On my search for a decent place to kick it I ventured to Washington Ave. tonight. I haven't really been up and down Wash. Ave for some time as I usually frequent bars near the South Grand area. Wow was I in for a shock!
Washington Ave has become so gentrified. I remember about 8 years ago when the yuppies began moving in and buying up lofts, seeing girls walking around in their black pants and fancy sequined tank tops but I never thought it would end up like this. I mean there are now over 10 bars on Wash Ave. and a sea of yuppies filling the streets. There is no more individuality in this club district. As you walk up and down the street your ears are flooded with top 40 music and 80's tunes. Is it awful.
I'm all for "revitalization" of areas of the city but in order to bring a neighborhood "up" is it really necessary to get rid of everything special that made that area cool to begin with? Is it really necessary to strip it down of all it's flavor and rawness?
I'm going to continue to scour the city. There has to be at least one good place to hang out here, right?
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Sunday, September 13, 2009
It does not belong to us
Some time long ago we had a scene that we were part of. A scene that provided love, joy, and surreal experiences. The scene was full of life and music. We could dance all night and feel ecstatic pulses of energy running through our bodies. The music was life.
Last night at the Upstairs Lounge I realized that there is nothing left of that scene. Although I've pretty much known this for some time I came to the frightening conclusion that there is no longer a place for "us." For about 8 years the Upstairs Lounge has been the refuge for the old raver. It is a small intimate bar which features local dj's playing an assortment of underground music. After the rave scene died and we slowly trickled into the club scene we became unsatisfied with this scene because of the plasticity of it. The Upstairs Lounge was the place that seemed to be for "us"- the real dance music enthusiast. Recently I've decided that I've had enough of the bar because the vibe over the last 2 years has been changing. Slowly "other" people have been stumbling into the venue and now realize that it is the "cool" spot. Now there have always been "other" people who have wandered into the bar but they usually pick up on the positive vibe and just move along with it. My problem is with the new crowd of random people that seem to come in, get wasted, and cause trouble. Their behavior takes away from the music and it has now stolen our last refuge.
Last night I witnessed a person start yelling that the DJ was a pussy regardless of the fact that I was hearing some of the dopest Dubstep I've ever heard. The crowd was dancing and enjoying themselves with the exception of some people who decided to stir up some shit. The surprising thing to me is how well they pull "us" into their little game. It is like two animals in the wild having a stand off. These idiots have encroached into our territory and now we are retaliating. We can no longer sit by and let these people ruin our nights, our club, our vibe. So what do we do? We lower ourselves and begin to act like them by shouting back or calling them names. This is not what our scene is about nor is it what we are about.
What we really need in St. Louis is a "real" club. By that I mean another small intimate club that is owned by someone who knows what good music is and actually values our scene for what it is instead of just seeing it as a money maker. I know this is a little idealistic but why can't this happen? So many people have gotten rich exploiting our scene so it has to be possible that someone who actually cares for the music should be able to run a decent club.
Last night at the Upstairs Lounge I realized that there is nothing left of that scene. Although I've pretty much known this for some time I came to the frightening conclusion that there is no longer a place for "us." For about 8 years the Upstairs Lounge has been the refuge for the old raver. It is a small intimate bar which features local dj's playing an assortment of underground music. After the rave scene died and we slowly trickled into the club scene we became unsatisfied with this scene because of the plasticity of it. The Upstairs Lounge was the place that seemed to be for "us"- the real dance music enthusiast. Recently I've decided that I've had enough of the bar because the vibe over the last 2 years has been changing. Slowly "other" people have been stumbling into the venue and now realize that it is the "cool" spot. Now there have always been "other" people who have wandered into the bar but they usually pick up on the positive vibe and just move along with it. My problem is with the new crowd of random people that seem to come in, get wasted, and cause trouble. Their behavior takes away from the music and it has now stolen our last refuge.
Last night I witnessed a person start yelling that the DJ was a pussy regardless of the fact that I was hearing some of the dopest Dubstep I've ever heard. The crowd was dancing and enjoying themselves with the exception of some people who decided to stir up some shit. The surprising thing to me is how well they pull "us" into their little game. It is like two animals in the wild having a stand off. These idiots have encroached into our territory and now we are retaliating. We can no longer sit by and let these people ruin our nights, our club, our vibe. So what do we do? We lower ourselves and begin to act like them by shouting back or calling them names. This is not what our scene is about nor is it what we are about.
What we really need in St. Louis is a "real" club. By that I mean another small intimate club that is owned by someone who knows what good music is and actually values our scene for what it is instead of just seeing it as a money maker. I know this is a little idealistic but why can't this happen? So many people have gotten rich exploiting our scene so it has to be possible that someone who actually cares for the music should be able to run a decent club.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Losing Focus
What is the highest form of living? What is the most fulfilled life that one can lead? These are the thoughts I was left thinking after watching "Malcolm X."
