After another soul wrenching day, I finally left in tears. It only took an hour this time. It seems that no matter what I do, and no matter what paper I produce for them, they will not be satisfied. The fact that I am not a citizen has certainly been brought up to me enough times that I finally feel discriminated against. The most ironic thing is that I will be sworn in as citizen here on August 1st, in about 15 days...but that is not soon enough. Anyway, jumping through governmental hoops has become somewhat of a job description for me. And though I feel so close to the end of this horrible paper overcoming process, this “final step” seems to be a mirage, miraculously moving further from me as I take a step forward. Ironically, the ATM machine at city hall said “Enter to Exit” meaning , press enter to complete transaction. But this “Enter to Exit” is exactly how I feel- stick in an “oxy-moron-ic” circle of bullshit, humiliation and money extraction.
It was one of those really shitty days, you know exactly what I am talking about, and if you ever tried to set up a businesses or tried to get anything of value done at city hall, you know exactly how I feel. As the day was coming to the end, I had just one last thing to do- mail a form (of course with another check) to the government so that they can tax me more. Not a very difficult task in itself. All I need is : car, gas in car, post office, envelope+stamp. Done.
Got the gas in car, found a post office, pulled a ticket. At the counter I once again fell victim to nothing other than Incapable System and a Government Automaton.
I: “Hi, I would like to send this letter out, so can I please have a stamped envelope?
Automaton: No, we are out of stamped envelopes. “
I: “Really? Hmm...Ok, then can I please have an envelope and a stamp.”
Automaton: “No, we are out of envelopes, all we have is there,” - she is pointing at the rack of envelope packages in the corner
I: “So you mean to tell me that you are out of ALL stamped envelopes and ALL plain envelopes??
Automaton: Yes, all that we have is there,”- once again pointing to the reck.
I: “But how can that be? You are a Post Office??”
Automaton: Blank look
I: “Ok, ok, you know what,”- I walk to the rack and get a pack of 20 envelopes I don't need-”I'll just get these, and a full sheet of stamps ok?”
Automaton: “How many stamps do you want?”
I: “One full sheet of stamps please.”
Automaton handed me the stamps and rang up the total $10.75. I hand her the Drivers License and Visa credit card I have had since 2002. It is signed “SEE ID” in the back. Automaton examines the card. And with the words “I can't use this card” hands it back me.
I make sure the card is not expired. It's not, got another year.
I: “Why???”
Automaton: “It is not signed on the back, I can't use it”
I: “But I gave you the ID, that's better than a signature isn't it?”
Automaton: “No, I can't use it if it's not signed. It has to be signed so no one other than yourself can use it”
I: “But it IS me! You have my ID?! If someone stole the card, they could forge the signature, but I give you the ID”
Automaton: “I can't use it unless it's signed”
I: “You seriously won't use it unless I sign it will you?...”
Automaton: Blank Stare
I: “Ok, fine. Give me a pen.” - pause- “Of course you don't have a pen, that's ok, I have one.”
I put a squiggle on the back. She ran it. Paid.
Like I said, a Government Automaton, is not actually a human. Just a spine. This was explained to be by a lovely salesman at Vintage Vinyl as I purchased both CDs of Gogol Bordello, which I strongly recommend for rocking out and letting go.
Monday, July 14, 2008
Friday, July 11, 2008
Oh Wretched Bureaucracy, Strangler of Ambitious Souls, How I hate Thee...
Note to reader:
This post is for the most part emotional verbal vomit but is based on actual current events and legitimate frustrations. I realize that not everyone who works for the governmental institutions is a heartless asshole, and I have met a few great people in those offices. But I do stick to my opinion, that the majority is otherwise- pathetic and disgusting.
And here I am two shots later, wishing that when I say “shots” I don't mean shitty vodka, but in fact gun shots, righteously fired at human waste residing at city hall in attempts to make this world better, and for lack of better expression “more livable”. But alas, I speak merely of two vodka shots aiming to calm my nerves.
Bureaucracy-government by many bureaus, administrators, and petty officials (according to a dictionary).
Petty is absolutely and utterly correct. These are (for the most part, as there are some souls trapped in that building) pathetic creatures with no brains, abilities, souls or ambitions. Those losers in life, who are set to slow down, drive to insanity, drain and stop US- people of vision, talent and ambition. They will do their best to lower you, and make you feel helpless and at their command. They grin as they humiliate you, smile as they make you helplessly mad, and laugh victoriously in the face of your failure and sorrow. Because that is how they know that it is THEY who matter, THEY who decide, for THEY are the GOVERNMENT, the LAW, to which YOU must comply.
Never mind the fact that they have an IQ of a lamp post, and are the waste of the Earth.
In my opinion bureaucracy is one of the main reasons for collapses of great countries and civilizations. Due to this seemingly inevitable development and increase of bureaucracy, most great governments consume themselves and their future. These “offices” create ridiculous, unnecessary barriers with money traps at each step to control you and prevent you from seamlessly reaching your goals. And because it is only morons who want to and are fit to work in those building that are employed there, all the offices are filled with insecurities that can only be eased by your humiliation. Because you are better, smarter, younger and are capable and trying to do something with your life.
The processes and decision making become constrained and slow by creating more unnecessary steps in the process.
