Today marks the day we celebrate our country's independence. In more simpler terms, this means it's Barbecue Day. This holiday along with others that hint at war efforts, patriotism, and American nationalism can be interchangeable with three letters: B-B-Q! Of course, along with the copious amounts of families gathering to incinerate their food via charcoal or propane, we also have the increased sale of beer, wine coolers, and cheap fireworks. If you're from New England, then you're well aware of the legalities that face you in acquiring genuine, Francis Scott Key-type fireworks. The kind of fireworks that would "give proof through the night" and not the ones that you get at your local supermarket and the only way to get any excitement is to put a match to the whole box itself and watch chaos ensue.
Nationalism is a great thing to possess. It's not arrogant to think one's country is better than another. Think of the the microcosm of a suburban neighborhood where if one neighbor's garden is better than the other's? That neighbor either sabotages that one's garden or buckle down and improve theirs. In the best case scenario, they'll share tips to improve both of them and that will create a harmony that benefits almost everyone on the street because now everyone's property value has increased on account of their bickering. This is why we have laws against monopolization and encourage competition. The people can only benefit.
That flare and competition should actually promote better health care, less poverty, better economy, better education, etc., but that is not the case. Instead we are presented with a "holier than thou" kind of attitude that is justified in the name of Jesus himself. If we were to revert back to the time of Aristotelean democracies we'd find that we were saying that our provinces were governed by Apollo or Zeus himself. Righteousness to those that support us, and blasphemy and martyrdom to those that oppose.
Now this would be completely justifiable and wholly sanctimonious if we were not hypocritical of ourselves. Our own fallible dependencies allow us to bend or flex the religious laws that we so piously put upon ourselves. Alas, but when it comes to business and the future of the American economy, we are allowed to seep through under the guise of patriotism and God. Is it any wonder why some consider G.W. Bush a saint? He promotes his duties as if they were whispered down to him by God himself. Our modern day 'Joan of Arc' is feigning his way into this history books. Despite his indirectness and not as blatant (although YouTube.com might prove me wrong) about him being a conduit to the One Almighty, there are tiny disappointments we find about him that only strengthen his "humanity": His ability to golf during a crisis, his consistent lack in ability to publicly speak, his misuse of the English language, etc. We only find that this list goes on and on.
We've already considered that the winner of the Democratic primary (Barack Obama) will determine who the favorite is for this upcoming presidential election, but we cannot call it quits. Hilary might still go for the Independent vote and McCain, despite his inadequacies, can still garner a significant amount of votes. Which is a result of the people's indecision and uncertainty.
Today we face a harsh future. Our declining economy, rise in gas prices, and changing global market is starting to become a definite reality, as opposed to a distant future "in a galaxy far, far, away." No one knows what to make of the situation and what it will take to make it better. One can only hope that this Independence Day marks a valid change in the American perspective. Young and old alike will unite, take sides, and argue about the future of this country unlike any other time before. We've all learned our lesson the last presidential election; talk is cheap. We need to act.
So when you sip on your domestic lagers and chow on some baby back ribs, think of the struggles that people had to make to create this country and the liberties that we enjoy today. Realize that many other countries cannot and are unable to have the means to even hold an honest vote (see Africa) or even create a popular revolution. Although capitalism and a global free-market can be a positive force, don't let it's negatives get you down. We have to be able to adapt to change. If one we're to ask about hybrid cars 3 years ago, you would be laughed at with mud screeching at your face by a hipster in a Hummer. Now, hybrid cars from Toyota and Honda, as well as many other low mileage cars (including a one passenger car) are reveling in record sales. In fact, I've seen sites that exclusively take part in belittling the domestic Hummer (fuh2.com and hummerh8.com are just some of the many).
So take part in what little time humanity has on this earth because nothing lasts forever. We won't be able to terra-form Mars or the Moon or any of those wild science fiction ideas until we embrace the change. Those that indulge in the now, have to look at their children. If not theirs, than their nephews, godchildren, or stepchildren. It may not be their generation that suffers, but you're instilling an apathetic mentality that can only be contagious and cannibalistic in the end. Everyone gets mad when you're idea or you're way of thinking becomes outdated, those that get left behind are the ones that aren't will to adapt. It's socio-economic Darwinism at it's best.
