Fakin' Fronts, Perpetratin', and Disingenuous Behavior: It's All About Hypocrisy.

Gangstarr knows the deal. "Take it Personal" is callin out all you suckas. 

I'm not a big fan of people who don't mean what they say. Now I don't mean when you make a mistake and say one thing that means another. I'm talking about hypocrisy. Preaching one thing and doing another. 

A lot of people wonder why the young generation is so jaded; so cynical. A certain percentage are that way because it's a growing trend and the popular thing to do. Those who are actually jaded, are that way because of all those lying "righteous politicians", the religious leaders who lie, cheat, steal, and do immoral things, businessman who steal our investments and retirement funds, musicians who sell their soul to be mainstream successes, misleading infomercials, home equity loans, star athletes on steroids, and the startling uncertainty of the American dream. 


Hypocrites in high places may be unaware of their powerful influence, but it truly is remarkable how much proverbial stock we purchase in influential people. One false move and you really can break a person's heart and through that disappointment it can possibly shape a person's life. 


So as a result maybe if people kept their integrity, we'd be better off. More people would vote, trust in big corporations, safely believe in their local religious establishment, have access to more quality music, not waste  money on stupid diet plans and Jack LaLanne Power Juicers, believe in our favorite athletes and quite possibly believe in the American Dream. 


Or not. 


The choice is yours. 


The object is to enjoy life. Not leech from the very existence of the human race. 


-TLG/MTFZ

What Does Christmas Mean to Metafizics?

The readers that know me personally know that I don't practice any religion or hold any higher spirtual beliefs. So for a long time, I've been trying to figure out a reason as to why I feel so strongly against religion, yet celebrate a religious holiday with fam and friends. The answer is simple. 

Christmas is no longer the holiday that it used to be. To me it has taken on a whole new meaning. Yeah, there is a big consumerist element these days but thats all very petty and materialistic. Don't get me wrong, we all like to receive and many of us like to give (notice the difference). That's all well and good but what's more valuable is the time that we spend with loved ones. Family and Friends. 

I come home and my fun is spending time with the most important people in my life. It took me awhile to find the significance behind the holiday, but I'm glad its not a materialistic one.

I like to observe the shoppers during this time of year. All in a frenzy, caught up with Tickle Me Elmos, PS3s, Godiva chocolates, and iPhones. It seems like we subconsciously put more emphasis on the presents than the actual people themselves. As if the recipients will love us more for what we get them. In some sad cases, thats all it takes for some. I'm not saying throw out all your gifts and go empty handed, but just remember that you shouldnt have to feel obligated to purchase something just to maintain a person's happiness, feelings for you, etc. 

This holiday and a few others have created this obligation to buy, buy, and buy. Overtime it just ends up overshadowing the real and true meaning. 

Going through economic struggles as a child helped me gain insight into what really matters. As a little kid the gifts are really all you can think about. You can try and teach the youth the real meaning but it means nothing until later. When my material gifts started getting smaller and smaller, it finally dawned on me that my gift was there the whole time. 

My family, my friends, and my health. 

Merry Christmas y'all!

-TLG/MTFZ 

Dream/Reality.

 

You rub your eyes and sit up in bed, look around to verify where you are in the world. Maybe look at your hands or check to see if your body is intact. You just woke up from a dream. The feeling is real, but it really is not. A single dream can change your life, the way you view the world, or perhaps something as minute as a simple step in your daily routine. Now this post isn't about the science of dreaming or any type of method explaining why we have them. Its merely an acknowledgement of a phenomenon many of us experience on a regular basis.  

We dream about things we want, things we DONT know that we want, things we dont want, and things we DONT know that we DONT want. But sometimes we dream about total nonsense. What if it isnt? How do we know when to have a good or bad feeling about a dream? To heed a warning? To proceed with an idea?

