The Coolest

Information FAIL.

Lupe sat down with the legendary Cornel West for an interview, down the street in Grand Rapids last week. How am I not notified of gatherings on this order of magnitude?

Haven't listened to it yet, but I can recommend it simply off the strength of the participants involved.

You can stream or download here.

Kick Knowledge

I just feel like the current economic cataclysm is a prime example of when a lack of knowledge regarding events around you leads to the forfeiting of your right to have a say in the conversation, much less your right to do anything about it. Ignorance makes you the slave of the knowledgeable. Break the chains.

"We played against each other like puppets, swearin' you got pull
when the only pull you got is the wool over your eyes..." -Talib Kweli

Check this article from the current issue of Rolling Stone. By far the most concise and easy to understand explanation of what's happening with the economy/bailout. Instead of reading that article about Chris Brown's new line of boxing gloves, or Rihanna's new line of bruise cover up, scan something that'll temporarily unplug you from the Matrix. I promise it'll still be there when you're done reading.

And as long as we're illuminating great political commentary, check the latest podcast from M-Theory affiliate (and by "affiliate" we mean "entity that influences and is in no way really associated with M-Theory") and fellow Martian, Dan Carlin. With so much fecal matter spewing forth from the mouths of the mainstream media, Common Sense With Dan Carlin is a wellspring of well, common sense. His current installment is entitled "Of Torches and Pitchforks" and speaks to the current outbreak of populism following the AIG debacle. In this Matrix analogy, Dan Carlin would be Morpheus. By listening, you'll even learn Kung Fu*.

*That may be incorrect.

NOTE: Just click where it says "Show 148- Of Torches and Pitchforks" in order to listen to an audio stream of the episode, without having to download anything. Conversely, you can download the episode on Itunes.

Get Brolic!

Science & Technology news makes me giddy.

Nanotube-Aerogel Muscle.

While they say this won't be primarily developed for artificial limbs, best believe that somebody in the military will push the R&D in that direction. As somebody whose had four broken ankles, and in the immortal words of Tupac, "I ain't mad at 'em".

Oh, and if this is your first time hearing about Nanotubes-- get familiar. They WILL revolutionize the world.

Pic swiped from here.

Water on Mars?

You need to keep up with your science news...
My main man, Dr Kaku has some wisdom for you. Respect!

Brooklyn Steez

I'm on the same page, paragraph and punctuation as Bianka right now. Walk with me.

People from Brooklyn are known for being Fresh. Now when I say Fresh, I mean they show no chink in the armor,for it would be instantaneous suicide on a number of levels (socially, psychologically, and even physically). Every aspect of their being or endeavor engaged in, is on point (or so the necessary facade would suggest). There can be no appearance of weakness, because a self reinforcing cycle has been formed whereby only the strongest of the strong survive. Weakness the size of a pinhole is enlarged into a doorway and immediately smashed down. This leads to an absurd bravado, the audacity of which is hard to comprehend by those who do not possess it, or have not borne witness to it. Mundane interactions explode into voracious vestibules of vitriolic verbiage, used to slay any who would dare think themselves possessing strength.

A thought process might evolve in this manner: "Look at that dude. Ah, word? He's tryna eat chips like that? He thinks its acceptable to get crumbs all over his gear and have cheese stains underneath his fingernails? This dude ain't sh!t."

This is the Brooklyn Steez. The systematic breakdown and degradation of other individuals, in order to have some point of advantage over them. It is the possession of a necessary self confidence, wherein anyone who has the audacity to question any aspect of your existence must be crazy and subsequently dealt with. Individuals are unknowingly judged by their actions, which if are in conflict with your perception of "correct", "cool", etc., indicates a challenge to your being, which cannot be accepted. Said individuals are then supremely detested and seen as not worth the atoms forming their basic components. This state of mind can be seen as a self defense mechanism, because in this environment everybody's looking at you the same way-- as a potential threat to their unquestioned supremacy.

Now this might seem incredibly harsh and devastatingly negative to most individuals, and perhaps rightly so. But every environment has its benchmarks for success and failure, and in Brooklyn (and other areas generally marked by poverty and/or lack of economic upward mobility)the benchmark is incredibly high.

