The new stage of consciousness.

Look around you. We've had the web around in wide spread usage for almost 10 years now. How has life changed? Let's fast forward the clock about 30 years. Most of the people I know will be in their 60's and 70's. How much will the Net be in your life? I imagine some people while bed ridden, the web will be their only form of communication. You're stuck in your home or an assisted living facility, all permanently plugged into a computer, where you are keeping your mind active, learning and communicating with peers. Is that the future for us?


Almost all of us do updates on Facebook, or Twitter. Social networking is connecting most of us faster, and faster. However, is that a good thing? I am a little bit of an idealist. I believe that ultimately the net can be used to do some real good in the world. For every crappy pop idol that is fake and horrible, there is a young man struggling with sexuality in a very intolerant and isolated community and the web is where they find their safety valve. The web and networking has a way of relating things to people and communicating with these people. Which ultimately is good. If through the web, we can get news out of countries with fascist control over the media, it's a good thing in my book.

However, there is the bad. Pornography is at an all time high because of the web. There are people who are intolerant and dangerous finding each other. Also, there's the nerdcore crowd. This is something that I fight on a daily basis. I've had some pretty strong feelings that I have voiced about nerds in the past. Because, they take things to the extreme. For example, when World of Warcraft was at it's peak with 12 million plus members, the nerds that I knew would sometimes not bathe before coming into work. Their personal relationships would suffer and they couldn't communicate with others not existing in that world. Note, this is the extreme of people who play WoW.

Also, there is a huge amount of negativity that comes from the web and the nerdcores as a whole. Because of the level at which information is accumulated and gathered, many people who are frequent users get pulled into this sense that you know everything and that you have the answers, and quite frankly people believe what the read on the Internet way too much. Because of this public forum, they think they are all appointed masters of particular subjects, and overrate their own opinion and think that people need to hear it. Such things as conversational tact and common courtesy are thrown out the window. In short, they lose complete objectivity with the world.

I used to spend quite a bit of time on the web while at work, I would view news stories and read posting by people on the web, and what I determined is that it is a magnifier of the chasm that exists in society. Anyone to harp and be critical can easily get on something, rip it and belittle it, and detach themselves, because it's an "on-line identity". I review my actions thoughts and feelings for the past couple of months, and decided that this ego trap, that is the web is responsible for quite a bit of the unhappiness and contention that I feel. So, I've limited my usage, and I don't know if that is a good thing or a bad thing. The jury is still out on that.

To anyone reading this article, or post on Facebook, How do you feel? Has the web become it's own society? Is it good or bad? What do you think that outlook is for the future of the web? Personally, I think that society is changing because the web, and we should talk and open dialogues about what we should post or say on the web? Give your thoughts and opinions...I'd love to hear them.

Fear and loathing...

Alright, I've been away for a while, but decided to bust out the old blog again to talk, and get my outlet. There's an amazing psychological paradigm that warrants some attention. That is, how much that even sub-cultures, can even be detested by the participants. Let me put it this way.
I once had a friend who was really into martial arts. This one time he told me, "You know Terence, I like martial arts, but usually hate all the guys that DO martial arts." This brought about quite the conversation topic. This then brings into conversation that we shouldn't define everything by a sub-culture. Even that definitions by and large are almost useless.

Now, anyone who has taken psychology knows that stereotypes are actually how we organize psychological information. However, we should never define people by such definitions.
Just as my friend feels about martial arts, I feel about nerds and the Internet culture. I know about computers and all that stuff, but I really hate almost all of the people involved in it. It comes about because of this. While I'm just bored and commenting on stuff on Facebook. A friend of busts out and calls me a nerd. Honestly, I was offended. Mostly, it's because of this. The following is a link off Digg (A popular Internet filter/social networking site).



http://digg.com/other_sports/Allison_Stokke_the_Hottest_Athlete_Google_it?OTC-wsli

Now, the average person who follows Digg is pretty much what I call, "nerdcore". They're the stereotypical nerd. The person who's got no social skills, plays Dungeons and Dragons, and gets no women. The sad, VERY sad thing, is that the article in question is talking about a young athlete who when she was in High School, a picture was taken of her and it was posted on the web. She was then hounded, which Internet sensations usually are, to the point where she lives in relative isolation. She even spoke with her father, who is a lawyer to see if they could get the publicity to stop. Now, take a look at the comments. After even linking the article talking about her own problems with Internet nerdom, the nerds are only talking about how hot she is. The first page of comments is just about her looks, and masturbation references, and the whole 9 yards.

