Sunday, November 8, 2009
Stop entropy. True That!
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
LISTEN NOW! "Glass of Water"
Ok...greetings from the First State...
I LOVE, absolutely... this song by Coldplay, "Glass of Water". It is open to interpretation, "son, don't ask, how full or empty is your glass, spend your whole time living in the past". Is it about optimism, not living with regret, not trying to understand the future, living in the present? Up to you..
The youtube video shows the lyrics, it is not an impresssive video visually at all...but the focus should be on Listening to the intense music and great lyrics.. This song blows me away. Coldplay just keeps growing on me. I used to think they were good, now I am convinced they are awesome and truly outstanding musicians..their music resonates with me...I feel more alive and it makes the blood move and emotions run.... the power of a great song! Music can be a savior..
Sunday, October 25, 2009
City of Blinding Lights video
Live from the Brooklyn Bridge, U2. I absolutely LOVE this song. It is beautiful. And this youtube video is actually quite good. I love NYC. I love U2.
If you happened to watch the Democratic National Convention last year, our soon to be President Obama walked onto stage to speak, the beginning of this song was playing to his entrance on stage. I always wondered when watching that live, just how many people in the USA knew it was a U2 song? I'm sure many fans resonated with it...and the ethereal instrumental beginning of the song I'm sure resonated with viewers who had no idea it was a U2 song. What a great song. And I wonder if Plouffe or Axelrod chose the song? I am curious who chose it...but I'm sure it helped the energy of that great campaign. Wow, was his campaign not an outstanding accomplishment? I studied political campaigns in college, and as I watched it unfold...I was is in awe of the power of the campaign, online, on tv, the crowds, the energy, I hope that sense of hope returns. That campaign was so well done and so well orchestrated...and so is this song.
And I am sad to say that U2's last production, "No Line on the Horizon" does not do the band any justice, I don't know what happened, but they lost their mojo they had on their last cd... sad to say, but I'm a huge fan and I was let down. But hey, it's hard to follow up one blockbuster with another.. so I still love them. I know some hardcore fans say their career went downhill after Achtung Baby, but I disagree. They went through a normal slump in life that all people go through, good years, bad years, ups and downs....it's part of the rhythm of life I suppose. So...even if I don't love their new cd, they are still awesome and I imagine that one day again, in the future, they will return with some truly amazing and emotionally charged great sounds.
If you've never watched U2's official video on youtube for "Yahweh" check it out too...animated...a great message too...
Peace out for now G
Sunday, October 18, 2009
WELTANGST vs. peace of mind
Anxiety and worries of the world. I googled its meaning..it is hard to find a lot about it. Basically, it's all the bs and worries in your mind...about the larger world....stuff on the world news...politics, crime, war, hate, struggles, oppression, hunger, fear, the destruction of the environment, the gross inequality of wealth distribution in the world, poverty, injustice, corruption, etc. I could list a lot more. But I digress.
I really need to stop worrying and being so concerned about SO many things. I gave up the news for a few days but could not stop watching...I need to know some of what is going on...at least what we learn from the filtered media. I want to learn and be aware, and understand. I want to help save the world and people if I can...and I know I am virtually powerless over almost all of the things I worry about. I can't save the world. Maybe the buddhists are right, life is suffering..it is inevitable...we are all suffering and we desire more and more which makes us suffer more and more....we are hungry then we eat...we feel good for a few hours...then we get hungry again and feel bad..we need to eat. We are feeling sexual...and find release....then the craving returns and our mind is off again seeking pleasure. And endless pursuit of desires and needs and wants...
I am making a resolution to myself to not worry about the things I cannot control, which is 99% of the Weltangst. I want to learn to meditate. To have some peace of mind. To relax.
But I also want to be involved in a few issues I believe in to help people...I have to decide what they are. Perhaps I need to give some money to sponsor a poor school district, or pay for school supplies for a poverty stricken school in a nearby city...direct action. Or I need to give blood several times a year. Or I need to volunteer at a shelter. Or do something.. My life is not perfect, but it is relatively very good compared with the lives of millions of others who don't have enough to eat...live in squalor...struggle for survival .
I want peace of mind. I want good karma. I want to feel I am doing my little part to be a positive influence on the world. I try hard to do so.. But I need to focus my priorities and pick 1, 2, or 3 things that I want to get involved with that are positive....(and I think politics is not one of them! Talk about stress and conflict!)
I am becoming dissilusioned with politics once again. I have been through this cycle many times. I go from believing in the process....to being very cynical about it. I have to plead the 5th amendment..I will spare you my opinions on the health care "reform", the billions in Wall Street bonuses in the middle of a huge recession, the escalation of a foreign conflict, etc, etc. I'm not feeling the Hope and Change that I voted for. If feels like a lot of more of the same status quo. I want our leaders to truly lead us....and make positive changes to make our lives better, and to make America a greater nation. I can only imagine that many people who voted for the change last year are feeling a little dissapointed in what is going on.....hey.....wait a minute....I thought we were going in a new direction? I thought we were going to start taking care of our fellow Americans? I want a leader who will stand up to interest groups that have too much influence, I want a leader who will have the guts to lead...not just compromise, not just give in to the "center", not just play the same old games in DC. I have so much respect for our new world leader....I am hoping he will be very successful, but I am feeling dissapointed right now....I feel let down....I want that rhetoric of hope and change to be put into real action.
there...I got it out of my psyche and system....I feel better!
....I am going to try and find some peace of mind for today...(sounding like Stuart Smalley!)...by the way, go Al Franken....who would have thought he would be where he is now!
I am going to slow down....relax..refocus...pick a few things I can be involved in that make small, positive steps in a progressive direction to help people. But I want to preserve my own sanity in the process. Welt in angst...you are not helping me....I need to be centered from a center of peace and calm. (....deep breath.....breathe..) Enjoy the day folks, and see if you can do one thing to help one other human being today...even if it is just holding the door for someone and smiling at them!
