what matters...

something I came across and lifted (I'd give credit but don't know to whom, so instead I'll just share):

What will matter is not what you bought, but what you built; not what you got but what you gave.

What will matter is not your success, but your significance.

What will matter is not what you learned, but what you taught.

What will matter is every act of integrity, compassion, courage, and sacrifice that enriched, empowered or encouraged others to emulate your example.

What will matter is not your memories, but the memories that live in those who loved you.

What will matter is how long you will be remembered, by whom and for what.

Living a life that matters doesn't happen by accident. It's not a matter of circumstance but of choice.

Choose to live a life that matters.

why I'm not posting (latest excuse)...

"Wise men talk because they have something to say. Fools talk because they have to say something."

- Plato

having fun in los angeles

oh for the decadent life! it doesn't look too hard to do this stuff. well, you can enjoy it vicariously if you have other responsibilities (as I do)...
just check out cobrasnake. dude's got it pumping with his camera. btw, I broke my canon (yes another one). wisely, this last one was purchased with an extended warrantee from ritz camera at the local mall -- the warantee covers damages from almost anything. usually I drop the things and they don't handle that well. anyway, the replacement (or fixed) equipage s/b back sometime in novembre. meanwhiles, I'm clipping others photos fer fun. laterz!

a nazi speaks (something to think about)...

From an interview with Herman Goehring, an early member of the Nazi party, founder of the Gestapo, and one of the main perpetrators of Nazi Germany:

Goehring: "Why, of course, the people don't want war. Why would some poor slob on a farm want to risk his life in a war when the best that he can get out of it is to come back to his farm in one piece. Naturally, the common people don't want war; neither in Russia nor in England nor in America, nor for that matter in Germany. That is understood. But, after all, it is the leaders of the country who determine the policy and it is always a simple matter to drag the people along, whether it is a democracy or a fascist dictatorship or a Parliament or a Communist dictatorship."

Gilbert: "There is one difference. In a democracy, the people have some say in the matter through their elected representatives, and in the United States only Congress can declare wars."

Goehring: "Oh, that is all well and good, but, voice or no voice, the people can always be brought to the bidding of the leaders. That is easy. All you have to do is tell them they are being attacked and denounce the pacifists for lack of patriotism and exposing the country to danger. It works the same way in any country."

yes this blog is not dead and I still post

no excuses (because like assholes, everyone has one and they all stink) for my lack of activity on this blog. I'm currently working on passing my first microsoft test on the way to MCAD (and possibly MCSD) certification. this is a career move, a little strategic planning, something to keep my options open, keeping my skills up to date in a concrete manner. while many pooh-pooh certifications as not reflecting real world quality, typically there is nothing better to go by and many small companies need a certain number of microsoft certified people on board to keep their "MCP" status - which in turn drives business to those companies. that's all for now, I've got other priorities, but did want to break the silence with some kind of posting. laterz!