Al Gore for Nobel Laureate

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Former V.P. Al Gore at Senate Environment & Public Works Cmte. Climate Change Hearing (3/21/2007)

Goals

Not necessarily so straight forward, if only we would listen when it would suit us best. Misunderstandings are to be expected . . .

No better nor worse

I understand your sentiments, "no better nor worse" and fully agree. Your sense of accomplishment is rather 'ambitious', but I'm glad you push the envelope.

You may have few friends and feel lonely but you're not. Why do you seek such enlightenment? For yourself or for others? Barack, having nearly finished his memoir, used knowledge to induce change. Although he grew up under interesting conditions and environments, seeking to find himself, he does have purpose for the general good of humanity. Is this you also? Or do you seek redemption from others; others to say,"well done"? In my eyes, you've done a lot already and will continue to do so. I feel you have nothing to prove to others (fuck'em), only to yourself, without losing yourself and losing perspective.

If you want to go into the history books that's cool. Make sure your purpose is true. Do what you want, what makes you happy. I don't think you should carry the burden or the load.

but seriously, I don't judge you, never have...if I did, I would of dropped you way back in the day. No, I just want you to be professionally happy as well as personally. Do what you must, but always remember...stay true to your friends, cause they'll save you in the end.

Hungry?

Spartans! Enjoy your breakfast, for tonight we dine in Hell!

-300.

State of the Union

We need new direction. I am for Obama.

He's Going In Deep!

Rodney's sisters wedding - December 2006

Answers.

Do not always resolve their questions.

If there was only a way to put other people in our own minds, so they would understand and not confuse intention.

Bobby.

"Let us dedicate ourselves to what the Greeks wrote so many years ago: to tame the savageness of man and make gentle the life of this world."

-Robert Kennedy

Here's one: 5,000 words on why you'll stay the fuck out of my home.

"You're the man now, dog!"

-Finding Forrester.

Where should we go today?

To live a life of possibility, without restraint. To seek the unattainable and to be focused on the steps to achieve it.

Happy Birthday . . .

Tom Bishop: Happy Birthday, Nathan. Did you know Langley has seven different birth dates for you?

Nathan Muir: And they're all wrong.

Tom Bishop: I know, believe me, it wasn't easy. KGB, Mossad, also wrong. Fortunately I was well trained.

- Spy Game.

You may be right

. . .don't try to save me.

When all else fails,

Reboot.

I want some ice cream

I like getting it; I just get lazy in the summer heat

Do you remember when?

See, listen and hear.

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that frightens us most. We ask ourselves, 'Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and famous?' Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that people won't feel insecure around you. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in all of us. And when we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”

Used by Nelson Mandela in his 1994 inaugural speech

Quote by Maryanne Williamson

--Last Sunday, I went to a chinese restraunt with some friends. Chinese is not one of my favorite cuisines, but the part I love best is the fortune cookie at the end of the meal. My fortune that Sunday read, "Do not fear failure".

Things to do before the end of 2006.

10. Visit and learn more about Wales.
9. See a show once a month.
8. Israel.
7. Every other movie I see should be one that I would not neccessarily have selected.
6. Road trip across the US.
5. Finish what I started: Publish, publish, publish.
4. Vancouver.
3. Sail.
2. I never said I would, but Las Vegas.
1. See mom and dad more.

See, listen and hear.

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that frightens us most. We ask ourselves, 'Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and famous?' Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that people won't feel insecure around you. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in all of us. And when we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”

Used by Nelson Mandela in his 1994 inaugural speech

Quote by Maryanne Williamson

--Last Sunday, I went to a chinese restraunt with some friends. Chinese is not one of my favorite cuisines, but the part I love best is the fortune cookie at the end of the meal. My fortune that Sunday read, "Do not fear failure".

So where is the passion when you need it the most?

Sincerity.

4AM routines.

Writing emails that I will send later.

Doing too many things and not one particularly well.

Extending precious moments and focusing on that person who matters.

Better days.

