As much as I love the Mac OS, and Macs in general, I’m finding myself using Vista much more. Simply, it works better with everything that I need to do right now. Several employment applications are IE only. There have been several skills tests that have only worked on Windows as well. Though it makes me a little sad, at least I’m not one of the Windows bashers who has
to eat his words. *Ahem*
Blog
Wars and History
As I watch a History Channel production about Pickett’s Charge, I remember feeling a glorious sentiment towards these warriors in years past. Now, though, all I feel is sadness. The stunning mass destruction and pain must be considered for the immeasurable sorrow generated. Though, probably, necessary, the loss must be remembered.
Via BlackBerry
Literary Birthdays Today
Per today’s “The Writer’s Alamanac”, this is the birthday of both Samuel Beckett and Seamus Heaney.
I’ve been fond of both for years. Early on, upon seeing “Godot” for the first time, I spent much too much time trying to figure out “what it’s all about”. Nothing is more absurd than trying to locate reason within absurdity. However, Heaney really captured my attention when I sought to understand the contemporary Irish soul. My first deep exposure to his works, “Station Island”, is amazing. Though slightly lower in esteem than Gary Snyder (which I hope causes no offense), Heaney holds high regard in my heart.
Quote Du Jour
“To live is to choose. But to choose well, you must know who you are and what you stand for, where you want to go and why you want to get there.” ~Kofi Annan
Travel Channel
I love Anthony Bourdain. Bourdain’s team rocks. Not only do they put him in some outrageous situations, his staff does a fantastic job editing and mixing sound. His acerbic passion delights me. The Travel Channel, though, is on strange laughable kick. You’ve got Dhani tying his cart to the Bourdain wagon. Now Andrew Zimmerman is, too. Particularly funny with Zimmerman; I’ve enjoyed his show and don’t need to Bourdain tie-in. I noticed that they haven’t tried to tie-in Bridget with Tony. Actually, I’d love to see a Bourdain/Bridget travel cross-over. Of course, finding where Bourdain hides her body might be challenging.
Every time I hear an anti-gay-marriage supporter ad, or read anything they’ve written, I become more puzzled by their “logic”. I was hoping this was a farcical piece, but it appears not. I’m just stunned.
Hidden Cameras
Sunny Daze
Days like today are true gems here. It was truly a delight to completely avoid shoes. Though the weather was a bit too cold yet for shorts, I refused to let that deter me. My need for vitamin D was simply too great. An ideal, for me at least, a day with sunshine and freedom. Very close to Zen mastery, my delight somewhat meditative. Bob Marley runs through my head, and I know “Every Little Thing’s Gonna Be Alright”. I feel very calm and centered. Life, truly, blessedly peaceful.
Via BlackBerry
My Challenge
I struggle with competing visions. There is a sense of me as counter-cultural, standing against the wretched excesses of the prevalent culture. Against that, though, is an appreciation of life’s finer things. This dichotomy is painful at times. Finding myself staring wistfully at the latest Mercedes sometimes frustrates me.
Perhaps I misunderstand myself. Could I earn such things without exploitation? I believe it not only true, but that many have already done so. Finding the “win-win”, this place that rewards both sides of the equation. That, truly, is innovative.
Via BlackBerry
Saturday Thoughts
Perhaps you would think that being unemployed leaves me with heaps of free-time. You would be mistaken. My days are extremely full. And I was filled with all kinds of ideas, like being able to catch up on my reading, maybe even digesting the daily paper. Ha! I have been mildly frustrated by this, but no more. Fortunately, I do a good job of keeping track of my time, so I don’t end up wondering where the day went.
I love mornings like this, though, where everyone else is still tucked safely away in bed and I’m able to enjoy quiet. Now, if you excuse me, I’m diving back into Scoble & Israel’s “Naked Conversations”, which has been long on my “to read” list. Getting some good insights into blogging’s potential, even though the book was published back in 2006. Much of their basic premise, though, I’ve long agreed with. These notions of transparency and anti-marketing/anti-hype, in particular. I’ve long believed that our ability to filter this stuff has grown, and that the most prevalent response to most marketing is simple annoyance. Or, perhaps, extreme annoyance. Anyway, the long-term affects are this general sense of distrust of “business”. And so many executives are surprised by this tendency to assume the worst of any company in the news.
Via BlackBerry