That which we own, ends up pwning us...

So, I finalized the sale of my car today. While I was at my office, my girlfriend confirmed over the phone that my car was being driven away by it's new owner, on to a new life in some other town with new places to go. I wonder where it will travel to now?

I know where I will be traveling now. Straight to a place called "new-found financial freedom", that's where. Recently, I had become nauseated by the amount of money i was spending every month on my car. I owned it, had a loan out on it that i was

repaying every month, then suddenly the

"overhead" light in my brain suddenly came on. That familiar ding of the "open door" was loud a clear.

"My car is making me broke!"

I payed every imaginable cost for my vehicle over the 5 years i had it. Monthly payments, diesel fuel (it was a VW TDI, seen above), repairs, monthly parking fees at my building, oil changes, extra add-ons like rims and a sport shift knob (dumb idea), washes, waxes, taxes, the list goes on. And a lot of it was paid with a credit card that's balance has slowly bloated over the years.

I never batted an eyelash every time I shelled out hundreds of dollars ON TOP of the monthly payment was paying to just drive it. It always seemed normal. It needed to be done. "Everyone spends this much on repairs, right"?

Month in and month out I was frustrated balancing my budget and wondering why at the end of the month I never had any money to spend or save. "Where does it all go"?, I would ask. I consider my self to be a thrifty person. I live pretty well within my means. I do appreciate the finer things in life from time to time, and considering my annual salary, I feel I do pretty damn well with with what I earn. But in this current economy, it's hard enough just to keep pace let alone get ahead. I was not getting ahead.

My birthday was in April. Spring was in all it's glory. My girlfriend comes home with a birthday gift for me one day. A brand new

Specialized bicycle. It was a great present. I had been talking about getting one for a while but never had the extra cash (duh). Now it was here. So, just like a 10 year old kid on his new banana seat bike, (only

this time it was a sophisticated hybrid) I started riding. A ton. I found that pedaling around my neighborhood (I live in Stamford, CT which is a small but vibrant and rapidly growing city outside of NYC) and found that I could get from place to place much faster than I ever did in a car. I could get to my office in 12 minutes when it would take 20 in my car. This, my friends was a serious wake up call.

So, I started keeping the car parked all the time. Every time I headed out to the store or to visit friends, our weekly tennis lesson, or to the movies I'd take the bike. I started commuting to work everyday (weather permitting of course because riding in the rain is pretty dangerous) and loving it! I would get to work energized and ready to take on the day, looking forward to 5pm when i could blast home on my bike, easily coasting by all the drivers miserably stuck in traffic.

Now I consider my self a very good driver. However, when I am at the wheel of a car I often get surly, impatient, aggressive and generally annoyed. I can't help it. As hard as I try, traffic congestion, slow left-lane's (you know, those people who go 45 in the left lane on a highway or Parkway and refuse to merge to the right even though your clearly trying to pass them but they still don't move and force drivers to dangerously pass on the right? you know, those guys??), pedestrians, stalled vehicles all "drive" me up a wall when I need to get somewhere. But by biking everyday, I freed myself from an activity which would regularly leave me wound up and stressed by the time

I got to/from work. And my commute is only 2.5 miles!!! Now I return home, invigorated and in a great mood and a bit sweaty.

I know that 2.5 miles is ideal and most people don't have these luxuries. But driving a car was so ingrained in my own "life-vision" that it never seemed possible to exist without one. "Everyone has a car.", I thought. "If I don't own a car, I'm not a part of society". But, as i found, that is complete bullshit. It is possible to exist without owning a car.

It is an adjustment to your daily routine, though and I am lucky enough that my company has locker room facilities for me to shower before heading to my desk. But just by rearranging a few things I was able to make it easier and easier to bike everyday and live a bit better. Get daily exercise, improve my cardiovascular health, maybe get trimmer, without the "chore" of working out in a gym.

"But Driving a car is so convenient", they say but I don't think I buy that anymore. What's convenient about gridlock, pit stops, finding a place to put your vehicle when you get to your destination (usually at a price too!), people hitting, dinging, scratching your parked car, theft, vandalism, etc. Not to mention your passengers leaving everything from granola bar crumbs to vomit in you back seat. Let me assure you that I'm not a radical hippy who scoffs at the use of modern private transportation on moral grounds, I do understand that cars are necessary for everyday living for most people to do what they need to do. But let's face it. Is it a pleasure own and drive a car? I do know that when I first bought my car, I was in love. But as time goes on, loves fade away, I guess.

