In response.

Cognitive Dissonance aside, it is high time for the insanely wealthy for many of them to share these ill-gotten gains. Since they're stealing from the people does this mean we can steal from them with impunity? Looking at things like Aaron Hernandez, Brazil, and the World Banking system that continually preys on poor countries.

It's not about socialism, or communism. It's about a runaway "capitalist" approach which feels less like "working hard and getting your cookie" and more like a version "free-choice and independence" serfdom. And I'm one of the fortunate few in this world who has many privileges, but I am not so far removed as some might have you believe (while also being very removed). It can be a twisted world. Love to the many of hardworking and dedicated folks out there!

Unwanted

So the great state of Texas just passed an "anti-abortion" bill. Some people might call that anti-choice, because while you may attach pro-choice with abortions, it's also a choice. So in a way if you are Pro-Life, you're Anti-Choice, because in these societal beliefs Pro-Choice is Anti-Life. Which is just silly, I haven't met very many Pro-Life, Pro-Choice people. In fact many Pro-Life people seem to celebrate and support War. Which is also confusing to me. Why can't you be Pro-Life, and still support a woman's (or hell anyone's) right to choose?
I'm curious now with Texas passing this bill, how long it'll stay into effect, and if unwanted pregnancies will rise, including Teen ones. With Texas also supporting the modified "History" book and a 30-ish% obesity rate I'm excited to see where things go from here. I mean it can't be all bad. I bet back alley abortions and medical issues arising from this will exponentially rise. Because humans will still have sex, and sex sometimes results in babies. Sometimes the people in that situation are not ready for the MASSIVE responsibility to have a baby. Even thought we have a culture were 16 and Pregnant is a entertainment program, people are still woefully under prepared. Let's hope a stronger health care for the wee peons can get into play to help all those unwanted pregnancies and the damage that will be done to their bodies with the dark alley "clinics" that may very well arise. Maybe not, maybe the good people of Texas will house secret sanitary, and very well equipped clinics.
Here's to the future and the past! Doesn't this kind of contradict Roe v. Wade?

Sha-whambam

I've had some recent thoughts running deep. I've got to be ready. That time is nigh, and these opportunities are staring me in the face.
Time to rock it out you say? Very well. we shall see the moves that run harder. Those moves that bring us face to face with those inner words. Found some good motivational videos on the tube. And the dictator speech by Charlie. Solid stuff.
Get to it.

Driven to comparison

I look around and see them everywhere. A comparison. A contemporary. An antonym. Which is which, I can never be 100% sure. Some are all, some are none, but in the end it comes down to my own brain. My own thought process and my own perspectives/beliefs. The relationship with myself help determines the relationship I have with others. A devotion and compassion towards myself will inevitably lead to similar traits with others. While maneuvering the obstacles all around me: Real, Imaginary, or otherwise, a key component is the strength and dedication I have for myself.
There are contributing factors of course. Cognitive dissonance is a very real and very useful tool, but engaging in society will undoubtedly lead to such an effect. I am not the only one in existence. In fact another person, or five, is by some extension dealing with this exact same processes, because thus is life. So let us all remember that the person next to us, generally deserves our compassion and that we're generally next to them.

On a side note. My current goals do not feel on pace, but are very likely coming along at just the right pace.

It Lives!

Today, I met a new friend. A rather large friend who shared with me the wisdoms of leaving items unattended in your bicycle basket. NOTHING IS SAFE!

So in response I fed what little was left of my food to my new friend. I'm pretty sure said friend followed me home. So if ever you wonder, yes Virginia crows are very smart.

Back to the Future: Now in 3D!

Feeling a good wave. Had a good welcome party for the new job. Met some of the other students I likely won't be teaching, but had a good talk. They seem like very good people. I feel very lucky to be apart of this adventure. I keep hearing the winter isn't extremely fun, but I will make an effort to do my best!
After the welcome party some of the group decided to go rock some Ka-Ro-a-Ke. After maybe two hours of the sing-off, we decided to keep the party going into bowling! It was a good night. I'm enjoying meeting all these kind and genuine people. Learning the life, learning the way, above and beyond!

Back to the Future: Mon Deux

In a random it has (almost) everything in Japan you could want to buy played this song: wunderbar!

At the prefectural pool I heard this 90's R&B gem and thought of my good friend dragnasty.

This is the stuff that dreams are made.

It's possible that if this or this plays when I'm doing something completely irreverent to the song, I will "flip my shit". I'm serious Japan, if I'm climbing Fuji-san, riding a magical flying tanuki (well this one seems more appropriate...It's not even fair how much I want to do this!), or giving a serious public address I will not be able to contain myself.

Back to the Future

The title is both re-hashed and fitting. I'm back in the land of sakura, samurai, and GOJIRA. This isn't really new news, but an update. It's been almost two weeks now and the job is coming along. There is quite a bit of down time, which is nice. I am enjoying working with people of all ages and finding more and more that people, truly are people, even with ethnic/cultural differences. The differences in perspectives, beliefs, and customs run deep. To a level that can be hard to see and interact with, but it comes back to being a people(s). That seems to run true, even with distinct differences everywhere else.
I got to swim in a beautiful 50 meter pool that is at least 10 lanes wide. Quite a bit different than a 25 yard pool. Tonight I saw a statue of the Colonel waving bright and friendly, and thought it was a real person. Chuckling when I realized my mistake. I miss the little things: protein bars (thus far), and the many good people in my life. On the plus side I'm meeting and interacting with very intelligent and wonderful folk.
This past weekend I got to see a local oni/kami named Name Hage and even got to shake one's hand. It was quite the experience.
I'm feeling optimistic and excited about the now and the upcoming months! Let's go!