I got a B+. Word. Hah.. I feel pretty satisified.. In the post about my earlier essay I had mentioned I would symplify my writing and view… Well - it apparently paid off. Things are improving at least… Hopefully that trend continues… I’ll post that essay tomorrow.

For now, this is the essay that I turned in today. I’m not very proud of it, although, I wasn’t really proud of the last one either. Hah.. *shrugs* I hope to at least get a C on this one so I have a relatively solid / consistent grade. Anything better than that would be a bonus. I’ve set realistic goals for this class, for sure. PASS.

At least I’ve got a 99.5% going in my Algebra class. That’s cool. So, on to the essay…….

Lessons Learned

In stories where one “has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself” the archetype of the hero is normally presented (Lehman 1). “The Lesson” was written by Toni Cade Bambara in 1972 and contains the hero archetype. The hero in this particular story is a young and tough girl who goes by the name of Sylvia. Sylvia undergoes a hero’s journey to discover her social status in the hope that she can rise above it.

Sylvia’s departure of her journey takes place when she is in front of the mailbox with Miss Moore and the other neighborhood children. Miss Moore fulfills the role of Sylvia’s mentor which is a theme present in many journeys that represent the hero archetype. As they all walk down the street Miss Moore is going on about how “money ain’t divided up right in this country” and how the children are all “poor and live in the slums” (Bambara 446). This sets the stage for the journey that Sylvia is about to undergo. Knowing that Sylvia is the leader, Miss Moore hands Sylva “a five-dollar bill” and tells her to “calculate 10 percent tip for the driver” (Bambara 446). Sylvia’s journey is well underway with the appearance of a mentor, a departure, and the context of social class presented by Miss Moore.

The next stage of Sylvia’s journey is when she encounters her first difficulty inside the cab. Without her mentor and put in the position of the leader, she is left to figure out how much money to give to the cab driver upon arriving at their destination. This inspires a dialog where Sugar expresses that they should “give him a dime” (Bambara 446). Sylvia’s thought about how “he don’t need it as bad as I do” is a part of the journey she is undertaking (Bambara 446). In Miss Moore’s absence, the money she had given Syliva helped keep the young hero’s mind on social status and her personal relation to it.

Miss Moore and the children now find themselves at their destination, F.A.O. Schwarz. As everyone gathers in front of the store they begin to examine the toys in the display case. During their examination Big Butt comes across a microscope that costs $300 and Miss Moore asks “how long’d take for Big Butt and Junebug to save up their allowances” for the microscope (Bambara 446). Sylvia and Sugar express that it would take “Too long” and that Big Butt would have “outgrown it by that time” (Bambara 446). The children pick out a few more items that they desire an continue the dialog in regards to the price and how each item is economically out of the children’s reach. Not only are the prices foreign but the items themselves are, too. For example, when they come across a paperweight Mercedes is the only one that knows its use. She’s aware of this due to her family being financially well off compared to the rest of the children. Experiencing foreign leisure items at extravagant prices further directs the hero’s thoughts towards her status in the world as she enters the store.

Once in the store the children are surrounded by amazing toys at extremely high prices. Q.T. Makes the observation that it “must be rich people shop here” (Bambara 448). When Sylvia asks “What you bring us here for, Miss Moore?” she is greeted with “one of them grins like she tellin a grown-up joke that never turns out to be funny” (Bambara 448). This is showing that Miss Moore knows that the seeds she had planted in regards to the disparity of the social classes had begun to germinate.
Upon departure Syliva has an inner dialog where she compares the prices of the toys with bills that her family encounters in their own life. She realizes that for the same price of a toy clown her family could “buy new bunk beds’, a visit to Grandaddy Nelson in the country, or even “pay for the rent and the piano bill” (Bambara 448). She also begins to wonder what kind of work people do who shop in a store like F.A.O. Schwarz. Sylvia also remembers other lessons her mentor, Miss Moore, has presented her over time. She remember’s Miss Moore saying that “poor people have to wake up and demand their share of the pie” (Bambara 449). These lessons of economic disparity go to further propel the hero towards gaining perspective on her social standing in the world.
In the end, Sylvia had not drawn any conclusions. However, she was filled with many new thoughts and ideas. The entire experience of taking a cab and dealing with the financial transaction, seeing the expensive toys, reflecting on the prices in relation to her own personal experience of money, and Miss Moore’s advice worked to put the hero in a state of reflection. Sylvia decides to go to “the Drive to think this day through”, and on her way she decides “ain’t nobody gonna beat me at nuthin” (Bambara 449). Thus, Sylvia has finished her current journey of discovering her social class and will begin her next journey of rising above her situation.

