mac_attack

I was watching a show about Ralph Nader last night on PBS. Seemed to have a pro-Nader, pro-third-party slant, maybe not. there were a number of interviews with former "Nader's Raiders" (from Ralph's days as a consumer/political watchdog in decades past) decrying his "spoiling" of the Dems (Gore, then Kerry) by running on a third-party ticket. I laughed. Nader stated that there wasn't "a dime's worth of difference between the two parties;" everyone's in the pocket of corporations and special interests.

He referenced the stature and glory of politics in its birthplace, ancient Greece. Now the word has a worse than negative connotation. Politician is never far from crook, liar, self-server in most people's minds. The only thing that keeps us committed to the political process is a ritualistic cycle of self-delusion, induced at election time. People convince themselves, chant "Hooray for our side!" then run to the polls. Each time a lesser-of-two-evils is elected, both parties are innately enabled to become more evil. It's not a two-party system – it's a sham perpetrated by the oligarchy.

I tell people that I don't vote. I support the system implicitly by understanding that real power is not held by the population and its ability to vote.

And I let it be.

Voters don't like hearing this, and respond:
You can't complain if you don't vote. Voting is your voice. Every vote counts. It's your sacred right as an american. Or the most popular: you HAVE to vote.

Amusing, these demo-fascists, trying to force their beliefs about voting in america on me. Maybe the american public has been so conditioned (by who, I wonder) to associate their participation in voting with liberty and democracy that any contradiction to such a notion seems like heresy. Proselytizing ensues.

ANYWAY, I did speak up at my former place of employment. Subjugation to incompetent tyranny was the response mandated after my voice was heard. So I quit/was fired. So much for the stature and glory of small-business. Here's my new place of employment:




Working from home. Not sure if that's a blessing or a curse - a terrible autonomy, so to speak. Going well so far.

zeit·geist - noun

The general moral, intellectual, and cultural climate of an era; zeitgeist is German for “time-spirit.” For example, the zeitgeist of England in the Victorian period included a belief in industrial progress, and the zeitgeist of the 1980s in the United States was a belief in the power of money and the many ways in which to spend it.

shrimp

here are some pictures of half eaten meals:

curry shrimp (w. pineapple, peppers, zuchini, broccoli, jasmine rice)
takeout from jean wong's @ wilmington riverfront market


pocono mountain & new orleans (shrimp, crab, aparagus, tobiko roe, masago) w. kettleone/clubsoda @ mikimotos, wilmington


old bay shrimp w. side salad & bloody mary (and chicken wing)
steelers v. browns/eagles v. redskins @ timothy's, newark

superPOST (#100)

What exists?

on·to·logy - noun

the study of conceptions of reality and the nature of being.

on·to·log·i·cal - adjective

1. Of or relating to ontology.
2. Of or relating to essence or the nature of being.
3. Of or relating to the argument for the existence of God holding that the existence of the concept of God entails the existence of God.
   

In the 11th century Anselm argued the existence of God a priori (from what comes before). Without a lot of philosophy jargon: God exists because the concept of God exists (see definition #3 above). A similar ontological foundation was put forth by Descartes hundreds of years later: "I think, therefore I am."

Two holes:
a. this argument limits the being of God to a human cognitive scale
b. the concept of a unicorn also exists

What exists?
Tacos, enchiladas, chile rellenos, and Grey Goose Le'Citron



A fine meal served at La Tolteca Express, particularly notable since I was the only patron in the entire restaurant.

"Hell is other people."
- Sartre

. .. ... .. . .. ... .. . .. And For Good Measure ... .. . .. ... .. . .. ... .. .

"Two of the greatest poker minds." Bear in mind that they're playing with their own CASH. That's what makes GSN's "High Stakes Poker" the best on television. Also Gabe Kaplan's masterful commentary.



If you really want to feel sick (or schadenfreude), check out this hand between Gus Hansen and Daniel Negreanu.

scha·den·freu·de - noun

Pleasure derived from the misfortunes of others.

