Fine Art

Seems it’s the week of questions for me, and just as did Jamar yesterday, today’s stranger now friend, Pamela, breaks the ice, inquiring, “Do you feel like you are growing as a person, or just getting inside the heads of how people think?”

We talk for a while about her query, and to save you from having to read the thousand or so words that it would take to fully publish our discussion, I’ll just give you a few bullets:

• My life will never be the same and I’m dedicating it to growing the 365 mission.
• Every person, no matter what the circumstance, has virtues of value.
• I have learned more than I have shared, and from now on, I will always regard the power of the individual as magnificent.
• The ability to do good lies in the hearts of all of us.
• The majority of people want the same things in life.
• Respect, love and acceptance are greater weapons than ego, money and politics.
• Those that intimidate you most, are often likely as afraid of you as you are of them.
• The slightest gesture of kindness can open guarded hearts.

Per today, in leading me to meeting Pamela, I’ve taken several rejections from other people, all of which led to short and meaningful conversations. “No worries, they are leading me to my next friend,” I’ve grown to accept this mantra as a guiding light in directing my navigation, and in it, have accepted the fact that not everyone wants to be photographed and interviewed by a complete stranger. But, even in this assessment, I have began to feel of a mutual respect with all who have allowed the invisible walls of self-created segregation to be broken. A message clearly telegraphed by the handshakes exchanged and the nodding smiles in departing from today’s rejections. That alone is gratifying enough, and I’ll never stop challenging you to try reaching out whenever you can. You’ll find that everyone has fascinating stories and wisdom to share. The secret is allowing self to slow down in observing the people around us. And when conversations occur, tempering yourselves to listen a little longer, and to contribute a bit more openly. For what I am finding is that there are endless moments when eyes meet, and the more we, as a whole can recognize them, then the mathematical increases of those making change in outlook can be passed on, even in the slightest of gestures, again, an honest and heartfelt hello.

I’m not making this stuff up; I’ve been experimenting with hello for almost a year now; like just after my meeting with Pamela, a nod I exchanged to rushed family at Little Caesars Pizza. While, in waiting for my order, I noticing a mother and a daughter who for some reason were scurrying their pace. At one instant the mother caught me in her sight. I tipped my hat, warmly smiled, and the results were a trip. Her countenance changed, her pace slowed and I watched her as her tone towards the people around her and the counter staff became more tolerant. I’m even a touch embarrassed in telling you about such a personal moment. And in sharing it, as I have stated many times, it is not of me. I make no claims of being anyone with special abilities and reveal it without any want of ego gratifying applause. Bottom line… I’m just a regular guy, meeting regular people, while doing my best to raise a family, to keep a roof over our heads and maintain a spark of dignity for myself as well as grow my regard for the people around me… That’s all.

People are amazing, adaptable, intelligent and in most instances, very spiritual. I’ve met with all faiths, even those who do not lean towards any higher power in enduring this life experience.

Some are at peace, others are troubled; yet, in the uncountable tones of perspectives I have heard from the many that have communed with me, no consequence can be placed. For in all there is one sum desire to purely be accepted, to be loved, to have the basic securities that all humankind deserves, and to feel safe and assured that they are OK in who they are, and in where they live.

Basically, a common want to trust and to be trusted, and it is this universal theme that is, like the finest cream, rising to the surface of my findings. In it, another latent bullet point to Pamela’s question comes to mind. “I have learned the true meaning of tolerance. It has not been an easy lesson, and it has been one that I am sure will consume the remainder of my time on Planet Earth.”

Tolerance is hard-earned, and to master it (and I assure you, I am nowhere near master level), we have to bear the chest tightening of looking at ourselves in questioning why we react in a particular manner, or from where have I drawn this opinion? Nine times out of ten, the answering finger points back at ourselves, confirming the need to not place any self concluded perspectives, or worse judgments, before we know the whole picture… or at minimum, the character of the one we are profiling. Yes, an extremely difficult premise to wholly own, and one that through time, I promise, does get easier.

I guess in a way, I am putting my money where my mouth is in walking this 365 path. Had no idea at it inception, I would be talking the way I do now. And, on this trail of discovery, I continue to invite you to join me. For I’m only one little voice on a larger and diverse planet. But, at least, my prayer is constant, “That we may all do our part to reframe any negative feelings we may harbor towards one another until we have examined the whole story and have carefully looked into the eyes of those we a pointing at. This is core to the understanding of true tolerance.

Pamela has a loving spirit about her, one that grabs my attention after spending a few minutes away from the previously skeptically accepting conversations. Her first words in responding to our 365 questions reveal why the very air around her is comforting.