That’s all folks. Merp.

I had the most ridiculous experience at work yesterday regarding flu shots. I work at the Medical College of Wisconsin so they take it upon themselves to offer flu shots to all of their employees free of charge. I personally have never had the flu nor have I had a flu shot as long as my memory goes back. That fact on top of my suspicions of how western medicine does things, the government, mercury in vaccinations, other toxins, and the possible history of innoculations being tainted with other illnesses in the past all resulted in me not going to recieve this little gift my employer oh so graciously offered to me and my fellow capitalist slaves. Not only that, but out of the possible infinite strains of the flu, the vaccinations only cover and handfull of random strains. So - what’s the point, really?

I get back to my desk from being in some training and start talking with another co-worker of mine, Mindy. She agrees with me and shares in the general paranoia of the system that I myself have. One of the ‘old ladies’ that I work with overheard us talking and asked us to fill her in on what we were talking about. Mindy did the honors. To make a long story short - she freaked out. Jan got in my face and started to yell at me. Her eyes were completely bloodshot and watery. Her face growing tighter and redder by the minute. Not only that, but she was well inside my ‘personal space’ - all resulting in me feeling rather uncofortable and intimidated. She spouted out some random things about her memories of quarantines and vaccinations of the past. She spewed out random statements saying my choice is putting ‘everyone in danger’ and that I am ridiculous for making such a choice. Which is assinine, and anyone that has a few iotas of common sense can see the reasons why.

A few moments later Maggie rounded upon my cubicle and ripped the scissors out of my hand. She began to wave them in a menacing way right in my face while Jan yelled. I was so taken aback by the entire experience that I have no idea if Maggie even said anything while she was slashing the air with my scissors. I can only assume she had, but my memory doesn’t serve me right. At that point I just shut down to a degree, began to make placating statements, and took a step back (the only step I could) in order to hopefully get them out of my face. After a few more moments they began to walk away, yelled a few more things at me and my co-worker Steve, and went to lunch. I was left with the sane members of my team to sit with our mouths dropped almost to the floor in complete and utter disbelief. What the hell had just happened?

I’ve been told that I should report them but decided against it for some reason. I’m just not that type of person. If it happened again, sure - but I won’t do it for a first offense. Regardless - the both of them displayed their overall ignorance, lack of self control, and agressive nature in a very extreme way. The two of them sure would have made George W. Bush proud I’m sure. Perfect little agents of the New World Order’s system of brainless day to day existance.

Jan and Maggie: “I love big brother!”

Oh smeg, ridiculous, eh? Yes.. or no? Hehe… AHHHHHHHHH!!!!!

To me, this couldn’t be more hilarious or more appropriate. It’s good to see that support for Ron Paul seems to be spreading quite a bit. I’ll most definitely be talking about him a lot more as time progresses. But, for now, enjoy the story and check out his webpage for yourself.

It’s also good to see good ol’ Rudy running with his tail between his legs. Something he’s apparently used to. Oh, and what were the results of the straw poll held there?

1. Mitt Romney (39%)

2 . John McCain (26.5%)

3. Dr. Ron Paul (10.8%)

4. Rudy Guilliani (10.6%)

5. Fred Thompson (7.2%)

Youtube Links:

Local News Story
Additional Video

Sources:

New York Mayor’s Worst Nightmare by Iza Ding

Romney Wins GOP Mackinac Straw Poll by Dawson Bell

Episode #121 of “This American Life” takes you on a journey through one man’s life from the eyes and memories of his nine children. I feel my thorough enjoyment of this program is rooted in the themes contained within. The pursuit of dreams, recreating the self, personal mythology, contrast and contradiction, and the concept of one’s identity were all present in the tale that spanned a lifetime.

The fact that the story is told from multiple perspectives is something that always grabs my attention. It reminded me of Citizen Kane in the sense that a person’s story is told through numerous individuals sharing anecdotes about said person. Using this method lends itself to the idea that numerous and seemingly contradictory feelings and ideas can exist in the same ’space.’ Not only can the father be loved, but he can also be hated - even by the same person in the same moment. Stories of this nature convey a very real and human side to things rather than a perfect dramatized version.

