Toast for brekkie

Resilience

Posted on February 24th, 2005 by George.
Categories: Uncategorized.

Today has been an opportunity to demonstrate that the waters of my content run deeper than the ripples of the trials of everyday life. After spending 12 hours at work finalizing tomorrow’s big presentation, I thought I’d reward myself with some Taco Bell for dinner. Unfortunately the man in front of me was quite perturbed by the fact that they had run out of beef. He decided to demonstrate his frustration but jamming his SUV in reverse and slamming the gas. I had someone behind me and nowhere to go, much less any time to react.

Long story short, I let the guy go; there was no cosmetic damage visible at night. I hope there’s no invisible structural damage that might cause me trouble down the road. In hindsight I wish I’d made his release contingent on a promise to not act so hastily in the future, and spare us all the rotten fruits of little temper tantrums such as this.

I’d like to take a moment to say thank you to the engineers, managers, and workers at Saturn. Their decision to design and produce a car with plastic bumpers saved us both the hassle of police reports, lost time, spoiled appetites, ill will, paperwork, and increased insurance premiums. I wonder if they knew that by engineering a little resiliency into their vehicles that they were cushioning the karma of drivers around the country. Thanks, Saturn. You’ve enhanced my life, and enabled me to pass your good will on to others.

And on to other things. Now that I have a blog I see blogs in the news, just like when you get a new car and suddenly see its brothers everywhere. This article about losing your job due to your blog chills me to the bone. But this one plays my linguistic heartstrings and affirms that it’s ok for me to use seven thousand different ways to keep in touch with the people I love.

This article fills me with hope that through technology the world can become a better place. What I like here is that one advance can solve problems it wasn’t even designed to address. Better communication in Africa can grease the wheels of humanitarian efforts, and foster connections between Africans themselves and with the rest of the world. So many things fall out of this; as it becomes easier to hear about the happenings elsewhere in the world, the human consciousness grows and injustice stands out in starker relief. Witness the global response to the tsunami.

And finally a bit of humor. I laughed out loud at this treatise so many times I had to pass it along. Don’t take it too seriously. Those of you without an 84% nerd rating might not find it as funny as I did, but I give kudos to the author for being a mathematician and retaining such an engaging style. Thinking about the day the earth ceases to exist really puts my own little life into perspective. The time scales alone are enough to quell any existential angst. The only way I know to deal with the sobering fact that this planet’s days are numbered is to laugh about it. Rather than be depressed, however, I take it as all the more reason to wring every last drop of life out of each moment with which I am blessed.

4 comments.

I feel the need

Posted on February 23rd, 2005 by George.
Categories: Uncategorized.

It’s out. The big one. The one for which I’ve been waiting years– nay, my whole life. Ladies and gentlemen, today I acquired a copy of Gran Turismo 4.

Buying in advance has its advantages. I was surprised when the store called today to let me know I could pick up my copy a day early. I trembled as they handed it over.

One of the first things I discovered is that I didn’t have enough memory. After deleting a few odds and ends the game notified me that I could import the beginner licenses and 100,000 credits from GT3. A nice surprise, except that I discovered I hadn’t completed GT3. Diligent man that I am, I spent the entire evening finishing up the rally challenges to garner 100% completion. Even winning four bonus cars at the end was anticlimactic; I had the endurance races out of the way already and besides, GT4 was calling!

I’ve managed the first race of the Sunday Cup. Of course the first used car I bought was an RX-7, though with 110,000 I could have started with a Tuscan. With this game, start small and tune up is the way it’s done.

I’m forcing myself to bed for my 7:30 class tomorrow; this is a busy week at work finishing up my 6-month training program and finalizing my presentation for the big bosses. A couple things before I go, and you can be sure to see more about this tomorrow. In a quick look around I’ve found a few things GT3 was sorely lacking: more than one BMW (including a 2002 turbo!) and a McLaren. That’s right, the fastest road car in the world. Finally.

More to come, people. If you’re bored by this you might as well take a vacation from brekkie for a few months. Delara has a recent post about passion. This is one of my top three.

7 comments.

Conquest

Posted on February 19th, 2005 by George.
Categories: Uncategorized.

Yes, the following information is two weeks old. But were you not so accustomed to the instantaneity of modern day communication, perhaps it wouldn’t seem like old news. Ask yourself: is a fortnight really that long? I know what you’re thinking. Our poor forbears. How did they live when it took months to sail the Atlantic?

How about sailing round the world…solo? Is that impressive anymore? I wonder how many people appreciate the sheer grit of explorers. Indeed, even if it’s appreciated, it can’t be understood until you take on the challenge yourself.

There are two reasons why I consider Ellen MacArthur a hero. One, she has just sailed round the world, by herself, faster than any human being in history. Two, in the days of cellphones, instant messaging, bluetooth, and everything-on-demand, she has proven there still exist unadulterated pursuits on the face of this planet, and that one woman can stand up to and answer their call.

1 comment.

Convergence

Posted on February 14th, 2005 by George.
Categories: Uncategorized.

“Some days are better than others.” My favorite thing about that phrase is its applicability to both good and bad. I know I’m starting to sound like a broken record, but I’ve just been so high since December. I’m not talking about a “Duuuuuuude” high, but something altogether new and different. For certain it has something to do with the weather here, and that I’m nearly finished with my 6-month training program. But rather than feel stressed, I’m just floating along, utterly content. Wait, did I just say that? Did I ever think I would say that?

The answer is no. So in an effort to understand my current state of mind, I’m going to spend a little time here filtering my inner monologue through the written word. If you’re up to it, you’re welcome to come along on the brain coaster. It may not be a wild or exciting ride, but you’re guaranteed to get your money’s worth in duration.
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7 comments.

Coincidence

Posted on February 14th, 2005 by George.
Categories: Uncategorized.

Snapped this photo yesterday at the freshmarket. The sunlight reflected off an ashtray and split itself neatly around a corner of brick. It’s the stuff of poetry, and people just walked right past, too busy to notice. I don’t know which of the three saints is responsible for this little heart, but the omen is well received. I’m finished with my past bitterness regarding being single on this holiday. Spring is just around the corner, and love is in the air. Can you feel it?

7 comments.

Contrast

Posted on February 6th, 2005 by George.
Categories: Uncategorized.

Honestly, folks, I don’t know why I’m posting this. I just feel compelled. I know all of my Baha’i friends prudently avoid politics, and that this topic is the most polarizing in recent history. I also have friends directly invovled. So how about this: I won’t comment. I’ll leave you to your own conclusions; I just wanted to expose you to these two links. The contrast is profound.

Lt. Gen. James Mattis, It’s “fun to shoot some people.”

Spc. Christopher Leverkuhn, “I don’t hold any grudges.” (Scroll down, click on “Wounded in the Line of Duty” then “Play” on the audio sequence)

5 comments.