Scribbles before Fight

This will be a short post. Once my laptop reaches a 100% charge, I am Audi.

Sitting at the bridge between the two towers here at the Central Library earlier in the day.  Been wanting to come here for ages, finally did after going to Saturday mass. Needed to get some G Time. Haven’t done that for awhile. Think I will be coming more regular, may 2 or 3 times for morning mass. I think my soul can handle it. Actually, I backed off for a bit. Needed to get some space and time. Did my reading, and I gots me some understanding.

My mind wanders when sitting in church. A week back in Sunday Mass, and they had the statue of the Fatima. Mom came with me. When she saw the Fatima, she immediately got up and touched the statue’s feet.  She never did that before. The Fatima was on a visit from somewhere. I was a bit surprised. I lacked understanding.

Been researching the Fatima. Some stuff what I gathered.  This got me revved up again. Started visiting various other holy places from different religious practices. Wanted to go to the source for this Higher Power. Stopped by the LA synagogue. Went to a Buddhist temple. Spoke with an Iman. Stopped by the St Andrews Abbey. Also, visited San Fernando Mission again.

This Saturday mass, I started thinking of Manny Pacquiao Fight and Chess.  Used to play chess, a lot. The Bishop, the knight, the queen, king and so on. Why do people choose the roles they take? What possess one to do what they do? Is it evolution? Is it behavioral? Is it some unresolved stuff from a previous life? What is it?

Take for instance the Dalai Lama. He’s been reportedly  reincarnated a fourteen times. His presence has inspired many movies, Seven Years in Tibet, Kundun and so on. He’s a rock star. Supposedly, in some schools of Hinduism it says that we have 8 stages of life in Hinduism. 2 stages belong to the life before. 4 stages are your own. Last two stages are set ups for the life coming. Karmic law and Dharma and the rest.

General Patton believed in reincarnation, too. He felt he fought in the Italy before as a Roman. I mean, he was a hero to the People.  Like George Washington and Bruce Lee. Like Manny Pacquiao. What makes a person a hero?

Tonight, for example, Manny Pacquiao will be fighting Margarito tonight in Dallas, Texas. A classic hero, coming from the barrios of the Philippines, and makes good. Margarito, a fallen fighter, who is looking for redemption. Maybe, it is how 24/7 HBO depicts these characters. But all this is Joseph Conrad myth-making stuff.

Freddie Roach, Manny’s trainer, said this may well be Manny’s last fight. Win or lose. WIN, OF COURSE. But certain people have been gifted. A Midas Touch about it them. From Poverty to Power in a short lifetime. What makes a person overcome Herculean Labors? What brings them to the top of the Mountain? This is so Rocky-ish. Is it some divine intervention? Is it pure will? Is it Darwinian’s “Most Fit” at play?  Our history is filled with these rags to riches. Secreteriat, Abraham Lincoln, Jackie Robinson, and so on. Overcoming obstacles are what heroes do. What separates the good from the great? What is the Gravitas? We all know it when we see it.

Back to church, I was thinking. A pawn is supposedly the weakest piece on the board. Can be taken out by a slew of other pieces. Rook, Bishops, Knights and Queens. However, once the pawn reaches its eight rank, then it can be transformed to a stronger piece. Sure many fall the waist side. They are cannon fodder.  Eight opportunities to reach the 8^th rank, then possibilities are endless.

Think about it. Some say being King is good. It is the piece that matters. Games ends and finishes with the King. It can go any which way. Up, down, left, right, diagonal. However, it is not afforded the range of maneuverability as his Queen. Plus, everyone and their mother are coming after you.  That is the whole basis of the game, Capture the King.

Being a queen is no picnic, either. Sure, it has the power of the Rook and bishop combined. But there is only one of her, compared the others. Plus, Queen is also on many people’s wish list. Furthermore, these lowly pawns at the end of the game, all want to be like her eventually. It’s a reverse sword party. No, perhaps, it more a it’s a Lilith Fair. By game’s end. I mean why would anyone want to be king. The queen has the most power on the board.

Still, I digress. Whether you are a King,  queen, Bishop, Knight . We all have some role we play in life. We are Mother, Father, Daughter, Son, Brother Sister, and so on. Actually, we die and are reborn. We go through rites of passage where we put childlike things away to become something more. To take our place in the community again. We become many things by necessity. It is built in. Hardwired in the DNA. Conditioned by Society with an ever changing system of reward and punishment.

We pursue many things. Evolving and devolving in order grasp these trinkets and ideals from the nethersphere.  Each role brings benefits and drawbacks. Like salmon, there is a drive, an instinct, a wish to reach the top of the mountain. Going upstream, battling each other, battling predators to survive. All in order to seed the next generation with our hopes, dreams, and DNA.

