Theres got to be a better way to reach people then facebook. {Philosophy Break}

Seems like everyone I know is suffering in some way these days. Maybe it's just me, maybe people have been suffering in mass since the dawn of time and nothings changed. Maybe it isn't suffering but the awareness that something is missing. Even those whom I consider fairly upbeat people seem to have a weight on their shoulders that they are looking to let go of. I first noticed it after taking a lil break from hanging out downtown in the scene, going to openings, bars etc; I noticed that the way people were greeting me was different then the years before. In the past, things were very much on the surface, nothing too deep, nothing too personal. We'd have some drinx, shoot the shit, laugh and keep moving, but now people seemed as if they genuinely were looking for conversation and connection. I began to feel like I was being a shitty friend to a bunch of friends I didn't even know I had. I have to admit at first it felt like I was everyone's favorite dinner guest- but eventually I speculated that the truth may have more to do with how our shit economy/politics has awaken many of us to what is truly important and we want more then just the bullshit chit chat these days. I wasn't necessarily ignoring these kinds of interactions, I just didn't think they were all that feasible in the environments where we would typically see each other. BUT I can't deny that I've shut myself off from some good folks that I'd like to get to know better. Real artists, cool people and interesting characters with interesting stories and perspectives that I unfortunately only ever see out at an event.

It's this reason that I've decided to venture off into radio podcast interviews with some of the folks here in the JC scene. Maybe a lil at a time, one by one I can connect and get to know some of the personalities that I've crossed paths with over the years at parties and openings,but haven't had the chance to really sit down with and have a chat.

The interviews will be coming soon and a friend and fellow 660'er Ryan Iozia will be our host. Ryan is even more of a recluse then I, so he doesn't have all the years of interactions to taint his perspective on a potential guest. His questions will likely be right to the point in trying to get to know whomever we have in the Studio. Taylor Allred will be our engineer keeping things clean & funky for us. I hope you guys listen, because there are some great minds out there in this weird fucking city and if we can pick their brain for an hour and connect maybe we'll all feel a lil more connected to that creative source that fuels us, so we dont have to depend on the parties for our social fix.
BUT above all we are artists! There's got to be a better fuckin way to reach people then facebook!!

Below you will find the link to our introductory podcast with Ryan interviewing me.
http://www.4shared.com/mp3/8u0Z4uS9/RockSoupRadio1.html

Why you should take the time to fill out 'THE REAL SURVEY'

When I wrote the real survey I did so in a late nite creative frenzy. The kind where your audacious enough to think whatever it is your doing is gonna change the world, when in retrospect all it really ever does is change you. It started because of the Facebook phenomenon that's taking over most of our lives. I don't have to recite the stats, you know them already; facebook owns yer pictures, they monitor your internet navigation,they save everything you ever do and they sell it all to the highest bidder. It's also impossible to close your account, one can only ever shut the door while it waits patiently for you to return.

We have staulkers and trolls, fans, friends and now subscribers too. We judge people quietly, we hide or block people we want to forget and we pretend that were always at our best, sure to untag our bad pics and copy clever quotes that we hope makes us seem interesting. That's just the tip of the iceberg, facebook has us by the balls by providing us a service we are desperate to have; an outlet for our vanity, our perversions and our banal interests that help waste the day away. So what does my survey have to do with facebook? Well it's a result really, a result of hearing a facebook related conversation atleast 3x a day or meeting someone out whom I do not know in person but am friends with on Facebook.

