I am going to take the next month--30 consecutive days--to remove myself from the internet! I will only be using the web to check e-mails, so if you want to send me messages, my most common addresses would be rafael.barker.miro(at)statefarm.com or rbarker358(at)gmail.com
I'm testing myself with this. I hope it goes well!
Adios!
26.2.09
23.2.09
'Ain't Nobody Worryin'"
10.2.09
The Linguists
The Linguists
Google Talk interview with the linguists K. David Harrison, of Swarthmore College, and Gregory Anderson, of the Living Tongues Institute. I'll be interested in seeing The Linguists DVD because I really like the ways they responded to the questions in the film group discussion and it only intrigues me to see what the movie captured.
Another interesting interview:
Google Talk interview with the linguists K. David Harrison, of Swarthmore College, and Gregory Anderson, of the Living Tongues Institute. I'll be interested in seeing The Linguists DVD because I really like the ways they responded to the questions in the film group discussion and it only intrigues me to see what the movie captured.
Another interesting interview:
9.2.09
Joel Fights Back:
From the "Joel Fights Back" Website:
About the Case
In 2003, Joel received a notice accusing him of downloading music through the P2P service, and told him that he could settle the case for $3,500. He called the payment hotline, offered $500, and sent a money order in that amount. That offer was denied.
In 2007, a complaint showed up on his doorstep after years of silence requiring that Joel appear in court. Rather than backing down, like the other 30,000 people, Joel chose to stand his ground and elected to proceed pro se with the help of his mother.
Joel filed an answer with a counterclaim asserting abuse of federal power and that the excessive damages were unconstitutional. Joel appeared in court where the Judge ordered the parties into settlement. In the settlement, Joel offered to settle for $5,000. The opposing counsel denied and counter-offered a settlement of $10,500 to be paid over 1 year. Joel declined.
From that point, Harvard Law Professor Charles Nesson took the reins of Joel's litigation and Professor Nesson's Harvard Law students began a collaborative effort to represent Joel in the case.
I'm very interested in this case because it will be very interesting to see how the RIAA fights the claims that they have handled their case against Joel et. al improperly, (unconstitutional damages, abusive use of the court system).
Keep following the case at http://joelfightsback.com or through Charles Nesson's youtube page, http://youtube.com/charlesnesson, and for daily updates via twitter (http://twitter.com/joelfightsback)
Coldplay Ft. Jay-Z
Grammy Awards 2009 Performance of "Lost" and "Viva La Vida"
What a well done performance. I never cared much for Coldplay, but this new record of theirs (Viva La Vida) is exceptional.
What a well done performance. I never cared much for Coldplay, but this new record of theirs (Viva La Vida) is exceptional.
Daniel Merriweather
Hmm... something about the musical arrangement of this one. I REALLY like it! Very well done. Wale makes an interesting guest appearance midway through the video. Cool! Hope Merriweather's record is great.
'Change'
'Change'
Alex Rodriguez comes clean:
A-Rod Admits Use
Peter Gammons Reacts to A-Rod's Admission of Guilt
What an expressive interview. Thanks for taking the time to respond openly and honestly to the allegations, Alex. I hope the past is the past, and I see validity in many of the points you make.
As a fan of yours, and a fan of baseball, I also hope that we can clear things up and move things forward to get baseball where it needs to go. You are an integral part of the baseball that I follow.
Peter Gammons Reacts to A-Rod's Admission of Guilt
What an expressive interview. Thanks for taking the time to respond openly and honestly to the allegations, Alex. I hope the past is the past, and I see validity in many of the points you make.
As a fan of yours, and a fan of baseball, I also hope that we can clear things up and move things forward to get baseball where it needs to go. You are an integral part of the baseball that I follow.
8.2.09
Nottage Design: Transparent Pool Table
I'd love to see what it would play like in real life; as for now, I'm skeptical. BUT WOW, LOOK HOW COOL!
Anthony Hamilton
Apparently, there's a new Anthony Hamilton record! I'm very excited because his album "Ain't Nobody Worryin'" is one of my favorite albums. I love his soulful voice and also his gospel infusions in his lyrics. It's interesting to see how he uses the musical instrument of his voice on the many guest appearances he's done for other musicians. I'm hopeful that the new record comes close to the first two albums he's done. I will let you know what my thoughts are when I buy the record in the next couple of weeks.
DJ Revolution Feat Kbimean:
"Man or Machine" music video
Talk about an excellent idea for a music video. Man Vs. Machine at the Turntables! I don't believe I would have been able to think about doing a video like this, so my hat's off to the producer/director for the idea. And the music isn't bad, either! Check it out.
Talk about an excellent idea for a music video. Man Vs. Machine at the Turntables! I don't believe I would have been able to think about doing a video like this, so my hat's off to the producer/director for the idea. And the music isn't bad, either! Check it out.
Friday Night Lights:
Season 3 - Episode 4
Tyra has to be one of the most interesting teenage characters on television right now. I mean, talk about someone with issues: She was assaulted in Season two, she and Landry accidentally murdered the guy who assaulted her--which later was ruled self defense, she spent all of season one viewed as a floozy (sic) and became Coach Taylor's wife's project throughout the end of season two and the beginning of season three. A girl who is far smarter than the stereotypes her fellow classmates and even the vice principal places her under, Tyra has grown up in such a messed up home environment that she never honestly believes in herself.
I guess I'm focusing on her because I hate how badly she treats Landry when he's done nothing but support her and try to be there for her. You can see the internal conflict in Adrianne Palicki's face as she breathes life into the character of Tyra. You can see how she expresses that she (Tyra) knows the difference between right and wrong, the difference between what she should do and what she knows others expect of her; and yet, she still finds herself leaning towards making the bad decisions. It's so frustrating! I also like that "Smash" Williams is getting the tryout for Texas A&M, as it may mean that Gaius Charles's story arc is now complete. It will be interesting to see how this show transitions if all of the core characters go to college and it's still about the "Friday Night Lights".
