Who better to drum up this evening than Aerosmith, a band who I thought was edgy growing up in Shiner, also one of the first concerts I saw back at the polo grounds in the city I work. Frequent plays in the jukebox here you can honestly say.
Speaking of the city I work vs the city I used to live and work, vs the city I live in now, there are stark differences. When I left Austin for San Antonio I was sad, but I knew it had to be done, in my mind and heart. When I arrived in San Antonio, I met a new set a people, a new set of values, a new mindset. At first I preached Austin like it was the best thing since Diet Dr Pepper, all the while my 'new buddy' goes 'no one over here gives a damn about Austin, quit talking about it.'
What's been in store for me in the city I work is a more mature, grounded audience, people who have a very strong identity, and I'm glad to have that rubbing off on me. Most of the time if not all of the time I don't agree with the political ideologies, I have no idea what it's like to have two kids, or relish in things I find not all that interesting. I agree with the artical that cities define you, the city that I feel defines me is 5,000 miles away.
There's something to be said about strenght, in heart, mind and spirit. The average Aerosmith fan knows thyself, however simple this conclusion is, or however small the box they live in. The aren't posers, they aren't name droppers, they aren't cool for the sake of being cool. That old redneck song lyric 'you got to stand for something or you'll fall for anything' holds true.
It's all helping me become a well rounded individual. I have nothing but respect between both sides of the I35 corridor, each one has their purpose. Meanwhile, the city I live has great German heritage and a hybrid of both ends of the spectrum, which equals walks in nature revealing big patios with frequent beer pong games.
Life is good.
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Sunday, June 22, 2008
I could Never think too muich just like that holy, holy fool, i could see a bright, bright future in the bottom of this coffee cup
A great thing about diversity in human spirit and emotion is your ability to find the blips on the radar that support a common cause. Weather you are working on the 10, 100, 1000 or 1000000000 piece puzzle of life, the more complicated things get, rest assured there is someone expounding brain cells to aid in the quest.
I thought about what it means to have 'real' solutions in this day and age, and how hard it is to achieve this in lieu of all the clamour. What does a newscast do in actually helping find causes to common problems, and just how bad is the average attention span these days. Is it really that simple to reduce oil to frame the question 'to drill or not to drill?' Does it realistically give an accurate depiction the road ahead on issues based on 'bases', political ideologies, personalities, baggage, etc, etc? The silos of human communication has caused an epidemic loss in individual human responsibility, because, as I've played the game before, 'its always someone elses responsibilities.'
Often situations in life are so gummed up tactics have to change in order to achieve a desired effect. Same line of thinking, same effect. An approach that seems to work depends on individual responsibilities working within the confines of the established systems, but also deviant tactics, all the while having a generally good attitude about it all.
Work and personal life have so many parallels in this train of thought, that's what's on my mind this evening, along with a great Love and Rockets MP3 set.
I thought about what it means to have 'real' solutions in this day and age, and how hard it is to achieve this in lieu of all the clamour. What does a newscast do in actually helping find causes to common problems, and just how bad is the average attention span these days. Is it really that simple to reduce oil to frame the question 'to drill or not to drill?' Does it realistically give an accurate depiction the road ahead on issues based on 'bases', political ideologies, personalities, baggage, etc, etc? The silos of human communication has caused an epidemic loss in individual human responsibility, because, as I've played the game before, 'its always someone elses responsibilities.'
Often situations in life are so gummed up tactics have to change in order to achieve a desired effect. Same line of thinking, same effect. An approach that seems to work depends on individual responsibilities working within the confines of the established systems, but also deviant tactics, all the while having a generally good attitude about it all.
Work and personal life have so many parallels in this train of thought, that's what's on my mind this evening, along with a great Love and Rockets MP3 set.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Doesn't take much time for plans to change, and offer up another chance, at sewing the dream better suited for both soul and soil
Where have I been, flying under the radar in several ways, leaving a big section of what little irresponsibility I had behind. Life gets tricky at points, right now is a tricky point, but I embrace it completely. All of our lives are predictable, but some are more predictably unpredictable than others, there's my Mike Brady for the day.
I've finished some good audiobooks lately on the commute to work, one being 'Titan' the story of Rockefeller. You know when you've made it in life? When FireFox's spell check corrects your name. No serious, if you want a 50,000 feet view of Standard Oil and Acme Holding, the alignment of complimentary cartels, and the genius to bring it all together, its a wonderful piece.