Although this movie was released in 1992 I had never seen it. I was never interested in watching the movie or learning about Malcolm because I'd heard so many negative things about him. The most troubling thing I'd heard was that he was a racist and promoted hate in his speeches. Well I should have known better than to listen to the opinion of those who have never been oppressed.
Malcolm X originally looked to free his people from affliction through creating unity within his race and faith community. While his stance seems logical the one thing he failed to realize is that to gain equality you must believe that ALL people are EQUAL- and by equal I mean no better than others and no worse than others. After his trip to Mecca he realized this but unfortunately for his movement this revelation came too near the end of his life.
This movie compounds upon the awareness that I've been gaining in learning about the social movements of the 1960's and 1970's. During this time period there was a real spark that was ignited in the United State. This spark became a flame. A flame that challenged people to shine brighter and smoldered the temper of others. Numerous flames banned together to form an impenetrable fuse that spread throughout college campuses, inner cities, and even farming communities. During this time people stood up to become great leaders. Some of these leaders were Malcolm X, Martin Luther King Jr., Harvey Milk, The Weather Underground, The Black Panthers, and The American Indian Movement. These people and organizations took a stand for the injustices and inequalities that existed in the United States. These people stopped living their comfortable lives and sacrificed everything to spread awareness of the importance of equality in our country. Why was this time period so full of activism? What kind of spark made these people so passionate?
I often wonder if this spark will ever happen again. So many things began in the 1960's but were extinguished before they had the chance to make a lasting change. I look around and think:
How much more will people take?
How can we just accept the world the way it is?
What will it take to get the spark going again?
I truly believe that everything happens for a reason and because of that belief I have a great source of confusion with this question:
Why were these movements sabotaged before our society was able to benefit from them? I can't come to any conclusion on this because it is hard for me to believe that these movements were meant to come to an end when they could have had such a positive effect on our society.
Although this movie was released in 1992 I had never seen it. I was never interested in watching the movie or learning about Malcolm because I'd heard so many negative things about him. The most troubling thing I'd heard was that he was a racist and promoted hate in his speeches. Well I should have known better than to listen to the opinion of those who have never been oppressed.
Malcolm X originally looked to free his people from affliction through creating unity within his race and faith community. While his stance seems logical the one thing he failed to realize is that to gain equality you must believe that ALL people are EQUAL- and by equal I mean no better than others and no worse than others. After his trip to Mecca he realized this but unfortunately for his movement this revelation came too near the end of his life.
This movie compounds upon the awareness that I've been gaining in learning about the social movements of the 1960's and 1970's. During this time period there was a real spark that was ignited in the United State. This spark became a flame. A flame that challenged people to shine brighter and smoldered the temper of others. Numerous flames banned together to form an impenetrable fuse that spread throughout college campuses, inner cities, and even farming communities. During this time people stood up to become great leaders. Some of these leaders were Malcolm X, Martin Luther King Jr., Harvey Milk, The Weather Underground, The Black Panthers, and The American Indian Movement. These people and organizations took a stand for the injustices and inequalities that existed in the United States. These people stopped living their comfortable lives and sacrificed everything to spread awareness of the importance of equality in our country. Why was this time period so full of activism? What kind of spark made these people so passionate?
I often wonder if this spark will ever happen again. So many things began in the 1960's but were extinguished before they had the chance to make a lasting change. I look around and think:
How much more will people take?
How can we just accept the world the way it is?
What will it take to get the spark going again?
I truly believe that everything happens for a reason and because of that belief I have a great source of confusion with this question:
Why were these movements sabotaged before our society was able to benefit from them? I can't come to any conclusion on this because it is hard for me to believe that these movements were meant to come to an end when they could have had such a positive effect on our society.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
As Time Passes By We Pass Away
On July 4th my Grandpa Lucas passed away. This is the first of my grandparents to go. He lived 83 years of what I assumed to be a miserable life. I always knew my grandpa as a cranky old man. He was one of those guys that mumbles and curses under his breath. He worked a janitorial position at a local hotel for as long as I can remember and never once did he seem like he was happily married. Every day when he came home he sat down in his recliner, drank beer, and watched old black and white movies. This was his life.
Today while visiting with his family I saw another side of this man. Is it possible that there was a better side of him that I never saw?
The amazing thing about death is that people begin sharing pleasant memories of the deceased. No matter how they were viewed in life; everything changes once you are dead. You are no longer an old bastard, you are remembered as a jolly soul whose sarcasm and cynicism were witty.
