Architecture: Killer Post-Modern Skyscraper in Motion

Simply amazing in Dubai.



peace-
seanrox

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© seanrox.com.

A Sly Step: Refraining, then returning to Blog

Much ado in past weeks, seems I needed a bit of time to get reacquainted with our new American reality...

The Campaign pre-heats.
DONKEYCRATS get organized.
Appears Billary stepped slithered down and Obama's been afforded latitude to lead his party into the unimagined. Time to show your stuff, hot shot. New speech at new church speaks may reiterates the recent "Cosby" message. Veep? Be wary of a stand-in Femacrat when a popular retired general might work wonders.

REPUBLIPHANTS .
While McCool continues to twist his usually impeccable integrity in a granny knot in order to feed at the elephant teet, his "vote" against the new GI Bill is worry-some. He finally gets a shot at a legitimate big hand for veterans and he pulls out his support. I'm waiting for him to distance himself from the war machine... for the sake of both, his integrity we once adored and the lives of the noble as they continue their duty.

Headlines MIA.
WIMPEACHMENT.
Biggest political story this week -- barely covered. An impeachment resolution lists 35 easily-attributed points of impeachment for W. A bit late for any celebration, but at least it's 'on the public record' for later reference.

TEXAS WHITEHOUSE.
Gov. mansion Burned. Few details. No word from the many video surveillance cameras, but I'm sure Alex Jones will cover the story for us all.

W'S SUPREME MISTAKE.
There are national and international laws to govern how the U.S. treats prisoners of war. W's non-adherence to our own laws and values leads the terror trials to take place through our OWN civilian court system instead of well-defined military war criminal tribunals. Or so it seems. Current expectations may result in pissed-off detainees with personal vendettas.

Goodbye Tim Russert.
We loved to trust him. MSNBC, please remember him by simply uncovering today's truth. Be silent, then awake as the hawk, not the mother hen. My suspicion is: it may take a duo or team to future host Meet the Press.

On vacation... the boy may crawl very soon.

peace-
seanrox

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© seanrox.com.

Lost Headline: Google + NASA = Dream Team

Initial thought... I can't think of a better partner or contract for NASA to help "map" the galaxy with the space agency's unique data. What those data-wranglers at Google have done for revolutionizing mapping our Earth -- would make Magellan proud. Google's rich collaborative human interface for virtual exploration via Google Maps is second to none. This new contract could last up to 90 years! (I knew the G stock would earn its own.) This is truly, the story to watch.

• Yahoo News: Google seals deal for new offices at NASA center


• New York Times: Google Plans Major Expansion in Its Backyard
  
  
• Silicon Valley Insider: Google bribes NASA
  

I suppose this is why Microsoft's been so very nervous lately.

peace-
seanrox

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© seanrox.com.

Twice the Zing

Drip, espresso, and on-ice.
Sometimes twice, we like the zing.
Never boring, morning mysteries
Unfold, behold.
Most every time, we'll be.

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© seanrox.com.

God Loves The Noble, best.

Tin man created one of flesh and garlic oil.
Fed them down for the basic needs.
Yet holds them up with noble hope.
Era dirge by, if we don't rise for a sentence or sacrament.
Life is free, and it's proud and if...
For some, the challenge is not too great...
We will be rewarded.

No need to run from the -- story's already written in the blank of a tall one. Every step of the way, he already considered you a success.

Because God loves the noble, best.

peace-
seanrox

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© seanrox.com.

Two Texans: Why W and I Oppose

For many years, I've been a Republican-leaning voter, yet a staunch opponent of W's integrity as a Man and have voted against his candidacy for both governor of Texas and President of the United States. I'm often asked why I feel so this so strongly... below are my very personal reasons why...

In Fall 1994, I was fresh out of my enlistment in the U.S. Air Force and back in Texas using my G.I. Bill as a full-time working, full-time student at Angelo State U. and our Gubernatorial election was at hand. George W. Bush won against a very popular incumbent Ann Richards. Thank God he was only the Governor. (Realize in Texas the Governor has very little power -- at all.)

Reason One: W, The Forunate Son.
Even at that early time, I knew W's story -- a rich kid with a big mouth and a real Vietnam Era "Fortunate Son" -- that is -- W's dad was a pro-war Senator, yet wrangled a way to avoid combat for his own son. While Poppy Bush supported the deadlock combat in SouthEast Asia for other people's sons, he pulled strings for his own golden child. Fifty-eight thousand of W's peer group did not return.