Monday, October 12, 2009
BBW!
It is not a strange, mysterious "fetish". It is a preference, just as some of you may prefer brown or blue eyes, or red hair or blond hair....
I believe we all have physical attraction "preferences". Some like tall people. Some women like just Latino men. Some guys like petite blondes. Some women only like other women. Some women only date guys in great athletic shape. I really don't care what someone prefers...but I think we all have some preferences...and so liking BBW's is just a preference. I personally have found BBW's the most attractive type of woman since I was in my teens. I have also been attracted to non-BBW's. I just have a personal preference. I hate when people try to explain it in some sort of psychological analysis terms, "he must think big woman are easier...", "...he is overweight so he only goes for overweight women...", "...he thinks he can manipulate such women..". I've heard it all. Pure nonsense. I know what I like...I know myself and my real attraction to BBW's and how it is real, visceral and not psychological.
SO: If you unaware of the Size Acceptance Movement, check it out. Big people should not be discriminated against...just as tall or short people should not be....just as we should not stereotype by race, class, age or other "pigeonhole".
For more resources check out these sites:
http://www.naafa.org
http://www.dimensionsmagazine.com
Thank you for listening and be sure to hit me back with some reactions if you disagree, agree or just have something to say. I wish you peace. And next time you see a person of size...try not to prejudge them as a person, open your mind up, this is a fellow human being...with fears and hopes and desires just like you...and they too can be proud of who they are. And there are many guys (and women..) out there who prefer ample love, and declare that: "too much of a good thing, is a great thing!"
Sunday, October 4, 2009
What's so funny 'bout peace, love and understanding?
Above music video: Elvis Costello, "What's so funny 'bout peace, love and understanding?". It is by far one of my favorite songs and the lyrics ring true. Hope you like it. I recall watching it on MTV (back in the the good ole days of real rock video!) in the early 80's as a teen...I loved it then...and still love this song. Youtube has many other versions of the song to check out..live..acoustic...several to check out. I watched most of them and liked this one with the lyrics.
Good evening to my rather limited readership audience. (You know who you are!) I think I know who you are..and can count you on one hand. I hope you have been well. The past few months have brought some blessings into my life..including a new career and a move. It has been and is a great journey to be on. I've been able to find more joy in life (ok...I still read too many newspapers and have VELTANGST!) and things have been going much better. I consider most of the earlier part of this year and the 2nd half of last year as a rather dark period of life for me. I am feeling much more hopeful and optimistic. I took a "news fast" for a few days and have refocused on things I enjoy...music, books, coffee, talking to friends, food and enjoying some of life's simple pleasures. Warning: Reading and watching too much news can be hazardous to your health!! It causes anxiety and other modern afflictions of the mind. It can be toxic to the soul. So... I hope you are doing well and be sure to remember to smell the roses, or cologne, or fresh roasted coffee....or whatever makes you happy! And do it at least once a day.
My offer and extension of welcome to the Dalai Lama to come to Delaware and have lunch with me and some friends still stands. He is in high demand so I don't think that will be happening anytime soon. If there is one hero I have in mind these days he is the man. I am not an adherent to his whole philosophy...but so much of what he has done and has to say give me so much admiration for this wonderful person. If you don't know about him and Tibetan Buddhism...you should look into it to learn more.
link: http://www.dalailama.com/
I don't push religion or philosophy. I approach it with an open mind. I like to learn and understand ideas. I am interested in understanding out of intellectual curiousity, not being an ideologue. But check it out and reflect on some of his thoughts and feelings. I wish more world leaders would pick up some of his vibes and love of humanity. He is a beacon of light in an often dark world. Some of his words and his overall energy resonate with me: I believe he is the real deal. He is not a man after power, greed, control, status, money or ego tripping. He is among an enlightened part of humanity that is spiritually advanced beyond modern civilization and our focus on ego, money and power. One day, many years in the future, humanity may realize what it had...and appreciate it...or may continue devolving into the overpopulated, environmentally ruined, polarized world of haves and have nots. A neo-Malthusian crisis seems likely in the future as we go beyond 6 billion people. I pray that humanity is moving in a positive trajectory but my realism and cynicism at times leads me to think the opposite is happening. De-evolution.
I can't even get into the politics of the fate of the Tibetan people, it is one of the saddest situations in the world. What has occured there over the last half century is a crime against humanity. I can only hope that the Tibetan people can get the hell out of there and keep their traditions and culture alive in India and other parts of the world where they are accepted and allowed to be free. My heart and prayers are with the Tibetan buddhists and their plight. I think karma is going to be very good to them in the long run! Good Karma.
Have a wonderful day and week. Think about it, what is so funny about peace, love and understanding? Why are these such alien ideas in so many places and people?
Friday, June 26, 2009
Final Installment of Coldplay videos
As promised previously, the 3rd and final installment of 3 videos. Coldplay, "Life in Technicolor II", with lyrics playing and their official video. It's animated and quite entertaining. I love this song. Rock on Coldplay..
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Death and taxes on Coffee?
I had the fortunate pleasure to be taken to my favorite small batch roastery yesterday. Indian River Espresso and Coffee Co. in Millsboro, DE. Dennis Lasher is the roastmaster, and a great one at that. Fresh coffee was being roasted right in front of me and other customers. The aromas were amazing. I picked up some coffee with an origin in Timor, a dark roast. Some Kenya Peaberry beans and Dennis threw in some Indian Robusta beans...they have twice the caffeine as an arabica bean, however robusta beans are not considered as high quality. The beans were glistening with oils and are very fragrant. I can't wait to enjoy these roasts at home. Dennis made an iced coffee for me with a shot of espresso (Timor roast beans), water, ice and cream. It was the best I've had a in a long time. It really made me realize how storebought and even quality franchise coffee is just not as good as fresh roasted coffee from a local roastery. If you have a local roastery near you be sure to give their beans a try and support such a local enterprise.