"What a fearful thing is it that any language should have a word expressive of the pleasure which men feel at the calamities of others; for the existence of the word bears testimony to the existence of the thing. And yet in more than one such a word is found."

distinction

egoist

1. A self-centered or selfish person.
   
2. An adherent of the metaphysical principle of the ego, or self; a solipsist.

egotist

1. A conceited, boastful person.
   
2. A selfish, self-centered person.
   

It appears that an egotist may be an egoist, but not necessarily the other way around.

capitalism

"Again, how immeasurably greater is the pleasure, when a man feels a thing to be his own; for surely the love of self is a feeling implanted by nature and not given in vain, although selfishness is rightly censured; this, however, is not the mere love of self, but the love of self in excess, like the miser's love of money; for all, or almost all, men love money and other such objects in a measure. And further, there is the greatest pleasure in doing a kindness or service to friends or guests or companions, which can only be rendered when a man has private property."
[Wikipedia: Homo Economicus]

"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves."
Phillippians 2:3-4

12.03.2007 Update: 
I finished reading Ayn Rand's The Fountainhead. In this work of fiction, Rand's Objectivist philosophy registers loud and clear. She espouses a perspective of socio-economics founded on the merit of the individual. Not simply capitalism for the low sake of profiting second-rate owners (see: Jim Johnson), but a world in which each individual is empowered to achieve, an end to themselves. The historical setting in which Rand wrote (Fountainhead was published in 1943) was a factor, I believe, since much of her underlying ideology seems to be a reaction to communist socialism. The idea that "the Masses" are to be served as a chief end disgusts Rand, who believes only mediocrity and suffering can result (see: Pol Pot). I tend to agree.

Who are you?

Where does the world come from?

Fillmore NYC - Irving Plaza

Went all right, show started a little late.

We roll into the city via the Holland Tunnel around 7 pm. Found a ridiculous parking spot at Irving Plaza about two blocks from the show. Only a block in the other direction to Pete's Tavern for dinner and drinks (another claiming oldest bar in NYC) - pasta primevera had 8 cloves of garlic.

Long line to get into Fillmore at 9:30 (doors opened at 8) and Eisley has not gone on the stage yet. Mute Math starts before 11 pm and plays their typical hour and a half set - consistently brilliant live performance enhanced by real-time and recorded video displays (cool addition to the 'tube wall' lights)

Highlights:
Stand-up bass for "Stare at the Sun/Obsolete"
Darren standing on drum hoisted by crowd during "Break the Same"
PECULIAR PEOPLE - finally!
The NYC audience

Great concert.

Hegemony

Ohio National Guardsmen fire on student protestors at Kent State University, Ohio, killing 4 and wounding 16. May 4, 1970

"When President Richard Nixon said he was sending troops to Cambodia, the nation’s colleges erupted in protest. At Kent State some threw rocks. The Ohio National Guard, called in to quell the turmoil, suddenly turned and fired, killing four; two were simply walking to class. This photo captured a pivotal moment: American soldiers had just killed American kids."

Contemporary implementation of the "convert or die" paradigm. Use of force to control the behavior of others. Power and physical domination - but more commonly the threat of harm, pain, suffering.

How do you convert someone who isn't afraid to burn?

Precision Color Graphics

Will there be any fallout from Parcels following the great divorce? Time will tell. In the meantime, PCG is up an running - fully functional. And I've got my own office (status boost!).

Children. Fun and games.

Oppression

"H2" (Hydrant) violation: $45
The funny thing is that I didn't move the car to take this picture - which I certainly would have...

Three Day Weekend

al·tru·ism - noun

1. Unselfish concern for the welfare of others; selflessness (as opposed to egoism)
2. Zoology. Instinctive behavior that is detrimental to the individual but favors the survival or spread of that individual's genes, as by benefiting its relatives.

Deutsche Bank Championship

"This Labor Day weekend the top 120 players will converge at TPC Boston to compete for their share of the $7M championship purse, but only the top 70 will move on to the next round.
Momentum is building around the first ever PGA TOUR Playoffs and all are in pursuit of the FedExCup title and the single largest bonus payout in sports, $10M."

got tix to sunday and monday (labor day finish) -- can't wait, should be some kind of something.
















Tiger at TPC Boston (on sunday, i guess)
look for updates on proposition bets and from the tourney itself.

