Resolutions:

Because who doesn't like to set goals!

1.) Run 15 miles (24 km) per week.
2.) 100 written pages of the graphic novel.
3.) Swim 7,500 yards (6.858 km) per week.
4.) 10 year anniversary of Deutch-Vergnugen (aka Dragnasty and Homie D).
5.) Poetry month is April so unleash 30 new poems onto the World.
6.) Bike 60 miles (96 km) per week.
7.) Graduate from Berea College in May.
8.) Stretch for 5 minutes five times a week.
9.) Bed time can start at 10 pm, but must no later than midnight.
10.) Every month starting on the 3rd I will focus/abstain on something pertaining to my health (physical, spiritual, or otherwise) for two weeks straight. For example: January 3rd will start a two week meditation/contemplation period starting at 10 minutes a day.

Tried to make sure my goals were SMART...

Review:

Two Thousand Eleven, Where has the time gone? Soon you shall be gone forever, but living on forever in our hearts and minds. A time that shall soon not be forgotten, but we will forget all too quickly. I survived yet another round, and it is interesting what our perspective deems appropriate. Time and time again we fall prey to worries that are not necessary or valid, and yet we humor them none the less. Maybe that can be a resolution for this new year, but curious thought isn't my new year already begun? If you celebrate the coming of your age, wouldn't that dictate your new age/year? So perhaps I am already a month behind. Great gadzooks! I've got to get cooking, both literally and metaphorically. Thanks for reading and stay tuned.

Inspiring and witty title

A perception of life is bound by our concepts. Blatant observations and musings I tend to be tired of your lies.

I am no more here, than I am there. Will you accept my dealings, but only if I wheel.

A face can not contain the mere conceit you have drawn. Tomorrow will be another day, another dollar.

My creek is often filled, but it contains optimism. Then it shall be called forth in many times of need.

Break it down. Ten times ten, times ten.

Salutations.

April 2011

So far has been my highest traffic month with 130 views..this needs to be higher.

Thank you 2011

Solid: may we all strive for a better harmony between each other, and work so that we all may live peacefully and affluently.

Sensei

I owe them my gratitude, sincerity and thanks.

In fact, I owe the many people in my life the same tip of the hat, but I give a dedicated nod and hearty handshake to my sensei. These wonderful people include (but are not limited too and in no particular order):

Kamikuma-sensei (Dr. Richey)

Kuma-sensei (Dr. Foster)

Lion Bodhisattva-sensei (Dr. Bates)

Kawaguchi-sensei (Keiko Kawaguchi)

Patton-sensei (Nobuko Patton)

Woodie-sensei (Stephanie Woodie)

The wonderful professors at Kyushu University (Pollack-sensei, Imai-sensei, Lee-sensei, Hachiya-sensei, and the many Japanese language-sensei)

My life teachers (who are numerous and many, but I think a special shout out can go to Pastor (Minister? I can never remember which is which)) Elizabeth Peterson

Someone will likely feel left out. Just so you know there are many more, many more (and to name a few): Obasan, HoTuS, Mori-sama (he is truly a demon of cool), Momo-chan, James and Randi West, Patrick West, The Wisemans, Courtney Davis, Wilford Wiseman and Ruth Davis Wiseman, Derek Murchie, Sean Lum, James Livengood, Daniel West (one of my greatest heroes), McGuire (Macguire)-sensei, Tiger Hatch, a many great loves, many family members, and many friends (some lost and some found). Like I said there are those that are not listed, but not forgotten. 

Some neatness of the web:

Interesting sound

An old friend

Do or Do Not.

Going to try something "extreme".

Wild Wild West

This may come as a surprise, but the West calls to me. Any damsel in distress will be out of the dress when she meet D West, cause that's the Quest.

Today's blog was really for people that know of me. (^-^)

The internet

Holds quite a few items of interest: found a business created by someone dear to me.

Praise

I nearly threw up....thank goodness.

Be careful what you search for on youtube. Also should note: something is here.

I also feel that this was appropriate back in the early to mid 2000's and still is valid (maybe a little less). Can we kick them (all) out? I mean really what are we getting?

We are so much more.

I'm a lucky one. So lucky.

Is it irony?

Is it irony?

That a man spoke in 1908 and his words still hold weight to our situations now. Is it ironic, that all throughout History we have seen wise men and women speak, write, or otherwise and it is something that still holds true today?

Perhaps we need to move forward learning from these past wisdoms. We are constantly on the precipice of History and with these continuing advances in technology and our global world we can make it happen. Our list is endless from people that we can choose and our desires remain almost unchanging. I seek to move forward for we are in a brave new world.

Also acknowledgment to Murakami Haruki-san. I tip my hat to you sir.

Suspicious?

So is it suspicious that multiple cities moved in, at roughly the same time frame to remove Occupy Movements in overnight raids? I think a key word could be "raid". I get the defense of sanitation being an issue, but I didn't know pepper spray and batons were appropriate responses to uncleanliness.

Also a little disappointed in American Foreign Policy, both in the Pacific sector: Obama spoke in favor of the Pacific Free-Trade pac, because NAFTA has worked so well, and then just yesterday (time frame?) "subtly" threatening China: "The US is a Pacific power." Yes because diplomacy and working to ensure stability in the region has failed. You know instead of insuring peaceful collaboration between Japan, Taiwan, the Koreas, and many other countries in the region; we've got to assert that our dicks are huge and can in fact (like the Great Wall) be seen from space.

