My Warm Fuzzy Blanket

I watched Body of Lies a few months ago, and I remember thinking ,Wow, what a good movie.

EDIT: For those that haven't seen it yet, check it out.  While it does have many political references and insinuations, it's a ficticious tale based upon occurences in the Middle East.  Terrorism, suicide bombings, beheadings (or the threat of them), and helping the "right side" are all elements within the film.  This is juxtaposed with the politics of fighting a war while maintaining the status quo, which often times conflicts with the effectiveness of fighting to begin with.

As I perused the news this morning,  I came across this bit of news.  Quite sad it seems.

I know that living where I do, I have certain priveliges and liberties that other countries dream of. Perhaps the one overlooked is that feeling of security.  That superficial and tranparent security blanket, security that we feel we have, but often times, fail to acknowledge how quickly it can be taken away.  

I laughed in the movie when Di Caprio's character said to go ahead and shoot him, he didn't wan't his head cut off.  But the reality is that in parts of the world, this does happen.  Regularly at least. As Memorial Day came and went this past Monday, I'm thankful for the security that we do have. Because no matter what, it can  be worse.

Thank a soldier.  Thank a policeman.  But give thanks either way.

Closing Quote:  "Liberty: One of Imagination's most precious possessions."  Ambrose Bierce, The Devil's Dictionary

Interesting Question #3: Why do you game?

I've been playing video games since 1983 or so.  I remember my dad buying the Magnavox Odyssey² and bringing it home.  Since then, I've gone through numerous video game systems and such. 

And that leads us to this week's question:  Why do you game?

Is it the need to conquer that level?  Do you enjoy the typical mindless platformer?  Perhaps you are part of a clan and enjoy the comeraderie? 

There's no one reason why a person should play games.  A plethora of valid reasons exists, along with those not so valid reasons.

For me, it's about getting away for a brief moment.  It's not too terribly often I play for more than an hour at a time; I can't afford to during the school year.  Summer time, it's a bit of a different story, but I still have to set an example for my boys.  

In any case, I play games that offer a challenge (any FPS right now...), has music that I enjoy (Rock Band 2!!), and makes a person think (ever played echochrome or Flower?). 

So what drives you to get your digital fix?  Comments, as always, are welcome. And don't forget to vote on the poll!

Closing quote: "Video games are bad for you? That's what they said about rock and roll." - Shigeru Miyamoto

Guilty Pleasures: Star Wars

Yes, it's true.  I love me some Star Wars  But then, I grew up in that era where the original trilogy was filled with magic, where you would reach out with your hand to pull something with the Force, and lightsabers were the end all to any battle.

I was reminded of my love for Stars Wars last night when I was watching Fanboys.  If you haven't seen it (and you are a fan of the Star Wars), then see if you would pass the test given in the movie (you'll see it).

I can't say I'm a hard-core fan; I've never dressed up and gone out in costume beyond Halloween.  I don't own any props.  I only have two unopened toy figures.  My son has some of the Lego toys; I've got a dozen or so books.  But I still really enjoy the whole Star Wars universe, how the characters have developed and interplay with each other.

It's not for everyone, that's for sure.  But, again, that's why it's a guilty pleasure.

P.S. - While I didn't grow up a Trekkie, I can't say I have any animosity towards Star Trek fans.  I love the new movie and Shatner is one of my fav actors.

Closing Quote: “The Dark Side of the Force is the pathway to many abilities some consider to be… Unnatural.”

Intersting Question#2: Why do you do the Blog?

I love window shopping.  Ever since I can remember, I loved walking around store, malls and such and simply previewing the possibilities for the next time gifts might be exchanged.  

My sister and I had this simple game we used to play: Pick.  We would take a good catalogue (Christmas/Winter catalogues were the best as they had the largest assortment of toys).  We would flip the pages, taking turns on picking what we considered to be the best on each page.  Sometimes, especially if you had first pick, you'd take something the other wanted just to be antagonistic.

Why did we do it?  Well, maybe because we felt like we just didn't quite have that much.  More than anything, it was cheap and entertaining fun.  We enjoyed it.

That leads us up to this week's Interesting Question:  Why do you do the Blog?  And, to be honest, it doesn't necessarly pertain to just this one.  Why do you write?  Why do you visit the blogs that you do?

