It may be true that deep inside, every one of us wishes to be a hero. And while a small percentage of us have yet to realize that desire, I believe that we all have the potential to make it a reality. It's merely up to each of us.
Nobody in this world is greater than any of the rest of us. Think of the most heroic, brave, and influential people in this world; the first that come to mind. Then, realize that they all began their journeys as you and I did. They are merely people like us... no better, no worse. In most cases, the only difference between them and us is a burning motivation to fulfill a dream.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Monday, November 24, 2008
Use Your Own Illusion
Enough already about the new Guns N' Roses album, Chinese Democracy. Yeah, I get it. It's the first new GNR album in fourteen years. So much excitement wasted for an overrated band who once had three good songs. (Sweet Child O' Mine, Welcome To The Jungle, Paradise City...) It's not even the actual band this time around, as only Axl Rose remains from the original lineup.
... And Axl Rose is a complete fuckass.
... And Axl Rose is a complete fuckass.
Friday, November 21, 2008
Crash And Burn
I have yet to officially weigh in on the current economic recession.
This is not so much a devastating blow to the modern way of life, as it is simply the natural balance of society correcting itself. Whether it's justified or not, there is a part of me that's enjoying this "economic crisis". It does affect me, however. I do have money tied up in multiple retirement accounts. Yet, it's all still somehow refreshing to me. For years, I've stood by witnessing the appalling levels of shallow materialism and disgusting greed in this world; of my fellow Americans specifically. Too many of us are selfish morons who too easily buy into the fallacy that bigger is better; that more equals power; that quantity ensures happiness.
I wish my fellow humans would just stop for a moment and take a deep collective breath. I wish them to ponder, for once, the true necessities of everyday life. I want them to think about the very few things they actually need to get by - of which many people take for granted when they are lucky to have them, by the way - and I also want them to think about the piles upon piles of irrelevant possessions they have that are merely taking up space. It's okay, of course, to enjoy a hobby or two, or to keep sentimental items. Unfortunately, most 21st-Century Earthlings so far have misleadingly believed that the more posessions they have, the better people they will become.
It's very sad, really...
This is not so much a devastating blow to the modern way of life, as it is simply the natural balance of society correcting itself. Whether it's justified or not, there is a part of me that's enjoying this "economic crisis". It does affect me, however. I do have money tied up in multiple retirement accounts. Yet, it's all still somehow refreshing to me. For years, I've stood by witnessing the appalling levels of shallow materialism and disgusting greed in this world; of my fellow Americans specifically. Too many of us are selfish morons who too easily buy into the fallacy that bigger is better; that more equals power; that quantity ensures happiness.
I wish my fellow humans would just stop for a moment and take a deep collective breath. I wish them to ponder, for once, the true necessities of everyday life. I want them to think about the very few things they actually need to get by - of which many people take for granted when they are lucky to have them, by the way - and I also want them to think about the piles upon piles of irrelevant possessions they have that are merely taking up space. It's okay, of course, to enjoy a hobby or two, or to keep sentimental items. Unfortunately, most 21st-Century Earthlings so far have misleadingly believed that the more posessions they have, the better people they will become.
It's very sad, really...
Monday, November 3, 2008
Red, White & New
There's little or no doubt that the United States is on the verge of a paradigm shift. A first in recent memory, I face this time with a sense of hope and faith in my fellow Americans... pending tomorrow's election results of course.
You might say my countrymen are beginning somewhat of an American reinvention; a fresh start. And as I leave for Jakarta this election day to pick up my soon-to-be-wife, I find it oddly coincidental and reflectively appropriate that she will be experiencing America for the first time, exactly when the U.S. begins this new journey. In a sense, it gives me the chance to discover a new-and-improved America through fresh eyes. I'll be vicariously experiencing this at Dian's side. While I'm very excited to share my freedom and my endless opportunity here with the love of my life, I'm also a bit nervous at the possibility of her being let down by my country in some way. Perhaps it won't live up to the hype and praise the United States has been known throughout the world for over the last couple centuries. (The past eight years haven't exactly been productive for us.)
One thing is clear to me however. No matter how this election ends up, it's refreshing and inspiring to see the passion of the American people resurfacing. It's well overdue and it's been dormant for far too long. It may not yet be entirely obvious, but the American spirit is still alive and kicking.
The heart of America is still beating.
You might say my countrymen are beginning somewhat of an American reinvention; a fresh start. And as I leave for Jakarta this election day to pick up my soon-to-be-wife, I find it oddly coincidental and reflectively appropriate that she will be experiencing America for the first time, exactly when the U.S. begins this new journey. In a sense, it gives me the chance to discover a new-and-improved America through fresh eyes. I'll be vicariously experiencing this at Dian's side. While I'm very excited to share my freedom and my endless opportunity here with the love of my life, I'm also a bit nervous at the possibility of her being let down by my country in some way. Perhaps it won't live up to the hype and praise the United States has been known throughout the world for over the last couple centuries. (The past eight years haven't exactly been productive for us.)
One thing is clear to me however. No matter how this election ends up, it's refreshing and inspiring to see the passion of the American people resurfacing. It's well overdue and it's been dormant for far too long. It may not yet be entirely obvious, but the American spirit is still alive and kicking.
The heart of America is still beating.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)