New Years!

It'll be 2011 soon. Hurray! 万歳！
Okay, In truth I don't celebrate most holidays. That includes New Years. Too many people celebrate reaching another year after they did nothing with the current one. It's really only an accomplishment if you have made some type of progress. For me each New Year just means I'm going to have to spend about two months scribbling out or erasing the date I wrote down because it always takes me a while to switch my habit of using the old year for the new one. 2000 was the worst- you had to get rid of not 1 but all 4 numbers.

However there is another side of New Years for me. The New Years period is the time I take to check up on friends and tell them how I'm doing. I've been one of those friends who kind of forgets you once you're not in my daily or weekly life so I started a tradition a few years ago as a step in the direction of changing that. Problem is I totally forgot last year so I am writing this entry in part to remind myself this year. I have in fact already started with 年賀状(nengajo)! (For those who don't know what nengajo are, think of them as a New Years greeting cards.) So I'm looking forward to the year and all that it brings. Enjoy the Holidays everyone!

Don't What?

I'm glad to see this Don't Ask Don't Tell thing has finally ended. Yes, it was signed by the Senate and the House and is waiting to be signed by the president. This will help end persecution of people who are giving their lives for their country. This is the only thing that made sense. I remember when I first heard the term "don't ask don't tell" and I though it meant that homosexuals did not have to tell if they wanted and that others weren't allowed to ask. In other words I though it was to protect these individuals who are serving their country, not alienate them.

The more this has been discussed the more I was convinced that this policy was a gross injustice that should end as quickly as possible. I do listen to more than one side of arguments but no matter what I don't see how you can have someone endanger their life for you and fire or not hire them if they are honest about themselves. In every other sector that would be um....illegal. This should not be surprising as the US military has always been behind the times with human rights- segregating black until after WW2, having Japanese American troops even as they held other Japanese American citizens in concentration camps, and still holds a reputation for exciting racial division, but sexual orientation is a private matter and never needed to be involved in the military's process.

I admit that when I was a child I would not play with the guy who hung out with the girls and acted a bit too feminine, but as you grow you put aside childish behavior. This conflict makes me wonder about the scale of homophobia in the America. How would a person being honest about their relationships, marriages or other family "create an unacceptable risk to the high standards of morale, good order and discipline, and unit cohesion that are the essence of military capability."? Really what did people think was going to happen? A soldier will find out the guy he works with likes guys and will run into enemy gunfire in order to get away?

Panty & Stocking with Garterbelt

Yes,you read the title right, Panty & Stocking with Garterbelt. "Panty & Stocking with Garterbelt" is the name of a new anime. I don't know what it's about and to be honest though I am curious I'm not sure if I want to know. More importantly-at least to me- is the fact that m-flo's Taku Takahashi produced the soundtrack for the show and the talented, Emyli sings in one of the songs.
Those interested, can check out more info here

ニュースレター

最に大きなプロジェクトを終えた。今学期、大学の新聞（ニュースレター）の編集者になった。実は数年前から発行していなかった新聞の発行を再開したのだ。先月最初の号を発行した。あと9号残っている。残りの号は最初の号よりも簡単に発行できることを願う。

Black Friday

Yesterday was Thanksgiving here in the US. I don't really celebrate the holiday (as I consider it and Columbus Day, as practically celebrating the killing of millions of Native Americans)but I do celebrate food...everyday. So I hope everyone was able to eat and fill up on things good and tasty. I also hope everyone is enjoying and not going crazy today. If you are out buying gifts for those you love it makes no sense to hurt people someone else loves. Speaking of "love" this song has been in my head for a few days so I thought I'd share :"Love Mode"

Clazziquai project, Pe'z and M-flo are all pretty good bands. I suggest you check them out if you never heard of them before.
My recommendation is;
Instant Pig & Color Your Soul for Clazziquai
Astromantic, Beat Space Nine, and Cosmicolor for M-flo
I haven't heard any full Pe'z CDs to recommend one.

Question of the Day

Does anyone really believe there are no such things as dumb questions?