To my friends in China (and Japan, Korea, and the rest East Asia): I'm sorry that it's got to be a pissing contest. Please China just turn the other cheek! I know the U.S. is being a bully, but just continuing developing your technology and working with the Asian powers in the region (hell you want to be a dick back? Work Russia into a little deal, nothing major, but just a little shot across the bow (if you will)). Just be the "bigger person"....Please?

*Sigh*

Solace

Just in case you missed it, the world is spinning.
Erase all that you know, because it may seem so slow.
Surprised because your cake batter is low?
Should you be worried because the light is just a glimmer?
Isolation can be good for you, and for me, but at times I find it maddening.
Might I persuade you to join my on a trip?
Absolutely unsure of our destination, but I can assure you it'll be good and you'll thank me in the near future.
Yes, even I wonder where we will begin and end.

Or will it even end...?

I am thankful for every single berry I enjoy.
It can be said that I will enjoy a trip down memory lane, but just as soon be recalled to Fukuoka.
There is no greater treasure especially in the minds of babes, than a mom.
You will challenge me to a duel, but we will be left in Tahiti.
Why do you scribble these pens, do you seek your winnings?
Could it be that we've already beaten this loss?
I will wait till we eat, and rejoice.
Can we still use the word Raj?

300 + 100

Yay, this very little corner of the internet has reach 400+ views. Not much, but I'll take it.

Please keep in mind that Love is such a wonderful and important thing in our lives.

Sweet!

400 views, slowly but surely!

Let's get to 10k by May 2012, hah.

Occupiers

There seems to be a popular discourse in the United States against Social Assistance. To me this is mind boggling because it's a basic need of helping people. I feel in some regards that the Occupy movement is a slap in the face to most of the rest of the World. I am glad that there seems to be some major Global Support (please come to show solidarity, Mr. Lech Walsea of Poland). With the standard of living so high in the United States it does feel like a possible whining, but some of these problems extend beyond the States border, and I don't understand what the issue with helping folks really seems to be? Many countries in the world have "Socialized" programs that assist their people. Sure the U.S. has medicaid, medicare, and plenty of social programs to benefit people in need, but how do we not have education and health care? We also have people who are starving in this great nation of ours. But I digress...
We jump at the chance to help people in times of crisis (ie - Hurricanes generally solicit this type of reaction), how is/are people being undereducated, not having clean water, limited or no access to real food (or any food), and not having access to medicines (or any real preventative medical/health care) not considered a crisis? How is the fact that an estimated 80% of the people in the world live in some form of poverty with roughly 1/6 of the world living in absolute poverty not considered a crisis worthy of assistance?
This may be difficult to swallow for some, but this is a global community. Canada and Mexico, you are my neighbors, but people of Japan, Iran, Turkey, Ireland, Libya, Congo you are my brothers and sisters*. The longer we continue pretending it isn't, or that there has to be a number one country, the longer we go without addressing these very serious problems and the longer we continue killing the absolute shit out of each other. I say fuck that, let's Occupy.


*Note- My International Brothers and Sisters also extend to many other countries like Sweden, Denmark, Thailand, South Korea, England, Italy, Colombia, Russia, and pretty much every other country on the map. Except maybe Antarctica, fuck those guys with their never ending tuxedos and happy feet, although they do have Orcas...but no fuck those guys!

November

Let's do some celebrating.

This time, reward ourselves.

Getting naked will be fun. I promise.

What more can we say? It's going to be a community effort.

Thank you for your help:

Without it, I wouldn't be where I am. Thank you.

Cross-Religion:

I've never understood how you can claim to follow a Religion, and use violence to any means to an end. I honestly cannot think of a nation or a religion that is without fault. Please excuse my Judeo-Christian societal upbringing, but "go ahead and cast that stone, as long as you are without evil/sin/wrongdoing/judgment". Yeah I paraphrased, but my point is what religion emphasizes violence?
And please don't give me Islam, it comes out of the same tradition as Judaism and Christianity. The majority of religions are founded out of a kindness and love for the fellow neighbor/person/entity. Let's look at some basic human needs: love, food, water, physical activity, medical care, education, and (I'll add) community (even though this can be covered under love).
Despite my aspirations of becoming Ulmighty Leader of the United Communities of the World (or, I guess, President of the United States of America), the more I go along. The more I find that we will not find our solace, our true cares and desires, in the political leaders that we assign this imaginary power over ourselves. We have our disagreements, but we can get together for community, for music, for love, for food (water), and for our survival.

Because I don't know.
Will I ever know, this love.
It might attract something.

Will it grow, dunno.
Emotion wells up, a gleam.
A sparkle, dunno.

So she speaks to me.
Can I listen, can I know?
I do not know how.

I do not know why.
No one told you/me, why/how.
Where can we go, here?

Turkey

I really do not have words to express my feelings for Turkey. We are a World Community and I only hope the best for Turkey after that 7.2, please get healthy and return to us my brothers and sisters.

Latvia Love

Exchange rate for today: 1 US Dollar is equal to 0.511 Latvian Lats. In other words Latvians (sp?) come to America! Your money is worth almost two U.S. Dollars! You win the exchange rate prize: #1. I say kudos!

Perplexing mist

Aptly named is the fog that descends on us all. We cannot see the end from the start, or any direction in between. I find myself caught in a spell. A mind numbing confusion, as if an insidious plot were hatched from behind a snow globe. A subversive spell filled with poppies. I reach out to you, because honestly I haven't a clue.