Late night

Early morning

We talked until there was nothing left to say

It was strange

The war was on

But I've never felt so safe

No, I've never seen better days

-Five for fighting

Favorite Songs.

Well, the rain keeps on coming down

It feels like a flood in my head

And that road keeps on calling me

Screaming to everything lying ahead

And it's a winding road

I've been walking for a long time

I still don't know

Where it goes

And it's a long way home

I've been searching for a long time

I still have hope

I'm gonna find my way home

And I can see a little house

On top of the hill

And I can smell the ocean

The salt in the air

And I can see you

You're standing there

And you're washing your car

And I can see California sun in your hair

And its a winding road

I've been walking for a long time

Still don't know

Where it goes

And it's a long way home

I've been searching for a long time

Still have hope

I'm gonna find my way home

All these dreams took me so far

And I felt I just couldn't go on

And I want to hang

Out the window of your car

And see just how good this baby can run

'Cause it's a winding road

I've been walking for a long time

And I still don't know

Where it goes

And it's a long way home

I've been searching for a long time

Still have hope

We're gonna find our way home

It's a winding road

Still have hope

One day we'll find our way home

It's a long way home

I've been searching for a long time

Still have hope

We're gonna find our way home

-Bonnie Somerville

Snips.

My life is brilliant.

My love is pure.

I saw your face in a crowded place,

And I don't know what to do,

But I won't lose no sleep on that,

'Cause I've got a plan.

-James Blunt

Carpe Diem.

We struggle to find our paths and along the way circumstance can disappoint. Those who were once leaders my fall, perhaps when no one is looking we fail.

Reach out. Strive. Fail, but do not stop trying.

Now you know.

Have you ever taken a glance and discovered something new? Have you ever stopped a song to think or paused a dvd because the moment demanded it?

Goodbye.

No matter how strong circumstance has made us, the quantum leap is when we can empathize and give even more, even when the gasp can be too much.

I tried, but you cannot force others to understanding. Or maybe it is just that I want someone to work as hard as I have had to work, in that I recognize their dedication.

There are no points for doing something you should.

Returns.

Seldom gone for long.

Multitasking.

Finding center among competing ambitions.

Yet another beginning.

We try to forget those confusing messages. Often successful, however sometimes slipping into recollection. No matter which way we come to these recollections, will we be open to new thoughts?.

Resisting disappointment.

Misunderstandings.

Clarify them.

Late night phone calls.

Followed by early morning thoughts. To make things different, courage and expression . . .

Learning from others.

Leaving opportunity to find something new or making room for the possibility. Those random escapes for junk food or the converse, those moments when we remember “why”.

To friends, old, new and those in between.

Olympic moments.

Achievement for purpose, time spent on a worthy goal.

Busy days.

Even the multi-taskers sometimes have days where they wish it was all simple.

Staying a bit longer.

If you ever were ever right about a personality trait, this would be the one to be right about.

A quest for fun.

I have no problem making the plans, as long as you have no problem being there.

If you don't ask, you don't get.

What is it that separates the bold from the timid? Besides the obvious, perhaps is that subtle distinction in courage.

Saying thank you.

There are some things you cannot overdo; especially for people who always seem to find a way to do the right things.

Questioning.

Past the answers, we look for what remains.

Making change.

To those that heard, but did not listen. To those who showed little faith and realized it too late.

In search of a few words.

You make a plan, you modify it, you struggle and somewhere in between things change. Maybe at times you were somewhat over focused, other times aloof, but what is the point?

Piano Man.

If for one moment, we can find that smile, that instant of purpose, where we realize our own river of dreams or complete our lullaby . . . if for one moment, we can look somewhere and the response is one of comprehension of the things we have the courage to say and those thoughts we hold back because we struggle to find expression.

Management, cont.

Will those words be there when you need them? Will the report make sense? Will the letter make an impact? Will your thought make sense to someone else?

Moreover, will she hear you?

Management.

