While “21st Century” itself sounds futuristic enough, the years 2000-2004 teetered so precariously on the tails of the 20th Century, as if in danger of slipping back into the ’90s, that to me they weren’t convincingly representative of a new century/millenium (nevermind the technically accurate argument that the 21 Century didn’t begin until 2001, anyway).

With the arrival of 2005, however, I feel as if the the future is here. 5 years in…there’s no going back now. 2005 carries with it the credibility that several years of bumps and bruises bring with them and yet still manages to maintain that fresh-start zeal of a new era. I think the 21st Century is only starting to wind-up and has barely begun to show us all it has to offer. While the 1900s brought with them the massive scale with which humankind can annihilate itself and the planet on which it resides, this new century promises us the opportunity to wield such weapons as tolerance and ingenuity to live in harmony with the earth and its inhabitants. The big question is, will we do so? I, for one, am optimistic.

Happy New Year.

Some fads I see these days leave me pretty baffled, at times. In short: I just don’t get it. Here’s a few, to which I reserve the right to add.

Sushi
Though sushi can consist of vinegared rice with any number of ingredients, I typically see it with raw fish. Raw fish. At its best it tastes like nothing. The real genius about making this an “in” thing is marking it up to sell at your bar along with $9 martinis. Tres sophistique. I *really* wish I would have thought of this one.

Atkins
The whole anti-carbs movement, in general, actually. Hasn’t this diet been pretty much established as the wrong way to KEEP weight off? And yet, the low-carb craze continues. The sheer amount of effort I see people put into carbohydrate management is frightening. If a fraction of the discipline were only directed toward moderate physical activity and a “reasonable” eating routine…

Poker
Okay, now I know I’m gonna take some heat on this one, but I’m serious. Yeah, it’s a good game, don’t get me wrong. But is it $200-poker-kit-I’m-having-a-texas-hold-’em-tournament-once-a-month-bring-your-personalized-visor good? I mean, the game’s been around for centuries. Why the sudden passion? If a table dispute were resolved with an eight-pace duel outside, I might be more interested. And playing poker is one thing, but how about watching it on television? It’s on ESPN incessantly; there are seemingly innumerable World Series in the professional poker world. I never was able to reconcile the fact that these best-of-the-best players wear shades that cover half their faces (though I must admit, someone did recently tell me that the “truly great” ones do not wear sunglasses). I’m thinking it’s a matter of time until a Hollywood pretty boy is tapped to star in a movie depicting one man’s rise to poker greatness against the backdrop of a budding romance, all to the sounds of the latest Top 40 Billboard hits. Tell me you can’t see it. Maybe I’m just bitter than the majority of my web blog spam comes from online casinos. Maybe that’s it.

Anyway, a little high-and-mighty’ish on this post, I know. And, after all, diversity makes the world go ’round. But, that said: I just don’t get it.

Well, Christmas is here, and with it have come those things which over the years have become indelibly branded onto my brain as signifying the arrival of the Christmas season. It’s funny how certain objects can bring seemingly forgotten memories racing to the forefront of one’s mind. This phenomenan is not limited to tangible items, either; there are sounds and smells that I have come to subconsciously associate with the queen of all family holidays.

One of the primary indicators in my folks’ house that Christmas is upon us is the Christmas Mice.

Now, I’m not sure if it’s the fact that these mice have resided upon that same lamp every Christmas I have known or the fact that my dad seems so paternalistically attached to them, but they have taken on a role bigger than that of mere decoration; I’ve found their perennial emergence to invariably carry with it warm feelings of years past. Though in themselves only one example, the Christmas Mice are representative of those things which mark the holiday season.

In closing, I thought I’d list some of my Christmas favorites:

Favorite CD: John Denver and the Muppets: A Christmas Together
(one thing that’s recently come to my attention: the later release of this album is absent THREE songs on the original, including such classics as “Lil’ Saint Nick” and “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas”…so beware)

Favorite Show: A Charlie Brown Christmas

Favorite Movie: Die Hard (it counts!)
(yes, I considered “A Christmas Story;” it comes in a close second)

Favorite Food: anything in quantity (except for sweet potatoes)

Favorite Weather: snow (and lots of it)

All-Time Favorite Gift Received (adjusted for loss of kid-at-heartedness): probably the Capsela 1000 of yesteryear, maybe the original NES, maybe my 1st R/C car the Grasshopper…
(in all fairness, this year’s slot car sets have to be up there, too)

Merry Christmas, folks.