One thousand

A dragon brother.
Another brother.
These are my family.
The ties that bind.
I will be around, if you need me, you just have to keep smiling. If we lose our smiles, we'll lose our game, and then the spiral will come.
I will not weep, because it is already done. Slithering back into my hole. I sleep so deeply that the World wonders where I've gone. It's so far gone I will find you in my dreams. As pieces of the mosaic come together. Each new piece giving me a better glimpse at the whole picture.
Is it loud?
I cannot hear you.
So blind is our bliss and contentment.
Who are you?

3 * 3 * 3 equality?

Noticing that it is now October, how far have we come? We come back to the same place we began, yet completely new, frightened, and unaware of my own facilities.
I strive to beat the winter, but "Winter is coming". It could be today, and it could be tomorrow. Why fret and worry? When there is little control, but every whim available. Why does it even matter? At this point, in this stage of the "game". Will anyone truly remember?

I will, but, then I won't.

Complexity

Simplicity.
Hard/Soft.
Delicate/Strong.
A black and white world that is gray, but not quite grey.
A chameleon that blends in to its surroundings, but displays a full plumage.

I am the rocket.
I am the star.
I will burn up in the atmosphere.
I am the undying passion.

You are the Void.

On a suggestion

In regards to the supposed "grey-hair brigade" email I received from my grandmother and on a suggestion from my uncle:

I wonder who this author is going to offer up as a "take back the nation" candidate? Someone who will slash social program funding and increase military spending? Or someone who will also offer up our National Parks to polluting companies, and destructive recreational uses (it is in the name of Freedom after all). We don't need those natural wonders, we need resources, and we need them now. The best way to "peace" is through blowing people up too, and crushing them with an iron fist of military might so keep spending.

I am no fan of Obama, but this type of rhetoric sickens me. The candidates that are running for president are no better, and if anything may be worse. What we have now is not a socialist state, I hate to break it to people, we don't even have a socialist democracy. We are a Republic focused on Capitalism as the end all goal (yes we have social programs that promote the "lower class", but we also have huge amounts of upper class welfare). Believe it or not, Obama is a part of that force. It baffles me that "socialist" programs work (extremely successfully in other countries side by side with (get this!) capitalism (gasp). There are very few politicians I will actually cheer for or marginally back up, I see a continuing failing of our government as a combination of the fallacies of the perceived political realm and our apathy and contentment with excessive material goods. Work to get the things you want, but to maintain them you have to work more (an endless cycle). 

We are a wonderful nation of individuals, creative thinkers, and "freedom" loving people. We also have our downsides. Just like everywhere else, but we are one of the brightest examples of unity (and one of the worst) and success. There is no shame in modeling ourselves into new ways. Ways that work with other people (say like the Nordic countries?), or working with other nations who are rapidly joining the powerful international scene (say like China?) and not fearing them.

We live on this planet together. We may be the "greatest country" on this planet, but we share this space with billions more. I remember a song that I think is more than appropriate for ourselves and the world. Granted it might be a little childish, but it can't be anymore childish than the bickering I see on television between so called "Conservatives" and "Liberals" (don't make me laugh you wolves in sheep's clothing). Co-operation what shall we do? Co-operation I'll work with you.

I apologize for the long winded email, but seriously, this type of rhetoric just annoys me. My generation is to blame? Us young whipper snappers? Who voted Nixon in? Who voted Reagan in? Who voted Carter? Clinton? Bush 1 or 2? I know we're crazy kids with our xboxes, long hair, and rocknroll music, but really I think we're all to blame. Maybe we all need to go back to kindergarten.

Ray of Sunshine

To improve myself,
I need to data collect,
And be nice, caution.

You may be confused,
But I understand clearly.
You may never know.

If I lose the love,
How can I participate?
It is only love.

I'm not sure how long,
This will last, but it won't be,
forever. Time heals.

Ignorance

Some people from Latvia have been checking this Blog in the past month. I say thank you. However I know little to nothing about your country. Which is sad to me, I wish to know more, but I can say that your largest city of Riga and it's 2.2 million population (according to the almighty Wikipedia) is larger than the entire State of Maine. So kudos to you! Also you have a lot of municipalities...

For Boredom

"...You can count me out/in..."

Alright, football. I'm officially pissed. Testing my convictions. You took long enough with this "lockout" business, so I decided to not watch your games in response. Sorry nine billion dollars, which the fans help make possible, and you didn't really give back. Oh sure, you do community work, which I'm thankful for, and the communities you assist are as well. Props too to Robert Kraft for pulling up his big boy pants and "semi-crossing the aisle" to get a deal done. But with the way the New England Patriots are playing is torture for me not getting to watch it. They're going to outdo their 2007 season, and damnit I want to see it! That being said, I will not watch it until their in the Super Bowl. Maybe I'll weaken my resolve and submit to the AFC Championship game, but as of right now only the Super Bowl. Which I see them actually winning.
In respect to how well the Patriots are playing. Look at the stat lines. Sure the opposing teams are "lighting up" the secondary, but is that actually the real picture? Rivers is a high quality Quarterback in the league and he was intercepted twice, sacked twice, and fumbled once. The Chargers also had to play catch up with the Patriots to the tune of 423 passing yards from Brady and a final score of 35-21. So this looks more like running for the Chargers wasn't getting it done. I could be skewering the stats, but the Chargers are a good team and the Pats beat them like Miami (also a good team).
Anyway my point is that the Patriots are well on their way to setting even more records (almost 1000 passing yards going into week 3?!?!) and a defense that is going to keep getting better with 6 sacks and 5 turnovers in two games. Sure there are spots that could use improvement, always, but geez they're showing up to play.