The sun is shining, it's not raining and I'm hoping it's going to be a great day. Carpe Diem.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Things I really miss..
We've had many straight days of rain here in Jersey, on and off and it's giving me some cabin fever and longings for time's past. It's got me thinking about things I really miss that I was day dreaming of recently.
1. Great concerts. I still reflect on seeing U2 at the old JFK stadium in Philly (since torn down) during their Joshua Tree Tour back in 1987. It was the best concert I've been too...it was magical, ethereal and the energy in the crowd was intense. I still remember the ambience of the whole crowd singing "I still havn't found what I'm looking for". Which has become a life anthem of sorts for me.
My second favorite concert was seeing The Replacements play during my senior year at Rutgers at the gymnasium on College Ave. Iggy Pop opened up and it was a feast of musical excellence. The whole crowd danced and a minor mosh pit was formed with a few stage dives. It was in about 1992 or 1993. I still like Paul Westerbergs solo work since the Replacements broke up.
2. I wish I could go on vacation to Hilton Head Island and stay at the Hyatt at Palmetto Dunes resort. Our family vacationed when I was a kid at Sea Pines and Palmetto Dunes. I have great memories of Hilton Head. I understand it has become very over-developed in recent years and is not as quaint as it used to be..seems to be happening all over. Something great gets discovered by Everyone and then loses its charm. I feel the same way about Long Beach Island, NJ, it just got way too over-developed and the charming seafood restaurants became sterile, cookie cutter and "Disneyfied" into a plastic remnant of what they once were.
3. I miss St. Louis. I had a wonderful 90+ year old home that was all brick and hardwood floors with a big yard. I paid 93k in 2000. Can't touch anything like that on the east coast for less than 400k or more. I miss the Starbucks on the Delmar Loop by Washington University. The great people watching. The used record store Vintage Vinyl had great deals on used lp's and cd's. I met a girl I dated briefly at the laundrymat a block away. I miss the great architecture of St. Louis, the friendly mid-western demeanor not present in the east coast, Forest Park, South St. Louis and all it's cool neighborhoods like Grand St. I used to relax at Mokabe's cafe, they catered to a lesbian crowd but they allowed a token hetero like me in once in a while as long as I was a paying cappucino drinker. The outside patio with tables and chairs was a great place to smoke cigarettes, drink coffee and watch people while flipping through the local paper of events, The Riverfront Times. I miss the bbw's of the area, the finest in the country in my opinion. A big shout out to all the lovely bbw's in Missouri and Southern Illinois. The east coast can't touch your charm.
4. I miss long conversations with many old friends, in person, not by email or phone. I wish Kevin, Michael, Seth, Rey, Kevin, Rob, Raymee, Mike and others were around the block so I could hang out with them. People move, times change and life goes on. I always miss old friends and learn to appreciate what each had uniquely to offer as a friend as time goes on. I miss you all. I love my current close group of friends and am blessed to have them. I will also miss those who have slid into the distant rear view mirror of life.
5. Right now I'm really missing Gunny the dog. His owners picked him up yesterday after I watched him for about 2 weeks. I miss him. He was a great canine companion and a friend. It really makes me want to get a dog of my own in the future. I think having a dog brings a lot of joy to life and is great for the soul. I was sad washing out his water bowl and food dish today knowing I won't see him for some time. The new apartments I will be moving to don't allow dogs! Only cats. Shame on them. I'm calling the ACLU for a dog discrimination suit, I'm sure they can find something in the Constitution protecting dog lovers, or at least they should! How mean can they be not allowing dogs? Yeah I know, you say well rent somewhere else or buy a place of my own.. I plan on saving to buy a place, I much prefer being a home or condo owner and then I can have a dog with a nice little back yard for him/her to walk around in.
6. I miss a lot of other things right now, too many to count. I'm going to take my mind off that and focus on the nice things I do have right now. I have healthy loving parents, several good friends, plenty of food to eat, I'm not broke (well not totally), I have a new job I'm about to start that I'm totally grateful for, I have tons of travel and life experiences under my belt and if I would just quit smoking cigs and lose more weight I'd be pretty darn healthy too! So I thank God for all the blessings I do have. I wish my father a very Happy Father's Day! Thanks for bringing me into this great but at times crazy world. And thank you for all the great things you have done for me over the years. I wish for many more great years ahead of happiness and health.
Peace to Jah. Enjoy the day!
Monday, June 8, 2009
Health kick while watching the dawg...
I am fortunate enough to be watching my brother's girlfriend's dog Gunny again! He is the dog pictured on the right. I really think of Gunny as part of the family now, not just Julee's dog. He is the nicest dog. He is napping on my couch right now, chillin' out. When he's not excited about eating he is sound asleep napping....hey that sounds like someone else I live with! Gunny even let me sleep in without waking me. He does like to get up earlier than I do. He's a morning dog, I am a night dawg.
My switch to green tea and other teas is going well. I just had a refreshing glass of iced tea, a blended fusion. A mix of Trader Joes green tea, Whole Foods 365 Yerba Mate with green tea, and Yogi Tea's superantioxidant green tea. With a slice of fresh squeezed lemon and sweetened with a packet of stevia from Trader Joes. I sure am getting used to stevia in my coffee and tea. I like it. At first it had a little aftertaste but not anymore. I like to think the antioxidants, polyphenols and catechins are obsorbing and nuetralizing all the other bad things I put in my body like the nicotine and tar. Maybe it will even out? Maybe not?
