I would love to start producing music videos, going to hopefully get a couple of GoPros this summer and link up with a good video editor. I have some pretty interesting ideas and I'll start with my own music. In the spirit of that, I have always done "research" in the music video world. Since I was a kid, MTV and VH1 (geezer) were an addiction. Now, the Internet provides so many other sources.
Really, you can spend all of your time watching cute little cat videos on YouTube, or...
You can quench your junkie thirst on the time tested music video. Check out the First music videos aired on MTV list. Yes, I am citing Wikipedia, but this is a blog so get over it. That page is stacked to the gills with fun filled facts that you can quiz your friends and neighbors like: "What pray tell was the very first Heavy Metal music video? No, sorry loser...That would be "Iron Maiden" by Iron Maiden. Just never reveal your source, that way you can keep them guessing. I can't find that particular video by itself on You tube by the way, but I did find a ridiculous live version you can check out at 2AM, or probably not though...It doesn't need anymore hits.
And did I just link MTV? No, absolutely not. I linked You Tube, the world's free-ish entertainment source where the masses flock to get their daily shot of awesome. Where viral videos can spread and make stars out of idiots and well thought out dance choreography occur in every living room.
MTV turned to crap and doesn't seem to actually show music videos anymore, just reality TV garbage. People eat it up, but can you imagine if MTV had the foresight to make a You tube or Vevo?
Fortunately, this golden archive in the sky allows me to reminisce of easier times and watch/listen to "Mother" by Danzig and "Idioteque" by Radiohead live in Tokyo, which really peaks at 3:24 and Lil' Troy with "Wanna Be a Baller".
I could go on forever, there are so many great and not so great music videos produced and archived every day, thank you Vevo.
So...for the list and the experiment. I am going to start with a song that I didn't know, only it was stuck in my head for a week without words which makes it very difficult to find it on Google. I finally broke down and hummed a few bars to another trusty green man who I knew would know...
Turns out, it was "Wolf Like Me" by TV On the Radio. Not only is this a cool song, I was pleasantly surprised by the video. It has 2,293,581 views and I wonder how much it cost to make? A whole lot of editing went into it and like many music videos, it had a twist in the end. "Sail" by AWOLNATION is another with a weird ending.
If I give Wolf Like Me an 9 out of 10 based on the song being pretty cool and the video definitely worth watching, I will now rate 4 other "randomly" selected videos that come up as suggestions by You tube and rate them on the same scale. These are basically Indie videos pimped by Vevo. My selection will change my path to the next, sort of like the old "Choose your own adventure" tales from back in the day:
1. Jukebox the Ghost- "Oh Emily"- I HATE the song and I wish the rest of the band were shown but the video concept is good. Relatively low budget and easy on the eyes, I like the cardboard house and the Devo character towards the end. The dinner scene is neat but overall, just alright. 6
I chose wrong with the first, but here we go...
2. Pacific Air-"Move"- I would probably turn the song if I heard it on the radio, my heavy tuned ears couldn't handle such bliss but WHAT A COOL VIDEO! Low budget, likely shot with a GoPro, the maker of this video deserves an Oscar or at least one of those awesome coffee table art books. The bubbles are great and the female form splashing into the water is superb. Video makes up for the song. 7.5
3. Telekenesis- "Emphathetic People"- Nicely done. I would not only buy his record but watch it again. He plays in an old warehouse and makes vinyl using old machinery. The song is decent too, who could ask for more from an indie artist? 8.5
4. Bastille- "Pompeii"- Don't bother, wanker's galore. The only saving grace is that it turns into a sort of nightmare but overall terrible. I accidentally clicked on it, it has 24mil views, wow. 2.5
I got backed out of the indie corner at this point and will go no further. Millions of views on crap don't need one or two more.
Before you die, don't forget to check out "Thrift Shop" by Macklemore and Ryan Lewis where being frugal is cool and La Grange live 1982 by ZZ Top. Those guys are real showmen.
Sunday, June 9, 2013
Monday, June 3, 2013
Coming Soon...No Shows
All,
It has come to my own attention that I have spent far too much time watching shows. I imagine dying and in the end, the powers that be will give me a final rundown of all of things I spent my time doing. For example:
166,075 hours: Sleeping
70,200 hours: Eating
4,758 hours: Having Sex (rather low)
44,658 hours: Driving
36,589 hours: Being a kind and gracious soul
256,000 hours: WATCHING SERIES BACK TO BACK ON NETFLIX
While it is true that I do not have cable or satellite television hooked up, Netflix has become the ultimate alternative to regular programming and the adult series has often replaced a night at the movies for many Americans. With so many "good" shows out there, it is impossible to watch them all and still have time for even the least bit of productivity. Some even make you think and are compelling enough dramas to suck you in until you and your partner nudge each other in the dark and say, "Just one more episode before bed then?"
