Music & Memory
In the process of putting my music on my computer so I don't have to
change pesky CDs.... seeing them more and more as back up to the
software thats on my computer. Really don't like CD's that don't allow
the copy, I understand what they are trying to achieve but I don't
appreciate the impact it has on the experience I've already paid
for... its just media, why limit it to one disk. All of my data moves
between my computers both being used and as back ups.
So I find it easier to browse my albums in physical form that in my
music player... not found one that does the job quite as well yet,
although I believe MS media centre does something along those lines.
As I'm browsing through my collection I have triggers of memories,
knowing the music I'm holding, and when I pop in it in the memories
really come flooding back...
From DJ'ing at university... to hanging out with friends... and the
craziest, most pointless of normal moments burned into my mind as the
anchor, the link or the music is so strong it has stayed there,
lingering, hovering on the edge of consciousness forever.
Integrity
Integrity is a topic I have long been interested in... interested in improving who I am as a person, as always and know thing that the day I stop learning is the day I die.
I recently read a book by John C. Maxwell called "Developing the leader within you". My general manager recently recommended it to our division. Its a good book, but its affinity with 'the' good book got me down a little. It stands on its own merit and doesn't need Christianity backing it up. By all means I respect all religions but there is no need for such a blurring of lines.
The purpose of the book is to support the development of leader potential and talks about many interesting topics. I have already taken to heart the motto "The water doesn't start flowing until the tap is turned on." The American version in the book being "The warder doesn't start flowing until the faucet is turned on." ;-)
But the aspect of the book that I found the most inspiring was the chapter on Integrity. Maxwell effectively uses quotes and references both to other literature and Peanuts cartoons (ala Snoopy). "The first key to greatness is to be in reality what we appear to be." Says Socrates. Nicely put I thought.
To me integrity speaks of having a set of values that you live to, that shape your behaviour. Everyone makes mistakes, without mistakes we wouldn't have learning. But if your behaviour is consistent with what you say and who you are then for me that brings integrity.
Maxwell rounds of the chapter on integrity with a nice phrase "You will only become what you are becoming right now." A thought provoking phrase that I personally found a good realisation of becoming more that we are now. Something only possible if we are true to ourselves, and the world.
Fully natural shot, no post processing. Stonehenge, England. Taken early NY'05
Taked from the same spot as the other San Juan channel shot... you can tell I've modified these slightly :-) Lordy I want a wide angle... and a 20D but that's another story. All proper shots taken with Canon 300D Digital Rebel.
Sun breaks through the clouds stacato over the San Juan's channel - not the name of the channel, sure I'm wrong on that :-)
Shot at Deception pass. Don't be decived... this isn't natural colour... I played with it.
