Found a couple of good quotes this week...
"Motivation without education is dangerous. If you motivate an idiot, all you have is a motivated idiot."
Emerson (Courtesy of Mr. Chris Guillebeau)
About a month ago, I read something about The Lizard Brain. It suggested that humans have this part of our psyche that is so risk-averse, so focused on survival, it will actively work to prevent you from doing something you think is risky - even something you really want to do, like starting a business or writing a novel or doing something creative.
From here.
Kind of two different thoughts but kind of related...
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Santa Monica
Hey, I've got a question... No need to read anything into it at this point, I'm just curious.
Santa Monica is located in Southern California, just west of Beverly Hills, right on the Pacific Ocean. If one worked in Santa Monica, what cities would be good to consider as a good place to raise a family. ie. Not insanely wealthy, not a ghetto, just a nice good middle class neighborhood.
And if that question makes you feel geographically discriminated against...
Same question, but substitute either:
Palo Alto, up by San Francisco
or
Vancouver, British Columbia
Santa Monica is located in Southern California, just west of Beverly Hills, right on the Pacific Ocean. If one worked in Santa Monica, what cities would be good to consider as a good place to raise a family. ie. Not insanely wealthy, not a ghetto, just a nice good middle class neighborhood.
And if that question makes you feel geographically discriminated against...
Same question, but substitute either:
Palo Alto, up by San Francisco
or
Vancouver, British Columbia
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Tea Party?
I have two big issues with the Tea Party movement.
Now I know I learned about American History while still living in a foreign country, but having experienced the education system in the US first hand, that may necessarily be a bad thing.
From what I understand, the primary drive behind the whole Boston Tea Party incident was as a protest for taxation, without representation. The British government had decided to levy a tax on the American colonies, a decision in which the colonies had no part and as an act of protest, large quantities of tea where thrown into the Boston harbor. There is a little more to the story which I was previously unaware of, but if you're interested, Wikipedia has a great article on it here.
The tea party folks don't really have the same problem. Their group were formed as a response to the Stimulus bill enacted in early 2009. It wasn't really taxation without representation, they just seem to be upset that their elected representatives made a bad decision. Well kind of...
My first issue, is that the first stimulus package was handed out to various banks and Wall Street firms in 2008. At that time the leader of this country was one George Bush, a republican from Texas, who enjoyed the support of people like Glenn Beck and Rush Limbaugh in his various presidential campaigns. It wasn't until the second stimulus package was passed, now under the brand new Democratic President that people got really upset and started a protest movement.
What struck me as odd was that, while there was some dissent resulted from the first bill, it wasn't until the second that the protesters broke out their signs and mobilized. The only difference was the party affiliation of the guy in the white house at the time. Either they missed the boat, or they're merely pawns in a game between political opportunists, but heaven help anyone who might suggest that!
The second issue I have is with those people conducting these protests and organizing them. You may recall that about 8 years ago, the same George Bush heard the voice of God telling him to invade Iraq. People exercised their right to freedom of speech and peaceful protest and held rally's against the war. I was a Glenn Beck fan at the time, and I distinctly remember him talking about how much these people hated America, because they were criticizing the decisions of a sitting president. He also made comments to the effect that it was all the losers of society, those that weren't making a contribution, but living off the proverbial governmental teet, who had the time to attend these protests.
Funny thing is... 8 years later, all of a sudden, the same anti-protesting Glenn Beck, is now one of the de-facto leaders of a movement, whose sole activity seems to be forming protests. And who is it that attends these protests? Apparently now, the protest lines are lined manned by good hardworking Americans, who love their country and their freedom - and apparently have an amazing supply of annual leave built up, in order to attend these protests!
I fully support the rights of people to assemble in protest to the actions of their government. What I find myself exceedingly annoyed with a blatant hypocrisy, that which appears to be one of the founding tenets of the Tea Party Movement.
Now I know I learned about American History while still living in a foreign country, but having experienced the education system in the US first hand, that may necessarily be a bad thing.
From what I understand, the primary drive behind the whole Boston Tea Party incident was as a protest for taxation, without representation. The British government had decided to levy a tax on the American colonies, a decision in which the colonies had no part and as an act of protest, large quantities of tea where thrown into the Boston harbor. There is a little more to the story which I was previously unaware of, but if you're interested, Wikipedia has a great article on it here.
