Formulate Infinity

Nirvana in the Delivery Room

November 25, 2013

This past week has been intense. The birth of my first son has brought my wife and I so much joy. There were many emotional decision points. Luckily, I married one of the most resilient women God ever created. From Saturday's all night labor to Thursday's triumphant homecoming, it has been a once in a lifetime experience. I will never forget it.

With that said, I wanted to share an article I read during our extend hospital stay. My brother linked Remembering Nirvana’s ‘Unplugged’ to me via text. I am so thankful that he did. It came at a time when our nerves were on edge. In addition to calming those nerves, the article also connected me back to this blog and why I started it in the first place.

Nirvana's unplugged performance took place on Nov. 18, 1993. My son was born on the 17th, one day shy of the show's 20th anniversary. It may just be a coincidence but I think it's a pretty cool one. There is something about that performance that connects all my musical tastes together. The show transformed Nirvana's heavy sound and opened me up to other acoustic acts like Bob Dylan and Neil Young. After unplugged, the soundtrack to my life became fuller, more rich.

This change was profound because one of the great bonds in life is music. It is something that connects us all. Some of my greatest life moments center around jamming at live shows flanked by my Dad and my brother. From Bob Dylan and Leonard Cohen concerts to homegrown music at our family reunions, I cannot think of two other men in this world I would rather have at my side. For this reason, I hope to have the same musical connection with my son. While there are no guarantees in life, surely having Nirvana in the delivery room was a good omen.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U9HE8rlJeNg

Best Lines: Remembering Nirvana’s ‘Unplugged’: Cobain’s Battles Nearly Pulled Plug on Classic Appearance (Chris Willman)

Fighting AIDS with Great Design

November 23, 2013

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| 8:20 pm

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Raising awareness. Funding solutions. Changing lives. This is what the Product (RED) initiative has specialized in since 2002. Tonight's Sotheby's auction in New York is no exception. Jony Ive & Marc Newson’s (RED) Auction will sell 44 unique items designed by the pair to fight the AIDS/ HIV epidemic in Africa. While the United States has had its own healthcare problems, epidemics like the AIDS scourge, should remind us how lucky we are as a nation. All proceeds from Jony and Marc's auction will go toward Bono's (RED) initiative. I am truly impressed with the artistry and philanthropy involved in this project. I have always admired both designers and the collection they have created for this fundraiser is exceptional. While the products being sold at auction may be out of your price range, you can shop (RED) and buy less expensive items. 100% of your purchase will fund humanitarian efforts to fight AIDS/ HIV.

Best Core: Charlie Rose Interview with Jony Ive & Marc Newson

John F. Kennedy 11/22/63

November 22, 2013

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| 7:23 pm

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?

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)

RGIII is on the Run from Media Controversy

November 22, 2013

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| 9:56 am

[caption id="attachment_136" align="aligncenter" width="300"] RGIII runs from the Eagles[/caption]

It looks like the terms Washington Redskins and sports media controversy are interchangeable. The latest incident, Robert Griffin III's Philadelphia post game comments, has the sports media keeping score on whether Griffin can handle the starting job. I suspect RGIII is merely experiencing the same growing pains Cam Newton experienced in Charlotte. The media market in the Queen City has been prone to criticize the young quarterback at every turn. In fact, the local sports radio personalities owe Cam several royalty checks. Without him they would not make a living. Cam conversations pretty much dominate most of their airtime (even when the rest of us in NC are more focused on Tobacco Road and college hoops!).

As far as I'm concerned I think hindsight will reveal that RGIII's second Redskins season was his NFL maturation year. In music, this is often called a sophomore slump. I'd be willing to bet RG's future campaigns will produce plenty of stellar records. Griffin will survive this latest controversy. As for the Shanahans, I'm not so sure. Dan Snyder's meddling has been on hiatus for far too long and I suspect having a franchise QB might inspire him to up his involvement. And so we come full circle . . . the Washington Redskins and sports media controversies will always be one in the same.

Best Score: Robert Griffin III’s postgame comments create a schism (Doug Farrar)

Pearl Jam 10/30/2013 (Charlotte)

November 20, 2013

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| 9:23 am

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I've wanted to share my impressions of the Pearl Jam concert I attended in Charlotte on 10/30 for some time now. Fortunately, the birth of my baby boy delayed my efforts. This life changing (and affirming) event has easily surpassed anything I have ever experienced. It was the best concert I will ever attend and I had a front row seat!

With that said the other concert, Pearl Jam, was great. I went with my friend Dave and we had a blast. I even managed to sneak down to the floor and get some pretty amazing photos. The band hadn't played in Charlotte for 10 years and they definitely made up for lost time. The show was phenomenal! In many ways Nirvana and Pearl Jam are my generation's Beatles and Rolling Stones. Seeing them made me long for that fruitful period of Rock n' roll that defined my youth. I often wonder if a new set of bands will ever be allowed to define music the way the bands from that era did . . .

Best Lines: Pearl Jam plays long, plays hard in Charlotte show (Théoden Janes)