At the end of the day, when you're putting a nice cold bag of frozen peas on the thumb you nearly blew off from the fireworks you 'obtained' from your cousin in Virginia, the prodigal son of a brother you have is still hankering you to invest in his next best idea, and the kids are all tucked in, and the wife is beckoning you to bed, despite the fact that the fireworks in that department have all but long since died, you can remember that there is still something out there that's bigger than you. If it's anything that an "Inconvient Truth" taught us, besides it's pretentiousness, is that a small part goes a long way. Think about that in your daily trivial pursuits. Scratch them and you'll find there's more beneath the surface.
Friday, July 4, 2008
Monday, June 23, 2008
Self-Aware
Today marks the realization that I am slowly wasting my life away and that the time I have to excel is slowly escaping. Issac Newton, Michael Jordan, Mozart, all achieved great things during their 20s. In almost any profession, the 20somethings is what marks the future of your life.
My birthday just passed. June 21st. Summer solstice. The first day of summer. Beautiful things should have come from this, but alas I was broke. My best friend couldn't make the trip down from Boston. My roommate was lackluster in his ability to celebrate, considering my financial status was less than par (-105.00 in my bank account to be exact). Luckily, the town fireworks celebration was on the same day and watching the fireworks was free.
I stopped off to see another one of my friends at the package store and used my birthday as leverage to acquire a free 12 pack. We ventured down to the beach to watch the fireworks, where I laid waste to the 12 pack until nothing was left. I went to bathroom several times, trolling through the seas of preteen-year olds and feeling so out of place and disconnected. I returned to my group, (none of the people could've really been considered friends) and I looked to the sky and felt as if I was sharing a birthday moment with America.
As cheesy as a Bruce Springsteen, Budweiser, Chevy commercial rolled up into one, I felt that redneck patriotism swell up inside of me. Now I didn't start to enjoy country music, but it did put things in perspective for me. I have a short amount of time to make my mark on this world. I'm going for broke, shooting the moon, hitting the stars, and giving myself an honest chance before I schlep out.
...Starting tomorrow.
My birthday just passed. June 21st. Summer solstice. The first day of summer. Beautiful things should have come from this, but alas I was broke. My best friend couldn't make the trip down from Boston. My roommate was lackluster in his ability to celebrate, considering my financial status was less than par (-105.00 in my bank account to be exact). Luckily, the town fireworks celebration was on the same day and watching the fireworks was free.
I stopped off to see another one of my friends at the package store and used my birthday as leverage to acquire a free 12 pack. We ventured down to the beach to watch the fireworks, where I laid waste to the 12 pack until nothing was left. I went to bathroom several times, trolling through the seas of preteen-year olds and feeling so out of place and disconnected. I returned to my group, (none of the people could've really been considered friends) and I looked to the sky and felt as if I was sharing a birthday moment with America.
As cheesy as a Bruce Springsteen, Budweiser, Chevy commercial rolled up into one, I felt that redneck patriotism swell up inside of me. Now I didn't start to enjoy country music, but it did put things in perspective for me. I have a short amount of time to make my mark on this world. I'm going for broke, shooting the moon, hitting the stars, and giving myself an honest chance before I schlep out.
...Starting tomorrow.
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Three Days After Valentine's...
It's officially February 17th, it's now safe to discuss Valentine's Day...
It's too cliche to go over why the holiday exists and how it only exists as a holiday to supplement capitalism in Western societies, so I'll spare you the details of the rant that you've heard or read from previous nihilists (eventhough I am a nihilist).
Returning to the narcissistic side of me, I did not have a Valentine and nor did I want one. I worked at 5am that day with no sleep and then proceeded to nap the rest of the day away.
The night before, the store that I work for had a group meeting. We talked about all the redundant and idiotic things that should be common sense to most people that work in retail, but somehow the majority of our elder employees have failed to grasp in their half a century of employment. Maybe most of them have stopped caring and have taken security in the idea that it's very hard to fire an employee that's been working with them since the Ice Age.
