And now, for a segment I call "Reflections In My Teacup"
A few shots from the last couple weeks. You can see more on my Photography page. An abandoned ship out on the Bay Came home and this bird was all up in my house. He was pretty chill, but I eventually had to let him go back to the wild away from all the flashing lights associated with city life. He was a music fan too. Favorite band: Flock of Seagulls And now, for a segment I call "Reflections In My Teacup" And the shot for my recent blog upload "Whiskey Tea Nightcap" A few zoo pics for good measure... Thanks for viewing! Which pics do you like the most? Let me know below!
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In the course of making a new kind of sweet potato's this past hour, I had an idea for three other dishes that came to mind. While researching the web for one idea, I stumbled on this weird bacon and sweet potato dish created by Paleo awesome-guy Robb Wolf. I haven't done anything with it yet, but thought it would be worth sharing. Whose got the guts to make it? If you do, tell me how it turned out. Now...time for Cooking and Movie Quotes...who asked the question: "Is 'what' a country?"
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This experiment involved 5 monkeys (10 altogether, including replacements), a cage, a banana, a ladder and, an ice cold water hose.The Experiment- Part 1
5 monkeys are locked in a cage, a banana was hung from the ceiling and a ladder was placed right underneath it. As predicted, immediately, one of the monkeys would race towards the ladder, to grab the banana. However, as soon as he would start to climb, the researcher would spray the monkey with ice-cold water. but here’s the kicker- In addition, he would also spray the other four monkeys… When a second monkey tried to climb the ladder, the researcher would, again, spray the monkey with ice-cold water, As well as the other four watching monkeys; This was repeated again and again until they learned their lesson Climbing equals scary cold water for EVERYONE so No One Climbs the ladder. The Experiment- Part 2 Once the 5 monkeys knew the drill, the researcher replaced one of the monkeys with a new inexperienced one. As predicted, the new monkey spots the banana, and goes for the ladder. BUT, the other four monkeys, knowing the drill, jumped on the new monkey and beat him up. The beat up new guy thus Learns- NO going for the ladder and No Banana Period- without even knowing why! and also without ever being sprayed with water! These actions get repeated with 3 more times, with a new monkey each time and ASTONISHINGLY each new monkey- who had never received the cold-water Spray himself (and didn’t even know anything about it), would Join the beating up of the New guy. This is a classic example of Mob Mentality- bystanders and outsiders uninvolved with the fight- join in ‘just because’. When the researcher replaced a third monkey, the same thing happened; likewise for the fourth until, eventually, all the monkeys had been replaced and none of the original ones are left in the cage (that had been sprayed by water). The Experiment- Part 3 Again, a new monkey was introduced into the cage. It ran toward the ladder only to get beaten up by the others. The monkey turns with a curious face asking “why do you beat me up when I try to get the banana?” The other four monkeys stopped and looked at each other puzzled (None of them had been sprayed and so they really had no clue why the new guy can’t get the banana) but it didn’t matter, it was too late, the rules had been set. And So, although they didn’t know WHY, they beat up the monkey just because ” that’s the way we do things around here”… Well, it seems to be true; not in the exact shape that it took here, but close enough, Below is a quotation from the experiment, in scientific Jargon: (sources cited below) “Stephenson (1967) trained adult male and female rhesus monkeys to avoid manipulating an object and then placed individual naïve animals in a cage with a trained individual of the same age and sex and the object in question. In one case, a trained male actually pulled his naïve partner away from the previously punished manipulandum during their period of interaction, whereas the other two trained males exhibited what were described as “threat facial expressions while in a fear posture” when a naïve animal approached the manipulandum. When placed alone in the cage with the novel object, naïve males that had been paired with trained males showed greatly reduced manipulation of the training object in comparison with controls. Unfortunately, training and testing were not carried out using a discrimination procedure so the nature of the transmitted information cannot be determined, but the data are of considerable interest.” Sources: Stephenson, G. R. (1967). Cultural acquisition of a specific learned response among rhesus monkeys. In: Starek, D., Schneider, R., and Kuhn, H. J. (eds.), Progress in Primatology, Stuttgart: Fischer, pp. 279-288. Mentioned in: Galef, B. G., Jr. (1976). Social Transmission of Acquired Behavior: A Discussion of Tradition and Social Learning in Vertebrates. In: Rosenblatt, J.S., Hinde, R.A., Shaw, E. and Beer, C. (eds.), Advances in the study of behavior, Vol. 6, New York: Academic Press, pp. 87-88:” I sit sipping my whiskey tea nightcap