Answers will vary based upon the person, but I'll go ahead and give you mine.  I write because deep down inside lurks a wannabe writer, a poseur of prose if you will.  I've written, in my humble opinion, very little of great literary value, but....I digress.  I also enjoy reading other blogs namely because they share similar interests.  Guitarz is a great one for interesting guitars and PostSecret is one that deals with real life.  They offer me a fill of things I am simply into.

So what's your reason?  Be it simple or more complex than than a typical Home Owner's Association's by-laws, share your reason.

Final Quote: "We read to know that we are not alone." - C.S. Lewis

Missed my Deadline!

I've been trying to maintain some sort of regularity on this writing thing, but sometimes life gets in the way.

Since Sunday, I've played Nerf Dart Tag (or Wars) with the boy, had numerous tickle-fests with the other boy, ridden bikes with the entire family (with other boy in tow), rocked out on guitar and on Rock Band, read half of a recommended book (The Road is quite bleak, Kris...), discussed networking in depth along with the state of the planet, spend nearly half a day (total time-wise) editing a truly bad-assed video for work (guitars, teased hair, and classic rock is about all i can say right now) and even sitting down with the wife for a nice quaint dinner (with the kids watch TV and eating french fries).

Honestly, I don't feel too guilty now that I look over the reasons why I haven't written.  This is exactly why I decided to step down as the head golf coach.  My family is a priority and I didn't uphold that truth for too long.

So here's the post.  Nothing fancy at all.  In fact, you'd be lucky to get any more hyperlinks, but I'm feeling kinda lazy right now.  I will say this: No matter where you are, no matter what you are doing, take the time to simply appreciate the moment.  It truly is fleeting.

Best of it all, it doesn't meant that bad things won't happen; they will.  Take it all in stride and learn to appreciate those moments, as they impress upon us even more to inhale all our better moments.

Okay, here's a quick plug for one of my fav bands, REM.  Enjoy!

R.E.M. - New Music - More Music Videos

Final Quote: "...That's sugarcane that tasted good/that's what you are, that's what you could/c'mon c'mon no one can see you cry..." - REM

Interesting Question #1: Clothing Brands

I am always amazed where my lovely muse may strike...

If you've done any facebooking, you know about the various applications that come up.  And with that, comes hopefully a regular Sunday light writing:  Interesting Questions.  No brain busters, nothing that you're gonna regret in the morning (not those kind of questions!), but something simple and hopefully will inspire you to just consider the small things that make up our wonderful and complicated lives.

So, I get this update that says "Your Pick5 of the Day:..." and it lists a few lists that I could generate.  I click on the one that says "Favourite Clothing Brand" (guilty pleasure: I love "ou" spellings on certain words...dunno why...just do...back to the topic) and begin to peruse some of the latest entries.

It appears that American Eagle, Under Armor, Hollister, and Ambercrombie & Fitch are among the top ones, but there are others as well.  Seeing these and thinking about what many of my students where, I had to stop and wonder:  Why do we wear (let's just stick with clothing here...)the brands that we do?  

I'l get into my choices later, but for now, I guess we'd have to evaluate the purpose of clothes.  Obviously, they clothe us.  Most of us wouldn't want to go around naked or be around naked people at the work place, right?  While some may derive a really weird pleasure from it, for the most part, keep that stuff at home or the occasional hotel room, right?  This would also pertain to those that require certain attire for maintaining religious beliefs.  

Clothes also allow us a certain look.  We've all heard the phrase "Sunday best", "casual Friday", and "business casual".  We've professional obligations to maintain, even if we don't always agree with them.  Personally, I'd love to wear cargos to work every day, but I can't.  Jeans suffice two days a week for me.

But the third one is tricky.  Clothes allow for a bit of prestige.  Wear something nice and you get noticed.  But what makes that t-shirt nice?  Is it the splatter logo mosaic of a bird's silouhette on it that makes it cool?  Point is, that little check mark (makes a woosh-like sound...) is pretty cool and turns that regular run of the mill shirt into a $30 t-shirt.  Like that broken in jeans?  Spend $60 on a pair of "worn in" jeans that could possible tear on you in about a month for that more "broken in super cool" look. 

I know I sound jaded, but in the end, clothes are just clothes.  They shouldn't define you, but so often we see that it does.  Maybe that's okay, but I would hope that people could eventually grow out of that.  I'm trying not to judge, because I'm quite guilty of this.  One of my favorite shirts is that black Nike shirt.  The only thing on it is an embroidered swoosh.  Why do I like it?  It fits me like no other and it's been washed so many times that it's nearly ashy, but velvety soft.