In my International Masters of Business Administration, one of the more interesting classes I took was Lean Production and Manufacturing- “the optimal way of producing goods through the removal of waste and implementing flow”. The class essentially taught us to identify and eliminate or decrease all “non value added steps” in any production process, be it manufacturing or business logistics, and I can tell you one thing, the government – the “almighty and great”, so “smart and clever” to set us all in line, is far from lean, nowhere close to efficient and if anything is incapable. It is just the opposite, inefficient-wasteful of time or energy (dictionary again).
So when you ask yourself, “Why is this world so fucked up? We all see the issues, why not just fix them now?”, I will tell you with certainty, that one of the main reasons is just that- bureaucracy. Because with this lovely government structure, even if someone on the top is capable and makes a good decision, the paperwork will have to go through so many mindless idiots on a power trip (the most dangerous kind of mindless idiot is that with authority), that it will either take close to forever to come in power or never even pass altogether.
And what is the reason for this? To make us feel that we “walk under the law” that we must comply or else?
The best part is that even if you do cross this river of death, you will then have to still pay your taxes thus feeding directly into its food chain. In fact, your entire life is their profit. They are like parasites set to suck you dry, while making you feel rightful and obedient. And I don't even know what kind if better at this point, the corrupt or proper...in either case you need tons of money to go through them, at least back home (in Russia and other “corrupt” governments) you can just give a handshake with the right bill in it and be on your way, here you have to somehow please a starving ego of a reject. Oh and how do they love flattery! Of course no matter how much ass kissing you are willing to do, you are always primarily dependent on someone's mood and “character” if you can even call it that.
The worst part is that no matter how much I criticize the government structure, or where they taxes are going, and no matter how much I want to stab someone with a pencil, on Monday I will be right back there, joyfully chatting with the IRS and fluttering through City Hall, smiling and kissing ass. Why? - because I just want to live my life, and am not set out to start a revolution...fuck, I am not even a citizen here yet, just an immigrant with some hopes and dreams.
Anyway, I am sleepy now, I guess the alcohol is setting in. Besides the weather now matches my mood. It is raining!
This post is for the most part emotional verbal vomit but is based on actual current events and legitimate frustrations. I realize that not everyone who works for the governmental institutions is a heartless asshole, and I have met a few great people in those offices. But I do stick to my opinion, that the majority is otherwise- pathetic and disgusting.
And here I am two shots later, wishing that when I say “shots” I don't mean shitty vodka, but in fact gun shots, righteously fired at human waste residing at city hall in attempts to make this world better, and for lack of better expression “more livable”. But alas, I speak merely of two vodka shots aiming to calm my nerves.
Bureaucracy-government by many bureaus, administrators, and petty officials (according to a dictionary).
Petty is absolutely and utterly correct. These are (for the most part, as there are some souls trapped in that building) pathetic creatures with no brains, abilities, souls or ambitions. Those losers in life, who are set to slow down, drive to insanity, drain and stop US- people of vision, talent and ambition. They will do their best to lower you, and make you feel helpless and at their command. They grin as they humiliate you, smile as they make you helplessly mad, and laugh victoriously in the face of your failure and sorrow. Because that is how they know that it is THEY who matter, THEY who decide, for THEY are the GOVERNMENT, the LAW, to which YOU must comply.
Never mind the fact that they have an IQ of a lamp post, and are the waste of the Earth.
In my opinion bureaucracy is one of the main reasons for collapses of great countries and civilizations. Due to this seemingly inevitable development and increase of bureaucracy, most great governments consume themselves and their future. These “offices” create ridiculous, unnecessary barriers with money traps at each step to control you and prevent you from seamlessly reaching your goals. And because it is only morons who want to and are fit to work in those building that are employed there, all the offices are filled with insecurities that can only be eased by your humiliation. Because you are better, smarter, younger and are capable and trying to do something with your life.
The processes and decision making become constrained and slow by creating more unnecessary steps in the process.
In my International Masters of Business Administration, one of the more interesting classes I took was Lean Production and Manufacturing- “the optimal way of producing goods through the removal of waste and implementing flow”. The class essentially taught us to identify and eliminate or decrease all “non value added steps” in any production process, be it manufacturing or business logistics, and I can tell you one thing, the government – the “almighty and great”, so “smart and clever” to set us all in line, is far from lean, nowhere close to efficient and if anything is incapable. It is just the opposite, inefficient-wasteful of time or energy (dictionary again).
So when you ask yourself, “Why is this world so fucked up? We all see the issues, why not just fix them now?”, I will tell you with certainty, that one of the main reasons is just that- bureaucracy. Because with this lovely government structure, even if someone on the top is capable and makes a good decision, the paperwork will have to go through so many mindless idiots on a power trip (the most dangerous kind of mindless idiot is that with authority), that it will either take close to forever to come in power or never even pass altogether.
And what is the reason for this? To make us feel that we “walk under the law” that we must comply or else?
The best part is that even if you do cross this river of death, you will then have to still pay your taxes thus feeding directly into its food chain. In fact, your entire life is their profit. They are like parasites set to suck you dry, while making you feel rightful and obedient. And I don't even know what kind if better at this point, the corrupt or proper...in either case you need tons of money to go through them, at least back home (in Russia and other “corrupt” governments) you can just give a handshake with the right bill in it and be on your way, here you have to somehow please a starving ego of a reject. Oh and how do they love flattery! Of course no matter how much ass kissing you are willing to do, you are always primarily dependent on someone's mood and “character” if you can even call it that.
