Mark your calenders.
The week of July 20th was a good week. I put all my struggles aside and just LET GO. Work, life, technicalities, relationships, purpose, everything...............all gone.
Ive danced 5 out of the last 6 nights, the entire week minus Wednesday. More importantly, my form and rhythm were dialed this week to a level that Im actually for once content with my evolution towards the next level. The groove, the steps, the motions of the body and mind.......all collaborating to equal the ultimate flow and soul. No style but my own.
I actually peaked as the week progressed.
There is something to be said about going out totally alone - no judging, no expectations, no accommodations, no words. Just show up when I feel like it, find my spot, feel the music from within and just rip.
This week has been full of compliments and appreciation, nothing is more meaningful than having a circle full of dancers telling me I inspire them to get better or that they feel my sets from inside their beating chests. Little do they know they push me to do the same.............EVOLVE.
As I sit here soaked to the bone, dehydrated, and with the unavoidable cool down from tonight's high my mind is clear, yet fulfilled.
One Message Comes to Mind......
Keep On Keeping On My Peoples. Pushing towards whatever it is we seek. Our limitations are strictly mental so just break free.
Noone can stop us but our damn selves.
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Career Opportunities - Warm Bodies & A President Wanted
Thought I would share the local job listings for today from Pennsylvania. I wanted to give everyone an idea of the job market in a dying blue collar state:
WARM BODIES WANTED:
Basically, you have to be willing to die to find sustainable work.
So many of the over 4,000 American Soldiers killed to date in the current Iraq War have come from places like PA where some kids grow up thinking they have no opportunity or absolutely no choice but to join the Army where they will "be rich, have the chance to succeed, and see the world". College in Pa is one of the most expensive in the nation as the state claims to have no tax money available to put towards public education. They can build new sports stadiums but hey, asking them to support education for the underprivileged is going too far. Community Colleges barely exist as they have been basically gobbled up by Penn State University for branch campuses to provide access of a PSU education across the entire state, all which proudly boast the most expensive in-state tuition in the entire country. Essentially a public school education for close to the cost of a private one. Families making less than the national average and education costing more - basic math tells you these numbers dont add up leaving many without real opportunities. Early debt can be very overwhelming to someone fresh out of high school as the expected total cost of a bachelors degree education there today is basically $100,000, the equivalent cost of many homes within the state. This is a debt that can last a lifetime if the wrong choice is made and someone doesnt capitalize on their degree of choice.
Compare this to a state like California where people make more money and yet can still get a college education for less than a month's worth of lattes from Starbucks. (The trick in Cali may be trying to afford rent while accomplishing this feat)
Back to the subject at hand, Feeling that no other opportunities exist, many reluctantly turn to the military as they feel its the only chance for a change.
For some itll be a very costly mistake.
"Unemployed?? Looking for your dream job?!!! BE Proud Of What You Do For A Living!!!
We are looking for talented people like you to be human shields against Iranian IED's and random Human Bombs.
Come join the National Guard - Signing Bonus. Special Hazard Pay to put your life on the line. And if you die.....Oh Well, WE PAY YOU $$$$!"
BE RICH IN THE AFTERLIFE!!!!
CALL TODAY - MR BUSH IS STANDING BY TO MEET CAREER MINDED INDIVIDUALS LIKE YOU!!!!
GOT A HEARTBEAT??? THEN WE WANT YOU!!!
The total
cost of this war is unforeseeable and to date the money spent could have been invested to have the entire United States running on renewable energy resources or feed every poor person amongst us for a lifetime, but is instead fattening the very wallets of those we fight. The price has been paid with lives alone, not to mention a continually weakening economy and the U.S. Dollar at its lowest value ever in history.
I meet people from Europe on a weekly basis and the first thing they always wanna do is buy stuff because "everything is so cheap here". Remember the day when you were pissed to discover you received a Canadian dime as change by mistake? I recently listed a bike for sale and everyone that wanted it was from another country because with the rate of exchange it was the deal of a lifetime.
Congratulations Mr. President as you leave our country in total chaos. The time to fix these issues will take longer than your total time in power.
One president was too busy playing golf and getting blowjobs during office hours while the next is finishing a personal family vendetta, too busy reading stories to elementary kids in order to respond to the attacks of 911.