In the early hours of dawn Insomnia grips me a third night coming With not but a wink to spare Picking strings in the living room Meditation in the gardens Still no rest Pacing about the house Then pacing about the yard Surely the body knows best What a feeling So far as I can tell To be the only man without slumber Save for the call of a prowling night cat The chirp of a bird unsure The distant objection of a dog who knows In a house all but vacant besides me I am as good to be an animal myself For who so better to take me into company Than creatures of night both present and unseen To form a union of greeters for daylight For though sleep is what I most desire But still what I most lack My cup remains full With that of the Whiskey Tea Nightcap An unsuccessful attempt at rest I resolve to seek the outdoors again Only bread for breakfast and unadulterated tea The world now alive to keep me company And yet here I sit so unsocially Insufficient to speak A performance at all too weak My most accomplished device My right hand alone Equipped with but a pen to pronounce What left the brain will spew Only an inkling of the present moment For not much else can it render further To give pause for even a second Is to lose it all in its entirety Yet this is exactly what becomes And I cease to write further Lost in a sea of muddled thoughts Until the dreaming world finds me And claims me out of pity And so I sit awaiting some form of restoration In hopes of a day anew
In a recent response, he addresses a fan who asks him about his philosophy of NOT following your passion in life. I heard Rowe speak on this topic several years ago on a television interview and found his stance to be very interesting in a world where everyone is encouraged, from childhood on, to "follow your passion" and "never give up on your dream". Considering Rowe is such a seemingly hard working guy himself, you might find his argument bewildering, but read his response below and you may think differently.
The writer sent this message to Rowe: “Hi, Mike. Let me begin by saying that I love what you and your foundation are attempting to do. However, I’m confused by your directive to NOT “follow your passion.” I think it can be safely argued that if no one followed their passion, companies like Apple, Microsoft, Dow, and many more wouldn’t exist. If no one follows their passion, who innovates? Who founds companies that provide jobs for the outstanding workers that your foundation aims to help?” Rowe’s responded: Hi Stephen A few years ago, I did a special called “The Dirty Truth.” In it, I challenged the conventional wisdom of popular platitudes by offering “dirtier,” more individualistic alternatives. For my inspiration, I looked to those hackneyed bromides that hang on the walls of corporate America. The ones that extoll passersby to live up to their potential by “dreaming bigger,” “working smarter,” and being a better “team player.” In that context, I first saw “Follow Your Passion” displayed in the conference room of a telemarketing firm that employed me thirty years ago. The words appeared next to an image of a rainbow, arcing gently over a waterfall and disappearing into a field of butterflies. Thinking of it now still makes me throw up in my mouth. Like all bad advice, “Follow Your Passion” is routinely dispensed as though it’s wisdom were both incontrovertible and equally applicable to all. It’s not. Just because you’re passionate about something doesn’t mean you won’t suck at it. And just because you’re determined to improve doesn’t mean that you will. Does that mean you shouldn’t pursue a thing you’re passionate about?” Of course not. The question is, for how long, and to what end? When it comes to earning a living and being a productive member of society – I don’t think people should limit their options to those vocations they feel passionate towards. I met a lot of people on Dirty Jobs who really loved their work. But very few of them dreamed of having the career they ultimately chose. I remember a very successful septic tank cleaner who told me his secret of success. “I looked around to see where everyone else was headed, and then I went the opposite way,” he said. “Then I got good at my work. Then I found a way to love it. Then I got rich.” Every time I watch The Oscars, I cringe when some famous movie star – trophy in hand – starts to deconstruct the secret to happiness. It’s always the same thing, and I can never hit “mute” fast enough to escape the inevitable cliches. “Don’t give up on your dreams kids, no matter what.” “Don’t let anyone tell you that you don’t have what it takes.” And of course, “Always follow your passion!” Today, we have millions looking for work, and millions of good jobs unfilled because people are simply not passionate about pursuing those particular opportunities. Do we really need Lady GaGa telling our kids that happiness and success can be theirs if only they follow their passion? There are many examples – including those you mention – of passionate people with big dreams who stayed the course, worked hard, overcame adversity, and changed the world though sheer pluck and determination. We love stories that begin with a dream, and culminate when that dream comes true. And to your question, we would surely be worse off without the likes of Bill Gates and Thomas Edison and all the other innovators and Captains of Industry. But from my perspective, I don’t see a shortage of people who are willing to dream big. I see people struggling because their reach has exceeded their grasp. I’m fascinated by the beginning of American Idol. Every year, thousands of aspiring pop-stars show up with great expectations, only to learn that they don’t have anything close to the skills they thought they did. What’s amazing to me, isn’t their lack of talent – it’s their lack of awareness, and the resulting shock of being rejected. How is it that so many people are so blind to their own limitations? How did these peope get the impression they could sing in the first place? Then again, is their incredulity really so different than the surprise of a college graduate who learns on his first interview that his double major in Medieval Studies and French Literature doesn’t guarantee him the job he expected? In a world where everyone gets a trophy, encouragement trumps honesty, and realistic expectations go out the window. When I was 16, I wanted to follow in my grandfathers footsteps. I wanted to be a tradesman. I wanted to build things, and fix things, and make things with my own two hands. This was my passion, and I followed it for years. I took all the shop classes at school, and did all I could to absorb the knowledge and skill that came so easily to my granddad. Unfortunately, the handy gene skipped over me, and I became frustrated. But I remained determined to do whatever it took to become a tradesman. One day, I brought home a sconce from woodshop that looked like a paramecium, and after a heavy sigh, my grandfather told me the truth. He explained that my life would be a lot more satisfying and productive if I got myself a different kind of toolbox. This was almost certainly the best advice I’ve ever received, but at the time, it was crushing. It felt contradictory to everything I knew about persistence, and the importance of “staying the course.” It felt like quitting. But here’s the “dirty truth,” Stephen. “Staying the course” only makes sense if you’re headed in a sensible direction. Because passion and persistence – while most often associated with success – are also essential ingredients of futility. That’s why I would never advise anyone to “follow their passion” until I understand who they are, what they want, and why they want it. Even then, I’d be cautious. Passion is too important to be without, but too fickle to be guided by. Which is why I’m more inclined to say, “Don’t Follow Your Passion, But Always Bring it With You.” Carry On Mike What do you think of Mike's reply? Comment below. "Scumbag Blues" - Them Crooked Vultures Josh Homme of Queens of the Stone Age, Dave Grohl of the Foo Fighters, and John Paul Jones of Led Zeppelin came together in 2009 to record this one time album that blends all the musicians together in a series of tracks that show case all their talents. Some tracks have a true rock and roll feel, but others go from weird to weirder. This song sticks to good old rock vibes with some wild guitar solos with Jones providing backing on keys. Add in some great backing vocals by Grohl and you've got a pretty solid tune here. "Fearless"- Pink Floyd Can't beat the slide guitar on this number. A simple ascending riff takes this song to great heights before slowing the tempo down mid verse to send you off into space. Dream like vocals that only come from David Gilmour will have you swaying as you go to places that Pink Floyd creates with musical greatness. This is early Floyd at their best. "Marla" - Grizzly Bear A great track by a little known band. Piano, violins, and an assortment of weird noises (was that a dog barking in a reverberation hall?) make this creepy yet beautiful song one worth listening to over several times to catch all the suddal details. The lyrics seem to tell the story of a ghost maid trying to find things that belong to her old master. It's eerie in the best kind of way. "Ballad For My One True Love" - Mason Jennings Probably the best love song I've heard in months. It makes me feel like I'm back in Paris when the night takes the Iffel Tower at its best. It's got an incredibly seren opener and the lyrics in the bridge make me smile without fail. Great song. "Machine Gun (Live)" - Jimi Hendrix and The Band of Gypsys