Is it possible that we can never truly know who someone is until they are dead? Do we fail to appreciate them while they are alive instead masking their true self with our perception of them?
My great-grandma (age 98) passed away last year and I witnessed the same thing. I learned so many things about her at her funeral. I loved hearing all the wonderful memories of my relatives. I came to fully understand what a unique and strong woman she was and reveled in how much she meant to my family.
I wonder what people will say at my funeral, what memories will be shared, and what kind of person my grandkids will perceive me to be?
Today while visiting with his family I saw another side of this man. Is it possible that there was a better side of him that I never saw?
The amazing thing about death is that people begin sharing pleasant memories of the deceased. No matter how they were viewed in life; everything changes once you are dead. You are no longer an old bastard, you are remembered as a jolly soul whose sarcasm and cynicism were witty.
Is it possible that we can never truly know who someone is until they are dead? Do we fail to appreciate them while they are alive instead masking their true self with our perception of them?
My great-grandma (age 98) passed away last year and I witnessed the same thing. I learned so many things about her at her funeral. I loved hearing all the wonderful memories of my relatives. I came to fully understand what a unique and strong woman she was and reveled in how much she meant to my family.
I wonder what people will say at my funeral, what memories will be shared, and what kind of person my grandkids will perceive me to be?
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Living the dream
This week I went back to Minneapolis for 3 days of integration training as Northwest Airlines switches to Delta. The training was uneventful but I had a great time. I absolutely love the city of Minneapolis and I have great affection for it. I did a lot of growing while I was working there over a year and a half. Being there again really made me miss my life there. My life there was so free. I didn't have much to worry about. My days consisted of waking up whenever I felt like it, checking the website to see if I was likely to get called in to fly. Touring the city by train/bus/bike. Stopping by the grocery store to get dinner and then going home and cooking it. I was truly a free spirit when I was there. It was like being on a long vacation. Of course coming home to STL was reality. I had obligations there- bills, friends,etc. Chuck of course took on ALL the responsibilities while I was gone and for that I will always be grateful. He paid the ultimate price for my freedom; he took on everything himself.
In buddhist theology attachments are the fall of mankind. Buddhists try to live a life free from attachments and I can finally see how this feels. Freedom from attachment is true freedom! Unfortunately I enjoy some attachments. I love owning a home but it does weigh me down. I enjoy Chuck and I enjoy my friends but sometimes those attachments keep you from being free. When you have to be considerate of someone else's feelings or interests you cannot truly be free. Without those people in my life I would not be the person I am today but it is also because of all the people I love that I cannnot leave St. Louis.
My trip to Minneapolis reaffirms my dream to one day give it all up and move to some remote tropical/mountainous region. Now that I know what tranquility is I cannot give up on that dream. The dream of living life without responsibility or obligations.
In buddhist theology attachments are the fall of mankind. Buddhists try to live a life free from attachments and I can finally see how this feels. Freedom from attachment is true freedom! Unfortunately I enjoy some attachments. I love owning a home but it does weigh me down. I enjoy Chuck and I enjoy my friends but sometimes those attachments keep you from being free. When you have to be considerate of someone else's feelings or interests you cannot truly be free. Without those people in my life I would not be the person I am today but it is also because of all the people I love that I cannnot leave St. Louis.
My trip to Minneapolis reaffirms my dream to one day give it all up and move to some remote tropical/mountainous region. Now that I know what tranquility is I cannot give up on that dream. The dream of living life without responsibility or obligations.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
The Twillight Series
After all the hype about this series I had decided that I wasn't really interested in reading a vampire love story. I mean, I'm not 16 and not gothic so why would I be interested in this book?
For the last few months I heard about this book over and over from ladies that I work with. People that I didn't think would be into this book but they were...it intrigued me. I had to read it to find out what was so great about it...and then I was hooked. I tried to look back to see how this could have happened-15 minutes waiting in the doctor's office, 30 minutes while I was getting my hair dyed, an hour long plane ride. Then I was obsessed. Staying up late to finish the book because I couldn't stand not knowing what was going to happen next. I put my foot down on the second book. "I'm not going to start reading it until summer when I have extra time" I told some co-workers. Somehow a week later I was finishing the second book and then the third. I couldn't stop.
So what was it that I liked so much about the book? Am I secretly obsessed with vampires? Not at all. The part of the book that really did it for me was the love story. I'm not really a sappy movie type person nor do I really believe in the hollywood, make believe way of falling in love, white picket fence, etc. What I really liked was that the author really captured the essence of what it feels like to be with someone new. To learn about someone new and feel the pleasant sexual tension between you both. This is the most exciting part of a relationship, the new, the unfamiliar, the intoxication. This is also the part that can never be relived and I think that this what many misconcieve as love. Of course it seems accurate to label this feeling as love because it is such a strong and pleasant feeling...how could it not be love? The author does a great job capturing the newness of a relationship, something that I haven't had in a long time. I think that's why I loved the book so much. I was able to live a part of my life through the characters and feel how they felt.