"Mr President we are under attack, both of the World Trade Center Towers Have Just Been Destroyed. Thousands Are Dead"
"Okay, just let me finish this book first...........My name is Sam I Am, Yes I Like Green Eggs And Ham"
Sounds like a bad joke but look up Mr President's initial response to the attacks.
Both overachievers were re-elected into office. One almost subsequently had his wife elected in the aftermath.
"VOTE HILLARY BECAUSE HER HUSBAND IS A PIMP" was the slogan if I recall. Or maybe it was "VOTE HILLARY BECAUSE SHES THE ONLY WOMAN WITH NUTS".
This sad reality is that this isnt CNN people, this is REAL LIFE.
When will we as a global community and the human race rise above the very idea of war itself and instead combine to invest in a quality of life unimagined?
History has taught us nothing at all.
The sad answer is never.
PRESIDENT WANTED:
Im not a political person and will talk about the power of a better beat before Ill discuss most matters involving Donkeys and Elephants.
I will say this, in a crucial time for America we could definitely be ready for a younger president.
Your choices have been narrowed: I feel one may have great intentions but is largely inexperien
ced. I feel the other may be too old and not a drastic enough of a change for a large percentage of people unhappy with the current leadership. I also feel no Republican can possibly win this next term. People will deliberately vote non-Republican just for a safe alternative.
Whoever shall win, the challenges they will face are large and many. The job opening is close to the equivalent of a post-Enron CEO. How does a nation and economy that was deliberately built around gasoline engines move forward? How does a nation that has led the world for over half of a century play catch up and reiterate its role? How does a sole person restore faith and confidence in every consumer and citizen nationwide?
Im Optimistic, Its Possible. But Its Going To Take Time And Work.
I hereby nominate Kermit the Frog as I feel he is the only one who can save us as well as the declining amphibians world wide.
Vote Green! Because Frogs are Cool. At some point in their lives they have both gills and lungs, how can you compete with that?
These thoughts are the repercussions of allowing me to have Red Bull while out dancing.
WARM BODIES WANTED:
| Job Title | Company | Location | Date Posted | |
| Construction Equipment Operator | Air National Guard | Pittsburgh, PA | Jul-23 | |
| Automotive / Heavy Equipment Mechanics | Air National Guard | Pittsburgh, PA | Jul-23 | |
| Installers | Sears Home Improvement Products | Pittsburgh, PA | Jul-23 | |
| Emergency Readiness Specialist | Air National Guard | Pittsburgh, PA | Jul-23 | |
| Installers | Sears Home Improvement Products | Pittsburgh, PA | Jul-23 | |
| Avionics Communication Specialist | Air National Guard | State College, PA | Jul-23 | |
| COUNTERINTELLIGENCE SPECIALIST | Air National Guard | Pittsburgh, PA | Jul-23 | |
| Personnel Specialist | Air National Guard | Pittsburgh, PA | Jul-23 | |
| ELECTRONICS TECHNICIAN | Air National Guard | Pittsburgh, PA | Jul-23 | |
| Construction | Air National Guard | State College, PA | Jul-23 | |
| Airfield Systems Technician | Air National Guard | Johnstown, PA | Jul-23 | |
| Intelligence Analyst | Air National Guard | Pittsburgh, PA | Jul-23 | |
| Generalist Pilot | Air National Guard | Pittsburgh, PA | Jul-23 | |
| Theater Manager In Transit | Carmike Cinemas | Pittsburgh, PA | Jul-23 | |
| Air Traffic Controller | Air National Guard | Pittsburgh, PA | Jul-23 | |
| POLICE OFFICER | Air National Guard | Pittsburgh PA | Jul-23 | |
| Aircraft Mechanic – Aerospace Maintenance | Air National Guard | Pittsburgh, PA | Jul-23 | |
| Ground Radio Communications | Air National Guard | Pittsburgh, PA | Jul-23 | |
| Air Battle Officer – Manager | Air National Guard | Pittsburgh, PA | Jul-23 | |
| Air Traffic Controller | Air National Guard | Pittsburgh, PA | Jul-23 | |
| Aerospace Engineer and Radar / Sonar Operator | Air National Guard | Pittsburgh, PA | Jul-23 | |
| Computer Systems Repair | Air National Guard | Pittsburgh, PA | Jul-23 | |
| Communications Cable and Antenna Systems Repair | Air National Guard | Pittsburgh, PA | Jul-23 | |
| Insurance Sales Agent | National Agents Alliance | Pittsburgh, PA | Jul-23 | |
| Reconnaissance / Surveillance / Electronic Warfare Navigator | Air National Guard | Pittsburgh, PA | Jul-23 |
Basically, you have to be willing to die to find sustainable work.
