There’s been some tensity in my life lately, and I’ve struggled with solutions to the problem. Recently, Seth Godin posted that you can wrestle with a problem, dance with someone else to help find a solution, or fight. The problem with fighting is that it “tends to be more brutal, final, and hurtful” than it needs to be.
Especially if you’re all working towards the same goal.
It’s often a struggle to find a time when there isn’t some other need pressing in on you. It’s the cost of modern living.
To get the work done, it’s up to you. It’s up to you to figure out how to cope with those distractions that will inevitably pop up. The top creators in the world show that it isn’t impossible. Just requires a lot of will power.
Best Buy lowered Q4 projections, and a lot of thoughts come to mind. Back before streaming, it was a boom era of physical media. Sure, you can still find the gems hidden here and there- DVD, Blu-Ray, and 4K releases. But do you need them? What with seventy-plus streaming services? (I thought this number hyperbole, but a quick Google search revealed over 200 services. So, there’s that.)
Thinking about the repurchasing, though, what happens to stuff when we let it go?
One of the most common ways old items are disposed of is through recycling. Many electronic devices, such as smartphones, tablets, and computers, can be recycled to reduce their environmental impact. Special facilities collect these old devices and dismantle them to extract valuable materials, which are then reused in the production of new products.
Additionally, larger items such as automobiles can be recycled through various processes. Some car manufacturers offer take-back programs where consumers can bring in their old vehicles for recycling. These vehicles are often dismantled and the metal components are reused in the manufacturing of new cars. Furthermore, some parts from old cars can also be used in repair shops or resold as second-hand parts.
Another popular option for disposing of old items is reselling them or finding them on the secondhand market. Many consumers prefer to buy used products to save money or for eco-friendly reasons. Platforms such as online marketplaces and classified ads allow individuals to sell their old electronics or vehicles to potential buyers.
I’ve purchased a number of things resale, from clothes, to electronics, to even shoes.
In some cases, old items can be donated to charitable organizations. These organizations accept donations from individuals and distribute them to people in need. This not only benefits those who receive the goods but also helps in reducing the waste generated by unused items.
While recycling, resale, and donation are preferable options, some discarded items may still end up in landfills or junkyards. This is because many older electronics or vehicles have reached the end of their useful life and are no longer suitable for recycling or reuse. In these cases, the items are simply disposed of in designated landfills or junkyards, where they decompose over time.
Los Angeles. LA, the city of angels.
It’s a bustling, noisy, messy, smoggy city over on the west coast. And yet, it attracts countless people to its embrace. With its stunning beaches, iconic landmarks, and diverse culture, Los Angeles has become one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations.
Also known for its diverse population, it is a truly multicultural city. Home to people from every corner of the globe, LA offers a vibrant blend of food, music, art, and traditions. Visitors can immerse themselves in the flavors of Koreatown, explore the vibrant street art in Boyle Heights, or attend a salsa concert in Pico-Union.
And then there’s the movie business. Its home for over a century, the studios and notable personalities abound. Los Angeles is often referred to as the entertainment industry’s capital. It attracts some of the biggest names in Hollywood. From the Walk of Fame to the Dolby Theatre, which hosts the Oscars, there is no shortage of iconic landmarks and iconic movie sets to explore.
Los Angeles is a haven for the entertainment industry, and, as such, its nightlife is nothing short of legendary. From trendy clubs and rooftop bars to the iconic Hollywood Bowl, the city offers a wide range of entertainment options for those seeking a memorable night out. Visitors can also catch a concert at Staples Center or see a movie at the aforementioned Dolby Theatre.
Los Angeles isn’t quite the fashion draw that New York is, but it is still renowned for its shopping scene. High-end boutiques and trendy streetwear stores cater to all tastes. Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills is a must-visit for luxury lovers, while Melrose Avenue and Sunset Strip offer a mix of trendy and vintage fashion. As for dining, Los Angeles offers a vast array of options, from celebrity-chef-helmed restaurants to hole-in-the-wall gems.
Whether you are an aspiring actor, a culinary enthusiast, or simply seeking a change of scenery, Los Angeles is a city that will undoubtedly captivate you.
I watched a documentary recently, and something was said about coming to a town because they had a “good bookstore” there. And, thinking back to a time before Amazon, and even Barnes & Noble, I remember going to such bookstores.
They weren’t just stores, but community hubs where people gathered to discuss books, share their love for literature, and find their next favorite read. These independent bookstores played a crucial role in the literary landscape, offering a unique and personalized experience that cannot be replicated online.
There is something truly magical about browsing the shelves of a good bookstore. The smell of fresh ink, the crisp sound of pages turning, and the tactile experience of holding a new book in your hands are all irreplaceable aspects of a physical bookstore experience.
Or maybe that’s just me.
Look, there are things we don’t like doing that, you know, we have to do.
Then there are things that we only make ourselves think we have to do.
It’s important to know the difference. You know you have to pay bills. But you don’t have to work in a job you hate. There are other jobs, and you can sort out how to make it work.
Is it easy? Hell no! Most of the time it is very difficult, and that keeps you locked in.
But if you’re prepared to make hard choices, sacrifice – then, just maybe, you can get on the road to something that you really enjoy.
The world promotes homogeneity. It’s difficult to be unique, and considering we’re all actually unique, that makes it hard to be yourself.
From an early age, we’re instructed in sameness. Uniformity. Challenging the status quo is frowned upon.
And so, when we feel like clapping, or singing, or dancing, maybe we don’t do it. And isn’t that just a little bit sad?
Each time we experience setbacks, and, let’s be honest, we all do, and they happen frequently, we’re given the choice. The choice of letting it define us, and of defining ourselves – so that the setback doesn’t.
It’s a long journey, and sometimes we make mistakes. But, if we can lean more towards our goal than away from it, then we’re doing something right.
When you’re creating, the important thing is output. Yes, it may not be the finished project. Or, even close.
But, as novelist Jane Smiley is noted as stating: “Every first draft is perfect because all the first draft has to do is exist. It’s perfect in its existence. The only way it could be imperfect would be to not exist.”
Well, no. Because I’ve haven’t read anything. Not really.
It’s been a slim year. I listened to an audiobook series, He Who Fights With Monsters. I didn’t want to like it, but, nine volumes later, I have to say that I found everything so far thoroughly enjoyable. The audio performance by Heath Miller is especially delightful.
But otherwise, nary a book in my hand. Feeling a little guilty about it.
New Year is right around the corner, so maybe I’ll set an ambitious reading goal for 2024. Probably not 52 books, like I set in 2020 (which I completed, mostly because of a Pandemic shutdown and a lot of down time). But, something fairly reasonable. Two a month, maybe.
