Here are some more observations that might be on the money or might be insane, incoherent, ideas.
Homemade millionaires trend Republican while inherited family wealth goes Democrat- It makes sense that the entrepreneur would favor less government intrusion, taxation, and want to keep as much of his hard earned money as possible. The person coming from wealth hasn't had to put in the requisite effort that grandpa did and they might feel guilt associated with the largess of their lifestyle. They can afford to push more social causes because their money is tucked away in a trust.
Hollywood is unabashedly liberal and is making a concerted effort to "liberalize" main-stream America- I hear the pundits on the right talk and you think that Hollywood is out to deliberately destroy values and tradition. You listen to the left and Hollywood is only out to offer different points of view. So what is it? Are the Hollywood elite a nefarious and elitist cabal ought to destroy religion and American values? Or are they more benign- just concerned about making a buck and coming up with entertainment.
The internet will ultimately make the next generation of American kids less competitive- The internet deludes us, and most notably kids, in thinking that the answer is always just a click away. No hard work or research is necessary when you can find a half-baked site via Google. The internet also kills attention span by creating a sensory overload. This inherent laziness will kill our kids when it comes to math and science. We will have a generation of kids who are brilliant at creating fun and zany websites but who can't communicate and solve serious problems. Please prove me wrong.
The less lawyers the better the America- Why do we have lawyers? Because people can't trust one another. If there was inherent trust then all deals would be sealed with a handshake and there would be no worries about being hoodwinked. So is there is a direct relationship between the amount of lawyers in America and the state of our Country? The more there are the worse off we are?
Since I've never been one to wait until Christmas to find out what my gifts are it should come as no surprise that I don't have the patience to wait until my favorite band, U2, officially releases their albums. There is a definite thrill that comes with finding ways to prematurely obtain the music. The boys from Dublin can rest assured as I will always purchase the album once it is released...heck I've spent enough on that band to completely refurbish the guestrooms of their Riviera villas.
A brief breakdown of my first experiences with each U2 album from Achtung to the present:
Achtung Baby (1991)- My love for the band was just blossoming as I was entering high school. The local radio station, KJQ, managed to play the entire album one week before release. Their aim was to play one new song on the top of every hour. I carried my little boom box around with me to ensure that I was able to record every song to tape. I distinctly remember playing basketball in Fruit Heights after school and abruptly stopping the play so I could record when "Wild Horses" came on. I was originally confused by most of the songs but the album would slowly grow on me over the ensuing months and years to where it is now my 2nd favorite U2 album. Most people were turned off by the new direction that the band was taking but I stood my ground and defended their innovation and fearlessness. History would prove me right.
Zooropa (1993)- Fast forward to the summer before senior year. U2 with their "Fly-MacPhisto" shtick and was really wearing on alot of my "purist" friends. I continued to love what they were doing. The release of this album was abrupt and came somewhat as a surprise. The album was scheduled to be released at midnight at our local Hastings music store. It was a summer night and we were all attending a high school dance. At 11:30 me, Norm, and Robb Finlinson hopped into Norm's yellow honda and went to the record store so that we could fulfill our obligation with the band. I distinctly remember the heavy electricity and anticipation as we put the cd in and listened to "Zooropa" for the first time. We drove around in the early morning hours taking in each new track. I remember pulling up to the school and creating quite a buzz with the new purchase.
Batman Soundtrack (1995)- The next few releases were somewhat difficult as they were released during my mission. "Hold Me Kiss Me Kill Me Thrill Me" was the much anticipated single that was to support the latest Batman movie. My problem was that it was being released the week after I entered the MTC. Dear friend, Peter Watkins, understood my dilemma and mailed me a contraband copy of the song with a package of cookies. I had to listen to the song in secret for fear of inciting a riot in these ultra obedient confines. I could only get one listen in before I was overwhelmed with guilt. The tape would remain buried in my belongings throughout the remainder of my mission.
Passengers (1996)- My "at home" sources alerted me to the release of this one. I waited until a P-Day and made the purchase at my local Wal-Mart. I climbed on the roof of our little house so that I could listen in private. Once again the guilt only permitted one listen. I did love "Miss Sarajevo" and "Your Blue Room". I later confessed to my mission president this indiscretion. He thanked me for my honesty and then just laughed.
Pop (1997)- This one came out at the tail end of the mission. I remember being in Edinburg, Texas when it was released. We were at an old folks center doing service. The TV was on and I think I was casually watching during the work. Right then the infamous U2 press conference, the one given from the lingerie aisle of the K-Mart, came on. It had my complete attention and I completely enjoyed their sense of irony. It was a brief worldly respite from my otherwise angelic two years. Since I only had a few months left I made the commitment to hold out on buying the album. I did give in and purchase the first single, "Discoteque". The same result: one listen, guilt, destruction of the tape, confession to the mission president, laughter from the mission president.
All that you can't Leave Behind (2000)- Free from my ecclesiastical duties I was able put my whole heart into preparing for this release. It was during the hey day of Napster so there were rumors and fake songs flying all over the internet. There was quite a frenzy during the last two months leading up to the release. Finally the damn broke and the album leaked about a month prior. I managed to have the album pretty much memorized by the time it was finally released. I also managed to get a nasty virus on my computer.
How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb (2004)- For whatever reason I wasn't too involved in the build up to this one. I had just finished business school and was in a pretty crappy relationship. I actually waited until the album was released before listening to it. I think I even waited a week or two before buying it. I got it at the local "Barnes and Noble" over at the Biltmore in Phoenix. I remember being somewhat underwhelmed.
No Line on the Horizon (2009)- I was back in the game for this one. I contacted the European guy who managed to record the tracks outside of Bono's place in the south of France. This was a good year before release so my appetite had plenty of time to grow. A few weeks ago the band released "Get on your Boots". A couple weeks later the title track followed. Then articles and reviews started to surface from heavily guarded advanced listening parties. The buzz was all very positive and I was ready to get my piece of the action. People began to speculate as to whether or not the album could be released without being leaked first. With all of the draconian measures that Universal Music was taking to protect their prize the smart money was on yes. But then the dam broke. Some Australian numb skull accidentally put the album up for sale on their website. Despite the fact that it was only up for a few minutes it was enough for thousands of fans to get in there to make the purchase. By the time anyone could respond the album was flying unfettered on thousands of links and torrent sites. Early numbers had it being downloaded over 100k times in just a couple days. Naturally I got my piece of the action. I have spent the last two days listening to the album. I will reserve my judgment until I give it some time to settle in.
And that is how I have experienced each new U2 album over the last 20 years.
To say I was disappointed with the Grammy's last week would be somewhat of understatement. There's something about a bloated awards show that can really make great music (U2, Coldplay, Robert Plant, McCartney, Radiohead, Neil D) sound so boring and corporate. But it did get me thinking about one thing. It gave me the opportunity to catalog the key components of my favorite songs. This list is incredibly subjective but I believe that it adequately describes the essential ingredients to great music.
