate of consumption how does this sound viable or intelligent? My idea is based on the simple electrolysis of water (which covers over 70% of our planet). Overly simplified: if you run an electrical current through water it will separate the H2O into its components of hydrogen and oxygen. Twice as much hydrogen as oxygen in fact. But where will we get all that electricity?
In the Midwest of our country we could produce enough wind generated energy to meet our current electricity needs. The problem is we don't have a grid system in place that could efficiently transport that energy across the country. What if we used that energy instead to separate out water into the hydrogen needed for our new vehicle system? Could this possibly even help, to some extent, the issue of sea level rising (maybe not but one can dream)?
Where would we build those wind farms? Our government pays a certain number of farmers to NOT grow crops on their land so that we don't end up with a crop surplus that could effect prices and hurt farmers overall. Why not on that land? We currently grow such a surplus of corn in this country that much of it is turned into a very cheap sugar (that's why high fructose corn syrup is in everything). What if some of that land was converted to wind farms?
So what are we left with? A booming new economy centered in the heartland of this country which will not be covered with water as sea level rises. With no need for foreign oil there would be no money from us going to terrorists, there would be no reason for the US to take over middle east countries, therefore, no terrorist threats on the US. Using hydrogen fuel cells we are no longer polluting the air, therefore, reducing our impact on climate change. Less pollution in the air means better quality of life and better health. Imagine the views possible in every major city if the air was clean?
Sure there are specifics i'm not mentioning here, but isn't this entry long enough?
You want to maintain your lifestyle? You want to improve the environment as well as the economy? Well, have i got an energy idea for you.
Bio-fuel options are not logical if people want to maintain a similar lifestyle. Using soybeans to make fuel (the most efficient crop to turn into bio-fuel), even if the entire US was covered with soybeans we still could not make enough fuel to meet our current gas addiction.
My proposal is a combination of hybrid and hydrogen technology. By the end of the '90s the major US car companies all had a hydrogen fueled vehicle close to production ready. One of the difficulties was covering similar distances in between refueling as current vehicle do without taking up too much space in fuel storage. Somewhere along the way, however, these companies are now pretending that they need more government money to develop such vehicles. Either then or now someone's lying about the state of the hydrogen program. Could it have something to do with a change in administration in that time period? Why is one of those companies selling a type of hydrogen vehicle in a progressive thinking European country?
To solve a fuel storage problem might i suggest combining hybrid technology and its impressive mileage with hydrogen fuel cells, which have been used by NASA for some time now. i won't take up space explaining how the fuel cells work because it's easily found on the internet. Hybrids already use electric engines and hydrogen fueled cars would need to use electric engines as well. If not already in existence, this technology is extremely close to being perfected. i wouldn't put too much faith in US automakers though because they are even struggling in the current hybrid race.
Now, the big problem here is the hydrogen. NO, i'm not referring to the 'bomb' problem. The Hindenberg burst into flame because its shell was covered in a highly combustible coating. It was not the hydrogen that caused the problem. There are plently of things in your house that can be turned into bombs that people are not getting worked up over so let's not dismiss hydrogen as a fuel source. Hydrogen is by far the most common element in the universe. On Earth, however, the hydrogen is bonded to other elements... not easily found already isolated. So how do we get our Hydrogen?
Despite GB Jr's idea to separate it from oil/natural gas, that doesn't solve our goal of emission free and renewable energy. If we only have 40 years of oil left on the planet based on our current rate of consumption how does this sound viable or intelligent? My idea is based on the simple electrolysis of water (which covers over 70% of our planet). Overly simplified: if you run an electrical current through water it will separate the H2O into its components of hydrogen and oxygen. Twice as much hydrogen as oxygen in fact. But where will we get all that electricity?