For the last few months I heard about this book over and over from ladies that I work with. People that I didn't think would be into this book but they were...it intrigued me. I had to read it to find out what was so great about it...and then I was hooked. I tried to look back to see how this could have happened-15 minutes waiting in the doctor's office, 30 minutes while I was getting my hair dyed, an hour long plane ride. Then I was obsessed. Staying up late to finish the book because I couldn't stand not knowing what was going to happen next. I put my foot down on the second book. "I'm not going to start reading it until summer when I have extra time" I told some co-workers. Somehow a week later I was finishing the second book and then the third. I couldn't stop.
So what was it that I liked so much about the book? Am I secretly obsessed with vampires? Not at all. The part of the book that really did it for me was the love story. I'm not really a sappy movie type person nor do I really believe in the hollywood, make believe way of falling in love, white picket fence, etc. What I really liked was that the author really captured the essence of what it feels like to be with someone new. To learn about someone new and feel the pleasant sexual tension between you both. This is the most exciting part of a relationship, the new, the unfamiliar, the intoxication. This is also the part that can never be relived and I think that this what many misconcieve as love. Of course it seems accurate to label this feeling as love because it is such a strong and pleasant feeling...how could it not be love? The author does a great job capturing the newness of a relationship, something that I haven't had in a long time. I think that's why I loved the book so much. I was able to live a part of my life through the characters and feel how they felt.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Aging
As I turn 32 today and with the sight of my first gray hair I've been thinking a lot about aging. I have no problem with getting older and I welcome it but there is something strange about aging.
Why do we hold on to our youth? Is it the fear of letting go and leaving something behind? Leaving behind childhood, adolescence, the first years of living on your own and making your own way in the world. These are all different stages that I look back upon with fondness. I look at the fun I've had, the lessons I've learned, and the experiences that have shaped who I am. I look back and appreciate where I've been and who I've become but I can no longer hold on to those times. I now look forward and see that my life is only just beginning and in another 30 years I'll look back and see how these days helped me to become the person I will be. This is just a small stop in my life and I'm here to learn but I must also keep moving in the direction that I'm headed. Where is that? Well I guess I'll know when I get there :)
Why do we hold on to our youth? Is it the fear of letting go and leaving something behind? Leaving behind childhood, adolescence, the first years of living on your own and making your own way in the world. These are all different stages that I look back upon with fondness. I look at the fun I've had, the lessons I've learned, and the experiences that have shaped who I am. I look back and appreciate where I've been and who I've become but I can no longer hold on to those times. I now look forward and see that my life is only just beginning and in another 30 years I'll look back and see how these days helped me to become the person I will be. This is just a small stop in my life and I'm here to learn but I must also keep moving in the direction that I'm headed. Where is that? Well I guess I'll know when I get there :)
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Eleuthera, Bahamas
My first impression of Eleuthera,
When I arrived on the island of Eleuthera I was surprised to see an arid, rocky landscape different than the tropical oasis that I had imagined. I couldn't believe that the island was so unsustainable. The island is composed primarily of limestone and coral with not more than an inch of soil on top.
Farming seemed to be difficult because of the lack of freshwater yet there were a few places to get fresh produce. The diet of most islanders consists of seafood and canned goods. Amidst the scarcity of food and arid landscape I found the most friendly and communal people I've ever met. The areas I stayed in (outside of Gregory Town) was inhabited by locals (Bahamians) and Americans/Europeans escaping the harsh winter back home While many of these "foreigners" only live in the Bahamas during part of the year they are all treated as locals. The communal spirit between Bahamians and Foreigners was a sight to see. Everyone seemed to know each other and treat each other with the utmost respect and sincerity.
The Bahamians' freedom from constrictive regulations regarding building construction allows for the building of unique self-made houses. Imagine being able to build your own home from scratch! The arid environment and lack of natural resources have a positive effect on building practices and promotes the use of rain gutters and solar energy. All of these things made me appreciate the spirit of the residents even more and their attitude was infectious.
After admiring the way the community functioned I had to step back to stop analyzing things and just enjoy my vacation. The daytime was filled with exploring many of Eleuthera's uninhabited beaches. (BTW all the beaches remain public property in the Bahamas and no one can own them!!!!) The variety of beaches was incredible. On one side of the island is the Atlantic Ocean which is a little rougher than the Carribean side which is calmer and more glass-like. I spent endless days relaxing and admiring all the natural beauty that is Eleuthera. My spirit became calm and my mind became clear. I realized that life is made up of a series of moments like this...moments when you stop thinking and talking and just be. Everything in life seemed to be perfect and I suddenly knew that for the rest of my life I'd be ok.