Things is. This is all okay. It has purpose. May not be the things one likes. We may delude ourselves with beliefs of grandiosity. Some things are true whether we believe it or not. Still, it is what we got. All this is the life stuff. This is the fun part. We fall in love. We fall out of it. We have our hearts filled with Joy and Love. We get our Hearts broken with no foreseeable reason.  We recover, then discover, “Let’s Do It Again.” We fight. We win. We fight. We lose. We do what we do because this is the thing we call, “Life.”  We need to be inspired. This is the Hero’s role. We need to be filled with something greater. We search for this “Feel Good.” We seek to be re-energized. To transform. To be Queened. 

Okay. Time is up. Sorry, this was longer than anticipated. Got in the Flow. My laptop is charged and it is time to watch another hero battle.  In life, we are all pawns. We are also Kings and Queens, too. And everything In Between. Okay, “Let’s Get ready to RRRUUUMMMMBBBLLLEEE!!! “ Go Manny Pacquiao.

Pacquiao: What Heroes Are Made Of

ineversavedanything4theswimback.blogspot.com

Turn a Different Corner

Decided to not to watch TV and use Facebook for a week. Think it will be for longer, however, I think it best to start small. Not that TV is entirely bad. Not that Facebook is not without purpose and benefit. I just would like to see what I would choose to do instead of these things. Bucket List, radio, reading, and a new Blog Take one picture every day of the year:  So far.  

“What would I do differently?” This is what I thought about driving to the Wild Card gym for Media Day. What would people choose to do instead of what they are doing now. What are peoples’ wishes, dreams, and aspiration? Let me ask you this, “If you were not doing what you are doing now, what would you be doing?” In other word, What If?

Long Road

Our lives follow a certain path. At times, we choose to follow conventional wisdom and do what others expect of us. At times, we chose to go a different way. These are the regrets and hardships people make for themselves. It is also the place where something wonderful and exciting exists. It is the road less traveled.

My Heroes

Larger Than Life

The original intent of writing this blog was to explore Heroes in many areas. Comics, sports, movies, religion, mythology and so forth. 

The Hero I’d like to talk about will be fighting in a couple of weeks. His name is Manny Pacquiao. Saw him less than a week ago. Driving his black Mercedes. Dressed in red, and headed to Media Day. His trainer, Freddie Roach was already speaking. It was a sight to see. He is not that tall physically. Reminds me of my cousin, Brian. My other cousin, said he looked my Uncle Juhn. Lol

May not be tall physically, but he is giant. A giant in the Filipino community and the world. Heard from friend, that they call him “King” back home. Maybe he is. Who knows? I grew up in the waning days of Muhammad Ali. A loud, boisterous, confident, no apologies, charismatic, brash boxer. Manny Pacquiao is the opposite. Soft-spoken, well-manner, religious, self-deprecating person. Both are giants and both deserve a place in boxing pantheon. Both seem to reflect the best in people. I like them both.

Hopes and Dreams, Being Human

Undoubtedly, there would be some tragic flaw that we are not aware of. Most people do. This is alright. This is the human condition. No one is perfect. It is these idiosyncrasies that make it so human. So enduring and everlasting. So real. Still despite his many athletic accomplishments, the things that I find admirable is the stuff heroes are made of is this. It is the ability to stand firm and adapt. It is the ability to withstand titanic shots and get up despite the body’s want and will to stay down. It is ability to go on and move on. It is the ability to transform and be more than what others expect and to be what one personally expects.

Manny vs. Cotto top right

Collage

I remember being at few parties and bars when Manny fought. Being the only Filipino in the mostly Mexican crowd, it was intimidating. Can’t tell you how much cultural pride one feels when seeing a representative of your people wins despite peer pressure. Still, what I enjoyed the most transformative effect winning has. After future wins against Spanish opponents. After future wins against British fighters. After wins from African warriors. It was winning just for winning. No race involved. It was just one man winning, carrying the weight of a peoples hopes and dreams.What I enjoyed most was being in the same parties and bars, where the same people were once foes were now friends. It was rooting with the Mexican fans, the British fans, the African fans for one man. Just watching greatness.

End, Maybe Near?

I’ve read a few posts on various legitimate websites and post that this may be Manny’s last hurrah. This may be the last fight. Not sure how true this, but still. Win or lose, the thing is that he fought, fell down, fought again and fought so more. World champion several times over in different weight classes was secondary. Bearing the weight of all the Hopes and dreams of a people is the stuff legends are made of. This is what Manny has done and I am sure will continue to do.

Guess, this is why fans, of all shapes, sizes, ages, cultures, and professions from around the world wait for a chance to glimpse of greatness.