The Dems wrapped up the primary season with predictable results. As the battle rages on between wedge issues and labels, nothing gets done. Someone recently asked me why I'm an Obama fan, what can he do for the economy, this, that, blah blah blah. Well, noting that we are on a 275 million passenger yacht with the bloods and crypts (dems and republicans), the boat doesn't turn on a dime, and I don't expect it to. What I like about Obama is his ability to inspire people, because his story his improbable. Some weeks back I had a conversation with a 'mass communication masters student' on the topic of grassroots vs traditional communication, which was better. She emphatically said people need organized communication, the canned answer I get from most people 'in the business.' From the perspective of the primaries, Hillary and Bill had a VERY long time to 'woo' these superdelegates, 'take control' of the media, know the 'inside lanes' in Washington, all the while touting 'experience', exactly the experience 'we need' in the White House. Meanwhile, Obama controls internet fund raising and other grassroots communication methods and ousts what was a 'sure to win' candidate. His candidacy started out as a true movement 'yes we can, ' and the yang of the ying always come back, and a counter movement of the 'just because we can, doesn't mean we will' movement forms.
It brings the subject of race into the picture, and what is painfully obvious to me is there is racism, in the country, on a generation basis. Young people for the most part aren't, however there's a lot of residue still lingering with the older folks, I hear it from people all around me, people close to me. I'm sympathetic to the cause of individual responsibility, whoever lives that sorta life always has a seat at the table to discuss. It's our responsibility to participate and come to the table with a well thought out plan. I recently read Dreams from my Father, it's fascinating and inspiring, anyone with an open mind and heart would think the same.
I saw 'Return to Forever' a few weeks back as well, and if you're not familiar, think of the 'all star game' of jazz, and there you'll have it.
I've spent my nights wandering around in the park, taking a deep breath for the soul, on the short term (nightly) and also my time in New Braunfels. There's a big hill next to my place, I climb up and down, up and down, in preparation to climb Mt Elbert on July 2nd, the second highest peak in the continental USA, just right before Mike and Laura P's wedding in Denver. Mountain climbing, is there physically a better metaphor for life?
Signing off for the night, lots of thoughts stirring, will slice thinner as the weeks go by. In the meantime, back to Calexico
I've finished some good audiobooks lately on the commute to work, one being 'Titan' the story of Rockefeller. You know when you've made it in life? When FireFox's spell check corrects your name. No serious, if you want a 50,000 feet view of Standard Oil and Acme Holding, the alignment of complimentary cartels, and the genius to bring it all together, its a wonderful piece.
The Dems wrapped up the primary season with predictable results. As the battle rages on between wedge issues and labels, nothing gets done. Someone recently asked me why I'm an Obama fan, what can he do for the economy, this, that, blah blah blah. Well, noting that we are on a 275 million passenger yacht with the bloods and crypts (dems and republicans), the boat doesn't turn on a dime, and I don't expect it to. What I like about Obama is his ability to inspire people, because his story his improbable. Some weeks back I had a conversation with a 'mass communication masters student' on the topic of grassroots vs traditional communication, which was better. She emphatically said people need organized communication, the canned answer I get from most people 'in the business.' From the perspective of the primaries, Hillary and Bill had a VERY long time to 'woo' these superdelegates, 'take control' of the media, know the 'inside lanes' in Washington, all the while touting 'experience', exactly the experience 'we need' in the White House. Meanwhile, Obama controls internet fund raising and other grassroots communication methods and ousts what was a 'sure to win' candidate. His candidacy started out as a true movement 'yes we can, ' and the yang of the ying always come back, and a counter movement of the 'just because we can, doesn't mean we will' movement forms.
It brings the subject of race into the picture, and what is painfully obvious to me is there is racism, in the country, on a generation basis. Young people for the most part aren't, however there's a lot of residue still lingering with the older folks, I hear it from people all around me, people close to me. I'm sympathetic to the cause of individual responsibility, whoever lives that sorta life always has a seat at the table to discuss. It's our responsibility to participate and come to the table with a well thought out plan. I recently read Dreams from my Father, it's fascinating and inspiring, anyone with an open mind and heart would think the same.
I saw 'Return to Forever' a few weeks back as well, and if you're not familiar, think of the 'all star game' of jazz, and there you'll have it.
I've spent my nights wandering around in the park, taking a deep breath for the soul, on the short term (nightly) and also my time in New Braunfels. There's a big hill next to my place, I climb up and down, up and down, in preparation to climb Mt Elbert on July 2nd, the second highest peak in the continental USA, just right before Mike and Laura P's wedding in Denver. Mountain climbing, is there physically a better metaphor for life?
Signing off for the night, lots of thoughts stirring, will slice thinner as the weeks go by. In the meantime, back to Calexico
I cant remember anything to this very day, cept the look, the look
Jennifer's BDAY party was a ways' back, she's such a special girl, wonderful in too many ways to account for, but I'm glad I met her, and it was an honor to be at her bday party. Always amazing food, always an amazing time.