To me there are dumb questions. They are what people ask after you have already answered their question. I'm not talking about you answered the question and they don't understand it. I mean when you answer and they would have understood if they were paying attention or too busy asking the question to just listen.

Star Wars Revisited

A friend posted this the other day and I found it interesting so want to share. It shows that the despite the perception and awards Han Solo received in Star Wars he was not the one who shot Darth Vader's spacecraft. There is really a hidden hero in the film. Yes, once again stupidity wins the day!

The TIE Fighter Pilot Who Saved The Day in 'Star Wars'

New Style of Poetry

I am working on a new style of poetry. This summer I have been inspired by poets from Rwanda and Somalia and my own relative's spoken word. The funny thing is that in some ways I'm going back to a similar way I originally wrote-without form and only occasionally noticing the rhyme.

For the last year I have been working on different form poetry styles, such as sonnets, tanka, and haikus, etc. I will still write some form poetry for mental exercise but now my attention has shifted to free verse. To put it simply instead of looking at it on paper I am examining how it sounds listening to. I'm excited to see where this will go.

Interesting

Blogger now shows me the statistics data of my blog. I'm definitely surprised by some of the results. Since I don't update much I always assumed that I wouldn't get many daily or weekly visitors but apparently I do. I guess I'll have to be more careful with what I write from now on.
Another interesting fact is that other than through Facebook, most people link to my page through Japan's Yahoo and U.K.'s Google? I wonder why it's so international. I could understand Japan a bit since I post in Japanese from time to time but I wonder what makes this blog interesting to someone in England or Ireland. I only know two people who are in the UK and another who visited during the summer.
What most surprised me was the most viewed post, which was.... おっと！ . Really?! I didn't think it was that interesting, it was practically a random rant, but I guess it was to other people. Maybe it's because I used a curse word in it. I don't know. Whatever attracts people is just one of those things I never really understood.

Maybe I was Wrong

Well there is a first time for everything. As the idea of my being wrong is so shocking I suggest taking sitting down in case you faint. I'm sure you want all the facts. This concerns Antonie Dodson of the Bed intruder song fame. The first time I saw the news segment where he gave his rant I thought 'What an idiot. Why does the news bother giving him so much face time.' and seeing him as an embarrassment to the black community I quickly tried to put him out my mind.
The bad dream did not end there however, as not long afterward I found out about the song that was growing in popularity. I even found out people I considered intelligent friends were lapping up the ridiculous rhyme. I tried to not mention how stupid it was for people to light of an attempted rape as I learned like Rome that people do not like to be interrupted from their circus.
I read an article recently that has led me to change my mind-somewhat. While I usually dislike those profiting off the perceived stupidity of black people I may make an exception on the part of Mr. Dodson. He did not just enjoy the fame for two seconds but instead is selling the song on itunes and shirts to make enough profits according to the article to allow him to move his family from the project where the incident occurred while continuing his college education. Either way I do wish him and his family the best and hope the assailant is brought to justice.
Source: news.yahoo.com,blacksnob.com

Munyurangabo

I just want to give a quick blast to a movie I watched the other day, Munyurangabo. It's a great movie and I hope more people get to see it. It did not come out in American movie theaters, only film festivals, so those interested will need to find it on DVD. It was made in Rwanda with an all Rwandan cast and staff other than the American director, Lee Isaac Chung and deals with relations after the genocide and redemption.
As a poet one of my favorite parts was when the poet, Edouard Uwayo delivered his own inspiring poem to the audience, breaking the fourth wall in an inspiring way. I would describe more however I wouldn't want to give away the plot or what happens in the film for those who see it.

The Problem with Insomnia

"And mostly, I'm up and stressin', when other folks sleep.
Believe me, I know struggle, and struggle knows me."~K'naan(Strugglin')

I seem to have some type of insomnia problem. I have always had interesting sleep patterns; Able to go full throttle off maybe a daily 3 hour nap for a whole week or more or being able to wake up early if I wanted to and, what I prize most now, being able to go to sleep in a second. I've realized these last two months that I now can't seem to control it though. Last night I lay in bed for almost 4 hours trying to get back to sleep! I find myself tired and feeling like I'm only half there often. This is creating problems because I have been running around, doing a lot of things lately and it looks like I will only have more stuff on my plate soon.

