Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Bad Trevor

A recent CNN headline ran "Authorities kill bear that mauled man at Yellowstone." Representative media of the Greater Grizzly Council ran this counter ad: "Man causes Trevor to maul him at Yellowstone." When asked the whereabouts of the felon bear in question, the elected council had this to say, "Trevor is hibernating indefinitely." (Because he's a fuckin' bear).

That last part was not said aloud, because it's mostly understood.

Tuesday, July 6, 2010

Writing novels is a little like what I imagine fighting zombies would be like. Eventually, you get to a point where you're tired of running from imminent doom, and fall to your knees to let the motherfuckers eat your brains. If I'm wrong here, please stop me. Because it isn't any outside influence that keeps you from surviving, it's a battle with your inner demons - or, in this case, zombies. Your inner zombies are constantly chasing you throughout your pursuits in life, and sometimes you want let them win. I imagine that one would be very upset after allowing one's brains to be consumed, and that's pretty much my motivation for success; I don't want anyone eating my brains. If this seems irrational to you, I'm sorry. Find your own motivation.

A more concrete model for success I've noted in my time seems to be, in short, secrecy. If you notice, the more prominent figures in our day, be they celebrities or vocational gurus, hold an air of mystery about them. They don't play all of their cards, as the expression goes - used by whom, I'm not sure, and I really don't know where they're getting all these cards. Regardless, I am sometimes challenged to reveal all of my cards and I don't. And those in my circle I'd like to show them to are no longer interested in seeing them. In my case, I am overcome with the urge to overturn my cards only after it's too late. As I see it, this is probably in my favor in the long run. There are only a few tributaries in my life this trait will allow to run dry, which may include among other things, self-satisfaction and genuine happiness.