11:10 PM -- I'm taking 14:1 ($140:10) on Brandt Snedeker to place in the top 5 in Boston. Get there.

ol·i·gar·chy - noun

form of government in which all power is vested in a few persons or in a dominant class or clique; government by the few

The World

been reading BLDG/BLOG...consistently excellent content - def check it out

bumped into this link to interesting article (newleftreview - pinkos!) about DUBAI - the middle east's burgeoning superfabulous bourgeois playground [trans.- "mecca for conspicuous consumption and economic crime."]

below: ski dubai

Dubai is crafting and marketing istelf as the cutting edge for architectural gigantism (likened to the vision for Imperial Berlin) - a hub for premium lifestyles (Rod Stewart spent $33M to reserve his faux "England" sand spit on the private cluster known as The World). Of course, it's a mirage predicated on quintessentially unsustainable oil glut and an indentured workforce of laborers who build and maintain the hotels and theme parks for the superich to spend excessively amongst. Horrifying to the core, or the ultimate consumer wonderland?

Little Feat on Japanese TV

The host really knows his Feats. I like the part near the end where he mimics the beat of "Fat Man in the Bathtub." Way too weird.

Patriots Glen

Played 13 holes after 4:30pm yesterday at Patriots Glen - only $16 for the fee including golf cart due to recently aerated greens.















The third hole. Par 4's with doglegs cut tightly out of dense trees = many lost balls. The driver was working ok, a few decent long-iron shots, but a lot of slicers into the right woods.















Water all along the righthand side of the 17th fairway gobbled a few Slazengers as well.

Friday Nine and Dine: golf with cart after 4pm, dinner, beverage $35

I'm getting older, I need something to rely on

I Bet You

So I'm laying 2:1 ($40:20) against Tiger Woods winning the PGA Championship. And I'm nervous.

If you haven't seen this clip before, well - pay attention:



P.S. - Just do it...laugh.

8/9 :: New prop bet (completely unfair) - Even Money ($20:20) on BOTH John Daly and Phil Mickelson finishing 12th or higher. I bet against when Daly was in the clubhouse with the lead after 18 holes (-3) and Mickelson had come out strong (-2 thru 6 holes).

Right now Daly's celebrating his round with a 12-pack of Miller Lite and Mickelson dropped 4 shots to end the day at +2, so I'm feeling good about this one. Tiger stands at +1.

8/13 :: It's not my fault Tiger decided to win this one. He shot a hell of a round on Friday (63) to grab the lead and held it through the weekend. He's just not susceptible to the crushing psychological pressure which affects the closing rounds of human golfers in major tournaments. Where's the drama in watching Tiger execute golf shots?

ob·se·qui·ous – adjective

1. characterized by or showing servile complaisance or deference; fawning: an obsequious bow.
   
2. servilely compliant or deferential: obsequious servants.
   
3. obedient; dutiful.
   

my only motivations: ego and necessity [duty integrity compassion]
my only possessions: pain and fear [grace joy love peace happiness]

Labels

Blog posts are now labeled according to content.

For instance, this post is labeled "golf."
Click on the link at bottom to view all posts with same label.

Other categories: art, movies, music, poker, poetry, tv.
All the regular topics.

The Ecstasy of Saint Teresa

“I saw in his hands, a large golden arrow and at the end of the iron tip there appeared to be a little fire. It seemed to me this angel plunged the arrow several times into my heart and that it reached deep within me. When he drew it out, I thought he was carrying off with him the deepest part of me; and he left me all on fire with the great love of God. The pain was so great that it made me moan, and the sweetness this greatest pain caused me was so superabundant that there is no desire capable of taking it away.”






















French cardinal upon seeing the sculpture: "If that is divine love, I know it well."

(Autobiography) Teresa of Avila, 1560
(Sculpture) Gian Lorenzo Bernini, 1645

contra

sharpie, ballpoint, hi-lighter, pencil

a bit suggestive for workplace doodling
perhaps

i started to write contrapposto -
classical term for human posture
in greek and rennaisance sculpture

contrast and opposition ended up
seeming more relevant

to the subject matter








click image for hi-res

The Garden of Earthly Delights

"The Garden of Earthly Delights" by Dutch artist Hieronymus Bosch (painted c. 1500) is an oil tryptich portraying the creation of the earth, its population by humans, and their subsequent descent into hell.

What a world.












Check out these sweet action figures from hell:

i·con·o·clast - noun

1. Breaker or destroyer of images, especially those set up for religious veneration.
   
2. Person who attacks cherished beliefs, traditional institutions, etc., as being based on error or superstition.
   

August 17th

Eminence Front

Yes, ABC.