Everything has a goodside though.
1. The only thing keeping me semi-alert sometimes is music. This has led to me rediscovering artist like Common. I have been a fan of Common for a while but can't remember the last time I listened to one of his albums. Now I can't get enough of the Finding Forever album.

2.On midnight journeys I've gone back to Lang-8 after a long hiatus. I posted about the nebuta and found someone else who carried it! What a coincidence that we would both be on lang-8 and find each other. Well technically she found me but only because I posted so I deserve some of the credit.

25 guitars and Nisei Week

Nisei Week is over. I am already missing it, but I'm also looking forward to next year. I think I may even have a more hands-on participation next year. *wink wink* The thing about Little Tokyo's Nisei Week ending is that it means more than just nisei week's festivals and celebrations coming to their yearly close, but also the end of obon season for me. That two month period on the weekends is the only time I see some friends.
But hey I can't mope, I have too many things to do and the great thing about living in the middle of L.A. is; there is always something going on. The 3rd annual Sunset Strip Music Festival is around the corner and less than a week away on the 28th! Unfortunately, I decided to not attend this year, however in my own way of celebrating West Hollywood's efforts I went on a kind of treasure hunt to "Guitartown". I walked the strip looking for the 26 10 foot guitars. I found them all except the one inside the Viper Room. I enjoyed the trip as I walked from one end of the strip to the next, rediscovering some places and finding new ones to check out.
The great thing to remember about these events is they are meant for the whole city- you are a part of the Gibsons guitars that are dotting the strip even if you aren't into music and even if you aren't Japanese or nisei you are part of Nisei Week so enjoy them. And hey! if you find some new events that are going on, tell me about them.

Nisei Week Parade 2010

Here is a video of this year's Nisei Week Parade from Rafu Shimpo.

Kudos Anne Rice

I just want to say I understand Anne Rice's decision. I think it is something that she decided after soul searching and thought. I like several friends have seen problems with organized religion. I think it is most regrettable that the most vocal "Christians" out there are usually also seem to be the most hateful and small-minded. I think it is also a shame that people will judge Rice without considering her point of view. I myself have not made any final determinations as far as religion goes but I understand, support, and respect Rice's decision.

Utada!!!

Utada Hikaru announced via her blog that she will go on hiatus in 2011. After she released This Is The One, her second English album, and starting her America-Europe tour I thought I might get a chance to see her live. She has worked on this album for so long it felt like she was already on hiatus. Even though This Is The One is my least favorite of Hikki's (Utada) albums I wouldn't mind going just to hear her sing "Simple and Clean" and I would like to hear songs from either her Exodus or Japanese albums. Hopeful she will perform again in the future. Until then I'll just have to "keep tryin'"

Flash Mob Dance!

Hey L.A., Join the Flash Mob Dance!

Rehearsal at 9pm on Thursday, August 5th at the JACCC (Japanese American Cultural Community Center) downtown's Little Tokyo.
Event is on Friday, August 13th at 2nd LA Tanabata Festival, in front of Japanese American Museum at 5pm.
Here is an example of the song you would dance to ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjP79-0aE7k)

Message me or leave a comment if you are interested so I can send you the information and get your head count to the organizer. Join now, it's going to be fun.

Oregon Trail : The Movie

I picked this up from blacksnob.com . It's funny for those who have played Oregon Trail, an educational game that was suppose to teach you how settlers survived in journeys to the west but really showed you how many things could go wrong on a road trip. Here is a trailer for a spoof of the game.
I don't know how many times I died by a snakebite on this game, but I could probably make a road with all the bloated puss-filled bodies that my virtual selves left. I ended up finding out the trick was to drive hard at the beginning, save your money until you are about halfway (stuff is more expensive but it won't fall off in rivers), to slow down midway in the trail, and avoid rivers whenever possible. I also remember that the epilogue at the end was a great disappointment. I went through all of that just to create a town after years of more hard-work! No gold or harem of wives or something! anyway...