So, when someone calls me a "nerd", I do take offense because it reminds me of these same assholes commenting on this poor girls looks, while she detests those said people. When it boils down to it, I'm not a nerd. If I had my choice, I'd not spend any time at a computer. I always spend the bulk of my time watching sports or doing social things, playing poker, etc. Also, I work with nerds, and all of their conversation topics, their tendencies, and their mannerisms bug me.

The ugly truth is that no one wants to spend time with a nerd as well. I have a good looking friend that I work with, and the nerds won't leave her alone. Those nerds who's got the backbone are awkward and unfunny people. According to her, "The attention is flattering, but too much."

There in lies the conundrum. There has to be a little bit of self loathing for certain people within a sub-culture. Also, everyone is in some kind of sub-culture, whether that be religion, sexual orientation, or hobbies. Everyone is with in one. Does everyone have to like it? I think not.

Myself and a friend were recently talking about the “economic outlook” of the country. He was told to scale back his hours to a more part time schedule. Then, I took a look at my own department at work. Seventy percent of my department was all hired in the last 2 months and they are mostly part timers. With our own experiences we came to a few conclusions. That the problem probably isn’t as bad as we probably perceive it is. Also, that corporate America is using it as a scapegoat to downsize their work force and maximize their profits.

It all boils down to this. Companies LOVE part time employees now days. Mainly because they don’t give them benefits, which saves them a ton of money against their bottom line. Secondly, if you are in a field with a high attrition rate, you haven’t lost that much impact time if you have to fire an employee. So, where does this leave us as a nation? As my friend and I summed it up with one statement, “Rich people are douches.”

Lately, the more I read and learn about certain circumstances, and since yesterday was earth day, about pollutants and big hitting polluters, I’ve grown more left in my opinion. I’m entirely convinced that big business has to go. Nothing was more evident than when the head of division at my work, was talking about one of my co-workers. While introducing him to one of his management cohorts he said and I quote “This is Richard. He’s a real asset.” Just by the mere management lingo, I was appalled. If I ever had someone call me “an asset”, I’d probably tell them to go to hell. When you call something “an asset”, it denotes some sort of control and ownership. The mere arrogance that Corporate America views it’s employees as such is probably going to be the downfall of our way of life.

Gone are the days of company softball games, and treating them as they should be treated, as people. When the concept of corporate conglomerates appeared in the 50’s. The overall owners still had a sense of public support and wanted to give the image that they cared about their employees. Much of that was cast by the wayside during the 80’s, and the invention the market corporate sharks depicted in the movies like Wall Street. Now, we’re left with our current fiscal situation.

By now, I consider myself an independent. I’m neither liberal, nor conservative. I do believe in fiscal responsibility, and I believe we demonstrated that in the 90’s. I believe in small government, and gun rights. I believe in environmentalism and high penalties for companies who are not responsible. I believe that Americans have to completely rethink the basis of their lives. We cannot just continue doing the same old, same old. I read a great article on Reuters, that I actually agree with. You can view it here. It basically states that Conservatives are pissed, but can’t do anything. The article recognized that the polar sides of the political parties no longer represent most of America. 90% of our politicians are not in touch with their own constituents any longer.

Stop the insanity!

I’m throwing this out there right now. The word, BOYCOTT. While perusing through my daily view of Reuters, I came across an article talking about royalty remakes and franchises. Check out the article here. Now, it doesn’t tell us something that we already don’t know. However, what’s good about it is the way some producers are actually commenting on it, and the quotes.

After reading this business model outlook from the producers of these movies, I’ve decided that I will have a ground rule set out. I will not watch any more sequels or remakes unless a name brand director is attached to it. Otherwise, it’s gonna wait till video. It’s not retro-active though. I will see the 2^nd Transformers movie, and maybe the 3^rd depending on who’s attached as writer and director. Also, any subsequent Batman sequels with the Nolan’s involvement on get a free pass. However, if any of these movies change either writers or directors, I probably won’t see them in the theaters. I also will probably not see GI Joe in the theaters as well.