The worst part is that no matter how much I criticize the government structure, or where they taxes are going, and no matter how much I want to stab someone with a pencil, on Monday I will be right back there, joyfully chatting with the IRS and fluttering through City Hall, smiling and kissing ass. Why? - because I just want to live my life, and am not set out to start a revolution...fuck, I am not even a citizen here yet, just an immigrant with some hopes and dreams.
Anyway, I am sleepy now, I guess the alcohol is setting in. Besides the weather now matches my mood. It is raining!
Friday, June 13, 2008
Sweet Naked Music Video
"Toe Jam" by The BPA
(ft David Byrne & Dizzee Rascal) Dir: Keith Schofield Southern Fried Records
(ft David Byrne & Dizzee Rascal) Dir: Keith Schofield Southern Fried Records
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
On the brighter note...
BMW GINA Light Visionary Model concept car look super awesome. The car uses fabric instead of sheet metal...though not sure how it will deal with a crash test.
You can see the pictures and video of the design here.
War! What is it good for?
Ok, next time someone tells me that there are good reasons to go to war other than money...I'll tell them they are very wrong.
The BBC finally uncovered that an estimated $23 billion were "lost" or stolen in the Iraq war. This may become the largest war profiteering in history. Wonder where it all went?...hmm names like Halliburton, KBR and Blackwater come to mind.
I must say it seems to be the same story every time. Our (Russian) war with Chechnya was quite similar. No one really knew why we went there, or when we will withdraw the troops. Nevertheless, over the years, it has cost billions of dollars and thousands of lives. Meanwhile, of course, tonns of weapons shipped to Chechnya for the Russian troops went missing, and often reappeared later in the hands of Chechens, guerillas and terrorists.
Monday, June 9, 2008
Check it
Just some new finds...mostly for "note to self" purposes
Google Reader is a good way to organize blogs and stay updated
fffoundimage bookmarking is full of see-worthy stuff
10 css examples
Some other tools to keep up with the news:
Alltop
POPURLS
reddit
hype machine
Biz Journals
Google Reader is a good way to organize blogs and stay updated
fffoundimage bookmarking is full of see-worthy stuff
10 css examples
Some other tools to keep up with the news:
Alltop
POPURLS
hype machine
Biz Journals
Thursday, June 5, 2008
work vs dating ... same rules apply?
Starting with the very first stage and until the day you part, it seems to me that in similar strategies and situations apply to management and execution of both relationships- the relationship with your "significant other" and the relationship with the company of employment.
In the beginning...
You have mutual interest. You gather more information, and if you are still even a little interested you want to get their attention and get them to like you. In turn, they are doing the same.
Moving on...
You have established a relationship. Both parties have certain expectations and desires. Hopefully they will be able to not just satisfy but also communicate with, challenge, and inspire each other.
There can also be power struggles.
I remember having trouble dating certain men because they think I am too alpha sometimes. Not girly enough, not that I'm not feminine, no...just too much of a strong, independent character. I know I am not the only one,
my mom's good friend is a very talented and knowledgeable lawyer. The boss ( a younger guy) in one of the companies she interviewed for said that although he loved her work, he didn't feel comfortable hiring her because he “felt the need to stand up every time she walked into the room, and simply didn't feel right giving her any kinds of orders or directions” because he had too much respect for her. Makes sense, having an intimidatingly good employee can undermine the confidence of a boss...some people must be alpha based on the position they are in.
Clearly, this happens often in relationships. Someone wants to be the leader. And if it is both people, there can be trouble and all kinds of drama.
Seriously, how is this not the same as a relationship or trying to date someone?
You probably don't want to have high hopes or get emotionally involved. A good strategy is probably to hope for the best but plan for the worst.
I must admit, i did make just that mistake...got emotionally involved, and definitely had high expectations... (Two things that I no longer usually allow myself in romance.) I fell for it with work. Silly me. But yes, I thought we had an understanding, I thought I could make them feel a certain way so that they would not be able to give me up. I thought if I worked hard enough and harder, and if I really put myself out there, they would never want to let me go. Well, that's when miscommunication occurred.
I thought I had a real chance, I even thought I almost have an offer. Just like in a romantically natured relationship, one may think that his/her partner is also “there”, ready to be exclusive or something along those lines. Commitment and all.
And instead I got the “thanks, but no thanks” e-mail aka break up letter. This clearly pissed me off, because I thought that since we had such a great relationship (it really was), they could at least give me the respect of an actual conversation. “Look, I know this is hard, and I really care for you too, but I just don't think this will work out. Here is why...bla bla bla...very sorry, and best of luck to you”. But instead, just an e-mailed “thanks but no thanks” .
I was crushed....well, maybe not crushed, but upset. Just like after a break up with one that you even barely cared for, your ego steps in. you are furious and frustrated, images of your object of desire, flirting and romancing someone else, flashbacks to all your now broken dreams. Thinking of them interviewing others with a big smile, of not being able to see my new friends again.
