Philosophy Paper

I have a philosophy term paper, and my instructor gave us(the class) a list of different types of philosophy to choose for our papers. Of course, there's Epistemology, and that's the type of philosophy that's brings up the questions such as what is truth? Then theres, Metaphysics, which deals with our worldview and our nature of being. Then there's my favorite, Philosophy of Religion, and I figure it would be a good fit for me to write my paper on this type of philosophy since I've always asked so many questions about God, and different religions.

I remember asking my parents when I was 5 or 6 years old if God was real, and they had a shocked look on their face because no one in the course of their lifetime had ever asked that question. That's when it started because after that I went on a questioning spree about God and Jesus. It got to the point where people would tell me that if I kept asking questions like that God was going to punish me. Now I know it's because they were and probably still are like the majority of people in this country who are ignorant when it comes to religion. They made me feel like I was doing the Devil's work when I would ask hard questions like that, and as I got older I found out it was good to ask those types of questions. I talked to a Pastor during my teen years, and he said that it's a sin to follow blindly. So I felt like, damn, I'm ahead of my time. He told me that everyone should question their faith because you find out if you know what you believe in or why you even believe in the first place. This way you know exactly how far you have to go in order to get right with God. 

Of course, many religions will just tell you to have faith, and bringing up those questions will get your hand slapped with a ruler. Let's say you have strict parents who are devoutly religious, and they hear you ask questions about God's existence and it's time to get beat. They beat Jesus right into you when in all reality they're beating Jesus right out of you. I think Scientology was birthed by parents beating the Jesus into their kids. Now those kids are Scientologists, and that's okay if you're trying to be a thetan.

I went off on a tangent I know, but I'll be doing my paper on the Philosophy of Religion.  

Philosophy

I'm currently taking this course as part of my degree plan, and I'm wondering why I hadn't taken this class sooner. I'm usually one to over analyze things, and finally a class that praises just that. I love asking hard questions, even the cliche ones like "What's the meaning of life?" Not many people sit back and philosophize about their surroundings or situations in life. The majority of people in this country don't feel the need to think critically.

I would recommend anyone to take a philosophy class. There are a lot of questions that make you sit back and really wonder why you think the way you do. There are a few that I think anyone should ask themselves such as, "Why do I believe in God?", "What is truth?", and "What is the meaning of opinion?"

They may seem like simple questions, but when you really sit back and think, the answer becomes less and less clear. It's because we've accepted since were young the mindset of our parents, and the society around us. I didn't raise those questions to prove or disprove anything, but these are the questions that really had me searching for answers. Come to find that there really is no concrete answer to any of those questions. This is why I love the subject of philosophy because there are a lot of questions that are open ended, and will never be solved. Of course, some people will see these questions, and will get upset because it questions belief in God. Yet if you were to look in the bible St. Augustine questioned the existence of God, and Martin Luther questioned many of God's creations and doings.

All I'm saying is just think deeply about everything. Whether it be religion, the universe, politics, or any subject that provokes thought. Just think.

School

Today I had class. Yes, I know, class on a saturday morning, but I'll tell you what, I'm getting it done. There's a lot of people who've never had the privledge to go to school. So I'm taking advantage of an opportunity to better myself. 

I go to a community college (Northwest Vista) right now, and I'm determined to transfer to a major university after I'm done earning my associates degree. I was originally going to UIW (Incarnate Word), but I'm going to speak with a counselor and change my transfer program to UTSA. I want that Music Marketing degree. 

I've been in bands, I've made beats, and I'm jumpin' into the business side of music without any prior training. I can't wait on the degree to make music dreams happen now so I figure learn the business side of music now, and get the degree along the way. Any job I land or business I start can't take away that experience I gained through all this.

Work

Work was good today, and I used to hate working for the family business. We install and fix Air Conditioning by the way. I've never stopped and really appreciated it until today. 

