To Window, or Not to Window

what I'd look like if I had a window
So an article on a very informative and well written blog that I frequent reminded me of a topic I wanted to discuss.
Office windows.
Now I understand that in a 21st century business world, it has (finally) been recognized that adequate natural light improves productivity, employee health (both mentally, and physically), and general work place atmosphere. But I'm not talking about the new buildings, or progressive companies. I'm talking about the company that rents a building constructed in the 60's, built to withstand the commie zombocalypse.

So, windows: some of us have them, most of us don't. Windows are generally a luxury reserved for those faithful employees with seniority in a company. Basically that means, employees that have been there for 3+ decades.
The problem with this is that when you've worked somewhere that long, your minimum age is 50. That means you're old, approaching geriatric. And what do old people* hate? sun. And you know what that does to the windows? PUTS SHADES OVER THEM!!!
So they work FOREVER in a windowless cave/cube/cage/hole/bunker and when they finally actually get to have a window, they are so frightened and injured by the overwhelming influx of light and warmth that they turn away and close every part of the blinds that they can.

Case in point:
I was desperately trying to soak up and enjoy the 1 tiny sliver of golden light clawing its way timidly across the floor when in a flash, it was gone. I looked up in horror squinting through the glaring, flashing light of the fluorescent overheads to see my boss, taping paper to the window in the spot where the sun had so mercifully seeped through. Half cursing and half begging I said "if you don't like the sun, why don't we just trade cubes?" To which he replied, "....hahaha, you can't see a thing with the sun so bright." I thought to myself, not only is that counter-intuitive, it should be considered cruel and unusual.

They give prisoners, in maximum security state penitentiaries windows. You know why? Studies show it reduces suicidal tenancies. I've figured it out, commit mass murder, get an 'effing window every day. Perfect!
-Ty


*the author harbors no ill will toward the few old farts who enjoy sunshine and other similar "hippie liberal sex sharing pot smoking" pleasures. In fact, he salutes you for hanging on to those ideals for so long. Preach brother.

photo via www.photobucket.com

More Harmonica Please

Well good afternoon everyone!

Today I am in a harmonica mood.
The free song on iTunes today got me in that mood. I would recommend checking it out.
It is folkey, and quiet, but it is really growing on me. Its called "Oh My God, Charlie Darwin" by The Low Anthem. The lyrics are pretty simple and lack as much impact as you'd expect a song with such a title to have, but I find myself entranced by it. Definately check it out if you have iTunes.

If you're in as much of a harmonica mood as I am, here are some other good harmonica songs:
Devils & Dust - Bruce Springsteen
Canadian Railroad Trilogy - Gordon Lightfoot
Spokey Dokey - Yoko Kanno (listen here)

Those are just the first few that hit the top of my brain. If you know more, please tell me 'bout them!
-Ty

photo via www.threeworlds.com.au

Heavy Issues

So, lets get this blog started in heavy fashion.
I was reading through the interwebs this morning and came across this article on BBC news.

Unlike others I have talked to, I am extremely nervous abut this nation's upcoming election. It is no secret that I can be regarded as a hippie liberal treehugger with a smacking of optimist. But despite all that, and despite voting last saturday, I still have a very present fear that our republican candidate, despite his opponent's vast lead, will win the election.

The pure and simple basis for this fear of mine is racism. Have we, as a peoples, transcended this founding hypocrisy of our great nation? Was Lincoln's surgery on the American system adequate to correct its birth defect of bigotry? Unfortunately my answer is no, I don't believe so.

Analysts talk of the Wilder effect, and how it may undermine Obama's projected lead. Despite optimistic articles dismissing the impact of such "closet racism," I fear it will be enough to confirm that this country is not above base bigotry, not above the dark scars that mar its history, and not ready to step into the light that I hope to one day witness.

Either way, I suppose there's not much more I am willing to do about it. I have voted, I have instilled my hope and faith in my countrymen, and I await the final verdict on our baser image as a peoples come Nov. 4th.
-Ty

Hello World!

Hello interwebs!

It has been suggested that since I tend to post such long replies on my friends' blogs, and send so many humorous or aggravating stories to them through email, that it would be easier and less annoying to just have a blog. So here I am, on the internet, spewing my thoughts for the world to read. And by world, I mean the 1 or 2 random bored people who trip over what drivel may lie here.

About the title, lets face it, no one calls me T-Red anymore. Sadly, my name has been butchered (through some fault of my own) to be what it is now, and so I'm going to accept defeat and endorse it here.

The atmosphere I will try and maintain on this blog will be similar to that which is in my own head. So expect to see lots of random things. I will hopefully be able to keep things more or less understandable, but I start out in this blog with no agenda aside from having a place to put down and perhaps get some feedback on all the random things I thing on from time to time.

That said, I hope you enjoy it, and perhaps get some distraction from whatever it is you are on the internet to avoid.
-Ty