Saturday, December 31, 2011
Books in 2011
Happy New Year to ya. These are the books I read though this year...off the top of my head...I may be missing something....lots of comics this year!
The Qur'an - I had about a third of this finished for years but could never get motivated. This time, I started at the end and worked my way back. It worked!
The Rebel - Camus -Tough go of it, and honestly I skipped the whole section on Russia. Too many Russian names. :)
Persepolis - Satrapi (Graphic Novel) - Wonderful. Will have to read the sequel at some point.
The Four Encounters - Tezuka (Graphic Novel)
Marvel Essential Man Thing (Vol. 1) (Graphic Novel) - weird, odd, interesting...and totally under-rated. Enjoyed it. Look forward to Vol. 2 someday.
Planet Hulk (Graphic Novel) - Nicely done....Would recommend to any sci-fi fan.
Tons of 1980's era Marvel's (newly bought and otherwise)
Strength to Love - MLK (should finish this week)
Sermons from MLK. Powerful stuff. I love it.
In Search of Zarathursta (well done but a little stale towards the end)
Jesus and the Gospels - Bloomberg (sections)
Conservative scholar but well done and very fair minded. Will be digging into this as a resource often.
The Gospel of John - F.F. Bruce (commentary only sections I was teaching)
Taught at our church on John - loved this commentary would like to finish this at some point.
Synopsis of the Four Gospels (Aland Edition) - Started 2011 by reading through the gospels like this. Nice way to read them. Always wanted one of these and finally got it. Have referenced it many times.
An Ordinary Man - Paul Russesabagina -Paul was going to visit our campus but he was ill and had to cancel. Great but sad book.
Poverty and Morality (ed. Galston & Hoffenberg)
One of my faves. I actually lost this in the fall so I have two chapters left! :) I can't recommend it enough if you are a fan of world religions or interested in poverty. Great overview of many of the dominant belief systems (written by a scholar in that particular field and often an adherent of that system) and their views on poverty (religious and secular world views). I have a feeling I might have this on one of my class reading list one day...love it.
The Essentials of Hinduism - Swami Bhaskarananda - Hands down the best introduction to Hinduism I have read. Easy to understand and many great examples and illustrations I use in class.
The Toon Treasury (ed. Spiegelman) (should finish this week) - simply wonderful. If you love old cartoons - get this book!!!
Finally, I re-read Frankel's Man's Search for Meaning. One of the best books ever!!!
Wow...read through more than I thought. Here's to another great round of books in 2012!
Friday, December 23, 2011
Holidaze Fragments
Well, Christmas is here again.
Emusic has a cool little program where you test it free for a month (you get 12 bucks credit and most songs cost between 49-79 cents) - I did it back in the summer and got some nice tracks, they emailed me for another free month. Here's what I downloaded in my two free months:
The Apples in Stereo - Fun Noise Trickmaker
Superdrag (selected tracks)
Sloan (selected tracks from Smear)
Beck - Moden Guilt
Elvis Costello - (selected from Armed Forces)
Ramones - (selected from Rocket to Russia)
Derby - Posters Fade
I hope I have earned some indie cred for some of those purchases and yes, I am going to cancel in a few days.
I love the holidays (mainly the part where I don't go to work) - but somehow there is always something to do. Ah, well.
Finally finished the Qur'an after umpteenth times trying to gut through it (was about a third of the way) - this time I started from the back and finished in a two weeks. I might have some thoughts on that in a blog post one day.
During a surprise weekend getaway last weekend (two nights free at a in-town resort) my wife noted there aren't many posts about her and little about the family in general I realized I keep even this blog at arm's length in some cases. So, I have a wife-centric post coming up soon (start your bated breath right....now).
I did discover an art project for the winter break, hip hip hooray! Results will be shared when it's done! and so far it doesn't suck.
Star Trek: The Next Generation Re-watch Update: Finishing season 6...one more season to go!!!! Wow.
Christmas came early: Alone III leaked...and..... it was a little, itty-bitty, tiny-bit disappointing as most songs are song fragments but there a few gems that I love already (Lisa and Let Me Wash At You Sink). The sections from unfinished Songs From the Black Hole were pretty sweet though. Listen and remember how good the 90's could be:
We hosted our annual Christmas party and I think a good time was had by all. It was the 15th annual party that started back in high school at my wife's parent's house. Now all our kids are all running around in the back of the house. Sometimes it's a little surreal. The party ends a little sooner than it used to but we had a blast. A few couples stayed until 11:00ish and our good friend JJ stayed past 1:00 so we were beat the next day. Good times though. So many memories with those old parties, but the new ones are harder to remember as they have offered less drama then the high school-college days of "who is dating who?" underlying drama.
X-mas fragments for those scoring at home:
Favorite Christmas music hands down is the soundtrack to the Charlie Brown Christmas. Vince Guaraldi was a genius.
Favorite all-time gift: (tie) Castle Greyskull and my first bike.
Favorite Christmas memory: driving around to look at lights with my parents and coming home to read a comic book under the Christmas tree lights.
Emusic has a cool little program where you test it free for a month (you get 12 bucks credit and most songs cost between 49-79 cents) - I did it back in the summer and got some nice tracks, they emailed me for another free month. Here's what I downloaded in my two free months:
The Apples in Stereo - Fun Noise Trickmaker
Superdrag (selected tracks)
Sloan (selected tracks from Smear)
Beck - Moden Guilt
Elvis Costello - (selected from Armed Forces)
Ramones - (selected from Rocket to Russia)
Derby - Posters Fade
I hope I have earned some indie cred for some of those purchases and yes, I am going to cancel in a few days.
I love the holidays (mainly the part where I don't go to work) - but somehow there is always something to do. Ah, well.
Finally finished the Qur'an after umpteenth times trying to gut through it (was about a third of the way) - this time I started from the back and finished in a two weeks. I might have some thoughts on that in a blog post one day.
During a surprise weekend getaway last weekend (two nights free at a in-town resort) my wife noted there aren't many posts about her and little about the family in general I realized I keep even this blog at arm's length in some cases. So, I have a wife-centric post coming up soon (start your bated breath right....now).
I did discover an art project for the winter break, hip hip hooray! Results will be shared when it's done! and so far it doesn't suck.
Star Trek: The Next Generation Re-watch Update: Finishing season 6...one more season to go!!!! Wow.
Christmas came early: Alone III leaked...and..... it was a little, itty-bitty, tiny-bit disappointing as most songs are song fragments but there a few gems that I love already (Lisa and Let Me Wash At You Sink). The sections from unfinished Songs From the Black Hole were pretty sweet though. Listen and remember how good the 90's could be:
We hosted our annual Christmas party and I think a good time was had by all. It was the 15th annual party that started back in high school at my wife's parent's house. Now all our kids are all running around in the back of the house. Sometimes it's a little surreal. The party ends a little sooner than it used to but we had a blast. A few couples stayed until 11:00ish and our good friend JJ stayed past 1:00 so we were beat the next day. Good times though. So many memories with those old parties, but the new ones are harder to remember as they have offered less drama then the high school-college days of "who is dating who?" underlying drama.
X-mas fragments for those scoring at home:
Favorite Christmas music hands down is the soundtrack to the Charlie Brown Christmas. Vince Guaraldi was a genius.
Favorite all-time gift: (tie) Castle Greyskull and my first bike.
Favorite Christmas memory: driving around to look at lights with my parents and coming home to read a comic book under the Christmas tree lights.
Happy Holidays/Merry Christmas/Happy Hanukkah/and Everything else!!!!!
Sunday, December 11, 2011
How One Little Poem Can Change Everything
This is the story about how one little poem changed my whole outlook on life.
During study hall of my senior year I told my friend Chris that I occasionally wrote poetry and short stories. He didn't believe me, so he asked me to write a poem on command and this is what I came up with:
Without You
I am not a fish.
Do you see my gills?
Do you see my mouth shaped for a kiss?
I cannot breathe under or over,above or below.
I will die anyway, cold and alone.
He read it and said, "That's actually not too bad". I beamed with pride and after re-reading it, I liked it as I thought it was clever and romantic. After school, I showed it around the choir room and my friends liked as well. In the coming weeks, I brought in some of my other poems and short stories (most of which that I remember were quite deranged and demented and often featured violence) but for whatever reason, they too, met with success.
Late that spring our choir trip and final concert were cancelled due to the behavior of two students (the rest of us had to pay for their behavior, don't ya know?) During classtime in choir we just watched movies as there was no concert to prepare for. During a showing of "Oklahoma" I wrote an eulogy poem for the senior class, lamenting the loss of the last senior trip and last concert. It was tongue-in-cheek, over-the-top and as I remember it, quite silly. I wish I still had it... but on second thought, some things are probably best remembered rather than preserved.
Some guys passed the poem around the room and...it was a hit. The next thing I knew some of the guys wanted to print t-shirts of the poem and wear it as a protest. I didn't mind. The truth was I didn't think they could pull off the organization of printing the shirts or paying for them up-front. To my surprise, in about a week the t-shirts had arrived. My initials along with the other two main organizers were on the back of the t-shirt. At least 20-30 students wore the t-shirt to school on one coordinated day (while I was surprised that it was actually happening, I still wore the t-shirt).
It was the first time I had really "stirred the pot". I got a few questions in my other classes about the shirt, asking me what it was all about, and if I had written the poem, etc. I felt a little embarrassed by the whole situation but I felt a little cool too. I can count the number of times on one hand when I felt cool in high school - this was one of them.
That morning I got called in to the choir director's office. I was nervous. I tried to explain the situation as best I could. I admitted that it was my poem but that the t-shirt idea spiraled out of my control. I told her some BS about how it wasn't about her as much as it was about us expressing our sadness that the concert and trip had been cancelled. Although, honestly, it was all about her and her over-reaction to bad behavior by 2-3 students. Regardless, it worked and I wasn't in trouble. Looking back, she had to know she was in the wrong anyway so I am sure that worked in my favor.
All this is to say that little "poem on command" laid the groundwork for years of writing poetry and writing in general. For better or worse, I thought of myself as a poet. Broadly speaking it helped build a sense of "self".
After spending the first three years of high school as an aimless misfit, I had spent my senior year getting comfortable in my own skin. I had stirred the pot for the first time with success and (of course) it would not be the last....
During study hall of my senior year I told my friend Chris that I occasionally wrote poetry and short stories. He didn't believe me, so he asked me to write a poem on command and this is what I came up with:
Without You
I am not a fish.
