We now know

We now know

Have you ever heard the phrase "we now know?"   I can't help but think, if you now know it, why didn't you know it before, and worst, if you now know something you didn't know before, then, who's to say that what you know now will be replaced with a new statement tomorrow?

I remember watching the Chicago Cubs in 1969 and Ernie banks saying, "The cubs will shine in 69".  It was his thing to create an optimistic phrase every year.  Furthermore, I remember that steaks were the protein of choice for the athlete working out and that a good breakfast was a glass of orange juice, eggs and bacon.  WE NOW KNOW that one egg supplies your daily amount of cholesterol, not to include the bacon, butter on the toast and that second or third egg.  That orange juice will spike your insulin because it's so rich in sugar.  Man, I NOW KNOW that I  really DON'T KNOW which plan to choose?  Atkins?  30/40/30, low fat?, low carbs?   It's even gotten to the point that psychiatrists/psychologists are the authorities on television telling us the way things are because "we now know". 

I'm sorry, I don't know that all things fall or fit into this class.  For example, I think it's always been wrong, is wrong, and ever shall be wrong to do certain things, like murdering someone, committing adultery, stealing, etc...  I'm not saying that I'm not tempted and or even failed.  I'm simply saying that I'm not willing to vacate the everlasting knowledge with the temporal knowledge.  If the truth is only what I perceive it to be then we've digressed though it appears to be progress. 

Now, I know that I've jumped from an empirical point earlier, (that knowledge is ascertained by a processes of theorizing something that is, and testing it) to an argument for the moral imperative, (that certain things are always right or always wrong regardless of supposed hypothesis, data gathering and conclusions put forth).  But, I think there's a connection.  I once worked with a Duke graduate who worked for a household name pharmacy company that told me she wanted to change careers to programming because of the pressures to pass drugs through and ignore apparent anomalies or false conclusions.  The point is, when theory, hypothesis, and conclusion also include an intention for data to come to a certain conclusion, the "we now know" is grossly overrated. 

When you see a doctor, he/she has protocol and this previously accepted knowledge is their guidelines whereby decisions are made and CAN affect you adversely.  For example, should you have a mammogram every year?  Recently, that apparent absolute and resounding "YES" is being questioned because .... you guessed it, "we now know".  Well, what about all those women who have been saturated with the negative effects of the radiation having followed the supposed FORMER "we now know?"

In conclusion, I've always known the love of my parents and siblings.  I've always known that I will die one day.  I've always known that this life is futile, limited, and unless an eternal perspective is factored in, well... less than optimal.  I've always known the love of a wife, the love of my children, the moral absolutes that never change.  I've always known that most people try hard and do their best, but the best thing to say is rather than "we now know" would be "we sure hope this is right" because if it isn't, you may be affecting us adversely.  Let us hope to find the things that have an eternal rather than temporal benefit.

Wear what I wear please

So, as I promised, here's the story and my bizarre thoughts... And I readily admit, this is not normal.

I went to get my mail from the mail box, which really is just to open the door and reach over to the left since the mail box is within an arm's reach of opening the door.  My wife freaks out and screams, "some one's going to see you in your underwear."  I'm thinking, what's the big deal?  Well, I should add to the facts that we live on a very busy street and there's a high probability that a car will drive by even though it's a quick opening of the door.  So, to deny that I will be seen is not tenable.  My argument is, why is it that when EVERYONE takes their shirt off, it's OK for me to take my shirt off and NOT until then?

Continue...

You go to the beach and you wear a bikini.  How does that differ from underwear?  BTW, I'm not trying to be cute here and I understand that there's sheer type of underwear that would reveal something that wouldn't be revealed in a bikini, but, apples to apples...  a little top to insure the hidden part of the breast remains hidden and well, you finish the rest for the bottom, the point is, BOTH reveal the same portions of flesh. 

The AGREEMENT we seem to have in society is, do NOT do that unless we're all doing it!  If you put that outfit on and walk into the night club, it will probably be frowned upon.  Heck, there's even nude beaches where all agree it's OK to take everything off.  Back to me and checking the mail... So, there I am in my boxers or briefs?  Depends (inside joke), anyway, and I'm genuinely thinking, if my underwear were called a "bathing suit", I could have come from my supposed pool and was simply checking my mail... oh no, bad bad bad, because the people that are outside are in a zone where they're wearing clothes, and so, it is taboo that I would be shirtless and so on.  You know, I could really push this subject and talk about supposed differences between underwear and other clothing, but, I don't think that's really the point.  I'm honestly puzzled about why this rule exists? 

