Failure: Why Are People Laughing?
If you have ever used Twitter, you may have come across the infamous ‘fail whale.’ While you may wonder what the fail whale actually is, it is quite self-explanatory. When their is an error or an overload of users on Twitter, users will find themselves staring a whale being carried over water by tiny birds. With so many errors on Twitter and users finding themselves staring at a fail whale so often, one would expect angry and annoyed tweeples. Instead, it is quite the opposite.
The fail whale has become something of a phenomenon in that what was just supposed to be an error page for Twitter, has now become an iconic logo. Originally created by Twitter user yiyinglu, the fail whale has made ‘failure’ profitable and also amusing.
Enjoying Others Fail
So what is about the fail whale that makes failure acceptable? Most would agree that failure is a disappointing and it would be shocking to hear someone say that they take pleasure out of seeing someone ‘fail.’ Still, it is a growing trend that is making failure become laughable and amusing.
The biggest reason for this growing trend stems from the direction that television shows and most recently the internet have begun to dip toward. For the last 19 years, America’s Funniest Home Videos has been bringing laughter to families across the nation. While shows consist of dogs doing tricks and kids saying funny things, it does include segments where someone ultimately ‘fails’ and gets hurt. This has been AFHV’s bread and butter. Without it, they wouldn’t be the same. Audiences watch because they want to see failure. Not only do they want it, but they almost demand it.
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Don’t Move Out of Los Angeles & Expect To Come Back
Whether you’re into sun tanning at the beach or into shopping on Rodeo Drive, you can do just about anything in Los Angeles. With so many great options, outsiders may wonder why people even think of leaving Los Angeles.
When I graduated college, a few of my friends mentioned to me that after college they wanted to get out of Los Angeles. While I respected their choices, being an LA native my whole life I had to question their reasoning. Perhaps it is just my biased opinion, but LA is unique compared to other cities. No where in the United States can you find a city as large and as diverse. Yes, you can make the argument that other cities are just as diverse, but not only is LA diverse ethnically, but it is diverse in its personality. LA is known for having the ‘glitz’ and ‘glamour’ but it is more than that. Living here my whole life I realized when I visited other large cities that LA has a personality unlike any other. LA has a sort of swagger to it. Perhaps it is the laid back nature of its citizens on the weekends and the intense workaholics on the weekday’s that give LA such a unique balance of work and play.
So what makes people leave?
While it may not be the million dollar question, it is a question that has many possible answers.
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You Are A Superhero
Do you work 9-5, have a family to take care of at home and feel like the world is on your shoulders? If so you might be a superhero. Don’t believe me? Well I don’t know if I would either. As a child I learned from watching Saturday morning cartoons and reading comic books that superhero’s were these ‘god-like’ characters that would save the girl and defeat the bad guy. They didn’t have families, they didn’t have jobs, they were just superheroes.
In the 2004 Disney blockbuster hit, The Incredibles, we are introduced to the Parr Family. The Parr’s are a reflection of the average American family in that they face many of the same issues that family’s face. From the struggle to spend quality time with family to money issues, The Parr’s resemble a ‘real-life’ family that most people can relate too. As we all know though, Disney puts a twist to it all. The Parr’s are actually superheroes trying to fit into society. The movie may seem like another made for kids movie, but it has a deeper meaning to it. While its messages may not be as obvious as such movies such as Crash, it is able to connect with society based on its stereotypes and social messages.
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The Tiffany & Co. Investment
Since 1837, Tiffany & Co. has been one of the most famous jewelers in the world. From their trademark Tiffany blue to the white ribbons that adorn their gift boxes, Tiffany’s has established themselves as not only a leader in the fine jewelry market but also as an example of a company that is able to increase the value of their products through effective marketing and attention to detail.
Evolution of Tiffany & Co.
Starting in 1837, the color Tiffany Blue was born. Little did Charles Tiffany know that Tiffany Blue would eventual grow to become an iconic color and become such a big part of fashion culture. Looking at the evolution of Tiffany & Co., we can see its evolution from being an exclusive high end jeweler to an affordable yet classy destination for anyone looking for that special piece.