Do you see my gills?
Do you see my mouth shaped for a kiss?
I cannot breathe under or over,above or below.
I will die anyway, cold and alone.
He read it and said, "That's actually not too bad". I beamed with pride and after re-reading it, I liked it as I thought it was clever and romantic. After school, I showed it around the choir room and my friends liked as well. In the coming weeks, I brought in some of my other poems and short stories (most of which that I remember were quite deranged and demented and often featured violence) but for whatever reason, they too, met with success.
Late that spring our choir trip and final concert were cancelled due to the behavior of two students (the rest of us had to pay for their behavior, don't ya know?) During classtime in choir we just watched movies as there was no concert to prepare for. During a showing of "Oklahoma" I wrote an eulogy poem for the senior class, lamenting the loss of the last senior trip and last concert. It was tongue-in-cheek, over-the-top and as I remember it, quite silly. I wish I still had it... but on second thought, some things are probably best remembered rather than preserved.
Some guys passed the poem around the room and...it was a hit. The next thing I knew some of the guys wanted to print t-shirts of the poem and wear it as a protest. I didn't mind. The truth was I didn't think they could pull off the organization of printing the shirts or paying for them up-front. To my surprise, in about a week the t-shirts had arrived. My initials along with the other two main organizers were on the back of the t-shirt. At least 20-30 students wore the t-shirt to school on one coordinated day (while I was surprised that it was actually happening, I still wore the t-shirt).
It was the first time I had really "stirred the pot". I got a few questions in my other classes about the shirt, asking me what it was all about, and if I had written the poem, etc. I felt a little embarrassed by the whole situation but I felt a little cool too. I can count the number of times on one hand when I felt cool in high school - this was one of them.
That morning I got called in to the choir director's office. I was nervous. I tried to explain the situation as best I could. I admitted that it was my poem but that the t-shirt idea spiraled out of my control. I told her some BS about how it wasn't about her as much as it was about us expressing our sadness that the concert and trip had been cancelled. Although, honestly, it was all about her and her over-reaction to bad behavior by 2-3 students. Regardless, it worked and I wasn't in trouble. Looking back, she had to know she was in the wrong anyway so I am sure that worked in my favor.
All this is to say that little "poem on command" laid the groundwork for years of writing poetry and writing in general. For better or worse, I thought of myself as a poet. Broadly speaking it helped build a sense of "self".
After spending the first three years of high school as an aimless misfit, I had spent my senior year getting comfortable in my own skin. I had stirred the pot for the first time with success and (of course) it would not be the last....
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Weezer Concert Review
This past summer I attended the Weezer Memories concert (The Pinkerton Night) in Austin at Stubb's.
I originally had most of this written up months ago but then I got bored and it got put on the back burner (I'm running out of room on that back burner).
I arrived in Austin about an hour before the doors opened and was shocked at the line out the door. The line stretched down the block with at least 200-300 fans ahead of me. It was weird because sometimes I feel like the only Weezer fan here in San Antonio.
Yes, it's that lonely. Lonely and shameful. I mean every time I tell someone I am a weezer fan I have to start with all these qualifiers about how their recent stuff sucks and how their 90's catalog is amazing.
Waiting outside was not pleasant as it was hot, humid and the sun hitting me straight in the face for awhile. Once inside the shade of the amphitheater I could relax and have a beer (which due to heat was guzzled down quickly). I survived the opening band (some rap band which wasn't all that bad as I feared) and to my surprise, Weezer quickly appeared.
The band was in great form and even minor imperfections couldn't ruin a great performance. I dare say this might have been the band's best set-list ever. (HUZZAH!) From start to finish the band was having fun and in high spirits. This was my fifth time seeing Weezer (previously in 1996, 2000, 2001, and 2002) and it was most they have seemed to be "together" as I have ever seen them (well, okay, except for '96). More than any other Weezer show (or other shows I've seen recently) the band was having fun. Smiles were shared and there were some special moments between the fans and the band.
The night began with the "greatest hits" portion of the set but it quickly morphed into a hard-core Weezer fan's dream set including a song they don't often play live (The Greatest Man That Ever Lived), three b-sides from the 90's (You Gave Your Love To Me Softly, Suzanne, and Jamie) and a never-before played song (maybe the online community's most beloved of Rivers' demos), Longtime Sunshine. I couldn't believe I heard three b-sides from the 90's and Longtime Sunshine. Excuse the inner girlie fandom, but UNfreakingbelievable.
I was flipping out - albeit in a very reserved, muted fashion. I was about fifteen- twenty feet from the stage with a perfect vantage point to enjoy the show. The "tall guys" that seem to haunt me at most concerts were no where to be found. While it was a great viewing area, I was probably in the second-tier of weezer fandom. Most people around me knew Pinkerton, and many even knew Suzanne (which went down surprisingly like a big hit with the crowd) but I was on my own in my immediate vicinity with excitement for Jamie or Longtime Sunshine. It was like knowing big news but not being able to tell anyone...I was thinking, "Don't you people know how special this is?". I almost yelled "Thank you Rivers!" during a quiet moment but my self-consciousness got the best of me. I definitely should have anyway.
This was during "The Greatest Man..." I think. At one point he was singing to the people out on street on the other side of this wall. It was kinda cool. I know, I don't have a pithy comment for this. It feels awkward.
Being currently alienated from the only other person I know who would be equally excited and jealous I was there....I found myself in a weird position. I knew no one that I knew would care what was happening (I even pathetically scrolled through my contacts list to make sure I wasn't forgetting someone). I texted my wife out of the sheer need to contact a fellow human being. Of course she replied but she didn't care about Weezer's set anymore than any of my other friends. (Thanks anyway, Honey!)
The "hits" set (for lack of a better term) had the band performing as a five-piece with Pat (the drummer) doubling on guitar and Brian (usually guitar) going between the guitar and the keyboard. Brian actually looked alive and was having fun....at most of the shows I have attended or seen, he's just chilling. One show (2002) he barely looked alive. This was the whole reason I set up on the right side of the stage away from the Sassmaster.
I was obviously a lot closer but this is just a general shot of Stubb's and this seemed like a good place for a photo.
Pat and Scott were on my side of the stage. Pat was rocking out and having a blast, I am glad he gets to play some gee-tar now and then. Scott (Bass) was devastating with the "happy to be here" look in his eye as usual. Rivers climbed around like a moron as he is wont to do with these mainstream sets. Oddly it didn't bother me as much as I thought it would. I have to admit, it was kinda cool to see him climb into the crowd around me, at one point less than ten feet away.
I compare the banter between songs at concerts much like the conversation I want from my food servers: not enough leaves me feeling like I'm not even there - too much and I find it annoying and/or awkward. Rivers did great this time around, with enough mix-up's with the set and a cheesy "time travel" theme ("we're taking it back to 1995...") to keep the mood light. There seemed to be some hesitation with Longtime Sunshine - like the band was thinking, I hope this goes over well - and to many a surprise, many cheered when the song was introduced.
The experience was a little bittersweet, as I had no one to enjoy the concert with nor could I indulge myself with more than two beers as I had a long trip home later that night (I counted 13 police cars on the way to and from Austin)! Nevertheless, the concert was amazing.
Here's the set with some comments.
Memories - Off their latest album, Hurley. Not a fan of this song, and it's the only "meh" song out of the entire concert. Honestly though, it's a great opener for this tour and there are tons of other Weezer songs that are much more cringe-worthy than this one.
The Greatest Man That Ever Lived - Off of the Red Album - technically, this is a difficult song to pull off live and well.... it showed. It's really a studio song - but I'm happy to have heard it as it's not played often. Giving the challenges it sounded good. The band was up for it and Rivers got up on the roof-top to sang out the 8th street audience on the other side of the wall at one point. Surprisingly, lots of cheers for this song as well.
Perfect Situation - love, love, love the intro solo. Even if I think the original "woahs" are better from the studio version -- like a lot in the Weezer catalog, this song seems so much better live.
Dope Nose - Scott on lead vocals. This is just a fun song. Scott does a great job with a vocally easy song.
Hash Pipe - rocking out. Love me the drums on this one.
You Gave Your Love To Me Softly - the first of the B-sides played. The band has always loved this song (it's the most-oft played non-album song to be sure) and it's a catchy little ditty.
Suzanne - Wonderful song and a total surprise. The fans went crazy as it seemed everyone knew this (I take it from the Mallrats movie and soundtrack). One of my favorites of the night - Rivers has gone back to his original lyrics as well, using the "Kurt Cobain" line now (at the release it was changed as it was still in the wake of Kurt's suicide).
Longtime Sunshine - This was the surprise and highlight of the night. Jaw droppingly good and I can now say I have seen the live premiere of LTS, "Don't Let Go", "Always" and "Island in the Sun". That's kinda cool.
Jamie - Following LTS, I was ready for "Buddy Holly" or "Undone" - but they went straight into a song that needs no "introduction" (really?) - Jamie. It' my least favorite blue b-side but damn if it almost didn't change my mind by the end of this performance - it sounded so much heavier and together than the recording we do have (although that recording has its qualities as well).
Only In Dreams - this is the most over-rated in the weezer online community and I still love it. It was great hearing it again for the first time since 96. Great performance and epic crescendo.
Intermission / Slide Show
Tired Of Sex
Getchoo
No Other One
Why Bother?
Across The Sea - Sounded great. This is probably my favorite song of all-time, so I was a bit on cloud 9 - singing along. Being "in the moment" doesn't always make for a great recollection.
The Good Life - the band really nailed this one - for whatever reason, it stuck out as a great performance.
El Scorcho
Pink Triangle
Falling For You - Amazing solo and Rivers seemed to have a blast. He actually jumped into the audience on this one - which he usually doesn't do in the second half of the Memories shows.
Butterfly
I stared at this pic forever trying to find myself and realized it was for the Blue Album night. :(
I would have been about ten feet (??) in front of the at tree on the left.
I would have been about ten feet (??) in front of the at tree on the left.
Monday, December 5, 2011
Creepy Moments To Remember
Last year I had a student stay after class. He was the "metal band" t-shirt guy - long hair, probably smoked too much weed in high school and quiet, very, very quiet.
He waited until everyone was gone and approached me.
"What do you think about demons?; I like demons."
I tried to answer it as suavely as I could, but it wasn't easy.
He waited until everyone was gone and approached me.
