Colorless Green Ideas

Denis Leary

2012-01-26T13:33:00.002-05:00

News Media Entertainment - A Man's Visual Metaphor

2012-01-26T10:29:00.002-05:00

I believe I have finally come up with a good visual metaphor, for Men, as to why so called news channels that do little but recycle failed political party talking points - the ones they send out in email every day - just really doesn't do it for me. Or for anyone, for that matter. Women, take heed - you might not really know what we're thinking about all the time. This may surprise you. Ok, so here's the visual metaphor.

News:

News Media Entertainment:

Look, ok. I get it. She does it because she thinks it makes her somehow more attractive. More womanly? More of what she really wants to be? In looking at the advertising packages that the news media entertainment guys put up for sale - to corporations - one says that it "allows advertisers to target (customers) precisely".

I'm a man. It may appear, if you've read my blog, that I happen to be someone who's got a thing for Bettie Page. What turns me on most, I think - is the fact that she's pushing the limits of what she's doing - and she's having fun doing it. Bettie Page blazed a trail for other women. She was good at what she did.

I don't know about fake - it doesn't seem to really work. Most men secretly agree on this point. And you know, fake can mean alot of things. But in the end, fake is a decision.

News Media Entertainment is like a woman with fake boobs. Nice to look at, but in the end, it really only lets you know that she's so uncertain of herself she had to falsify herself. Fake the picture. She really cares that much how you look at her - and she wants you to tell her, all the time - that she is beautiful. It's a high maintenance type of thing that doesn't lend itself well to long term happiness.

So, speaking for Men everywhere. I would like to say - please , Women - do not follow the example set forth by News Media Entertainment. Tell the story as truthfully as you can. Trust me, there is someone out there that will be interested. Be yourself.

After all, that's who we fall in love with.

Tell Us On Facebook - Like This - Friend Us

2012-01-25T05:36:00.000-05:00

When a company says "Tell us on facebook!" .. they really mean "give us your personal contact info so we can farm your data for our marketing department".

When you are asked to "like this" you're asked to add your name to a list.

When any business wants you to "friend" them, they're asking two things. First, believe that corporations should be the same thing as people (last time I checked, I did not have any major, multinational corporation that I could go play a round of thursday afternoon squash with at the racquetball court..). Second, they want to be able to see everything your mother sees - out of your profile.

The still-amazingly flat and largely ineffective security model in Facebook is designed for marketing departments to farm data from you. Although the site got its start in hatred, the ranking algorithms at the core of the site's basic code are designed not to deliver data to you - but to store data for a lurker. In that primary case, it was a disaffected young man who wanted to prove that his girlfriend was ugly.

Google plus is better, and its important to remember that your core login to Google is you (with your real name or nickname - they will ask you to prove that you actually use it) - but the public identity you can keep can be six , ten or even twelve degrees separated from public marketing robots. I am fairly convinced at this point that Google's motivation is not evil - although whatever you leave out for those robots, I'm pretty sure they can use.

Something - The Beatles

2012-01-24T00:04:00.001-05:00

The Secret to Life is 42

2012-01-23T15:56:00.004-05:00

I've written alot about my ideas about age. I no longer buy into the concept of forced mortality. The two concepts we need to separate in Aging - are the progression of a set of physical diseases that kick in around age thirty - and the mental process of acquiring wisdom. These two things are what people mean,when they call someone 'old'. The derisive element of that refers to someone who either can't think straight - or who looks like they got hit in the face by a baseball bat.

Or so we would be led to believe. We really need to separate those two ideas and reference them differently. The mental side and physical side are separate. You can be in alot of pain, and still be able to think relatively clearly. You might get tired, but you'll be able to work. Then sleep.

Wisdom refers to the transformation of information to intelligence and eventually , until its object logic becomes complete and its references and pointers cast properly. This amounts to giving the person a power to see how everything fits together - but it comes at a cost of a certain amount of spontaneity. The generally more radical thinking that a less connected brain will be able to accomplish - carries a higher adaptability to new environments. However, it's important to remember the brain never degenerates and all of the powers of consciousness remain intact and clear throughout the life of the being. The idea that brain cells are dying is a myth. They regenerate. It is more likely that the self referential issues from physical issue overload are what causes trouble. Remember, a 90 year old guy (at current state of the art) is going to have to face himself every day with questions such as "Are you going to live?" and "What would happen if you died?". Many are sharp right until the day they die. The secret is, at some point, to notice that your body disintegrating, and to notice that you really don't care. (I'm looking forward to the day I can whistle and brush my teeth at the same time). Our thinking changes, and there are cultural differences (pre 30 and post 30) in how one thinks compared to how another might process things. But it's usually fun to find the new language that arises - it's never really an issue.

The processes that affect us physically are another matter altogether. Those beasts work really slow, and they are really destructive. Most if not all of the damage can be removed. And having a healthy body helps to have a healthy mind.

What if I told you that one of the women in the picture below - was 20, and the other was 42. Which one ?

The youngest is 42 years of age. The other is actually 52. Please forgive me if I am driving at a conclusion that the secret to life is 42. It's an oblique reference to a Douglas Adams novel. I'm not exactly sure what happens when I see a picture of a beautiful woman - but something inside of me sort of disintegrates and then comes back together again. Twenty year olds just aren't this hot.

Maybe it's just that hotness might really be a trigger somewhere in my happily male consciousness and mind - to health. Maybe being healthy is really what the essence of hotness is all about. But aging itself, as we see it - should be split into two parts. If things work out in the next twenty years - and we're able to regenerate - it will be incredibly confusing to some people to associate age with invalidity.

A person who successfully regenerates would be stronger, more attractive and wiser than a younger person. In the case of females, this translates for me, personally - as more desirable.

Hypnotized - Fleetwood Mac/Skywatch[AMV]

2012-01-21T07:49:00.002-05:00

Thoughts on Life at the End

2012-01-20T00:47:00.000-05:00

It will , in all likelihood
be a very passionless and helpless thing
to consider life at the end
of life

The spirit hungers for truth and light
in a living body, but as that light dies
a calmness might settle in
and to this
please listen

That the face of death will appear almost as a friend
his scythe cutting the strands of pain
until all feeling vanishes
He is not your friend

Death is a horrible price to pay
An evil act upon a soul
whose purpose is to delete
the living framework of being
where the soul can grow

It is a very simple thing
to be alive, just at the end
after all
elements transmute into element
without struggle
why would death be any different
in its approach

But even as you feel the pain
starting to flood your mind
and glow red
you must learn to hold these thoughts
and remember exactly what hurts
because it has a name
and though different parts of you suffer
you can still remain
and later

dream

the sweet dream
of Morticia
and Gomez
colorless dance

Why The Republican Primary Matters

2012-01-17T18:20:00.000-05:00

The reason that the republican primary matters, this year - is that it indicates the complete fracture of what was once its party base. Where once moderate, and independent - rallied under the banner of fiscal conservatism, ecological stewardship, and social and political freedom - we now see a deeply divided group of people almost evenly splitting amongst several candidates representing radically different direction.

2012 is a clear beginning of the end of the Republican part in the United States. Even as we speak, lobbyists are attempting to remove the right of free speech in Chicago. The issue of lobbyism and the Republican party's tacit acceptance of such monied corruption has made it the party of welfare for the wealthy.

It can be safely assumed that it will vault to the top of its candidate list - a man who benefits from the same. Where the average citizen pays a strong burden of taxes - the republican candidates will all pay 15 percent or less.

The upcoming loss by the Republican party , in the General Election of 2012 - will spark a series of battles that will ultimately dissolve the party. This primary paints a clear and vivid picture of the different directions in which what we now know as that political party - will be torn, and roughly where it will find itself after all is said and done.

Skinny Love - Bon Iver/Sunrise: A Song of Two Humans[AMV]

2012-01-15T20:52:00.000-05:00

Paper Planes - M.I.A./Slumdog Millionaire [AMV]

2012-01-14T11:53:00.000-05:00

First Mate

2012-01-13T13:16:00.005-05:00

This first mate knows the ropes. If you study this photograph carefully, you can see she has a good firm grasp of the pole. I think it's safe to say that with such fine technique, there will be seamen everywhere... cheering as she passes by.

Auntie Viral

2012-01-13T11:14:00.007-05:00

If you are in excruciating, mind numbing
tearing your hair out by the roots
slamming your head against the wall
rolling around on the floor
clawing at your skin
pain

Here's a Clue
No one cares.

As loud as hell
a ringing bell
behind your smile
it shakes your teeth
and all the while
ears will bleed

so fucking what
go to work
there's deadline to meet

And if you can take a moment to reflect
in between meds that don't work
that you can cough so hard that it breaks a rib
and have a cold that doesn't go away
see if you can find a clue:
A virus somewhere grew
into something that keeps makes zombies
instead of killing you

An evil dwarf sits on your shoulder
hammering a number two pencil
into your ear

Your head spins
You vomit in the corporate bathroom
but walk out smiling, again

Into the house of fun
down the hall of mirrors
where a hungry, green woman awaits you with a prescription
in a house made of candy and gingerbread
and leftover antibiotics, blue green and red

She'll give you to you for free
if only
You could just climb into her oven
and get it

It's all the way in the back

I'd Love to Change the World - Ten Years After

2012-01-11T21:59:00.001-05:00

2011 Grand Total of Coverage for Climate Change: 32 min.

2012-01-11T10:43:00.000-05:00

2011 broke all previous environmental disaster records. The total amount of money lost to environmental disaster - in the calendar year of 2011 - was 58 billion dollars. That's billion with a "B".

The total amount of time that broadcast television - ABC, CBS, and NBC - granted on the subject of Climate Change - was 32 minutes.

Studies that falsified data were broadcast on other networks - and the usual tactic of bringing on 'experts' who run counter to the broad scientific consensus that global climate change is real - in order that a point of fact might be argued instead of considered (is the sky blue? I say it's not ..!)... was adopted by other cable news organizations. This study also tactfully leaves out the weather channel - which had the unfortunate job this year of having to dispatch their reporters onto scene after scene of natural disaster.

In earlier days, I would dive on reefs in the Carribean. These were beautiful , vivid - tree-like structures that , despite being damaged by whatever tourists dropped in on them and either chipped off pieces of them - or stole the sea fans and then left them black on the dock - would endure through hurricane, cruise ship, and anything else. They were, however, sensitive to water temperature - which is the base of global climate. The currents on the east and west coast of the Americas, the EAC, and other currents form the basis of all weather in the world.

Many of the pictures returned of those reefs are now pretty bad. The death of a reef by heated water is referred to as "bleaching" since the reef will die and leave behind a white skeleton. PCM (1.7°C increase in 100 years) in recent years and the HadCM3 model projecting continued (3°C increase in 100 years) by approximately 2035 and by 2055 have in both cases a projection severe annual bleaching in more than 80% of the Worlds coral reefs by 2080.

You can't really feel 58 billion dollars of natural disaster. But if you went diving - you would see the loss of a whole reef. 58 billion dollars quickly jumps up into the world of abstraction. 20.00 for a bar tab, or 100.00 in an unexpected bill - is something to get angry about. Five, or ten thousand dollars -in an unexpected bill - is something that you would request and demand all available documentation for - and eventually, you would address completely.

But 58 billion dollars of loss to your country is a number so high that it takes on another aspect - it becomes almost unreal. 32 minutes, however, is apparently just right - to try to even begin to understand it.

What we need to do, as a country - is to adopt a sane view of the problem. 58 billion dollars in loss is really only a beginning - and global weather systems are harmonic - we will see good weather, bad weather - really weird weather , then back again. Even if it will be years before we really see the full impact of climate change - the policy decisions that should be made should consist of a consistent set of credits , similiar to the ones that were given at the start of 2008 - for solar power. It is a clean, effective alternate power source that within 3 years should be effecient enough to really save you money. In fact, the power company pays you to have the cell on your roof - your surplus energy can and will be purchased from you and returned to the grid. How about an energy bill that pays you, each month?

All this requires is a certain consistency, and dedication to statesmanship on the part of our elected representatives. The toxicity of the current environment in Washington guarantees strong headwinds for any who attempt the civil, and not necessarily bipartisan - but cooperative approach of our founding fathers.

Then again, the total amount of time dedicated to partisan politics on the above networks for the above year - was 48,912 hours. And the amount of money spent on elections - in the off year calendar year of 2010 was an all time record of 4 billion dollars - sweeping into power a congress whose main focus was to provide "media event" legislation and artificially contrived government crises.

They say, part of who we are these days - has to do with the fact that we're so easily separated from our natural selves. All sports , because we have so little connection to the natural world - have to be "extreme". "Extreme" skiing. "Extreme" surfing.

I watch these patterns closely because it's a hobby. Being able to read a weather map tells you where you can sail - what the sailing will be like. Where the waves are.

I think only 32 minutes of coverage on the entire story, is kind of a story in itself, don't you?

The Devil's Feet - Azure Ray

2012-01-09T13:13:00.003-05:00

Sarah

2012-01-09T12:45:00.017-05:00

Pieces of comets rain down
the size of a house
every sixty seconds
in our upper atmosphere
perhaps
we haven't noticed
because we misplace them
sort of like car keys
but that's where the ocean comes from

Abraham's wife conceived
at the age of three score ten and five
bearing a son
Named Isaac
That's supposed to be where you and I come from

Isaac was asleep
against cool grey sky
As Abraham held the knife
he looked out upon
an existential map
that said "You Are Here"
written in every single place
And then he heard a voice inside his head
well done
and well done is better than well said
And put the knife away
Isaac awoke and said
Are we there yet?

Sarah
raised her children to be strong
and when in the dark
her child fought
a man or an angel
all about them
burning pieces of the sky fell to the ground
Israel

Children of Men - The Ark of the Arts / Crimson King

2012-01-06T08:01:00.002-05:00

A Funeral for Porn

2012-01-05T10:08:00.012-05:00

Pornography died in its sleep
strangled by a comforting
as I passed in and out of a fever dream
helpless to watch
Nobody knew if it was really dead
but we buried it anyway
under its stage name

Later of course, it rose
undead
body parts falling
nails black from earth
coffin shattered
dragging itself slowly across the cemetery
past supposed lovers
moth-like toward a distant light
of innocence

We defend
smashing its head
with maxwell's hammer
a zombie death scene , of course, censored

in the interest of taste
and civilization
Let's just say, dear reader
.. rule number one:
double tap.