Watching the British Open yesterday reminded me that PGA coverage varies by network. Features and commentary are different (CBS has Faherty), but what sets ABC in an eschelon above is their use of sweet musical tracks in the program (CBS has theme music by Yanni).

I remember a few years ago - just getting into golf - watching the leaderboard before commercials set to cuts from old classics and brand new releases (Beatles, Zeppelin, Tears for Fears, The Killers - anything between).

Yesterday's coverage included a heady segment of the instrumental intro to The Who's "Eminence Front" during the super-slow-motion swing vision shots. Yes!

"how'bout that drummer!"

stumbled across mutemath playing typical on the lateshow last night



great performance :: letterman loved it

p.s. - so did john mayer :: check out his blog

and quietly gets swallowed by a wave

the decemberists live @ the mann music center -- philadelphia, pa
with the mann festival orchestra -- sunday, july 15th 8:00pm














The band's performance was more exuberent at the Tower Theater in March. And the set was short - played for 90 minutes only. However, waves of crecendo from the full orchestra during a selection of songs was very cool, a different kind of concert experience - accentuated by the al fresco ambiance.

The real star of the evening was the venue. the Mann Center for performing arts is an essential place - a node of interest with space designed for human use and interaction. The architecture is simple and modern, but organic with a hint of whimsy (duck). Interior space is cavelike - formed by a shell stretched over a shallow amphitheatre which housed a large balcony as well.

Like a concert in a clamshell.










Regretably, the price for shows at the Mann can be prohibitively expensive (as anything good should be, right?) ticket $60, parking $10, two cocktails $15. Travestied juxtapostion (or is it imposition) of commerce and art. A shame that great places like this require currents of cash to keep them afloat.

dis·con·so·late
without consolation or solace; hopelessly unhappy; inconsolable

de·spond·ent
feeling or showing profound hopelessness, dejection, discouragement

...when i was younger, i thought i could stand on my own.

more than meets the eye

"MUTEMATH records theme track for upcoming Michael Bay film."

click below and jump to mutemath's myspace page to hear the song.

He doesn't look a thing like Jesus

author's note: this post was written in a reactive state of mind - originally saved as a draft (i get into trouble with gender issues). i have debated whether or not to publish it, but ultimately decided to give it some air. words are only words, after all - and as i've stated in the past, 95% of what i say should be disregarded as self-indulgent conjecture. enjoy.

(Why girls don't like the movie Knocked Up)

They shun the thought of loving someone less than a heroic savior figure. Especially sheltered good girls, to use a broadly evocative term.

As the "weaker vessel" (constantly conditioned as such, at least) there is perhaps the feeling of a need for earthly redemption via an unattainably perfect mate - one who will rescue them from all of their shortcomings, having none of his own. Relationship bliss not through reciprocal symbiosis, but rather the achievement of an ideal other.

Of course, the film depicts a different path. There has been recent discussion of the "Beta Male" paradigm which has become common in comedies such as Judd Apatow's 40 Year Old Virgin and Knocked Up. Both abandon angelic, model-cut male lead roles for - here comes the shocker - actors and characters who resemble human beings. Neither film simply satiates a puerile pornographic fantasy in which a "loser" gets lucky with a hotgirl; they share themes of sincere, heartfelt undertones in depictions of improbably loving relationships gleaned from the bluster of seemingly juvenile comedy.

***Side: In a still patriarchal, male-dominated society the female roles continue to be occupied by gorgeous blond sexies, go figure.***


To quote "Mercenary Territory" by title-inspiring Little Feat:

Some kind of man, he can't do anything wrong,
If I see him I'll tell him you're waiting.
...........................................................................................
p.s. - fool that i am, i'd do it all over again

Afraid of the Dark

She elevates me to an impossible sum,
Together feels closer than ever before.

With her decline myself evaporates,
All but Love is vanity, slavery.

So cold, Oblivion's embrace,
Nothing. I am nothing.


Afraid of the Dark
P.T. Roll

os·ten·ta·tious

Characterized by or given to pretentious or conspicuous show in an attempt to impress others

*same root as word of the day june 2, my mind is treading familiar territory today.

Origin?