I got on my health kick the other day and went to both Trader Joes and Whole Foods Market. And thanks to Lesley for mentioning to me, that WF's has stevia sweetened beverages. I tried a sort of diet-cola, called Zevia. It is a natural soda, sweetened with the stevia leaf, tartaric acid from fruit instead of phosporic acid and natural flavors. It is quite good cold on ice. I will be purchasing it again. It costs more than regular diet soda but it was very good and I did not have to go on a chemical detox to get it out of my system. Zevia comes in several flavors like root beer and orange. I've only tried the diet cola, very good stuff! There website is www.zevia.com. That's my unpaid endorsement speech.
During my health kick shopping spree I also picked up some organic pears, dried cranberries (love them!), Kefir yogurt beverage (need my probiotics once in a while..), organic bananas, organic almonds (love nuts! Takes one to know one), organic milk, and 100% cranberry juice not from concentrate..it is some strong stuff, needs to be cut with water. I'm feeling healthier just thinking about all these yummy goodies.
I also snuck in an organic energy drink that tastes great but is a little pricy. Steaz Energy drink, berry flavor. It has natural sugars, green tea, guarana, yerba mate and acai juice. Very tasty indeed. I only buy energy drinks occasionally, maybe once a month. I admit to liking the diet Rock Star energy drink, but I'm sure I'd read the ingredients today and pass on it. The Steaz brand is a healthier alternative. Caffeine, guarana, yerba mate, teas, sugar...can anyone say legal "Stimulants"!
So it's a partial health kick. More in the right direction. I need to remember to eat my vegetables and drink plain water as well. And if I can add on a regular excercise routine I'll be completely open for bid-ness. We are all works in progress.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Life In Technicolor 2 : Obsession Continued..
The youtube video is the lyrics to Coldplay's "Life in Technicolor II" song. I posted two others related to this one...the original Life in Technicolor, then the extended version of the first version. This is part 3 of 4 total! Yes, one more is to come, that will be the actual video made for version II, an interesting animation video.
I am not obsessed with this song, I am COMPLETELY OBSESSED with it! Ha. Some things you just can't get enough of...like iced coffee, m&m's, Smartfood cheddar popcorn and music inspired euphoria!
SO, there are 3 versions of the same basic song. Instrumental, extended instrumental, and vocal part II. My favorite is still the old original but I love them all.
Take 4 minutes and 6 seconds to watch the video, read the lyrics and listen to the great tunes....enjoy. Live from a Dubble Dee, DD, Dunkin Donuts store! That's right, I'm not at Starbucks tonight. Giving Dunkin Donut's a piece of my bid-ness. Righteous. This one has free wifi, a nice flat screen tv with the news and some most outstanding java a' brewin'. The glorious roasted bean, the ambience, the internet, Colplay playing, what more could one ask for? Oh, a doughnut please...can I get one sweetened with stevia? Psyche. Peace out!
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Aspartame to Green Tea switcharoo
I gave up diet soda 6 days ago. Tomorrow will be 1 week, day 7 wahooo. Whether it be diet-coke, diet-pepsi, diet dr. pepper, diet 7 up, I was drinking it. Lots of it. Diet soda had become a close friend of mine. Not a healthy friend. Especially when your friend wants you to drive to 7-11 at 11pm to buy 44 ounces of chemical sparkly liquid to quench an addiction. Sure, addiction to soda is not listed in the DSM IV as an "official" addiction but I believe it is an addiction like any other. Withdrawl symptoms when discontinuing use, cravings, excessive consumption etc. I am mostly doing this for my health and to save money.
I won't pretend to be a scientist but I became concerned about all of the not so natural sweeteners in diet sodas. Mainly aspertame in my drinks of choice. Just google aspartame and health and you will find thousands of articles alleging damaging health effects from its consumption. I am not here to defame the chemical, I just want to get off of it for good and feel healthier. You can be a guinea pig and keep drinking the stuff and let me know if you develop health problems later. I will be busy drinking water, coffee and iced tea. I've been chain drinking diet sodas for about 10 years and my bodily organs can not take the abuse any longer. I am on a detox from diet soda.
I have taken up a relationship with a new, healthier friend. Specifically, green tea. It's been consumed for thousands of years, has many health benefits and gives the body good things like antioxidants. I am flavoring it with the natural sweetener Stevia. I prefer iced tea but also drink some hot tea. You may know about Stevia already or not. It is a natural leaf grown mostly in South America. It is calorie free, completely natural and non-addictive. If they come out with a healthy soda flavored with Stevia I just might have to try it. Minus the phosporic acid that is. I'm getting picky! Next thing you know I'm going to be buying the hormone free meats at whole foods. Not too quick, just one change at a time, I'll tackle the other habitary monsters later...I can handle getting off diet soda and switching to tea. Not sure when I can be released from the nicotine prison.
I am having fun brewing my own tea at home. I've made some cool mixes with green tea with lemon mixed with earl grey and a green tea that has other natural herbs. It's fun to mix and match, experiment and try different flavors. I love juice mixed with tea. There is a wide variety of sweetened tea products for sale in any convenience store...however...most of these are 1. if they are diet they have the artificial sweetenters 2. if they are not diet, they tend to be loaded with high fructose corn syrup. I don't have time to go into that one...just google it to find out potential health hazards. It's hard to find a juice or sweet tea made with only natural or cane sugar. There are a few on the market but you really have to look around to find them.
And yes, I am beginning to appreciate the simplicity of a glass of cold water. So simple, so refreshing and pure. Water is the ultimate health beverage...that is if it's not full of harsh trace chemicals and tons of chlorine used to sterilize it! It's hard to be healthy isn't it.
Have you ever quit soda? How long did the withdrawls last? Are you a fan of tea? Do you believe it has many health benefits? Post my blog or call our customer care green tea hotline at 1-800-Drinkgreen to post your thoughts. I'm about to enjoy a warm cup of tea now. Nothing obscure, just Lipton Green tea flavored with natural lemon. It is relaxing to drink tea. Tea is comforting and soothing. I am teavolving away from the soda habit....I'll update you on my progress and withdrawl symptoms. Git R' Done, Git Some Tea!