In the Midwest of our country we could produce enough wind generated energy to meet our current electricity needs. The problem is we don't have a grid system in place that could efficiently transport that energy across the country. What if we used that energy instead to separate out water into the hydrogen needed for our new vehicle system? Could this possibly even help, to some extent, the issue of sea level rising (maybe not but one can dream)?
Where would we build those wind farms? Our government pays a certain number of farmers to NOT grow crops on their land so that we don't end up with a crop surplus that could effect prices and hurt farmers overall. Why not on that land? We currently grow such a surplus of corn in this country that much of it is turned into a very cheap sugar (that's why high fructose corn syrup is in everything). What if some of that land was converted to wind farms?
So what are we left with? A booming new economy centered in the heartland of this country which will not be covered with water as sea level rises. With no need for foreign oil there would be no money from us going to terrorists, there would be no reason for the US to take over middle east countries, therefore, no terrorist threats on the US. Using hydrogen fuel cells we are no longer polluting the air, therefore, reducing our impact on climate change. Less pollution in the air means better quality of life and better health. Imagine the views possible in every major city if the air was clean?
Sure there are specifics i'm not mentioning here, but isn't this entry long enough?
Aug 15, 2006
Family Photos
i know some of you only read books with pictures so i figured i'd throw you a bone.
Here's a pic of my Mum and Dad the first night they met (at the Cantina) and a picture of me (a chip off the ol' block). Who says nothing good can come of Bounty Hunter/Jedi love?
Here's a pic of my Mum and Dad the first night they met (at the Cantina) and a picture of me (a chip off the ol' block). Who says nothing good can come of Bounty Hunter/Jedi love?
Aug 14, 2006
Not a Jukebox
Last night i was reminded why i go to so many shows (concerts). Despite working myself up over nothing during a busy day i was quickly relaxed 2 songs into the set (i think, it may have been the third...i was a little late). Music helps me find balance despite attempts to the contrary by my brain.
At last night's D/C show Chris (vocals) maintained his 'street cred' by heckling the people who somehow got front row seats but who only wanted to hear the Spiderman soundtrack. As acts get bigger (which is inevitable when you are truly good) it's nice to know that they still care about their core audience.
It reminded me of a REM show i got to see in the early nineties (supporting 'Automatic for the People' i believe). People kept shouting out the songs they wanted to hear so finally about 3 or 4 songs in Michael (vocals) said something to the effect of: we're a band, not a fucking juke box. Most of use went wild. It was great.
This leads me to bands and their interaction with audiences to let us know that they care. Although i hate grocery/things-to-do lists (hun...) i do get great pleasure from "top whatever" lists, so here is a short list of the best audience interactions i have seen at the shows i have been lucky enough to attend.
Number 4: Rise Against- Despite a full barricade and overly-testosteroned security staff, near the close of the set some kid somehow made it onto the stage. Quite a feat, only to be instantly tackled by two HUGE security guards. One skinny kid, two enormous neanderthals. Tim (vocals) and Joe (bass) instantly stopped playing and went over to try an minimize the man handling. The drums and guitar went into a loop of the current riff. Once everything was OK Joe just said calmly into the mic: that should have been handled better guys, there's no need to tackle kids... and then they all just jumped right back into the song where they left off. They showed their care for the fans then continued 'the rock' without hissy-fits or riots.
Number 3: Jane's Addiction- Again, another barricade issue. These things seem to hurt as much as they help. It was their first reunion tour with flea (from RHCP) on bass for them. People were going crazy for this tour. i think it was over-sold, everyone wanted to be up front, and part of the barricade collapsed and people were getting crushed. Roadies, sponsors, the butcher, the baker, and the candlestick maker came onto the mic to ask people to all step back. The crowd would lean back for a moment then the push forward would resume.
Just when i was convinced that the concert would be cancelled Perry (vocals) came out to thunderous applause and got on the mic. He said something to the effect of: we want to come on but we want everyone to have a good time and we want to make sure that no one gets hurt... i need everyone here to take three big steps back for me so we can fix the barricade so no one gets hurt (and then he counted as everyone took three steps back). When Perry asks something of people who've been waiting years to see him again- they do it. The show started soon after they fixed the problem... it was as amazing as one would expect... and several times he thanked everyone for lookin' out for each other.
