All in all you’re just another brick in the wall.

People may think philosophy has no place in music, but Pink Floyd did it better than anyone. You may be thinking, Adam what the hell are you doing talking about a band that was popular 30 years ago. Well that’s great to think that way, but Pink Floyd is one of the BEST and most influencial bands to ever hit American airwaves.

If no one really knows my background, I grew up in the Detroit suburb of Dearborn. By the time of my upbringing the population was 40ish% Arabic. I was taught everything about the world around me from my parents, which I’m am extremely greatful for as there are people there who do not have it as lucky as I do. I have had one of the best upbringing, but I never felt that I fit in with people here. I was always called the ‘whitest’ arab, and I was asked why I listen to ‘white boy music,’ very often.

Even though I was seperated from my peer by a cultural stand point (I didn’t listen to rap religiously, and I spoke in proper English and Arabic as I was brought up to) I always stayed close to where I come from. After going through the Pink Floyd song I put at the bottom of the post, it got me thinking. Today’s generations are extremely lucky to have a liberal style of teaching that lets us come to our own opinions and beliefs.

However, from the standpoint of how I grew up I was told what was right and what was wrong strictly based upon what my parents learned from their parents. I was not free to learn right and wrong for myself, I had to adopt my parents’ ideas and cultures and take the missing pieces from society. I had little first hand experience in any of my beliefs, that is until recently. My parents never forced me into doing the things they were, but they suggested it. I grew up in a very liberal setting, I was raised to make my own educated decision. However, my decision making was very askew for a while as I had two conflicting styles of cultures in my social knowledge.

Luckily, I found a balance by adopting what people around here call ‘Americanized’ beliefs (which I find very irritating as we live IN America) and embracing my family history. I hold my head up high when I tell people I’m a Mourtada, and that I come from Lebanon. However, I do not fail to realize when it is right and wrong to bring up culture and beliefs in life. I know when my cousins and other people tell me that I’m “Americanized” they’re trying to help me preserve the knowledge and pride of where I come from, but they fail to realize that I know as much as them about my originating culture and religion.

I guess when it comes to outsiders looking at you, without getting to know you. You’re just another brick in the wall. Oh and happy april fools day for those who actually celebrate that shit.

Posted by Adam Posted in: General, Music, Personal, Venting 1 Comment » April 01, 2008

Dear Readers

Yes, all 3 1/2 of you. I’d like to point out the fact that I am not dead. I’m just busy. Luckily, a friend of mine, has newly updated his site and given me some reason to even update my blog. It’s a beautiful design, he’s a very talented web developer from the britain that happens to be great. His love of penguins (and apparently bagels too) have made him famous in the interwebs. He’s been a good friend of mine for nearly 6 years, helped me take a plunge into this whole design thing, and the whole wanting to be able to make my own way through the internet (he’s helped me in ways from hosting my terrible sites to helping me fix up the code and learn how to in some cases).

Recently, he linked me to his blog. Said it was updated, I figured it was a blog update. I was met with a minimalistic, clean design (although too apple-y for me :P) that has to be one of the best designs he’s done in a while and he’s been churning out amazing layouts since the sXe days (I’ll provide a link to a screenshot of that layout when I dig through my archives and find it). Feel free to take a moment to read Mr. Morgan’s thoughts and opinions!

Posted by Adam Posted in: Eddvertisement!, General, Personal No Comments » March 31, 2008

Ghosts, a Trent Reznor Story

Trent Reznor has been back in the studio, suprisingly not long after Year Zero was released. This 36 track, 2 CD set of songs really fits its name. The ambience and style of the music makes the word Ghosts come to life. Definately one of the greatest musicians in history, Trent Reznor outdid himself yet again. This time he releases this great piece of musical genius without a label. All of it is through the NIN site, and is released without help from “suits” (as Billy Walsh would put it in Entourage).

After downloading the free 9 songs from Ghosts, I decided to make the plunge and go ahead and buy the CD set. I received a download for the full version and I’m expecting the CDs in the mail when they’re released. I love what I hear so far, but to warn people looking to buy it this isn’t really a singing Year Zero type CD. It’s all music for the most part, there’s some voices but they’re muffled and used as part of the music rather than vocals.

I’ve heard people say that Reznor’s the modern day Mozart, while I won’t take it to THAT level of extremity just yet I will say that he is indeed as close to Mozart as we’ll ever get. I’ve been listening to the entire compilation since beginning the writing of this post and I must say, if nothing else go download the free 9 tracks.

This is the first time I’ve ever felt good about spending money. I’m fast approaching the final 9 tracks, and with that I’ll sign off with this:

Oh and also my buddy Sasha finally got his blog up, feel free to check it out (it’s linked in the blogroll to the right. The layout was edited by yours truly ;))

Posted by Adam Posted in: General, Internet, Music No Comments » March 04, 2008

Looking At Your Higher Self

I was reading Tyler’s blog earlier. I came across a video and a trend in it about ’finding the answers within yourself.’

It talks about becoming your own guru.