Paycheck Players

What I admire most is that he has chosen to go on and move on. His trainer Freddie Roach said, in effect, that he is not as focused as before. He may not be. His opponent is a shamed boxer suspended for cheating. What I like about Manny in the upcoming fight is what he said. “His opponent served his punishment and everyone deserves a second chance.” Everyone needs Redemption.

  

Saddleback Butte Re-Dedication

Bloodsport

Manny would have liked to fought another caliber fighter, like Mayweather, but none would step up. Guess, there is a difference in quality in fighter, and quality of character. In case you missed it, Floyd Mayweather, it is okay to say one is scared; however, sniping from the sidelines is unbecoming of a true champion.

Fighting is one way to make money. People have different priorities. Timing is everything; Guess, he Floyd Mayweather missed his. Guess that is difference between the headlines and side notes. So if this is Manny last pugilistic hurrah, I hope he fights well. Win or Lose, I hope that Manny’s success in the arena will translate to success in the other blood sport. Politics.We need heroes here, too.

Fall Down Seven. . .

One door closes (maybe) Another opens. They say God does not take a gift without giving something bigger and better.  We all face challenges. Sometimes we battle with others. Sometimes we battle nature. Sometimes we battle time. Too often, we battle ourselves.  Sometimes the lesson learned is not how well one delivers a punch, but how one takes one. There is an old Chinese saying, “Fall Down Seven, Stand Up Eight.”

Day to remember those that were bigger

A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself--Joseph Campbell

Starts with a post

Just got this quote from a Facebook post.  Thinking of all the friends and family members that were in the military on this Memorial Day. 2010. All those that serve this country for the protection of our freedom and liberty. For a time, the American People were not so nice to Veterans and this is a tough thing to swallow. Calling Korean and Vietnam veterans baby killers. Spitting on returning troops. Not paying soldiers for risking their lives in previous battles.

Military and Movies

Saw a movie, Stop Loss. It was a tough movie. Basically, the US Government said, "No, you can’t go just yet. Yes, you fulfilled your country’s duty. However, we just need you for a little longer." This last year the Academy Award winner was for movie call the Hurt Locker. It’s about bomb demolition specialist that goes back into the fray. It reminds me of part of the movie Black Hawk Down. At the end of the movie, one of the Rangers grabs a quick bite to eat and heads back into Mogadishu.  

Not Our Best Moment

There is something basic—very basic about the human condition. Here people can be so unkind to others. Regular people--you and me--with very noble intention to serve is rebuked and betrayed. A person consciously decides to withstand all the difficulties and fight for cause that is bigger than selves.  Yet return to with such. . .crap.  Just basic Crap. Fighting for your country, fighting for something bigger. They return--not to a hero’s welcome--but to crap, piss, and spit.It makes one give pause to stepping into the fray.

Scaling Mountains

This was not a country's best moments. Yet, when you see hero types, the unsung heroes that strap on and gets back in the fray. No fanfare. No medals. No rewards. Just the knowledge that they helped another. They climbed mountains and built something wonderful. This is what heroes are. You realize, "Hey, there is something more. I am part of his/her team, I am part of the human race. You realize you, too, can be a rock climber. I am part of that genome. I got hero in me, too." 

Green Angels Among Us

At times, we are faced with ugliness. When desperation and evil stares in the face, I find solace that others had the gravitas to be bigger than stupid individuals, hurt feelings, and displaced rage. They were able to stand up and step up to be bigger. To get higher, we need to remember on Memorial Day, we stand on the shoulders of giants.They are our base, our foundation.

Emissary Goats sent to Azazel

Who's Fault Is It Now? In Leviticus 16:8-10, Emissary goats--Scapegoats--were sent to Azazel.

Stupidity happens. Injustice occurs. Intolerance and Scapegoating is a historical fact. First it was immigrants for the country’s woes. It was the Indians. Then Asians. The Jews. Now it’s the Mexicans. Blaming someone else for the society's problem is not a new tactic. 

If we can remember, these scapegoating tactics were used against Jews, homosexuals, and anyone un-uberman-like. The United States fought World War II to stop concentration camps and the whole extermination of a people.

Before calling the kettle you know, let's not get too big-headed. America is not within its own evils. Slavery of Africans, taking of Native Americans lands and cultures, and internment camps of the Japanese Americans. Lets not forget Fred Korematsu and other Civil Rights leaders. Remember J. Adams? How about B. Franklin? T. Jefferson? G. Washington and the other signatories of the Declaration of Independence. You are right this what American soldiers fought and died for.

One could say it’s the politicians' fault. But that too would be the same scapegoating. French Revolution said that it was the riches fault for everything. Thanks Charles Dickens f Tale of Two Cities.