Also, Amazon has instant movies/tv shows and some pretty "good" deals for prime members. Shows like: Breaking Bad, Downton Abbey, Big Love, Weeds, The West Wing, STNG (nerd), The Wire, X-files, The Walking Dead and the one that I dare not watch for fear that I will be sucked into a marathon sitting of epic proportions: Game of Thrones. Netflix is better but sometimes you have to wait a season to keep current, which is ok at first until you just can't wait...
These are all like visual crack and eventually, with a super long series like the X-files, I overdosed and eventually watched it simply just to end the damn thing. All good things, even crack, have to come to an end someday and that day is tomorrow...I think.
Why? Why not indulge in the fruits of the lackadaisical American lifestyle you ask? Well, I don't want to use the drug anymore because I want to become a dealer and one day I hope to speak French.
So tomorrow, after I finally finish the series that I have been "working on", I will be forced to look inward and spend the wee hours before bed doing something productive like writing my blog...er...I mean, my novels.
Good luck to me and good luck to you dear Sir/Madame who are trying to wean themselves off of My Big Redneck Vacation.
Tomorrow I will discuss visual methadone clinics and the YouTube music video scene.
It has come to my own attention that I have spent far too much time watching shows. I imagine dying and in the end, the powers that be will give me a final rundown of all of things I spent my time doing. For example:
166,075 hours: Sleeping
70,200 hours: Eating
4,758 hours: Having Sex (rather low)
44,658 hours: Driving
36,589 hours: Being a kind and gracious soul
256,000 hours: WATCHING SERIES BACK TO BACK ON NETFLIX
While it is true that I do not have cable or satellite television hooked up, Netflix has become the ultimate alternative to regular programming and the adult series has often replaced a night at the movies for many Americans. With so many "good" shows out there, it is impossible to watch them all and still have time for even the least bit of productivity. Some even make you think and are compelling enough dramas to suck you in until you and your partner nudge each other in the dark and say, "Just one more episode before bed then?"
Also, Amazon has instant movies/tv shows and some pretty "good" deals for prime members. Shows like: Breaking Bad, Downton Abbey, Big Love, Weeds, The West Wing, STNG (nerd), The Wire, X-files, The Walking Dead and the one that I dare not watch for fear that I will be sucked into a marathon sitting of epic proportions: Game of Thrones. Netflix is better but sometimes you have to wait a season to keep current, which is ok at first until you just can't wait...
These are all like visual crack and eventually, with a super long series like the X-files, I overdosed and eventually watched it simply just to end the damn thing. All good things, even crack, have to come to an end someday and that day is tomorrow...I think.
Why? Why not indulge in the fruits of the lackadaisical American lifestyle you ask? Well, I don't want to use the drug anymore because I want to become a dealer and one day I hope to speak French.
So tomorrow, after I finally finish the series that I have been "working on", I will be forced to look inward and spend the wee hours before bed doing something productive like writing my blog...er...I mean, my novels.
Good luck to me and good luck to you dear Sir/Madame who are trying to wean themselves off of My Big Redneck Vacation.
Tomorrow I will discuss visual methadone clinics and the YouTube music video scene.
Monday, May 6, 2013
Big Downturn and Looking Ahead...The Return of Brick Corps
Things have been looking pretty gritty on the entrepreneurial front the past week or so. Old green responsibilities are once again rearing their ugly heads and the man has finally caught up to what I've been trying to do. Unfortunately, mixing the ideal of having patients with mild depression can get you into a bit of a pickle here and there. Patients requires hope, hope requires time and buying time requires...well, money. Realistically, I need to get back on this horse and keep going at it.
The theme of the day and my life, seems to be finishing. I am very good at starting things as you may have gathered. About ten years ago, I started Brick Corps (pronounce like Marine Corps, not like the dead bodies). This was the vision of youth. Sound experiments that included dumpster diving, large playground-like collage making, Jack Daniels and some good, old fashioned breaking stuff.
If it sounds chaotic, it was...if it sounds strange, it was. I was the leader without assuming a true title which eventually led to sabotage, copy and regret. What is it anyway? Performance Art? Music? Noise? Dangerous? Maybe.
Nobody took it that seriously except when we were doing it, planning to do it, or listening to it afterwards at 3AM all in a daze. People liked to watch us and with the proper leadership, it could have been pretty grand. Some choreography like Blue Man Group or Stomp was tried, but it was never supposed to get that messy, I mean...organized. The true sense of it was that people got together and cherished a moment of spontaneity which could never occur again. The chair would never be the same after the legs were snapped off and used as drumsticks, the hammer would never hit quite right on that metal baseboard and the wind could never distort the cheap found microphone attached to my awesome Technics by Panasonic 2 channel Dolby solid state recorder in the same wonderful fashion. All I can say is, mess with tape.
To the point please? Well, I have all of the tapes, I digitally archived them and put two albums out over the last few years. I trademarked the name and logo, gave props to the "royal tribunal" which were the first two guys to go along with my crazy idea. Sorry, no money yet guys.