After a bit of time and venting. After some sleep and a perhaps a drink, emotions start to step away and reality comes in. Of course this happened. And probably for the best. Yes, you are a bit hurt and will probably become just a little bit more of a disillusioned cynic. But, "that's the way the cookie crumbles" this is how people grow up, we live, learn and become a little bit harder and hopefully smarter each day.
Then finally of course, you realize that this is a natural flow of things, and just because you are no longer together does not mean you did not have a good experience. In fact, you learn a lot, about relationship dynamics, about yourself, the industry and such. Besides, as they "there are many fish in the sea", and I am certain we will "stay friends".
We move on. Go on interviews, go on dates. Live. Enjoy.
Right from the introduction, the dynamics of these relationships are strikingly similar. And to me, looking at it this way allows for yet another perspective I suppose.
Well
my poor laptop has not felt my touch in a week.
Tis is a busy life I have been leading. Though it does not feel like leading anything or anyone for that matter.
I just found out that my dad's mom passed away...my grandmother.
I was never that close with her. It was difficult to be lose to her. She was a rather difficult and not a very friendly person. But she was my grand mother. God rest her soul.
The only thing I wish for is that I could be there for my dad. But, over the years I have almost gotten used to this inability to “be there”. Strange.
I must admit that this past week has been rather stressful. Though it did make me once again realize what wonderful people I am surrounded by.
That and I love Chopin.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Human Tetris
TETRIS is the fourth video performance of the GAME OVER Project, directed by the French-Swiss artist Guillaume REYMOND (NOTsoNOISY creative agency)
Tom Waits Plays the Devil in New Terry Gilliam Flick
There are few films i can barely wait for. The Imagination of Doctor Parnassus is one of them. Can you blame me?- Terry Gilliam, Tom Waits, Jude Law, Johnny Depp, Colin Farrell...
And if this is not good enough news-- Tom Waits will be in St. Louis June 26th! What better birthday present can i ask for?!
Budget Hero
If you ever wanted to control where your tax dollars go- here is your chance to decide.
Budget Hero
The Game seeks to provide a values- and fiscal-based lens for citizens to examine policy debates during this election year. Partisan messages tend to cloud the real issues at play during campaigns, and most candidates are loath to attach detailed financial impacts to solutions which make up their platform. Budget Hero provides an interactive experience involving policy options that have been extensively researched and vetted with non-partisan government and think tank experts to enable players to objectively evaluate candidates.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Flying Penis attacks Kasparov
After the security guard swatted it to the ground, Kasparov says, "I think we have to be thankful for the opposition's demonstration of the level of discourse we need to anticipate. Also, apparently most of their arguments are located beneath the belt." Someone in the audience shouts, "Finally the political power shows its face!" Kasparov quickly replies, "Well, if that's its face..." to laughter from the audience.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Suburban Tragedy
This is a great TED video,
James Howard Kunstler: The tragedy of suburbia
discusses the importance of public space architecture and aesthetics and the influence of thereof on the culture
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
David Byrne's - Playing the Building
Playing the building is a sound installation in which the infrastructure, the physical plant of the building, is converted into a giant musical instrument. Devices are attached to the building structure — to the metal beams and pillars, the heating pipes, the water pipes — and are used to make these things produce sound. The activations are of three types: wind, vibration, striking. The devices do not produce sound themselves, but they cause the building elements to vibrate, resonate and oscillate so that the building itself becomes a very large musical instrument.
Read all about it here
Monday, May 12, 2008
finally speaking the truth
I don't care if you disagree, I have to give the guy credit for having the balls to speak the truth.
Tom Robbins used his keynote address at the National Association of Broadcasters conference on April 14 to speak out about the "dangerous lack of diversity of opinion" that characterizes the state of broadcasting today.
I urge you to read this article and if you get a chance listen to the speech.
I sent it to a friend, and he pretty much ripped Robbins apart saying "Anyway, Robbins is a flake. This whole speech made me want to puke because he's going on and on how the industry needs to change for the better. Money makes the world go round. Always has, always will. He acknowledges that the companies need to be profitable, but he just doesn't get it if he is making this speech to begin with."
And though in some ways he is right, I feel that the situation is changing. This is HOW change HAPPENS. First people feel, think, that someone speaks up, that causes a ripple, more people speak up, causes a wave and action comes next. Media can change, little by little and educate people different. Business is still driven, but perhaps we can improve the "fuel"...kind of like switching to renewable?...
Thanks to technology, it is easier for us (who have access) to influence content. We can make a difference. Look at the rise of Open Sourse, look at the issues we are discussing. We need to take responsibility, be informed and inform others.
Another video that goes right in hand with Robbins, is this one by Clay Shirky
So...i wanted to share that. Hope they cheer you up as well.
Enjoy and stay posted
Tom Robbins used his keynote address at the National Association of Broadcasters conference on April 14 to speak out about the "dangerous lack of diversity of opinion" that characterizes the state of broadcasting today.
I urge you to read this article and if you get a chance listen to the speech.
I sent it to a friend, and he pretty much ripped Robbins apart saying "Anyway, Robbins is a flake. This whole speech made me want to puke because he's going on and on how the industry needs to change for the better. Money makes the world go round. Always has, always will. He acknowledges that the companies need to be profitable, but he just doesn't get it if he is making this speech to begin with."