My Pops is a go getter, and even though the economy ain't what it used to be he went out and got us some work. I didn't realize until today that I could've learned a lot from my Pops. Yeah nobody's perfect, and my Dad is far from perfect. His disorganized which makes the work vehicles really messy, people may say that a lot of things he does is wrong, but he gets things done. He's an entrepreneur, and he doesn't take no for an answer. He's worked for other companies but couldn't do it. He saw that he was losing money buy working a regular job. I don't blame him, and now that I've shown him that I have the desire to do great things he's starting to give me incentives at work. It's a good learning experience, and I've always seen it as a drag. After today I feel like an idiot, but I know what to do to make it right. Maybe I could show my Pops some things?

I remember being pissed when I was a young kid because my Pops was always working, and I had to learn to do a lot of things on my own. We're talking about playing basketball, working out, and figuring out life on my own. Time that could've been spent with my Dad, but what I didn't understand was that he was trying to make our lives better. He didn't know about leverage back then so he felt that he to work as hard as his employees to make it happen. Now, over years of experience he knows the power of leverage, and he uses it to it's full advantage. Now he's able to really make money, and he does everything in his power to make it happen. 

I've learned to forgive him in the past for things he's done, and that's part of growing as person. 

T.I.

I'm watching this preview of this show that's coming soon to MTV. It has to do with T.I. going to prison for up to 30 years and he's doing 1000 hours of community service to show the judge that he can change the lives youth in the community. 

For those of you who know don't know T.I.'s current situation, he could be going to jail for up to 30 years in a federal penitentiary for buying and possesion automatic firearms and silencers. For those of you who don't know the gun laws, an automatic weapon are only for military or police purposes, and civilians shouldn't have access to these types of weapons, especially a convicted felon such as T.I. 

Now he's made a reality show of what he's done for the community and how he's affected the youth. He's chosen seven young kids who are the most at risk, and showing them the better way to live. It's going to be all about choices because choices are a really important part of our lives. Because of one bad choice T.I. made, now he's facing up to 30 years in federal prison. 

I think this is a good thing he's doing, and even though the adversity he's facing he's still staying on top of his game. It's a tv show, so he's obviously going to make some money off of it, and he's also going to change some young minds out there. I think 2009 is going to be a very positive year. Even though he's got money and has amazing lawyers that doesn't mean he'll escape jail time, but this will definitely work in his favor.  

More people should be out there helping, and giving back to their community. Matter of fact, I'm going to find out what I can do to give back. T.I.'s show is called Road to Redemption: 45 Days and Counting. It starts February 10 at 9 p.m. Check it out. 

Religion

I wish there was no religion in this world. There would be no wars between Israel and Palestine, between Christians and Muslims, or even between different Muslim sects. I understand everyone believes what they believe, but I don't understand why others want people to convert to what they believe in. I know I'm not religious because I prefer attending a non denominational church, but that doesn't mean that I'm some sort of free agent that should be recruited into a religion. 

I wish that we could just believe what we believe without any titles, rituals, or segregated beliefs. Is it so hard just to be spiritual beings? Is it so hard just to believe and have faith in God without any attachments. In my opinion, no one is right to begin with. If there was a right belief then there would be no need for Lutherans, Catholics, Baptists, Muslims, Jews, or Wiccans. Maybe our purpose in life, when it comes to religion, is to break the walls down, and come together and worship as God's people instead of separating from each other and creating unnecessary rituals. 

Monopoly

I'm here at my Aunt's house eating some ribs that my cousin's boyfriend made, and them thangs are amazing. There's was also fajita tacos, and corn on the cob. Damn good food! He should seriously start his own roadside food cart, and make some serious paper. I know this is a lot of stuff to be eating but this is my last night to eat like this because tomorrow I'm starting my diet.

So now it's time to play electronic monopoly. It's one of my favorite games because it fuels my entrepreneurial spirit. I love it because it's all about making deals and rising above your competition. If you can't learn business skills from monopoly then you just were meant to be broke. This is one of those games that I love to win at. It gives me more ambition and motivation everytime I finish the game whether I win or lose.