Reasons to Have an Afro

I haven't done one of these post in a while.
Reasons to Have an Afro (continued):
10.People in my family, including my Grandfather, Grandmother, and Uncle had one at some point.
11.At concerts I get women asking to take a picture with me instead of with the band that just played!
12.Did I mention girls like to touch it?

Needs to be said

I picked this up from averagebro.com today. I am glad there are people in Washington DC who are saying what needs to be said. The United States's process is so clouded and choked up by the partisanship and decision to not make decisions. I also find this clip interesting because it shows how these "leaders" of our country do not even show each other common courtesy. Are these really the people we want our children to become?

"Line"

I have finally been able to make it to a chapbook reading at The Last Bookstore. Once again I am inspired to work with the flow of words. Here is a quick draft I created today, I might publish the finished poem later if I remember.

Line

The line is there in front,

segment extending horizontally.

Colors a monotone yellow, yet a myriad with the blending of red and orange.

Straight it starts, yet it grows into a half-sphere.

This sunset glows with warmth.

This sunset glows with hope.

「気の強い女の子が好きになる男性８タイプ」

この記事は友が僕にmixiで教えてくれた。
http://news.mixi.jp/view_news.pl?media_id=75&id=1275217
明らかに僕はタイプ１（静かな男）ですね。今ちょうど気の強い女が必要 だろう！（笑）

Hate - a poem

I just visited my friend's blog and it made me realize that I haven't posted one of my poems on here for a while. Here is an old short thinking poem of mine, "Hate".
Hate
I Hate You!
It’s your fault too.

Yet, with time it all seems minor.
Why even bother?
--------------------
(Version 2)
I Hate You!
It’s your fault too.

Why must we burn so intensely?
...when it's the hottest flame that cools most quick?

How did we start fighting over matters, that time
shows are not the effort we spent?

I am working on a book project idea that I've had since I saw Neruda's book of love poems. Mine will have 50 Love and Break-up poems. I have chosen about half so far, but about a quarter of those I will probably edit or drop so... In fact the slightly newer poem I was initially going to post I decided to save for the project and perhaps edit. Worst, I don't write love poems that often, but I plan on having fun with this so wish me luck everyone.

おっと！

ああファック！今ばかり気がつく！慣れたは1つの言 語で特定の人のために書いた、でも今では安全じゃない。だめだめ。オンライン翻訳・ソフトウェアは利用できるので、言語を知っていない別の人は言葉を読んで きます。
待ってよ！　心配ことは何ですのか？彼女は読めば、同じ過ちをすることはないだろう。。。ね？
私が間違って言って下さい。

まあ。私は、彼女がそれを読む気にしないけど。。。
オンライン・ソフトウェアは僕の翻訳者としての将来のためによくじゃない

いい夏になりそう

おととい、素晴らしいライブショーに行った。この週末、繁華街にお盆祭りが開かれます。そして、八月に最近｛さいきん｝の好きなアーティスト、K'naanのライブに行っておく。この夏の時が楽しくなりそう。
良かったー！　秋の時は難しかった。これまでに良いことも悪いこともいろいろあった。少しい失恋と失望を経験したが、今希望がもてます。

七夕 / I'm in love

It's 7/7 today, otherwise known as Tanabata. This "7th night" holiday is celebrated in Japan and several other countries in Asia. It's essentially connected to the movement of the stars and a romance story that I'll write a quick overview of here:
Basically a lowly cow-herder and an celestial princess meet and fall in love. As seems apt to happen with young lovers they neglected their duties once they found themselves enthralled with each other. The princess happened to also be the weaver of heaven's clothes and gods are apparently neither fans of wearing old clothes, nor of cows running around heaven. The lovers were punished, sent to opposite ends of heaven and allowed to meet each other once a year. I think there is a great lesson in fatherly love here that demands his daughter to work 364 days and then get a one day break to meet your love but the story is actually about the lovers.
So why am I mentioning this holiday? Simply because I have found myself loving someone too recently. Now I don't use the word loosely. Of all the women I liked I haven't told any of them "I love you", this including those women I believe I may have actually "loved". The word is too powerful to just throw around, so I have only said it to family members. However I will gladly tell the world about my new love, in fact I can't stop talking about her!
She's the brightest light in this dark world. With those curious eyes that seem to say they have seen so much yet want to see even more, she' the absolute cutest baby ever. I don't even find most babies cute but she is. Definitely. The best foster baby cousin a guy can have!
Okay, so yes, technically she's family. But still... she's a darling, and I only met her on the 4th of July so... I'm not the only one who has become entranced by her either. Wait! speaking of which what happened to her little brother? I think we all neglected him as we vied for her attention. Guess he'll have to work on his cute factor or something.