Guidance of events is a central element of what we do. Finance, professional, social, family; the extent of the coordination of our thoughts is the foundation by which are paths are set.

Choices. Confidence. Fear. Discernment. How many times do we find ourselves on the verge of opportunity? Here is to the bold moment before a great pitch . . .

Fresh starts.

With the end of January a week away, lets not forget that this is a new year. "Put your past behind you and start over" . . . (more text here).

-G.A.

Keys.

Somewhere in between faith and conviction, we are open to hearing what all that dribble means.

If you can make it there . . .

Inspiration.

Random notes.

It is sometimes difficult to discern meaning, as these are merely glances.

Sometimes we can write for just that, other times for those private moments when we laugh, smile or reflect on moments we hold onto.

A collector of experiences.

The trip just completed, to the next one unplanned. To the top of a building, to the subway ride downtown . . . (more text here).

Courage.

Comes in many forms . . . the new venture, the proposition others cautioned against taking, the chance, facing fear, doing something unknown, adversity, success, failure and everything in between.

Planning and lists aside, the real question becomes, “how far do we go?” Moderation is our guide, but in the pursuit will we find our voice, will we be secured by a commitment to reaching out beyond what we were capable of before?

How many things have been lost because an absence of this spirit? How many moments let go because of a failure to be bold?

Too many are transfixed on the limits of others and a commitment to images, which are merely that.

If you are to find those things you have sought but have evaded you, question your past approach. Realize your strength, with equal measure to your weaknesses and see most deficiencies are rooted in failing to embrace the lonely strength only determination, boldness and courage can bring.

Thursday.

Tomorrow is Friday.

Be there soon.

Rhythm.

Noticing rhythm can sometimes be difficult if you are not paying attention. It has a lot to do with taking note of small things that are easy to take for granted. That walk each morning, that phone call and its quirks, coffee, cocktails at 5; you name it, there is some music to it.

Play it again.

Lists.

10 things to do in New York City, objectives for January, Reminders why something, someone is meaningful.

I heard somewhere.

This is going to sound a little obsessive.

One year, coffee and some experience.

Glancing out the window, from my favorite chair, in the coffee shop missing the “s”, typing, listening to Verdi (with white headsets), thoughts meander as snow falls to the ground outside.

Soon this paper will find itself complete and my year will really begin.

Missing words.

There is some irony in an author not being able to write or say something. But then again, with no book in print, or the ability to claim royalties for anything I have placed here, perhaps the title “author” is somewhat dubious. In between Boston and a New York Chronicle – indeed.

It is very simple. All those stops, stutters and delay are guided in a notion of things to come. This is what is new and unique. Despite anything before, I never really felt, saw or believed in things in this way - here is what is now distinct. Each moment becomes more of a validation of this; I smile because I am surprised.

I may have received a journal before, but yours was the first to receive my words and is the first to be near me. There are many other unique ways to touch people, even if on the surface it seems similar. Try to understand how this is different and cherish that.

Listening and hearing is such a gift - sincerity secures meaning.

Speaking in circles? Just ask me what I mean, until you understand.

A thought.

Have you ever noticed the way someone can encapsulate a thought you have been missing? And when you hear it, it's as though the thought was your own and never too far way.

Some thoughts require thorough meditation, as to avoid misplacing their value.

Someone gives you a gift. A notebook to write in, a book to read. Unexpectedly, they have given you something more valuable than several gifts before.

. . . private thoughts and somewhere in between.

Taking a deep breath, executing and enjoying the outcome.

Taking the first step is probably the most difficult, as the sequence of events which must follow can be overwhelming . . . (more text here).

Truth (hearts & right hands).

Father & Son.

- Cat Stevens.

Deadlines.

Self-imposed. Tangible. Business driven. Objective orientated. No matter the context, we circle a proposition. To meet an expectation -- our own or anothers.

2006.

. . . to living in the present.

Change.

"Never underestimate your power to change yourself; never overestimate your power to change others."

- H. Jackson Brown, Jr.

Parents.

