Category Archives: Writer’s Block

Written words on everything else.

Nelson Mandela (1918-2013)

Mourning Mandela

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“We would like to create a world familiar with the smiles of children rather than their tears” – Nelson Mandela

Last night my wife tasked me with filling out the current events section of my son’s baby book. Adding hit TV shows and songs was a breeze. Popular entertainers were no problem. It was only when I got to adding the top 2013 news headlines that I became stuck. I desperately wanted to add a positive story. Instead, my mind circled around tragedies like the Syrian Civil War, the Boston Bombing and the flooding in the Philippines. Then, just when I thought my heart could hang no lower, my AP Mobile app notified me of the passing of Nelson Mandela. Needless to say, I went to bed last night worrying about the world my son is inheriting.

Luckily, this morning I came across this blog post by Roberto A. Ferdman and Ritchie King:

IN MEMORIAM: The wisdom of Nelson Mandela: quotes from the most inspiring leader of the 20th century 

Nelson Mandela’s life was an inspiration! I still feel an overwhelming sense of loss, but it is no small consolation to be reminded of his many great deeds, his resiliency and, above all else, his words. While the Nelson Mandela’s of the world are in short supply, I know my life, and my son’s life, will continue to populate with positive leaders that shine light on the dark corners of the world. The efforts of these people, and those that follow their light, consistently renew my faith in humanity.

I believe strongly that we can all have a positive impact on the world. Small acts of kindness do not go unnoticed. Tolerance and understanding are teachable traits. Love is in far greater supply than hate. For every conflict or tragedy, there are a thousand helping hands reaching out to those in need. For all of these reasons we are far better off today than we were a half-century ago.

On behalf of my son and a mourning world, thank you Mandela. Rest in peace.

Best Block:  Nelson Mandela, 1918–2013: Remembering an Icon of Freedom (Richard Stengel)

The Internet and J.D. Salinger

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This morning I awoke to news that three J.D Salinger stories were leaked online.  Within three minutes I was able to find a torrent link and download a copy for myself.  Surely, Mr. Salinger never anticipated the power of the Internet to undermine his publishing wishes.  I felt strangely at odds with myself over the download.  On one hand I wanted to respect the wishes of the revered author.  Despite myself, I also wanted to read something new from the man whose writing had considerable influence over my teenage years.  With Black Friday being the ultimate impulse shopping day, I relented and secured a copy.

J.D. Salinger's Ocean Full of Bowling Balls Screen shot

I look forward to reading the works once my baby-boy settles down for a nap.  I am a bit weary, however, given the fact that so little is published by Salinger.   For this reason, the reading does risk disappointment.  I had a very similar feeling when Nirvana released “You Know You’re Right.”  Fortunately, the posthumously released single did not disappoint.

Too often the Internet’s commenting class ruin these type of releases because they overly criticize, judge and rehash the past.  Check out the YouTube comments that go with the Nirvana link above for proof of this trend.   In actuality, it’s just a song.   It’s just a story.  I think J.D. Salinger’s Buddhist sensibilities would appreciate this approach.  For this reason I will let you all decide if the works are worth reading.  There is, however, reason for intrigue.  According to the Guardian Newspaper:

The stories include An Ocean Full of Bowling Balls, which has only been available under lock and key to scholars at Princeton library.

The tale is an early version, originally written for Harper’s Bazaar magazine but withdrawn before publication, of The Catcher in the Rye. The narrator is the older brother of Holden Caulfield, the teenage narrator of the later book.

The other stories, entitled Paula, and Birthday Boy, were held by the University of Texas under similar conditions.

Enjoy.

Best Block:  JD Salinger’s unpublished stories leaked online (Maev Kennedy)

John F. Kennedy 11/22/63

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There is a lot being written and posted today about the Kennedy assassination.   The ramifications of the tragic event can still be felt today.

Kennedy’s  famous “Ask Not What Your Country Can Do For You” speech has been widely read and debated.  Many interpret the famous quote in that speech as a call to arms to the American citizenry to volunteer and get involved.  Today, however, I find myself reflecting on the quote from a different angle.  So few politicians today are willing to make sacrifices for the nation’s common good.  Kennedy, and many of his peers, would be appalled when viewing today’s political  landscape.   Political posturing and grandstanding has become common practice among the nation’s elites.  It’s as if their win at all cost mentality will make sure that the nation ultimately loses in the end.  Say what you will about the Kennedys, four of their sons volunteered and worked tirelessly for this nation.  Three of them ultimately gave their lives to the cause.  How many politicians would do the same today?

Stephen King 11-22-63 cover

By the way if you have not read Stephen King’s 11/22/63, you should.  It’s a great read and really works as three novels in one.  The interplay of the characters, the Kennedy myth and the Stephen King style is well worth the investment.

Best Block: Stephen King Goes to the Rescue of JFK (Errol Morris)

Hello world!

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“I can’t see the end of me 
My whole expanse I cannot see 
I formulate infinity 
Stored deep inside me”

Curtis Kirkwood, Oh Me

Welcome to Formulate Infinity!  I have started this blog as an exercise in self-expression.   Since my youngest days I have been an active writer but after college  I lost my way.   Perhaps it’s the pending birth of my first child or the realization that Pearl Jam is now drinking age.  For whatever reason, I find the desire to write renewed.  Part of this yearning to write stems from the fact that many of my creative efforts center around work.  While these efforts have been very rewarding, I want to create a space that is less compromised and more personal.

For this reason,  Formulate Infinity is long overdue.   I will cover topics that encompass a variety of interests.   Blog entries will include observations on music, technology, writing, sports and, on occasion, politics.  I will also provide my own creative writing entries when time permits.

Formulate Infinity’s name stems from one of my favorite lyrics.  I first heard the phrase when I played Nirvana’s Unplugged album. The record revealed a previously unreleased track, “Oh Me.”  While the song was originally written and performed by the Meat Puppets, Kurt Cobain’s confessional delivery left me completely transfixed.  With Nirvana, this was nothing new. One of the great things about the band was that they always referenced the artists that inspired them.  In this instance it was the Meat Puppets.  In other instances it was Leonard Cohen, Sonic Youth or the Vaselines. Whether it be through their music or through interviews, the band always lead you to new discoveries.  To me, the very best blogs provide the same type of connections for their readers.

 Formulate infinity.  Stored deep inside of me.

I have always interpreted these lines as a call to do something lasting.  Something that comes from within.  Something that is true to your beliefs and values.  Something that will hold up to the test of time.  Hopefully my writing will reflect my core truth and will make a lasting impression on my readership.

In addition, a special thanks to John Gruber (Daring Fireball) and John Moltz (A Very Nice Website).  Their work inspired me to find my own space to fill.