An Incredible Life

Daryl Powers at Toccoa

I was quietly surfing the Internet last night at my desk and my girlfriend, sitting on the couch, ogling her blackberry as usual, pipes up, "do you know who Daryl "Shifty" Powers is"? - I let go of the mouse and sat back in my chair. "Of course I know who Daryl "Shifty" Powers is. Why?"

"He's dead", she replied. I immediately turned my attention to the google to verify this troubling news. Sure enough, the information on the Internets confirmed that Daryl C. Powers, known as Shifty by his comrades had passed away on June 17th, 2009 at his home in Virgina.

"JUNE 17TH!!!?" - what the hell? That is a solid month

ago! What's more? Google news search returned only 3 stories about his passing. 3. Why is this? We'll get to that in a minute.

Staff Sargeant Daryl "Shifty" Powers became (somewhat) famous for his participation in the Second World War. His experiences are featured in the Tom Hanks/Steven Spielberg production called "Band of Brothers" that aired in 10 parts on HBO in 2001. The series was created in tandem with Spielberg's Oscar-winning film "Saving Private Ryan" and in conjunction with the 50th anniversary of the D-Day invasion. "Shifty", as

he will be referred to for the rest of this commentary, was 1 of 168 soldiers in Company E (Easy Company) of the 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment (PIR) of the 101st Airborne Division. Their story is detailed in the miniseries.

Peter Youngblood Hills as Daryl "Shifty" Powers

Although, I never met Shifty, I feel like I know him. I was instantly captivated by Band of Brothers series and basically know the story of Easy Company and it's members inside and out. These individuals, most of whom came from very poor upbringings, joined the US Army in their teens and forged one of the most formidable fighting units of the war. The ones that survived, by their 22nd birthdays had seen the end of war in Europe, the horrors of the Holocaust and victory for the Allies in the most incredible human conflict in history. What incredible lives to have lived.

It makes me think about what impact my own life has or will have. Or will the experiences of my life enrich me in a satisfying way that i can look back with fulfillment.

My fascination with Easy Company was so powerful that in 2007, I twice traveled to Belgium and Germany (my girlfriend was working in Luxembourg at the time so that was the main reason). I visited Bastogne, the small Belgian cross-roads town were the 506th was surrounded and cut off by German forces from Dec 16th 1944 to Jan 4th, 1945. I was completely amazed. I visited the American Military Cemetery in Luxembourg, where 2 Easy Company soldiers featured in Band of Brothers, Skip Muck and Alex Penkala, are buried along side so many other fallen soldiers, one of which you may have heard of, General George S Patton. It was incredibly moving to see all these white crosses laying in the silence of the forest around us.

Shifty was involved in every operation that the 506th took part in for the entire war. He joined the unit at its formation at Camp Toccoa, Georgia in 1942. Trained with and received his jump wings with Easy under it's ruthless and sadistic Commanding officer, Capt. Herbert M. Sobel. He sailed away with the company to England in December of 1943 and trained in Aldbourne until Operation Overlord was given the green light in the early morning hours of Jun 6th, 1944. He jumped into France. Shifty took part in the fierce fighting in the Normandy breakout and helped Easy secure the town of Carentan against stiff opposition of the German Fallshrimjaeger troops. He was dropped into occupied Holland during the doomed Operation Market Garden, fought bravely in the Dutch countryside before the 506th was forced to retreat and regroup. He was surrounded at Bastogne in the frigid temperatures of the winter of 1944. He was at Hagenau. Shifty was at Landsberg, outside Munich, were the first signs of the Holocaust were revealed. Shifty helped capture Hitler's Eagle's Nest.

Now it bugs me that we can't go a step without being bombarded with news about Michael Jackson's death and a man like Shifty passes without a word from the mainstream press. I guess it should be expected in our modern time. If it weren't for the Band of Brothers series I may have never knew about Shifty or the others so I cannot deride the mass media all that much. However, how society measures greatness and great people is surely skewed, hence my short tribute here.

At a time where most of these great men who served in WWII are passing away, we need to remember them for their sacrifice and service. Now I'm not the trumpet blowing, America-is-the-greatest, flag waving type, but i cannot help but feel that the story of Shifty's life and all of the men who fought in WWII, provide an important example to us today. The example is that people are capable of amazing things if they believe in themselves and are wiling to do their duty for others.