Monday, May 18, 2009
Collage Novel : Michael Betancourt
http://www.michaelbetancourt.com/pdf/2Women_chapter1.pdf
If you are not familiar with Michael's artwork, videos, films and film theory check out these other links:
http://www.michaelbetancourt.com/
Cinegraphic, his avante-garde film and video blog: http://www.cinegraphic.net/
These sites are definetely worth checking out. Michael's work is fascinating to look at and the graphics are amazing. Check it out and blog me or Michael back directly if you would like more information. Mike has been a good friend of mine for many years. I've seen his work progress and it keeps getting better and better. I hope you will enjoy reading and looking at the images too...
Friday, May 15, 2009
Deep Thoughts for Friday..the Universe is REALLY big
The above photo is of a cartwheel galaxy. Looks more like fireworks. I believe it is one of the photos from the Hubble Telescope. If you want to see some awesome photos of space check out the Hubble photographs, they truly are amazing to look at. The photos on http://hubblesite.org/gallery/ are amazing!
The sheer immensity, diversity and beauty of the universe. At least the parts of it we are able to see. Science is still trying to figure out what all that "dark matter" is that takes up much of space. Black holes and such...dark, mysterious matter, will we ever really understand it?
Black holes always fascinated me, just thinking about them. I'm not even sure if my understanding of them is correct but I've read a lot about them. Supposedly, there is one big black hole at the center of the Milky Way Galaxy. And when solar systems get their number called they enter the black hole and... poof...on to another dimension. What that other dimension entails, who knows. Reality is not necessarily what we think it is. Truth probably is stranger than fiction in most likelihood. Some believe our solar system will enter this black hole in 2012, just google "2012 prophecy" to see all the theories that abound. I don't know what the truth is, but it's wild to think about it. These theories are based off of the Mayan Calendar timetables of future history. Who knows.
We all wonder what's "on the other side". Some claim to just know from their faith in a religious or spiritual belief. But the truth for me is none of us know for sure. If we had proof it could be on display and shown to us. The idea of faith is just that, knowing something not on fact but by faith. I respect whatever faith you may have. No one is wrong when it comes to faith.. But I personally put more faith in facts than in faith...that's right I just said "faith in facts" because even what we think of as "facts" may not always be true. The laws of the universe are quite capable of changing or evolving themselves. So what do we really know for sure? Not much really.
We could get previews of an afterlife like movie previews on a dvd. Wouldn't that be great? Free preview of what happens after your life! Just click here. Is it just another dimension? Is there really a happy, heaven waiting for the good and a hell waiting for the bad? Are we reincarnated? Do we come back to finally learn a spiritual lesson we were supposed to learn in another past life? Is the whole universe and thus all life just in a never ending cycle of birth, death and rebirth? That is kinda cool if it's true. No beginning or end...just one unfolding process of change and evolution into the future. None of us got to choose how we came to be in this world so I suppose we don't get to choose the next destination. I think the idea of karma makes a lot of sense...
I always found it fascinating to think about how our own lives were like a crap shoot. Who we were born to, where we were born, what culture and what generation/time we were born in. And economics shows us the vast majority of us end up in the same socioeconomic class we came from. And genetics provides most of the rest of the instructions...environmental factors and choice play a role but so much is predetermined. The miracle of just making it to fruition from millions of sperm cells chasing egg cells...boys chasing girls...leading to the ultimate act of human creation, the birth of a new being. We are all mini-miracles of life. Each unique and amazing. Each life makes a difference in the scheme of things, all events influence other things. Our very existence influences the future of evolution. I love the Ghandi quote, "Be the change you want to see in this world". It is empowering.
Ok, so I got my philosophical questions and thoughts out for the day.. I'm going to sip on a diet coke now. I'm trying hard to switch to only coffee and tea. I drink too much soda and it's not good for me. Another bad habit. All that artificial sweetener is probably not healthy. And I can't seem to drink soda in moderation...so it's on my never ending list of habits that must go.
There is a great little cafe in Baltimore called "Tea-volve". Well, I need to teavolve and do some teavolution.. and drink more tea and iced tea and get away from the diet soda. My mom assures me even diet soda helps one keep weight on.
That's my blog for today. I mentally purged my thoughts, I hope you got something from them or at least the photo made you think about the vastness and beauty of life and the universe. Life is amazing. It may not always be fun but it really is an amazing thing to behold. I am going to do my best to enjoy the weekend and I hope you do to. Peace out and about around the universe.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
The Nightfly and other Road Oddities
The photo above is a tribute to the Nightfly everywhere, up at night. I am up late, I am blogging, it's all good. The photo is of the back of a plane in flight over a city on the West Coast, (I forgot which one) the night lights visual creates a beautiful blurred effect. It's a pun of sorts being the Nightfly. Flying at night. Blogging late at night. A tribute to Donald Fagen's song "The Nightfly". A song about a late night dj broadcasting into the middle of the night. From Donald Fagen's solo music work...he was in the band Steely Dan. My friend JoFi told me about the song so he gets credit. Here are the lyrics linked up for you to check out:
www.steelydan.com/lyrnightfly.html
As for road oddities. I thought of two things while driving on the interstate earlier this evening in NJ. I just came across two questions.
Many trucks have written on the side or back of their trailer "Air Ride Equipped". Who is the audience for this message? The passenger vehicle driver? Other truckers? What in the hell does "air ride equipped" mean anyhow? Does this make the truck capable of flight? Riding on air? Am I supposed to be impressed with trucks that have this? Are the non-air ride equipped trucks now diesel dinasaurs? How come no one told me about this? Were you aware of this change? If you know what this means.....please comment back explaining. I want an air ride dammit! Maybe I can ask Santa for one of those for Christmas this year. Then I too could have a cool announcement on my pick up truck that I too am "AIR RIDE EQUIPPED". Or it could be a new air mattress that's equipped...That's what she said...