7.2.09
Kent Rogowski: Bears
Bears by Kent Rogowski is a collection of Rogowski's photographs of teddy bears that he has unstitched/unstuffed and then restitched/restuffed and inverted. What's so interesting about this project is the ways the contours and stitchings alter the bear's 'historical topography'. Just as our 'scars' shape and define our appearance, those changes in the bear's appearance alter how we view the bear. Pretty cool, I think....
My favorite bear in the collection is the one shown above: Bear #45. I would love to have that one! Click on the picture to see the rest of the images
My favorite bear in the collection is the one shown above: Bear #45. I would love to have that one! Click on the picture to see the rest of the images
25 things about me:
1. I secretly like Kanye West's excessive confidence and internally challenge statements other people make about how his ego is off putting. I think it drives creativity and motivates an external expression of internal conflicts. Even so, I hate Naomi Campbell's excessive confidence. So I guess it's two-fold.
2. I have a strong interest in architecture and furniture and the reason why is really hard to explain. Simply, the aesthetics and scale move me in this really weird way.
3. I sometimes feel like I don't have enough empathy for others, even though so much in life moves me and captivates my mind.
4. I am excessively paranoid about the ways others view me. I struggled with this so much in high school that I tried very hard to irrationally adjust my social experiences so others would like me. Things are better now.
5. I grew up very much fighting the idea of adoption. It took me until I was a mid-teen to really love my family as "my family". I know now that the confusion and pain that I experienced has made me a far more expressive person emotionally than I ever could have been. Also, I know truly, deeply, that my love for my family is real.
6. I love cellos, violins, pianos, and any instrument with that kind of vibrant resonance. I hear those sorts of vibrations best, and am in awe of the feelings those vibrations elicit within me.
7. My favorite movie is 3-Iron (bin jip) and my favorite book is Flower's for Algernon. A theme present in each of these is the solitude we all experience. For some personal reason, it makes sense that each of these favorites contains the theme of solitude.
8. Something random: Whenever I try to sing a song in the car and there is a pause between verses, I always begin singing the next verse a couple beats before I should. This actually frustrates me.
9. I've always had trouble expressing how I feel to prospective partners. For some irrational fear that my parents may not 'like' or 'approve' of her. I've yet to have a girlfriend come home to my parents' house because of this. Sometimes, I feel that I wouldn't be a good enough boyfriend and question what their parents would think of me if I were to go to their parents' home. I've gotten better about detaching this irrational behavior from my decisions. My next girlfriend will see my parents' home and will meet my folks.
10. I've hated having pictures taken of myself but am secretly proud of many of the pictures that my friends have of me. I'm like, "look at me!"
11. I've been blogging lately as an excuse to collect my favorite sites or points of interest into one site. This is honestly so that others can see a bit more of myself, and so my mother and father can understand some of the interests that I may not fully explain to them. And to occupy time.
12. I like collecting music so I can listen to something that will get me out of any given mood. I'm very proud of my music collection and also love to share songs with friends.
13. One of my favorite sensations is the feeling of the cool side of the pillow against my face. Or the cool wind blowing against my skin. Or the feeling of being fully immersed in water.
14. I'm still using the same AIM name I had when I was 13. Rbarker358
15. My parents are my favorite people in life. The same is true for my closest friends. You've each shaped my life in so many unexplainable and significant ways.
16. You won't hear me sugar coat things. You'll get my honest opinions. I also like to discuss things with people so that I can hear an honest confirmation of the other person's point. It's cool to see what people do to back up their points. I don't like when people change their opinions if they conflict with the views of others. Mean what you say, Say what you mean!
17.I use ellipses in all of my AIM conversations (...blah blah blah.... blah blah blah....) Even when I'm not continuing a point!
18. If I could have a dream career, it would be beat composition in the music world, or as a chef in a High-class restaurant in New York City.
19. I wear headphones when I listen to music because I like the way the rhythms feel against my ears.
20. I like to help people to better understand things; but I couldn't see myself having a career as an educator. It would be a struggle as an every day venture.
21. I'm fascinated by the creativity of web developers, architects, musicians, engineers, and artists.
22. My memory is really random and sometimes so 'good' that people don't remember something that is so vivid in my mind. This leads to awkward dialogue sometimes, when I'll bring up an obvious memory and the other person will be like, "what"... I'll be like.. umm... did this really happen. and then like two minutes later, the person will be like... "Oh... that.... yeah!" Stupid memory. I tell you.
23. I love harmonies in rap music. Some musicians are seen as less than artistic or musical simply for existing within the rap genre.
24. I'm a dog person and will never be swayed into becoming a cat person. Dogs think everything is the 'best thing ever.' I'm very much the exact same way about many things. (When I was younger, whatever I was eating was the best--insert food--I'd ever had; the movies we'd watch were the best movies, the books I'd read would be the best book ever. It was actually quite cute.)
25. I am very hopeful that others view me as a good person despite any of my many negative qualities. Oh, and randomly, my favorite animals are the Narwhal Whale and the Platypus.
2. I have a strong interest in architecture and furniture and the reason why is really hard to explain. Simply, the aesthetics and scale move me in this really weird way.
3. I sometimes feel like I don't have enough empathy for others, even though so much in life moves me and captivates my mind.
4. I am excessively paranoid about the ways others view me. I struggled with this so much in high school that I tried very hard to irrationally adjust my social experiences so others would like me. Things are better now.
5. I grew up very much fighting the idea of adoption. It took me until I was a mid-teen to really love my family as "my family". I know now that the confusion and pain that I experienced has made me a far more expressive person emotionally than I ever could have been. Also, I know truly, deeply, that my love for my family is real.
6. I love cellos, violins, pianos, and any instrument with that kind of vibrant resonance. I hear those sorts of vibrations best, and am in awe of the feelings those vibrations elicit within me.
