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Not going to commit one hundred percent to a blind devotion to the origin of our U.S. policies nor the means and ends. Still think we are entirely too focused on the covenantism ideals of the predominant religion in this land.
Far as a collective dissing of us as a thread, board people, whatever, I cannot chide what I am unwilling to fix or be a part of. It is frustrating to think back to over a year ago and remember how carefree I used to feel about having my slice of hassle-free democracy and eating it too. Sorry to say, it was not 9/11 that woke me up either. It was the realization that, even with the time I put in serving this land and its laws, I sat back and did little but criticize its shortcomings. Hardly ever did I take the time to count blessings nor did I bother to see if there was anything I could do, as one voice, to not so much cause a sea change, but express freedoms paid for in the blood of our ancestors inside and outside the U.S.A.
Voicing displeasure is the hallmark of democracy, indeed. Bringing actions to bear upon dissatisfaction is the precursor to growth. If activity does not follow the outrage, stagnation and blame take control and so does aquiescing to the convenient thinking such as "Hell, no one ever listened to me so therefore…", or my personal fav, "We do it like this because we always have…." Wish I could say others do this shit, but I have been guilty in some degree and probably always will be. I can admit seeing lousy examples set before me and following them out of habit. Really would like to say there is a sacrifice-free cure for all the societal and political woes in sight, but history shows that the Industrial Revolution was a success and I think we can build this shit right if we even but try.
Malc,
Sorry to hear about your grandmom. Never had a live grandmother by blood since I have been around. Didi have a lady who raised my mom,as her own mother died at age 11. My mother’s father died when I was about 13 or so from brain cancer brought on by years od drink. Never knew who my dad was, and still don’t.Far as the woman who raised my mother, she was sweet and treated me like her own blood kiddie. Sadly she died from lung cancer while I was about 10. My mother is also dying of a terminal disease as we speak. That just leaves my brother who would rather party than come to grips with himself and be brotherly.
Can’t say I have a lot of advice to give and there has not really been a whole lot to say about true comfort for the dying or those who see loved ones wither away. Perhaps you can just bond more with the family at hand as some sort of proximal tribute to the wonderfulness that is the life of your grandmother. Gratitude may be hard to reach for the family tree that is distended, at least in my case, but I am glad to say I did have some kind of relatives to speak of, however infuriating. I may write some more later. Feel free to write me privately, Malc is you just need someone impartial to vent with
I’m a Bears fan as well, Tom. However, I do like the packer 2nd best in the NFC, much to the chagrin of my Bears friends.
Like the Steelers in the AFC, followed by the Raiders. As you can see, these four teams probably have the reps for being the meanest and nastiest players over the long haul of their existence.
But BEARS are my favs overall since that is my home team.
Not sure about the AFC North being weaker than the West. Think the Ohio teams and the Ravens have something to offer, but I agree the AFC east should be the scrapiest.
I’m a Bears fan as well, Tom. However, I do like the packer 2nd best in the NFC, much to the chagrin of my Bears friends.
Like the Steelers in the AFC, followed by the Raiders. As you can see, these four teams probably have the reps for being the meanest and nastiest players over the long haul of their existence.
But BEARS are my favs overall since that is my home team.
Not sure about the AFC North being weaker than the West. Think the Ohio teams and the Ravens have something to offer, but I agree the AFC east should be the scrapiest.
well thanks for the clearing up folks. Sux I cannot follow as close as I would like, but gotta dews are winning over wanna dues, unlike times past.
Hey Tom I hear the Dallas linebacking corps and defense overall is to be wicked. Looking for Dat Ngyuen to have a big year, probably close to Urlacher’s last year. That little dude is a monster hitter and very quick. I think they might be similar to the Bears with quarterback questions and a lot of wide receivers, sucks about Rocket already being down, he is a lot better than he has shown in the pros and with Galloway and a good QB, Dallas could be quite a force again easily.
<small>[ 09-06-2002, 11:16 PM: Message edited by: Half-Man ]</small>
well thanks for the clearing up folks. Sux I cannot follow as close as I would like, but gotta dews are winning over wanna dues, unlike times past.
Hey Tom I hear the Dallas linebacking corps and defense overall is to be wicked. Looking for Dat Ngyuen to have a big year, probably close to Urlacher’s last year. That little dude is a monster hitter and very quick. I think they might be similar to the Bears with quarterback questions and a lot of wide receivers, sucks about Rocket already being down, he is a lot better than he has shown in the pros and with Galloway and a good QB, Dallas could be quite a force again easily.
<small>[ 09-06-2002, 11:16 PM: Message edited by: Half-Man ]</small>
Although I rankle over reviews that angle entirely along the lines of a critic’s likes and dislikes, I find useful someone, anyone taking the time to just say what they think. Experience is of itself indicative of wherever a person is at any given point in their life. If a review does not show the level of quality I am accustomed to based on my experiences, I do not think it lacks value if someone else can relate it to their own understandings and exposures.