Before doing this I am reminded of not a well-known Jewish holiday, Erev Yom Kippur. Yom Kippur is a big day to the Hebrews. Yom Kippur is a day for atoning for the sins against God. The day before Yom Kippur is Erev Yom Kippur. On this day people apologize and ask forgiveness from friends, relatives, and acquaintances to heal hurt feelings. In other words, before we ask Forgiveness from God, we ask it from each other. 

So What Do We Do?

Really, I am not sure.Wish I had the answer. I believe in the Sir Galahad theory. Before doing this, perhaps we can remember no one wants to be sent Azazel as emissary goats. Perhaps we can remember Erev Yom Kippur before we battle in the name of God. Perhaps we will not need to remember so many on this hallowed day

Possible Answer: Be an Eternal Flame

Fight for the causes you believe in. Stand up before the fight begins. If one can’t do that, then feel in your heart.  In time, we may learn that we are all connected. In time, we may be friends. Maybe in time we learn to eat, play, and celebrate together.  Dalai Lama said that we need more festivals. Maybe this is true. Eat and celebrate together. We get to see our neighbor in the eye. We need to see that fire for life. We got to be that Eternal Flame.

Sweeping changes may be needed. Flood, plague, and fire have been used for the cleaning of house. Right now our world is bleeding and BP can’t seem to plug up this hole. Spilling of our oceans is killing us and our world. Volcanoes are spewing ash in the sky. Earthquakes are saying that there's a time for change. Don’t want to get Armageddon -ish. It’s not my thing. Death happens to us all. What I am saying is that we should remember--and more importantly--learn from the past. You know the rest of the saying.

Another Possible Solution: Marine Motto Semper Fidelis means Always Faithful. Faith is defined as a fidelity to one's promise. According to Merriman-Webster dictionary Faith does not simply define "belief and trust and loyalty God." It stands as an allegiance to duty and others. It is our duty. Our duty in believing as people--and more importantly--as a person that we (I) can and should do better. On this Memorial Day, the Fallen have given “. . .the last full measure of devotion”—Abraham Lincoln, Gettysburg Address.

We need to remember. It is our duty to remember. It is our duty to respect. To stand up and be bigger than ourselves.  Perhaps with this, this simple belief and acceptance that we are more similar than different, then maybe we can fix these things hurting ourselves and our world.

First it is a feeling.  A recognition of right and wrong. Your soul will tell you what is. Just have to listen. A thought will manifest itself to a belief. Next an action.

Another Solution: Remembering

If we can remember “It is for us the living rather to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced.” Gettysburg Address, Lincoln again. 

Saw a movie (Yes, another movie) Taking Chance. A simple story about a Marine volunteering to do Escort Duty for a Fallen Soldier. He is met acts of kindness and respect on their journey home. So let me be simple and start. Russell, Mike C., M. Jones, Marvin, Dad, and others in the military--Thank you on this hallowed day, Memorial Day.

My Hero was Born on the Fourth of July

Complications. . .
My hero is a junior high girl named Prece. On the Fourth of July thirteen years ago, we were ten minutes away from to Las Vegas. Bright lights filled the dark, desert horizon. I remember hearing the cell phone ring. Got a phone call from my brother and soon-to-be-first-time Dad Kevin. Could only hear bits and pieces, “Aspirated. . . Complications. . .Not good.” Saw my mother’s face and knew  reunion had to be next year. 

Last Time I Saw My Brother Cry. . .
Four hours later, we were on the pediatric floor of AV Hospital. Saw both Kev and Luz’s heads down. Shoulders hunched, their bodies were sobbing from a hundred feet away.  Been years since I seen my baby brother cry. Last time was after he played his last college football game.

Talking to Angels
What I remember next was seeing baby Prece helicoptered away. Wasn’t sure if there was going to be happy ending. Still remember the whole floor crying. Mom, Kev, Luz, Chelle, Gerry, Emma--everybody crying. Remember wiping tears from my eyes. Felt hollow inside. Just watched the helicopter climb into the clouds as I said "Goodbye." Never prayed before.

On that day, I did.

Prayers Answered
For the longest time, I believed being medi-vaced made all the difference. Prece carried all our prayers to God directly. Countless weeks later, attached to a heart-lung machine, encased in a glass incubator, “Precie” got better. Angels watched over her in Heaven and in the Pasadena NICU.

My Silver Surfer Still Flies
Prece still flies still today. She runs, too. Flips, twists, and back handsprings. Kaprece is my Hero because she is alive. When I watch her in gym, I reminded how Prayers are answered. I am reminded there are Angels on Earth. 

And Prece is one of them.

