Fanatic Conscious

Affirmative Action - you serious?

2008-06-06T10:48:00.000-07:00

I came across an opinion recently by an American Politician http://whereistand.com/MarkWarner/24751 who feels that as long as their is discrimination Affirmative Action is necessary.

Personally, I can't make sense of this at all. I mean, I think we've come along far enough to be able to judge a person on their own merit, and ability. Affirmative action to me is the ultimate form of discrimination. Any institution that has a policy to allow a certain number of people based on their ethnicity or race, or whatever is discriminating towards the people who actually deserve acceptance.

I can't tell you how many friends and family members I have that did not get into their college of choice from high school, but the African American or Latino student who had a lower GPA and was ranked lower than them in the class got in. I truly believe that people of all countries have their advantages and disadvantages, and the difference between successful people and those who aren't is their will to become succesfull. I went to class with a brilliant girl who was African American and got a scholarship to MIT. She was smart, and determined. It had nothing to do with the color of her skin, but more to do with how bad she wanted it.

As a college institution your job is to place the most deserving people into your lecture halls. Not to make sure that at least 20% of the lecture hall is African American (or any race). For an institution to support Affirmative Action is to say that it is discriminant. Not towards any specific race, but to the people who are most deserving of acceptance according to their objective criteria. I just don't understand how a university can say that a person will need at least XXXX on the SATs, and a 3.8 GPA, and all these other criteria, and when a person meets those criteria if too many others from their race or ethnicity have been admitted, well then they are out of luck. If you want to stop discrimination you've got to look beyond someone's skin color, beyond where they come from, and see who they really are. Put it this way, if I need a doctor and my life is on the line, that doctor better be the best damn doctor for the job at hand, I don't care if its a guy or girl, black, white, brown, or green, nor do I care about their religion. The same way, if your a medical school or a law school, you should want the very best doctors and lawyers graduating from your institution regardless of anything else.

Its just that idiots and geniuses come in all sizes, shapes, and colors. In the global world we live in, for us to still discriminate on anything more than talent, to me is just sad. We live in a world where Indians dance like Michael Jackson, and Europeans are getting better at basketball. We're all just full of interests and potential, and for institutions to not acknowledge that is pretty sad regardless of what they are established for.

CheapO's

2008-06-06T08:07:00.000-07:00

I understand that times are tough but I'm starting to notice more and more the existence of "CheapOs". CheapOs are the worst type of people to be hanging out with in a leisurely setting. I don't care what you tell me a CheapO will always be cheap regardless of the economy. I can't take it anymore!

For example, a typical CheapO would join you and your buddies for dinner and drinks, and then when the bill came they'd complain "Well....I only had 4 tortilla chips and 2 mozarella sticks, so I don't think I should have to pay the same amount as everyone else". Let me tell you something....You damn well better pay the same as everyone else! In fact you should pick up the whole tab for being a hindrance to society and a mood-killer amongst your friends! I don't understand it.

I'm not saying I'm made of money or anything, but what I am saying is that if your gonna go out and do this kind of crap, then just don't go out at all. Recently a friend of mine organized a bachelor party for his cousin. He told me how there was about 10 guys and they decided to do bottle service at a club. Of course being a guy, its always better to be drinking with girls instead of your friends inside a club (no matter how good of a friend they are). So my buddy being the guy that he is, invites 10 girls back to their VIP section to join them for drinks. At the end of the night it was all put on one persons credit card. The next day the CheapOs start complaining that well we didn't invite the girls up and they drank some of the alcohol so they shouldn't have to pay the full $70 per head that it came out to.

Are you freakin kidding me! Hey dirt bag, why don't you take that lipstick you got on your collar to a pawn shop and see if they'll give you $70 for it. All I'm saying, is that if you can't put a price on a night out with friends. You cannot tell who had more fun and who didn't. So to try to charge the person who had more fun is just stupid. Why would you do this?

Married + kids = Stable Career Guy

2008-06-04T13:58:00.000-07:00

We live in an increasingly complex world where the one thing that people look for is stability. This is true especially for employers. They wanna make sure the person they hired isn't gonna show up to work drunk, and grab the receptionist's ass on his way to the coffee machine. So they look at one's history, and do a background check, and go through all these hoops and hurdles to make sure the person is "stable". However, I find more and more that in the business world nothing yells out stability like a marriage with children. If your married, and have children it some how means that you are a stand-up guy, and you are grounded and have an even keel.

Ironically, I think this is a fucking joke! Some of the biggest degenerates I know are married with kids. Albeit, they are in positions of management when it comes to their careers, however if you ask them they will also admit that for some reason a marriage shows stability. This absolutely cracks me up, because these are the same jerks that are cock-blocking my unmarried ass from the cute blonde at the end of the bar during happy hour. I just don't get it. In today's day and age, I don't understand how employers still associate marriages with stability.

I mean if I ever owned a company and I saw someone with a marriage, just knowing some of the married people I know I'd see it is a liability. I'd think to myself "how long can this cock-sucker get away with this before the wife leaves with half, and he asks me for a raise so he can afford the child support?" I know its just me. Maybe I'm crazy for thinking that someone who takes their time and gets married later in life, but isn't at risk of messing it up because their happier with their marriage is more stable than the newly married 28 yr old whose got the libido of Ron Jeremy.

