I apologize for the hiatus, I can't say I've been in too much of the mood to write lately. The creative energy just hasn't been there I guess.
However as I sit down tonight with a hot mug of Lipton's bedtime story tea and the music of Dave Brubeck playing softly I find my mind wandering and forming the thoughts required for a blog post.
As many know, I started school again. I'm officially a freshmen at Ivy Tech Community College Ft. Wayne. I was pleasantly surprised at how well the transition went. I was struggling with quite a bit of apprehension going into it. However college class isn't too much different from high school. It's a lot better though in the fact that students are actually treated like adults.
It's funny, in High School teachers always preached about treating us like adults but in one way or another they rarely actually did. Attendance was mandatory, homework was mandatory, and one had to raise their hand to use the bathroom. It was impossible not to feel trapped in a dungeon at times. Not to say that we didn't find ways to escape the reality of force fed education.
I like to think that I thrived in the classes that allowed the most freedom. For instance, Yearbook class. That was a class regarded by almost the entire student body as a pure "blow-off" class. Yet I used my time in their to transform the school's laughing-stock of a newspaper into a halfway decent and consistently read newspaper. I guess I have always been so strongly against the grain when it comes to education though. K-12 schooling is all about numbers, statistics, and grades. When it came to learning I found only a handful of classes that really allowed students to learn for the benefit of mind and soul rather than grades. I like to think that my creative writing class junior year really improved my writing ability. Not only that, but it allowed me to embrace my writing, to trust that what I had to say was important even if it was only important to myself. Sure there were grades in that class but mainly for just turning in work. I don't think I ever embraced a class so much. Even to this day I think the writing I produced in that class really pushed me as a writer and the result was some of the best quality writing I have ever created...... by the way Mrs. J if you ever read this...you are the best!
Anyways, in a nutshell college is pretty cool. I like the atmosphere, the freedom, and the really diverse mix of people in all my classes.
Yeah I would say, I'm content with life right now.
-To be continued.
Saturday, February 9, 2008
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
My Great Aunt Toodoo
I once said that one of the reasons I blog is because it's therapeutic to me. Tonight I want to reflect on something that is of emotional significance to me. I hope that writing this will provide me some salve on the emptiness I feel right now.
I got the news yesterday that my Great aunt "toodoo" as we have always called her is on her death bed.
Toodoo was my favorite relative as a young kid. I remember hearing news of her coming to Ossian or us taking a trip to her hometown of Elgin Illinois and that always seemed to lift my young spirit. There was something about her that just made me happy. Perhaps it was that she loved to be around kids and would always spoil her "grandchildren" with gifts and affection. More than that it was her natural lovingness towards me that made me feel good. Toodoo was someone that would make me feel so special just by all the attention she would give me. Some of my fondest memories of her are the nice spring and summer days when she would walk me down town in the stroller where we would watch the cars drive by.
When I was just a few days old I received my first teddy bear. It was a rather plain looking bear that I would later call just simply by the name "bear." The bear was given to me by Toodoo. The bear was like my "blanky" as a kid. I would never sleep without it and would always regard it as my most important belonging. I loved that bear because it came from my favorite aunt. The bear served as a constant reminder of her. At that time seeing Toodoo was not a common event. She lived in Illinois and then in Iowa for awhile.
As I grew older I never lost my fondness for her. In grade school and early middle school I remember the occasional phone call from her. We would talk on the phone for great lengths of time and I would tell her about all my classes and my teachers. I remember her always asking if "I had found a girlfriend yet." She would always tease me about things like that, in a loving way of course. I just remember talking about anything and everything. When she came to town I would show her all my toys and video games, and the funny thing was she always seemed interested. It was as if she was just pleased to spend time with me.
It was shortly after that we found out she was in the beginning stages of Alzheimer's. With some effort my family was able to get her moved from Elgin or Iowa... wherever she was living, into a small apartment in Ossian where we could provide care to her if needed.
Toodoo lived only a block from my house then. I remember going over there often with my cousin and brother. At that time Toodoo was still "with it" for the most part. She watched TV, made food for herself on occasion, and was able to carry on real conversations. It was nice, I remember thinking that too. In a sense it was almost as if to me "she belonged there" For many years as a kid I had always wished Toodoo would come live in Ossian.
I had heard alzhemiers was a disease that progressively got worse. Unfortunately I didn't realize how swift it would happen. Within 3 years Toodoo's physical deterioration along with much more severe Alzheimer's proved too much a risk for her to be living alone. That was when my family made the decision to move her to the nursing home.