My Essential Elements of Excellent Music:
Emotion- The greatest songs are forged in the exceptional emotions. The best artists, music or otherwise, don't wear dockers and live on main street. Their trials and tribulations have created the necessary emotional currency that gives them the license to offer their songs. One of the reasons why most pop music rings so hollow to me is due to the fact that it generally tries to artificially inseminate the essence of the song with faux emotions.
Examples: "Bad"- U2 "Riders on the Storm"- Doors "Waiting in Vain"- Bob Marley
Innovation- Sure, not everyone can be the Beatles or Floyd or Roxy Music but that doesn't mean that there isn't still room for fresh ideas. Unfortunately most music these days is as formulaic as the latest CBS procedural show, nothing more then a few savvy music executives looking to plug the latest "pretty" face into their Billboard 100 algorithm. But keep in mind that innovation, in and of itself, isn't the ideal end. It must be coupled with the other listed ingredients in order to really succeed. Radiohead has given us some pretty interesting sounds but at the end of the day most of their music is just ....interesting sounds. The most innovative music will spawn legions of followers and can create spurts of creative genius that can last years.
Examples: ""Wolf Like Me"- TV on the Radio "A Day in the Life"- Beatles "Heroin"- Velvet Underground
Production- A good sound needs to be captained by someone who can successfully guide the true essence of the song from the mind and heart of its author to the exciting reality of vinyl and mp3 play. Too much or too little production can kill a song. Each additional layer or track should provide necessary depth.
Examples: "Made Up Lovesong #43"- Guillemots "One"- U2 "Nights in White Satin"- The Moody Blues
Lyrics- The words behind a song might be the forth or fifth thing I look for in a song but that doesn't diminish their overall importance. Words can create as much imagery as any exotic instrument or arrangement. Conversely, nothing can kill a song as quickly as stupid lyrics. (Just ask Bono why he felt compelled to sing about moles digging in holes)
Examples: "It's the End of the World as We Know It"- REM "Trying to Throw your Arms Around the World"- U2 "Luckiest"- Ben Folds
Vocals- The words of the song is the beautiful rose while the vocals are the manner in which it is presented. You may offer up a gorgeous lily but if it is placed in a tin can, the only thing that the recipient will look at is the rusty tin can. That's how it goes with vocals. Some of the most memorable artists (Dylan, Reed, C. Martin) don't have professional quality voices. But they don't need to, so long as they don't distract from the song. If anything the unique and somewhat flawed voice gives an honest texture to the song that gives it a stronger connection to the average listener.
Examples: "Be Here Now"- Ray Lamontagne "Wonderful World"- Louis Armstrong "Anyone Else But You"- The Moldy Peaches
Staying Power- A good song will provide just as much enjoyment on the 100th listen as it did on the 10th. It will continue to be relevant and won't be unnecessarily tied to the era from which it sprang. It is timeless. "Staying power" is usually the sum result of doing the aforementioned other things right.
Examples: "Where the Streets Have no Name"- U2 "Imagine"- John Lennon "Fake Plastic Trees"- Radiohead
----- This list is in no way comprehensive or complete. The author (ME) reserves the right to update and edit this list as he(ME) sees fit.
With the Grammy's being too corporate and boring I have decided to redirect my musical efforts and combine a few insights and tidbits from the upcoming U2 album.
1st, enjoy the new video for "Sexy Boots". Very James Bond. It is one of those rare occurrences when the video actually really enhances the music.
2nd, I found a site that contains 30 second snippets of every track from the forthcoming album. While it is very difficult to get a read on the songs from most of the clips, I'm willing to take whatever bone I can dig up.
My first takes:
Positive:
Stand up Comedy
Unknown Caller
White as Snow
Indifferent:
No Line on the Horizon
Magnificent
Moment of Surrender
I'll go Crazy...
Sexy Boots (But we all know this one well by now)
Cedars of Lebanon
Negative:
Breathe
Confused:
Fez
Third, here's a good review from someone who has had the chance to listen to the album in its entirety. My statistics training has taught me that if I want to get a good sense of something I need to survey a big enough sample. I've probably read more then 20 independent reviews of this album. I can say with a 90% degree of confidence that this album will be very good.
As we enter the DEFCON 1 environs of Universal Music (not really, just hand over your mobile please. And your soul), I can only think that teenage me would really be freaking out right now to be hearing an advance copy of a new U2 album a full month before it becomes ubiquitous out in the world (maybe sooner, if a copyfight happy employee decides to leak it. C’maaaaaan, chumpy!)
Adult me is also pretty excited.
Focus! We were only permitted to hear it through once, and the sheer joy I felt afterwards over it not being searingly terrible has forced a lot of critical faculties out of my brain. Still, I would characterise No Line On The Horizon overall as falling firmly near the Achtung Baby/Zooropa/Pop triumvirate (OF AWESOME) with a sprinkling of Boy (also, excellent) and very far from the All That You Can’t Dismantle You Leave Atomic Bombs Behind, or whatever they were called twinset (OF TERRIBLE), with only a few nods to the later 80’s with a lot of OH OH OH OHHHs that surely this band can take a patent out on now.
In due time I will collect my thoughts for a real review closer to the release date, for now I’ll just transcribe my notes:
No Line On The Horizon
U2 have been listening to Kings of Leon. Dirty big Fly-like riff tears out of speakers, masses of percussion upfront in the mix. First of several Boyesque choruses, Oh-oh-oh-oooooh! This song is incredibly loud. Phwoar, good start.
Magnificent
U2 have been listening to the Killers. Oh wait, only a bit. Stomps along at maybe U2’s quickest ever clip, (they’re aren’t really for fast ones though, are they?) a neat 4/4 disco rock beat. THIS is the guitar album they have been banging on about for a decade. Huge riff. Some Real Thingish slide guitar choruses. Is this one of Bono’s God songs? Could definitely be about a woman (very good at that trope now, Bono.) “Only love can leave such a scar.” This is incredibly aptly titled, clever U2. Stadium ready “You and I will make a fire!” This will be a single.
Moment of Surrender
A downtempo, Eno-heavy gospel thing, a soul ballad built on a heavy bass figure and prominent, processed drums. Ok, so everything is on fire (“We’ll set ourselves on fire.”) Right, U2 own this Ohoh oh ooh OOHHHH thing, I got it. “I’ve been down every dark road”, I love it when Bono gets existential, this is my favourite Bono mode. Then he’s on his knees in a revery in the street, “I did not notice them, they did not notice me” perhaps the only time Bono has vocalised a desire for anonymity. “ATM machine”. Well, we all call them that.
