Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Dan Black feat. Kid Cudi - Symphonies
I only saw this video for the first time today. I was getting ready for work and when I saw Kid Cudi was in it, I exclaimed 'oh shit!' I like this song.
Monday, December 27, 2010
New Year's Resolutions
I normally don't make resolutions, first, because one doesn't need a new year or any other occasion to make a change and second, because I am, for the most part, a good human being.
However, there are some things that I would like to do in the next year:
1. stop watching shitty television shows. I watch a lot of tv shows that I don't even really like, that add nothing to my well being, and end up being a pure waste of time. The biggest culprits are Bad Girls Club and Real Housewives of [x city]. The entertainment value do not make up for the time spent on them.
2. With this extra time, I would like to read more.
3. Donate money and volunteer. While I have often donated money to Prep for Prep, Hotchkiss, and Harvard, those institutions probably do not need my meager contributions much. I am looking into animal rights and well-being charities to which I can donate some money. My goal is to donate at least $300.
I'll add others as I think of them.
However, there are some things that I would like to do in the next year:
1. stop watching shitty television shows. I watch a lot of tv shows that I don't even really like, that add nothing to my well being, and end up being a pure waste of time. The biggest culprits are Bad Girls Club and Real Housewives of [x city]. The entertainment value do not make up for the time spent on them.
2. With this extra time, I would like to read more.
3. Donate money and volunteer. While I have often donated money to Prep for Prep, Hotchkiss, and Harvard, those institutions probably do not need my meager contributions much. I am looking into animal rights and well-being charities to which I can donate some money. My goal is to donate at least $300.
I'll add others as I think of them.
Monday, December 20, 2010
What Happens to a DREAM Deferred?
Recently, the House of Representatives passed a version of the DREAM Act, a partial immigration reform bill aimed at legalizing those who were brought to the United States illegally when they were children. The the House voted affirmatively for it is quite impressive. Because of this vote, Harry Reid busted out all sorts of political maneuvers to improve the bill's chances in the Senate.
On Saturday, a heavy campaign in favor of the DREAM Act ended in defeat. The vote came in at 55 for and 41 against. This vote went against the advice of hundreds of professors, economists, and journalists. Against the judgment of the current administration from Janet Napolitano, to Eric Holder, to the President himself, ending the dream of hundreds of thousands of undocumented students to continue their education, enlist in the armed forces, find a job, and improve their lives.
One of the most ridiculous arguments against the bill stated by Republicans was that the bill's introduction in the Senate was nothing but a political game. In truth, however, the bill was no game - instead, it is a grave reality that the dreams of all those hiding in the shadows continues to fester.
If anything, it is the Republicans who have been playing political games, or rather Russian roulette. With the recent victories in the midterm elections, the Republicans have become emboldened to the point of refusing to negotiate and holding the Democratic agenda hostage. They refused to move forward on all legislation until disastrous Bush-era tax cuts were extended. The Democrats capitulated, from the top down, though they did not have much choice and painted the deal in the best possible light for them. The Republicans struck down the DREAM Act, are blocking the START treaty to safeguard nuclear weaponry, impede the appointment of judicial nominees, among many other things. This party is becoming schizophrenic, losing its identity to pander to various types of conservative archetypes. If this is not the very undoing of the Republican party, at least it is shooting itself in the foot. The continued refusal by the Republicans to make a deal on any type of immigration reform is guaranteeing that votes of Hispanics, the fastest growing minority groups, will continue to heavily lean Democratic now and into the future for generations.
On Saturday, a heavy campaign in favor of the DREAM Act ended in defeat. The vote came in at 55 for and 41 against. This vote went against the advice of hundreds of professors, economists, and journalists. Against the judgment of the current administration from Janet Napolitano, to Eric Holder, to the President himself, ending the dream of hundreds of thousands of undocumented students to continue their education, enlist in the armed forces, find a job, and improve their lives.
One of the most ridiculous arguments against the bill stated by Republicans was that the bill's introduction in the Senate was nothing but a political game. In truth, however, the bill was no game - instead, it is a grave reality that the dreams of all those hiding in the shadows continues to fester.
