David, who blogs over here, found a remarkable series of videos-short talks, about 10 minutes each, animated on a remarkable whiteboard-ish sort of thing.
Here's one on motivation I found fascinating-but they are all tremendous. Very highly recommended.
Wednesday, October 06, 2010
Wednesday Wickedness With The Non Wicked
This week's Wednesday Wickedness is at jjatww.blogspot.com and features Dr. Martin Luther King Junior.
1. “A lie cannot live.” When was the last time you felt you were forced to lie?
Forced? I don't know if it was forced. I have covered for coworkers when they goofed when no good would have come from blaming them.
2. “A man who won't die for something is not fit to live.” What, besides the lives of your family, would you be willing to die for?
Die for? Dying ain't much of a living, as Jon Bon Jovi once put it.
3. “A right delayed is a right denied.” Are there rights or freedoms that you’d give up to be safer?
Absolutely not. Primarily because there isn't any way to actually make me safer. Living in a free society has risks.
4. “All progress is precarious, and the solution of one problem brings us face to face with another problem.” When was the last time that you solved a problem of yours just to create another?
I took money out of the ATM today, and I probably shouldn't have. I may have overdrawn my account.
5. “Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase.” What do you have faith in?
The ability of the universe to continue to thwart my evil schemes for dominance.
6. “I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word in reality. This is why right, temporarily defeated, is stronger than evil triumphant.” Do you believe things in generally will usually win out?
I'm not sure what that is supposed to mean. Does that mean "work out"? If so, no-I don't think, much as I wish it were so, that the meek shall inherit, and all that. I think Orwell had it right-if you want to know about the future, picture a boot stepping on a human face, over and over again.
7. “In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.” When was the last time that you spoke out to help someone that you didn’t have to?
I'm ashamed to say I can't think of one.
8. “It is not enough to say we must not wage war. It is necessary to love peace and sacrifice for it.” Do you envision a time where the United States will not be at war? Why?
No. War means profit, and the government of the United States is controlled by companies who wish to make more and more profit. Thus, our policies will be those that ensure continued warfare.
9. “Never succumb to the temptation of bitterness.” Is there anything that you are bitter about that you cannot get over?
I'm still bitter that George Bush was declared the winner of the 2000 presidential election. I am also bitter about a number of self inflicted wounds-decisions I made or didn't make that have had results that I'm still not happy about.
10. “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.” Do you take chances by speaking up even when it could cost you something?
Sadly, no. Too chicken.
1. “A lie cannot live.” When was the last time you felt you were forced to lie?
Forced? I don't know if it was forced. I have covered for coworkers when they goofed when no good would have come from blaming them.
2. “A man who won't die for something is not fit to live.” What, besides the lives of your family, would you be willing to die for?
Die for? Dying ain't much of a living, as Jon Bon Jovi once put it.
3. “A right delayed is a right denied.” Are there rights or freedoms that you’d give up to be safer?
Absolutely not. Primarily because there isn't any way to actually make me safer. Living in a free society has risks.
4. “All progress is precarious, and the solution of one problem brings us face to face with another problem.” When was the last time that you solved a problem of yours just to create another?
I took money out of the ATM today, and I probably shouldn't have. I may have overdrawn my account.
5. “Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase.” What do you have faith in?
The ability of the universe to continue to thwart my evil schemes for dominance.
6. “I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word in reality. This is why right, temporarily defeated, is stronger than evil triumphant.” Do you believe things in generally will usually win out?
I'm not sure what that is supposed to mean. Does that mean "work out"? If so, no-I don't think, much as I wish it were so, that the meek shall inherit, and all that. I think Orwell had it right-if you want to know about the future, picture a boot stepping on a human face, over and over again.
7. “In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.” When was the last time that you spoke out to help someone that you didn’t have to?
I'm ashamed to say I can't think of one.
8. “It is not enough to say we must not wage war. It is necessary to love peace and sacrifice for it.” Do you envision a time where the United States will not be at war? Why?
No. War means profit, and the government of the United States is controlled by companies who wish to make more and more profit. Thus, our policies will be those that ensure continued warfare.
9. “Never succumb to the temptation of bitterness.” Is there anything that you are bitter about that you cannot get over?