Answer.

Perhaps we seem to have an innate drive to want people to be like us.  If they're different, we look and wonder, "why is he eating his cereal with orange juice instead of milk?"  (ewww, I know wouldn't that taste terribly), but, really, this same thing that pulls people in the same direction becomes a discriminatory pulse as well.  Perhaps it's part of the basis of prejudices and other things that can be taken to the extreme.  I'll never forget the first time I was ostracized because I was dipping my cookie in milk.  For some reason, the person in grade school had never fathomed that practice and began to loudly point out my unusual behavior, or the time that I decided to urinate in the break room while lunch was going on.. oh, I know I should have put my shoes on, but, what the heck?  Seriously, I do want to be part of society, for "no man is an island" Aristotle...  I've also come to discover that although I do enjoy people with whom I share values, people with my personality are not my best match to hang out with, it almost seems like opposites are a better fit.  So, everyone break the rules today... go out and check your mail in whatever outfit you want and then ask them to read this blog.

Changes

Ch Ch changes....

I want to say that I'm pushing as hard as possible to complete my new year's goals for 2013.  Yeah, remember when that was so hot in the first week of January?  I've lost 7 of the 10 lbs, and I've produced an original and performed it.  It's an original born of one of the greatest pains in my life.  Lord willing, I'll record it and offer it on the website soon and will greatly appreciate your support in purchasing a copy of the song.  I truly say, it's not about the money, it's really about wanting to test my theory of what I call the pied piper affect.  I believe that songs become popular for various reasons.  Perhaps the message, the melody, the presentation, the fame of an artist, the fact that its shoved down your throat with big buck distribution.  But for something to last, it has to have that something special contained within it.  The formula is unknown, for if it could scientifically be produced, the Paul McCartney would still be producing hits.  When it happens, there's no doubt that its happening, much like in today's experience of viral explosions.  Some think to simply do something repulsive and that it'll explode, not necessarily the formula.  And so, I eagerly look forward to recording, as a starting point, this first one, for regardless of the critiques I may receive, the song IS mine.  It is my reflection, and it is my experience.  Will the pied piper lure you into listening?  Will he cause you to tell your family, friends, work associates?  Businesses try to produce the sharing element and there are many who specialize in exposure and attempting to leverage the implosion and capabilities that are before us.  My hope is that there's a juncture between the attempt at telling a story through my craft and that it touches hearts.  Presently, I'm not ready to tell the in depth story that underlies the song.  When I do, you'll understand, for I'm not a secretive kind of person.  Those who know me know that my heart is on my sleeve.

To continue the discussion on the subject of change, I'm constantly at the Mavs stadium and regularly meeting and speaking with the Vice President of Marketing there.  I have an opportunity to get some rock originals played there and Rick and I have been working on that product.  Just last night, we had a monster jam session and came up with a plethora of ideas.  I'd like to digress and speak about my friend Rick Stevens, a.k.a. "superflex".  When he works with me on original material, it's like he's a missing voice in my head who completes the missing ingredients as I write.  He'll either come up with the lyric, or the melody, or the tempo, or the beat, but always a missing piece to make it come alive.  I'm a fairly decent guitar player and can fairly well copy other artists.  Creating originals that may one day be copied is a special craft.  It's an area that is new and fresh.  When you continue to age in this life, new and fresh is very welcome.

Finally, the band is learning new material.  We have learned quite a few new tunes and there's more coming.  Some contemporary and presently an emphasis in some 90's rock.  More on that as the songs are carefully selected and learned at a later time.

In closing, to those who read this, PLEASE follow, and provide comments.  I think what makes me personally different as a musician in a band is that I truly try to get to know the people with whom I interact.  There are many of you who know that.  I don't know who reads unless you follow or comment, so, please do if you can.  Three quarters left to accomplish the ch ch changes.  I hope things are well with you.  I look forward to seeing or hearing from each one of you.

If we build it, will you come???

Years ago, Sabrina and Gypsybleu set a foot print in the city of Plano.  The club was called, "Bullwinkles".  We played there on a regular rotation and got to know a lot of people and thoroughly enjoyed playing there.  It just seemed like home for us.  In recent weeks, the club has been re-opened under a new name called "Local Public House Bar & Grill".  It's been re-vamped on the inside and we'll be coming back on March 9, 2013.  I'm personally looking forward to it.  I know every square inch of that place.  I'm looking forward to filling it with sound... good sound.  So, will you come?  Will you partake in a reunion gig?  Come and share in this experience with me, with us.