I'm sure if you had asked Shifty if he thought of himself as a hero he would flatly deny it. He would surely say that the brothers that were left behind on the battlefield were the true heroes, or the men who landed at Omaha Beach on D-day, as he later would mention in a interview "They had it tough. I admire every one of'em". The truth is that Shifty was a hero. Even if only in the sense that he survived the war and remained to serve as a testament for those who died and to tell the world and the world would remember.

My heartfelt condolences go to the Powers Family. My he rest in peace. Currahee!!

All those Band of Brothers Fans out there please keep up the chatter on the net about these great individuals that are still with us.

From this day to the ending of the world,
But we in it shall be remember'd;
We few, we happy few, we band of brothers;
For he to-day that sheds his blood with me
Shall be my brother;

Willliam Shakespeare, King Henry V

The Confusing situation in California

The State of California has to be the weirdest state in the Union. On election day, California voters were required to respond to 12 propositions for changes in their state government. Prop 8, as the voters called it, was to enact a law to eliminate the right for same sex couples to wed under California law. It was the high profile item and arguably the most important of the 12. 

The other propositions dealt with redistricting, environmental and criminal justice issues. The strangest proposition was number 2. A law defining living space for cows, pigs and chickens raised in California's farms. 

Speaking now for the citizens of that state, I guess things did not go as planned. Proposition 8 was passed by a narrow margin. Last evening, 1000 angry citizens took to the streets in protest. It seems to me to be more than a bit perplexing to have such a violent reaction to the result of a fair and proper democratic activity when the desired results, depending on your view, fail to be realized. In fact, the democratic process that was elevated to modern societies greatest acheivement, with record voter turnouts across the country for the election Barack Obama is now spurned by the citizens of California with law suits and protests.

In an attempt to clarify, i feel badly for the thousands of couples who will not not be legally wed in their home state. It bothers me greatly to see laws enacted that deny recognition for such a simple act of communion of two people like marriage. i am of the firm conviction that laws should neither create  nor deny opportunites for those that are governed. It is important for true freedom that those who are governed are allowed to choose for themselves. 

But the people of California have spoken. They have, under the protection of the federal government, the right to govern themselves with states rights as they see fit. Why is this somehow so difficult to accept in light our apparent devotion and reliance on the democratic process in this country? 

At the same time, the people of California have chosen to give the livestock of thier state a bit more living space. Taken together, this is another head-scratcher. The citizens felt more compelled to grant livestock better living conditions and simultaneously decrease that space for their fellow state citizens wishing to marry someone of the same sex. The latter happen to be human beings, not live stock. This contrast is a very strange feature of a modern society that seems all to common now.  Perhaps we, as participants of democracy,  find it difficult to answer the questions that really matter.

For those in California, frustrated with the results of Prop 8, a remidner is requried. In a Democratic society, you must take the good as well as the bad. The democratic process depends upon it. In California, the primacy of the will of the people will most likely be challenged by lawsuits and the court system. In our society today, the ability of the courts to change the will of the people is a direct threat to our democracy and it must be restrained by the willingness of the people to continue the work of democracy. My hope is that the referendum shows up again for the people of California to vote and they will choose otherwise but they must be allowed this important right for any true victory of democracy.  

WERE NOT GONNA PROTEST !!!!

Election Daze

With Nov 4th,  the United States General Election, upon us,  I am greatly relieved. So relieved in fact that i feel like i want to go out and get hammered drunk and enjoy a rowdy Tuesday. Not to celebrate any political victory but instead to welcome in the freedom from political ads and endless coverage of this democracy thing. No more force-fed political agendas and civic duty guilt trips from celebrities. I am a willing participant. I think its important to participate. At the same time i feel that the whirlwind of this  democracy love fest is tiresome and without substantial personal reward for having to endure it. 

I was not really impressed by either of this year's candidates but i went into the polling station and checked the marks anyway. I honestly feel that I am lucky enough that my life has not been drastically altered by the last 8 "years of darkeness" and which ever candidate takes the seat, any significant change will be slight and barely noticeable from where I sit. It may not be fair but it's the truth. Whomever wins this election will have their work cut out for them for sure and I'm genuinely excited to see how this new president will take up the reigns of government. 

But in the end that's all it is: Government. Those that govern the people still will do what they wish regardless of campaign promises or stated beliefs. They will do what they need to do to keep the office they have won and will side with anyone who can help them accomplish that. After all, who wouldn't do what they felt they had to do to ensure their liveli

hood. We do it everyday at work. So do those who govern. 

In the words of Jesse "the Body" Ventura, they saying goes... "In today's democracy, we have 2 choices....Pepsi or Coke. They may seem different but they are not".