Youtube, you're great

You can add that sweet B sharp sound of vuvuvelas to a youtube video now with one click of a button now? Awesome! Everyone click that soccerball icon on the right and hear the sweet music.
Meanwhile...

The Quarter-Finals have arrived

The world Cup has reached the quarter-finals. For now on it's lose and you are out for the teams. S. Korea has been eliminated in a nice match with Uruguay. Next up: USA v. Ghana.
Speaking of the World Cup, I have had this song for World Cup fans that may touch on the greatest attraction of the World Cup.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8HmDVz1ED84
For those who don't know, a vuvuela is a horn. Here is the wikipedia page for it with a picture: Vuvuzela

World Cup-Week 1 wrap up

I haven't been able to watch the whole games but I've seen at least part of all the games. One may have been duller than the knives fans used to end their misery but most have been good. The most interesting game so far has been today's Germany v. Australia. Germany had amazing precision and planning while Australia had lost of thuggery and unabashed cheating. All in all, it created a nice show with a 4-0 finish! The USA - England game, on the other hand, was a bit of an embarrassment since we can't really brag about Green's fumble. Speaking of which, I feel for the guy you know he'll never live that down. It's all part of what makes the game fun though. I just can't believe this time zone difference has games starting at 4:30 am. I better get some sleep for tomorrow.

FIFA Wold Cup!!!!

I watched the FIFA opening ceremonies and kick-off celebration today. Thanks Univision. It was quite something. I heard some favorite artist and found some new ones to check out. I am pretty hyped about the games. This is partly because I wasn't able to watch last year and partly because this is historic: the first games in Africa! Yes, That means I will be up tomorrow at 6am to watch the first game.

Speaking of which, I wish I could find a simple schedule to know when all the games are though. It seems there should be something online with the info. If anyone knows a website with the schedule in PST tell me. If I can't find one I guess I'll have to register on the FIFA site but I rather not make another account I'll just forget. Anyway here is a new favorite song, "Wavin' Flags" that I heard today at the Kick-off. It's one of the official songs for the 2010 World Cup.

Now wave your flag!

I want a break up!

I guess not everyone can just say the words. I found this interesting site to help them out, ibreakup.net. I haven't used it but just the idea makes me chuckle. Of course who knows I may need it one day!

I wrote a random poem on the site.

"Break up"
This must end.

Relationships need to split,

time goes on and suddenly that's it.

How can it be said?

...so these problems could be put to bed?

Just as when we began:

Searching for the words, but

need advice on how to start on this subject and break the ice.

Can You Tell?

Hi all, June has begun and looks like it'll be a nice month. Here are two music videos from a band whose CD I found recently and really enjoyed, Ra Ra Riot.




"Dying is Fine"

Give All To Love

A friend suggested I read Ralph W. Emerson's "Give All To Love". I think she was trying to give me advice about something but the point escapes me for the moment. Maybe it's something I'll get later on when I have more time. However, since it's in the public domain I thought I would share it and you readers, who might appreciate it and may understand the underlying meanings. It's not my favorite of Emerson's poems but it's okay.

Give all to love;

Obey thy heart;

Friends, kindred, days,

Estate, good fame,

Plans, credit, and the muse;

Nothing refuse.

'Tis a brave master,

Let it have scope,

Follow it utterly,

Hope beyond hope;

High and more high,

It dives into noon,

With wing unspent,

Untold intent;

But 'tis a god,

Knows its own path,

And the outlets of the sky.