This was one of the most relaxing and wonderful vacations I've ever been on and it wouldn't have been the same without two of my favorite travel buddies Sarah and Jason. Thanks for the great time :)
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Under the Banner of Heaven
A few months ago during a flight to Salt Lake City a fellow flight attendant recommended that I read John Krakauer's "Under the Banner of Heaven." Although I'm against organized religion I somehow love to read about the various religions. Before reading this book I knew nothing about the mormon religion except that plural marriage was once part of the religion.
Reading this book caused me to really think hard about religion and its validity. The book discusses the origins of the mormon religion and the founder Joseph Smith. The book is a perfect depiction of how religion is just a farse. It shows how a power hungry person can take the lead of so many desperate people's lives. The wonderful thing about Joseph Smith (the great con artist) is that there are actual accounts of what his life was like and what kind of person he was. Since he was alive in the 1800's it is easy for us to look back at his life and see what kind of a man he was. We can easily see that he was a liar and used his "messages from god" to get what he wanted. The author points out that the significance of this is that there is no difference between the creation of this religion or any other religion. The only difference is that the mormon religion was created so recently that we can see the truth of the religion whereas the other major world religions were created so long ago that we have no real accounts to help disprove their origin. Have all religions been created out of lies and the desire for power?
There are many "ironic" things in this book. For example, Joseph Smith encouraged his followers to receive their own divine messages from God until some of his followers started getting messages that threatened his power. All of the sudden he received a message from God telling him that from now on God would only send messages to Joseph. Wow! God really does work in mysterious ways :) Then there is the issue of plural marriage. This is not something I'm entirely against if it's done in the right context. However, in my opinion the mormon religion has it all wrong and uses plural marriage as a way to gain control over women. The thing that shocks me the most is that Joseph Smith received a divine message from God that told him plural marriage was one of the most sacred gifts and the best way to honor God. Of course he received this message after coveting many women that were half his wife's age. Coincidence...I think not! More shockingly is that God told him that having multiple wives was holy and that the women's role was to serve their husbands but it was an absolute sin for the women to take a second husband. I mean really! How stupid could these women have been not to see through this BS. Did they really believe that the men of that time received these oppressive messages from God.
Now today most Mormons, especially the ones that are part of the Latter Day Saints, don't practice plural marriage. The people that practice polygamy are usually fundamentalist mormons. Fundamentalist of any kind scare me. They use God as a source of power to promote their own agenda. What really surprised me about the fundamentalist mormons is how many of them are just old dirty bastards looking for a way to continue their desires of pedophilia without feeling guilty about it. They use their religion to justify marrying 14 year old women or molesting their children...in the name of God? After reading many disgusting accounts of these female victims I really started thinking about what could possibly cause someone to desire a child in a sexual way. This is what I came up with: when someone has a real lack of living during a certain time period of their life this creates a desire to relive this part of their life. The appeal of a younger person intesifies because being with that person allows them to be brought back to that mental age. The yearning for perpetual youth is really what the pedophile seeks. There is no true love or divine message that causes these men to take a young bride; there is only a selfish insecurity of a life not lived that compels the pedophile to engage the life of a child.
This book really showed me how people can be easily mislead by religion. Does it matter if religion is promoting peace and equality? Has religion done more harm or good?
All of this leads me to believe that the only true religion is the one you create within your heart. None of us are meant to know who the creator is. All we have to do is what we feel makes the world a better place and helps to deepen our understanding of self.
Reading this book caused me to really think hard about religion and its validity. The book discusses the origins of the mormon religion and the founder Joseph Smith. The book is a perfect depiction of how religion is just a farse. It shows how a power hungry person can take the lead of so many desperate people's lives. The wonderful thing about Joseph Smith (the great con artist) is that there are actual accounts of what his life was like and what kind of person he was. Since he was alive in the 1800's it is easy for us to look back at his life and see what kind of a man he was. We can easily see that he was a liar and used his "messages from god" to get what he wanted. The author points out that the significance of this is that there is no difference between the creation of this religion or any other religion. The only difference is that the mormon religion was created so recently that we can see the truth of the religion whereas the other major world religions were created so long ago that we have no real accounts to help disprove their origin. Have all religions been created out of lies and the desire for power?