Don't get me wrong, this doesn't apply to everybody. Just 95% of the married management workforce. Oh well, you live and you learn I guess. I mean if you think about it really the married people that do fuck around probably wouldn't be so "stable" if they didn't.

Music & Drugs

2008-02-20T19:45:00.000-08:00

As crazy as it may sound, I truly believe that music and drugs are both cut from the same cloth. I believe that music and drugs are like twin siblings concieved from the same egg.

Both have an incredible ability to move you. To help you escape your current reality, and find a new place. Both are capable of causing tremendous change, and most of all both are addictive. Both music and drugs affect your mind, move your soul, and ultimately cause reflection, and solid perspective. The only difference is that being a music junky will probably turn you into a rock star, whereas being a drug junkie will probably make you homeless.

The best music is the kind that is truly pure. The type that opens a verbal window into the soul of a musician. The type that really display the body for what it is. The body is to the soul like a ring is to a diamond. It holds it in a way that is safe, secure, and most of all on display for the world to behold. When you see the greatest musicians perform, this is what you are witnessing. Bono, in particular seems to open himself up to the millions and give you a glimpse of a spirit that is yearning for peace.

The best drugs are those that really make you think. Whether its a great buzz that forces an "I love you man" or a funky mushroom trip that leads to a classic work of art. The "succesful drug junkies" are those that take that experience and do something with it. There are plenty of these people who have changed society. Jimmy Hendrix, for example used to trip on acid and make music that was mind-bending.

Some people use music as a drug, and others use drugs as a form of music. Whatever you do, just make sure you do something with it. Don't waste it. Both are powerful, and should never be wasted. But more importantly both can make you realize who you are and what you are capable of being. Once you know this, it is up to you to fulfill your destiny.

Shout Outs - Sis

2008-02-11T18:47:00.000-08:00

So, I'd like to dedicate this post as my shoutout. I'd like to give a shout out to an amazing person, whose charismatic, enthusiastic, psychotic, caring, funny, and loving, and of course I mean my wonderful sister. Most people who meet her end up saying "Dude, she's cool. She's like you but she's a girl". Which kind of scares the shit out of me knowing who I am, and I wouldn't wish that upon anybody.

Needless to say, that one of the few reasons I believe in a God, is because he managed to make someone like me with only the good characterestics, and omit the bad ones. If you filter out my stupidity, carelessness, wrecklesness, & overall bad habits, you'd probably be left with my sister. One of the coolest things about her is that she's very comfortable in her own skin. Its very hard in today's world to meet a woman who is happy with who she is. I don't know too many girls who can enjoy a good desert without saying "oh my god, I'm gonna have to work out for weeks to get rid of this". It takes a confident, and special person to say "Oh hell no....this desert has no chance against me....its goin DOWN!" When you hear that you've got to admire it and laugh.

Do I get annoyed with her......uuuuh hello, she is my sister! Takin my shit, forgetting to drop things off, and being an overall clutz does help me keep her coolness in check. How do I deal with having someone as cool as me related to me you ask? Well, I eat like a hefer, and truly enjoy some of the finer things in life. I can actually discuss my thoughts on a book we've read without having to hear "Dude, you know how I know your gay..."

So, in general I've been blessed to have someone in my life that allows me to see what I'm capable of being. That overlooks my insaneness and always sees potential, and knowing that is pretty amazing. For that I have and always will love her - even though she still has my favorite sweats.

Overheard Airport Conversations

2008-02-04T15:49:00.001-08:00

Certain things just don't need to be discussed out loud. In my current job, I am required to do a bit of traveling and am often stuck in airports. I've learned many things thru simple observations, and listening about the human species.

First of all, I think the most disturbing thing I overheard happened today when I was going thru the security check. It was about 6:45 AM and I had walked past the metal detector. As I go to collect my belongings, and put on my shoes & belt my ears get bombarded with some of the nastiest filth I've ever heard. Such words should never be uttered aloud. One overweight woman working for the TSA looks over to her co-worker and says "Yeah, I've gotten my colon cleansed". To which the classy co-worker responds "For real girl? I do mine on my own. I learned how on the Inta-net". "Yeah, I heard doin that is good fo ya weight. Girl, my doctor says I'm ova-weight" the first one responds. Being the good friend she is, the other woman responds "Oh you can't go by your doctor. According to their scales everyone's overweight. You know my friend is a tiny lil thang, and the doctor told her she's overweight too." This was about as much as I could take. Luckily by this time I had my belt and shoes on and was able to move on....or so I thought. The two women then turned and walked away, and althought there was a conveter belt seperating us I felt myself move towards their direction. I soon realized that when these two women turned around their asses had a combined mass that would match the size of our moon, and had thus created a gravitational force that physically moved me. Luckily, the conveter belt was there, and I was able to break away.

The Power of Sports

2008-02-04T15:39:00.000-08:00

Today is February 4, 2008. Today is the day after the New York Football Giants beat the previously undefeated New England Patriots in the Superbowl. The final game of the NFL season, and the determining game to crowning a champion for the year.