“All I can do is speak from my heart, and from where God has placed me in the last couple of days…” Pamela happily states, “…is that for those who are believers to literally be the salt of the Earth… and to be a light to all around them. To realize that everywhere we go, we are either salting the Earth or are a brightening it. And, we don’t want to be the salt that looses its flavor or to the person who turn out the light.”

True, Pamela is a Christian, a faith that, as do many other faiths, focuses on good deeds toward fellow-man, and in acceptance of a loving God. But also, a faith that due to the zealousness of many a not so inspired evangelist, can at times be polluted with a not so loving outlook. In my opinion, none of us are damned. There is a loving God, who knows us, who understands us and one that desires the best for all of us, no matter what our circumstances.

Pamela elaborates, “The truth is love, that is what God is. If we are angry all the time… or mean… or disrespectful… it passes on. We need to watch how we live… That’s all…

…My advice… Live and walk in love. And find out what true love is by knowing the creator of love.”

“What do you see in the future?” I inquire of Pamela.

As do many, she pauses to reflect. “Not one year from now… I don’t really want to put a time frame on it. But if I had to, I would say that within ten, twenty years, if we continue on the path as far as where we are now, as far as society, as far as being introverted, as far as being so consumed in technology, in not really communicating, in not building face to face relationships, and in not loving; it will speed up the process of our society not being how this country was founded. It hurts to see that there’s no sense of family, there’s no sense of relationships anymore. People communicate through text… and that just irritates me.

For those who don’t believe in God, I ask them to really listen. He shows himself to everyone in everything. If there is a question in your heart, I encourage you to really seek, to really look for it before you discount it, because it is really life changing.”

She adds a pet peeve, “If our schools, if our society, if our government don’t put an effort into really loving, and caring for, and pouring into our children… who are our future… it will destroy our country in comparison to what other countries are doing with their education systems. We are building more prisons, and we are closing more schools. We need to give back… that is important to me!

On a personal level… we all need, especially mother’s, to seize every opportunity to be the one’s who are pouring values and morals into our children. Like trying to find ways to not always have to send them to a babysitter, or to think that the school system will teach them values. This is where we do our part to build the core foundation for our future. We need to not worry so much about things like having to keep the house clean all the time, if it leads towards ignoring our kids. They are a gift… we love them, we need to cherish them.”

Day four of family role reversal takes us to another movie night at California State University Northridge (CSUN). My wife has been glued to the computer all day, and with her eyes and shoulders twitching from LED blindness and computer posture, my daughter, a family friend and I rescue her from the isolation of website backend madness.

We settle at our blanket base camp, spread out our picnic dinner, and in the ambience of a dusk sky and opening credits, I take leave in search of friends unknown.

This is the fourth evening I have found myself at this same venue, and in past quest for friends, I contained myself to the comforts of mingling within the crowd of moviegoers and vendors. And tonight, not wanting to be overly redundant, I have chosen a different tack in leaving the field in which the event is taking place. My aim in this decision… to find a more intimate and quite discussion… one that is away from the temptation of kettle corn, the thirst for fresh squeezed lemonade and the interruptions of Lilo and Stitch punch lines.

The campus is laid back, being the summer break that it is, but here and there are pockets of students grouped in casual banter.

I approach one such gathering, English major, Jamar and two of his classmates (not featured) as they sit in front of the library relaxing in post game chill after a match of rugby. Don’t know exactly why I am drawn to them, other than the influence my subconscious has pressed in pointing me in their direction.

I throw my first question, “If you had any advice, wisdom or council to share with the world… and they were listening… What would you say?”

It gets turned back on me when Jamar asks, “Before I answer, what has it been like meeting people every day, and what have you learned? I’m very interested, because I’m kind of like that type of person too… Everybody has a story to tell.”

I know now why I am here. You always hear me preach of the potential greatness of the upcoming generation. And right now, it is manifest upon me times three, Jamar and his two friends’; one is a Business major, the other Athletic Training major. And in the sum whole of each of them is a desire to be of service to the world around them. A vast difference from the “this is what I am going to do” vibe that I felt so often in my nineteen-eighties higher education experience. Or, was that because I was in the arts? Who knows? But at least I can say that I have survived the ego game, and to date, have avoided any enticement to remove my ear in a fit of “Look at me!” Mr. Van Gogh, don’t worry, I’ll always love you.

And not trying to be ghoulish with the loss of ear giggle, but in a roundabout way, an auditory reference does bridge into Jamar’s words of wisdom, “You have to listen to people… even if you think they will affect you in the least way.