Haiku

Deception and lies.
Do we truly know ourselves.
Seek out your own peace.

5 AM

Creative title no?

We move in our own ways, pressed against a window pane.
I still remember the first time I laid eyes on you.
A blurry picture that I couldn't make out.
Taking an inward breath,
I try to find something invisible.
Something I can't quite make out.
This something is a lost piece of me.
Something from long ago.
Is it a flower in the desert sand?
Or a towering mountain, majestic and stoic?
Maybe it is that single moth fluttering about trying to stay aloft.
This is something I may not know.

A crash,
A sound broken throughout time.
Our inner depths become questioned.
Now I see clearly.
Now I smell clearly.
I can taste the air.
I have been set free.
Free to take to the sky.
Free to swim the darkest caverns.
Where only our dreams await.
This will be something, for I am not deterred.

I will build monuments,
And cathedrals in your visage.
I will praise your name in the holiest of passages.
I will sing and rejoice your spirit.

I am safe in your arms.
I know which path is the brightest.
I take the path that leads me to you.

You who do not abandon.
You can only answer the what.
You, when they speak of you,
They speak from the heart.
You, where you await us all in the shining land.
You of all the ones I await, I seek, why?

A dog biscuit indeed.

Secrets

We keep them in our minds.
We keep them in our hearts.
This word that drives nations.

What is my secret?
Is it a plethora of things?
Or one big thing?

Would people be shocked to go through my things?
Would people be shocked to go through yours?
Some people would be shocked by some of my things,
others would not.

I will ride into the darkness,
But I fear the unknown.
I may need a light.

More theory:

Why do we wonder where our priorities lie?
I face my friends, my family.
This will not be complete if we stand at odds.
I will borrow a phrase from Jackson Browne.
Because there are "Lives in the Balance".

Some theory:

There shall be a connection.

A connection so deep it cannot be broken no matter the trial.

I cannot express the uniqueness of individuality.

There is no path, for you are the drummer, and have yet to blaze it.

There is tension in your mind.

A symptom of our world, a world of suffering, let us all take it in stride and with a smile on our faces.

Exercise is not just a word.

Physical activity is the world, and we should all strive for our best.

Games are not just recreation.

They fill us with child like wonder and joy, and help us relax, by escaping to new worlds.

Sex is a part of life.

Sexual intimacy is a part of what it means to be human, embrace it healthily and fully.

Perfection is in imperfection.

Enjoy the fullness of life in all its broken glory.

People are the spice of life.

Without them there would be no world to enjoy, no matter what they may say or do.

Titles are frivolous.

Although some titles help us identify our perceptions.

This is my adventure.

Perhaps we can combine ours, and create a super adventure?

2020 Vote Irken:

Yes in the year 2020 you too can vote the right way, the Irken Way! In the year 2020 the Irken Party is pleased to announce their candidate for President of the United States: Daniel West!
We're starting our campaign process early to get a bead on our mightily inferior "opponents" and know our candidate is literally the best choice because of his 20/20 vision. You will also notice the similarities in what make our country great in belonging to "the West" and our candidate's family name: West. It will be a glorious time for the United States once we have claimed the White House. Next stop we will deliver our greatness to the rest of the Galaxy.

Been a while:

I want to thank Elena Siegman for introducing me to some wonderful bands through our mutual acquaintance. I would also like to start an online petition to get her and Serj Tankian on a track or two together. For a reference of Elena check this out!
So kudos to her for being involved with zombies.

Those bands include Otep, Van Canto, and Motherboar. You will not be disappointed.

Austria:

A land of migration.
This World moves and shakes.
When the "unrest" begins,
People move.

Sixty eight thousand people reside in Austria.
They are not native to Austria.
Sixty eight thousand.
That is larger than the population of most,
Or all,
The cities and towns in the United State,
Of Maine.

Let us not fret.
We all are migrants.
Even with our Nationalities,
And citizenship.
We/You are apart of the human diaspora.

You are my Mother,
My Brother,
My Cousin,
My Aunt,
My Grandparents,
My Friend,
My Uncle,
My Sister,
And my Father.
Let us celebrate.

Kat shit Kiss:

So it is with a heavy heart, we see the accompaniment of a kiss with the taste of shit.
There will be no stop at Chubville.
The "chubba chubba chubba chubba bone bone ride" is out of service.
The adventure begins!

The World is upside down didn't you hear?
An ice cube, or two, may generate nine thousand cards.
We will ride, and ride, to this destination we call home.
Only by the power of our arctic friends, can we overcome the challenges that face ahead.

Mystical Quest

Yes a little nod to The Lonely Island, but:

Isn't life?
A nod to those that we admire, but also a question within the question.
"The Way that can be named, is not the Way."

We move in relation to those around us, and they to us.
Yet we move away from each other and those around us.
This complicates our confusion and perpetrates disharmony.

It will lead to sadness and isolation.
Isolation leads to impotence in movement,
And we find ourselves unable to move.
Unable to breathe,
But there are those around us who would assist.

So we can move,
And breathe.
Yet trapped in this cycle we cannot see beyond our feet.
We only look down,
While feeling around blindly.
Let's break this cycle,
And move to be free together.
Wouldn't it be better?