The tea party folks don't really have the same problem. Their group were formed as a response to the Stimulus bill enacted in early 2009. It wasn't really taxation without representation, they just seem to be upset that their elected representatives made a bad decision. Well kind of...
My first issue, is that the first stimulus package was handed out to various banks and Wall Street firms in 2008. At that time the leader of this country was one George Bush, a republican from Texas, who enjoyed the support of people like Glenn Beck and Rush Limbaugh in his various presidential campaigns. It wasn't until the second stimulus package was passed, now under the brand new Democratic President that people got really upset and started a protest movement.
What struck me as odd was that, while there was some dissent resulted from the first bill, it wasn't until the second that the protesters broke out their signs and mobilized. The only difference was the party affiliation of the guy in the white house at the time. Either they missed the boat, or they're merely pawns in a game between political opportunists, but heaven help anyone who might suggest that!
The second issue I have is with those people conducting these protests and organizing them. You may recall that about 8 years ago, the same George Bush heard the voice of God telling him to invade Iraq. People exercised their right to freedom of speech and peaceful protest and held rally's against the war. I was a Glenn Beck fan at the time, and I distinctly remember him talking about how much these people hated America, because they were criticizing the decisions of a sitting president. He also made comments to the effect that it was all the losers of society, those that weren't making a contribution, but living off the proverbial governmental teet, who had the time to attend these protests.
Funny thing is... 8 years later, all of a sudden, the same anti-protesting Glenn Beck, is now one of the de-facto leaders of a movement, whose sole activity seems to be forming protests. And who is it that attends these protests? Apparently now, the protest lines are lined manned by good hardworking Americans, who love their country and their freedom - and apparently have an amazing supply of annual leave built up, in order to attend these protests!
I fully support the rights of people to assemble in protest to the actions of their government. What I find myself exceedingly annoyed with a blatant hypocrisy, that which appears to be one of the founding tenets of the Tea Party Movement.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Complexity
Sometimes it's hard to define a particular aspect of our lives with any real certainty. People often ask me what kind of music I like and I really don't know what to tell them. Generally it's hard rock, but sometimes it's other stuff. For instance, just this morning I was reminded of great song from back in the early 90's that I loved, and still do...
And then I listened to this...
CAUTION: The song below uses language which is likely not suitable for younger or more sensitive ears.
Clearly I'm a complex individual!
And then I listened to this...
CAUTION: The song below uses language which is likely not suitable for younger or more sensitive ears.
Clearly I'm a complex individual!
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
I'm Alive!
Yikes, I can't believe it's been over a week since I last blogged here... There was a long weekend, significant increase in the amount of work at my day job, and we've had some of the little Koda's sick as well. We have a sneaky suspicion that it may be the piggy flu, but so far it has been pretty mild, just lots of coughing and mucous.
Before I get into the meat of today's post... I've gained a whole bunch of extra followers at this blog, and over on the Koda Think Tank one as well (In fact, followers on that one have doubled in the last 2 weeks). While I'm not exactly sure why anyone would want to follow this blog, I am deeply honored that many of you do. My reasons for blogging have always been as a way to vent my frustrations, achievements and thoughts, and I appreciate the encouragement and feedback I get from many of you.
Alright... I use Opera to keep track of the various twitter feeds I follow, as well as a few of the blogs I follow as well. I tend to hang on to the stuff I really like to peruse at a later time, but every so often I feel the need to clean house. I thought I'd post a couple of them here, so I can clean house, but still have access to them. While they may mean something special to me, due to circumstances or experiences I've had, I think they could likely be applicable to a broad audience.
First is the most motivating article I've read in years, perhaps ever. I've read it to my wife and kids, my Sunday School kids and shared it with several colleagues at work. It's from The Art of Non-Conformity site, and simple entitled...Beware of Life.
Click here to read it
Next is a series of unrelated quotes...
How people treat you is their karma; how you react is yours.
- Wayne Dyer
A tyrant must put on the appearance of uncommon devotion to religion. Subjects are less apprehensive of illegal treatment from a ruler whom they consider to be God-fearing and pious.
- Aristotle, 343 B.C.
Keep away from those who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that.
-Mark Twain
If you are so afraid to fail that you live as cautiously as you can, you fail by default.
-JK Rowling
Your true character shows when nobody--especially God--is watching.
-paraphrase from an unknown source by Lisa J.
The two opinions about your abilities that you should never trust are your own opinions, and the majority’s opinions.