There are many "ironic" things in this book. For example, Joseph Smith encouraged his followers to receive their own divine messages from God until some of his followers started getting messages that threatened his power. All of the sudden he received a message from God telling him that from now on God would only send messages to Joseph. Wow! God really does work in mysterious ways :) Then there is the issue of plural marriage. This is not something I'm entirely against if it's done in the right context. However, in my opinion the mormon religion has it all wrong and uses plural marriage as a way to gain control over women. The thing that shocks me the most is that Joseph Smith received a divine message from God that told him plural marriage was one of the most sacred gifts and the best way to honor God. Of course he received this message after coveting many women that were half his wife's age. Coincidence...I think not! More shockingly is that God told him that having multiple wives was holy and that the women's role was to serve their husbands but it was an absolute sin for the women to take a second husband. I mean really! How stupid could these women have been not to see through this BS. Did they really believe that the men of that time received these oppressive messages from God.
Now today most Mormons, especially the ones that are part of the Latter Day Saints, don't practice plural marriage. The people that practice polygamy are usually fundamentalist mormons. Fundamentalist of any kind scare me. They use God as a source of power to promote their own agenda. What really surprised me about the fundamentalist mormons is how many of them are just old dirty bastards looking for a way to continue their desires of pedophilia without feeling guilty about it. They use their religion to justify marrying 14 year old women or molesting their children...in the name of God? After reading many disgusting accounts of these female victims I really started thinking about what could possibly cause someone to desire a child in a sexual way. This is what I came up with: when someone has a real lack of living during a certain time period of their life this creates a desire to relive this part of their life. The appeal of a younger person intesifies because being with that person allows them to be brought back to that mental age. The yearning for perpetual youth is really what the pedophile seeks. There is no true love or divine message that causes these men to take a young bride; there is only a selfish insecurity of a life not lived that compels the pedophile to engage the life of a child.
This book really showed me how people can be easily mislead by religion. Does it matter if religion is promoting peace and equality? Has religion done more harm or good?
All of this leads me to believe that the only true religion is the one you create within your heart. None of us are meant to know who the creator is. All we have to do is what we feel makes the world a better place and helps to deepen our understanding of self.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Slumdog Millionaire
Tonight I saw the movie "Slumdog Millionaire." It is a beautifully and creatively written story about a boy's life shown as he's giving answers on the game show Who Wants to be a Millionaire. The story takes place in India and showcases the hard life of an orphaned child. The movie is sad and shocking but shows that there is beauty in everything. I loved this movie and highly recommend that everyone see it.
This movie also brought me back to something that I've really had a hard time dealing with lately and that is suffering. I can no longer accept the suffering of people. How do we end this suffering? Don't we have a duty as compassionate beings to do something about it? There is just so much suffering in the world that it seems as if there will never be an end. The strangest thing is that people emerge from suffering with these amazing stories that just make the obstacles that they've overcome so much more beautiful.
Do we need a balance? Must we have suffering to be happy? Must there be violence and peace? I know that balance is essential but I just can't accept the fact that we need violence and suffering.
This movie also brought me back to something that I've really had a hard time dealing with lately and that is suffering. I can no longer accept the suffering of people. How do we end this suffering? Don't we have a duty as compassionate beings to do something about it? There is just so much suffering in the world that it seems as if there will never be an end. The strangest thing is that people emerge from suffering with these amazing stories that just make the obstacles that they've overcome so much more beautiful.
Do we need a balance? Must we have suffering to be happy? Must there be violence and peace? I know that balance is essential but I just can't accept the fact that we need violence and suffering.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Behind the Green Door, 1973**
**This blog has suggestive content, if you don't like porn skip to the next blog :)
Since our roommates were out of town and Chuck and I had the place to ourselves; we decided to kick back and watch some porn. We have this awesomely bizarre porno that a friend of mine recommended years ago (thanks Jennie) and decided to give it a whirl. The flick was made in 1973 and it is Marilyn Chamber's first movie. So I would have to say that this is by far the strangest porno I have ever watched. It's almost like driving past an accident, it's kind of horrific but you can't help but stare. So what I'm saying is that I highly recommend it. Mega 70's Bush and Oh, there is this psychedelic c*m shot scene that lasts for about 15 minutes. Fascinating how they tried to make it far out **********Enjoy!
Since our roommates were out of town and Chuck and I had the place to ourselves; we decided to kick back and watch some porn. We have this awesomely bizarre porno that a friend of mine recommended years ago (thanks Jennie) and decided to give it a whirl. The flick was made in 1973 and it is Marilyn Chamber's first movie. So I would have to say that this is by far the strangest porno I have ever watched. It's almost like driving past an accident, it's kind of horrific but you can't help but stare. So what I'm saying is that I highly recommend it. Mega 70's Bush and Oh, there is this psychedelic c*m shot scene that lasts for about 15 minutes. Fascinating how they tried to make it far out **********Enjoy!
