Random Thought of the Day

Just lemme take another second and I stop
Looking right around where I'm livin lemme stop
People fuck around in confusion let em stop
I have no regrets on how I'm livin lemme stop
My life is way past judgement
Past comprehension
Past that knowledge of the fucks that I've given
Race around crazy like the damn cat lady
Suck it up suck it up cos I don't live lazy
I'ma take you right back to where I grew up in
Wasn't that bad but it wasn't really somethin
One horse town now everybody's jumpin
First train smokin out, now thats somethin
Lookin to the future you can call me Miss Cleo
You can call me now for assists if you need those
Fuck the assists, in this life I'm takin free throws
Cos people act foul here, enough, let.me.go
Off into space lemme find a new frontier
Anything that gets me far away and from here
Jealousy, envy and the hate from my peers
Want me trapped in the headlights like a lost woodland deer

Conformity: Why So Serious?

I was once asked, "why are you such a follower?" To which I promptly replied "Because there's safety in anonymity?" Mind you, I merely said this for giggles (teh lulz) but it gave me pause for thought.

Quite obviously, because I've written a post on this very subject.

I notice people are quite fond of distinguishing themselves from everyone else. Nothing wrong with that, in fact I admire anyone willing to put in that much work. It just seems like a great deal of energy would be expended trying to differentiate oneself from the whole of the society they live in. But it raised another question:

"What makes people think they're even remotely a generic 'everyperson'?"

Last I checked, speaking only for myself, I'm "me" (whoever the hell that is) and I don't really identify myself as "part of a herd" or pack or social group. There are groups I hang out in, there are groups I work for, there are places I go and I don't feel as though they embody or epitomize who I am. A segue is fine too, into the question:

"So, is conformity merely a state of mind vice a state of being?"

This is also a question I have to ask myself because I don't have anyone around to ask...yet. To me, being such an abstract concept, it is a state of mind. But if in fact there are those who believe it's a state of being then how is it that one can, in the whole of their being, be a "conformist"? How can a person be identified not by a name, but by a social group? There are ways of course to address someone by the group they "represent", many of which bearing on race; and many of these ways could be considered racist. Also sexist, fascist, marxist, Anti-Semitic, Anti-Islamic...the list goes on.

I'm not trying to sell anyone on conformity because if it doesn't exist, if it is merely an opinion or state of mind, then why worry about it? Which is more frightening, the thought of a lion appearing before you, or actually having to run back to your car?

Just a thought...just a thought...

Fitness and Cruelty: An Exercise in Futility

Being the voracious internet news lurker that I am, I've noticed a pattern in celebrity fitness that has been rather disturbing. I turn a blind eye to new age workout machines and the subsequent diets. But there's one woman who caught my eye, and not in a good way...

I'm talking about a certain personal trainer named Tracey Anderson...

Attractive? Yes, but kind and compassionate to her clients? Not so much...

The article posted on movieline.com http://www.movieline.com/2010/05/will-someone-stop-celebrity-trainer-tracy-anderson-before-she-strikes-again.php would have us believe this. As much as I like to give people the benefit of the doubt, I'm sorry Tracey, but there are certain things that aren't called for.

The state of fitness nowadays make gyms look like Soviet Gulags and even down on the level of physical education, it becomes like a day spent in general population

Of course, fitness doesn't have to bring back memories of feeling inadequate. Sure that may fuel the last few reps of your bench press, but it might not get you back in there the next day. The sad part is that I've met my fair share of personal trainers in all the gyms I've been to. It doesn't help being a CrossFit advocate like myself. That and being a relatively small guy doesn't help either. But the assumption with these personal trainers is that if you're not doing EXACTLY IN EXPLICIT DETAIL what they're doing, you're not working out properly if at all. That very "you're not like me, so there's obviously something wrong with your medula oblongata" mentality is the fertile soil for a budding bully complex and one of the many reasons why people are steering clear of the gym....

That and ringworm

The thing about staying in shape, before even THINKING about going on a regular basis, is your mindset. That, like many other things, is the greatest hindrance, as many great acts begin in the mind. But enough "fix-it" talk, lets move on to the hot, sexy personal trainer bashing.