He cites an experience. “I remember, once when I was talking to a homeless guy, just seeing where his life had been. He had his ups and downs just like anybody’s life. So it was cool to see that everybody has a story… we are all like grains of sand.”

We open into a conversation on the subject, sharing 365 stories of friends past, mixed with experiences Jamar has lived. I’m telling you, one of the greatest highlights of journey 365 has been making (not getting) the opportunity to chat with the youth. They are a powerful influencer of the way the world is heading, and whenever I allow myself to listen to their insights, their input is most often, filled with inspiring points and articulate wisdom.

Jamar is no exception, “One of my good friends, he’s a frat guy…” He respectfully reveals, “…and I don’t usually mess with frat guys.

Maybe it’s in my head… maybe it is not. But, I don’t have the best relationships with them… I think it’s because I’m black. It could be me… it could be them… who knows?

But either way, I like this guy because what he said. He’s a business type of cat, so he said he never does business with a guy until he talks to his secretary and his janitor. The two people that you just don’t have to treat well. If he treats them like shit, he won’t to do business with them. It’s not about having money… It’s about having character.”

It never fails, whenever I follow any peaceful impression of mind, I am directed to people of like mind. People like Jamar. I know, it sounds so metaphysical, and trust me when I say, “My life is definitely not new age.”

But the point is, Listen; and when you hear it… make the time to Follow.

Jamar has things of meaning to share, and to have passed on the pull to speak with him would have only left his voice unheard. And now meeting him, I feel it a privilege to publish his insights.

Of Jamar’s character, and his outlook towards his co-humans. “You’ve got to give people the benefit of the doubt. That’s the way I try to live. Sometimes it bites me back, but most of the time… I just feel good about it.”

“We are all very interconnected…” Jamar grows his statement, “…I fell like if we all wanted to make the world a better place… it wouldn’t take much from each person on an individual basis. It just takes a change of mindset.”

“What’s ahead Jamar?” I question.

“Where I would see us, and where I would council us, would be in two different places. He preempts.

“I would council us to scale back our living. Just because it makes it easier to be communal, which is the most proficient way to live and work. But that’s not necessarily a reality.

Where I see us? I don’t necessarily see that gap between the small population, where the large wealth is, and the big population, where the small wealth is… getting much smaller… I just don’t know where I see it, man…! I really don’t know!

It’s desperate times for a lot of people… a large percentage of the world. Revolution is coming soon… I think.”

Revolution is no new concept to 365. Yet in the mentioning of it, rarely is the very concept of bloodshed expressed. Sure, we have had a few who have predicted a doomed future. But the general assessment of the mass of 365 (now somewhere around 1500 conversations) agrees in one unified prediction. Turmoil is ahead, but in it will come a great resolve. A unification of sorts, and day’s that so many are looking forward to in one-way or another.

Per the often mentioned revolution? The general consensus is this. The war will not be one of bomb and gunfire (although I’m sure there will be horrors to bear, history has clearly taught us that). It will be a war of enlightenment, where battles will be fought via streams of information and applied actions from what I have come to endear as, “The Silent Majority.”

The unheard voices of you, Jamar and I are powerful. And if used as weapons of unity in respecting our circles of influence, I question one premise. “How far can we sound our message?”

The trumpet blows, the castle gates fall, the troops deploy and the banner rises with words of glory, “We are all in this thing together!”

Jamar… thank you for your courage, you are fighting in the right trench, and your charge of command is accurate, “We are all very interconnected.”

“Dodgers fans!” I blurb out to the father of the family that is sitting next to my daughter and I as we enjoy day three of the role reversal my wife and I are experimenting with this week.

It’s been an interesting week, and to couples of the world… I suggest you try it if your lifestyle allows. It’s an eye opener.

But more than sharing a table at Phillips, a local hot spot, and home of the West Coast’s undisputed greatest French Dip sandwich, as well as mixer of the most wonderful sinus clearing mustard, my friend of sandwiches enjoyed tells me of his port of call. “I’m from Las Vegas, we came here for the whole experience before going to the game tonight.”

Never am I one to pass on chatting with a fellow Vegan (I was raised there and, until deep into the eighties, had a studio just off the Strip). And now, with 365 in my life, it would be downright rude to not ask my fellow desert dweller to be part of the project.

With the manners of ambassador for the people, my new friend, Alex gives me a little background. “I’m in law enforcement,” he explains his profession as he accepts my friendship.

And in his description of his job title, he dispels any myths of the volatile gun-toting police officer. “I like my job… Yes, there are a lot of people committing crimes in Vegas, but I still realize that they are still people. My job is to stay calm and to talk people down.”