Life’s complexity is truly expressed in storytelling of this nature.  As we navigate through the years of these people’s live’s we’re presented with the same character portrayed in different ways.  Not only due to other’s perceptions, but due to the personalities he tries on as if they were a suit of clothes.   Each change resulting from a constant striving for dream realization and completion of one’s perceived destiny, at the expense of his family.

I think many of us can empathize with the drive for ‘greatness.’  Not only that, but the desire to achieve it through recreating oneself in a more preferable image.  It isn’t uncommon for people to pick up, move, and start a new life.  Usually part of this life is a new version of the self.  Neynobot v2.3 .vs the outdated v2.2 model, for example.  One would hope to learn and improve with each model upgrade.  However, as this story shows, some people never correct the inherent flaws in their programming and suffer as a result of it.

Sometimes the mythology and the reality are hard to pick apart.  This is especially true in the case of someone who seemed to desire a myth to build around them.  So, I invite you to give this show a listen for yourself.  Hopefully you, too will come away feeling it was as worth your while as I did.

“This American Life” can be heard on Wisconsin Public Radio, and many other public radio stations nationwide.  Be sure to go to their site to see if it airs in your area.  If not - request it!  You can also go to their site to get podcasts and news in regards to the show.

Links:

This American Life

Wisconsin Public Radio

Recommended Viewing:

Citizen Kane

I was to read either Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Cask of Amontillado” or Guy De Maupassant’s “The Necklace” and write an analysis of it. I chose “The Necklace.”

Click Here to Read “The Necklace”

Click Here to Listen to “The Necklace”

-START ESSAY-

The Choker

Written by Guy De Maupassant in 1884, “The Necklace” is a short story about a woman, her husband, a necklace, and the impact it has on their lives. The reader is presented with a scenario which many lessons can be derived from. However, I feel that one theme in particular stands out above the rest. I feel that Guy De Maupassant was trying to present the idea that one’s belief is the creator of one’s experience rather than the external reality itself.

At the outset of the story we’re presented with Mathilde Loisel who is clearly unhappy with the hand she’s been dealt in life. She wistfully dreams about being of a higher social class. Her fantasies are filled with beautiful dresses, elaborate balls, and opulent luxury. While she may feel “as if she had gone through bankruptcy” her life is far from it (Maupassant 4). She enjoys the stability and luxuries that come along with a woman of her status in that time. She has a modest home, a maid, a seemingly loving and supportive husband, food to eat, clothes on her back, and enjoys perks from time to time such as the invitation to the dinner at the Ministry of Education. It could be argued that her quality of life surpasses that of the average person of this time. As a result, the stress she experiences would be a manifestation of the mind rather than one of external circumstance.

As we go deeper into the story and life of Mathilde we find her at the home of an old friend who enjoys the experience of being of a higher social class. Mathilde is looking through her friend Jeanne’s collection of jewelry trying to find the perfect piece to wear with the new dress her husband graciously paid for. After going through much of her jewelry she stumbles upon what she perceives to be a beautiful necklace of diamonds. Mathilde’s perception was based solely upon her friend’s status rather than any sort of expertise in regards to the stones themselves. People of wealth enjoyed extravagant and expensive belongings so she naturally assumed the stones reflected this belief. To her surprise, Jeanne allowed her to borrow the necklace for the party. Now possessing the jewels herself, she went away in a state of joy which would carry on long after her departure.

The day of the party finally arrived and Mathilde felt as if she was finally prepared. The elation she felt upon receiving the necklace had yet to fade. In fact, as the evening progressed she grew more prideful in herself due to her perceived success. No longer did she appear to these people as a woman who had come from a modest home and married to a simple clerk. On the contrary, Mathilde was admired by all, man and woman alike. Even “the Chancellor himself eyed her” as the evening progressed (Maupassant 7). It no longer mattered what her true status was. She appeared as a woman of wealth and intrigue, so she was accepted as such. The fact that she was an average wife of an average social standing was overshadowed by the image she now projected and experienced. Only after a simple twist of fate did her mood and ideas in regards to the necklace and her current experience change.

Upon arriving home Mathilde noticed she had somehow lost Jeanne’s necklace, instantly transforming it into a symbol of stress and concern rather than one of wealthy status and joy. An unsuccessful search for the necklace left Mr. and Mrs. Loisel in a state of despair and financial ruin. Rather than telling Jeanne what happened and risking the potential judgments she may make about the Loisels due to their social status, Mr. Loisel decided to use his savings and take out loans to purchase a replacement. Mathilde’s own thoughts and feelings surrounding the necklace are a clear example of how someone’s different ideas in regards to the same physical possession can alter one’s mood and experience. In one moment the necklace is a symbol of class, respect, beauty, and joy. In the following moment it is a symbol of anger, disappointment, lost dreams, and the hard life to come. This hard life would last for 10 long years.