"What do you think about demons?; I like demons."
I tried to answer it as suavely as I could, but it wasn't easy.
Saturday, December 3, 2011
Top Ten Things I Didn't Do
Things happen, but sometimes they don't. Off the top of my head and definitely not in any order of importance, here are things that didn't work out or that I never did.
1) Printed out a small book of poems to give to my parents and sister for Christmas back in 2005 but didn't give it to them on second thought.
2) I didn't ask out a girl in my Intermediate Spanish II class in college. I had a huge crush on this girl. We sat on opposite sides of the room and before I even spoke to her I had already created her personality - she was my dream girl. I mustered the courage and managed to talk to her a few times in the hallway before class, I think I made her laugh and felt really good about our small chit-chat. I plotted to ask her out after the final exam. This was the perfect plan - if she rejected me, I would never see her again in class thus lessening my humiliation. I laughed at my genius. When I took the final exam, I worked as fast as I could. I even managed to check my work but I was ready to dump the exam if the situation arose. After what seemed like forever, she finished her exam. I didn't want to make it obvious, so I patiently waited about 15-20 seconds after she got up. As fate would have it, the allotted time for the test was running out, so many students were up at the front of the room, turning their exam in as well. Because of the extra traffic, it took me longer than expected to turn the test in....but I wasn't panicking even though she was out the door sooner than I realized. My heart rate started racing as I picked up my backpack and headed out into the hallway. As I walk out the door I see a fellow classmate is already TALKING TO HER- he's not leaving her side as they continue to talk and walk right into the PARKING LOT - I slow my walking gait down but at this point I am in a near panic. My perfect plan was falling apart, I had no backup plan!! They just keep talking and I....well... keep walking....I felt like an idiot. I saw her a few months later at Blockbuster with some fat boyfriend, I had a near Woody Allen breakdown at that point.
3) I did not transfer to UT (instead I transferred to A&M). I was planning on majoring in advertising there. As crazy as that sounds to me now, I think I would have taken one class and changed my major. Life would have been different, that's for sure.
4) I did not teach in Japan. I almost applied to teach for JET after graduating in 2000, but got scared (although we did end up teaching in China in 2004).
5) I did not make the band. I tried out for a band in college as the lead singer. I tried to sing some Metallica song and it went badly. I think I knew I wasn't going to get the gig when I asked if they knew any Weezer songs.
6) I did not get everything that I wanted as a kid. I have vivid memories of begging my mom for a quarter or seventy-five cents for a comic book or a pack of baseball cards. Most of the time, she wouldn't budge. At the time, I thought it was because (in my kid's world) seventy-five cents was a lot of dough - I understood it. Now that I know even at the time, it was nothing. My mom did a good job of not spoiling me.
7) I wish I could tell you I never bought cowboy boots, but I would be lying.
8) I did not get a ticket for crazy driving as a teenager. It was harmless stuff by most standards, but one road rage incident was really, really, scary looking back on it (and yes, I was the one mad). I sometimes can't even recognize that young version of myself.
9) I never made the "Honor Roll". Not a once.
10) I never applied to teach anywhere else than where I work now. I applied part time and did not apply anywhere else, as I was a lazy. I got a call a week before classes, I was in. I interviewed for a full-time position twice (with one interview with the college president) before finally landing my full-time tenure track position the third time around.
1) Printed out a small book of poems to give to my parents and sister for Christmas back in 2005 but didn't give it to them on second thought.
2) I didn't ask out a girl in my Intermediate Spanish II class in college. I had a huge crush on this girl. We sat on opposite sides of the room and before I even spoke to her I had already created her personality - she was my dream girl. I mustered the courage and managed to talk to her a few times in the hallway before class, I think I made her laugh and felt really good about our small chit-chat. I plotted to ask her out after the final exam. This was the perfect plan - if she rejected me, I would never see her again in class thus lessening my humiliation. I laughed at my genius. When I took the final exam, I worked as fast as I could. I even managed to check my work but I was ready to dump the exam if the situation arose. After what seemed like forever, she finished her exam. I didn't want to make it obvious, so I patiently waited about 15-20 seconds after she got up. As fate would have it, the allotted time for the test was running out, so many students were up at the front of the room, turning their exam in as well. Because of the extra traffic, it took me longer than expected to turn the test in....but I wasn't panicking even though she was out the door sooner than I realized. My heart rate started racing as I picked up my backpack and headed out into the hallway. As I walk out the door I see a fellow classmate is already TALKING TO HER- he's not leaving her side as they continue to talk and walk right into the PARKING LOT - I slow my walking gait down but at this point I am in a near panic. My perfect plan was falling apart, I had no backup plan!! They just keep talking and I....well... keep walking....I felt like an idiot. I saw her a few months later at Blockbuster with some fat boyfriend, I had a near Woody Allen breakdown at that point.
3) I did not transfer to UT (instead I transferred to A&M). I was planning on majoring in advertising there. As crazy as that sounds to me now, I think I would have taken one class and changed my major. Life would have been different, that's for sure.
4) I did not teach in Japan. I almost applied to teach for JET after graduating in 2000, but got scared (although we did end up teaching in China in 2004).
5) I did not make the band. I tried out for a band in college as the lead singer. I tried to sing some Metallica song and it went badly. I think I knew I wasn't going to get the gig when I asked if they knew any Weezer songs.
6) I did not get everything that I wanted as a kid. I have vivid memories of begging my mom for a quarter or seventy-five cents for a comic book or a pack of baseball cards. Most of the time, she wouldn't budge. At the time, I thought it was because (in my kid's world) seventy-five cents was a lot of dough - I understood it. Now that I know even at the time, it was nothing. My mom did a good job of not spoiling me.
When my mom would go our local Handy-Andy I would go inside the Revco next door as they had a great comic rack and a better toy selection. When I was ten-years old I saw this comic and I just had to have it. I begged and pleaded with my mom to no avail. It was a hard sell - it was double-sized and $2.50! I did what I often did at Revco and hid it behind some magazines. I was able to hide this comic at least 3-4 times at least for a month - always being careful to remember which magazines I hid it behind. One day, to my dismay it was gone......(Well then, I just found it on Amazon and I am totally buying this for my Christmas present with my parent's money).
7) I wish I could tell you I never bought cowboy boots, but I would be lying.
8) I did not get a ticket for crazy driving as a teenager. It was harmless stuff by most standards, but one road rage incident was really, really, scary looking back on it (and yes, I was the one mad). I sometimes can't even recognize that young version of myself.
9) I never made the "Honor Roll". Not a once.
10) I never applied to teach anywhere else than where I work now. I applied part time and did not apply anywhere else, as I was a lazy. I got a call a week before classes, I was in. I interviewed for a full-time position twice (with one interview with the college president) before finally landing my full-time tenure track position the third time around.
Friday, December 2, 2011
Pic Dump # 2
Been saving the best from my web surfing and bringing it all home to you...a little "meme" heavy but...enjoy.
Thursday, November 17, 2011
10 Songs That If I Found Out I Would Never Hear Again, I Would Be Cool With It:
(Please note this doesn't necessarily mean it's a bad song, it's just that I never have a desire to hear it again)
"Rocket Man" - Elton John
"Welcome to the Jungle" - Guns N' Roses
Whatever that Titanic song by Celine Dion was called
"Sweet Home Alabama"
"We Will Rock You" - Queen
The Bodyguard song by Whitney Houston
"Smells Like Teen Spirit" - Nirvana
Most Micheal Jackson Songs (especially "I'm Bad" however, major exceptions for "Billie Jean" and "Man in the Mirror" though)
Any Korn song - God Awful Rock Music. Should be forbidden.
"Wind Beneath my Wings" - Bette Milder - Maybe the song on this list I hate the most.
They actually played this at my wedding reception. . They actually freakin played this. I told them I wanted "classics" (Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, etc.) and this is what they played. I was so pissed. If I wasn't completely tied up during the song I would have told him to stop it during the song. I did go up to the DJ afterwards and explain what "classics" meant. Side note: My PC was crashing or something crazy, so I was only able to burn a CD of music that was about an hour long. So, there was some cool music played.
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Fragments Here, There and Everywhere
Talking about Buddhism in class today, I was discussing "healthy" attachments and "unhealthy" attachments, which led me to a discussion on stalkers. I fell into my odd habit of taking the voice of point of view I am talking about, (in this case "I know she loves me, if only she can understand how much I love her", etc.) this led my students to laugh and made me remark that I might be performing my bit "a little too convincingly". I did note I thought every guy in the class had at least driven by someone's house after a breakup at least once. I said anyone who hasn't just "isn't romantic" - which someone said that that might be considered creepy, of which I replied the line between creepy and romantic is a very thin one.
Days like today remind me why I love teaching. I felt "on" like I haven't in a long time.
Thinking about why God created humans and thinking about why I had children...are there similarities?
Quickly read through two books the past week - The Crescent Through the Eyes of the Cross and the graphic novel, Persepolis. The first not too shabby - and in the context of evangelist Christian books - it's amazing. The author is a Arab Christian and he treats Islam with respect and dignity (that it deserves) while also having a distinct Christian point of view. Wasn't sure if I was going to learn something about Islam but I did.
Persepolis was great - couldn't put it down - I will have to check out part two soon. I was interested in assigning this in my Intro to Humanities class or a Eastern Cultures class but I don't think it has enough on Iran or on Islam in the book...but highly recommended for graphic novel folks.
Hunger Banquet tomorrow...need my beauty rest. G'night to all.
Days like today remind me why I love teaching. I felt "on" like I haven't in a long time.
Thinking about why God created humans and thinking about why I had children...are there similarities?
Quickly read through two books the past week - The Crescent Through the Eyes of the Cross and the graphic novel, Persepolis. The first not too shabby - and in the context of evangelist Christian books - it's amazing. The author is a Arab Christian and he treats Islam with respect and dignity (that it deserves) while also having a distinct Christian point of view. Wasn't sure if I was going to learn something about Islam but I did.
Persepolis was great - couldn't put it down - I will have to check out part two soon. I was interested in assigning this in my Intro to Humanities class or a Eastern Cultures class but I don't think it has enough on Iran or on Islam in the book...but highly recommended for graphic novel folks.
Hunger Banquet tomorrow...need my beauty rest. G'night to all.
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Thought of the Day
Why is it that as men age their interest in the weather increases with each passing year?
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Fragment Time
I feel like I need an art project soon. I have ideas, but they all suck.
