Topic: Resolutions
Here's the first of my bimonthly resolution updates. Just in case you're interested.
ART
• finish all the projects already started.
I've started work on this but there's still a good bit of work to be done.
• focus on one new project at a time then finish it before starting another.
Sticking with this one so far. Considering it requires me to do nothing as I haven't finished existing projects this should be easy. It's actually very tough because it requires the discipline to stick with older projects.
• heavily promote myself and the art.
Not done anything on this front yet. It's a tricky one.
• line up a gallery show for the fall.
Also tricky, I do have some leads I'm following up on though.
• finish at least 2 paintings a month.
The "finish existing projects" is holding this one up.
PHYSICAL
• improve diet.
It's somewhat improved, nothing to brag about though.
• exercise 5 times a week.
I have this one covered. After being injured most of last year this has been pretty easy.
• drop 30 lbs to go from a 27.9 bmi to 23.7, or 200 to 170 lbs.
Current weight is 197.
FINANCIAL
• start a career already.
• pay down debt.
• Assess retirement savings and adjust accordingly.
Ummmm, not doing so well on any of these, so far. Without getting into any details, I've actually made a step or two backward.
SPIRITUAL
• More Sabbath . . . and LOUDER.
Of course! Are you kidding me?
• Return to Dagobah and complete my Jedi training with Master Yoda.
Adventure, excitement, the Jedi craves not these things.
Over all I'm happy with my progress so far. I could be doing a lot better, but then again, I've never been too strong out of the gate. I'll post the next update on Saint Brigid's Day.(february 1st)
Non Sequitur: This weekend we dismantled Christmas. Some would say mid-January is late, but I don't listen to those people. That's not the point though. Every time I played with my trains Angus would come over and sit next to me and watch them. If I got up and left them running he'd stay there mesmerized. I knew he loved them but I didn't realize how much until I put them away. He sat and watched with a puzzled look as I put Christmas into boxes and brought them to the basement. He's been depressed for over a day now and won't leave his room. He'll get over it but I'm amazed. He's the bulldog who loves Christmas. Maybe I'll write a children's book about it.
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Thursday, January 11, 2007
Forgotten History
topic: war
The Bush administration led us into war under the pretext of defending ourselves against a terrorist and chemical/biological/nuclear weapons threat. Additionally they believed that by overthrowing a dictatorship and instituting a democratic government, democracy would florish throughout the middle east. Obviously none of that was true. None of it.
If we follow the logic behind the "democracy will spread throughout the middle east" premise, then it's logical to assume that the chaos occuring there will likewise spread. Thank you very much Mr. Bush. Thank you. President Jimmy (not James) Carter tirelessly negotiated a peace agreement between Isreal and Egypt that stands to this day. During these negotiiations Pres. Carter forgoed such White House formalities as the pardoning of a turkey on Thanksgiving Day, because he was too busy working on the treaty. Pres. Bush was so detatched from reality that not only did he have time to pardon a turkey but he also had time to make a Christmas video with his dog. The video raised quite a bit of money.
During tonight's Presidential speach, Pres. Bush admitted that too few troops were sent to occupy the territory taken in Iraq. This is an obvious and inexcusable mistake. Any student of ancient history learned that Alexander the Great's greatest accomplishment wasn't his military victories, but his ability to maintain control of the land he conqured. Before the age of 33 he controlled all the land from Macedonia to India. This at a time when the fastest means of transport was a horse. Now we can't control one tenth of that area in spite of our speed and strength. We can't do this because we didn't follow the example laid out by Alexander. Where he defeated armies incrimentally and built infrastcucture in his military's wake, we rolled through a country and held a photo op on an aircraft carrier declaring victory. "Shock and Awe!" "Let's Roll!" and "Mission Accomplished!". Remember?
Alexander knew in order to truely conqure a people, you must assimilate them into your culture. To achive this, a main component of his war strategy was to, in the aftermath of military victory, construct and staff both libraries and schools. His aim was not only military victory but to create a life for the conqured that was better than the one they had before. Is this what we've done in Iraq? Hardly. We can barely keep the lights on and the water running, let alone provide security. Libraries and schools are out of the question, a distant dream.
Now the plan is to inject more troops into Baghdad. Brilliant. That'll be like adding more grapes to a food fight.
Non Sequitur: Meanest hitter of the late 70s-early 80s, Jim Rice, #14 was left out of the Hall again.
The Bush administration led us into war under the pretext of defending ourselves against a terrorist and chemical/biological/nuclear weapons threat. Additionally they believed that by overthrowing a dictatorship and instituting a democratic government, democracy would florish throughout the middle east. Obviously none of that was true. None of it.