After the meeting, the upper echelon (as well as the "Borderliners") of cool coworkers as well as bosses went to the nearby bar where we proceeded to imbibe copious amounts of alcoholic beverages and a group sing-a-long of Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody" ensued courtesy of karaoke night. The best part, was that after the bar had it's last call, one of the female dinosaurs that worked there invited us all back to her house to listen to music and keep the party going. Most of us ventured out and had a good time, with me keeping in mind that I had work at 5am.
What happened was that I realized that I managed to find myself attracted to two of my coworkers. One that is 3 years younger and my friend, while the other is 3 years older and my boss. I ended up kissing one of them, and the other came back to my house to keep me company while I waited for the inevitable dawn to beckon me. What came of these prospects? Nothing. Why? 'Cause that's the way I want it to be. I know that girls become sentimental and sensitive to these holidays, but I refused to play into their hand. And while I was incredibly inebriated, I was still sensible to not take advantage of the situation because I'm hardly compatible with any of them.
The lesson is that slight incompatibility and a moment of weakness equals years of distress.
To me, it's not a coincidence that my first love came on Valentine's Day with a girl whose birthday is also on Valentine's Day. We had our moment in the sun, but inevitably we parted ways...only to return to each other on different terms...then part ways again...then return to each other on completely new terms...then part ways again. . .well you get the idea. This had essentially caused me a great deal of confusion and frustration and left me with a sour and tiny bit of skepticism about the corporate holiday.
That's not to say that I'm not still putting these two potential female prospects in my pocket. There's a 6th sense that I've gained from my journalistic and psychological perspective in life about gaining women's interest and the proverbial "slow and steady, wins the race" will hopefully play it's hand.
Lesson: Drinking and Valentine's Day is an easy way to pick up lonely women.
It's too cliche to go over why the holiday exists and how it only exists as a holiday to supplement capitalism in Western societies, so I'll spare you the details of the rant that you've heard or read from previous nihilists (eventhough I am a nihilist).
Returning to the narcissistic side of me, I did not have a Valentine and nor did I want one. I worked at 5am that day with no sleep and then proceeded to nap the rest of the day away.
The night before, the store that I work for had a group meeting. We talked about all the redundant and idiotic things that should be common sense to most people that work in retail, but somehow the majority of our elder employees have failed to grasp in their half a century of employment. Maybe most of them have stopped caring and have taken security in the idea that it's very hard to fire an employee that's been working with them since the Ice Age.
After the meeting, the upper echelon (as well as the "Borderliners") of cool coworkers as well as bosses went to the nearby bar where we proceeded to imbibe copious amounts of alcoholic beverages and a group sing-a-long of Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody" ensued courtesy of karaoke night. The best part, was that after the bar had it's last call, one of the female dinosaurs that worked there invited us all back to her house to listen to music and keep the party going. Most of us ventured out and had a good time, with me keeping in mind that I had work at 5am.
What happened was that I realized that I managed to find myself attracted to two of my coworkers. One that is 3 years younger and my friend, while the other is 3 years older and my boss. I ended up kissing one of them, and the other came back to my house to keep me company while I waited for the inevitable dawn to beckon me. What came of these prospects? Nothing. Why? 'Cause that's the way I want it to be. I know that girls become sentimental and sensitive to these holidays, but I refused to play into their hand. And while I was incredibly inebriated, I was still sensible to not take advantage of the situation because I'm hardly compatible with any of them.
The lesson is that slight incompatibility and a moment of weakness equals years of distress.
To me, it's not a coincidence that my first love came on Valentine's Day with a girl whose birthday is also on Valentine's Day. We had our moment in the sun, but inevitably we parted ways...only to return to each other on different terms...then part ways again...then return to each other on completely new terms...then part ways again. . .well you get the idea. This had essentially caused me a great deal of confusion and frustration and left me with a sour and tiny bit of skepticism about the corporate holiday.
That's not to say that I'm not still putting these two potential female prospects in my pocket. There's a 6th sense that I've gained from my journalistic and psychological perspective in life about gaining women's interest and the proverbial "slow and steady, wins the race" will hopefully play it's hand.
Lesson: Drinking and Valentine's Day is an easy way to pick up lonely women.
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Sediment Sentiments
I've just returned from work back to my house that I rent with my best friend. My job requires that I work a lot of odd hours; both late and early. Where do I work, you may ask?
I'm currently employed at a trendy grocery store that prides itself on it's quality and low prices. If that doesn't narrow it down for you, then let me add that it sells many organic products.