Number 2: Enit- Once again the beauty of Perry shines through. After he seemed to lose some control of the Lollapalooza tours Perry put on a one tour only Enit Festival: a galactic celebration of diversity with Porno for Pyros headlining. The P4P stage show was amazing with all these performers on stage. At one point there where these ballerinas (?ballet girls) with big two-two's walking around on stilts spitting fire.
One of the girl's canteen of alcohol spilled onto her costume after she stumbled a bit. The next time she spit fire she burst into flame and fell onto the guitarist. Perry, the bassist, and the guitarist all ran to her aid as a stage hand put her out quickly with an extinguisher. Perry then carried her off stage.
After minutes of crowd panic and an empty stage the crowd didn't quite know what to do. Shock if you will. Is there some way to help? Do we go home? What? Perry then came out and reassured the crowd that her costume was burned but that she was all right, just quite scared. She was going to the hospital to just double check. He then went on for about 5 minutes telling everyone her name a a bit about her and genuinely just making everyone feel more connected to her and glad that she was alright.
He then announced that during the accident the guitar was broken so did anyone mind if they did an impromptu acoustic set. We went crazy... they played acoustic Jane's hits and then closed the set with a now borrowed guitar. A near disaster turned into a beautiful human moment. Talk about poise. Perry 4 Pres.
Number 1: Fugazi- Could it have been anyone else? At a Fugazi show (in a gym because they won't play places where a big ticket agency or promoters over charge for tickets) a girl trying to mosh/crowd surf got groped by someone in the audience. Ian (vocal/guitar) instantly stopped the show, stepped off the stage into the crowd, grabbed the boy's hand, dragged him to the door where he took $12 (the price of admission) out of the money box, gave it back to the kid, and told him to never come to a Fugazi show ever again (which we all heard because it was just a gym after all). We all clapped and the show went on with all of us knowing that Ian wouldn't let anything bad happen to us (during his show at least).
If you made it this far... these are a few of the times i felt cared for by the bands that i've seen. Maybe music can save the world... for one night at least.
At last night's D/C show Chris (vocals) maintained his 'street cred' by heckling the people who somehow got front row seats but who only wanted to hear the Spiderman soundtrack. As acts get bigger (which is inevitable when you are truly good) it's nice to know that they still care about their core audience.
It reminded me of a REM show i got to see in the early nineties (supporting 'Automatic for the People' i believe). People kept shouting out the songs they wanted to hear so finally about 3 or 4 songs in Michael (vocals) said something to the effect of: we're a band, not a fucking juke box. Most of use went wild. It was great.
This leads me to bands and their interaction with audiences to let us know that they care. Although i hate grocery/things-to-do lists (hun...) i do get great pleasure from "top whatever" lists, so here is a short list of the best audience interactions i have seen at the shows i have been lucky enough to attend.
Number 4: Rise Against- Despite a full barricade and overly-testosteroned security staff, near the close of the set some kid somehow made it onto the stage. Quite a feat, only to be instantly tackled by two HUGE security guards. One skinny kid, two enormous neanderthals. Tim (vocals) and Joe (bass) instantly stopped playing and went over to try an minimize the man handling. The drums and guitar went into a loop of the current riff. Once everything was OK Joe just said calmly into the mic: that should have been handled better guys, there's no need to tackle kids... and then they all just jumped right back into the song where they left off. They showed their care for the fans then continued 'the rock' without hissy-fits or riots.