There is no escaping their impact. They form and guide us. No matter how different we end up, these teachings define us. For all that is great about us, we are indebted to the lectures, hugs, chats and all those memories.

Next steps.

A new year almost upon us, we can't help but look back. I can't keep up with all the notes, but we return to some old ones. Indeed people can leave fingerprints on our lives and somewhere we are changed. Thinking about those moments, in ways we can describe or ways we cannot, we see things as they are . . . what do we do with this? What do we cherish and what do we fight to preserve? What we do in the dark, matters much more than what we do in the light. If something is important, we make all involved realize this.

Me, quit? Never.

What is it which sets apart the high accomplishment of our heros? Is it their commitment? Their experiences? Some yet unknown gene? The food they eat? The books they read?

Whatever their inspiration, their lesson is what they give. They remind us of determination. Of hope. Or maybe they motivate us to where we can aspire.

The Oxford English Dictionary defines character as "the qualities distinctive to an individual." Somewhere may we make these are own.

-The Foundation For A Better Life.

Surprise.

This happens sometimes. You smile and you think to yourself, "this is why I do these things".

Sometimes our instincts our wrong. Other times we surprise ourselves. And even when we don't, it feels great to believe in something or someone -- this thought we cannot prove. At least for now. . .

Finally, to those moments when the words just do not flow elegantly.

Why they matter.

"The wisdom of the wise and the experience of the ages are perpetuated by quotations."

-Benjamin Disraeli.

Someday soon (thumbs up).

"When all this is over, I'm going down to Sam and Harry's. I'm gonna order a big steak and I'm gonna make a list of everyone who tried to fuck with us this week."

-The American President.

Sellouts.

There are few things I cannot forgive. This is among them.

The World Has Turned And Left Me Here.

Weezer.

Rejuvenation.

Some new public policy? There are many significant initiatives, but why does there seem to be growing separation in measured success? Perhaps it is warranted to take a radical departure in our approach; these measures are not making the impact we need, particularly in education and poverty.

I am compelled to believe that the solution lies in escaping examining situations from opposing extremes. Liberalism vs. Conservatism, assistance vs. self-reliance. A third way? How do we escape rhetoric as to arrive to a new approach?

Perspective.

"There are no facts, only interpretations."

-Friedrich Nietzsche

I definitely do not agree, but there is room for perspective.

I should say.

The words do not always flow in ways I would like; sometimes I am quiet. What I should say is that despite what has been written and spoken, I am looking to get past complication -- how do we get there? Wherever that leads is where it leads, but I am not trying to force a conclusion or have an expectation met. These little things: notes, lists, and messages, are meaningful to me, regardless of context.

I don't want to force you to say something you rather not, so listen as you do not have to respond, "I miss you." This time listen to the song and hear the lyrics I did not write.

It's true I think about this often and that is probably more obvious than I would like it to be.

Old thoughts, applicable today.

President Bush defends the use of wiretaps without warrants.

For my thoughts on this, I turn to the past . . .

"Those who desire to give up freedom in order to gain security, will not have, nor do they deserve, either one."

-Benjamin Franklin.

Men.

"The boy who is going to make a great man must not make up his mind merely to overcome a thousand obstacles, but to win in spite of a thousand repulses and defeats."

Again, Theodore Roosevelt.

What's next?

Silently mouthing lyrics. Mini-dances in the car, train, subway or walk. Music. Playing songs over and over again. These are mine.

A laugh. A look. Painted nails and pants that are too long? These are yours.

The ferry. The classic pre-theatre dinner. Messy apartments. Bad glasses. Remembering a scent or sparkles left behind. These are ours.

Cocktails and Dreams.

I am the last barman poet / I see America drinking the fabulous cocktails I make / Americans getting stinky on something I stir or shake / The sex on the beach / The schnapps made from peach / The velvet hammer / The alabama slammer. / I make things with juice and froth / The pink squirrel / The 3-toed sloth. / I make drinks so sweat and snazzy / The iced tea / The kamakazi / The orgasm / The death spasm / The Singapore sling / The dingaling. / America you've just been devoted to every flavor I got / But if you want to got loaded / Why don't you just order a shot? / Bar is open.