Relay for Life: A Relay for Rochelle

Before the Battle Begins
7 am in the morning. Sunroof open. Early sun heating up the desert air. Cars speed by as the day begins. Sitting in the parking lot of Quartz Hill High School. Sounds of commotion is behind me. People with tents and lawn chairs walk into the stadium. Men, women and children wear red and purple handkerchiefs on their shaved heads.  Like new inductee in the Marines, these have happy smiles and serious tone in their walk. Like viking warriors of Valhalla partying the night before the Ragnarok, there is a joy and sense of purpose. 

Its the home for Relay for Life. An all-day and all-night event for those stricken with Cancer. Events start at 9 am Saturday and runs til 9 am the next day. Lots of events are occurring around town. Graffiti Clean up in Palmdale Ponctilan Square. Arbor Day in Santa Clarita. Lakers versus the Thunder playoff game starts today. Where to begin?

Why We Fight?
For me it's easy. Starts with Rochelle. She suffered from cancer some many years ago and being here is what matters. Need to thank her in a special way for effecting my life. Her passing gave me the courage to do things that I was afraid to do. Ask that girl out. Run for an office. Go to Boston leaving family and friends.

Life Ends. Another Begins
Her death gave me life. Never looked back on too many things because her cancer-stricken made me really enjoy life. Being in the hospital in her last few days. Finding an empty room in Cedar Sinai and just crashing on the bed. Hearing her mother cry. It is something I will never forget.

Before, Death used to be something to be feared and angry about. Now, it is just a fact. Death is Life. For some, the tragedy of have a life expired in their prime, it brings sadness. Listening to family sob so deeply. Watching people eyes redden. Don't know anybody that hasn't somebody touched by the Black End. Rochelle and Angels on Earth



Today is a commemoration to all those that faced Cancer and lost. Today is celebration for all those that battle and won. Today is gathering for all those that still struggle on. You want to know about a Hero's Quest. Come to the Relay for Life today. You will see heroes. They are your friends. They your family. They are you.

I said before that I wanted to see really heroes. I wanted to see real life Angels. Well, today is that day. If you want to see them, come to Avenue M and 60th Street West at Quartz Hill High School 9 am April 17 to 9 am April 18, 2010. Relay for Life 2010: Antelope Valley

I hear Heimdall's horn. Time to suit up. HUAA.

Will You Answer The Call?

Watching Haiti Devastation is something. The capacity for good are within our grasp. So much being done, yet so much needed left to do. Can’t help thinking of this quote, "We will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends." -Martin Luther King, Jr.

Watching VP Biden on Live CNN, saying we could do more, but there is more mass on Target. In other words, people could do more—more relief, more supplies, more help—can be given, but the logistics is slowing progress. An analogy was given, It was like fitting a bowling ball through a straw. Hard to imagine.

Be ready. Our capacity for humanity’s good is the bowling ball. We need to get a bigger straw. We need to let this capacity for good to be released.

Haiti’s earthquake, I fear, may be a preview for something more. I live in Southern California, Big Earthquake country. Future of Humanity’s Good is ready to be released. Borrowing an old Arthurian quote, “During England’s Greatest Time of Need, the King Shall Return”

Earth and Humanity’s need will not remember enemies’ words, it will remember if you did nothing. Be a Hero. Step Up. If you can’t help now, there will be a time. When the call is made, will you answer the call?

USC Trojans--Do the Right Thing

Okay, I was starting this post before synchronicity hit. It was a good sidetrack. Prior Post was "To Dottie, Barnes and Noble. . ."

First Step of Recovery Is . . .Or Opportunity Knocking, Answer the Door
Mark McGuire, Sorry. Pete Carroll, Sad, but Glad.

That's the Gist. Hope Brevity Will Speak Volumes

Newspapers, Magazines, TV News Show, Talk Radio, ESPN Radio, Fox Sports news, MLB TV, other blogs, etcetera will undoubtedly fill in the rest.

Nutshell--Mark McGuire, Sorry. Pete Carroll, Sad, but Glad.

Gattacca-ified: What's Your Passion?

"Soak up the Sun," "I Believe. . .," "Are You Strong Enough?"--What do these have in common? If you figure it, leave it on comment.

Questions Spark Post
Questions on posts have sparked interest for me. Had one person state lines from movies and one had to guess the movie. For some reason, I was hooked. It is funny how certain lines triggers certain heuristics. Mine obviously include comics, sci-fi, movies, heroes--Modern Mythology. I have been reading a book to increase your intelligence. Thought it would be fun to try it for awhile as an exercise to increase the mind power. Lately, I have been living at the gym and I always have been attracted to the ideal of the philosopher king. As a Sig Ep, Balanced Man was the motto. I even played Leonardo da Vinci in Jr High.

What Are Your Super Powers?
The book discusses various types of intelligence. When I studied psychology, it listed the three: Book smart, street smart, and art smart (creative smart). This book discusses mathematical ability, spatial-relationship, social skills, sensory-motor, memory, creative smarts, and so on.