7. My favorite movie is 3-Iron (bin jip) and my favorite book is Flower's for Algernon. A theme present in each of these is the solitude we all experience. For some personal reason, it makes sense that each of these favorites contains the theme of solitude.
8. Something random: Whenever I try to sing a song in the car and there is a pause between verses, I always begin singing the next verse a couple beats before I should. This actually frustrates me.
9. I've always had trouble expressing how I feel to prospective partners. For some irrational fear that my parents may not 'like' or 'approve' of her. I've yet to have a girlfriend come home to my parents' house because of this. Sometimes, I feel that I wouldn't be a good enough boyfriend and question what their parents would think of me if I were to go to their parents' home. I've gotten better about detaching this irrational behavior from my decisions. My next girlfriend will see my parents' home and will meet my folks.
10. I've hated having pictures taken of myself but am secretly proud of many of the pictures that my friends have of me. I'm like, "look at me!"
11. I've been blogging lately as an excuse to collect my favorite sites or points of interest into one site. This is honestly so that others can see a bit more of myself, and so my mother and father can understand some of the interests that I may not fully explain to them. And to occupy time.
12. I like collecting music so I can listen to something that will get me out of any given mood. I'm very proud of my music collection and also love to share songs with friends.
13. One of my favorite sensations is the feeling of the cool side of the pillow against my face. Or the cool wind blowing against my skin. Or the feeling of being fully immersed in water.
14. I'm still using the same AIM name I had when I was 13. Rbarker358
15. My parents are my favorite people in life. The same is true for my closest friends. You've each shaped my life in so many unexplainable and significant ways.
16. You won't hear me sugar coat things. You'll get my honest opinions. I also like to discuss things with people so that I can hear an honest confirmation of the other person's point. It's cool to see what people do to back up their points. I don't like when people change their opinions if they conflict with the views of others. Mean what you say, Say what you mean!
17.I use ellipses in all of my AIM conversations (...blah blah blah.... blah blah blah....) Even when I'm not continuing a point!
18. If I could have a dream career, it would be beat composition in the music world, or as a chef in a High-class restaurant in New York City.
19. I wear headphones when I listen to music because I like the way the rhythms feel against my ears.
20. I like to help people to better understand things; but I couldn't see myself having a career as an educator. It would be a struggle as an every day venture.
21. I'm fascinated by the creativity of web developers, architects, musicians, engineers, and artists.
22. My memory is really random and sometimes so 'good' that people don't remember something that is so vivid in my mind. This leads to awkward dialogue sometimes, when I'll bring up an obvious memory and the other person will be like, "what"... I'll be like.. umm... did this really happen. and then like two minutes later, the person will be like... "Oh... that.... yeah!" Stupid memory. I tell you.
23. I love harmonies in rap music. Some musicians are seen as less than artistic or musical simply for existing within the rap genre.
24. I'm a dog person and will never be swayed into becoming a cat person. Dogs think everything is the 'best thing ever.' I'm very much the exact same way about many things. (When I was younger, whatever I was eating was the best--insert food--I'd ever had; the movies we'd watch were the best movies, the books I'd read would be the best book ever. It was actually quite cute.)
25. I am very hopeful that others view me as a good person despite any of my many negative qualities. Oh, and randomly, my favorite animals are the Narwhal Whale and the Platypus.
Amy Winehouse
Back to Black
I don't find Amy Winehouse terribly attractive, but she has intensely expressive eyes. Everything she feels seems to come out of them, geez. And her voice is pretty awesome, too. Check out her first album "Frank", a collection of her own stuff infused with jazz rhythms.
I don't find Amy Winehouse terribly attractive, but she has intensely expressive eyes. Everything she feels seems to come out of them, geez. And her voice is pretty awesome, too. Check out her first album "Frank", a collection of her own stuff infused with jazz rhythms.
Coraline
Very much looking forward to seeing this movie. Almost as much as I looked forward to seeing The Dark Knight in 2008. I absolutely love stop-motion animation. So excited to see the cinematic adaptation of Neil Gaiman's "Coraline", a dark, spellbinding story about a little girl's dangerous journey to rescue her parents from an alternate world.
Jefferson's Rules of Conduct:
Thomas Jefferson was a scientist, philosopher, inventor, gardener, reader, and wine lover. Jefferson's 11 Rules of Conduct were not always followed even by Jefferson.
Jefferson's Rules of Conduct are:
1. Never put off tomorrow what you can do today
2. Never trouble another for what you can do yourself
3. Never spend money before you have it
4. Never buy anything that you do not want because it is cheap
5. Pride costs us more than thirst, hunger and cold
6. We seldom repent from having eaten too little
7. Nothing is troublesome that one does of his own volition
8. How much pain, never occurred events cost us
9. Take things always by their smooth handle
10. Think as you please, and let others as well, to prevent any disputes
11. When annoyed, count to ten before you speak; if very annoyed, count to 100
Jefferson's Rules of Conduct are:
1. Never put off tomorrow what you can do today
2. Never trouble another for what you can do yourself
3. Never spend money before you have it
4. Never buy anything that you do not want because it is cheap
5. Pride costs us more than thirst, hunger and cold
6. We seldom repent from having eaten too little
7. Nothing is troublesome that one does of his own volition
8. How much pain, never occurred events cost us
9. Take things always by their smooth handle
10. Think as you please, and let others as well, to prevent any disputes
11. When annoyed, count to ten before you speak; if very annoyed, count to 100
Resolutions: A rare blog about me.
1. Read more: I've already completed step on of the 'read more' resolution by getting my library card. It's pretty exciting to have one again because I don't have to purchase books that I've wanted to read... and I have upwards of 14 days to a month to read them. Also, I'm still reading magazines and online media content daily--including ABC News and CNN.com and my various blogs of interest.
2. Exercise more: I'm well on my way with this one as well, as I'm examining my diet and I hear that is the first step. Also, I'm falling asleep at a more regular time and will attempt to make that a habit. I will be getting a membership to the local YMCA.