Now at 90 years of age that is where she will spend her final days. 3 more years of worsening Alzheimer's has put her in a near vegetative state. Yet in her final years she was well cared for. Not only was she well cared for but she was well liked by the other patients and staff. My friend who worked there for a short stint would tell me how Toodoo would always smile when he walked in the room. She would sometimes point at him and smile. I do miss Toodoo's smile.
Today I made my way over to the nursing home. Toodoo's room was already filled with some of my family and the occasional resident or nurse dropping in to give what had the tone of their final respects to Toodoo.
She was breathing from a machine and lay lifeless in the bed. It is unknown for sure how long she will live but it appears that this is the final leg of her very long, and very good life.
This is something the whole family knew would come. I know it sounds morbid, but I want her to finally go.... to finally find peace.
I had Imagined this time would be less emotional, however as I sat beside Toodoo's bed side I found myself remembering the Toodoo that I knew as a child and thinking how much I missed her.
Part of me blames myself for not making more time to go out and visit with her, and yet the other part does not. Perhaps it is selfish of me, but I have wanted to remember Toodoo in the way that I once knew her rather than the result of her disease.
I wish I could introduce her to Kim, I wish I could show her my writing and tell her all about my college classes. I wish I could tell her about my friends and my job but I can't.
I've talked recently with my Uncle about death and what happens after it. I don't pretend to be the religious type. I don't know if there is a heaven, but if there is, I certainly hope Toodoo finds a place there. She deserves it. Her heart was bigger than her body.
I remember her always telling me about how much she enjoyed our walks in the stroller when I was young. She would always comment about how I would find a bench say now"Now this is where we rest."
I wish I could tell her that one last time, someplace where she isn't crippled by disease. Some place where the air feels pleasant and the trees are green, we would find a comfortable bench. I would pass the day telling her about all that I have become......and I know she would be proud.
"Now this is where we rest"
I got the news yesterday that my Great aunt "toodoo" as we have always called her is on her death bed.
Toodoo was my favorite relative as a young kid. I remember hearing news of her coming to Ossian or us taking a trip to her hometown of Elgin Illinois and that always seemed to lift my young spirit. There was something about her that just made me happy. Perhaps it was that she loved to be around kids and would always spoil her "grandchildren" with gifts and affection. More than that it was her natural lovingness towards me that made me feel good. Toodoo was someone that would make me feel so special just by all the attention she would give me. Some of my fondest memories of her are the nice spring and summer days when she would walk me down town in the stroller where we would watch the cars drive by.
When I was just a few days old I received my first teddy bear. It was a rather plain looking bear that I would later call just simply by the name "bear." The bear was given to me by Toodoo. The bear was like my "blanky" as a kid. I would never sleep without it and would always regard it as my most important belonging. I loved that bear because it came from my favorite aunt. The bear served as a constant reminder of her. At that time seeing Toodoo was not a common event. She lived in Illinois and then in Iowa for awhile.
As I grew older I never lost my fondness for her. In grade school and early middle school I remember the occasional phone call from her. We would talk on the phone for great lengths of time and I would tell her about all my classes and my teachers. I remember her always asking if "I had found a girlfriend yet." She would always tease me about things like that, in a loving way of course. I just remember talking about anything and everything. When she came to town I would show her all my toys and video games, and the funny thing was she always seemed interested. It was as if she was just pleased to spend time with me.
It was shortly after that we found out she was in the beginning stages of Alzheimer's. With some effort my family was able to get her moved from Elgin or Iowa... wherever she was living, into a small apartment in Ossian where we could provide care to her if needed.
Toodoo lived only a block from my house then. I remember going over there often with my cousin and brother. At that time Toodoo was still "with it" for the most part. She watched TV, made food for herself on occasion, and was able to carry on real conversations. It was nice, I remember thinking that too. In a sense it was almost as if to me "she belonged there" For many years as a kid I had always wished Toodoo would come live in Ossian.
I had heard alzhemiers was a disease that progressively got worse. Unfortunately I didn't realize how swift it would happen. Within 3 years Toodoo's physical deterioration along with much more severe Alzheimer's proved too much a risk for her to be living alone. That was when my family made the decision to move her to the nursing home.
Now at 90 years of age that is where she will spend her final days. 3 more years of worsening Alzheimer's has put her in a near vegetative state. Yet in her final years she was well cared for. Not only was she well cared for but she was well liked by the other patients and staff. My friend who worked there for a short stint would tell me how Toodoo would always smile when he walked in the room. She would sometimes point at him and smile. I do miss Toodoo's smile.
Today I made my way over to the nursing home. Toodoo's room was already filled with some of my family and the occasional resident or nurse dropping in to give what had the tone of their final respects to Toodoo.