How free are we to choose those who govern us when the choice has really been made for us in advance. Political parties and special interests create the candidates and that is all we have. The truth is, the media driven, dual party system is not the only way for the people to elect their government, its just all we have right now.

And Democracy was all the Founding fathers had at their disposal at the time as well. They didn't even like democracy - they preferred it over Monarchy so that's what they went with. But they knew that the people could be just as easily oppressed by the mob as they could by a king. The founders disdain for unbridled democracy is evident in the creation of the electoral college. 

I got a voting sticker at the polls but discarded it with my morning latte. What's the voting sticker about? "Oh, i'm sorry, your sticker on your garment indicates that you participated in the election. Good for you..."  I hate that crap. It's my obligation as an American to vote, even if i don't like either candidate or think it really doesn't make a difference. I don't need to be made to feel good about it. 

That's not the american way. 

This strange fall festival

I have always been captivated and intrigued by Halloween. As as child it was a liberating and exhilarating experience to gallivant around the neighborhood with my peers (unsupervised) and gather candy from the houses that were handing out the delicious treats and egg the ones who decided to keep their porch lights off. Even as the treats became less important and depositing shaving cream all over random cars became the thing to do it was still exhilarating. Now, and can't even imagine how my mother even stomached the idea of me out on Halloween with my mischievous friends conjuring up trouble. 

It wasn't until i was an adult that i uncovered the true origin of Halloween. Once understood, i think it has become more interesting than ever. Halloween is only popular in the US because of  the Catholic heritage of the last great wave of immigrants, of which i am apart or at least raised in the traditions of those immigrants. Our Founding Fathers had little tolerance of anything related to the papacy. The Puritans, who were fervently anti-Catholic certainly did not contribute to the propagation of the holiday on these shores. It was the Irish, Spanish, Italian and Eastern European immigrants who continued to celebrate Halloween once in the US.

After-all, the night before all hallows has a deep connection with human existence going back to iron age humans in the British isles. The Celts called it Sawain. They believed it was the time of year when the barrier betwixt the living and the dead was thin enough that strange shit was going to go down. They understood that life was not guarranteed. They may not be around to see the spring time. Fall was a do-or-die situation for many of our primitive relatives. The lack of food and harsh weather claimed the lives of many, even during good winters. The Catholic church capitalized on this pagan autumnal celebration by issuing a decree that Nov 1st would be All Saints Day, and hereby a Catholic Holiday - a HDO (holy day of obligation). Their intention was most likely to create a syncretism.  A combination of a pagan tradition with a new overtones of Catholic piety rather than establish a day to honor the saints. In any case, it seems that the pagan and Catholic elements of the season endure for every one's enjoyment. Happy Halloween! 

Worst to First

 

TB 2nd baseman Akinori Iwamura

So the Tampa Bay Rays are in the World Series for the first time in their short franchise history. Despite the fact that they are a one of the youngest clubs in the majors (their have 5 players on thier entire roster over the age of 30) they are just damn good. They are an extremely aggressive team. They run well and play sold defence and have the 2nd best team ERA in the American League. But what is most impressive about this years Rays, is that last year they posted a dismal 66 and 96 with a win % of .407. This year they pinned up a 97 and 65 record. Talk about a swing in baseball fortune! I thought these kind of swings were not supposed to happen in baseball. What about the years of big-market clubs like my beloved Yankees dominating the scene with all the best players and the biggest crowds. I was inclined to think the "worst to first" phenomenon was limited to the NFL and maybe the NHL.  

It is difficult to watch the Rays play in the "worlds biggest game". They are a regular season rival of my beloved Yankees and a fixture team of any fan of the AL east division. Years and years of watching the Yankees steam roll the Rays are apparently over, for now. 

As for the World Series, In the words of Michael Vick, "I don't have a dog in this fight". I would like to see the Phillies victorious if it were up to me. At least, the Red Sox are out of it...

For the World Series of 2007, I was lucky enough to be in a place where baseball does not exist... Europe. As the dreaded Sox captured the championship I was happily sipping a strong Belgian ale in the quiet medieval town of Leuven, without a baseball fan in site. It was glorious. I am not so lucky this year. 

After 30 years in Cinema, Pacino still claims to Gail that his life was indeed saved

Oscar winner Al Pacino will help kick off the Rome film festival on Wednesday as he picks up an achievement award on behalf of the Actors Studio, springboard for many of Hollywood's best and brightest. 

In spite of his award, Pacino still struggles to convince Gail that his life was saved. Gail, stubborn in her ways, refuses to recognize it.