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Thursday, August 23, 2007
Friday, July 06, 2007
Pathways: A Study of Shrapnel, Syndemics, and the Paths from Point A to Point B.
Point A and Point B are 100% certified Grade, er, A Certainties. The only questions seem to be a matter of when and how.
We burst into the world at Point A. Or sometimes we have to be pulled out depending on our level of infantile stubbornness. Immediately we set foot at the beginning of a Path. It is one of many Paths that eventually lead to Point B. At Point B we may exit in a brilliant flash of flame and and sound. One of our vital life-sustaining mechanisms may crap out. Or perhaps someone will bring a bloody war to our land and we die in a house to house cleansing.
In any event, we have before us a series of roads to take to get to Point B. Of course, as young infants we really don't have a clear concept of Point B, so it initially doesn't really inform our Path, other then natural fight or flight responses like "Feed Me." As we grow, however, we establish more control and more responsibility for our own orienteering. At every step of the way, it seems, there is a new turn that can be taken; left, right, left-right. Which do we choose? Why do we choose? Are we even aware of it?
Along the paths there is another phenomenon that is occuring. As we are walking our Paths, and deciding where to go (whether through instince or deliberate thought process), we are subjected to, and subjecting others to, Shrapnel.
Shrapnel are the bits of experience, events, ideas, and so on that are flying around as we walk the Paths. It's as though there are roadside bombs that are in a continuous state of detination. We walk along the path as a young child and at a certain point, we are subjected to Religious Shrapnel. Whether or not to follow our parents' deities? Whether or not to NOT follow deities. Whether or not to follow a deity different from our family's. As we are approaching the age of 18, we experience Shrapnel from education and career. Guidance counselors asking you if you want to attend the college fairs. Your Dad asking you if you are going to that ivy-league college he did. Or perhaps your Mom runs a flower shop and is expecting you to take over, after all it is called Me and My Daughter's Blooms.
There are, of course many, many other examples of Shrapnel. Of course, we aren't totally innocent in all of this. We too are part of the Shrapnel creating process. When we become parents we subject our children to expectations, wishes, and wants for their lives. As neighbors, we may be part of a collective attitude about how people's houses and yards should look. As members of Political Party X, we put signs in our yard saying, vote for Rudy Obama. We are throwing out just as much as others are throwing at us.
Do not be disillusioned about Shrapnel. It isn't all bad. There is Shrapnel of Art and Creativity. Walking by a park and seeing some folks drumming and creating music. The infective beat that is travelling across the air, that mandates that you move and groove. The lady down the road who is a brilliant artist, displaying her work at the local Sidewalk Art Exhibit. There is the Shrapnel of Happy Childlike Anarchy. Your little girl acting like a goon, and you can't help but to want to play along. Experiencing the joy in improvisational imagination, going with the flow. This is the sort of Shaprnel you WANT embedded in your flesh.
Next time, we will examine Shrapnel and how it affects the Paths we take...
We burst into the world at Point A. Or sometimes we have to be pulled out depending on our level of infantile stubbornness. Immediately we set foot at the beginning of a Path. It is one of many Paths that eventually lead to Point B. At Point B we may exit in a brilliant flash of flame and and sound. One of our vital life-sustaining mechanisms may crap out. Or perhaps someone will bring a bloody war to our land and we die in a house to house cleansing.
In any event, we have before us a series of roads to take to get to Point B. Of course, as young infants we really don't have a clear concept of Point B, so it initially doesn't really inform our Path, other then natural fight or flight responses like "Feed Me." As we grow, however, we establish more control and more responsibility for our own orienteering. At every step of the way, it seems, there is a new turn that can be taken; left, right, left-right. Which do we choose? Why do we choose? Are we even aware of it?
Along the paths there is another phenomenon that is occuring. As we are walking our Paths, and deciding where to go (whether through instince or deliberate thought process), we are subjected to, and subjecting others to, Shrapnel.