I'm still bitter that George Bush was declared the winner of the 2000 presidential election. I am also bitter about a number of self inflicted wounds-decisions I made or didn't make that have had results that I'm still not happy about.
10. “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.” Do you take chances by speaking up even when it could cost you something?
Sadly, no. Too chicken.
Tuesday, October 05, 2010
Some Much Needed (Well, That's More A Matter of Opinion) Love
The fine folks at Indieink.org have seen fit to publish something of mine, a piece of fiction called "A Picture Postcard". You can read it here. It is based on, you guessed it, a picture postcard. The card was written in 1981, and the story written here is about the back story of the characters mentioned on the postcard. I found it in a paperback collection of Kafka I bought at a used bookstore.You can look at the postcard here, if you wish.
I think it's pretty good, myself.
I think it's pretty good, myself.
Sunday, October 03, 2010
Game 162: AKA Post #2,131
In the final, pointless game of the 2010 season, John Lackey pitched like the league average bowl of suck we have come to know and love, the Red Sox beat Dustin Moseley like he stole something, resulting in a 8-4 win for the Red Sox, the wild card for the Yankees, and the end of the baseball year for Boston. 89-73 is the final tally.
This is also my 2,131st post on this blog, which is the number of games it took Cal Ripken to pass Lou Gehrig for the consecutive games played record.
This may be the final appearance in a Boston uniform for stalwarts like Tim Wakefield, Mike Lowell, Jason Varitek, Jonathan Papelbon, Jacoby Ellsbury, and possibly new friend Adrien Beltre, all of whom may retire, be traded, leave as a free agent, or be released before the curtain drops on Baseball 2011.
So what happened in 2010? Well, if Bill Simmons' friend Hench is correct, Boston fielded its intended lineup 8 (EIGHT) times out of 162 during the 2010 season. That, along with the spontaneous combustion of Josh Beckett and Papelbon, pretty much puts a stamp on the season and drops it in the mailbox.
This is the third consecutive season I have blogged every Red Sox regular season and postseason game. I'm sure it is no coincidence that this has been three straight seasons without Red Sox World Championships. I am undecided whether or not to do this next year, frankly. I don't think that my regular readers, all 7 of them or so, really enjoy it, and, honestly, it became a burden at times this year.
I don't know if it is worth my time and effort for something that really doesn't amuse anyone, not even me.
We will see about that.
Peace, as @matthewberrytmr puts it, Out.
This is also my 2,131st post on this blog, which is the number of games it took Cal Ripken to pass Lou Gehrig for the consecutive games played record.
This may be the final appearance in a Boston uniform for stalwarts like Tim Wakefield, Mike Lowell, Jason Varitek, Jonathan Papelbon, Jacoby Ellsbury, and possibly new friend Adrien Beltre, all of whom may retire, be traded, leave as a free agent, or be released before the curtain drops on Baseball 2011.
So what happened in 2010? Well, if Bill Simmons' friend Hench is correct, Boston fielded its intended lineup 8 (EIGHT) times out of 162 during the 2010 season. That, along with the spontaneous combustion of Josh Beckett and Papelbon, pretty much puts a stamp on the season and drops it in the mailbox.
This is the third consecutive season I have blogged every Red Sox regular season and postseason game. I'm sure it is no coincidence that this has been three straight seasons without Red Sox World Championships. I am undecided whether or not to do this next year, frankly. I don't think that my regular readers, all 7 of them or so, really enjoy it, and, honestly, it became a burden at times this year.
I don't know if it is worth my time and effort for something that really doesn't amuse anyone, not even me.
We will see about that.
Peace, as @matthewberrytmr puts it, Out.
Game 161: On Through The Night
Late last night, the Yankees tried and tried to throw the game away, committing 4 errors, finally succeeding in the tenth inning of Boston's 7-6 victory.
The season, mercifully for the Red Sox, and for me, ends today.
The season, mercifully for the Red Sox, and for me, ends today.
Saturday, October 02, 2010
Game 160: Of course he did!