Inside scoop says a band by the name of "Red Hot Chili Peppers" was on the Grand Rapids scene in the '70s. I have not read the Anthony Kiedis autobiography (Scar Tissue), but am curious to know if there is a connection.

sol·ip·sism - noun

1. Philosophy. The theory that only the self exists, or can be proved to exist
2. Extreme preoccupation with and indulgence of one's feelings, desires; egoistic self-absorption

Look Through the Window

Fly like an Eagle
Mercury Blues
Serendade
Dance, Dance, Dance
True Fine Love
The Joker
Wintertime
The Stake
Jungle Love
Swingtown
Rock'n Me
Jet Airliner
Abracadabra
Wild Mountain Honey
Take the Money and Run
The Crossroads (cover)

GREAT SHOW

Joker

Batman Begins (2005) was a pretty rocking flick, a quality product to back up the now ubiquitious comic-book-movie HYPE. Great rendition of the caped crusader by Chris Nolan, who previously directed Memento (2000) and Insomnia (2002).

I really like Nolan's attention to the psychology/pathology of his characters. In the closing scene of Begins there is a discussion between Batman and Gordon (Gary Oldman, good call) about the nature of Gotham's "supervillains" and the threat of escalation between the masked hero and increasingly dramatic foes. The comissioner produces an evidence bag with a Joker playing card and the movie ends.

Christian Bale as Bats, Michael Caine as Alfred, Gary Oldman as Commisioner Gordon, Liam Neeson as Ra's Al Ghul - forget about it! Who can keep this trend going as Joker?

Can't say I was super excited when the announcement was made that Heath Ledger would don the grin. As I seem to recall, the news came after Brokeback Mountain had received all sorts of Oscar buzz. Not that there's anything wrong with that, but Ledger was in a string of really bad movies and his casting seemed out of rhythm (show me Johnny Depp as joker).

After seeing a few early screenshots today, however, I have altered my perspective. And July '08 seems far off (loooong wait, just like for the first). Joker ain't no joke, fool.

6/10/2008 P.S. – It seems likely that Heath Ledger's death and his portrayal of the Joker are inextricably fused somehow. To write that his untimely demise has not heightened my anticipation of the new movie would be a lie.

Stevie Guitar

Ride for Independence :: June 9th, 2007
Featuring Steve Miller Band and Robbie Knievel
...............................................................................................

My first concert was Nightranger opening for Journey at Frawley Stadium in August, 2001 (Journey bassist Ross Valory previously recorded with Miller's band on Rock Love*). Wilmington's minor league stadium seats 6,500 and seemed like a great summer venue.

Miller is in his early 60's, and Fly Like an Eagle celebrated it's 30th anniversary last year. I eagerly anticipate the performance nonetheless. Yet another fading musical talent whose heyday had come and gone long before I arrived on the scene, it's cool to see SMB touring at all - let alone in Wilmington, DE.

• past and present band members
• www.stevemillerband.com
• pompatus?

*Another notable SMB graduate: Boz Scaggs (guitar/vocals) on Children of the Future/Sailor. Everything is connected.

os·ten·si·ble

1. outwardly appearing as such; professed; pretended
   
2. apparent, evident, or conspicuous
   

Fear and Loathing in Grand Rapids

Actually it was a nice weekend, I just like the phrase.

A city for people, not automatons.
What's the deal with East Grand Rapids?
Whiteyville - suburbs and malls, that's it.
Is there more art/culture/vive in GR than Wilmington?
.................................................or am I projecting?
Comfortable - maybe - dusty and dirty
Old...broken, changing, trying.

My kind of town (May thru October)


















Przypadek (Blind Chance, 1987) showed @ the mini-cinema on Saturday night.
Communist Party. Join.
Student Resistance. Fight.
Professing Christian. Withdraw.
Run, run, run.

Word of the Day

pros·e·lyt·ize - verb

1. To induce someone to convert to one's own religious faith
2. To induce someone to join one's own political party or to espouse one's doctrine

...induction, and destruction, who wants to die? I said WAR. Huah!

old school

"Vintage A Movie" 4-Pack:

• The Hustler
• Cincinati Kid
• Cool Hand Luke
• The Sting

Pay Me

Googled "wealthy street poker," and found this near the bottom of the first results page.





Check out the source link at the bottom of the Mucking the Straight Flush post.

good eyes, sis

in ada, mi (what, like 20 minutes from calvin?)