On to new things...uncharted waters

I've written some songs that are based on experiences in my life in recent years.  I'm beginning to work with the band to prepare them for recording and distribution to those will will come.  The songs will be built, Lord willing.  Will you come?  I've decided that many folks write songs in their youth.  They say things like, "Money can't buy me love", "Only the good die young", "I can't get no satisfaction".  I could go on and on.  But, I've been wondering.  Why aren't their more song writers that are in their 50's, 60's and so on?  I mean, when the Rolling Stones said, "I can't get no satisfaction", we understood it in a way when we were kids, but, if it came out today, and it's main audience was teenagers to young adults, would it even appear on our radar?   Is there a space/room for a voice that would say something like, I've been through several marriages and I'm tired of being lonely, but, I'm too scared to trust yet another person?  Or, I gave my kids all the love I could, and today, they despise me when I offer advice.  Or, I've given this company the best years of my life and they let me go like I'm a sac of dirt.  It's not just the generic package of a lost love, or a love gone cold, but, where are the songs that are written by the gray heads having a perspective of life in the moment with specific stories?  I'm sure they exist. 

I mention the above because, that's what I want to write about.  I want to provide original songs that tell a story.  A true story that will have had a basis in victory, or in pain, or some other collective emotion.  Many people go through life holding their personality close to the vest.  I am choosing to bring it to the stage, to share it and take whatever comes my way. 

And so, I ask you in conclusion.  When you see that we begin to distribute music..  It'll be very reasonably priced.  Like, 99 cents a song.  I'm not asking for you to purchase something you don't like.  I am asking you to listen to it.  I'll be exposing like 30 seconds of the song for your testing.  If you like it, please "vote" by purchasing it, tell a friend.  Hey, I can live with the possibility that I've produced music that may not have a mass appeal, I can live with failing, and falling. It won't hurt my feelings because I'm trying.  And without trying, I'd never know.  I want to live my life fearlessly.  For, if we fear while we live, we're already as good as dead.

So, if I build em, will you come?  Will you listen?  Please, if you've never responded to a blog of mine, please do, I'd love to hear from you!

Marino Stathakis
Co-Leader, Lead Guitarist - Sabrina & Gypsybleu

My cousin Maria

Today, I lay in bed battling the flu for the 6th day to be taken out of a short nap by receiving a call from my father bearing news that my dear cousin Maria has passed.

As I tried to gather my mental bearings, I tried to make sense of the news and asked for clarification as if I hoped I misunderstood what I was hearing only to realize that this nightmare was the worst kind in that I was awake and this news would not go away.

Maria was one of the brightest and warmest people I've ever known.  She was perhaps the most encouraging person I've known as well.  She had a way of staying connected while not imposing herself.  On Face book, always a "like" and an encouraging comment so that you knew she was reading and investing herself in your life.

For me, we had my dad's brother, Theo Christos who was bound to a wheel chair due to an unfortunate gun accident when he was a very young man.  I made it a point to visit him whenever I was home on leave from the Marine Corps and kept it up whenever I'd be in town.  She also faithfully visited him.  One time, she actually came out to California and visited us and stayed with us in our modest little condo.  We talked non stop the entire time she was there sharing a passion for business, and learning in general.  She saw I wanted to move from accounting into programming.  When she got back home, she sent me a huge box full of software, books, and all kinds of information about the field of programming.  More than the super generosity of this treasure she sent was the fact that SHE was THE treasure.  She provided me with the assurance that I could do it, I could make the career change.  Soon afterwords, I would leave California for Texas in 1994 to start my career and corporation in offering programming services.

She also had a passion for pictures and family.  She would be at family functions and she'd send out pictures from the event that had my family in them not even knowing we were being photographed.  Yep, that was Maria...  she loved the family from a point of view that you knew she was there and that she cared.  She was reserved and private and when you needed her, she would be there.

I must also say that I was the ring boy for her mom's wedding.  Her mother, Thea Georgia, knew I liked spaghetti and would faithfully cook it for me every time we'd visit her.  She was my favorite..  And then still, there was Thea Aremani (not sure of the spelling) her mom's sister, my aunt in Greece who worked morning, noon, and night to be the most amazing host.  I'll never forget when she grabbed the translation book I had to ask me if I would forget her when I would go back to the states... NEVER, NEVER, NEVER.  And, the brothers of her mom, Theo Tosh, Theo Pete.  Theo Tosh, one of the most generous men on the planet.  A very successful business man whose success was only bypassed by the help he provided to his workers and the community and Theo Pete, a quiet man, but determined and a hard worker that Theo Tosh could depend on for decades. 

