Connemara's Rising

Connemara's Rising

The musings of a common sense, independent, laid back, nature-enjoying, baseball-worshipping, Wrigley-adoring, literate, informed, and, yes, white male. And maybe, just maybe, I'll find what I'm looking for.

Connemara's Rising Shop

top 5 hot chicks list:
1 Evangeline Lilly
2 Rachel McAdams
3 Keira Knightley
4 Sienna Miller
5 Kate Beckinsale

interesting:
the real iraqi situation
refreshing

links:
cubs.com
go big orange
worst school paper ever
ireland
art conspiracy
google
rob neyer
the trib

archives:

September 08, 2006

Three weeks down...

Only I can go so far with this, and to that length I am not sure where I shall go. Any guidance?

In Other News...

a) Erin and Kevin are married. People are having babies all over the place. Sweet Lord the world is crumbling.

b) Organic Chem sucks a lot.

c) I hate Dusty and yearn for the day he is fired.

d) Good Ole' Rocky Top!!!

--- posted @ 1:18 AM

December 18, 2005

Yesterday...

Yesterday was simply one of the best days ever. I don't think there is much more to say than that. I hope to have many more like that, but right now, I am just enjoying reviewing it in my mind.

--- posted @ 4:53 PM

December 15, 2005

Loving life...

It's amazing what happens when you ask for it. Winter followed my orders quite nicely. There are about 8 inches of snow, and the drifts are quite impressive in some places. Along our western fenceline, there are probably 3 feet of snow. This is the kind of wintertime greatness I wanted.

Another friend has bitten the dust. My good friend Kevin got engaged last night. He did it with a great view of the Minneapolis skyline in sight. I am so very happy for him, and I cannot wait to meet Kelsey...which will happen sometime either over Christmas, or in January when I go to visit him. There is nothing better than hearing pure joy in your friend's voice, and that is exactly what I heard last night. Two cheers for the both of them.

In Other News...

a) Life is really, really freaking good right now. I couldn't ask for much more. And I like it when it's like that.

b) Come on Hendry...find a freaking rightfielder. If Patterson is out there come spring, I give up.

c) I am a really lucky guy.

--- posted @ 12:19 PM

December 02, 2005

Winter comes harshly...

Winter didn't creep in this year. He made his prescence known right quick with plummeting temperatures and crisp, dry air, and there doesn't seem to be any reprieve in sight; Mid-20's for the next week and beyond. I enjoy this weather for a lot of reasons, but there are a lot of other reasons, right now, why I wish it were 30 degrees warmer. It's hard to go for a walk and think about the next steps you need to take to achieve your goals in life when all you can focus on is, "how numb can my hands get?". I like to be outside. I like to breathe the fresh air, but I like to breathe it more when it doesn't feel like it's strangling my alveoli. I like my alveoli...they have treated me well so far. Winter, please leave them be. I just thank God that I am not susceptible to the "Winter blahs" like so many others. If I got down and depressed over the lack of sunshine in addition to the lack of activity time there is, I would go insane. Winter...I just ask that if you're going to be around, drop a nice amount of snow. And not that fluffy crap that blows away; Drop some good, wet packing snow so we here in the Midwest can at least have a LITTLE fun.

In Other News....

a) The next 30 months are going to be very hard for me. I have to get my butt back into academic mode and out of this freaking out about 6 years from now mode. I can do this, I know...it's just a matter of plodding through it all.

b) I have lost 29 lbs since I started my job at PIC. I hope to lose about 30 more. I think that will get me to about where I want to be. I can already tell a major difference, and Im excited about losing more.

--- posted @ 8:23 PM

November 23, 2005

Workin' the Holiday away...

I am not sure what to do next and it really, really sucks. I just don't understand why these curveballs come from left field and are uncatchable. It's about time for a break from life for me. Go somewhere nice and warm and where the people don't know who I am...

--- posted @ 10:25 PM

November 20, 2005

The greater life within us all...

I am not the most astute observer in the world. I miss things I should be seeing and, sometimes, I am misled by what I want to see. But I can't think that I am alone in that situation. And I can't help but wonder if there really is anything more to this little game of life we play. I know I have major flaws...I'm the first one to admit it, but sometimes I wonder if having integrity and passion for life is enough. The Greeks were big on passion; The ancient Orient on integrity. But here I sit, in this modernist world and wonder if I am a lost soul who is 2000 years beyond where he should have been. Few things in life give me the pleasure of having discussions about things which matter, and discussions about perspectives. There isn't a single person on earth that you cannot learn something valuable from, and I love to learn those things. Those small, insignificant details about life and love and happiness and moving forward. Sometimes I think I look too far ahead; I look to a place I can't possibly truly imagine. I look to that place with what I want, and not what I need. If we really understood our needs as individuals and a human race, we'd be a lot better off, don't you think? I've wondered aloud to myself lately if there is anything more I need than what I have. Are there any skills which I still need to acquire and practice and teach others? Am I a good enough listener? Does my interest in people and their issues come across in the same depth as which I feel it? I've sat up late some nights just staring out my window...hoping for things to fall into my lap. But I know, in reality, it's too much to ask. Greatness doesn't befall men (and women) who lack desire and courage and charisma.