'Tis not for the mean,

It requireth courage stout,

Souls above doubt,

Valor unbending;

Such 'twill reward,

They shall return

More than they were,

And ever ascending.

Leave all for love;—

Yet, hear me, yet,

One word more thy heart behoved,

One pulse more of firm endeavor,

Keep thee to-day,

To-morrow, for ever,

Free as an Arab

Of thy beloved.

Cling with life to the maid;

But when the surprise,

Vague shadow of surmise,

Flits across her bosom young

Of a joy apart from thee,

Free be she, fancy-free,

Do not thou detain a hem,

Nor the palest rose she flung

From her summer diadem.

Though thou loved her as thyself,

As a self of purer clay,

Tho' her parting dims the day,

Stealing grace from all alive,

Heartily know,

When half-gods go,

The gods arrive.

Take care

こん週、風邪を引いたみたい。
みんな　気をつけて。

An Example to Others

About two days ago I did something that surprised me somewhat. I refused an award I believe I didn't earn. Why did I make that decision though? I see it as part of my moral make-up and my own honesty. I hope this is a sign of having my moral compass set in the right direction.

Humans see themselves as different from other animals because we have morals. Personally, I think most of our morals are really about keeping things peaceful and orderly above all else however there is no doubt that our societies need them. The question is how do people use their morals in everyday life as they all are vague ideas and opinions. This requires a moral compass. Most people's compass relies on churches or guilt. Even if I followed the line I can't say these have worked well for me. Even with years of going to church and attending a baptist school things like W.W.J.D.?(What would Jesus Do?) didn't really motivate me. Instead I have really relied on what I felt was right in my gut and the old mantra about onto others as you would want done to you. These have not always worked however.

I take my decision as evidence that I have possibly found the compass that works for me. A recent conversation led me to realize that I will have people who look up to me in the future. From my own children to a stranger who might admire my work. Even now (by some odd freak of nature occurrence if you ask me) there are those who look up to me. My every act should show and protect this fact.

The More things change....

Living in America I can not help but to notice the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. The daily news coverage and conversations continually bring it up. In truth I'm not angry at the company, though I know their mistake will mess up the environment. I'm merely reminded of the mantra that the more things change, the more they stay the same. People get complacent and mess up. It's a pattern of our lives. It happens on all levels; companies, regions, even the workers who are at risk. I have seen it in others and even in myself as I don't back up a computer or don't make sure I keep in touch with a friend.

The news coverage of the oil spill is also a laugh though. When it first happened there was less coverage. While I understand that as the number of gallons grows it becomes more interesting this is also unique because the solutions are getting more desperate. By desperate I really mean random and seemingly pulled out a very worn hat. We have gone from robots to chemicals to a big box and finally to throwing garbage at it! This would be hilarious if it wasn't true. It reminds me of a child who throws their project on the floor believing that it will somehow make things easier. I guess no matter how advanced we get we can't help but to just throw our hands up when things get rough.

Thinking

I have a friend who keeps telling me to think less. As I find myself worrying more and more I can see her point. I also know that it's unhealthy too at a certain degree. Problem is I'm not sure I can stop thinking. It's in my nature to think over and rethink situations.

My experiences growing have also directed me to this point. The people I most want to emulate and care for have been the same. It's those whom I've seen constantly thinking about the future that truly care for others and actually get stuff done.

There are ways to decrease worry though. Planning early for instance. One other thing I have recently realized that it's okay to fail. I'm not saying don't try to succeed but I can't really live my life to its fullest if I'm scared of failure. I have actually known this for a while but its hard to put into practice. I have given advice to several friends through the years telling them, "There's no need to worry about death if you have no regrets." I am starting to take those steps to make sure I live without regrets. I hope any readers are doing the same.

Food Truck

No! Another food truck has closed.I never did get to try the "yaki yaki" dish from Soul Food Bento.

Lioness

My friend recently told me that she thought that she had never been anyone's muse. In reality she has been a great force and example to me and others. I had written an acrostic poem I was going to give her on her birthday but maybe I'll give this one to her instead.

Lioness

Lioness,

We hear you roar.