She was breathing from a machine and lay lifeless in the bed. It is unknown for sure how long she will live but it appears that this is the final leg of her very long, and very good life.
This is something the whole family knew would come. I know it sounds morbid, but I want her to finally go.... to finally find peace.
I had Imagined this time would be less emotional, however as I sat beside Toodoo's bed side I found myself remembering the Toodoo that I knew as a child and thinking how much I missed her.
Part of me blames myself for not making more time to go out and visit with her, and yet the other part does not. Perhaps it is selfish of me, but I have wanted to remember Toodoo in the way that I once knew her rather than the result of her disease.
I wish I could introduce her to Kim, I wish I could show her my writing and tell her all about my college classes. I wish I could tell her about my friends and my job but I can't.
I've talked recently with my Uncle about death and what happens after it. I don't pretend to be the religious type. I don't know if there is a heaven, but if there is, I certainly hope Toodoo finds a place there. She deserves it. Her heart was bigger than her body.
I remember her always telling me about how much she enjoyed our walks in the stroller when I was young. She would always comment about how I would find a bench say now"Now this is where we rest."
I wish I could tell her that one last time, someplace where she isn't crippled by disease. Some place where the air feels pleasant and the trees are green, we would find a comfortable bench. I would pass the day telling her about all that I have become......and I know she would be proud.
"Now this is where we rest"
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
of Politics and Race
So I heard this idea called Micro blogging. It is the concept of blogging in short, frequent posts. I kind of like the idea, so forgive me if some of the posts seem a little short, or a little rushed. Since I need to get to bed in just a few tonight will be my first admitted "Micro-Blog"
So I watched the democratic- nevada- caucus- front-runner-debate tonight on MSNBC.
I thought it was fairly bland. The majority of it was the three candidates agreeing that the Democratic party will effectively unite; and in turn "pwn" (online lingo for OWN/prove better than) the Republican party in 08.
Which hopefully will be the case. There is been 3 primaries for the GOP and 3 winners. It appears that the GOP just can't find a candidate to unite around. Ain't that a shame
My observations:
John Edwards: Dude your a good man but I can't beleive you describe your "strength" as the ability to care for the little guy, but your "weakness" is that you care "too much." I mean, I know that is a land mine of a question but that is about the lamest answer you could possibly give. My advice to you is to go out in a blaze of glory by dropping out and throwing your support behind Barack.
Hillary Clinton: You looked pretty old tonight. Unfortunately for Barack Obama though your debate performance was pretty good.
Barack (da' man) Obama: Well played. Not your best, but then again what can you do when the debate hosts only ask questions in which every candidate agrees on.
The main gripe I have about tonight is the issue of race. Hillary and Barack may have declared a truce to their bickering but it doesn't change the fact that people DO vote on race. Obama tried to tone down race all right by saying that people choose on candidate on the issues, and this is very true; however they also choose a candidate on personality, appearance, religion, sex, family life, voting record and by golly the color of skin.
It's funny how the gas station clerk in town always tries to tell me that "Obama will never get elected, this country is too prejudiced. I certainly hope he isn't right. But at the same time when I think about it, I want Obama to be elected for a myriad of reasons, one of the main ones is because he is black. I think overcoming racial barriers is a damn good thing, and it's something this country needs. At the same time I know there is probably people out there who will vote against Obama simply because he is black. I'm young, but I'm not that naive.
As much as Hillary and Obama may want to divert the issue, it doesn't change the fact that it is what it is. Obama is black, Hillary is a woman; and both are trying very hard to be the "first"
Thats my two
So I watched the democratic- nevada- caucus- front-runner-debate tonight on MSNBC.
I thought it was fairly bland. The majority of it was the three candidates agreeing that the Democratic party will effectively unite; and in turn "pwn" (online lingo for OWN/prove better than) the Republican party in 08.
Which hopefully will be the case. There is been 3 primaries for the GOP and 3 winners. It appears that the GOP just can't find a candidate to unite around. Ain't that a shame
My observations:
John Edwards: Dude your a good man but I can't beleive you describe your "strength" as the ability to care for the little guy, but your "weakness" is that you care "too much." I mean, I know that is a land mine of a question but that is about the lamest answer you could possibly give. My advice to you is to go out in a blaze of glory by dropping out and throwing your support behind Barack.
Hillary Clinton: You looked pretty old tonight. Unfortunately for Barack Obama though your debate performance was pretty good.
Barack (da' man) Obama: Well played. Not your best, but then again what can you do when the debate hosts only ask questions in which every candidate agrees on.