So, in short, I do have five brands that I like, but it goes beyond the brand.  Many of these lack the obligatory highly visible logo.  They don't need them.  But then again...

1. ecco Shoes - My first pair of "good" golf shoes, I love them.  Nothing fancy in the design at all, black and white.  I got a super deal on them...four years ago.  They work just as well as the pair I just got three months ago.  
2. Old Navy - The clothes fit me, the shirts damn near perfect.  The jeans hold up (I still have my second pair, they are perfectly ripped up, circa 1999/2000) .  Prices are nice, but sales are the best.  What more is there to say?
3. adidas - I don't care much for the adidas brand (too much hype), but I do have to say that much of their apparel is really nice.  They've had some really nice golf team shirts and I can't say enough about their shorts.  Whether it be soccer, golf or basketball, adidas seems to put out some really nice stuff.  I've got a pair of adidas heavy workout shorts (I lost the matching top!) that are circa 1998.  They are my favorite.
4. Hanes - Honesly, this is only because I've had so many custom shirts made in the last five years.  The shirts were true-sized, a nice weight, and didn't shrink too much.  
5. dockers - Honestly, I usually don't care about the brand of my khakis.  I have so many and go through them like water, it's not a big deal.  Dockers tend to be expensive (even during sales) but they do hold up better than other brands...just barely.  Even then, it's number five.

That' s it.  My list.  Nothing fancy.  But the clothes fit physically and monetarily.  And my wife likes them on me.  Maybe that's the most important thing.  So, now, you get you leave your comments.  Go ahead; share with us.  Disagree?  Question me for buying foreign brands?  Want to know more about those foreign brands?  Leave a comment.

Final quote: If most of us are ashamed of shabby clothes and shoddy furniture, let us be more ashamed of shabby  ideas and shoddy philosophies...It would be a sad situation if the wrapper were better thant eh meat wrapped inside it. - Albert Einstein

Risk Takers: Cheerleader Try-Outs

I didn't learn to take risks until later in life, but it's been a good experience for me.

I decided to help out with some cheer try-outs.

I helped out last year, and I offered my humble services again this year.  No, I'm not judging.  In fact, I can't really see anything; I'm simply a score tabulator.  I bust out my laptop and Excel and total and graph the scores.

I didn't try out for cheer leading, nor do I have any daughters.  My sister didn't try out for it either. It's pretty interesting to at least hear the girls do their thing.  

I remember being that age and to put yourself up for this...I take back EVERY SINGLE MEAN THING I ever said or thought.  Middle school-ers are really mean.  To take the chance to do something you might like...Wow.

For all those chances I didn't take in middle and high school, I look back and know I missed out.  Worried about what "they" might say or think.  Now, I could care less.  Velvet ropes have parted, valets have jumped to service.  Once you attain that freedom from other's judgement, you will have opened up the entire world.

So to all you cheerleaders, those that tried out, those that are trying out, those that are thinking about trying out...Do your best.  Regardless of what some jerk might/did say to you, I promise you this:  taking this chance will build upon your character.  You will be a better person for taking that chance.

Take a chance!  Vote on the survey, or better yet, leave a comment.  It's your chance...

Final Quote: Two roads diverged in a wood, and I, I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference. - Robert Frost

Immediacy: Read this Now!

I've had this blog going for close to four years.  Why? Probably not so much to change the world, but more so to really develop my writing voice and perhaps meet others with like minds.  

Recently, I established my facebook account.  I didn't do it because it was the cool thing, but more along the lines of connecting with a few old buddies.  I've been using it late as a platform to hopefully expand my readership (along with obtaining some new sources of reading as well).  

But what of the status quo?  What of those that must do this, must blog/tweet/FB/mySpace/social network in whatever en vogue forum you visit?

I don't have any other accounts.  I must admit, for the longest time, when my students would ask about it, I would state that I have friends that I actually socialize with.  A flippant statement, considering that I didn't participate in them.  Looking back, my ideas about it were shallow and archaic.  I know that they are various tools for communicating with friends of distance and yore.  But this doesn't address my question on the status quo.