Number 3: Jane's Addiction- Again, another barricade issue. These things seem to hurt as much as they help. It was their first reunion tour with flea (from RHCP) on bass for them. People were going crazy for this tour. i think it was over-sold, everyone wanted to be up front, and part of the barricade collapsed and people were getting crushed. Roadies, sponsors, the butcher, the baker, and the candlestick maker came onto the mic to ask people to all step back. The crowd would lean back for a moment then the push forward would resume.
Just when i was convinced that the concert would be cancelled Perry (vocals) came out to thunderous applause and got on the mic. He said something to the effect of: we want to come on but we want everyone to have a good time and we want to make sure that no one gets hurt... i need everyone here to take three big steps back for me so we can fix the barricade so no one gets hurt (and then he counted as everyone took three steps back). When Perry asks something of people who've been waiting years to see him again- they do it. The show started soon after they fixed the problem... it was as amazing as one would expect... and several times he thanked everyone for lookin' out for each other.
Number 2: Enit- Once again the beauty of Perry shines through. After he seemed to lose some control of the Lollapalooza tours Perry put on a one tour only Enit Festival: a galactic celebration of diversity with Porno for Pyros headlining. The P4P stage show was amazing with all these performers on stage. At one point there where these ballerinas (?ballet girls) with big two-two's walking around on stilts spitting fire.
One of the girl's canteen of alcohol spilled onto her costume after she stumbled a bit. The next time she spit fire she burst into flame and fell onto the guitarist. Perry, the bassist, and the guitarist all ran to her aid as a stage hand put her out quickly with an extinguisher. Perry then carried her off stage.
After minutes of crowd panic and an empty stage the crowd didn't quite know what to do. Shock if you will. Is there some way to help? Do we go home? What? Perry then came out and reassured the crowd that her costume was burned but that she was all right, just quite scared. She was going to the hospital to just double check. He then went on for about 5 minutes telling everyone her name a a bit about her and genuinely just making everyone feel more connected to her and glad that she was alright.
He then announced that during the accident the guitar was broken so did anyone mind if they did an impromptu acoustic set. We went crazy... they played acoustic Jane's hits and then closed the set with a now borrowed guitar. A near disaster turned into a beautiful human moment. Talk about poise. Perry 4 Pres.
Number 1: Fugazi- Could it have been anyone else? At a Fugazi show (in a gym because they won't play places where a big ticket agency or promoters over charge for tickets) a girl trying to mosh/crowd surf got groped by someone in the audience. Ian (vocal/guitar) instantly stopped the show, stepped off the stage into the crowd, grabbed the boy's hand, dragged him to the door where he took $12 (the price of admission) out of the money box, gave it back to the kid, and told him to never come to a Fugazi show ever again (which we all heard because it was just a gym after all). We all clapped and the show went on with all of us knowing that Ian wouldn't let anything bad happen to us (during his show at least).
If you made it this far... these are a few of the times i felt cared for by the bands that i've seen. Maybe music can save the world... for one night at least.
Disclaimer
Probably doesn't need saying but that has never stopped me before. i truly enjoy when people comment. i do indeed read them. The only reason i do not reply/respond to any comments is because i say what i need to in the original post. That's all.
Comment away... agree/disagree... just don't feel you have to censor yourself... or spell correctly. Encouraging me however is at your own risk.
Comment away... agree/disagree... just don't feel you have to censor yourself... or spell correctly. Encouraging me however is at your own risk.
Take a Penny, Take a Condom
Now i should be overjoyed that i live in a place that massive amounts of people want to visit on a regular basis (in the summer at least). That should be reaffirming... "wow, i am fortunate enough to live somewhere that thousands are willing to flock to for their summer vacations". Hanging out around my house that really works. As soon as i try to go somewhere, however, the curmudgeon in me gets turned to 11 as minutes of my life are stolen from me as i sit in traffic. Minutes of Murder we'll call them because that is time i cannot spend living my life.
