The Legend of the 49er and the Easter Roo

"The key is to keep company only with people who uplift you, whose presence calls forth your best."

-Epictetus

Thank you for those who wished me a Happy Birthday.  It's great to connect with so many friends and family, some whom I haven't spoken to in years!  

Not only was yesterday Easter Sunday, it was also the conclusion of the Thingyan or "Burmese New Year" (April 13 - April 16).  

It is also known as the Myanmar Water Festival, where people throw water on each other as a symbol of cleansing the past, and welcoming prosperity of the coming year.  There's more to it, of course.  

So to all those who celebrate, Burmese or not, Happy New Year! 

နှစ်သစ်မှာ ပျော်ရွှင်ကြပါစေ!  

Hey, if you got busted on your New Year's resolutions, now you have yet another chance to set that reset button.

Below is a picture of a white wallaby in Australia that I saw on Twitter.  No, it's not photoshopped.  Although rare, these guys really do exist.  Here he is, posing for the camera, as he does his Easter egg thing "down under".  

And who's the 49er?  Well, take a guess.  :-)

Happy Lunar New Year of the Water Tiger!

When we think of a tiger, we may come up with images of aggression, ferocity and ambition.  One thing we may neglect is that this creature is also very patient, stoic and focused; waiting for the right time to pounce on its prey.  If it were merely aggressive, it would scare off its prey, and go hungry.  So too must we be patient and wait for our opportunities to arise.  

Then when it presents itself, we will take the shot without hesitation.

These type of opportunities can not only be in the form of something for ourselves, such as a job opening, an entrepreneurial endeavor or a chance encounter with someone whom we want to ask out; it can also present itself as a way to be kind to one another, even if it's as small as a silent blessing towards someone.  

Just like the tiger, there needs to be purpose behind what we say, think and do as much as possible, should we make headway this year.  It all starts with what we want.  We don't even need to know how are we going to get it.  We just have to have it in our minds.  From there, a way will present itself.  

If it's hard to come up with what we want, what sometimes helps me is to identify what we DON'T want first.  Much like a sculptor visualizing the negative spaces to create a masterpiece from a block of stone, having a concrete sense of what we don't want can be an excellent canvas.  In other words, we must intend all of what we want, while being aware of what we don't want.  In fact, if there is one word for this year, it's INTENTION.

Have a great year!

P.S. Here's a picture of our Crouching Tiger.  Enjoy!

The Fall of the American Empire, Part II

Yes, the title of these two blogs appear grim, I know.  The purpose of what I'm saying is really to make us aware of what we are doing to the planet and one another.  True, there are a lot of good things that come out of humanity and I have faith it will continue.  Enough good would need to counteract the destruction we are creating here in order to "breakeven", so to speak, and even more to bring about overall healing to all. 

In this country, the USA, we are ever increasingly divided mainly in the area of race and politics.  With our unique diversity, we can truly do amazing things if we came together.  We've made up our fucking minds that it's ok to be a part of something that blatantly excludes others.  Moreover, people are willing to kill or create severe harm to claim and defend their superiority over another.  What did your mom put in your Cream of Wheat to make you think like that?  Bitches, I tell ya!  

[Random thought: The term "reverse racism" is so damn retarded.  I mean yes, racism is backward; however, either something is deemed racist or not.  Period. End of story.  It's just another one of those ethnocentric bullshit terms that I keep hearing; to the point that I don't think the people saying it even know what they are REALLY saying!] 

What I think really isn't important.  What is, is that we find a way to dissolve this kind of fucking juvenile entitled and narcissistic behavior before we are all done for.  Quite honestly, I have this weird feeling that, just like some villains want to destroy the planet, some assholes really just want the whole world to burn even with them in it.  Insanely suicidal and yet somewhat accepted as part of a plot in an action movie.  "Can't we all just get along?", asked Rodney King even after being beaten to a pulp.  I know that's been a butt of some jokes, so saying it gets a tongue-in-cheek response, but seriously...can't we?

If we don't, then the great American Empire will truly fall and there ain't nothing or nobody to stop it at that point.  I'm trying my best to stay optimistic; that the future is bright with abundant possibilities.  I would be lying to you if I said that it isn't challenging.  Even after cutting off watching the news and curbing my time spent on social media, both for years, negative voices still sneak in.  I don't think I'm the only one.  I mean, you'd have to be pretty fucking bulletproof to stay smiley all the time.  Wait, that would be unbelievably creepy, yeah?  Anyway, as I've been taught in boxing and combat sports, protect yourself at all times.  This doesn't mean be unkind; actually, quite the opposite.  Be kind but watch your back.  That's what this year calls for.  My one word for this year is INTENTION.  What will you intend this year?     

