The Jam

The kit is set up, already in place, all you have to do is sit down and strike them, but what to play? The options are endless and time is not your friend.

You pick a beat to play and then start hitting the different drums and symbols in the hope to make a tune, hoping it makes sense, hoping you are accepted.  The duff notes greet you with disharmony, and like any good student, you learn from your mistakes, you learn from your mistakes, you learn… knowing that you will never complete the song because there is no manual, no set direction, no sign.

Variety is the spice of life, we’re told, yet you only have one kit to play from.  You can’t change your kit and get a new one and you didn’t choose the kit your currently playing, it was chosen for you.  You make the most of the kit and try and hide the blemishes, scratches, and chips the kit was created with.

As time goes by the kit becomes more scratched, dented, and slightly flat. The canvase sags in the middle and the wood doesn’t smell as fresh anymore.  You beat it just the same, because you have to, because there’s no hiding from the audience.  No denying the show, the beat must go on, and on, and on… people must be entertained.

Midnight Train

The midnight train is coming, it’s on its way.  You can’t stop it.  It knows your stop, it knows your waiting even though you didn’t ask for the ride, you were forced to be at that stop – you make the most of it.

When you see the mystic dark train you smile, accept it, embrace it – you’re obligated to ride.  Don’t worry about things you can’t change, we’re taught, worry about things you can change…

You smile in hope it’s not going to hit you.  You smile because you want it to be kind when it arrives, you smile because you’re thankful for the possible last moments of normalacy before it comes.

The smile drops as the train takes hold and turns into an nightmare coaster,. You look around searching for something to focus on, something that’s real, hoping it will stop and let you off if you focus.

The train has no intention of stopping, you’re on the ride and it will let you off, if you’re lucky, when it’s ready.  As the ride goes on time stands still.  It could be a minute, 10 minutes, an hour… it’s all the same.

When the coaster metamorphous into the same dark train and then stops.  You’re eyes glance and dialate at the doors opening back to the station.  You’re greeted with mystery.  It always leaves a present jet lag mixed with sublime Pheonix euphoria.  Where did the train take you?  Where did you go?  What message did it leave you with.; however, it hasn’t gone far.  If you put your head to the train tracks you can still feel the vibrations of it departing but you always know it’s not too far away no matter where you go in the world to try and escape it. The days after the train leaves,  you hope it doesn’t stop and  u-turn to pick you back up again for another …

Lance M. Pope 14 July 2009

Sun Tzu’s ‘The Art of War’ translated by Thomas Cleary

When you’re dealing with such great ancient phiolosphy it’s hard not to ravel in the unexpected wisdom of past literary Gods like Sun Tzu.  He’s truly a master at war.  Her’e what Infibeam says:

Sun Tzu’s “Art of War, compiled more than two thousand years ago, is a study of the anatomy of organizations in conflict. It is perhaps the most prestigious and influential book of strategy in the world today. Now, this unique volume brings together the essential versions of Sun Tzu’s text, along with illuminating commentaries and auxiliary texts written by distinguished strategists. The translations, by the renowned translator Thomas Cleary, have all been published previously in book form. This comprehensive collection contains:

“The Art of War: This edition of Sun Tzu’s text includes the classic collection of commentaries by eleven interpreters. “Thomas Cleary’s translation of “The “Art of War makes immediate relevant one of the greatest Chinese classical texts. There’s not a dated maxim or vague prescription in it . . . . You can throw out all those contemporary books about management and leadership.”-“Newsweek.

“Mastering the Art of War: Consisting of essays by two prominent statesmen-generals of Han dynasty China, Zhuge Liang and Liu Ji, this book develops the strategies of Sun Tzu’s classic into a complete handbook of organization and leadership. It draws on episodes from Chinese history to show in concrete terms the proper use of Sun Tzu’s principles.

“The Lost Art of War: Written more than one hundred years after Sun Tzu’s text, by Sun Bin, a linear descendant of Sun Tzu, this classic of political and military strategy is faithful to the principles of “The Art of War, while developing their practical application much further.
“The Silver Sparrow Art of War: A version of Sun Tzu’s “Art of War based on a manuscript of the classic text discovered at a Chinesearcheological site in China’s Shandong Province in 1972, which contains previously unknown fragments.

http://www.infibeam.com/Books/info/Cleary/The-Art-of-War-Complete-Text-and/1590300548.html

Overall Score: 10

Cell Phone Bugs

Just because you’re not talking on your cell phone doesn’t mean the authorities aren’t listening…

This part 3 of a 5 part series. Some of it’s a bit out there but some of it’s interesting. Enjoy!