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Gratitude
Today Chuck and I went to Hidden Valley to go snowboarding. I was of course hesitant to go because I hate Hidden Valley and would much rather be on a real mountain. I was talking to the guy I was riding the lift with, when I realized that my attitude towards things have become very negative. I realized that although Hidden Valley isn't perfect we are very lucky that we have a place to practice at and a place within a 30 minute drive. This change in attitude helped me have a wonderful day snowboarding without complaining about the conditions there and I even kept my cool when I was ran into by 2 other people. Today I've continued thinking about how lucky I am for many things in my life such as getting a new job in this crappy economy. Today I am truly grateful for all of the things I have in my life.
Monday, January 12, 2009
42 flights of stairs...what?
I'm going to climb 42 flights of stairs on March 7th in order to raise money for the American Lung Association. I know most of you are familiar with the American Lung Association but I'm especially fond of them because I have asthma and they fund all kinds of research related to lung diseases.
I'm determined to climb 42 flights of stairs and I'm also determined to raise $500 for the cause.
I'd love it if you could donate to help me reach my goal. Anything is appreciated even $5 helps.
You can donate online at:
http://www.mrsnv.com/evt/e01/part.jsp?rid=910575&id=2141
Thanks!
Michelle
http://www.mrsnv.com/evt/e01/part.jsp?rid=910575&id=2141
I'm determined to climb 42 flights of stairs and I'm also determined to raise $500 for the cause.
I'd love it if you could donate to help me reach my goal. Anything is appreciated even $5 helps.
You can donate online at:
http://www.mrsnv.com/evt/e01/part.jsp?rid=910575&id=2141
Thanks!
Michelle
http://www.mrsnv.com/evt/e01/part.jsp?rid=910575&id=2141
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Obama's Secretary of Agriculture
Here is a little information taken from the Organic Consumers Association about Obama's choice for Secretary of Agriculture, Tom Vilsack.
* Former Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack's support of genetically engineered pharmaceutical crops, especially pharmaceutical corn:
http://www.gene.ch/genet/2002/Oct/msg00057.html
http://www.organicconsumers.org/gefood/drugsincorn102302.cfm
* The biggest biotechnology industry group, the Biotechnology Industry Organization, named Vilsack Governor of the Year. He was also the founder and former chair of the Governor's Biotechnology Partnership.
http://www.bio.org/news/pressreleases/newsitem.asp?id=200...
* When Vilsack created the Iowa Values Fund, his first poster child of economic development potential was Trans Ova and their pursuit of cloning dairy cows.
* Vilsack was the origin of the seed pre-emption bill in 2005, which many people here in Iowa fought because it took away local government's possibility of ever having a regulation on seeds- where GE would be grown, having GE-free buffers, banning pharma corn locally, etc. Representative Sandy Greiner, the Republican sponsor of the bill, bragged on the House Floor that Vilsack put her up to it right after his state of the state address.
* Vilsack has a glowing reputation as being a schill for agribusiness biotech giants like Monsanto. Sustainable ag advocated across the country were spreading the word of Vilsack's history as he was attempting to appeal to voters in his presidential bid. An activist from the west coast even made this youtube animation about Vilsack
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hmoc4Qgcm4s
The airplane in this animation is a referral to the controversy that Vilsack often traveled in Monsanto's jet.
*Vilsack is an ardent support of corn and soy based biofuels, which use as much or more fossil energy to produce them as they generate, while driving up world food prices and literally starving the poor.
If you oppose this choice you can take action here:
http://www.organicconsumers.org/vilsack.cfm
* Former Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack's support of genetically engineered pharmaceutical crops, especially pharmaceutical corn:
http://www.gene.ch/genet/2002/Oct/msg00057.html
http://www.organicconsumers.org/gefood/drugsincorn102302.cfm
* The biggest biotechnology industry group, the Biotechnology Industry Organization, named Vilsack Governor of the Year. He was also the founder and former chair of the Governor's Biotechnology Partnership.
http://www.bio.org/news/pressreleases/newsitem.asp?id=200...
* When Vilsack created the Iowa Values Fund, his first poster child of economic development potential was Trans Ova and their pursuit of cloning dairy cows.
* Vilsack was the origin of the seed pre-emption bill in 2005, which many people here in Iowa fought because it took away local government's possibility of ever having a regulation on seeds- where GE would be grown, having GE-free buffers, banning pharma corn locally, etc. Representative Sandy Greiner, the Republican sponsor of the bill, bragged on the House Floor that Vilsack put her up to it right after his state of the state address.
* Vilsack has a glowing reputation as being a schill for agribusiness biotech giants like Monsanto. Sustainable ag advocated across the country were spreading the word of Vilsack's history as he was attempting to appeal to voters in his presidential bid. An activist from the west coast even made this youtube animation about Vilsack
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hmoc4Qgcm4s
The airplane in this animation is a referral to the controversy that Vilsack often traveled in Monsanto's jet.