If we follow the logic behind the "democracy will spread throughout the middle east" premise, then it's logical to assume that the chaos occuring there will likewise spread. Thank you very much Mr. Bush. Thank you. President Jimmy (not James) Carter tirelessly negotiated a peace agreement between Isreal and Egypt that stands to this day. During these negotiiations Pres. Carter forgoed such White House formalities as the pardoning of a turkey on Thanksgiving Day, because he was too busy working on the treaty. Pres. Bush was so detatched from reality that not only did he have time to pardon a turkey but he also had time to make a Christmas video with his dog. The video raised quite a bit of money.
During tonight's Presidential speach, Pres. Bush admitted that too few troops were sent to occupy the territory taken in Iraq. This is an obvious and inexcusable mistake. Any student of ancient history learned that Alexander the Great's greatest accomplishment wasn't his military victories, but his ability to maintain control of the land he conqured. Before the age of 33 he controlled all the land from Macedonia to India. This at a time when the fastest means of transport was a horse. Now we can't control one tenth of that area in spite of our speed and strength. We can't do this because we didn't follow the example laid out by Alexander. Where he defeated armies incrimentally and built infrastcucture in his military's wake, we rolled through a country and held a photo op on an aircraft carrier declaring victory. "Shock and Awe!" "Let's Roll!" and "Mission Accomplished!". Remember?
Alexander knew in order to truely conqure a people, you must assimilate them into your culture. To achive this, a main component of his war strategy was to, in the aftermath of military victory, construct and staff both libraries and schools. His aim was not only military victory but to create a life for the conqured that was better than the one they had before. Is this what we've done in Iraq? Hardly. We can barely keep the lights on and the water running, let alone provide security. Libraries and schools are out of the question, a distant dream.
Now the plan is to inject more troops into Baghdad. Brilliant. That'll be like adding more grapes to a food fight.
Non Sequitur: Meanest hitter of the late 70s-early 80s, Jim Rice, #14 was left out of the Hall again.
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
Ancient Rome
topic: war
They'd never admit it, but the Bush administration sees a parallel between our current military actions in the middle east and the Crusades. They like to see themselves as righteous, Christian soldiers, wrapped in a flag and carrying a cross. The truth is it's not the Crusades but another equally disastrous historic event that the current struggle should be compared to, the fall of the Roman Empire.
Unlike our military action in Iraq, Al Quada has a clearly defined and easily understood objective. That objective is to spread the U.S. military as thin as possible, bleed our resources and make us look like aggressive imperialists on the world stage. Considering we're waging a war in Iraq, Afghanistan and now Somalia at a cost that is vastly greater than expected, I'd say they're doing a pretty good job.
The classic "Fall of Rome" image is that of Nero fiddling while Rome burned. In actuality there were a number of factors that led to it's fall. As it's empire grew, the Roman army became spread across a greater area. This increased military spending, taxes, which led to dissatisfaction with the government on the home front. (it also greatly benefited their defence contractors.) At the same time the Romans came under attack from barbarian hordes from the east, who waged war using nontraditional methods. The Roman army was the strongest in the world. Against a traditional force they were nearly invincible. Against the Huns, Goths, and Visigoths, who waged a type of guerrilla warfare, they were stymied and suffered a death of 1000 cuts.
So where do we stand in comparison? Military spread thin? check. Dissatisfaction with the government? check. Barbarian hordes from the east waging nontraditional warfare. a big check. The parallels are disturbing. What's even more disturbing is that the administration seems blissfully ignorant of it.
Non Sequitur: There's an unexplained rotten odor hanging over much of Manhattan. My guess is it's either George Steinbrenner or Donald Trump. My bet's on Steinbrenner.
They'd never admit it, but the Bush administration sees a parallel between our current military actions in the middle east and the Crusades. They like to see themselves as righteous, Christian soldiers, wrapped in a flag and carrying a cross. The truth is it's not the Crusades but another equally disastrous historic event that the current struggle should be compared to, the fall of the Roman Empire.
Unlike our military action in Iraq, Al Quada has a clearly defined and easily understood objective. That objective is to spread the U.S. military as thin as possible, bleed our resources and make us look like aggressive imperialists on the world stage. Considering we're waging a war in Iraq, Afghanistan and now Somalia at a cost that is vastly greater than expected, I'd say they're doing a pretty good job.