It intrigued me because I’ve always been on the search for new information and answer.
I’ve always dedicated my life to finding the answer, or the reason, and you know it really held me back.

I learned a lot from this video and the many offered on Tyler’s website about “The Blueprint”. Pretty much the whole pick-up game isn’t really THAT big. It’s all about inner game and about how to be the center of your social universe. I’ve had people laugh at me, people look at me like I’m crazy for the things I’ve said. Really though, it’s all common sense. People don’t understand the way of knowing how to succeed and expecting success.

This video struck me to the heart because I was in the same position as Mr. Galleway. I love philosophy, psychology, and sociology. Really I am forever a student of the human thought sciences, however I could never find the answer I was looking for in those classes. Like Mr. Galleway I’d often find myself researching for hours on end to not find a thing that’d help me come to my conclusion. After watching the video, picking a copy of his book, and watching Tyler’s preview videos to The Blueprint: Decoded I must say I’m already at a higher level of living. I notice I game subconciously now. It’s gotten to a point where I don’t need to be in the right mindset, the right mood, etc., I can go out and game a girl just by being myself. I don’t use pick-up lines or anything of that sort, I’m just myself and I use my personality (a cocky/funny introvert) to my advantage.

Here’s the video:

Posted by Adam Posted in: General, Movies, Personal No Comments » February 21, 2008

Oh The Irony

Who would’ve thought that the things I do, and the things I say would have so much affect on other people. I would’ve never figured myself to be that powerful, but that was proven not too long ago. Long story short, I was told about how I’m a “cock sucker” because of what I’ve done. Damn, if I knew I had that much affect on people’s emotions you know I probably would’ve made it much harsher. It’s funny though, because I’m still living my life. I’m still going out, except I’m not wasting $10 a day now.

I’m making time to go finish projects set aside. Pick up new projects, and work towards my goals.

It’s funny how bitter some people become, and it’s even funnier to see the result of jealousy. I’ve also figured out who’s really there for me. I’ve figured out who wants to see me succeed and who wants to hold me back. It’s okay, when I’m at the max potential in life and enjoying every moment it’ll tell the story for me. That’s what I’m excited about, I’m going to reach my max potential, and I’ll have nothing to be angry about, nothing to be sad about.

Oh and if you’re wondering why I have a ”THE DETROIT METHOD” page, you’ll know soon enough :-)

Posted by Adam Posted in: General, Personal, Venting No Comments » February 19, 2008

Biochemistry

My Chem teacher is the fucking man. This guy’s like 80 years old, with a big ass caveman beard. He shakes when trying to explain things, and he sits there and repeats everything before answering any questions. I found it kinda funny really.

I’m in a beginners Chem class. I fucking hate it, I learned about scientific notation in the fucking 8th grade. I’ll have to live through it, as I didn’t take Chem in high school. But I’ll fucking get over it. Really I just need to calm down and take this semester by the pieces. One class at a time, one hour at a time. I need to pass this semester with a 4.0gpa. If I fuck up, I’m pretty much  screwed when it’ll come to doing anything in life

Posted by Adam Posted in: Funny, General, Personal, Venting No Comments » January 16, 2008

Oh so its percussion?

Dear Ignorant Asshole,

Drum & Bass is NOT a bunch of people sitting there with fucking bass instruments backed up by drummers sitting there making noise. If for some reason you fail to realize that DnB is in fact a form of electronic music you need to FOAD (read: fuck off and die). It’s a great genre of music with so many styles and forms that its just submersing.

There are so many sub-genres that you could switch to another one to find something better.

PS: Just because I listen to a lot of metal doesn’t mean that its my favorite genre of music. Metal is an amazing genre and I’ll forever be a fan of it.

Posted by Adam Posted in: Funny, Music, Personal, Venting 1 Comment » December 26, 2007

‘Twas the Night…

before Christmas and not a creature was stirring, not even baby Jesus.

I sat here wondering. As a person who does’t celebrate the holiday that is dominated by Santa and  electronic deals. I just sit here wondering why all the hype. I mean I did the whole tree and presents thing as a kid, but why bother with it? I mean it’s not like some overweight Dutch man (silly St. Nick!) in a sled is not going to give me presents. I mean he doesn’t give me shit anyway, at least with a piece of coal I could use it to make some fire.

Now I’m not usually one to crush little kids’ dreams about an overweight male delivering them presents through these tiny chimneys, but it’s getting crazy. The marketing has raped the meaning of Christmas from me, and others who may/may not see it yet. Commercialization is great, but its honestly overdone when it comes to Christmas. Mr. Scrooge is the one who’s selling you all these damned pieces of overpriced plastic!

Some of you may be thinking, ”Jeez Adam be more a Scrooge. FAG.”

Christmas was never something that I could catch onto as a real holiday and it wasn’t due to my upbringing or other influences.  I just disliked the commercialization, but then again that’s what this beautiful country was based on. Exploitation of people’s good nature in order to bank on it.

Posted by Adam Posted in: General, Venting, Writing 1 Comment » December 24, 2007