3. Volunteer more: I am going to throw myself into a cause this year and hopefully will benefit from the experience. I haven't taken the time yet to research a specific cause yet, but volunteering my time and energy is very important to me this year.
4. "Go Out" more: Just asking more, putting myself out there more, and getting more involved in the community. Each of those three things should give me more opportunities to "go out" with women. I shall see!
Sorry for the blog about myself! I don't usually post these!
2. Exercise more: I'm well on my way with this one as well, as I'm examining my diet and I hear that is the first step. Also, I'm falling asleep at a more regular time and will attempt to make that a habit. I will be getting a membership to the local YMCA.
3. Volunteer more: I am going to throw myself into a cause this year and hopefully will benefit from the experience. I haven't taken the time yet to research a specific cause yet, but volunteering my time and energy is very important to me this year.
4. "Go Out" more: Just asking more, putting myself out there more, and getting more involved in the community. Each of those three things should give me more opportunities to "go out" with women. I shall see!
Sorry for the blog about myself! I don't usually post these!
Library Card:
I now have a library card! I went after work on Thursday night and signed up for one. They didn't remember me, but one of the ladies remembered my name. I can't believe it because it's been at least six years since I've been in the library. I borrowed a book and a movie on the spot. I will be watching Vera Farmiga in "Never Forever" today. I'm pretty excited because she is one of my favorite actresses and because I'd never heard of the movie.
Currently reading: Here Comes Everybody by Clay Shirky
Currently reading: Here Comes Everybody by Clay Shirky
Movies:
Should have a disclaimer at the start of each 2-hour+ long movie:
"This movie is longer than two hours and may be a disappointment. It is highly likely that you will walk away from this movie complaining that the film, though thematically enjoyable, was so long that it ruined whatever good qualities it possessed."
Oh well.
"This movie is longer than two hours and may be a disappointment. It is highly likely that you will walk away from this movie complaining that the film, though thematically enjoyable, was so long that it ruined whatever good qualities it possessed."
Oh well.
3.2.09
Eidetic Memory ("Photographic Memory")
Posting that Arturo Toscanini video reminded me of his Eidetic Memory. It's something that actually has a clinical term ("Eidetic Memory": Marked by extraordinarily accurate and vivid recall, especially of images.) My brother has an Eidetic memory, and sometimes I think my father has an eidetic memory--especially when recanting stories he's read. I always wanted to have a photographic memory, and though my memory is sharp, I'm quite sure I couldn't get down to the most minute scale when trying to remember something, specifically an image or scene or something tangible. By the way, did you know that there have been studies to identify the likelihood that hypnosis increases the ability to respond to visual stimuli--i.e., intensely remembering an image? I wonder if there have been studies done to show how an eidetic memory can be used in the 'learning processes' of youth. Whether many perceived 'geniuses' simply had a genetic disposition for possessing an eidetic memory.
Photographic Memory
Photographic Memory
Wow!! Can't believe they have Arturo Toscanini on youtube!
Freaking amazing! Arturo Toscanini! Very, Very cool!
Holy Neil Gaiman, Batman!
Senator Byron Dorgan (D-North Dakota)
'On Accountability'
I know that I definitely want to know where our tax dollars are spent! If you want to know, too, follow the dollars from the Stimulus package: Track the Stimulus Package Dollars Spent
Super Bowl Ads: 2009
Favorites of mine:
1. Doritos Crystal Ball
2. Career Builder.com
3. Hulu.com
4. 1-Second Miller High Life
1. Doritos Crystal Ball
2. Career Builder.com
3. Hulu.com
4. 1-Second Miller High Life
Haircut
I showed my brother's haircut from a couple of days ago... Well, I got one as well. Nothing dramatic. Shorter. That's all I have to say about that!
"the night is young, the drinks are cold, the stars are out, I'm ready to go..."
"the night is young, the drinks are cold, the stars are out, I'm ready to go..."
Efficiency and Continued Pursuit of Knowledge
Had a discussion at the office today regarding my techniques for success. After pondering how I've achieved the successes in my life, I determined that the best answer was by striving for improved efficiency in everything that I did and by never stopping my pursuit for knowledge.
It is my belief that an office runs better when each employee strives for greater efficiency in their actions because it limits the extra work that comes with correcting mistakes.
Just as fixing a leaky faucet will reduce the amount of money you spend on your water bill, improving your efficiency will reduce the amount of extra work you have to complete. It's common sense, and yet people are so unwilling to accept that their failures are partially due to their own inefficiency and are instead very quick to dump the blame on others.
Especially in businesses where many people could be charged with handling a specific client's account, success depends on the efficiency of everyone involved. Just as a client must efficiently communicate what they want, each person receiving this information must effectively relay that information forward. Paradigms must be followed to ensure that the client's desires and expectations are satisfied and met. Rather than shying away from the blame if a mistake occurs, admit it so you can address the mistake and move forward.
Trust me when I say that clients will appreciate hearing "You know what, I'm not quite sure of the answer, but I know someone who definitely knows the answer. May I contact them so we can handle your request as quickly and efficiently as possible?" far more so than hearing "You know that document I've had you sign three times in the last month and a half? Well, I'm going to need you to sign it a fourth time, some idiot from *insert a fake department to avoid blame* didn't get it processed properly and we need to send it through again." It's even better when you've finished finding the answer and assisting the client if you thank them for giving you an opportunity to learn something you hadn't known before. This leads me to the next technique towards achieving success: continued pursuit of knowledge.
Continued education doesn't mean signing up for every corporate seminar you can fit in your docket, only to arrive to every single one half-asleep and incapable of implementing what you've learned. No, this simply means finding answers on a daily basis to things that you may not have known--whether work-related or not.
The interesting thing about my college's broad liberal arts curriculum was that I gained an understanding of many topics. This didn't necessarily prepare me for my career, but the process of learning and seeking information did give me a leg up on many other people in terms of adapting my skills to a given task or goal.
