Here's a scenario. . .
A man named Boy is on his way to class on a sunny day. It isn't just any class. It is a mandatory science class. Nor is it any ordinary day. The clouds are non-existent. The wind, a mere breeze. The temperature is at the perfect medium so that Boy cannot differentiate if it is hotter or colder. It simply just is.
Boy oh boy, our man Boy has a dilemma here. He fears that if he goes to class he will then waste his opportunity to enjoy this beautiful day. On the other hand, he is fearful of the consequences of missing this class. Mind you, Boy did not willingly sign up for this class, it was mandatory for him to take it. And so, Boy was ever so upset on his way to class when he bumped into Miss Mama.
"What's up kid? You look pensive!" cried Mama. Mama always had a way with knowing how Boy was feeling, even without having to speak.
"I don't want to go to class." cried Boy.
"So don't." Mama murmured.
"I don't want to get in trouble, or bad grades, or any of that extra shit either!" Boy barked.
"So go to class then, Bo--"
"Well I know what I Have to do. I see what the Want me to do, but I am having trouble making time for things that I think I Need to do and its getting to me, Mama. Does that make me crazy?"
There was a pause of uncertainty between the two as they both pondered their present day existence. . . Questions like "Am I happy?" and " What's really important to me?" were no floating in the back of each of their minds when Mama said, "It's all relative, Boy."
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Purchase Utopia
Ahh, the sun is shining. People are breathing. Hearts are calmly beating. Circles are forming and dried herbs are rolling. You can hear music in the distance and you follow your way towards the sound. A Frisbee drift into sight, you catch it and throw it back to someone you haven't spoken to yet, but soon will. You find the epicenter of sound is a group of singing people vibrant with color. They invite you to sit on the laid out Ethiopian style blanket to smoke a giant tubed water pipe that they call a Hookah. You do so, why not? After all, it's Purchase College.
Conversation leads you to discuss the weather, the colors of spring, the topless males and the curiosity of whether the females will soon too, be topless. The mood is mellow and the feeling is good. Everyone seems so damn down to Earth here. . .
It makes sense, doesn't it? I mean, here at Purchase College people are walled in. The campus is a box of bricks built right in the middle of nowhere. Conveniently enough, the nowhere that Purchase is located in, is in the in the middle of a busy business world. The matters of the business world that surround SUNY Purchase are of no concern really, because they don't touch us. Again, we are walled in.
Within these walls of Purchase is beauty. People here are attracted to the one thing in this world that seems to keep them sane. This thing is art. To us, art is life and making it will hopefully last a lifetime. Within these walls, on a sunny day, you will be able to observe the sort of Utopia that is the community of Purchase.
Conversation leads you to discuss the weather, the colors of spring, the topless males and the curiosity of whether the females will soon too, be topless. The mood is mellow and the feeling is good. Everyone seems so damn down to Earth here. . .
It makes sense, doesn't it? I mean, here at Purchase College people are walled in. The campus is a box of bricks built right in the middle of nowhere. Conveniently enough, the nowhere that Purchase is located in, is in the in the middle of a busy business world. The matters of the business world that surround SUNY Purchase are of no concern really, because they don't touch us. Again, we are walled in.
Within these walls of Purchase is beauty. People here are attracted to the one thing in this world that seems to keep them sane. This thing is art. To us, art is life and making it will hopefully last a lifetime. Within these walls, on a sunny day, you will be able to observe the sort of Utopia that is the community of Purchase.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
You're Naked
Within the first few weeks of my first semester of Purchase College, myself, along with two friends decided to start up a show on the campus network, PTV. I'm surprised that I haven't mentioned this show yet on my blog. Here is the info. . . PTV (channel 69) at 11:30pm on Tuesday. . .
Our focus was to expose the truths of our young lives in a fictional and funny manner. We thought that this exposure somewhat left us Naked, and hence the television shows title, You're Naked.
The show has no plot, no story-line, and no consistency other than comedy. The show is full of interviews, shorts, discussion and improv.
This link is to our latest hit video, Welcome 2 My Club. We think that it will be pleasing to your senses. Enjoy!