-Cocktail.

Somewhere in between Washington and New York City.

Rainy nights in New York sometime have a way of putting distant thoughts together. The lights? The buildings? The people? Maybe it is just walking along the streets and thinking about things. Thoughts you have been avoiding can suddenly become clear -- with keystrokes, phone call or conditioned sentiment, taking action avoided for too long.

No more excuses. No more delay.

Drawing inspiration from places where it is warranted, realizing where value exists and choosing to focus where it is deserved. Trusting your instincts and making the most of situations that others would avoid. Empathy and belief -- faith and looking and searching for intent and purpose.

Perhaps this is saying the "right things". Nonetheless, it is what I believe and this is most important.

As we look for the best in people, indeed selflessness and consideration exemplify this. I also believe in redemption; to this these thoughts are conceived.

To understand who we are, we reflect from where we have come, but focus on where we will go and thus who we will become.

Thanks to all those that think the same way . . . and to those opposed, don't be so cynical.

Your eyes.

As We Said Our Goodbyes,

I Can't Get Them Out Of My Mind,

And I Find I Can't Hide From,

Your Eyes.

The Ones That Took Me By Surprise,

The Night You Came Into My Life,

Where There's Moonlight,

I See Your Eyes

How'd I Let You Slip Away,

When I'm Longing So To Hold You,

Now I'd Die For One More Day,

'Cause There's Something I Should Have Told You

Yes There's Something I Should Have Told You

When I Looked Into Your Eyes,

Why Does Distance Make Us Wise?

You Were The Song All Along . . .

- Rent

Taking notice.

Quiet things we do not mention? Glances we pretend not to see? Unique things we convey or withhold?

Whichever way, it all matters. And even if you have no context or are otherwise unsure of what I mean, know that the summation is thought directed towards something that someone finds worth recalling -- here, there or in memory.

Opportunity and making it happen.

There is that moment before achievement where you feel “yes, I’ve got it”. Here struggle is removed; all the hard work, waiting and effort culminates and you succeed. Even if this moment is not yours, watching this somewhere else reminds you of your own moments. Congrats old friend on Drexel Law.

Future.

We are made wise not by the recollection of our past, but by the responsibility for our future.

-George Bernard Shaw

Wednesday morning.

A few days before the weekend, somewhere in between my walk through the common, the Chinese gentlemen I pass every morning (as I wonder with continued conjecture as to their conversation), my morning jog (which I have skipped this week because of the cold and lack of a running partner to help me keep my ritual) and a review of the previous night's thoughts, I walk into Starbucks, order my CM, sit down, glance over the New York Times and just watch everyone else participate in their own Wednesday morning schedules.

I like to call it "mice getting cheese". We are the mice, running around to get our food. The pattern, the cycle . . . not that I am criticizing, just questioning. Among other thoughts: am I right, am I wrong, am I crazy or otherwise misdirected? Don't answer that.

Unique? We all are. What we do with it – this is what matters.

I am going to skip Starbucks tomorrow morning.

Meeting adjourned.

Again, just because.

"It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat."

-Theodore Roosevelt, Speech at the Sorbonne

Finishing touches.

This project has been over one year in the making and seeing it come to conclusion has certainly been a task. Taking the little blurbs, notes, postings and thoughts about characters or scenes, compiling research and turning fiction to reality and somewhere in between has not been easy at all -- much more difficult than I originally anticipated.

Our thoughts do not always follow familiar patterns. Writing is very much like this.

I have talked about this novel for so long and now that it is almost complete, I think about how much it has changed and begin thinking about how much I have changed with it. There is some vanity in writing; will the author in the mirror be the author we see?

One more thing: “The most important thing in any relationship is not what you get but what you give. “ – Eleanor Roosevelt. Our work, novels, friends, hearts – so be it.