As the daylight mists through the morning horizon clouds, I wonder to myself what capabilities I have. What greatness lay within me. When I explore the pathways of life, will I see the obvious roadsigns? Or will I miss out on something pure and good because I am too afraid of the consequences? There is much to say and little known. There is much to learn and little taught.

But, I think, I am ready to find what I need.

--- posted @ 6:44 AM

November 13, 2005

The wind and the waves...

There are few things better in life than seeing nature at its purest, rawest, most savage self. And just down from that on the totem of exhilaration is when a day like today comes along. Cool weather with blistering wind and a landscape asking for exploration. Hiking past bedding grounds and remnant prairies, and through a woodland slowly counting down the days towards the arrival of winter. Perhaps it wasn't the best day to go for 4 1/2 hour hike, but it was a great day at worst. The scenery coupled with having an hysterical, intelligent friend along for the ride makes for quite a synergistic effect. Long live the cold, harsh winds of late Autumn.

ADDENDUM:

After thinking about today a little bit more some thoughts have struck me. Today while hiking my friend and I were discussing different things and one of those things was the differences in cultures between Europe and America. And one thing that became apparent through the conversation was that the American Midwest is lacking a true culture; an identity. It merely has a conglomerate of peoples progressing through life at various intervals. It isn't like the South, where families stay together through the 1st and 2nd cousin levels. In the South, there are still gatherings in the town squares on weekends to mingle and talk and listen. But here in the stale, cold, bland Midwest we are lacking a connection. We lack the common decency to say hello and thank you to our fellow citizens. There is a general disconnect between individuals and there is certainly no sense of a great belonging; No ties that bind. It is a frustrating realization that the regional society is so stunted in its growth toward a common, greater good.

In Other News...

a) My sister's car was stolen. Then found 3 blocks away. Our society has some real issues.

b) Intellectual revolutions are solid gold.

c) I think Russell needs a date (preferably a female).

--- posted @ 5:42 PM

October 27, 2005

The bane of father time...

Stepping lightly towards the gravelled drive,
my feet cannot help but crunch.
A landscape,
hidden behind a glaze of frozen dew,
lays before me in this stillness of the October morn'.
My breath becoming a tangible being;
birthed into shape and dying back amongst its solemn kin.
An instant where the time-clocks pause,
and a glorious moment on the great ribbon takes hold.
And for a second it is lovely,
when the sounds and winds and creatures don't stir;
With only my pulse for company.
"Breathe me in", it says.
Knowing it cannot hold back the march of life much more.
"Breathe me in", it begs,
for the sun is nearly alive.

--- posted @ 7:33 AM

October 23, 2005

Broad shoulders...

The brisk winds flooding north-south streets and faces brushing by your mind's eye on the sidewalks. The clattering of horse hooves and chatter of the conversations in languages reaching all ends of the Earth. The bustle and joy of individuals sharing their day to a content group of friends as the evening winds down. Simply another night hustling about the avenues of the greatest city in America. Dear Chicago...I've nothing left to say.

And I have to say that I do love the entourage of music and culture and life that floods the city from all sides. Overpouring the levee's that blockade the outside and of the apathy of the encompassing world.

In Other News...

a) The functionality has begun.

b) "Wedding Crashers" was freaking hysterical.

c) Rachel McAdams has finally cracked the "Top Five Hot Chick List" after a much too long delay. I apologize to Miss Adams and Canada who is producing a ridiculous amount of hotties lately.

--- posted @ 12:51 AM

October 14, 2005

yeah...

I'm so sick of being me...

--- posted @ 1:47 AM

October 02, 2005

Alright...

I had to do it. In good conscious I couldn't keep her buried any longer. After reading the Rolling Stone interview with Evangeline Lilly, she has made the big jump back to the top of the "Top Five Hot Chicks List". Sorry Keira...but I think "Evie" is here to stay for a long, long while.

God those legs...

--- posted @ 12:16 AM

September 17, 2005

My Generation

--- posted @ 11:40 PM

September 16, 2005

A new beginning...

Has begun. And it is nothing but positive so far. Forgive me for my perceived happiness, but when things start going towards the positive light, you have to give yourself some room to celebrate. And I, for once, am celebrating as liberally as I possibly know how. Sometimes it's nice to know that life isn't one, long, excruciating struggle to survive.

In Other News..

a) Happy Birthday to me.

b) Lil' Jew, you are missed exceedingly.

c) Thanks for the prayers and thoughts, world.

--- posted @ 9:22 PM

July 02, 2005

Live (gag) 8....

The posturing has begun. The arrogance is in the air. The reality is that none of it matters.

