Architecture Gone Bad

I probably just wasn't paying attention, but I didn't know this was the design they came up with for the Sept. 11 Memorial. I don't claim to know much about architecture, but I do have some form of taste. I see things that I like, and I see things that look awful. Most of it falls somewhere in between, although I constantly find myself annoyed by all of the boxy strip malls of Bed Bath & Beyonds and Office Depots.

But this goes beyond the cheap architecture of suburbia. This is New York. Our biggest, most recognized city. It is a major symbol of America. Yet this building is wrong on so many levels. Keep in mind, I'm writing this as a sort of knee jerk reaction to seeing the above photo. I don't like how it completely dominates the skyline. It leaves me wondering, should we build a massive (and in my opinion ugly) building that turns the NYC skyline into exclusively a 9/11 memorial?

Should New York forever scream "9/11" to every resident and visitor? It seems unhealthy to me.

As I've said, I don't claim to possess any particular architectural knowledge, but I suspect that many of you will find the building ugly as well. For me, its just one of those instant visual gag reflexes. Perhaps you can articulate it for me, I'm at a loss. And I just don't understand why it can't be somewhat subtle. Must it scream, "Ha! Blow us up again fuckers!?!" I know many people would prefer that we did say that. These people are idiots. Little is accomplished by intentionally egging on the enemy. Instead, perhaps we could focus more on a tasteful memorial created to serve the families of those who lost their loved ones on that tragic day.

March!

Well, at last we are down to one week of February. I'll tell you what. Wake me up when it's over! I was talking to a friend of mine yesterday, and we both agreed that February is our least favorite month of the year. What does it bring to the table? Cold weather. Valentines day. Freezing cold weather. That's about it.

Am I alone on this? I mean, I can find something wrong with just about every month. Sure, it gets crazy hot in July and August. But even then, at least its usually bearable at night. That sure isn't the case in the Winter. Far from it.

Listen to me bitching, and this has been one of the mildest Winters I can remember. I guess its a good thing I'm moving. I promised myself 3 years ago that was the last Winter I was going to put up with. 3 Winters later, I'm making the same pledge again. This is my last week of Winter for a very long time. Do you think I'll ever miss it?

While my finger gently bleeds

One downside to playing the guitar too much is that you might slice your left index finger open and bleed all over your apartment. Hey, it happened to me. I don't have any serious topics to discuss today, but as per my new pledge, I am working hard to continue posting as often as possible.

If anyone is interested, you might want to click over to Existo Luego Existo where we have been having an interesting and ongoing discussion about college basketball rankings and the concept of a meritocracy.

You'll notice I've added a links section to my page. I would have done it sooner, but for whatever reason, blogger decided to make it a little bit harder than it needs to be.

On another note, I recently saw Nine Inch Nails and was very pleasantly suprised with their performance. They put on quite a show that really gave me a new respect for their music. With some bands, such as NIN, I just don't quite understand what the music is all about until I see them perform it live. Trent Reznor did not disapoint. He plays music with confidence, power, volume, impressive visuals, and monster techno style bass lines.

And on yet another note, at last the weather is warming up again. Last week was cruel and unusually cold. I'm ready for Spring. So very ready...

While my guitar gently weeps

Well, I recently picked up a new guitar and I'm very excited about it. For one thing, I had a very positive experience when I picked it out. We have a fantastic music shop in town, and they were a tremendous help. You have to pay a little bit more than online, but it was well worth it. Besides, if I was shopping online, I never would have ended up with the guitar I picked out. Actually the guitar kind of picked me out. It had a unique sound that I couldn't get away from. I also loved the way it looks.

I was just saying the other day that I'm happy because right now I'm in the middle of a musical growth period. It feels like most of the time you are stuck in a plateau, but occasionally you really feel like you're consistently getting better. That's an awesome feeling.

I don't know how to do it yet, but soon I hope to figure out how to post demos that I record at my place. I'd like to occasionally tack them onto my blog for you to sample and comment on if you like. I think that would be fun and a great way to share my creations. I think it will also encourage me to create more often.

I could have had a Martin or a Guild, but I got hooked on the sound of this guy pretty fast. And the reviews were all amazing. So that was that. Oh, and RIP to my Fender DG-7. Thanks for all the memories.


Blueridge BR-160

The Blueridge BR-160 dreadnaught has the key technical specs and performance characteristics inherent in the original "Pre-War Herringbones", that acoustic/Bluegrass musicians find so desirable. The sound and response that are great - and bound to get better over time as the guitar is played in!

Finest solid spruce top with handcarved parabolic braces in the classic forward X-pattern.
Solid, Select Indian Rosewood back and sides.
Delicate herringbone top inlay for vintage look.
White binding with fine black and white purfling on body.
Back features center strip of delicate wood marquetry.
Slim mahogany neck has adjustable truss rod.
Style B- Mother-of-pearl and abalone design on peghead.
Natural high-gloss finish with aging toner for perfect vintage look.

Roll Call

After having a discussion with a friend of mine, I've decided to up the ante on The Memo Writer. I am planning on posting more often. Other changes will be made as well, hopefully for the better.

Now, here is where you, the faithful reader, can contribute. I want you to tell me what you would like to see done differently, added, subtracted, or otherwise changed about my blog. I will take all of your suggestions into consideration and sometime soon I will roll out a new and improved version of The Memo Writer. And don't worry, I won't do anything too drastic. I'll be very careful not to be the next New Coke.

I look forward to hearing from you!

-thememowriter

Pull!

At the risk of being unoriginal, I had to talk about this. When was the last time a President or VP shot someone in the face? I'm confident this is the first time in my brief time on this planet. But the focus of this post is instead on how it relates to the Bush administration in general.

Did anyone notice how they (as usual) have gone out of their way to sweep this under the rug? First of all, they waited a day before releasing the information, and then tried to do so in a casual way..."oh by the way, Cheney shot someone this weekend...and also, lunch will be at 12:30..." Then, Cheney ducks out early from the morning meeting so he can avoid talking about it. What a chicken shit! What happened to the Cheney who told people to fuck off? Why is he so afraid to take accountability for what he did? Afraid to answer some questions and take a little ribbing. Luckily, no one died. Honestly, no matter where you fall politically, you have to understand that this is something you have to deal with. Why does the Bush administration try so hard to hide everything?

Here's all it takes to deal with this sort of thing. I'm pretty sure past administrations have handled it this way. #1: Call press conference #2: Have person made a genuine apology in which they acknowledge the mistake they made and take accountability. #3: Answer a few questions about it, expecting to be badgered and made fun of a bit.

But then again, with Bush & Cheney, this is what I've come to expect.

Golden State

The path:

Well, In a few months I plan to put a few miles on the Jeep. About 1689 of them. That's going to be, as they say, a long drive. But when I arrive and see the above sunset, I have a feeling it will all be worthwhile.

My plan is beginning to take shape. Graduate May 21, leave in the following days, move into some sort of temporary living arrangement, study for the bar for about 2 months, find a job, pass the bar, and then leave a giant trail of dust behind me as I conquer San Diego much like Denny Crane conquered Boston.

Simple enough.