An Earthship Blog!!!

From Earthship_Bio...

I received an Earthship email update from Jessica, an Earthship representative, and there was a link in the email to Kirst's Earthship Adventures, a blog about Earthships.

For those of you who don't know what an Earthship is, it is a sustainably built, earth-friendly, off-the-grid dwelling that can be built relatively quickly by the right people. They aren't all that cheap, but they are built to provide for a self-reliant, sustainable lifestyle. Entire communities of Earthships have already been constructed, and more are being built all the time.

Aigool, the kids, and I visited Earthship Biotecture Community, right outside of Taos, New Mexico, just past the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge. I had wanted to visit there for years, but I was unable to do so. However, during my last trip there, I found a brochure for the place, and I saw that they offered self-guided tours and a very interesting and educational experience.

If you are interested in self-reliance, energy conservation, water conservation, earth-friendly living, sustainable construction, environmental advocacy, or architecture, then do a Google search on the word "earthship". If you'd rather just go straight to the official website of the organization, then go to Earthship.Org or Earthship.Com.

If you want to see images of Earthships, then do a Google Images search on the word "earthship". There are almost 1700 hits for that search. I also posted some of my own photos of the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge, Taos Earthship Biotecture Community, and the road down to Orilla Verde park and the Taos Junction Bridge.

There is also a site called GreenHomeBuilding.Com that has an earthship page. On that page they describe the construction process in terms of "natural building techniques".

Earthship Biotecture USA has its own site, and there are many personal blogs and websites dedicated to particular earthships, and they are usually run by the people who live in them. Examples of these are Allen's and Pat's, Dennis Weaver's, and EarthPower1.

Dive in! I think that you will be amazed at the concept of the Earthship, and you will be interested in the widespread, global community of Earthship dwellers, advocates, and enthusiasts (like me) that has developed around this great idea of ideas.

Aigool has said that I should buy one and move out to New Mexico, and I might do that someday, if the timing is right. It sure would be great to afford a second home that could be a vacation place, and it would be great to learn more about self-reliance and sustainable living, by living in an Earthship.

- docrivs (website blog myspace email)

Amazing music

One of my all-time favorite guitar heroes...

This is Michael Hedges performing "Because It's There" on his harp guitar. I love this song, and this is the first time I've been able to watch him perform it.

Kazakh steppe

Kazakh steppe
Originally uploaded by Nettel 99.

This photo of the steppe near Almaty, KZ makes me want to be there right now, parked in the jeep with Aigool, staring out at this scene.

A Blog About Kazakhstan And A Woman Named Aigul

While searching for an image of Ireland in Google images, I started to browse my search history and found this blog, called "News from the Caravan: Aigul Ipakchi: A Kazakh-American Hero". I haven't read it yet, but I was hoping to save it. So, I blogged it!

Why I admire Ani DiFranco

She seems to say what she wants to say, but she reveals her weaknesses too. She doesn't just sing about defying everything and rebelling against the forces of evil. She speaks about how she sometimes gives in, how she lies sometimes, how she hurts people sometimes, and how she has been hurt. Her voice can get annoying sometimes, but it can also be very soothing and calming and warm. Her guitar playing is the same way. Sometimes it is obnoxious. Sometimes it mellows the sould. Ani is also one of my indie heroes, because she put out her own record label and supports local business. Ani Rocks!!

- docrivs (website blog email)

Learn more about Ani DiFranco

The Absurdity Of America's Cultural Obsession With Spectator Sports

I was just reading a post on Ryan's blog, Aimless, and it inspired me to think about how absurd it is for Americans, particularly American males, to be as obsessed as they are with being a consumer of spectator football and other spectator sports.

Ryan posted a short critique of a person's Technorati profile:

I am a seeker of truth. I am a student of astrology... I plan to become a life coach and continue my astrological studies. Until then, join me as I search for meaning in everyday life.

Yes. I agree that this short quote seems silly.

I'm not a believer in astrology either, but I do think it's fun to think about the similar character traits and personality styles that people share with the character traits and personality styles of other people who share their astrological sign. The descriptions of the zodiac sign personalities are general enough where they can be applied somewhat effectively, but there really is no scientific basis for believing that astrology is anything more than a fun way to pass the time.

Cultural practices throughout time

The way I see it, though, is that people have been using science-ish knowledge systems, like astrology, throughout human history. Astrology, numerology, and other "pseudo-scientific" knowledge systems are not cultural practices that appear to be dying off any time soon. Shamanism is not entirely "scientific", but I don't that cultural practice dying off anytime soon, either.

What about the practices of "laying on hands", spiritual healing, handling snakes, voodoo dolls, Jesus candles, and leaving out Floor #13 in high-rise buildings? Are these practices going to disappear?

Other people's cultural practices sometimes seem very different from my own. I don't even realize sometimes that I do things in an "American" way, until I compare them to, say, my wife, who is from Kazakhstan, or people I have met from Mexico, Sierra Leone, and Brazil. We do things a little differently here than they do it there.

Sometimes I find other people's cultural practices and beliefs to be in contrast to my own, and somtimes I find them to be silly. However, I do know that it is better to laugh at yourself than it is to laugh at others.

Silly American Cultural Practices

There are many cultural practices in America that I participate in somewhat, but not with the passion that many other Americans put into it. I'm talking about FOOTBALL. I'm talking about the American cultural practice of placing an incredibly HUGE value on the passion with which we engage in consuming (watching, reading about, thinking about, communicating about...) American sports.

Now this is an American cultural practice that, to me, seems ABSURDLY important to Americans, especially American males.

I'm a consumer of American sports too, just like many other Americans. I like watching a game, and I mean baseball, football, basketball, hockey, or whatever. I may even might watch more than one game in a weekend every once in a while. I own a few t-shirts (all OSU Buckeye gear) that communicate my participation in sports. I own two or three baseball hats that do the same (Boston Red Sox and OSU). I have been known to participate in a conversation about sports every now and again. I have read the sports pages (mostly USA Today and Dispatch) and looked over the websites from time to time. I've even attended a dozen or so live games, both professional and unprofessional (Red Sox, Celtics, Bruins, Buckeyes, Blue Jackets, Indians, Virginia Cavs). In my opinion, I have a pretty moderate interest in participating in the sports obsessed culture of the American male.

On the other hand, I know guys (and girls!) who read the sports pages everyday, hang out on the sports webpages everyday, sometimes several hours a day, watch the sports news on TV every night, watch ESPN everyday, talk with their coworkers about sports everyday, talk with their friends about sports everyday, talk with their family about sports everyday, and talk about sports with people they hardly know everyday... Now, that seems absurd to me. That seems like a colossal waste of time to me.

Now, to criticize this cultural practice with people who are obesessed with it is to come up against an intense amount of defensiveness, usually in the form of personal attack. I have been known to both participate in and criticize the American sports obsession. However, since it is such an entrenched cultural institution, I am accused of not being "guy"-like or "American"-like when I criticize the practice. When I express the fact that I don't share that passion for sports and I get personal attacks in response it only makes me see this sports obsession as a ridiculous part of life here in America.