...kidding, I'm not here to bash them, I'm here to remind them who they're dealing with. Your average feeble chump, as you may think of them, has the potential to become physically fit. It's merely a question of encouragement. I know a lot of the personal trainers out there are former military and let me tell you I used to be a ridiculously strong proponent of negative reinforcement in my time (I've even had 20-year vets call me a raging dickhead.) and let me tell you, nothing drives an 18 year old fresh to the fleet like telling them to "pick their vagina up off the ground" to assist in an aircraft launch

But on the personal trainer's end, it must be positive reinforcement coupled with the understanding that not everyone knows that much about fitness and nutrition. Is it important? Yes it is but so is the proper method for handling aviation ordnance and I don't expect your average personal trainer to know that. The role of the personal trainer has evolved, like the professional role of everyone else on the planet. Though the role has changed, the players of that role aren't all rolling with it. I bring up Tracey Anderson for a reason: That this is NOT the future of fitness. Yes, she's smokin' hot and in tremendously good shape; no doubt the purveyor of many a personal trainer's masturbatorial fantasies. But if bullying your clientele has become so the norm that even this professional troll can gain fame and fortune, maybe those aspiring to be fit need to raise their standards?

The West Bank Mike Show: New Orleans' Answer To Jack Johnson

To a packed house at the Old Point Bar in Algiers, LA, community favorite "West Bank Mike" and his group rouse music goers out of their seats and send out a simple message: That true musicianship is not gone and that music can still be enjoyable. The West Bank Mike show is definitely "bringing the fun back."

Seated atop a stool with a myriad of guitar sound pedals at his trademark bare feet, West Bank Mike opens with a wild number. Looking at the three-piece group on the old stage, you wouldn't expect so much life to come out of one performance. The sound, the lyrics are something anyone can relate to, they speak to the listener. As the listener, you can only respond by grabbing the lady next to you and taking to the floor. The performance, seemingly informal, still commands much reverence.

All of this, on a Tuesday? If it were any place besides this small and effortlessly charming neighborhood in the City of New Orleans, it wouldn't be possible. Every Tuesday, The West Bank Mike show can be enjoyed at the Old Point Bar. The visual vibe of the bar and general ambiance only adds to the bluesy, soulful feel that the show offers.

If you're ever in Old Point on a Tuesday, break an appointment to see "The West Bank Mike Show." You'll only be disappointed if you don't see them live!

(For more photos from the show click this link: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=23112&id=100000231670780&l=c3ad653bed)

Break Time!!!!

Readers,

As you may or may not have guessed, I'm taking a slight break from my usual stream of drivel to focus on my upcoming book "Navigational Chart". Also I'm looking into publishers for my first, "Kid, I Like It!" and second "Preoccupation With Death."

I know this may disappoint some readers, but alas, the creative struggle enlists the help of another combatant. I also have to get more readership out of this thing before it keels on me, which wouldn't be good by any stretch!

In the meantime, I'll be pelting you fine kiddos with random and sporadic updates on the publishing ponzi scheme and some selections from "Navigational Chart".

Very Respectfully,
"El Rey De Los Zorros"

The Clearing

You came
Out of the woods, now you think its clear
The coast, as you feel so far from there
The times of the troubles
The moment of fear
Feels like the balls dropped, man, it's your year
The uncertainty of everything that came your way
Is replaced by the glory of this new day
I'm just saying that, but what do I mean?
Waiting for the other shoe to drop? No it's not what it seems!
You meet clearing in the forest on up ahead
The wolves are away from you, they think you're dead
But you just started living
Decisions, and making your bed
Preparations for success are reparations for failure
So I guess that makes you just a little bit better
Than you started out
But you're back in the woods, and
You're back to go ahead and settle the score
Though it's done differently than it was before
You cut a path through the forest that you know is yours
You trust the beating of your heart over all that chatters
Trust your instinct and you soul, it's all that matters
Anybody can handle the test of time
But it takes a strong individual to take his mind
Off the power he's gained from adversity and uncertainty

Things We Find In The Morning

So hard to find one's voice.
To get your thoughts situated.
Not enough hours in the night.
So I'm left sedated.
Up at a fast pace, up to face the Sun.
Up to see the day end, up to call it done.
Now don't get upset, don't just complain.
Not every part of this is gonna go your way
Because its hard to find your voice
To get your thoughts situated
There wasn't enough hours in the night
So you still feel sedated

Expectation

And we're dancing
So we're speaking
You're understanding, at least
You want to learn more
To get farther
Not tonight, not with me
Sad to say, but I have standards
Standards, you've failed to meet
This is the last time that we'll be speaking
Was I the highlight of your week
You weren't turned down, you never offered
In fact your presence, was rather weak
My present company, you see them? Seriously!
They're at a level you'll never reach
I surround myself with beauty
You're caught up with your duties
And failed attempts to stand out, though brief
We invite you over happily
To come and join our party
But not join us, in the least
There'll be no swap of numbers
No exchange so sweet
But you have me to remember
The highlight of your week