I go through these reading stages where I can do prolonged reading of the most dense or boring material (or what others would call dense and boring) and then suddenly I have no desire to read anything above an 8th grade level (this is where comic books come in handy). I am going through the "comic book" period right now.
So I am in the middle of a Star Trek: Next Generation re-watch (or "watch" as I haven't seen most episodes) and I finally hit a rough patch - the start of season five. I have slowed down my rate and I fell asleep in the middle of an episode --three episodes in a row! Granted, I was on the bed and sleepy but still this hadn't happened but maybe once before. I usually fell asleep around the 15-25 minute mark and then would wake up with five minutes to go when the music got dramatic or something blew up. I am still counting the episodes. I was talking about it with someone later - and they nailed it - the color scheme and lighting (not too bright, hushed and pleasant colors) almost induces relaxation and sleepiness (with a little help from Picard's voice and the whooshing of the doors).
The damned Klingon shows always bore me. The are so predictable and are basically the same three characters every time. There's the back-stabbing Klingon (required one per Klingon episode), the older, more reliable Klingon (sometimes the character is the hidden "spy"), and then a bunch of no name tough guys. That's it. Damn, even Wharf bores me, it's always "Sir, I believe we should fire immediately". I understand he's head of security but still, predictable, annoyingly grim and predictable. Sidenote: spell check on Blogger has Klingon in the dictionary. Wow.
I like the fall. It makes the summer in South Texas almost worth it. Almost.
I also feel like I haven't written anything of substance in awhile. I have half finished blogs I should get to. It kinda bothers me. Almost.
The funny thing about teaching three classes in one day - I get a little loony the last time around. I am tired and at times-- I dread walking to that last class (at 3:30) to give the same discussion I have already had twice in the day. Then I get in there, open the door and the adrenaline kicks in and I am all ready to roll. Teaching is such a performance art. So, how about another list!
Things I like about Teaching College
You always get the last word.
You sometimes see light bulbs go off.
You get to be around inspiring young people.
Academic freedom
Making the class laugh
Asking hard, deep questions
Telling stories
Watching young people excited to live life on their own terms.
Trying to change people's minds
Drawing connections from an older class topic/reading/film
Saturday, October 22, 2011
Saturday Night Special: Hash Pipe
To review: these posts are for rock songs and this one is a nice little poppy rock song.
This song may be in my top ten riffs that get stuck in my head (#1 in drum rhythm would be "Scentless Apprentice" by Nirvana). Look, the video is a little silly the lyrics are little silly, but it's catchy and fun.
This is definitly a song that takes me back to 2000 and when it debuted in 2001 when it finally was "officially" released. I drove a lot back then (to my various jobs and school) so I remember driving in my truck listening to this album.
mini fragments
BTW - I found a new guilty pleasure - B.o.B's - Magic (of course featuring Rivers) so corny but again, it goes down like Kool-Aide.
Decided to print my first year of blogging - if there is anything more vain than actually having a blog - it's printing the darn thing out. I mean, seriously? But it was 13 bucks and I think it's the only way my wife will get fully updated.
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Discerning God's Will
Have you ever been faced with a challenge that left you wondering what you should do? Currently I am struggling with what to do next - what should be my path in the next few years? I am interested in going to seminary part time but I am unsure if it's the right thing to do.
Sometimes I hear people talk about God's will for their life - that God wanted someone to get a job or to move to another city. Some believers will say it was "God's will" that someone died. These ideas make me slightly uncomfortable - I mean how do they know they aren't just fooling themselves? How can they discern God's will without a direct revelation? Gut feeling?
One of the best lines from High Fidelity (just listen to the first 20 seconds)
High Fidelity - Guts & The Fantasy from W. Guy Finley on Vimeo.
Fully aware this quote is out of context but I know through personal experience my guts have led me down some crazy and dark corridors of life. BTW - High Fidelity is a great film.
Usually when I hear people confidently proclaim that know God's will for their life I feel a bit like the older son in the story of the prodigal son - a little jealous with a large helping of cynicism. Whatever God's will might be for anyone-- the only way to come close to understanding it would be through total humbleness and submission before God.
So here I find myself interested in taking seminary courses. But the last few days I have been frozen in indecision. How do I account for my own personal wishes, vanity, ego, academic curiosity, excitement and the balance all of that with discerning God's will? On Monday evening I attending a "prospective student night" at a seminary that was over three hours away. I spent much of the over-six hours driving time (traveling to and from) reflecting on God's purpose and will for my life. But what does it even mean to "discern" God's will?
There a mounds of books on "following God's will" or finding God's purpose in life. As I reflect on my mind set of the past week I realize much of my inner dialogue has been more about me than about God. The fact is I think we have a pretty inflated sense of purpose most of the time - when Jesus was asked what the most important commandment was, it was pretty simple.
'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’
I absolutely love how Jesus makes it clear that the second most important commandment is connected to the first - there is no mistake about it - loving God means loving people.
I was once asked several years ago what the meaning in life was and my answer was "to love". I still believe that with my whole heart but I'm still trying to figure out how to do that. The truth is, I can love and serve God from wherever I am and whatever I do. So it appears I already have my answer and the decision in many ways is immaterial. I just have to find out how to love God and others more.
Sometimes I hear people talk about God's will for their life - that God wanted someone to get a job or to move to another city. Some believers will say it was "God's will" that someone died. These ideas make me slightly uncomfortable - I mean how do they know they aren't just fooling themselves? How can they discern God's will without a direct revelation? Gut feeling?
One of the best lines from High Fidelity (just listen to the first 20 seconds)
High Fidelity - Guts & The Fantasy from W. Guy Finley on Vimeo.
Fully aware this quote is out of context but I know through personal experience my guts have led me down some crazy and dark corridors of life. BTW - High Fidelity is a great film.
Usually when I hear people confidently proclaim that know God's will for their life I feel a bit like the older son in the story of the prodigal son - a little jealous with a large helping of cynicism. Whatever God's will might be for anyone-- the only way to come close to understanding it would be through total humbleness and submission before God.
So here I find myself interested in taking seminary courses. But the last few days I have been frozen in indecision. How do I account for my own personal wishes, vanity, ego, academic curiosity, excitement and the balance all of that with discerning God's will? On Monday evening I attending a "prospective student night" at a seminary that was over three hours away. I spent much of the over-six hours driving time (traveling to and from) reflecting on God's purpose and will for my life. But what does it even mean to "discern" God's will?
There a mounds of books on "following God's will" or finding God's purpose in life. As I reflect on my mind set of the past week I realize much of my inner dialogue has been more about me than about God. The fact is I think we have a pretty inflated sense of purpose most of the time - when Jesus was asked what the most important commandment was, it was pretty simple.
'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’
I absolutely love how Jesus makes it clear that the second most important commandment is connected to the first - there is no mistake about it - loving God means loving people.
I was once asked several years ago what the meaning in life was and my answer was "to love". I still believe that with my whole heart but I'm still trying to figure out how to do that. The truth is, I can love and serve God from wherever I am and whatever I do. So it appears I already have my answer and the decision in many ways is immaterial. I just have to find out how to love God and others more.
Sunday, October 2, 2011
Fragments from Lollapooza 1996
So I went to Lollapooza back in summer of 1996.
Here are some memories.
In 1996 music festivals still mattered. The headliners were Soundgarden, Metallica, Rancid and the Ramones. My music fandom (and snobbery, if a Weezer fan can even say that with remaining straight-faced) came much later in life so out of those three bands I had one album between them. I probably had like 20 CD's total anyway (five of which were Nirvana).
I don't remember which of my friends decided it would be a good idea - it certainly wasn't me-- as I said I wasn't crazy about any of the bands to begin with. But we were pumped about going - just because we were 18 (going on 19) and wanted an excuse to drive far away and have an adventure without adult supervision.
It started out that there would be like 4-5 of us but everyone found excuses not to go like ticket prices, work, etc.
There were two of us left and we had already made a pact to shave our heads, so we did.
This was okay for my friend, but for me (pale and sickly white)....well, I looked like I had cancer. I also weighed about 10-15 pounds heavier than today and I looked like a pudgy, cancer-stricken person. I went from being ignored by girls to repelling them.
On the way up to Dallas we had a huge, crazy heavy rain in Waco and had to pull over on the side of the highway....that rainstorm might still be in my top 5 worst weather I have driven though.
Our first stop was in College Station where my buddy went to school (and where I transferred to the next year) and we got pulled over in the middle of no-where for no reason. The officer said my friend tapped his brakes (as he was coming the opposite way and noticed in his mirror-- but really, who doesn't tap their brakes when they see a police car - ITS INSTINCT BRO). This is where the shaved heads and altra-t-shirts did not come in handy.
We were two white kids used to our white privilege. We were shocked when he asked us to get out of the car so he could search it. We stood next to the police car stunned. I felt like a criminal and cool at the same time. We didn't do drugs but my friend had a "fake" ID in the car (he had tried to amend his birth date on an old ID). It was behind his driver's license in his wallet, so when we first got pulled over, he panicked and asked me what he should do with it. So I told him to put it in the console to hide it. Of course I wasn't counting on him searching the car. As the search went on, my friend started freaking out. The officer comes back and just gives my friend a warning and takes the ID with him.
We get to Dallas in the evening and we head out to the fairgrounds in the early afternoon. The traffic is crazy and it's freaking hot.
We have a good time but didn't and my friend couldn't drink at the event (I didn't touch the stuff at the time). We didn't even talk with anyone else really. We just dreamed of talking with some "freak" girls as we called them. This ensured much regret but was the safest choice as I was afraid of girls back then and had zero confidence.
I actually looked up the band list from 96 and noticed Sponge was there (on a side-stage). I kinda remember seeing them. Boring (I even had their lame CD from the year before too and liked it).
The best part of the entire trip was that we got super close for Rancid and the Ramones. I have to say I enjoyed Rancid and I loved the Ramones.
I was kinda familiar with the Ramones but I really had no idea what to expect. It was in Dallas in July in 100 degree heat and here they were all wearing their leather jackets. Talk about punk. I was about 15 feet away and hopping up and down to "Blitzkrieg Bop" and "I Don't Wanna Grow Up" with the best of them.
What a great pop song. I only relate to it more now than ever. Seriously, sans the performance aspect of the video (which I just tend to not like for any music video) the cartoon is brilliant. Like a Mad Magazine cartoon came to life.