Living in Los Angeles, one of the spots that Los Angeles is known for is Rodeo Drive. From Gucci and Prada to Chanel and Burberry, Tiffany & Co. is one of the most famous spots of Rodeo. When going to Rodeo you understand what people mean when they say that Rodeo is in its own little world. Expensive cars to display windows that could rival a decorative museum exhibit, Rodeo is a known for its high end stores for those looking for the high end lifestyle. Still, while Rodeo may be assumed to be for those with high disposable income, it is not necessarily true. Tiffany & Co. has been able to evolve itself from being for the rich and famous, to anyone who wants own a timeless piece of jewelry.
From the young to the old, Tiffany & Co. has been able to accomplish what other companies can only wish for. Tiffany’s has been able to attract not only one target market segment but rather target nearly all market segments. No matter what the age, Tiffany’s has something for everyone. Now the case could be made that while this may apply to only females and that it doesn’t really apply to males. To this I would counter that Tiffany’s offers men’s jewelry as well. Whether you are looking for a money clip to a stylish watch, Tiffany’s appeals to both sexes. Through effective marketing strategies, Tiffany appeals to both sexes through their catalogue and through the universal appeal of their website. The Tiffany’s website is an essential part of the Tiffany’s marketing campaign as any customer can easily find the approriate gift by the multiple search categories and specifics that a customer can provide.
The first time I bought a Tiffany’s piece was during my senior year of high school for my girlfriend. The one thing that I remember distinctly is that Tiffany’s is not only selling you jewelry, but it is selling you an experience. This experience is what makes people want to buy Tiffany’s. By buying a Tiffany’s piece you are buying piece of culture and art. The service marketing side of Tiffany & Co. can only be described as striving to near perfection.
I have found that not only are Tiffany pieces a great gift, but they are also unique in an economic sense. Like rare baseball cards and classic cars, some Tiffany pieces actually gain in value. Taking a look at the several Tiffany pieces that my girlfriend has, most if not all are sold at a higher price than they were previously purchased at. This can be attributed to many things. Among them are the limited amount made per piece as well as certain pieces being made for certain occasions. By buying something from Tiffany & Co. you are also buying into an investment.
Audrey Hepburn from Breakfast at Tiffany’s said it best when she was asked what she does when she gets afraid of something.
Well, when I get it, the only thing that does any good is to jump in a cab and go to Tiffany’s. Calms me down right away. The quietness and the proud look of it; nothing very bad could happen to you there. If I could find a real-life place that’d make me feel like Tiffany’s, then – then I’d buy some furniture and give the cat a name!
Whether you are looking to invest a relationship, a future, or just looking for jewelry, buying a Tiffany & Co. piece means you investing a piece of culture.
Valentine’s Day: How To Plan Guide For Guys
As I talked with my friends, one of the questions that I was asked was what my Valentine’s Day plans were. While a lot of guys may say that “we are still two weeks away from Valentine’s”, two weeks goes by in a flash. With that said, here is my advice to all boyfriends and guys that are planning to take out that special someone.
1. Even though the girl says that you don’t have to do something for Valentine’s, you should anyways.
Named after Saint Valentine himself, Valentine’s Day is celebrated by couples all over the world. While it’s true that girls will say that you don’t need to do anything for Valentine’s and that “being with you” is enough, truth of the matter is that Valentine’s isn’t just any other day. Whether its a quiet homemade dinner for two or a night out, girls will appreciate the effort no matter how big or small it is. Here is a simple comparison that my female friend told me:
“Valentine’s is like another birthday for us. Everyone says you don’t need to get them something, but inside everyone wants just gifts and a party”
2. Time Management
Just like what they taught you in school on how to manage your time, it can also be applied to Valentine’s Day. Whether you are planning an all day event or dinner and a movie, it is important to have it all planned out ahead of time and not 30 minutes before you are about to pick them up. A helpful tip is to take into account the little things such as how long it takes to get ready, how long it takes to get to the restaurant, and what time or how long the movie is. Planning ahead will help make things go smoothly.
3. More Than Just Friends?
For some, Valentine’s will be just another day to share with a loved one. For others it can be much more. From telling that co-worker your true feelings, to being more than ‘just friends,’ Valentine’s is a chance to start a relationship or rekindle one. With that in mind, it is important for guys to know what type of tone they want to set for the date. If it’s telling a girl what you feel for them, make sure you actually have something to say aside from “I like you.” For the guys that are just trying to spend more time with their girlfriends here is my advice to you: turn off your cellphone. It is great that technology is at the tip of our fingers, but it doesn’t have to be 24/7. For some this is extremely hard, myself included. This Valentine’s I will at the very least keep my phone off at dinner. Yes, the score of the Laker’s game will have to wait.