Unknown Caller
Birds?? A Morroccan drone. Guitar figure sounds a lot like… Walk On? (AGAST I AM. Still sounds pretty great.) Is this about someone getting mugged? Some kind of tech nightmare, “you know your password, key it in.” Something about making it out alive. “3:33 in the morning and the numbers dropped off the clockface” (here I have double underlined, LOVE THIS. I am glad Bono uses concrete imagery.) Urgent sounding church organ, a horn section (whoa.) First-ever instance of double tracked lead vocals. Double the Bono! (Again I have underlined LOVE THIS.) “Escape yourself and gravity.”
(I am trying very hard to not stare too long or obviously at the photos in the press pack, which is hard because U2 look very handsome in them, especially Adam “Silverfox” Clayton. Edge looks in one like he might punch the photographer. Edge is very good looking. Bono, it is Edge who has a beard. And for God’s sake GET SOME NEW GLASSES. Or a new stylist. Or are you dressing yourself? Stop doing that. I am thinking of starting you a PayPal account.) I’ll Go Crazy If I Don’t Go Crazy Tonight
Awesome in spite of immensely stupid title. Bono hits crazy high notes in chorus (see what he did there?) Is this song addressed to anyone in particular? A party girl who longs for a quiet life, but we want her to perform, part of us wants her to go crazy! She’s a rainbow! Leave her alone. A Beatlesque guitar figure, building a very sweet, pop melody and into a rousing “Baby, baby, baby” chorus (love when Bono says ‘baby’ without being ironic.) Will absolutely kill live, “I think I’ll go crazy if I don’t go crazy tonight!” Stomping again. Good good.
Get On Your Boots
Here’s the Elvis Costello song. This is so damn catchy. The tried and tested U2 trick of a lead single not really indicative of the rest of the album. Still love that glam rock riff.
Stand Up Comedy
Dreading this, the worst of the superbad titles. Then, huge Led Zepplin riff, into Stone Roses groove. Most Achtung-like track, big celebratory rock song, amazingly good. We’re at a peace rally. “Stand up for your love!” A big crunchy bass line and McCartney-infused melodies. “Stand up to rock stars!” A pattern emerges: the worse the title, the better the song.
FEZ-Being Born
Sounds like a crowded marketplace, phones are ringing. Recycles ‘Boots’ “let me in the sound!”, underwater. Eno all over. Flat out, exceedingly weird. EXCELLENT (double underlined.) Blips and noise, Passengers return. OK! New song. A militaristic shuffle propels uptempo rock. No discernible hook but instead weaves a sound, layers of keyboard and chiming notes. Many voiced chorus. ENO (circled, underlined.) Totally out there.
White as Snow
Piano playing a lullaby. Spare, Johnny Cash guitar. This is what the Wanderer might have been like had he recorded it. Intro sounds like the Necks. I deeply love this. Bono does Nick Cave. A murder ballad, “my brother and I would drive for hours.” “The water was icy, the road refuses strangers.” “They were hunting in the woods.” Hypnotically slow narration. I can see this rapidly becoming one of my favourite ever U2 songs. Like nothing they’ve ever done. Please make a bare-bones country album one day. Breathe
Wacky time signature, 16/9? Band and Bono come crashing in, Bono is trying to out-Dylan Dylan with free-form rapid fire choruses (“A cockatoo!” WHAT.) Time straightens out into massively catchy 3/4 chorus (“Walk out, into the street/ See your heart, see my heart out”). Huge guitar line, Achtung Baby x Joshua Tree. Strings and piano join, Bono reaching his upper register in an unabashedly uplifting chorus up there with U2’s best melodies. I wish this would go forever. I can see Bono belting this with his face up to the sky and that beatific grin, as 60,000 people join in. Crazy if this isn’t a single.
Cedars of Lebanon
Bono is in deep-talking sexy mode, like Velvet Dress (actually this is my favourite Bono mode.) Bluesy keys and guitar build a very sombre mood, this album is ending on a heavy, downbeat note as the best U2 albums always have (even heavier than Wake Up Dead Man/Love is Blindness which are equally a little like being hit in the head with a shovel.) A war correspondent recalls a litany of shit and his now disjointed senses, but “the shitty world sometimes produces a rose” bringing small note of stubborn optimism. Bono neatly slays the entire profession of journalism: “the best of us are masters of compression.” Yikes. Definitively proves “crap title equals killer track” rule.
______________
In conclusion:
I’m dying to hear this album again. And again many times over. Definitely U2’s most challenging record, with the band hitting previously unheard of straps. Bono especially sounds far better than he has over the last decade, or longer, and never sounds like he’s pushing to hit notes he can’t reach, instead totally flying.
In closing: Thankyou U2, for not sucking. I will not be ending our relationship on Facebook.
You remember the old saying, "jack of all trades, but master of none"? That old adage has widespread application; especially in the digital age. In the age of wikipedia and instant Internet access we are only a click away from a "definitive" opinion on our searched topic. No real sweat or effort goes into learning the subject and as a result we have a wide, but shallow understanding of many things. No real depth.....moving to relationships.
In the last several years we've seen an absolute explosion of Social Media like Linked In, Facebook, and MySpace that allow us to socialize and network. I remember signing up for the first two several years ago while at Thunderbird. Initially it was a fun novelty that lost its luster due to low user participation. But these applications have reached critical mass and it's nearly impossible to avoid them now.
As a result of this widespread usage I've now been able to reconnect with hundreds of people that I thought were consigned to memory and dusty pages from an old yearbook. It's been interesting to catchup, view photos of families, and brag about how "cool" our lives are. It also raises several questions that just didn't exist in the ancient days that proceeded Netscape and the text message. Among them are:
Do these technologies impact relationship fidelity's? You know what they say about the grass is greener. I can only imagine that there are scores of people who aren't happy with their current station and daydream of "what if" with past flames. Those flames can be fanned with escalating emails and communication.
Does social media affect the way we look at people? We've got a whole new generation of voyeurs that can spend countless hours peeking into the lives of people. Hours can be wasted trying to find an old roommate or looking for juicy tidbits that can gain currency as gossip.
Productivity drain? How many hours are spent posting crap and waiting for people to comment on our little kid who we feel is the cutest thing since Shirley Temple?
Do these tools cheapen our relationships? Instead of having a close circle of friends that receive the majority of our attention do we neglect them by casting a wide net over people that have little impact on us? For example, how many of us blow off quality time with our spouses in order to talk about how cool our freshman assembly was with a couple of long, lost school mates?
Sure there is much to be gained by this new technology. But I would dare say that they also create a new host of issues. Just remember that an actual conversation always trumps an instant message and that cyberspace and reality sometime don't operate in tandem.
I've got to run....someone just pinged my twitter account...lol
The 2008 Dallas Cowboys were loaded with as much talent and superstars as any Yankees team that Steinbrenner has cobbled together. But as the Yankees have proven, talent and hype wins nothing but airtime on daytime sports talk shows.