Shrapnel are the bits of experience, events, ideas, and so on that are flying around as we walk the Paths. It's as though there are roadside bombs that are in a continuous state of detination. We walk along the path as a young child and at a certain point, we are subjected to Religious Shrapnel. Whether or not to follow our parents' deities? Whether or not to NOT follow deities. Whether or not to follow a deity different from our family's. As we are approaching the age of 18, we experience Shrapnel from education and career. Guidance counselors asking you if you want to attend the college fairs. Your Dad asking you if you are going to that ivy-league college he did. Or perhaps your Mom runs a flower shop and is expecting you to take over, after all it is called Me and My Daughter's Blooms.
There are, of course many, many other examples of Shrapnel. Of course, we aren't totally innocent in all of this. We too are part of the Shrapnel creating process. When we become parents we subject our children to expectations, wishes, and wants for their lives. As neighbors, we may be part of a collective attitude about how people's houses and yards should look. As members of Political Party X, we put signs in our yard saying, vote for Rudy Obama. We are throwing out just as much as others are throwing at us.
Do not be disillusioned about Shrapnel. It isn't all bad. There is Shrapnel of Art and Creativity. Walking by a park and seeing some folks drumming and creating music. The infective beat that is travelling across the air, that mandates that you move and groove. The lady down the road who is a brilliant artist, displaying her work at the local Sidewalk Art Exhibit. There is the Shrapnel of Happy Childlike Anarchy. Your little girl acting like a goon, and you can't help but to want to play along. Experiencing the joy in improvisational imagination, going with the flow. This is the sort of Shaprnel you WANT embedded in your flesh.
Next time, we will examine Shrapnel and how it affects the Paths we take...
Monday, March 19, 2007
Welcome to the Prison...
So, the cats from pd.com, EB&G, etc. know what I'm talking about when I talk about the Black Iron Prison, or BIP for short. However, I'm sure some blogspotters will happen upon this place once in awhile and have no idea of what I'm talking about. So, it may serve my purposes to give a brief primer.
So, to me, the BIP is a metaphor to describe the individuals relationship with the universe. STOP THE PRESSES!!! What??? Okay, so it gets a little sticky for those not into gobblety-gook philosophizing. You should go find a Lindsey Lohan blog before you get sick.
Step #1 in understanding this, do not focus on the words "Black" and "Prison" too much. You'll depress yourself and end up listening to MCR. Nobody wants that.
Step #2: Visualize.
Visualize yourself in a prison cell. You are surrounded by iron bars. This is the scenery in your cell, the bars. It influences you on a daily basis, because, it is what you experience on a daily basis. It shapes you. This is the BIP. The bars are the experiences of your past. It is the environment(s) you grew up in. It is the stuff that happened/happening to you. One bar is your evolving tastes in music. Another bar is your relationship with your Mom and/or Dad. Another, your education. Another, teevee (TV). Basically, they are culminations of input, and they have/are shaping your landscape.
So, what's the deal with the BIP? Well, here's where "Prison" comes into play. It refers to the potential of the BIP. Some, see the BIP, understand what it is, what it does, how it impacts. Essentially, it allows the viewer to be in a better position to be him or herself, because they understand more about themselves. That's right. Because, understanding the landscape of your environment gives you more possibilities when it comes to navigating through life.
There are others, who do not see the BIP. They do not see how their surrounding, their bars, have and are shaping the person they are or are evolving into. This type of person is more prone to giving up the wheel, defering the navigation responsibilities to someone/something else. They, unknowingly, can become a full-fledged, fully integrated cog in The Machine(tm).
stay tuned.....more on The Machine(tm) to come....
So, to me, the BIP is a metaphor to describe the individuals relationship with the universe. STOP THE PRESSES!!! What??? Okay, so it gets a little sticky for those not into gobblety-gook philosophizing. You should go find a Lindsey Lohan blog before you get sick.
Step #1 in understanding this, do not focus on the words "Black" and "Prison" too much. You'll depress yourself and end up listening to MCR. Nobody wants that.
Step #2: Visualize.