My ultimate favorites are these quoted projects:

“Neil Moritz, who produced "Furious," is developing a new version of the 1990 sci-fi hit "Total Recall" as well as relaunching "XXX," which first hit the screen just seven years ago. "Lara Croft" is getting a new treatment from Dan Lin and Warner Bros. just eight years after the Angelina Jolie original. Fox already is eyeing a relaunch of its "Fantastic Four" franchise; the two entries were hits just a few years ago. And at the recent ShoWest exhibitors' conference, Sony said it will bring back "Men in Black" for another escapade.”

So, they’re going to relaunch movies that are just as fine now as when they were first made? Huh. Now, we know why our economy is crumbling. Money crunchers and accountants have no creativity what so ever. Instead they like investments they speak as sure fire. In their opinion, why should we re-invent the wheel? We really need to take a stand so that they know they can’t put one over on us Americans.

Why the hell would anyone remake XXX? That was one of the worst movies I’ve ever seen. Plus, it has a dose of Vin Diesel crying. Vin Diesel should be ashamed of being in that movie. I’m ashamed for seeing it in the theater because a buddy of mine “just likes action movies”. Plus, I think Rob Cohen is now the devil. He's had a hand in almost every movie that I hate.

It’s time to boycott the relaunch movement. Who’s on board with me?

Effective use of enemies.

This last week finished the run on one of the shows I’ve been watching. The Gundam 00 plot puts forth an interesting notion to me. Just a quick synopsis for y’all, Gundam 00 is about a group of people who go try and stop all the conflict on the Earth. They do this by coming up with a vastly superior weapon, than most of the militaries in the world. Then, they set out to resolve conflict anywhere. However, they don’t pick sides. So, let’s say the IRA and UK are fighting over whatever it is they’ve been fighting hundreds of years for. Then move on to a resolve problems against both sides in the Middle East. They would swoop in and pretty much destroy both sides. This causes the world to unite against them, countries are united and borders dissolved, so in a way they reach their goals.

Are these the type of guys we should do away with?

What has occupied my mind as of late, is can this type of model actually be applied to the real world? For example, if we went in Sri Lanka and just took out all the Tamil Tigers and the Sri Lanka forces, what would the result of that conflict be? In the end, you give the people something to hate other than themselves. Humankind will always have someone to hate, someone that they want to do harm to. They’ll always feel that some group has slighted them, or has done something to their ancestors that they just can’t forgive. However, if you give them something to fear or hate, other than their own minor petty conflict, what would the result be? Human beings always get united when facing adversity. Is it so absurd to think that the only reason we have conflict, is because we don’t have things to hate?

If we were able to implement some sort of campaign against conflict, it would also prevent Genocide. I don’t need to say that a fast acting completely intervention force, would be great to resolve all these conflicts. I know that many of that are reading this now might be thinking, well that’s what the US is doing. The problem is that it’s not effective. The US is an established entity. You’re giving others a physical target that they can strike against, and cause terrorism. However, if the organization wasn’t affiliated with any physical location or government it can move and be a focus of hatred, but with no way of countering.

Gundam 00, pictured above, one of the best shows the last 2 years, in my opinion

Now, some might argue, that in essence I’m saying fight terrorism, with terrorism. Which is one of the things that Gundam 00, talks about during the series. The characters are of the opinion that they are sinners and will be punished, once they accomplish their goals and unite the world to a common goal.
In my mind, I really think that this could be one way to get rid of some of the conflict in the world. It just makes sense to me. In fact, if we could stop genocides and injustices across the world and unite it’s people, no price would be too high for me. Even if it meant giving up a portion of my way of life, I’d do it in a heartbeat.

Economical woes!

California cash to cover through June. According this Reuters article, California does have enough cash to cover it’s fiscal year, through June. However, in the article, they state that they already have massive budget short falls for the coming year. This is just one of the several things that I have been reading up on as far as fiscal responsibility goes. Also, compare this with a recent Frontline report (which can be viewed here). Now, the tone of the overall piece is very Anti-Bush, but if you look past that at the actual information, there is a very good hidden gem of knowledge, that of fiscal responsibility.