4. Where, What, & When To Eat?
An essential part to Valentine’s Day is the meal. Whether it is breakfast, lunch or dinner, it is important that you do it right and plan it in advance. If you try to book reservations today, you might be lucky enough to catch a table for two, but if you wait a week before, you will join the hundreds of others who will resort to ‘Standby’ at restaurants. Most restaurants now offer the convenience of booking reservations online. Not only does it save time, but you can see reviews and suggestions for restaurants as well. It’s hard to make an excuse when every restaurant in town takes reservations online.
Many upscale restaurants offer a special Valentine’s Day Pre Fixe Menu. Depending on your budget, these could be great deals. It is important to note that many restaurants that offer a special Valentine’s Day Pre Fixe Menu require a credit card along with reservations in case of cancellation. Most will allow you to cancel up to February 12 by 5PM, otherwise you would be charged a cancellation fee which is set by the restaurant.
In regards to what time to eat, that is entirely up to you. While there is no set time as to when to eat dinner as everyone has their own preferences, one should keep in mind these points:
- Any post/pre meal activities : If you plan on watching a movie after dinner, take into account how long dinner might last.
- Traffic : If you book dinner in downtown LA, expect traffic. Give yourself time to get to the restaurant.
- Ambiance : If you book a restaurant near the ocean, book it around sunset time. If you want a quieter restaurant, you may want to go for an earlier or later dinner before the rush starts.
I have put together a list of Restaurants in the Los Angeles Area that might be of use for those of you still looking for Valentine’s. Please remember when calling any restaurant to ask if they have Pre Fixe Menus.
1. Yamashiro
1999 N Sycamore Ave
Hollywood, CA 90068
Phone: (323) 466-5125
2. Lawry’s The Prime Rib
100 N La Cienega Blvd
Beverly Hills, CA 91101
Phone: (424) 354-3409
3. The Raymond Restaurant
1250 S Fair Oaks Ave
Pasadena, CA 91105
Phone: (626) 768-3268
4. Moondshadow’s
20356 Pacific Coast Highway
Malibu, CA 90265
Phone: (424) 644-6450
5. Cicada Restaurant
617 S Olive St
Los Angeles, CA 90014
Phone: (213) 488-948
Reservations Online: OpenTable.com
While it may seem time consuming and difficult to plan out Valentine’s Day, I am reminded by my female friend that
“when you are upset about how guys have to do everything for Valentine’s day..just remember…popping out babies is left to the girls”
I’ll stick to planning Valentine’s any day.
Where Last Season’s Style Goes
In a time where getting the most out of your buck is key, shopping for consumer goods is an area that has most consumers re-thinking where they decide to shop. While malls continue to be packed, it doesn’t necessarily mean that people are spending money. On the contrary, with once dominant department stores like Macy’s and social hangout spots like Starbucks closing stores to save money, consumer spending has changed radically.
With consumers looking at how to save money, they have begun to turn toward outlet malls. For the consumer that has never shopped at an outlet mall, let me introduce you to the world of affordable prices for designer and name brand goods. While affordable is only applicable to certain situations, examples are the best way to show the huge bargain opportunity that is to be had at outlet malls.
Coach for example is well known for being a hot spot at outlets for shopaholics. Not only are their prices well below the MSRP’s but their selection is quite vast. It is true that among the plethora of bags their is a fair share of ugly bags, but the prices are the ones that dictate what is ugly and what is not.
Outlets get most of their merchandise from their affiliate stores after they either go out of season or are overstocked. Many consumers are aware of this and don’t mind wearing last seasons styles. The truth is that to look rich, you don’t have to be rich. Brands like Calvin Klein, Gap, Hugo Boss, Bebe, and even Juicy Couture have all realized this and have begun to tap the huge consumer base that shops at outlets. With small outlet stores beginning to be replaced by designer outlet stores, what was a once in a while stop for families and consumers has now become regular trips when they need to buy something.
In a way, outlet malls can be seen as the place where last season’s style goes to be reborn into an ‘affordable’ style. From electronics to clothing, it seems that you can find anything at an outlet mall. While most outlet malls may not have the ambiance or decor of most shopping malls today, they make up for it by allowing consumers to feel like they really got the most out of their dollar.