Prioritizizng is a tall order

I'm going to have to ask you to make a compromise
You'll have to do away with paltry things
Falling prey to the words of another
And you let them have their way
You've shown me a side, I would've never thought was there
Something I'd put past you, I thougt you'd never care
About
The discontent of the people who should mean nothing
You turned to listen, and to me, become nothing
But then I realize that I'm no better
I fell prey to your words, now just the words of another
You're probably asking why, why I say this?
As if to say I could ever leave you blameless, well I
Made you accountable
Made you a priority, while for many years, I was but an option
Well you've opted out, I see no point in this
A reason for you and I, to ever co-exist
Because I won't tolerate this existance anymore.
I can't keep living like this, and begging for more
And though I know you've had your problems
And I know you had your fears
I've been holding on to the promise of you, a thought most dear
But the side of you you showed me, proved that I'd seen enough
I hope this reaches out to you, someone I used to trust

Sustainment from Hope

There was one who lived off hope
Starved shortly thereafter
Running first
Acting? Never
He just sat still to another man's will
He got off
Of thinking he served a higher purpose
But constantly reminded of a man's expendability
One ability, easily, can be found in another
You find new alternatives everyday, so will they
They are the people we look up to,
The people we love,
The people we work for, 'til our days are done
What choice do we have but to make our own way?
The days we pray for, must walk towards
Before it all fades away.

The Complementary Reflection

Do I ever stroke your ego?
Well that's a well known fact
Do you respect my candor?
And snub it all the same
Why?
Have I become your mirror?
Your reference, I'm no different
Your journal, I know your history
But the writer never appreciates the paper she writes on
Do I boost your self-esteem now?
Does it drive you through your day?
As you question good and evil
And you wear it on your sleeve
Well
Have you got what you want?
More than you deserve?
More than flattery
Is that enough?
To your journal? I know your history
But the writer never appreciates the paper she writes on
I think I've found a resolution
To all your late replies
Your constant self-absorption
Do you know that I'm alive?
So
Look away
Look again
Your reflection's fading
At entertainment's end
You're not proud of yourself
But the pride I give to you
My most priceless gift
When you came to confide
And the writer never appreciated the paper she wrote on

Home Holiday

My confined space has an appeal to me
Peace I once thought lost now real to me
A functioning shut in, I follow a pattern
Work in, work out, work done then sleep
Creature of habit? No, and I say so simply
That I have reached the climax of a life spent in envy
Of those who had money to burn, and all I had were some ashes
That were swept beneath the rug of the time that passes
When we are resigned to the fate that we have dealt ourselves
When we deny that which is deserved by none but ourselves
Is it shameful, to leave myself at home in my solitude,
And find the solitude therein, I'm in a better mood?
No, and I say so proudly
You can go out of doors but you can do that without me
As I sent them out the door, they could all do without me
Or was it the other way around?

The Beating

I hit the door
I hit the floor
Sometimes I want to quit
But if I quit, then who knows?
Tomorrow might not exist
I insist on the pressure
Where the lesson isn't learned 'til you practice to failure
Fruits of my labor
Keep my head above water, no time to barter
Or bargain, this world takes no prisoners
No cries out for help, for there are no listeners
I'm trying to make it out alive
I'm sustained by the teachings that others provide
Hands worked to the bone, my legs much similar
Have I been here before, there is much similar
To the losses I've felt
But I built more now from the damage I've dealt

A State of Beauty

Let me know if you feel acknowledeged
And solid, your heart is after this cold winter
Where you splintered
Left frayed by the fray
So if you're emotions are so hardened
Your soul never at rest
Do you think the solitude now just fits you best?
I'd never say I know better
See I'm never you
See I'm lucky to be alive
So I'm never blue, like faces of the no-longer-alive
To me I never tell a lie, and to you, I've done the same courtesy
And the thought occured to me, like me you weather the storm
I've been your safe harbor, for as long as I've known
You, you'd never hear what I had to say
About you and I and one day
The world has made you afraid of me
I'm no better, because you're just not the same to me
But I'd never challenge you to go back to beginnings
Where you were never had a chance to just hold on to your winnings
And your earnings, and the burning that pierces your eyes
That was the warning to you then before you started to cry
I'm never leaving, while you're out here trying to find the truth
And here I'll always be though I'm running out of my youth
But great things are worth waiting for
I know what I'm fighting for
But do you?