The basic information in the Frontline report is accurate. We had budget surpluses going into the Bush presidency. The, we ended up spending more in the last 8 years. Most of that is for entitlement programs. Entitlement programs (Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, and now Perscription Drug benefits), are going to end up costing more than we generate. As the coming generation ages, they’ll end up using these benefits. I do think that the current estimates are based on the use of those entitlement programs for people who are already currently using them, ie those people in their 70’s and 80’s. I actually have faith that many of the people whom I know in their 50’s, family & friends etc., are really knowledgeable with their money, and have saved. I have a great amount of pride in the way that they’ve been so responsible, and don’t want to use these entitlement programs. I’ll talk about them in later posts.

The presidency under George W Bush spent more money, while taking in less, than most republican presidents. Now, I’m not one to point fingers and say it’s one person’s problem, more than another. Under Bill Clinton, corporations and other entities had some very “creative accounting”. The Enron scandal happened during the Clinton years and under his watch. However, we are spending more and more, and borrowing on credit. I don’t bust out the religious stuff here too often, but for years my religious leaders have been giving out one piece of advice, “Get out of debt”. When I look at the cost projections by what Frontline states, it hits home even more.

We, as American’s, have been spending more, and more, and more over the past couple of years. We are living outside our means. It’s absolutely absurd for a man to spend five thousand dollars on two utility vehicles, or a boat that they only use once or twice a year. A person shouldn’t need to take a trip to Brazil one year, and Africa the next. If you are going to dedicate that much to travel, you’re whole life should be based on that, at the sacrifice of everything else. Many people, from the past generations, only took a “trip” once every 5 years. Also, how many jobs have been created based on this practice? How many guys are working selling SUV’s, or boats, or working in Casinos, or the vacation industry? Because, automatically those jobs SHOULD shrink, because of how un-needed they are.

One thing I agree with Barrack Obama, on that we have problems and we need to pay to change them. I think back to the nature of equivalent exchange. To gain something, something of equal or greater value must be used. The nature and concept of credit, is an affront and abomination of this. We need to change the nature of our thinking. This means giving up some of our comforts for things in the long term.

I guess some things need clarifying...

Apparently, I've been told that some of my family that reads my comments have miss-understood my earlier post. The overall tone of my article is as it relates to me, and no one else. Let me clarify. I, in no way shape or form called anyone a bigot, by name. The overall message was lost, and I got many voices of concern stated.
The behavior of commenting on women, or their attractiveness, is not something that I do. I don't really understand it. A person, is a person, is a person. I don't go out of my way to look at them, and I don't give it any thought to it.
The overall article is commentary on how the previous generation is, and how it relates to the next, and how I might be missing that context or am losing humanity in that regard.
Have I caught my family saying some colorful and what I would term as racist remark. I won't lie and say that it hasn't happened. I am in no way naming people here, or giving specific examples. It's just a principal and context of that generation. It's the way people were raised back then. One that I can't agree with.
I apologize if anyone took offense or felt that they were slighted or named or made fun of. That was not my intent. My sole purpose was to mention how I just do not understand the previous generation, and had to voice it.
The purpose of a blog, is that it's a running update. A place that someone can give their views, or news, or post something topically. Some people just view it as a way to post family news, or things that don't really start conversation, which is what I am not about. I'm not about the frills, with the exception of movies, that's my one vice. I do not converse with everyone on a day to day basis, nor would you probably WANT me to.
Again, my apologies to any family that might be reading this blog. This is how I see the world, and I won't say that you and I, or others would see the same thing. There wasn't anything in the slightest bit of hatred. I do love all the characters in my family, and they're a colorful sort. I just don't understand them most of the time.

Losing what's most important in life.