The Power Of Charisma
As I stopped to listen to the inauguration speech of newly appointed president, Barack Obama, the thing that stood out most about him was not the content of his speech but rather how he was able to draw the attention of millions by just the words he spoke. His words not only captivated millions but it also instilled hope and inspiration to those who listened. Obama shares a rare trait that great leaders have. That trait is charisma.
While many may be described as charismatic, true and genuine charisma is often hard to find. Charisma is often defined as a rare trait in human personality that includes charm and a ‘magnetic’ quality. Not only is charisma a rare trait, it is also by far one of the most valued. Taking a look at the famous leaders such as Abraham Lincoln, Martin Luther King Jr., Caesar, Alexander the Great, Napoleon, and Nelson Mandela, the key characteristic that all of them shared was their ability to captivate an audience. From Napoleon’s ability to rally his troops through is powerful words to Martin Luther King Jr.’s ability to charm thousands and lead millions, charisma is a powerful tool. Anyone can become a leader, but it takes true charisma to get people to follow you. You maybe extremely bright, but without charisma, you can only go so far.
In the business world, charisma plays a huge role in the workplace. While work ethic and efficiency are both key factors in promotions, a persons charisma is also key. Someone who is charismatic not only gets along with most people, but they can also make up for areas they lack in with their charm. The goal of any company is to hire a well rounded individuals that can come in and bring value to the company. The key word out of that sentence is value. Speaking to the HR of a few companies, many agree that charisma has huge value.
Aside from the charisma playing a huge part in the business world, charisma is also a dominant trait in entertainment and sports. When you look at players like Kobe Bryant and actors like Will Smith, aside from work on the court and on film, people naturally gravitate toward them. This ‘magnetic’ trait that they have has helped them become as popular as they are today. Even looking at our past president, George Bush, we can see the power of charisma. While he wasn’t loved by all, people would agree that part of the reason he got to White House was because of his personal charisma.
While not all of us can be as smooth as Will Smith or are able to captivate a nation like President Barack Obama, it is important to recognize those that are charismatic. Being able to identify individuals with genuine charisma can be difficult because who is to say what “true” and “genuine” charisma is, but here is a suggestion to figuring it out: Look around you and see who are the followers, and who are the leaders. More than often, the leaders have true charisma.
One Relationship: Two Roads
As I enter my third week of the work I have come to the realization that I am an ‘adult.’ Books and midterms have been replaced by meetings and hours of starting at a computer screen. For most, the corporate work path is well suited for them. Working at Future Delivery I have a truly unique opportunity. I am able to set my own work hours, sleep in as late as I want, and work on any project I want. So you ask what kind of job is this?
This is what it is like to be part of a start-up company. Everything I mentioned previously is not what it may appear. Yes, I can set my own hours, but I have been working approximately 14 hour work days, 7 days a week. I can work on any project, but still need to get them all done. I can sleep in, but if I do, that only means I will sleep even later. The corporate life provides structure, rules, and guidance. In a sense, when you first start out working in the corporate world, you are taught how to work. No one can teach you how to be an entrepreneur or part of a start-up company. Instead, you are given an idea. With that idea, you have to run with it. If the idea doesn’t work. Then pick up another one and run again.
For myself, the person that means the most to me aside from my family members, is my girlfriend. Recently, she joined the corporate world and now works 9-5, 5 days a week. Looking at how far we both have come, I realize that determination has played a big part in where we are today. In high school, we were both determined to be with each other through it all. During college, we made it through a long-distance relationship. Now here we are again. Facing two different paths: Corporate world vs Entrepreuner world. One is where you follow the rules, the other, you make em.’ When her work day is done, mine continues. When her work day starts, mine still is continuing. I have made adjustments to my life so that I am able to spend ‘quality’ time with her. From waking up early and getting more work done during the day, to delegating tasks to others. Just like when you ride a bike, at first you will have bumps and falls, but eventually you will get the hang of it. Similar to that idea, the career paths my girlfriend and I are part of is ‘work in progress.’ We will learn what works and what doesn’t. What is right and what is wrong. Most of all, we will learn how two different career paths can make for one great relationship.