If anything, it is the Republicans who have been playing political games, or rather Russian roulette. With the recent victories in the midterm elections, the Republicans have become emboldened to the point of refusing to negotiate and holding the Democratic agenda hostage. They refused to move forward on all legislation until disastrous Bush-era tax cuts were extended. The Democrats capitulated, from the top down, though they did not have much choice and painted the deal in the best possible light for them. The Republicans struck down the DREAM Act, are blocking the START treaty to safeguard nuclear weaponry, impede the appointment of judicial nominees, among many other things. This party is becoming schizophrenic, losing its identity to pander to various types of conservative archetypes. If this is not the very undoing of the Republican party, at least it is shooting itself in the foot. The continued refusal by the Republicans to make a deal on any type of immigration reform is guaranteeing that votes of Hispanics, the fastest growing minority groups, will continue to heavily lean Democratic now and into the future for generations.
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Scissor Sisters - Invisible Light
This son is definitely the best one from their newest album. When it first came out, I was reading a lot about conspiracy theories regarding MK Ultra, mind control, and alters. This song made me uneasy. The video, too, makes me uneasy since it has some common themes of mind control conspiracy theories.
On Preparing for Death
When I was bitten by a mouse over the Thanksgiving weekend, I became aware of the danger of rabies. Even though I was told that rabies is extremely rare and that there have been no cases of mouse to human transmission both by the doctor and the CDC, I was still a bit weary about forgoing rabies treatment. I really should not be worried about having rabies, but every once in a while in the last couple of weeks, I'm seized by the thought that if I have rabies and symptoms develop, I have, at most, ten days to live.
And so because of that, I began to think what I would do if I knew I only had a handful of days to live. Realistically, I would not be able to do much. The CDC and other health and public safety bodies would quarantine me and observe as the illness progressed. Even if that did not occur, I would be so ravaged by the illness that I would not be able to do much anyway.
If that were not the case, I would want to see and spend as much time as possible with my family and friends. It sounds hackneyed, but I would rather say goodbye to them than go out a la '24 Hours to Live.'
I vacillate between being afraid of and at peace with death. Most people believe in some form afterlife and are comforted by that notion, especially the thought that leading a good life gives them entry into some paradise. To them, death would not be as scary since they are going to a better place. Other people believe in reincarnation, and as such, there is something that makes that person inherently them and so that is just transferred to another life form while their individual entity remains intact.
I do not think that there is an afterlife - no heaven, no hell. Because of this, I am afraid of no longer being. The concept is difficult to ponder because I am always me and cannot comprehend what it will be like no longer having this consciousness. I am comforted by the fact life and death has existed since organisms first emerged. Other organisms aren't necessarily afraid of death; rather, they try to continue living. So I am neither the first nor the last to die, and so I should not be afraid, but rather accept that fact. Also, I did not exist before I was born, so at worst, I am returning to the same state that I was in before being born.
Who knows.
And so because of that, I began to think what I would do if I knew I only had a handful of days to live. Realistically, I would not be able to do much. The CDC and other health and public safety bodies would quarantine me and observe as the illness progressed. Even if that did not occur, I would be so ravaged by the illness that I would not be able to do much anyway.
If that were not the case, I would want to see and spend as much time as possible with my family and friends. It sounds hackneyed, but I would rather say goodbye to them than go out a la '24 Hours to Live.'
I vacillate between being afraid of and at peace with death. Most people believe in some form afterlife and are comforted by that notion, especially the thought that leading a good life gives them entry into some paradise. To them, death would not be as scary since they are going to a better place. Other people believe in reincarnation, and as such, there is something that makes that person inherently them and so that is just transferred to another life form while their individual entity remains intact.
I do not think that there is an afterlife - no heaven, no hell. Because of this, I am afraid of no longer being. The concept is difficult to ponder because I am always me and cannot comprehend what it will be like no longer having this consciousness. I am comforted by the fact life and death has existed since organisms first emerged. Other organisms aren't necessarily afraid of death; rather, they try to continue living. So I am neither the first nor the last to die, and so I should not be afraid, but rather accept that fact. Also, I did not exist before I was born, so at worst, I am returning to the same state that I was in before being born.
Who knows.
Thursday, December 9, 2010
P90X Days 3 + 4
Wednesday was day three. The Arms + Shoulders workout went well. I cheated a bit on the nutrition plan. Since I had to do laundry, I ate out at the Thai restaurant connected to the laundromat. I had fried tilapia with mango salad and white rice (I forgot to ask for brown rice!). I drank only water, which is good.
Today, I did most of the Kenpo X workout and Ab Ripper X. I am so tired from waking up early. I need to go to bed earlier and get better sleep.