So many of the over 4,000 American Soldiers killed to date in the current Iraq War have come from places like PA where some kids grow up thinking they have no opportunity or absolutely no choice but to join the Army where they will "be rich, have the chance to succeed, and see the world". College in Pa is one of the most expensive in the nation as the state claims to have no tax money available to put towards public education. They can build new sports stadiums but hey, asking them to support education for the underprivileged is going too far. Community Colleges barely exist as they have been basically gobbled up by Penn State University for branch campuses to provide access of a PSU education across the entire state, all which proudly boast the most expensive in-state tuition in the entire country. Essentially a public school education for close to the cost of a private one. Families making less than the national average and education costing more - basic math tells you these numbers dont add up leaving many without real opportunities. Early debt can be very overwhelming to someone fresh out of high school as the expected total cost of a bachelors degree education there today is basically $100,000, the equivalent cost of many homes within the state. This is a debt that can last a lifetime if the wrong choice is made and someone doesnt capitalize on their degree of choice.
Compare this to a state like California where people make more money and yet can still get a college education for less than a month's worth of lattes from Starbucks. (The trick in Cali may be trying to afford rent while accomplishing this feat)
Back to the subject at hand, Feeling that no other opportunities exist, many reluctantly turn to the military as they feel its the only chance for a change.
For some itll be a very costly mistake.
"Unemployed?? Looking for your dream job?!!! BE Proud Of What You Do For A Living!!!
We are looking for talented people like you to be human shields against Iranian IED's and random Human Bombs.
Come join the National Guard - Signing Bonus. Special Hazard Pay to put your life on the line. And if you die.....Oh Well, WE PAY YOU $$$$!"
BE RICH IN THE AFTERLIFE!!!!
CALL TODAY - MR BUSH IS STANDING BY TO MEET CAREER MINDED INDIVIDUALS LIKE YOU!!!!
GOT A HEARTBEAT??? THEN WE WANT YOU!!!
The total
cost of this war is unforeseeable and to date the money spent could have been invested to have the entire United States running on renewable energy resources or feed every poor person amongst us for a lifetime, but is instead fattening the very wallets of those we fight. The price has been paid with lives alone, not to mention a continually weakening economy and the U.S. Dollar at its lowest value ever in history.I meet people from Europe on a weekly basis and the first thing they always wanna do is buy stuff because "everything is so cheap here". Remember the day when you were pissed to discover you received a Canadian dime as change by mistake? I recently listed a bike for sale and everyone that wanted it was from another country because with the rate of exchange it was the deal of a lifetime.
Congratulations Mr. President as you leave our country in total chaos. The time to fix these issues will take longer than your total time in power.
One president was too busy playing golf and getting blowjobs during office hours while the next is finishing a personal family vendetta, too busy reading stories to elementary kids in order to respond to the attacks of 911.
"Mr President we are under attack, both of the World Trade Center Towers Have Just Been Destroyed. Thousands Are Dead"
"Okay, just let me finish this book first...........My name is Sam I Am, Yes I Like Green Eggs And Ham"
Sounds like a bad joke but look up Mr President's initial response to the attacks.
Both overachievers were re-elected into office. One almost subsequently had his wife elected in the aftermath.
"VOTE HILLARY BECAUSE HER HUSBAND IS A PIMP" was the slogan if I recall. Or maybe it was "VOTE HILLARY BECAUSE SHES THE ONLY WOMAN WITH NUTS".
This sad reality is that this isnt CNN people, this is REAL LIFE.
When will we as a global community and the human race rise above the very idea of war itself and instead combine to invest in a quality of life unimagined?
History has taught us nothing at all.
The sad answer is never.
PRESIDENT WANTED:
Im not a political person and will talk about the power of a better beat before Ill discuss most matters involving Donkeys and Elephants.
I will say this, in a crucial time for America we could definitely be ready for a younger president.