The best thing about learning is gaining just a little bit more to our knowledge base while expanding our problem solving skills. As we learn how to crawl, we begin to determine that walking is more efficient, and running even more efficient. If we didn't continue to learn, we would never advance in our lives and we would lead very miserable lives. In terms of how this yields successes in one's work life, constant learning creates pathways in our minds that enable us to understand more and more scenarios with which we might be presented. Continued pursuit of knowledge will also give us greater creativity--whether tangible or simply intuitive. Expanded knowledge can also strengthen our personalities, as we become more and more varied individuals. Of course, this also makes us more capable of relating to a larger number of the people whom we might encounter on a daily basis.
It is my belief that an office runs better when each employee strives for greater efficiency in their actions because it limits the extra work that comes with correcting mistakes.
Just as fixing a leaky faucet will reduce the amount of money you spend on your water bill, improving your efficiency will reduce the amount of extra work you have to complete. It's common sense, and yet people are so unwilling to accept that their failures are partially due to their own inefficiency and are instead very quick to dump the blame on others.
Especially in businesses where many people could be charged with handling a specific client's account, success depends on the efficiency of everyone involved. Just as a client must efficiently communicate what they want, each person receiving this information must effectively relay that information forward. Paradigms must be followed to ensure that the client's desires and expectations are satisfied and met. Rather than shying away from the blame if a mistake occurs, admit it so you can address the mistake and move forward.
Trust me when I say that clients will appreciate hearing "You know what, I'm not quite sure of the answer, but I know someone who definitely knows the answer. May I contact them so we can handle your request as quickly and efficiently as possible?" far more so than hearing "You know that document I've had you sign three times in the last month and a half? Well, I'm going to need you to sign it a fourth time, some idiot from *insert a fake department to avoid blame* didn't get it processed properly and we need to send it through again." It's even better when you've finished finding the answer and assisting the client if you thank them for giving you an opportunity to learn something you hadn't known before. This leads me to the next technique towards achieving success: continued pursuit of knowledge.
Continued education doesn't mean signing up for every corporate seminar you can fit in your docket, only to arrive to every single one half-asleep and incapable of implementing what you've learned. No, this simply means finding answers on a daily basis to things that you may not have known--whether work-related or not.
The interesting thing about my college's broad liberal arts curriculum was that I gained an understanding of many topics. This didn't necessarily prepare me for my career, but the process of learning and seeking information did give me a leg up on many other people in terms of adapting my skills to a given task or goal.
The best thing about learning is gaining just a little bit more to our knowledge base while expanding our problem solving skills. As we learn how to crawl, we begin to determine that walking is more efficient, and running even more efficient. If we didn't continue to learn, we would never advance in our lives and we would lead very miserable lives. In terms of how this yields successes in one's work life, constant learning creates pathways in our minds that enable us to understand more and more scenarios with which we might be presented. Continued pursuit of knowledge will also give us greater creativity--whether tangible or simply intuitive. Expanded knowledge can also strengthen our personalities, as we become more and more varied individuals. Of course, this also makes us more capable of relating to a larger number of the people whom we might encounter on a daily basis.
1.2.09
STTEOTW: Soundtrack to the End of the World
Yeah yeah... I know I'm a week or two behind on this one:
Stephen Sprouse Tribute Party by Louis Vuitton
Huffington Post on Blip.tv?! Awesome
I'm assuming this 'Channel' has just begun to post videos. More to come later, then, I'm certain.
Michael Steele on Immigration
Michael Steele on Immigration
Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductees!
I'm surprised that Shannon Sharpe (The second best Tight End of all time) was not inducted on his first try.
I will definitely be taking a trip to Canton, Ohio, sometime this year to tour the Football Hall of Fame.
Um, so apparently this just happened:
That's my bro with a shaved head for the first time in my memory. I'm surprised! hahaha!
5 Second Films
Check out 5-Second Films, a web site created by USC Film School graduates Eric Forrest and Brian Firenzi. The site is a collection of 5 Second Films and is a fairly nice idea. Hopefully, you find some of the videos worthy of a chuckle or two.
The content of each 5-Second Film is exactly 5 seconds long; but each video also contains two seconds of title in the beginning and one second of tag at the end. The site went live in October, 2008, and the directors are pretty prolific in the number of videos they've already posted.
Someone Once Told Me
Created in 2006, "Someone Once Told Me" is a collection of ideas, expressions, and memories shared by normal people through photography. People submit their 'SOTM' memories and often include an explanation behind the statement. I definitely have a few in mind for myself, and I think this is quite a cool concept because of all the different people submitting their memories. I'm always very excited to gain insight into the motivations of others.
Here's a quote from the site's creator, Mario Cacciottolo:
"What SOTM actually means is that people are asked, sometimes by appointment and sometimes randomly, to hold up a large piece of paper, upon which they write something that someone once told them. Or emailed. Or texted. Basically something that’s been communicated to them. But told, preferably.
A black and white photograph is then taken of them, and one new picture goes on the site every day, with the previous day’s entering the gallery."
Two Day Absence!
29.1.09
Power Shift 09
Click the image above for more information on Power Shift 09, a convergence of our initiated younger generation interested in getting the Green Jobs so strongly supported by our newly elected President's campaign.
From February 27th to March 2nd, 2009 young people will gather in the thousands to Washington D.C. to support the wave that has been building for a new initiative toward American energy independence. What is meant by this, is a paradigm shift toward utilizing our own resources, a reshaping of our legislation to prevent global climate crises, and the creation of millions of Green jobs to radically alter our current economic hardships.
Please read the .pdf that I've provided below, check out their website and communicate with your locally-elected public officials asking them to support the expansion of Green jobs and a changing legislative ideal towards American Energy Independence!
Publish at Scribd or explore others:
Academic Earth
A class on Psychology by Dr. Paul Bloom
Check out Academic Earth: a website that provides video lectures to the web. Created and run by Richard Ludlow, Academic Earth is designed as a hub for video lectures from classes at Yale, MIT, Berkely, Princeton, and Harvard Universities.