Those of you who may not know (because you live under a rock), the Giants were 12 point underdogs. They were expected to lose. Patriot players had invited them to their victory party before the game was even played, and maybe worst of all an irresponsible publisher had already published a book saying the New England Patriots had won the game.

What ended up happening was the Giants beat the snot out of the Patriots Quarterback and Golden Boy Tom Brady. His ass got more of a rug burn than from the beating he took by the Giants Defense than Jenna Jameson's knees. The Giants then with 2 minutes left in the game designed a game-winning drive, with one of the most memorable plays in Superbowl history to win the game.

It was quite a game. The amazing thing is that 97.5 million Americans tuned in to watch this game. That's almost 1 in 3 Americans. Now that may not mean much. But today I am at the Chicago Airport and all I hear is people talking about the game. They cannot get enough of it. Everyone is basically saying the same exact thing, but they won't shut up. They still ramble on and repeat the same exact points with different words. Its amazing that one 60 minute sequence of events can have complete strangers making friends and talking to each other as if they've known each other for years.

Some movies never leave our minds, and some books may always be remembered. But there is nothing, and I do mean nothing that will ever bring strangers to discuss and talk the way sports does. Whether you are a fan or not, sports seem to bring out a passionate competitive beast in people and raise that beast to their mouths. Because as much we all discuss what certain athletes achieve, the majority of us, seem to be quite content with just that. In all the chatter of the greatness of these games, I have not heard a single person say "It inspired me to be a football player".

Betrayal

2008-02-02T18:28:00.001-08:00

Betrayal is one of the most difficult pains to deal with. The thing is, true betrayal comes from a place where you never expect it to come from. In the crazy world that we live in, the very cornerstone of our foundation is the people in whom we trust. Trust is not something that should be given away like candy on Halloween. It is precious.

The problem is sometimes, people like me meet so many good folks, that we starts sprinkling trust on everyone we meet. We feel that people can be "trusted" because they're "good people". When one good person betrays you, an entire lifetime can come undone and crumble. However, that is still not betrayal. When trust is broken from someone new, it can still be understood. I mean really, how much can we have entrusted them with.

The real dagger in the heart comes when someone you really trusted - like family is the one who breaks the trust. That is when you simply are so stuneed/shocked/hurt/mad/ and in general disbelief that it leaves you in a state of true shock. I mean, the mere fact that someone so close betrays you is so utterly mind-blowing that the shock does not leave for a while, sometimes ever. The consequences in that moment seem inconsequential. After you finally get over the fact that it happened, then you start realizing how fucked you are. The first two things I've described, I imagine are probably commnon for anyone who is betrayed.

The thing that differentiataes us is what we do after this. Most of us probably start some sort of damage control. I recommend tact, strategy, practicality, and execution. If all else fails, then remember its not the end, and what's gonna happen, will happen. Hope for the best. I hope you never have to go through this. But more importantly please remember how important your trust is, and use it sparingly.

Van Wilder - A Great Role Model

2008-02-02T18:14:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite movies is Van Wilder. The first time I saw it was right after I got back from Spring Break in college. To be quite honest, that movie did give me a great new way of looking at things.

"Don't take life too seriously...or you'll never make it out alive" is what he said. The movie has an amazing Carpe Diem tone, of enjoying the present to the fullest, but at the same time to not fear the future. Since then, the many times I've been fucked, I always knew that stressing wouldn't do any good. "Worrying is like sitting in a rocking chair, it'll give you something to do, but your not going anywhere" another excellent quote. Both things are quite hard to do, and it seems like many people don't understand this.

I'm sure we can all be a little better than where we are, but we all have made a sacrifice to keep from achieving that. That sacrifice is enjoying the present, the moment, the toast, the kiss, the laugh or hug. These are the things that matter most in anyone's life time. You might be able to develop amazing technology, or medicine, but if you can't be happy with how you did it, then what's the point?

So in the words of Van Wilder "You can't treat every situation as life or death because you'll die a lot more than you'll live". Take a moment, be spontaneous, and enjoy what's going on. In the end, its not all about "having what you want, but wanting what you have" - Sheryl Crow.

Progress

2008-01-28T17:01:00.000-08:00

Progress is one of the rarest things in life to witness. If you are lucky you can even live through it. However, many of us spend countless hours and days wishing to see progress in people, places, and situations that just simply seem destined not to. Recently, I was among the few lucky people who habitate this planet, and was able to witness such a euphoric phenomenon.

I have a very close friend who I think very highly of. For as long as I've known him, he has always been known as the funny guy, and nice/proper/good guy. He was always the one to open the door for someone, or to be a VERY polite gentleman when dealing with a lady. He always treated women with way too much respect, and put them on pedestals that reached the stratosphere. The ladies have always perceived him to be "cute" and "such a good person to talk to". It actually grossed me out. Now, I'll be the first to admit, I don't demand attention from the ladies with my looks or style, and I have also been a little guilty of being some of the adjectives aforementioned. However, it was a sense of politeness he had, that I never saw duplicated. The worst part, is that every time he said something funny, and made people laugh you knew he was holding back from saying something that would make people ecstatic.