I've been with the Cowboys ever since Danny White was handing the ball to Tony Dorsett under the silent but stern eye of the great Tom Landry. I can't explain my allegiance other then the fact that my older brother got me into them and I have never wavered since. Until now.
I am having an increasingly difficult time handling the cognitive dissonance that resides within my sports affiliation decision making process. I can no longer justify the awkward juxtaposition that exists between what I ideally want in a sports franchise and my love for the Cowboys.
You want a team that wins, right? Yes, that is the bottom line for most fans. But, just as important, you want a team that wins the right way. You want a team that embodies the values that you embrace. (i.e. Pittsburgh Steelers mirroring the gritty, blue collar mentality of its city) You want a team that has leadership, drive, and mutual respect. You work hard to succeed in your job and you expect the players on your team to putting forth the same effort to hone their craft within the team. You want a team that believes that whole is truly bigger then the sum of its parts.
Does that describe the Dallas Cowboys? I only wish it did. We've got a crisis of leadership and accountability and it starts at the top. Teams mirror their ownership and leadership. Do you wonder why the 2008 Dallas Cowboys turned into a circus? Look no further then Jerry Jones.
The Washington Street foundation truly is the gift that keeps giving. I don't know about the kids but I'm sure getting a lot out of these field trips. This month it was a visit to the little village that Frankie built, all nestled up in the desert lushness of the McDowell mountains east of Scottsdale.
I couldn't help but enjoy a tinge of irony as we had to pass through some of the most superficial and decadent areas in Scottsdale to get to Taliesin. I chuckled as I observed how the simple serenity of this little community overshadowed all of the super leveraged and soulless houses that occupied the foothills just a stones throw below. I think that Mr. Wright would also share this feeling.
Despite the fact that residential development has now creeped up to its very edges this place is suprisingly peaceful. You can spend several hours here without even giving in to the temptation to look at your watch or blackberry.
The guides really bring this place to life. There are layers and layers of subtle history here that can only be uncovered by those who have lived to make it. In our case we were led by a spry older lady who has spent over 30 years on this campus. She was able to point out designs that originated here and that revolutionized the way we in which we design and build.
This place has a simple yet elegant design about it. It seems organic enough to feel like an elaborate fort yet sophisticated enough to host a dinner party, which it did back when the great architect was still alive. This place made the Swiss Family Robinson tree house seem so.....so, Disney in comparison.
This campus is still a vibrant center for learning. I couldn't think of a more serene and focused setting to learn how to build structures that are in harmony with nature. There is a small student body that basically lives in self-constructed forts during their academic stay. Let's see a textbook try to reach a mind like that.
All in all this was a worthwhile visit and a true gem to the Phoenix landscape. I'm surprised that it took this long for me to make the visit. True and inspired genius doesn't come around often, especially here. So you've got to savor and learn from those rare occurrences that you can create an intimate and tangible connection to the inspired.
It started like any other morning. The TV was turned on as I was going through the daily routine. Then everything changed. As expected the news coverage was all over the upcoming inauguration, only this time the electricity was more real and organic and less manufactured. I was instantly captivated and enthralled. A sudden anticipation enveloped me that can only be described as the giddy feelings that precede the rush down the stairs on Christmas morning or the hours before departing on your dream vacation. I dropped my morning work plans and started to anxiously pace around the living room listening and watching the coverage.
Is this odd? I didn't vote for Mr. Obama. Most of my political views do not correspond with what he proposed on the campaign trail. I still have my doubts about his ability to live up to the "messiah-like" expectations that the media and country have placed upon his shoulders. I wonder about the direction that he will take this country. But.....this morning none of that mattered. The traditional partisan spirit was suspended, at least temporarily, and we- the whole Nation- was experiencing a rare and incredibly positive moment together.
The feelings felt this morning transcend one person, narrow ideologies, or the Washington DC that we are normally fed on the evening news. The pride and humility felt this morning were based on a system of government that has stood the test of time. The feeling that knowing that your nation doesn't rest on one person or party; knowing that this system still is able to work despite the chaos that swirls around. I know that the rest of the world watched in envy as a deeply divided and bruised country came together to peacefully and seamlessly pass the torch of leadership on to a new regime.
It was a collectively cathartic moment for the nation as we saw President Bush welcome President Obama to the White House. At this moment there was no rancor but only a sense that we can appreciate a nation that can have two very different people at its helm. I really feel that both men have our best interests at heart. We have been given the great gift to start anew, a tabula rasa that can effectively destroy the partisan gridlock that is endemic in DC and get people working towards solutions and not payoffs. There is a palpable sense of goodwill and both sides need to seize it and move towards solutions that are less motivated by polls and interest groups.
There were also some incredibly candid and humanizing moments. I was amused when I saw Bush Sr. slap a Marine as he walked by him. I smiled when President Obama stumbled in repeating the Oath of Office. Our system is what is to be lauded and what is to be eternal. We are merely stewards to these noble ideals....and we are mortals and prone to human mistakes. Through it all there were smiles all around. Even President Obama was able to chuckle at his mistakes in following the incredibly formal protocol.
The speech was brillant. It addressed our current struggles but wasn't mired in policy detail. It was conveyed with the calm confidence that got this man elected. It spoke of unity and was driven with a strong sense of purpose. He spoke of the strides this country has made regarding the Civil Rights movement without making his speech and candidacy be solely about Civil Rights. He is bigger then one group or cause.
After the speech more formality and procedures. It seems like we have enough strange traditions and protocols to make ancient Rome look like a backyard barbecue. Quirky? Yes! But I'm glad we have these traditions. They are reminders of what we have come from. They should keep us grounded.
I had to get back to work and my day to day responsibilities. But I am forever grateful that I took the time to witness this event. I am once again reminded of the absolute blessing it is to live in this great nation. That in spite of all that divides us there is still a very strong common thread that keeps us together. We are a great nation and it is time for us to wake up again and reclaim our potential.
As expected leaks of the new U2 album, particularly the first song- "Get on your boots", have begun to surface. The hyperbole and expectations are high as early reports have this album leaving the safe confines of ATYCLB and HTDAAB and moving into the more adventurous country that gave us Achtung Baby.
We read for diversion, we read for knowledge, we read for greater insights into ideas that might be beyond our current grasp, we even read to try to get our minds around events that are swirling around us. The book, "Age of Turbulence" by Alan Greenspan combines those things and is a must read for anyone coming to grips with the brutal hole that we have dumped our economy into.
As a person who has been intimately involved in shaping and interpreting every major economic development since the 1950's; Mr. Greenspan is an an absolutely unique position as narrator. Despite the fact that the book is loaded with mountains of Macro Economic jargon it still is entertaining and reads almost as fast as any book that Grisham ever wrote. It is an absolute godsend for any student of political economics who is sick of how absolutely insipid and prosaic most textbooks are.