Which 'accidentally' turned into a pool party when I threw Mike P in, nice shirt and all. This came after a frenzied hula hoop session in which Ashley promised to make me one for practice.
Later on, after a bit of persuasion from Pussers Rum, Ashley and I attempted the 'Dirty Dancing' scene in the pool, Ashley wearing Mike D attire, and me with the ol' shirt still on, just because that's how we roll.
Mahon and Jennifer, representin'
Then there's Mr Entertainment, who provided Shins, etc strummin' for sing along.
Finally, for comic relief, Mike P and I briefly joked around about doing a 'tandem' hula hooping session, however, we didn't want to be that close to each other. Mike and Laura tie the knot on July 4th weekend in Colorado, congrats to them.
Jennifer, Jenny, Ashley Mike Mike Laura Mark, great to have friends like y'all --
Which 'accidentally' turned into a pool party when I threw Mike P in, nice shirt and all. This came after a frenzied hula hoop session in which Ashley promised to make me one for practice.
Later on, after a bit of persuasion from Pussers Rum, Ashley and I attempted the 'Dirty Dancing' scene in the pool, Ashley wearing Mike D attire, and me with the ol' shirt still on, just because that's how we roll.
Mahon and Jennifer, representin'
Then there's Mr Entertainment, who provided Shins, etc strummin' for sing along.
Finally, for comic relief, Mike P and I briefly joked around about doing a 'tandem' hula hooping session, however, we didn't want to be that close to each other. Mike and Laura tie the knot on July 4th weekend in Colorado, congrats to them.
Jennifer, Jenny, Ashley Mike Mike Laura Mark, great to have friends like y'all --
Monday, May 19, 2008
You said fusion was the broken heart that's lonely's only thought And all night long you drove me wild with your equations
Tonight I go to the bar to watch the spurs, for water cooler talks sake. I like 'soccer' because once it was explained to me, countries abstract their hatred for another country to an opponents soccer team. Made sense to me, makes the stakes more intense, etc, etc. Meat and potato basketball wins again.
Got to thinking tonight a lot about social networking and how the world is hyper connected, what that means for everyone, where is it going, what does it all mean, and I'm still drawing a blank. Traditional 'networking' says go out and meet people, meet people with common interests with common stakes. If the end state of networking was to 'meet people' wouldn't it be in your best interests to engage in your local professional sports team, video games, american idol, or other stuff massively consumed by pop culture? What drives the world? What makes people go out and what are they searching for? The vast majority I'd say are searching for community. A suppose a hyper connected world makes commodities out of oddities in thought word and deed, problem is these friends aren't available for a typical friday night on the town, so what good does it do in the tradition world of friendships, comradery, intimacy, and community?
It also got me thinking about marco vs micro brain functions. Give a little to get a little, give a lot to get a lot, take that job for an extra 5k or watch the trends in the workforce and ride the wave. I've always tended to see the world on the macro level, buy the 50 dollar lunch gain a friend mentality (but that certainly doesn't mean I'm buying friends, its buying trust it will work out in the wash). Always keep throwing stuff into the equation, not maybe per se for the sake of interest, but for the sake of diversifying you portfolio of friends therefore diversifying your equity as a human being.
A night on the town with the spurs I could care less, a night on the town with friends I very seldom pass up, a night on the town with dialog about Belle and Sebastian, independent films and the world at large are something I miss dearly.
Got to thinking tonight a lot about social networking and how the world is hyper connected, what that means for everyone, where is it going, what does it all mean, and I'm still drawing a blank. Traditional 'networking' says go out and meet people, meet people with common interests with common stakes. If the end state of networking was to 'meet people' wouldn't it be in your best interests to engage in your local professional sports team, video games, american idol, or other stuff massively consumed by pop culture? What drives the world? What makes people go out and what are they searching for? The vast majority I'd say are searching for community. A suppose a hyper connected world makes commodities out of oddities in thought word and deed, problem is these friends aren't available for a typical friday night on the town, so what good does it do in the tradition world of friendships, comradery, intimacy, and community?
It also got me thinking about marco vs micro brain functions. Give a little to get a little, give a lot to get a lot, take that job for an extra 5k or watch the trends in the workforce and ride the wave. I've always tended to see the world on the macro level, buy the 50 dollar lunch gain a friend mentality (but that certainly doesn't mean I'm buying friends, its buying trust it will work out in the wash). Always keep throwing stuff into the equation, not maybe per se for the sake of interest, but for the sake of diversifying you portfolio of friends therefore diversifying your equity as a human being.
A night on the town with the spurs I could care less, a night on the town with friends I very seldom pass up, a night on the town with dialog about Belle and Sebastian, independent films and the world at large are something I miss dearly.
