Heroism is found in the heart

Hi...

My name is Underground Dude...and I'm a...geek. 

Those of you that have been regular readers of the ole underground bloggy blog are fully aware that comic books and superheroes tend to have an affect on me. They bring out a full-on geek-out and/or nerd-gasm—truth-fact.

When one thinks of heroism and heroes in our lives; they typically embody those that have shaped us into who we are and those whose stories inspired us to take up a cause and make a difference in the world. In early childhood my response to the "Who's your hero" question would have been: The Green Lantern, Batman, Superman, and The Human Torch. At one point in my life I truly did aspire to develop superpowers of my very own and battle the forces of evil! Growing up is hard to do...

Today, while I still find my heroes of childhood to be completely B.A., the quizzical looks I started to get once I reached early adulthood from my hero response prompted me to update my answer. So, now, I respond with Harvey Milk and my advisor from my undergraduate studies who really got me into radical and activism rhetoric. I not only love to get my protest and defiance to "the man" on, but I really dig social activism. Furthermore, I truly hope to become as great of a social activist as these two groovy dudes some day. 

So, I seek to make change with speech and dialoguing with communities and lawmakers in regards to social inequality. I fight the good fight to balance things out and blur the lines between the privileged and the marginalized. I have no costume or secret identity, but I recently discovered there are others taking a more active role in making a difference in their communities. While I found the movie Kick Ass to be enjoyable and an interesting take on the whole super hero meets the real world motif, I had no idea this was an actual movement taking place. There's even a database and everything!

I suddenly have the urge to start working on costume design ideas. Hmmmmmmmmmmm. 

Happy Day of Memorials

Hope everyone out there in the blog-o-sphere is having a great Memorial Day! May there many cookouts, remembrances, and fun in the sun to be had. I say this, because there are thunderstorms a plenty where I am. One of these weekends the weather is going to cooperate, and I am going to get my mountain hiking trip I have been planning for, and it will be GLORIOUS!

Snapshot Sunday-Ninja's are Keen

I may or may not be into ninjas...I can't really talk about it...

Tragic love story

I was listening to an NPR podcast on my way to work today. I love NPR; however, I was also late to work because it took me a good 15-20 minutes sitting in the parking lot trying to compose myself and put together the hot sobbing mess that resulted from listening to the story. Warning: This is heartbreaking, so make sure you have time to have a good little break down before proceeding to read and/or listen to the following story. If you are not phased by this...you have no soul...I KID! I KID! No, but seriously.

Click image to read or listen

Uncharted-Wiped

I was one of those gamer guys that was extremely perturbed at the idea of Mark Wahlburg playing Nathan Drake in the movie adaptation of Uncharted. I'm not saying that Wahlburg is a bad actor by any means, but if you know anything about the video game...this just didn't seem like a great fit.

Low and behold, a tweet revealed today, Director David O. Russell has dropped out of the Uncharted Hollywood adaptation project. My proverbial villagers are heartily rejoicing at this news as this means Wahlberg will most likely no longer be involved in the project either. Back to the drawing boards!

If they continue to proceed with a film adaptation of one of my favorite video games, my vote goes to one of these two fine gentlemen:

Thursday is tracks night-Love You All

I've been listening to a lot of Cloud Cult this week; not intentionally, but delightful none-the-less. It keeps popping up on my Pandora and seems to be a favorite mp3 hit for shuffle mode in my car. There are so many good tracks to choose from, but considering Mother's day just passed and Father's day is around the corner; I thought this song would be appropriate. My family life has been complicated to say the least throughout past years, but this year has been awesome for moving forward and reconnecting—for understanding.

If you are unfamiliar with Cloud Cult, please do check out some other tracks. They have a very unique sound and offer a wide variety of song stylings. For now, enjoy this sweet little tune; it's simplistic, but beautiful and really espouses a life philosophy I firmly believe in.

McHenry PWND on Facebook!

Congressman McHenry's Facebook page is getting bombarded by those he offended after he accused Elizabeth Warren of being a liar. Tsk. Tsk. Haven't politicians learned by now throwing the term "liar" around like beads flying throughout Bourbon Street never ends well? Regardless, it's quite amusing.

His page is full of zingers like these. My favorite; however, was the lone supporter of McHenry. He chose the wrong day to speak out on "socialism".

Beware of the green-eyed monster.

This post is brought to you by a prompt presented to me on Facebook: "Penny for your thoughts: Jealousy, GO!

It has its ups and downs. On one hand, Jealousy of someone's achievements may make us strive for our very own and to become that much better at what we do. In turn, this allows us to excel. Coming from a guy who spent his college weekends competing for speech trophies and medals, a little healthy competition (I stress the word healthy), where there is only one first place trophy rather than trophies for all, never hurts. It makes us work harder.

On the other hand, jealousy (especially the possessive variety) can bring out the douche in us when it's not kept in check. We've seen the ramifications of jealousy unleashed since the beginning: Cain and Abel. And remember that one time; thanks to a little birdie by the name of Iago, Desdemona met her demise by the hands of her true love...very sad. 

So, as long as you keep the green-eyed monster at bay—I say a titch of envy goes a long way.

Photo: Johann Wolf/UPN

© 2005 CBS Broadcasting Inc.

Office Talk: Did someone order an apocalypse?

So, the world didn't end...Hazzah!  I took some time off last week for my day of birth. I planned on going on a big camping and hiking extravaganza trip, but the weather didn't cooperate. A sign of the impending rapture, I thought. So, I made the best of it and went back home. How did I prepare for the rapture...I built a fort in my living room and proceeded to play and watch hours upon hours of apocalyptic themed video games and movies.

The world didn't end, but that doesn't mean our troubles are over. Take the following email exchange that took place this morning when I returned to work.

So, zombie apocalypse pending, I am glad the world didn't end. Also, I love my jobby job :).

Snapshot Sunday - A Day for Mothers

Happy Mother's Day everyone!

Thursday is tracks night-Protest Song

I don't know much about The Ascetic Junkies, and I just kind of stumbled upon them this week. I've loved what I have heard so far though, and looking forward to hearing more.