Lord of the Flies, anyone?

America's obsession with consuming sports seems like a throwback to the days when every male was a warrior and/or a hunter and there was a clear purpose for engaging in sports. So, what really is the clear purpose of slugging beer and pretzels, sitting around a glowing box of light, and yelling, "TOUCHDOWN!!!!" with a bunch of overintoxicated, gassed-up, screaming crowd of people? Is it really just a social bonding practice? Is it a ritual of nationalistic furor? Is it a moment to revel in the vestigial cultural practices of our early hominid ancestors?

I'm not sure what exactly is the nature of the American sports consumption obsession. There are many cultural practices that we participate in and perpetuate the participation in, as Americans. Many of them seem absurd to me, so I realize that I am picking on football and other sports consumption. However, I do think it deserves a thought.

We can't forget, however, The Oprah Winfrey Show, The Jerry Springer Show, American Idol, Lost, "reality-TV", MTV, Court TV, COPS, CNN, pop music, dining out, boob jobs, horror movies, crime drama TV, and a whole slew of other American culture ridiculosities.

Also, it wouldn't be fair of me to leave out some of my own obsessions that, although I still have a passion for, seem slightly ridiculous to me, and those would include 80's-era hair bands, binge drinking, break dancing, being a vegetarian, getting no less engorged over the thought of a Jeep than the thought of a beautiful and sexy woman going out of her way to please me. Yes. These are cultural practices that I share with many other Americans, and they are RIDICULOUS!!!!

No less ridiculous than the belied that the 30 day time period of a person's date of birth influences that person's personality style and character traits, and thus, influencing the that person's life and the lives of other people who interact with that person.

- docrivs (blog website email)

Yes, only fools rush in

I was breezin' through 43 Things, when I found some guy's goal to hack into his girl's private email account to confirm his suspicion that she is unfaithful to him.

Yes, only fools rush in. I couldn't escape how much I could relate to this uncomfortable situation.

Here is my addition to this thread, for which I can't seem to find the permalink:

-----------------------------------------------------------

Not only are you right, but you have cut right to the point.

How can a man who does not trust his woman expect that woman to trust him?

It's easy for a man to feel paranoid, insecure, jealous, and worried when he is unsure of the truth. When the truth is uncertain the fear comes out.

It's more difficult and takes more discipline for a man to control his thoughts and emotions and get a freakin' grip. I know this, because I have played the jealous guy too. It's not a good role.

When a man gives in to jealous thoughts and fear, he loses the best parts of being a man. He loses confidence, strength, self-reliance, independence, and all that is what females value and call "masculine".

What is a man to do when he suspects that his woman might not be faithful?

What should he do when he suspects that his woman may be playing him for a fool, hiding the truth, lying, and sneaking, crawling around on the floor with another man?

Should he lose it? Should he act out his wrath? Should he go out to pursue her and look for her and, perhaps, catch her in the act? Should he check the usual suspects, which would be the ex-boyfriend, the ex-husband, the "friend" that you don't trust, the new guy she has taken an interest in?

Or...

Should the man play it cool? Should he exert self-control, witholding judgment until it is self-evident that his intuition is correct? Should he calm himself and tighten the reins on his imagination, or let his imagination run free and wild?

The man can betray his woman's trust, trying to get into her private emails against her wishes and without her knowledge. That man risks losing the potential for future trust. That man risks destroying any trust that is already there. For what? For finding out "the truth"?

Even if a man read every private email his woman sent or received, and he determined the truth about whether or not his girl is being faithful or not, there would be more questions. He would find secrets he did know about before. His mind would be filled with new information. He would doubt. He would question. Wild thoughts of suspicion and fear would race through his mind.

Would spying and stalking really solve anything? How many ends would a man leave unturned once he started? How far would a man go to decide for himself whether to trust or not?

- docrivs (blog website email)

Def Metal Is A Graffiti Video

I was looking at hurtyoubad.com, and I found this trailer to a video, or movie, about graffiti on subway trains.

There is music by, what sounds like, the Yeah, Yeah, Yeahs, playing during the trailers.

There are some nicely tagged trains that ride by, and there is a clip of a writer doing his thing.

It's not as the good as the one I saw the other night, which I will post, but it looks okay.

Effervescence

Apparently, the "goth rock" (?) band, Evanescence has hit number 1 on the album charts, with The Open Door, selling almost 450,000 copies of it during its first week of release.

Now that is a hell of a release!

Whether or not you want to describe this band, whose name I had much trouble remembering when I first wanted to say it a couple of years ago, as "goth rock", "pop metal", or "pop rock" is up to you. I dig Amy Lee's voice, though. The music seems to fit her voice rather well too. When I first heard the big single that put them in our radios, I recalled how I used to wonder what a band would sound like if they played Tool songs and had a female singer, like Tori or Bjork.

Before I was able to commit the name of the band to memory I could only recall the word, "effervescence" (can you read in French?).

Well, then I heard Rik Johnson & Emily (now) Johnson performing Tool songs, with Emily singing. They sounded baaaaaad. I mean baaaaad as in very good. Emily, unfortunately, does not sing in public much more than I do, these days, but you can check out Rik's band, Medicine Gone. I've also mentioned them in this blog, sort of.

Anyway, what I was trying to say, before I got sidetracked, was that when I heard Emily and Rik doing a Tool song, "Swamp Song", maybe, they rocked, and they sounded like what I imagined Tool would sound like, with a female singer.

Evanescence is not Tool, but I think that their sound captures a similar vibe, albeit without all the male aggression, testosterone, animosity, and machismo that comes with most male "heavy metal" singers. I'm sure that Maynard would not be happy being called a heavy metal singer, and he can do more than sing heavy metal, but Tool is a heavy band. They play loud. The mood of their music can be very angry and primal. They can be both aggressive and submissive.

Am I comparing Evanescence to Amy & Rik and Amy & Rik to Tool, and then, comparing Tool to a woman? :O

Well, actually... ... Why not? This is MY DAMN BLOG, thank you.

Anyway, is this about Evanescence, Amy & Rik, or about Tool? Or is this about comparing a band to a woman? I'm not sure, but that's all I have to say about that.

- docrivs (blog website email)

Is Jeff Meyers A Jesus Freak?

I found this website on a Google search for "medicinegone". According to Jeff, he plays in an acoustic duo called Evolution Done Me Wrong.

Well, evolution done us all wrong, Jeff...

But at least most of us have opposable thumbs \m/, Jesus Freak!!!

- docrivs (blog website email)

Escape Plan Or Seizure Of An Opportunity?

When I read this "Oddly Enough" article that appeared on my RSS Feed, I was expecting it to be about a prisoner in the U.S.. I was surprised to see the photo of the silouetted figure of an Asian-looking woman, doing, what looks to be, standing and reading a book in a small prison cell.

