Sometimes I have to say, I would just like to give humanity the finger. Honestly some people are just so crap, it makes me rethink this whole positive, people are generally good bullshit. No, people are not generally good, people are opportunistic and selfish and greedy. Isn't capitalism based on those particular traits? Aren't all wars started that way?
Yeah, so there you go, way to go humanity, I am ashamed to be part of you.
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Monday, December 20, 2010
It's Not That Bad (I Think?)
Not to sound morbid or anything, but I suppose lately I've been thinking a lot about my own mortality and life. I guess you could say the last couple years haven't been the smoothest, and there's probably been a lot to be down about. Ending of a long term relationship, several failed first date attempts, an emotional short term relationship, still stuck at a job that I am much less than enthusiastic about, a feeling of uselessness in terms of contributing to society, and a general overall feeling of lack of directionless.
If I'm being totally honest, I would be lying if I didn't have at times somewhat of a feeling of failure bordering on depression. I guess I've been thinking about if I were to look back on my life, what would I think about it? What would other people think about it? I suppose I'm really not sure.
When I see the holidays, it's great, but terrible at the same time. While it's nice to see young couples and families together, I can't help but have a sense of disappointment. Thoughts cross my mind, wondering if I'll ever experience that again.
While they say that every job has it's ups and downs, is it right to feel as if you're just wasting away? Is my work contributing to anything worthwhile? Long ago, I've already come to the definite conclusion of "nope". Though I guess somebody has to do it (I think), and I need the pay cheque, so it may as well be me.
I guess I thought I always had thought that I'd be much more settled in my life by now. It feels as if that is a measure of how I define success in my life, family and career. And if I were to judge myself at this point, it would be a resounding thumbs down. I wonder what others define the "success" of their lives? I'm certain it's different for everybody.
But when I really think about it, there's a lot that I have that I could lose, and it's really not that bad at all. As tough as it is, I have to look at what I have, and not at what I don't. If I look at it that way, then perhaps I would be happier than I am. I guess that would be my biggest resolution I could make.
Monday, December 13, 2010
The Mark of a Good Concert
A good concert is when you can't hear anything afterwards.
A great concert is when you can't hear anything and you've lost your voice afterwards.
A great concert is when you can't hear anything and you've lost your voice afterwards.
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Running on Empty
Sometimes, you ever get the feeling "why am I really doing anything"? There's just a complete lack of motivation. It seems like anything worth keeping takes so much upkeep, that is it just easier to do without?
People workout and eat healthy to stay healthy, but it's a life time commitment of withdrawal and self control. Sure, you "feel" better, but you spend countless hours of physical effort and multiple instances of depriving yourself of food that you wish you could have.
To be in a relationship, it takes constant communication, and compromise. It takes sacrifice of time, space and one's self. And that's only after taking the time to find somebody, who commits to hopefully make the same effort in return.
Climbing up the corporate ladder, again, is not so much an act, but long term commitment. Writing and re-writing of resumes and cover letters. Sending out application after application, going from one interview to the next. Only to hear rejection after rejection, or in many cases nothing at all.
Lately I just feel like I'm tired of chasing my tail, maybe I'm right where I'm suppose to be? Perhaps it's easier to just stop running.
People workout and eat healthy to stay healthy, but it's a life time commitment of withdrawal and self control. Sure, you "feel" better, but you spend countless hours of physical effort and multiple instances of depriving yourself of food that you wish you could have.
To be in a relationship, it takes constant communication, and compromise. It takes sacrifice of time, space and one's self. And that's only after taking the time to find somebody, who commits to hopefully make the same effort in return.
Climbing up the corporate ladder, again, is not so much an act, but long term commitment. Writing and re-writing of resumes and cover letters. Sending out application after application, going from one interview to the next. Only to hear rejection after rejection, or in many cases nothing at all.
Lately I just feel like I'm tired of chasing my tail, maybe I'm right where I'm suppose to be? Perhaps it's easier to just stop running.
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Things That Make Me Happy...
Never really thought about it seriously until now. In no particular order, here goes.
I'm sure this list will get bigger as time goes on.
01) Getting a good deal.
02) Potato chips, any kind will do really.
03) Really good coffee, dark roast only, preferably Kenya or Sumatra.
04) Funny commercials, right now the PS3 ones are my favourite.
05) Kids having a good time, adults just don't know how it's done, me included.
06) Figuring out a puzzle/problem, in the words of Boris from Goldeneye "I am INVINCIBLE!"
07) Great live music. ipods are cool and all, but you can never replicate the experience of singing along with a whole room/arena full of people singing the same song.
08) Great songs, when you can just relate in a particular way.
09) Accomplishing something, feels good to know you can do something, especially if you had never done it before.
10) Competing, win or lose, it forces you to try your hardest.
11) Grocery shopping, it's the only shopping when I am assured to come home with something.
12) Proper fitting clothing. Particularly jeans, suits, dress shirts.
13) Material obsessions, things I could have a ton of even though I need one, these include watches, jackets/coats, running shoes.