Sunday, May 18, 2008
This one dropped a payload Fodder for the animals Living on an animal farm
Radiohead carry the flag for indie rock to Houston.
A rainbow above the gig,
later a kinda full mood.
Ronster, mr 5th row, must be nice.
the free tibet theme going on.
A rainbow above the gig,
later a kinda full mood.
Ronster, mr 5th row, must be nice.
the free tibet theme going on.
Monday, May 12, 2008
Sail Away on a Crystal Ship in a Bottle, Gonna Say Goodbye to All my Friends on Shore
The Power of Now, Eckhart Tolle, a GEM of a book if I ever did read one. It talks of many things, basically though it speaks of what is in your control is RIGHT NOW. I could go on forever, but here's the brief.
It speaks of being super conscious, and if you are / when you are, you're able to get rid of things like fear and doubt. There is a cliche that says 'who you are is the person you are when no one is watching.' Any vices you have can be handled by becoming conscious of the now. This includes not making yourself a victim of the past, or saying that things will be better in the future. This book also falls in line with what I think leads to a good work ethic, 'control what you are doing now and your cards will fall into place.
Consciousness also helps with self image. As I take a stroll through loads of college kids with pretty bodies and a 'cool' persona, I dig down, look at my pasty white legs, appreciate them, and enjoy what I bring to the table of humanity holistically. Without being conscious, I think well maybe I need to lose my belly, or have a better complexion, or get some different shoes, or maybe my outfit isn't good enough. Then I take a deep breath and access what are the lasting attributes to make you a whole person.
It also speaks in terms of spirituality. One point, and I paraphrase, personality dies, radiance lives on in humans. When bad things happen, you can still be at peace while being sad. Also, a statement to the effect of 'time is the illusion that keeps god in check.'
Fascinating read, I'll probably pick up another one sooner or later by him. Now I'm sifting through the Ron Paul 'Revolution' along with 'Into Thin Air,' the only survivors account of the deadliest year in Everest history.
It speaks of being super conscious, and if you are / when you are, you're able to get rid of things like fear and doubt. There is a cliche that says 'who you are is the person you are when no one is watching.' Any vices you have can be handled by becoming conscious of the now. This includes not making yourself a victim of the past, or saying that things will be better in the future. This book also falls in line with what I think leads to a good work ethic, 'control what you are doing now and your cards will fall into place.
Consciousness also helps with self image. As I take a stroll through loads of college kids with pretty bodies and a 'cool' persona, I dig down, look at my pasty white legs, appreciate them, and enjoy what I bring to the table of humanity holistically. Without being conscious, I think well maybe I need to lose my belly, or have a better complexion, or get some different shoes, or maybe my outfit isn't good enough. Then I take a deep breath and access what are the lasting attributes to make you a whole person.
It also speaks in terms of spirituality. One point, and I paraphrase, personality dies, radiance lives on in humans. When bad things happen, you can still be at peace while being sad. Also, a statement to the effect of 'time is the illusion that keeps god in check.'
Fascinating read, I'll probably pick up another one sooner or later by him. Now I'm sifting through the Ron Paul 'Revolution' along with 'Into Thin Air,' the only survivors account of the deadliest year in Everest history.
Boy, You're Gonna Carry that Weight
Years back a friend of mine did 'Project: Does your Vote Count', she basically said 'no', and based on this election the holes in the 'process' really shin through. Some say its a 'win' for democracy, in the sense that there have been a lot of new registered voters, however, if the participation rate isn't above 50 percent, what does that mean for the true state of democracy. What does it mean that the same surname has been in power for the last 20 years? For a brief period of time, England was a republic, then they said, screw this, we want our king and queen back to sit back and look pretty, and we'll slap a prime minister and parliament to boot. Seems like a way to handle the whole 'name recognition' aspect of what government has become.
Political parties and their rules, this, that or the other. Votes turn into delegates by a mathematical process based on caucuses and primaries. In the meantime, the 'super delegates' (also know as political insiders that have been courted for years and years by incumbents (Clintons), and they don't follow the vote of the people because they have 'been good to.'
Let's take the media, it turns it into a drama, check out Seth's blog and the checks where this is 'true' information, but not really relevant, and this is what is swaying the populous. CNN is making great money on this election, fair balanced and hateful fox doesn't know what to do, NBC is something I can't even stay with.
It's sad that our process is so silly, and good people on all sides of the fence have to follow party platforms weather they agree or not, pander for votes because the media looks for flag pin controversies, old dude jokes, or what have you. What a trip through the mud.
Who wants to change the process? All in favor, say 'I'!