Suddenly, during the Ramones set, a crazy, huge drunk guy comes barreling into the crowd around me as if he was driven mad. He had blood coming down over his head and everyone kinda stopped. Most of us gave him a wide berth and then....he drove back to the front of the stage - the crisis was over and we all started hopping again.
We had been up front for a few hours and were dead tired, hot and very thirsty (but happy they hosed us off). We went to the back for more water and food. We saw Soundgarden and Metallica from like a mile away. We were exhausted and the very thought of trying to even work our way to the front was too daunting.
I was jealous when a huge plastic bottle war went on near the stage during the Soundgarden set...it looked like a huge swarm of insects all around the stage. I got really bored during the Metallica set - I am no metal fan and actually really hated it. I finally talked my friend into leaving a little early to beat the traffic. He was kinda pissy about it but hey, that's what friends are for!
There ya have it folks. My first, only and probably last major music festival. It's not that I'm too old to go - (ACL is so close to us) it's just I'm now too cheap.
Here are some memories.
In 1996 music festivals still mattered. The headliners were Soundgarden, Metallica, Rancid and the Ramones. My music fandom (and snobbery, if a Weezer fan can even say that with remaining straight-faced) came much later in life so out of those three bands I had one album between them. I probably had like 20 CD's total anyway (five of which were Nirvana).
I don't remember which of my friends decided it would be a good idea - it certainly wasn't me-- as I said I wasn't crazy about any of the bands to begin with. But we were pumped about going - just because we were 18 (going on 19) and wanted an excuse to drive far away and have an adventure without adult supervision.
It started out that there would be like 4-5 of us but everyone found excuses not to go like ticket prices, work, etc.
There were two of us left and we had already made a pact to shave our heads, so we did.
This was okay for my friend, but for me (pale and sickly white)....well, I looked like I had cancer. I also weighed about 10-15 pounds heavier than today and I looked like a pudgy, cancer-stricken person. I went from being ignored by girls to repelling them.
I told you so. Honestly, this picture doesn't do my paleness justice. I henceforth dub this time period the "Pat Wilson" era (June 96- Sep 96). That's the drummer for Weezer, for those wondering.
On the way up to Dallas we had a huge, crazy heavy rain in Waco and had to pull over on the side of the highway....that rainstorm might still be in my top 5 worst weather I have driven though.
Our first stop was in College Station where my buddy went to school (and where I transferred to the next year) and we got pulled over in the middle of no-where for no reason. The officer said my friend tapped his brakes (as he was coming the opposite way and noticed in his mirror-- but really, who doesn't tap their brakes when they see a police car - ITS INSTINCT BRO). This is where the shaved heads and altra-t-shirts did not come in handy.
We were two white kids used to our white privilege. We were shocked when he asked us to get out of the car so he could search it. We stood next to the police car stunned. I felt like a criminal and cool at the same time. We didn't do drugs but my friend had a "fake" ID in the car (he had tried to amend his birth date on an old ID). It was behind his driver's license in his wallet, so when we first got pulled over, he panicked and asked me what he should do with it. So I told him to put it in the console to hide it. Of course I wasn't counting on him searching the car. As the search went on, my friend started freaking out. The officer comes back and just gives my friend a warning and takes the ID with him.
We get to Dallas in the evening and we head out to the fairgrounds in the early afternoon. The traffic is crazy and it's freaking hot.
We have a good time but didn't and my friend couldn't drink at the event (I didn't touch the stuff at the time). We didn't even talk with anyone else really. We just dreamed of talking with some "freak" girls as we called them. This ensured much regret but was the safest choice as I was afraid of girls back then and had zero confidence.
I actually looked up the band list from 96 and noticed Sponge was there (on a side-stage). I kinda remember seeing them. Boring (I even had their lame CD from the year before too and liked it).
The best part of the entire trip was that we got super close for Rancid and the Ramones. I have to say I enjoyed Rancid and I loved the Ramones.
I was kinda familiar with the Ramones but I really had no idea what to expect. It was in Dallas in July in 100 degree heat and here they were all wearing their leather jackets. Talk about punk. I was about 15 feet away and hopping up and down to "Blitzkrieg Bop" and "I Don't Wanna Grow Up" with the best of them.
What a great pop song. I only relate to it more now than ever. Seriously, sans the performance aspect of the video (which I just tend to not like for any music video) the cartoon is brilliant. Like a Mad Magazine cartoon came to life.
Suddenly, during the Ramones set, a crazy, huge drunk guy comes barreling into the crowd around me as if he was driven mad. He had blood coming down over his head and everyone kinda stopped. Most of us gave him a wide berth and then....he drove back to the front of the stage - the crisis was over and we all started hopping again.
We had been up front for a few hours and were dead tired, hot and very thirsty (but happy they hosed us off). We went to the back for more water and food. We saw Soundgarden and Metallica from like a mile away. We were exhausted and the very thought of trying to even work our way to the front was too daunting.
I was jealous when a huge plastic bottle war went on near the stage during the Soundgarden set...it looked like a huge swarm of insects all around the stage. I got really bored during the Metallica set - I am no metal fan and actually really hated it. I finally talked my friend into leaving a little early to beat the traffic. He was kinda pissy about it but hey, that's what friends are for!
There ya have it folks. My first, only and probably last major music festival. It's not that I'm too old to go - (ACL is so close to us) it's just I'm now too cheap.
Things I Believe In....
Free food
Hoping in a Loving God
Naps
Getting lost and not planning every step on a trip
That nationalism is a disease
Questioning your assumptions
Driving with the windows down (when applicable)
Walking in the woods for no particular reason other than to walk
Letting go
Non-violence, non-retaliation
That we are made stronger (or weaker) by those people who share our lives with us
Moderation, in most things
Love
It's better to keep people guessing than becoming too predictable
Being average is okay - passion makes up for a lack of talent
All things being equal, I'd rather have a "big" government than a country run down by "big" corporations
Peanut Butter
The Sermon on the Mount
Being silly, even if sometimes it's gets you into trouble from time to time
Thinking
Being flexible, life is too short to get too upset about little annoyances
We all should do something artistic every so often
Dreaming
It's better to be compassionate and be taken advantage of then cynical and mistrustful
Sleeping in late even when you can't
Jesus
Staying up late to read just a little bit more
Turning off the TV to do something creative, even if that means dishes sometimes....
Writing a blog even when you have no motivation to write.
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Art Post: Return of the Trolls
So, from time to time I post some stuff I paint, draw, whatever. Here is a little something I cooked up for my youngest nephew for his birthday last spring. I took some pics (this was before we got a scanner) before I sent it off to him.
I had prepped him that it was coming and that I was creating something "Troll related" for him. He didn't seem to care but my sister said he likes it.
Once again, this is all free-hand but I copied the scene from the book, Favorite Tales of Monsters and Trolls, which is illustrated by John O'Brien. You can see my other artwork from this book here.
I think I made a huge mistake with coloring his name. But whatever, he turned six so he should think it's awesome.
I had prepped him that it was coming and that I was creating something "Troll related" for him. He didn't seem to care but my sister said he likes it.
Once again, this is all free-hand but I copied the scene from the book, Favorite Tales of Monsters and Trolls, which is illustrated by John O'Brien. You can see my other artwork from this book here.
I think I made a huge mistake with coloring his name. But whatever, he turned six so he should think it's awesome.
I wasn't thrilled with the mapcoloring either really.
Detail - the bird is the best thing on here.
Monday, September 26, 2011
Fiery Fragments
I once heard the future of music in Beck but I guess we're still catching up to the 90's even now. I heard some clips of the new Wilco on NPR and that sounded promising and I don't really dig Wilco all that much but I will be checking it out.
I agree with this sign:
I go through these times when I can remember several night's dreams in a row and then go weeks without remembering a thing. Right now I can't remember much of anything....and what I am remembering is boring. The other night I felt like I woke up from something really exciting but no memories.
Star Trek Update: Just started season 4 - off to a great start with the first two episodes even though the second was more of transition episode, especially re-watching without a summer break - I needed the rest.
Love my classes, hate the grading. Blah.
In many ways our current political system is really not class warfare but generational warfare - the baby boomers showing their classic lack of restraint - they had the heavily subsidized education and government programs (can you ever imagine an actual politician today declaring a "war on poverty" - they would be laughed out of the room and dismissed). Of course, the beneficiaries of the "greatest generation" will now retain their benefits at the end of their lives but will happily (in the name of sacrifice, ya know) cut the rest of ours. They will also deconstruct our social safety net, and strip our public education and government of middle class jobs. All for a sacrifice so that we don't raise taxes on the wealthy. (Steps off soap box huffing)
If you don't know we are adopting and on a wait list. It feels like we've been on it forever although it's only been officially a year this week (unofficially we began the process almost two years). Ready to go but I have always found the in-between times in life offer much in the way of reflection, study, etc.
I agree with this sign:
I go through these times when I can remember several night's dreams in a row and then go weeks without remembering a thing. Right now I can't remember much of anything....and what I am remembering is boring. The other night I felt like I woke up from something really exciting but no memories.
Star Trek Update: Just started season 4 - off to a great start with the first two episodes even though the second was more of transition episode, especially re-watching without a summer break - I needed the rest.
Love my classes, hate the grading. Blah.
In many ways our current political system is really not class warfare but generational warfare - the baby boomers showing their classic lack of restraint - they had the heavily subsidized education and government programs (can you ever imagine an actual politician today declaring a "war on poverty" - they would be laughed out of the room and dismissed). Of course, the beneficiaries of the "greatest generation" will now retain their benefits at the end of their lives but will happily (in the name of sacrifice, ya know) cut the rest of ours. They will also deconstruct our social safety net, and strip our public education and government of middle class jobs. All for a sacrifice so that we don't raise taxes on the wealthy. (Steps off soap box huffing)
If you don't know we are adopting and on a wait list. It feels like we've been on it forever although it's only been officially a year this week (unofficially we began the process almost two years). Ready to go but I have always found the in-between times in life offer much in the way of reflection, study, etc.
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Fall Fragments
Been awhile....how are you?
Thinking about getting old, dying, and how I want to live if I am lucky enough to live well into my 70's and beyond.
Thinking about going to seminary at least part time. Possibly. Maybe. You never know.
Disappointed that the NBA season is looking less and less like a reality.
I made a CD for a friend for the first time in years. I put this little ditty somewhere in the middle of the CD:
Still excited about our adoption (making progress), my service spring break, and life in general.