Exploding Cuteness:

That is all.

I am the Walrus

Hit songs: Coo Coo Cachoo, or is it Koo Koo Kachoo.
I've never been more sure,
Of not knowing.
We live in an endless love of hedonism.
Celebrate this love.
Rejoice and refill your cup!

I sweep the morals under the rugs.
I'll keep the populace in check.
Mr. Smith is that you?
I've talked about dog biscuits,
In the past you could find what you wanted, but didn't know anymore than now.
Yet we do, don't we?
The eggs are delicious, but they want their cashews back.
That pancake (over there) told me to tell you so.

If the world can be condensed.
It will be done.
It has already been done.
We each struggle in our own ways.
I'm in a blissful state.
That's all you see.
Maybe you want to see the other side.
Maybe that's all you want to see.
I say it's time.
Don't you know the plan?
Mr. Mao is that you?
I don't want to be counted out/in.

We the liminal beings.
Love this ethereal state of existence.
Jesus says hello and good day.
Did you know I love you.
Never did see that one coming.
Thumbs up Lum, thumbs up.

Again a round

A round,

Another shot.

A cry in pain,

And simple gestures.

Left in mind,

In solace.

We cry,

I cry for you.

This seemingly endless sorrow.

I'll never know,
A companion, till the end.

It's soft and subtle,

This new game's end.

A shot in the round.

Chambers filled,

With compassion and lead.

A sneaking,

Creeping darkness.

Filled with ice,

And chill.

There is no beginning,

Only an end.

Military Bonanza

Hey guess what isn't news: The United States spends more on their military than most other countries.

Three different estimates: 2011 at 741 billion, 2009 at 515 billion, and 2010 at 687 billion.
According to the 2011 estimate the United States is "only" spending the combined efforts of China, India, Russia, Saudi Arabia, France, and the United Kingdom (there is left over change roughly equaling Iran's expenditure).
Not surprisingly each year the United States total expenditure has risen and China has followed suit. Thus the amount of total World expenditure has risen making the United States share "smaller" even though it has increased by over 200 billion since 2009. I guess someone can take solace in the fact that apparently China's expenditure growth is dwarfing the United States. 2009 they were at 59 billion, 2010 doubled that figure, and 2011 tripled that figure.
I guess money really does grow on trees.

Biggest of them all

Russia: around 17 square kilometers.

But, did you know you all of these other countries would fit within Russia's borders:
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Mexico
Saudi Arabia
Indonesia
Libya
Iran
Mongolia
Peru
& Chad

A familiar trend:

Going back and forth.
Feeling without feeling.
There is depth all around,
Or emotional connections.

It is hard to see at times.
We claim for our doom.
We clamor and dream.
Yet a simple spread of love would do.

A many a wonder.
We live envied lives.
Yet we cannot see any trees.
A simple dream.

So distant and melodramatic.
I cry in my sleep.
There are no sheep.
A systematic sweep of all that I see.

Are we really so different when we speak?
Or when we dream?
Are we of one race?
Of one species?

Then how do you see?
When you speak?
The sounds are different,
But the meaning is the same.

I wonder.
If you wonder.
A trembling in the darkness of night.
A soft spoken rose.

So there is grace.
Happiness and kindness.
A spread of love,
And a feeling of respect.

We can draft all these,
Or I can sing a ballad.
Undivided our hearts content.
Unyielding in this mutual desire:
Contentment and peace.

Movies

That show a comedy,
But end up being a "dramedy".
Although going Back to the Future.
Drama was a comedy,
And comedy was a drama.
So would it be....a Coma?

Islam

The country with the largest Muslim population (according to the almighty Wikipedia) is: Indonesia with 86.1% of the populace claiming faith with the Islamic religion. Kudos Indonesia.

A shot of 10 cd

That rose colored hair.
Those samurai geisha girls.
On those genie hips.

Meaningless in life.
A call, siren's song, fatal.
Why do you fill spring?

This will be seen by,
Many, so be prepared to,
Exact your vengeance.

ヤッタ

You have got to be,
A delicious piece to be,
Swift, never, to be.

A noise in the night,
Claims a life, a dark filled light,
In wonder and awe.

My rose in the sands:
No sunlit moon, or twilight,
Can see your beauty.

Some Longer

Useless facts!

Longest name: Apparently it goes to Libya (aka) Al Jumahiriyah al Arabiyah al Libiyah ash Shabiyah al Ishtirakiyah al Uzma (kudos Libya!)

Longest life expectancy: Japan! Not only do you win the distinction of having your landscape as this BLOG's header, but you get life expectancy 82 years? A close second goes to China's Hong Kong (sadly Hong Kong is a territory) and second goes to Iceland (at 81.8).

Whee.

Dense:

Apparently Singapore is the second most densely populated country in the world. Second to only Monaco, which I already highlighted as the (second) smallest area for a country. Singapore has a population of just over 4.7 million, and an area of 386.88 square miles. That puts their population density around 12,000 people per square mile.

That is not nearly as terrifying as Ilha de Queimada Grande: Give a shout out to 1-5 snakes per every square meter. Hooray Brazil! You win with one deadly island (thanks to Cracked.com again for this wonderful piece of information).

By the way, I love random facts and statistics.

Quiz Results and Drugs are Bad

Thank you to Cracked.com again for these two wonderful lines:

"My ecomullet says DRUGS ARE BAD!"

