RUN DON'T WALK

Right now, I'm reading One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez, and it's truly a blessing to be able to have eyes to read this book... I read like 3 pages a night, because I don't ever wanna finish it and have the experience be over (not exaggerating)

Greatest Quote of All Time

"The game was like 'Hamlet.' It was a suspense-thriller and I killed them." -Phoenix Suns guard Quentin Richardson, on Monday night's thrilling victory against Denver

Consumers v. Citizens

I just participated in a very interesting discussion about the distinction that America makes between consumers and citizens and whether the current tilt towards consumerism is a new phenomenon. Whether it's because I'm a product of Reaganomics, I know that the importance of consuming goods, services, etc, has become a fundamental part of my experience as an American. Definitely more so than, my ability/impetus to participate in the political process. I think that it has something to do with agency my ability to control and shape my life, has a lot to do with the things I can get.

Whether this is a positive development, I sure as hell don't know, but I do know that I think about buying things a lot more often than I think about changing society with a vote. Whether that is fortunate or unfortunate I'll let a multi-national conglomerate decide...

Recent Book Purchases:

1) Life of Pi - Yann Martel
2) Wizard and Glass - Stephen King
3) If On A Winter's Night a Traveler - Italo Calvino
4) Guns, Germs, and Steel - Jared Diamond
5) One Hundred Years of Solitude - Gabriel Garcia Marquez

Mandela Statement

A quote from an unapologetically special person:

our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. it is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. we ask ourselves, who am i to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? actually, who are you not to be? your playing small does not serve the world. there is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. we are all meant to shine, as children do. it is not just in some of us; it is in everyone. and as we let our own light shine, we unconciously give other people permission to do the same. as we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.

one proud vote for the ubermensch...

Stream of Consciousness

I was getting ready to type some inane list, or try to be cute in some other sanctimonious way, but I had a pretty serious "come to jesus" experience this weekend, that I feel compelled to share:

Although, I realize that even though I consider myself an introvert, it doesn't take much for people to get stuff out of me, especially if they are 1:) people I respect and 2:) ask in a direct way. It's like the spotlight temporarily blinds me and in a hazy fog, the truth ripples out. Who would have thunk it?

A friend of mine who is going through a pretty trying situation called me yesterday, and I immediately went into empathy mode. Trying to reconcile that while trying to substantively digest Albert Camus "Myth of Sisyphus," and figure out what the fuck I'm doing with my life is not a combination that i would recommend.

Listening to: Interpol (Antics) - Evil

...I'm begging you

"Please I'm begging you God, please don't let me get pigenholed in no regular job" -- Eminem

The reality of mind-numbing work is one I'm trying to evade with every fiber of my being.

General Musing #1

"My only job security is my own knowledge and ability"

Midwestern Living

Living in a fourth tier Midwestern city/industrial slag heap/urban wasteland, has been very challenging for the generalist. In trying to put together a list of grievances to mail to the mayor, I was suprised by how many things made me extremely sad. The economic devastation here is readily observable, and many of you may ask (the millions and millions of loyal readers), what the hell is the generalist doing in a place like this? Answer: To be continued...