Thinking about pulling stuff down from the closet to scan more silliness.
Happy that the fall is coming even the little dip in temperature down here in South Texas is nice.
Making progress with the Star Trek re-watch (actually I think only remember about 1/3 of the episodes I have been through)....my last estimate was October there is no way I finish before the holiday break unless I get sick or something.
Started working on a "Jesus As Avatar" post (as in the Hindu concept not the blue-skinned aliens).Yay!!!
Thinking about getting old, dying, and how I want to live if I am lucky enough to live well into my 70's and beyond.
Thinking about going to seminary at least part time. Possibly. Maybe. You never know.
Disappointed that the NBA season is looking less and less like a reality.
I made a CD for a friend for the first time in years. I put this little ditty somewhere in the middle of the CD:
Still excited about our adoption (making progress), my service spring break, and life in general.
Thinking about pulling stuff down from the closet to scan more silliness.
Happy that the fall is coming even the little dip in temperature down here in South Texas is nice.
Making progress with the Star Trek re-watch (actually I think only remember about 1/3 of the episodes I have been through)....my last estimate was October there is no way I finish before the holiday break unless I get sick or something.
Started working on a "Jesus As Avatar" post (as in the Hindu concept not the blue-skinned aliens).Yay!!!
Get busy living or get busy dying
Monday, September 12, 2011
Pic Dump # 1
Some fun stuff I have picked up the last year but never quite found a place for it on the blog for one reason or another....Enjoy!
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Fun With My New Scanner, Part II
This post could also be titled,"The Complete Opposite of How I Turned Out". Life couldn't be more ironic - I am the most city-slick, gun-hating pacifist you'll ever meet living in Texas. I sure do look happy though.
I'm not a Cowboys fan anymore either.
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Fun With My New Scanner, Part I
Let's be brief-- Mrs. M was already excused with a medical reason (she was too elderly to serve). The letter sure is poorly written for an M.D.
Monday, September 5, 2011
Late Night Fragments
I don't know why I am posting I have actual work to do - and it's late.
Is there a holiday more removed from its original intent than Labor Day? (if you celebrate too much or even mention its real reason you might be deemed a socialist, so be careful out there).
Why do restaurants still think its funny to place the "Alcoholic Drinking Can Be Harmful If Pregnant" warning on the backs of doors in men's rooms? Does this ever trick anyone anymore? I think this was probabley funny the first time someone did it. It's not anymore. We know the trick okay? It's just stupid now.
British English: I love the use of "brilliant" hate the pronunciation of "schedule".
Started a team in a fantasy football league. This could be trouble if I am actually good.
I have a student in my class who has had an Anne Coulter and Michelle Malkin book proudly displayed on the desk during different class days. I will do my best to turn him to the dark side. It's not impossible - I voted for Dole in 96 as a sophomore and for Nader as a fifth year senior. How's that for a change?
In case you were wondering, my favorite Beatles albums (in order, and subject to change)
Revolver
White Album (sheer number of songs wins me over)
Sgt. Pepper's (just barely over Abbey)
Abbey Road
Rubber Soul
Let It Be
(All the early stuff sounds the same to me, so it goes down here)
(and no, I don't count Magical Mystery Tour as a proper album)
Is there a holiday more removed from its original intent than Labor Day? (if you celebrate too much or even mention its real reason you might be deemed a socialist, so be careful out there).
Why do restaurants still think its funny to place the "Alcoholic Drinking Can Be Harmful If Pregnant" warning on the backs of doors in men's rooms? Does this ever trick anyone anymore? I think this was probabley funny the first time someone did it. It's not anymore. We know the trick okay? It's just stupid now.
British English: I love the use of "brilliant" hate the pronunciation of "schedule".
Started a team in a fantasy football league. This could be trouble if I am actually good.
I have a student in my class who has had an Anne Coulter and Michelle Malkin book proudly displayed on the desk during different class days. I will do my best to turn him to the dark side. It's not impossible - I voted for Dole in 96 as a sophomore and for Nader as a fifth year senior. How's that for a change?
In case you were wondering, my favorite Beatles albums (in order, and subject to change)
Revolver
White Album (sheer number of songs wins me over)
Sgt. Pepper's (just barely over Abbey)
Abbey Road
Rubber Soul
Let It Be
(All the early stuff sounds the same to me, so it goes down here)
(and no, I don't count Magical Mystery Tour as a proper album)
Friday, September 2, 2011
Teeny Tiny Cute Fragments
Wanted to remember a few verbal miscues by my lovely little girls.
Our oldest began kindergarten two weeks ago and is becoming more familiar with using the term "Ma'am". So last week she combined Dad and "Ma'am" to call me "Da'am" while playing. It was funny.
Better still was calling her Art teacher "Mrs. Hot Goose". When I laughed, she told me it wasn't very nice to laugh at some one's name like that. Of course I checked the website to find that Mrs. Hot Goose is really Mrs. Guzman. I was still holding out some hope that "Mrs. Hot Goose" would actually be there - I think I would have bust a gut laughing.
Finally I am enamored with our two-year old's way of saying "Today" - as she usually says "TA-Day". With an emphasis on the "Ta" syllable. So cute.
That's it. I have Star Trek to watch.
Our oldest began kindergarten two weeks ago and is becoming more familiar with using the term "Ma'am". So last week she combined Dad and "Ma'am" to call me "Da'am" while playing. It was funny.
Better still was calling her Art teacher "Mrs. Hot Goose". When I laughed, she told me it wasn't very nice to laugh at some one's name like that. Of course I checked the website to find that Mrs. Hot Goose is really Mrs. Guzman. I was still holding out some hope that "Mrs. Hot Goose" would actually be there - I think I would have bust a gut laughing.
Finally I am enamored with our two-year old's way of saying "Today" - as she usually says "TA-Day". With an emphasis on the "Ta" syllable. So cute.
That's it. I have Star Trek to watch.
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Trekkin'
Last month I began a long journey of re watching the entire Star Trek: The Next Generation. As soon as it got on Netflix, I hatched the plan.
I remember watching the show with my mom on Saturday nights at 10:30 as a 11 year-old. I owe much of my Sci-Fi love to my mom, she made me watch the original Planet of the Apes as a 12 year-old (of course, the ending blew my mind. I can't wait to show that one to my daugther someday and watch her face).
I am currently at the tail end of season two and frankly, this has basically sucked my free time away from me. This happened two years ago when I re-watched Lost seasons 1-5 before the run-up to season 6. I will find myself watching just 10 minutes of an episode to get it done. I think I dreamed about it the other night. My wife hasn't verbally complained but I know she isn't thrilled with this little project of mine. I have to get through seven seasons - at the rate I am going I think I will finish sometime in October, barring you know, actual life getting in the way.
Like my favorite television show of all-time, Lost, STNG often wrestles with existential questions about life, death, reality, and time travel all in colorful backdrop. At its best, it has solid acting (well, at least from Patrick Stewart) and asks big questions all with a dash of mystery and action.
At its worst it involves gaping plot holes with terrible special effects and often bad acting (why do I find myself rooting against William Riker?) Many times, even while exploring big questions, cheesy situations arise. Like a comic book, I just accept it - this isn't brilliant film, it is what it is. Sometimes the cheese is really, really good though. Here are two of my favorite moments. They will astound you with their epic-ness.
This one is, well, gross, it's like a really bad horror movie scene from the 80's. It made me laugh out loud....seriously though, the creepy factor was very high and it was so campy it was actually a treat.
So I have stuff to do...(like you know, watching Star Trek).
Peace
I remember watching the show with my mom on Saturday nights at 10:30 as a 11 year-old. I owe much of my Sci-Fi love to my mom, she made me watch the original Planet of the Apes as a 12 year-old (of course, the ending blew my mind. I can't wait to show that one to my daugther someday and watch her face).
I am currently at the tail end of season two and frankly, this has basically sucked my free time away from me. This happened two years ago when I re-watched Lost seasons 1-5 before the run-up to season 6. I will find myself watching just 10 minutes of an episode to get it done. I think I dreamed about it the other night. My wife hasn't verbally complained but I know she isn't thrilled with this little project of mine. I have to get through seven seasons - at the rate I am going I think I will finish sometime in October, barring you know, actual life getting in the way.
Like my favorite television show of all-time, Lost, STNG often wrestles with existential questions about life, death, reality, and time travel all in colorful backdrop. At its best, it has solid acting (well, at least from Patrick Stewart) and asks big questions all with a dash of mystery and action.
At its worst it involves gaping plot holes with terrible special effects and often bad acting (why do I find myself rooting against William Riker?) Many times, even while exploring big questions, cheesy situations arise. Like a comic book, I just accept it - this isn't brilliant film, it is what it is. Sometimes the cheese is really, really good though. Here are two of my favorite moments. They will astound you with their epic-ness.
This one is, well, gross, it's like a really bad horror movie scene from the 80's. It made me laugh out loud....seriously though, the creepy factor was very high and it was so campy it was actually a treat.
So I have stuff to do...(like you know, watching Star Trek).
Peace
Saturday, August 27, 2011
Rich and Foolish
"Who, then, is greedy? The one who does not remain content with self sufficiency. Who is the one who deprives others? The one who hoards what belongs to everyone. Are you not greedy? Are you not one who deprives others? You have received these things for stewardship, and have turned them into your own property....The bread that you hold on to belongs to the hungry; the cloak you keep locked in your storeroom belongs to the naked; the shoe that is moldering in your possession belongs to the person with no shoes; the silver that you have buried belongs to the person in need. You do an injury to as many people as you might have helped with all these things!" - St. Basil
I came across this quote by St. Basil in a book I am currently reading. It was a splash of water on my greedy little soul.
Like most Americans I hoard things. I hoard books, clothes, food and lots of children's toys for my children. I even make myself feel better by comparing "my stuff" to other people's excess. You see in my heart I am terrified at what we are called to do. The parable of the rich fool will further illustrate:
"Someone in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.”
Jesus replied, “Man, who appointed me a judge or an arbiter between you?” Then he said to them, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.”
And he told them this parable: “The ground of a certain rich man yielded an abundant harvest. He thought to himself, ‘What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops.’ "Then he said, ‘This is what I’ll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store my surplus grain. And I’ll say to myself, “You have plenty of grain laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry.”“But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?’ “This is how it will be with whoever stores up things for themselves but is not rich toward God”. - Jesus according to Luke 12
You see I am in love with my life. I hang on to my secure, warm and comfortable existence. I love my career, my comfortable air conditioned house, the internet, my books, the Netflix subscription. I can't plead ignorance like some- and that's what worries me.