We don't give much thought to just how 'out there' we put ourselves when we engage in this sharing of information. Both willingly and unwillingly our everydays are cataloged and available for examination and not just by Big Brother, also by our alleged Facebook friends. So who are these people? Who are our 'friends' ? I know they really aren't my friends, but that's not really the point is it? The point is we have hundreds, if not thousands of people reading our posts, flipping through our lives and making judgments about us. When I post an update or share a link I see roughly the same 50 or so people 'liking' or commenting each day, so in my mind, these are my FB friends. These are the people I am talking to. The reality is hundreds of people are seeing it and for all you know you can be offending them or turning them on. It's a weird world out there and I didn't want to guess or suppose that most people who friend me think the same way I do. What does that artist in GA think of Obama? How does that banker in Baltimore feel about gay rights? Do I have any Republican friends? If I do, do they hate me? So I drafted up a list of basic questions that I felt were conversation starters, but also fundamental questions that could happen at any dinner party among friends whom are comfortable around eachother. We've given strangers so much freedom with our personal information, whats the harm in sharing a bit more and stating where we stand on subjects like Aliens, Government cover ups, bank bail outs and the end of the world.?

So I guess what I'm saying is you should take The Real Survey not just to satisfy my curiosity about who you are, but also to practice admitting where you stand on some interesting topics that you might keep talking about afterwards, either here on FB or among friends & strangers. Print it out if you want, email it to a friend. The results aren't just for me, they are for anyone interested in getting some reality outta this surreality we've endured since the dawn of the internet chatroom.

You can find the survey here on my blog. Copy paste it, respond in the comment section or make up yer own, I think its a better way to waste yer time, because there's only so many cute kitten videos you can watch before wondering if you've got a kitten fetish.


Cheers,
Fathom

Zen Message #1

Zen message #1- If we stopped and used focused perspective before responding to our environment, it would reduce the amount of ill gotten dramatics perpetuated by the minds need to preclude & protect by conjuring up instances of historically inaccurate emotionally charged justifications that are otherwise just there to reduce the levels of incoming forced insights and maintain the status quo of our fragile egos.
- Be open, Listen and be Ready.

Fathom

The opposite of life is not death, it's dreaming. {Philosophy Break}

The opposite of dreaming is to be awake
To be awake is to be alive
To not be able to wake
is to be asleep
To do neither wake, nor sleep is to not exist
which is worse then death
because death is merely a measure of lifefulness
and existence is the fullNESS of life.

-JF

"Brains, they'll eat anything", so watch what you feed em.

(This is written backwards...but i like it for some reason backwards, perhaps it suits it to be?)


-The two battle and dance and whilst they do- so do we and whence they don't,none shall be.

When there is nothing to exist, existance is summoned once again to balance the void.

Time forces things into position, force meets resistance everytime until it doesnt and when it doesnt, it ceases to exist.

Every second you grow you also decay.

Most of the beings that have EVER lived are now dead & will be dead muchhh longer then they EVER were alive.

if you were to pay attn to how much obvious decay was going on around you, if you'd have a better intuition as to when your time was up.

Being life & death are in essence; growth & decay, I wonder;

»
John Fathom

Where do you stand? The REAL SURVEY

Facebook & Twitter has taught me alot about my friends & certainly has taught facebook all they need to know about us. I wanted to take it a step further and ask the questions that cut right to where a person stands in this current reality we call 2011. This is the 1st part to my WHERE DO YOU STAND survey. Feel free to fill out and leave anonymous right here on the blog or message me directly. Thanx!

Please rate these questions A-G
A.Definitely TRUE
B.Probably True
C.I sure hope so
D. hmmmm??
E.I sure hope not
F. Probably not
G. Definitely NOT


1. Aliens exist and our government is hiding it from us.

A.Definitely TRUE E. I sure hope not
B.Probably True F. Probably not
C.I sure hope so G. Definitely not
D. hmmmmmm?

2. Heaven & Hell exist.

A.Definitely TRUE E. I sure hope not
B.Probably True F. Probably not
C.I sure hope so G. Definitely not
D. hmmmmmm?

3. Our genetic code came from another planet and seeded earth.

A.Definitely TRUE E. I sure hope not
B.Probably True F. Probably not
C.I sure hope so G. Definitely not
D. hmmmmmm?

4. Occupy Wall street is an important/necessary movement.
A.Definitely TRUE E. I sure hope not
B.Probably True F. Probably not
C.I sure hope so G. Definitely not
D. hmmmmmm?