Turns out, this has been happening for years, in some form or another, I had been making Musique Concrete since I was 13 and picked it up heavy thanks to Collin Fitzgerald in high school.It really got me good grades my first time around in college at SUNY Purchase for Studio Composition. The profs loved it and I collected all of the tape machines I could find, gobbling up noise everywhere. There was always a split in my head between conventional band status, gigging (rock star) and actual production. It wasn't until now that I understand what the word prolific meant. I still jump all over when trying to decide on making conventional (rock) music and just all out insanity. Really I need to do both. With so many people out there with different tastes, you never know who will be listening when you create something both scary and beautiful.
So, after a long awaited hiatus, I am releasing The Apocalypse Session. It is just now on MP3 but I would love to put it on vinyl though Cd's will be ready in a few weeks. This is probably not going to please all of you all at once. Arguably the best one, I have several more which I will unleash on the world with no regard. The people who were apart of it don't care anymore and it's still MY ugly loud baby anyway. Thank you everyone for participating and thanks for all the philosophical talks over the years on what it should and shouldn't be which amounted to nothing. At least I can say that these tapes, those moments were not in vain and are not just sitting in my basement collecting dust. All of my effort and coordination should have accounted for something, no matter how disgusting or harmful.
If you are interested in other really crazy stuff, check out
The Books
Survival Research Laboratories
Nocturnal Emissions
Tom Waits
If you every want someone to buy a houseboat, park it in the middle of a field, sell tickets, dismantle everything in a music ish fashion and destroy all evidence, I am your guy. I will bring big friends and a dunk tank.
- DISCLAIMER- If you really dislike someone and want them to stop bumping their loud car stereo, give them a copy of The Apocalypse Session, tell them to crank it to the max. Also, the albums do not have warnings, but you probably shouldn't drive or operate heavy machinery while listening.
The theme of the day and my life, seems to be finishing. I am very good at starting things as you may have gathered. About ten years ago, I started Brick Corps (pronounce like Marine Corps, not like the dead bodies). This was the vision of youth. Sound experiments that included dumpster diving, large playground-like collage making, Jack Daniels and some good, old fashioned breaking stuff.
If it sounds chaotic, it was...if it sounds strange, it was. I was the leader without assuming a true title which eventually led to sabotage, copy and regret. What is it anyway? Performance Art? Music? Noise? Dangerous? Maybe.
Nobody took it that seriously except when we were doing it, planning to do it, or listening to it afterwards at 3AM all in a daze. People liked to watch us and with the proper leadership, it could have been pretty grand. Some choreography like Blue Man Group or Stomp was tried, but it was never supposed to get that messy, I mean...organized. The true sense of it was that people got together and cherished a moment of spontaneity which could never occur again. The chair would never be the same after the legs were snapped off and used as drumsticks, the hammer would never hit quite right on that metal baseboard and the wind could never distort the cheap found microphone attached to my awesome Technics by Panasonic 2 channel Dolby solid state recorder in the same wonderful fashion. All I can say is, mess with tape.
To the point please? Well, I have all of the tapes, I digitally archived them and put two albums out over the last few years. I trademarked the name and logo, gave props to the "royal tribunal" which were the first two guys to go along with my crazy idea. Sorry, no money yet guys.
Turns out, this has been happening for years, in some form or another, I had been making Musique Concrete since I was 13 and picked it up heavy thanks to Collin Fitzgerald in high school.It really got me good grades my first time around in college at SUNY Purchase for Studio Composition. The profs loved it and I collected all of the tape machines I could find, gobbling up noise everywhere. There was always a split in my head between conventional band status, gigging (rock star) and actual production. It wasn't until now that I understand what the word prolific meant. I still jump all over when trying to decide on making conventional (rock) music and just all out insanity. Really I need to do both. With so many people out there with different tastes, you never know who will be listening when you create something both scary and beautiful.
So, after a long awaited hiatus, I am releasing The Apocalypse Session. It is just now on MP3 but I would love to put it on vinyl though Cd's will be ready in a few weeks. This is probably not going to please all of you all at once. Arguably the best one, I have several more which I will unleash on the world with no regard. The people who were apart of it don't care anymore and it's still MY ugly loud baby anyway. Thank you everyone for participating and thanks for all the philosophical talks over the years on what it should and shouldn't be which amounted to nothing. At least I can say that these tapes, those moments were not in vain and are not just sitting in my basement collecting dust. All of my effort and coordination should have accounted for something, no matter how disgusting or harmful.
If you are interested in other really crazy stuff, check out
The Books
Survival Research Laboratories
Nocturnal Emissions
Tom Waits
If you every want someone to buy a houseboat, park it in the middle of a field, sell tickets, dismantle everything in a music ish fashion and destroy all evidence, I am your guy. I will bring big friends and a dunk tank.
- DISCLAIMER- If you really dislike someone and want them to stop bumping their loud car stereo, give them a copy of The Apocalypse Session, tell them to crank it to the max. Also, the albums do not have warnings, but you probably shouldn't drive or operate heavy machinery while listening.