Visualize yourself in a prison cell. You are surrounded by iron bars. This is the scenery in your cell, the bars. It influences you on a daily basis, because, it is what you experience on a daily basis. It shapes you. This is the BIP. The bars are the experiences of your past. It is the environment(s) you grew up in. It is the stuff that happened/happening to you. One bar is your evolving tastes in music. Another bar is your relationship with your Mom and/or Dad. Another, your education. Another, teevee (TV). Basically, they are culminations of input, and they have/are shaping your landscape.
So, what's the deal with the BIP? Well, here's where "Prison" comes into play. It refers to the potential of the BIP. Some, see the BIP, understand what it is, what it does, how it impacts. Essentially, it allows the viewer to be in a better position to be him or herself, because they understand more about themselves. That's right. Because, understanding the landscape of your environment gives you more possibilities when it comes to navigating through life.
There are others, who do not see the BIP. They do not see how their surrounding, their bars, have and are shaping the person they are or are evolving into. This type of person is more prone to giving up the wheel, defering the navigation responsibilities to someone/something else. They, unknowingly, can become a full-fledged, fully integrated cog in The Machine(tm).
stay tuned.....more on The Machine(tm) to come....
Re-emerging from the Internet Mothballs.......
So, I started this blog a few years back under a different moniker. This was pre-Discordian thymes. I figured it might not be a bad time to resurrect the wreck and see if I can do anything constructive with it. You can sample some of my old poetry and other stuff. But, for the future I'm hoping for this to be the construction yards for the crassness that rattles around in my cranium. I've got the Multiply thing happening too. rwhn.multiply.com That's where I'll focus my attention to the "music" side of things. So that's where everything's at. Lessee how it goes....
Wednesday, November 10, 2004
A Star is Extinguished.
It is with great sadness that I read about the passing of Daryl Pediford. Now most of you are scrathing your head saying, who the hell is Daryl Pediford? He is/was one of the many talents in the Trans-Siberian Orchestra.
The Trans-Siberian Orchestra is a project by Paul O'Neill, Bob Kinkel, and the Savatage-madman Jon Oliva. They've released two Christmas-themed albums along with another about the final days of Beethoven. They've just released a third Christmas album this year. I would describe it, loosely, as hard rock Christmas music. The musicians playing on the albums are pretty much the members of Savatage. Chris Caffrey, Al Pitrelli, Johnny Middleton, and Jeff Plate. If you haven't seen them live you've missed a great, moving show!
Daryl Pediford was one of the many vocalists used on those albums. He also toured with them during the Holidays. He was part of the East Coast band. To cover as much of the country as they could they had two touring bands. Anyway, I digress. Mr. Pediford has a great voice. That's a very trite way of putting it. Soulful and a little gritty. To really experience his talent you needed to see him live. But since that is no longer possible you need to get the first two albums: Christmas Eve and other Stories and The Christmas Attic. And get tickets to see the rest of his bandmates on tour this Holiday Season. You won't be disappointed!
The Trans-Siberian Orchestra is a project by Paul O'Neill, Bob Kinkel, and the Savatage-madman Jon Oliva. They've released two Christmas-themed albums along with another about the final days of Beethoven. They've just released a third Christmas album this year. I would describe it, loosely, as hard rock Christmas music. The musicians playing on the albums are pretty much the members of Savatage. Chris Caffrey, Al Pitrelli, Johnny Middleton, and Jeff Plate. If you haven't seen them live you've missed a great, moving show!
Daryl Pediford was one of the many vocalists used on those albums. He also toured with them during the Holidays. He was part of the East Coast band. To cover as much of the country as they could they had two touring bands. Anyway, I digress. Mr. Pediford has a great voice. That's a very trite way of putting it. Soulful and a little gritty. To really experience his talent you needed to see him live. But since that is no longer possible you need to get the first two albums: Christmas Eve and other Stories and The Christmas Attic. And get tickets to see the rest of his bandmates on tour this Holiday Season. You won't be disappointed!
Wednesday, November 03, 2004
Why did the Chicken write an Acrostic on the Road?