In everything I was taught, as both a Viet-Brat and "Peacetime" Veteran, I could tell this "Ivy-Leagued, Cowboy Wannabe" possessed little character or integrity beyond his shiny silver spoon. I could feel the presidency for this boy King was on the horizon.

ReasonTwo: W is a Fake and a big Prick.
Despite the many falsehoods he may have muttered, he doesn't know Spanish or English fluently, doesn't have a true grasp or understanding of World History (aside from his obsession with one-word, armchair strategies), likes to buddy up to guys that are actually successful and... have I mentioned he's a big prick?

Reason Three: W finally gets to go to War (with other people's sons).
Before his Presidency, he'd never really been out of country, except to deal with family friends like the Saudi sheiks and close business partners (then, anyway), the bin Ladens. It's a small world, when you're into oil and construction. After 911, we engaged Afghanistan, never meaning to ever end the conflict or catch that pesky neighborhood bin Laden boy. Peace doesn't pay the bills.

Reason Four: W lets us have a bonus war (with other people's sons).
It was clear to anyone that saw beyond W's hype machine, that Iraq was next. Now 5 years later, and we have no way to measure success, because the strategy by our Commander-in-Chief was fundamentally flawed and based in fairytale foreign policy.

Meanwhile, the mess I knew he could create if he was President has become what I believe to be the most caustic U.S. foreign policy mistake --ever... but the U.S. oil companies still have control over Iraqi oil... so, what's the problem?

There's simply nothing left to "win" in Iraq, other than access to crude. We don't "win" Democracies in other countries. Our military deserves a better leader than this oily pud.

Reason Five: W creates a money-hole (Homeland Security & Iraq), privacy hole (Patriot Act) and justice hole (DOJ despotism unfolding).
Big government. Big hassle. All facades to be used for political gain. He's reigned with The Constitution being one of the few splintering speed bumps between American Freedom and his granddaddy's 4th reich (salute, Prescott!)... IMHO. Wonder how many will be pardoned for future crimes before Jan. 20th?

Reason Six: W doesn't realize he's in charge!
Only one person in our country could have made a big difference in Post-Katrina Louisiana. He was in charge of FEMA (under his new Homeland Security), had Lousiana State guardsmen in Iraq, and was slow to react in the face of those corrupt local governments. He's told us his job is "hard work". My only reaction to W's perfect illustration of the Peter Principle: give up and let a responsible adult clean up your mess.

Reason Seven: W leaving office as a Chickenhawk.
See? He's simply not curious enough to realize he's done a shitty job. This, another clear sign that he's a total prick... also IMHO.

For years, I considered myself an Eagle Scout, Republican-leaning voter. After this fiasco, I'd find it very difficult to support any political candidate who can't put PLENTY of distance between themselves and W, America's Fortunate Son -- the antithesis of whom I've become in my life.

peace-
seanrox
an Obama-leaning undecided voter

P.S. We still have our 1st Amendment rights? Right?

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© seanrox.com.

VIDEO: Remembering Jellyfish

Hundreds of thousands of ALT-Rock fans of the early 1990s were lured into fan hood by two delicious records by Jellyfish, the most brilliant of rock derivatives in both lyric and composition.

Today, I ran across an article by Peter Lee that best pinpoints the artistic importance of Jellyfish in time and legacy better than any other article I've discovered. Read on:

Jellyfish: The legacy of power pop's golden boys
by Peter Lee

I was fortunate enough to sneak into the Denver June 1991 show as they opened for headliner rookie -- The Black Crowes. Their performance was unbelievable to hear.

And below is "The King is Half Undressed" video which started it all for me:


And below is a video from the tour... the Jellyfish harmonies join The Crowes on "Seein' Things" -- idyllic collaboration... it may take Johnny, Rich and Chris to ask Jellyfish to reform for a tour for a new generation to hear "PowerPop's Golden Boys" play live again.




peace-
seanrox

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© seanrox.com.

Why I Like The South: Fire barrels, Barbecue and Better

The other day, someone asked me the difference between Texans and people in "The South". From my experience, living in Georgia these last 11 years, I said, off the top of my head...

