So I just had a talk with my girlfriend. One of those "not so fun" talks. This was by my initiation.
I t had been feeling like we were growing more and more distant, and my own bullshit, I know, was flaring up. I knew this was getting in the way, but I definitely didn't realize how much. It's curious and amazing how we can't see things that are right in front of us; things that other people can see so well. We have a vague sense of them in the back of our minds, but it takes someone else to wipe the window, that we may see through the fog.
It was nice to get some perspective, even if it was uncomfortable. But discomfort is fleeting, the lessons are lasting.
And I have more respect for my girlfriend, as well. It sucks exposing ones raw emotions, those sensitive areas we try to keep hidden, but so often seep out the sides, like trying ineffectively to plug a leak.
It's odd, really. We come from totally opposite backgrounds, our issues often manifest in opposite ways, and we have opposite personality types (extrovert/introvert). I suppose that's part of chemistry, though.
I t had been feeling like we were growing more and more distant, and my own bullshit, I know, was flaring up. I knew this was getting in the way, but I definitely didn't realize how much. It's curious and amazing how we can't see things that are right in front of us; things that other people can see so well. We have a vague sense of them in the back of our minds, but it takes someone else to wipe the window, that we may see through the fog.
It was nice to get some perspective, even if it was uncomfortable. But discomfort is fleeting, the lessons are lasting.
And I have more respect for my girlfriend, as well. It sucks exposing ones raw emotions, those sensitive areas we try to keep hidden, but so often seep out the sides, like trying ineffectively to plug a leak.
It's odd, really. We come from totally opposite backgrounds, our issues often manifest in opposite ways, and we have opposite personality types (extrovert/introvert). I suppose that's part of chemistry, though.
The discovery of a revelation (is that redundant?) for someone, as illustrated below, brings to mind ideas for the true meaning of Christmas:
"Maybe Christmas," he thought, "doesn't come from a store. Maybe Christmas. . . perhaps. . . means a little bit more!"
— Dr. Seuss (How the Grinch Stole Christmas!)
This is a common misconception. Here we have a Grinch, just going about his business trying to shit on Christmas. And through his misadventures he learns that he’s misunderstood the holiday season. But he’s been tricked. He’s been lied to and manipulated by the plotting of a devious band of brigands disguised as children. He’s been lead down a dark path, thinking that maybe, just maybe, Christmas is about celebrating family and friends, and being with the ones you love. This, of course, is all bullshit. Christmas is good and decent celebration of the Pillar of Economic Stability – the Consumer. The Consumer is, in point of fact, a true American hero. Where would we be without him/her? Where would we be right now without this blessed and wholesome Defender of Liberty? I’ll tell you where. In a rat-infested sewer filled with orphans, eating scraps out of the garbage, trying desperately to avoid roving packs of wild dogs, pumas, and communists. That’s where! Yes, this national defender is the only thing standing between us and the eventual breakdown of society. If it weren’t for the generous, selfless spending, and especially the tithing to so many large corporations that they do during the holidays, we would fall into despair. It is this singular, humble, lone, everyday joe/jane that upholds the economic stability of this country.
And sadly, the story of the Grinch is merely an example of psychotic, God-hating, left-wing baby killers attempting to undermine capitalism, and subvert the American Way. It is a communist-sympathizing attack on democracy! So, to celebrate the spirit of the holidays, remember to ignore your family, punch your friends, and spend lots of money on absurd things you don’t need. Or the communists will eat your children.
Thank you, and good night,
NS
"Maybe Christmas," he thought, "doesn't come from a store. Maybe Christmas. . . perhaps. . . means a little bit more!"
— Dr. Seuss (How the Grinch Stole Christmas!)
This is a common misconception. Here we have a Grinch, just going about his business trying to shit on Christmas. And through his misadventures he learns that he’s misunderstood the holiday season. But he’s been tricked. He’s been lied to and manipulated by the plotting of a devious band of brigands disguised as children. He’s been lead down a dark path, thinking that maybe, just maybe, Christmas is about celebrating family and friends, and being with the ones you love. This, of course, is all bullshit. Christmas is good and decent celebration of the Pillar of Economic Stability – the Consumer. The Consumer is, in point of fact, a true American hero. Where would we be without him/her? Where would we be right now without this blessed and wholesome Defender of Liberty? I’ll tell you where. In a rat-infested sewer filled with orphans, eating scraps out of the garbage, trying desperately to avoid roving packs of wild dogs, pumas, and communists. That’s where! Yes, this national defender is the only thing standing between us and the eventual breakdown of society. If it weren’t for the generous, selfless spending, and especially the tithing to so many large corporations that they do during the holidays, we would fall into despair. It is this singular, humble, lone, everyday joe/jane that upholds the economic stability of this country.
And sadly, the story of the Grinch is merely an example of psychotic, God-hating, left-wing baby killers attempting to undermine capitalism, and subvert the American Way. It is a communist-sympathizing attack on democracy! So, to celebrate the spirit of the holidays, remember to ignore your family, punch your friends, and spend lots of money on absurd things you don’t need. Or the communists will eat your children.
Thank you, and good night,
NS
The show last night was great. I saw Culture Cry Wolf, Cecil Otter, and Maria Isa. Culture Cry Wolf was a great blend of damn good hiphop with a mix of awesome instrumentaition. Definitely looking forward to when I can catch them again. Sounds like they are recording more; hopefully they have another album coming out. I heard them mention they were recording, but didn't catch everything.
And Maria Isa rocked, putting on a great performance, as she is known for.
And Maria Isa rocked, putting on a great performance, as she is known for.