One of the most informative insights shared was how separate economic and political timing is. For example, Bush Sr. took important but politically questionable actions to help push the economy out of recession. Unfortunately his successor, Mr. Bill, was the one who was around to see those efforts take fruit. It was also interesting but sad to see how we second handedly destroyed our largest budget surplus in history through the bursting of the dot.com bubble, President Bush's stubbornness in not shelving his campaign promises despite of changing circumstances, and Congress and its insatiable desire for pork barrel politics.
Do yourself a favor and give this book a read. Economics have never been more sexy. It is very pertinent and, at the very least, it will make you more interesting at the next coctail party.
It's a new year and a new list of new resolutions. This year was slightly different as we got an early push from our good Canadian friend, Jim Carrey. Upon seeing his new movie "Yes Man" we decided to take a similar approach and embrace the new and exciting possibilities offered to us by this wonderous thing called life. (Well at least as exciting as things can get out in the greater Mesa area.)
With our resolutions and goals augmented by our hollywood aided fervor for trying out new things we have an ambitious plan of trying out a distinctly new thing each week for the duration of 2009. Highlights so far include:
Taking up Chess- For whatever reason I feel sort of sophisticated and cultured when I play this, like I am attending an elite English public school.
Oil Painting- My first attempt was a horrid and naieve attempt to blend surrealism and nature. But I'm well supplied and hopefully getting better.
Durant's- This is a real Phoenix establishment. This old steak house once catered to the Phoenix elite and even the mob. This is a course in fine dining and Phoenician history.
The Holidays are firmly here and what better way to ring in the season with the 12 year old red blooded boy that you mentor then a Saturday matinee of the Nutcracker? In all candor it was as part of our association the Washington Street Foundation; the incredible organization that provides incredible opportunities for 40+ valley kids in the valley. Armando admitted that he kind of liked the ballet, at least the visual image of girls prancing around in tights behind an insanely colorful and elaborate backdrop.
The Nutcracker is somewhat of a tradition with my family and I was happy to get a free chance to see what IB Anderson had up his sleeves this year. There's something magical about that production that extends beyond the legions of smartly dressed mothers and daughters. There's also something special about the Washington Street Foundation.
In the 18 months that I have been apart of the organization we have taken the kids to do the following things:
Learn the art of bell making and the science of alternative community development from Cosanti
Learn about college from visits to Scottsdale and Paradise Valley Community Colleges
Visit the Out of Africa Wildlife Refuge and Phoenix Zoo
Ponder the abstract genius of Frank Lloyd Wright at Taliesin
Learn about nutrition and rudimentary culinary arts
Visit the Mesa Museum of Art for the Muppet's display
Learn the fundamentals of rock climbing and rappelling
The kids are introduced to culture, arts, science, and opportunities that would normally be beyond the limited means of their families. To top it all off they get college scholarships upon successful graduation from the program. Christmas is the time to express gratitude for things that truly enrich our lives. I'm not even a student but I've greatly benefited from the opportunity to be part of this group. I can only imagine the magnitude of positive influence it has over kids from difficult circumstances.
The holidays are upon us and soon time will expire forcing us to reveal how unfulfilled our intentions were through Outback Steakhouse gift cards. Here are a few thoughts to enjoy while you nibble on some gingerbread cookies.
Christmas Music- In our attempt to inject some Christmas spirit into our lives we inundate ourselves with music from the season. Unfortunately most of the music is sourced at the commercial springs of our local radio stations. So instead of "Silent Night" we get fifteen different pop renditions of "Santa Baby". I can tolerate 1-5 listenings of the Muppet's rendition of the "Twelve Days of Christmas". But when it is played for the 6th time in 24 hours and I haven't even heard "Away in a Manger", "The First Noel", or "We Three Kings" once I have to wonder why we have such a hard time even mentioning the real reason for why we celebrate this holiday. Here's to more sentimental, traditional, and -dare I say- religous music at Christmas.
The surprising quality from the 80's- Do you ever get sucked into watching one of those countdown or "remember the..." programs? The other night Jodi and I fell victim to a VH1 countdown of the best songs from the 1980's. Somewhere between "A-Ha" and "Guns N' Roses" we realized how great that music was, especially in relation to the uninspiring stuff of the past decade. These songs offered a new sound, were well crafted, and were exceptionally catchy. I have a hard time naming any song from the past 8 years that could be considered ground breaking or orginal. I have a hard time naming any song from the past 8 years that could be a "pop classic" on the scale of "Billie Jean" or "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun." I probably have 1,200 songs from 2000-2008 and they are all suprisingly just pretty good.
Eleanor Antin- On a recent trip to San Diego we had the opportunity to visit Museum of Art at Balboa Park. On display was the work of Eleanor Antin. Her work was titled "Historical Takes" and it focuses on a large series of tableaux photographs that are based on Greek and Roman history but mixed with modern themes. I have posted a couple of her photos here for your enjoyment or dismay. I think her work is definitely worth a moment of your time.
Favorite Movies, universal theme?- We recently rewatched "Stranger than Fiction" and I remembered why it is amongst my favorite flicks. The ending credits had barely begun to roll when I realized how similar this is to a couple of my other favorite movies, "Truman Show" and "Lost in Translation". They are all great films that mark a serious departure for actors who had previously only been known as goofy comedians. They do a great job of broaching themes of loneliness, dreams, and human connection. They all were original and had a very quirky charm. Do yourself a favor and go rent one of these great movies over the holiday break.
We see something once and it is quickly dismissed. We see it again for the second or third time and you have to wonder if a pattern exists. Here are a few observations that might or might not be of any merit. Maybe a social scientist can test these casual hypotheses.
Jewish versus Mormon involvement in the advancement of members within their communities- I have worked with people within both communities and, for whatever reason, there is a greater sense of mentorship and inclusiveness within the Jewish community. It is worth noting that I have almost exclusively lived in areas with strong Mormon communities which might lead to a greater attempt to distance religion and work place advancement due to potential cries of favoritism and bias.
A more social lifestyle equals a more active life- People, when left to themselves, seem inherently lazy. It is a special person, such as my sisters Amy or Megan, who can motivate themselves to great athletic heights. The rest of us need devices like social pressures, gym memberships, and friends who also share a sense of guilt in order to consistently burn our calories. The more friends we have the greater the chance is that you will be involved in an activity that requires some physical exertion.
Drivers with vanity plates are more likely to cut me off on the freeway- Who is the typical vanity plate owner? Its mister type A personality who is out to prove how cool he is. These types are, by definition, more aggressive and more likely to swerve their heavily financed three series in front of me during rush hour.
I'm less likely to know my neighbors name if I live in a suburb as opposed to the city- For whatever reason there is a greater sense of anonymity out here as people keep themselves and there are fewer activities/establishments to bring the community together. Rural and Urban communities seem to have a greater sense of involvement and mutual ownership.