Bono and Bob's little get-together of a bunch of insignificant people is currently on two American stations and over 20 other stations throughout the world. The point of this gathering is, of course, to bring the horrors of poverty, AIDS, and burdening debts of the dark continent to the forefront. But who cares. Obviously not America...considering they are the world leaders in annual aid to Africa. World leaders by over a large margin. And by large margin, we give 1.2 billion more than the next 10 nations COMBINED. And by aid, I do not mean loans. Nearly 2 weeks ago, America and Britain announced they would give complete debt relief to all African nations who are declared to have '3rd world status' according to the World Bank.

So I guess the point of these concerts must be about poverty and AIDS. Well, ok...let's start with poverty. Every day 41,000 people die in Africa from starvation and disease (this number includes AIDS deaths, because apparently you can't keep the statistics seperately). The leading nations with these poor are all located just south of the Sahara in a band of semi-arid land from the Atlantic Ocean to the Red Sea. So basically, they live in the most desolate inhabited place on Earth. A place where food doesn't grow because of the intense heat and having very little irrigatible water. So they need most of their food imported. That's fine. A lot of nations need their food imported. But the catch? (of course there's a catch) Ten of these nations are mentioned as 'corrupt governments' in a 2004 report by the WHO. Twelve of the nations are either monarchies or totalatarian military regimes. Three of the countries are laden with massive amounts of refugees from civil wars and genocides throughout Africa. So what are Bob and Bono spouting about again? Oh thats right...the G-8 countries not doing enough financially to help make lives better. I haven't heard a single mention of the corruptness and devestation laid down by these tyrannical governments. Is our nation supposed to presume that this money we are sending is going to actually help the citizens? Or is it merely padding the pockets of the wealthy leaders of these nations. The Kings and Rulers drive around in Rolls Royces and have golden thrones (literally) while their people are starving and lacking any education.

So instead of allowing MTV and Viacom to make a bucketload of with ratings and ads from Live 8, why dont Bono, and Bob, and Elton John and these other schmucks actually do something about this. Bono is worth well over 200 million dollars himself...and yet according to Amnesty International (his largest charity), he is not one of their top 150 individual donors. And donor #150 gave 14,500 dollars last year. So...hmmm...it makes me think. Why is it my responsibility as an American taxpayer to foot the bill for corruption, when the people who think their cause is so grand are giving so very little?

But of course, we've still got 6 G-8 countries (the most industrialized 8 nations in the world and the focus of supposed pressure being put by the Live 8 boys). These 6 nations are Japan, Germany, France, Russia, Canada, and Italy. Russia, 4 days ago announced debt relief. Canada has nearly zero loans outstanding to Africa as Canada is not truly a wealthy nation. So that leaves France, Germany, Italy, and Japan. Well Japan gives...a lot. They are #2 on the international aid list. Right behind (albeit far behind) the USA. Italy, France, and Germany. I wonder where we have seen these guys before? Oh thats right. Opposing the war in Iraq and, along with just the war, the freedom and life of the Iraqi people. Italy did come around once they got a new government, but nary a word has been mentioned from these people about debt relief.

Bono was on MSNBC one day with the beloved Tim Russert. He stated that Germany, France, and Britain all give between 0.7% and 0.8% of their GDP in international aid. And he said that America only gives 0.3% and if "America was going to get serious, they've got to bump up that number." Well...he's flat wrong. America gives 0.3% of their GNP. GNP and GDP are two different figures that differ for America in the range of 1.5 trillion dollars. So, if you want the figure of America's GDP...it runs at about 1.1% for international aid. Wow. Interesting. The Hollywood left lied about something again? What a shock.

I am sick and tired of people everywhere thinking that saving the world is America's responsibility and then questions the way in which we go about it. We give billions upon billions to nations around the world, and yet it still isn't enough. Maybe, eventually, the U.N. and Bono and Bob will look around and see that the reasons Africans are dying resides not with money in aid, but with the Africans themselves.

America's first responsibility is to Americans, and THAT is the bottom line.

--- posted @ 1:20 PM

June 24, 2005

A June swoon for the ages...

I can't make up mind. It isn't as easy as people think, you know. To just make the decisions that direct the rest of your life. The decisions that come so easy for some and are never made by others. The decisions that raise certain men to the elite and are the downfall of others. The decisions I am putting off until I can barely breathe. I hate these decisions.

I've got all these abilities, but no skills.

I have this reservoir of knowledge and no outlet for passage.

I have this inner being pushing and pulling and dragging me in seven different directions all with measures of uncertainty and definite insecurity. And there is still no beacon. No postcard moment in time to help me along the way. Where is the simplicity?

I realize I have the confidence of a gnat when it comes to what I am capable of. Maybe it's the years of never quite being good enough at anything; never really attaining a goal that I set.

"And the ghost of who he might have been lives on inside his head..."

In Other News...

a) Novel #3 is floating in my head. But I'll need a bit of a less stressful mind to get it written (i.e. money to pay bills).

b) Derrek Lee. Poor Guy. What else does he have to do?

c) I ask any and every woman who considers themselves a feminist to explain to me exactly what kind of equality you want that you don't already have? The answers I've been getting are cluttered.

d) I should be a singer. I rock.

--- posted @ 12:03 AM