Anyone around typical teenagers will be annoyed by the typical remark when for a rationale for something.  "Because...you know..." is quite standard among many of my students.  While not a specific answer, it is indicative that teens (among a great many of our populous) don't really know why they do the things that they do.  "Dude, did you see Sewand Sew's mySpace/ facebook/blah blah blah?"  The plastering of photos (many of which are quite lewd and crass) which show fun times has lead to suspensions of students more than just once.  Status quo? Look at me. Now.  NOW!

Don't believe me?  How much reality TV do you watch?  How much does society in general watch?  Apparently a lot.  USAToday wrote about this yesterday and makes a great point about reality TV: That's not a call for more reality shows. It's a plea for a return to shows...that make an effor to connect to life as we live it.  TV has basically proven that many consumers are interested in the current fad of immediacy.

My friend Kris wrote about this and it prompted me to voice my own little opinion.  I promise you, it's worth what you're paying for it.  Social networks are simply pretty cool.  Sure, you can find out how cold your friends are in Alaska (hey Alan!), see pictures of loved ones from afar, and even get your blog out to new viewers.  But, as many people do, much of the social networking that goes on is about immediacy.  "Look at me, I just took this quiz.  See if your smarter than me!".

Before you stop reading, let's be honest.  Much of it is pretty harmless fun.  Sure, some of it is stupid.  Sure, you can easily hit delete or ignore and be done with it. I admit, I did it my first few weeks, as I thought it was the cool thing to do.  In the end, I can't control what you post, how you post it, nor why you post it.  But then, in an attempt to get me to "Look at me.  Now.  Now!", you probably drove me away to begin with.

Final quote: Don't wanna wait for tomorrow/Why put it off another day/One by one, little problems/build up and stand in our way - Van Halen, "Right Now"

Napster or Metallica: Who killed the party?

I got to this party late.

It was 2001 and the teacher next door was always downloading music.  I didn't think much of it until he showed me his collection: over 3000 songs.  Many obscure and one-hit wonders, along with the usual must-have albums and such.

Fast-forward to 2009.  Here we are when music downloads are surpassing.  In 2007, digital downloading surpassed CD sales, but that figure is arguable; the analysts say that digital sales won't exceed physical sales until 2012. That's a big deal.  It's indicative that people are using digital media players (on PCs and portable).  As consumers continue this trend, the market for free downloadable content (DLC) rises.  So is there a right side to this?  Maybe we need to go back a little bit...

I'm sure you remember, especially if you are reading this, back in the days of cassette tapes.  How often did you are someone you know take the time to make a mix tape?  Maybe you wanted to impress that special someone and mixed them a extra-special one.  I did many years ago.  But in doing so, were we violating laws?  I'm pretty sure we were, but I don't remember anyone getting sued over it (not to say it didn't happen).  But you are probably saying, "People weren't copying thousands of songs."  Ah...

The proliferation of digital music has not only expanded the arena of music (read: over-crowded genres), but also increased the vulnerablility of thieves to find/obtain free music.  I'm sure that most of you remember that Napster was the most widely used program that distributed the shared files.  Metallica was arguably the most vocal opponent to the shared files.  There was even a pretty funny skit with one of the Wayans and Lars about "sharing" that was presented during a music awards.

So what has the digital realm done to change music?  A lot.  Prince is credited as being the first to distribute an album entirely on the internet.  Digital Rights Management (DRM) became a common tool used to counter downloaders.  Many cds today (I've had problems with Foo Fighters, Audioslave, and Velvet Revolver) are encoded with anti-copying software/coding to prevent copying (much to my dismay!).  The industry has changed, and it reflects in the final product.

As I asked my readers recently, one suggested discussing the "relationship between the musician and the followers".  Depending on who you are, that relationship has been strengthened or weakened.

The late 1990's brought about changes in music previously discussed as the Internet dramatically changed the distribution of music.  You could bascially be anyone and get your music out to the mainstream.  The rise of mp3s in 1997 (due in part to the Winamp player) lead to Napster in 1999.  The peer-to-peer (P2P) networks thrived for a few years, expanding the amount of music readily available to anyone interested.  At that time, I used the now defunct audiogalaxy, as not only could I get a fix, but also it allowed users to recommend songs that were similar.  I learned about some new artists that way.  Apple developed/published GarageBand in the early 2000's, allowing for budding musicians to really polish their music at home, then deliver via the 'Net.  