The main gripe I have about tonight is the issue of race. Hillary and Barack may have declared a truce to their bickering but it doesn't change the fact that people DO vote on race. Obama tried to tone down race all right by saying that people choose on candidate on the issues, and this is very true; however they also choose a candidate on personality, appearance, religion, sex, family life, voting record and by golly the color of skin.
It's funny how the gas station clerk in town always tries to tell me that "Obama will never get elected, this country is too prejudiced. I certainly hope he isn't right. But at the same time when I think about it, I want Obama to be elected for a myriad of reasons, one of the main ones is because he is black. I think overcoming racial barriers is a damn good thing, and it's something this country needs. At the same time I know there is probably people out there who will vote against Obama simply because he is black. I'm young, but I'm not that naive.
As much as Hillary and Obama may want to divert the issue, it doesn't change the fact that it is what it is. Obama is black, Hillary is a woman; and both are trying very hard to be the "first"
Thats my two
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
Politics as usual.
I have really taken a long break from this. Which I apologize to not only you (my faithful viewers) but to myself for letting the animated violence of new video games, and creating a perfect iTunes playlist of all the songs from Guitar Hero III kept me from writing.
I thought I would start with a long winded introduction concerning the finer points of my Christmas and New Year, yadayada. But after a quick calender check it appears that it is January 9th. The Holidays are all but a thing of the past.
Here is whats new with me:
I start school January 15th. I'm starting off slow like I planned to with two classes. I will be going to Ivy Tech for those who don't know. I'm ready. I wouldn't say I'm excited ready... but I'm ready to make the necessary plunge. I just gotta do it.
Alright, now on to more pressing matters. Like Politics.
I'm definitely into this years primary. I would say "into" might not be a good enough word though. Perhaps "Unhealthily addicted to" would be a better phrase. Last night I sat glued to CNN as if it were political porn or something. I watched it for the better part of 3 hours.
I might as well get it out on the table. I heart Barack Obama. I have been a fan since the Democratic National Convention last year when he delivered one of the greatest political speeches in recent memory. I read his book "The Audacity of Hope," and I'm currently working on his other book "Dreams from my Father." I think he has the potential to be one of the best presidents in history.
As you may know Hillary Clinton won the primary in New Hampshire last night. The polls predicted a big win by Barack and instead it turned out to be a close second. This is pretty messed up considering the polls have been right in every other instance.
The pundits believe it's because of how she got teared up after being asked a personal question during a conference.
This has ignited quite the fire of cynicism in me. Seriously though, those tears were either fake or Hillary Clinton has a naturally different look than most people do when they are getting "teared up, or crying"
I don't see how the minds the minds of the people in New Hampshire (as fickle as the might be) actually buy that crap.
I think Hillary would make a decent president. Shes got a decent track record, shes got the right ethical ideas (for the most part) but America doesn't need a "decent" president. We NEED a GREAT President. We need a president that actually comes of as a breath of fresh air. A president that can prove that everyone can make a difference not just politicians. That president that I describe is the President Barack Obama will turn out to be.
I thought I would start with a long winded introduction concerning the finer points of my Christmas and New Year, yadayada. But after a quick calender check it appears that it is January 9th. The Holidays are all but a thing of the past.
Here is whats new with me:
I start school January 15th. I'm starting off slow like I planned to with two classes. I will be going to Ivy Tech for those who don't know. I'm ready. I wouldn't say I'm excited ready... but I'm ready to make the necessary plunge. I just gotta do it.
Alright, now on to more pressing matters. Like Politics.
I'm definitely into this years primary. I would say "into" might not be a good enough word though. Perhaps "Unhealthily addicted to" would be a better phrase. Last night I sat glued to CNN as if it were political porn or something. I watched it for the better part of 3 hours.
I might as well get it out on the table. I heart Barack Obama. I have been a fan since the Democratic National Convention last year when he delivered one of the greatest political speeches in recent memory. I read his book "The Audacity of Hope," and I'm currently working on his other book "Dreams from my Father." I think he has the potential to be one of the best presidents in history.
As you may know Hillary Clinton won the primary in New Hampshire last night. The polls predicted a big win by Barack and instead it turned out to be a close second. This is pretty messed up considering the polls have been right in every other instance.
The pundits believe it's because of how she got teared up after being asked a personal question during a conference.
This has ignited quite the fire of cynicism in me. Seriously though, those tears were either fake or Hillary Clinton has a naturally different look than most people do when they are getting "teared up, or crying"
I don't see how the minds the minds of the people in New Hampshire (as fickle as the might be) actually buy that crap.