So, with the three games left on the schedule on the Yankees meaning nothing to the Red Sox and just north of nothing to the Yankees, what happens? Well, Tim Wakefield gets rocked in what may be his final appearance for Boston, or, indeed, in the majors, the Red Sox battle back to tie, and then Bad Bill Hall, who carries a glove because the rules say he has to, commits an error to give the Yankees the lead in the tenth of a 6-5 loss.
Sigh.
The nightcap begins at 9:05, and then this long Red Sox National nightmare of a season ends on Sunday with game #162.
Sigh.
The nightcap begins at 9:05, and then this long Red Sox National nightmare of a season ends on Sunday with game #162.
Friday, October 01, 2010
It's Friday, Don't Forget to Flash!
Another week of 52/250 Flash is up. I have a piece in it, but I'm not too happy about it. There is a poor word choice in it that I should have noticed, and in general it, being part of something larger, just didn't work out the way I planned. But it's out there, and there's nothing to be done about it now. I think next week's is better.
Rock N Roll Fridays: Smashing Pumpkins
Janera's buddy DJ Kathy A brings us Rock N Roll Fridays, this week featuring mope rockers the Smashing Pumpkins. As always, the lyric first, and then a question based on the lyrics. My answers in italics.
1. 1979 “Shakedown 1979, Cool kids never have the time. On a live wire right up off the street, You and I should meet”.
Where were you in 1979?
Third grade, I think. Still twitching after Bucky Dent's home run ended the 1978 Red Sox season.
2. BELIEVE “And if they steal your life, your heart is still mine. Your song, you sing, a truth, there’s no other. I want to believe in you dear.”
What song do you love to sing along with?
Lots and lots of things, to the chagrin of people who ride in the car with me. "Night Train" by Guns N Roses, "I Can't Tell You Why" by the Eagles, Billy Joel's "Somewhere Along The Line"
3. BULLIT WITH BUTTERFLY WINGS “Despite all my rage, I am still just a rat in a cage. Someone will say what is lost can never be saved. Despite all my rage, I am still just a rat in a cage”.
When was the last time you felt like a rat in a cage?
The last time I was at work.
4. CHRISTMASTIME “I remember dreaming, Wishing, Hoping, Praying for this day. Now I sit and watch them, the little ones I love”.
What day are you dreaming, wishing, hoping, praying for?
The day my debt is gone.
5. DISARM “I used to be a little boy, so old in my shoes. And what I choose is my voice. What’s a boy supposed to do?”
What did you bring to SHOW n TELL as a child to school?
Gosh. I think I brought in a stuffed dog once. I don't recall.
6. THIRTY THREE “Supper’s waiting on the table. Tomorrow’s just an excuse away. So I pull my collar up and face the cold, on my own. The Earth laughs beneath my heavy feet.”
When and where do you generally eat supper?
When I'm at work, I don't. At home? We're kind of casual about that. Whereever.
7. TODAY “To cleanse these regrets, my angel wings were bruised and restrained. My belly stings.
When was the last time your belly “stung”?
Stomach pain? I have bouts of that from time to time. On the outside? Probably the last time my nephew jumped on it.
8. TONIGHT TONIGHT “Time is never time at all, you can never ever leave, without leaving a piece of youth. And our lives are forever changed. We will never be the same. The more you change the less you feel.”
Despite the number, what age do you think you really are?
12.
9. APPELS AND ORANJES “What if the sun refused to shine? What if the clouds refused to rain? What if the wind refused to blow? What if the seas refused to wave? What if the world refused it’s turn?”
Do you believe the 2012 catastrophe will happen? If so, how are you preparing for it?
No. Even if it is, there's precious little I can do about it.
10. CHERRY “Stay with me, I’ll set you free. ‘Cause I can tell you once were pretty. Rose, so sad you’ve lost your petals. Lost the luster off your tattle tales.”
What celebrity has not aged well?
Gee. I just saw an old Michael Douglas clip, so I guess I'll say him. But I'm not one to talk.
11. CRESTFALLEN “Who am I to you? Along the way, I lost my faith. And as you were, you’ll be again. To mold like clay, to break like dirt. To tear me up in your sympathy.”
What was the last thing you made out of dirt or clay?
Probably high school art class. I don't remember, sadly.
12. EYE “Is it any wonder I found peace through you? Turn to the gates of heaven, to myself be damned. Turn away from eye, it’s not enough, just a touch.”