In the comic genre, characters had various abilities, various strength. Hulk had superhuman strength. Doctor Strange was the Master of Mystic Arts. Reed Richards was a braniac. I don't know if you were like me, I wanted to be the best at everything. My Physic Instructor, Lutenhizer-wrote in my yearbook, "Jack-of All Trades . . ." I learned later, the rest of the line, ". . .Master of None." Ouch. It was true. That was who I was. I was okay with at the time. Until I got "Gattacc-ified" (I will explain later)

Never was the Elite. Top 10% of class, AP, Advanced,GATE for awhile. I was on track and was in some all-stars. Wrestling, JV at first,varsity later, but not Golden League. I just wasn't Will Hunting, from Good WIll Huting. People at a very young age realize there is a variant levels of abilities. There is always, somebody else faster, stronger, smarter, prettier. Heavy concepts for grade schoolers. Naturally, person develops feelings of inadequacies. Thanks, Eric Erickson and your stupid stages.

Gattaca-ified
I admire people that are "unacceptingly satisfied" with their abilities compared to others. This I mean is they accept their lot in life and realize that some people have abilities,e.g., Einstein's smarts, Kobe's basketballship, Clinton's political skill. Yet, these people still strive to be better and do more. Perhaps, its genetically hardwired to strive and excel.

I ask, what are you good at? What are your superpowers? If your abilities--your powers--your skills that made you special were taken from you, what would you do and how would you feel? I ask because every day we are sapped of our ability. The taker of our ability is Age. We lose a little something--mental faculty, physical strength, charisma, etcetera.

Sure this a bit disheartening. However, I look at it as a gift. Our mortality makes our life richer. Borrowing a line from Duncan McCloud, Connor McCloud (another TV reference, guess) but "Do you want to live forever?" This finite gives us the kick in the butt to do what we want to do. I mean give a life expectancy of 70+ years what do you want to get done? Give us our inheritance genes, social status, and throw in a touch Fate--Taa Daa. A show that goes on.Tangeled Skein, Piers Anthony. Bucket List, Morgan Freeman and Jack Nicklaus. You get a movie called Gattacca. By the way, that is where the Title of this blog came from.

Okay, let me say it this way. Find your passion. Write It Down. Be Your Own Super Hero. Answer to the questions, "How did do it? How did you accomplish, what you did? The response needs to be, "I Never Left Anything For the Swim Back" Look at all the supposed successful people in life in their respected field. Einstein had no fashion sense. Ali got whallopped by the government for views and had his titled stripped away. George Foreman got up from the mat and became heavy weight chance hundreds of boxing years later. Bill Gates will not be on the cover of Men's Fitness for his abs. You get my meaning.

No, Its not Survival of Strongest, Fastest, Smartest
Darwin states key concept of evolution is "the survival of the fittest." In society, it appears celebrity-dom is now the skill to be prized. Before, it was hunter-gathering ability. It was gladiator-dom. Then, Church political skill. Sport skill. Now, beauty attributes. In Romance Age, it used to be vogue to be fat. In the mid-20th century, skinny was in.

Popularity is In.
Social skill saviness--how many friends/fans/followers/subscribers do you have--are now being rewarded. Companies are paying bucks for one's popularity. Come on Oprah Winfrey jumping ABC ship and starting her own network. Its just Convergence and Divergence. Growth and Divesture. Telephone Industries and its Baby Bells. Critical Mass, baby.

Fate: Three Ladies Not to Be Ignored.
Yet, it could be gone. Fate could throw a curve ball. Clotho, Lachesis, Atropos-will not be ignored. (Piers Anthony/Greek Mythology/ Fate--Wikepedia to get background)An earthquake here. A minor gaffe their and the skills, abilities, fortunes made--Gone. Tiger Woods had indiscretions and poof, sponsors said bye-bye. What once was prized could now be a detriment. French revolution, Tale of Two Cities--Being Aristocratic. Black and White Moths of the UK switch dominance in the factory polluted forests. Jackie Robinson and sports in general today. Look at Yao Ming and Asians in African American dominated sports. How about Jiu Jitsu--Not Asian thing anymore. Its BJJ and the Gracie lineage, if you don't know, ask any UFC/MMA fan. One hit wonders or be in the Hall of Fame. Cooperstown or America's Most Wanted. Perrenial/ Mainstay All-Stars or Flash Pan, A Moment In the Stars. . .