I think Hillary would make a decent president. Shes got a decent track record, shes got the right ethical ideas (for the most part) but America doesn't need a "decent" president. We NEED a GREAT President. We need a president that actually comes of as a breath of fresh air. A president that can prove that everyone can make a difference not just politicians. That president that I describe is the President Barack Obama will turn out to be.
Sunday, December 9, 2007
Santa Claus is coming to town!!
Hello again my dear viewers,
It is that time again. Christmas is drawing ever closer. Which of course demands that I post a long insightful bit about the splendor of life, love, and the pursuit of material goodness.
I love Christmas time. I suppose that might be naive to say at nineteen years of age but none the less I love the cheer of the season.
With that said, I've been wanting to get something off my chest.... Here goes...
I like Christmas music.....There I said it! Don't hate me.
It's true, I came to the self realization this year that once the snow starts falling, and Christmas lights pop up, I ENJOY LISTENING TO CHRISTMAS MUSIC. Phew.... I feel like I just came out of the closet of Christmas music liking... I even made a mix of Christmas songs. But before you Scrooges out there begin to think less of me let me explain; I like classy Christmas music. I'm not talking about the poppy Christmas crap of todays generations. I'm talking about the OLD suff, like Sinatra, Bing Crosby, Gene Autry, And Ellla Fitzgerald. Many of the songs by these "crooners" date back to the 40's. But don't get me wrong, it is my belief that Christmas music should NOT be played until the very least the day after Thanksgiving, and must immediately stop the day after Christmas.
I hung ornaments on the Christmas tree today. It is one of my favorite parts of Christmas. I'm not sure why I like it so much. I suppose ever since I was a kid I've loved to hang ornaments. As I sat by the tree today sipping coffee I remembered the joy I felt as a kid when the tree would slowly get more shimmer, and eventually fill up underneath with brightly wrapped gifts.
Speaking of gifts, for once I'm actually on time with Christmas shopping. This is due to two reasons. The first reason being that I told myself I would not do it before last minute this year and the second is because I forced myself into as much online shopping as was possible to do. Don't get me wrong; I think online shopping is convenient and fast but it also can be fun to go out to actual stores too. Anyways, If you read my last post you will know I'm not great at managing my money. A few months back I bought a DVD off amazon.com, and used a free trial membership to their "prime" service to get free shipping. Unfortunately I forgot to cancel that free membership and my checking account was charged almost $80.00 dollars for a year subscription. The prime membership gives me access to free 2 day shipping on most items which is a great value but it's not worth what I was charged for it. So I've decided to get the most out of it and shop online this year. So far its working out pretty well, so at least I've done my best to fall on my feet I guess.
In other random and disconnected news,
Work is going well. Except for the recent Ice Storms which makes taking pizzas to someones door like skating across an ice rink filled with random objects. Though, The tips have been pretty good.
The playoffs for my family's Fantasy Football league are in sight. Unless Marques Colston plays the best game of the season, I will beat my brother winning my 4th consecutive game and will secure the 4th playoff seat. I've got my fingers crossed!
Also, I love Guitar Hero but I'm seriously stuck on 3s and 7s by Queens of the Stone Age on hard. The main riff is so damn hard. I seriously think I'm gonna chuck the guitar out the window in a minute.
In the event of admitting guilty pleasure music, I might be sacrificing some of my masculinity to admit this, but I also really like John Mayer. Although Most known for his radio overkilled pop fests like "Your body is a wonderland" He is actually a damn good guitarist. I mean the dude can seriously play some delicious blues/jazz guitar. Don't believe me? Listen to his cover of Hendrix's "Bold as Love" There is some face melting soloing. Also if you don't trust his guitar ability on his own work try out "Back to You" for some crisp jazzy licks. It's not as fast but it is really tasty.
Going back to Guitar Hero, and relating to non-guilty pleasure music; I obtained a copy of "Mothership" Led Zeppelin's newest greatest hits album with tracks awesomely remastered and hand picked by the now reunited members. In the light of talking about good guitar, I'm just gonna come out and say this: Jimmy Page is a Guitar God. I mean seriously listen to the solo in "Heartbreaker".... It's like putting one's face in a oven. I mean it seriously rocks! There is no reason in the world why Zeppelin is not featured in any of the guitar hero games. I sat and pretended to play the songs with my little plastic guitar and enjoyed it the other day! I can only imagine how fun it could be in the real game. But seriously if for whatever lame reason you don't like Zeppelin, go and listen to "Mothership" and come back to me. Without trying to sound like a self righteous zeppelin zealot, it will blow your mind.
Well thats all folks,
I can't guarantee how much I will update during the holidays but I'll do my best!