Apparently, Nguyen Thi Oanh, 39, convicted of possessing 1 billion dong (about $63,000) worth of heroin, had been in solitary confinement for almost a year in a Vietnamese prison. She tested positive, according to one doctor, for the right hormones, when she was 11 weeks into the pregnancy.

Very unfortunately for this soon-to-be mommy, the punishment for trafficking more than 600 grams of heroin in Vietnam is a crime punishable by death or life's confinement in prison. She lost her appeal against the death sentence and was due to face a firing squad this year.

Nguyen's husband was serving a jail sentence in another prison in some other part of the country, according to the Lao Dong (Labour) newspaper where this story originally was found, before Reuter posted it to the RSS world.

There supposedly was a question as to how Nguyen became pregnant while in solitary confinement. I'm not sure if that is really an intelligent question.

My question is will she be given the pardon, now that there is a life inside her bpdy. What was the nature of this unborn child's birth? Was it a mutually desired act? Was the act planned or was it spontaneous? Was she forced?

Will that unborn child stay alive long enough to enter into the world? If the child is born, then what will be this child's name?

How did Nguyen end up with 1 billion dong of heroin in her possession? Was that the first time? Was she actually consciously trafficking in that commodity, or was she an unwitting mule?

I think I want to believe that she was a desparate woman who took a risk because she thought it was the right thing to do at the time. We can always look at ourselves and say that we are victims of something. We are victims of our times. We are victims of genetics. We are victims of corporate power. We are victims of "God's Plan". We are victims of circumstance. However, I would like to think that we have some choice in the matter, that we are given the ability to think consciously and make decisions based on that ability. We are not just feathers in the wind, even when it seems that way.

- docrivs (blog website email)

Ryan Wants To Do Voiceovers

In one of Ryan's most recent posts, he stated... I'm sorry... restated... that he would like a job doing character voiceovers for video clips, movies, cartoons, and such.

Does anyone reading this have the ability to help me help Ryan? Does anyone reading this know someone else who may have the ability to help me help Ryan? If so, then please drop a comment below this post or email me or Ryan.

As some old buddies of mine used to like to say, we thank you for your support!!!

- docrivs (blog website email)

Carter Beauford

Now, I don't need to explain why Carter is still my most favorite drummer of all time.

It helps to have a sense of humor and not take life too seriously

Dimebag Playing in the street

Stupid credits!!!

dimebag on technorati dimebag on del.icio.us

- docrivs (blog website)

Pantera - Cemetary gates

Dimebag... What can I say?

Interpol - Evil

Rosemary... Heaven restores you in life.

These guys rule. They totally remind me of Joy Division, and they even remind me slightly of Bauhaus, but they are 80s-inspired, for sure. I still don't get tired of this album.

Tool - Sober

Do I have to explain why I think this song is so awesome and why it blew me away when I first heard it?

Interview with Maynard during 'Undertow' days

Maynard on Henry Rollins from the Undertow days, being interviewed by some blue and blonde haired MTV reporter. Rollins owed a gambling debt to the guys in Tool, he said.

Twelve Girls Band - Carnival (Live)

flute chinese china music girls 12girlband harp

Cole meets Jeffrey

This is one of my favorite scenes from 12 Monkeys. This is when Cole enters main population in the mental institution, and he meets Jeffrey for the first time.

"know your doses..."

Excellent Video!

Amelie Warning Sign

This well-produced video was created from scenes of the movie, Amelie, and the song, "Sparks", by Coldplay.

Not so great

I saw the Stereophonics at Little Brothers in Columbus last summer. They were really poppy (which has to be a little risky in order for me to dig in) and not that impressive. Their sound was really polished, in a not so tasty way. However, the opener was a band called Augustana, and they ROCKED! They had a lot of energy and honesty and seemed a lot less rock star-like. What I was expecting was the guys who covered “Don’t Let Me Down”, by the Beatles.

Oh, well. Maybe it was an off night for them?

- docrivs (blog website)

See more progress on: see the Stereophonics live

The Wild Things Haunt The Boy's Dreams

My stepson is scared of the illustrations in this story. I think it gives him nightmares. I won’t say how old he is, but he’s very young and sensitive. So, although I think the illustrations and the story are great, as I did when I was a child, he doesn’t want me anyone read it with him. Hopefully, he’ll have a good opportunity to read it when he feels brave and is not too old to appreciate Where The Wild Things Are, as only a child can.

- docrivs (blog website)

Here are a list of links to Where The Wild Things Are products, including the book itself: Where the Wild Things Are Where the Wild Things Are (Caldecott Collection) Where the Wild Things Are Where the Wild Things Are Where the Wild Things Are Notecard Portfolio Where the Wild Things Are Notecard Portfolio Where the wild things are Where the wild things are Where the Wild Things Are Where the Wild Things Are Where the Wild Things Are Where the Wild Things Are Christmas Cards Where the Wild Things Are, Cassette and Book Where the wild things are Where the Wild Things Are Stationery Set A Guide for Using Where the Wild Things Are in the Classroom MJ4 Where the Wild Things Are Where the Wild Things Are II Christmas Cards Where the Wild Things Are, Outside Over There, and Other Stories Audio Where the Wild Things Are First Edition ((Harper & Row 1963)) Donde Viven Los Monstruos/Where the Wild Things Are Donde Viven Los Monstruos/Where the Wild Things Are Where the Wild Things Are 2005 Wall Calendar Where the Wild Things Are, LeapFrog, Interactive Book & Cartridge (Little Touch LeapPad Library, Infant & Toddler)

See more progress on: Where The Wild Things Are

A story about "Red Beans and Rice"

Red Beans and Rice

This is my version of red beans and rice: I made a big pot of rice on Friday, added canned diced tomatoes, diced white onions, canned red kidney beans, salt, green chile powder, cumin, and tapatio hot sauce. It needs a heavier dose of the spices, but it’s pretty good. I just heated up a portion in the microwave, added some cheddar cheese and sour cream, and now, I’m about to eat it, while listening to the Beasties.

- docrivs

docrivs.com

See more about Red Beans and Rice

A story about "Root Down"

Root Down

by Beastie Boys

The music of the Beastie Boys usually helps me to smile, laugh, and put aside the dramas and stresses of life. Most of the lyrics and music are really positive and energetic. The beats make me want to dance and move around, or at least, bob my head.

I don’t have a favorite Beastie. They’re all part of the sound: Mike D, Ad Rock, MCA, DJ Hurricane, and the many other musicians, producers, and artists who work with them.

This CD is an EP that was released as a “maxi-single” for the single, “Root Down”. It has three different versions of that song and 7 live songs that ROCK! Maybe singles aren’t your thing, because you’d rather buy the album the single was released on. However, if you are a Beasties fan, then you must own this CD. The remixes of “Root Down”, alone, are worth the cost of the CD, but the live tracks are great: “Sabrosa”, “Time To Get Ill”, “The Maestro”, “Heart Attack Man”, “Flute Loop”, “Something’s Got To Give”, and “Time For Livin’”. Then, there are some hidden goodies tacked onto the ends of some of the tracks, after some blank space, like someone singing, in what sounds like Japanese, over “So Wat’cha Want”.