Tonight is the Yelp Snow Ball where different restaurants will serve food samples and beers, so I will likely cheat a little bit.
Today, I did most of the Kenpo X workout and Ab Ripper X. I am so tired from waking up early. I need to go to bed earlier and get better sleep.
Tonight is the Yelp Snow Ball where different restaurants will serve food samples and beers, so I will likely cheat a little bit.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
On Recreating How the Natives Must Have Spent the First Thanksgiving
This excerpt from one of my Yelp reviews recounts how I spent my Thanksgiving weekend. I entitled this entry 'On Recreating How the Natives Must Have Spent the First Thanksgiving' because my weekend contained many things that the natives must have endured when the Europeans arrived like illness, hunger, blood, and fear of death. Of course, my suffering was minuscule compared to that of the natives in what we now call the Americas:
My Thanksgiving weekend, if it can be called that, was mired by disasters. My dear beloved girlfriend was attacked by a most wretched and vile stomach bug on Friday morn' with symptoms that stretched out well into Saturday afternoon. As her illness progressed, I grew fearful that I, too, would succumb to that malignant specter that upends one's stomach and empties one's bowels. To my good fortune, her condition improved; however, this amelioration lulled me into a false sense of security that I would escape unscathed.
As I donned my vestments and coiffed the stubble of my remaining hair in preparation for a marvelous eve in the most brilliant of cities, I felt a rumbling in the very pit of my entrails. Woe be me! Shortly thereafter, I found myself to be a prisoner in our very own bathroom. I say, good people, that I will spare you the putrid details, but my suffering continued well into the following day.
A brief respite, not doubt a temporary halt by the accursed bug in an effort to lead a new charge with redoubled effort, allowed me to drift into an unsteady sleep. Quickly, I was awoken by screams... my love had found a mouse trapped in one of the cruelest devices. The cute little fellow had wandered onto a glue trap, preventing his coming and goings. He fought and fought, managing only to rip his hair out. I sprung into action, grabbing the trap with said struggling rodent, grabbed a bottle of olive oil and made for the bathroom. My love purveyed a humane trap and I steeled my nerves for what was to come. I poured oil over the glue and grabbed my new friend. However, as he was slicked down and my reflexes were slowed by my deteriorated condition, I was unable to grab hold and transfer him to the humane contraption. The little fellow did take hold of my finger with his incisors, clenching hard and holding on for dear life. I let out a yell, fighting to remove the rodent's grip without strangling him. He let go after I ran water over his head, no doubt feeling like those held prisoner by our beloved armed forces. Blood gushed out of the wound and the little fellow did scamper away in a hurry.
My Thanksgiving weekend, if it can be called that, was mired by disasters. My dear beloved girlfriend was attacked by a most wretched and vile stomach bug on Friday morn' with symptoms that stretched out well into Saturday afternoon. As her illness progressed, I grew fearful that I, too, would succumb to that malignant specter that upends one's stomach and empties one's bowels. To my good fortune, her condition improved; however, this amelioration lulled me into a false sense of security that I would escape unscathed.
As I donned my vestments and coiffed the stubble of my remaining hair in preparation for a marvelous eve in the most brilliant of cities, I felt a rumbling in the very pit of my entrails. Woe be me! Shortly thereafter, I found myself to be a prisoner in our very own bathroom. I say, good people, that I will spare you the putrid details, but my suffering continued well into the following day.
A brief respite, not doubt a temporary halt by the accursed bug in an effort to lead a new charge with redoubled effort, allowed me to drift into an unsteady sleep. Quickly, I was awoken by screams... my love had found a mouse trapped in one of the cruelest devices. The cute little fellow had wandered onto a glue trap, preventing his coming and goings. He fought and fought, managing only to rip his hair out. I sprung into action, grabbing the trap with said struggling rodent, grabbed a bottle of olive oil and made for the bathroom. My love purveyed a humane trap and I steeled my nerves for what was to come. I poured oil over the glue and grabbed my new friend. However, as he was slicked down and my reflexes were slowed by my deteriorated condition, I was unable to grab hold and transfer him to the humane contraption. The little fellow did take hold of my finger with his incisors, clenching hard and holding on for dear life. I let out a yell, fighting to remove the rodent's grip without strangling him. He let go after I ran water over his head, no doubt feeling like those held prisoner by our beloved armed forces. Blood gushed out of the wound and the little fellow did scamper away in a hurry.