The Fall of the American Empire, Part I

“Why do people say 'grow some balls'? Balls are weak and sensitive. If you wanna be tough, grow a vagina. Those things can take a pounding.”

-Betty White

 “He who is not contented with what he has, would not be contented with what he would like to have.”

-Socrates

In our last moments of 2021 as a global community, given the Pacific on the side of California is the final greeting to the New Year, I wanted to simply ramble about a couple of things informally.  Please excuse the grammatical errors.  I typically come to polish my writings up shortly after.  In the case I don't, sorry for the mess.  

Ok, long story short, we're fucking up.  Not "they" are fucking up over "there" or even "here".  No WE are!  If we share 99.9% of our collective DNA, why are we being little bitches to one another?  To go even more microcosm, why are we even doing that kind of shit amongst our own family?  It's bullshit, if you ask me.  Don't like what I'm saying, I have a solution for you.  Heed the famous words of celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse, "Get your own show!" 

I won't be reading what you have to say, because I don't care to.  If you consider me "close minded", then so be it.  It's my blog and I can write whatever I damn well want!  That being said, let's talk about something less petty.

We are in a state of emergency.  The Earth has long ago decided that humans are the problem to the ecosystem.  Those that don't sincerely believe this must have reincarnated into an ostrich and have buried their heads in the sand or up their ass.  Take it out and look the fuck around!  We are fucking up and now we are about to be extinct, unless we make amends to our home Earth.  It's not just in words, but in actions.  Much of our distress lies in our beef with each other.  

With American politics a worldwide joke, a possible WWIII afoot and the pandemic continuing its surge, it's no wonder our gracious host Earth wants to kick us out like a bad roommate that never fucking washes the dishes, is highly opinionated, and feels entitled to stay.  I don't know about you, but maybe seeking to understand others even before being understood might not be a bad idea, yeah?  This might be beyond the scope of this blog entry and may be discussed later.  

In the meantime, let's celebrate New Years as civilized as possible.  Yes, it is a tall order, I know.  I may add stuff to this blog.  You are welcome to check back later for that, should it happen.  

AMOR FATI

Thank you and good night.

Happy Owen Chang Day!

 Thank you, Everyone for the birthday wishes!  This year is particularly significant, since it is also my Lunar Zodiac Year (Year of the Ox), for which I am Grand Duke.  The next time this will happen for me is when I'm 60 years young.  Let's hope I make it.  

Trivia: I have the same birthday as 1988 Olympic Gold Medalist Jimmy Kim (Taekwondo, Men's Heavyweight, Team USA). We also went to the same school around the same time (UC Berkeley).

I know I keep saying that I will correct all those grammatical errors in the last few blogs, including this one; just haven't gotten around to it yet.  I intend to though.

What I've learned is that don't expect people to treat you how you'd like to be treated.  This holds true even if you treat people well.  

While we would like good treatment and ought to speak up when we are treated poorly and unfairly (provided we pick our battles wisely), feeling entitled to it in a juvenile manner will lead to disappointment and even anger.  It's best to expect little to nothing positive out of others and the best we can out of ourselves.  After all, our thoughts, emotions and actions are all we can truly control.  Knowing this will make us feel just a little bit easier, living in a chaotic world.  :-)

Happy Lunar New Year of the Metal Ox!

I know I've been pretty negligent with this website lately; having to still correct my grammatical errors for the last three of four blog entries (including this one).  It sucks sometimes having to juggle all that's in my life right now.  On the flip side of it, it is a labor of love.  I do enjoy finding more ideas and structures to work with, that will lead to more eventual progress in all areas of my existence.

The main thing that's taking the majority of my time is learning two new methodologies of trading for two different asset classes.  I came to the conclusion at the close of last year that I needed to booster my income.  While taking things to the next level is hard work and sacrifices are in the making, I think it is well worth it.  Not to say what I was doing was wrong or anything.  Think of it like expanding my tool box, adding power tools at my disposal.

Enough boring folks with my stuff.  Let's give a quick thing about the New Year ahead, shall we?

Now, I'm no expert when it comes to these empirical studies of astrology and zodiacs.  I know for a fact it doesn't predict the future or pave any type of destiny, as many believe.  For that reason, much of the talk about this subject often takes a backseat in the mainstream; often dismissed as some hocus pocus shit.  I'm here to tell you, it's far from that.  Much of the layout is just a roadmap with a guided GPS in which one could choose to do what one wishes.  It goes without saying, don't buy everything you see and hear.  Some of the stuff out there is garbage.  But isn't that the same with everything (e.g. news)?