What strikes me profound is that, even though Alex works in the center of the mix of good and bad, he holds the greatest of compassion for his fellow human; be it at his best, or more resoundingly, when he is at his worst, Alex differs not in holding a respect to all. There is a to the point wisdom in his every word and in what he says he emits a great understanding of the human condition.

“Nothing good ever happens after midnight.” Alex informs as he advises us, “Don’t go out after midnight…

…And if you do… be aware of your surroundings. If you are out after midnight… your goal should be to get home.”

There is no alarming tone in his voice, no contempt for society and absolutely no implications of any desire to instill fear into his accompanying family.

Las Vegas… Sin City. But, as illustrated by Alex, also home to many loving and caring families. I know this first hand after living a large portion of my life there. Even have a sister and her family who still reside there in loving the three digit summers.

I’ll not hide the fact that I had my share of all night casino and club adventures in my youthful days. Days when vice overpowered virtue, and being the young hip photographer that I was (well I’m still pretty hip for an old married dude, just a bit wiser), there were moments where the temptations the city had to offer overcame my common sense in pushing me into whatever binge I decided.

But now, with a few more years under my belt, a child, a family and a different spiritual outlook to the whys of our existence, my priorities have shifted a tad. Plus, I’m sure my body and brain would rebel against me if I even considered putting it through the same rigors again.

But what is amazingly refreshing is seeing so many of the upcoming generation embracing the very values of which I am referring to. And in comparing the way I looked at the world in earlier years, I have to credit them for their maturity.

Case in point, Alex is not alone, he has with him his entire family (not pictured), and in their eyes I see an awareness that I have observed in many a 2012 youth. An awareness that is further confirmed by the unity that all of Alex’s family project in the intentness they have for our discussion.

We get to the point of what can we do about the way people treat each other in looking at the years to come.

“As a society we should steer more toward education.” Alex suggests, “Secondary education; education after high school, whether it is technical or professional… it doesn’t matter… just going off to college.

I believe if the world is an educated place, it’s a more positive place… it’s a more loving place… it’s a more peaceful place. It’s seems there are a lot of real uneducated people who ruin the world.

The way I see it is that the world should embrace education. And if more did, then hopefully that would lead to everybody having better lives. The more educated people we have… the less people we would have in jail… At least that is my opinion.

If more people were able to receive a proper education… we would probably see a more productive society.

We need to focus on a better education for our kids and our grand kids.”

Yep, Las Vegas, city of fortunes made and of dreams destroyed. A land where anything goes… and what is sacrificed is often hidden, ignored or forgotten. A place that I know first hand can extract the boldest of fantasies and offer materialistic rewards of endless color. A vacation destination of the most glorious character, a city when entered with the correct value system, can produce lasting memories.

But contrasting the globally published persona that it bears, it is a diverse community of caring citizens; real people with real families… families who have valid concerns for the world ahead.

“We need to focus on a better education for our kids and our grand kids,” Alex platforms.

Words that many a concerned father might say. But after knowing where Alex works… what he does for a living… and the acts he has most likely witnessed, I view him as a man who is credentialed to make his claim.

“The way I see it is that the world should embrace education. And if more did, then hopefully that would lead to everybody having better lives. The more educated people we have… the less people we would have in jail…”

Alex… we value your opinion. Please don’t stop keeping the streets safe for us… we appreciate what you do and the compassion of your outlook.

And as for me… midnight…? No worries…! That’s my bedtime.

Talk tomorrow friends.

“Everything closes on Sunday’s. It’s family time” Kara brings us up to speed on the German culture.

“I think adults have to behave the way we are demanding our children to behave,” she platforms with an explanation.

“’We ask our children to compromise… and to talk to each other in a nice tone. And then we are constantly inundated with what’s in the news of people who can’t talk to each other. We’ve got two warring parties and a president who can’t do much because people aren’t behaving themselves. It’s really hard to say to our kids, ‘We expect this of you!’ when we don’t live it by example.’

The biggest thing I want the say to people is, ‘Live the way we want to see our kids living.’

Kids are not having the opportunities that we had… and fortunately for my family, we are in Germany, where it is a little safer for kids (Kara has lived there for eleven years working as a teacher).

My kids can ride their bikes and go down to the bike paths. But here in the States, I worry about stuff like that. What example are we giving our kids with what is going on.’”

I have to ask, “Why is it safer in Germany?”

“The family is important…” Kara responds, “’…multi generations are still living in one house, and we don’t have as many nursing homes to push people off to. Sunday’s are a family day where you can’t go shopping… everything shuts down. That brings out the best in people. You see kids outside playing with each other. Families are walking together… or biking together… It’s a slower pace of life where the family is still important.