Then today, it happened. He got on the phone with a girl and was a complete jerk, and funny at the same time. I mean if I was the girl I would think this guy is an asshole, but he's pretty right and funny too. The thing with funny people, is that they're usually right about what they're saying. It was transformation before my own eyes, and ears. I was ecstatic and excited that this happened. He was as he describes it "loose". A state of mind, I highly recommend.

Life is short, what do you have to lose. Be like Petey Greene, and speak your mind. If an ex-con can inspire millions, just imagine what you can do by speaking what's on your mind, and not giving a fuck about what people think. I admit, this is easier said than done. But courage is a commodity reserved for the few.

Perspective

2008-01-26T16:34:00.000-08:00

Many people gain perspectives from different experiences, and methods. I gained my most important perspective in a rather unique way. That would be the perspective of what I'm doing with my life.

In a somewhat dimly lit Italian restaurant thru eyes hiding behind a thick set of spectacles I gained perspective. Intense eyes magnified by the thickness of the spectacles were looking at me and challenging me. They belonged to one of my cousins for whom I have the utmost respect. We were generously sipping, consuming, embracing, and enjoying rather tasty and expensive Italian wine. After about the third bottle the discussions elevated to a new level of passion (As with anything else Italians do, their wines tend to generate a lot of passion as well). We discussed everything from where my cousin would move, to what he wanted to do with his life now that his medical training was coming to an end, and what would make him happy. Married, with three beautiful daughters, and owner to countless numbers of hours spent helping others, I felt my cousin had earned the right to take a moment back at this important fork he had arrived at in his life before embarking down a chosen path.

While most of the discussions were about him, and what he was doing, I managed to find time to self reflect in the middle of all this. "For future generations to come" were the words he uttered which sent my mind into a whirlwind of thoughts, flashes, and ideas. Those were the words he chose to describe how well his family would be taken care of (financially) from his hard work, and the fruits of his labor. Unfortunately, those same exact words made me realize that I probably wasn't in a shape to take care of myself (let alone my future children), and he was worrying about his future generations. In this smorgasbord of thoughts I realized that what I was doing with my time was far less valuable than what my cousin was doing with his time. We were both happy, but what we were contributing to society was vastly different.

Its sad but true, that the way other people live their lives to do what gives them happiness does have an affect on us. Maybe I'm getting older, maybe I'm starting do give a damn about things but the feeling I had in the pit of my stomach in that particular moment managed to stay with me until today. In recent years I've grown much fonder of things like music, books, and people who have made accomplishments. I guess in that moment I realized that I was living a life that completely satisfied my more stupid inhibitions, and pretty much ignored the interests of my higher conscious. Its not necessarily a bad thing, but I guess all people at some point have to come to this realization and make a decision. We have to either choose to realize this and satisfy our higher callings, or choose to ignore them. Although there is no incorrect answer, one decision will make more of a difference in the world than the other.

Up to this point I've randomly attended museums or read books and used it as an excuse to think I'm doing good. But when you see someone who is living a life of satisfying a higher calling it really gives you a good idea of where you are. Hopefully someone can read this, and understand that they too will have to make this decision of satisfying the higher calling or ignore it. Whatever you choose, I hope its something you can look back on many years from now and be proud.

Action Versus Word

2007-12-27T15:02:00.000-08:00

Actions or words? It is quite like the question which came first the chicken or the egg? However, there is one little difference between the question I pose, and the former. That difference is that my question has an answer.

They say the pen is mightier than the sword, and I whole heartedly agree. The effect that powerful words can have on the massees is much greater than what a sword can ever do. If you don't believe me, just go take a look at what Hitler or Thomas Jefferson achieved with their words.

However, words without action are useless. I am of the firm belief that actions speak lounder than words. That implementing an idea is just as important if not more than the idea its self. An idea without action is waste. Its like putting on a condom and hoping for sex. Without effort, nothing will be achieved. What makes this even more true is that any one who does one thing and says another is usually remembered for what they DID and not what they SAID.

So I suggest to you that with the finite time you've been fortunate enough to be granted, use it. Think. ACT. Achieve. It is our actions which define us, and it is our actions which we will be remembered by. Consider your fortunes, alwawys know you have a choice, and Act Accordingly.

The Right Decision

2007-12-05T18:43:00.001-08:00

How does one make the right decision? In some cases it is very clear what the right decision is. There is a clearly immoral consequence if we make the choice opposite of the right decision. If all of life's decisions were this way, it would be quite dull.

It is those decisions that make us think twice, and look back which are the decisions and choices that define us. Most of the time in these situations we know what the right thing to do is. However, our emotions take control over us, and somehow inhibit us from doing this. Whether its kissing someone you shouldn't or taking that job that forces you to move away. These soul gripping, gut wrenching decisions are the most difficult to cope with. Seldom do we make one of these decisions and not look back and wonder "what if". Unfortunately the "what ifs" are usually many. There are several paths we could have chosen, however the unfair thing about life is that we only get to choose one.