Our focus was to expose the truths of our young lives in a fictional and funny manner. We thought that this exposure somewhat left us Naked, and hence the television shows title, You're Naked.
The show has no plot, no story-line, and no consistency other than comedy. The show is full of interviews, shorts, discussion and improv.
This link is to our latest hit video, Welcome 2 My Club. We think that it will be pleasing to your senses. Enjoy!
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Rubber Gloved on Culture Shock
This past Tuesday, I attended a meeting for the Purchase College annual festival "Culture Shock." At most, I was made aware that Mr Jeff Levin, the head organizer of this years festival, has diverted the focus for Culture Shock.
First: a brief bit of Jeff's recent history--
Jeff was nearly impeached from his position on the Purchase Student Government Association (PSGA) when fellow students were sick of being left in the dark about the upcoming music festival. People wanted to know what bands were coming to preform and Jeff replied, giving a skeleton that lacked a backbone. His lineup is incomplete. I could talk about this issue all day, but to give you an idea, here is Jeff's most recent updated schedule for the quickly approaching festival on April 16. . .
Jeff Levin, if you are reading this Jeff, Mr. Levin, please know that forming a committee would have been a great idea for this festival. This thing is much bigger than you, or I, Jeff Levin. It is something that all students, faculty, and any interested mind will be a part of, and you, Jeff Levin, you took this all into your own hands without shaking those of your peers and asking them about the diversity that this multifaceted, multicultural campus expects in Culture Shock. I don't see what took you so long to understand that setting up meetings is vital to the health of organizing a large event. At this meeting you asked us if we were "O.K." with the decisions you made about the theme, stage placements, and selected bands. Well that was nice of you to do, I'll admit, but doing it this close to the end of the line is not helpful to us. It wouldn't make sense to change the lineup NOW, it is far too late. If you reached out your hand for help months ago Jeff, the campus would have "high-fived" you for it. Instead, we've noticed the clams in your hands after months of sweating this out, and now the success or failure of this festival is all on you.
In a recent editorial in The Purchase Independent, staff writer Chris Vaughan asked Jeff Levin a series of questions such as,
"How do you think Culture Shock has come together the past couple of weeks?"
A: "It is getting there. The impeachment set things back but it gave me more motivation. The line-up now is as diverse as I wanted it to be."
(As diverse as HE wanted it, not US. . . Interesting)
or...
"Is Culture Shock different in any way this year?"
A: "Basically the Carnival two stages and the rides. Just the overall theme."
(Yes. The Carnival is a good idea for a theme. It will distract everyone for the time period while bands are preforming so no one will notice the bands that didn't show up)
Well I am glad that we can be entertained by this:
Since Jeff Levin has given up on this:
. . . I hate to be such a damming critic, Jeff Levin, but you fucked up.
First: a brief bit of Jeff's recent history--
Jeff was nearly impeached from his position on the Purchase Student Government Association (PSGA) when fellow students were sick of being left in the dark about the upcoming music festival. People wanted to know what bands were coming to preform and Jeff replied, giving a skeleton that lacked a backbone. His lineup is incomplete. I could talk about this issue all day, but to give you an idea, here is Jeff's most recent updated schedule for the quickly approaching festival on April 16. . .
Culture Shock 09' Lineup:
THIS LINEUP IS NOT COMPLETE!!
(tentative)= contracts are in, but not signed for yet.