&

"You are a Wombat: You like to click on answers as quickly as possible because you are trying to get a screenshot of any result for your stupid article."

Yay to Cracked.

Two point Two Billion:

Taking an academic course designed on the study and understanding of Christianity has given me a new look into this massive religion. Curious I looked into which Country has the largest percentage by population of Christians. Ignoring the Vatican, it appears that the Pitcairn Islands (a small chain about 3000 miles off the Pacific Coast of Peru and Chille) has the highest percentage at 100%. This small chain of volcanic islands has a staggering population of 50, and is a British Overseas Territory.
I've decided that Ecuador wins with 99% because they have around 14,000,000 Christians within their borders, and Ecuador gets love from at least two people in my life.

-Kudos to you Ecuador, kudos, or (and pardon the quite possibly poor translation!) Felicitaciones y muchas bendiciones.

Monaco

Monaco is the second smallest state in the world by terms of area. With an area of 0.7 square miles. Congratulations Monaco you are tiny.
The Vatican is smaller (unless you include the micro-nations, which are awesome). Just a start, and I will find more.

Apparently there is a movie I need to look up.

Audience:

A few countries from the top half of the World have taken a look, but how can I reach the rest of the World (besides donating high speed internet with the sole purpose of getting to look at this BLOG)? Maybe posting a picture and some thoughts from every country would assist in this matter?

I find this to be a fairly nifty statistic, keeping track of global participation instead of solely anonymous numbers that represent people. This way, at least there is a Country that represents a person(s).

Estimate: Sometime in 2016, the United States economy will be surpassed as the "largest economy in the World". Being replaced by China (<---kudos to them) at the top. Can anyone else verify the validity of such a statement (or that they have at least heard/read this estimation)?

Commando 3

Interesting article to check out: ....take a good look in the mirror.

Love!

April Tibet:

Moving with Ninja speed.
Taking on my enemies a thousand at a time.
With stealth,
Skill,
Power,
and speed.

You'll never it seeing coming.
The move that ends all life.
Look now,
Before you know it all will be gone.
Your life,
The life of all.

A pool of essence.
The strangers living within the wood.
I cannot see through the mist.
A springtime in the well.
I want to sing to a Veldt.

Triple Threat:

So May is coming. I will take some requests to see what direction this BLOG should/could/will take. Let me know! I've already gotten a suggestion to comment and record any travels I may take. So let's see your ideas.

April Sweat:

Temperatures rise.
So does my body,
Each day.

On some days,
I rise later.
Finding the sun to be gone.

As if a gnome has come,
And gone.
My gardens will need tending.

Can you tend?
Can you mend?
If not, I will have to bend.

Stranger things have occurred,
And I no doubt have been faced with these oddities.
Alas, it is as it is.

I pray that the pox does not come.
Will we be able to repair and survive?
Is survival just living, or living as if there is no tomorrow?

Let's live for now,
And look for tomorrow.
In a search that is bound to us.

I will Quest to find my own dodge.
A Dodge that could be completed if undertaking a simple quest.
Will "London Calling" be the final undoing?

Only if we clash.
Otherwise an adventure to our final destination:
Amsterdam, party ahoy!

April Debt:

? I thought I posted on Tuesday?
It was as a Debt.

A question in  fragrance,
A belief in inivincibility.

We move every moment,
Towards the finish line.

Now I have missed two,
Gah, I find myself falling behind.

So far it goes,
Everyday we move.

Moving up and down,
To the left and to the right.

I sing a praise to you!

April Fret:

A year ago,
I rose with the sun.
Looking out was a vast ocean,
Surrounding,
Me and all my belongings.

It is hard to imagine,
That only a year ago.
Was a time of great uncertainty,
And confusion.
It was the future.

Yet I have come back in time,
Only to find, a sense of longing,
And desire.
A desire to return to the future,
And see.

A sight that is beyond my knowing.
In a time and place,
That can never be.
A place of forgotten dreams,
And peace.

It would seem that I am,
But at the mercy of the enigma.
A traveller trapped within a never ending cycle,
Of circles.
Can it be, that I am free?

April Vet:

What is perfection?
Is it something attainable?
Would it come in a jar?
How could you measure it?
What would be your constant?
How would you know it?
Is this perfection?
Is that?
The question moves to be amicable, while being unattainable.
The mind holds the key, and it is within that we must seek:
The answer to the riddle, or any riddle.
We shall see into the depths and many realms of the Universe.
Coming to the brink, and back again.
With wild storms, gaseous clouds, and celestial bodies,
That is what awaits us.
Simply to meet you.

April Set:

Two weeks,
I spray for the coming storm.
Three weeks,
I launch into a ominous tirade.
Four weeks,
I might bring myself some tea.
Five weeks,
I gain traction into some sight.
Six weeks,
I dance my way through the night.
Seven weeks,
I plant a garden full of life.
Eight weeks,
I work, over and again.
Nine weeks,
I begin again, fresh and new.
No weeks.

April Wet:

The definition, that is what we all seek.
A title to confirm, comfort, and realize.
There is a mass extinction, a digging grave.
Climate chaos is mining away,
So we find a confusing calamity in a Warming.
This is a reverse of speech,
To see colder weather,
Darker weather,
When it's supposed to be, Warm.

So back to the title,
The definition of the hand.
So why do we seek, this message,
A confusing strand of consciousness.
So why,
Do we need a confirmation?
When you have all that you need.
"Everything is as it is supposed to be,
Everything, and everyone is perfect just as it is."