-Scott Adams
And finally...
I'm not sure who the originator of this is, but it appeared on the blog - A Moment to Think
Before I get into the meat of today's post... I've gained a whole bunch of extra followers at this blog, and over on the Koda Think Tank one as well (In fact, followers on that one have doubled in the last 2 weeks). While I'm not exactly sure why anyone would want to follow this blog, I am deeply honored that many of you do. My reasons for blogging have always been as a way to vent my frustrations, achievements and thoughts, and I appreciate the encouragement and feedback I get from many of you.
Alright... I use Opera to keep track of the various twitter feeds I follow, as well as a few of the blogs I follow as well. I tend to hang on to the stuff I really like to peruse at a later time, but every so often I feel the need to clean house. I thought I'd post a couple of them here, so I can clean house, but still have access to them. While they may mean something special to me, due to circumstances or experiences I've had, I think they could likely be applicable to a broad audience.
First is the most motivating article I've read in years, perhaps ever. I've read it to my wife and kids, my Sunday School kids and shared it with several colleagues at work. It's from The Art of Non-Conformity site, and simple entitled...Beware of Life.
Click here to read it
Next is a series of unrelated quotes...
How people treat you is their karma; how you react is yours.
- Wayne Dyer
A tyrant must put on the appearance of uncommon devotion to religion. Subjects are less apprehensive of illegal treatment from a ruler whom they consider to be God-fearing and pious.
- Aristotle, 343 B.C.
Keep away from those who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that.
-Mark Twain
If you are so afraid to fail that you live as cautiously as you can, you fail by default.
-JK Rowling
Your true character shows when nobody--especially God--is watching.
-paraphrase from an unknown source by Lisa J.
The two opinions about your abilities that you should never trust are your own opinions, and the majority’s opinions.
-Scott Adams
And finally...
I'm not sure who the originator of this is, but it appeared on the blog - A Moment to Think
Tuesday, February 09, 2010
Help!!
I know I have a couple of conservative type people who read this blog and I need your help...
Please help me understand why on earth the idea of Sarah Pallin running as the Republican candidate in 2012 isn't invoking uncontrolled laughter from everyone on the right?
I know I've alluded to the idea in the past, that I think a great percentage of the Republican base have degenerated into a brain dead state where Glenn Beck is God and his words are followed with exactness, but I have to think there are some thinkers out there, and if you continue to read this blog, I would think you would have to be.
From what I can tell...
She's a woman, which is kind of a unique thing, especially in the Republican Party.
And if she could keep her mouth shut, she's not too bad looking (although I definitely think Tina Fey is hotter.)
But neither of those things qualify a person to lead this country.
All I can see is a person who can parrot the party line, whether it makes sense to her or not.
Is there something else about her I'm missing?!?
Please help me understand why on earth the idea of Sarah Pallin running as the Republican candidate in 2012 isn't invoking uncontrolled laughter from everyone on the right?
I know I've alluded to the idea in the past, that I think a great percentage of the Republican base have degenerated into a brain dead state where Glenn Beck is God and his words are followed with exactness, but I have to think there are some thinkers out there, and if you continue to read this blog, I would think you would have to be.
From what I can tell...
She's a woman, which is kind of a unique thing, especially in the Republican Party.
And if she could keep her mouth shut, she's not too bad looking (although I definitely think Tina Fey is hotter.)
But neither of those things qualify a person to lead this country.
All I can see is a person who can parrot the party line, whether it makes sense to her or not.
Is there something else about her I'm missing?!?
Wednesday, February 03, 2010
Weeding out the Bigots
Every so often I'll post something a little controversial on Facebook. It's amazing how much you can learn when you do stuff like that though...
Tonight's offering was this...
Please put this on your status if you or someone you know is gay. My wish for 2010 is that people will understand that being gay is not a disease. People who are gay are not looking for a cure, they are looking for ACCEPTANCE and EQUAL RIGHTS. 93% won't Copy and Paste this. Will you make this your status for at least one hour?
I got it from a friends status, and the coolest thing was... Shortly after I hit the like button and posted in on my status, I got a notification on his...
Short note from his son...
Thanks Dad.
I felt a tear well up...
The sad thing is that I used to be just as much of a bigot as some of the folks who appear to have taken offense to it - interestingly enough everyone of them loathes the the sitting president, and they'll all swear it's not because he's black too.
I think I need to be more selective with who I accept onto my friends list, and I' wondering if perhaps it's time for a purge.