P90X + Insanity Hybrid
I need to get in shape. Though I have been working out some mornings doing Insanity workouts, I have not kept any type of diet or routine to allow me to succeed. So before I become even more sedentary and before I succumb to the beckoning call of comfort food as we plunge into the heart of winter, I have decided to try P90X again.
P90X gives me the structure that I need: Planned workouts and a nutrition plan.
The first time I tried P90X, I completed about 75% of the 90 days and had great results. I was stronger and in great shape. It worked so well for me that I almost had a six pack, meaning that I lost sufficient fat to be able to see some of my abdominal muscles.
This time around, I will be doing the P90X strength routines and Insanity workouts on cardio days. I'll also be moving the Ab Ripper X workout from strength days to cardio days to balance my routines.
I am allowed an ample amount of calories per day, but mostly protein. I am allowed the following: 9 servings of protein, 4 servings of dairy, 2 servings of fruit, 4 servings of vegetables, 1 serving of fat, 1 serving of carbohydrates, 2 servings of condiments, and 2 double snacks (200 calories each).
I started yesterday with the Chest + Back workout. I woke up at 6:00 am and headed over to the gym at 6:30. I am going to be using the pull up bar this time. The workout was good, except I have to regain the strength I had. I could barely do any pull ups but toward the end, I figured out how to assist my upper body with my legs (no chairs at the gym).
Yesterday, I had three eggs, two protein shakes (with three servings of skim milk), two protein bars, three servings of chicken, and one serving of shrimp. One apple and one banana. One serving of lettuce, one serving of tomatoes, and two servings of carrots. One and a half servings of pasta (cheating, already!) with sauce as my condiment. For my fat, I had two tablespoons of a dipping sauce (fewer calories than I'm allowed). For my snacks, I had a Promax bar (270 calories) and 20 almonds. Another cheat: 1 piece of chocolate. I also had coffee, which I don't think is allowed, but I can't go without it.
This morning, I did the Insanity Plyo Cardio Circuit and Ab Ripper X. Both are incredibly tough and I had a hard time getting through them ... I was sweating like mad.
I'm looking forward to settling into the routine of waking up early. It's still difficult getting up at 6, but going to the gym at 6:30 gives me ample time to workout and not have to rush getting ready for work. I have to prepare my lunch, set the coffee maker, separate workout clothes, and other small things like that the night before because I definitely will not have time to do those things in the morning and so I don't make too much noise and wake Brittany and Romeo.
So far, two workouts done and feeling great.
P90X gives me the structure that I need: Planned workouts and a nutrition plan.
The first time I tried P90X, I completed about 75% of the 90 days and had great results. I was stronger and in great shape. It worked so well for me that I almost had a six pack, meaning that I lost sufficient fat to be able to see some of my abdominal muscles.
This time around, I will be doing the P90X strength routines and Insanity workouts on cardio days. I'll also be moving the Ab Ripper X workout from strength days to cardio days to balance my routines.
I am allowed an ample amount of calories per day, but mostly protein. I am allowed the following: 9 servings of protein, 4 servings of dairy, 2 servings of fruit, 4 servings of vegetables, 1 serving of fat, 1 serving of carbohydrates, 2 servings of condiments, and 2 double snacks (200 calories each).
I started yesterday with the Chest + Back workout. I woke up at 6:00 am and headed over to the gym at 6:30. I am going to be using the pull up bar this time. The workout was good, except I have to regain the strength I had. I could barely do any pull ups but toward the end, I figured out how to assist my upper body with my legs (no chairs at the gym).
Yesterday, I had three eggs, two protein shakes (with three servings of skim milk), two protein bars, three servings of chicken, and one serving of shrimp. One apple and one banana. One serving of lettuce, one serving of tomatoes, and two servings of carrots. One and a half servings of pasta (cheating, already!) with sauce as my condiment. For my fat, I had two tablespoons of a dipping sauce (fewer calories than I'm allowed). For my snacks, I had a Promax bar (270 calories) and 20 almonds. Another cheat: 1 piece of chocolate. I also had coffee, which I don't think is allowed, but I can't go without it.
This morning, I did the Insanity Plyo Cardio Circuit and Ab Ripper X. Both are incredibly tough and I had a hard time getting through them ... I was sweating like mad.