Well, anyways I said much ado about something. I hope this triggers some reflection and hopefully generate some foresight in your life. I hope you get the "Gattacca-ified" (Another blog post for another day)

Injuries--Life Necessities

Monday, January 04, 2010

2010 Promises Made, Injuries Endured
Barnes and Nobles—Trying to stay on 2010 promises. Blogged earlier today. Had to leave the house because there was a ton of people. It was a New Years get-together. Mostly, Luz’s family. When I left, kids were playing upstairs. The rest were watching Hangover. I don’t think they knew the Lakers were playing the Kings. If they did, I suspect they would be watching that instead. Earlier, they were watching Florida and Tim Tebow play against Cincinnati in some bowl game. Gators were winning 33+ to 3. Blow out. At one stint, a player got hurt. Dislocated his elbow. Ouch!!!

I know the feeling. Dislocated mine wrestling. A good wrestler from Ridgecrest caught me in a double underhook. Tilted me over. I planted my left elbow. Heard a crunch. I had an OBE, Out of Body Experience. I heard a shout from over there. Little did I realize that shout came from me. My season was over. Kind of glad in a way. No longer running after practice. No more cutting weight.

Injuries, I had a few. When I was 4 or 5, I was pushed off a slide and broke my left arm. Leaned on a glass table and had to get stitches for my knee. Broke my clavicle playing football. Strained or tore my ACL playing basketball. Turned a few ankles here and there. Injuries, just a fact of life.

Recoveries: Paths from Injury's Lessons
Recovering from an injury:one of the trials all of us must face. I don’t know anyone that hasn’t to take that road to recovery. We can all relate. Sometimes these injuries are life-threatening. Sometimes they are just require some chicken soup and a band-aid. After going through my share of funerals last year, I realized there are injuries to one’s soul. Battered children, sexual assault victims, and the gamut suffer an injury. These assaults to mind and soul can dramatically effect the person makeup in ways that cannot be visibly seen, like a cast or a bruise. However, we can see it. It’s there. One just needs to be observant. Look at the defense mechanism they use. Are they inappropriately angry? Do they shout and scream for a relatively minor thing? Its regression. Are they saying “You sound bored. “? Are they accusing you of cheating? May want to reverse the mirror and look at the accuser. Are they denying or repressing some past hurt? Maybe, a friend of yours is studying or working extra hard? Sublimation.

Super Heroes Have Issues
Batman. Punisher. Daredevil. Spider-man. Captain America—All these Superhero character, Sublimators. All of them. A great pain was caused to them and they endured and turned all this emotional angst to something positive. Batman’s millionaire parents were killed by a criminal. Bruce remade himself to the Dark Knight to protect Gotham. Frank Castle had his family gunned down by a mob hit-man. He became a bad mo-fo kicking ass. Matt Murdoch became an a crime-fighting red ninja, kind of. His day job was attorney-at law. Peter Parker, dead gramps on his conscience, chose a life at the Daily Bugle instead of the WWE. Steve Roger was skinny nerd that shot up super anabolic steroids. Later, he had combat training and kicked some butt. All put a costume and fought crime. Why? Because they were wronged and they decided not to be a victim and chose to whoop ass.

I bet you know a hero right now. Police. Nurse. Physical therapist. Counselor, Teacher. They are all around us. Need inspiration. Read the Bible. Torah. Quran. Pick up a history book. Got to comic book store. They are all around us. Who your hero?

Public Humiliation Fires Me Up
Injuries effect more than the body. They affect the mind and soul. I am don't want you think these acts upon another were character strengthening. I have been the bully and I have been bullied. It is not nice being the victim and hopefully with time one learns it is not nice being the brutalizer either. These psychological injuries can be devastating. Nonetheless, one needs to decide to get better. First, they must accept the circumstances happened and then they need to decide to do something about it. Good or bad. Its really up to you. Wear a costume. Put on a badge. Go to school for a psychology degree. Whatever, it is one can replay the damage caused or one can decide to do something about it. Writing has become my medicine. Little personal history, during a class discussion, My Advance English teacher used one of my papers as how NOT to write. I remember him looking at me and snickering. My friends chuckled at my discomfort. Mr. Slay, thanks for blasting me. Sabbatical from writing is over. Now, I’m on my road to recovery.

What Are You Fighting For?--Not Another Matisyahu Song

Journey of Thousand Miles. . .Where's my Nike+ Sensor?

All of us walks alone. At times, if we are lucky, we walk as a couple. Other times, if blessed, we walk in a group. Sometimes, I followed. Other times I led upfront. I liked coming back from behind. Other times, I needed to be a front runner. Trouble is that it feels like I have walked alone for some time. Not that this bad. It’s just most of life’s best moments were with company. (Thanks, George Clooney, Up In the Air)

Phil Collins, I Don't Care Anymore
Introversion, my default position.Not that I don’t enjoy other’s company. It is just that I have felt comfortable conquering my personal demons and climbing that mountain alone. Be admired from afar. What a farce. I was firstborn in my family. I was first among others. I was the child that visited others. The child that others would babysit. GATE, Advanced, AP Classes, Combined classes. I traveled around and I got used to being the center attention. So much, I no longer wanted the limelight.