Maybe I'm just trying to provoke some thoughts in your head before you go to sleep, but now that you've started to read, you can't help but think of what's going on in your head when your subconscious takes over. 

Some ideas are best left in the dream world. But for just a second think about world leaders, business executives, and the world's most influential people. How many of their important decisions, transactions, moves, etc. are influenced by a dream or series of dreams? We'll never know the answer to that. Before a big decision is made, don't many people just...

"Sleep on it."  

-TLG/MTFZ 

Stale Coffee and Cigarettes. (Ramblings)

 

Folgers to Starbucks. Camel to Marlboro. Stale coffee and cigarettes are the official aroma of life. The lingering scent of business deals, office meetings, break-time, the morning ride on the train. The smell of 6am. Ya know, those types of mornings where you JUST make it out of bed? The essence of working on papers late at night. Especially when the deadline is just 2 hours away. 

On my desk are stale coffee rings and cigarette ashes. (metaphorically speaking of course.) Who knew writing about stale coffee and cigarettes would be such a hard task? 

Such a repulsive smell. On the way home from work. Rush hour. Close quarters on the bus. I'm sandwiched between the smell of stale coffee and cigarettes. A hard day at work reduced to the pungent odor of cafe Ole and Marlboro lights. 


On the skin of old ladies who drive battleship-esque Cadillacs and Buicks; wrinkled, aged. It's their perfume. Forget Nordstrom or Bloomingdales, its only $ 6.50 a pack and $ 2.50 a cup. 

At the same time. It is one of the few things in our world that transcends upper and lower class social rankings. People of all walks of life smoke and drink coffee. 

They also wear the stench of...Stale Coffee and Cigarettes. 

-TLG/MTFZ 

The Thirst for Blood: A Dietary Staple for Humans.

Evolutionarily speaking, humans have come a long way, but as with everything that evolves, there are links to the past. Even though we have created elaborate societies with social ethics and rules, within everyone lies a primitive, carnal side. Blood-thirst. Does it make you a bad person, for feeling a little thirsty sometimes? No, you're just human. Can it make you do bad things? Of course. Now when I say blood, keep in mind, not all fights result in bloodshed. I'm merely grouping together all violent acts, bloody or not, verbal fights, even food fights. 

Yesterday was no different. On Mondays and Wednesdays, I commute to work. Specifically in the Little Tokyo/Arts District of LA. I take public transportation the entire way back and forth. In those two days, I'm in transit for 8hrs. This leaves me quite a bit of time to be exposed to all types of people from all walks of life. 

I was on the way home; taking the red line. At the Vermont/Sunset stop, this black dude gets on the train. I'm sitting close to the door and I noticed he was shouting at another man on the platform. "Whatchu lookin at? Whatchu lookin at?". The latino man he was shouting at came on to the train and with a heavy accent he retorted "You need to get out of my way!" then followed with a push. In shock, the black guy responded with "Oh, so you wanna start something, huh?". All of a sudden, everyone who was at my end of the car, tried to move out of the way as these two started fighting. I've always flirted with the idea of.. maybe, just maybe, breaking up a fight amongst two strangers; this was crazy. It was a real fight. Complete with headlocks, punches, kicks, and other grappling. It was so serious, they were literally fighting on top of passengers. Almost parallel to the floor! It was quite a scene that lasted a full minute, just until they reached the next stop. During this minute that lasted for all but 10 seconds in my head, I was regretting my decision to restore my iPhone. I lost an app to record video. It was the only thing going on in my mind. I didn't care who they were, why they were fighting, and who would stop them. I was most upset that I couldn't immortalize the moment. 

Always Remember: Rule #1 for taking public transportation.
DO NOT GET INVOLVED WITH FIGHTS.. because some people just don't have shit to lose.
 