So the right decision I guess is the one that you can live with. The one that stings just a little bit every time you look in the mirror, but you can stomach it. I guess eventually you wake up one day and realize you are a masterful composition of various tolerances, and in a weird way I guess you can even call that wisdom.

Lost

2007-11-27T15:49:00.000-08:00

Sometimes time seems to get lost as if you have no idea where you put it. Its quite amazing really, when this happens because you never think that time of all things can be like this. You never realize that at some point you can see where you are in life and wonder how you got there.

For example, at 5 AM at an airport terminal I wonder when did this happen? How did it occur? Its quite easy to give into randomized sequential chaos that we call life. Its quite easy to just become one with it. It takes great discipline to stand above it, and see control it. Its not something that everyone has the ability to do...just ask the junkie on the corner. There are times, when you wonder why didn't I sleep when I could have, and you convince yourself your a man who seizes the moment. Until that moment becomes so heavy it feels like cinder blocks on your eyelids and your muscles become stagnant.

Time...does get lost. The objective is to try not to lose it too often. It would be nice to be able to have a systematic routine that provided discipline and control in life, but it would also be bland. What to do? I really don't know. I guess seize all the moments you can, and remember them.

Memories

2007-11-13T06:25:00.000-08:00

When you learn and you live
and you love and you give,
you start to realize that life's a trying test
yesterday's memories and today's realities
keep our emotions in check, and bring out our best
We try not to let the fragrance of nostalgia
trigger a cascade of thoughts
Yet in the end we are simply what we are
People. With yearnings built in the heart stored in the mind,
and embedded in the soul.

The Stank Profile

2007-11-06T09:29:00.000-08:00

I've come to the conclusion that although we are all unique as humans, as cultures we have several traits that help identify us and provide a common thread for people of a certain background, creed, or location. I am not a racist, or any kind of ..-cist, however I've realized that different people have different odors...which I like to call the Stank Profile.

Where did this genius revelation come from you might ask? Well, it happened yesterday evening when I was at the Ft. Lauderdale airport Chili's restaurant grabbing a bite to eat waiting for my flight to arrive. I was eating my chips, and blackbean burger, when out of no where a gentleman comes next to me and asks if the seat next to me at the bar was available. It was so I said "Its all yours". I then returned to take another bite into my veggie heaven sandwhiched between to pieces of bread with just the right amount of hot sauce, and it happened. A nauseating odor had infiltrated my nostrils. It was highly repulsive yet familiar. Then I realized, I recognized this odor from the gym. It was the stank of an African-American man-sweat (my buddy that used to spot me at the gym, stank like this all the time after some cardio). In that instant, not only did I abandon my meal, pay my bill, and get out of there, I also realized that we as humans have a stank profile. This is the general profile of odor we emitt when our deoderants and anti-perspirants have failed us. I've narrowed them down to the following:

Indians - A combination of paprika, lemon juice, & diarrhea
Blacks (by this I mean those from the islands as well as Africa...I don't mean this in a racist way) - a combination of sweat, rotten lettuce, & stale beer
Whites (non-jewish) - a combination of burnt hot dogs, puke, and olives
Whites (Jewish) - a combination of spoiled cabbage, wet hair, and mayonnaise
Hispanic - a combination of refried-bean-fart, jalapenos, & Taco Bell meat
Oriental - a combination of burnt-oil, cough syrup, and onions

I hope I did not offend anyone by this, I was hoping to offend everyone equally. Actually, if your honest with yourself, you may even find some truth in these observations.

Dirty Balanced Sex

2007-10-25T20:14:00.000-07:00

All men are created equal. However, men and women, now that is a completely different story altogether. Living in a modern society with civil and women's rights allows any chap to clearly understand that men and women are not created equal.

There are differences for example in business between men and women, and there are also differences in relationships. For example, a woman may think its okay for her to talk to her ex-boyfriend, but she will forbid her current lover to do so. At the same time there are inequalities in the business world between men and women, where a man may get a certain job over a woman.

Sex is the universal equalizer. Sex is the one place where a man does what he wants to when he wants to and (in most cases) the woman enjoys every bit of it. The "dirtier" it is, the more mutually its enjoyed.

I've realized in life we all keep our double standards, where we want our partners to act one way, even though we don't necessarily act that way ourselves. However, its sex that keeps us going, its sex that keeps us pursuing new relationships when others have failed, and you better believe its sex that allows a man to feel like a man and a woman to enjoy every bit of it. Its exciting, its pleasurable, its a power trip, and most of all if its done right it can even be beautiful. I almost think of it as god's way of keeping the balance, and a tool given to us to pass the various obstacles in the journey of life.

A Wonderful Adventure We All Call Life

2007-10-23T19:58:00.000-07:00

We dance and we sing,
and enjoy all that it brings
We sulk and we pout,
When we're not even sure what its all about
We think we understand,
and then fate's hand unravels a new path
A path of hope a path of fear,
just when we're sure the inevitable is near
We pray for the safety of our child or wife
but the adventure is not over its a journey of life
Once in a while our bonds are tested
just to ensure our priorities have not rested
We learn from the twist and the strife
that in the end its a wonderful adventure we all call life.