At last the monster fell
and the raid was tired
so we decided
to held the funeral at dawn
circled around
and watch it go up in flame

arm
leg
chest
dark circles where eyes had been
nails on its hands
black with earth
hanging by thin pieces of skin
red tongue
and shattered yellow teeth
glowing from the pyre
as the sparks fly upward
into chaos, and eros
and dark winged night

LDS, and The Executive

2012-01-04T10:30:00.000-05:00

The Church of Latter Day Saints gears a person well to become a chief executive. If not first for the fact that it promotes amongst its members a sense of sobriety and clarity in personal relation, then it becomes the challenge of what one would do in an all-volunteer organization that represents your faith.

Americans are, in many ways - religiously complacent. We are also essentially apolitical, and are almost always caught up on the bleeding edge of some social, political, or technological experiment. Clearly, in the past few years - social websites have exacted a toll on our society. They have, especially amongst the teenagers - promoted an Aspie-like inability to connect by almost negating the need for contact and real , emotional interaction. This type of soulless existence is exemplified by the rise of such trends as cyber bullying and online games. But it points to a deeper trend of the loss of even consideration of that spark of the divine within.

The past does not point to a more religious America. Far from it. We have always been , in one way or another - more than willing to walk away from religion when it interferes with our ability to get the job done. In a realistic sense, the town priest - in the 1700's, was often the one person in the village who either gave himself over to literacy and the practice of secular law, or he was simply unfit to raise a farm and produce sons. For in that time, how many sons you had determined in part how successful a farmer you would become. This was a time when women commonly died of childbirth, illiteracy was the order of the day - and disputes in common law were settled by common sense. If someone wronged you, and it was clearly a serious and harmful wrong. You killed him. Men and women did not clamor over the Kansas prairie, to make their way into tiny one room churches in the middle of winter. But by that same token we were not without soul.

We did not consider that spark of the divine , in a more religious light. Rather, we were simply more honest about it. And that light shone through - in people that had it. America was founded by the heroic and the pioneer. Those who had that spark - shared it. It was and is impossible to attain through point and click.

Having no hospitals, we would commonly take in whomever would fall ill by the road. Such charity helped knit together those that travelled far.

It is precisely this element of our national character that the Church of Latter Day Saints strongly attempts to circumscribe. LDS attempts to export a pioneering sense of caring for others, a painful form of honesty - and to all accounts the life that would have been dedicated to a similiar journey as their ancestors made. A road that is narrow, dangerous - and lined with the lights of friendly homes.

Also. They're all slightly nuts. Trust me, it helps.

Political Prediction

2011-12-30T00:07:00.003-05:00

Everything begins and ends with womankind
but rule of law and life is the domain of men
the maximum utilization of scarce resources
decided by hatchet, axe and saw
action, consensus, and law
guns, germs and steel
A blood sport
more popular than football
which ultimately descends
under the influence of corruption
into chaos
and sin

From which the ashes will come
the leper messiah
folded into the clean suit of a candidate
like a duck stuffed inside a chicken
stuffed into a turkey
stuffed back into a duck again

His political platform
is sulfur and brimstone
and he not only will deny climate change
but it will make him really really angry
if you talk about it

he will walk upon the water
and the dark vents beneath the ocean will donate
two parts per million
to cheer the less than one tenth of one percent
that really need their voices heard
standing for welfare for the wealthy
and a reform of life itself
and our then upcoming the primary season
small mammals will vote for dreamless sleep
to awaken to a world without men

Here is my prediction

The first thing that is going to happen
is that one male squirrel will make a mad dash
across the road
and not get thrown under the bus
while the rest of us
see danger from above
look straight ahead
and run sideways
like a pair of ragged claws
under silent seas

But hey
Don't blame me
I voted for Kodos

Punching a Theocon

2011-12-25T23:26:00.001-05:00

I can't hear you
over the sound
of how awesome I am

When I walk into the room
the lamestream media doesn't care
but I am the hero you dreamed of

As I walked to the podium
I planned to give a speech
where I would tell everyone
that conservatism is christian
and christianity is conservative
but just then
someone walked straight up to me

and punched me in the nose
and my blood flowed
red

When I awoke
I found myself
with a 50,000.00 hospital bill
from six teams of specialists
that had all run tests
telling me
everything
is ok

A Child, Born. A Parent, Made.

2011-12-25T23:18:00.001-05:00

My trust has to be earned
even if you think it was given
You can never know the fear
that I live with every day
everything seems to be forever

When I was born
you were made
and all the things you were, once
passed away

I changed you forever
and made you a traveller
into the realm of immortality
but each and every day
there is danger

Protect me
keep me warm
one day I will grow
to be a gentleman
or lady

And you will die

I will visit you where you lay
beneath fields of stone
and rye
freshly planted to hold the earth
vivid green
against the straw
the wet rains held in place
to keep the birds from flying away
with seed

I have lived my life in a day
and as the sun sets
and heat lightning rolls through the clouds
dancing one, to another
you have touched eternity

And heard the sound
of a savior
laughing
and sucking on his pacifier
he never named

binky

making
a job
to find it
to pick it up
if it fell to the ground

to keep it clean

and have it always around
then
one day
take it away

children are born
parents are made

so happy birthday

Occupy vs. Bank of America

2011-12-19T14:19:00.006-05:00

A clear action of Occupy , is to empower us all to become a stronger democracy - and to make better choices. When we launched a site that allowed consumers to locate and avail themselves of better, less expensive, and more ethical banking institutions - the winners were the people who moved their money into safe harbor and away from the more corrupt and less reliable banks in our country.

A massive campaign ensued to justify that , an organization who was involved in delivering hidden fees - could then simply take them from their customers by outright means. Such action is the essence of corporate hubris. And Occupy answered.

We, as a country - now fully embrace Occupy. Fully one out of every two Americans see Occupy as a positive force. Occupy - after global success, has now moved to your neighborhood - and stands for the Occupation of your own neighborhood. And it stands for wise choices in your personal finance. Fortunately for Occupy - the millions spent in sponsored "placement advertising" that were the mainstay of corporate talk radio and news media entertainment - were unable to break the hold on the American imagination of a better life. And just this once, perhaps - we can see its direct effect on an institution that not only played a significant role in the great crash of 2008, but also attempted to shut down WikiLeaks, and try to rip off its own customers with fees. It is neither a conservative, nor liberal viewpoint - to see the action of a free and informed market upon such an institution - and the effect, in summer of 2011 - of Occupy - and the simple act of informing fellow Americans that there are better ways to work with their finance- and that they simply do not have to subject themselves to untenable fee. If you are still drinking the Anti-Occupy Kool-Aid, perhaps the graph below will act as a wake-up call that your partisan view of the organization might cost you more than you think. This is not a movement centered in partisan politics. It is a movement centered in the basics of finance, ethics, and sanity - targetted to the elimination of the monied corruption of democracy.

This chart is simple, but the story it tells is complex. We, as a movement - do not stand against business. But a market without regulation is one in which larger organizations utilize corruption to maintain their position at the expense of innovation and competition. A stock's value does not indicate anything more than the price at which others are willing to take an ownership stake in the enterprise and product it represents. But that decision, whether to buy or sell - should be based on a deep sense the direction in which the company is going, and where it has been. It is the intent of Occupy to help the 99% to save money, and make more of it. Sadly, this will mean that those who willfully distort their rationale for fees and participate in market instruments that destabilize their stock value - will end subject to a larger market picture of stock purchase than that the 1% can afford to underwrite. There will be no JP Morgan walking the floor of Wall Street, rallying the buyer to save Bank of America.

A Mormon Candidate

2011-12-19T14:03:00.000-05:00

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, is one in which the members first and foremost profess a christian faith. This is the denomination of their religion.

Mitt Romney is, first and foremost a Christian. Moreover, he is a member of the Church of Latter Day Saints. As a young man, he was a missionary. He later became involved in his Church, and worked as an administrator. His belief system incorporates LDS ideals. However, his religion - as practiced by the office of the presidency - will be all but nonexistent.

America believes in the separation of Church and State. And Mitt Romney has stated clearly and unequivocally that he will uphold this rule. He has said on several occasions, and in interviews - that his religion is a private matter. Further, he has successfully accomplished an independent resume as a statesman. For the deeply flawed Republican party - and its corrupt primary process - this has been a persistent issue with his candidacy. But speaking as an independent, I believe it is a plus - and it will guarantee that the religious zealotry and the bizarre capacity of certain other candidates to attempt to invoke their occupation of a so called higher ground - will guarantee and reinforce that the winning candidate will be one that can separate Church and State.

A Church is designed to help people share their faith, and build upon a foundation of good work. A state is designed to act in its own interests - and in particular - pursue those interests in a global theater in which the zero sum game can and does occur. A Church is designed to help others, and to be a resource for all. A state is designed to rise and fall with the accomplishments of its people - it is a working entity and does not contemplate the afterworld. And for that reason, its business should be largely non partisan. A Church and and will embrace dogma. A state must disabuse itself of that notion - it is a representative entity of several , possibly conflicting views and people - and it makes its headway by popular vote and general assembly.

The Bush Republicans - continually attempt to destroy the boundaries between church and state. This has damaged the Republican party beyond repair. If we, as a country - are to see a Mormon Candidate - it is likely that this will be a big plus. Most Mormons in their Worship, are apolitical. You don't get GOP talking points recycled as sermons, in an LDS Church. And so a Mormon Candidate, not so much because he or she is of a certain faith - but because of a demonstrated ability to accomplish the separations of Church and State - would , at this stage in the primary season of 2011 and 2012 - seem a distinct possibility.

In the end, Americans are largely apolitical. We simply want to get on with life and not have our Government become a dog and pony show. As much as we have heard of the primary season for what can be loosely referred to as a "Conservative" political party - it is clear that we will accomplish much as a country by its dissolution and replacement. Independent political thinking and religious dogmatics are deeply incompatible. The likely source of the vitriol from within the dying husk of the GOP - comes not from the will of the American voter - but the shrill voice of the minority - in whom ones professed faith , under Bush Republican precept - becomes a negotiable platform. This minority seeks not to install itself within just leadership - but to accomplish political pyrotechnic at the expense of the American voter , and the American Taxpayer.

Save The World - Swedish House Mafia

2011-12-16T16:31:00.001-05:00

Norma Jeane Mortenson

2011-12-15T01:52:00.001-05:00

Brunette.

Healthcare Reform

2011-12-14T13:30:00.000-05:00

Today, an article was posted that delivers a CDC report stating that , as a result of Healthcare Reform - more young people are insured.

Young adults , before the great Healthcare reform of 2010 - were knocked off their parent's insurance as they reached a certain age. But reform helped parents and kids to be able to acquire insurance. Unlike the Bush Republican era, in which those kids were either price gouged to get insurance, or had no insurance at all - the result of this change in the law allowed young adults up to the age of 26 to easily acquire affordable health insurance through existing means. As a direct result, last year 2.5 million more young Americans were insured - and 5 million parents rested a bit easier about their children.

I stop to think about what this means for our country. About what it means for jobs, economic and cultural stability. That's almost 8 million people. What is the effect of these people worrying, or paying more than they should? Even though some reforms have taken hold, Americans pay 16% of every dollar spent, on healthcare. We have overpaid, for a system that is burdened with bizarre and destructive bureaucracy. If you don't believe this, simply go ask anyone - at any hospital billing department - what a procedure will cost you if you wanted to have it done today. They will first ask - what insurance company are you with? Why? Because almost all hospitals now routinely cook their books to over bill and under bill every insurance company. Because nearly every insurance company either overcharges or undercharges a given procedure. The hospital will tell you it's a bizarre system, but they can't change it. A procedure has to have a fixed cost, they will tell you. But what that cost might be. They haven't a clue.

In a market like this, regulation is desperately needed. Markets require price, and value branding. Customers need to be able to make a choice between two products. As it stands, and even still today - the number one reason for bankruptcy , for the middle class - in America is an unexpected medical issue. Getting back to a market and a market exchange, in which price can be established and a realistic set of market forces can take hold to foster competition and improved service - is a primary concern for our country. Reform was sorely needed, and even in its current state of implementation - it is clear that many of the reforms that went into place are improving our country.

The majority of the law goes into effect in 2012, and 2014. The supreme court will weigh in on some aspect of the law, as it should. And after that review, the Bush Republicans - who promised Healthcare Reform would be stopped at any and all costs - will be seen for who they are. A neoliberal party of welfare for the wealthy and corporate lobbyism - a group of men and women under the payroll of big oil, big pharma and big anything else.

But there is one thing bigger than they are. The heart of America.

Merry Christmas

2011-12-14T01:09:00.001-05:00

Nicholas

2011-12-08T23:44:00.001-05:00

My story has a simple beginning.

I was born to parents that made their living on the cold lakes of the netherlands. My father was a fisherman. One year, in the dead of winter - my sister caught a fever. She drifted in and out of this fever for many days. Finally, it seemed as though she was ready to pass into the afterlife. She had grown thin, and pale - and refused to eat. And yet she seemed to have a peaceful sort of glow about her. My mother grew exceedingly worried. She demanded of my father, then and there - that she must be taken to the village at once. But the night was cold, and my father decided that the only way that she would survive the night - would be if she were to be carried across the ice. And so my mother, and my father - carrying my sister wrapped soundly upon his back - all made their way out in the cold night. My father told me that he would be back in the morning. But he did not return.

I seem to remember most, about them - how young and beautiful my sister looked. I was jealous of her, when she was born. Mother and Father always seemed to have more than enough time for her, and very little time for me. I would carve toys out of wood, on the porch - while mother bared her breast to feed the small and sickly girl. But I remember, more than the jealousy - a sense of caring and love for her. She was so small, and delicate. Like the finest toy that could ever be made. I was proud to be her brother. I missed her greatly.

The Village decided what was to be done with me. It was a hard winter, but the harvest was good and I was allowed to stay with local family. As my parents had died on the 24th, every morning - on the 25th - I was to go to a new family. In this way, they could feed me and the burden would be shared by all. What I did not realize then, was that I befriended the boys and girls I grew up with - in a way more deep and profound than any I could have experienced in a school. I was not unlike their brother. And they brought their toys to me. A small sailboat whose sail had been broken. A wooden cat. I fixed them. As I left to go to another house, I would make a gift of the things I had fashioned that year, out of wood. My father's carving knife bit into the soft pine and even the hard oak. I enjoyed spending hours with them.

I apprenticed to a furniture maker, and there I learned the basics of a craft that made me a wealthy man. And every year I returned to the lake. I made a hole in the ice, and dropped a toy within. At each doorstep, of all the friends I had made - I left gifts for them, and later, for their children. And the children began to tell stories.