All of this has allowed artists to connect with their fans immediately.  Want that song?  Download. On your phone.  Now.  That sort of thing.  In certain ways, artists are able to reap more monetary rewards via the net (cut out some of the middle man business).  It's even allowed new listeners to discover new music.  I personally like many of the blogs that post about new music and artists and like to post a song or two for the listener to judge for themselves.  Sure, you can just download the songs there, but if you like it, why not support the artist and buy the song legitimately or even the album?

This leads to two problems:  illegal

 downloading and sucessful business models.  Illegal downloading isn't going away.  Want to minimize it by altering the code?  Sure.  But then, why is iTunes removing the DRMs from their songs?  Have an iPod and a Zune?  Used to be, you couldn't interchange the two formats (not that easily anyways; forget about loss of audio quality).  Illegal downloading is something that occurs and there isn't one singular solution out there.  I wonder this:  how much revenue does illegal downloading take away from artists?  Without the digital media, I would not have the song. What are my options?  Buy it at 1) retail shop, 2) resale shop, or 3) record off radio.  Most of us probably would visit the resale shop.  But illegal downloaders piss off artists.  I don't blame the artists; support them.  I have about three digital copies of Journey albums on my computers, but bought a Greatest Hits compilation at Best Buy this weekend.  Why?  Because I want to support the artists.  But, here's a great article on it.

What about the business of making music?  The digital realm is fouling up the executives' world right now.  They probably won't admit it, but in the end, they become about as needed as that third nipple on Lily Allen's breast: quite a novelty but not necessary.  In a recent interview, Trent Reznor discussed NIN's buisness plan, in regards to the digital media. 

 “I can give you free music, and in my opinion, it may contribute to more people showing up to a show,” he says. “It’s not up to me to give you free music, it’s free anyway, you know for anybody that wants to admit it. Pretty much any piece of music you want is free on the Internet anyway.”

“We’re in between business models,” he continued. “You know, the old record labels are dead, and the new thing hasn’t really come out yet. So, I’m hoping that whatever gets established puts a lot more power in the hands of artists and more revenue.”

Basically, the companies just aren't sure yet what to do.  They want to follow the old models, but it ain't working.  Naptster, Kazaa, and iTunes all lent a hand in establishing successful models for successfully distributing music digitally.  What's even more funny, the other industries (movie and television mainly) are watching music to see what happens.  Digital media isn't going anywhere and business need to learn quick to handle this.

I can go on about this, about how Sony and Microsoft has digital video set up via their respective gaming stores.  I think that there will be abuses 

of digital media, as there already exists a problem in this area.  I think that most people will take  nicely to the transition to digital files and less physical clutter.  I think in the end, this will help the relationships between artists and their fans. As for the party, I don't think Napster or Metallica  killed it; we as a society became greedy about more music and no money.  We shot ourselves in the foot.  Gotta thought?  Feel free to leave a comment or three.  

But is this good for society as a whole, to be allowed instantaneous gratification?  Ahh, that's something coming...

Final quote: Times change, and we change with them - William Harrison

Justification: For the Kids

Do you remember that scene from Happy Gilmore?  Where Grandma wears the Gene Simmons mask to cheer up Happy? She did it for Happy, and probably wouldn't for any other reason.  

Today, I got to be a "rock star", long hair and all, all in the name of kids.  Fun stuff, actually.  Along with a huge group of my co-workers, I rocked out via lip-syncing and am currently begining the editing process.  In any case, would I have done this under and other circumstances?  Probably not; I don't care much for lip syncing (I'd rather karaoke but that's another...).  Often times, we do things in the name of children.  Great!  What if the kids are gone?  What if there are no kids involved?  Then what?

Point is:  Life is extremely short.  I've found that time passes faster each year my boys get older.  I've yet to find that elusive bottle to capture time.  Forget smelling them; stop the car, pull out the shears, and cut yourself a bouquet of roses.  Sure it's an overused cliche, but not without good reason.  Excuses run rampant for not doing the things that we eventually skip out on, but did you ever really think about a good reason to do it?

WARNING: The preceding message does not pertain to illegal activitities or such that would put yours or others lives in perilous danger.  Use your sense.  It's okay to have a beer after work and you're of age; it's not okay to have twenty and drive yourself home.

Closing quote (and it's a good one): Dream as if you'll live forever; live as if you'll die today. - James Dean