Faith.

A life consistent with ideals, making the most of each moment and to live without regret.

The most powerful beliefs are those we have no evidence of.

Another day.

The heart may freeze or it can burn,

The pain will ease if I can learn,

There is no future, there is no past,

I live this moment as my last,

There's only us, there's only this,

Forget regret, or life is yours to miss,

No other road, no other way,

No day but today

-Rent

Keeping it interesting.

Good conversation. Laughs. Trying to inspire some people along the way.

To be a teacher.

Making it happen.

Avoiding a struggle with delay. Inaction breeds compliancy and managing this is imperative to looking towards more.

What more do we want? How serious are we?

Thanks.

For the music. The memories. The smiles and everything else.

Distracted.

This hardly prevents an expression of our thoughts, but it is easy to confuse an avoidance of usual patterns.

This does nothing to take away from where we plan to go and does not diminish our sentiments, especially those most valuable. Despite distraction, do not forget those things we should have faith in -- without seeing, obvi.

Time.

We write to capture moments so that in reflection we have something to
remind us. It is sometimes hard to present scenes, but imagination inspired
by quiet moments are enough to carry us closer.

You can say something is meaningful and see it. You can write something is
remarkable and believe it.

What is unique is holding to these things. The obvious things or more
obscure. Songs. Simple Messages. Dreams. Trips. Moments. Time.

Piano man.

Music. Songs that bring back memories or are gateways to new ones.

Cocktails and Conversation. Remembering those last words and reflecting on why they matter.

Stories, Walks and that last phone call. Consistency -- a very good thing.

Blogging.

Very informal. Our thoughts are often this way: fleeting feelings. Writing things down in a moment captures them -- there is some danger in response, but we can probably guide our way to what we mean.

Little things.

Leaving ice cream in the fridge to find it almost gone the next day. Magazines. Small notes. Quick emails. The smell of Comm. Ave in the spring. Breakfast at ABP. Mexican Food.

Those things that make us smile. Erase any discontent. The little inspirational things, which touch words and motivate. Why? Because we work for these things, we seek these things. Moments where we are the most happy – why does this have to be a climax? Is not happiness sustainable? Even when things are not going our way, we can fall back to these little things, memories or living them out. Pursuing them.

Phone calls.

Whether we make them or wait for them, the excitement of such banter can be memorable. However, can moments hinge on simple words? I doubt it.

I am getting older. Although I do not believe this provides me any tangible advantage, I do have perspective to make better decisions. I still believe in my boyhood ideals, only now I make them happen, instead of dreaming.

I loath disappointment, but it happens. People promise all the time. . .can they fulfill it? Sometimes. You know what I mean and it is not about us. You say something is valuable, let us say, “a friendship”. How do you show that? How do you mean it?

We do not stumble across extraordinary moments, we plan them or we live them from our hearts – we mean it.

Would you do the things you ask of me? An unplanned late call – from me this time, not you, for instance: would you make that walk or would you let me make it?

I am not a poet. Nevertheless, I know how to see.

October 14.

Encapsulate a birthday and time remaining in a movie? Film, music and a little journey. Elizabethtown.

A perfect situation.

Quick trips to favorite cities. No planning neccessary. Spending 24 hours in a place you know well -- the quick planning, the journey and then the evening. These nights are always bound to be fun, despite the elements, be them weather or people.

Conversations, glances and movie moments.

Affirmative Action.

On issues in politics, I tend to take opposing viewpoints. At times, this debate puts me in awkward situations, as I may argue points with which I do not agree. However, on some issues it is impossible for me to deviate from my true beliefs. Affirmative Action is among these subjects.

The passage of civil rights legislation in the early 60s did much to address over 300 years of discrimination faced by minorities in the United States. 40 years later, we still have a long way to go to ensure equal opportunity. Affirmative Action attempts to address the gaps of past discrimination by ensuring diversity.

The system has faults and abuses. However, we must look to continue and refine these processes to make up for our past mistakes.