This song will murder you in your sleep if you don't watch out. Recorded live in protest of the Vietnam War, this track shows why Hendrix was a master of the guitar. From the machine gun dead notes to the death tunes of war at it's conclusion, this 13 minute track will have you on the edge of your seat if your listening through headphones on blast with the lights out. Back ground harmonies moan as Hendrix sings of war causalities. Bass notes descend and carry as Jimi explodes off throughout the recording in a series of increasingly intense solos that leave his band mates scrambling to catch up. However, with Mitch Mitchell on drums and Billy Cox on bass, they are never far behind. To this day, this track is revered as one of the most powerful displays of electric guitar playing. If I can ever get my rig to support the amount of sustain Hendrix cranks out, I'll be a very happy player indeed. Youtube doesn't have the version from Felmore East, but click this link to hear it at Dailymotion.com The spirit leaves the body in a meat grinder Thinking to ones self this needs to happen Then it goes on, to the great consciousness collective Beating and thinking with thoughts of a million others Gathered here Across every time and space To know itself More deeply by trial And so it runs itself again Of infinity It asks Without hesitation it returns and with all others it learns 1. The Grand Budapest Hotel The word I would use to describe this movie is "brilliant". Let's be honest, Wes Anderson can make some weird shit, but he hits the nail on the head with his latest contribution to the film world. Sharp, quirky dialog, a fantastic cast of characters, Anderson's unconventional, trademark camera work, humor, heartbreak and a tale that is worth coming back to again and again. Though the story shines brightly, it is the characters that breath life into each scene. Jude Law is the author of the story. Ralph Fiennes does a great job in the role of Monsieur Gustave, filling out his charismatic and comical personality. Zero, his lobby boy in training, performs admirably as a trusty side-kick who delivers a unique form of humor from a foreign perspective. Adrien Brody plays a greedy son with sinister intentions, but it is his henchman J.G. Jopling (Wllem Dafoe), that became a personal favorite of mine. Check out the whiskey compartment of his leather jacket. You'll want one. Edward Norton is a police inspector, Harvey Keitel is an aged prisoner with a hand for drawing, and Bill Murray, Owen Wilson and Tom Wilkinson make appearances for cameo roles. This one I can't recommend highly enough. See The Grand Budapest Hotel. It's one of the best 2014. 2. Ghost Dog Forest Whitaker plays a mafia hitman who lives by the codes and philosophy as outlined in the ancient ways of the samurai. Though the formula doesnt sound like a winner on paper, Jim Jarmusch, director of the current box office, Only Lovers Left Alive, delivers an interesting take on Urban America mixed with the deep roots of Asian culture. With a soundtrack composed by Wu Tang Clan's, RZA, the film moves along with Ghost Dog reading exerpts from his principal read, Hagakure, as he tries to right the wrong of an itilaian gangster who he is eternally in debt to. Its the lifestyle Ghost Dog lives that is most compelling. He relays information through carrier pigeons, his best friend is a french ice cream driver (neither one of them knowing the others language), and he tots around a brief case full of modified weaponry. The flick isnt without fault however. There's no sword play, no close quarters combat, and the final scenes of bad guy elimination is kinda anti-climatic. And what's the deal with that pistol "wave" Ghost Dog does when he hustlers his weapon. Seriously. Even with me knowing what the intentions are of such actions in the world of martial arts, it just looks dumb. That shit ain't a sword bro. Still, its definitely worth a watch and if you happen to see Only Lovers Left Alive, let me know if its one for the books. 