*Vilsack is an ardent support of corn and soy based biofuels, which use as much or more fossil energy to produce them as they generate, while driving up world food prices and literally starving the poor.
If you oppose this choice you can take action here:
http://www.organicconsumers.org/vilsack.cfm
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Imagine
Today I watched the movie "The Killing Fields" again. I thought I would have a better understanding of it now that I've been to Cambodia and since I've read the book "When Broken Glass Floats." I highly recommend the book although the subject is not a pleasant one. At the end of the movie they play the John Lennon song "Imagine." It made me want to cry to hear this person singing about an idealistic view of the world which seems so simple. Doesn't it? How long are we going to create war and kill people. It's been going on for thousands of years and I just wonder will it ever stop?
Do you think there has ever been a point in history when there wasn't a war going on somewhere in the world? Even a second when a war wasn't going on?
I'd like to be positive and think that peace is achievable and that human beings aren't violent creatures but then why do so many of us act so inhumanely? What is the root of all this hatred and violence?
Do you think there has ever been a point in history when there wasn't a war going on somewhere in the world? Even a second when a war wasn't going on?
I'd like to be positive and think that peace is achievable and that human beings aren't violent creatures but then why do so many of us act so inhumanely? What is the root of all this hatred and violence?
Monday, January 5, 2009
Economy rant
I heard Obama on tv about two weeks ago. I want to share this with you because it's been on my mind ever since. President Obama was saying some wonderful things (as he always does). He was talking about the economy and the way to create more jobs in America is to rebuild the infrastructure of our country just as President Eisenhower kept us out of recession by building America's highways. This makes total sense. We can create tons of jobs by improving mass transit on a local and national scale. Why don't we have bullet or mag-lift trains here in America? Airlines are a dying industry, they pollute way too much and are run inefficiently. As proof to that almost every US airline has declared bankruptcy in the last 10 years. Is this industry stable...obviously not. So instead of trying to resurrect a dying industry let's look at technology that will make this country run more efficiently and cause less pollution.
Traveling through time zones.
Chuck and I went on a 2 week long trip that unexpectedly turned into 3 weeks. Our goal was to get the most out of our free flying since I'm hoping to quit my airline job soon. The original plan was to visit Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam. At my airline, in order to get to Southeast Asia you have to fly through Tokyo. All of the flights to Tokyo from the US were booked except for the flights from Hawaii. We decided to take a detour and spend a few days in Hawaii. Because of this we didn't make it to Vietnam but were still able to spend enough time in Thailand & Cambodia.
I was so glad that we were forced to fly through Hawaii! We had never been there and I was really longing for some sun! Hawaii turned out to be one of the best places I've ever been. There is so much natural beauty there that you can't help but get lost in each and every moment. It was so hard for me to get over the fact that here I was sitting on this tiny island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean! I mean it was incredible to think that I was surrounded by thousands of miles of ocean in each direction and on top of it, probably sitting on some of the newest formed land in the entire world!
We stayed in Waikiki but spent most of our time hanging out at the beach in Northshore and hiking on the windward side. Waikiki was a little too touristy for me but we stayed at a little hostel near the beach and met some fellow world travelers so it made it worth it. Renting a car was probably the best thing we did because getting out of Waikiki was wonderful. Once you get out of the city you are surrounded by lush mountains and breathtaking views no matter which direction you look.
Hiking was phenomenal too. It was amazing to see the difference in vegetation from one side of the island to the next. Near Waikiki, the Manoa Falls trail (leading to a waterfall) was filled with thick, green, and jungly type vegetation; while the windward side (Laie trail) displayed pine trees and tall grasses.
At the end of the Laie trail we were lucky enough to run into some local guys in the middle of a field lighting a homemade bamboo cannon. They had taken the widest piece of bamboo I've ever seen (probably 8-10 inches wide) and put a smaller, hollow thing in it. Then filled it with kerosene. They were lighting it up and it was making this incredible boom. Before you knew it we were putting all kinds of things in it to see how far it would shoot out of the cannon. I guess kids everywhere, even in paradise, can get bored :)Is it moving?
I took this picture in Angkor Wat, Cambodia at one of the temples. I'm still amazed because it looks like the light at the top gets bigger. Fun!
What about thoughts?
The other day I got to thinking about the origin of thought. Are there really any new thoughts? Are all thoughts already in our brain just waiting to surface into the realm of conscious understanding?
Or are thoughts just produced by our brains in response to stimuli as the scientists may presume? If so, how are they produced?
I'd love to hear your thoughts