In the meantime, like 2PAC says, its me against the world. Obama has weathered a nutjob preacher (all of them are nutjobs and like Kennedy says, don't vote based on religious affiliation), 30+ years of Clinton 'super delegate' and next will be the kitchen sink, but when the email comes around asking for contributions, I throw my 25 bucks in the pot and I try to get people out to vote, because that's what democracy is about, participation, right? Money and mouth, I follow a message of hope, not cynicism, I'm not green and I'm not bitter.
I fall in the gray area that can't be defined by the limited political affiliations out there. I don't understand that there are millions of websites, but 2 candidates for president. Why do humans need pyramid structures?
Political parties and their rules, this, that or the other. Votes turn into delegates by a mathematical process based on caucuses and primaries. In the meantime, the 'super delegates' (also know as political insiders that have been courted for years and years by incumbents (Clintons), and they don't follow the vote of the people because they have 'been good to.'
Let's take the media, it turns it into a drama, check out Seth's blog and the checks where this is 'true' information, but not really relevant, and this is what is swaying the populous. CNN is making great money on this election, fair balanced and hateful fox doesn't know what to do, NBC is something I can't even stay with.
It's sad that our process is so silly, and good people on all sides of the fence have to follow party platforms weather they agree or not, pander for votes because the media looks for flag pin controversies, old dude jokes, or what have you. What a trip through the mud.
Who wants to change the process? All in favor, say 'I'!
In the meantime, like 2PAC says, its me against the world. Obama has weathered a nutjob preacher (all of them are nutjobs and like Kennedy says, don't vote based on religious affiliation), 30+ years of Clinton 'super delegate' and next will be the kitchen sink, but when the email comes around asking for contributions, I throw my 25 bucks in the pot and I try to get people out to vote, because that's what democracy is about, participation, right? Money and mouth, I follow a message of hope, not cynicism, I'm not green and I'm not bitter.
I fall in the gray area that can't be defined by the limited political affiliations out there. I don't understand that there are millions of websites, but 2 candidates for president. Why do humans need pyramid structures?
Sunday, May 11, 2008
of course mommas gonna help build a wall
There she is, mummy and the turnip. We celebrated mothers day in a low key fashion, on a beautiful day. She's the bomb, and I'm glad she had us kids.
How's about a bird house 'made in the Philippines' (sp?) coming to you from a 'free trade' program.
Big Peppers
Huge Onions
Hotter peppers
Green Tomatoes, these things are going to be BIG.
Finally, the man with the gardening plan, peppers in one hand, keystone in the others. Thanks for everything Ronster, lookin' forward to some nice hot sauce!
How's about a bird house 'made in the Philippines' (sp?) coming to you from a 'free trade' program.
Big Peppers
Huge Onions
Hotter peppers
Green Tomatoes, these things are going to be BIG.
Finally, the man with the gardening plan, peppers in one hand, keystone in the others. Thanks for everything Ronster, lookin' forward to some nice hot sauce!
Wednesday, May 07, 2008
A Long Long Time Ago, I Can Still Remeber How That Music Used to Make Me Smile
A chance meeting, Toshi and Robert in Schulemburg Texas of all places. He drives about 70 miles, I drive about a 100 to eat some 'classy' food at 'Franks,' hmmmm, I THINK I can cook better :)
I can and will go on and on one day about Toshi, he is easily one of my best friends, and wish we could hang out more often.
Two years later, Toshi mentions that my belly gets bigger and bigger, gee thanks!
I think it was the vertical stripes that made me look fat :)
I can and will go on and on one day about Toshi, he is easily one of my best friends, and wish we could hang out more often.
Two years later, Toshi mentions that my belly gets bigger and bigger, gee thanks!
I think it was the vertical stripes that made me look fat :)
Sunday, May 04, 2008
These Are the Muddy Waters I'm Swimming In, To Make a Living were I to Drown in Them It Should Come as No Surprise
A handful of peeps came out for my brief stint at my current job. Tomorrow I take my lunch pail and go to a new adventure, it's always kinda like the first day of school.
Well here's the Das Boot at Freisenhaus, it's 2 liters of brutal Spaten, surely to knock you on your butt.
Check out those little beers by the boot.
My box of goodies, typical sinus meds, books, deodorant for tough meetings (although I didn't have to go to many here), and a Barbie doll given to me as a novelty.
Finally meet Pat, a good buddy, cube neighbor, someone who can make C# do cartwheels.
Well here's the Das Boot at Freisenhaus, it's 2 liters of brutal Spaten, surely to knock you on your butt.
Check out those little beers by the boot.
My box of goodies, typical sinus meds, books, deodorant for tough meetings (although I didn't have to go to many here), and a Barbie doll given to me as a novelty.
Finally meet Pat, a good buddy, cube neighbor, someone who can make C# do cartwheels.