Tonight's offering was this...
Please put this on your status if you or someone you know is gay. My wish for 2010 is that people will understand that being gay is not a disease. People who are gay are not looking for a cure, they are looking for ACCEPTANCE and EQUAL RIGHTS. 93% won't Copy and Paste this. Will you make this your status for at least one hour?
I got it from a friends status, and the coolest thing was... Shortly after I hit the like button and posted in on my status, I got a notification on his...
Short note from his son...
Thanks Dad.
I felt a tear well up...
The sad thing is that I used to be just as much of a bigot as some of the folks who appear to have taken offense to it - interestingly enough everyone of them loathes the the sitting president, and they'll all swear it's not because he's black too.
I think I need to be more selective with who I accept onto my friends list, and I' wondering if perhaps it's time for a purge.
Monday, February 01, 2010
Best Month
Things kinda petered out there at the end I'm afraid...
January was just a weird month all around too, it seemed like the first half too forever to pass, which I for one didn't mind, and then the last half was over before I knew. February 1st already?!?
Part of me enjoyed the daily need to post, but it added an additional item on my daily task list, which might not have been the best approach.
This last weekend was crazy though. In addition to some insane training, we also celebrated Mrs. Koda's birthday and got to meet with our Bishop yesterday - more details on the will be forthcoming on the other blog.
I woke up this morning at around 3:30 from the midst of a funky dream. It involved my parents, and an ex-girlfriend from my past. There were other people there, but those where the ones which stood out.
Turns out they were staging an 'Intervention' for me. At first I thought they were joking... And then as reality set in, things went from bad to worse. I usually don't use a whole lot of bad language in real life (I'm worse online that I am normally - well except for the hells, damns and Son of a Bitch's. Anyway, my language got pretty bad, with plenty of hand gestures thrown in as well.
I tried to run, and unlike most nightmares it worked quite well. The trick was trying to escape, since it seemed like they had anticipated my attempts and had people to try and stop me.
I awoke sweating profusely, annoyed at being awake, and curious as to what it all meant.
I think the 'Intervention' came about because of the meeting with the Bishop, and subsequent thoughts I had. The ex-girlfriend was actually brought up by my son, on a completely separate matter. We also watched Angels and Demons, which may have contributed to the vivid escape sequences, and the whole tarnished view of religion in general.
The message I got out of it...
I'm not ready to confront some of these issues in my life just yet.
And since this post seems to be on a downward spiral as far as optimism goes...
I love this rendition and performance of Better Man by Pearl Jam. However it starts a little differently that you might expect, and it's not exactly an upbeat song, but it kind of fits with the tone of this post.
January was just a weird month all around too, it seemed like the first half too forever to pass, which I for one didn't mind, and then the last half was over before I knew. February 1st already?!?
Part of me enjoyed the daily need to post, but it added an additional item on my daily task list, which might not have been the best approach.
This last weekend was crazy though. In addition to some insane training, we also celebrated Mrs. Koda's birthday and got to meet with our Bishop yesterday - more details on the will be forthcoming on the other blog.
I woke up this morning at around 3:30 from the midst of a funky dream. It involved my parents, and an ex-girlfriend from my past. There were other people there, but those where the ones which stood out.
Turns out they were staging an 'Intervention' for me. At first I thought they were joking... And then as reality set in, things went from bad to worse. I usually don't use a whole lot of bad language in real life (I'm worse online that I am normally - well except for the hells, damns and Son of a Bitch's. Anyway, my language got pretty bad, with plenty of hand gestures thrown in as well.
I tried to run, and unlike most nightmares it worked quite well. The trick was trying to escape, since it seemed like they had anticipated my attempts and had people to try and stop me.
I awoke sweating profusely, annoyed at being awake, and curious as to what it all meant.
I think the 'Intervention' came about because of the meeting with the Bishop, and subsequent thoughts I had. The ex-girlfriend was actually brought up by my son, on a completely separate matter. We also watched Angels and Demons, which may have contributed to the vivid escape sequences, and the whole tarnished view of religion in general.
The message I got out of it...
I'm not ready to confront some of these issues in my life just yet.
And since this post seems to be on a downward spiral as far as optimism goes...
I love this rendition and performance of Better Man by Pearl Jam. However it starts a little differently that you might expect, and it's not exactly an upbeat song, but it kind of fits with the tone of this post.
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