I haven't posted anything recently, but I've recently was on a trip. I spent the last half a week in Boise watching the NCAA tournament first and second rounds. I was with my father, and 2 uncles. During the whole weekend, I was with several 50 and older men. The days were spent, making calls to wives every three hours, but they didn't seem to talk about anything. There were times at the games, that some comments were made about cheerleaders. Binoculars were pulled and used. The raw lust for girls that were 30 plus years younger than they were, was disguised under the musings of "appreciating their beauty". The whole weekend kind of sickened me, in many ways. It was at this point that I discovered something very un-nerving. That I am losing what humanity that I have left in me.

Do you appreciate her as human being?

After many of the school shootings that occurred in the late 90's and early 00's, a young woman proclaimed that she didn't understand why or how people could do such a thing. I tried to inform her that in her Gap buying, talking on a her cell phone about the latest gossip, and American Idol watching life; utterly sickened them to the point that they couldn't take it anymore. She gasped, and I knew the notion was still wasted on her. It was something that she won't ever understand.
These were the men that raised most of my generation, and here they were 50+ and hanging on every word their wives said but at the same time were some of the most ignorant people I've ever seen. Every comment that spewed out of their mouths was one of bigotry and hatred, and how they were slighted. Is this what awaits me for old age? Is this how all older people are? How many other people see this?
After all was said and done, I had fun watching the games. However, much of what I saw displayed sickened me. This left me thinking all weekend, is this what awaits me if I progress to what humanity says is necessary? I then I remember, it's about what humanity does that is so unexpected that I like it so much. Such small things like a friend telling me that he's gonna have some kids. Seeing people sacrifice, what little they have to help others. I myself may not have much humanity left in me, but maybe that's what left for me. To chronicle the good things that humanity does. I still recognize that at least. I guess that's the lesson to be learned, don't lose sight of the things that make humanity great, it's nature.

The greatest sports person of all time...

Okay, this will probably be the one and only time you hear me give respect to someone. However, the greatest sports person of all time, or at least recently is.... Pat Summitt. For those of you who don't know, Pat Summitt is the head Coach of the Tennessee basketball Lady Vols.

I've made my position on women's sports usually pretty clear. I've never like women's basketball. However, you cannot deny Pat Summitt's intensity. She just barely passed the 1000th career win mark, and she is only lead by John Wooden in the numbers of national championships.
It might just be the hype, but I like Pat Summitt. I met her once while working a mall gig a few years ago. It's been said that she's on the most personable yet intense people in sports, and from the few moments I met her (which was only a couple of sentences of conversation), I would have to agree.
Plus, she's just a tough old bird. Yes, I think that giving any woman over the age of 45, the title of "tough old bird" is the ultimate compliment. At her home, she had some sort of varmint (Possum, Raccoon, etc) came into her home and she beat it away with a broom. How many women do you know that would beat a Raccoon away with broom!?
She started her coaching gig at the age of 22. She was coaching players that were only 1 year younger than she was. Ultimately she's a classy lady, and I watch almost every interview that I can with her. I think that she is pretty much on of the ultimate sports people of all time. Here's my salute to you Pat Summitt!

The high price of toxisity

I find it utterly hilarious the latest news I've heard. Apparently Manny Ramirez has turned down an offer for a 1 year 25 mil contract. You might ask what's so funny about that? I can totally foresee going into spring training with Manny not being signed by any ball club. So, because of a players ego at trying to get one last cash grab, he might not make anything. That's something unheard of in sports. Barry Bonds right now, is sitting on his ass hoping that someone would pay him some jack just for him to hit some pitches. Now, Manny doesn't want to play for anyone unless it's for a couple of years.


First, the LA Dodgers started with a 3 year $60 mil offer (2 year with a 8mil buy out, or 3 year at ) that he turned down. With Manny it all boils down to $. It's not his love for Baseball. He slacked and didn't do anything in Boston when he didn't get his way. Now, he's being a punk when he's not getting his way. I applaud most baseball owners for not wanting to put up with Manny's crap. I find it a refreshing way to treat over privileged athletes.
Let's not sign them. Of course, you'll have agents proclaiming collusion. However, last time I checked, even baseball was not a right to work. Manny is going to get a rude awakening during the off season. If several teams were in need of a bat, and couldn't rectify signing Barry Bonds. There's no way Manny is getting a multi year deal. In fact, LA is about the ONLY place that Manny could play. It's about the only place that looks at his antics without some sort of disdain. So, good luck to ya in the job market Manny! Get in line for those food stamps with everyone else outta a job!