The classic "Fall of Rome" image is that of Nero fiddling while Rome burned. In actuality there were a number of factors that led to it's fall. As it's empire grew, the Roman army became spread across a greater area. This increased military spending, taxes, which led to dissatisfaction with the government on the home front. (it also greatly benefited their defence contractors.) At the same time the Romans came under attack from barbarian hordes from the east, who waged war using nontraditional methods. The Roman army was the strongest in the world. Against a traditional force they were nearly invincible. Against the Huns, Goths, and Visigoths, who waged a type of guerrilla warfare, they were stymied and suffered a death of 1000 cuts.
So where do we stand in comparison? Military spread thin? check. Dissatisfaction with the government? check. Barbarian hordes from the east waging nontraditional warfare. a big check. The parallels are disturbing. What's even more disturbing is that the administration seems blissfully ignorant of it.
Non Sequitur: There's an unexplained rotten odor hanging over much of Manhattan. My guess is it's either George Steinbrenner or Donald Trump. My bet's on Steinbrenner.
Things I used to do.
topic: stupid things
I tore a hole in my least favorite pajamas tonight and I still can't bring myself to throw them out.
After a long lay off due to an injury, I returned to my job. I was given a promotion and a raise. Unfortunately, I was told my position no longer existed. I thought about this for a moment and decided it was a bit like a fart in the wind that nobody smells . . . only in reverse.
So I was rehired, then fired for stealing something that I didn't steal, then rehired when they realized I didn't steal it. After the rehiring I returned to work at the scene of the crime which did not not happen and was briefed on the details of the nonexistent crime.
What occurred next was a series of insults and property damage. Then I quit.
Non Sequitur: I used to go to industrial dance clubs. I used to do a lot of things.
I tore a hole in my least favorite pajamas tonight and I still can't bring myself to throw them out.
After a long lay off due to an injury, I returned to my job. I was given a promotion and a raise. Unfortunately, I was told my position no longer existed. I thought about this for a moment and decided it was a bit like a fart in the wind that nobody smells . . . only in reverse.
So I was rehired, then fired for stealing something that I didn't steal, then rehired when they realized I didn't steal it. After the rehiring I returned to work at the scene of the crime which did not not happen and was briefed on the details of the nonexistent crime.
What occurred next was a series of insults and property damage. Then I quit.
Non Sequitur: I used to go to industrial dance clubs. I used to do a lot of things.
Monday, January 8, 2007
Rocky! Rocky! Rocky!
Topic: similarities
A new Rocky movie was just released. I haven't seen it and despite what I've been told, I think it has to be absurd. The artistic or entertainment value of the movie is not my point. The premise is that Rocky, at 60, fights a 20 something. With the exception of maybe George Foreman (the boxer not the grill), no one age 60 is stepping into a ring with a pro boxer in his prime. Stallone hasn't stepped into a ring, at any age, even though next to Ali he's probably the most famous boxer in the world.
Bill O'Reilly settled a sexual harassment suit filed by to Andrea Mackris, who recorded the lascivious telephone conversations she had with O'Reilly.(the transcripts are really gross, especially when you consider it's O'Reilly) Despite his immorality he wrote "Culture Warrior" a book about morality and values.
When most think of the ultimate soldier, "Rambo" is the name that comes to mind. Rambo was played by Sylvester Stallone, who never served in the military. One of the loudest voices calling for war in Iraq was O'Reilly, who also never served.
You get my point. At least Stallone is entertaining. Sometimes.
Non Sequitur: Is it wrong that I care about the Baseball Hall of Fame, but couldn't care less about the Rock-n-roll Hall of Fame? This despite the fact that I care just about the same amount for baseball as rock-n-roll. Jim Rice better get voted into Cooperstown this year.
A new Rocky movie was just released. I haven't seen it and despite what I've been told, I think it has to be absurd. The artistic or entertainment value of the movie is not my point. The premise is that Rocky, at 60, fights a 20 something. With the exception of maybe George Foreman (the boxer not the grill), no one age 60 is stepping into a ring with a pro boxer in his prime. Stallone hasn't stepped into a ring, at any age, even though next to Ali he's probably the most famous boxer in the world.
Bill O'Reilly settled a sexual harassment suit filed by to Andrea Mackris, who recorded the lascivious telephone conversations she had with O'Reilly.(the transcripts are really gross, especially when you consider it's O'Reilly) Despite his immorality he wrote "Culture Warrior" a book about morality and values.
When most think of the ultimate soldier, "Rambo" is the name that comes to mind. Rambo was played by Sylvester Stallone, who never served in the military. One of the loudest voices calling for war in Iraq was O'Reilly, who also never served.
You get my point. At least Stallone is entertaining. Sometimes.