How do you find peace?
I wish I knew. If anybody has any ideas, please let me know.
13. MA BELLE “You must hold your truce alone. To make love happen, the moon must send you home. There’s no place that I’d rather be”.
When was the last time you walked in the moonlight?
Probably Back To School Night. Except it was cloudy, so maybe there wasn't a visible moon.
1. 1979 “Shakedown 1979, Cool kids never have the time. On a live wire right up off the street, You and I should meet”.
Where were you in 1979?
Third grade, I think. Still twitching after Bucky Dent's home run ended the 1978 Red Sox season.
2. BELIEVE “And if they steal your life, your heart is still mine. Your song, you sing, a truth, there’s no other. I want to believe in you dear.”
What song do you love to sing along with?
Lots and lots of things, to the chagrin of people who ride in the car with me. "Night Train" by Guns N Roses, "I Can't Tell You Why" by the Eagles, Billy Joel's "Somewhere Along The Line"
3. BULLIT WITH BUTTERFLY WINGS “Despite all my rage, I am still just a rat in a cage. Someone will say what is lost can never be saved. Despite all my rage, I am still just a rat in a cage”.
When was the last time you felt like a rat in a cage?
The last time I was at work.
4. CHRISTMASTIME “I remember dreaming, Wishing, Hoping, Praying for this day. Now I sit and watch them, the little ones I love”.
What day are you dreaming, wishing, hoping, praying for?
The day my debt is gone.
5. DISARM “I used to be a little boy, so old in my shoes. And what I choose is my voice. What’s a boy supposed to do?”
What did you bring to SHOW n TELL as a child to school?
Gosh. I think I brought in a stuffed dog once. I don't recall.
6. THIRTY THREE “Supper’s waiting on the table. Tomorrow’s just an excuse away. So I pull my collar up and face the cold, on my own. The Earth laughs beneath my heavy feet.”
When and where do you generally eat supper?
When I'm at work, I don't. At home? We're kind of casual about that. Whereever.
7. TODAY “To cleanse these regrets, my angel wings were bruised and restrained. My belly stings.
When was the last time your belly “stung”?
Stomach pain? I have bouts of that from time to time. On the outside? Probably the last time my nephew jumped on it.
8. TONIGHT TONIGHT “Time is never time at all, you can never ever leave, without leaving a piece of youth. And our lives are forever changed. We will never be the same. The more you change the less you feel.”
Despite the number, what age do you think you really are?
12.
9. APPELS AND ORANJES “What if the sun refused to shine? What if the clouds refused to rain? What if the wind refused to blow? What if the seas refused to wave? What if the world refused it’s turn?”
Do you believe the 2012 catastrophe will happen? If so, how are you preparing for it?
No. Even if it is, there's precious little I can do about it.
10. CHERRY “Stay with me, I’ll set you free. ‘Cause I can tell you once were pretty. Rose, so sad you’ve lost your petals. Lost the luster off your tattle tales.”
What celebrity has not aged well?
Gee. I just saw an old Michael Douglas clip, so I guess I'll say him. But I'm not one to talk.
11. CRESTFALLEN “Who am I to you? Along the way, I lost my faith. And as you were, you’ll be again. To mold like clay, to break like dirt. To tear me up in your sympathy.”
What was the last thing you made out of dirt or clay?
Probably high school art class. I don't remember, sadly.
12. EYE “Is it any wonder I found peace through you? Turn to the gates of heaven, to myself be damned. Turn away from eye, it’s not enough, just a touch.”
How do you find peace?
I wish I knew. If anybody has any ideas, please let me know.
13. MA BELLE “You must hold your truce alone. To make love happen, the moon must send you home. There’s no place that I’d rather be”.
When was the last time you walked in the moonlight?
Probably Back To School Night. Except it was cloudy, so maybe there wasn't a visible moon.
Would You Like A Receipt With That?
Andrew Sullivan with a frightfully good idea: give each taxpayer a reciept, showing the amount of their Federal taxes that go towards various programs.
Game 159: Pointless
Last night in Chicago, the half dead Red Sox dropped another contest to the Chicagoans, 8-2, with Jon Lester taking another frightful beating.
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