What will our generation be remembered for?  Maria has started it.  Let us take the challenge to pick up where she led and care for each other and be kind and support each other as she did.  Much of what I am and have today was started with that box of goods she sent and more importantly, her encouragement and unwavering faith that she shared with me. 

I love you Maria, my dear cousin, and I wish I knew for I would have visited you when I was up there this Christmas.

New Year, change is in order

The change of year, a hope for new and better things and times.

I'm going to be all over the map here, so, bear with me:

Economics:

I must be frank, I'm rather tired of hearing about the economy and the fiscal cliff and what seems to be an unprecedented time in my life.  The call this, "the great recession".  I must agree.  Although, there is a technical definition for recession as being 2 consecutive quarters without growth in the GNP, the inability for workers to thrive is as I've never seen before.  I mean, I was around when America was THE place for manufacturing.  I even got my degree in Accounting and I distinctly remember thinking that I would probably never utilize my cost accounting skills and knowledge because of America moving to a service industry model.  I am a baby boomer.  It is rather bleak and unfortunate that as this generation approaches retirement, we're in the most technical age mankind has known, so, moving and re engineering is probably NOT a strong suit for an aging population who mostly has no pension and a terrible stock market experience.  Fact is, when you're a child and you cry for food, people are moved with empathy.  You MIGHT receive sympathy if you're gray haired and struggling to make ends meet.  I believe that the family must come together if we're going to thrive over the next 20 years.  Kids and parents may find an advantage to living together.  Shared resources help both sides and normally, the child outlives the parents and can continue with the assets shared without losing a step.  Perhaps the key is to view each other as "roommates".  So, when you're having YOUR friends over and it's 9:00 in the evening, ask them to be quiet because your roommates are sleeping.  The government is obviously not the answer.  If you think about it, they want to REDUCE social security and medicare, and they want to RAISE taxes.  So, spend less and increase revenues.  This would be a good household budget basic, reduce your spending and increase your revenue.  Historically, what we see is, they're very faithful at collecting the revenue, but, not so good at reducing the spending.  Alas, the saying, "death and taxes are inevitable", and so both will prevail.

Goals for 2013:

It's nice to have that fresh start feeling that a new year brings on.  Even if it only lasts for 20 days.  See, it takes 21 days to form a new habit and we probably fall short by one day.  But, for those 20 days, hope reigns.  This is a good thing.  Do you have a goal for 2013?  Share it, and ask someone to ask you about it 21 days later to see how you're doing.  I offer a couple of suggestions to the more probable goals:

1. Weight Loss - Take your time.  You didn't put it on in one day, one week, one month, and you'll not take it off in that short time either.  Normally, if weight appears to come off very quickly, it's more than likely water weight loss ... which comes back on just as fast as it came off.  There are plenty of sites on the web that will provide insights on how to get to your weight goal.  My personal conviction is this one point.  Whatever you do, get stronger.  Get weight training going if possible.  Ya, muscle weighs more than fat, but I'd rather weigh my weight and have reduced fat body percentage and have a solid muscle mass.  Also, try to find some regiment that helps you with balance.  As we age, we lose muscle mass and our balance is not as good as it once was.  Finally, my eating tip is to think in small reductions.  If you normally have a plate of food, then, reduce the plate to 90% of the food that was formerly piled on.  If you don't feel like you're cheating yourself, you're more likely to maintain your change.  Remember, Learning equals changed behavior.  (thanks Bruce Bullock for that insight)
2. Be a better person - To my Christian friends I say, spend time with him.  For, the love we receive from him we are responsible to share it with others.  To more of a cognetive approach, journalize your actions and find the root causes for behaviors that you don't like about yourself.  More than likely, you'll find that there may be a misunderstanding that you formed at an earlier time in life that if you approach it as an adult, you'll find a victory.
3. Do what you've always wanted to do - What are you waiting for???  There are no guarantees of a tomorrow.  All you have is now.  If you've always wanted to play guitar, piano, learn a language, etc...  do it.  Don't put it off.  I've found most everything I desire to do is available many times for free on the web.  And, if you're reading this blog, you're on the web :)

Sabrina & Gypsybleu:

We've undergone a change.  Robert Hansen has left the group for other pursuits and to continue to strenghten his family and work towards a continued effort of success in his new roles as a father and husband.  We miss him, and we do want God's very best for him. 