The second question that came to me cruising on the interstate is a paradox/catch 22 of a situation. There are many signs and announcements (much needed) on the roads in NJ reminding people that it is illegal to drive and talk on your cell phone at the same time. It's obvious how dangerous it can be.. Here's the catch 22 one could be in: As you approach the Delaware Memorial Bridge there are signs lit up saying "If you are in crisis dial (an 800 help number)". This is a good idea, people in crisis and bridges do not mix well. But my question is very simple. Suppose this person in crisis calls on their cell phone, they are breaking a law! So double whammy not only are they in a crisis now they are s.o.l. because they are going to get a ticket for $75 for talking on their cell phone while driving! Perhaps the sign should say "If you are not in crisis put that damn cell phone away or you will be fined now". Did you hear the one about the lady who crashed her car while talking on her cell phone calling the crisis center? Stranger things have happened.
You are probably in the middle of a dream right now. I hope it is a pleasant one. It is 2:11 am now. Peace to you and have a great Wednesday. C. Dylan is in the house and back onto/into the night flight..
Friday, May 1, 2009
Meta-blogging...
What is meta-blogging? Of course it is blogging about blogging.
Just as meta-analysis is an analysis of analysis itself. Kind of self-referential in a way.
Not to be confused with Metaphysical; that is the philosophical study of the nature of reality, with meta-subdivisions that include meta-ontology and meta-epistemology. Everything can essentially be sliced and diced and broken down to a meta state of being. A meta-meta study would be interesting.
I have digressed. I will stick to a discussion of meta-blogging.
I took a break for more than a few days from my last blog post. I have been mostly consumed with jobhunting and career exploration. It has kept me quite busy, which is good, and it is feeling good to be making headway and progress. I really can't wait to be feeling productive again and a contributing member of society.
Being off work is not fun after a while. It may sound great to folks who are overworked and stressed but believe me not working has its own share of stresses, the number one being financial pressure of not having a reliable income. Time unstructured is also not fun. Having a set work schedule keeps things moving forward, too much free time is its own form of work, believe it or not. Being off work is very far from being on vacation, being retired or independantly wealthy. I want to be back at work very soon....feeling positive, making a difference and feeling good about myself and what I do. Please pray for me that I find the right career/work match very soon! I don't like the career purgatory I'm in right now..
Back to meta-blogging. I was unsure of what to blog about. So just by expressing what's on my mind at this present moment I have told you, the benevolent and appreciated reader, about my career search. I have discussed meta-analysis and meta -metas. M & M's. I am referring back to self-references. All this meta stuff is making me thirsty for some SBUX...that is Starbucks. That is their stock symbol and what I like to call my favorite coffee house/store/cafe.
I have a suggestion for Starbucks to improve the overall customer experence which is already excellent, just add a few items.. 1. have a shelf of used books one can peruse while visiting the cafe, this could be like a free lending library....use donated used books to be read only while in the store 2. add jacuzzis and hot tubs at select locations, I select the location nearest me! 3. Reopen the 24 hour sbux near me that recently stopped being 24/7 due to lack of business from the Great Recession, if you reopen I will be there and bring friends to buy things! Honk if you love SBUX. Add your own Comment to this meta-blog if you love SBUX! Even if you are not in love with sbux as I am, you should still add a comment...go ahead, at the bottom, see where it says comments? Just click on there and type in your message, bam, done, it was that easy! Now we are conversing, it's real communication, welcome to my world...
It's a meta-world and I love it. I wish you and yours a happy, relaxing and enjoyable weekend. It's supposed to rain around here so hey, go see a movie or read a new book. Or you could go online and watch Coldplay videos on youTube for fun. Either way, enjoy and peace out to you...in a meta-peace kinda way...
Sunday, April 19, 2009
I still haven't found what I'm looking for...
This is the youtube video for U2's "I sill haven't found what I'm looking for" from their Joshua Tree album. One of my absolute favorites from U2. This video was filmed in Harlem and shows the gospel roots in the song. I remember in high school being totally enamored with the album and themes of the album.. The song itself has felt like a life anthem for me as I have been a seeker and searcher for so long....searching for love, seeking happiness, travelling to see the world, trying to make sense of life's chaos. As I go through a transition in my life once again I find myself relating to the song once again....I have still have not found what I'm looking for. But the search is still on and I hope to continue to be challenged and intrigued by the journey of life and the many fun and not so fun byways it takes me on. Life is afterall both an adventure and a challenge. Here's to seeking and searching...may we all find what we are looking for. Or at least enjoy the journey of the search...
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Hope Road
In life we can choose a path of hope or despair. As I go through some trying times I am choosing to take the journey down hope road. The alternative routes just don't seem to work. Choose Hope. Be hopeful. Think hope. That's my thought and photo above for today. Have Peace and hope. May you have a wonderful day full of hope and positive spirits.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
You too can text and ride a motorcycle at the same time!
This is a hilarious YouTube video showing a guy in India chillin' out riding on his motorcycle while texting at the same time! I'm sorry but this is a crazy world we are living in. This video made me laugh and also worry about the safety of our roads at the same time.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
CITYNIGHTSCAPE
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Life In Technicolor Extended
Coldplay, "Life In Technicolor" extended video mix from YouTube. I just love this instrumental song. The song is only 2 minutes and 30 seconds long on "Viva La Vida" but I found this remix video which is over 5 minutes long with some cool graphics. I am always pleased when I find a new song I just love and can't stop playing over and over. Hope you like it too. Viva La Vida!