Even now as our family explores these questions deeply. In the interim I feel like the rich fool in the story above. I am placing my security and pleasure in my worldly possessions. So, we've got our work cut out for ourselves. I hunger for justice and righteousness, but I'm not nearly hungry enough. Help me, Jesus.
I came across this quote by St. Basil in a book I am currently reading. It was a splash of water on my greedy little soul.
Like most Americans I hoard things. I hoard books, clothes, food and lots of children's toys for my children. I even make myself feel better by comparing "my stuff" to other people's excess. You see in my heart I am terrified at what we are called to do. The parable of the rich fool will further illustrate:
"Someone in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.”
Jesus replied, “Man, who appointed me a judge or an arbiter between you?” Then he said to them, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.”
And he told them this parable: “The ground of a certain rich man yielded an abundant harvest. He thought to himself, ‘What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops.’ "Then he said, ‘This is what I’ll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store my surplus grain. And I’ll say to myself, “You have plenty of grain laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry.”“But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?’ “This is how it will be with whoever stores up things for themselves but is not rich toward God”. - Jesus according to Luke 12
You see I am in love with my life. I hang on to my secure, warm and comfortable existence. I love my career, my comfortable air conditioned house, the internet, my books, the Netflix subscription. I can't plead ignorance like some- and that's what worries me.
Even now as our family explores these questions deeply. In the interim I feel like the rich fool in the story above. I am placing my security and pleasure in my worldly possessions. So, we've got our work cut out for ourselves. I hunger for justice and righteousness, but I'm not nearly hungry enough. Help me, Jesus.
Monday, August 15, 2011
Poem Post: Memories
Written circa 2003-2004 (???). I have always found it interesting to go back and look at old pictures...I am a nostalgic guy. I am also fascinated with time. I am a firm believer that the past is not really the past at all in any objective sense... it's always changing and constantly being re-interpreted by us. This is a fun poem to read. I am sure it was spurred by looking at some pictures of my ex-girlfriend or something silly like that.
Memories
My old pictures aren’t the same
they've yellowed around the corners
and so much else has faded
these people's smiles seem so old, so strange
my face is different--odd, dark and young
years pass and the memories fade.
I haven't changed a bit -- it's the pictures that have changed.
Memories
My old pictures aren’t the same
they've yellowed around the corners
and so much else has faded
these people's smiles seem so old, so strange
my face is different--odd, dark and young
years pass and the memories fade.
I haven't changed a bit -- it's the pictures that have changed.
Saturday, August 13, 2011
Saturday Night Special: Love Buzz
It's been awhile since I've posted a music video. So, here you are (and you're welcome). Just as I selected this song and found it on YouTube, I started thinking, "could this song have been better with more lyrics or more structure?" I immediately realized how asinine that idea is. This simple song, centered on this cool little bass riff does what it needs to do in under four minutes. I love the intro with its huge build up, the catchy chorus and just as the song begins to drag (or drone?), the cool guitar solo/bridge comes in. It's such a fun pop song and one of the two songs on Bleach that hints at the pop sensibilities of Kurt (the other, of course, is "About A Girl"). Four Stars out of Five. Have a great weekend world.
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Charity, Capitalism and Rebellion (or "I got stuff to do, someone else start the revolution")
"Under a capitalist regime, the man who says he is neutral is considered objectively to be favorable to the regime" - Camus, The Rebel
We all like to think of ourselves as good people. We are all the protagonists of our respective books…that’s just human nature. The differences among us can be found in how we define “good” and how we implement it into our own lives and identities. The last few years I have struggled with how to work “good” acts within an immoral system (capitalism). When I found this video, it was nice to have someone else much more articulate than myself define the problem – watch below – the speech is great and the artwork is amazing.
To sum up the video (for those too lazy): our charitable acts end up contributing to a morally bankrupt system. The very act of compassion actually helps support the broken system. It’s as if we are prolonging a painful death in the name of love and compassion. According to the video, when I go to the homeless shelter I am actually working against the homeless and those in poverty by supporting the current economic and political systems that make homelessness and poverty not only possible, but in many ways enable and justify poverty.
Maybe it’s all just a dose of liberal guilt – you know you have it if you feel guilty for throwing away that can or plastic bottle instead of recycling (hence my car is full of bottles, cans and other items that can be recycled at home but never actually make it to the house). The question is, how should we work for "the good" in an all-present system that our culture celebrates (and defends at the drop of a hat).
Even by calling our system "immoral" myself I am beyond the pale of American politics.
How do you fight to change something that has no hope of ending within my lifetime (or even my children's lifetime)?I always teach and preach that, “we do what we can when we can". But is that enough? Is it ever enough? I don't have a option really. I have a family and bills to pay. So is Camus right? If living out life means that I'm neutral than there's never enough I can do. I've already embraced the dark side. Maybe this is why radicals never have families (Jesus, Buddha, etc.). You can't live out revolution if you've got kids to feed. That's the history of the world really - we're all too busy trying to survive (I hesitate to use the word "survive"; as my "surviving" is much different from survival in Somalia).
So, I'll do what I can. I'll read, think and act carefully. I'll teach about the nature of the beast in my class and plant seeds of doubt in those I interact with (believe me, my seeds are subtle and won't require a whole discussion on socialism, capitalism nor a "revolution" of any kind -- I'm too domesticated for that).
We all like to think of ourselves as good people. We are all the protagonists of our respective books…that’s just human nature. The differences among us can be found in how we define “good” and how we implement it into our own lives and identities. The last few years I have struggled with how to work “good” acts within an immoral system (capitalism). When I found this video, it was nice to have someone else much more articulate than myself define the problem – watch below – the speech is great and the artwork is amazing.
To sum up the video (for those too lazy): our charitable acts end up contributing to a morally bankrupt system. The very act of compassion actually helps support the broken system. It’s as if we are prolonging a painful death in the name of love and compassion. According to the video, when I go to the homeless shelter I am actually working against the homeless and those in poverty by supporting the current economic and political systems that make homelessness and poverty not only possible, but in many ways enable and justify poverty.
Maybe it’s all just a dose of liberal guilt – you know you have it if you feel guilty for throwing away that can or plastic bottle instead of recycling (hence my car is full of bottles, cans and other items that can be recycled at home but never actually make it to the house). The question is, how should we work for "the good" in an all-present system that our culture celebrates (and defends at the drop of a hat).
Yes, I am insinuating capitalism borders on the equivalence of evil of robots that take over the world.
Even by calling our system "immoral" myself I am beyond the pale of American politics.
Drop the Kool-Aide, this guy would be a moderate Republican in the 70's and 80's.
How do you fight to change something that has no hope of ending within my lifetime (or even my children's lifetime)?I always teach and preach that, “we do what we can when we can". But is that enough? Is it ever enough? I don't have a option really. I have a family and bills to pay. So is Camus right? If living out life means that I'm neutral than there's never enough I can do. I've already embraced the dark side. Maybe this is why radicals never have families (Jesus, Buddha, etc.). You can't live out revolution if you've got kids to feed. That's the history of the world really - we're all too busy trying to survive (I hesitate to use the word "survive"; as my "surviving" is much different from survival in Somalia).
So, I'll do what I can. I'll read, think and act carefully. I'll teach about the nature of the beast in my class and plant seeds of doubt in those I interact with (believe me, my seeds are subtle and won't require a whole discussion on socialism, capitalism nor a "revolution" of any kind -- I'm too domesticated for that).
Besides, I have to mow the lawn and we all can't be revolutionaries.
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Lost Fragments in Time
Look, I've been enjoying the summer. Yes, posts are coming soon. Yes, I am pretending someone out there cares.
Fragments for those scoring at home:
Our oldest will be shipped off to kindergarten this year and I have mixed feelings. Someone asked me if my wife would cry on the first day, I told them I would be crying as well. Things I will miss that will soon be going away are mispronounced words (most of which is for food for some reason: "Tater Tots" (for Sweet tarts), "Gorilla Bar" (granola bar), "Strange Cheese" (string cheese) or "Stunk" (for skunk). So cute.
Pondering doing good in system that is morally corrupt - am I helping the system by helping it stay afloat?
Saw a Confederate flag flying (yes, a big ass flag in the back of at truck, you couldn't get more tacky)...out of my neighbor's daughter's boyfriend's truck (whew)....I always hated that but now with our family becoming transracial - I hate it even more. It's insulting.
Gearing up for the fall and getting really excited.
Maybe my love affair with religion and comic books stems from my fascination with magic. I honestly believe most good things in life on this planet happen because we're all trying to transcend the everyday hum-drum existence or at least transcend death.
Lately my head has been swimming with the thoughts of God's existence or non-existence, I suppose reading The Rebel will do that to you - I keep coming back to my ideas about why I think God does exist and frankly, they aren't that good, which is why I fall back on Kierkegaard's ideas so heavily.
Making a mix CD for a friend for the first time in YEARS. It's fun. Debating wheather the first track should be the theme song of Perfect Strangers or "The Book I Write" by Spoon.
Now that I am thinking about it....enjoy!
Update: Perfect Strangers did indeed open the CD - how could I have ever considered something else?
Fragments for those scoring at home:
Our oldest will be shipped off to kindergarten this year and I have mixed feelings. Someone asked me if my wife would cry on the first day, I told them I would be crying as well. Things I will miss that will soon be going away are mispronounced words (most of which is for food for some reason: "Tater Tots" (for Sweet tarts), "Gorilla Bar" (granola bar), "Strange Cheese" (string cheese) or "Stunk" (for skunk). So cute.
Pondering doing good in system that is morally corrupt - am I helping the system by helping it stay afloat?
Saw a Confederate flag flying (yes, a big ass flag in the back of at truck, you couldn't get more tacky)...out of my neighbor's daughter's boyfriend's truck (whew)....I always hated that but now with our family becoming transracial - I hate it even more. It's insulting.
Gearing up for the fall and getting really excited.
Maybe my love affair with religion and comic books stems from my fascination with magic. I honestly believe most good things in life on this planet happen because we're all trying to transcend the everyday hum-drum existence or at least transcend death.