If i am stopped on the highway i eventually expect to see a car on fire, a car totaled, or a flying saucer landing (i may even allow for a sasquash crossing). i, however, do not accept turning a perfectly good highway into a parking lot because... there's a bridge. Yes, highway traffic was brought to a stand still for miles because the vacationing masses had to go over a bridge. i forgot that in the summer the time it takes for you to get anywhere must be multiplied by the asshole factor. In case you spent that day of algebra class daydreaming about the pretty girl in front of you (or handsome guy) let me review the asshole factor, and no it is not a new fox news network program.
The asshole factor is a varying constant (approved by military intelligence) that when graphed out is a hyperbolic curve increasing exponentially with an increase in population in any given situation. Symbolized by the variable 'a' followed by two dollar signs the factor can be implemented in any equation at any time... often without warning.
Being the pragmatic, leveled headed person that i am (after running out of curses, wearing out my horn, and utterly pissing off all of the passengers in my car) i decided to spend this wasted time coming up with a solution to the asshole factor problem. i didn't even need a pencil and paper. i did all the math in my head.
The problem is that as population increases, so does the asshole factor. My solution is simple and we should see the positive effects within a single generation. Everywhere that there is a 'take a penny, leave a penny' tray there should also be a tray of free condoms.
Seeing condoms so regularly would quickly take away the seedy reputation they currently have. The easy access would help those too embarrassed to be seen buying condoms (although that means you're "gettin' some" you idiots). Lastly, it would make condoms accessible to those lacking in the funds to practice birth control.
Tangent benefits include the removal of the term "but i don't have a condom" from current frat house venacular and a decrease in sexually transmitted diseases, including AIDS... but really, i'm just looking to stop wasting time in traffic.
Free condoms are a small price to pay for a better world and a better driving experience. Most of the program could be funded with bi-daily emptying of the penny trays 'cause man... i've only taken two pennies out in my whole life and i put pennies in on a daily basis.
i know Bush is going on vacation but maybe someone could forward this to him, i'm sure he'd be on board.
If i am stopped on the highway i eventually expect to see a car on fire, a car totaled, or a flying saucer landing (i may even allow for a sasquash crossing). i, however, do not accept turning a perfectly good highway into a parking lot because... there's a bridge. Yes, highway traffic was brought to a stand still for miles because the vacationing masses had to go over a bridge. i forgot that in the summer the time it takes for you to get anywhere must be multiplied by the asshole factor. In case you spent that day of algebra class daydreaming about the pretty girl in front of you (or handsome guy) let me review the asshole factor, and no it is not a new fox news network program.
The asshole factor is a varying constant (approved by military intelligence) that when graphed out is a hyperbolic curve increasing exponentially with an increase in population in any given situation. Symbolized by the variable 'a' followed by two dollar signs the factor can be implemented in any equation at any time... often without warning.
Being the pragmatic, leveled headed person that i am (after running out of curses, wearing out my horn, and utterly pissing off all of the passengers in my car) i decided to spend this wasted time coming up with a solution to the asshole factor problem. i didn't even need a pencil and paper. i did all the math in my head.
The problem is that as population increases, so does the asshole factor. My solution is simple and we should see the positive effects within a single generation. Everywhere that there is a 'take a penny, leave a penny' tray there should also be a tray of free condoms.
Seeing condoms so regularly would quickly take away the seedy reputation they currently have. The easy access would help those too embarrassed to be seen buying condoms (although that means you're "gettin' some" you idiots). Lastly, it would make condoms accessible to those lacking in the funds to practice birth control.
Tangent benefits include the removal of the term "but i don't have a condom" from current frat house venacular and a decrease in sexually transmitted diseases, including AIDS... but really, i'm just looking to stop wasting time in traffic.
Free condoms are a small price to pay for a better world and a better driving experience. Most of the program could be funded with bi-daily emptying of the penny trays 'cause man... i've only taken two pennies out in my whole life and i put pennies in on a daily basis.
i know Bush is going on vacation but maybe someone could forward this to him, i'm sure he'd be on board.
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