Sam
It is that time again. Christmas is drawing ever closer. Which of course demands that I post a long insightful bit about the splendor of life, love, and the pursuit of material goodness.
I love Christmas time. I suppose that might be naive to say at nineteen years of age but none the less I love the cheer of the season.
With that said, I've been wanting to get something off my chest.... Here goes...
I like Christmas music.....There I said it! Don't hate me.
It's true, I came to the self realization this year that once the snow starts falling, and Christmas lights pop up, I ENJOY LISTENING TO CHRISTMAS MUSIC. Phew.... I feel like I just came out of the closet of Christmas music liking... I even made a mix of Christmas songs. But before you Scrooges out there begin to think less of me let me explain; I like classy Christmas music. I'm not talking about the poppy Christmas crap of todays generations. I'm talking about the OLD suff, like Sinatra, Bing Crosby, Gene Autry, And Ellla Fitzgerald. Many of the songs by these "crooners" date back to the 40's. But don't get me wrong, it is my belief that Christmas music should NOT be played until the very least the day after Thanksgiving, and must immediately stop the day after Christmas.
I hung ornaments on the Christmas tree today. It is one of my favorite parts of Christmas. I'm not sure why I like it so much. I suppose ever since I was a kid I've loved to hang ornaments. As I sat by the tree today sipping coffee I remembered the joy I felt as a kid when the tree would slowly get more shimmer, and eventually fill up underneath with brightly wrapped gifts.
Speaking of gifts, for once I'm actually on time with Christmas shopping. This is due to two reasons. The first reason being that I told myself I would not do it before last minute this year and the second is because I forced myself into as much online shopping as was possible to do. Don't get me wrong; I think online shopping is convenient and fast but it also can be fun to go out to actual stores too. Anyways, If you read my last post you will know I'm not great at managing my money. A few months back I bought a DVD off amazon.com, and used a free trial membership to their "prime" service to get free shipping. Unfortunately I forgot to cancel that free membership and my checking account was charged almost $80.00 dollars for a year subscription. The prime membership gives me access to free 2 day shipping on most items which is a great value but it's not worth what I was charged for it. So I've decided to get the most out of it and shop online this year. So far its working out pretty well, so at least I've done my best to fall on my feet I guess.
In other random and disconnected news,
Work is going well. Except for the recent Ice Storms which makes taking pizzas to someones door like skating across an ice rink filled with random objects. Though, The tips have been pretty good.
The playoffs for my family's Fantasy Football league are in sight. Unless Marques Colston plays the best game of the season, I will beat my brother winning my 4th consecutive game and will secure the 4th playoff seat. I've got my fingers crossed!
Also, I love Guitar Hero but I'm seriously stuck on 3s and 7s by Queens of the Stone Age on hard. The main riff is so damn hard. I seriously think I'm gonna chuck the guitar out the window in a minute.
In the event of admitting guilty pleasure music, I might be sacrificing some of my masculinity to admit this, but I also really like John Mayer. Although Most known for his radio overkilled pop fests like "Your body is a wonderland" He is actually a damn good guitarist. I mean the dude can seriously play some delicious blues/jazz guitar. Don't believe me? Listen to his cover of Hendrix's "Bold as Love" There is some face melting soloing. Also if you don't trust his guitar ability on his own work try out "Back to You" for some crisp jazzy licks. It's not as fast but it is really tasty.
Going back to Guitar Hero, and relating to non-guilty pleasure music; I obtained a copy of "Mothership" Led Zeppelin's newest greatest hits album with tracks awesomely remastered and hand picked by the now reunited members. In the light of talking about good guitar, I'm just gonna come out and say this: Jimmy Page is a Guitar God. I mean seriously listen to the solo in "Heartbreaker".... It's like putting one's face in a oven. I mean it seriously rocks! There is no reason in the world why Zeppelin is not featured in any of the guitar hero games. I sat and pretended to play the songs with my little plastic guitar and enjoyed it the other day! I can only imagine how fun it could be in the real game. But seriously if for whatever lame reason you don't like Zeppelin, go and listen to "Mothership" and come back to me. Without trying to sound like a self righteous zeppelin zealot, it will blow your mind.
Well thats all folks,
I can't guarantee how much I will update during the holidays but I'll do my best!
Sam
Sunday, December 2, 2007
1984 and other thoughts.