And though in some ways he is right, I feel that the situation is changing. This is HOW change HAPPENS. First people feel, think, that someone speaks up, that causes a ripple, more people speak up, causes a wave and action comes next. Media can change, little by little and educate people different. Business is still driven, but perhaps we can improve the "fuel"...kind of like switching to renewable?...
Thanks to technology, it is easier for us (who have access) to influence content. We can make a difference. Look at the rise of Open Sourse, look at the issues we are discussing. We need to take responsibility, be informed and inform others.
Another video that goes right in hand with Robbins, is this one by Clay Shirky
So...i wanted to share that. Hope they cheer you up as well.
Enjoy and stay posted
going japanese
why? -- because its fun.
going to start using japanese emoticons.
such as
(-__-)
(^_^)
(ò_ó)
(>_<)
(-_o)
you can ckeck out more here Japanese\(^O^)/Emoticons
going to start using japanese emoticons.
such as
(-__-)
(^_^)
(ò_ó)
(>_<)
(-_o)
you can ckeck out more here Japanese\(^O^)/Emoticons
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Flying Wolves
You may be familiar with all this already, but for me it was news.
Cai Guo-Qiang's Head On art installation, now on view at the Deutsche Guggenheim, consists of 99 life-sized wolves flying into a glass wall.
Head On
Ideas Worth Spreading
Just wanted to share this with you. The kinetic sculptures of Theo Jansen
Blending the line between art and engineering, this Dutch visual artist creates “life” in the form of “animals” that walk the beach in the Netherlands. If you would like to see more of his work, as well as other amazing technological breakthroughs, check out the POP and TED links on the right.
Blending the line between art and engineering, this Dutch visual artist creates “life” in the form of “animals” that walk the beach in the Netherlands. If you would like to see more of his work, as well as other amazing technological breakthroughs, check out the POP and TED links on the right.
Friday, May 9, 2008
Air Jelly
I may as well use this to store all the awesome stuff I find.
Here's another addition.
Festo AirJelly flies through the air with the greatest of ease.
Can't explain it...but can't stop staring
And since I just want to share more beautiful things, (especially those that make advertising look good) do check this out.
And if you ever think we make fools of ourselves trying to ompress the opposite sex...watch these
Here's another addition.
Festo AirJelly flies through the air with the greatest of ease.
Can't explain it...but can't stop staring
And since I just want to share more beautiful things, (especially those that make advertising look good) do check this out.
And if you ever think we make fools of ourselves trying to ompress the opposite sex...watch these
a bud for you, and you, and me...
An LA Times Article. It is all true....Those lucky bastards :)
So, when should we move?
Great News Everyone!
So, when should we move?
Great News Everyone!
Monday, May 5, 2008
spinach power
Presentation is key and consumers are gullible is what I learned again at the market this weekend.
I love going to the Soulard market on the weekends, they have everything- fruit, meat, vegetables, kittens, banjos, hats, chicks, ducks, cheese, soap, spices and pretty much anything you can think of dead or alive.
Among other vegetables, I was on a quest for fresh spinach. To my surprise, the expedition was a bit problematical. All the fresh spinach I found was very large, sold with roots and unappealing. I was searching for fresh, hopefully local and organic, cute clean, baby spinach. The only baby spinach I found was served in those Dole plastic bags and was definitely not local and probably not organic.
Finally, after searching through dozens of stands, I was ready to leave, I broke down and decided to buy two of those Dole spinach bags. After all they were only $1 each. I get the bags, and right as I am about to walk out…there is it! Cute, little, baby spinach, clean, and in open, plastic bags, right next to me. Local, fresh, probably organic, and probably and even better deal.
I go back to the girl I bought the Dole spinach from (the stands were right next to each other), I apologize and explain that I would really like to return this, if that’s ok and get the other, farmer spinach.
She was totally fine with it, smiled and took back the bags. She said:
“So would you still like two bags? They are the same price and amount”
“Really?”- I said, -“ Great, yeah I guess I’ll take two of those bags, sorry about the inconvenience, I have been looking for this spinach for a while you know. So hard to find!”
She says:
“No problem!...You know they are the same thing; we just open the Dole bags and put them into grocery bags to sell over there. People love it!”
Yes. Wow. Great. Considering I am in advertising, this is priceless and absolutely hilarious. Especially since I 100% fell for it.
I got the Dole Spinach bags.
Conclusion: presentation is everything and we are all suckers for it.
of aloe and fundraising
last Saturday I went to the cinco de mayo celebration downtown. It was fun- margaritas at noon, yummy tamales, salsa, and giant hats. All the ingredients necessary for a good time.
There were also plenty of those fun park activities that I am no too fond of. Things like paying $5 to try and get some toy frog thing to hit something and win a $2 shitty toy, or darts and stuff….just not my cup of tea. The rides can be fun though.
Anyway, as we were browsing and checking out all the fun stuff, I saw something I have been seeking out for while some time, a possession necessary in every household, and overall a most wonderful item – an Aloe Plant. Aloe Vera plants are great! You can use it to treat cuts, burns, skin allergies, to smooth out skin, and even to preserve food. You nourish the plant, and it nourishes you. Anyway, so there it is! A perfect little aloe vera plant that I can already picture living happily in my room. I walk up to the lady that is the only obstacle between the plant and me and ask her how much it is. She tells me with a huge smile on her face, that the plant is part of the fund raiser and tells me that to win it I must pay to have a chance to draw a “lucky” popsicle stick from this sand filled flower box. It was something like 5 tried for $1 and 50 for $10.