The band in 2013 is moving towards returning to its roots of working hard to learn new material, and even originals.  We enjoy the personal that remain.  Sabrina and I continue to have a great stage presence and I am so blessed to be with her on the stage.  Fernando has moved to front stage to provide a great passion playing experience that if you haven't seen it, you must come and see.  On bass, Silverio Garza plays most of our gigs and will move to the lead bass slot for the band.  Finally, one of the original pillars that remain is Greg Alexander, our faithful drummer.  We have opportunities due to growing relationships with radio station contacts and new clubs on the horizon.  We are tremendously grateful for our friends, fans, and people who enjoy us.  I can assure you of this one truth, without you, I'd be done playing.  Thanks for an awesome year.

My family:

Tomorrow, I leave for San Diego to see my son who will be graduating from Marine Corp boot camp on Friday.  My wife, daughter, and other son will be flying out together along with my in-laws.  This will be a very special time.  Having done my time in the Marine Corp, I totally understand the dynamic of being away from home and the joy of the reunion.  I am so excited that we will all experience this as a family.  It's so contagious that my brother Steve has flown in from Chicago to share this with us here in Texas.

Conclusion:

It's a good thing to feel hope and a new day.  One of my favorite biblical passages is from the prophet Jeremiah.  After having warned about the impending doom and judgment, although "right" in his warnings, he ends up in a dungeon.  You can read the story in the book of Lamentations in the old testament.  The verses that are so wonderful: 

Lamentations 3:19 - 23

Remembering mine affliction and my misery, the wormwood and the gall.
 My soul hath them still in remembrance, and is humbled in me.
 This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope.
 It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.
 They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.

Marino is in the Marine Corps

Marino has joined the Marine Corps again.


Little did I know when I last served in 1986 that "a" Marino Stathakis would again be enlisted into the United States Marine Corps.  Yes, it's true, Marino Stathakis is now in the Marine Corps. 

The riddle is in the fact that my youngest son named Marino is the one that has joined the Marines.  It has been his lifelong passion to do so.  I resisted and resisted, warning him about my time and the negative things that happen when you subject yourself to the military.  Please understand, the military is a fine organization, and I'm simply referring to MY personality quirk of not liking being told what to do, when to do it, where to do it, and what to where as I'm doing it.  I was young and rebellious and didn't do well with orders.  All that being said, the Marine Corps taught me many things.  Here are a few:

1. I loved my parents after all...  I really didn't get along to well with my mom when I was a kid.  A mixture of reasons of which I assure you, I was mostly the one at fault with my arrogant mouth, attitude, and refusal to take reasonable instruction and orders.  A few days of being awakened by the drill instructors immediately showed me the kindness contrast that was at home.
2. I missed my family and friends.  I didn't realize how the everyday life and relationships that were established could just dissipate. Facebook wasn't around then, so, people just went on with their lives and distance plus time typically equals separation.
3. You must be at a function or place at a certain time in the proper uniform to execute the tasks required.  I served twice in the Marine Corps.  The first time, I played in the drum and bugle corps, so, the timeliness and appearance were very high in priority because as the saying goes, "time waits for no man...", so it is, generals who want the star spangled banner played on the downbeat wait for no man.  The second time I was in, I was an electrician on the F4 jet.  There, LIVES were at stake.  You needed to properly troubleshoot, fix, and have an inspection to insure compliance with a standard of holding a pilot's life in your hand. 
4. There will be times where you must shut your mouth and simply do what you're told.  Man, that was so hard to learn.  Anyone who knows me knows that I have a BIG mouth.  But, I did learn this skill.  Let me also say that one of the things that makes this work is that you trust the one telling you what to do.
5. I can do anything (within reason).  This was expounded further when I became a Christian.  "I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me".  I do live with a passion that if I need to, I can go outside right now and run 3 miles.  I can still do 20 pull ups and haven't counted my sit ups lately, but after 3 years of doing P90X, I can probably meet the requirements for sit ups.  The confidence in an attitude to get the job done has done me well in life and I believe helped me to become a more successful employee, and business owner.

In conclusion, my son is, as of today, 10/11/2012 in boot camp... perhaps his first or second day.  Don't know yet.  But, it is ironic that I went in 1 day before him back in 1976.  He will miss (in order), his brother Pete's birthday, his uncle Steve's birthday, his cousin Steve's birthday, his Aunt Julie's birthday, his cousin Lanie's birthday, Thanksgiving, His own birthday, Christmas, New Years, his mother's birthday.  He will ponder the decisions of his life, including this one.  He will mature and the test of his passions will be before him.  He worked VERY hard to win my respect and has already achieved it.  He is a wonderful son whom I hope achieves the title Marine.