I just got back a few hours ago from my 4 day weekend in Bloomington. It was well worth the trip as always. It was great to see my lovely girlfriend Kim and my 3 cousins Alex, Jilayne, and Chaz. Unfortunately I can fairly say I went over my budget for the trip as I seem to do every time. I always run into unexpected expenses no matter how much I plan. Oh well. As I said before I definitely enjoy going there and it is worth it, even if I go a few bucks over budget. That is not to say it's not irksome though. I used to not be so anal about money. I don't know if I'm just getting more mature about it, or becoming a tightwad. I guess either outcome is possible. Kim pointed out that ever since the Canada trip I have been more aware of my money, which I suppose is true. The Canada Trip http://thisiscanada.blogspot.com/ was a rather costly en devour. I think part of it though is not so much a single moment in time but the gradual realization that I will have college coming up soon and it will indefinitely become a black hole on my bank account. Besides Christmas is just around the corner and I can't underestimate the cost of that either.
Driving home tonight gave me couple solid hours to finish my latest muse of an audio novel. 1984 By George Orwell. In short, the book is none short of profound. However I owe it more than such a short description.
The Book was written in 1948 and provides a dystopian view of the future through Orwell's politically charged imagination. The novel centers around Winston Smith a middle class person living in the totalitarian society of Oceania. Winston dares to stray from the ideals of the party and "big brother" the famous character from the Novel. This is the main focus of the plot.
The novel was really gripping for a number of reasons. The first reason was that I felt like Orwell was way ahead of his time (literally) in how the novel was written. The language was clear and concise and the way he paints out the lifestyle of "the future" is in many ways strikingly real. Orwell also provides a lot of good characterization and details to bring the novel to life. However the main reason why this book blew my mind was how disturbing it was and how easily it got under my skin. Not only does Orwell describe the utter dehumanization of millions of people but he makes it seem so painful tangible. While I read the book I remembered thinking several times how glad I am to have the simple freedoms our society and government allows. For example the blog I'm writing at this moment is an exercise in Freedom of Speech. In the society from the book I would have been killed for "thought crime." While this might seem absurd the more one thinks about it the more possible it appears that a government entity with enough power has the power to completely control a human being. One of the abilities of the government in the book was the ability to control peoples minds. The scary thing is it wasn't by some futuristic technology but rather the total control of all media so as to completely control the information that people received regardless of it were true or not. The Novel ultimately begs the question, What if a Stalin/Hitler esque Totalitarian society was able to survive and evolve? It is something that is not totally unthinkable. Also what if the said society was able to realize its own evil and accept it as a means to gain power for the mere lure of power itself.
This was definitely an awesome read, and I highly recommend it. However it obviously wasn't much of a feel good book. In fact the only redemption it offers might be the warning it hides beneath it's pages.
That's about all I got tonight,
Sam
Driving home tonight gave me couple solid hours to finish my latest muse of an audio novel. 1984 By George Orwell. In short, the book is none short of profound. However I owe it more than such a short description.
The Book was written in 1948 and provides a dystopian view of the future through Orwell's politically charged imagination. The novel centers around Winston Smith a middle class person living in the totalitarian society of Oceania. Winston dares to stray from the ideals of the party and "big brother" the famous character from the Novel. This is the main focus of the plot.
The novel was really gripping for a number of reasons. The first reason was that I felt like Orwell was way ahead of his time (literally) in how the novel was written. The language was clear and concise and the way he paints out the lifestyle of "the future" is in many ways strikingly real. Orwell also provides a lot of good characterization and details to bring the novel to life. However the main reason why this book blew my mind was how disturbing it was and how easily it got under my skin. Not only does Orwell describe the utter dehumanization of millions of people but he makes it seem so painful tangible. While I read the book I remembered thinking several times how glad I am to have the simple freedoms our society and government allows. For example the blog I'm writing at this moment is an exercise in Freedom of Speech. In the society from the book I would have been killed for "thought crime." While this might seem absurd the more one thinks about it the more possible it appears that a government entity with enough power has the power to completely control a human being. One of the abilities of the government in the book was the ability to control peoples minds. The scary thing is it wasn't by some futuristic technology but rather the total control of all media so as to completely control the information that people received regardless of it were true or not. The Novel ultimately begs the question, What if a Stalin/Hitler esque Totalitarian society was able to survive and evolve? It is something that is not totally unthinkable. Also what if the said society was able to realize its own evil and accept it as a means to gain power for the mere lure of power itself.
This was definitely an awesome read, and I highly recommend it. However it obviously wasn't much of a feel good book. In fact the only redemption it offers might be the warning it hides beneath it's pages.
That's about all I got tonight,
Sam
Monday, November 26, 2007
Post Thanksgiving update
So it's officially 2 days after Thanksgiving weekend as I write this, and I'm back on the blogging scene, watch out endless void that is the internet.