In one word, Ungrateful!

Recently, I've been told that reading the news is the only approve form of recreation that I can have at work. So, I've been reading a lot of articles on Reuters. I don't pay much attention to the celebs, politics, or the like. I DO mostly read international news. Here's the hubbub now. I hate India. I detest the country with almost every ounce of being I've got. I don't mind Indian food. I don't even mind and like some of their philosophies. However, I hate the Indian people. I talk to them almost daily. Several tech jobs are outsourced to them. You can't understand them, and because they're getting a little of the worlds money, they think they can run it. Take this case in point.

- Mumbai "Slumdog" critic names dogs after film makers.
- Is 'Slumdog Millionaire' poverty porn.

I've discovered that this is one of a couple of things coming out in India. Apparently, some of the Indian people are upset of how they are being portrayed. Now, I liked Slumdog Millionaire. I thought it was great story telling, and great movie. Now, I hate it. I hate it because it was a waste of one of the great directors, Danny Boyle, to make it about the Indian people. He took a film, and used great storytelling to shed light on an issue in India. About the crippling poverty there, and people are complaining. What a waste of Danny Boyle's talent.
From what I've read there are going to be protests if the movie wins the Oscars. They're demanding name changes, etc. How unfortunate for the poor Slumdog...

Strike one, Mr President...

I have a lot of faith in our new president, that said. He's got his first strike. In an article that I read on Reuters. Check out the article here. Basically, our President wants a weapons ban in space. This is a VERY big point for me for one main reason. It's nerdy, but my dream for a satellite based space weapon won't happen while he's in office. No longer will I be able to think of the possibility of seeing remote rebels in a camp and big huge beam ascending from the sky vaporizing all bad guys, a la Akira.

Gone. Gone is my dream of seeing it in the next 4 to 8 years depending on if anyone can change the political landscape to allow it. I have 3 things I want to see get realized before I die. One, a particle beam satellite. Two, a big effing robot that can make all hell break loose. Three, the flying car. So, sorry Mr. Obama I've gotta mark some points down on your scale.

Forwards, the downfall of society....

I cannot tell you how much I hate the internet forward. They're really pointless once you dissect them. I've been getting these in abundance from my Father. He's magically been using computers for the last 3 years, more and more. In his technological savvy state, he's hitting forward on everything my aunts send him. Sometimes, I want to ask him, "Do you really believe most of this crap?" Here's a couple of the ones I got over the last few days:

To make you smile! Revenge is sweet Golf for Beginners A Jolly Good Recovery <> How men screw up romance Pass this along to those That need a little laugh

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This is the kind of stuff I've been getting from him. The reason why they're so useless is the same reason, that you're probably reading this blog. See with advent of the web, the written word has no credibility or point anymore. Any slack jawed yokel, can write something to print, and everything in print is no longer fact.

I remember getting some of these e-mails and one of them indicated that the decline of the US was because that our leaders don't pray, or some crap like that. While, I do with that if someone was inclined to religious belief, I'd hope they pray. That in no way has anything to do with the decline that the US is currently facing.

I still have problems using Wikipedia as a reference as well anything on the web. The web is just one big hype machine. You use it to get your point across whether it's correct or not. Most of the data is easily manipulated, and can be changed. There are several cases where something was miss-printed on the web, and the company changed it when legal action came about. Many of these cases wouldn't have any evidence if it wasn't for PC's and google caching information on the sites you visit.Second of all, The reason these e-mails are composed are to either A) Entertain or B) Try and enlighten. Let's say that I have a liberal view of gay marriage. Someone sends me an e-mail highlighting why gay marriage is wrong. What am I going to say, "Wow! You're right country bumpkin Joe! I am completely wrong and I'm going to change my life!" No, no person in their right mind would ever do that, and it's stupid to think that people would do that. So, what's the friggin' point of your damn emails! I get these things all with different points to them. From Sexual Orientation advice/bashing, to what kind of car to buy.

So, in other words, they're all just spam waiting to be deleted. Let's just stop the forwards people!