It’s not like Germany doesn’t have its problems; but the problems we see are adult based. So again, if we want our kids to have the kind of life we want for them, then we have to restructure within ourselves. We can’t just say, ‘Well… you’ll have it better.’ How are they going to have it better if we are not showing them?

‘Do as I say… not as I do…’ That doesn’t work!’”

Kara gives us a few tips on navigating forward.

“We need to always continue to question ourselves… Are we doing the best that we can?

Are we providing that next generation with what they need? Are we providing the art’s opportunities that there should be? Are we continuing to feel that math and science are the only things we can afford to teach them…? When that is not bringing out a full human being.

And we need to keep history alive.”

I’m always happy to engage in conversations on the modern schooling systems. Not bagging on the teachers, there are so many great ones like Kara and a plethora of other teacher friends that I have known for many years.

The problems actually lie at the top end of education, with administrators working within an antiquated schooling system. A System that is far in need of an update to match that of the world as it is now, and not lagged by the weight of schooling methods that worked in the past.

But what is the solution? I admit that I am clueless. The problem is vast and complex, but there is an educator who has an idea. Sir Ken Robinson, a man whom I have never met, but his message is succinct. He calls it “Changing Education Paradigms.” Here is a link to a presentation that explains his point of view. Check it out; his concepts are very eye-opening.

“I hope we are going to be in a place where kids drive the education…” Kara elaborates, “…if there is something that they want to do, that in the future we will not be so focused on the school programs, and allow them to progress and grow through things.

Sure, we all have to work some kind of job at some point. But we need to have a more rounded people who can all come to an understanding of each other, regardless of race, gender or faith. That Muslim, Christian, Jew and Catholic can get along. We all have our beliefs, and we need to learn how to respect each other. And we need to learn that it’s not a bad thing to be just who you are. I hope that we can come to a day where we live together in a respectful atmosphere… I think we could do it… if we tried.”

For the next week, I am clueless as to the length, or depth, of the entries I will be writing. And for the sake of explanation, just think of me a Mr. Mom. As for the next five days I have positioned myself for a role reversal of responsibilities at the office.

You see, my wife is a very talented designer, and due to the iPad and the new HTML 5 protocol, it is time for us to update our assignment website. So, for me to sit in the office with my eyes over her shoulders would only prove to be a possible demise of our relationship, or at least the beginning of the journey to the guest bedroom for a month or two.

But really, the blessings are all mine, and I get the win/win. It’s not often that I get to dedicate the majority of my time to stepping out of the office, and I’ll, admit that although I love what I do, I am allowing myself to check out as much as I can. And even better yet, I get to come back to work with a great advancement in the positioning of my business. Got to love the tenacity of our better half.

With that said, my entries may be brief for a few days, or maybe not, but whatever they are, I’ll do my best to give you what I can. Plus, there are probably many who know me that might say, “Thanks for using fewer words” (We’ll see if I can?).

It’s day one of role reversal… we go bowling… and meet Steve, his wife Laureen and their grandchildren who are in lane 29, directly adjacent to our spot in lane 30.

Steve is throwing strike after strike. And in neighborly fashion, I begin complimenting him on his game. One word leads to another, and before I know it, my bowling family has vicariously grown larger than only my daughter and I. Never underestimate the power of a simple smile of appreciation.

We all finish our games, the pins have stopped flying and with a pause of bowling ball retrieving settling into our seating arrangement, I decide to extend a 365 invite to my new strangers now friends.

Without a second thought, Steve and Laureen are open to discussion. But with family commitments beyond the bowling alley time they have schedules, we agree to keep it to five minutes… I start my recorder, take a few snaps shots and this is what they have to say.

Steve:
“We are Bible believing Christians. Fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; and fear, being respectful for God. To expand on that a little bit, the world has the wrong stereotype of Christianity… They look at it as hypocritical and judgmental. But real biblical Christianity is about loving one another, and considering others more important than yourself. It’s really caring about other people.”

As customary, I ask Steve his predictions of the world ahead of us.

“It’s hard to put a timeframe on it…” He positions, “… and these supposed Christians that make prophetic statements and set time frames? None of us really know a timetable. The real difficulty is that the world is going more towards an absence of standards on what is right and wrong… and against standards of morality. Ultimately, God is going to redeem a fallen world. How many years…? It’s hard to say…

… There is lot of revival in other countries… And there are a lot of people coming to a belief in Christ. And with that, the world is kind of polarizing… its kind of leaning in the other direction.”