I am sharing this link because the website just went live two days ago. I hope that some of you find useful information at this video hub!
"You Know I'm No Good"
One of my favorite songs of the last few years:
"You Know I'm No Good" - Amy Winehouse
And an American Idol 8 Audition by Frankie Jordan of the same song!
"You Know I'm No Good" - Amy Winehouse
And an American Idol 8 Audition by Frankie Jordan of the same song!
Danah Boyd!!
Awesome! I finally found a good presentation video of hers! This was from 2007.
Danah Boyd researches social networks and gives an interesting academic take on what our generation has embraced as what I'd like to call our vocal media. I've been following her works since my sophomore year in college, and think she has a great many interesting things to say about the blog-o-verse, and the phenomena of myspace/facebook and other social networks.
28.1.09
Nessa Kessinger Photography/blog
The interesting works of a Shepherd University alumna:
Austin-based photographer Nessa Kessinger has recently moved from the hills of West Virginia to the heat of Texas to pursue her career capturing moments of beauty and love. Currently, she skillfully handles wedding photography, and has also worked for an East Coast newspaper.
As she says, "...I want to show the beauty in everything, I want to capture moments, and I want to show what love can look like."
To inquire about availability: provide name and date of wedding, e-mail address, phone, subject, and your message to info@nessakphotography.com
Austin-based photographer Nessa Kessinger has recently moved from the hills of West Virginia to the heat of Texas to pursue her career capturing moments of beauty and love. Currently, she skillfully handles wedding photography, and has also worked for an East Coast newspaper.
As she says, "...I want to show the beauty in everything, I want to capture moments, and I want to show what love can look like."
To inquire about availability: provide name and date of wedding, e-mail address, phone, subject, and your message to info@nessakphotography.com
Alexander McQueen: Spring 2009 Show
Alexander McQueen - Spring 2009
I was hoping that I could also show A. McQueen's Men's Fashion Show, but the 2009 Spring Collection videos aren't up on his website yet. Here is a portion of A. McQueen's site, which features the styles he unveiled for Winter 2008.
ABC News: Exclusive: CIA Station Chief Andrew Warren in Algeria Accused of Rapes
ABC News: Exclusive: CIA Station Chief in Algeria Accused of Rapes
"State Department Acting Spokesman Robert Wood issued a statement saying, "The U.S. takes very seriously any accusations of misconduct involving any U.S. personnel abroad. The individual is question has returned to Washington and the U.S. Government is looking into the matter."
How despicable! I can't even put words to what Mr. Warren has allegedly done. This is unfathomable. I sure hope Robert Wood and the State Department throw the book at this guy, if/when he is found guilty. What an egregious abuse of power and trust. My mind is blown!
This makes me so mad. Abuse anywhere is tragic and heartbreaking; and in the United States, each state handles abuse differently.
What are the statutes in your state? It's important that you keep this link, for Women's Laws State Statutes, on your radar. If for nothing more than to have information available should the unthinkable happen to you or a loved one.
"State Department Acting Spokesman Robert Wood issued a statement saying, "The U.S. takes very seriously any accusations of misconduct involving any U.S. personnel abroad. The individual is question has returned to Washington and the U.S. Government is looking into the matter."
How despicable! I can't even put words to what Mr. Warren has allegedly done. This is unfathomable. I sure hope Robert Wood and the State Department throw the book at this guy, if/when he is found guilty. What an egregious abuse of power and trust. My mind is blown!
This makes me so mad. Abuse anywhere is tragic and heartbreaking; and in the United States, each state handles abuse differently.
What are the statutes in your state? It's important that you keep this link, for Women's Laws State Statutes, on your radar. If for nothing more than to have information available should the unthinkable happen to you or a loved one.
Wampeters, Foma and Granfallons
Oh, for the uninitiated, The individual above is Kurt Vonnegut, a prolific American Author who penned one of my favorite books, "Slaughter-House Five". Mr. Vonnegut was a war veteran, car salesman, and essayist who liked to challenge the establishment through his writing. My favorite aspect of Mr. Vonnegut's writing was the way he integrated his thoughts about a given topic in the actual story. He often would reveal his (and by this, i mean the author's) thoughts on a given subject, thus revealing much about himself.
Click on the photo to be redirected to his website. Mr. Vonnegut passed away April 11th, 2007.
Not many posts for me today:
Apparently, bad weather left me too tired to post anything today! I will be back tomorrow, stronger than ever. For now, though, I simply am going to Lexulous.com and playing a bit of scrabble before bed!
Hope you're all doing well! Keep checking out my blog. I really appreciate the traffic!
Hope you're all doing well! Keep checking out my blog. I really appreciate the traffic!
27.1.09
Common feat. Slum Village
Thelonius - Common/Slum Village
"Thelonius"
And yes, there are graphic lyrics in the song. Don't listen if you don't like curses.
Scrabble Club 620 (Charleston, WV) January Newsletter
January Club Newsletter
I'm 9-0 in the last several club gatherings! WOO! I hope I can keep it up!
Publish at Scribd or explore others:
I'm 9-0 in the last several club gatherings! WOO! I hope I can keep it up!
Friday Night Lights
Friday Night Lights (On Hulu.com)
I'm excited to see that Friday Night Lights is back on! I know the season has already run on DirectTV, but I'm now watching the episodes as they show up on hulu.com. The first two episodes of the new season have continued to show why this is one of the best shows on tv: great acting, tight story-writing, and a true culture of high school drama without sounding preachy or too cliche. The Dillon Panthers! Woo hoo!
Also: Yes, the reason I chose the image with Adrianne Palicki (who plays Tyra on the show) is because she is a huge Detroit Lions fan in real-life! Woo!