Now for a plethora of reasons, environment and DNA not being insignificant ones, I possess the Brooklyn Steez. However, as I have come to the conclusion that this perceptual framework is not productive in many places, I don't operate within its confines in most situations, unless I know that it is the definitive modus operandi of interaction in said place. However...

Throughout my life and increasingly more so as time has progressed, I have come across individuals so oblivious to their own repulsive tendencies, (which they perceive to be "cool" and worthy of praise) that I immediately revert back into my Brooklyn Steez. The standards by which people judge themselves have been twisted and construed, so as to render their logic for being the way they are, unrecognizable. Why would they do that? They are clearly lacking in any skill or trait that would garner praise from any individual with any kind of intelligence. Yet, they possess a confidence that is completely unearned and unwarranted.

Their blissful ignorance propels me into a fit of rage that is not insignificant. I begin to dissect every aspect of their being and find gaping holes in their armor through which I would verbally annihilate them, if they ever attempted to propagate their supposed worthiness in my vicinity.

This disqualifies my interest in 95% of the people I meet. (Maybe I just live in an area with a high concentration of ignorance.) Their lack of a demeanor which adequately reflects their lack of positive attributes, causes the immediate quelling of any desire I might have of getting to know them.

Bottom line: If you're ignorant and you know it, clap your hands either spend some time working on you, or get the f!@k away from me.

Holla if you hear me.

NOTE: The face seen at the top of this post shall henceforth be known as the *Maino Face*. This is the face made when one is operating within the Brooklyn Steez. And yes, Maino is from Brooklyn.

Ahhhh, the reality of life is that life is real.

"This is water"
Please take 10 minutes out of YOUR busy day to read this.
I thank Dan Carlson for the link!

Linguistically Averse Moronic Existence

If you think you might be a L.A.M.E., there are people out there who can help.

1. Webster
2. Nasir
3. Lincoln
4. Lipton
5. Weezy, Jeezy, Yeezy..... Williams

This has been a Public Service Announcement, brought to you by the good people at M-Theory.

Blackle

The biggest problem with our "energy crisis" is everybody wants a "fix" or a "plan." When in reality, the biggest problem is that nobody wants to do the small things that make the big difference, they deem them too insignificant. In 1969 "think globally act locally" was the mantra (if I may) of the Friends of the Earth, established by David Brower.
Well, Blackle does just that, it takes small steps, locally, to help fix a global problem. It's not much but it helps. How does it help? How about you mosey on over to their about section and set Blackle as your home page.

Wake up Neo, The Matrix has you...

Follow the white rabbit...

'Shrooms

The mushroom is just one of a very large, diverse group of organisms called fungi. It is similar to a plant but lacks chlorophyll, so it cannot produce its own food through photosynthesis. The mushroom is a decomposer that absorbs nutrients from materials such as compost, leaves, decaying wood, and soil. There are many types of mushrooms, varying in size, shape and color, with surfaces that range from smooth and silky to pitted and honeycombed. The most common and readily available is the cultivated white mushrooms, which have a mild flavor and can be used in many types of dishes. Wild mushrooms, such as chanterelle, morel, shiitake, portobello and oyster, will provide a more intense and exotic flavor. Generally mushrooms contain 90 percent water and have few calories. The fat and carbohydrate content is minimal and they do not contain any cholesterol. They are rich in protein and contain vitamins such as B, C and D, and a few contain vitamin A. Be aware that some of the vita min values are destroyed during the cooking process. When selecting, choose mushrooms that are firm, fresh and free of blemishes. Check underneath their caps for tightly closed brown gills and be sure the surface of the cap is not dried and woody on the edges. Also look for slimy or sticky surfaces and for any coloring that is not normal. When cleaning mushrooms, avoid using water, which reduces the flavor of the mushroom and is absorbed into the mushroom only to be released into foods combined with them. Therefore, use a brush to clean sand, grit and other debris from the pits and ridges. If you must use water, use as little as possible and dry quickly with a paper towel. Cut lengthwise and check interior for insects and other debris.