From my personal experience, if a West Texan shows up at a barbecue and sees someone he doesn't like, he's encouraged to either leave or kick the unknowing offender's ass for entertainment value at some point during the festivities. In contrast, in the South, we dismiss those ill feelings... because barbecue is better, and who would want to screw that up?

Group think works both ways, but I sure do miss that mesquite-fired and rubbed brisket.

NOTE: Mowed the lawn weeds for the first time today after work... layers of leaves became dust and I'm not sure there has ever been a healthy lawn in the front. Out back, I continue to uncover hidden cement garden work under 6 inches of leaves, dirt and vines -- someone spent some time and energy to build what I'm only beginning to discover. It's really cool to finally have a place to love.

peace-
seanrox

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© seanrox.com.

Peggy Noonan's View: Brilliance in Journalism

In this week's article in the Wall Street Journal, Peggy slides America's tiredly-complex sentiment into context with The View from Gate 14.

During my slow motion read, the world may have stopped, and I believe they have awards for such craftsmanship.

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© seanrox.com.

Inside Scalia's Chi

Supreme Court Justices are the rarest of people. Even rarer, 30 minutes look inside a person's refined thought process... enjoy!

Inside Justice Scalia's Chi (PART ONE)


Inside Justice Scalia's Chi (PART TWO)


Thanks to Leslie Stahl and 60 Minutes.

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© seanrox.com.

W: The Perfect Crime

When industry is powered by government, society suffers acute fascism. Such corporate welfare often breeds corrupt-uous greed and results in the abuse of the nation's infrastructure , its citizens and their individual freedoms. Every time.

Difficult to investigate. Difficult to prosecute. It may be the perfect crime. The Accomplice? Everyone with a "W" sticker in front of me in traffic.

Damage done, I suppose we must be reminded that Freedom is a prayer for love and understanding -- and has absolutely nothing to do with the Fear they peddle.

peace-
seanrox

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© seanrox.com.

Schoffs are Thinkers, A First Preference Made.

At some point we begin to prefer. Instincts aside, a first selection made.

Rather sit up and drink the bottle.

Lean forward, rather back.

Psuedo-Sit rather than lay.

Psuedo-Stand rather than pseudo-sit.

Noggin's Little Bill and Chris Mathews

These are moments in life remembered by those engaged all around you. I suspect your everyday is a magical tale unraveling before your senses. The story you remember is ours -- you will tell it some day.

peace-
seanrox

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© seanrox.com.

SoZen Understanding for Cocker Spaniels

Coming to terms with a cocker spaniel is to know they probably don't have a "stay function."

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© seanrox.com.

NEW SONG: "Gypsy Love"

Everyday
I feel miracles.
It's not nothing that I've done.
It's about my friends, and who they become.
Everyday

You're my grace.
For the first time I'm -- less cynical.
After all the situations I've sojourned thru.
My mysterious journey led me to you.
My, how you are my grace.

But none of it.
Without each day we together live,
Filled with every-thing-that-is.

And that's why I... thank God I gotta lady.
I love her, yes I do.
She is my woman -- you really should have one too.

She was overlaid -- and I was underpaid.
Like a quantum sum -- the music makes us one.

Lido-caine, now come -- Gypsy Love.

peace-
seanrox

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© seanrox.com.

Polygamy, Prejudice and Cronyism: Things Real People Are Into and How We Learn About It.

Even Twain speaketh: "Truth is stranger than fiction."

Gasp-Tastic 'Gonzo' Media.
Seems in these modern times of communication, the spirits of Mr. Ripley and Hunter S. Thompson have embodied themselves in the form of gasp-tastic 'gonzo' media. Hour after hour of analysis of the freaks living next door. It's the news. Believe it... or not.

Death of the Sitcom
TV analysts express melodramatic outrage and spew blind psychiatric prognosis at the drop of a sensational headline, these modern lurid American stories are stated, re-stated and debated. We are drawn into the minute-by-minute coverage, leaving little interest for our once-revered family sitcom.

Yes, fading are the moaning evenings of half-hour, prime time, cutesy, half-laughs and vanilla spiritual sludge. Today, more and more Americans are discussing current events and sharing their unique perspective on the perverse facets of our very odd world.