Laureen adds to Steve’s shared hope and faith for the calming of a turbulent world, “Prioritize god…” she smiles an enchanting warmth, “… know of his truth… and then share that truth with others… that is what will change the world. It’s really his timeframe, not ours. We are just called to be faithful in our day.”

“The bottom line is living it… not just preaching it…” Steve resumes, “Taking care of people and living in the moment. It’s not ours to judge. That’s God’s prerogative… that’s his authority. We just have to love people.”

And loving people is exactly what Steve and Laureen model in their lives. I know it to my core… As evident in their very countenance and kindness they so easily place upon my kid and myself.

Our five minutes are up, it’s time to return to our individual lives, but as a last gesture of accepting love Laureen reaches out to my daughter and me with outstretched arms, “I’m a hugger,” She says.

Our hearts are touched by the gesture.

It’s so random how I run into people, and never knowing exactly what we will be talking about, there have been many unpredicted topics unveiled, and today proves to be a first.

At initial impression, a future prediction is put forth that seems as if pulled from the plot of a Sci-Fi film. But upon further examination, there are grounds to support the views of one of today’s very articulate new friends, Jorge, who with his girl friend Cindy have accepted my reach out, as I depart from picking up my daughter from her art school.

It’s very hot, but the does not stall us from taking a time out of our schedules to grab the shade of an alley palm tree for a summers days chat away from the direct heat of the afternoon sun.

At first, Both Jorge and Cindy share universal wisdoms that have been a constant all the way through 365:

Jorge, “’It’s really important to follow your passion. And to be brave enough to leave whatever it is that is not making you happy. To go and find whatever it is you need to do. You know that one old adage. ‘You don’t work a day in your life because you love what you are doing.’

I’ve left jobs that I’ve had… in cubicles and stuff like that… and I’m following my passion.’”

I’ve also heard from a few other friends, “Find something you love doing… even if at times it is not that fun doing it.”

Cindy, “Do not focus on the negative, and just continue life in the positive. And accept any struggles in your life… they will help you… you will learn from them.”

All good council… and, all words that we can never hear enough of.

Now to Jorge’s forecast, “Within fifty years, humans are going to be cross-engineered with machine and technology. We are going to become neo-human being type… half human, half machine. But even if we don’t go that far, I think we will be able to have the processing power of computers within us.”

A dramatic proposal, one that shakes the literal foundation of many a faith or ignites critical bounce back from many a person.

But all through 365, I have campaigned for the development of a listening ear in all of us. And in doing so, the acceptance of the compassion required to not ignore, or react to, any one person’s outlook.

And in that same respect for Jorge, I do my due diligence. Two hours of Google search, reading scans of an endless list of references… some legit, other not so intriguing. I could have read for hours more, but in support of my very patient family, I must step away from the Google suck that is beginning to paralyze my physical self. Today, this is close enough to the virtual world for me.

What I uncover is the general label to the category of research on the matter of the brain, “Neuroscience.” The sub category,  “Brain Computer Interface.”

I know… the premise of living in the world of Avatars is a wild proposition. One that I must admit frightens me a little.

But, for the sake of discussion, lets step back a few hundred steps in asking, “Can computers exist in the heads of man, and if so, what of the effect?”

The answer can be hailed up in a most modern aid to the loss of hearing. Namely, The Cochlear Implant, a device that changed the life of teacher and writer, Michael Chorost, who after the implant of such a machine authored “Rebuilt: How Becoming Part Computer Made Me More Human (Houghton Mifflin, 2005).”

I dig a little deeper in finding a yet another new scientific theory, “Controlled Human Evolution.” A big topic at a vast list of yearly conferences that attracts many a great scientific mind.

Again, I am uncertain of my acceptance of a man altered being or of manipulating Mother Nature. But, after uncovering the huge financial and resource investment in such science, it would be ignorant of me to quickly dismiss the premise that Jorge has presented.

Jorge envisions what society would be like with the technology he predicts, “There will be no more having to touch anything, we’ll be able to think it and send it to anyone… like an email. Kind of like a though, but we’ll be able to send it anywhere around the world. A much more centered collective conscience where we can all think and absorb from one another.

Hopefully, it will be a good thing… I know there are bad people, and they always end up hacking, or doing bad things… some sort of virus or something. But hopefully, if we can control that, I think that will be our next level of consciousness, and we’ll be able to leave this state of mind. Maybe even go into a virtual world, and to change our looks on a daily basis. As long as we can embrace it in a positive light… It would be a good thing for us.

And once we get past having to live off money, and eliminate all the greed… maybe we’ll be living off a bartering system.”

Cindy comments, “Humanity will not really exist because of greed. This world is fascinated with money too much. And I think it’s going to damage us as humans.”