Monday, April 28, 2008
I Heard the Night Was Pickin' Up A Song, You Threw Your Hair Back and You Sang Along
The weekend belonged to Robyn and Rolando, the wedding in a Dallas suburb.
What were the guys doing behind there you ask? Well, Baptist Church parking lots are good places for a brew or two.
Living in the nicest place in NB, the 'flux capacitor' went out and didn't get repaired for a week. Who knew those were in AC's.
Sunday brought us to uncle Benny's house, check out the wildlife in the back yard.
A water hose running for 7 months straight yields this much water in a tank. Lots of deer come drink from the water uncle says.
Eatin a lot of BBQ down here all the time.
Bennie's T-Bird I'm promised to have a ride in sooner than later.
Finally, a family shot, from the wedding. We were 'representin' for Don and Robyn and of course Rolando we welcome as a new addition to the family :) .
What were the guys doing behind there you ask? Well, Baptist Church parking lots are good places for a brew or two.
Living in the nicest place in NB, the 'flux capacitor' went out and didn't get repaired for a week. Who knew those were in AC's.
Sunday brought us to uncle Benny's house, check out the wildlife in the back yard.
A water hose running for 7 months straight yields this much water in a tank. Lots of deer come drink from the water uncle says.
Eatin a lot of BBQ down here all the time.
Bennie's T-Bird I'm promised to have a ride in sooner than later.
Finally, a family shot, from the wedding. We were 'representin' for Don and Robyn and of course Rolando we welcome as a new addition to the family :) .
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
It's the Feeling I Get When I Look to the West, Having all the Answers Still Failing the Test
A few things come to my mind tonight, integrity, and what that means to people, and a question that popped up in a facebook status, what do you care about what other people's feelings. So much has been swirling around in my head on these topics, and the cursed 85 degree spring Texas night and a broken AC in a posh apartment has me down, sleepless, and sweatin' like crazy. Hence disconnected fragments of thought and emotion.
Integrity as defined by google define basically says stay consistent with your inner self, accept responsibility and accountability. It's apparent, if not obvious that the Clinton diva, as stated in a prose I read a few weeks ago is walking a fine line between genius and pessimism, and all it has me thinking is that to 'win' in politics means to sacrifice freewill and personal integrity, at least that is the train of thought that seems to effect 'blue collar' people and not us 'affluent' people. I'm disturbed by the events of the political race, Obama certainly has character and integrity, and most importantly consistency. McCain has integrity, not consistency, and Hillary....a desire to win, what to me is a blatant personal agenda, something Obama said tonight.....is it 'how we win' or 'why we should.' These things shine heavily and regardless of the outcome of this race, these words will be remembered in the future, and the question will be did you fall into a pessimism / fear based vote, and 'screw it I ain't even participating vote, or did you vote for a man that can inspire the hearts and minds of countless people, and for Hillary to condescend on someone who can fill up a stadium full of people and twist the facts and play these stupid games is pitiful. What happens when McCain starts to pick on Hillary's character? It's really easy to do, Obama hasn't gone there because he has integrity. Where has all the integrity gone in the election, and how has the American political system turned into a soap opera money making machine that has to 'report news' even when there is no news. It really is sad times.
What do I care about what other people think of me? I've thought about this a lot the last few days and I sincerely care a lot about what people think. There are people that communicate with the heart (emotional intelligence) and those who communicate with the mind, I think the true deviants in life can tap into both and empathize with whatever personality they come across and find 'added value' in any everyone they meet. I've come to understand I think with the heart more in my professional career and more with my mind in my personal life, and I'm becoming aware that more balance is needed in my personal life as it pertains to heart and mind. I think the point is that if you care about what other people think, they are more prone to care about what you think, hence creating a scenario where 'good things happen.' Good things happen when you hold your cards backwards and let everyone know you have the full house, or the pair of deuces, or the high card, or the royal flush. It really flat-lines hierarchy, and that's really where the world is going I believe in the conceptual age, therefore caring what other people think and heeding to human emotion will be a crucial key to success in the future.
I think in every-one's struggle to achieve balance, 25 pound weight loss, beautiful skin, new career or what else have you, there is the sludge period that you have to fight through. One thing that has been reinforced in the past couple months is that the world is FULL OF DISTRACTION, stay on the critical path, do the hard stuff first, and the easy stuff will fall into place. If you do stuff that you know others can't do, you will get ahead in life, if try to 'work the system,' it will put your life in the hands of someone else.
I woke up a few years ago and felt I could conquer the world, here's a book that made it happen, and here's another. These two cut through bullshit with like a warm knife cuts through butter, they've empowered me with the work ethic to expand my own creativity, they transcend professions, make me realize I'm in control of my own destiny, I can make it happen and generally speaking make me feel good.