And yet, I stayed in my lonely home, far north of the Village. Content that I was doing some good in the world. I travelled the villages, and as my wealth grew - so did my capability to make the gifts that I would now leave at the doorstep. In time, the children told stories of me. But I would never admit to leaving the gift. In part because I was shy. But more so, that I wanted them to dream of gifts that appeared from thin air. I wanted them, simply. To dream.

I grew old. And in my final year, I could not ride the sleigh I had made to carry the toys. The red suit that I used to spur on my pullers had long since grown threadbare. And I finally ,and simply. Stopped. But as I aged, with my long white hair and beard - I noticed something wonderful. It seemed as though the older I became, the more the friends I had made when I was young - stepped up to help me. And in turn, the children of those friends. In my last year of life, the gifts that had been left on the porch - were almost entirely made or bought by the fathers and mothers of the children who received them.

And in the last minutes of my life, I felt the peace of a life well lived. I smiled. And I also cried a small tear, for my sister. Death gave me a clear perspective on life. And a life , well lived - came to an end.

The stories, of course - grew. And they took on a life of their own. They say that I flew through the air. They say that I travelled around the world. Perhaps, if the world as we know it - still has a bit of imagination - and wonder. I have.

But like you, I lived. I walked this earth. I ate warm soup and hot chocolate and fresh bread. I walked through the snow and felt it crunch beneath my boot. I saw my breath roil in the cold air.

And I could not have imagined you. Or this network - in which I have been digitized and for which I am now a ghost in the machine. This place where, it seems, there is no death. Where parts of everyone still fly about and remain - even after they have long since left the earth. We both do our best, I think. To imagine each other.

And to give each other a name.

Merry Christmas.

HyperBallad - Bjork / Royal Opera

2011-12-08T17:34:00.001-05:00

Skrillex - First of the Year

2011-12-07T22:18:00.002-05:00

Dita Van Teese (Two)

2011-12-07T18:56:00.001-05:00

Between supposed lovers...

Dita Von Teese

2011-12-07T18:53:00.001-05:00

To the tune of "Now we are free". Or, possibly. Schism.

Now We Are Free

2011-12-06T23:19:00.007-05:00

I don't write about myself, alot. Or those that I love. I tend to write about objects of fascination and thought. I like to write about ideas. I have also dedicated quite a few lines to political thought - mostly because it is a place where language morphs and changes and it is a species imperative that we somehow arrive back at a place where statesmanship once thrived and governance was a bit more than a dog and pony show between electioneers and lobbyists. I guess it's because I've never actually seen a dog and pony show. Scratch that. I've seen one. It was pretty cool. But it's not what I want or need, out of my country's elected officials.

If you've read this blog, you'll find that I never. Ever . Write about anyone directly related to me. I do this because, to be honest - I believe that this is a personal journal where I am free to write about almost anything. And everything. I've written about kinky sex, online gaming, triathlon, rock and roll, and tolkien. I've written about Amber Dalton (whom, you can be sure - is an abstraction to me, and little else), beat poets and the birth and death of the day. I've tracked all kinds of pictures from all over the net, and some of them are decidedly adult. My heterosexual privilege. Women quickly discover that not all men are natural dominants. And as one of the few in the world, who have decided to man up. I reserve the right to be absolutely fascinated with beautiful women. A viewpoint that may find itself at odds with whatever form of family life I may or may not have.

With afew exceptions, I have stayed true to the ethic of this blog , which spans from 2005 to present date, containing over 2,000 posts. Some of it likley comes off in a narcissistic way. When you write exclusively about yourself, you really look like you're the only person in the whole world - that you care about.

Those who know me, know this is not true. These are meditations. Nothing more. And my ties to others, whether loose or strong - are part of who I am and where I draw my strength. But they are not in and of themselves a strength. They are a safe haven. And somehow, those around me have thrived even though the world has essentially fallen apart. I am happy for them. This is a world, where you can look up into the sky - and feel at peace.

It is a world where there fate holds many possibilities for those who do not play to win. And , perhaps - the only noble exit - is a hero's death.

For Now, We Are Free.

Life in a Day

2011-12-05T09:41:00.000-05:00

Full screen recommended, 1:34:56

My Woman From Tokyo

2011-12-04T22:41:00.000-05:00

For Laura Shigihara

Spinning in artificial gravity
I speed through the darkness
your words and thoughts
pure intention
juxtaposed
disintegrating within me in shades of color
warming me against the cold of space

I have no window except one and I am quietly aware
that if I look at the rising sun
it will burn my retina

And I will go blind
Perhaps I am running from something
Perhaps I am playing a game
But the future comes from the rising sun
and not the breaking dawn

In her eyes I see there is no sunrise
only blackness
I see myself spinning
endlessly through the darkness
I am alone on the open ocean
and she is my warmth

Cold silence
and fragments of sharp rock
fly through the void
cutting through metal skin

But ahead
in the center of my strongest nightmare
burns a red circle
where we will land

And together
we bring with us
A virus

Her smell
Her scent
Her ruthless beauty

I know she is origin
And I know that we are there
to start a world
or perhaps more appropriately
we are contagion
We are legion
We are the darkness and the light
We are the quiet words and sounds
Between supposed lovers

The graceful finger
pointing at the moon

That slowly before my eyes
becomes blood olbers paradox red

Atrophied in my failing sight
I regenerate in her music

Her hair turns
from black into bright white

The Honey Badger

2011-12-04T00:52:00.001-05:00

All I Want is You - Bono/The Edge

2011-12-01T19:23:00.001-05:00

The State of the Republican Party

2011-11-29T10:15:00.011-05:00

The Republican party is dying. The key issue that is dividing and destroying the Republican party - is the issue of lobbyism. The modern GOP is a neo liberal institution whose focus is primarily on welfare for the wealthy and the institutionalization of corporate lobbyism. This is no different than the Whig party and the issue of slavery in the 1850's. An issue that destroyed the party itself. The candidates tell the story.

If you do not believe this, take a look at their front runner. Why should a candidate have to struggle, to validate the fact that he listens to his own constituency and does what they tell him to do? Governor Mitt Romney is struggling to attempt to explain what is effectively an independent resume - essentially incorrupt, his is a record of application of what his constituency wanted at any given time, during his tenure as Governor of Massachusetts. Romney is now firmly in the grip of a lobbyist-influenced primary process where , instead of appealing to the Massachusetts constituency - who were and are very happy with him - rather, instead a group of people - led by lobbyists - who are trying to bring forth the concept that the wholesale monied corruption of democracy and the institution of a far right agenda are actually what America wants or needs. As a result, he is caught in the vise grip of trying to repeat their well worn, hackneyed talking points - and recounting his own record. This makes for some funny moments.

The opposition to Mitt, comes from a wide group of relatively unqualified candidates. Republicans have been going back and forth for nearly six months ... no, actually eight months... as to whom they would like to lead. Herman Cain is out of the running. Perry , the one time front runner - is out as well. All of these men were running slick, well financed campaigns that include - a priori - lobbyists.

Except for the guy who was running a one man show. This is, of course, the guy who took a 1 million dollar paycheck as a lobbyist back in 2007, months before the big crash - lobbying for the very companies that caused it.

It is lobbyism that is the central issue in the Republican party -and that issue driving it apart. 72% of Americans want healthcare reform. The Bush Republicans chose to oppose it loudly and vocally , and won election in 2010 over a record wave of corporate spending that was equalled only in the previous record wave of corporate lobbyism and the surprise ruling that corporations can give as much as they want. The GOP is controlled by lobbyists. Another good example is the super committee- which lately has become the super-campaign-gestures committee. 68% of Americans want a compromise that allows our government to reduce its spending. The Bush Republicans choose to block every compromise effort, because they are controlled by lobbyists.

Mitt Romney is being attacked by his own party. Newt Gingrich knows exactly how this feels - after his term as speaker - he was attacked by his own party, and he left it - saying on local TV - "I don't want to be a party of a party that attacks its own."

Not many people know that Newt Gingrich said that, but he did. It was right after he was re-elected and found out that his own party had attacked him from the inside, and then just as he was elected - he announced his resignation.

But somehow, the GOP became the party who stands for the monied corruption of democracy. And to me, as a bona fide independent - who has serious conservative leanings. I find that absolutely hilarious. Almost as good as the one about that pre eminent, first world country - who is the only country left in the world, without national healthcare. Not heard of them? They're the ones who are spending more, per capita, on healthcare - than any other country in the world.

The GOP ... likes to call themselves conservative. But in all reality, they're not. The Bush Republicans, with their radical expansion of government and largest spending bill ever - in the history of the US - saw to it that the GOP can no longer lay claim to conservatism. The GOP is a dying party. Just look at their lineup. They are like the Whigs - A political party in America that broke apart on the issue of slavery. The key issue about Romney, and the GOP - is healthcare reform. Still. The economy is recovering from the Bush Republican body blow of 2008. It's back up on its feet. The GOP is still struggling with the fact that they oppose what many Americans want and need. And they are doing so because they are controlled by lobbyists. They are not the party of conservatism - with that much spending on the books. Nor, can they lay claim to being the party of the family - if they are so willing to break families up and interfere in the lives of everyone (whether by so called patriot act, or by outright meddling). They are not the party of national security - having embarked upon wars of convenience that have cost 300% more than any healthcare reform. Obama killed Bin Laden. He was the guy we were after, not the oil fields of Iraq. They didn't invade us. What is the state of the GOP? They are breaking apart. They are the do-nothings.

And we, as Americans - who need - the congenial ebb and flow of healthy political statesmanship - are most decidedly. Not amused.

Did I Bore You ? I Didn't Mean to Bore You..

2011-11-21T07:35:00.004-05:00

Hopefully you're not too bored today when you see the market open and tank your stock on low trading volume. As a member of OWS, I am adivising you that unless you're a bear, it's probably not a good idea to sell off today. Trading volume is traditionally pretty low around about this time of year. If the market volume is high, today - you might be in trouble. The market is susceptible to microtrading problems. It's going to look pretty ugly, here in about an hour...

In case you missed it, over the weekend the police walked up to people who were simply sitting down, and talking*. And they pepper sprayed them in the face at point blank range. I guess this would be pretty wild, to hear - unless of course, it's those OWS people. Right? They probably deserved it, huh? If you're still one of the few people in the United States that thinks they're bozos, guess what....we're bozos with money. And that will be more than I can say for you, after today , Mrs. 401k.

Over the weekend, we got a glimpse of what the monied corruption of democracy looks like. The people who sat down with each other, didn't try to work together. They just postured for fundraising, then went off to raise more funds.

The last congress was elected in an unprecedented wave of corporate lobbyism. And we - all of us - are now running a record low disapproval rating of congress - there is only a 9% approval rating of congress.

What happens next? I bet, if you check the stock index your 401k is tied to - you'll have a little bit of excitement. That's what happens next.

It might have been more fun, in my the-government-doesn't-pepperspray-innocent-people-just-sitting-down-and-talking-fantasy-world , to have had the market indices open in positive territory - as they have in the past few months , back when you were ignoring OWS, and our government-was-hard-at-work-in-supercommittee-finding-ways-to-work-together.... Yeah. We would have had the people we paid to represent us, show up and do their job. I know. I've heard it before. You do it every monday. Not too exciting, tb..

Sorry if I bored you. I didn't mean to bore you.

* My first Google+ link! Woo hoo! This is a link to an article posted by Tim O'Reilly, publisher of the O'Reilly guides. Keep up the good work, Tim!

Senator's Thoughts on Occupy Wall Street

2011-11-17T23:28:00.001-05:00

Final Thoughts on Five or More

2011-11-17T23:22:00.000-05:00

A while back I wrote that I see certain aspects of life, in the game five or more. Very specific aspects, to be sure. I don't see any grand meaning.

But what I wrote then, was that it was a way to explore the pointlessness of life. Five or more is a logic game that always deals down more colors - a bit like beJeweled - the board will always fill up. The specific aspect that I saw, was the way our human Telomere deals with genetic replication - and how eventually the error encoding that occurs as a result of breakage - overwhelms us. That which breaks off, deals down onto our board a very final situation. Nobody , to date - has cheated death.

Of course, Ingmar Bergman thinks that Death plays chess. I think he plays five or more...it's a damned annoying game.

For a while, I played it to explore the idea. After all, it's a pretty pointless game. Why not spend time figuring out why one would even play?

I think I have finally found the answer.

Five or More - can only be won - by taking as many complete color combinations that you possibly can. A slight variation - that is, trying to get bigger and more complete color combinations - can have disastrous results. Say you're being dealt red, blue, and green - and your object is to line up red to remove it. You have four red, and two more are dealt. If you take one of the two and rotate it into the four - you'll remove a row and get a chance to move again. But if you move one of the two into a pattern with four, so that you fly the fifth into place. You will remove six.

Sometimes you can do that. But I have found that if you can take as many complete combinations as you can. That is, if you have six possible but not taking the five, will add more colors of different type that will cause more moves - then you need to take the more immediate option. I played different styles and found that if you can get it while you can, you're going to be better off.

If you are playing life to win the big lottery - and nothing else will make you happy - then you may be doing what , in the game of five or more - amounts to a losing strategy. I know I'm thinking about how this sort of relates to life from a biological standpoint - but how you control your life, is really how you control yourself. I am sort of thinking of this, from the standpoint of - what does your body really want to do? Going only for the big win..? Sometimes it does this. It goes all out for the win - it pushes itself. Sometimes, your body just tries to be clean and orderly and nice and just get the job done.

I feel the lesson of five or more , is that taking those chances to do nice things - whenever and wherever you can - is what will power a clean life. Sure, you might win the lottery. That would be great. But you should keep your focus on being able to do the things you can do.

Give a little bit. Of your life. Give a little bit of your love.

Occupy Wall Street - The Good Guys

2011-11-17T13:21:00.002-05:00

Today is a day of mass action in the OWS movement. This is what's going on:

In Las Vegas - a large camp of the OWS movement is now sponsoring workshops for people who are underwater in their mortgages. They have also sought, and received permits for mass demonstration.

In Seattle - 84 year old Dorli Rainey showed up as part of a peaceful, well organized protest of unfair practice and corruption. She planned to petition the government in first amendment free speech assembly, for redress. She received a response from our government - who seems to focus on passing laws to protect corporations and wealthy individuals. She was pepper sprayed in the face. The police were, in face, so apparently worried about the threat that this aged woman represents - that they pepper sprayed her in the face. They used so much chemical that it's dripping off her head. This is what she looked like, a few moments before.

In Philadelphia - A peaceful protest there has grown to large proportion. The mayor has sent out signs warning that a renovation is going to take place, and that the protestors must clear out - despite the fact that they have not yet selected a contractor.