Swinging by Maria Isa at the Cabooze tonight. Haven't seen her perform for a good year or so. Should be a good show!
Nick Scholtes
Animal Photography and 3D Computer Graphics
pastudios@gmail.com 612-703-8100
Photography
Local photographer specializing in animal photography. I've worked with several local rescues, such as Underdog Rescue and Save a Bull Rescue. Capturing the subtleties of each animal's personality, and those special, tiny moments is a wonderful experience. I'm available for on-location work (I come to you!), and I currently use natural lighting, so daylight works best. However, indoor and nighttime accommodations can be made.
Have some ideas but aren't sure? Drop me a line! We'll see what your needs are and how best to bring them to life. All first consultations are free.
http://picasaweb.google.com/picturesquealchemy
Computer Graphics
I also have a passion for CGI (computer generated imagery), and animation. I love working with digital nature scenery and animations, and have created several shots for an independent foreign film “The Resolution.” I am available for product visualization, architectural/housing visualization, and other forms of pre-viz. Pre-viz can be an extremely useful and cost-effective tool for planning out projects and seeing realistic results early on! All first consultations are also free!
I currently mostly use modo, Lightwave, and Vue Xtream. I would love the opportunity to discuss your ideas and your needs!
Art: http://www.coroflot.com/bellsoffreedom
Photos & Artwork: http://picasaweb.google.com/picturesquealchemy
Animal Photography and 3D Computer Graphics
pastudios@gmail.com 612-703-8100
Photography
Local photographer specializing in animal photography. I've worked with several local rescues, such as Underdog Rescue and Save a Bull Rescue. Capturing the subtleties of each animal's personality, and those special, tiny moments is a wonderful experience. I'm available for on-location work (I come to you!), and I currently use natural lighting, so daylight works best. However, indoor and nighttime accommodations can be made.
Have some ideas but aren't sure? Drop me a line! We'll see what your needs are and how best to bring them to life. All first consultations are free.
http://picasaweb.google.com/picturesquealchemy
Computer Graphics
I also have a passion for CGI (computer generated imagery), and animation. I love working with digital nature scenery and animations, and have created several shots for an independent foreign film “The Resolution.” I am available for product visualization, architectural/housing visualization, and other forms of pre-viz. Pre-viz can be an extremely useful and cost-effective tool for planning out projects and seeing realistic results early on! All first consultations are also free!
I currently mostly use modo, Lightwave, and Vue Xtream. I would love the opportunity to discuss your ideas and your needs!
Art: http://www.coroflot.com/bellsoffreedom
Photos & Artwork: http://picasaweb.google.com/picturesquealchemy
The Beginning of Something, Part 2
Darius entered into a dark tunnel, like another world. A swirl of windless smoke insinuated upon his skin, though he knew it wasn't actually there, well, not on this plane, anyway. The hallway he walked down, barely lit with dirty yellow light that seeped from somewhere, though when you looked, you could see no source. And if you tried to trace it back with your eyes, somehow you ended up with nothing. As if your mind wouldn't accept what it saw, and thus did not show it to you.
The swirling thought-smoke slid and smoothed its way across his skin, and a gentle hiss played through the back caverns of his mind. Tendrils slithered through him, not quite menacing, but not very friendly either. Like a snake deciding whether or not to strike.
Darius imagined a calm in his mind, and the mood of the smoke changed; backed off.
As he had entered there had been a roaring of wind. As soon as the door had closed, all had gone silent. The hallway before him stretched away into the darkness, soft light illuminating at intervals. It looked like a tiny runway leading into the distance. His footfalls were distinct has he walked. The glow in his eyes had gone down to a dim glimmer and his teeth had receded almost to normal. He could feel the thick tension and anticipation in the air. It excited him. The Cabal was anxious. The prongs did not show often lately, and they had been waiting for another opportunity to go out.
After several minutes of walking, he arrived at a door on the right side of the hall. He stopped in front of it. It was green, marred and scratched and worn from years of abuse. The polished knob had long ago lost it's shine. And most importantly, the door was shaking vigorously. Darius' smile returned and the glow flared up in his eyes.
Darius entered into a dark tunnel, like another world. A swirl of windless smoke insinuated upon his skin, though he knew it wasn't actually there, well, not on this plane, anyway. The hallway he walked down, barely lit with dirty yellow light that seeped from somewhere, though when you looked, you could see no source. And if you tried to trace it back with your eyes, somehow you ended up with nothing. As if your mind wouldn't accept what it saw, and thus did not show it to you.
The swirling thought-smoke slid and smoothed its way across his skin, and a gentle hiss played through the back caverns of his mind. Tendrils slithered through him, not quite menacing, but not very friendly either. Like a snake deciding whether or not to strike.
Darius imagined a calm in his mind, and the mood of the smoke changed; backed off.
As he had entered there had been a roaring of wind. As soon as the door had closed, all had gone silent. The hallway before him stretched away into the darkness, soft light illuminating at intervals. It looked like a tiny runway leading into the distance. His footfalls were distinct has he walked. The glow in his eyes had gone down to a dim glimmer and his teeth had receded almost to normal. He could feel the thick tension and anticipation in the air. It excited him. The Cabal was anxious. The prongs did not show often lately, and they had been waiting for another opportunity to go out.
After several minutes of walking, he arrived at a door on the right side of the hall. He stopped in front of it. It was green, marred and scratched and worn from years of abuse. The polished knob had long ago lost it's shine. And most importantly, the door was shaking vigorously. Darius' smile returned and the glow flared up in his eyes.