26.1.09
Idol 2009: My Favorites so far
Lenesha
Adam Lambert
Kai Kalama
Asa Barnes
And My Four Favorite:
Anoop Desai
Stevie Wright
Deanna Brown
Michael Sarver
Adam Lambert
Kai Kalama
Asa Barnes
And My Four Favorite:
Anoop Desai
Stevie Wright
Deanna Brown
Michael Sarver
A Plea to my friends
Please be honest in your dealings, humble in recognizing your achievements, and happy to give a lending hand.
Timothy Geithner Sworn In as Treasury Secretary
Background of Geithner's credentials. Sorry for the Wikipedia reference, Geithner doesn't have his own website.
Scrabble
I've been playing Scrabble a bit more frequently of late. I feel this is worth noting. Salutations
interesting stuff: Dan Ariely from Duke University
Tendencies of Irrational Behavior, Presented on December 13th, 2008
You can examine Dan Ariely's website for further discourse on Irrational Behavior and also follow an interesting paper he authored on "Zero as a special price: The true value of free products".
I very much like his point that the person designing the forms greatly influence our decision-making process. This is true in more than just the DMV example he gives at the beginning of the video. If, for example, you eat food during your childhood based on what is in your fridge... the degree to which you are healthy and consuming food that is good for you completely depends on the person stocking the fridge. In this way, you may unconsciously gain the habit of eating well simply because your parents have dictated in some way what your pattern of food consumption would be. This has nothing to do with our desire to eat well, as we don't even consider our diet when deciding what to eat. All in all, this was a very interesting video and I appreciated Dan Ariely's discourse on Irrational Behavior simply because of his ability to make his research enjoyable to receive.
President Obama's weekly address:
Stimulus Package/Recovery Plan
A link to the actual Recovery Plan
A response to the Recovery Plan: House Republican Leader John Boehner
Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy
25.1.09
Joe Torre tells his side in new book, "The Yankee Years"
Yankee Icon set to release new book detailing his thoughts on his Yankee Career
I'm very upset to hear that Joe Torre, the best coach to wear pinstripes in the last forty years, has written a tell-all book detailing his time with the New York Yankees. As a fan, though, I'm also interested to see what he will say and what the true story was behind his bitter departure from a Yankees organization that forever shaped his legacy.
During The Joe Torre Era (1996–2007), Joe was known to fans and the media to be a player's coach who championed a 'keep it in the family' mindset when discussing clubhouse events to the public. Players loved him, the media loved him. He was always steadfast in his coaching style; fans never saw him lose his cool (unlike other Yankee coaches Billy Martin or Lou Piniella). Bernie Williams, Derek Jeter and Mariano Rivera began and cultivated their careers under the watchful eyes of Torre and his staff. When New York Yankees owner George Steinbrenner would blast his team's performance, either by attacking players individually or the team on the whole, Joe always stood by his men and implored Joe to keep calm. He was a bright spot in the minds of sports fans who hated the Yankees simply for buying talent away from other teams.
During his 12 years coaching the New York Yankees, arguably the most successful 12-year run by a Yankees team since the late 1960s, they never missed the post season and even won four World Series titles (the mecca of the baseball world).
Perhaps truly unaware of the hard work that went into coaching a successful team of extreme personalities in the most popular city in the world, George Steinbrenner tarnished the business relationship he had with Joe Torre in 2008 by offering him a new contract with performance-based incentives. We may never know what was said behind the closed doors of those meetings; but one thing is clear, George Steinbrenner didn't want to pay Jo Torre for a multi-year deal and Torre felt his not receiving a multi-year deal would garner much media scrutiny from the press. This, along with Steinbrenner's insistence on offering a 30% pay cut to Torre led to Torre leaving and signing with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Maybe the success Joe brought to the city had spoiled George Steinbrenner. Four world series titles in 12 seasons is an unreal achievement and to make the post season every year during a coach's tenure is also an amazing accomplishment. It's understandable for fans to be disappointed, then, when their favorite team doesn't get as far into the playoffs as they are accustomed. But to throw your coach under the bus for not winning the world series title every season? To express distaste for a system that had worked so well in the past 12 years? As a Yankees fan, I was totally disgusted by the behavior of some fans and by the way management tarnished Joe Torre's legacy.
Even the most casual sports fan could see that the team was trying to run Torre out of town because of a perceived failure to do his job, which as anyone who looks at Torre's record understands is so far from the truth. What makes me even more upset about his leaving is not the fact that the Yankees didn't make the playoffs and the Dodgers did, but the omission of Joe Torre's name or likeness during the Yankee Stadium closing ceremonies. Joe was not mentioned once, nor were any images displayed of him from the Joe Torre Era, New York's most successful stretch run since they were coached by Casey Stengel.
So am I going to read the book? Most definitely. Will I enjoy reading about the behind-the-scenes dynamics of his team? Yes, Yes! Will I be comfortable hearing my favorite baseball coach of all time blast some of his former players? Definitely Not! Even so, I'm glad Joe has gotten a chance to speak. I just hope reading this book, "The Yankee Years", written by Sports Illustrated's Tom Verducci with Joe Torre and published by Doubleday, doesn't tarnish my personal views on Joe Torre.
I'm very upset to hear that Joe Torre, the best coach to wear pinstripes in the last forty years, has written a tell-all book detailing his time with the New York Yankees. As a fan, though, I'm also interested to see what he will say and what the true story was behind his bitter departure from a Yankees organization that forever shaped his legacy.
During The Joe Torre Era (1996–2007), Joe was known to fans and the media to be a player's coach who championed a 'keep it in the family' mindset when discussing clubhouse events to the public. Players loved him, the media loved him. He was always steadfast in his coaching style; fans never saw him lose his cool (unlike other Yankee coaches Billy Martin or Lou Piniella). Bernie Williams, Derek Jeter and Mariano Rivera began and cultivated their careers under the watchful eyes of Torre and his staff. When New York Yankees owner George Steinbrenner would blast his team's performance, either by attacking players individually or the team on the whole, Joe always stood by his men and implored Joe to keep calm. He was a bright spot in the minds of sports fans who hated the Yankees simply for buying talent away from other teams.