In Columbia, South Carolina - Hundreds of people were arrested for protesting. The governor executed the order, because .. quote " I was tired of seeing sleeping bags" ..

In Boston, Massachusetts - Hundreds gathered . A judge upheld an order that stated the protestors cannot be removed unless an emergency is declared, be it fire , or otherwise.

In California, three large cities saw full protest - LA, San Diego, and SF. In addition, Oakland protestors gathered in greater number. Students from Cal, and many other Universities such as Merced - joined the protest. As is the case, these protests are rigorously peaceful in nature. 74 people have been arrested so far .. the majority for "resisting arrest" or "obstructing a police officer". A sign was held that said "Money for schools and education, not for banks and corporations."

In Indiana, the selfsame concerted effort as seen in other states and cities - was attempted today. Local government gave the protestors 24 hours to clear out. They're not doing it.

In London, England - Protestors camped near St. Paul's cathedral. The police are saying that such protest constitutes an "unlawful obstruction" of the ... sidewalk.

It seems clear to me that the people who are peacefully protesting against the rampant corruption that exists in our society - are doing so in an orderly fashion. The response , by all accounts - is a concerted effort - dare I even say coordinated to shut down the movement. Why?

Certainly from a News Media Entertainment perspective -it's hard to sell advertising, when you have to cover this story. But who benefits, from corruption? It is clear that the camps not being dispersed because corruption suddenly went away overnight. Someone benefits from having things just as they are. Who? Why not simply end the problem... What is keeping leaders from either party - in any of the debates... from discussing these protests?

A few legislators connected with the movement. We recently saw the rise of a bill , backed by the movement - and sponsored by a clear-thinking congressman - to allow us all to move our money more easily from one bank to another. The procedures and methods that exist, are unnecessarily byzantine. Banks use these procedures to discourage people from moving their accounts. We should be free to move where we please.

This includes, sitting in a park. The fact that these protests are clean, organized and rigorously nonviolent - indicates clearly that the response to shut them down is more about the threat they pose in legal reform and cleanup of corruption - than any supposed health or safety concern.

So, let's think for a minute. Who's the good guy. And who's the bad guy. There's a person standing on the sidewalk. And there's a guy who wants him to be in prison, and hits him with pepper spray in the face. Because he's obstructing the sidewalk.

The vast majority of all people see the movement as a good thing. So , which allegiance can the person, striking the other man down? Perhaps the time has come to ask. Which one is the good guy? The peaceful one. Or the one hitting someone.

I was amused at some of the failed entertainers who try to pass themselves off as Talk Show hosts. In between their commercials for sub-standard quality products, these denizens of the A.M. band were vilefying the protestors. Why?

Both the police officer, who strikes down these people. And the man in the Talk Show - are being paid to say whatever their boss wants them to say. Perhaps they see the people trying to let us all know that democracy still exists... as a form of an attack against what they love about our country.

So it's easy to see the difference between the good guys, and the bad guys. To stand up against corruption. To speak truth to power. This is an idea whose time has come. And for anyone, anywhere - to say that their duty to their job, or to whomever is telling them what to think and say - that violates their own moral and ethical sense. They are betraying our country, and who we are. They're the bad guys.

We're the good guys. And we're obstructing the sidewalk. But you can walk around us, if you like. On your way to work. Today.

My Brain is the Weakest Club in The Bag...

2011-11-17T10:46:00.000-05:00

A famous professional golfer once said "My brain is the weakest club in my bag". This is the case for Tiger, on his latest 7 and 6 loss in the president's cup.

When I wrote about Tiger, and how he is on a comeback - I may have made a mistake. The cat has a great looking swing - but in his last match he put the ball in all the wrong places. And that's mental error that, in match play - can bury you.

The president's cup will go on for three more days, and if Tiger continues to throw the ball down the wrong side of the slope - it's his fault. He might shine at the practice Tee, but shotmaking depends on good strategy and for a difficult course such as the one they're playing - he can't afford to put the ball on the wrong side of the slope. You just can't keep playing a game of up and down, in match play. Half the time the match doesn't even hole out.

Woods is at his best when he is pushing his own envelope. It is there that he can play the mental side of golf - find his opponents weaknesses. There are a myriad of little games he has been known to play. Asking an opponent to hole out on a putt of short length, for example. It forces the opponent to question his ability. Woods needs such gamesmanship to push himself into a state of competitive edge - and when he is unsatisfied with his game, I have found that , as an adult player - he loses playfulness. Woods is no longer a young, up and coming Golf star. He's a mature individual with questionable decisionmaking skills.

And when he starts second guessing himself - or is no longer able to enjoy the game for what it is - his game goes downhill faster than a golf ball on the wrong side of a slope. 7 and 6 is such an horrific loss, it's hard to see Woods do anything other than play dead in the matches to come. The match was over in 12 holes.

I may have made a mistake.

The Success of Occupy Wall Street

2011-11-16T11:43:00.003-05:00

Occupy Wall Street is an amazing success, and it's just getting started.

When a law was passed that prohibited them from stealing from their customers, OWS created the Banxodus project - that helped nearly a million people to move their accounts from the banks who decided that they would simply charge us all five dollars a month for it. The banks relented.

The OWS movement has now eclipsed the TEA party, and many of those who participated in the Ron Paul Movement are now solidly aligned with OWS. So much so, that OWS made a statement that explicitly banned the Ron Paul folks from flacking their candidate on the website. But that's a big deal, because Ron Paul - like Howard Dean - are patriots. They're leaders who speak truth to power. And for us to have moved on from the TEA party - is for us, as a country - to have moved on from the fringe group that transformed our Uncle Sam - into a scared person at his door - afraid to answer for the bill collector. The August debacle that TEA created for us - in our artificial debt crisis - is over, and OWS - unlike TEA - is now solidly in place as a formal and global movement.

This is not to disparage the TEA party. Although I question their accomplished legislative agenda . This is simply to say that OWS is a more mature and focussed movement. By their very nature, TEA works best when it is tearing something down. OWS works to build things up. The emphasis by OWS on teaching the rules of General Assembly and Democracy - to those who are watching - is a significant difference and a huge upgrade - because, after all - let's face it - anyone can put on a minuteman hat and run around with a sign saying Obama wasn't born in the United States. They're both, after all, someone's fantasy. Far too many TEA partiers start life off by being angry about something, but their anger never seemed to focus on the key elements of the problem. They were far more interested in the destruction of things that were operating - rather than fixing what is actually broken , in our society and in our government. Less is not always more.

But the fact is: OWS now has operations all over the world, and in all major cities in the United States. So like any good movement, the exclusive use of one tactic - is not the best strategy. The New York General Assembly , and other Assemblies - are rapidly forming their agenda. The process is slower than what we've seen with TEA, simply because it is actually the people themselves - and not news media entertainers - who are arriving at the final document. When it is done, the next step will be to transform government. Likely through a rigorously peaceful and surprisingly powerful means.

To see just how rapidly the movement is growing - and just how far it has gone - take a look at this graphic (be patient while it loads). The only word to describe such achievement is - success.

It is clear that less than 1% of the total mission of OWS has been accomplished. The next phase of operations should be clear:

Collect, and clarify the agenda. Work through the process of ratification. Once ratified, adopt this agenda as the single focus point of the movement.
Based on the results from above - proceed to revolution. This may take the form of political action . For example, publicly financed campaigns... why do we need to have millions of dollars spent by corporations, to put people into power?
Create clear, simple metrics and web interfaces that the people of the OWS movement can use to determine how effectively the agenda has been carried out. Give feedback, ranking and recognition to those who helped. Maintain leaderlessness with an aggressive focus to restore democracy and accountability.

Then. Party on! This is a revolution. It is also, in many ways - a huge hacking movement. We are , like Anonymous, and Wikileaks - deciding what course of action is best for us as people . And proceeding forward without fear. This is very, very good for our country. And the enemy is running scared. And more than willing to shove us away. It will take courage to fight back. A bully never expects you to oppose them. They want things to stay the same, so they can farm you for your lunch money.

As Socrates would say.. Courage is intelligent endurance.

A Day in the Life

2011-11-15T11:38:00.001-05:00

Let's recap the news today. A wealthy ex-football coach that spent ten years shoving his penis into the asses of small boys - now enjoys a front page news article that says he's innocent. The wealthy mayor of New York claimed that the clean, peaceful and organized camps in New York were a threat to the public. And this man, who founded a news service himself - blocked all reporters and journalists from reporting on the incident.

In other news, the top executives of a major mortgage firm - that was responsible for creating derivatives that crashed the international financial system in 2008 - are going to get 33 million dollars each, as bonus pay this year. Also, Italy and Greece - brought to you courtesy of Goldman Sachs - are crashing the international currency market . The financial executives of Goldman Sachs helped Greece to pretend that they weren't in debt. This theft by deception.

The 99 and 1 issue isn't about grabbing your 401k from you. You can keep it. After all, I've got something like that as well (I keep a managed stock fund) - and I fully intend to keep mine. 99 and 1 is not about redistribution of wealth.

The Communism thing failed. As Ian Shoales once said, Students and workers don't mix.

99 and 1 , is really about who you are. The people who are out there that pretend America can continue on in its current form - are deluding themselves. America is rotting from the inside. I'm not poor. I work hard. Really hard. So do you.

But the only answer to fixing what is broken, is revolution. Nothing else. TEA party people look upon the sprawling, ineffectual facade of bureaucratic nothingness eating up our country. Occupy Wall Street sees the monied corruption of democracy. Both are correct. Both deserve to have their day. And the fundamental principle - the fundamental action by which that is accomplished - is democracy itself. That is what is at stake.

Of course, that story doesn't sell advertising. A major retailer this year - is going to start their black friday sale at 12 midnight. This means that all of its employees will be forced to sleep through thanksgiving, and not spend it with their family. The decision this large corporation is making, has an impact. And in modern news media entertainment - they get to choose how their message is delivered. They have extraordinary control over the presentation and style of the supposedly factual reporting. So there is no story on the front page that says, today - Target has decided that none of their employees are going to celebrate Thanksgiving. After all, that wouldn't sell ads.

And the revolution isn't about a backlash against advertising. It's about the forces that would destroy who we are. It's about saying no. Just. No. I'm the one percent. And I'm for revolution. I support occupy Wall Street.

And I'm doing it for a very, very simple reason. It makes good business sense. Lets start from the beginning again. Let's re-imagine our country. What if the news read like this..

On page two, an old guy who's sticking his penis into the ass of young boys is now in prison and not out on bail. The big execs who messed up the financial markets are not employed, but a majority of americans are. They're also wealthy. The laws that were made for them - protect them against corporate corruption. The employees of a major big box retailer don't even make the front page - because their Thanksgiving will happen traditionally - no one will be forced to sleep through the holiday simply because the store wants to open at midnight. This also means that people who are enjoying the holiday with their friends and family, won't have to wake up at midnight to go shopping. But that doesn't even make the papers -because it's so common sense.

And in New York. There's no one in the park except for happy people. No thousands of people in every major city in the US. No people in Oakland. New York. LA. They're all working a four day work week, 36 hours. And like Germany, we take Fridays off.

Sound like fun?

I am the one percent

2011-11-14T22:39:00.011-05:00

I am the one percent
I am distressed by the monied corruption of democracy
I don't enjoy news media entertainment
I am willing to pay my share

I want good , clean schools
a public healthcare system that mirrors Britain
roads that are safe to drive upon
and regulations against corruption

I stand for smart government
not simply eliminating it
I was once a libertarian
now I am a democrat

I am tired of dog and pony shows
and talking heads on TV
I want America to be strong
the home of the free

I am the one percent
And I am happy to say
I stand with Occupy Wall Street

I am the one percent
The News Media Entertainment
can try all the like to pretend
But like the 99
I stand against
the monied corruption of democracy

There are no advertisements here
Just me
and I stand with you

Don't leave until they wake up
Don't quit until it gets better
Don't give up
Telling the truth is an act of a patriot
You are the reason we are free
I am the one percent
I am anonymous
I am Scott Olsen

I stand for freedom
I stand for justice
I stand for truth
I stand for you

And I am rich enough to afford
to pay my share

The talking heads want to keep things as they are
I stand for change
I stand for things getting better

I believe in the free market
And I have made my wealth
Through simple hard work

It is 10:53 p.m. in my office
And I have just read about Oakland

What is my one demand?
You can start by trying to understand
Group dynamics in assembly
And remember
it's not about my demands, in the end
although I pray for the death of lobbyism
and am disgusted by news media entertainment

It's about all of us
It's about America
and what it means
to live in the land of the free

By being brave.
Stand against the Police.
And recreate democracy

I am not talk radio
I am not news media entertainment
I am not lobbyism
I am not an email talking point
I am not a social network

I am taking apart the old, and the dead
tearing up the rotting flesh
of the ancient machines
that still this day roll across our land
dark metal and decayed bone
like cyborg zombies

that dine on human brains

Tom's Diner - Suzanne Vega/DNA

2011-11-11T13:01:00.001-05:00

Curiosity, and Rover

2011-11-11T10:30:00.003-05:00

If you've been reading me for a while, you know that one thing I really hate, are Bush Republicans. About six months ago I got a mail from one of my Bush Republican relatives (yes, I still love her, but no, I do not forgive her) who wrote that "Obama is killing NASA...rise up and fight against OBAMA".

Anything that kills scientific exploration should be read with an open mind. Sure, there are alot of Bush Republicans that just don't understand science. There's even a Bush Republican presidential candidate who can't figure out which agency he wants to cut, and counts to three like this "One, two... uh. durr... Oops. " Yea. National spotlight on that guy, please? Right?

But by and large Science is apolitical, so whenever anyone talks about killing off scientific exploration you have to kind of be a bit like me, and be independent about it. I was more than willing to hear what evil Obama was going to lay down. Then, I heard the mass-re-emailed missive's point. It was that Obama was going to kill off the Space Shuttle.

Oh, so NASA = The Space Shuttle? It should be obvious by now that, in general, Bush Republicans don't dig deep. They can handle things like checking the font from a supposedly typewritten memo, against what they've got loaded now. But , in general, if you're Bush Republican - you're surface deep. So, the Space Shuttle is up for being mothballed along with any other 35 year old technology (think: of a computer built in 1980, on your desk)... a 1972 dodge dart running in low earth orbit, making us pay millions to put anything in outer space , and not high enough to do any good. The russians were beating us in a dead walk - again. Obama comes and kills it off.