In short, the Year of the Ox (which is my zodiac sign, by the way), offers stability, solidified plans and sure-footed execution toward a common good.  Does this mean it's going to actually happen?  I'm betting that it will more likely happen than not happen.  What about turmoil and chaos, will that subside?  I don't think so; however, at least if there are plans and a clear direction for positive change, actionable steps are more likely going to be taken, if not done so already.  The ball is rolling.  Either we are on top running that allows us to move forward, or we are rolled under, crushed like a tomato; splattered all over the place!

If I am to offer one word this year, it is RESILIENCE!  

I know this blog is extra long.  All the same, I hope it is enjoyed.

Happy Lunar New Year!  :-)

2020: Not So 20/20

 I'm going to be like all the rest of the posts, videos and media, that will say 2020 was a trying year; for some way more than others.  One thing is for sure is people during any type of crisis show who they really are!  As uncomfortable as a lot of the bullshit is, at least we know now who are naughty and who are nice.  Much like a flashlight beaming on a batch of nasty cockroaches, many are now exposed.  This may sadly include some, if not all, of those whom we have trusted, enjoyed companionship and even loved will now need to be eradicated from our lives should we wish to survive, even thrive, going forward.

However, we are not out of the woods just yet.  Just because it's an end of a year, doesn't mean that this shitty disco party has come to end.  In fact, I'm counting on this boogie to continue to a while longer; riddled with more narcissism, racism and full-on rapid hand-flailing political bickering.  It's like having a sword fight aboard a sinking ship.  I'm already in the water, braving the elements, swimming for shore!  

While we can't truly escape these demons, no matter how far we swim, run, climb or even hide (damn, sounds like a typical fucking lucid nightmare); we can never outlast KARMA.  While I'm awaiting the vaccination to be available to my mom and I, I can't help but to realize that we are in a country that are amongst the "rich ones" that have bought more than their share (i.e., more than they need).  

Does that sound familiar with the whole toilet paper hoarding thing that keeps happening in a so-called "civilized" society?  While, yes, the roll-out has been quick, we have yet to see a systematic and sound protocol for how the distribution is to commence.  Even my mom's doctor's fucking confused!  That's bullshit!  

And what about the less developed countries, let alone the under represented people in the USA, namely the Native Americans; whose land was taken from them BY FORCE, and have been gravely exploited then and ever since?!?  I should say that "exploited" is putting it way too lightly.  How can there be any reconcile for rape, pillaging and genocide?  Those of them that are infected with COVID-19 are shoved into cheap hotels with little or no medical supplies (most importantly those life-saving oxygen tanks).

Now, we all know the axiom, "What comes around, goes around."  My question is, will these actions of taking more than you need and fucking over the rest have true consequences?  More boldly put, will all this somehow karmically backfire?  If so, then when?  It appears that there's been eons of unchecked prosperity for some people but not for other people.  It honestly frustrates me to think that that "coming around" bit ain't "going around" quite as I've been taught.  I hope I'm wrong.  Whoever has done the  wrong doing will get theirs in the end; perhaps even sooner than I thought.  That has to be right...right?

Even with all this, I still have a little fire in me that says things will turn around for the better.  See?  I still got hope.  That's something we CANNOT give up to ANYONE!!!  

Oh yeah, Happy New Year!  ;-)

The Red Button

 "Be there for yourself, you know?"

-Louise Hay

I meant to write this blog yesterday.  

Tomorrow is perhaps one of the most important days in US history and maybe even the world.  After the election is in the books, humanity will have changed forever; regardless who wins.  With the pandemic seemingly here to stay for a while longer, how things are handled will either flatten the curve or increase the spread of the virus.  The way the situation stands, I don't believe it is an exaggeration that we could face mass extinction: a complete annihilation of the human race.

For that reason, change is imperative if we are to survive.  Unfortunately, I would be surprised if that order will be coming around anytime soon.  For those that can "read between the lines" you know what I mean.  Let's just hope that, should the outcome yield a possibility for a positive turn in events, an EXECUTED plan will lead to unification, healing and the eradication of this horrible disease.  May the solution resonate throughout the world.  If not, we might just be a byproduct of the Earth healing itself and that it's US it's getting rid of.  

In short, we're fucking up.  God, I hope I'm wrong!