Mormons are less likely to have healthy views towards sex then other groups- We grow up learning about abstinence and morality. We then get married and what was once an anathema and a taboo is now vociferously encouraged. The problem is that there is little discussion when the green light is lit and most couples are left fumbling in the dark when it comes to intimacy. Strange and explicit blogs like this try and fill in the void and engender some kind of conversation on the matter.
Review of Coldplay Concert: November 26th, 2008, Phoenix Arizona
Few bands can make "arena" rock work. Even fewer bands can pull off a meaningful show in a stadium. Live music is about the fan and the band making an intimate connection through the music. That connection becomes weaker the greater amount of people that you throw into the arena. Relative newcomer Coldplay- well relative to stadium stalwarts like U2, Stones, Madonna, and the Eagles- is out to prove that they can reach every member of the audience and their performance Wednesday night at Jobing.com arena proved that they are almost ready for inclusion into that elite group.
For better or worse Coldplay can't stop being compared to U2. It only takes five minutes of watching the performance before you realize that the comparisons are justified. Norm put it well when he stated that the show is a poorman's U2 concert. There are several hallmarks that make a U2 show unique, here is a breakdown of how Coldplay performed relative to those benchmarks.
Rock Anthems- The U2 catalog is scattered with myriad songs that on any given night 75% of the audience knows intimately. The result is a moment where the band and crowd sway, sing, and cry in unison. There is electricity in the air that is more related to the energy generated by the crowd then by the loudness of the amp. Coldplay has several songs that apply for the term, "anthem" but realistically only "Yellow", "Clocks", and "Viva La Vida" qualify. These are good songs in their own right but the energy generated by the band isn't quite reciprocated by the audience. The intimacy and personalization of the songs just aren't there.
Stage Set Up- Both bands are notorious for the lengths that they will go to in order to connect with the audience. Coldplay took lead from the Elevation and Vertigo tours by extending the stage into the crowd. They even go a step further by locating a temporary stage far into the lower bowl. The result is electric and ballsy. Hat's off for bringing the show to us.
Pyrotechnics- The lighting, screens, and themes very much mirror U2 and many other veteran bands. For the most part the set up enhances the music and doesn't get in the way. The glaring exception was the lasers used during "Clocks" that were eerily reminiscent to the old laser "Floyd" shows that we attended at the planetarium during high school.
Leading Men- I think that even Chris Martin will admit that he has a major Bono complex. Both have unbridled energy, optimism, vocal range, and desire to convey their musical message to the farthest reaches of the arena. But whereas Bono's energy is now finely honed and controlled, Martin's comes across as scattered and somewhat spasmodic. You watch Bono and he has a charismatic and sexual appeal. You watch Chris Martin and sometimes you wonder if he gets the caffeine injected intravenously.
Politics- You can't mention either band's name without muttering Amnesty International or World Hunger in the same breath. Surprisingly the couple U2 tours were far more "message driven" then the Coldplay show. Martin spared us the preaching tonight.
I could probably draw a few more comparisons but you get the point. Coldplay isn't performing to the level of U2 but they, surprisingly, aren't too far behind. I just wish that they had more songs that were worthy of creating that intimate connection.
All in all it was a great show. The chemistry between the band mates is tangible and very real. The way that they interact with each other and interchange roles is world class. Highlights included "Lovers in Japan" as an encore with the paper butterflies mingling with the lights to create a joyfully thick ambiance and the crowd helping out Martin sing "Fix You". Certain songs that I didn't care too much for on the album really came to life when performed live.
I do have a couple of complaints. The wait was long and the opening acts did little to hold our attention. The avant garde sounds of John Hopkins really don't work outside of a club or Soho. Also, I was pretty disappointed to find out that the band plays the exact same set list from show to show. I understand that the complexity of the show makes things rigid but the acoustic set provides plenty of opportunities to mix it up. Our show was the last one in North America and I was expecting something a bit different than the standard set list.
Some more random thoughts from a very random mind. This has turned out to be the best way to capture the little unformed thoughts that pass through my grey matter.
Finding Objectivity- We live in a country that is pretty evenly split down the middle. We have our "reds" and our "blues" and depending on who you ask the other side is, in so many words, going to hell. This is particularly irksome for someone who tries to listen to both viewpoints in search of an objective middle ground. Each side has their army of statisticians, facts, and experts. For example, I am keenly interested to understand the societal impact of "civil unions" in countries like Denmark. It has been a human triumph or failure depending on the viewpoint of the author. It's sad that we live in a time where people write agenda first, facts second. It's hard to be objective I know. If anyone finds any good newspapers, talking heads, or blogs that are above reproach and not pushing an agenda then let me know. I'd like to read them.
Tucson- We were down there this past weekend so that my little sister could do the Tour of Tucson. There is something the is equal parts creepy and intriguing about that city. You go there and you get a feeling that you are in a different time and place. It's like one of those small towns that Mulder and Scully would investigate.
Rivlary Week- Once again BYU didn't show up when the game really, really matters something. We will have to tolerate another Utah team going to the BCS. We will, once again, be stuck with $1.99 shrimp cocktails, slot machines, and the Vegas Bowl. I'm sick of Dick Harmon almost convincing me that this team is BCS bound and a legitimate threat. I congratulate the U on the victory and publicly wish you the best in the upcoming game. But deep down I would get love nothing more then to see you get steamrolled by Texas or USC or Oklahoma. I don't care about the good of the conference, this is a rivalry.
What the Twillight- So we've got some fantasy tale about a sexually repressed girl who falls in love with a vampire or something. That's great and it comes as no suprise that the "Hannah Montana" preteen girls have come out in droves to make this thing a best seller. But what is baffling and kind of gross is that you've got just as many mothers who have latched on to this underaged harlequin. How would Freud explain this? And better yet is there a male equivalent to this out of place behavior?Trust Michael Stipe when he says not to go back to Rockville.
I am a big proponent of dredging the past for guidance and insights to issues and events that are unfolding in the present. You know what they say about history repeating itself. I firmly believe that there are enough moments throughout history that help form useful patterns that allow us to forecast how things will tend to play out.
With the recent events that have unfolded regarding proposition 8 and "gay marriage" I have started to search history in hopes of getting some insight. My church has been labeled as bigoted and hateful because of its support for the ban. This is a very "hot button" and fresh issue right now. This isn't going away and I want to be as informed as possible.
I've started to research the history of this topic with limited results. Despite the fact that outside of recent actions in Europe and Canada there doesn't seem to much of a precedent for formally accepting a gay marriage. Now homosexuality has permeated history and certain societies have had varying levels of tolerance regarding the practice but I have not found any group that ever gave a gay marriage equal standing as a traditional heterosexual marriage. If anyone finds anything different please let me know. If there ever was a society throughout history that allowed this it would be of monumental importance to see how it played out.