Monday, March 16, 2009
To quit the death stick : A Poem
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Nightblogging
There is something about the night. Maybe it is the soothing quiet. Maybe it is the stress of the day being over. My mind is clearer, sharper and more creative in the night. I feel more alive. Ideas flow in my head. I love listening to songs on my Itunes. By the way, I am enjoying Coldplay's cd "X&Y" as we speak, or should I say as I write.. The instrumental song "Life In Technicolor" is especially intriguing. The song is only 2 minutes and 30 seconds long. I wish it lasted at least 10 minutes. I can't get enough. I get more joy from the horrible cigarettes I smoke at night. Caffeine has a stimulating yet relaxing effect, no jitters. The night just enhances things for me.
As you can see, I just love the night. The moon shining. Cities lit up in the night sky, neon and skyscrapers in their glory. Blogging takes on a new shape for me at night. I want to tap edgier insights. I want to imagine grandiose things and write manifestos about saving the world or invent a new society of peace and harmony. The phone is not ringing. Outside workers aren't banging on anything. There is great peace in the night time. I can focus, relax, dream, imagine and write on my blog. I can look up obscure topics on Wikipedia to learn more about this amazing world. I love this time. Nightblogging; try it sometime on a computer near you.
Stay up late and write. Open up new frontiers within and from your imagination. Unlock the untapped recesses of your mind, let the ideas out into the sunshine (or darkness) to play. Feel the calm. Embrace the night frontier.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Fleeting Neural Idea : A Poem
ideas fly in the night's internal sky
fleeting thoughts run the gammit
mind wandering about
subject object polarity
dream, vision, projection
the right hemisphere emits
fleeting thoughts about the mind
brain zen is
here and there
thought, ideation, abstraction
synapsis makes lasered connections
webified neurons reflecting emotion
neural networked
internal electric grid
superego, transmigration, conceptualization
astral projections launched from dendrites
transmigrating soul launchings
endorphined now
self-generated quantum leaps
synapsized, intercellularized, globalized
visualizations abounding mind's eye
grey matter feverously dancing about
brain zen is
now and here
realization, illumination, enlightenment
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Regina Spektor, "On the Radio" on YouTube
I was unfamiliar with Regina Spektor until about a month or so ago. I've really come to appreciate her unique sound and voice. It's not the sort of music I was usually listening to but now I find I really like her a lot. There are several other live songs on YouTube by her worth checking out. Many are live from the Lollapalooza festivals. My favorite songs by her are "Ghost of Corporate Future" and the "Consequence of Sound". Check her out if you are not familiar with her. Her website, www.reginaspektor.com is mighty swank too, if you click on "music" from the site, you can listen to most of her songs from her cd's and yes, tapes.
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Viva La Vida, Violin Version from YouTube
I love this guy's violin version! I was not the greatest but I played violen from 3rd grade to 8th grade. I gave it up then because I thought it wasn't cool enough for high school.
Friday, March 6, 2009
Denatured : A Poem
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
One Thousand Words : A conceptual poem
abstract
passion
urban
collecting
cities
trains
ferries
subways
art
landscape
gridscape
fresh
worn
brave
soiled
content
green
substance
substantial
extension
manipulation
luminous
sex
warmth
escapism
sound
black
politics
pressure
pleasure
lounge
wood
panelling
hot
coffee
beans
espresso
cappucino
cheese
skyline
erratic
inane
comtemporary
post
modern
archaic
pre
raphaelite
inter
zone
communication
racial
connection
sleep
paper
packaging
eclectic
erotic
eroticism
death
rebel
rebellion
copper
blue
sienna
red
loud
music
texture
painterly
sense
place
soup
beaches
sunsets
coastlines
affection
desire
cigar
boxes
jazz
turquoise
magenta
loss
magic
jealousy
travel
adventures
conversation
books
philosophy
love
heightened
experience
sensual
sensuality
learning
knowledge
meaning
existentialism
friendship
caring
walks
fireplaces
libraries
laughing
seriousness
fear
exotic
oriental
women
asian
foreigner
worlds
away
appeal
excitement
reverberate
illuminate
synthetic
formalism
metaphysical
unintelligible
forensic
medical
cadaver
practice
intolerable
win
medal
honor
satisfy
ego
con
ploy
orgasm
soy
goy
pump
circumstance
amid
crisis
solve
solution
workout
expression
physical
emotional
mental
pine
barrens
water
growth
charcoal
funky
rubbing
off
spread
like
fire
buzz
voluptuous
serene
underground
crime
voyeur
explore
involvement
detachment
appreciate
continuous
beer
micro
brew
exposed
brick
hardwood
floors
lofts
industrial
areas
architecture
streets
public
transportation
cafes
classical
design
magazines
newstands
local
papers
journals
maps
posters
notes
postcards
candles
matchbooks
beermats
articulate
style
rich
diversity
variety
time
nightime
pizza
gyros
roadtrips
wanderlust
anxiety
restlessness
depression
emptyness
longing
confusion
obsession
insecurity
escape
change
perspective
helplessness
direction
laziness
motivation
over
under
stimulation
boredom
purpose
obligation
expectation
needs
wants
realities
dreams
illusions
misconceptions
parks
drives
annoying
sit
coms
cliche
hackneyed
predictability
likely
expected
unforgettable
important
spectacle
obvious
loneliness
pain
western
images
legends
rituals
symbols