After the decade long struggle to pay off their debt a lot had changed for the Loisels. They no longer lived in a house, had a maid, or had even the modest clothes of the past. Instead these luxuries were replaced with hard work, cheap and practical clothing, an aging appearance, and a constant struggle to make ends meet. Even while being consumed with a life of housework she still found time to fantasize as she had in the past of a finer life. Her external situation had changed, yet her internal experience and discontent had continued on throughout. In the end Mathilde found out that the original necklace was nothing more than costume jewelry. The appearances that she herself hoped to acquire from possessing the necklace had in turn possessed her.

Regardless of whose perception is spoken of the concept is the same. The underlying belief one has is what truly will create and color the experience of an individual. The idea about a single thing, false or not, can be the sole creator and driving force in one’s experience. Constantly looking to other horizons for a better external reality will not change one’s experience if they cannot also change their mind. Mathilde helped prove this point by showing us that her perspective and feelings throughout the story, regardless of her ups and downs, remained consistent. Chances are that even in a life of higher status Mathilde would continue to look towards farther horizons for something better. However, something better may not be over the horizon. Or, as in the case of Mathilde, a beautiful necklace seen from afar may become a choker when viewed up close.

-END ESSAY-

Word.

Neyno.com will be going through a bit of a change. My original intention was to have this blog be House Music focused with an emphasis on the scene in Milwaukee, WI. After much deliberation I’ve decided against this. Writing consistent content and creating ‘work’ out of something that I normally utilized in order to increase positive energy / vent negative energy proved to be counterproductive for me. Not just in regards to this website, but in regards to House Music as a whole.

I’ve made the decision to change direction. Once again, not just with this site but in my life as well. Neyno.com will be a hodge-podge of media, information, thoughts, feelings, etc… Whatever I decide to post is what will be posted. It’s personal… Just another expression of my being that will hopefully turn into a refreshing and creative outlet, as well as a way to keep the loved ones in my life - near and far - updated as to my activities and general state fo being.

I’ve wanted to engage in a blog of this nature for quite some time, but as always, I’m a professional in the fields of Procrastionation and Avoidance. Hah… The tone of this blog should be fairly casual for the most part. Once in a while I’ll put my “Serious Hat” on and actually type with proper English. Hah! BUt, for the most part, it shall be spoken in this casual format that you’re experiencing here.

So - stay tuned. Okay? If you want. If not, tis alllll good. This is more for me than you. Selfish bastard, eh?

Cheers!

-Neyno

I’ll be doing a highlight of different internet radio stations and services starting with the one I’m personally involved with, Dogglounge.com.

The Dogglounge was started up in early 2004 as an experiment by Brian “Odogg” Williams of Minnesota. It really was just that, an experiment, and that experiment is still going strong well over 3 years later. ‘The Lounge’ describes its sound as ‘deep and soulful house music’ which is represented by the regular programming Odogg selects and the live shows presented by the cast of characters from across the globe. Now, lets meet those characters….

(In order of appearance - Sunday thru Saturday)

Killa-B - Minneapolis, MN

Fleep - Tokyo

Odogg - St. Paul, MN

Mike Metz - Cleveland, OH

the Suit - Rugby, UK

Marc Cotterell - UK

Boogie Down - NYC via Indiana

DJ Channing - Jacksonville, FL

the Curious J - Chicago, IL

Neyno - Milwaukee, WI

Hard Drive - Minneapolis, MN

Each DJ does a liveshow at least once per week leaving no day neglected.  Even tough all of the DJs generally fall under the ‘deep and soulful’ banner they still offer a variety in sound and vibe.   Another great ‘feature’ of the site is that it has a chatbox on the main page which is generally fairly active, especially during business hours.

Another interesting aspect of the Dogglounge is the fact that you can not only listen in your first life, but you can listen in your Second Life as well.  Second Life is a free to play online virtual world that is constructed and run by you - the user.  Within Second Life there is a ‘Virtual Dogglounge‘ where you can go to listen to the music, dance, and interact with other ‘Loungers.’