Via 24/7 coverage of American Polygamy, Prejudice and Cronyism, exposing our "reality" has possibly changed the theatre of media forever.


CASE #1 : PolygamyFLDS in Eldorado, Texas.

I KNEW IT!
I've driven by that mini-tabernacle hundreds of times heading south from San Angelo where my parents still reside. I always suspected the property could operate some shady operations going on in such a self-righteous structure.

THE FIX?
I hear the authorities have in custody hundreds of girls and children with tales of arranged "spiritual" marriages with grown, married men. How will these people integrate into society after all this out-of-time abuse?

Best case scenario -- I hope modern Mormons step in, take a leadership role and make a difference. America's most popular LDS members, Mitt Romney and Glenn Beck could take the lead in helping these 400+ children. They share many cultural and religious norms with the abused, but I expect both Romney and Beck will most likely distance themselves from these Fundamentals and their problems.

CASE #2 : Obama vs. Prejudice

There are places in America where men feel strongly that an elected black president will give black people in America a fresh advantage over all others. Fortunately for them, it appears to me that Obama lives and thinks on the far side of this ignorance.

It's my take, that this candidate would make key decisions with both The People and Our Constitution in mind which is quite possibly the fairest of all positions. But, of course, what does a graphic designer know?

CASE #3 : Political Cronyism

Presidents make millionaires and wars, but war-time presidents make millionaires into billionaires. EVERYTIME.

Keeping this in mind can help you make your own choice on election day. More on this topic as the election nears.

But... it's important to note Twain also said, "History does not repeat itself. It rhymes."
Whew.

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© seanrox.com.

New Gen TV cures Kids.

This morning, I've stayed at home with a sickly Kai while we wait for an afternoon appointment with the pro-temp Pediatrician.

SITUATION & REMEDY.
Despite a thick, struggling cough early this morning and again a few hours later, he seems in very good nature despite an intermittent gurgle-breath which I'm treating with watered down juice and hope to find/make some saline solution. But -- what helped as much as my simple homeopathic concoctions -- "glad movement".

Additional Rx -- Noggin, a lively cable TV network (from Nickelodeon) which Kai loves. He dances when the actors dance and relieves his mind for at least a little while.

Back to daddy-mode.

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© seanrox.com.

Your American Dream Begins... Now.

Sometimes you can build an image in your head and imagine specific details of your future. When the premonition materializes, it's pretty satisfying.

Almost two weeks ago, we moved into our own freshly remodeled 100 year old Craftsman-Style bungalow. Just as the wisteria vines bloomed, we swung our spirit into our own space -- our family home. Classic turn-of-the-century, double-gabled, stout-porched, incarnation of modern Southern charm.

After all the years of touch-and-go, I've finally landed. In their hearts.

peace-
seanrox




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© seanrox.com.

Learn a Craft, have a Life

Work is the creative clock we follow. The timepiece by which we survive by the fruits of our labor. Since we're in the watch-making business, shouldn't this clock be the best clock -- we best craft?

Lyrics to the song. Paint on the wall. Solutions for problems. Lessons for a child. People are best when they're at their best.

peace-
seanrox

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© seanrox.com.

Ancient Personal Wisdom

Somehow, I found myself in a Google search for myself, and dropped in on my own blog entry from 6 years ago -- and I was enlightened to find some good advice I shared with myself near the end of a troubled period...

It's not about knowing when to stop loving. It's about knowing when to change your course.

With a smile, looking back I can identify the time of this "ancient blog" as the momentary kernal of the mind-set that opened doors to the path of possibilities that led to my life's love today.

How I love them both.
seanrox

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© seanrox.com.

Kamen Rider V3 : A Childhood Hero

Ask any military brat that spent anytime growing up in Asia or in the Pacific in the 1960s and 70s -- Kamen Rider and his later upgrades, my personal favorite -- V3, were as relevant to fighting injustice as Bat, Spider or even Super men in general. In fact, I believe I even had a calendar from the early 1970s which portrayed Spiderman and several Kamen Riders fixin' to rumble.

Appears, there is going to be an English speaking version of a Kamen Rider movie a la PowerRangers. The trailer on YouTube, didn't intrigue my nostalgia, but the 3D rendering clip below, gives the original V3 theme music new life.

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© seanrox.com.