During his 12 years coaching the New York Yankees, arguably the most successful 12-year run by a Yankees team since the late 1960s, they never missed the post season and even won four World Series titles (the mecca of the baseball world).
Perhaps truly unaware of the hard work that went into coaching a successful team of extreme personalities in the most popular city in the world, George Steinbrenner tarnished the business relationship he had with Joe Torre in 2008 by offering him a new contract with performance-based incentives. We may never know what was said behind the closed doors of those meetings; but one thing is clear, George Steinbrenner didn't want to pay Jo Torre for a multi-year deal and Torre felt his not receiving a multi-year deal would garner much media scrutiny from the press. This, along with Steinbrenner's insistence on offering a 30% pay cut to Torre led to Torre leaving and signing with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Maybe the success Joe brought to the city had spoiled George Steinbrenner. Four world series titles in 12 seasons is an unreal achievement and to make the post season every year during a coach's tenure is also an amazing accomplishment. It's understandable for fans to be disappointed, then, when their favorite team doesn't get as far into the playoffs as they are accustomed. But to throw your coach under the bus for not winning the world series title every season? To express distaste for a system that had worked so well in the past 12 years? As a Yankees fan, I was totally disgusted by the behavior of some fans and by the way management tarnished Joe Torre's legacy.
Even the most casual sports fan could see that the team was trying to run Torre out of town because of a perceived failure to do his job, which as anyone who looks at Torre's record understands is so far from the truth. What makes me even more upset about his leaving is not the fact that the Yankees didn't make the playoffs and the Dodgers did, but the omission of Joe Torre's name or likeness during the Yankee Stadium closing ceremonies. Joe was not mentioned once, nor were any images displayed of him from the Joe Torre Era, New York's most successful stretch run since they were coached by Casey Stengel.
So am I going to read the book? Most definitely. Will I enjoy reading about the behind-the-scenes dynamics of his team? Yes, Yes! Will I be comfortable hearing my favorite baseball coach of all time blast some of his former players? Definitely Not! Even so, I'm glad Joe has gotten a chance to speak. I just hope reading this book, "The Yankee Years", written by Sports Illustrated's Tom Verducci with Joe Torre and published by Doubleday, doesn't tarnish my personal views on Joe Torre.
Jonah Nolan on The Dark Knight
My best friend was discussing with a few of us his take on the recent Academy Award Nominations, and his fervent opposition of the Academy's snubbing Director Christopher Nolan and the film The Dark Knight. Nolan redefined the comic book genre with his direction on The Dark Knight, which should have been considered for Best Picture for its gritty portrayal of the comic book world of Gotham City.
I'm very disappointed that neither earned the nominations that many felt they deserved. Christopher Nolan did an exceptional job on The Dark Knight and it has been considered by many as the best 'comic book movie' or 'super hero movie'. I believe that the collaborators on The Dark Knight are so excited to have been given so many awards from various Awards Ceremonies; however, my best friend felt that The Academy was wrong by not considering the success and overall phenomenon of The Dark Knight "Best Director" or Best Picture worthy.
Two days ago Jonah Nolan, Christopher Nolan's brother and a fellow scribe on The Dark Knight, wrote an open letter in direct response to The Oscar Nominations. He specifically wanted to clarify the importance of any nomination for a comic book genre film, and the gratitude he and his fellow Dark Knight collaborators felt for their 8 nominations:
hey — not sure who to address this to as it looks like a collective effort, but I just wanted to pass along my thanks.
It's truly humbling that you guys would take the time and effort to try to get the film recognized. I, like you, was disappointed that Chris didn't get some recognition this morning, but for Heath and so many of the people who worked so hard on this thing to get nominated is thrilling.
Any nominations for a comic book movie is a thing of beauty no matter how you slice it, and that takes the sting out a bit. Besides, I've been to the big show before, and, like any of these things, it's a little disappointing. Did you know it's not even an open bar once the show starts? At least this time I would have remembered to bring a little cash so I could buy myself a drink after losing.
The best part of this experience is seeing other people getting passionate about the film the way that we did. It has been a truly incredible experience. So thank you again.
best,
jonah nolan
You know what? I think it was cool of Jonah to respond on an open forum, to kind of support the Oscar process and still show his support for his brother. Jonah, I salute you, and look forward to your next production.
I'm very disappointed that neither earned the nominations that many felt they deserved. Christopher Nolan did an exceptional job on The Dark Knight and it has been considered by many as the best 'comic book movie' or 'super hero movie'. I believe that the collaborators on The Dark Knight are so excited to have been given so many awards from various Awards Ceremonies; however, my best friend felt that The Academy was wrong by not considering the success and overall phenomenon of The Dark Knight "Best Director" or Best Picture worthy.
Two days ago Jonah Nolan, Christopher Nolan's brother and a fellow scribe on The Dark Knight, wrote an open letter in direct response to The Oscar Nominations. He specifically wanted to clarify the importance of any nomination for a comic book genre film, and the gratitude he and his fellow Dark Knight collaborators felt for their 8 nominations:
hey — not sure who to address this to as it looks like a collective effort, but I just wanted to pass along my thanks.
It's truly humbling that you guys would take the time and effort to try to get the film recognized. I, like you, was disappointed that Chris didn't get some recognition this morning, but for Heath and so many of the people who worked so hard on this thing to get nominated is thrilling.
Any nominations for a comic book movie is a thing of beauty no matter how you slice it, and that takes the sting out a bit. Besides, I've been to the big show before, and, like any of these things, it's a little disappointing. Did you know it's not even an open bar once the show starts? At least this time I would have remembered to bring a little cash so I could buy myself a drink after losing.
The best part of this experience is seeing other people getting passionate about the film the way that we did. It has been a truly incredible experience. So thank you again.
best,
jonah nolan
You know what? I think it was cool of Jonah to respond on an open forum, to kind of support the Oscar process and still show his support for his brother. Jonah, I salute you, and look forward to your next production.
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