Is there a lot of badmouthing going on to protect the fragile psyches and tastes of those, who in their search for the holiest of trendy grails, forget the alienation they felt that directed them to such "alternatives"? Some people also shy away because they figure "criticize" is a negative word. Webster’s shows it is "fault finding", but also as finding merits as well as demerits. I also saw the word "evaluate" used as a synonym.
From time to time, I can use criticism as a sort of defense technique as mentioned above. I also shy from it for the sake of my own sensitivity and unwillingness to think I could be mistaken. But, I have found and continue to strive for usefulness in all types of good and bad communications with others, be it the one-way style of reading reviews or something more mutual, like here on message boards or talking in person.
I do not advocate a person feigning knowledge they know they do not have, but if someone does think they are on the right track with something, how will they be corrected or learn if they are not allowed to make mistakes? Every so often, I will see someone blasted that truly believed they were on the right track and that pisses me off. Perhaps some of the words said or the way they were used might be insensitive. Maybe, again, the person might not know unless they obtain feedback by having the courage or, the earnestness to use their voices.
Far as occupations go, what about the clergy? Experience and schooling play a role, sure, but if you do not believe in what you do, in time, you probably will not stick with it. Teaching is similar, as probably any occupation where you begin with training, if you are fortunate, and then, if you are true to your efforts, in both the means and if possible, the ends, you get the chance to obtain multiple paychecks.
I have been in a bad spot workwise ever since I began school. Raises, bonuses and other special privileges I used to use as a reason to keep coming back are no longer offered to me. Made me kind of realize I had been doing things and setting my expectations on very flimsy precendents. Now, the only bonafide motivation I can look at is virtue for its own sake, doing the right things for no other reason than I can. I need to have that frame of mind as much as possible. Many lives are dependant on just what my way of thinking is on a given day.
I like ol’ Wes too. Haven’t seen him in person but have heard several of his discs in the last few years. Saw some other articles that mentioned the exploitation thing, but this dude has made his money on it too. One interviewer said he sat in a hotel lobby during a series of shows just with a cardboard box of his CDs selling them to passersby. So, who is doing the exploiting, then?
The nature/art thing came to mind from Malc’s thread the other day as well. Is a person or group wrong for following their instincts? Who can be the most fit judge of that other than the person themselves?
If they are "to thine own self, true", and provide evidence, such as bad, popular music, or great, not-so-widely known music, or even utterings that may prove no more ultimate a purpose than therapy or healing, is the person showing artistic ability as a result of interpreting and expressing nature?
To the defense of criticism, I think a person’s judgment of another’s attempt at expressing their nature deserves recognition as being valid within the scope of their intended views. Whether the origin of the critique is based on a certain amount of or type of experience may come secondary to the earnestness and courage expressed by the critic.
<small>[ 09-01-2002, 12:25 AM: Message edited by: Half-Man ]</small>
Yes and the genome project was completed last year, at least the part where a complete genetic blueprint of the human body exists. Now, like Allison sez, what to do with it?
Far as taste is concerned, do not forget about timelessness and trends. Sure, we see these bands as maybe overpresented and lacking in some qualities (many qualities) that our favorites have, but will they stand the test of time, as some of our favorites do? A lot of songs in the crap camp are coming-of-age diddies. When the current crop of listeners "come of age" and find that both the lyrics have lesser meaning and the musical quality is not as enriched as the work of others they will more than likely encounter in maturation, some will move to the greener pastures, some will undoubtedly graze in the fields of fancy all their days. Not sure I am up for or qualified for choosing who goes where. Who knows, my future wife could be a greatful recovering Menudoholic. (now that is true fear, folks) Bye.
Tom
Have hope, I made it through the hairmetal years of Poison and the light rumpus of Tiffany, and also the oh-so-tantalizing years of the Egyptian Lover. There is a miracle, Just believe.
some random lyrics you might like RJ from a band called Clark:
This is the last stanza of their song called "the beast"
all of these games
in my head
and my face is red
now I’m tired
in the worst way
dragging my feet
gnashing my feet
yeah I’m tired
in the worst way
so I’m asking
for a favor
tape this crowbar
to this postcard
and send it off
to my head in
an hour
don’t feel bad
dude
don’t be sad bro
****************
called alternately "bill laimbeer" and "something you should know"
check out my bruise dude
it’s black and blue and
shaped like you
it covers my chest
caving in is what I do best
it comes so easy
baby it’s easy like breathing
sometimes I hold my breath
that night I crashed like
a chrysler
god I wish I’d try harder
but I left that room wounded
with my bruises and contusions
door slammed shut with a shove
because someone on the
other side couldn’t see mine
all there are on this heart
are scars
and even though I’m scared to
show them to you
you should know that
all those hours we wasted
were always my favorite
*******************
Good luck in Sacto.<small>[ 08-26-2002, 11:14 PM: Message edited by: Half-Man ]</small>
Thanks for the review Allison!
I resent the comment about indie kids. I whine at least every fifteen minutes and kept right on doing it after I left the thrift store, even while sober.
Tom