Integrity as defined by google define basically says stay consistent with your inner self, accept responsibility and accountability. It's apparent, if not obvious that the Clinton diva, as stated in a prose I read a few weeks ago is walking a fine line between genius and pessimism, and all it has me thinking is that to 'win' in politics means to sacrifice freewill and personal integrity, at least that is the train of thought that seems to effect 'blue collar' people and not us 'affluent' people. I'm disturbed by the events of the political race, Obama certainly has character and integrity, and most importantly consistency. McCain has integrity, not consistency, and Hillary....a desire to win, what to me is a blatant personal agenda, something Obama said tonight.....is it 'how we win' or 'why we should.' These things shine heavily and regardless of the outcome of this race, these words will be remembered in the future, and the question will be did you fall into a pessimism / fear based vote, and 'screw it I ain't even participating vote, or did you vote for a man that can inspire the hearts and minds of countless people, and for Hillary to condescend on someone who can fill up a stadium full of people and twist the facts and play these stupid games is pitiful. What happens when McCain starts to pick on Hillary's character? It's really easy to do, Obama hasn't gone there because he has integrity. Where has all the integrity gone in the election, and how has the American political system turned into a soap opera money making machine that has to 'report news' even when there is no news. It really is sad times.
What do I care about what other people think of me? I've thought about this a lot the last few days and I sincerely care a lot about what people think. There are people that communicate with the heart (emotional intelligence) and those who communicate with the mind, I think the true deviants in life can tap into both and empathize with whatever personality they come across and find 'added value' in any everyone they meet. I've come to understand I think with the heart more in my professional career and more with my mind in my personal life, and I'm becoming aware that more balance is needed in my personal life as it pertains to heart and mind. I think the point is that if you care about what other people think, they are more prone to care about what you think, hence creating a scenario where 'good things happen.' Good things happen when you hold your cards backwards and let everyone know you have the full house, or the pair of deuces, or the high card, or the royal flush. It really flat-lines hierarchy, and that's really where the world is going I believe in the conceptual age, therefore caring what other people think and heeding to human emotion will be a crucial key to success in the future.
I think in every-one's struggle to achieve balance, 25 pound weight loss, beautiful skin, new career or what else have you, there is the sludge period that you have to fight through. One thing that has been reinforced in the past couple months is that the world is FULL OF DISTRACTION, stay on the critical path, do the hard stuff first, and the easy stuff will fall into place. If you do stuff that you know others can't do, you will get ahead in life, if try to 'work the system,' it will put your life in the hands of someone else.
I woke up a few years ago and felt I could conquer the world, here's a book that made it happen, and here's another. These two cut through bullshit with like a warm knife cuts through butter, they've empowered me with the work ethic to expand my own creativity, they transcend professions, make me realize I'm in control of my own destiny, I can make it happen and generally speaking make me feel good.
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Weekend Antics
The album of the weekend
Ashton and I, can you tell which one of us is expecting?
Gman and Jamie got a new truck! A nice blue Dodge :)
It's amazing to watch things grow, Ronnie is THE MAN, and we'll have some great organic grub this summer. Also the lemon tree and pomogranite trees are doing great!
Ashton and I, can you tell which one of us is expecting?
Gman and Jamie got a new truck! A nice blue Dodge :)
It's amazing to watch things grow, Ronnie is THE MAN, and we'll have some great organic grub this summer. Also the lemon tree and pomogranite trees are doing great!
Monday, April 14, 2008
I smell the engine grease and mint the wind is blending Under the moan of rotting elm in the silo floor
Jupiter Hotel Portland was the site of the James Mercer, Steve Malkmus set, I must say it was extraordinary, a benefit for an Elementary School. Brilliant, even though the crowd talked through both sets.
The lights at the Jupiter are black lights, the decor is IKEAish which is the fashionable thing to do, and hipsters galore. What do I do? Go to Wal Mart and get me a nice faded glory polo so I can look presentable at the gig.
James Mercer at his finest.
Malkmus seemed to be a bit boozed up, after the set, I was thinking, man I hope James wasn't drinking with Stephen before the show!
Rolando and Me enroute to Bside bar, a local dive.
Mike D and I, you know, one of those moments where we couldn't find anyone to take a picture of all 3 of us.
The 'Doug Fir', the joining restro to the Jupiter, amazing amazing amazing, can't say anything but good about the place, from service to drinks to prices to environment.
Enroute to the early gig, I can't even begin to tell you how amazing the zoom in this camera is.
Lots of planes trains and automobiles in the city, but they aren't intrusive at all.
I like the billboards around town, all promoting health and the environment rather than burgers
Broadway Bar, one of the microbrews we hit, I had an Amber that was great, but waking up at 4 that morning made me proceed to take a nap in the tavern while Rolando and Mike D shot pool.