April Let:

I missed a day.
It seems improbable,
But there it is,
staring me in the face.
The day I missed.

Guess what?
I've missed a lot of days.
It's not something I'm proud of,
But it is, the reality of the situation.

I speak in truths and invaluable messages.
Each one growing longer,
Larger than the last.
It's not something I can help,
But it is something that I do not lie on.

This is what I lie on.
The comfort of my discomfort.
I will tell you now, in a plain truth.
A hidden message among the meaning.

We shall go forward and seek to claim ourselves.
I will not,
Can not,
Pry into what it is meant to be, or not to be.
So, I will not question you further.

A dog biscuit, indeed.

April Net:

Where is the line drawn?
Between nature and artifact,
between natural and artificial.
Can Man truly create something that is not of nature.

This line can be made.
This line can be imagined.
Either way it is still a line.
A point that seems to have no end.

But there is an End.
Because there is always an End.
And it will be found.
However, we may not be around.

So back to the matter,
Of the matter,
Is it possible for Man to create the artifact?
Does it really matter?

It would seem that the human Animal,
Has removed itself from Nature,
And strives to create the Artifact.
Yet we come full circle.

To make a distinction that Man is one or the other,
Ignores a larger issue.
By homogenizing the Nature to fit our desires,
We create a World desensitized to its own Nature.

Nature then compensates and tries to balance the equation.
The Artifact is the ignorance of the Nature.
Ignoring the problem at hand.
Live with Nature, ignore the Artifact.

It is late and the hour is almost at hand.
We strive to save the World,
But we're striving to save Ourselves.
The equation will balance, in one way or another.

April Pet:

(Probably terrible, but for Anni ka-chan and Phillip-kun) 

"Um mich am Deutsch-Vergnügen zu vergüngen."
Ich fordere den greifvögeln zu euch und möchte nur für den Erfolg. Es könnte sein, daß unsere Träume sind vergessen in prime Fragen, aber es wäre unsere Stärke, uns motiviert.

ICH weinet für den Erfolg von uns. Um zu beten, die eine goldene Zeit vor uns sehen konnte, aber wäre es gesehen. Ich finde, daß ein Gebet zu dem jetzt und künftig ist das beste.

Für sie ist eine Zeit für uns alle. Zum Aufruf zusammen einen Moment der Einheit. Unsere globalen Gemeinschaft hören und zu warten. Gemeinsam mit uns alle und beginnen Sie zu "Hoffnung", und wissen, ich bin ein donut.

Danke mein Freund, vielen Dank.

Time:

Decided to change the time stamp: so now the dates are mixed up (on the posts), but still on pace for thirty (enjoy).

April Jet:

Cherish, these moments,
Because this impermanence,
(is) Forever lasting.

(So) A bird cherishes,
The song melody of Spring mists,
Blowing wind's, color.

(So) I sit before,
A scientific strong man,
Resembling man.

April Met:

I move with swift justice,
trapped in a breathless vacuum.
Will we see our lives as they pass effortlessly by,
or will it be, all for naught.

It can be known,
the knowledge that we seek.
Forever growing and gaining,
in momentum and size.

I will be blessed to know your name,
for you have blessed me with your own.
I can not repay,
all that you have done, but hope to achieve.

This resolution,
of our nature and demeanor.
So that we can move forward,
as a unit, a union.

Ignore the past,
but enjoy the present.
We wish for the future,
and take praise in our, solace.

私はいい。
今日はとっても元気。
あさって、神。

A(pril) Little Help from my Friends:

I Once Was A Smoker

By: Jordan Whitehead

                                               I don’t have a problem, what do you mean?

A state of pre-contemplation was smothering me.

The first time I tried it I will never forget,

The guys, that girl, I just wanted to fit in.

Dopamine released, relaxation occurred,

This is where smoking cigarettes caused my true identity to become blurred.

Sure I became popular, and yeah I got the girl, but nicotine had me handcuffed, nicotine changed my world.

When the coolness went away and I was ready to quit,

the addiction blazed strong as my very soul felt as if it would split.

I tried to play with a pencil, I tried to chew gum,

Stronger than heroin and cocaine, nicotine I couldn’t stay away from.

I became hostile and impatient, I couldn’t breathe during sport,

I always felt Hungry and depressed, my mind began to scream abort, abort.

So after a short time I tapped out and went back

Even though I already knew smoking was turning my lungs jet black.

Years went by followed by lapse and relapse,

Countless battles brought my will to stop to a complete collapse.

and without that will, the motivation and desire

No one can reach their destination it’s like a car without rims, wheels, and tires.

One day I was just walking down the side of the street

Seen a group of kids, seen a boy, I said, “Hey he looks like me.”

Confusion on his face, pressure from his friends, I’m sure you can guess what he held in his hand.

I rushed to him quickly before he took his first puff

and spilled my smoking stories straight off the cuff

We took a walk and talked, he was a great kid.

Played sports, like to hunt, he just wanted to fit in.

As we approached his house his whole attitude had changed

No pressure, he was laughing, and no confusion remained.

As we said our goodbyes and his face with a big smile being a smoker for a second was almost worth the while

Because with tears in his eyes he said, “thanks for tonight.”

I said, “for what?” and he replied, “Mister, you changed my life.”

Its been a few years since that warm summer night

I’m now in the action stage and my future seems bright.

I lost my freedom when my smoking began

But I continued someone’s freedom by becoming a hero to a young man.