You, ready to change our desolate future.

Past battles, fiercely fought, show on your face blending dark and light in a unique culture.

We who care worry and to ourselves murmur.

You bare your teeth in a snarl or smile.

Which do would we prefer?

Will you wear down taking on the world?

There in a hint of weakness in your eyes,

vulnerability of care.

Will you cry?

Seems unlikely as your beauty and strength carries on.

When you bear your claws we stare in awe.

That's when we decide we are ready to prop you up if you fall.

Black Crow

綺麗そうない

美しい　大

黒カラス

Here is a haiku I shared with a group the other day. For those who don't speak Japanese a warning that it's not in correct sentence form or anything.

Census

I have been unable to avoid advertisements for the 2010 census. On billboards, on television and radio commercials, pointless letters to say it's on it's way, and even on e-mails from my county library. I understand ads are not made to be ignored but, at this point I really am tired of them. The ads were out at least a month before the forms were sent out and haven't seemed to slow down. Unfortunately, I have heard that the jobs given to part time workers has been somewhat pointless as well. Is this really a good way to spend funds?

During a time of low state and federal budgets I also wonder what this all costs. I wonder if a decade will be long enough to recoup the losses. As they continue to tell us that filling out the forms will bring money to your community I can't help but note how expensive a 20 second commercial is. I have bad news for the census office. I doubt these efforts are convincing many (if anyone) to fill out the form. If people want to fill them out, they will. If they don't, then well...

"Type"

I was thinking of a young lady whom I'm fascinated with the other day (as is a course assured to happen). Inadvertently I began to compare her to other women I have had crushes on. That's when I realized I have something I never thought I would. I have a "type"!

In the past I have always thought it foolish when guys talk about what type of girl they like. Maybe I was just around the wrong guys or it came with time however I see a point now to that. A type does not have to do with body types or superficial things. It can also deal with the patterns that you find in your life and those you gain an interest in. For instance if most of the women I find myself interested in have younger siblings. In many of those I know, this seems to contribute to a level of maturity and care. The personality traits go on and on but I am cognizant that knowing what traits attract you and why is healthy to know. If you don't know what really attracted you to a person or why it can lead you into negative relationships without a clue why.

That leads to another problem for me however. I do not know the why. Personally I think I just pick well. I guess that's something else I will end up learning through time.

Hermit

There are times when you have a revelation.

Mine, is to be a hermit.

Plain and simple. The quite life is for me.

I will only let animals be my company.

Don't worry friends and family I will not really become a hermit (yet). I am just writing a poem.

Genius

I read an article yesterday about a young petty criminal that has managed to keep out of the reach of police for about 2 years. The article mentioned several times how smart he was and how he was like a genius. I don't know if he truly is a genius (though the article's evidence of such was a bit sketchy), It takes time to truly realize genius intellect.

The issue I have is that the term of genius and what western society praises and truly honors in the last five years if not five decades has been a disappointment as I look back. We praise criminals who only lookout for themselves. We in the U.S. of America have sat by placidly as our government did things that are sure to be called atrocities by future historians. The ones who aren't trying to whitewash anyway. I can't help but find this humorous as we also point fingers and worry about the world our children grow up in. It's been said many times but, the first step to fixing the world is looking at the faults in yourself. Maybe we all should make sure we are not praising the wrong things as we step up to the alter of life.

My kind of girl

I got this from a friend on Facebook. It's another question and answer thing.
If you a guy- post this as "my kind of girl".
If your a girl- post it as "my kind of boy".

