Losing Our Stars

Most of us are not nor will we ever be in a position to greatly affect a celebrity’s life, and most celebrities are not people who will ever greatly affect ours. They play characters in film, score points on the field, sing to us while we drive, create beautiful works of art we hang on our wall, or do many other things that, in ways both large and small, affect our culture. Then there are those who are much more than that. An actor might play a role in a movie that brings about facets of your own character that are otherwise unreachable. Maybe an athlete gave a speech after losing a big game that inspires you to keep trying. Or a recording artist wrote a song that describes a feeling you thought was only experienced by you. Fame allows a celebrity many ways in which to touch our lives. For those who do, their passing might mean much more to us than a mere “R.I.P.” on Facebook. Over the years there have been many that we have been truly and deeply saddened about on a level that others may not have felt, but that’s the thing about celebrities. A person may love them, hate them, or just feel indifferent to them. That’s just how it goes.

This is my own personal list of celebrities who have reached me on that deeper level for some reason or another, and left me truly saddened when they passed. Unfortunately this blog will  never be finished. I will continue to update as the good Lord sees fit. All we can hope for is long breaks in between.

Ode to 2015

One of the biggest challenges I had in the second half of 2015 was finding enough time to do the things I love. Among them were cycling, gaming, model-making, reading, and blogging. I mostly blame my job for this, but not in a negative way. Though I was there 6, sometimes 7 days a week, up to 12 hours a day, the overtime pay accrued during that period was significant. The downside includes missing out on some functions with friends and family. This was especially felt around the holidays, but I am still thankful for the time I did get.

Now that 2015 is over, I am working less and taking more time for myself (so far, anyway). I’ve had some time to reflect on the past year and started thinking about significant events, both in my personal life and outside of it. I decided to write them down and kick off my 2016 blogging with something light and simple.

My Favorite Stories from the 2015 Disneyland Half-Marathon

This past weekend I had the privilege of volunteering as a SAG cyclist for the Disneyland 10K and Half-Marathon. I'd volunteered in other events throughout my life, but I have never enjoyed the work nearly as much as this. I was on a bike, but biking isn't necessarily the point. It's only a means in which to do the job. Before I get to the stories, you should probably know what that job is.


The SAG Cycle Team in all our glory.

Let's Put the 'Politics' Back Into Politics

Yup, I said it. We need more 'politics' in America.

According to the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary (I don't want to pay for the official OED subscription online) 'politics' is "The activities involved in getting and using power in public life, and being able to influence decisions that affect a country or a society." I actually prefer Wikipedia's definition. It offers the Greek translation of politics, politikos, as "of, for, or relating to citizens" while giving us a more modern and broader definition of "The practice and theory of influencing other people."

"Politics" as a whole has a very bad reputation. We cringe even at the mention of the word. We know not to discuss it at parties, and we are disgusted at the thought of the "politicians" who make "politics." However, I would argue that if there were more actual politics, we might not hate the word so much.

"Go lie with a goat! Forthwith!"

What a Wonderful August

The world is not an ugly place. It's beautiful and full of inspiring people who do amazing things. We all know they're out there, but it's a shame we don't hear about them more often. This week was a difficult one, as horrible news hit us from all over. But you know what? There's plenty of good that happens. You've heard about the Americans and the Brit who disarmed the would-be terrorist on the train in France?

But do they have to all be so dang handsome? So unfair!

We need more of this. More to hope for. More to live for. Let's be further reminded that our world isn't as bad as we sometimes feel.

10 Songs You Wouldn't Think I Own (That I Own)

 What I do now, I do in service of my country.

This will be one of the most difficult things I've ever posted. Why? Because I'm cool. I'm so cool, I make this guy look like your younger brother who is gross and wants to go into your room while your friends are over:



I'd post my picture, but this one would cramp its style.

Because I want to feel closer to you, my friends, I need to make a connection and somehow make you feel like we are equals. Or maybe we all just need to laugh at something right now. Anything! If it's me, then so be it. My gift to you is this post revealing some music that, in all honesty, surprises even me to be in my collection. I want you to know how difficult this is for me to do, mainly because there's nothing cool about these songs.

Open Letter to Oreo

Hi Oreo. Your friend John here. I see you've been doing very well, and I'm happy for you! You've got all kinds of different flavors these days. I've seen you in peanut butter, mint, and party flavors. I've even seen you BRAZENLY add a cookies 'n cream Oreo! I mean, you DO realize that whenever we get cookies 'n cream in anything, YOU are the "cookies" part, right? Who but you would even attempt such delicious over-the-top narcissism? 

Small-picture thinkers see Oreo Blizzard Oreos. Big-picture thinkers see ingredients for Oreo Blizzard Oreo Blizzards!