I suppose I should start with saying that I had a great Thanksgiving, I pwned a lot of turkey, got to see my girlfriend, and best friend, as well as all of my near and dear relatives. In all it was a great holiday. I have always loved how close our family is, something that always shows when we fill my Uncles House to the point of it probably being a fire hazard every Thanksgiving. This year we had 25 people. We managed to get everyone on one long table too! Though one long table is a little bit deceiving, as it was actually several that were put together.
It is so damn rainy outside. This weather is terribly depressing. Truthfully I have a soft spot for snowy weather and I would much rather it start snowing than raining.
Not a whole lot is new with me. I decided to start reading again.. well sort of. I started listening to an audiobook. It is the Novel 1984 by George Orwell. It is an American classic of sorts. I listened to several chapters tonight on my iPod at work. I love my Ipod.. It seriously has changed my life. Anyways, I'm glad to get back to reading. It is one of those things that I always feel guilty if I'm not doing it. Reading is like brain food Ive always thought. I have never been a big fiction reader though, Personally I find a lot of fiction to be rather meaningless. When I read a book I like to think I have become more cultured from it, or learned from it. Stephen King for example, I find to be an awesome writer. However his work can just as easily be accessed by his movies, that take much less time to digest. I will admit however, I have always been a big fan of the American classics. starting Junior year of Highschool I fell in Love with Ernest Hemingway, and soon devoured other authors like Steinbeck, Faulkner and, Fitzgerald. I spent many hours in class reading the classics rather than paying attention to the lectures and lessons that seemed to contain such less value. I guess that probably explains why I don't have a lot to show for Highschool. I don't regret it though.
I remember the first time I read Ernest Hemingway. It was his 2nd published Novel "The Sun Also Rises." I really struggled with the writing at first. I remember I nearly put the book down. Hemingway's writing seemed so to-the-point and dry. Amazingly though I decided to stick with it and it was good decision to. By the end of the book, I felt as if I had been to Pamplona Spain and ran with the bulls, and watched the bullfights, fished in the country streams, gotten wasted for nights at a time off wine and fabled absinthe and gained nothing but a profound sense that life for the characters was nothing more than events and entertainment. The novel was so achingly brilliant. I ate it all up after that.
Perhaps when I finish 1984 I can write a review on here about it.
We shall see though,
Thats all I got for now
Sam
I suppose I should start with saying that I had a great Thanksgiving, I pwned a lot of turkey, got to see my girlfriend, and best friend, as well as all of my near and dear relatives. In all it was a great holiday. I have always loved how close our family is, something that always shows when we fill my Uncles House to the point of it probably being a fire hazard every Thanksgiving. This year we had 25 people. We managed to get everyone on one long table too! Though one long table is a little bit deceiving, as it was actually several that were put together.
It is so damn rainy outside. This weather is terribly depressing. Truthfully I have a soft spot for snowy weather and I would much rather it start snowing than raining.
Not a whole lot is new with me. I decided to start reading again.. well sort of. I started listening to an audiobook. It is the Novel 1984 by George Orwell. It is an American classic of sorts. I listened to several chapters tonight on my iPod at work. I love my Ipod.. It seriously has changed my life. Anyways, I'm glad to get back to reading. It is one of those things that I always feel guilty if I'm not doing it. Reading is like brain food Ive always thought. I have never been a big fiction reader though, Personally I find a lot of fiction to be rather meaningless. When I read a book I like to think I have become more cultured from it, or learned from it. Stephen King for example, I find to be an awesome writer. However his work can just as easily be accessed by his movies, that take much less time to digest. I will admit however, I have always been a big fan of the American classics. starting Junior year of Highschool I fell in Love with Ernest Hemingway, and soon devoured other authors like Steinbeck, Faulkner and, Fitzgerald. I spent many hours in class reading the classics rather than paying attention to the lectures and lessons that seemed to contain such less value. I guess that probably explains why I don't have a lot to show for Highschool. I don't regret it though.
I remember the first time I read Ernest Hemingway. It was his 2nd published Novel "The Sun Also Rises." I really struggled with the writing at first. I remember I nearly put the book down. Hemingway's writing seemed so to-the-point and dry. Amazingly though I decided to stick with it and it was good decision to. By the end of the book, I felt as if I had been to Pamplona Spain and ran with the bulls, and watched the bullfights, fished in the country streams, gotten wasted for nights at a time off wine and fabled absinthe and gained nothing but a profound sense that life for the characters was nothing more than events and entertainment. The novel was so achingly brilliant. I ate it all up after that.
Perhaps when I finish 1984 I can write a review on here about it.
We shall see though,
Thats all I got for now
Sam
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