Friday
Streetlight Manifesto (tentative)
The Red Chord
Paper Route
Murphys Law (Tentative)
Light Pollution
TBA
TBA
TBA
TBA
Saturday
The Cool Kids (tentative)
Telepathe
The Dear Hunter
Margot and the nuclear so and sos
The Paper Raincoat
The Tallest Man on Earth (tentative)
Bread and Puppet Theater
Kiss Kiss
TBA
TBA
After party
Menya
TBA
TBA
TBA
Jeff Levin, if you are reading this Jeff, Mr. Levin, please know that forming a committee would have been a great idea for this festival. This thing is much bigger than you, or I, Jeff Levin. It is something that all students, faculty, and any interested mind will be a part of, and you, Jeff Levin, you took this all into your own hands without shaking those of your peers and asking them about the diversity that this multifaceted, multicultural campus expects in Culture Shock. I don't see what took you so long to understand that setting up meetings is vital to the health of organizing a large event. At this meeting you asked us if we were "O.K." with the decisions you made about the theme, stage placements, and selected bands. Well that was nice of you to do, I'll admit, but doing it this close to the end of the line is not helpful to us. It wouldn't make sense to change the lineup NOW, it is far too late. If you reached out your hand for help months ago Jeff, the campus would have "high-fived" you for it. Instead, we've noticed the clams in your hands after months of sweating this out, and now the success or failure of this festival is all on you.
In a recent editorial in The Purchase Independent, staff writer Chris Vaughan asked Jeff Levin a series of questions such as,
"How do you think Culture Shock has come together the past couple of weeks?"
A: "It is getting there. The impeachment set things back but it gave me more motivation. The line-up now is as diverse as I wanted it to be."
(As diverse as HE wanted it, not US. . . Interesting)
or...
"Is Culture Shock different in any way this year?"
A: "Basically the Carnival two stages and the rides. Just the overall theme."
(Yes. The Carnival is a good idea for a theme. It will distract everyone for the time period while bands are preforming so no one will notice the bands that didn't show up)
Well I am glad that we can be entertained by this:
Since Jeff Levin has given up on this:
. . . I hate to be such a damming critic, Jeff Levin, but you fucked up.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Self Image
Life. What a beautiful world we live in! Look at the people walking around. Can you see the beauty? I bet that you can also see the faults that all of these good looks are built upon. After many instances of trial and error, people have found the "right" way to look good. If there is a right way to look "good," then there must also be a "good" way to look "right!"
No, no, no, you say. What is good is dependent of individual perspective. Well, what if what is good is nature, and so, it is of human nature to be subjective and say that something so objective like "good looks" vary and differ from one individual to the next.
Take a look at this photo of me: the one and only, Dan Hartigan.
Let us take a close look at the components of this photograph.
What sticks out to you the most must be the red bandana that is backwards on this curly man's greasy head. Does he look good?
Seeing as he is me, I am fully right in saying this- he is full of mixed feelings. When he wears the bandana like this, he feels comfortable because it holds his poof of a fro down neatly. Also, red is this mans favorite color to wear and he approves of his own fashion. He feels uncomfortable in knowing that if he were to go to a gang infested part of the land, he would be jumped, maybe mugged, maybe killed. He feels mixed up about being comfortable with his image because he knows that even though he sees of himself to look "good," others may not be view and judge that he is dressing "right." In response to this, his thumb turned downwards and he shook the bandana from his head.
Q:Why is it that we cannot be completely comfortable with our images?
A:Because even though someone feels comfortable with their looks, their looks can make a mass of others feel completely unomfortable about the way that person looks. We play off of the vibes that people feed to us.
There is something funky about that!
No, no, no, you say. What is good is dependent of individual perspective. Well, what if what is good is nature, and so, it is of human nature to be subjective and say that something so objective like "good looks" vary and differ from one individual to the next.
Take a look at this photo of me: the one and only, Dan Hartigan.
Let us take a close look at the components of this photograph.
What sticks out to you the most must be the red bandana that is backwards on this curly man's greasy head. Does he look good?
Seeing as he is me, I am fully right in saying this- he is full of mixed feelings. When he wears the bandana like this, he feels comfortable because it holds his poof of a fro down neatly. Also, red is this mans favorite color to wear and he approves of his own fashion. He feels uncomfortable in knowing that if he were to go to a gang infested part of the land, he would be jumped, maybe mugged, maybe killed. He feels mixed up about being comfortable with his image because he knows that even though he sees of himself to look "good," others may not be view and judge that he is dressing "right." In response to this, his thumb turned downwards and he shook the bandana from his head.
Q:Why is it that we cannot be completely comfortable with our images?
A:Because even though someone feels comfortable with their looks, their looks can make a mass of others feel completely unomfortable about the way that person looks. We play off of the vibes that people feed to us.