Lately my head has been swimming with the thoughts of God's existence or non-existence, I suppose reading The Rebel will do that to you - I keep coming back to my ideas about why I think God does exist and frankly, they aren't that good, which is why I fall back on Kierkegaard's ideas so heavily.
Making a mix CD for a friend for the first time in YEARS. It's fun. Debating wheather the first track should be the theme song of Perfect Strangers or "The Book I Write" by Spoon.
Now that I am thinking about it....enjoy!
Update: Perfect Strangers did indeed open the CD - how could I have ever considered something else?
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Frag - Mints
DAH.
I have fallen behind for whatever reason.
Working on a complete re-recording of my old radio show back in college (the awkwardly named, The Paba Free Show). It's quite ambitious actually. I am editing clips and songs to create one massive WAV file that will be as if the listener (that will be me pretty much) is listening to a old tape - in order to move forward you will have to just wait or fast forward. No skipping tracks. I know, I know, kinda weird but sometimes I miss the 20th century.
I'm Free baby - I'm not the chair.
Started getting obsessive about the Spurs again. Re-read newspapers from 1999 and started tracking down old NBA games on YouTube. Cracked up the Dynasty DVD's as well. Cool beans, yo.
Revamping all my classes for the fall except World Civ I. Fun but challenging.
Weezer Concert Review Coming this Week (maybe Thursday or Friday).
Gotta run, I need clean my room, desk and do laundry, etc. It's a good thing Netflix has Star Trek :TNG on streaming. Boy o Boy that made me happy. The other day my wife called it Star Wars. I had the typical reaction. "Uh honey - no - it's MUCH different". Luckily, I like both (keep in mind, I pretend the whole prequels were never made).
I have fallen behind for whatever reason.
Working on a complete re-recording of my old radio show back in college (the awkwardly named, The Paba Free Show). It's quite ambitious actually. I am editing clips and songs to create one massive WAV file that will be as if the listener (that will be me pretty much) is listening to a old tape - in order to move forward you will have to just wait or fast forward. No skipping tracks. I know, I know, kinda weird but sometimes I miss the 20th century.
I'm Free baby - I'm not the chair.
Started getting obsessive about the Spurs again. Re-read newspapers from 1999 and started tracking down old NBA games on YouTube. Cracked up the Dynasty DVD's as well. Cool beans, yo.
Revamping all my classes for the fall except World Civ I. Fun but challenging.
Weezer Concert Review Coming this Week (maybe Thursday or Friday).
Gotta run, I need clean my room, desk and do laundry, etc. It's a good thing Netflix has Star Trek :TNG on streaming. Boy o Boy that made me happy. The other day my wife called it Star Wars. I had the typical reaction. "Uh honey - no - it's MUCH different". Luckily, I like both (keep in mind, I pretend the whole prequels were never made).
Actually watching Darth Vader at the Beach would be better than watching any of the prequels.
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Thought of the Day
Why does my ear hair grow so fast? What if this rate of growth for my ear hair could be transposed to hair growth for bald men? It would make a lot of people very happy.
I'm just glad I have light hair because I would have to cut those damn hairs everyday if they were black.
I'm just glad I have light hair because I would have to cut those damn hairs everyday if they were black.
Monday, July 11, 2011
What I Learned As Chair....
I am three days away of not being academic chair of my department at work.
Here are some bullet-points of wisdom that I learned:
(Note: I have never figured out how to use bullet-points on this blog, so just imagine them there with each little paragraph or sentence)
(Side note: Why are they called "bullet- points" -- why is our language so inundated with the culture of violence?)
Your organization is only as good as its processes. The college district I work for either does not follow its processes and policies or just reacts ad hoc to problems with no real strategy or planning. This really amounts to headaches, finger pointing and a general malaise that does not create a positive working environment.
Most people that complain just need someone to listen. They need someone else to let them know they understand how they are feeling and that someone cares. Sometimes this involves acting like you understand or care.
When people complain they want to feel like there is a "game plan" going forward. Even if said "game plan" doesn't have a shot at them actually getting what they want. (It sure as hell makes it easier getting them out the door).
![]()
Telling people they aren't doing their job right is a hard thing to do.
Never underestimate the power of those "below you" on the totem pole. Treat everyone nice and you will see rewards all the time. I don't say this in a Machiavellian sense - although I would be lying if I wasn't unaware of the positive outcomes of following the "Golden Rule".
Sometimes it's best to apologize, even when it's not your fault. You just got to do it sometimes. There's not enough time or effort to fight worth less battles for your ego.
That's about it in a nutshell...
Here are some bullet-points of wisdom that I learned:
(Note: I have never figured out how to use bullet-points on this blog, so just imagine them there with each little paragraph or sentence)
(Side note: Why are they called "bullet- points" -- why is our language so inundated with the culture of violence?)
Your organization is only as good as its processes. The college district I work for either does not follow its processes and policies or just reacts ad hoc to problems with no real strategy or planning. This really amounts to headaches, finger pointing and a general malaise that does not create a positive working environment.
Most people that complain just need someone to listen. They need someone else to let them know they understand how they are feeling and that someone cares. Sometimes this involves acting like you understand or care.
When people complain they want to feel like there is a "game plan" going forward. Even if said "game plan" doesn't have a shot at them actually getting what they want. (It sure as hell makes it easier getting them out the door).
"So you're saying there's a chance?"
Telling people they aren't doing their job right is a hard thing to do.
Never underestimate the power of those "below you" on the totem pole. Treat everyone nice and you will see rewards all the time. I don't say this in a Machiavellian sense - although I would be lying if I wasn't unaware of the positive outcomes of following the "Golden Rule".
Sometimes it's best to apologize, even when it's not your fault. You just got to do it sometimes. There's not enough time or effort to fight worth less battles for your ego.
That's about it in a nutshell...
"You SPIT in MY face!"
It was twenty-two years ago this summer at church camp when I spit in someone's face for the first and hopefully last time. The details are blurry - although the face is not. This kid was up in my face for something, I honestly don't remember what it was all about and it happened. It was totally thoughtless and pointless...its just something that I thought about doing and did because I was insulted. It's a good thing this kid was slightly smaller than me as well because he didn't take it very kindly.
He just kept saying "You SPIT in MY face!" over and over - it was so bad he had me apologizing by the third or fourth iteration, which of course resulted in another, incredulous, "You SPIT in MY face!".
This was the first day of summer camp and I can't remember how it all settled out - except to say, with a few friends I can still say, "You SPIT in MY face!" and we can start giggling again.
He just kept saying "You SPIT in MY face!" over and over - it was so bad he had me apologizing by the third or fourth iteration, which of course resulted in another, incredulous, "You SPIT in MY face!".
This was the first day of summer camp and I can't remember how it all settled out - except to say, with a few friends I can still say, "You SPIT in MY face!" and we can start giggling again.
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Fragment Trek
Almost done with my chairship (I don't think that's quite a word but whatever). At this point the waiting has gotten to the fever stage. I have a hard time concentrating at work and I am behind on my grading (which I am putting off even as I type). Don't let anyone ever tell you 8:00 AM's Monday-Thursdays are easy....boy, I don't know how regular people do it. I get up so early I don't see the kids at all.
This week I was presented with a possible opportunity that would be awesome. I don't know when it would be or if I could even go due to our adoption (as it would have me leaving the country for three weeks) - and the person that might arrange for it to happen might not be in his position in the next two years....so....we'll just have to see how it pans out. For now, I doubt it will all happen, but it's an exciting thought.
Speaking of our adoption, we are making serious headway on our waitlist. I wish we could get our son now but waiting isn't all bad. We have time to prepare logistically and emotionally, etc.
Just made a few purchases off Amazon and the two books I bought pretty much sum up my current interests and personality quite well, Albert Camus' The Rebel and Marvel's Planet Hulk collection (which, even by non-geek standards is pretty cool, well on second thought, no, it's only cool on comic/science-fiction standards, most normal people would think it's stupid).
HOT OFF THE PRESS BLOG NEWS
(wow that was exiciting, eh?)
Experiments in Living: A Week Without "Made In China" as been postponed until at least mid-July. I just want to finish my five-week class first.
Weezer Concert Review: Coming Soon. I wrote most of it and then got bored (not exactly the best advertising for that post, I know).
Also, thinking of visiting the local Sikh center one of these weekends. If I do, I'll have a report.
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This week I was presented with a possible opportunity that would be awesome. I don't know when it would be or if I could even go due to our adoption (as it would have me leaving the country for three weeks) - and the person that might arrange for it to happen might not be in his position in the next two years....so....we'll just have to see how it pans out. For now, I doubt it will all happen, but it's an exciting thought.
Speaking of our adoption, we are making serious headway on our waitlist. I wish we could get our son now but waiting isn't all bad. We have time to prepare logistically and emotionally, etc.
Just made a few purchases off Amazon and the two books I bought pretty much sum up my current interests and personality quite well, Albert Camus' The Rebel and Marvel's Planet Hulk collection (which, even by non-geek standards is pretty cool, well on second thought, no, it's only cool on comic/science-fiction standards, most normal people would think it's stupid).
HOT OFF THE PRESS BLOG NEWS
(wow that was exiciting, eh?)
Experiments in Living: A Week Without "Made In China" as been postponed until at least mid-July. I just want to finish my five-week class first.
Weezer Concert Review: Coming Soon. I wrote most of it and then got bored (not exactly the best advertising for that post, I know).
Also, thinking of visiting the local Sikh center one of these weekends. If I do, I'll have a report.
Here is a picture of Jean Luc Picard because, let's face it, you just can't go wrong with a picture of Jean Luc Picard to end a blog post. It's gold. "Engage!"
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Walking into Faith
Why does it always seem to take a crisis to believe?
Why can't we just take the plunge before we find ourselves in a dire situation?
Pride? Stupidity?
Maybe we're just wired that way.
Like Indiana Jones I think you can't see the bridge until you actually walking on it. It's not a freaking Jedi mind trick, it's like asking a blind man to describe a sunset - we're incapable of seeing until we believe. If you think God is dead, then, he's dead.
As I struggle to believe-- I wonder why the things that always bring me back are the things I can't handle.
It's not that pushing the rock up the hill endlessly isn't impossible alone, Sisyphus did it, as did Camus. The point is, it doesn't have to be that way. So while I relax now, comfortable in my air conditioned house to doubt, over analyze and ponder -- I wait knowing that a storm is coming and I don't want to go through it alone.
Like all storms this means preparation is in order and that means I have work to do.
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