Excuses

I remember not too long ago thinking that I want to get out of my rut and get rich. I'll be honest it is taking some time, but I'm going to get there because there is no other option. I went on to read many books on the subject of wealth and entrepreneurs. I realized that all rich entrepreneurs that I look up to, such as Russell Simmons and Donald Trump, never make excuses about anything in their lives.

Many people want to blame the media, the government, their background, and their upbringing for their financial situation. After reading about several other wealthy entrepreneurs, I know that all of the things I just mentioned are excuses.

I know that Donald Trump early on in his career didn't really know how to manage his money that well, and he went into bankruptcy. Did he use that as an excuse to quit? No because he, like majority of wealthy people in our society, knows that he has control over his situations.

Just like Russell Simmons had the odds stacked against him when he wanted to start his own hip hop label. At the time no one wanted to touch the idea because the majority of the music industry thought hip hop was a fad that wouldn't last. Yet, Russell persisted in starting his own label while in college with his roommate Rick Rubin. To this day Def Jam is still one of the biggest hip hop labels in the music industry. All because Russell Simmons knew that he had control of his situation.

Now it's hard for me to feel bad for anyone complaining about their situation. Because if a kid from Southside Jamaica Queens can make it to earn himself a new worth of over $150 million then there really is no excuse for anyone to bitch about their place in life. 50 Cent had it way worse than me, and it makes me realize that if he can do it then so can I. That means you can too. So if you find yourself complaining just shut up and do something about it.

Slow Times

In my line of work we have a slow season, and that season is winter. Right now my company is going through some rough times. I'm appreciative because we are keeping our heads above water, and we have more than one thing going on.

My Pops and I both have goals outside of work. He has an awesome website about hunting and fishing called Trophe.net. I'm learning to make money online, I'm going to school to get my associates degree, and I'm looking to start my own business. 

I have faith that I will be a millionaire one day, and it will be very much appreciated because I will have earned it.  

I'm watching the Real World Brooklyn, and it still amazes me that so many people are still closed minded. Then I forgot that not everyone in this world is as open minded as me and most of my friends are. There are several reasons why people are closed minded.

1. Friends. 

Everyone thinks for themselves, but the majority of people in our society choose not too. 

2. Celebrities. 

Again people that can think for themselves but choose not too. 

3. Society. 

People choose to follow others. That's why there are so few leaders but many followers.

4. Religion. 

People following people again. Many people think that religion is about God but when you really get beneath the surface it's because they're follow the person who talks about God. I will put money on the table that most of the people that attend religious gatherings don't read the religious texts of their following. 

5. Family.

This is the worst influence you can have when it comes to molding a young mind. Your parents are the ones who teach you everything about life, and the way you're taught when your a kid really sticks to you. For example, the Nazi's were a group of people who believed in superiority of the Aryan Race. You would think since the fall of the third reich that the belief in Nazism would have been dead and gone because of the end of World War 2. Yet there are still many groups in America, Yes America, the country that fought Nazi's, has many white supremacists. Why? Because of children who brought up thinking that being a Nazi is okay.

Smart Phones

Here's what it is, I'm in the process of starting my own business, and I'm lookin' to get a smart phone. A phone that can assist me in all areas of my life such as finances, networking, calls, internet, and fun. A phone that can help me take care of business as well as have fun with. I've been looking at the Blackberry Storm, BB Curve, and the iPhone. These are the three phones that have really popped out at me.

The iPhone tops all when it comes to fun because there are so many apps that are great time wasters. Especially when you're in a waiting room, and got boring magazines around you. I'm pretty sure Blackberry apps have some good time wasters that keep things interesting but I'm pretty sure they can't match the apps of the iPhone. 

When it comes to business, Blackberry wins hands down and the only thing that's left to decide is what network to go with. I'm pretty sure the iPhone has some good business apps, but Blackberry has a reputation like no other in the business world. Palm was the original smart phone, and Blackberry stepped on the scene and put them to shame. We'll see what happens when that Palm Pre CES is released to the public.