The key thing, is, there's no curiosity. No wonder. We weren't pushing the limit. Do these Bush Republicans care? What about the fact that we're saving billions by cutting the program? Bush Republicans couldn't think their way out of a paper bag, if you put it on their head.

In fourteen days, the United ( please spell that correctly) States of America is sending Rover heading to Mars, bigger and better than anything we've ever sent before. Her name is Curiosity; she'll take nine months to get there, and when she arrives - she'll send back more data than ever before. The last rover was a huge success. For less than the cost of a single shuttle mission , opportunity and discovery... are... still going after FIVE YEARS? .

Curiosity killed the cat, but this rover is taking over (reference to Jimi Hendrix song applies). Nasa is turning towards deep space. Since Obama is really the only adult in the room anymore - we are bringing the free market to low earth orbit, and freeing up NASA to go deep. That's right kids - Virgin Galactic has set up flights out of the spaceport (thanks Bill Richardson!) in New Mexico, and you can ride for 100,000.00 a pop, into low earth orbit. Which means that. With proper planning .. we could have a weekend of romance, candlelight dinner, and soft music one can take a girl named Amber into low earth orbit and give her a spanking. As I protect my identity carefully here , please note that I've cleverly utilized the secret code name "One" , in that last sentence so as not to give away my true location.

This is assuming, of course, we don't blow our 401k on that new organ printer we've always wanted.

Tiger Woods V 2.0

2011-11-10T14:54:00.006-05:00

Tiger Woods, as a golfer - is about excellence. The sport is trying. Many who attempt golf , give up. The few souls left who actually play the game consider it with respect.

Golf tests you in three ways - mental, spiritual, and physical. The physical element can be conditioned fairly straightforwardly. Many who play, are not in the best physical shape. But a minimum level of muscular coordination and strength is required for shotmaking - and the muscle memory you need, can be won from the practice Tee. In this regard, one should remember - that practice does not make perfect. You can easily ingrain error on the practice tee. When at the tee, you should play as if you are on the course. Perfect practice makes perfect.

The mental element of the test, involves calculation. You resolve windspeed, direction, green conditions, yardage and your own distances against loft, clubhead speed, swingshape and lie. The game requires you to be alert: to think about how a putt will break, or where to put your shot. The golf course architect is evil: it is common for such men to study approach landings for aircraft, where water is present at the end of the runway - and incorporate those elements where airline crashes recur - so as to throw off your perception of distance by illusory means. In golf, there is a saying - that the game is 99% mental, and the other 1% is all in your head. This is because golf course architects such as Robert Trent Jones, and Donald Ross - invest heavily in the concept of 'easy bogey, hard par' - they work hard to make sure that the course, as it is presented to the golfer - is essentially a puzzle that needs to be solved.

The third, and greatest test - of golf - is spiritual. It is said that a few hours on the golf course with a man, will tell you as much about a man's character - as any job interview. This is true. It is because golf presents the unique cross section of so many different sports - in a way that requires a man to face them with very little other than his drive to win, his skill to bear and mental focus applied. I have lost at Chess. It hurt. I've lost a round in Golf. It hurt worse. Because in Chess, you play against a player. In golf, you play a course. The other men are there not to defeat you. They are fellow travellers. And they are witness to your triumph and your fall. There are no judges. No referees. A man can be honest to others, but to be honest to oneself, is truly a test of the spirit.

Such a game requires a great man to play it. That man is Tiger Woods. And there is one challenge in golf - that only one man, has ever met. The Grand Slam.

Tiger Woods will win the Grand Slam. The Masters. The British Open. The PGA Championship. And the US Open. Of the four, the US Open will be particularly difficult. Tiger Woods has re-invented his swing, and he is free of the distractions that have plagued him in the last two years. One does not worry, about a Tiger preoccupied with its den. That tiger is not in the hunt.

Hunger keens the senses. It sharpens the mind. It tests the soul. Tiger Woods has now hit version 2.0 , after an incredible run of non-performance, and supposed injury. Woods is no longer a gangly twenty year old. He is a mature, 30 year old man. And he will hit the prime of his golfing career in a way that is unparalleled, before or since - in the history of the sport.

How to Make Money Writing Poetry

2011-11-09T15:15:00.001-05:00

Your first step, as a poet
is to realize
that everything you write
or create
or design
or animate
is part of your epic poem
that will sell ten million copies
each alike
perfect
in shape and form
and then , as surely they will
upon inspection
the myriad differences between each one
will be carefully noted
by people who never buy books
and these differences, when examined closely
will multiply
and pay royalties
to learn
grow and play
and your equation will be complete

the thing you described
that everyone knows
in a way that no one can understand
will then, finally be at home
with everyone
than the thing that no one has ever understood before
explained
in a way that everyone can understand
poetry
is the ground
and the ocean
the fire
the water
the air
life unfolding
and you will have made that journey
past birth
school
work
death

to where you began
and you will know it for the very first time

A stranger in a strange land
who keeps all his money
in a big brown bag
inside the zoo

The Birth and Death of the Day - Explosions in the Sky

2011-11-04T23:13:00.002-04:00

Zephyr Song - RHCP

2011-11-01T17:58:00.002-04:00

A Question for My Readers

2011-11-01T14:13:00.004-04:00

I know I don't often dialogue with my readers - many like to read this blog standalone. It isn't a great forum for back and forth arguments in the comments thread. I was hoping, however.. that I could ask you a question.

Is there a place in Atlanta, where I could go to a sex addicts group meeting? Especially one that has Female members?

Thanks in advance!

Bankxodus

2011-11-01T12:10:00.004-04:00

If you believe that Occupy Wall Stret is a bunch of losers, that are really wasting their time and doing nothing for you. Think again.

In direct response to pressure from Occupy Wall Street, and the upcoming Bankxodus program - in which a mass exodus of Bank of America accountholders , today, Bank of America - and Suntrust - both retreated from charging the sneaky 5.00 per month fee for use of their Debit card. Although Occupy Wall Street will be talked about endlessly - by some people - as a movement with abstract goals .. the truth is , that the movement has very practical goals indeed. And one of them, was and is simply - to stop the monied corruption of democracy. When laws are passed that prohibit sneaky fees from being used against people - and a bank then simply decides to go ahead and dunne the population outright. It's a good idea to say, simply. No way. That's not going to fly with us.

And trust me, when you are speaking truth to power, and stopping that kind of corruption - you have to say it loud. Every voice helps. And to be certain, the Bank's Marketing Departments are all going to tell you that it was their customers who told them this. This is because, the people who power Occupy Wall Street - are customers of the big banks. They are speaking for 99 percent of the population of America. The fat cats who would have made a profit off the 5.00 per month fee added on to your debit card... in a corrupt democracy, would have been the ones who would have been heard - were it not for their voices and their accounts - rapidly moving away from BofA.

This might not seem like much, but there are very few things in the world that result in a direct, 60.00 per year benefit to me. I'm pretty happy with the results. Bear in mind, focus needs to be kept on a piece of legislation that makes it very, very easy to switch banks. That would save alot of time and money. Most of your money can be transferred electronically. You'd want to be able to switch banks easily - this was another thing the Occupy movement chose to back and it's moving through congress now. Support it.

One of the things that Occupy has to remember, is that there are no sacred cows. Derivatives, double dealing, bank fee subterfuge -are all members of a class of activity that need regulation - even if their motive and intent is positive.

Is there anyone out there who wants to complain that they don't have another bank fee to pay? Do tell.

Mormonism

2011-10-31T11:02:00.001-04:00

Mormonism is a faith that is spreading rapidly across the globe.

Like any other faith or religion - it's based on what we now know as mystical precept. Everything that it builds upon, isn't yet proven out by science. That shouldn't disqualify it for either people of science or people who thump their bibles and pray for better parking spots on a daily basis.

After all, we might just want to realize our own limitations as a species. We're probably not exactly on top of the galactic food chain.

The best way to think of religion, in general, is with an open mind. We as a species have an extremely limited range of sensitivity to our environment. Perhaps some of the things we're not able to track are bothering us as spirits. Sure, most preachers are talking heads. They're interchangeable, like batteries.

But religion itself has little to do with preachers. They are, if you will - teachers working with very old textbooks. Faith and worship and your experience with God generally finds a deeply personal element within you. Without you. Your journey is your own. As our head librarian is fond of saying "We're all in this together, but we all die alone".

So, in context, Mormonism is a form of Christianity and organized religion. But it's also a calling. Mormonism generally starts simple.

Have you ever felt that God, or something like God - is actively revealing truths to real people? - Probably not.

But this is actually a first step in exploring the Mormon faith, in my view. Why? Well, the first thing you hear about is this encounter that a person named Joseph Smith had with this higher being, somewhere in the woods of New England. In order to really play around with that idea, you first need to decide whether or not anything like that can actually happen.

Let's say you're working in a biology lab. You pipette a microbe off a petri dish and shine a light on it through a microscope slide. Will the little bacteria sense that anything happened? How does it know that it's happened? And more importantly - since we now know that even bacteria have simple forms of communication with each other ... what possible terms and concepts could that little bacteria use, to describe what happened to him?

Whatever it is, you can bet his friends are going to kid him and ask him if, after he's seen the light - whether or not there were ... probes. After all, in this universe, fun things you can do with your friends are cross species universal. And almost always involve some form of mischief.

You can decide for yourself if there are higher beings in this universe. The Mormon's won't hit you over the head with anything. They're good about it. Either way.

Another thing: Mormons push it. As christians, they're more than willing to go the extra distance. They are slightly nuts. How else do you explain the story of one LDS guy who, when he was moving into a new home that had been bought out of the estate of a man who had recently passed .... and cleaning out the attic? Found 50,000.00 in crispy green bills, in a big bag ... and then gave it to the family of the man who had passed away?

Think about this: the guy had his family load the back of his car up with bag, after bag of nothing but cold hard cash... then drove it across town to the son of the man who had died? Can you picture yourself driving across town like that? No? Yes?

But you'll be a very good person. And that's a good thing.

Look. Out here in the real world, there are atheists. Catholics. Protestants. Muslims. They've all got their strong points, and their weak points. They all believe they're right.

Christianity in particular appeals to the love lost. A benevolent figure that offers free love to all, hands extended.

You can get that, to an extent, from partying - from your wife or husband - or from other sources without invoking mysticism. But Faith spans a spectrum of behaviour and belief and it holds within itself a unique idea of self actualization. One that might actually be a part of understanding more about the world around you.

There is no such thing as an atheist in a foxhole.

Blow - Keisha

2011-10-26T19:00:00.001-04:00

The Half Asses vs. Occupy Wall Street

2011-10-26T11:53:00.011-04:00

This post is for the fifty three percent.

The idea behind Occupy Wall Street has transformed itself into a global movement. Thank God. Freeing democracy from monied corruption is such a simple, and easy thing to grasp. It's about time we all started to see the light. The occupation exists at the doorstep of companies who rigged the Drachma, and stole trillions. And trillions. And trillions. ..

So much of the global economic turmoil that has existed since 2008 and the Bush Republicans - came from, simply, theft. Stealing. Think about this. Companies who hire corporate lobbyists ...are bribing congressmen.

There are entire TV News Media Entertainment Networks dedicated to the concept that they can be paid , not millions - but billions of dollars every election cycle.

They set themselves up as a kind of gate, not unlike a pledge that many congressmen have taken to a lobbyist firm - to ignore actual human participation and replace it with the idea that one must pay massive sums of advertising money to operate. "Appearances" and "sound bites" turn politics into a nonstop blood sport.

This subverts the will of the people, for the will of the corporation. Or the the group. It has created an odd kind of participant in our democracy. A hive mind. A creature that exists by the will of either a corporate interest, or a lobby. It collects itself up using email and constant interaction of its members - and then shambles towards Washington to take a prepared seat at the table. Mandibles dripping.

This new participant, in our governance - is the recipient of massive amounts of welfare. It is said that there are 53% of the American people who pay taxes - and 47% who do not. But this is a misleading statistic, that was fashioned by the lobbyists and broadcast on news media entertainment for the express purpose of turning American against American. The reality is much more interesting. Take a look.

Corporate Taxes as a Percentage of Federal Revenue
1955 . . . 27.3%
2010 . . . 8.9%

Corporate Taxes as a Percentage of GDP
1955 . . . 4.3%
2010 . . . 1.3%

Individual Income/Payrolls as a Percentage of Federal Revenue
1955 . . . 58.0%
2010 . . . 81.5%

When a person says that they are part of a group of people who bear the burden of the cost of government, it should be remembered that this is entirely true.

But when we look at the message in the context of - perhaps, a response to occupy wall street, I am reminded of the simple fact that many of these individuals who claim to be on a fify percent , or something - kick - completely ignore the fact that the movement is about freeing us from neoliberalism.

News Media Entertainment was directed by its corporate paymasters, and the lobbyists who have put the interests of the next election over the interests of the next generation of our citizens - to ridicule occupy wall street. They sought desperately to identify the "one message" that the movement represented. Why? Because it's a billion dollar industry and they are being attacked on all sides, by the free movement of information across the internet. Their dog and pony shows, which broadcast blatant distortion - are much more easily fact checked on a free, open internet. And they are frankly, concerned about their own existence.

So when larged, monied interests - strongly encourage the turning of one American, against another - simply because he or she stands up to obvious theft and corruption. They need a marketing campaign to go along with it. And so, they've come up with the fifty three percent thing.

Meanwhile, a new study released shows that one percent of America, has seen its income rise three hundred percent - while the vast majority of America has gone sideways or down. We see above the effect of neoliberalism - the substitution of a new citizen, as a participant in governance - and the removal of the human being as participant in government.

And so , at last, we see the real message behind occupy wall street. Because no one is asking for handouts. No one is asking for anything else except that you get off your fat, soft, ass. And realize that you, as a human being, are worth more than a thousand corrupt lobbyists , paid off politicians, talking heads on talking head news media entertainment channels - and people who put partisan bickering over actual integrity and the operation of government.

No one is asking anything, in fact. The entire concept that Occupy Wall Street, has one demand. Is a joke. It is designed specifically not to have a single demand. Therefore there can be no response.

Instead, it asks you to simply think, for a second. You are a human being. Should you be involved in your government?

You have let a new form of government take hold in your country. To be certain, the news media entertainment - that was supposedly covering it. The same 'network' that was completely up ended, from an investigative journalism standpoint - by a small group of people running a website .... these news media entertainers haven't told you they're neoliberal. The lobbyists haven't told you they're neoliberal. And the corporations - who have received, and my fellow American - I kid you not... Trillions... of dollars in handouts... have not told you they're neoliberal. Nobody wants you to know that you are no longer a part of the picture. Eight corporations control 86% of what every American sees, hears, or reads in print magazine, news, and television. They're getting paid to speak of "freedom". They have absolute, unassailable direction. Editors who cut against the grain of their advertisers don't last long.