Making a difference

2007-10-20T12:30:00.000-07:00

The words sometimes sound like a cheesy slogan. It seems so insignificant the little actions of our lives and what they may seem to be in the ocean that we call life. It seems like there are so many ways to do it. But making a difference is an act of passion. If it is not, well then it is just a cheesy slogan.

I've read some books by some extraordinary people, but the way Mr. Gregory David Roberts has accounted for his life, and the events that make up his life is a testament to the fact that the "little" actions of our lives do end up turning into waves in an ocean of life that sometimes even crash on others to make a difference.

Have I made a diffence? Well after 27 years of existence I like to think I've made some difference. I know I've taught a close cousin how to speak English, which is one of my better differences, and probably one of my worst differences I've made is that I've presented certain people with certain options that they probably wouldn't have had if it were not for me.

I've done many things, some good, and some bad, but nothing as significant as I'd like it to be. The pen is mightier than the sword, and this is an exact truth. The influence of words has formed nations, started wars, and restored order. But all of it can be attributed to somebody who just wanted to make a difference.

Sensational Little Feelings

2007-09-11T10:23:00.000-07:00

1. When you get up and decide to dance, no matter who is watching.

2. When your favorite team makes the game winning play.

3. When you decide to finally talk to the person you were shy about approaching.

4. The first sip of the first cup of coffee in the morning.

5. The first day after you get over a cold.

6. When your head finally stops spinning after a hangover.

7. The first bite of food when you have the munchies.

8. First paycheck of a new job

9. Winning a fight with a customer service representative.

10. When a song reaches your favorite part.

The Run of My Life

2007-09-03T18:06:00.000-07:00

I agreed to help my sister move out of her apartment in Boston. I had to take a bus up there. To get to the bus, I had to take a train. To get to the train I had to drive home, park my car, and then get a ride there. Be that as it may for my sister, I was willing to go thru all the trials and tribulations that lead up to me finally getting a Uhaul and dragging all her stuff down to wonderful New Jersey.

Anyhow, with all the hoops and hurdles I had to run thru, I was bound to run late and I did. I couldn't believe how late I actually ran. I missed the first train I had to catch and that set me back by 40 minutes. Which inevitably left me late for everything else I had to catch. So as I was on my second (of 3) trains, I decided I was gonna change my plan. I decided I was gonna take the Path train to the World Trade Center and risk getting to the bus to Boston.

So finally, I had my mind made up. My bus ticket was non-refundable, and if I missed it I'd probably have to buy another ticket, and wait an hour. I got off the train at 5:45 PM at the world trade center, and I had no idea which way the Bus was. I figured I can catch a cab. But like I said, it was 5:45 PM and getting a cab was practically impossible. There was a cop on the street and I decided to ask him if he knew which way Canal Street was. "Yeah, about 9 blocks that way". I took off. With my work clothes on and a duffle bag hanging across my body, I took off in the direction of Canal street. I ran passed people, on the street, jumped over objects, and accidentally hit innocent pedestrians without realizing it with my bag.

"You okay!?" a cop yelled. I said "which way to the Fung Wah bus?" He yelled "Five blocks up that way". Once again, I took off. This time it was worst because I was in China town, so it was packed. I didn't have a watch and couldn't gauge how much time I had, and on top of that it was up hill. For a split second, I decided I should quit and then it hit me that I ran too hard and too far to quit. So I sucked it up, and ran with all my might towards the bus.

I arrived at a red light. There was tons of New York City traffic between me and my bus. I waited, let the light change, and sprinted towards my bus. With sweat dripping dripping down my body and onto my fingers I grabbed my ticket and gave it to the Asian lady. I boarded the bus, looking like I just stepped out of a shower with all the confidence in the world.

I sat down and put my bag down and pulled out an extra t-shirt to dry off. It was in that moment I realized the power of Pushing. In that ironic stupid little moment I knew I had what it takes to get something done. Its a beatiful feeling.

The Beauty of Poison

2007-06-07T17:32:00.001-07:00

I've come to realize that poison is beautifully powerful. It occured to me today that a single drop of poison can make an entire glass of water lethal. One tiny little drop of poison can completely and utterly affect an entire glass of water.

Then it occured to me, that people can also be like poison (in both a good sense, as well as a malicious sense). Hitler was like poison, but I'd also tell you that so was Mahatma Gandhi or Nelson Mandella. There aren't too many people in this world who are like poison. Like anything else, these people come in different shapes/forms, and of course they can bring about a good or a bad change.

No matter what the case, you have to sit back and at least admire when someone has the ability to do that. When someone can create so much change in a world that seems to be so much greater than a glass of water. Which naturally brings me to my next question. What does it take to be like poison? Is great suffering involved, before great change can occur?

I'm simply of the belief that for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. So if someone goes thru a lot of bad shit in their life, and some point in some way it may balance out and the person can do something truly remarkable. Nelson Mandella, Mahatma Gandhi, and even Oprah all suffered a great deal before they made a beautiful change in the world we now occupy.