The more I think about it, I think I should wait for a while before I buy any of these phones because they may upgrade the Storm, and blow the iPhone out of the water. Until then I'll just pay the waiting game and get my calls consistently dropped with Cricket. I'll know which one to get soon enough.  

Change up

The majority of people have money problems, and if I were to guess there are 10% of the population who earn millions. After learning what I've been learning I can understand why I'm in the situation I'm in, and why I'm changing it. 

There are a lot of people who don't know how to manage their money, and it's not their fault to a certain extent. Their parents are mostly to blame because they are the ones that were responsible for your well being. Definitely your financial well being, and they don't know that they are teaching you wrong because they learned from their parents. My Mom was a penny pincher and my Dad was a spender. I'm not saying either one is wrong, but I grew up a little screwed with my view on money. So I would save a lot and then spend it all. That hasn't worked but that's all I knew. Now, I'm making the conscious decision to get away from that type of finance managment. 

I'm learning how to break down my money so it's invested wisely, and sometimes you have to ask the right people on how to do that. I'm not talking about your broke Uncle who knows what stocks to pick, and what type of business is successful. If he knew what was up then he'd be running a successful business, and sittin' on a nice pile of dividends every year instead working for some corporation getting paid less than what he's worth.

So it's time to clean up every area of my life and excel further today than I did yesterday.  Some people want to do better but they take no action so they stay unhappy with their situations. That doesn't sound good to me.  

Drop the Dead Weight

I've just looked at a height and weight chart, and I'm overweight. I'm 226 at 5-11, and I should be at 164. Now I'm not sure if these charts are completely accurate, but I'm a ways off from being at my target.

This is one of those areas in peoples lives that most people neglect. The funny thing is that many successful people will say that if you are unsuccessful in one area of your life then you probably aren't doing well in other areas of your life. This is probably true to a certain extent because very few big people are employed in the entertainment industry. 

Either way this is one of the areas of my life that I will take control of now.

Niche

I've been reading a book called Think and Grow Rich, and this book has made a million millionaires. At first, everyone is skeptical about the title, and it isn't as simple as it sounds. Of course you can't think your yourself into riches, but it does teach you about desire and action. One of the most useful sections in this book is a chapter about Persistence, and how it's the death of procrastination. This book has been keeping me uplifted in my efforts to become a millionaire. 

I've read stories about countless entrepreneurs who've made it from lower and middle class families. Desire, action, fearlessness, relentlessness, and persistence are the major traits that many of these well known entrepreneurs share. In order to follow the footsteps of these men/women you have to mold yourself, and surround yourself with the right people to help you follow the path that these men/women have walked. 

People would think that Russell Simmons, Oprah Winfrey, Bill Gates, and Donald Trump are very different people, but when it comes to their attitude and outlook on life they are very much the same. They all share those same qualities, and that's why they are in the position their in. 

New Life

I just held new life in my arms earlier, and It's amazing to see an infant just be, just exist. It brings life into perspective, and it got me thinking about being a father someday. I just thought about the payback I'd recieve from my childhood antics. I'm going to have a kid with a smart mouth who talks a lot, and will be so hyper he/she could serve as a a backup generator for the city of San Antonio. At least he/she will be artistic with music and art.

I could only imagine what it feels like to be a brand new Dad. To see a little life come into this world, and know that you helped create this brand new life. I guess I'll find out when that  day comes. 

Ambient

My music production partner and I created some good ambient music. It's a little too out there for coffee shops, but relaxing enough to sit and drive too. Now it's up to me, the lesser talented of us, to try and make the business side of things happen. I have a plan, and now I'm going to set it in motion. Hopefully I can get this music in the hands of the masses. Imagine this amazing ambient music readily available at your local coffee chain, or record store. Well I'm going to be persistent and get this music distributed anywhere possible. If anyone were to come across this blog, find it interesting, and are curious to find out what this music sounds like then shoot me an email.