Mission: Live at 24 Hour Fitness
In the next month, I will be attempting to spend 24 hours at a 24 hour fitness. I will eat, sleep, and exercise at 24 hour fitness. It may seem a little crazy (maybe more than a little), but it was an idea that I came up with when talking with my friend. As a college student I paid $700 a month including furnishings and utilities for housing. I got my own room, my own bathroom, and shared a living space with 3 crazy other people. Compared to what other college students were paying at other colleges, I consider myself lucky. For example, my girlfriend paid $800 and shared a room. This didn’t include utilities or furnishings.
So the question that my friend and I talked about was how to live cheap. Now the word cheap may be associated with ‘poor quality,’ but to a college student it means ‘bargain’ and ‘good deal.’ The idea that I came up with was why not live at 24 Hour Fitness.
For $20 a month, you have 24 hour access to their facilities. Assuming that their are 30 days in a month that means you are paying an average of $.66 a month! That is a deal. I know what you are thinking by now, “Who in their right mind would do this?” The answer to that would be a college student. The perception that anything can happen in college is pretty accurate and an idea like this is right up a college students alley. Now, what I am proposing is not to actually live, study, and sleep at 24 hour fitness permanently, but to stay their for 24 hours for fun and jokes.
For 24 hours, my friend and I will be going to a yet to be determined 24 Hour Fitness Center and attempting to ‘live’ their for 24 hours straight. We will each be bringing a small gym backpack. In it will be a small container of rice (in case we starve), $10.00, gloves (for when we pump iron), and duct tape (I’ve heard you can use it for anything). Aside from the items listed, we will also be bringing a basketball, toothbrush and toothpaste, a sweater, and 1 paper cup each.
Also, I plan on video recording the whole 24 hours (or at least most of it) so I will be bringing additional disks to record as well as batteries.
The next question that you may be wondering is, “What will you eat? Where will you sleep? How will you shower..” The answer is simple. For every daily activity that we would normally do, we can do it at 24 Hour Fitness also.
Here are a couple questions that some of my friends already asked me:
1. Where will you sleep? –Yoga mats in the exercise rooms (gonna pretend we’re meditating…for a long time)
2. Shower? –Lucky for us, 24 Hour Fitness has showers for members to use. I will not be recording this for obvious reasons.
3. Food? –Simple. All the PowerBar’s we can eat for $10. Water is free (if not, we might die of dehydration.)
4. Boredom? –No way to solve this. It is bound to happen. Hopefully later than sooner.
5. Getting kicked out of 24 Hour Fitness? — As far as I know their is no rule against staying at the gym as long as you are a member and you aren’t breaking any of their rules.
6. Are you gonna bring your cellphone? — Nope. If I need to contact someone I’m gonna do it the old fashioned way: pay phone.
Hopefully at the end of this ‘adventure’ I will be able to look back on it and have a few laughs. Otherwise, I expect to never set foot in a gym for many months after it and have a greater appreciation for my bed.
Stay tuned for 24 hours at 24 Hour Fitness review.
Traffic Capital?
You go anywhere in the United States and you would be hard pressed to find a place as busy as Los Angeles when it comes to the traffic on freeways and downtown streets. While it is an exaggeration to say that freeways are always crowded, it isn’t entirely true.
When people mention to others they are from Los Angeles, one of the first things that people think of aside from the southern California weather and beautiful beaches is its overpopulated freeways and congested streets. As an LA native, living in the southern California and commuting to LA frequently has made me ‘comfortable’ to traffic. What I mean by ‘comfortable’ is that driving in and around the LA area, you come to expect the 10 minutes stuck in traffic to get to the 5 south interchange and spending 30 minutes in traffic to go just 3 miles in the morning. To those who haven’t driven in the LA area, 30 minutes may seem absurd but that is just how traffic is in Los Angeles.
By far, the worst time to commute is the early morning rush and the evening rush hour (3:30PM-6:30PM). If you do ever need to go into downtown LA during this time, be prepared for some quality time with your radio. Still, the morning and evening rush hour is something that all LA natives have come to accept and become ‘comfortable’ with.
The answer to why we as LA natives have come to be so ‘comfortable’ with the traffic in LA is like trying to explain how the earth was made. Their are multiple reasons, but one that I feel best explains it is because we feel that their is no way to solve it. What is meant by this is that Angelino’s have become so dependent on driving all over LA that they are willing to put up with the traffic because their is no real solution to it. The two options are to put up with it, or don’t drive. Sure, you can choose to drive at a different hour of the day when their are fewer cars, but this still doesn’t solve the problem of traffic itself. For the rest of us who have to commute into LA to get to work by 9AM, the morning rush hour is our only option.
