Life Really CAN BE Simple...

It truly can.

I've been asked recently, not once, but AT LEAST twice..."why don't you just write a book?" It's really a good question. Aside from how truly egomaniacal it would make me feel to even THINK that someone...no...ANYONE...would take the time to read a book written by me, there's the simple question of "who'd listen/read/interpret/relate/live it anyway?"

I live my life, take my stances, research and write passionately. Complete. I feel tremendous guilt if I don't give more than I'm capable of at all times. Meticulous, organized, anal, whatever...it's who I am. And, quite frankly, allows me to at least be content with myself.

The problem is, I KNOW how high my expectations are for myself, and often, I expect others in my close circle to acheive them as well. I shouldn't, but I do. I admit it. It's probably difficult to come even close to 50% in terms of keeping up with what I expect in terms of organization, cleanliness, peacefulness. Trouble is, I'd settle for 10% at this point, because common sense and a desire for order are in such seemingly short supply.

My first rule of business...no...LIFE...is that "It's IMPOSSIBLE to be successful in ANYTHING, without a COMPLETE COMMITMENT to ORGANIZATION." Seems easy right? Not really. Take a look around. Right. Now get to work.

See, you can't keep up. It doesn't matter to you. Cleanliness is NOT next to godliness as the saying goes...cleanliness (figuratively, literally, physically) is next to perfection. Organization leads to success - both in life's journies, business ventures, and, I daresay, to ultimate peace of mind. Think about it. How great of a feeling is it - however fleeting it is for you in your world - to just breathe in for 10 seconds a truly organized, clean environment? It's amazing. Everything in place.

Apply this to ANYTHING you do...and be amazed at the results.

Wanna know how to take nearly $50LARGE in debt, to NOTHING in 12 months? I've done it.

Wanna know how to take a business from nothing and build it into a viable, growing entity? I've done it. And continue to do so daily.

Wanna know how to commandeer over 1100 CD's and 300+ DVD's and keep them library-like in physical nature as well as alphabetical and chronological, making them very easy to find? Check.

I'm no better than anyone else in this world. I've got my pluses, and they are FAR FAR FAR outweighed by my minuses... but I do know that regardless of whether my voice or sales talents are mediocre at best, my ability to organize my life - and my DESIRE to do so out of devotion to my own success and happiness not because someone tells me to - but because I WANT to - is better than most anyone's. Not bragging, mind you, just shooting straight.

Anyway, in the interest of "writing a book", I've decided instead to offer up a few examples of how to be the best to yourself. "Use my system" (crassness fully implied, by the by) and I'll guarantee that you'll make your life so much better.

1) Decide to do something...and DO IT. Do it THEN. Do it NOW. Do it IMMEDIATELY. When you say out loud "I'm gonna..." the only person you'll let down is yourself if you put it off. That is, unless you're promising to do something...even the SMALLEST thing for someone else. In that case, however small the premise, action or "thing" is...you've let yourself down AND someone else.

If you're cool with that...don't bother reading any farther. And don't ever come here to read anything again.

2) Don't take shortcuts. Live, work, play to the fullest. Don't search for the easy way out of anything. Don't clip coupons. Don't "look for the best deal." Don't try to "stick it to the man." It's too late for that. A few pennies saved are gonna add up to $13.76 later on life...don't spend it all in one place, Rockafeller. Conversely, if we're talking about shortcuts taken during work...I think even a monkey knows the ramifications of half assed effort(s). Whether it's cleaning your surroundings, raising your children, working at WORK...whatever. You know the drill. Hard work is what pays off. And, there's a definitive line betwixt this concept of "working smarter, not harder" and real life/good old fashioned EFFORT. I prefer the latter. In everything. You? Good. Keep reading.

3) Take 30 minutes out of your day...and clean and/or organize your surroundings. Write out your plan of attack for the day FIRST THING IN THE MORNING. That's an example of organizing. Put your clean clothes away, or, sort your dirty ones. Dust off the TV. Make your bed. Clean your room. Pick up after your kids. Pay the bills you've got stacked up. Empty/change out the trash. Take a break from taking a break, and clean your living room while you watch TV - OFF of the couch. You'll be amazed at how much work you can get done in just 30 minutes a day. Even several of the above examples - if not all - can be accomplished in 30 minutes - even broken up into smaller sessions if needed.