14) Being around family/friends, the people that really get you.
15) Brand new socks, you only get that feeling once per pair, when it's all soft, dry, plush and cushy. If I could wear new socks everyday, I would. Same goes for running shoes.
16) Girls. Okay at this age, I guess it's women. I suppose I don't really have to explain this one.
17) Lazy days, there's something satisfying about spending the whole day in pajamas, doing nothing really.
18) 10 hours of uninterrupted sleep, that almost never happens anymore.
19) Naps, maybe I wouldn't have so much coffee, if I could just sleep whenever I wanted.
20) Friday afternoons, not surprising since conversely Monday mornings are the worst.
21) Traveling, everything around you is new and interesting.
22) Hitting your card on the river. Also having your hand hold up to the river.
23) Questionable Scrabble plays that end up being in the dictionary.
24) Going out for dinner, food always tastes better when somebody else makes it. Okay that last part is not entirely true, but you get what I mean.
25) All green lights.
I'm sure this list will get bigger as time goes on.
01) Getting a good deal.
02) Potato chips, any kind will do really.
03) Really good coffee, dark roast only, preferably Kenya or Sumatra.
04) Funny commercials, right now the PS3 ones are my favourite.
05) Kids having a good time, adults just don't know how it's done, me included.
06) Figuring out a puzzle/problem, in the words of Boris from Goldeneye "I am INVINCIBLE!"
07) Great live music. ipods are cool and all, but you can never replicate the experience of singing along with a whole room/arena full of people singing the same song.
08) Great songs, when you can just relate in a particular way.
09) Accomplishing something, feels good to know you can do something, especially if you had never done it before.
10) Competing, win or lose, it forces you to try your hardest.
11) Grocery shopping, it's the only shopping when I am assured to come home with something.
12) Proper fitting clothing. Particularly jeans, suits, dress shirts.
13) Material obsessions, things I could have a ton of even though I need one, these include watches, jackets/coats, running shoes.
14) Being around family/friends, the people that really get you.
15) Brand new socks, you only get that feeling once per pair, when it's all soft, dry, plush and cushy. If I could wear new socks everyday, I would. Same goes for running shoes.
16) Girls. Okay at this age, I guess it's women. I suppose I don't really have to explain this one.
17) Lazy days, there's something satisfying about spending the whole day in pajamas, doing nothing really.
18) 10 hours of uninterrupted sleep, that almost never happens anymore.
19) Naps, maybe I wouldn't have so much coffee, if I could just sleep whenever I wanted.
20) Friday afternoons, not surprising since conversely Monday mornings are the worst.
21) Traveling, everything around you is new and interesting.
22) Hitting your card on the river. Also having your hand hold up to the river.
23) Questionable Scrabble plays that end up being in the dictionary.
24) Going out for dinner, food always tastes better when somebody else makes it. Okay that last part is not entirely true, but you get what I mean.
25) All green lights.
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
New Years Resolution Song
Arkells - Blueprint
If my moves could match these words
And my heart beat like those drums,
I wouldn't feel the weight of the New Year.
I keep wishing time would stop
So I could figure some shit out -
I'd make a blueprint of what I plan to do here.
'Cause by next year if I regret another birthday,
Then I ain't going about things the right way.
I got a voice on my left. I got a voice on my right.
Lately I've been falling on the devil's side.
Hit the street, on your feet.
Don't retreat, let's go.
Never regret getting old.
Hit the street, on your feet.
Don't retreat, let's go.
Never assume what you're told.
Well, I ain't gonna fear the New Year.
I ain't gonna fear the New Year.
I ain't gonna fear the New Year.
I ain't gonna fear the New Year.
If my moves could match these words
And my heart beat like those drums,
I wouldn't feel the weight of the New Year.
I keep wishing time would stop
So I could figure some shit out -
I'd make a blueprint of what I plan to do here.
'Cause by next year if I regret another birthday,
Then I ain't going about things the right way.
I got a voice on my left. I got a voice on my right.
Lately I've been falling on the devil's side.
Hit the street, on your feet.
Don't retreat, let's go.
Never regret getting old.
Hit the street, on your feet.
Don't retreat, let's go.
Never assume what you're told.
Well, I ain't gonna fear the New Year.
I ain't gonna fear the New Year.
I ain't gonna fear the New Year.
I ain't gonna fear the New Year.
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Is Anything Real Anymore?
Wow, 2 blog posts in one day. I guess I'm making up for the past while.
I was reading an article today in regards to a new ad campaign for a brewery. Creative types can be quite the fickle bunch, as the responses to the ad varied from, praise to insults.
I honestly don't understand why somebody would publicly squash somebody else's work. Verbally okay, but to publicly comment (especially anonymously) seems quite petty. Unless there is something that is universally bad about it (and in our business, nothing published is ever universally bad), then why comment on it. And if so, don't just say "I don't like it" or "been done before", in a business where we try to justify everything, these critics should as least justify their criticism with some sort of thoughtful support. Having said all this, who really cares? As long as the client is happy and it doesn't cause a loss of business to them, then everything should be at least satisfactory.