It will make you want to move around.

- docrivs

docrivs.com

See more about Root Down

HurtYouBad.Com

HurtYouBad.Com

by people who support graffiti culture

This blog, hurtyoubad, was at the top on Technorati for the tag graffiti. I thought I'd share it. If you like to look at some good writing, some brash bombing, and some mad graffiti skills, then you should check out this site.

- docrivs

See more about hurtyoubad.com

Freight Train Graffiti

Freight Train Graffiti

by Roger Gastman

I’ve been known to stare at walls and trains that were painted with huge graffiti pieces ever since I was about 11 or 12. There are pieces that I saw then, in 1983 and 1984, that I can still see in my mind. Those pieces were stylized logos created by some graffiti artist for early hardcore punk bands, DK (the Dead Kennedys) and Minor Threat, amongst others. The Minor Threat piece was done with a black sploch explosion, white lettering, with an almost fluorescent outline of the explosion. I thought it was pretty cool, and it made me want to be a writer.

I also remember the tag of the artist I suspect bombed the wall of the underside of a bridge in Marblehead, Massachusetts, a town I lived in when I was young. He was known as “Bonesy”, and he was most famous for stealing a Cadillac, getting toasted, and driving at high speeds, fleeing from the police. He wrapped that Cadillac around a tree and lost his life as a result of that adventure. There was a memorial at the Middle School that I was attending when he died. I don’t know if I ever met him or not, but I saw photos of him, and I think I’d seen him around. The mystery of who was the writer of the tags on the bridge was solved for me, though, as far as I was concerned. I don’t know how old Bonesy was when he died, but he certainly wasn’t past his 20’s.

During that time period, break dancing, rap music (before it was called “hip hop”), and graffiti writing was becoming popularized in the shopping malls, the street, movies, TV, music, and album covers. MTV was new then – just a few years old. We didn’t even have the connections for cable in our neighborhood.

I did try my hand at writing; I bought some krylon. I made my block letters and outlines. My pieces were mostly on surfaces that were by the water. I used sea walls, the undersides of docks, rock outcroppings, and stairways that led down to the beaches. There were maybe five or six of them that I did – all of them in black, blue, and white.

Back then, I didn’t think to take photos of my pieces. I guess I saw them so often that I took them for granted and thought I’d always be around to see them and show them off.

Now, I’m not associated with the graffiti movement anymore, but the graffiti culture and the history of that culture still fascinates me. But, most of all, it’s the pieces that fascinate me. It’s my inability to be able to read the writing that usually keeps me staring, trying to make out what the piece says. Sometimes I think I get it; other times I can’t figure it out. However, as art goes, it doesn’t always matter whether you get it or not; what matters is that it moves you and you remember it.

- docrivs

Freight Train Graffiti on All Consuming

New Life

I'm officially a condo owner/resident!

It's not all cheers and smiles, though. :( It would be a much happier move if it weren't part of the process of separating from my wife and her two children.

However, as it is probably a good thing that my wife and I are taking some time to be apart, I am looking forward to the possibilities that the future holds in my new life. In this case, I made a series of life-changing decisions without giving myself enough time to ask the right questions and think through it all.

There's some good in making decisions from the heart. There's some good in listening to your mind. However, when your mind is telling you that things aren't adding up, and you choose to ignore those things rather than look them closely in the eye, then you aren't thinking through it all. There are times when it is better to go with your heart than with your mind, but in this case, my wife and I both went with what our minds were telling us.

Life in downtown Columbus is rather thrilling and exciting. We're going through a revitalization movement here, and there is all kinds of commercial and residential projects developing in this area. There is a great new grocery store in the Brewery District. There are many restaurants, clubs, and bars in German Village. There is also a large, well-stocked, independently owned bookstore in that area. The City Center mall is due for some revitalizing. The library is one of the best I've ever visited, and it's a great place to borrow CDs and DVDs, in addition to books. There are at least three well-known colleges downtown. The Arena District, the Short North District, and the cities of Bexley and Grandview are all nearby. This is a walking area, and I think I'll be able to walk or ride my bike everywhere and save gas. I'm also within walking distance to work, which is really convenient for me, so long as I am working at the same place or in this area.

So, this is a new direction in my life.

Brinks Truck Daydream

I was standing at a crosswalk, waiting to cross the street.

I let my mind wander as I waited for the light to change and allow me to legally and, somewhat safely, cross.

I thought...

Oh! The light is always green when I want to cross! -- Oh! Can I make it across with all this traffic? -- Oh! The blonde in the white blouse just walked up beside me. -- Oh! What does she look like up close? -- Oh! A Brinks truck! It sure would be great to have my own Brinks truck full of money. --Oh! How would I pull that off? -- Oh! Is anyone else waiting for this light to change reading my thoughts? Are any of them thinking what I'm thinking?

So, tell me have you ever had a Brinks Truck Daydream like that before?

Or am I the only one?

- docrivs

How "12 Monkeys: A Novel" changed my life

12 Monkeys: A Novel

by Elizabeth Hand

Wrote a song about it. Here it go.

This movie discussed the topics of germ warfare, the “Cassandra Complex”, time travel, mental illness and perception, and environmental/social activism, amongst other things.

We were bored and young / Now we're branded, scarred, tattooed / Were we wrong? Were we wrong?

These are some of my favorite lyrics that I came up with as a result of closely watching and analyzing this film one day in 1996.

- docrivs

See more about 12 Monkeys: A Novel

Why I want to consume "Medieval Underworld (Sutton History Classics)"

Medieval Underworld (Sutton History Classics)

by Andrew McCall

I spied this book on a friend’s bookshelf last Monday, and I flipped through it, half-watching the Steelers lose. In the Table of Contents I could see how the chapters focus on different subgroups, social groups, and subcultures of the Medieval Era. I seem to recall chapters on “deviants” and “outcasts” that looked pretty interesting to me. I was told that I could borrow it – it’s “a bit boring”, I was told. However, I won’t have the time to read it right away. The subject interests me, especially after reading Discipline and Punish: The Birth of the Penitentiary (I might not have that title exactly correct), by Michael Foucault, back about 9 or 10 years ago. The ‘spectacle of corporeal punishment’ is a subject that is very relevant today, especially when viewed from a historical perspective, and an anthropological perspective. We are still fighting “just wars” and deciding whether or not it is okay to torture our “war criminals”. Also, religion and politics are still (will they ever not be?) intertwined, which sometimes makes me recall my lessons about the Medieval Era, the Plague, and the Inquisition. I also grew up in and around Boston, Massachusetts, and the Salem Witch Trials are a part of the history of that area. So, on a more casual level, the subject of Middle Age culture and ways of thinking and believing are a reflection of how we think and believe today.