I'm looking forward to settling into the routine of waking up early. It's still difficult getting up at 6, but going to the gym at 6:30 gives me ample time to workout and not have to rush getting ready for work. I have to prepare my lunch, set the coffee maker, separate workout clothes, and other small things like that the night before because I definitely will not have time to do those things in the morning and so I don't make too much noise and wake Brittany and Romeo.
So far, two workouts done and feeling great.
Monday, December 6, 2010
Black Swan
I really enjoyed Black Swan. I rarely get the urge to go to the movie theater, but I really wanted to see this one.
I'm a big Daren Aronofsky fan - The Fountain is my favorite movie.
This movie so aesthetically pleasing - the dancing, the scenery, the costumes, Mila Kunis, and Natalie Portman. It's also a great thriller, not quite scary, but definitely makes one anxious. It reminded me a little of Misery and The Yellow Wallpaper. Aronofsky does a great job at portraying the spiral as Nina goes mad.
Excellent movie.
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Best Albums of 2010
Odd Blood - Yeasayer
We Built a Fire - Seabear
High Violet - The National
Total Life Forever - Foals
G.O.O.D. Friday Releases - Kanye West
My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy - Kanye West
Duds
Come Around Sundown - Kings of Leon
Flamingo - Brandon Flowers
The Boxer - Kele
Congratulations - MGMT
Interpol - Interpol
Man on the Moon II - Kid Cudi
Danger Days - My Chemical Romance
Last Train to Paris - Diddy + Dirty Money
We Built a Fire - Seabear
High Violet - The National
Total Life Forever - Foals
G.O.O.D. Friday Releases - Kanye West
My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy - Kanye West
Duds
Come Around Sundown - Kings of Leon
Flamingo - Brandon Flowers
The Boxer - Kele
Congratulations - MGMT
Interpol - Interpol
Man on the Moon II - Kid Cudi
Danger Days - My Chemical Romance
Last Train to Paris - Diddy + Dirty Money
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy
An excellent, excellent album. It got a perfect 10 from Pitchfork. I don't know if it's worth that much, but it definitely is one of the best albums of the year.
My only problem is that half of the songs were released waaaaay before the album (Power, Runaway, Monster, and Devil in a New Dress). Most of the other songs were previewed in the Runaway film, so there was really nothing new left. Great, coherent album.
The weakest songs are Monster and See Me Now. The worst decision of the album was to include Nikki Minaj... she is so annoying.
Slime Cuttlers
These are sick.
----------------------
Update: Blades finally got their shipment, a month late; however, their biggest size is 12... thanks guys.
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Monday, November 15, 2010
On Thankfulness
I would like to be more thankful, specially about having food pretty much whenever I desire it. More specifically, I want to be thankful when eating meat. I think every animal has a right to live. Obviously, my consuming their flesh means they have to be killed. I should say some sort of grace for their sacrifice. The Bushmen/San of the Kalahari got it right - the clip is from the Planet Earth series narrated by Sir David Attenborough:
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Uncrate's Garb
Uncrate has a great section called Garb where they put together different looks. Some of their looks are great:
Weekend Rider
Opening Day
Gunmetal
Unfortunately, a lot of the featured products can be somewhat expensive. All the looks here.
Weekend Rider
Opening Day
Gunmetal
Unfortunately, a lot of the featured products can be somewhat expensive. All the looks here.
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Roger Waters - The Wall
I was so excited to see Roger Waters live. I don't like arena concerts, but this was superb; it is definitely the best concert to which I have been. Roger Waters is a true musical genius.
The Wall
Follow the Worms
The Trial
The Wall
Follow the Worms
The Trial
Devendra Banhart - Baby + Foolin'
What the fuck, how did I never pay attention to Devendra Banhart?
Baby
Foolin'
Baby
Foolin'
Saturday, November 6, 2010
Halloween
Halloween is my favorite day of the year. I love dressing up and being a character all night. However, I usually wait until the week before to decide what I will be.
Our plan was to go to a Danger after-life themed warehouse party called Within the Land of Ash on Saturday and the the Village Halloween parade on Sunday.
On Saturday, we dressed as zombies. I ripped up a suit from the Salvation Army, painted my face, and sprayed lots of blood. We looked great. On our walk through the city, I dragged my foot and yelled 'braaainsss!' at passersby. Brittany was dying of laughter. The Danger party was fun, but way crowded. Part of it was also shut down by the fire marshall, so though we had fun, the night ended early.