I excuse myself and tell her that I am not interested in the game, but would love to buy the plant from her right now. She stubborn wench continues to insist, with that ever plastered grin on her face, that I really should participate in the fundraiser, and that picking out the popsicles is the only way I can get a chance to have the plant.
While we are talking, I start pulling out the popsicle sticks, and having pulled 10 or so realize that there may not be a “lucky” one in there, and that there is no way she will convince me to partake in this bogus activity.
No matter what I offered ($20- clearly over value) she would not budge and started getting angry, which, I thought was hilarious. I just don’t get it. Assuming there was in fact a lucky stuck in that pot, I could have definitely gotten to it for $10 (there were no more than 50 in there), and she could have clearly made much more money from my purchase, than she would from me playing the stupid game. But no, it was the “fun-factor principle” or something.
I told her that if this is a fun raiser, and she is trying to raise funds, selling me an overpriced plant is the best way to do it…after 10 minutes I talked them into selling it to me for $20 and agreed to come back later….i never did though, and got a perfectly good aloe plant from a nearby nursery fun by a very nice drunk man, who sold the plant for $2.50 and it came with a free snail...
Screw die-hard fundraisers.
Seasons
It is spring in St. Louis. And the weather, as always is schizophrenic, and unable to make up its mind. Thus, as any other indecisive schizophrenic, it is constantly discussed.
So, let’s do it. Lets discuss the weather in St. Louis. Specifically I want to address winter. Fiona (my beloved roommate) and I often disagree on our weather and location preferences. She picks her residence based on whether or not she can wear flip-flops. I, prefer seasons and change. I also happen to enjoy snow, blame it on my heritage if you like. However, here I am completely misunderstood when I say I like winter and snow. Everyone hates winter here. I don’t blame you, I hate winter here too. It is not even a real winter. It is jus there to annoy you.
You see, in my opinion, St. Louis winter can’t be enjoyable because it is much like going camping with heels on. You are unprepared and thus unable to enjoy an otherwise delightful experience. In Russia for example we know the winter will be cold and long. We are geared up, we have fur, real winter boots and other winter clothes. Prepared, we can enjoy the outside and embrace the beauty of winter.
Here, on the other hand, you barely have snow, and it usually doesn’t get THAT cold. So, you end up wearing your t-shirt, shirt, maybe a sweater or hoodie, or a light jacket that is perfect for fall, NOT winter.
You are freezing the whole time, hating every moment of it and counting days till spring comes. You are not prepared.
So. If you are going camping be prepared, and don’t wine about it.
Friday, March 28, 2008
All Hail The Potato!
I must admit that this was news to me as well, but am extremely excited to let you know that this wonderful year of 2008 has officially been declared Year of Potato by the United Nations.
If you don't believe me, see for yourself: International Year of Potato
And I honestly had no idea about the fascinating history of this rather ordinary food. Apparently, potatoes were first cultivated in South America about 7000 years ago. However the potatoes didn't even make their way to Europe until 1570. Even after that it took another 200 years for the people to actually consider consuming it. Before that potatoes were thought to cause sickness and be only fit for kettle. They were even called "devil's apples"However starvation in the mid 1700's pretty much forced people to realize just how awesome potatoes really are. They are cheap, easy to grow, extremely nutritious, and overall cool. People were fed, happy and started multiplying like crazy. Especially the Irish :) In fact the Irish got a bit too much into potato fueled lifestyle and seriously suffered when the crops failed and 1 million people died due to famine.
With time of course, we figured out how to maintain a healthy balanced diet, and are pretty much "set". As for myself...I know about potatoes. Russians produce the most in the world and eat A LOT of potatoes and drink even more potato water. However Belorussians have us beat- at leas as far as consumption goes.
Anyway, now, the potato is so common, plentiful and pervasive in the Western diet that it is taken for granted though has only been with us for a few hundred years. Alas! human nature, we get used to good things fast!
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
key matters
I keep feeling like my blog should be about something. A theme.
Most of the good ones seem to be just that. A sort of monologue forum. But I just can’t decide on one theme. Just want to write what I think.
Just so you know, I recently finished my first two web projects:
www.danielheggarty.com
www.tsunamistl.com
I know, they are simple and not that impressive, but they are new, they are hand programmed, and are a start.
It feels really good actually, seeing result of your work , right there…almost instant gratification. And be sure, there are more and better things to come.
What else?
I am going to Belize soon. In a little under a month. Going alone and looking forward to all the adventures.
Also, did you know that the keyboard you are working on now, pretty much sucks, and was pretty much created in 1873 to slow your typing down? And there is a better version of it called Dvorak that allows for better more efficient, easier typing technique? That’s right, the QWERTY (look at your Q and love right) keyboard was designed this way so that while typing on an typewriter you would not go too fast and keys would not stick together. And though the Dvorak was introduced in 1932, people did not switch their habits...who wants to relearn right?