Jorge wraps the discussion with a positive mind-set on the capacity of society, “I think we all have something inside us, where even if we don’t speak it to one another, we have some kind of spiritual connection. Whatever it is that you believe in, there is something that binds us together.

And if we all think positively… all that springs out to everyone else is good. Contrasting, when people start thinking negatively, everyone starts thinking negatively.

Some may challenge me on that… and I don’t buy it… We need to think the positive stuff.”

Jorge, Cindy, you have definitely brought our attention to a very new topic, a pleasure having a sunny chat with you. Your points are thought-provoking.

Regardless of our opinions, science will continue to push to boundaries of our imaginations, and in the words of Albert Einstein, “Nothing is Impossible.”

The Cobalt Café (Day 231) sucks me in again, today meeting Atom the doorman.

I catch him as the evening starts, and between lines of youth, and some parents, who entering to be part of the music fest; Atom and I grab a few words.

Atom has one general wish; “I’d like to have more harmony in the world. That people would figure out that we are all here for a purpose… besides bickering back and forth over nations and stuff like that. There is a higher purpose for us all… to bring something more significant into our lives.

We need to meet and greet our fellow persons before we try to defeat them. And, to do what we can to keep the world going, because it falls in our hands next.

We’re being too proud of ourselves.

I’m hoping that this big 2012 thing will not be a cataclysm, and that it will be a reaching of the next threshold of mankind. We need to get to some level that is spiritual, and from there, a lot of doors will be opened. Understand that sometimes things that are written concrete can be totally rewritten.

In the past we have been at thresholds before, and something happened, where a big cataclysm occurred and things changed.

It’s kind of scary to think about, but we can personally be part of making order in the world… just look in the mirror… and fellowship each other… and pass it all down for the next generation. Like history has proven, there are all sorts of things that we take for granted.

It’s a big world… I was born in 77… I had my adversity as I was growing up, but I can look at it now… and from it, I just want the world to come together. I want to be able to see my Nieces and Nephews and stuff like that. And, I just want the world to be a better place for them. We are part of passing it on for the next time around.”

“How do we accomplish this change of heart?” I inquire.

The Atom(ic) man answers, “Instead of being so damn sure of stuff… pause to take a collective approach to things; even if you have to strain to do it in your mind first. And then, have the strength to make a good collective aspect out of what you are going for.”

There is nothing frighteningly nuclear about Atom. If fission is at the core of his DNA, it is not reacting itself into a devastating explosion. The physics of Atom’s chemistry is much more spiritual than colliding electrons and protons. It is far from scientific and yields no radioactive payload. The warhead that Atom carries is much more sublime and originates in the logical lobes of his brain. And as we all grow closer to our detonation points of the emotional, spiritual and social bombs that we each carry, Atom has turned the key as readies us to press the red button. A button that instead of incinerating us all, introduces hallways to a unified consciousness.

He says, “I’m hoping that this big 2012 thing will not be a cataclysm, and that it will be a reaching of the next threshold of mankind. We need to get to some level that is spiritual, and from there, a lot of doors will be opened. Understand that sometimes things that are written concrete can be totally rewritten.”

Feels like its time to start sharpening our pencils… we have writing to do.

Talk tomorrow my friends.

I’ll be honest; my brain is on half power as I write this entry. Not sure why, but for whatever reason, I’m falling short on any snappy opening or theatrical set up. Possibly its the uneasy feeling that was left on me by hearing the back talk of two people who were positioned outside of a grocery store, solicitation signatures for a very contested ballot initiative.

In listening to them I was wholly unimpressed to hear of the contempt they had for all who disagreed with their ballot proposal. In what they said my heart sank a little as I sat on a nearby bench, trying to enjoy the sun and an ice cream moment with my daughter.

The heartache came in hearing the terse under breath language and demeaning calls of judgment towards all who offered an opposite viewpoint to their position. “I hate all these stupid people” was one of the many comments that went into my mind as I sat, doing the best I could to help my daughter understand that is no way to respect our fellow-man.

What was equally frightening was that after speaking highly offensive words, they would turn to the next passer-by in continuing an outwardly benevolent campaign. And once again, behind the backs of polite “not interested,” utter to each words the likes of, “If I was off the time clock I’d tell these people just how stupid they are.”

Maybe my brain is not on half power after all, for if so, I certainly would not be so charged in this entry. And please, forgive me if I am becoming what I witnessed in exposing my observations of what I am calling, “The plague of hypocrisy.”