4) Read. Learn. CARE. Load up Yahoo.com, read your local newspaper, watch a documentary...whatever. Cliche? Yes, but KNOWLEDGE (even that gained from most of the crappy papers readily available) truly is power. Go further. Check out a book or article on a current event that might trouble you even in the slightest. (Don't get me started on politics, please...). Further, check out several articles - including those with differing takes and opinions. Get both sides of each argument (you should do this anyway with EVERYTHING...)Take the time to learn about the world around you, and watch the lemmings in your rearview mirror fall to their deaths off of figurative cliffs everywhere, speeding up their respective demises, by simply eating what's fed to them, believing what they're told by the talking heads/government officials, shopping where they're told to shop. They'll perish long before you...if you just START to give a shit about expanding your grey matter to include some newfound knowledge on a daily basis.

I understand that the above examples may be difficult for many to realize despite their sheer simplicity...but I'M capable. And I'm very far away from being perfect. Never will be. But that won't stop me from trying to get there. I stop and enjoy the roses when I can. But, let's be honest. Roses die. Knowledge, and your legacy - both to yourself and to others - lives forever. Are you down with yours as it is? If so, congrats...talk to you...never. Bye. If not, cool. Keep trying, then. Or, in most cases...START trying.

Life can be simple...but only if you start by committing to yourself and to a life of zero complacency.

Yin Meets Yang...or...Random Musical Tribute To Messrs Rollins and Morrissey

Just started reading a book called "Saint Morrissey." It's an ode to the author's feelings of helplessness when it comes to being at the mercy of SPM. It's great to have someone capture so completely the feeling of what it's like to be a fan of Moz. He's got something rare. Extremely so, that only a handful of performers have the ability to utilize - complete control over the audience.

Interestingly, the same could be said for my main musical hero - 1 to Morrissey's "1a" and 1 to Johnny Cash's "1c" - Henry Rollins. I've read all of Henry's books. Listened to all of his CD's. Allowed him to help me survive through my loyalty to his music. He is the true renaissance man. Morrissey is right there as well - despite maintaining a decidedly more aloof presence.

Rollins and Morrissey could be brothers. They resemble each other with their physical features. They elicit similar abandon from their minions. They both write with an aggression, a passion, an anger - that is unparalelled - especially when compared to the "music" offings of modern day "artists". They both reside in L.A. - the only sensical place, I suppose for either to dwell. Or hide. Or observe. And, like many "siblings," they also complement each other with a yin/yang in its truest form. Then again, maybe they're not so different. Maybe they're friends. Maybe they run in the same circles - whether purposely or simply by proxy. Maybe they've never met. If one wasn't aware that neither could be bothered to actually attend one, one could almost argue that they trained together in some ethereal "school of rock" somewhere.

Both are equally capable - in spite of their very different vocal stylings - of delivering the messages of their art with surgical precision. A precision that is capable of equal parts damage and repair - often at the same time. Bring you down. Lift you up. Often on front and back ends of the same sentences.

Enigmas. Mysteries. Shamanistic. While at the same time, "obvious despite themselves," to paraphrase Lloyd Cole (a man who comes awfully close to both Henry and Morrissey's abilities through his lyrical talents.)

Yes, both could be considered Saints, I suppose, although both would accept such a title, no doubt, reluctantly. Instead of being praised for what they do for countless souls, saving them, nurturing them, torturing them...all at the same time, through their art, talent and poetry...they'd much rather continue to be true to themselves.

All I know is, they could be brothers, soulmates - and by pulling me in - from two different directions - help keep me centered.

"Hi, we're the PTC...We're Here For Your Brain..."

Hmmm...The Parents Television Council. Wonder what makes those folks tick? I mean, aside from their obvious adherence to the holier than thou/guilt based teachings of the bible; inability to accept that all of the world is not watered down; and desire to get everyone to conform to their beliefs and to control the minds of parents, children and anyone else who is ball-less enough to take their words to heart (are you listening Toyota? "we read a review by the Parent Television Council about Nip/Tuck and decided to pull our ads...")

Listen, if your child sees something they shouldn't see or hears something they shouldn't hear...it's your fault. Maybe you shouldn't let them watch the goddam show, idiot! Or, better yet, perhaps TELL THEM WHY you would prefer that they don't. It's your fault if you don't. Not the people who made the show, its advertisers or actors. For cryin' out loud...it's not brain surgery. Take some responsibility. Here it is...if you listen to the PTC and allow them to guide you towards your decision - you are an asshole. An asshole who apparently is incapable of thinking for themselves. You think I'm kidding? I'm not. I'm completely serious. Look in the mirror.