I bet you thought I would mention Psilocybin Mushrooms, eh?

Two For Zoop

This time down in 'Bama.

That's a good look. Straight up.

Nah Right with the link.

Damn Old People

*Shaking Fist Violently*

Kinda crazy.

Children Of Men anyone?

[Sidebar]: Children Of Men = Extra Dope.

One For Zoop

Ch--Ch, Ch, Ch- CHECK IT OUT.

Link picturesquely pilfered from Nah Right

*Scratches His Head*

I have recently realized that pessimists are always pleasantly surprised, and optimists are sadly disappointed.
also.
late people are generally happier than those who were on time, waiting for the late persons

Look at that fag, I mean... flag!

Vexillology \vek-sil-AHL-uh-jee\, noun:

The study of flags.

(I was asked recently, where Vexed got his name, him and I have never discussed it, but this is where I assumed he got it)

ALSO:


Fact of the Day: Perseid
Among the best-known and most spectacular meteor showers are the Perseids, which peak about August 10-12. They appear to originate in the vicinity of the constellation Perseus, named for the slayer of the Gorgon Medusa and the rescuer of Andromeda from a sea monster. The chief characters in the Perseus legend, Perseus, Cepheus, Cassiopeia, Andromeda, and the sea monster (Cetus), all figure in the night sky as constellations.

So keep an eye out, for the night skys will be lit up like Chinese New Year. blat blat, blat blat, bla-ka-kat-kat. (yes that was necissary)

Never odd or even

Palindrome: text reading the same in reverse.

Murder for a jar of red rum.
Some men interpret nine memos.
Dennis sinned.
Don't nod.
Doc Note: I dissent. A fast never prevents a fatness. I diet on cod.

then again there are always 'word-unit' palindromes, to be read the same in reverse, by order of the words.

King, are you glad you are king?
Fall leaves after leaves fall.
You know, I did little for you, for little did I know you.
Escher, drawing hands, drew hands drawing Escher.
You can cage a swallow, can't you, but you can't swallow a cage, can you?


Join us next time for more word antics.

15,654,731 people were obliterated simply by trying to comprehend this post.

Eleven plus two - Twelve plus one

Anagrams. Aren't they fun? the title for this post is, of course an anagram (concocted by the famous anagrammist Melvin O. Wellman. But you already knew that, im sure.) If you followed the link in my last post, then you already know what an anagram is. Good for you.
So how about a couple fun ones?

The Morse code - Here come dots
Slot machines - Cash lost in 'em
The end of the World is nigh! - Down this hole, frightened. (Donald L Holmes)
One good turn deserves another. - Do rogues endorse that? No, never! (J. Yeoman)
Clint Eastwood - Old West action.
William Shakespeare - I am a weakish speller.
Marilyn Manson - Manly man? No sir! (Tom Myers)
President Bush of the USA - A fresh one, but he's stupid (Richard Grantham)


this ones long...
To be or not to be: that is the question; whether 'tis nobler in the mind to suffer the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune... - In one of the Bard's best-thought-of tragedies our insistent hero, Hamlet, queries on two fronts about how life turns rotten. (Cory Calhoun)

A guessing game invented by bored astronauts.

A Pangram is a phrase using all 26 letters of the alphabet.

The most widely known pangram I can think of would probably be: The quick brown fox jumps over a lazy dog.
So, for your amusement, I have assembled a list of pangrams for your viewing pleasure.

Sixty zippers were quickly picked from the woven jute bag.
Crazy Fredrick bought many very exquisite opal jewels.
Pack my box with five dozen liquor jugs.
How quickly daft jumping zebras vex.
Quick zephyrs blow, vexing daft Jim.
Waltz, nymph, for quick jigs vex bud.
The five boxing wizards jump quickly.

Also, there is such a thing as a perfect pangram, which is really just an anagram of the alphabet. Here are a couple few.

Mr. Jock, TV quiz PhD, bags few lynx.
Blowzy night-frumps vex'd Jack Q.
TV quiz drag nymphs blew JFK cox.

if you have any good ones to add to the list, feel free.