- docrivs

See more about Medieval Underworld (Sutton History Classics)

A review of Short North Tavern: Darts, Good bartenders, Good late night eats, Unmemorable live music

As Walker Evans put it, the Short North Tavern is “a great place to grab a late bite to eat”, much like the Blue Danube. I have not enjoyed any of the bands I’ve seen there. The bartenders are usually good, and there are darts to play! So, if you are in the Short North area of Columbus, then this place is worth checking out.

- docrivs

See more progress on: Short North Tavern

My Career Plans

I am working hard to follow the path to a career in the Enterprise-level Information Technology Industry. I’ve picked up a lot of skills from tinkering with the computers and computer-related devices I’ve owned since I received an Apple IIc for Christmas in 1984. I’ve done tons of reading. I’ve picked the brains of all the nerds and geeks I could find. I’ve taken a college course or two in Computer & Information Technology. I’m currently pursuing professional I.T. certifications, with my sights set on the MCSA, MCSE, CCNA, CCNP, and CCIE. However, all that I’ve earned so far is CompTIA’s Network+, and I am soon to earn my A+. I earned a BA in Anthropology 8 years ago and added a two-year Certificate in Business Communications to that almost 6 years ago. I’ve worked in Business Administration for a while and now I am working as an independent contractor in the State Government, Insurance, Workplace Safety, and I.T. Industries. When I learned about RFID technology, the concepts of Supply Chain Management and Supply Chain Visibility, and the growing development of the Outsourced I.T. Industries, I grew more and more interested in the role of Information Technology Services and Infrastructure in the Global Logistics Industry. Now, as I continue training, developing my marketable skills and talents, earning certifications, and working towards my larger goals, I am pursuing work in related fields and positions that will help me accomplish my goals. A position as an Enterprise-Level Network Administrator would be ideal for me, but I am also pursuing Enterprise-Level Network Technician positions. Once I find a way into the Global Logistics Industry I will think that a great hurdle has been crossed. That is my first goal I’ve shared on this site, and I plan to see it realized. Thanks for reading.

- docrivs

See more progress on: Work for a global logistics company as a Network Architect and Project Manager or Network Administrator

A story about "Access 2003 Programming Weekend Crash Course"

Access 2003 Programming Weekend Crash Course

by Cary N. Prague

So far (I’m only on chapter 2 – From Macros to Modules), this book clearly explains the more advanced aspects of developing applications, using Microsoft Access and the Visual Basic programming language. It skips over the more basic skills that you need to develop with Access, which is why I picked this one. It doesn’t go into much detail about programming or development. It covers the basics of many essential skills and prepares you for the only real way to effectively learn: to DO it. I am glad that I found this book. The skills I need to improve are programming and development skills, not how to use the GUI to create a pretty form.

- docrivs

See more about Access 2003 Programming Weekend Crash Course

How I met Jewel

I once worked as a Runner for Polaris Amphitheatre (now called Germaine Amphitheatre). My job involved transporting people to and from the amphitheatre, among many other tasks.

During the Neil Young show in the summer of 1997, one of my jobs was to pick up Jewel, her mother, and her manager from the Sheraton and take her to the amphitheatre as quickly and smoothly as possible. I knew the best routes to and from to avoid traffic, and I was using my own personal vehicle, a 1994 Chrysler-Dodge Caravan, so I felt comfortable driving.

Anyway, I’ve already told my story about how I met Jewel in my blog and on 43 Things. So, you’re welcome to read the story in either source.

- docrivs

Learn more about Jewel

Diving in to web design and graphics design!

I am doing my best to learn as much as possible about web design and graphics design to improve my skills in those areas. I also want to develop my desktop publishing skills. I want to get better at using Flash, DreamWeaver, DHTML, HTML, CSS, XML, JavaScript, PHP, MySQL, Perl, PhotoShop, Illustrator, InDesign. – docrivs

docrivs on 43 Things Tags: docrivs on 43 Things All Tags, webdesign, webdesign, websitedesigner, design, webpage, webdevelopment,
webdeveloper, webpagedesign, webpagedesigner, webpagedeveloper, webpagedevelopment, web, website, websiteadmin, websiteadministration, websiteadministrator, webserver, webserveradmin, webserveradministration, websitedevelopment, websitedeveloper, graphicdesign, graphicdesigner, graphicsdesign, graphicsdesigner

See more progress on: learn how to use flash

What I learned about E Coli last night

Last night, I was over at Jamie's place, half-watching his Steelers lose to Jacksonville but mostly, yakking away. Jamie, at some point, asked if I had heard about the latest outbreak of e coli. I had heard of it, I said, and I even posted on this blog about the outbreak. However, Jamie told me something I did not know about e coli.

Before last night, I had thought that we were safe from e coli so long as we washed our hands before and after preparing foods, especially meats. I knew that vegetables could be contaminated with e coli, but I thought that rinsing them off with water would eliminate the risk of ingesting the bacteria.

Jamie, who is supposed to be taking a food safety course this morning as a requirement for his job as a kitchen manager, told me that rinsing off the vegetables with water doesn't eliminate the risk of e coli, because e coli can actually get into the cellular structure of the plants.

I had never heard this piece of information before, and I was shocked. I wasn't sure whether I should believe him or not, but I certainly wanted to find out the facts. Jamie suggested I look at one of his food safety textbooks, but the section on e coli did not include that piece of information.

Today, however, I received an email alert from CIDRAP (Center for Infectious Disease Research & Policy) about the latest e coli outbreak, and I read this:
Rinsing contaminated spinach with water or other cleaning solutions won't destroy the E coli, said Acheson, because the organism can get inside the plant.

I also read that the infection as a 7 day incubation period, and two nights ago, I cooked some spinach that my wife bought at Wal-Mart. Aigool, Alex, and I all ate that spinach dish I prepared. I had thoroughly rinsed the leaves with cold water, thinking that we would be safe. I'll have to ask Aigool and Alex, but I don't think that any of us have experienced the symptoms of infection, so I hope that we are safe. There is more spinach that I was going to prepare last night, in some tacos, which would have called for raw spinach, but I decided not to eat. I am not sure that anyone else ate the spinach, but I hope not. Today, I'll have to warn them.
- docrivs

A story about "The Dragons of Eden: Speculations on the Evolution of Human Intelligence"

The Dragons of Eden: Speculations on the Evolution of Human Intelligence

by Carl Sagan

My mother gave me this book to read before I started college, probably around 1990 or 1991. I read most of it while I was travelling by airplane somewhere. I remember the feeling that I wasn’t fully understanding the language Sagan was using, and many of his references and allusions to other works were not always clearly explained. Sometimes he expected a little too much from the reader, in my opinion. I say this, because I am reading the book for a second time right now, and I understand most of the language, and I follow most of the logic in his arguments; however, Sagan makes many assertions based on references to works in which he assumes the reader’s familiarity. This book is excellent for inspirational purposes and for a ground-setting experience when I try to lucidly recall why I think a certain way about the way the universe works. – docrivs

See more about The Dragons of Eden: Speculations on the Evolution of Human Intelligence

Think About This News Article Before You Open That Bag Of Spinach!