Dvorak is an alternative to Qwerty. It is a keyboard layout designed to minimize movement, and make typing as easy and painless as possible. The idea behind it is to have the most commonly typed keys under the fingers, and make it as easy as possible to type common words and combinations of letters. To give an impressions of just how big a difference this makes, consider that the average Dvorak typist's fingers will travel about one mile in a day of typing. A Qwerty typist's will travel anything from 16 to 20 miles. Try to consider, for a moment, the effect that must have on your fingers.
You can actually chance your PC to Dvorak and can order a Dvorak keyboard layout on your computer, but no one really does it.
Anyway, this was new information to me, so I thought I’d let you know.
Well, anyway, now that you know your keyboard is inefficient, I can go to sleep happy☺
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Monopoly TV
I was talking to my roommate about hitchhiking the other day.
It was one of the main modes of transportation for her throughout the travels in south America. I commented that is was a rather dangerous endeavor, but she just said that over there it is much more common and is not really so risky.
True. Back home, whenever I needed a ride, I would merely raise by arm a the traffic, and instead of a taxi, a passer by would stop and bargain with me about the price of the lift. It is also not completely uncommon to catch free rides like that. Now, do bad things happen?...sometimes, yes. But they also do with fake taxi cabs in new york and other places. So why is it perceived to be so dangerous here? People are afraid of each other, unable to trust. Here you are taught that is an uncommon, dangerous activity, so even if you see someone hitchhiking, you probably won’t pick them up. Who will>? Some creep maybe>? Seems to be a self fulfilling cycle.
Then again, statistically, thanks to the media, the US population does have a rather extreme view of reality. Based on several surveys most people here overestimate the dangers of the outside world...and no wonder why.
Ah, media, our cherished drug, the backbone of social order. Funny that though I am often appalled by it, I am still a Marketing major. Ads, consumer behavior, shopping patters...you are observed and studied constantly. And even when you are not, you keep craving the fabricated reality.
In an average US household, there are 2.55 people and 2.73 TV sets. An average TV set is ON 8 hours and 11 minutes a day. (Economist) That’s over 112 days a year, and over 50 years amounts to 15. 15 years. The most accepted and beloved drug, that has made it into every home. One that switches off your brain after 30 seconds, while you are exposed to thousands and thousands of commercial messages, partially fabricated news, and all the other crap…like “reality tv”…I just get a kick out of that phrase. Choose one, right?
And all this, run by just 6 consolidated corporations. Media monopoly galore.
Everything is engineered and is on for a reason. This is a business and an industry, that manufactures wants and desires. So is this in fact is what you want and desire?...
…keep the brain ON
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Don't think so
I don’t like to filter my thoughts and words. Yes I think the world is fucked up, media is corrupt, the government is behing most horrors we face, including the 9/11 and all kinds of armed actions. Yes, i think it is for the profit of few, and we need to do something about it. Nevertheless, depending when I bring up certain issues, I have been accused of being a conspiracy theorist, being asked to stop. And facing words such as “I don’t care”, “Bullshit”, and “you are crazy”.
Well, you should care, it is not bullshit, just the truth that is not convenient to know or live with. Nevertheless it needs to be known.
So, if you have not done so yet, I strongly recommend you watch Zeitgeist and explore the Spread the Word website (the link is available).
Also, here you go, finally:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/huff-wires/20080116/ex-congressman-indicted/
Train Hopping
Train Jumping and the St. Louis underground are surely among the plans for spring. A cargo train trip to Chi-town and mysterious explorations of the semi-secret caves…
As far as trains go, I even got a chance to jump one last night. It was a coal transporter. Moving really slow through the downtown area, so it was easy to run, catch up, grab on, and you are on your way…somewhere. Fueled by a grand anticipation of adventurous freedom and mischief. The great tale collector.
But this was just a practice hop, so it only went on for ¼ mile or so. Nevertheless, very encouraging.
I did learn something about train operators recently. When you look at the railroad maps, they seem so grand and free. I remember thinking that engineers must be so glad to have a chance to travel so much. But then I found out that on those long distance routs, any particular train engineer only gets to travel a short distance, then having to return back to the starting point. So instead of discovering, and seeing the land, they end up moving only within that short stretch, back and forth, back and forth, back and forth… always…
That is a depressing thought to me. It seems that even fun things when made into a job become, boring, ordain and dismal.
During that whole train pasting experiment we saw some sort of weasel looking animal laying there cut perfectly in half over a track. It seems that he was trapped under a train, could have waited for it to pass, and instead went for that last leap to freedom.
It was so strange and shocking to see. The front part of his body, lays there stretched out, soaring for liberty, hindered by heavy metal destiny. Chilling yet poetic.
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
On Art
And so...
The conversation started with a discussion of a documentary film. It features some ex-trucker lady relating the purchase story of a supposedly Jackson Pollok piece of art. The woman is a vigorous smoker with an 8th grade education, who loves gambling and knows nothing of art. She got the painting unknowingly for $5 at a thrift store and is now, having learned of its value is declining offers of as much as $20 million.
Now we have critics analyzing it: "I'm looking for the cracks in the, in the paint, and the way the paint is applied. That is, layering of one color on top of another. Makes me uncomfortable. This stuff, it just doesn't, this doesn’t look like a Pollock. Doesn't feel like a Pollock, doesn't sing like a Pollock, doesn't fail like a Pollock" – Ben Heller
While others argue otherwise. Setting the possible value of the piece as high as $100 million.