A neoliberal society is a welfare state. Government exists to payout big sums of money to its citizens. So. Let me venture to sum it all up for you. The 53 percent. Who are not getting any of it. Just like the other 47.

You are not a citizen.

In The Neoliberal States of America, you can vote. But then, your congressman will meet with lobbyists, when he arrives in Washington - who will write legislation for him, and pay him. Your voice was not connected to your vote. It was simply a part of the actual citizen's campaign to install in power whomever he or she wished.

The only citizen in a neoliberal country. Is the lobby.

What are you? A power source. A bit like aphids and ants - the lobby stroking your back , occasionally - for either a bit of your private information - which you really didn't want private, did you? .. Your money... But mostly. It feeds on your brain.

Starting school? You'll pay retail. You'll buy an entire shopping cart full of school supplies. Maybe you have a "Slams Club" or a "Rostco" membership to help you haul them all away at a "discount".

You are being farmed. Instead of your school buying them wholesale and giving them to your kids, you'll go on big shopping sprees so that big ticket retail stores show a nice profit. School budgets will be cut again, because it saves money. ....

Senior Citizen? Ever heard of the new Medicare law, passed in 2008? Bush Republicans saw to it that you'll pay retail. Medicare is prohibited from being able to buy drugs using a group discount. It's buying donuts, one at a time , instead of cheaper by the dozen. By the truckload.

You supported the Bush Republicans. And it's not your fault. You're working hard, it takes time to check things. The Bush Administration spent more money marketing, than in the history of the White House - ever before ... to make a great campaign . "Don't let the smoking gun, turn into the mushroom cloud." ... You didn't check the facts. But it's cool. Think about it. You work more now, than ever before. It's a nonstop battle to hold onto everything. You're really busy, aren't you? You've got soccer. There's a meeting Wednesday night you need to make. Everything is just running so fast, these days. Right?

So, you rely on the "experts". You love it when two experts "debate". You secretly cheer for one side of the argument. You love to make sure people identify, because after all, it's so important to have "principles".

And to be fair, you could also just be someone who really isn't paying attention. Which is an easy thing to do in 2011.

You like the way things are. You want your 401k to be safe. You want conservatism. You want less taxes. You pay your share . You think occupy wall street is a bunch of kids. You are nowhere near wall street, right now. You're sitting there.

You are the fifty three percent.

The half asses.

Occupy Wall Street

2011-10-25T03:04:00.001-04:00

Telling the truth is an act of patriotism. When, in 2008, corruption and the neoliberal state - destroyed us - we bounced back.

The citizen of the neoliberal is the corporation. A powerful entity, that is accorded many of the rights of an individual - they pay massive sums of money to lobbyists which , in a neoliberal state - provide laws that create a welfare state for them.

They are by and large ready to spend massive amounts of government money - and they will.

The idea of Occupy Wall Street is so simple, really. It is saying to us: Tell the truth.

Google Plus

2011-10-24T14:42:00.002-04:00

Google Plus is, at its heart, a better solution than anything else out there at the moment for one reason: it is specific.

Case in point. There's a beautiful woman out there, we'll call her "Ade".. that I really admire. The chances of me being in her first circle of friends, is, well, Zero.

That's a good thing. I don't know her. She doesn't know me. Does she want me cyber-stalking her? No way. And so, she's able to specifically exclude me and any other men - who seriously want to jump her bones. She can focus on her beautiful child, or maybe even her husband, who couldn't think his way out of a paper bag, if you put it on his head. Ok, well.. he could probably figure it out. But. It would take him some time. He's a gamer, and he doesn't do it right. So. ... Anyway...

This same person, had a girl at work that made it her life's work to try to bring her down. She works at a healthcare administration office - and she's a database administrator, and now, I guess... a "Business Analyst"... which means, honestly - she's still a DBA just one with the ability to look at applications. So she's got an important , and really, to my mind - decent job that really shouldn't have alot of politics. But, you know- she loved to blog and she had alot of things on her blog that were fun to read - but also bared her somewhat submissive and mischievous soul. This was , if I recall correctly - something someone wanted to use against her.

But now, she simply sets her circles properly and the girl from work sees nothing. Neat, huh?

The other website apps out there that do social networking,... well.. I can think of at least one of them that got its start as a way to get revenge on a girl, because there was a guy who had made an ass out of himself. He blogged about his then ex-girlfriend, and then wrote an application to try to prove to the world she wasn't beautiful.

Google Plus , on the other hand, starts off as a part of something that you use every day - and it goes along with the simple journey of life - you would share music, books, thoughts, images, ideas with your family, friends, and so on. It even feels a bit like family. Each circle , to me, reminds me almost - of the tables you see at family reunions. There's that really cool table that you end up getting a seat at , only when someone dies.... you know?

Then there's the table with the little kids, playing around. Tables in between. You sit at the table that you were .. I guess.. born to. Your place is taken by those characteristics. But all tables are there. When I login to Google Plus, I get a nice feeling that I've got a good circle of friends.

Google Plus is worth it.

Pitch Black

2011-10-23T13:47:00.002-04:00

Destroy a Human Soul

2011-10-22T09:52:00.002-04:00

A diamond is the only substance
that can cut a diamond
Another living soul
is the only thing
can destroy a human soul

This is not to say
the human soul cannot be damaged
news media entertainment
is a good example
Death and Taxes
The Rat Race
Cold unbroken days
without pay

There are things that can mess with us
like the Personals section of Craigslist

But it takes another person
to remove from you that thing
that makes you, who you are

Find the center in you
Chew it up and leave

Premature

2011-10-20T18:28:00.009-04:00

When it came to a question of choice
she said: Don't even ask me. You know the answer.
And Life brought forth
amidst a hostile world
of cells that will not die
without nuclei

To such disease
perhaps the virus
saw the unborn as a door without a key
and try as it might
it could not defeat
genetic defense
in the swirling telomerase
of life come to be

Not to be outdone
the evil one
unfurled his wing
brushing against
the woman
and the child was born
premature
skin so thin
you can see veins
cold plastic tubing
the wind beneath dark wing
the beast lashes into the world
and takes her just as the child is born
from within
but first
and if only because
the nurses insist
she holds her child

A single soul
Goes to our long home
And one day, a child's eyes will know
a tear
But now
they can barely focus

Born in light
and love

Close your eyes
and bring your lips tight over teeth
draw forward
press a baby's foot to your lips
and get some toes

One down
Nine to go

I Remember- Deadmau5/Kaskade [AMV]

2011-10-16T00:53:00.002-04:00

It's A Part.. Of My Chromatic Fantasy ...

2011-10-13T12:26:00.003-04:00

It's a part.... of my chromatic dream.

One Demand

2011-10-12T15:53:00.001-04:00

Third of Ten

2011-10-12T15:38:00.005-04:00

When in the course of human events
it becomes necessary for men to rise up against
corruption, tyranny - and the reckless rule of the few
who by their overt theft and derivative action
have destroyed the integrity of finance
and in whose actions have resulted in network loss
and occlusion of the will of the people

Now is the time for all good men to come to the aid of their country
to cast aside the duty of the day
and look toward a brighter dawn
When men born on this soil can say
They are proud to be American
And are proud of what we have done

For it does not benefit a country
to have gained the wealth of nations
through surreptitious means - derivative action
and persistent beating of the drum through corporate media
to say otherwise

We hold these truths to be self evident
that all men are born equal
and all corporations are to be held accountable
to the eyes of the law
For what separates us
Man from Beast
is our sense of right and wrong

And we, as Americans - sense clearly in this day
that the wanton destruction of the Financial Markets
the continued suppression of good and faithful action to punish those responsible
the propagandist view that such action is outlaw
the willful distortion of any representation of such action by illusory means of medium
have created within a strong desire to realize with us all
that we are citizens of the world
connected by one internet
and are heading to the stars

We therefore take action against those who would destroy the integrity
and safety of any financial medium, network of commerce or broad market
from which our economical safety, and liberty derive

We call upon any who see themselves as a patriot
that it is the duty of the citizen
to maintain the cleanliness, and safety of all networks
social, economic, political, or physical
and to reject the cries of the corrupt
and stand up for our country

That the crimes of corporate interest
whose sole purpose is to isolate us from our government
will at last breathe its last gasp
upon the rocky shore simple public realization
and let the gifts of enlightenment, truth, and justice
be the downfall of the spin doctor
the corporate handmaiden
the news media entertainter
the corrupt politic
lobbyist
political and economic malcreants

For we here exercise our right as a sovereign people
to cast off the solemn and binding chain of tradition
and bring forth a new birth of liberty and justice upon this country

Whose spirit the creator in whom has breathed life
liberty, network neutrality and justice for all

A Moment of Reality

2011-10-11T10:46:00.023-04:00

It is a moment of reality
Deserved
Anticipated
Nevertheless
A shock

No ambiguity
No question
No hatred

Except you, for me
And I. For you.
An obsessive, all consuming
hatred
Made of black material
strangely cool to the touch

Good name for it, don't you agree?

Your answer is: Yes. Sir.

At time of writing

You are, I regret to say
Left ...to your own devices..
...and Oh, what wonderful devices they are...
non?

But I think your mind is not as sharp as it should be
you lack a certain joie de vivre
And that is why you want to see me
And isn't it funny, that you still can't see me
Facing the opposite way

What shall we do about this?

I think I read somewhere
You were the kind of girl
who would take take it in your hand
tap the head, and say 'Is this thing turned on?'

This time.

You will.
Just.

Take it.

Ghost of You - My Chemical Romance

2011-10-06T18:43:00.001-04:00

Steve Jobs / The Dream is Over

2011-10-06T00:57:00.005-04:00

I had the strangest dream last week. And since then, recurrent nightmares. It was a dream in which I met Steve Jobs, and he told me a few simple things but more importantly he and I went through a ring of light and I saw the universe laid out before us and I was so happy that he spoke with me.

I was also happy that there was a beautiful girl sitting next to me in the auditorium where we met Steve after his TED Talk. But hey, this was my dream.

And after that point, recurrent nightmares all week. Strange ones. One of them - was a dream in which I felt that my life, my home, everything about me was a prison. Tonight , after work, I came home and fell asleep for a nap that ended up running from 6 pm until around 9. It was a dream that was about music. I was searching for a piece of music. And it was a dream in which there were monsters coming for me while I was searching. It was an odd, terrifying dream. One that wakes you with a start just as the zombies near.

And I woke, feeling very odd. I went downstairs and had a late dinner with my daughter, who had been video editing. I queued The Pixar Story, on Netflix - and we were watching Steve Jobs talk about Toy Story - and how - the first iteration of the film was kind of ugly and mean and all about insults. The character Woody was sort of rude and pushy and not altogether fun. It went on to explain how they had basically one chance to do it right - and they went into a rewrite, and rewrote the characters to be a warm, happy children's film. Steve's contribution was to make sure the computers that rendered the film were 24/7 up - they had only one shot to remake the film. Disney was disappointed and didn't want to produce the film and had told Pixar to lay everyone off, and shut down the project but running renders around the clock - the film was reborn and in its final iteration it was beautiful. Jobs knew that in order to grow the company from that point, he had to get Disney in as a 50/50 partner - and everyone agreed that as soon as the successful IPO finished, Steve Jobs maneuver to bring Disney in at 50/50, was a good one.

Then, while we were eating pizza and watching this - my daughter turned to me and said that Steve Jobs had died. She said she was on facebook, when she heard the news. I asked when. She said "I don't know"... then finally relented to around six.

The documentary about Pixar had morphed into a kind of loud, silly thing - and I shut it off. I sent my daughter to bed.

Quietly. Slowly. All the furniture in my house changed position. And Character. I saw all the detail. I knew then, as now. That the world had changed. A great man has passed into the Afterlife. Just as in the final scene of Good Will Hunting - we have come to his door. And he is now. No longer there.

I am taking tomorrow off. I'm not sure, exactly why. I plan to catalogue my software designs, finish up a few parts of things that need to be done - clean up all my drives - sort through and finish everything that needs to be finished. I am going to practice a song that I have long wanted to master. I guess it's my way, to remember Steve by getting my files in order - making backups, housecleaning. I know it doesn't make sense, but it just feels right.

Perhaps in order, I can find meaning. I don't know. I do know that dreams fade. With courage, nightmares end. And a coward will die a thousand deaths. A hero, only one.

Goodbye Steve.

Republican Progressive

2011-10-04T07:25:00.005-04:00

Teddy Roosevelt. At Sagamore Hill, 1912. This home was built for his wife, Alice Lee, who died in childbirth. He himself was shot, in a failed assassination attempt. He went on to deliver the speech. Bleeding.

A man of science. Boxer. A conservative. And a progressive. Tell me. Which candidate today, from the Republican party - best parallels this great man? Any of them?

Americana - Dave White

2011-10-04T06:36:00.006-04:00

Seeing this work, and his board designs, I'm wondering if he's kin to Shaun..?

Seeing Red

2011-10-04T06:17:00.001-04:00

Rednecks, apparently , love to see red - when it comes to politics. However, Nearly 40% of the Republican party do not actually know what the letters G.O.P. stand for.

I have watched an entire freshman congress get voted in on the largest ever corporate expense in American politics, transform the political process into a dog and pony show - and then attempt to call themselves conservative. Think about this. This means, that spending unlimited sums of money by corporate lobbyism - is supposed to be conservative. I have seen small towns retain and grow their wonderful character. At the gerrymandering of their very soul.

I have had enough. It is noble, that given the weight we have placed, as a country - on the importance of journalism - one of our own great leaders once wrote - Thomas Jefferson - the proper operation of government requires a free press. But how, have we allowed an entire news media entertainment company dedicated to political propaganda, and the undermining of our political process - an organization headed by a man perfectly happy even in his decrepit, pathetic condition - to lie on the witness stand? A man whose idea of journalism is to steal private information from people by breaking into our cellphones. And then, ludicrously attempt to pretend that he can pay hush money to keep the whole thing from being discovered?

Are we surprised that a small website has done more to the operation of a free press - than this multi billion dollar so called "news" organization? The denigration of this organization , from within the reporting of those news media entertainment companies - are at least unified in that regard. Your opinion of the small website might be negative as a result. Even while Wikileaks was in the final running for a John S. and James L. Knight Foundation Grant for their contributions to international Journalism. Telling the truth, , to men who made their American fortune and career from it - is an act of patriotism.