Columbus Health Department Confirms Several Cases of E. Coli
Sep 15 2006 9:05AM

The Columbus Health Department said Friday morning that several local cases of E. Coli have been caused by bagged spinach.

Federal health officials put out a nationwide warning Thursday after they suspect bagged fresh spinach caused people to get sick with E.coli.

Health officials say one person is dead and 50 others are sick in at least eight states, including Utah. Utah's health officials said Thursday there are 10 reported cases of people getting sick in the state of Utah.

The dead reportedly occurred in Wisconsin. Health officials say others got sick in Connecticut, Idaho, Indiana, Michigan, New Mexico, Oregon and Utah.

Health officials don't know the exact source of the outbreak but say it appears to be from bagged fresh spinach. The warning was sent out nationwide since health officials don't know where the tainted spinach came from or how widely it was distributed.

E. coli causes diarrhea, often with bloody stools. Most healthy adults can recover within a week, but those that are very young or old can develop a form of kidney failure that often leads to death.
- docrivs

Why I admire Pablo Neruda

Pablo Neruda has written some of the most sensual and romantic poetry I have ever read. His images and word play are so real I can feel them and touch them.

I recited one of his poems, in honor of my bride, at our wedding.

The first time I went to Blue Corn Cafe And Brewery

I wasn’t that impressed, but there must have been something good about it that I remembered. When I took my family to it on my second visit, everyone, including me, liked it very much. We ate there twice during our most recent trip. The kids loved it. The prices were reasonable for Santa Fe, and the service was not bad. It is a fun, casual, non-pretentious “New Mexican” style restaurant, where you can feel comfortable drinking a beer straight from the bottle and laughing loudly.

See more progress on: Blue Corn Cafe And Brewery

Why couldn't we have found this place before our last day in New Mexico???

See more progress on: Tucero's

Too expensive! Too pretentious!

$50 for a light “New Mexican” meal for four?!? Reservations until 9:30pm?!?

See more progress on: move to santa fe

Reconsideration...

After a 9-day trip to northern New Mexico, staying 8 of those 9 days in Santa Fe, I have decided that Santa Fe is much too expensive and pretentious of a place for me. I would rather live outside of Santa Fe in one of the smaller towns surrounding it, including Taos. Most of the restaurants I found in Santa Fe serve meals for not much less than $13 an entree. The beers were not much less than $4 a pint. Everything else, including pottery, paintings, t-shirts, coffee mugs, bottles of chile sauce, books, and CDs were overpriced as well. One old adobe home/art studio was having an open house. The home was in the Guadalupe District, which is rivaling the Plaza District in popularity now, and it was selling for $675,000! Now, mind you, this was a “historic” home, but some of the rooms, including the kitchen, were constructed of rotting wood. The location was not bad, making it a relatively convenient walk to Guadalupe Street, but it was right on a relatively busy road. Apparently, the asking price was a steal. The home was 4 rooms, and I neglected to spot the bathroom. How could it be possible for people to earn a living here that would enable them to live comfortably in Santa Fe?

See more progress on: move to santa fe

"You get what you put in... and people get what they deserve!"

Have you heard the song, "Only God Knows Why", by Kid Rock?

There is a line in the song that, in the dialect of Kid Rock, speaks about karma and the life perspective that is based on the idea that what comes around, goes around.

Well, I'm a believer in that idea. We may not fully understand how it works, and we may never fully understand why bad guys still seem to win and good guys sometimes don't stand a chance, but if you look deep enough into it, then you will see that this idea is worth considering.

I have experienced many situations and events that reaffirmed my belief that everything you do comes back to you, and I do want to share them, so I will.

Right now, however, I want to draw attention to the story of a friend of mine named Ryan.

Ryan is trying to do something with his life that seems really cool to me. It's called Aimless, and it is a movie idea that will set him travelling across the U.S., meeting with, talking with, interviewing with, and sharing with the people who live in America. The catch is that he is going to undertake this trip with no cash.

Ryan had planned to start this project by asking for funding from sponsors. He wanted to purchase equipment that he would use to document the trip.

So far, there have been few businesses who have responded to his extensive e-marketing campaign, in which he has sent thousands of emails to businesses of all kinds, all over the U.S. over the past year.

Rejection is to be expected. Frustration is inevitable. However, I support Ryan in his undertakings, and I would like to point you to a blog entry where he describes his new directions.

I think that he's on the right track!

Ryan Wants To Meet Dave Chappelle

Ryan, apparently had a reflective day yesterday. He was a would-be witness to a train accident, and he discovered that Dave Chappelle looks happy these days. He wants to meet Dave Chappelle, and I think that he should talk to him one day and see how it goes. So, Ryan, if you want to meet him, then click here: Meet Dave. If you want to subscribe to his page on this wonderful site, then click.

thisisdocrivs

Please visit, if you’d like.docrivs often likes to dress up like a robot and do unrobot-like things and sometimes dresses like a hot librarian but still thinks like a geek.

No, jus keeding. However, he does agree with Mao, who is attributed to saying that’religion is the opiate of the masses’.

Is your name noony?

See more progress on: have a website

Well, I do...

...sort of. I have a website, called docrivs.com, and I have a blogsite, called thisisdocrivs. I am also a del.icio.us subscriber, and I am slowly learning XHTML, CSS, Javascript, XML, and PHP.
Some other people share this same goal of creating a website. Other people, including myself, want to be a web designer and design web publish on the web. There is a subtle difference between being a web developer and being a web designer. Web development involves using databases and designing applications for businesses, whereas web design involves more of the creative side of it all.There are other “web” goals that I’ve found on 43 Things

Be a Web Developer

web programmer
be a web visionary
my web site
to be a web editor
be a web master
go to my web page
web desinger
learn web design
be a great web designer
redesign my web sites
be a better web designer
FINISH a web project
web design as a career
Become a Web designer
create a web page
start a web business
learn web programming
build a web service
finish my web page
create my web portfolio
Write a web application
teach web design
build a web server
Master web content
design a web page
finish my web pages

See more progress on: have a website

Why I admire Joe Satriani

I admire Joe, because he expresses futuristic style. He always seems to incorporate the latest sounds, techniques, and ideas of the time into his music. He is a bluesy guitar player who likes to bend and hold onto a note for a while; he plays a lot of blues-structure songs; yet, Joe is not a blues musician. Joe plays the future. He seems to embody that image, as well. I could almost see him wearing Neo’s or Morpheus’ costume from The Matrix, jammin’ away. He da man!!
docrivs docrivs docrivs thisisdocrivs thisisdocrivs joesatriani joesatriani thisisdocrivs guitar guitar artists artists musicians musicians guitarplayers guitarplayers guitarists guitarists

Learn more about Joe Satriani

NewsFlash !!! Humans Are Not The Center Of The Universe

On My Google page I have a feed for Quotes of the Day, and today I was provided with this one about spirituality, religion, and human perception. I also share thoughts similar to those expressed in this sentence.