There is something funky about that!
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Bring it Back
I've been having trouble focusing. . .
My thoughts, lately, are scattered like haiku.
I am trying to find a rhythm to ride.
This blog, thus far, has been me streaming my consciousness.
That's not the theme I want to pervade. I'm looking for the Funk.
Where is the Funk?
It's time to get back on track. The ticking hand of the clock is circling around and round, and I have yet to mention true Funk. So, it is time to change my B-log-ger ways. It's time to find the funk.
Funk is unity. So, people, let's bring it together. If you're reading this and you know some independent artists that have funky grooves, contact me (eggcostume@gmail). I want to rake in the real feel that funk music provides, upload it to my web-page, and display the artist's bio. My hope is to get bring the funk back. I'll need your help. I am looking for YOU.
I want this world to be a funkier place.
My thoughts, lately, are scattered like haiku.
I am trying to find a rhythm to ride.
This blog, thus far, has been me streaming my consciousness.
That's not the theme I want to pervade. I'm looking for the Funk.
Where is the Funk?
It's time to get back on track. The ticking hand of the clock is circling around and round, and I have yet to mention true Funk. So, it is time to change my B-log-ger ways. It's time to find the funk.
Funk is unity. So, people, let's bring it together. If you're reading this and you know some independent artists that have funky grooves, contact me (eggcostume@gmail). I want to rake in the real feel that funk music provides, upload it to my web-page, and display the artist's bio. My hope is to get bring the funk back. I'll need your help. I am looking for YOU.
I want this world to be a funkier place.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
And -- Action!
The camera is rolling. Life is but a string of scenes. A straight shot tied from birth, all the way back around to death. Every person you know plays a supporting role in your story. You're nice, and you do the same for them. Sometimes, you notice the "extra" in the back, with a luminous exuberance about them. They are not part of your story, but you make a note of them. There is simply something about these people that seemingly catch your attention. What is this attributing "something" that lights them up? Simple. It's called "Presence."
Presence is what you notice. Presence is what most people notice. Positive Presence is the key to fame. I mean, what else is fame than being noticed by most of the masses?
With positive Presence present in your life, your string of scenes could be benefited greatly. No more falling actions. No more boring isolation scenes. No more redundant drama. You could be the focus of all the scenes taking place within your surroundings. Your presence could overwhelm so many people and turn them on to take interest in your story-line. Shit, your life-movie just turned into a thriller/comedy/romance.
Lets keep it positive people. Be ourselves. Encourage those around us to do the same. If you're shy, that's fine. Just be positive, I'll pay attention. You're always present, even if your presence is muffled by shyness. Lets just keep it cool people. Stay open-minded. Step onto stage, look your audience in the eyes. make your claim, support your cause, and resolve issues. Accept that we are all different, and that, that is what makes us the same. Do these things. Bow. Smile and watch the curtain close as the crowd cheers with acceptance. For, what is the point of living life if you have no life to give? Make sure you have a positive Presence. That is all.
And-- Scene!
Presence is what you notice. Presence is what most people notice. Positive Presence is the key to fame. I mean, what else is fame than being noticed by most of the masses?
With positive Presence present in your life, your string of scenes could be benefited greatly. No more falling actions. No more boring isolation scenes. No more redundant drama. You could be the focus of all the scenes taking place within your surroundings. Your presence could overwhelm so many people and turn them on to take interest in your story-line. Shit, your life-movie just turned into a thriller/comedy/romance.
Lets keep it positive people. Be ourselves. Encourage those around us to do the same. If you're shy, that's fine. Just be positive, I'll pay attention. You're always present, even if your presence is muffled by shyness. Lets just keep it cool people. Stay open-minded. Step onto stage, look your audience in the eyes. make your claim, support your cause, and resolve issues. Accept that we are all different, and that, that is what makes us the same. Do these things. Bow. Smile and watch the curtain close as the crowd cheers with acceptance. For, what is the point of living life if you have no life to give? Make sure you have a positive Presence. That is all.
And-- Scene!
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