3. The Fisher King In honor of Robin Williams passing, I started scoping out his most praised works. Then I went to Netflix. The Fisher King came up and I noticed it starred a personal favorite of mine, Jeff Bridges. I was a little turned off by the premise, a jerk of a radio host sets off a caller, sending the man into a killing spree at a local upscale restaurant. The incident sends Bridge's character into a depression that lasts several years, until he meets an eccentric homeless man (Williams) who asks him for help in recovering the Holy Grail from a rich man's castle home in Manhattan. The former radio host is hesitant at first, until he learns that his past connects with the bum in startling ways. The movie as a whole has enough laughs to keep you watching and even tugs at your heart strings in its conclusion. Give it a watch and maybe check out other Williams movies on Netflix like the Birdcage, which I hear is pretty solid comedy. 4. Moon Okay, so I saw this movie like 5 years ago and remember very little of it. All I know is its a well respected British sifi-drama that features an isolated spaceman trying to return home, with only his robot companion (voiced by Kevin Spacey) to keep him company. I recently found Moon for $2 at an antique store and decided to snag it up. Within the course of a week, two different people had picked it out among the rest of my collection, stating it was among their favorite films. Its been on my mind for weeks now, though I haven't gotten around to watching it. If you beat me to it let me know what you think, but don't spoil the twist at the end. If you like thought provoking, slow building movies, you may find Moon worth your time. 5. The Talented Mr. Ripley Matt Damon, in the early days of his career, plays a sociopath whose lies land him in Italy chasing down the son of a wealthy ship builder in an attempt to bring him home for a cash reward. Using his talent to impersonate and deceive, Tom Ripley (Damon) gets in close with the man's son Dickie Greenleaf, but soon finds the young man's life so exciting that he decides to stick around in Italy, living the fast life with Dickie who pays for all of their adventures with his fathers money. Overtime, their relationship begins to change in unexpected ways that will send Ripley down a dark path that forces him to invent more lies, play games with the law, and ultimately lose sense of who he himself is.
Almost halfway into the film, viewers are also treated to a side performance by the late Philip Seymour Hoffman, who plays a close friend of Dickie's. His role is an engaging one, but it is the building reaction of Damon's character that stirs the pot on the pairs relationship. You may not know how you feel about the movie at it's conclusion, but let it sit with you for a few days. You may start asking yourself all kinds of questions about Tom Ripley. Who was he really? How did he come into the situation that originally triggered everything that followed in the movie? Is his sexuality, a key element of the film, the result of his own twisted and confusing persona? It's one of the few movies that has actually gotten under my skin days AFTER I had viewed it, in such a way that it makes me question much about the psychological nature of people, as each character from the film represents something unique in their own role, with Tom Ripley muddling the waters all the way through. Got a new camera and have been taking some shots around town. Hoping to make regular contributions to Coastal Noise in the future and may even start over on the PHOTOS page. Anyway, here are a few of my shots from the last couple days. Leave a comment if your into something.
CLICK PICTURES TO BEGIN SLIDE SHOW Tons of multi-colored peppers, onions, spinach leaves, buttery Ritz Crackers, and a fried ham in the center with a side of salsa. This idea came when I wanted to do something with my left over cracker/cheese mix that I had from my Ranch Parmesan Breaded Chicken recipe I posted recently. This is what came out of it. What you'll need. INGREDIENTS: -4 Eggs -A mix of red, yellow, green and orange peppers -Spinach leaves -Sliced ham -Salsa (I added a little ketchup to mine) -Ritz Cracker Mix : Make by smashing Ritz Crackers in zip-lock bag with a handful of mozzarella cheese and/or Parmesan cheese. See previous dish here for reference. -Spices (I used basil, garlic pepper, and Mrs. Dash) DIRECTIONS: 1) Add your butter and saute your peppers and onions on medium heat for about three minutes. 2) Add your sliced ham (I used three slices). Push the onions to the sides and place the ham in the middle. Cook each side for a minute or two. Remove the ham and place it on a plate for later. 3) Add your eggs to the frying pan. Scramble. 4) After you cook the omelet on one side, flip over, and place a handful of spinach leaves toward the sides of the pan. They will start to wilt as the omelet finishes cooking. When done cooking, place the omelet and spinach on top of the cooked ham on the plate. 5) Top your omelet with the Ritz Crackers Cheese mix. Pour your desired amount of salsa on the side. That's it. Have yourself some tea with it.
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