Another comment that is common amongst all of similar articles, is why is this even newsworthy?
First of all, campaigns come out all the time, why note this particular one? It's been duly noted that the same agencies get coverage and awards year after year. Does that make them better at what they do than most? Or do they just know the right people? A professor once told me that he completely shies away from the concept of awards of any type, not just the industry he's in, but all industries. Unless the award is based on quantifiable measured truths and facts, then it's just a popularity contest judged by a select panel. Because of this, it is completely subjective, where the opinion of an extremely small sample matters. Easily this is where pomp and politics come into play. Who knows whom, the glad handing, the support of particular associations or causes.
It's really all quite sickening when I think about it. How much reputation seems to come into play. While all the work is good and award worthy, how much of it is based on past performance? Or this person knows that person?
In a larger perspective, it really makes me question everything. How many decisions are influenced behind the scenes? Is anything believable anymore?
I was reading an article today in regards to a new ad campaign for a brewery. Creative types can be quite the fickle bunch, as the responses to the ad varied from, praise to insults.
I honestly don't understand why somebody would publicly squash somebody else's work. Verbally okay, but to publicly comment (especially anonymously) seems quite petty. Unless there is something that is universally bad about it (and in our business, nothing published is ever universally bad), then why comment on it. And if so, don't just say "I don't like it" or "been done before", in a business where we try to justify everything, these critics should as least justify their criticism with some sort of thoughtful support. Having said all this, who really cares? As long as the client is happy and it doesn't cause a loss of business to them, then everything should be at least satisfactory.
Another comment that is common amongst all of similar articles, is why is this even newsworthy?
First of all, campaigns come out all the time, why note this particular one? It's been duly noted that the same agencies get coverage and awards year after year. Does that make them better at what they do than most? Or do they just know the right people? A professor once told me that he completely shies away from the concept of awards of any type, not just the industry he's in, but all industries. Unless the award is based on quantifiable measured truths and facts, then it's just a popularity contest judged by a select panel. Because of this, it is completely subjective, where the opinion of an extremely small sample matters. Easily this is where pomp and politics come into play. Who knows whom, the glad handing, the support of particular associations or causes.
It's really all quite sickening when I think about it. How much reputation seems to come into play. While all the work is good and award worthy, how much of it is based on past performance? Or this person knows that person?
In a larger perspective, it really makes me question everything. How many decisions are influenced behind the scenes? Is anything believable anymore?
What Really Matters?
Sitting here at work the last few weeks, I've begun to wonder about what I'm doing with my life. Doing a job that is completely superficial, who's main purpose is to sell more product and benefits absolutely nobody other than lining a bunch of upper management's pockets, doesn't help. It's not the first time I've had these thoughts, and I'm sure it won't be the last.
Of the numerous professions that are available, how many contribute to society in a way, where you can go home at night and feel that you have contributed to society somehow? If we were to "trim the fat" in terms of jobs and occupations whose purposes in the grand scheme of things are useless, how many people would end up out of work? Would we be better off to have those people do other jobs where the contribution would profit not just faceless corporations, stock holders or CEOs, but humanity as a whole? I don't know, I guess it feels like there are so many "problems" in the world, and if we could all get our act together, maybe it wouldn't be so bad?
Think of all the brain power and man power that is going into things like how to build a better bomb, how to further increase profitability from already oppressed sweat shops, how to make chickens grow faster, how to market the next celebrity and the list goes on. If we could pool all those resources into things more useful, like renewable energy, sustainability planning, advancements in healthcare, research for incurable diseases, just to name a few, wouldn't the world be better? Why not place the focus back on things that really matter to humanity, shelter, the environment, education, health care and the general well being of people. The fact that the human race in general has placed its priorities so far from these essentials, makes me really wonder if there's any hope for humanity at all.
Of the numerous professions that are available, how many contribute to society in a way, where you can go home at night and feel that you have contributed to society somehow? If we were to "trim the fat" in terms of jobs and occupations whose purposes in the grand scheme of things are useless, how many people would end up out of work? Would we be better off to have those people do other jobs where the contribution would profit not just faceless corporations, stock holders or CEOs, but humanity as a whole? I don't know, I guess it feels like there are so many "problems" in the world, and if we could all get our act together, maybe it wouldn't be so bad?
Think of all the brain power and man power that is going into things like how to build a better bomb, how to further increase profitability from already oppressed sweat shops, how to make chickens grow faster, how to market the next celebrity and the list goes on. If we could pool all those resources into things more useful, like renewable energy, sustainability planning, advancements in healthcare, research for incurable diseases, just to name a few, wouldn't the world be better? Why not place the focus back on things that really matter to humanity, shelter, the environment, education, health care and the general well being of people. The fact that the human race in general has placed its priorities so far from these essentials, makes me really wonder if there's any hope for humanity at all.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)