I find this revolting.
Yes, I consider myself and art lover. I enjoy the modern and the abstract, though appreciate the classical form, technique and craft. but I find is grose that $20 million is not enough for her. I find it even more concerning that someone is willing to pay that much or more for something, that is no more than paint and canvas though it may be a creation of a recognized artist.
Yes I love art and consider it valuable. One can argue that it gives a people their identity and is a source of pride. Heritage, history, landmark. Sometimes even a period in time. A definition and expression of a country’s dynamic and soul perhaps.
What comes to mind when you think of Moscow? Probably the golden onion top churches. London? – The Big Ben. Egypt and the pyramids. Great.
But at the same time could you argue that we often go too far with this fascination with art? Especially considering the larger more important problems at hand. And why do we never think of what it may have cost to create it?
St. Basil’s Cathedral, the very one in Moscow was commissioned by Ivan the Terrible and built between 1555 and 1561. Legend has it that on completion of the church the Tsar ordered the architect, Postnik Yakovlev, to be blinded to prevent him from ever creating anything to rival its beauty again. That is just one person, think of how many may have died during construction. How many were enslaved at the time.
What about the Great Pyramids that we all so marvel at the sight of. Though we are always uncertain about those times, there were most likely quite a few slaves involved in the construction of the temples.
Naturally there are many examples such as there tough out history. What impeccable amount of time, calculation, resources, labor spent on structures. That are…art? Heritage? Identity?
At the same time you have unrest in the lands, people starving or dying of sickness. But now they have an identity. It is so easy to fuel the herding instincts. We always need to be part of a group to be united and to have an enemy, since nothing unites us more than an enemy and the struggle against him.
You have an identity and a people. Then you have a patriot. One who loves and defends his or her own country. An enemy was always easy to find. If they don’t attack first, point your finger. Go!
Ok, I realize this is wrong to say. But really then what about the Palm Islands in Dubai, costing billions of dollars, do they make Sheikh Mohammed Al Maktoum a great artist? Or is it just a business project to attract tourists?
Anyway, all I am trying to say is that we have strange value systems. And it seems that our perceived abilities and freedoms such as the purchasing one often constrict our perceptions and lives more so than they should. But where that “healthy balance” is I have no idea.
I mean look at me, I just invested $70 in a bunch of short film collections when I could have spent it satisfying the basic needs of myself or others…
This all means nothing, I guess that’s what blogs are best for.
Cockroach explorations
Well, this is a rather new thing for me. I know I am way behind. People have been blogging for yeas.
What will I discuss here, now that I have a reserves space of my own?...who knows, I suppose whatever is on my mind and I find interesting enough to talk about.
And the last but most pressing thing on my mind, as of yesterday has been the following: cockroaches. Yes. According to Encyclopedia Britannica, "a roach any of about 4,000 species of insects that are among the most primitive living, winged insects, appearing today much like they do in fossils that are more than 320 million years old. The word cockroach is a corruption of the Spanish cucaracha." Wow, 320 Million years is a long time, especially considering that DNA evidence indicates that modern humans originated in Africa about 200 thousand years ago.
So these little (or not so little) annoying critters are supposedly much more resistant to radiation, can live up to 9 days or in some cases a month beheaded! Can hold their breath up to 40 minutes, can live up to 40 days without food and don't often have to do so, as they can feed off something as insignificant as the fat in a finger print. They survive a week without water and can be frozen just to live again when the temperature does up. Wow! Miracles of science. No wonder they can be hard to get rid of.
Well, as for myself and the apartment, we don't have a cockroach "problem" per say, I am a cleaning freak at times, so all that we encounter is but a concern. I find them every so often on the kitchen floor. Most of the time they are dying or dead.
The things lay there, on the linoleum, with their little legs crossed in peace on the chest, lightly convulsing and every so often moving the whiskers. As I know they don't live in my kitchen on permanent basis, I can't help but wonder about the following issues:
1. Why do they seem to come to my kitchen to die?
2. Why do I always find them dead on their back?
Well, the following are some of my theories concerning the questions at hand:
As far as why they are on their back in the middle of the kitchen floor...perhaps having spent much of their life running around, and hiding in unappealing places such as gutters and cracks, they simply want to finally rest, lay down, and enjoy the open space of the area.
Or, perhaps they want to look dramatic possibly also hoping for a good funeral. Going back to the whole "Falling tree in the forest", everyone needs a witness to make his or her existence more real. Realizing that the end is near, they expose themselves to me, as if crying out, while trembling a leg "Oh! God! I am dying! See, witness my sufferings! Burry me like I should be buried....Remember my last moments, write about my travels and sufferings." And then- "here are the last of my eggs, take care of my babies for me".
Now, why choose my kitchen?...I have been told to have a good energy about me, that apparently transposes itself to my place. Thus making it a heaven for lost souls looking for rest…maybe…
I still cleaned my kitchen and equipped it with insane amounts of cockroach traps. Though I am a bit fascinated with the things it is a sort of respect your greatest nemesis type fascination. Even though I have no problem at all with other insects (other than fleas) As I am pretty sure I have Blattodephobia (if that is a real word)
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