Thursday, November 12, 2009
Friday, October 30, 2009
Conventional is a good fallback position
What is conventional these days? Is it really following accepted customs, and conforming to accepted standards? Because, if so, then being conventional today, is being different. It has definitely become a standard to be different, and most people have conformed to this idea. There is such a need inside each human being to be different, that too often, anything is done to satisfy this need.
People all over the globe, look at those that are “typically” conventional, and instead of seeing the positive side, they believe that those “conventionals” are the excuse of unsuccessful individuality.
A girlfriend of mine, had a child at 22, a very conventional age back in the day, she just did it by herself, not so conventional. She opted for an 8-5 job, after her life was mostly shift work in the tourism industry, somewhat conventional (as she couldn’t really stay at home, and cook and clean – child has to eat you know…) She still makes time for herself, enjoys going out with friends, can talk about other topics, then just her child, and is not planning to settle down – not so conventional. She has a white picket fence at home – very conventional, but it came with the house.
So, is my girlfriend choosing conventional living as a fallback position? No! She is simply living a life different than yours!
People all over the globe, look at those that are “typically” conventional, and instead of seeing the positive side, they believe that those “conventionals” are the excuse of unsuccessful individuality.
A girlfriend of mine, had a child at 22, a very conventional age back in the day, she just did it by herself, not so conventional. She opted for an 8-5 job, after her life was mostly shift work in the tourism industry, somewhat conventional (as she couldn’t really stay at home, and cook and clean – child has to eat you know…) She still makes time for herself, enjoys going out with friends, can talk about other topics, then just her child, and is not planning to settle down – not so conventional. She has a white picket fence at home – very conventional, but it came with the house.
So, is my girlfriend choosing conventional living as a fallback position? No! She is simply living a life different than yours!
Nothing is more dangerous than an idea, when you only have one idea
Spontaneous combustion. This is often what I think happens to be people with only one idea. They are so excited about the possibility, and forget to look at long term consequences, good or bad. I am sure that this is often the reason why so many businesses, especially small ones, are doomed from the beginning.
But, I believe that one idea is generally born from another. Look for instance at our thought process, we start thinking about our grocery list and the next thing, you are thinking about that new spa your friend told you about, that offers great reflexology…
We all are in the pursuit of happiness, and the possibility of a single idea giving us just that, is pretty amazing. But like most things in life, when you decide to put that idea in action, it needs to be structured. Answer the tough questions first. Is it doable? Is there a need? Do you really want to? Be realistic. Ask opinions from everyone around. Ask them to be subjective. (I suggest not asking people who might hurt your feelings by their opinions, or, you can ask them, and if they are negative, and in 10 years time you are super dooper rich, you can give them a lovely expensive gift – to say thank you!) Most importantly, have fun with it, because you will be putting plenty of time and effort into it!
Nothing is more dangerous than a single idea, so, have more!!
But, I believe that one idea is generally born from another. Look for instance at our thought process, we start thinking about our grocery list and the next thing, you are thinking about that new spa your friend told you about, that offers great reflexology…
We all are in the pursuit of happiness, and the possibility of a single idea giving us just that, is pretty amazing. But like most things in life, when you decide to put that idea in action, it needs to be structured. Answer the tough questions first. Is it doable? Is there a need? Do you really want to? Be realistic. Ask opinions from everyone around. Ask them to be subjective. (I suggest not asking people who might hurt your feelings by their opinions, or, you can ask them, and if they are negative, and in 10 years time you are super dooper rich, you can give them a lovely expensive gift – to say thank you!) Most importantly, have fun with it, because you will be putting plenty of time and effort into it!
Nothing is more dangerous than a single idea, so, have more!!
“Rock journalism is people who can’t write interviewing people who can’t talk for people who can’t read” (Frank Zappa)
So then why call it journalism? Because, that is exactly what Metal is about – going against the rules!!
When you read this statement, it sounds like Zappa is saying anyone who can’t be a traditional journo, can be a rock journo. Wrong! Have you read the Ten commandments of Rock Journalism, posted on Ultimate Guitar.com? Firstly, you need to know your shit. And this is not based on whether you like it or not. Can you hear the harmonic progressions and rhythmic patterns, and comment on them?
Secondly, can you be open to all types of forms of metal? And there is a wide variety. Can you comment, positively about the music of Christina Aguillera, and Black Sabbath?
Thirdly, oh, forget thirdly, I don’t even listen to Metal music.
Zappa is a fantastic music legend, who died at a too young age, but what the hell was he smoking when he said this? If you can’t write, then why a journalist, and obviously the guys that are interviewed can’t talk, cause they are shouting things like DEATH!!! While guitar strings are being hammered, and if this is for people who can’t read, why the hell am I writing this?!
When you read this statement, it sounds like Zappa is saying anyone who can’t be a traditional journo, can be a rock journo. Wrong! Have you read the Ten commandments of Rock Journalism, posted on Ultimate Guitar.com? Firstly, you need to know your shit. And this is not based on whether you like it or not. Can you hear the harmonic progressions and rhythmic patterns, and comment on them?
Secondly, can you be open to all types of forms of metal? And there is a wide variety. Can you comment, positively about the music of Christina Aguillera, and Black Sabbath?
Thirdly, oh, forget thirdly, I don’t even listen to Metal music.
Zappa is a fantastic music legend, who died at a too young age, but what the hell was he smoking when he said this? If you can’t write, then why a journalist, and obviously the guys that are interviewed can’t talk, cause they are shouting things like DEATH!!! While guitar strings are being hammered, and if this is for people who can’t read, why the hell am I writing this?!
Every day is a good day
Ok, so what is a good day? I mean, the perfect day does not exist, not in the real world of routine anyway. The other day I dropped my goddaughter at playschool (her mother got a flat tyre on the way there. Me to the rescue!!) Her 2-year old, little face lit up as she said hi to friends and started picking up crayons for drawing. Not a care in the world. The rest of my day…well I can’t remember much. Now, I can say that was a good day, but if you asked me at the end of the day, I probably would’ve said that I am sick of irritated, angry melo-dramatic voices on the other side of the line, can’t handle another day without additional assistance, in desperate need of a holiday, would like to remember how relaxed shoulders feel like, and would love not to go back to work tomorrow. The point is, when you reflect on your day, only think about the things that you will remember in a couple of days. Forget the stuff that doesn’t matter, don’t even spend time thinking about them. You will find something good about your day. Whether it is waking up next to the one you love, going to the job you truly enjoy, seeing a friend that means the world, sitting in the sun, enjoying a cup of coffee, helping your girlfriend by taking your goddaughter to school, and reminisce about being a kid…
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