1. Do you need him/her to be good looking?
I have yet to met a woman who is not attractive.

2. Smart?
Definitely, that's a must.

3. Preferred age?
I prefer older but don't care

4. Preferred height?
Don't care

6. How about piercings?
Not too many

7. Accepts you for who you are?
Kind of obvious. If they don't then they wouldn't really be my girl.

8. Pink hair?
Depends

9. Mushy or no?
No, I like independence

10. Thin or fat?
Don't care

11. Black, Brown or White (skin color)?
Doen't care.

12. Long hair or short hair?
Don't care

13. Plastic or metal?
?? metal

14. Smells good?
Yes, at least not smell bad.

15. Smoker?
No

16. Drinker?
No

17. Girl/Boy-next-door type?
sure

18. Muscular?
Don't care but if she is too muscular (like I suspect steroid use) it might scare me away.

19. Plays piano?
Any instrument would be cool

20. Plays bass and/or acoustic guitar?
same as above

21. Plays violin?
same as 2 above

22. Sings very good?
Don't care

23. Vain?
No

24. With glasses?
Don't care

25. With braces?
Don't care

26. Shy type?
Sure

27. Rebel or good boy/girl?
Sure

28. Active or passive?
Active

29. Tight or bomb?
?

30. Singer or dancer?
Dancer

31. Stunner?
Sure, don't care

32. Hiphop?
I don't get most of these questions.

33. Earrings?
Sure

34. Mr/Ms. count-my-exs-until-you-drop?

No, that is a warning that just screams of drama to come

35. Dimples?
Yes

36. Bookworm?
Yes, that would be preferred.

37. Mr/Ms. love letter?
Yes, I prefer letters to text

38. Playful?
Yes, must have a sense of humor

39. Flirt?
Only towards me.

40. Poem writer?
That would be great

41. Serious?
Yes

42. Campus crush?
?

43. Painter?
That would be cool

44. Religious?
Sure, could take or leave it

45. Someone who likes to tease people?
Yes, we could laugh at people together as long as they aren't too cruel about it.

46. Computer games geek or internet freak?
games

47. Speaks 20 languages?
That would be awesome!

48. Loyal or faithful?
Aren't they the same?

49. Good kisser?
Yes

50. Loves children?
Yes please.

A Random Post-thing That is Going Around

A - AVAILABLE: no
B - BIRTHDAY: In January
C - CRUSHING ON: a few women
D - DRINK YOU LAST HAD: shake
E - EASIEST PERSON TO TALK TO: Mom
F - FAVORITE SONG: Until - Wickhead
G - GUMMY BEARS OR GUMMY WORMS: the worms
H - HOMETOWN: you never heard of it, Los Angeles
I - IN LOVE WITH: music and books
J - JUGGLE: yes, I can juggle 3 balls
K - KILLED SOMEONE: not yet
L - LONGEST CAR RIDE: to the Grand Canyon
M- MILKSHAKE FLAVOR: Strawberry
N - NUMBER OF SIBLINGS: 4(?)
O - ONE WISH: to be omnilinguist
P - PERSON YOU LAST TALKED TO: schoolmate
Q- QUESTS: transfer schools
R- REASON TO SMILE: some funny things that happened on a trip the other day.
S - SONG YOU LAST HEARD: Easy Breezy - Utada
T - TIME YOU WOKE UP: about 5:30am
U - UNDERWEAR COLOR: Don't remember and don't feel like checking.
V - VEGETABLE(S): Broccoli.
W - WORST HABIT: not answering my phone
X - X-RAYS YOU'VE HAD: Don't remember having any.
Y – YUCK!: When you get something sticky on you and you're not sure what it was.
Z - ZODIAC SIGN: Capricorn or the goat

Song

I was working on a poem yesterday and it has become a song in my head. This raises a question on what is the difference between the two. Poems have had musical accompaniment in many parts of the world: Africa, Joseon-Korea, Shakespeare's plays, etc. My argument is that other than the physical sound compared to the mental tune there is no difference. If I play music or write poetry and have someone else read it, I am doing the exact same thing.
This matters because songs have been seen as crass or part of the underclasses' entertainment while the upper-class enjoyed more "intellectual" activities like poetry. If what stimulates the different groups is really the same it also shows that the social classes are not so different. If groups are the same it turns the idea of one class versus another on it's head. Perhaps I am getting carried away though. Tell me your thoughts.

Article to Share

I read this article that I believe makes a lot of good points that the American government and people should consider. Not just to correct our previous actions but also for further introspection before taking our next steps forward.

http://www.indypendent.org/2010/01/17/why-the-us-owes-haiti-billions-the-briefest-history/