5. Computers/technology will control our every move.
A.Definitely TRUE E. I sure hope not
B.Probably True F. Probably not
C.I sure hope so G. Definitely not
D. hmmmmmm?

6. Jesus walked the earth.
A.Definitely TRUE E. I sure hope not
B.Probably True F. Probably not
C.I sure hope so G. Definitely not
D. hmmmmmm?

7. We are an experiment by the aliens.
A.Definitely TRUE E. I sure hope not
B.Probably True F. Probably not
C.I sure hope so G. Definitely not
D. hmmmmmm?

8. Homosexuals are cool, but they're still going to hell.
A.Definitely TRUE E. I sure hope not
B.Probably True F. Probably not
C.I sure hope so G. Definitely not
D. hmmmmmm?

9. Human trafficking is controlled by the governments of our world.
A.Definitely TRUE E. I sure hope not
B.Probably True F. Probably not
C.I sure hope so G. Definitely not
D. hmmmmmm?

10. Leaders of the world use God as a fear tactic but dont actually practice themselves.
A.Definitely TRUE E. I sure hope not
B.Probably True F. Probably not
C.I sure hope so G. Definitely not
D. hmmmmmm?

11. Leaders of the world are engaged in strange esoteric or cult like practices at Bohemian Grove.

A.Definitely TRUE E. I sure hope not
B.Probably True F. Probably not
C.I sure hope so G. Definitely not
D. hmmmmmm?

12. God prefers people of a particular religeon over those of any other.
A.Definitely TRUE E. I sure hope not
B.Probably True F. Probably not
C.I sure hope so G. Definitely not
D. hmmmmmm?

13. The drug trade is controlled by the governments of our world.
A.Definitely TRUE E. I sure hope not
B.Probably True F. Probably not
C.I sure hope so G. Definitely not
D. hmmmmmm?

14. Our food and water supply has systematically been poisoned by the corporations with help of the government.
A.Definitely TRUE E. I sure hope not
B.Probably True F. Probably not
C.I sure hope so G. Definitely not
D. hmmmmmm?

15. The government cares about its people.
A.Definitely TRUE E. I sure hope not
B.Probably True F. Probably not
C.I sure hope so G. Definitely not
D. hmmmmmm?

16. The USA put a man on the moon.
A.Definitely TRUE E. I sure hope not
B.Probably True F. Probably not
C.I sure hope so G. Definitely not
D. hmmmmmm?

17. Human beings have been tested on/killed in underground labs by governments & corporations.
A.Definitely TRUE E. I sure hope not
B.Probably True F. Probably not
C.I sure hope so G. Definitely not
D. hmmmmmm?

18. The American government killed JFK, MLK and CHE (its all or nuthin folks)
A.Definitely TRUE E. I sure hope not
B.Probably True F. Probably not
C.I sure hope so G. Definitely not
D. hmmmmmm?

19. Freemasons are planning the NEW World Order(Illuminati)
A.Definitely TRUE E. I sure hope not
B.Probably True F. Probably not
C.I sure hope so G. Definitely not
D. hmmmmmm?

20. Cancer can be cured but corporations make more money on its treatment.
A.Definitely TRUE E. I sure hope not
B.Probably True F. Probably not
C.I sure hope so G. Definitely not
D. hmmmmmm?

21. Plants have intelligence.
A.Definitely TRUE E. I sure hope not
B.Probably True F. Probably not
C.I sure hope so G. Definitely not
D. hmmmmmm?

22. There are regulations that are monitored to keep Animal slaughterhouses humane.
A.Definitely TRUE E. I sure hope not
B.Probably True F. Probably not
C.I sure hope so G. Definitely not
D. hmmmmmm?

23. Milk & Colgate toothepaste are good for your body.
A.Definitely TRUE E. I sure hope not
B.Probably True F. Probably not
C.I sure hope so G. Definitely not
D. hmmmmmm?

24. 2012 is the beginning of the end.
A.Definitely TRUE E. I sure hope not
B.Probably True F. Probably not
C.I sure hope so G. Definitely not
D. hmmmmmm?