On Sunday, we were going to dress up for the parade.Since Brittany didn't like any of my suggestions for couples costumes for the parade, I decided to go as The Dude aka Jeffrey Lebowski from The Big Lebowski. I got a wig, beard, white pants and shirt, a bathrobe, a plastic glass for my white Russians, and a bag of severed finger, which I cut to toe size, painted the nails lime green, put in gauze, and put fake blood on them. "But what about the toe?!" I would yell as I handed out severed toes. Unfortunately, we did not go to the parade because were exhausted and it was freezing.
Our plan was to go to a Danger after-life themed warehouse party called Within the Land of Ash on Saturday and the the Village Halloween parade on Sunday.
On Saturday, we dressed as zombies. I ripped up a suit from the Salvation Army, painted my face, and sprayed lots of blood. We looked great. On our walk through the city, I dragged my foot and yelled 'braaainsss!' at passersby. Brittany was dying of laughter. The Danger party was fun, but way crowded. Part of it was also shut down by the fire marshall, so though we had fun, the night ended early.
On Sunday, we were going to dress up for the parade.Since Brittany didn't like any of my suggestions for couples costumes for the parade, I decided to go as The Dude aka Jeffrey Lebowski from The Big Lebowski. I got a wig, beard, white pants and shirt, a bathrobe, a plastic glass for my white Russians, and a bag of severed finger, which I cut to toe size, painted the nails lime green, put in gauze, and put fake blood on them. "But what about the toe?!" I would yell as I handed out severed toes. Unfortunately, we did not go to the parade because were exhausted and it was freezing.
On My Yet to be Published Book
I just had an interesting series of three dreams.
In all of them, I was recognized for a best-selling novel I had published. I was even approached by Dennis Haskins, better known as Mr. Belding from 'Saved by the Bell.'
Unfortunately, I cannot recall what the title of the book was even though I heard it three times. I do remember that it had 'Coke' or 'Coca Cola' in the title... like 'The American Coke' or something like that. I'm sure it will come to me.
Everyone kept asking about the pudding and why the quarter waters company was suing them.
Well, time to start working on my novel.
In all of them, I was recognized for a best-selling novel I had published. I was even approached by Dennis Haskins, better known as Mr. Belding from 'Saved by the Bell.'
Unfortunately, I cannot recall what the title of the book was even though I heard it three times. I do remember that it had 'Coke' or 'Coca Cola' in the title... like 'The American Coke' or something like that. I'm sure it will come to me.
Everyone kept asking about the pudding and why the quarter waters company was suing them.
Well, time to start working on my novel.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
On Small Government
As the polls are closing, it is becoming clear that there a new Republican resurgence washing over the country in an awesome wave. Among the most important issues is the desire for a smaller government. The idea that a weak government leads to the best of all possible lives is a joke. The truth is that if government just got out of our way, we would be back in the Dark Ages. This country would be controlled by multinational corporations sending every job to a remote location on the globe, keeping wages artificially low, giving people no health insurance or any other type of benefit, while receiving no education.
Leaf Commercial
This commercial breaks my heart. We are not doing nearly enough to stop the damage that we are doing to the planet.
On Politics as Usual
The midterm elections are today; I was not surprised that a few days beforehand, Obama's National Security team came out with a foiled terrorist plot. Fear works and will always be used.
Democrats are expected to suffer heavy losses - I hope that whoever is voted in is willing to act to improve this country.
Democrats are expected to suffer heavy losses - I hope that whoever is voted in is willing to act to improve this country.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
On my Psychic Abilities
Not too long ago, I had a dream that I came into the office and the carpet had been washed for the first time in 12 years. Instead, I arrived and the office reeked due to a wet carpet and my boss decided to rip it out.
Well, the carpet has been ripped up and our office is currently in shambles. Nevertheless, my psychic powers continue.
Two mornings ago, I had a dream that I was moved to the main area of the office. Lo and behold, this afternoon, my boss told me he wants to move me to the main area.
I wonder what I will dream of next.
Well, the carpet has been ripped up and our office is currently in shambles. Nevertheless, my psychic powers continue.
Two mornings ago, I had a dream that I was moved to the main area of the office. Lo and behold, this afternoon, my boss told me he wants to move me to the main area.
I wonder what I will dream of next.
Monday, October 25, 2010
Kanye West's Runaway
Kanye West's Runaway film is beautiful. I don't think the music fits the video though. I think that rap's biggest flaw is that most often, the lyrics include references to pop culture and current events, which keep it from being timeless. Nevertheless, I really like Kanye West.