AWESOME! www.bigstepslittlefeet.org

4-Pack

This should be a $20 "B Movie" 4-Pack at Best Buy:

• Poolhall Junkies
• Suicide Kings
• Double Down
• Shade

Spooferman 3

For most of the movie I was pissed - almost frightened by what was unfolding in front of my eyes. I foolishly fell for the anticipitory hype for Spiderman 3. Feeling that the first two were reasonably watchable, the prospect of a thematically dark conclusion to the trilogy was enough to get me to the midnight show at Regal.

My basic thought process before seeing the movie: Spiderman, New York City, Summer blockbuster, VENOM. How can this equation not provide at least an escapist tingle, if not a decent film?

Zero stars.



Unless...Sam Raimi's previous trilogy consisting of Evil Dead, Evil Dead 2 and Army of Darkness followed a strikingly similar model: Sincere first attempt, Rehash remake for the second, Absurd comedic parody for the third.

Spiderman 3 was SOOOO bad, so cliche, so utterly irrelavant - it had to be a joke. A brutally cruel joke on the heard-like minions who flock to these things (hey, I'm one of 'em).

I can only hope against hope that the hidden nugget of redemptive goodness in this crapbomb is a load of insidious parody. Even then, I was originally hoping for a cool, fun flick - ouch, Raimi.

Can I Break the Spell?

I know there's got to be another level...

pu·er·ile
1. of or pertaining to a child or to childhood.
2. childishly foolish; immature or trivial.

tem·po·ral
1. of or pertaining to time.
2. pertaining to or concerned with the present life or this world; worldly.

bour·geois
1. person whose political, economic, and social opinions are believed to be determined mainly by concern for property values and conventional respectability.
2. dominated or characterized by materialistic pursuits or concerns.

...somewhere closer to the other side.



Heard James McMurty's "We Cant' Make it Here" on XPN this morning. Ouch.

Paper

This would be a lot funnier if I didn't make copies for a living.

When does it all turn around?

"Because it's dragging me down,
Oh, I'd like to know about when -
When does it all turn around?"

Most seemingly senseless actions of human depravity are done with a motive - cui bono, who benefits? This references a mechanical or functionalist model: an apeal to Earthbound purpose. One may benefit at the cost of many (see: Capitalism), many may benefit at the cost of one (see: Christianity), but often there is no benefit (see: Murder/Suicide).











Conceived by man, forged by man, utilized by man. Gun control spotlights our laughable dichotomy. How about some self-control?

In addition to naturally self-serving inclination, Westerners have been inundated with a "look out for number one" mentality from birth. But who benefits? We establish and take part in games of influence. A pen in the hand of a politician, money in the hand of a CEO, a gun in the hand of a disgruntled student. POWERCONTROL. It's a construct, an illusion, a bold-faced lie.

LOVE is truth.

5-30 PostScript: Wallowing in self-defeat is not increasing the love.

THINKSAYDOLIVELOVE

Experience Planet Earth

While high definition television may be a few years from prevalence, programs like the Discovery Channel's Planet Earth are creating a path. This new 11-part series (started last Sunday) maximizes HD potential with brilliant, phenomenal, eye-rubbing footage of life on this planet. Sigourney Weaver narrates hour-long episodes, each focusing on a different geographical habitat (Desert, Mountain, Ocean, etc). Your world, like you've never seen it before.


The Planet Earth website has a lot of cool content -- worth checking out, and I'm going to go ahead and recommend the DVD for purchase. Everyone should see this (even Oprah says so).

burn this whole city down

the decemberists live @ the tower theater -- upper darby, pa
with my brightest diamond -- tuesday, march 27th 8:00pm












Venue: Excellent
Seats: Excellent
Band: Excellent
Sound: Excellent

Good night. Check some great content on the decemberists' website, including two full tracks from the new album.

The Eagle

He clasps the crag with crooked hands;
Close to the sun in lonely lands,
Ringed with the azure world, he stands.

The wrinkled sea beneath him crawls;
He watches from his mountain walls,
And like a thunderbolt he falls.


The Eagle
Alfred, Lord Tennyson

Waiting...

When stopped in traffic on the highway it seems endless, hopeless.
When cruising on open road the notion of a traffic jam never crosses my mind.