63 years ago today, 361 Japanese warplanes attacked American airfields and shipyards at Pearl Harbor, disabling 19 ships, destroying 200 planes, and killing over 2300 men. The pre-emptive strike prompted this country to plunge headlong into the most destructive war in history. It was a defining moment, to be sure; one which ultimately marked the turning point in a war of unprecedented scale.
Continue reading “Slumbering Giant”

If you ever watched the show Twin Peaks (great show, by the way), you know that Dale Cooper, Special Agent, had a penchant for enjoying the little things in life. Though dutifully fulfilling his law enforcement obligations, he understood the importance of living and thinking dynamically, not submitting to the monotonous routine many believe inescapable in today’s world.

I’m with Agent Cooper; I refuse to accept any implication that “settling into a groove” is somehow the all-encompassing proper way to live. On the contrary, I believe that to do so is to deny our own human nature. After all, we thrive on diversity; our physical existence is defined by our exposure to external stimuli. To subject oneself to the same routine, day-in and day-out, would serve only to dull our senses, and with them our sense of life.

I know, I know; it’s not as if the real world allows us the luxury of simply doing as we please ALL of the time. I understand there are certain responsibilities that must be tended to on a daily basis, certain constraints we must live within; however, it is up to us, whenever possible, to add some much-needed zest to what could otherwise be a sadly two-dimensional (depressing?) existence. Often this means taking advantage of the little things. I don’t think I could put it any better than the words of Dale himeself: “Every day, once a day, give yourself a present. Don’t plan it, don’t wait for it, just let it happen. It could be a new shirt at the men’s store, a catnap in your office chair or…two cups of good hot black coffee. Like this.”

Man, did that guy love coffee.

Okay, so two politically-oriented topics in as many posts, though this one will also remain (with some effort) non-partisan. After all, it IS voting day.

I just wanted to share with you my relief at this day having finally arrived. At this point I just want it over with. I didn’t believe either one of our primary presidential candidates a gem to begin with, but after hearing them bicker playground-style for the last few (several?) months I find myself even more disappointed in our choices. Come tomorrow, no more campaign ads…it’s almost hard to imagine. While waiting to cast my ballot this morning, an older gentlemen was commenting on how this was the most heated debate he has ever known, and how both sides got so dirty that neither can claim to have clean hands. I couldn’t agree more; what a spectacular example these two have set.

One thing is for sure: I have never seen this country so divided. I can only hope that when all is said and done the “losing side” can put the election behind them and we can take positive steps into the future. Though today promises to be anything but predictable, if I had to guess I’d say G.W. by a smidgen (just thought I should get it on record). Either way, all signs point to this being one exciting election.

One thing everonward has (hopefully) yet to be during its short existence is political (and by that, I think I mean partisan). I plan, for the most part, to keep it that way, too. If you are like me, you find yourself bombarded by politics at every turn. And, if you are like me, you grow weary of its intrusion into otherwise enjoyable pastimes. Don’t get me wrong, involvement and education are important, but smothering me with unsolicited political commentary only serves to further jade my perception of modern government and taint my desire to participate in it.
Continue reading “Hitler’s Patriot Act”

In general, I admire ingenuity and creativity, but such attributes strike an even greater chord with me when demonstrated in the context of mischief. That said, I thought it only appropriate (and fair?) to tip my hat to the clever batch of co-ops we had at work this past summer, despite the fact their fun came primarily at my expense. Hey, I’m man enough to (reluctantly) admit it.

All three college students who worked in my deparment for the summer were women, which itself is odd in a place of engineering (first time in my four years we’ve had such an instance). Also unusual about this crew was the outright temerity they exhibited in planning, mobilizing, and executing a strategy to abscond with a cherised piece of my OU memorabilia: a 32 oz. aquarium glass from “The Pub,” which finds intermittent use as a candy bowl in my office. Things immediately became personal when I walked into my office that fateful morning to find this note on my desk:
Continue reading “Due Credit Where Credit’s Due”

I saw a sign today that said:

“You Are What You Think About.”

It scared the hell out of me.

I figured by this time the readers of this site might be wondering what it’s all about (though I could be wrong), so I’ve decided to offer a brief explanation for both of you.

This web log represents nothing more than those those (often random) topics of which I might be thinking at a particular time. I really can’t imagine boring you (and myself) with the altogether ordinary occurrences of my everyday life, so I typically try not to do that. This is less a log detailing specific events than it is a place for me to organize my thoughts into something I can look back on later and share with others at the same time (not that you ever asked or anything). Much of the satisfaction I garner from it is a result of the feedback offered by readers on any given subject. So thanks for that.

From this point on, consider yourself forewarned: reading this web log could very well give you a glimpse into the strange world that is my mind. There, I’ve done my duty.