Friday, October 22, 2010
Declaration of Forward
This ad is excellent. It makes me tear up even after watching it three times in a row. This is ultimately what the United States of America is.
On Books
Of all the things I decided not to keep, books were the most difficult to give away.
All of those books contain so much information, so much knowledge, that it is terribly sad to be throwing all of it out. I didn't actually thrown them out, but rather am giving them away. Hopefully they will serve someone else.
They represent a huge investment of money, time, brain capacity and thought... and sadly, I have forgotten almost all of the information.
Of course it is convenient that we can store all of that information of an object the size of one's hand, but the feeling of a physical book is something that I do not think can easily be replaced.
All of those books contain so much information, so much knowledge, that it is terribly sad to be throwing all of it out. I didn't actually thrown them out, but rather am giving them away. Hopefully they will serve someone else.
They represent a huge investment of money, time, brain capacity and thought... and sadly, I have forgotten almost all of the information.
Of course it is convenient that we can store all of that information of an object the size of one's hand, but the feeling of a physical book is something that I do not think can easily be replaced.
On the Importance of Paper
My mother is moving this weekend, so I was at her apartment sorting through my belongings. Since she is going to a smaller apartment, she needs to dispose of a large amount of things.
Going through everything, I got a bit nostalgic. It is difficult to give away or throw out things. Every item brings back memories... an album brings memories of what I was doing and where I was when I was listening to it... a shirt brings memories of where I wore it... but I discovered that nothing brings back more memories than papers.
Ticket stubs. Books. Notes. Doodles. Letters. School papers. Acceptance and rejection letters. Photographs. Receipts. Diplomas, certificates, and awards.
They are tangible objects that contain such specific information that they are powerful memory enhancers. These things reminds us of what, where, and with whom we were doing a certain thing, what we thought at a certain time, important occurrences in our lives, the thoughts of meaningful people, on what we decided to spend our hard-earned money, what we read, how we looked, and infinite other details. They are a collection of pieces that narrate our lives. They are, more than a lot of other things, a physical reminder that we were here, that we lived our lives.
Going through everything, I got a bit nostalgic. It is difficult to give away or throw out things. Every item brings back memories... an album brings memories of what I was doing and where I was when I was listening to it... a shirt brings memories of where I wore it... but I discovered that nothing brings back more memories than papers.
Ticket stubs. Books. Notes. Doodles. Letters. School papers. Acceptance and rejection letters. Photographs. Receipts. Diplomas, certificates, and awards.
They are tangible objects that contain such specific information that they are powerful memory enhancers. These things reminds us of what, where, and with whom we were doing a certain thing, what we thought at a certain time, important occurrences in our lives, the thoughts of meaningful people, on what we decided to spend our hard-earned money, what we read, how we looked, and infinite other details. They are a collection of pieces that narrate our lives. They are, more than a lot of other things, a physical reminder that we were here, that we lived our lives.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Liberty and Justice
Great: Judge Virginia Phillips declares 'Don't ask, don't tell' policy unconstitutional, allowing gays to serve openly in the military.
Disappointing: President Obama's appeal and the federal appeal's court upholding the 'Don't ask, don't tell' policy (temporarily only, hopefully).
Liberty and Justice for all.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
North Highlands - Sugar Lips
I went to see Seabear perform at Highline Ballroom on October 16 and North Highlands opened for them. I was pleasantly surprised; they sound like a combination of The Maccabees, Yeasayer, Good Shoes, and probably some other bands. They are on myspace.
The Office
My boss is a character. He is a bit like Michael Scott from The Office.
He turned our small refrigerator off this weekend to defrost the freezer. On Monday, a large amount of water leaked out from the bottom of the refrigerator and wet the carpet around it.
That night, or the following morning, I had a dream that when I arrived to our office, the carpet had been washed for the first time in twelve years. Unfortunately, when I arrived on Tuesday, the office smelled terrible due to the wet carpet.
He turned our small refrigerator off this weekend to defrost the freezer. On Monday, a large amount of water leaked out from the bottom of the refrigerator and wet the carpet around it.
That night, or the following morning, I had a dream that when I arrived to our office, the carpet had been washed for the first time in twelve years. Unfortunately, when I arrived on Tuesday, the office smelled terrible due to the wet carpet.
James Blake - Limit to Your Love
This is an excellent cover, but the original Feist version is better.
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