Life Lesson: Lauging with the Sinners

2007-06-03T17:03:00.000-07:00

I've decided that as I go thru life I'll take time occasionally to share the small things that I learn. I figured I'll call these things Life Lessons, and I hope there are many more to come.

I've realized that in life, it is easier to laugh with the sinners than to cry with the saints. As we tread thru the waters of life, we often realize that laughter makes our lives more fulfilling. However, we rarely want to take time to cry with the saints. Laughter usually means we are in good company having a good time.

However, crying may not suggest so. In my opinion, crying is much more important than laughter. While laughter may give our lives fulfillment, it is crying that gives our lives meaning. Crying makes you realize that you've lost something you don't want to live without. It may mean your in a situation where you are so overwhelmed with joy that the only appropriate response has to be weeping. Crying, is very important. Without it, we'd never know what we stand for, what we care for, and what we live for.

Enjoy life, laugh with the sinners, but please be sure to cry with the saints.

No Time for Me

2007-04-11T19:41:00.000-07:00

In my work, and personal life I'm finding more and more that it's harder to make time for me. I'm also realizing that the more you reflect, the more you do make time for yourself, the better your chances are of staying true to your pure desires and true aspirations.

This little exercise of blogging, may seem ridiculous, but it is very necessary. You need to take some time on a consistent basis to check yourself. Every once in a while, life throws something at you that makes you re-evaluate who you are and what you stand for. Right or wrong, as long as you know where you stand...that's the important thing.

Life is too short to piss away to other peoples desires and appointments. Do your work, know who you are, and don't ever forget that.

Addicted to Wealth

2007-03-18T18:45:00.000-07:00

We all want to be wealthy. In some way shape or form, we all want to be wealthy. For some its material, for others its spiritual, and for others it may be something else. But there is something that we all want a lot of. Every once in a while you see something, that reminds you by sending a chill through your spine of why you want it. A nice car, a beautiful woman, or in my case the premier suite at the Waldorf Astoria in New York City.

The place is so big it actually has a fricken echo! I walked into this room, and got the same feeling I got when I watched the movie "Thomas Crown Affair". It was a sensation that went through me, and reminded me that I wanted to be rich, I wanted to be wealthy. You see a lifestyle, and think to yourself....why not me? Well, hopefully it can be some time.

This suite that I"m staying at for work, was a shocking reminder as to why I wanted what I desired. It was an egotistical sense of accomplishment, which I know for me will come with some hard work. In any case, I know the journey will be worth it, because if it feels this good being here for someone else, I can't imagine how good it must be to be here for yourself.

Lucky Breaks

2007-03-13T18:54:00.000-07:00

Lucky breaks. What are they? Are they a warning that something worst is going to happen at the expense of your current situation? Are they a sign that you need to change your life because you never know how many times you can be this "lucky"?

Let me tell you, I"ve definately had my share of lucky breaks. To this day, I still can't figure out what it's all supposed to add up to. Have I had my share of shit go wrong? Absolutely. But sometimes it feels like that was nothing compared to the stuff I got out of. In some cases, being lucky to just be alive.

I still don't know what lucky breaks are, but I can tell you I've recently had another one. Does it scare me, that something much worst can happen down the road? Well, to be honest I don't care about anything harmful happening to me, I just don't want anything bad happening to someone I love. I've always felt that I can handle what goes wrong in my life. It's those that you love, whether they're friends, spouses, children, or relatives is what makes it tough for me. I tell you what though...the stupidest thing that you can do, is if your in a situation and you get out..is to not learn from it.

The one thing we're all capable of is learning from our mistakes. If you don't, it only means you choose not to....and maybe next time...you won't be so lucky.

People Skills

2007-03-06T20:01:00.000-08:00

I've discovered when it comes to people skills, you either get it or you don't. I cannot believe in corporate america the number of people I've run into without common sense! Its absolutely nuts. I was once sitting in a meeting and a lady goes "the guy is probably old and crazy with a lot of gray hair and doesn't know what he's doing. Just like my ex-husband". Mind you an older gentleman (who happens to be a VP in the company) was sitting right there!!! Are you freakin kidding me? On the other hand, I've also seen people elegantly manipulate other people to get them to do what they want as if they're puppeteers. I find the interaction between two people so amazing, because you never know what your gonna get. Its just mind-boggling to me how America has the economy it has, with the people that it has. I mean...really? How can this many people contribute to the Gross Domestic Product of a country who have no common sense, and still have the GDP be positive? After witnessing the stupidity first hand, I now understand why people are concerned why other countries may pass us as a "super power".

Although, I think I may have an explanation. I also find it that people who don't "get it" when it comes to people skills, have tools that get them by. Some people play dumb, others are great BS artist and always find something else to blame the problem on, however my favorite are the yellers. These are the people who just yell, regardless of what they are saying. You can say something to them, and they'll disagree with you and yell. After they stop yelling, you can rationalize with them, and re-iterate your point of view, and they'll agree with you by yelling. I find that the yellers are usually people in power because they tend to take credit (also by yelling) of other people's ideas (since most other people are not willing to get in a yelling match).

In conclusion, people need to go by some common sense. They need to respect others, and hopefully we can accomplish more good than harm.