Tuesday, April 23, 2013
Kids Say the...Weirdest Things
Here is a little snippet of some dialogue between a mother and her children inspired by actual events and my fiction writing class which is using the book The 3 A.M. Epiphany: Uncommon Writing Exercises that Transform Your Fiction by Brian Kiteley
I chose Early Language for my exercise. I
altered the exercise a bit though, the exercise stated to use dialogue in a
story between two and three-year olds in order to compare language development.
I created a small script between a six and three-year old not only because I
have that demographic in my house, but because of the drastic difference in
communication ability. My six-year old can communicate rather complex ideas yet
still maintains the childish nature. Sometimes I think that she is a genius
trapped in a child’s body because what I remember is represented by her
three-year old sister. I remember finger foods and stumbling, small shoes and a
dirty face. The older sibling is all new, all the time and I still see her as a
little girl. She still is but her willingness to engage in intricate
conversation would suggest otherwise. Although I didn’t follow the rules to a t,
I think that I captured the dynamic of language ability amongst the younger
crowd.
A mother is driving
her two daughters on a routine trip home. The inside of the car is small and
with the two car seats in the back, the distance between mother and her
children is close. She can’t help but overhear and interject in the
conversation between the two, although at times she wish she could stick her
head out the window and listen to the wind instead of the constant banter
between three and six year old girls.
“I wonder, do they
have Disney Newborn?” Kristen asks, adjusting the seat belt.
“Newborns don't exactly watch TV,” Mother responds, turning into a curve.
“Of course newborns watch TV,” Kristen states, looking out the window.
“Why would a newborn watch TV Kristen?” Mom asks.
“Newborns don't exactly watch TV,” Mother responds, turning into a curve.
“Of course newborns watch TV,” Kristen states, looking out the window.
“Why would a newborn watch TV Kristen?” Mom asks.
“Mommy, can I get a
Disney Newborn for my birthday when I turn four?” Molly asks, attempting to
make four with her small hands.
“Wait. I’m the one who asked about it, I’m the one who is about to turn seven,
my birthday comes first,” Kristen yells.
“Nobody is getting
Disney Newborns because they do not exist!” Mother tries to stay calm.
“Talking unicorns can watch TV! But only talking ones, other unicorns do not watch TV,” Molly interjects.
“Mommy, what does goûter mean in France?” asks Kristen.
“Talking unicorns can watch TV! But only talking ones, other unicorns do not watch TV,” Molly interjects.
“Mommy, what does goûter mean in France?” asks Kristen.
“Yeah mommy, what
does goooter mean in froggy language, you and Daddy talk funny sometimes, ha ha!”
Molly says, kicking the driver seat.
“It’s not a frog language, it’s from
France. Besides, I think it’s a cheese,” Kristen explains.
“Daddy says Froggy
languwage! And it’s my cheese!”
“Enough! Molly,
please stop kicking my seat,” Mother pleads.
“I have an
imagunary twin, her name is FuFu.” Molly says, pointing to the middle seat.
“Seriously?... I thought crepes come from France too but I saw them at Publix for one dollar and ninety nine cents.” Kristen says.
“Seriously?... I thought crepes come from France too but I saw them at Publix for one dollar and ninety nine cents.” Kristen says.
“I’m hungry mommy,”
adds Molly.
“We’re almost home,
just a little bit further.”
“Mommy, my teacher
said that hula hoops come from France, but I know that she is not telling the truth because mine at
home says ‘made in China’ right on the label and I’m pretty sure China is a
long way from France.” Kristen declares.
“China? I want you
to make me a cheese quesadilla. Mommy, can I have a cheese quesadilla when we
get home?” Molly is getting hungry, munching on her fingers and slurping her
sippy cup.
All are relieved,
especially mother as they turn into the drive. Now she can stop answering lofty
questions and return to the usual simple commands of “shoes off, wash your
hands.”
Sunday, April 14, 2013
New Business and Damaged Goods
I know that my 2 endearing fans have been chomping at the bit to read my next post and I do apologize for making you wait a whole week. I HAVE NOT been sitting around buffing my fingernails or watching MADMEN or anything like that. On the contrary, my week has been very productive. Here is the long awaited list you've been craving:
1. Looking at real estate like a stalker. I am trying to find the best opportunity to get my feet wet and haven't really found the sure thing quite yet. One deal was a trailer in kennesaw that I found on Craigslist
Yeah...a real gem there...not really for me but right around the corner in an ambiguous former trailer park so I figured what the hell. What an awsome writing cabin this would make...
I learned far too much about the scene and eventually found another deal that included 3 trailers on a 1/2 acre lot bringing in 2200/month in rent for $160,000 owner financing with 20% down. Interesting proposition that I WILL NOT be doing, wish I could but it is good to exercise and see what owning a mini trailer park entails.
The next great deal I found that I actually looked at too was on Barker Rd in Rome, GA (Link to listing)
http://www.zillow.com is such a great site for comparison shopping. You can see what everything around is going for in the area, historical listings, taxes and such. I launched my findings of this field trip on youtube which is sure to go viral:
Outside the house tour
Inside the "house" tour
I looked at a few other places of interest ranging all the way from mansion to the above. Not sure I am ready to commit but I am learning alot.