Still not enough?
This store also emulates popular terms that are commonly used in reference when working on boats or at sea.
At the expense of not further embarrassing myself, I will not divulge the name. but hopefully you get the gist of it.
This job started as a means to an end --a way to earn money while my DUI case was being settled and to get my mother off my back as I looked for other jobs.
...Now, a year later, my Machiavellian standpoint has diminished and I've become a slave to the blue-collar working world. Well, maybe not a slave. At least I moved out. A captive would probably be a better description. Nothing like earning a Bachelor's in Psychology to put you on the right track.
The lesson here is do what you like. Never compromise. I should have majored in something I was good at and enjoyed like Art or English. Instead, I let my parents influence my choice and now I'm part of the growing chain of trendy grocery stores.
Awesome.
I'm so awesome, that I'm falling deeper into this void by being considered and trained into management.
Sweet.
I know it's easy and cliche to blame the parental units, but it is their fault. People say that there are two things that determine who someone is: Nature and Nurture. Nature, in this case would be the inherited genetic characteristics that I received from my parents. Nurture, would be the environment that my parents had suffocated me in. Both of these dichotomies are of the "not-my-fault" kind. Maybe adopted children have it easier because they can blame a lot more people. Their adoptive parents can be responsible for the poor upbringing and the real parents can be blamed for faulty genes.
Nice.
The real lesson here is never have kids. They will always blame you for everything.
I'm currently employed at a trendy grocery store that prides itself on it's quality and low prices. If that doesn't narrow it down for you, then let me add that it sells many organic products.
Still not enough?
This store also emulates popular terms that are commonly used in reference when working on boats or at sea.
At the expense of not further embarrassing myself, I will not divulge the name. but hopefully you get the gist of it.
This job started as a means to an end --a way to earn money while my DUI case was being settled and to get my mother off my back as I looked for other jobs.
...Now, a year later, my Machiavellian standpoint has diminished and I've become a slave to the blue-collar working world. Well, maybe not a slave. At least I moved out. A captive would probably be a better description. Nothing like earning a Bachelor's in Psychology to put you on the right track.
The lesson here is do what you like. Never compromise. I should have majored in something I was good at and enjoyed like Art or English. Instead, I let my parents influence my choice and now I'm part of the growing chain of trendy grocery stores.
Awesome.
I'm so awesome, that I'm falling deeper into this void by being considered and trained into management.
Sweet.
I know it's easy and cliche to blame the parental units, but it is their fault. People say that there are two things that determine who someone is: Nature and Nurture. Nature, in this case would be the inherited genetic characteristics that I received from my parents. Nurture, would be the environment that my parents had suffocated me in. Both of these dichotomies are of the "not-my-fault" kind. Maybe adopted children have it easier because they can blame a lot more people. Their adoptive parents can be responsible for the poor upbringing and the real parents can be blamed for faulty genes.
Nice.
The real lesson here is never have kids. They will always blame you for everything.
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Last Nite, She Said
I was up late listening to Creative Screenwriting magazine's podcast featuring the writer of the movie Juno, Diablo Cody. Her mini biography that was presented was quite interesting and a little inspiring. Although I'm usually inspired by all the screenwriters that are featured in the podcast, this one in particular felt like it spoke directly to me. She started working a lot of odd jobs, but what I seemed to really take away from the podcast was her weird passion for writing. I could empathize with her sentiments, especially when Diablo said:
"You know as a writer, when you're having difficulty actually being published through legitimate channels, blogging is kind of a cool thing because there are no rejection letters, there is no publishers, there is no editor -- you're just generating material and putting it out there."
Thus, as an aspiring writer myself, I am taking her advice. This will be my new forum for venting, social commentary, and the creative spikes that tend to occur in my thirst for stories and squeezing a milliliter of interest from life.
"You know as a writer, when you're having difficulty actually being published through legitimate channels, blogging is kind of a cool thing because there are no rejection letters, there is no publishers, there is no editor -- you're just generating material and putting it out there."
Thus, as an aspiring writer myself, I am taking her advice. This will be my new forum for venting, social commentary, and the creative spikes that tend to occur in my thirst for stories and squeezing a milliliter of interest from life.
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