LA has tried to alleviate the problem by increasing the efficiency of traffic lights and expanding freeways. Still, for every freeway that is expanded, it seems like another has construction on it. Like a disease that has no real cure, the LA traffic situation can be treated by attempting to ‘quarantine’ and ‘contain’ it so that it doesn’t get so out of control that not driving becomes a realistic option.
What Are You Worth?
When looking for a job, one of the biggest determinants in the job search is pay. While it is important to have a job you like and environment that is conducive to work, it seems that pay is the one factor that most would rank high on their job search importance. In a sense, the value of the job can be seen as having a monetary value.
Except for very extreme situations, most job’s will be taken by anyone if the pay is right. For most of us, pay is balanced out by our satisfaction with the work environment, company culture, and several other factors. It is no surprise that salary and how much you make a year is one of the biggest factors by which society judges individuals. Even as a small child we are taught in school that we need to study hard so that we can get a good job in the future.
So what is a ‘good job?’ Their can be many different definitions to what a ‘good job’ actually is, but the consensus response will almost always include making money. Their is nothing wrong with wanting to make a lot of money. I would be a liar to say that making money wasn’t important. The truth is that whether you hold money to be important or not, it is. Money drives our economy, culture, and society. Money has become a way for us to measure the value of things.
Among the many things that we put monetary value on, humans are one of them. Some may feel that putting value on a human is like putting a value on their life. Still, insurance companies do it all the time. They even have a human life value calculator. Factors such as if you smoke, what your occupation is, and how much you make are all part of the valuation of humans.
In a sense, everything that we do can be used as a determinant in our value. Similar to how employers determine your salary based on your experience and the value created by the work you do, humans can be valued in the same way based on their life experiences and value added to society. While it may sound like a bad to say that one individuals life is more important than another because they didn’t smoke and the other did, taking a closer look around us you can find examples where we are already doing it.
A classic example is what goes on in hospitals. The function of the hospital to save human life. While this is the goal of the hospital, the hospital also must be able to generate revenue. This means that the hospital must make decisions that they feel will be both cost effective as well as effective in saving and treating patients.
In some situations, expensive treatment is needed. This is where the valuation of human life can be seen. Imagine we have two patients, patient A and B. Both patients need to be treated for a life threatening condition which is very expensive. Treatment will successfully treat the patient and make them better. Patient A has health insurance, a white-collar worker, and it is his first time in the hospital. Patient B has no health insurance, a blue-collar worker, and his fourth time in the hospital. While it is ideal for the hospital to treat both the same, reality is that they don’t. What will happen is patient A would receive treatment at the hospital, and patient B would be stabilized and discharged to the county hospital where they would receive little treatment. While it is wrong to do so, it is reality. So goes the saying, ‘money doesn’t grow on trees.’ As long as it doesn’t we will continue to put a monetary value on human life.
Tag, You’re It!
Similar to the game of ‘tag,’ I am now it. No, I am not going to run around tagging you, but instead am going to mention you in my blog. James Walker, mentioned me in his blog so I am “it.” Here are the rules:
- link your original tagger(s), and list these rules on your blog.
- share seven facts about yourself in the post – some random, some weird.
- tag seven people at the end of your post by leaving their names and the links to their blogs.
- let them know they’ve been tagged by leaving a comment on their blogs and/or twitter
Without further delay, here are the seven facts of me:
1. Lived in the Los Angeles area my whole life.
Since I was born, I have lived in the LA area and wouldn’t have it any other way. Their was a period in my life when I thought that I would want to grow up and live somewhere cold, but I quickly realized that snow and rain just weren’t for me. The thing I love most about LA and its surroundings is its diversity as well the beach. Drive west for 20 minutes and you are bound to hit a beach. Also, the weather is a big plus.
2. I had an appendectomy when I was 11 years old
When I was 11 my appendix burst. Doctors say that it can happen to anyone when they get an infection in the area, but mine was burst because I got hit in my side (appendix area) when I was playing basketball during recess. I remember lying their in pain and the playground supervisor saying that it was just a ‘boo boo.’ I wish I could tell her she was wrong.