2. Formed LLC on Friday, received paperwork ON FRIDAY from the State of GA. Good stuff, Rusty Wheels Media, LLC is the official name recognized by the state of GA as a media consultant/marketing firm which employs exactly 1, me...and has a budget of $200 which was spent on the LLC filing itself, ha. Seriously, I have many uses for this, but since I am already in a list...damn.
First is an umbrella firm for myself which includes publishing, marketing and producing records when me and Precious find space for our studio. Second is for use in getting paid from my creative coop gets going. It is much easier for a LLC to pay a LLC, go figure...1099 and health care, workers comp can all get tricky.
3. Watched neighbor watching tree guys cut down tree in his yard. Nice old oak but it was leaning bad over the other neighbor's house which could have resulted in injury, death, and pissed neighbors so it had to go...but I got a gift, MULCH which I put to good use in our beds that need more establishment. 1/4 of the way through, like everything else.
4. Reconnected big time with the taxi company MidnightBlue Taxi which I part own and sold for a short period of time. I will go back to my usual role of selling cars, marketing, driving when I need money and leasing cars to people who want to drive more than I do. This is good because it puts food on the table, I can flip cars to and from it, and I may need money to buy more #1 mega deals.
5. Met with co-op, more later when things are concrete.
6. Promoted someone
7. Opened yet another google account.
8. Almost finished one book, one more week to go.
.
9. Started my Fiction Workshop class at National University.
10. Contemplating my life too much as always.
This is just to name a few of the things I have "accomplished" with my first full week of unemployment. Don't like calling it that but a scar can be called a "learning experience:, so we'll go with self-employment.
The Ogre and I will be charging up Kennesaw Mountain tomorrow if anyone can bring a steamroller, that would be cool. He also convinced me that before I flip houses and become the ultimate landlord, I should probably continue with cars, I am good at it. Well, sometimes you have to dream big.
While I was writing this, I found this little nugget full of junk that I would totally buy if I were only in Chicago....Later Everybody
1. Looking at real estate like a stalker. I am trying to find the best opportunity to get my feet wet and haven't really found the sure thing quite yet. One deal was a trailer in kennesaw that I found on Craigslist
Yeah...a real gem there...not really for me but right around the corner in an ambiguous former trailer park so I figured what the hell. What an awsome writing cabin this would make...
I learned far too much about the scene and eventually found another deal that included 3 trailers on a 1/2 acre lot bringing in 2200/month in rent for $160,000 owner financing with 20% down. Interesting proposition that I WILL NOT be doing, wish I could but it is good to exercise and see what owning a mini trailer park entails.
The next great deal I found that I actually looked at too was on Barker Rd in Rome, GA (Link to listing)
http://www.zillow.com is such a great site for comparison shopping. You can see what everything around is going for in the area, historical listings, taxes and such. I launched my findings of this field trip on youtube which is sure to go viral:
Outside the house tour
Inside the "house" tour
I looked at a few other places of interest ranging all the way from mansion to the above. Not sure I am ready to commit but I am learning alot.
2. Formed LLC on Friday, received paperwork ON FRIDAY from the State of GA. Good stuff, Rusty Wheels Media, LLC is the official name recognized by the state of GA as a media consultant/marketing firm which employs exactly 1, me...and has a budget of $200 which was spent on the LLC filing itself, ha. Seriously, I have many uses for this, but since I am already in a list...damn.
First is an umbrella firm for myself which includes publishing, marketing and producing records when me and Precious find space for our studio. Second is for use in getting paid from my creative coop gets going. It is much easier for a LLC to pay a LLC, go figure...1099 and health care, workers comp can all get tricky.
3. Watched neighbor watching tree guys cut down tree in his yard. Nice old oak but it was leaning bad over the other neighbor's house which could have resulted in injury, death, and pissed neighbors so it had to go...but I got a gift, MULCH which I put to good use in our beds that need more establishment. 1/4 of the way through, like everything else.
4. Reconnected big time with the taxi company MidnightBlue Taxi which I part own and sold for a short period of time. I will go back to my usual role of selling cars, marketing, driving when I need money and leasing cars to people who want to drive more than I do. This is good because it puts food on the table, I can flip cars to and from it, and I may need money to buy more #1 mega deals.
5. Met with co-op, more later when things are concrete.
6. Promoted someone
7. Opened yet another google account.
8. Almost finished one book, one more week to go.
.
9. Started my Fiction Workshop class at National University.
10. Contemplating my life too much as always.
This is just to name a few of the things I have "accomplished" with my first full week of unemployment. Don't like calling it that but a scar can be called a "learning experience:, so we'll go with self-employment.
The Ogre and I will be charging up Kennesaw Mountain tomorrow if anyone can bring a steamroller, that would be cool. He also convinced me that before I flip houses and become the ultimate landlord, I should probably continue with cars, I am good at it. Well, sometimes you have to dream big.
While I was writing this, I found this little nugget full of junk that I would totally buy if I were only in Chicago....Later Everybody
Sunday, April 7, 2013
American Dream Dead? Hell No, Opportunists Unite
Can you still make something out of nothing?