Oh, by the way, I take the time to watch what my kids like to watch...or to explain things that they may see that perhaps they may not be ready to see and/or hear - do you? No, you don't. You'd rather have someone else make your decisions for you, wouldn't you? You idiot. Oh, and in case you worry that perhaps my kids will be mentally challenged because they may have caught a "bad word" or "boobie" on a show sometime... I got news for ya Jack... My son is at the top of his class, and my daughter will most likely follow in his footsteps.

Ya see, COMMUNICATING with your kids, NOT SHUTTING OFF ANYTHING OTHER THAN THAT CHILD MOLESTING DINOSAUR. Come on! Who's the child here? It's you, retard. YOU are the one that doesn't want to have anything other than watered down "art" available to us.

Have you bothered leaving your house to see the world around you? I mean, if you are a supporter of the PTC, then most likely, by proxy, you believe in "God." Ergo, you believe that abortion shouldn't be legal, but that it's cool to use the "eye for an eye" mentality and kill people on death row. Wow. That particular example of hipocrisy aside, what about the fact that there's mass genocide being perpetuated by our very own government daily - take a look at the news. Why aren't you attempting to shut down Rupert Murdoch from Fox? Why aren't you trying to stop NBC, CBS, CNN, et al from broadcasting the "afterglow" of mass murder of folks who aren't White, Christian, Americans? Yeah, because you're funded by the religious right, aren't you? Praise be. You enjoy not being forced to think, don't you? You want to think that your kids are going to be sheltered from hearing people - bus driver? aunts, uncles? students, teachers? friends? SAYING BAD WORDS! GASP! Say it isn't so!

But, what should I expect? You lemmings are happiest when you're not presented with any kind of parental challenge, and have an easy exit to take down the common sense highway.

It always amazes me when I see the PTC in the news. They have our best interests in mind, right? Ha. Yeah, and I'm the fucking pope. Who do you think are their biggest supporters - since, allegedly - they're a non profit organization? Yeah, Right Wing Christian fanatics. Nice.

I love the way they "celebrate victory" when a show is cancelled or taken off the air - despite their commitment to "not judging the artistic merit of a show, just examing the content...". Hmmm...

Because, after all, if anyone believes in anything other than what is written in "the good book" - you're a liar, a sinner and are obviously incapable of thinking for yourself.

Well, that's it. I guess I'm going to hell - if there is one. Although, I'm relatively certain that as long as I am forced to coexist with people like you who work, support or listen to the PTC, FCC or anyone else who is in to watering down our society further than it already it is - that I'm already living in hell...

That's alright. I've got my TV, my mind and Season 2 of Nip/Tuck to finish. Come and take it away from me, motherfucker - and I'll be just as happy to burn your stupid Toyota.

Calm Like A Bomb

Yeah. Sure you have. You've had days where you felt like in your sleepy eyed start to the day, you reached deep into the pile and grabbed your "fuck with me" t shirt. Then, throughout the day, folks did just that. Seemingly every tentacle of your being exposed, your fellow humans do whatever they can to seek them out and step on them. Cut off your blood flow. Your ability to breathe. Simply through a touch. Physical, emotional, mental. Doesn't matter. They're everywhere. Times like this, the times when the anger is so close. So easy to access. The lid torn assunder by the slightest inference, touch, word. It's GO time. It's ON. It's time to destroy. To tear down mentally any and all who cross paths. Then, finding it impossible to do so, thanks to the irritation boiling to a point of forcing your teeth to clench so tightly together that your jaws are near breaking. Your fingernails tearing into your palms as your fists compress tighter and tighter. Nothing nearby worth hitting. Worth destroying physically. Nothing but yourself. It's not worth it. Albeit soothing, the pain is merely temporary. Punching bags - both real and metaphorically speaking - can't speak and/or hit back, therefore making them useless. No, all that's left is to channel the anger, get in touch with it, remember it's there. That at the end of the day, it is part of you. It runs things. That no matter how much love you have for your family and friends - it's there. Watching, monitoring, and yes, controlling, by virtue of being in whatever sick, twisted way - at the root of all you do. It motivates as it permeates. It moves through you and keeps you moving. Vertical. Horizontal. Sleep? It's there. It doesn't go away. It fuels your passion. Your non conformity. Your ability to stand up for yourself amongst those who are weaker. Those who push and push and push - daring you to push back. It gives you the strength to lash out just enough - and maybe allows you a smile later. It tells you to count to ten. To drink more water. You do so. All the while, realizing that those are only temporary fixes. That it will never go away. It may hide. It may go away for months, years...but it's always there. And at the end of the day, you realize that it is...righteous. Correct. Able to be channeled if not controlled. Able to be put to good use. To cleanse. To purify. To bring serenity. To make you...Calm.