25. 2012 is the end of the beginning.
A.Definitely TRUE E. I sure hope not
B.Probably True F. Probably not
C.I sure hope so G. Definitely not
D. hmmmmmm?

26. Horoscopes have truth to them.
A.Definitely TRUE E. I sure hope not
B.Probably True F. Probably not
C.I sure hope so G. Definitely not
D. hmmmmmm?

27. We were once a great civilization but were destroyed to cover the truth.
A.Definitely TRUE E. I sure hope not
B.Probably True F. Probably not
C.I sure hope so G. Definitely not
D. hmmmmmm?

28. We were once a great civilization but were destroyed by our own greed.
A.Definitely TRUE E. I sure hope not
B.Probably True F. Probably not
C.I sure hope so G. Definitely not
D. hmmmmmm?

29. Illegal Drugs are bad.
A.Definitely TRUE E. I sure hope not
B.Probably True F. Probably not
C.I sure hope so G. Definitely not
D. hmmmmmm?

30. Subliminal advertising is ok.
A.Definitely TRUE E. I sure hope not
B.Probably True F. Probably not
C.I sure hope so G. Definitely not
D. hmmmmmm?

31. Marijuana is a drug that should be illegal.
A.Definitely TRUE E. I sure hope not
B.Probably True F. Probably not
C.I sure hope so G. Definitely not
D. hmmmmmm?

32. All women are a little bit lesbian.
A.Definitely TRUE E. I sure hope not
B.Probably True F. Probably not
C.I sure hope so G. Definitely not
D. hmmmmmm?

33. Men lie more then women.
A.Definitely TRUE E. I sure hope not
B.Probably True F. Probably not
C.I sure hope so G. Definitely not
D. hmmmmmm?

34. There is a soulmate out there for everyone.
A.Definitely TRUE E. I sure hope not
B.Probably True F. Probably not
C.I sure hope so G. Definitely not
D. hmmmmmm?

35. Thinking positive improves results.
A.Definitely TRUE E. I sure hope not
B.Probably True F. Probably not
C.I sure hope so G. Definitely not
D. hmmmmmm?

37. FIMA camps are meant to imprison Americans.
A.Definitely TRUE E. I sure hope not
B.Probably True F. Probably not
C.I sure hope so G. Definitely not
D. hmmmmmm?

38. "There is no spoon".
A.Definitely TRUE E. I sure hope not
B.Probably True F. Probably not
C.I sure hope so G. Definitely not
D. hmmmmmm?

39. Psychic abilities are possible & exist.
A.Definitely TRUE E. I sure hope not
B.Probably True F. Probably not
C.I sure hope so G. Definitely not
D. hmmmmmm?

40. Destiny & Fate exist.
A.Definitely TRUE E. I sure hope not
B.Probably True F. Probably not
C.I sure hope so G. Definitely not
D. hmmmmmm?

41. Vegans are better people.
A.Definitely TRUE E. I sure hope not
B.Probably True F. Probably not
C.I sure hope so G. Definitely not
D. hmmmmmm?

42. The calendar year is way off.
A.Definitely TRUE E. I sure hope not
B.Probably True F. Probably not
C.I sure hope so G. Definitely not
D. hmmmmmm?

43. Republicans control the world.
A.Definitely TRUE E. I sure hope not
B.Probably True F. Probably not
C.I sure hope so G. Definitely not
D. hmmmmmm?

44. Democrats actually want to help us.
A.Definitely TRUE E. I sure hope not
B.Probably True F. Probably not
C.I sure hope so G. Definitely not
D. hmmmmmm?

45. There is an underground bunker underneathe Denver's New World Airport.
A.Definitely TRUE E. I sure hope not
B.Probably True F. Probably not
C.I sure hope so G. Definitely not
D. hmmmmmm?

46. Dick Cheney shot his friend on accident.
A.Definitely TRUE E. I sure hope not
B.Probably True F. Probably not
C.I sure hope so G. Definitely not
D. hmmmmmm?