This place was great too, I had a chicken something or another, but the bread here was amazing.
The gig mentioned above was also a fundraiser for an elementary school. I didn't know this at first, and as they 'registered' me, I said 'I ain't gonna buy anything', and I felt bad when the lady gave me a sad look, when I knew why I understood.
A long walk back to the hotel after a day of walking around touring the city, hopping into a bar every now and then, and just taking in the general atmosphere. We stayed right between those two symmetrical things in the distance, a not-too-nice hotel
Mt Hood is near Ptown, we flew right over it enroute to the city, it looks BIG from the airplane. Really cool looking!
Lots of murals all around town, tributes to animals everwhere.
I hung out for an hour or so in the park by the river and took in the scenery. The town seems to be broken into two sides, both sides sharing each of the cool landmarks, maybe a bit heavy on the downtown side.
powells bookstore, this thing is amazing, cant describe it, just got to see it.
energy drink supposedly organic, haven't tasted anything like this on the planet
roland mike d city center
tree near the japanese garden that was shedding its leaves all over the walkway
mike d wearing his newly purchased ptown shirt!
a blinged out pub, can you guess which 'nationality' they are trying to 'appeal' to?
market in downtown, kinda cool, but once you've been to camden in london you're spoiled for life
Finally 'Saltys', the 'best' seafood in Portland. On a scale of 1-10, I give it a negative 25. I'm up for paying a bit for food on occasion if its good, or if there are big portions, or there is good service or atmosphere. this had none of the above and it was expensive as HELL! How's about 25 bucks for 'fish and chips' that you get at your local pub for 6? How bout a seafood sampler starter with 3 pieces of shrimp, two small crab cakes, and some little fried niblets that they try to pass for squid.
\\ Geeze I could go on forever, but Rolando and Mike D say it best with the establishment in the background
The lights at the Jupiter are black lights, the decor is IKEAish which is the fashionable thing to do, and hipsters galore. What do I do? Go to Wal Mart and get me a nice faded glory polo so I can look presentable at the gig.
James Mercer at his finest.
Malkmus seemed to be a bit boozed up, after the set, I was thinking, man I hope James wasn't drinking with Stephen before the show!
Rolando and Me enroute to Bside bar, a local dive.
Mike D and I, you know, one of those moments where we couldn't find anyone to take a picture of all 3 of us.
The 'Doug Fir', the joining restro to the Jupiter, amazing amazing amazing, can't say anything but good about the place, from service to drinks to prices to environment.
Enroute to the early gig, I can't even begin to tell you how amazing the zoom in this camera is.
Lots of planes trains and automobiles in the city, but they aren't intrusive at all.
I like the billboards around town, all promoting health and the environment rather than burgers
Broadway Bar, one of the microbrews we hit, I had an Amber that was great, but waking up at 4 that morning made me proceed to take a nap in the tavern while Rolando and Mike D shot pool.
This place was great too, I had a chicken something or another, but the bread here was amazing.
The gig mentioned above was also a fundraiser for an elementary school. I didn't know this at first, and as they 'registered' me, I said 'I ain't gonna buy anything', and I felt bad when the lady gave me a sad look, when I knew why I understood.
A long walk back to the hotel after a day of walking around touring the city, hopping into a bar every now and then, and just taking in the general atmosphere. We stayed right between those two symmetrical things in the distance, a not-too-nice hotel
Mt Hood is near Ptown, we flew right over it enroute to the city, it looks BIG from the airplane. Really cool looking!
Lots of murals all around town, tributes to animals everwhere.
I hung out for an hour or so in the park by the river and took in the scenery. The town seems to be broken into two sides, both sides sharing each of the cool landmarks, maybe a bit heavy on the downtown side.
powells bookstore, this thing is amazing, cant describe it, just got to see it.
energy drink supposedly organic, haven't tasted anything like this on the planet
roland mike d city center
tree near the japanese garden that was shedding its leaves all over the walkway
mike d wearing his newly purchased ptown shirt!
a blinged out pub, can you guess which 'nationality' they are trying to 'appeal' to?
market in downtown, kinda cool, but once you've been to camden in london you're spoiled for life
Finally 'Saltys', the 'best' seafood in Portland. On a scale of 1-10, I give it a negative 25. I'm up for paying a bit for food on occasion if its good, or if there are big portions, or there is good service or atmosphere. this had none of the above and it was expensive as HELL! How's about 25 bucks for 'fish and chips' that you get at your local pub for 6? How bout a seafood sampler starter with 3 pieces of shrimp, two small crab cakes, and some little fried niblets that they try to pass for squid.
\\ Geeze I could go on forever, but Rolando and Mike D say it best with the establishment in the background
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