One thing that muddies up the water for my thoughts on this matter is the strong correlation that gay rights advocates are drawing between the Civil Rights movement and the quest for equal marriage rights. Does this assertion hold water or is it just exceptionally brilliant marketing? This is one area I would like to better understand. Is the right for a homosexual couple to marry and adopt children on the same fundamental level as the rights afforded to African Americans through the Civil Rights Act of 1964? I guess a lot of this depends on whether you feel that homosexuality is a behavior/trait or whether it is a fundamental part of who you are as a person.
Another area that needs to be considered is children. This is another area that I would like to better understand. Biology 101 teaches that it takes a man and women to form a child. Now I believe that mother nature created this structure for a reason and that children need parental figures in the form of both a mother and a father in order to be optimally raised. If there was one area that I would strongly side with traditional marriage it would be this. At the core, nuclear level a family consists of a child being taught and nurtured by a paternal and maternal influence. I do not believe that a homosexual couple can create those kind of optimal circumstances. Once again I would love to read up on this and get some kind of scientific study or historical precedent to help solidify my thoughts. Right now I'm going off my gut, what I see in nature, and several thousand years of accepted history.
This is an issue that isn't going away. I think it needs to be studied, discussed, and that both sides need to show respect. Accusation of sin, bigotry, and hatred only stand in the way of a meaningful dialogue and, in my opinion, only mask ignorance. As this post illustrates my thoughts on this matter are somewhat scattered and still gelling. Hopefully this helps me organize my thoughts, maybe find some kinship with other people who are likewise organizing their own, and start some kind of meaningful dialogue between two sides that seem worlds apart.
Authors Note: Like many people, particularly Mormons, I have been very interested in how this plays out. This interest is based on several factors including:
History- I was thinking about the silent white majority during the Civil Rights movement. These were, for the most part, good people who were just victims of their time and almost universally held beliefs. I want to thoughtfully and prayerfully understand this history because I don't want my children to learn about how I was backwards and stood on the wrong side of history.
Accusations of Bigotry- For whatever reason the church has taken the brunt of the backlash on this. I guess we are a much easier and politically friendly target then the droves of African Americans, Catholics, Evangelicals, Hispanics, Muslims, and other god fearing people who came out in droves to support the measure as well. When someone calls my church hateful and bigoted it grabs my attention. Why? Because those accusations don't square with the church that I've attended since a kid. I consistently learned about justice and the ten commandments and such but I also learned about love, forgiveness, and respecting those that don't hold your views or beliefs.
Faith- I support this measure because I faithfully support my leaders whose guidance I believe is divinely supported. But it is hard to have a rational discussion when faith and God is brought into the mix. This is a very tough issue. I have to admit that a lot of my support is based on my faith in this church and its leadership. So I figure that by studying this out I can have a meaningful dialogue with a person who deals in fact and wants to only talk in a secular forum.
Some thoughts from a recent that Jodi and I took to San Diego.
Little Italy- This charming community often gets overlooked by visitors who are so set on seeing Coronado and the Gas Lamp district. We found that this area had the perfect blend of ambiance and activity and wasn't quite as crowded as the aforementioned attractions. Plus the area is home to some excellent dining. We ate at The Trattoria Fantastica and I was treated to one of my new favorite dishes, the Pollo Valdostana. The dish is cooked in a brandy sauce that gives the dish an exceptional creamy and buttery taste.
Halloween- We spent the evening as observers in the Little Italy district. There was a definite sense of community there that I feel that we miss living in the suburbs. All of the restaurants participated, dressed up, and passed out candy to the myriad kids and parents who paraded up and down the street. We sat in the square and watched as parents interacted with each other and with their kids. A big part of me really wishes that every neighborhood could engender a sense community like we felt there. That will always be one of the big reasons why I have a hard time living in the suburbs; we prefer to burrow into our own homes and abstain from meaningful interaction with neighbors.
Balboa Park- This is another gem that gets forgotten in the rush to visit Sea World. The parks, museums, restaurants, gardens and architecture make it worth at least a full day. The park is a perfect activity to counter the frenetic pace of many of the San Diego attractions. We spent most of the time casually strolling through gardens, enjoying art, and soaking in the weather.
Proposition 8- Our visit coincided with the intense climax to the furor created by Prop 8. We saw the debate from both sides. We first observed the response from a more liberal San Diego community. Whether you disagree or not the opposition equated marriage rights for gays with the Civil Rights movement. Later in the week we visited friends and family in Orange County and Temucula. The atmosphere was still very charged but very different. Out in the suburbs the sentiment was very much in favor of the prop. We drove by several large groups, mostly families, who were holding up signs and placards. Jodi's sister-in-law has been very involved in the measure and the amount of effort that she has put into this is staggering. She was fielding phone calls well into the evening and was even mentioned in the LA Times. We passed a similar measure in Arizona but it didn't generate a hundredth of the attention and division that it caused in California. This is a very difficult topic, just ask Steve Young, and I am sure that it will continue to be fought in the months and years to come.
All in all we agreed that San Diego is one of those perfect cities, no surprise there. It isn't too big that it suffocates and intimidates you. But it offers all of the culture and ammenities that you would expect in a big city. Apart from the cost of living it is the leader of our pantheon of great cities that includes: Salt Lake, Denver, Austin, Portland, and Phoenix.
It comes and goes like my quarterly craving for a Big Mac or a Santa Ana wind. Every several months I reintroduce myself to the great free-market experiment that is called E-Bay. And every time that casual infatuation turns into a full blown fever.
There was the baseball card rash of 2003 when I spent a boatload of cash on cards that featured actual game used jerseys of my favorite players. Those cards are currently in a shoebox in my office closet. Then there came the coin craze of 05'. It was a spectacular epiphany when I discovered that you could by artifacts from your favorite corner of antiquity. So I bought tons of coins both for myself and in an effort to teach my nieces and nephews about the coolness of history.
Fast forward to the present. I casually went online to see if I could find some good prices on jewelry for Jodi. But fifteen minutes into the exercise I was soon doing searches for things that interested me. I found an original Diego Rivera watercolor. I found authentic jerseys. And I found a multitude of items from Greek and Roman antiquity. While it was cool to see the stuff I was craving a more interactive experience. So I started to bid on these items. My primary reasons were A) a curiosity to see if I could actually get something like that at a cheap price and B) To make the other guys earn their keep by bidding up the price on those items.
Well the euphoria was soon doused by the cold water of reality when I realized that I was only a few hours away from having to own several hundreds of dollars of rare art. I almost ended up having to buy the Diego Rivera but it ended up settling for $630. I did however get stuck with a Greek Lekythos. What is that you ask? Well here is a textbook definition from Wesleyan University
"This vase was a flask used for toilet oils, perfume, or condiments, and also appears in funerary contexts, where it was used to pour libations for the dead or was left on the grave as an offering."
So I am now a proud owner of my very own Lekythos. I've actually looked at several sites of antiquities dealers and evidently I got a good price on the thing. I will just consider this to be an investment. With the stock market tanking I figure that this is just as good a place to put my retirement funds.