Bring peace to ruin
Usurp the fabric of truth
Squeeze the life from diplomacy
Hell, awaits the people
Usurp the fabric of truth
Squeeze the life from diplomacy
Hell, awaits the people
Rescue Rehnquist!!!
Okay, so I think it is apparent to everyone except Kerry, Edwards, and any other delusional democrat that Bush is going to be allowed to preside over his failed policies for another 4 years. I personally think this is good. He can't hole up in his Crawford ranch while Iraq goes to hell in a shrapnes riddles handbasket. Plus, history will take care of Mr. Bush. When the history books are written about this time I don't think it will be kind to Bush. But, by then he will peacefully be decomposing into worm kibble! (Yes, you are correct. I am not a Bush fan!)
So, Kerry and Edwards need to pull the plug. The democrats need to now focus their attention to Chief Judge Rehnquist and hope to hell he doesn't die or otherwise become incapacitated. I wouldn't be surprised if Bush doesn't have a lawyer at the hospital ready to dispute what medicines the good judge receives. (in other words any medicines that will make him better). I'm sure he is drooling over the chance to nominate a new Justice. And Ralph Reed is right there on his shoulder crapping with sheer delight!
Yes, I am cynical and yes I'm pretty irreverant to both parties. I think Bush, plain and simple, is an arrogant son of a female French Poodle. (That's why he hates the French so much. Oh by the way, I am French!) At the same time I think Kerry is a robot that needs to be decomissioned. I don't think he is a flip flop. I mean for crying out loud ALL POLITICIANS ARE FLIP FLOPPERS!!!
On that topic. What the hell cave has everyone been living in for the past 100 years. Psst! Let me shine the light on this for you. Politicians will say what they think they need to say to get elected. Duh!!! I mean Bush said before we dove blindly into Iraq that there unequivocally WMD's in Iraq. Is he whistling that tune anymore? I don't think so. I mean for crying out loud people do you listen to these guys when they speak? Can't you tell the difference between how a Politician speaks and the rest of the uncivilized society? Can't you see that greasy gloss that coats their words? You can almost hear gears engage when they start prattling along about stuff that the average American has no earthly clue about.
To wrap up. I am not surprised Mr. Bush is going to win. I think this election has been made more dramatic by the news organizations than it was going to be. I wish Howard Dean had been the nominee. He wouldn't have come as close, I know that, but he would have torn into Bush in ways that Kerry is too chicken too. You may not agree with Dean but here's a guy that speaks his mind. You can tell he thinks Bush is a moron. He doesn't come out and say it but you know it is there. But, I digress. Let's just move on. I am interested to see how these next 4 years go. And, by the way Mr. Bush, when will I see more money in my paycheck when these new tax cuts take place? Or can I just come get it directly from your oil-ridden piggy bank? Oh, that's right. Your victory, in the end, will have little impact on my quality of life. Hail the Lame Duck in Chief!!!!
So, Kerry and Edwards need to pull the plug. The democrats need to now focus their attention to Chief Judge Rehnquist and hope to hell he doesn't die or otherwise become incapacitated. I wouldn't be surprised if Bush doesn't have a lawyer at the hospital ready to dispute what medicines the good judge receives. (in other words any medicines that will make him better). I'm sure he is drooling over the chance to nominate a new Justice. And Ralph Reed is right there on his shoulder crapping with sheer delight!
Yes, I am cynical and yes I'm pretty irreverant to both parties. I think Bush, plain and simple, is an arrogant son of a female French Poodle. (That's why he hates the French so much. Oh by the way, I am French!) At the same time I think Kerry is a robot that needs to be decomissioned. I don't think he is a flip flop. I mean for crying out loud ALL POLITICIANS ARE FLIP FLOPPERS!!!