My religion consists of a humble admiration of the illimitable superior spirit who reveals himself in the slight details we are able to perceive with our frail and feeble mind.
Albert Einstein

evolution darwin darwinianevolution darwinism creationism creation docrivs thisisdocrivs docrivs thisisdocrivs religion spirit spirituality einstein alberteinstein perception religion spirit spirituality einstein alberteinstein perception

riding on the metro...

this place is very crowded and hectic in most areas, but because it is an older city it has a sense of connection with the past. i recall the metro tunnels being very smelly places, though.

See more progress on: visit paris

easier the second time

my first tattoo was a rather large piece on my back. that took a long time to finish, and it was rather painful at times. my second tattoo was an celtic cross, designed by a myself and a friend, that was done on the side of my lower leg. that was considerably a less painful experience, for the most part. plus, it didn’t take much time at all. however, the stippling, which was necessary because the gun was homemade, was very painful. all in all, the pain was totally worth it! i love to look at my tattoos. sometimes i wish i could see the one on my back a lot better, though.

See more progress on: get my second tattoo

pen and paper journals vs. digital journals

this is a great idea for practicing my writing, for helping me think, for helping me get through difficult experiences. i much prefer to write with a pen in a notebook style journal, but if it is in digital form, a journal helps me in many more ways. i can go back to it much easier. i can do searches. i can share much easier. i can cut and paste pieces into other documents. i can insert other pieces in between entries.

docrivs.com thisisdocrivs

See more progress on: Keep a journal

start with the lyrics

this is how i write songsi keep a healthy collection of song titles, band names, and album titles. i add to it constantly. then, when i go to write a song, i like to start writing lines, creating potential intros, outros, verses, choruses, refrains, bridges, and breaks. when i have a lot on paper i go to my collection of names and titles and i name my song. then, at some point, i start working on the music. i might start with a drum beat or a full rhythm part. i might start with just a bass line. i might start with a vocal melody. i might start with some chords. when i have a few riffs and parts, i try to connect them somehow to form a verse and chorus or verse and refrain. i might start with an intro or outro. i might start with the bridge. i might just have a chorus. however it goes, i just go with it. the more often i write, the easier it gets to put something down. it always helps to record ideas as soon as they hit, or soon after. i have forgotten way more than i have remembered.thisisdocrivs blog docrivs.com docrivs thisisdocrivs songwriting music riffs Learn to play the guitar guitar properly and get lessons learn to play acoustic guitar, also get a guitar Learn how to make my own guitar and or bass guitar Learn to play guitar according to the Guitar Principles i want to learn to play the guitar and then go to a green day concert and show off my skills to billie joe and see if i could have his black guitar. learn to play a the guitar or bass guitar Find a guitar teacher that will not use the word “lover” in relation to how the guitar should feel in my lap. I am a chinese,I love guitar as my live I want to learn for guitar .But I don't know how to learn for it . who can tell me ? Learn how to play guitar and get a record deal singing and playing guitar. use that money instead on a wicked awesome guitar to appropriate my wicked awesome guitar skills guitar meet Mcfly and just chill out with them and i would like them to teach me how to play the guitar. i have got a guitar but i just can't play anything on it. apart from white stripes. the the guitar play guitar learn guitar guitars I luv music and singing so i guess i want to do music. Play music or produce music write music that affects someone the way music has affected me learn music learn to write music and arrange music scores learn how to learn drum music Learn about music learn to play music Learn about classical music learn to write music learn a musical instrument learn to make music learn more about music learn to read music learn music theory learn musical harmony resume learning music learn about jazz music learn more music Learn a music instrument Learn to compose music learn to mix music

See more progress on: write a song

'it's killing my throat'

As I mentioned in another entry, I once worked as Runner, Production Assistant, and Stagehand for a small production company, contracted by an outdoor concert amphitheatre. I had many interesting experiences, and one in particular was very memorable. I was working the Neil Young show one season. Although I missed Neil Young’s entire show, because I was working, I did get to meet Jewel, who was opening up for Neil. She was staying at one of our finer hotels, and she and her mom and one of her other managers needed a ride from the hotel to the amphitheatre. That was my job, so I was asked to pick them up. I went with the other manager into the hotel and up to Jewel’s room, and I waited inside for a few minutes while the manager talked with her about something. Then, I went back downstairs with the manager and was told to wait, with the doors to my van open, so that the three of them could get right in without much chance for interruption. I had the AC cranked, because it was damn hot. Soon, a beautiful woman appeared in the entranceway to the hotel, walking toward the van. She looked older than what I thought Jewel was, but I didn’t know for sure. I just helped her into the van. Then, an even more beautiful and more youthful woman appeared in a bright-colored sweater, walking towards my van. That was Jewel. I helped her in, trying hard not to stare, blush, or act weird. The manager introduced us, telling them that I was going to be taking them to the venue. During the drive to the venue, Jewel was busy blasting some of the musicians she had been working with either on a record or on the tour. She seemed very angry about the situation. Then, she spoke her first words to me, after she initially said, “hello”. She said, “Can you PLEASE turn down that AC?! It’s KILLing my throat.” Wow, did I turn red, quickly flipped some buttons, and tried to concentrate on getting to the venue as quickly as possible. Although, Jewel, and what turned out to be Jewel’s mom, and her manager, thanked me for the ride, I was wondering if they were just having a bad day, or if it was just like that.

See more progress on: Give Jewel A Ride To Her Concert In My Van

Aimless: Real America

I was teaching a guitar lesson tonight, and I was explaining how learning to play the guitar is a matter of learning the basics and then expanding them to learn the more advanced aspects of playing. My student is in high school, and so he was born no earlier than 1988. He and I are not from the same generation, but he wants to learn about the music from older generations. He doesn't yet understand how artists make songs, how they use chords and scales to make music. It's all new to him.

Anyway, I was focusing on the concept of the 1 - 4 - 5 progression, which is a collection of three chords. The 4 and 5 chords are related, not only to each other, but to the 1 chord, as well. In fact, the 4 chord is only the 4 chord because it is made up of notes that are a 4th (to put it crudely) away from the 1. The 5 chord is only the 5 chord because it is made up of notes that are a 5th away from the 1.

The 1 - 4 - 5 progression is used throughout many styles of music, and it is so common in country, blues, folk, and rock, that if you truly grasp the concept of 1 - 4 - 5, then you can play many different songs. If you truly grasp the 1 - 4 - 5 concept, then you can play anything from Robert Johnson to Chuck Berry to Brooks & Dunn to NOFX.

So, in taking that concept even further, I asserted that what music amounts to is taking sounds that have already been captured and making them your own. It's all been done. There are only 12 notes in "Western" music (which is basically all you can play on a standard-tuned guitar), and they've been played in many different combinations and sequences to make the totality of music that has been played and is still played now. The important point about creativity and originality is that an artist needs to take these sounds, an artistic medium, and take these instruments, beats, props, lyrics, and put some unique twist to the whole thing that makes it unique.