I'm not entirely sure what attracts us to violence and witnessing violent acts. Sure it's traumatizing to most, but deep down inside I really didn't want it to end. I was incredibly entertained. In that split second, I realized that we live in a culture that supports these cravings for blood. I'm not calling for people to stop making violent video games and movies, hosting boxing and MMA events. I just want Joe Schmo and Jane Doe to admit it. You like to see people fight, especially when you're not the one involved! If I can admit it, then you can too. 

So we reached the next stop, Hollywood/Western. The latino dude gets off the train and the black guy proceeds to taunt him. "Yeah thats what I thought, you cake ass, bitch ass nigga!" (I sugarcoat nothing, sorry if it offends you. This is real life.) What happens next is unclear to me, but from what I can assume is the latino dude did something to get the black dude off the train. "OH HELL NO!" Can you believe it? They started fighting on the platform, street fighter style. -_- NOWWWW do you understand why I wish I had that app to record? 

After the fever pitch died down, I made eye-contact with a young woman whom I shared a laugh with. "I was having a boring day at work, but this made my entire day worthwhile!" And it's just as simple as that. Blood-thirst; a guilty pleasure. 

I snapped back to reality. Isn't it fascinating what makes people happy. In one corner, are two men, who obviously are frustrated over something, petty or not petty, neither of these guys woke up this morning knowing they'd be in a fight. In the other corner are the bystanders, in awe of the whole moment. Whether we wear our true expressions on our face or not, I'm willing to bet that everyone who was close enough to see the fight was enjoying it at least slightly.

Currently I'm trying to figure out how this next portion of the story is relevant. Two stops later, a man dressed as Jesus gets on the train. Yes, it was his intention to look exactly like him, the beard, long hair, long robe, everything. Perhaps, it was an omen, especially to the religious people out there. I'm not apart of any organized religion but I think the allegory/metaphor/symbolism of his appearance is there. Maybe our carnal, primal, primitive thirst for blood was necessary back in prehistoric times, but is now a built-in character flaw? Nothing is certain. Maybe we need to change our ways. But how do you change something that is apart of our psychology; our subconscious? A paradox. 

Sit down and think about the last time you were thirsty. Was it that time you watched the after school fight? What about the time you were apart of a food fight? Ever come home from a long day at work and just want to play Grand Theft Auto? If any of these are true, not to mention the countless other situations... Then you're probably a....

Blood. 
Thirsty. 
Human.
Being. 

Don't admit it just because I said so. Just be real with yourself. 

-TLG 
 

The Dorm Life.

CSUN is an interesting school.. known as a commuter university, but owns some of the best dorm facilities in the country. (In terms of space) Unfortunately, there are many students out there that get stuck with "postage stamp" sized dorms with a couple of bunk beds and minimal closet space. Cages. Literally cages. At CSUN the dorms are incredibly spacious. Comprable to 2 bedroom apartments. 

  

My side of the room. 

The dorms, however, are not for everyone. Many people end up getting their own apartments, which is cool. That is definitely the direction to head towards. If you're not looking for trouble and are open to meet new people, then your stay at the dorms will be just fine. 

Over the past 2 years, there are volumes upon volumes of stories to share. From a Prozac-popping roommate to cops busting up parties, it has been quite a fun ride. Along this ride I learned a lot of valuable information, that could prove useful to anyone going through the dorm experience. 

Some things to remember when living in the dorms at CSUN (or abroad) 

1. If you clog the toilet twice within the first week, then you probably aren't ready to live away from home. 

2.  Making friends seems like a daunting task at first, but the majority of people living in the dorm community are in the exact same boat as you. Make the first step. 

3. Be careful who you share your space with, if you don't feel comfortable leaving your valuables out, buy a safe. It may save you a bundle of drama in the long run. 

4. Living off campus does have it's benefits, but you lose the "community" feel of the dorm complex. It's up to a person's specific preference. Everyone is different. 

5. If you have problems with your roommate, speak up. Do not let it slide. It could prove to be quite "fatal" for the relationship between you and your roommates. 