So secluded, I forced myself to be out there. Joined clubs. Ran for office. Became Secretary. Became Treasurer. Became VP. Became President. Became Manager. Pushed self to be better. Pushed self to be more. Leadership was a science. . .my art. . . my love. Holding position of power holds a special place in my heart, a responsibility. A trust that is inviolate. Got pissed when people were just resume building.

I no longer care. What happened? Simply, hated the politics. Just stopped caring about that stupid little stuff anymore. Its just part of the games. Trouble is I no longer cared about titles--about accolades--about rewards. What moves me is a job well done--a sense of accomplishment. I strive for the Flow. Flow is the moments of happiness in when the act is mastered.The Heavens open and Angels sing.

I Love Lone Wolves
When I was in the closing bookstore, Borders, I found myself reading the graphic novels. The story of my misspent youth. Comics, I loved them so. My love for the heroes. Whether they be Green Lantern, Wolverine, Daredevil, Doctor Strange, Rom, Silver Surfer. I admired their commitment to duty. I identified with the noble soul. The quest for their personal Excalibur. Their never-ending struggle—their devastating defeats—and eventual conquer and vanquish of foe and inner demons. All were part of team. All played a vital role. All mastered skills to become warriors elite. Best of the Best. The First among Equals.

A line from West Wing jumps out. “Why not be a hero? I stick with my team. I wish people would stop trying to talk me out of it.”

Self-Help Books Neuters the Soul
I’m sure whatever followers (if I ever get any) will analyze the themes, the word choice, the storyline, the prevailing themes of these musings of mine. Knock yourself out. I already did the self-therapy and self analysis of me. I have taken the counseling classes. Read and tutored the psychology of whatever. Did the psychology of men, psychology of women, psychology of prejudice, general psychology, motivation, social psychology, personality psychology, physiological psychology, urban psychology. I have owned, read, and borrowed the litany of self-help books.

I threw them all away.

Psycho-babble books come from the premise there is something wrong with me and I need to be fixed like a dog. I will not be neutered from the history that has made me who I am. Came to the realization that everyone has had some personal problems that has hardened their emotional makeup.

Yeah, I Got A Problem. I Need You To Piss Me Off
Personally, I need this angst to move me. I need that personal effrontery. Michael Jordan stated in his Hall of Fame Induction speech that he was always looking for something to be angry about. His constant searching for something to fire him up. Cut from his high school basketball team. Target and definer of the Jordan Rules. His fight against icons. His fight against history, he battled the Legends of Magic and Byrd. He overcame.

Looking at the heroes of comicdom. Looking at heroes in the sports world. Looking at the heroes of history. They were all faced with some mounting evil. Some incredibly giant. Some monster to beat. At times, the heroes won. At times, lost. Each one persevered. Each one kept on. Each one survived. Each one paid the price. Each one was better.

I don’t know who your personal Xerses is. Everyone needs one.

Ben Grimm Faces Defeat and Smiles
There was comic book story. The Thing Of Fantastic Four renown was battling some alien champion warrior in a boxing match. An Elder Being, a Gladiators gladiator, (I think he was called the Champion). Body Broken. Towel ready to be thrown. Crowd aghast. Waiting for the Death Blow from Hulking Giant Alien warrior, our Rocky hero Ben Grimm said, "You will never beat me. You may break my bones. Tear my limbs from body, but you will never win. You may destroy my body, but you will never defeat my spirit." Like Ali facing the young George Foreman, Ali Bum aye. Our Spirit is strong. Our will is indefatigable. Our ability to be reborn, to be remade. To be better, it is in us. It is in all of us.

Shortest Poem In History
Muhammad Ali was giving a speech to some Ivy League graduating class. The crowd shouted give us a speech. He smiled and said, “Me, We.” So much said in so few words. This once, braggadocio, verbose, arrogant, confident fighter encapsulates the Human Spirit in two monosyllabic words. The best and worst of us are in each one us. We are capable of some terrible atrocities, yet we are capable of so much compassion. We can be the victims of our past or we can be the masters of our future.

There is no doubt in mind that Freud’s Unconscious keeps percolating to the top as we struggle against our own private personal demons. We can go through the slew of defense mechanism—Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression, and Acceptance. My former HR instructor once said, remember the perfect candidates for job also has some heavy baggage. Jung’s Collective Unconscious and Archetypes are our roles we play until we graduate from these silly games of good and evil. In time, we will just Be. In time, that will Be enough. In time we will all be part of the Flow. We will suffice to be part of that big, lights in the sky Smile.

Be a Hero.