Moving back into the first life, no music site would be complete without audio you can take with you when you walk away from the computer.  There is also a section on the Dogglounge that has a fairly long list of former shows and mixsets made by the resident Dogglounge DJs.

So be sure to check out the Dogglounge, and leave your feedback and let us know what you think.  Good or bad. 

Also, be sure to check back soon where I’ll be profiling another internet radio station that has ties back to the Brew City.  Until then, cheers!

The first video is of Jessica and I. On the first evening while wandering the streets of Detroit while trying to find a club to go to I stumbled upon a wig in the road. Already being in a Detroit state of mind, that of a dervish, I picked up the wig and donned it. We were supposed to get a picture, not a video….. But - it is what it is!

The next video video is that of two cuties getting down at the Beatport Stage to some Minimal Techno. I really wish I remembered which DJ this was, because the set was fabulous.

Our next selection is one of the two dancers from the previous one gettin’ down. NICE!

The next video is of one of the best break-dancing I saw of the entire fest…

Kerri “Kaoz 6:23″ Chandler - ‘Nuff said.

Some video of me losing it to Kerri.. Singing along to one of my favorite Classic House tracks!

I was trying to take a picture of the sign that noted the fountain in our hotel as the Guinness World Record holder for largest indoor fountain.. But accidentally took video.. Which turned out great thanks to Tara Jade.. haha.. Three of my roommates for the fest are contained in this video.. FAM!

Hah! The next generation gettin’ down…

Booka Shade

A panoramic view of Downtown Detroit and a cheering crowd at the end of Booka Shade’s set…

And that’s all she wrote, folks. If you have any photos or videos please contact me. I’d love copies.

DETROIT.

If you have a serious interest in Electronic Music in its many forms or know someone that does, I invite you to watch this film or pass it along. Pump Up The Volume not only has a wonderful soundtrack, but also provides one with a solid background as to where our favorite music came from. History is important, especially if you have ambition to go far in any area of life. Know the roots of your passions, and I’m sure you’ll grow far more than you would otherwise.

Enjoy the film - pass it along - leave comments…. and stay tuned for a full review by yours truly in the near future.

Part 1:

Part 2:

…. And then there was House…..

“Let me ask you something, when you come in on Monday, and you’re not feeling real well, does anyone ever say to you, ’sounds like someone has a case of the Mondays?’ -Peter Gibbons
“No… no man, shit, no man, I believe you’d get your ass kicked saying something like that, man.” -Lawrence
-Office Space, 1999

On a normal Monday night I’d describe the scene at Red Light as a fun and relaxed atmosphere that does a great job of easing one into the work week. This past Monday definitely did just that, and then some. ‘Normal’ is definitely a word I wouldn’t use to describe the evening featuring a guest appearance by Green Velvet, and a cast of some of the Milwaukee underground’s favorite characters. ‘Surreal’ is one that would be far more appropriate.

As I looked around and took in the scene as Green Velvet began his set, I honestly couldn’t believe what I was seeing for a few moments. It feld odd, unreal, and I questioned whether or not it was. Realizing it didn’t matter whether I was or not, I decided to forget it and enjoy myself. I did just that. Green Velvet’s set as a whole was phenomenal. Once he took those sunglasses off there was no stopping until the beats stopped flying.

He ran the whole gauntlet as far as variety was concerned. He’d hit you with a slew of dark Tribal tracks then pull you up with a bit of Gospel House. Only to turn it back around with some Fidget House, followed up by a wonderful selection of Deep House grooves. Green Velvet productions were not neglected by any means, nor were a selection of Techno and House classics. I think variety was definitely proven to be the ’spice of life’ on Monday night.

The vibe generated by the entire event was top notch. The outright display of joy and celebration that took place definitely doesn’t happen every week, let alone on a Monday night. Up until the last beat the dancefloor was pushed to the dj booth; the people clapping, yelling, screaming, dancing, jumping around, and celebrating each in their own way. Neglecting sleep and my initial urge to call it a night will be, by far, one of the best decisions I think I’ll make in a while. It’s going to be hard to top a Monday like this in some time.

All in all - the night gets my whole-hearted approval. Musically, it was the best set I’ve heard Green Velvet play of the 4 times I’ve seen him. Any show that can send me walking away drenched from head to toe is a good one. ‘Nuff said.

Lalalalalaaaaaaaaaa……

Residents:

Casie Lane

Chris Lovald

Guest DJs:

TJ K

Geewiz Georgie

Additional Links:

Milwaukee Nights Gallery

AA Mondays Flyer