My identity was lost but now it is found

and my freedom returned when I believed without smoking I am unbound.

I once was a smoker.

Not written by me, but I wanted to share it. Good poem.

April Bet:

Speaking with my native tongue:
We build a glorious civilization.
Our nation is the cradle of life.
My heart is proud,
Strong,
And filled with spirit.

The universe spins,
A swirling diamond sky.
The land spans,
Over mountain and expansive veldts.
The wood produces,
Lush,
Exotic,
Living unions.
The water glimmers,
Hiding mysterious depths.

This insidious disease creeps, draping the land, the forests, and the water,
In an invisible darkness.
It comes in many forms, and has many names.
It instills terror,
Hunger,
Death,
Race,
Poverty,
Pestilence,
War,
Rape,
Slavery,
A way of life.

...Yet there is a ray.
A blessing in disguise.
Under this yoke,
Of depression. Oppression.
The spirit strives.
The body yearns.
And our union will endure and blossom again.

Sponsors:

My little brother is doing a "raise money for my school" activity, please take a moment to look at the drive: Watch his Progress!

Pretty kewl prizes. This about the best I can do to support him, and I love him dearly. Thanks.

April:

Struggle stands,
So fluid,
Brought to the point.
With muscle sinew,
And tendons smooth.

My perspiration dripping,
Staining each breath.
A false sense of hope.
That I hope, beyond hope,
To move beyond these boundaries.
This constraint of my mind,
And restriction of our soul.
That it would come to this,
You and I.
May it be that,
 A heaven is our guide.

April Cowers:

A little word play, short and sweet:

A trench, frozen ice.
Crevasse, dizzying mountain.
A pulse. Is it life?

April Towers:

The image is self confessed.
The image is self obsessed.
The image is self contained.
The image is self esteem.

We live in our world.
Struggling to get by our caveats.
By the passes of our peers.
We maintain within our feats.
Only by stretching can we reach our dears.

Humor aside.
It goes to show that this struggle,
Is not in vain.
From sun-up to sun-down I see,
A constant fight.

No more of this fight.
There is only success in my contribution.
No more of this plight.
There is only congratulations in this attribution.

I say we will win,
It is a win that is felt,
But is not winning.

April Powers:

I spread the wings.
I'm not sure how far, we will fly.
You must understand that I will fly.
No matter how far.

It can only be a matter of time.
Before you share.
A bite to eat.
Strangely and decisively.

This morsel of life.

Concern

Finally copyrighted something I should have done so back in 2007.

Yeah. It's a story..

April Flowers:

A Toilet:

I cannot fathom a rhyme or reason
to this frozen and unfeeling
monsoon of pressure and depth.
Eroding away my sense of self,
replacing it with needles.
   
Yet,
I am able to hear
a bubble and gargle.
A gasp of breath,
a slosh of displacement.
Slapping wet feet
on hard tile floors.
In a stall near to me.
These bathroom walls are,
so thin.
So clear.
   
Who is it,
that comes for me?
Those jagged nails scratching along the wall.
Is it She,
that has stirred?

I grasp tightly at my chest,
at each creaking rattle.
There are no protective blankets here.
Would they even bother to save me?

I have aroused her hatred?
   
My skin forms droplets of moisture,
rising to meet the bumps in the night.
My breath is shortened,
as her icy grip takes hold.
There are no soft caresses,
Only the touch of Winter.

She, is Hanako-San.
I now know her loneliness.
A goldfish out of its bowl,
I lie,
gasping for life.
Staring out at dirty crevices.
I am embraced by darkness
no longer feeling the cold.
My Fall ends.

April Showers:

A Finger Tap?

A clattering tap,
splattering on the window pane.
On a dark and stormy night.
It is so familiar,
eerie,
calling to me.
With a thunder clap.
   
Is this a messenger of death?
Or simply a carrion for my carcass?
Its black wings waiting to carry me away.
Those glass covered eyes unflinching.
With a cry.

At the top of the hour
a new sound chimes in,
In rhythmic unison,
That comes from within,
A thumping in my chest,
“...someone gently tapping...”

My mind,
back again with a simple rap.
Staring blankly at the page.
No new words arrive,
even with his help
Should I cry “Nevermore”?

New Month:

I believe there is a month coming.

A month worth celebrating.

But could we refrain from making a refrain.

For it is in English that we will find ourselves.

Only then can we truly understand the meaning of the meaning.

The circular message comes to us, again and again.

When will it come to a head?

Only "White" people can "act" and there will always be one more.

When will it become "those who live by peace, celebrate and live by peace"?

Do we need another one?

Or did we learn yet?

Yeah.

Rose Metal Press (part two):

Co-Founders:
Kathleen Rooney

and

Abigail Beckel

Kudos and many thanks for giving invaluable advice and their time.

A better way to link to Rose Metal

People should support them. Indie publishing for the win.

A Start:

It is fairly early for me. At almost 6:40 am when I start. I question my motives and sit, rather lying.

Which will it be today? To sleep, or not to sleep. Strangely both will be options. Yet I must move onward and forward while a Fogelberg serenades my ears.

It was suggested that I start a BLOG. I am unsure why, exactly, but here it goes. I am trying something new-ish. Hopefully you will find this as amusing as me.

Oh and Deutsch-Vergnügen returns to the internet. It has been a few years, almost a decade: http://www.archive.org/details/Deutsch-Vergngen

You're welcome.