The Turtle and the Rabbit

(From 2/13/2010)

I have a long-standing belief that 99% of the people in this world are idiots. While that may seem harsh at first blush, consider the sample of people you run into your entire life. I am not talking about people you know personally because they tend to clean up their act for you. You are likely the one person they are not an asshole to.

I developed and tested out this theory with several detailed case studies throughout my life. I started testing in high school, further advanced this in college and have applied the theory in my work life. The real mystery is why people are this way.

People are self-centered, selfish is probably more apt. We don't often take time to consider what the other person wants, especially if they are unfamiliar. I was reminded of this recently on my way home. I was in the cross-walk on my way to the bus stop when a bus rounds the corner out of nowhere, honks, and almost clips me.

The next bus was just about two minutes behind; as I approached to pay my fare the bus driver stopped me to ask what happened with the previous bus. I told him what happened and then we started exchanging stories. When it came to my stop we remarked that the same bus which grazed me was now at the same stop. His chest puffed and his smile wide, my bus driver was proud that his pace and careful driving paid off "This reminds me of the story about the turtle and the rabbit."

I walked out the bus and was annoyed to see the light wasn't in my favor. I could see that a bus was only a block away. I rushed across the street cutting in front of the first bus. I dashed to the bus stop with time to spare. I relaxed into my seat; I was elated because if I hadn't made this bus I'd be out in the cold for who knows how long. As I looked out the window at the cars passing by another bus overtook us.

The thing about my theory is that sometimes you're that asshole.

Roatan

Your shores are but a distant dream
Each memory like a grain of sand
I cannot wash clean of your beaches

every light reminds me of your sun
I flip the switch searching out the horizon
I no longer sway with each gust
The wind cannnot penetrate these walls

Being back in BK has been a bit of a shock to my system. I've never considered myself one to laze about much, but yet I find myself yearning for a hammock. The hand crafted threads cradling me as I sway gently in the warm breeze. The sounds of bob marley cooling my spirits as I drift away in a sea of content. The only hustle is from the scurrying of the crabs as they make their way back to land while the moon reminds us of what has passed and what is to come.

My mind is not a blank slate, no, it is free to frollick in its own maze. Kicking up long forgetten memories of days past and adventures that have yet to come to fruition. There is so much to discover and yet I could be content wasting my days right here.

A foreign smells enters my nose like the most pungent of smelling salts. Bob Marley is silenced, the beat replaced by a constant rumble. My toes no longer feel the air whistling through them. My eyelids feel the light of the sun beating against them, pulsing as the clouds and sun play peek-a-boo.

I open my eyes to my distorted image reflected off chrome. My head is perched on the shoulder of the person next to me; Next stop Canal street.

Honduras: Day 2

Exodus

The 2nd day kinda folds back to the 1st as I woke at shady Hotel Ceiba
Feeling quite cold; a sensation I had hoped I left under a foot of
snow in Brooklyn. Dunkin donuts was the first stop on the gringo
agenda. This was the low point of the day. It was like animals in the
zoo as locals passed by looking at us through the glass.

Before leaving the mainland it was time to head to a nearby
supermarket for some essentials. The most amazing part was the fresh
produce at super low prices. Honduran currency is about 18 or 20 to 1
US dollar, a 30 lempira pineapple is a godsend. Grocery shopping was done
with just enough time to hurriedly check-out and hop into a cab.

The cab took a circuitous route to the Ferry that was supposed to only
be 3 blocks or so away from the Hotel. The proximity of the docks to
the hotel was highly exaggerated. There was plenty of time to
purchase tickets and go through security. Two curious events occurred
with security. I was the only one during my time there who was
frisked. The booze was confiscated to deter any breakouts of boat
parties.

The ferry ride to roatan may soon be cooped by a theme park to replace
the death drop or superman: the ride. As the boat pulled from dock a
crew member handed out barf bags. I thought this was just a souvenir
of sorts till the boat really got moving, the reckless speed and
undulating waves made for one heck of a ride.

The downside to the ride was the marauding Texas grandmas who sat a
row away. The beef jerky-like tanned, tramp stamped, shit-talking duo
almost accomplished what the exhausting ride could not. Their
conversation ranged from make-up advice to the last biopsy. I was
really over with them when they went zoo exhibit on a tiny kid.
Perhaps it would be their reaction to any kid, which still doesn't
make it right.

Near the port of Roatan were two shipwrecks. I haven’t investigated
into the oddities as yes. The working theory is that they are there to
promote the growth of coral.

The ride to the house was windy and fairly treacherous at the un-policed
80k speeds around blind turns. This was only topped by the near
vertical drop down the dirt road to the garage which was still .5
miles from the house down an un-driveable boardwalk and dirt road.

Lunch was at a resort with multi-race babies at the preferred topic of
conversation. After lunch I kayaked and used the flinstone paddle-boat
machine for about 3 hours. The sun dropped closer to the horizon and
flashed green before it disappeared for good.

--
http://humandynamo.blogspot.com/

Mugging (Dont Get Caught up)

Jeans pressed to impress
Tie on so I can be fly
Ensemble tight to make the right
impression
The hair is lined just sharp can be
Perhaps this time will be different

I get noticed as soon as I walk in
"Ooo someone is Fancy"
"I knew it was a special day"
They part so we are close
Small talk prevails
Drinks and Dance come next

Get close not sure what to expect
despite best efforts still nil
its chill but no love returned
now night over, feeling bummed
shunned and stunned and done

Beat down and robbed of my dignity
Pity but today was no different
and neither will the next
There is always hope
A recipe for getting caught up

For what it's worth...

my style has been developed in the core of the earth.
- J-Live

What is that? Did you say you want to see grainy camera pictures from the concert?


J-Live

Rabbi Darkside and Hired Gun

Far Beyond *[Farbeon]

Oddy

J-L-I-VE at Mercury

Just left the J-Live show. There were some real MCs with flow and technique that most "mainstream" rap can't comprehend. 3rd party started things off, real hot, as it should be. "*[Farbeon]," one of the members of 3rd party told stories of everyday life without dropping a beat. Speaking of beats, "Rabbi Darkside" handled beat boxing, mixing and rhyming like he was the father of hip-hop. Not to be outdone "Hired Gun" had the type of energy and control to switch tempos at a moment's notice. (He also broke it down with some dancing)

Oddy came out as the second act and got the crowd even louder. The Mercury Lounge stage never got so much love, till 3rd party came back with some even stronger tracks that they laid down in Brazil; it was then time for the live one.

J-Live came on stage with a huge roar from the crowd, I was right up front, he commanded the MIC, the crowd and the turn-tables from that point. The stage was set with verses from his current album, but soon we were all on a journey mapping out his 14 years as an MC.

Even though it's 2am and I have work in 3 hours I still feel that energy. A good show doesn't just make you go deaf for a few hours, it invigorates you. I know that I’ve been dealing with a lot, most of it on the inside, but I was free for a few hours. Those few hours are why art is so valuable especially in these tough times. I know 5am will come too soon but right now it feels like 9000 miles.

Smoke and Mirrors

The past weekend was all kinds of awesome. Started off with an excellent late lunch at Caracas Arepa and was followed up by good times at Manchester Pub. Manchester Pub is a little place with great beer and even better food, I'm not just saying it cause it's owned by two of my High School friends.

So you want pictures?Chan posing at the Owner's party in his "G" cap

Lbo and Hudson, other Owner of Pub, having a good laugh.

This is what I called being drank under a table. Obviously outmatched in chugging contest; Joe made it look so easy, it was like he was only downing a teaspoon of water.