6 (probably more for the ladies). Have fun but stay aware at parties. Not everyone is looking out for YOU! If you know you can't handle the alcohol, don't try and keep up. Get your own drinks and stick with a group of friends you know and trust. The last thing you want is to be alone, drunk, and stranded in some place with a bunch of strangers. 

7. I'll admit, I fell victim to this one. Freedom is intoxicating. It will also ruin your GPA. It took awhile but I'm finally back on track after two rough years. Find a healthy medium and try to enjoy your college experience whilst also staying on task. Remember these are the best years of your life. 

There are many other important details, but they require full fledged stories to explain them. 

CSUN, CSUN, CSUN... it seemed like just yesterday when I moved in for the first time. A bright-eyed freshman, with a level of naïveté, yet ready to take on the world no questions asked. Now as a Junior, I look at all these new kids following in the footsteps making all the mistakes I made, some even worse. 

I can't help but laugh and say "That used to be me."  

-TLG 

JFK to BUR: in photos.

For the first time, I decided to take photos while at the airport and on the flight. I was testing the atmosphere but next time around ill get some more. 

 a lifesaving outlet. There would have been problems if my iPod wasn't charged. 

 Some randoms. 

 Seinfeld x JetBlue ftw. 

Flight was smooth. If it wasnt for the 160lbs of luggage I had to carry, I would have taken some shots of Burbank. 

-TLG 

A Bittersweet Goodbye to Summer.

It has come to this. The moment I have been waiting for.  This summer was not the best I have ever had but I learned very valuable and important lessons.  Eye-opening yet relaxing. I’m relieved that it’s over but anxious to prove to myself that I actually learned anything. History does have a habit of repeating itself. But this time I will not allow myself to slip into the deep abyss of poor grades or drown in the pool of wasted time. 

Back to California. I’m as excited as the first time I trekked out west for freshman year; the only difference now is that I have come prepared as a veteran. There are many opportunities to be had and thousands of moments to be seized. It took quite a long time to realize this simple truth, but the road to realization happened to be one of the best rides of my life. Now is the time to shake off the dust and regain momentum toward the original goal. 

Even on the sunniest of days, my departures always seem to have this distinctly bittersweet mist in the air. You get comfortable. You’re in the friendly confines of home. Nobody can touch you, its home.  But you have to leave at some point. Bitter and Sweet. At the end of the day, it is always good to know that I HAVE a home to go home to. 

It usually hits me when the plane takes off. I’m Gone. There’s no one to wave goodbye to anymore, no one to blow a kiss at. You’re suspended  32,000 feet in the air and a flight attendant is asking you if you want chocolate chip cookies or munchies.   Usually I take this time to switch my gears to “California-Mode” as I like to call it. Listen to a little Dre, Snoop, NWA, and definitely Daz and Kurupt. Once I land I will be ready. 

By the time I settle in, I will no longer miss home. It’s a perpetual cycle . No need to medicate the pain of leaving when you have the best of both worlds. The feelings of being homesick fade away just as fast as the plane accelerates for take off. 

Year 3 begins now. The Saga Continues. 

-TLG

NYC Subway Map *Circa 1990*

You never know how much you have, until you have to throw it away. Over time we accumulate so much, garbage, trash, basura, however you want to say it... and for what reason?? "Oh, I'll throw it out later" or the ever popular "You never know, I might need it" excuse. I have come to realize the latter is more of a way to justify this hoarding. (Psych 101) 

BUT! There are times when you come across things that are mementos; windows to the past. In the midst of this mid-summer apartment junk purge, my mom was about to throw out a 20 year old NYC Subway Map. Now to most, this map would be automatic trash. To me, this is a new poster for my wall. 

No more 9, H, W lines. It used to be $1.15 to ride in 1990. Now its $2.25. 

The maps and fare may have changed in the past 20 years, but one constant fact is that New Yorkers will always be in a rush to the next destination.

-TLG