reasons
key
scenarios
social
paths
reification
paradox
description
institutionalized
hardened
crystallized
free
form
rigid
open
minded
narrow
provincial
constricted
closed
emotion
intellectualize
rationalize
dehumanize
patronize
metabolize
lack
of
exercise
unhealthy
size
no
surprise
off
the
tracks
unconventional
misguided
uninhibited
unsocialized
sophisticated
cultured
culture
kultur
film
dance
literature
genre
dissertations
grad
students
undergrads
stones
fields
green
river
walls
trees
pride
solo
happiness
now
planes
fly
trips
vacations
getaways
on
holiday
sojourn
rejuvination
new
information
ideas
just
because
so
what
strangeness
weirdness
wooness
androgenous
rootless
intellectuals
pipes
beards
trappings
doctorates
resumes
personal
stories
letters
of
recommendation
shopping
malls
food
clothing
crowds
senior
citizens
shoppes
stores
blood
pressures
mourning
timeless
graveyard
permanence
damocles
sword
imminent
incorrigible
effervescense
divisive
ardent
lucrative
insular
fortuitous
enigma
insatiable
iniquitious
vapid
planning
pernicious
intense
color
form
meets
function
becomes
beauty
eloquence
vision
scope
radical
chic
hip
bohemian
beat
avante
garde
neo
surface
superficial
lacking
depth
outstanding
bent
lucid
dreaming
flirt
contact
racing
thoughts
honey
melancholy
pickles
garlic
bread
limes
seltzer
brie
wine
waterfall
mountains
companionship
wonder
precious
moment
poetry
adolescense
anger
romantic
romanticism
romanticize
power
depth
money
work
economic
forces
computers
jobs
unions
temps
control
order
chaos
theory
perception
rejection
gentrification
renewal
displacement
cosmopolitan
neopolitan
plebian
roman
nose
jet
set
smart
bet
live
at
vet
something
thing
cost
benefit
analysis
decision
hearing
politician
jack
kevorkian
market
freedom
trade
failed
ailing
obsolete
darwin
keep
going
progress
linear
notion
cycles
capital
division
exploitation
tension
deception
anderson
windows
trees
outside
squirrels
commuters
rat
race
ice
cappades
cheap
seats
eats
festival
concert
themepark
adult
playground
bookshop
coinop
laundrette
diner
futons
florists
roadside
rest
stops
sorry
closed
trucks
only
facilities
lodging
fuel
showers
pay
toll
half
mile
plaza
present
ticket
with
cash
are
you
sure
you
are
not
lost
too
more
stations
congratulations
verse
prose
fools
know
calamity
terror
trouble
horror
life
birth
wasted
chosen
regret
rebirth
arrival
consummation
formation
last
judgement
contextual
clue
parents
mom
dogs
living
rooms
televisions
portraits
pipes
ringing
perplexed
footprints
sky
land
sea
earth
air
fire
water
elements
brainwaves
consciousness
turning
points
back
feelings
thoughts
opinions
inner
sensations
alliterations
tiles
interesting
figments
imagination
bill
killing
primarily
about
random
psyche
venus
otto
rockie
ande
friends
lovers
relationships
partnerships
companions
relations
good
eros
freud
structure
structural
anthropology
critical
theory
existential
motifs
man
universe
one
irony
secret
temptation
indulgence
ideology
redemption
completion
attrition
pretentious
contemplation
engineering
modulation
ergonomics
overstimulation
patience
creedence
acceptance
sociological
explanation
politicized
evocation
agenda
just
providing
info
for
perusal
demystification
professorial
admiration
causing
inspiration
crazy
run
on
text
self
referential
work
iconoclast
military
brats
gone
fishing
jersey
shore
going
down
fetish
system
process
choice
embolism
dying
breed
guilt
herd
mass
violence
smoking
herb
altered
arousal
visual
spiritual
chemical
sexual
buffalo
roam
hunter
thompson
home
vegas
guns
eccentric
quirky
fun
flight
slum
bum
hobo
boho
transient
homeless
tramp
vibes
wino
ragged
glory
unforgettable
fires
new
york
nowhere
road
chance
excavation
anticipation
felt
lips
sultry
hips
anarchy
boots
south
street
cheesesteaks
pretzels
penn
broad
chestnut
walnut
race
arch
vine
italian
irish
delaware
schulkill
temple
wharton
franklin
rittenhouse
spectrum
ritz
roxy
screening
room
kahn
hahnemann
reading
terminal
elfreth's
alley
gallery
bourse
trocadero
outfitters
chinatown
philly
brotherly
love
and
hate
crime
rennaisance
goode
move
metropolitan
agglomeration
boston
new
york
philadelphia
baltimore
washington
northeast
corridor
infrastructure
banking
arts
universities
people
foundry
government
southern
drawl
racism
home
cooking
legacy
slavery
pace
texas
georgia
florida
retirement
rednecks
drugs
manic
depressed
lithium
phone
calls
hysteria
paranoia
hospitals
nurses
cigarettes
angry
uncontrollable
sickness
tragedy
innapropriate
unfortunate
sadness
rent
resentment
dissapointment
deprivation
wishes
hope
disorder
carelessness
dead
cats
frozen
bizarre
behavior
havoc
distribution
grind
culmination
entropy
fixation
worth
value
contract
three
two
one
overbearing
withdrawl
rhythm
method
artificial
alienation
exploitation
voluminous
transgress
congress
bartender
lendor
pretenders
blunt
burnt
arrangements
funeral
confirm
fixed
reservation
white
black
horse
pike
ginger
flavored
brandy
congruous
hallucination
condemnation
in
temptation
conflagration
conflict
resolution
stupidity
silly
half
baked
creme
de
cacao
baileys
irish
cream
punk
scene
sprinsteen
classic
rock
bar
stool
mental
illness
conspicuous
consumption
light
you
go
girl
woop
there
it
is
obscurity
method
madness
smoke
irritation
some
kind
of
wonderful
poetry
in
motion
hotel
california
misery
dizzy
sing
along
karoake
nostalgia
bearing
directions
hometown
way
corridor
say
lovely
face
plenty
affliction
addiction
conscription
summer
sweat
dance
forget
captain
wine
nineteen
sixty
nine
far
away
middle
kingdom
vending
machine
microwave
cancer
medicine
disease
catapult
insanity
meatball
outlook
burlington
county
times
current
novemeber
three
impulsive
snack
gotta
have
it
oneness
know
thyself
motivation
excess
complexity
virtue
cannonball