I pointed out to the Ramones, who my post-88 born student claimed to have heard of, and I told him that they liked to play old rock n roll stuff, like Chuck Berry. They liked sounds similar to Jerry Lee Lewis. They took those sounds, and they added their own twist, forging a sound that now serves as part of the foundation for modern pop rock music. There would be no punk rock, as we know it today, no Green Day, no Avril Lavigne, and probably no MTV, as we know it, without the Ramones. They took an old idea and they added a unique twist to make it new again.

Now, hours later, I've read an old blog post by my friend, Ryan. He has re-posted one of his older posts that describe his idea for making a movie, called Aimless: Real America.

Now, I don't think that title is all that original. The title, "Real America" conjures up images of "American Idol", "American Hero", "American Soldier", "Real World", and even "Cops", because it also conjures up all of my preconceptions about "reality TV", a style of entertainment that I've heard too much about.

The title, "Aimless", however, conjures up different images for me. It makes me think of the movies "Road Trip", "Clueless", "Animal House", "Caddyshack", "Airplane!", and many other light comedies that are either one-word titles or they have titles with similar meanings. Aimless implies lack of distinct direction. Aimless implies lack of clearly defined goals or procedures. Aimless implies lack of a point, lack of an end-goal, fruitless, and meaningless. It definitely sets the tone for this film. I'd have to say that Ryan has put a unique twist to an old idea. You could certainly argue otherwise, but it would be Aimless to do so, because the title isn't the only component of the film. The film itself will be unique, because the story will be captured by Ryan, who is a unique individual.

When you see this movie, Aimless: Real America, you will probably laugh, and you might even get teary-eyed, but you will definitely be entertained.

aimless ryan docrivs thisisdocrivs movie film documentary comedy filmmaker roadtrip road roadmovie realitytv

Flickr

This is a test post from , a fancy photo sharing thing.

Hacky Sack

This game rules! It has been frustrating when I’ve tried hard to learn new tricks and kept dropping the bag, but it is also relaxing. I like that you can carry on a conversation with everyone in the circle and still play. The trick, I think, is to wear good sneakers.

See more progress on: hacky sack

Aimless: Grassroots fund-raising

It's almost 1 AM on a Monday night, and I can't get to sleep.

I'm wide awake!!

So, instead of tossing and turning, I got out of bed, grabbed the laptop, went into the bathroom, and sat on a chair by the window to write and surf and write.

Yesterday... Aigool and I took Sabine and Caspian to COSI, along with Alex, Tim, Petey and Nicky. We got to see the Star Wars exhibit, Oceans, Progress, Space, as well as the interactive exhibits in the back courtyard. There is an interesting site, called TryScience.Org that features a travel guide for people who love science. Check it out.

Tonight... I made some of my Google Notebooks public.

I checked out Ryan's website, Aimless.

I commented on Ryan's ideas for, what he called, "grassroots fund-raising".

Maybe Ryan will put a link to my thisisdocrivs blog in one of his Aimless blog posts. That would be most excellent!

docrivs tag

http://technorati.com/tag/docrivs

Cool Blog Template

I like the template on this blogsite.

Technoraati Profile

Hi, there! This is a link to my Technorati Profile. You can check it out, if you'd like.

Or not.

Why I admire Edward Norton

Ed Norton can play such big, dynamic roles. He goes from the stuttering shy guy in Primal Fear to the white supremacist leader in American History X. He likes those quiet introvert to wild extrovert roles, similar to the character in Fight Club. He’s an exciting actor to watch, and it would be cool to meet him.

Learn more about Edward Norton

A story about George Orwell

The writings of George Orwell have inspired me in many ways to write, think critically, explore, and act responsibly. 1984 was a big inspiration, as was a class that I took in college, called “Orwell, Orwellianisms, and Technology in Global Society”, or something. We read and discussed essays and other novels by Orwell, Margaret Atwood’s, The Handmaid’s Tale, and the famous 1984 Superbowl commercial for Apple Computer’s MacIntosh. I was intellectually stimulated enough to make me want to write everyday. So, I try to do that without fail.

Learn more about George Orwell

Thank you for the great testimonial!!

Thank you, Ryan Powell!!!... for this really good testimonial. I really appreciate what you wrote, and I hope that you are through being "pissed off" with me. I still support you in whatever it is that you do. Aimless is a great idea, and I'm sure that you'll take it to greater heights. I'll be there along the way!

Buying a condo in Downtown Columbus

My wife and I have looked at two projects, so far. The main idea is to continue to be a property owner, rather than a renter, with the added bonus of living closer to where I work. The expense of keeping a Jeep filled with gas and paying $4 a day for bus fare has been too much. Plus, my lifestyle does not allow me much time for keeping a house and yard maintained. I’m not much of a DIY’er, and that’s what it takes to own a home that isn’t brand new. The lure of urban life is starting to interest me more and more, as well. I like the idea of being close to the Main Library, CCAD, Columbus State, the Short North, the Arena District, German Village, Victorian Village, OSU campus, and all of the amenities that come with life in Downton Columbus. Maybe I wouldn’t end up wanting to live there for the rest of my life, but for now, it seems urban life is drawing me in, “like a tractor-beam of hotness”, as Ricky Bobby, the famous NASCAR driver once said about his former wife.

See more progress on: Buy a condo in downtown Columbus

A story about me

I’ve just put up a new website, which I hope is going to be the start of something really great.docrivs.com

Ok. So, it’s a simple site right now, unpolished and rough. However, there are loads of good content on the way:
Resources for people looking into finding a job in, visiting, or looking at moving to Santa Fe, New Mexico.Teaching materials for guitar teachers and guitar studentsResources for an upcoming article on anarchism, environmental terrorism, the anti-globalization movement, and the role of technologyand much, much more…

Learn more about docrivs

So expensive ...but would be so right

I find Santa Fe to be a place rich in history, art, music, cuisine, and spirit. Santa Fe is a part of what makes up the American Southwest. It sits near the most beautiful mountain and desert areas I have ever seen. Santa Fe inspires me to take part in outdoor activities, like rafting on the Rio Grande, mountain biking on the trails, hiking the national parks, and walking around the various districts of Old Santa Fe. The art gallery districts are superb, filled with great hotspots for eating, drinking, live entertainment, and enjoying being social. Fusion is a word that comes to mind when I think of Santa Fe, but not the kind of Fusion that brings to mind that 70’s-era latin-funk-jazz-blues-rock music. Fusion, as in a dish of Chilean Sea Bass over Thai noodles, served with a side of Dos Equis, and a Cajun rock band that plays Madonna covers!

See more progress on: move to santa fe

Aimless, The Movie

I would like to take this moment to promote my friend Ryan's new project, Aimless. He's planning to go on some travels and film his experiences to create a movie. Ryan's a real creative and interesting person, and he can be a really social person too. I expect that he has the potential to produce some great stuff. His photos of his experiences in NYC are memorable and interesting, and he really can write. Check out the AimlessMovie website. You will find something very interesting.

jumping jesus t-shirt

http://www.cafepress.com/opalshop.2744410