Non Sequitur: Is it wrong that I care about the Baseball Hall of Fame, but couldn't care less about the Rock-n-roll Hall of Fame? This despite the fact that I care just about the same amount for baseball as rock-n-roll. Jim Rice better get voted into Cooperstown this year.
Friday, January 5, 2007
New Year's Resolutions
Topic: Resolutions
I figure if I post these online I'll be more likely to stick to them. I'm open to suggestions anyone might have. I'll post my progress monthly.
ART
• finish all the projects already started.
• focus on one new project at a time then finish it before starting another.
• heavily promote myself and the art.
• line up a gallery show for the fall.
• finish at least 2 paintings a month.
PHYSICAL
• improve diet.
• exercise 5 times a week.
• drop 30 lbs to go from a 27.9 bmi to 23.7, or 200 to 170 lbs.
FINANCIAL
• start a career already.
• pay down debt.
• Assess retirement savings and adjust accordingly.
SPIRITUAL
• More Sabbath . . . and LOUDER.
• Return to Dagobah and complete my Jedi training with Master Yoda.
I figure if I post these online I'll be more likely to stick to them. I'm open to suggestions anyone might have. I'll post my progress monthly.
ART
• finish all the projects already started.
• focus on one new project at a time then finish it before starting another.
• heavily promote myself and the art.
• line up a gallery show for the fall.
• finish at least 2 paintings a month.
PHYSICAL
• improve diet.
• exercise 5 times a week.
• drop 30 lbs to go from a 27.9 bmi to 23.7, or 200 to 170 lbs.
FINANCIAL
• start a career already.
• pay down debt.
• Assess retirement savings and adjust accordingly.
SPIRITUAL
• More Sabbath . . . and LOUDER.
• Return to Dagobah and complete my Jedi training with Master Yoda.
Tuesday, January 2, 2007
It was incredible, we were blown away
Topic: Christmas
2006 can fuck off. We rocked it out big time New Year's Eve, dumping a few thousand dollars of someone else's money at a club called Pasha in Dupont Circle D.C. (thank you Peroni).
Unlike most of the year, Christmas was the best. Best, like one of those 4 year old kid waking up at dawn to see what Santa brought you Christmases. We got a surround sound home theater system for my Dad. I spent the day after Christmas drilling holes in the walls and ceiling. To run the wiring I crawled, in the attic, on my stomach, with fiberglass insulation in my face and roofing nails stabbing me in the back of my head. The thing sounds incredible. He was blown away. I got this thing called a "Jolly Ball" for Angus. It's this volleyball sized toy with a handle. When you throw it, it bounces unpredictably and he can grab the handle and bolt around like a nut with this big ball in his mouth. The thing is incredible. He was blown away.
I got a silver, super secret spy suitcase from Miki. It's a carry-on and it's the lightest suitcase in the world. I'm going to trick it out with a bullet proof kevlar liner and a holster for a 9 milli and an extra clip. The thing is incredible. I was blown away. I gave Miki an iPod, a pair of running shoes, some other stuff and a dollar store picture frame with 3 windows. I put a pic of one of us in each. It was ok to put in a stocking, I guess. She was blown away.
So, 2007 . . . When I make a list of goals for the year I'll type them up and post them. I already know one . . . even more Sabbath, even louder.
2006 can fuck off. We rocked it out big time New Year's Eve, dumping a few thousand dollars of someone else's money at a club called Pasha in Dupont Circle D.C. (thank you Peroni).
Unlike most of the year, Christmas was the best. Best, like one of those 4 year old kid waking up at dawn to see what Santa brought you Christmases. We got a surround sound home theater system for my Dad. I spent the day after Christmas drilling holes in the walls and ceiling. To run the wiring I crawled, in the attic, on my stomach, with fiberglass insulation in my face and roofing nails stabbing me in the back of my head. The thing sounds incredible. He was blown away. I got this thing called a "Jolly Ball" for Angus. It's this volleyball sized toy with a handle. When you throw it, it bounces unpredictably and he can grab the handle and bolt around like a nut with this big ball in his mouth. The thing is incredible. He was blown away.
I got a silver, super secret spy suitcase from Miki. It's a carry-on and it's the lightest suitcase in the world. I'm going to trick it out with a bullet proof kevlar liner and a holster for a 9 milli and an extra clip. The thing is incredible. I was blown away. I gave Miki an iPod, a pair of running shoes, some other stuff and a dollar store picture frame with 3 windows. I put a pic of one of us in each. It was ok to put in a stocking, I guess. She was blown away.
So, 2007 . . . When I make a list of goals for the year I'll type them up and post them. I already know one . . . even more Sabbath, even louder.
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