After having a good conversation with my dad, I have come to the conclusion that the American dream as he knew it is well...different. It's probably a tad retro actually, although not the 70's or super cool 80's kind. More likely, it's sharing similarities to the age before we had industrial giants who could be bought out and lay off hundreds of workers at a time...era. Sorry technocrats, HARD WORK and plain know-how doesn't just go away in 2013 though...unless you are on the dole.
I say this because I asked my father what he would do in my shoes, staring down the barrel at numerous opportunities. I am trying to decide which should carry the most weight. He got it right when he said that he was the wrong person to ask. When he was growing up in a family of 6, the blue mantra was that if you got a good job at a factory or somewhere within that realm, had a family, a house a car, etc. everything would be cool. Now, the average worker changes they don't even know how many jobs. Check out this Wall Street Journal Article...they are just as confused because nobody really tracks it, but the consensus seems to be about 7 careers which is neither here nor there. The point is, long were the days of staying behind the wheel of one job and retiring in that job. I got wind of that the first time, about 20 years ago when my dad, step dad and step mom all got laid off from Rubbermaid and Monarch Machine in Cortland, NY. Times were changing then and they are continuing to shift. That's all well and good for an opportunist like me, would be event better if I had the heart to be a grifter. Oh well, instead of being a sophisticated con-artist, I've decided to go legit. Below are my current opportunities in which I will attempt to once again make something out of nothing. Go ahead a VOTE in the comments section for your favorite.
1. May start a farm enterprise with an Army and college buddy. We are meeting tomorrow to discuss and I really have high hopes. I need to find a land companies for agricultural in Bartow, Paulding or Cherokee county. I really like landwatch but I don't find as much ag in those areas and some stuff has been sold months ago. The truth is, if I had 10,000 dollars, a couple months to get started and at least 20 acres, I would already be farming. This is the perfect realm for the dabbler as everyday is different and you can change it up from time to time. I certainly wouldn't expect to be an industrial farmer but those hippies at the Chattanooga farmer's market are making a killing selling certified organic to yuppies. Some people can make a decent living at it but I would be in it for the quality of life. It's not really a matter of if I will have a farm one day, just when.
2. I looked at a couple of commercial properties on Friday, checking out the possibility of being a landlord and having a place to conduct my various businesses, or more appropriate, dabblings. The only decent prospect so far was a mansion type in Canton, GA zoned office and professional (OP) with 7 lawyer/accountant type offices, 3 are rented bringing in 1000 already. It has been redone but it is a tough sell because...well it's downtown Canton, GA and really a 20 year play. At 160K and completely renovated, it's a steal. But Marc, how could you afford it??? OWNER FINANCING. Best way to go, how I bought the hoarder's house and how I will buy all property if I have to finance. Me, my lawyer and the seller is the only way to go...banks suck and make you justify your existence now...for good reason, they really screwed up a few years back. Needless to say, I will keep looking.
3. Precious and I have been talking about going into the studio recording business for years. He has the knowledge and the equipment, I have the business savvy and the ability to make the phones ring with my glamorous personality. Just a question of where??? Need space which ties in a little with #2 and maybe #1. We figured the other night we could actually build a control room in a trailer, check out this possibly overpriced design from Markertek. Could be done cheaper starting out with one of these from trailershowroom . Then we could come to you and record your tabernacle choir on site! Almost bought a house boat, whew! Good thing I lost that eBay auction. That would be cool and easy to market but dismal during the winter months.
4. Marketing Co-op that I will be project manager/copywriter of. We meet for the first time next week and I have a high hopes. A Co-op defined here if you don't know. This could end up funding everything if it works out.
5. The always trusty taxi-cab leasing business. Will probably use this to fund #3 until #3 funds itself but it is always a good back up. Send your unwanted cars to me.
6. Finishing my MFA in Writing at National University. Fiction Workshop starts tomorrow, I am so happy. I get to get all turbines running again and get some feedback on my work. One more step closer to being an English adjunct prof. so watch out univ of Phoenix English 1101. This is interchangeable with all endeavors previously listed as it makes me a better writer and I can teach English part time from the beach. I am a writer, for now I will compile it with this though, need to finish at least 1 of 4 books I am working on.
7. April 20 ish I'll get my first finished motorcycle from the Ogre to sell, dawning the new era of J&M Powersports.
I probably forgot some current endeavors but as you can see, I have a whole lot to ponder. I did lay in my garden for the season, so at least my food will be subsidised by..me.
My father would have never thought it possible to use 40+ a week this way. The truth doesn't change though, NONE of these endeavors will succeed without a good woman, some good old fashioned HARD WORK and some know-how. Opportunists unite.
After having a good conversation with my dad, I have come to the conclusion that the American dream as he knew it is well...different. It's probably a tad retro actually, although not the 70's or super cool 80's kind. More likely, it's sharing similarities to the age before we had industrial giants who could be bought out and lay off hundreds of workers at a time...era. Sorry technocrats, HARD WORK and plain know-how doesn't just go away in 2013 though...unless you are on the dole.