Book Review: The Alchemist

2007-03-03T19:22:00.000-08:00

Every once in a while you read a book, and you completely relate to it. You almost feel like your one of the characters in the book, and the story your reading is your own (hopefully it has a happy ending). There are very few books that have ever moved me the way The Alchemist has. The book simply impels you to understand your purpose. They say that when you live your life "on purpose" you are bound to find success and meaning to your daily existence. Many of us, live the lives we settle for. A few of us dare to explore, and even fewer have what it takes to follow our dreams to the end, even if it means failure. This book is simply inspirational, and written in a prose that is implicitly brilliant yet deceptively simple. Just easy words presented and organized in a way that leaves you moved. You can not read this book without letting your mind wander. It makes you question many things that you are doing. Every once in a while, a person like me needs a good slap in the face like this one to realize how precious the time we have actually is.

Movies: Boondock Saints

2007-03-02T12:52:00.000-08:00

I recently just watched this movie, which I've been waiting to see for quite some time. I definately thought it was pretty cool. There's definately some memorable lines from this movie, that I'll probably be quoting. Anyhow, I thought the concept was a simple one, that's been done many times before. Viglantes going around killing people who do wrong. However, I think the whole religous element just adds a spiritual dimension to the whole thing. On top of that the two brothers are cool as hell, and seem like they'd be great company at a bar.

The price of success

2007-03-02T10:44:00.000-08:00

Many people often claim they would do anything for success. However, I've realized as I grow older the cost of success. Those people who are excellent at what they do, are absolutely passionate about it. One of my favorite people is Michael Jordan. He loved to play basketball. He enjoyed every moment of dribbling a ball and being on a court. What does it cost? Just limited friends, time with the family, and lack of a social life while he was playing. Which makes me wonder, do social networking sites such as facebook or myspace actually help us or hinder us in being successful? From what I can tell, in order to be succesfull at something you have to be absolutely devoted to it. How can we ever be devoted to anything if we're adding new myspace friends, or updating our profiles?

Personally, I think I'm finally beginning to see what it takes to be succesful. Those people who are successful completely committ themselves to what they want to do, and they don't care if you feel bad they didn't attend your social event, because they were working. In my own limited way, those people who I knwo that I would call succesful, basically just worked like there was nothing else going on in their lives, until they could afford the luxury of attending someone's party or social function. I guess its just hard for me to grasp because all my life, I've been the one attending the social functions, and I guess that would be my sacrifice for success. That would be my price for success. I guess, time will tell...

What's Your Medical Specialty?

2007-02-26T05:52:00.000-08:00

The medical specialty for you is.... Cardiology

Cardiology is the best of all specialties. As a cardiologist, you'll be sure to profit from the sharp increase in obesity. You'll open at clinic across the street from a McDonalds and retire a billionaire.

To find out what specialty best fits your unique personality, go to:

What Medical Specialty Is For You?

The "Fuck It" Point

2007-02-25T11:54:00.000-08:00

I've realized in life, two of the most dangerous words are "Fuck It". Those two words have either made people do extraordinary things, or completely destroyed them. I mean these two words, from the beginning of conscious awareness and civilization have done everything from cause bar fights, to help forge nations. For example, the founding fathers had to make a decision about whether or not to let Britain rule them, and at some point they decided "Fuck It" its our country.

With that said I believe that as we carry on in our lives, we will often reach what I like to call the "fuck it" point. Now, I must give credit where its do, and this dawned on me after I had rad Malcom Gladwell's book "The Tipping Point". I should also mention, that I was running 8 miles which I had never done before, and the runner's high could've brought upon me this enlightenment. Be that as it may, I believe the "Fuck-it" point is where an individual has to make a decision that is critical and the ramifications of how he/she answers this question will be severely magnified. It is the metaphoric fork in the road, but the consequences of the chosen path will either make you or break you. For example, you can be at a party, and be feeling pretty drunk and your buddy offers you one more, and thus you've reached the "fuck-it" point. You can either say no, and probably remember the most of your night, or you can say "fuck-it" and divulge into one more drink. However, in the back of your mind, you know that you drink one more, your not going to stop there. But you've reached your "fuck-it" point, and decided to either go one way or the other, and the consequences can be either immensely rewarding, or gravely dangerous. Usually, if you've decided to say "fuck it" and dive into another drink, the next time you re-gain consciousness you will probably be the butt of a joke, or someone's jail mate.

However, I would also like to say that realizing the "fuck it" point in your life every time you reach one is very critical. Unfortunately for me, I didn't realize these points earlier in my life, which led to some pretty crazy consequences. As an individual recognizing these "fuck it" points and making a SMART decision at these points is more likely to lead you to live a happier life. Now, I want to make clear that the decisions made at these points should always necessarily be the right ones, I'm just saying, its important to recognize these critical junctures. I truly believe that in life, you have to make some bad decisions, in order to appreciate the good decisions you make.

In conclusion, you never know what lies ahead of your path in life, but recognize the "fuck it" points along the way, and at least you'll be consciously aware of the consequences. Everything else, is just an aftermath of the decisions made by us at the "fuck it" points.