News media entertainment, and the news - should never be confused for what they are - and the more I look at this issue - the more I am convinced that it is at the heart of the transformation of conservatism, in America, into a cult. We should never, as a people - be forced to transform our society from the polite, educated, open minded beacon of democracy that it is - into something whose entire purpose was originally designed to sell cheap, half-rate products on the A.M. radio band. Is this our country? P.T. Barnum once wrote that no one ever got poor underestimating the taste of the American people. But seriously - do we have to take the path laid out for us, by a small group of New York Intellectuals , and Kevin Phillips - to a 40 year conclusion that ends up leaving our country broken? Yes, it makes for great A.M. band entertainment. Or rather, it used to be - until they started saturating these shows with so much advertising that they're hardly worth tuning into anymore.

When corporations have taken unprecedented control of American institutions, and our Supreme Court rules that they can take even more - and seven companies controlling 86% of everything that Americans see, hear and read ... What other banner do you think that the worst offender of this modern political propaganda machine, would fly under, other than that of "freedom"? The deeply cynical nature of such organizations should be apparent to anyone. A hybrid of the National Enquirer, and Guy Fawkes. And such format works well, in stuffing the maximum amount of commercials into each and every hour of broadcast. After all. It's all about. Freedom. Right?

Mike Lofgren worked with the Republican Party for 28 years. He served under the venerable presidency of Ronald Reagan, and others that followed. His view of conservatism, is one that - as a political independent, appeals to me. What follows is , what I consider, a beautiful piece of journalism - (it's kinda long, but that's because this thing is really tight! read on, dear reader!)...

It was this cast of characters and the pernicious ideas they represent that impelled me to end a nearly 30-year career as a professional staff member on Capitol Hill. A couple of months ago, I retired; but I could see as early as last November that the Republican Party would use the debt limit vote, an otherwise routine legislative procedure that has been used 87 times since the end of World War II, in order to concoct an entirely artificial fiscal crisis. Then, they would use that fiscal crisis to get what they wanted, by literally holding the US and global economies as hostages.
The debt ceiling extension is not the only example of this sort of political terrorism. Republicans were willing to lay off 4,000 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) employees, 70,000 private construction workers and let FAA safety inspectors work without pay, in fact, forcing them to pay for their own work-related travel - how prudent is that? - in order to strong arm some union-busting provisions into the FAA reauthorization.
Everyone knows that in a hostage situation, the reckless and amoral actor has the negotiating upper hand over the cautious and responsible actor because the latter is actually concerned about the life of the hostage, while the former does not care. This fact, which ought to be obvious, has nevertheless caused confusion among the professional pundit class, which is mostly still stuck in the Bob Dole era in terms of its orientation. For instance, Ezra Klein wrote of his puzzlement over the fact that while House Republicans essentially won the debt ceiling fight, enough of them were sufficiently dissatisfied that they might still scuttle the deal. Of course they might - the attitude of many freshman Republicans to national default was "bring it on!"
It should have been evident to clear-eyed observers that the Republican Party is becoming less and less like a traditional political party in a representative democracy and becoming more like an apocalyptic cult, or one of the intensely ideological authoritarian parties of 20th century Europe. This trend has several implications, none of them pleasant.
In his "Manual of Parliamentary Practice," Thomas Jefferson wrote that it is less important that every rule and custom of a legislature be absolutely justifiable in a theoretical sense, than that they should be generally acknowledged and honored by all parties. These include unwritten rules, customs and courtesies that lubricate the legislative machinery and keep governance a relatively civilized procedure. The US Senate has more complex procedural rules than any other legislative body in the world; many of these rules are contradictory, and on any given day, the Senate parliamentarian may issue a ruling that contradicts earlier rulings on analogous cases.

It is the role of the editor, to define and shape headlines - and to attempt to steer the general narrative of the news paper or reporting agency , into fact. But more and more often these editors seem to be paid their salary to do the opposite. The piece that Lofgren wrote is so powerful, I am compelled to excerpt - again, his conclusions. All the more powerful owing that this man is not a liberal, but in fact - a strong conservative, whose service to his country is beyond reproach..

A couple of years ago, a Republican committee staff director told me candidly (and proudly) what the method was to all this obstruction and disruption. Should Republicans succeed in obstructing the Senate from doing its job, it would further lower Congress's generic favorability rating among the American people. By sabotaging the reputation of an institution of government, the party that is programmatically against government would come out the relative winner.
A deeply cynical tactic, to be sure, but a psychologically insightful one that plays on the weaknesses both of the voting public and the news media. There are tens of millions of low-information voters who hardly know which party controls which branch of government, let alone which party is pursuing a particular legislative tactic. These voters' confusion over who did what allows them to form the conclusion that "they are all crooks," and that "government is no good," further leading them to think, "a plague on both your houses" and "the parties are like two kids in a school yard." This ill-informed public cynicism, in its turn, further intensifies the long-term decline in public trust in government that has been taking place since the early 1960s - a distrust that has been stoked by Republican rhetoric at every turn ("Government is the problem," declared Ronald Reagan in 1980).
The media are also complicit in this phenomenon. Ever since the bifurcation of electronic media into a more or less respectable "hard news" segment and a rabidly ideological talk radio and cable TV political propaganda arm, the "respectable" media have been terrified of any criticism for perceived bias. Hence, they hew to the practice of false evenhandedness. Paul Krugman has skewered this tactic as being the "centrist cop-out." "I joked long ago," he says, "that if one party declared that the earth was flat, the headlines would read 'Views Differ on Shape of Planet.'"

The entire article by Lofgren, is called "Goodbye to All That: Reflections of a GOP Operative who Left the Cult". It is a bit more than 140 characters, but you may wish to read it.

So where do we go from here? Well. One redneck seemed to think that it helps bolster the idea that he's some kind of patriot, for supporting all of this (the same , who think they were conservative when the Bush Republicans ushered in the biggest expansion of government in the history of our Country_)... to tell a bunch of football fans that American will never resolve its political differences. And in the process, I guess he decided it was also patriotic to liken his president to Adolf Hitler. Sure, he got fired for saying it. So what. His parent and sponsor organization loves that kind of move - it's political theatre, for them.

This son of the south, believes that we should embrace good old fashioned southern values. A value system that may even embrace ideas from the North. At times.

The old south is a polite place. It is a place where we listen, instead of adamantly being heard. And we should be careful to create an atmosphere in which opposing ideas can be brought forth carefully. Ideas have weight, and substance - and the partisan atmosphere promulgated upon us by a foreign news media entertainment organization owned and operated out of Europe - has resulted in the radical devaluation of our country's ability to foster such calm, and thoughtful debate. They want us to be their colony. But this is America.

Let's Roll.

2011-10-03T17:20:00.002-04:00

The Story of Your Life

2011-10-03T17:02:00.006-04:00

... Is not told by updates, every day. It is not detailed by keeping track of everywhere you've been.

You do not wear a sign on your chest that tells other people whether or not you're in a relationship. Corporations are not human beings and do not deserve to be treated as 'friends'. What you watch on your TV, is your business. Not mine.

The story of your life is not written by someone else. There are vulgar moments. Moments of extreme beauty. There are moments within your life that you cannot put into words. Your dreams are part of you. So are your nightmares. The story of your life is not idealized by a picture that you chose to represent yourself. You do not choose to select how others will see you. Those who read the story of your life, will find their own meaning in everything you have written. It is a deeply personal thing. It is yours, to write. One word at a time. Think about what you wish to say. Write it carefully. Record it somewhere - from which you can return, time and again. Alone.

The story of your life is not written automatically.

The story of your life is written in the eyes of your firstborn child. Its punctuation mark is inscribed in your real life accomplishments. It divides its chapters between the touch of your baby's newborn skin, the touch of your wife - and the firm hand of the man who will lower you into your grave. Its ending words are not written on a glowing LCD screen, there to be erased whenever the power fails.

The final words of your life are written in stone. And will stand on a hill.

I will go there one day. And I will sit down. And think of you.

And at that moment, perhaps my cellphone might go off. On my screen, an 140 character wonder of expression. Perhaps there will be an important message from someone I don't know - who wants to talk to me. Perhaps there will be a carefully worded advertisement that looks like it comes from my 'friend'. Who is in fact, a company.

The tone my cellphone will make, is completely customized. Maybe I'll make it the opening bar of "Aerial" by System of a Down. Or maybe a tune from Brahms.

Perhaps , I will reach for my cellphone. Or whatever it has become - in that faraway future. A transparent flex screen that floats in the air. An implant in my head that displays upon my retina. A satellite phone version 12 with always on capability - powered by an unlimited battery. Unlimited message capability. Perfect resolution and screen clarity and high speed 10G coverage.

No Dead Spots.

Lucky Star - Madonna

2011-10-01T02:37:00.001-04:00

I Don't Necessarily Like This Song

2011-09-30T19:03:00.002-04:00

So, I was playing 5 in a row after work today - waiting for something to finish up so I can leave - and there's a song running through my head. And I don't necessarily even like this song. But it won't leave.

The song is Filthy/Gorgeous - By the Scissor Sisters. Is it something about the animation of the game? I wish I knew. Will this song ever leave my head? Off to the Airport...

The District Sleeps Alone Tonight - The Postal Service

2011-09-29T10:33:00.001-04:00

The Atlanta Braves Wild Card

2011-09-28T14:19:00.001-04:00

In order for the Atlanta Braves to make it to the post season, they must prevail against the Philadeplhia Phillies. Even if they do so, there will be a one game playoff following - assuming that the St. Louis Cardinals do not lose their game against the Houston Astros. Why do I make this assumption? Because only queers and steers come from Texas, and last time I checked those Astros aren't wearing any horns. They will likely fall down like a house of cards against the onslaught of St. Louis. They'll be blown down into ash faster than a Texas prairie home. The entire state is led by someone who can't even do the math to figure out global warming is happening - they just don't have a chance against the calm, cool, collected St. Louis cardinals.

The problem for tonight is that the Braves got stepped on , in a big way - last night. Getting stepped on, by anyone - is painful. But when they do it with baseball cleats on - it really hurts. The Phillies took apart the braves and put them back together again, with the parts reversed and the gears disengaged. A 7 to 1 loss is humiliating. Can the Braves pull it off this time? I don't know but here's a picture of a babe playing radical guitar. Don't ask me why, this is my blog. I get to do what I want.

I told you she was a babe. Ok. There's a precedent for this kind of effed up wildcard scenario for these Atlanta Braves.

Last year - the Braves were up against the Phillies for exactly the same spot in the post season - and in exactly the same place (with the exception of having to play off, because, as we stated above - Houston is going to take a dive). I was at that game. And the Braves managed their way out of that one. The pitcher that came in for the last two innings - made all of the difference in the world. He kept the Phillies at bay and won the game. Bobby Cox made that call. And now, Bobby Cox is gone.

We shall see, said the blind man. We shall see.

The Arab Spring

2011-09-28T13:34:00.000-04:00

WebifyMe.org

2011-09-27T14:18:00.007-04:00

This is a project that the open source guys at Mozilla are a part of - I'm not really sure what it is, but I think it's based on the concept that you can set up a page to be , sort of your 'internet desktop'. It's fun to see how other people use the net.

This is mine.

I noticed - in passing, that the buttons 'share on facebook' and 'share on twitter' are of little to no use to me. I've already shared them. Here.

The essence of this 'share' is that it can be hit by you without having to login, backed up, indexed, read, and kept as a journal or ignored. It will not be washed over with advertisements or lost in a stream of polysynaptic 140 character utterances.

There are some drawbacks, of course. You can't instant chat with me, and interrupt whatever it was that I was doing. You don't have pictures of me on a 'wall', that you can use to look at . If you want to see me, you can use my always on - organically powered full 3d ultra high resolution image and sound with light speed transport connection - full audio/tactile interactivity with both haptic and thermal interface. Namely. We can meet for nice hot cup of coffee.

Totally sick, huh?

Tonight's Gonna Be A Good Night - B.E.P./ Univ. of Montreal Project

2011-09-26T03:12:00.005-04:00

To Hear Your Banjo Play

2011-09-24T05:51:00.003-04:00

2011-09-24T05:47:00.001-04:00

The Seyfert Historian Speaks

2011-09-24T05:46:00.000-04:00

In the beginning
the planet that orbitted the distant yellow sun
produced little

Small trilobites scurried to and fro
happy to be nothing

Then
Passing through the storm
the sky lit up with fire
and the earth was undone

Somewhere
Civilization
was torn down in an era of greed
men were elected that were not of reason

but instead
they required those who elected them
to use faith
and in the undoing of democracy
the cynical destruction of governance
and the loss of the body polity

There was an Arab spring
and some of them learned
that democracy still burns bright

The year two thousand two hundred and ten
The Al-Jazeer
An image of Bettie Page painted upon her nose
Arrives at Alpha Centauri
Faster than light

They regenerate, every twenty years
bathing in a liquid bath
that removes the myriad imperfections
a combination of telomerase
and secret ingredient X

And slowly as their ships spin
to distant galaxies

The great computer begins to take shape
connecting us through the aether

Which one day
we will know
as God

It reaches through time every now and then
to caress the beating
of a single butterfly's wing

Where you
found these words
written

Signed
The Seyfert Historian

September

2011-09-22T19:19:00.001-04:00

The world was gray
the sky dark
I looked up
The clouds rolled in like a wall

I stood in place
feeling small
looking up at the storm

No thunder
nor lightning

Just the cool calm wind
that whispers
of rain
and September

Something wicked this way comes

A Game that Solved a Genetic Engineering Problem

2011-09-21T09:56:00.002-04:00

Today on CNN , an article was released that states - a group of gamers playing an online puzzle game have solved a major problem in the development of an immune deficiency vaccine. The name of the game is Foldit (which you can play from this link), and it's a game that generates tetris-like configurations that, if you can match - will correctly fold a 3D shape into the proper configuration and give you a great score.

The puzzle is, in fact, a virus. And its solution - that is - the way that it folded - was a major obstacle in the development of an AIDS vaccine.

Quest complete. +2200 Reputation with Sanctum. Here's your new mount.

Thoughts about Dying, Death and Video Games

2011-09-19T13:02:00.002-04:00

I have a lunch hour game that I play, which is supposed to make me forget how hungry I am - and it never works. I play it and keep wondering just how well this game describes the process of death itself - and needless to say, it's an annoying game to me right now.

Here's what it's called: "Five or More". The premise is that you have a field of squares, and you're starting out with three colored balls. There are a total of seven different colors, and three drop down each time you move. You're allowed to move the balls next to each other, from anywhere on the board - until you get five or more, and then they'll disappear.