I say this because I asked my father what he would do in my shoes, staring down the barrel at numerous opportunities. I am trying to decide which should carry the most weight. He got it right when he said that he was the wrong person to ask. When he was growing up in a family of 6, the blue mantra was that if you got a good job at a factory or somewhere within that realm, had a family, a house a car, etc. everything would be cool. Now, the average worker changes they don't even know how many jobs. Check out this Wall Street Journal Article...they are just as confused because nobody really tracks it, but the consensus seems to be about 7 careers which is neither here nor there. The point is, long were the days of staying behind the wheel of one job and retiring in that job. I got wind of that the first time, about 20 years ago when my dad, step dad and step mom all got laid off from Rubbermaid and Monarch Machine in Cortland, NY. Times were changing then and they are continuing to shift. That's all well and good for an opportunist like me, would be event better if I had the heart to be a grifter. Oh well, instead of being a sophisticated con-artist, I've decided to go legit. Below are my current opportunities in which I will attempt to once again make something out of nothing. Go ahead a VOTE in the comments section for your favorite.
1. May start a farm enterprise with an Army and college buddy. We are meeting tomorrow to discuss and I really have high hopes. I need to find a land companies for agricultural in Bartow, Paulding or Cherokee county. I really like landwatch but I don't find as much ag in those areas and some stuff has been sold months ago. The truth is, if I had 10,000 dollars, a couple months to get started and at least 20 acres, I would already be farming. This is the perfect realm for the dabbler as everyday is different and you can change it up from time to time. I certainly wouldn't expect to be an industrial farmer but those hippies at the Chattanooga farmer's market are making a killing selling certified organic to yuppies. Some people can make a decent living at it but I would be in it for the quality of life. It's not really a matter of if I will have a farm one day, just when.
2. I looked at a couple of commercial properties on Friday, checking out the possibility of being a landlord and having a place to conduct my various businesses, or more appropriate, dabblings. The only decent prospect so far was a mansion type in Canton, GA zoned office and professional (OP) with 7 lawyer/accountant type offices, 3 are rented bringing in 1000 already. It has been redone but it is a tough sell because...well it's downtown Canton, GA and really a 20 year play. At 160K and completely renovated, it's a steal. But Marc, how could you afford it??? OWNER FINANCING. Best way to go, how I bought the hoarder's house and how I will buy all property if I have to finance. Me, my lawyer and the seller is the only way to go...banks suck and make you justify your existence now...for good reason, they really screwed up a few years back. Needless to say, I will keep looking.
3. Precious and I have been talking about going into the studio recording business for years. He has the knowledge and the equipment, I have the business savvy and the ability to make the phones ring with my glamorous personality. Just a question of where??? Need space which ties in a little with #2 and maybe #1. We figured the other night we could actually build a control room in a trailer, check out this possibly overpriced design from Markertek. Could be done cheaper starting out with one of these from trailershowroom . Then we could come to you and record your tabernacle choir on site! Almost bought a house boat, whew! Good thing I lost that eBay auction. That would be cool and easy to market but dismal during the winter months.
4. Marketing Co-op that I will be project manager/copywriter of. We meet for the first time next week and I have a high hopes. A Co-op defined here if you don't know. This could end up funding everything if it works out.
5. The always trusty taxi-cab leasing business. Will probably use this to fund #3 until #3 funds itself but it is always a good back up. Send your unwanted cars to me.
6. Finishing my MFA in Writing at National University. Fiction Workshop starts tomorrow, I am so happy. I get to get all turbines running again and get some feedback on my work. One more step closer to being an English adjunct prof. so watch out univ of Phoenix English 1101. This is interchangeable with all endeavors previously listed as it makes me a better writer and I can teach English part time from the beach. I am a writer, for now I will compile it with this though, need to finish at least 1 of 4 books I am working on.
7. April 20 ish I'll get my first finished motorcycle from the Ogre to sell, dawning the new era of J&M Powersports.
I probably forgot some current endeavors but as you can see, I have a whole lot to ponder. I did lay in my garden for the season, so at least my food will be subsidised by..me.
My father would have never thought it possible to use 40+ a week this way. The truth doesn't change though, NONE of these endeavors will succeed without a good woman, some good old fashioned HARD WORK and some know-how. Opportunists unite.
Monday, April 1, 2013
Find Your Game, Play to the Best of Your Ability, Cheat when You Can
There is an old saying with the green men that goes: "if you ain't cheatin', you ain't tryin'..." And I believe this to be very true.
At some point in my existence, I was asked, "Are you left handed?" My shivering response was an automatic "Yes!"...followed by "Good, because if you weren't, I would have failed you." For the rest of that day, I proceeded to do everything left handed, including signing my name. That's all well and good since I was in a knot tying class with demolition and the consensus was that my life depended on it somehow.
I reassure you that I am in fact typing this right handed and I just happen to bat the same way...