Your choices have been narrowed: I feel one may have great intentions but is largely inexperien
ced. I feel the other may be too old and not a drastic enough of a change for a large percentage of people unhappy with the current leadership. I also feel no Republican can possibly win this next term. People will deliberately vote non-Republican just for a safe alternative.Whoever shall win, the challenges they will face are large and many. The job opening is close to the equivalent of a post-Enron CEO. How does a nation and economy that was deliberately built around gasoline engines move forward? How does a nation that has led the world for over half of a century play catch up and reiterate its role? How does a sole person restore faith and confidence in every consumer and citizen nationwide?
Im Optimistic, Its Possible. But Its Going To Take Time And Work.
I hereby nominate Kermit the Frog as I feel he is the only one who can save us as well as the declining amphibians world wide.
Vote Green! Because Frogs are Cool. At some point in their lives they have both gills and lungs, how can you compete with that?
These thoughts are the repercussions of allowing me to have Red Bull while out dancing.
Monday, July 21, 2008
The Keystone State
Sometimes I miss home. Most of the time would be a much more accurate statement. Im way past the physical location and was upon my departure, its the simplicity of life and the people that stay in my thoughts. Reminders will spark my memory and bring forth flashbacks of a life once lived. This process could be spawned from a very deliberate hint like the current fad of some of the west coast dancers and hiphop artists wearing Pittsburgh Pirates hats. (Ill stand there and gaze at the hat wondering why the hell the Pirates when we are the host of the amazing Steelers or Penguins.) As well as being at a convenience store or gas station and humbly wishing it was Sheetz as I gaze at yesterdays stale, chicken salad sandwich marked "fresh" - shrink wrapped in the 'prepared food' section next to the chucked pile of bananas and microwaveable burritos.
Other subtle experiences will hint at PA Life: Seeing a wagging tailed labrador out in the park anxiously awaiting any given command and the chance to please. A Steaming Cup of Hot Cocoa. A rare cloudy California day. The story of a summer thunder shower. A domestic automobile. Gloves. Hoodies. Holidays. Bypassing a sign for a 24 hour super walmart on the interstate and having that immediate comfort of knowing I can get the perfect mixture of m&ms, a plasma tv, a car battery, and a floor lamp all on a whim at any given time . Cheesy pop remixes labeled as House Music.
All said, my most favorite memory would be a quick, crisp chill in the air from the Pacific Bay Winds, just long enough to remind me of the northeastern early autumn season. The vast array of earth toned colors mark the landscape like a box of brand new Crayolas - Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Brown, and every color in between. The warm turned cooling air. Indirect, fading sunlight. Football season. Early Nights. November snow flakes that disappear upon contact with Mother Nature's Core. Watching the progression of summer life fade slowly from lush and lively green to a warm and comforting brown, then slowly towards the emptiness of winter's grey - all with the falling of a naked oak's foliage slowly rocking itself to earth and crunching under my Nikes. If its not too cold or wet I just may crack a smile. But in the northeast, who has time to smile..........we got shit to do.
Life moves forward.
A little video tribute to Pennsylvania:
Other subtle experiences will hint at PA Life: Seeing a wagging tailed labrador out in the park anxiously awaiting any given command and the chance to please. A Steaming Cup of Hot Cocoa. A rare cloudy California day. The story of a summer thunder shower. A domestic automobile. Gloves. Hoodies. Holidays. Bypassing a sign for a 24 hour super walmart on the interstate and having that immediate comfort of knowing I can get the perfect mixture of m&ms, a plasma tv, a car battery, and a floor lamp all on a whim at any given time . Cheesy pop remixes labeled as House Music.
All said, my most favorite memory would be a quick, crisp chill in the air from the Pacific Bay Winds, just long enough to remind me of the northeastern early autumn season. The vast array of earth toned colors mark the landscape like a box of brand new Crayolas - Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Brown, and every color in between. The warm turned cooling air. Indirect, fading sunlight. Football season. Early Nights. November snow flakes that disappear upon contact with Mother Nature's Core. Watching the progression of summer life fade slowly from lush and lively green to a warm and comforting brown, then slowly towards the emptiness of winter's grey - all with the falling of a naked oak's foliage slowly rocking itself to earth and crunching under my Nikes. If its not too cold or wet I just may crack a smile. But in the northeast, who has time to smile..........we got shit to do.
Life moves forward.
A little video tribute to Pennsylvania:
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Speechless
Damn, he's done it again.
His albums continue to leave me at a loss for words.
All I can do is nod my head in appreciation of his epic journeys through sound.
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