3. I am still in love with my first car.
Their is a saying that every boy falls in love with their first car. Well, that is true for me. My first car, an Acura Legend, is still a car that I love. Unfortunately, it was totaled in a car accident. Still, I plan to one day buy another one and restore it to the condition my old one was. It may not have been a Ferrari or Corvette, but it was mine, which is why I loved it. Good times.
4. Growing up I wanted to be an architect.
My favorite thing to play with when I was younger were Lego’s. Seriously, who didn’t like Legos? I would spend hours just sitting there at my ‘Lego Table,’ building boats, houses and cars. To this day, part of me wants to just get back to building Lego towns.
5. I am a horrible artist
When it comes to drawing, painting, or anything of the sort, my sister got the artistic genes, not me. She can paint beautiful canvases while I struggle to draw stick figures. I was so bad at art that in high school, the art teacher told me she would just give me a B+ cause she didn’t want me to come back again just for art. Hopefully my children don’t inherit my artistic genes.
6. I have been to a Disney theme park 11 times in the last 5 years.
Whether it be Disneyland or Disneyworld, Disney is a fun place to go. Their really isn’t a real explanation to this other than it always seems that someone I know wants to go. I wish Disney had a frequent flyer type card for their parks so I could earn back some of that cash I spend on their theme park food.
7. I have known my girfriend since kindergarten.
How many people can say that? I would bet not many. I have known my girlfriend since kindergarten and started dating her during highschool. From the high school prom, to graduation, to a long distance relationship during college, to graduation again, and to now, I have come to love everything about her.
Now that I have shared a little about myself, it is time to pass it on.
Here are the people who get tagged:
Okay guys, you’ve been tagged so here are your next steps:
-Link your original tagger(s) and list these rules in your post.
-Share seven facts about yourself in the post.
-Tag seven people at the end of your post by leaving their names and the links to their blogs.
-Let them know they’ve been tagged
I hope you guys have fun in our little game of tag!
I Am Superman
Growing up, if you were to ask me who my heroes were I would have probably responded by saying Batman or Superman. Today it is a totally different response. Today I would respond with my parents. So what has changed? The better question should be what hasn’t. Nothing has really changed, rather I have a better understanding of life.
As a young child you grow up with an un-clear idea of fear. As a child, being scared of the dark and eating vegetables could be comparable to now being afraid of a major economic collapse or sky rocketing gas prices. Looking back, their was a period of time in my life where I would say that I fell victim to the ‘Superman Complex.’
What is the Superman Complex
The ‘Superman Complex’ is appropriately named after the classic DC comic hero Superman himself. Superman seemed to be the “unbeatable” superhero. Nothing seemed to impossible for him, nothing seemed to stop him. Still, Superman was not invincible. His weakness was kryptonite. Similar to the story of Superman, many of us in society fall victim to this mind set which is feeling that we are able to do anything without failure or consequences. Individuals that have the Superman Complex also feel the need to save others while feeling ‘invincible.’ Some of us go our whole life living with the mind set of the Superman Complex. While it is not necessarily a bad thing, I wouldn’t say it is a good thing.
One of the classic examples of the Superman Complex can be seen in teens around the age 15-19. Around this time, teens begin to have fewer rules and more trust from their parents. After years of telling their children what is right and what is wrong, parents feel that their children will make the right decision. Unfortunately this is not always true. As teens begin to explore their new found freedom, most go out into the world with no real understanding of what ‘fear’ is. Teens will drive at high speeds only thinking of how fast they can go and how to weave in and out of traffic without slowing down. During this age, teens also will have to face the hard decision of how to deal with drugs and alcohol. It is not an easy age by any means.
Still, the thought process that goes into making these decisions are what separates those with the Superman complex and those who don’t. The teen that drives at high speeds and disregards the safety of others has the mindset that they are ‘invincible.’ Most people I have talked to that have been in major car accidents have told me that after they had the accident they won’t drive fast and are in some ways scared too because they know what can happen. Without this ‘fear,’ teens that decide to drive the way they do will always have the feeling that they are immune to the consequences or that ‘it won’t happen to them.’ In a way, the Superman Complex can be thought of as ‘living life without fear or realization of consequence.’ As mentioned, the Superman Complex can apply to anyone.
The Superman Complex revolves around the idea of being fearless, but in reality it is important to not live in fear, but learn from it. As Louisa May Alcott once said:
“I’m not afraid of storms, for I’m learning how to sail my ship”
Let us not be afraid of living life, but learn how to live it.