47. Owning a military weapons development co and being vice president is a conflict of interest.
A.Definitely TRUE E. I sure hope not
B.Probably True F. Probably not
C.I sure hope so G. Definitely not
D. hmmmmmm?

48. 911 was an inside job.
A.Definitely TRUE E. I sure hope not
B.Probably True F. Probably not
C.I sure hope so G. Definitely not
D. hmmmmmm?

49. The towers were brought down by explosive experts, not kamikaze pilots.
A.Definitely TRUE E. I sure hope not
B.Probably True F. Probably not
C.I sure hope so G. Definitely not
D. hmmmmmm?

50. The U.S.A is on its way out and China is the next world power.
A.Definitely TRUE E. I sure hope not
B.Probably True F. Probably not
C.I sure hope so G. Definitely not
D. hmmmmmm?

THE MISSING QUESTION # 36 shall change often! Or until I tire of it. For now...it's this, and it isnt a multiple choice question;

Dec 23-THE MISSING QUESTION #36- Do you believe in the potential for time travel? If so doesnt that mean you believe it could be happening right now?

#36- What is your idea of the American Dream and can you sustain it in today's political/economic climate?

Part II
Whom do you think the police force/ detective agencies should spend their time investigating and/or arresting/prosecuting;
1.black market salesman?
2.Peaceful Protesters?
3.Bankers stealing pensions?
4. Corporations poisoning our food/water supply
5. Monsanto
6. Those responsible for the oil spill
7. Those responsible for the nuclear meltdowns
8. Organic food farmers
9. people living beneathe their means whom dont pay taxes but dont collect welfare or unemployment?
10. illegal immigrants working in america thru legal means?
12. Prostitutes
13. Drug addicts
14. Art Galleries that hold events that have dancing and/or alcohol at their opening?
15. Graffiti artists?

Willful ignorance- its all around you, even if you say you don't see it. {Philosophy Break}

People have a wide variety of ways of taking advantage of each other. We prolong pain and punishment. We ignore, we refuse, we insist, we force, we guilt and we take. There are so many ways and they happen everyday to all of us, but the one that gets to me more then any other is seeing someone's kindness or generosity taken advantage of. Ignorance can often be the culprit in these cases, but its gotten to the point that more and more I see willful ignorance as the true criminal.

When we choose to ignore or pretend something is or isn't true we are in affect changing the story to suit ourselves. Ofcourse it's easier to believe your actions couldn't have yielded such outcomes, "its just a coincidence", or perhaps an exaggeration, it's certainly not the result of an extensive list of actions that led us inexorably to your front door.Ofcourse not. Mindfulness isn't a virtue we openly value in business and therefore we hardly know when to look for it elsewhere. Why should YOU listen, when others won't? Why should we accept responsibility when we have so much already on our plate? It happens everyday, we're all guilty of it and receivers of it, but it's getting worse and there's only so much of it I can stand personally.

We see it with the politicians and the bankers, the police force and even the protesters themselves. The news reporters, bloggers, and media in general offering few apologies and accepting limited accountability. We expect people to stand up for us and when they don't we wonder where the justice has gone?. When a few demand more, we think they are making a stink. We've been raised this way. It's on the small scale and the large scale. Your boss takes advantage of your willingness to work for less, your lover takes advantage of your eagerness to please, your kids are being raised to realize that giving you answers you want to hear is better then being honest and all along were all pretending its NO BIG DEAL. Well it IS a big deal and quite frankly I'm tired of being taken advantage of. I don't like feeling under-appreciated, or taken for granted. I don't think anyone does, but maybe what you don't already realize is you do it all the time too and the only way it's gonna stop is when you stop. Stop pretending your actions don't effect others. Stop pretending your doing your part. Stop pretending you like it the way it is and stop pretending its everyone else's (or someTHING else's)fault.

You're pretending to be a corporation and the corporation is pretending to be human. Neither work. Go back to being human, because your polluting the air we breathe and we need a breath of fresh air every once in a while. No..actually we need it all the time.
-JF