On that topic. What the hell cave has everyone been living in for the past 100 years. Psst! Let me shine the light on this for you. Politicians will say what they think they need to say to get elected. Duh!!! I mean Bush said before we dove blindly into Iraq that there unequivocally WMD's in Iraq. Is he whistling that tune anymore? I don't think so. I mean for crying out loud people do you listen to these guys when they speak? Can't you tell the difference between how a Politician speaks and the rest of the uncivilized society? Can't you see that greasy gloss that coats their words? You can almost hear gears engage when they start prattling along about stuff that the average American has no earthly clue about.
To wrap up. I am not surprised Mr. Bush is going to win. I think this election has been made more dramatic by the news organizations than it was going to be. I wish Howard Dean had been the nominee. He wouldn't have come as close, I know that, but he would have torn into Bush in ways that Kerry is too chicken too. You may not agree with Dean but here's a guy that speaks his mind. You can tell he thinks Bush is a moron. He doesn't come out and say it but you know it is there. But, I digress. Let's just move on. I am interested to see how these next 4 years go. And, by the way Mr. Bush, when will I see more money in my paycheck when these new tax cuts take place? Or can I just come get it directly from your oil-ridden piggy bank? Oh, that's right. Your victory, in the end, will have little impact on my quality of life. Hail the Lame Duck in Chief!!!!
Wednesday, October 27, 2004
The Fluidity and Futility of Mortality (poem)
Floating
Through eternity
Chronos himself stops
Waves hello
And I hurtle onward
Into forever
Through eternity
Chronos himself stops
Waves hello
And I hurtle onward
Into forever
Wednesday, October 20, 2004
Bush, Kerry or Nader???
Is their a fourth option? Seriously, I'm not terribly concerned about who wins because honestly I think all three are weak. Bush's handling of the Iraq war is like a contestant on the Apprentice trying to run anything other than a lemonade stand. Did he really think when we mowed down the Republican Guard and chased off Saddam Hussein that everyone left in Iraq was going to fall to their knees and worship the United States of America? He is either really naive or really stupid and I'm convinced it's a healthy portion of both. Kerry is equally dumb and/or naive to think he's going to ride in with a calvary of French and Germans to fix things. And Nader would spend all of his time looking for corporate crime in Iraq. No my friends, I think I'd rather vote for a nice piece of sharp cheddar cheese before I'd vote for one of the three stooges we currently have to choose from. But, that's my opinion. I welcome yours......
soaking (poem)
All alone
a fool and his pride
standing in a drenching rain.
soaking through the fibers
drenching me.
the cold wetness runs,
down my face
like many tears
being shed at once.
it comes down hard.
pelting every inch of my body.
i need to come in from the rain
so i may be warm and dry again.
this seething storm soaks, so.
i feel so dank and cold inside.
my sould is wet........
..............and it is drowning.
Originally published in The Binnacle in 1996.
a fool and his pride
standing in a drenching rain.
soaking through the fibers
drenching me.
the cold wetness runs,
down my face
like many tears
being shed at once.
it comes down hard.
pelting every inch of my body.
i need to come in from the rain
so i may be warm and dry again.
this seething storm soaks, so.
i feel so dank and cold inside.
my sould is wet........
..............and it is drowning.
Originally published in The Binnacle in 1996.
Everything Changes (poem)
Length of day light swiftly shrinks,
And the warmth evaporates into space.
Transformation.
Vibrant, green leaves lose vitality,
And shrivel into withered fragility.
Decay.
Summer dew is ushered off,
And Jack's soldiers take guard.
Changing.
Mother Nature's citizens scavenge and scurry,
And layer their bodies in nutritious warmth.
Anticipation.
White flakes of pureness float to the ground,
And the land slips into quiet slumber.
Shhhhhh.....
Originally published in The Binnacle in 1996.
And the warmth evaporates into space.
Transformation.
Vibrant, green leaves lose vitality,
And shrivel into withered fragility.
Decay.
Summer dew is ushered off,
And Jack's soldiers take guard.
Changing.
Mother Nature's citizens scavenge and scurry,
And layer their bodies in nutritious warmth.
Anticipation.
White flakes of pureness float to the ground,
And the land slips into quiet slumber.
Shhhhhh.....
Originally published in The Binnacle in 1996.
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