If you are intending on branching out in your life and you want to succeed, it is important to:
1. Figure out the game you want to play to give your life the change-up it deserves (examples: investor, farmer, marketeer, professional bowler, jockey, taxi driver, taxi company owner, circus clown, writer, used car salesman, whatever your heart desires)
2. Find out everything there is to know about the chosen game and really sink your teeth in. This is an important factor not only for doing your very best as an individual, but also for step 4. After all, we are living in the information age here, anything you want to know but were afraid to ask your buddy is on the web...Below are some how to examples:
Intro to Beekeeping
Learn to Scuba
Metal Roofing (I actually used this one for my own house)
Counting Cards (don't condone because they are watching but scam school is cool)
Drill Your own WATER WELL!!!
Raising Sheep & Goats for Profit
See? You don't even need to read anymore. If you do, even better!
3. Do the best you can with the talents that God gave you. If you have none, start over with step two or proceed *With Caution* directly to step 4.
4. Cheat as much as you can without legal or bodily harm. This means finding an edge somehow and exploiting it to the best of your ability. Clint Eastwood in The Outlaw Josey Wales displayed this edge finding the best. This DOES NOT mean that you steal money (outright) or sell cars with bad transmissions that you knew about, more than once or twice anyway. It can mean doing your taxes in an accurate fashion to get the most money back. You wouldn't want to be a loafer or leave money with your name on it just hanging out there. This absolutely DOES NOT mean that you pencil in the wrong score on your mini golf card just to win a bet. (Those establishments have a no eraser policy for a reason.) It could mean that you buy land and rent the trailer on it to make your own payments, or find used tools to start your contracting business from others that are going under instead of buying anew.
Clearly, there is a distinction between cheating with malice and finding an edge where and when you can, like a gentleman or a lady.
The following are some games/professions where cheating of any kind is highly discouraged:
1. Firefighter
2. Craps shooter (May lose a limb)
3. Tax professional
4. Pro Fisherman
5. Guy/Gal that trains Killer Whales (May lose another limb)
6. Archery (either you hit it or you didn't)
7. Pro Skydiver that teaches other people
8. Hot Air balloon pilot
9. Government contractor...wait...this belongs on another list
10. Heat Seeking Missile
Remember...if you are ever asked if you are left handed...or you if you are the "Gatekeeper" you just say YES and move on like you know exactly what you are doing.
At some point in my existence, I was asked, "Are you left handed?" My shivering response was an automatic "Yes!"...followed by "Good, because if you weren't, I would have failed you." For the rest of that day, I proceeded to do everything left handed, including signing my name. That's all well and good since I was in a knot tying class with demolition and the consensus was that my life depended on it somehow.
I reassure you that I am in fact typing this right handed and I just happen to bat the same way...
If you are intending on branching out in your life and you want to succeed, it is important to:
1. Figure out the game you want to play to give your life the change-up it deserves (examples: investor, farmer, marketeer, professional bowler, jockey, taxi driver, taxi company owner, circus clown, writer, used car salesman, whatever your heart desires)
2. Find out everything there is to know about the chosen game and really sink your teeth in. This is an important factor not only for doing your very best as an individual, but also for step 4. After all, we are living in the information age here, anything you want to know but were afraid to ask your buddy is on the web...Below are some how to examples:
Intro to Beekeeping
Learn to Scuba
Metal Roofing (I actually used this one for my own house)
Counting Cards (don't condone because they are watching but scam school is cool)
Drill Your own WATER WELL!!!
Raising Sheep & Goats for Profit
See? You don't even need to read anymore. If you do, even better!
3. Do the best you can with the talents that God gave you. If you have none, start over with step two or proceed *With Caution* directly to step 4.
4. Cheat as much as you can without legal or bodily harm. This means finding an edge somehow and exploiting it to the best of your ability. Clint Eastwood in The Outlaw Josey Wales displayed this edge finding the best. This DOES NOT mean that you steal money (outright) or sell cars with bad transmissions that you knew about, more than once or twice anyway. It can mean doing your taxes in an accurate fashion to get the most money back. You wouldn't want to be a loafer or leave money with your name on it just hanging out there. This absolutely DOES NOT mean that you pencil in the wrong score on your mini golf card just to win a bet. (Those establishments have a no eraser policy for a reason.) It could mean that you buy land and rent the trailer on it to make your own payments, or find used tools to start your contracting business from others that are going under instead of buying anew.
Clearly, there is a distinction between cheating with malice and finding an edge where and when you can, like a gentleman or a lady.
The following are some games/professions where cheating of any kind is highly discouraged:
1. Firefighter
2. Craps shooter (May lose a limb)
3. Tax professional
4. Pro Fisherman
5. Guy/Gal that trains Killer Whales (May lose another limb)
6. Archery (either you hit it or you didn't)
7. Pro Skydiver that teaches other people
8. Hot Air balloon pilot
9. Government contractor...wait...this belongs on another list
10. Heat Seeking Missile
Remember...if you are ever asked if you are left handed...or you if you are the "Gatekeeper" you just say YES and move on like you know exactly what you are doing.
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