I have also learned my lesson. Unless I have gobs of discretionary income then I should probably avoid spending time on Ebay. I have sworn it off for now but you never know when the siren song of sweet deals and exotic goods will come calling again. Until then I will enjoy my little funerary vase from 5th Century BC Greece.
I've become keenly interested in body language and interpersonal relationships lately. One it's interesting and two, social skills and creativity are two things that can't easily be outsourced to Bangalore, India. I would love to be able to read, communicate, and manipulate people better. Well, I'll publicly admit to striving for the first two. A pretty cool basic site regarding body language is called Changing Minds. Check it out.
I've been called rambunctious and been accused of tom foolery but I've never been suspected of or called out for chicanery. I always liked that word and I always thought that it would be a seminal noun to aspire to for someone who liked good natured fun. That was until I looked up its exact definition. Now I don't mind that it has never been used when describing my high jinks, mishaps, or missteps.
Here is a pretty cool blog from the creators of Freakonomics. When they stick to economics or social science they do a good job and they have a way of bringing to life stuff that can generally be considered prosaic.
So I've been watching a couple of crime dramas on TV these days. I guess that's kind of tough since they are as universal as reality shows. One thing I've noticed is that every single tough guy detective/cop character has a horrible personal life. They all have serious issues with their dads as well. I guess that makes for good drama...or lazy writers.
Every once in awhile I muster up enough courage to read a book that is considered a classic. It is much more challenging to read something like "Crime and Punishment" when there is no grade on the line. Right now I am reading some Greek Philosophy and brushing up on the age old struggle between Nomos and Physis.
In an effort to retain what I am learning about philosophy I am dedicating this entry to trying to apply these principles to the mundacity of my life. Here we go...
Nomos (Order) vs. Physis (Chaos)- This eternal struggle often plays out between Jodi and I when it comes to matters of home maintenance. She sets a high standard and believes in a house of order and folded clothes. I hail from the free style "jazz" school of thought that believes in keeping things in a minimal working order. At the end of the day she always win and I always have to begrudgingly dust the coffee table.
Theory of Fallacies and Descartes- This crafty Frenchman doubted everything in his search for truth. His quest led to the gem "I think therefore I am". From this truth he could move beyond doubt and had the foundation to build on other ideas. Me? I like to take a different approach. I like to blindly believe everything until it is proven wrong. A letter from the Publishers Clearing House declaring that I've won $40million. I'm all over it and awaiting the check in the mail. Big foot found in Georgia? Sure, it seems feasible. It takes a less effort to blindly believe everything then it is to disprove it.
Epicureanism and the Good Life- I'm all about seizing upon some of that great "Carpe Diem" that this school pushes. In short when given the choice between a cheap and simple value menu and a gourmet dinner I will always chose the latter. While some may take satisfaction in knowing that the drive through at Wendy's saved them $3 they miss out on the greater pleasure that comes through a meal well made. Look towards tomorrow but not at the expense of today.
Nihilistic Thinking- Well I can't say that I like much that comes out of Nietzsche or his disciples but that doesn't mean they aren't worth a read. I just haven't cared much to hear what Zarathustra spake or to enjoy the art and ideas of the many turtlenecked clad Euro dadaists that talk about post-modern nothingness. At the very least these crazy ideas make some good movies. Two cinema classics "Fight Club" and "Big Lebowski" have a little nihilism in their storylines.
You ever put on an old mix CD and a long forgotten song comes on? And with that song comes a vivid memory of a specific time and place in your personal history? I think most of us can use music to document the key moments in our lives. Here is an example of one of mine.
Snow Patrol, “You’re all that I have”. From the summer of 2006
The previous months had been an absolute torrent of hell. I think that most of you know the back story so I won’t go into any details. My entire life, as I knew it, had ended and I was now left alone to try and forge something new. The sum total of my efforts for the previous several years had just been obliterated and I was starting over. Everything was terra incognita….new house, new relationships, new aspirations.
While there was a feeling of fear it was slowly being pushed out by the exhilaration associated with new possibilities. My slate was clean. I could pursue new hobbies or interests. I could learn from my past and forge new and more meaningful relationships. In many ways I was granted a second life.
So spent a week and visited my friend in Washington DC, something I had been meaning to do for years. I went to Austin City Limits with my cousin. I started to write music. I enrolled in a mentorship program. I dated with no regrets. I took up photography. I started attending early morning Kundalini Yoga sessions at the local Sikh Temple. I stepped up my efforts in church.
I wanted to experience my life in full color and for whatever reason that album from Snow Patrol really resonated. There was a yearning that I could relate to. I listened to that album incessantly because, for whatever reason, it was speaking to me.
Eventually life settled down into a comfortable and meaningful routine. I soon met Jodi and we would pick up new albums and artists along the way. That album would be pushed to the back of the playlist. But whenever it happens to get played it brings back a flood of those feelings from my experiences during the summer of 2006.
So we've been bombarded with articles, commentary, and assessments of our economic situation. At the top of the heap are accusations of blame. The epitaphs are incendiary and, depending on your political views, cast a different set of villains responsible for this morass.
In one corner we have the conservative view that the primary culprits for the crisis are the government sponsored programs (CRA, Fannie, Freddie, etc...) that have loosened lending standards in the name of getting everyone into a house. Lenders were forced to comply with these absurd standards as a means to get uncredit worthy applicants into their piece of the American dream. Along the way corruption and mismanagement of the programs (ie. Fannie Mae) became rampant and ignored. Until now. I am all for everyone getting an opportunity to get a home or car but I think that it has to come with the traditional strings attached such as down payment, credit history, collateral, and responsibility.
In the other corner we have the liberal view. Because the Republican leadership was so focused on deregulation it allowed the suits on Wall Street the chance to get creative with financial instruments that were highly risky and fundamentally unsound. The environment created by Fannie Mae lead to wild speculation and these mortgage backed securities. Everyone assumed that things would continue to go up and these people took more risks and became more careless. The proliferation of derivatives and other financial instruments got reckless. So, according to this view, we need more government oversight into how credit is extended and how the rules of finance are governed.
This is a pretty obvious over simplification of the problem. But it begs a fundamental question. Was it government involvement or non-involvement that caused this mess? And is government involvement or non-involvment the needed prescription to solving it? We'll see. I just hope that it is objective and non-partisan economists who come up with a solution and not the earmarking, pork barreling politicians. I hope that these politicians who are responsible for voting on "our"solution do so in a manner that reflects everyone's interest and not just their own.
Here's to hoping. Are the Visigoths at the gates yet?
Here are some more observations that might be on the money or might be insane, incoherent, ideas.
Every once in awhile I muster up enough courage to read a book that is considered a classic. It is much more challenging to read something like "Crime and Punishment" when there is no grade on the line. Right now I am reading some Greek Philosophy and brushing up on the age old struggle between Nomos and Physis.