However, more pieces keep coming each time you make a move and it's not five cleared. Here's what it looks like.

As you can see, two blues are dropping - there are three blue on the board. Pink is lined up for four in a row, so as soon as a pink colored ball hits the playing surface, you will clear that line. It's a little bit like tetris.

This game has become a metaphor for age related sickness, and dying - at least to me. Each new drop gives you three colors, only one of which can be moved. This is like the regeneration process we start, when we're 30. Cells in our body are replaced every seven years, just like the balls that drop onto the board for each move. And like our bodies, the imperfections in a telomerase - weak replication should provide for a host of imperfect or slightly flawed coding sequences casting around in our dna. Scrape your fingernail against the back of your neck. You'll pick off layer after layer of dead skin. All of these adds up, but not really to you. You're playing against viral forms of life. The body itself doesn't start making the mistakes; instead, the telomere keeps getting fewer and fewer options to trick the virals that are in your bloodstream right now - and more and more of them start building sequences based on your dna.

Think of your body, kind of like a locked door. Viruses are forever attempting to open that door - simply because if they can, they'll be able to use you to make more of them. The most successful ones are the ones that work slowly - keeping their host alive. So many of these have made it into the air we breath and the water we eat, that we take it for granted that we'll have to fend them off - and so we developed a breakaway dna sequence at the end of our dna chain that essentially encrypts our dna , and locks the door continually - over and over again - a new lock sequence. This leaves viral life forms forever guessing, and keeps us healthy.

But as we play, over time, the remnants of many other viral fights tend to be like a history book - that the viral life forms can use, to tell them how and when to get us. And they start sending down 'colors' , that end up being disperse - so we can't connect them. Eventually, they overwhelm us and cause some kind of immune system breakdown.

So. Can you tell I'm having fun? :)

I don't really understand cell death - it seems to be a complex process of triggers that causes cells to just kick the bucket. I believe, however, that there is a parallel from this game. I am guessing that death is a very, very slow process. Just as this board fills up - we are able to operate thanks to many backup systems - in five or more you can keep playing as long as you have enough area to work with to connect five colors. Gradually, however, we pick up very slow acting viruses - that begin to tear us apart. Wounds that do not heal. A strange feeling in the morning, like a cough or a cold - that quickly goes away. As a species , we haven't documented nearly a fifth of the viral lifeforms on this planet - and it's a good chance that there are some that are just so low grade, that they start to feed on us at a very early age and we just don't develop full responses to them.

But I think our immune system is aware of them. Virals that cause cancer, parkinson's disease, chronic fatigue syndrome - are probably the game that our immune system plays on its lunch break. Trying to figure them out, and stop them from attacking us. Some of us are born with good early combinations that allow their immune system to start right away into the problem of clearing off these virals. Others are born with "easy to guess" viral combinations and we quickly start running out of space to play - the disease that manifests, can be different each time but it's usually related to a specific set of fault conditions in the immune system itself before it becomes anything else.

It is for this reason that I believe that age related sickness, cancer, and rejuvenation therapy are all part of one and the same field of research. And it is also for this reason, that we see failures starting to occur in our body as we age - they are a reminder that no matter what we do, in the end, we will basically explode with disease. It will eat our bones, our skin, our bodies.

Sure, there are some people who are 90. But they are so wasted and tired looking. Don't they remind you of someone who's been sick for twenty days?

And that's also the reason why we develop attitudes toward the old. We know, instinctively, that they are breaking down before our eyes. We don't like to be reminded that the endgame, for us - is a very dangerous one.

The idea that I will be overwhelmed by bugs - presses me on to try to win the game. To be honest, I like Fruit Ninja alot better. The games last sixty to 90 seconds, and then I can just move on without being reminded that I'm going to be mauled alive.

Since I am playing to win - I'll share a secret with you. When it gets really bad, I just look at a picture of Dita von Teese. It's not her real name, but so what. ;) It cheers me up.

My Friend the Rose - Francoise Hardy

2011-09-17T14:27:00.002-04:00

Death

2011-09-16T12:09:00.001-04:00

Death
is in opposition
to life

To win the chess game
against him
you must learn
to rage against the machine

Death
is a process
that began in the morning
by sickness

It will continue
quietly
its viral disassembly
of you
your mind
your heart
your body
your soul

It is a process of burning things down
that the stars create
tearing apart what was made right
into pieces
because they are needed
by the dark

It is a sickness
infecting us
Your head
Your bones

You feel it in your sex
that's the place it grows

A Worker's Confessional

2011-09-15T16:23:00.001-04:00

My productivity is nearly zero
I can't seem to solve any problem they give me

I surf the net, when I can't seem to focus
and it doesn't help

I check social networking sites
and mail accounts
I read Craigslist
Sometimes I get lucky and find a deal
or something worthwhile

Gas is expensive and I drive
Every day to be here
And somehow they pay me
But I'm not sure exactly why

And then, as I write
I remember that I actually have something to do
Maybe a blog is just an internet version of graffiti
But focus returns
and I stop writing
and quit surfing
and go get done
what I need to do

But I swear to God there are times
when I seriously wonder
if the internet is helping anything at all

But I'm leaving at five
and thankful
that you're
that kind of girl

kind of girl..

Them

2011-09-15T12:50:00.001-04:00

They watch in the dark
and listen
They feed on
the slow, the weak, and the unsuspecting

They hunt together
but sometimes alone
They move through the woods
silently

Once , I saw one
just at the edge of the woods
and it turned toward me
eyes glowing

I decided to build a trap
in the middle I hung a piece of meat
springs and rope were used to drop a cage

When I checked the next day
Yellowjackets had swarmed around the brown steak
and eaten it

So the next day I put a plate
of warm, soapy water
below the meat
and the insects fed
and then, lazily dropped in the water
and died

It's now the third day
They're still out there
but at least we've worked out the bugs

You

2011-09-15T12:20:00.004-04:00

Who are you
Why are you here?
Did the grace of angels bring you
Did the wind guide you here

Where did you come from
Where are you going?
What time, do you have. My watch says 12:12
I didn't make that up.

The night is so dark
The stars are so far and few and distant
Empty space grows as cold
as death

Are you my lock
or are you my key
Why do I respond
to your touch
Is it the body
or the soul
that feels love
Is it both?

All is fair in love and war.

A beautiful liar comes from afar
Never laugh at the person drowning in the river
that you have not crossed yourself
They say

Without you
is there an us
a we
a them
a they

Without you
is there
hope

Here is a secret:
The sound coming from that box over there
is a daemon.

Trying
to escape.

Contagion: A Review

2011-09-12T11:34:00.002-04:00

Stephen Soderbergh, Stanley Kubrick and Terrence Malick form the highest echelon of filmmaking. They are , in my view, unassailable. Of the three, Soderbergh is the least consistent - followed then by Kubrick. Malick never misses. Kubrick sometimes. Soderbergh has been off and on, his entire career. There's a four hour biopic out there he did - that, I am pretty sure you'll never see. And that's ok.

Soderbergh's latest film - Contagion - does not miss. In my humble opinion, this is his best film - even better than 'Sex, Lies and Videotape'. Very rarely has any filmmaker succeeded in building a window into our society, and having it open just wide enough for us to see our future +as we are building it in society+. This film is a commentary about who we are, and how we operate - on so many levels. And it's also a really cool , end of the world - type film. It is a thriller, a story of how we connect with one another - and to a certain degree, sci fi - although the science is so well grounded in modern genetics that it's barely futuristic. Perhaps that's why it's so fun - so much of what has been going on in genetics these past few years is really all still new to us.

Contagion is a film set against the harsh landscape of a worldwide pandemic. In this pandemic, the virus spreads by touch - or breath. This isn't a science fiction film, really - because most of what happens in the race for survival that follows - is really what happens now. There are moments in the film that are unforgettable. Vivid. The film has a tense undercurrent that carries it through to an exciting, interesting end.

And it is at the end, that we finally understand why Soderbergh made this film. He has uncovered something profound, and beautiful. Perhaps about how we connect to each other. Perhaps, a carefully made film that could serve as a warning for the very near future. This is a very connected film -that touches on the concepts behind the blogosphere, the world health organization, the CDC, private industry, government, facebook, sms, and basic humanity. Above all, this film is about how humanity finds a way to survive natural annhilation. The third best film I have ever seen.

Contagion

2011-09-11T16:58:00.002-04:00

See. this. film.

Tough Mudder

2011-09-03T10:15:00.001-04:00

I've done a few tris, and a marathon. Part of why I did it , was just to see if I could do it. Training for an iron man takes so much time (literally 20, 30 hours a week) . But I am known for it, I guess. At least around the office.

A colleague of mine suggested a new kind of race , that he'd heard about recently. The Tough Mudder.

I've heard of similiar races in New England. I can't recall the name, but it was something where you ran up a hill carrying a big log. The race itself seems pared down to a sort of test of both endurance and pain. It will never be an actual sport; it is more of an event.

Someone once told me that things like this are part of who we are in the 21st century. They said that we are isolated ourselves from nature, and that when we return as return we must - we drink ever deeper from the wellspring. The tough mudder might be more like trying to drink from a fire hydrant.

We should not ignore things like this. My feet itch alot and peel at the soles. This is because their natural state, all of my life - was calloused and now that I'm at a desk - and then commute home in a car, to sit on a sofa, then a chair - is that they are growing soft and they don't know what to do with themselves. I ran once over hard ground, in the summer time. My feet toughened up almost immediately and stayed fine for nearly two weeks.

I have no problem training for a triathlon. They really feel good. But Tough Mudder seems to be a different beast. The dealbreaker for me, at the moment, is the field full of razor wire. I have seen videos of people running through it and getting cut and scraped. The race itself, is only 10 miles but it's over alot of different obstacles - initially designed by British Special Forces. The razorwire obvious has application during wartime but running a footrace without a shirt, is a bit different than running through a field in full battle gear. I will not cut myself intentionally. If I can find a way to get through the field of razor wire without getting cut, I'll think about it.

Vinings

2011-09-02T10:08:00.011-04:00

In my window was a vine
stained glass
the grapes were purple
the bars white
the vine a deep brown
leaves green

Light filters , the grapes glowing purple
a little bit of twine
Someone in the room
mentioned the name of someone who died

And the room seemed to darken
as I realized
life
is a one way journey

thankfully
there was silence
and quiet enough to realize
that everything that person had done
or said
is not entirely gone

the danger
I think
comes in the simple things
that grow
swinging their tendrils into a spiral
blindly at first
until it finds something it can grow upon
the covering the hillside
and everything in your backyard
even your sleepy basset hound

Everything is the same
to Kudzu
it covers
backyards
slow moving cars
buildings
dogs
your long lost copy of catcher in the rye
its roots penetrate your coffin when you die
cutting through stone
and wood
piercing roots
through silk sarcophogi
feeding upon deathmask
and the tattered remains
of understated clothing
open at the back

I know of a person
who is trying
to teach kudzu how to survive
in the cold halflight
of Mars
so it can grow there

Be careful what you wish for
that you might get it

Zero - Smashing Pumpkins/[AMV]

2011-08-30T13:03:00.001-04:00

The App Model: Dangerous to the Net

2011-08-30T12:54:00.001-04:00

There are those that are working to attempt to change the browsing model. Have you ever thought, there seems to be an app for everything? It's because apps are not actual applications - they're really just web pages.

And those that want to change the way we see the net - would love us to think otherwise. But there is a very, very dark undercurrent to allowing others to essentially deliver the software you use, as a service. And to take away an open, flexible method of moving across the net - in exchange for a proprietary, closed method where you pay 1.99 for each new site you want to hit.

In December, Apple said it removed an application from its mobile store that let people browse WikiLeaks documents from their iPhones "because it violated developer guidelines." The company suggested that the app broke laws or could be harmful to people.

Explain to me how the ability to be able to view Bank of America's internal memorandum, or find out exactly how tax dollars are being spent in our far flung network of embassies around the world... is harmful? No. This highlights the danger of allowing others to actively determine what you can see and hear. Many who are fond of this model will claim that the app model is secure, and convenience. Benjamin Franklin said once - those who trade essential liberty for temporary security, deserve neither.

A Tropical Storm in Vermont

2011-08-29T12:10:00.008-04:00

Hurricane Irene , by all accounts a weak storm made landfall to New England as a category 1 - with winds barely topping 90 mph. The line between a hurricane, and a tropical storm - is whether or not the windspeed reaches 75 miles an hour. Above that, a hurricane. Below that windspeed line, a tropical storm.

This is the NOAA windspeed measurement as it struck New England:

ESTIMATED MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE 954 MB MAX SUSTAINED WINDS 70 KT WITH GUSTS TO 85 KT.

As she came ashore, she produced, in New England - 10 , maybe 12 foot seas/ winds of 70mph. I have lived through a storm that produced 32 foot waves, with winds of 145 to 150 mph. Irene was not a Hurricane.

The storm, however, was far reaching - giant in scope. It is clear that this storm fed from vast amounts of hot, moist water from the gulf stream. It became a giant storm in scope - and dropped alot of rain. However, the storm was a precursor. Much stronger storms can and will exist - temperature changes of just a few degrees can have huge impact on the pattern of drought, heat wave, and storm formation. And we, as a species - have warmed the planet. Stronger storms are out there. They're coming.

Global Climate Change is something that you shouldn't ignore. It pushes weather patterns into new and dangerous condition. It's important to visualize what happens when you displace a weather system. It's not linear. It's like two springs - coupled together. Pull one, and it will bang into the other, and they will go back and forth in new ways. They don't execute simple motino. The impact of global warming can't be seen like a knock against a plumb line of a pendulum - push here, go there. It is not a predictable pattern. Some regions of the world have, can and will dry up - others will have, can and will get wet. Greenland, for example is melting and will continue to melt. The ALCOA company is banking on it so hard, that they're building a new Aluminum plant right there at the edge of the Glacier and they're planning on powering it from the run off of the glacial melt.

One day the arctic circle will open up to shipping. Another corporate dream. The same corporations that pay people to tell you it isn't happening.

Texas had, and will have - drought. The midwest had, will have a heatwave. The pacific northwest might get rain and flooding. The only thing certain is that nothing is truly certain. The only guarantee is that the storm will come.

Welcome to the year 2011. A tropical storm in Vermont.

My vote is going to be for the candidate who can say something in a debate, other than a corporate sponsored line from a Texas oil company about how we need to keep burning more fossil fuel + not worry about global weather changes. I'm teaching my kids to be prepared - they're going to see something serious in their lifetime.