I’ll do my best to repent of my hard feelings. It’s really not about the ballot issue. It’s about the disrespect that I was forced to absorb through the numbness my polling neighbors carried in the way they so proclaimed of their point of view. Their atmospheric projection of volume and scorn touched my heart so eloquently that I walked away carrying a bit of the pain they must be feeling. And for that my obligation is to have compassion in my heart.

I understand their frustrations in fielding rejections to something close to their value system. Heaven knows… I have experienced much of the same for almost a year via the endless level of rejections and insults I have born in carrying forward 365.

I’m not saying that I am anyone special, but the one lesson that has been taught to me, over and over again, is to respect those who differ from my opinions even more than those who agree with me ten fold. That, in my mind is the truest school of compassion: To still love and accept when it is not that easy to do.

We are all species human. Every one of us has the same red blood running through our veins. And, at the end of our lives, do we want to look back and feel of the connection we made and of the lessons of compassion we learned? Or, do we want to leave this earth with hardened hearts and calloused intellects?

I guess I did have something to say after all, and in realizing this, let me bridge to the brighter light of my friends of today, Sharkie and his friend Monica. Both of who are the farthest contrast from my unknown earth citizens of this mornings sadness.

And even though Sharkie and Monica reveal differing opinions on society, and of the future, there is a love in their voices and a unity in their relationship. You know… The way people are supposed to respect one another. And in meeting them, I am healed for the moment from the unshed tears that have been trapped in my throat from the pain projected upon me in hearing the words of my politicking friends of supermarket past.

Monica says, “If I had one wish for the people of the world, I wish that people could do what they really want to do, without hurting someone else. And if people could just do that, I think that would save the world.”

Wow, how wise is that advice, and referencing the spirit attack I have been carrying, Monica has healed me. In her advice, we have given permission to either agree or to disagree, but in each instance, she has called us to accountability: Respect one another… in winning… and in loosing. That is the core to building a better humanity.

“And don’t let fear stop you from doing what you want to do,” She adds.

…Monica further facilities the healing. “We have to look at things and realistically see them for what they are, not using fear, or assumptions to direct our thoughts and actions.”

Sharkie addressed fear, “Jump into things that you are fearful of… and just do it.”

A peace falls on the our sidewalk chat as Sharkie and Monica agree in stereo, at the same time saying, “Face your fears.”

“Don’t let anybody intimidate you.” Sharkie expands as he looks at the planet ahead.

“The future is going to be just like it is right now, and it is going to go into a little more turmoil. A downfall… I don’t see anything picking up… because there are so many bad things happening in the world. People go to church and they pray. And many of the people that pray are still getting shot and killed. It’s only going to get worse. The police can’t control it. It’s still the gang members that control a lot of the turmoil on this planet.”

A rather dark forecast, but one well-earned. What is unique about it is that even though a tad fatalistic, Sharkie’s comments are weaved with optimism in comparing his history with his outlook on contributing to society.

“I was married, had a beautiful house, two beautiful kids, and a successful career. Then my wife had an affair, my marriage ended and I fell into a deep depression. I ended up homeless and the depression lasted three years. I’m now past the depression and feel lucky for what I have. I’m thankful for the money that I can earn (Sharkie is a finish carpenter) and the car that I have to live in. There are many that do not even have that. I have enough money and whenever I can help someone, I do. I give what I can to help everyone out.”

Sure Sharkie, has doubts regarding the world ahead, but does he let it paralyze him. You be the judge. And in our analysis a social initiative is presented. That no matter what our views of what is to come, or of our histories, we can all do our part in laying a foundation leaned towards honoring our fellow humans.

Per Sharkie’s words, “We can just hope for a better planet.”

Monica speak out, “I wouldn’t go so far as to project something really negative. I think if people could be little more positive. And really do take part to do something, and not waiting for something to happen. In a way, there is a big part of our destiny that we can control.”

She gives us a few reads to consider. “A Course in Miracles,” “The Power of Now,” “The Four Agreements” and the works of author “Zig Ziglar.” “They are very powerful books. Everyone should read them,” she promotes.

Two very unique people, two drastically different outlooks on society, yet in both there is an undeniable unity of friendship and mutual respect. There friendship is an example to us all. We don’t have to see the world the same, but we are all in it together.

Monica’s looks a little deeper, “You know how we sometimes hear about the end of the Mayan calendar in December; I think there is going to be a change in global consciousness. It will be the end of the shitty way things are going right now.

I know politically they may get worse and I wouldn’t blame banks. I would say that corporations are a big part of it.

People will realize that they exist, and I think that will help. And if people don’t get on the bus, they will have a really hard time… they might get left behind.

Basically people should stick together and help each other.”

The day is ending and Sharkie and Monica have a date with Spiderman.

Enjoy your movie my friends.