WELCOME BACK RICK!

Ok, I know about his past transgressions. Yes he's been know to be sketch. Good thing I'm an optimist.

I am truly happy bordering excited about the hire. He truly loves our alma mater and I'm sure he still can coach. As long as he keeps his nose clean, guns for an NC and beats suc then Athletic Director Dan Guerrero will have been exonerated. That alone is ridiculous 'cause Rick hasn't done crap and the vitriol is spewing.

I love his love for UCLA. Coach Ben Howland has it (and he didn't even go there!) and our football coach has it. Not that it's a pre-req but it helps to have that passion. Here is my favorite quote, "There is no one out there who can give a better campus tour than I." I know exactly what he means and how he feels. Ask anyone who's had the pleasure of being in Westwood with me. I give an awesome tour 'cause I LOVE my alma mater. I can't wait to teach there.

Welcome home Rick. Good luck and God speed.

Do We Even Want To Know How To Think?

I've been reading Ray Bradbury's classic "Fahrenheit 451" and I'm in awe. He has put into story what I've been thinking and feeling the past three plus years. I am half way through but I am excited to share this book with others and try to fascilitate some discussion. It's one thing to have an epiphany but it's more to put legs to it. Anyone in?

The Death of Hope?

Reaction to former PM Benazir Bhutto's assassination.


Images like this always remind me that people still care about the important stuff in life.

Kind of off topic: should we as the U.S. step in and play a role? I personally don't think we should. I believe we are to take an interest but our track history of instilling government regimes has not been too stellar. We should take an advisory/consulting role with whomever is pro-democracy and show them how to do it. Other than that we should not determine who goes into office. It's not like we're God...

I Think Like Ray Bradbury?

Me: "Religion is not the opium for the masses. Entertainment is."

Goth Dane: "Ah, Ray Bradury."

Really I've only heard of his books (most notable being "Fahrenheit 451") but know very little about the man.

What's the point of this blog? Just wanted to say I'm on the same page as Ray Bradury. I'm cool.

World Changers/History Makers

Where are the Christians that want to change the world? I don't want the ones that will create an alternate earth where Christians can run around sheltered from the evils of this world. How about the ones who want to change culture as we know it? I want to see journalism, politics, academia, business, etc. change. I want to see our culture change and we have to use the major vehicles of society to facility this change.

It takes men and women with an intimate relationship with God, wisdom, disciplined, love of people and love for their land. An understanding of culture and a vision of how to change it. It's late and I can't think straight. I WANT TO SEE MY CULTURE AND NATION CHANGED!!!!!!

The "Real" Me

I always wonder how people perceive me. It's been brought to my attention after sharing my music video (it's on youtube) that people didn't realize I had a different side to me. Thing is what is that different from? I'm oblivious 'cause I know who I am but I never realized that certain people see certain sides of me. Others see other sides. Now, if others can only see certain sides of me then am I only seeing "certain" sides of my friends? What am I missing?

Laws & Enlightenment

There has always been debate as how to follow the laws of the land. Do we follow by the letter or the spirit?

Not so simple. I think as a nation we follow it by the spirit. Thing is most citizens have no idea what the Constitution nor its amendments say about our laws. Even state laws are not well known and have not been updated in decades! Hell, there are tons of laws that are so archaic they're hilarious (i.e. numerous beach cities in southern California have laws prohibiting the exposure of navels.) But when there is a law that is controversial and/or affects millions of lives people will sit up and take note. How they determine if this law should or should not be passed is its mettle against the Constitution.

Numerous debates and arguments rage on about how to interpret laws in regards to the Constitution. This document is centuries old and is considered the absolute truth for our country's principles. People argue on how our founding fathers would view our laws and societies. It's funny 'cause this is the same perspective we as Christians take when reading the Bible. With the Bible I believe it to be the infalliable word of God. It is THE gold standard. If I have any questions or problems that need resolving I go to God and to His word for the wisdom and clarity I need. For many the same could be said of the Constitution. They see it as near infalliable and that our country's forefathers were completely correct in what they believed and envisioned for this country. Because of that we must go back to the bedrock of democracy (republic if you want to split hairs, but it doesn't sound as cool) and measure it up. If the issue in question adheres to the Constitution then it's viable. If not then it must be disregarded.

I'm rambling a bit but am I off on this?

Beauty & Substance

Sometimes I find it hard to find the combination in people. When I look at celebrities, models and the types I see the gorgeous of the gorgeous. Symmetrical men and women who are parlaying their looks and niche skills into a very fantastic career. For that I am envious. What I wonder is how deep are they?

Ok, when I talk about substance I mean someone who can think. Someone who wants to experience life beyond the superficial but can dig deep to find hidden gems in people, places, and things. By substance I mean people who take a genuine interest in what is going on in the world politically, culturally, academically and pop. I know it looks like I'm looking for DiVincis but I'm realistic. I'm just looking for people who spend more time reading People, US and other related rags. I'm not looking for those who only want to make money and spend in a hedonistic manner. I want to meet people who strive for wisdom and knowledge. Where are the thinkers who use it for the greater good? Who are the next Theodore Roosevelts and John Steinbecks? The next Cobains and Degas? They are out there, they're just not as popular as the Lohans and Hiltons. Sad isn't it? How can we make intellectual maturity facionable?

It's still there. The only problem is this maturity is not in high demand. I see it like the "liberal media." They can spout all they want about their issues such as same sex marriage but when it comes to voting time the majority come out in droves. The 2004 elections were a prime example of that. I believe that the dumbing down of our culture has come from the few. Unfortunately those few have the major vehicle of voice being mainstream media. I believe once the intellects can get a hold, and learn how to cast their voice effectively, then everyone will get to be affected by them, for better or for worse.

Thing is, who has the balls to put them on?

Need A Pick Me Up!

I'm at work and need to write to stay awake.

So, it's been a while since I last wrote and for that I apologize. A lot has happened since then but I probably won't go into it since this is not my journal. So what shall I talk about?

Dunno. Stream of conscience seems to fit right about now. I love music. I love thinking. I love being around writers and musicians who truly are passionate about their craft. I wish I was a writer but my technique leaves a lot to be desired. I wish I was in school but it's not the right time. I want to travel but it'd be wise not to right now. Besides, I can't till June the earliest. I'm almost done with applications (yay). My life is pretty freakin' awesome. I can be too critical at times. I can be too lenient.

Ok, now what?