Mike's Crappy Gaming System

Finally, No Hidden Agenda

Maybe some have heard about the 35 year old truck driver, Shawn Bridges, who documented his death from methamphetamines for the sake getting others who are tempted or addicted to take a second look. With so many individuals cashing in on their moment of fame these days, it was heart-warming to see an individual who stood nothing to gain except sharing the moment of his truth. As much as I despise the thought of the "networks" profiting from this, I can be reassured that at least a genuine message is being portrayed, not unlike the many messages we get (true or otherwise) fueled by greed or special interest. He may be one of the few people we hear about who will never have a book deal, just a need to share his final chapter....the END.

The Secret: Are You Kidding Me?

It seems there is a new fad out there that is sucking the life, or common sense, out of the those "self-help" junkies. From what I have heard about the book "The Secret", there really is no secret at all. If anyone has every remotely heard of Anthony Robbins, you can understand what I mean. He began selling cognitive programming material long before "what's her name" ohhh....Rhonda Byrne. So big deal, someone with a great marketing strategy is re-inventing the wheel so someone who never took Pysch 101 could believe there was a revalation. Anyone who doesnt understand that their thoughts affect how they act must be mentally challenged...so you really don't need to read the book if you have half a brain. What does irrate me is the degree to which Ms. Byrne goes to sell her point. I wish I could remember what shithead was on CNN advocating her book. But basically, he said that a child kidnap victim could somehow attract (through his/her thought process) the unspeakable crime of the abducter. And for the 300 kibillion obese people out there, all you have to do is not think that fat foods will make you fat. I am all for entrepeneurship, but this horse-shit capitilizes on the feable-minded and lost souls at best. Maybe just a proverb..."You are what you believe" would save a lot of people a lot of aggravation of reading a book that says basically the same thing.

If Only This Was All There Was To Worry About

Who would rather be in the midst of a sex scandal between these two, than in the midst of an escalating crisis. Dare to dream.

Sexuality Versus Violence

I have a thing, I guess, about the American culture and its embracing or obsession with violence, and this quiet repression about sexuality. My friend's mom for instance, can watch movies where there's continuous brutality toward another human being, but has to fast forward through sex scenes. I realize that this may be a bit on the extreme end of the spectrum, but I do find, in general, that people seem to have more of a comfort level with violence on TV that sex. My solution is that CNN should start airing PORN 24/7. I think I would rather be desensitized to that any day, than a soldieir getting his arm blown off or a family being masacred.

Question: Why do Europeans seem to stay out of our conflicts and have lower crime rates. Answer: Less glorification of violence. more openess about sex, and more liberal in general.

The Body Dysmorphia / Plastic Surgery Battle Continues

For the past 4 years I have been on a quest for improvement...not perfection, or so I see it. Some view cosmetic surgery as vanity as others an unhealthy obsession. I have been told by people around me that I am fine the way I am. And I go through days trying to convince myself that I am by looking in the mirror, or the reflection in a window, in a "vane..no pun intended" attempt to convince my psyche that I am But make no mistake about it, I am a very intelligent guy, good at my proffesion, likeable, have a girlfriend, and strong family ties. But I guess it is not about that. So it is for many others that have issues to deal with.

Although my perception about aging are probably valid to some degree, I have been told that it is the degree to which one obsesses that enters them in the category of "body dysmorphic". This is so true for me at times, that I shun crowded places (much like the agoraphobe), or become anxious and flush when face to face with a stranger. Or I may just prefer to avoid all together. Interference with life is a true indicator.

I have been to numerous cosmetic consultations, most with the remark that there's nothing cosmetically indicative, but they see what i mean and if I wish I can get a mid-face lift, countour threads, etc etc.

For anyone who can relate, the thought of having a proceedure done terrifies as much if not more than the episodes of insecurity and anxiety that BDSM brings on.

My suggestion or my hope is that if and when my obsessiveness passes, that I will make my decision one way or the other unencumbered by impulsivity.

Hope this helps

Roland Fantom X-8

For any amateur song-writer like myself looking for a workstation that's fun and easy to use, with professional quality sounds and recording features, the Roland Fantom x-8 would be my recommendation. With an array or incredibly authentic sounds from the grand piano, to the crisp acoustic guitars, to the old school synthesizer patches (i.e. the Moog), this workstation is a powerhouse of versatility. Boasting the only color menu screen of its kind, features are extremely ease to navigate through. If your like me, and take your time to master all of the nuances, you will still be able to be recording, mixing, uploading to PC, and recording CD's in no time. I bought a Motion Sound KP-200s Stereo Amplifier with X-8 as well. For 400 watts of true 3D sound, and a quality that perfectly compliments the rich tones of the X8. Both the X8 and Motion Sound amp, I have to say, are well built, rugid equipment that will last. I purchased both, new, on e-bay (the fantom x-8 for $1000 below retail, and the MS amp for $500 below cost)...so I would recommend starting there. I hope to have a few original songs posted on here soon to show the quality.