There's a lovely store in New York City called Obscura Antiques and Oddities. As you can imagine, they sell an eclectic range of strange and beautiful pieces from our bizarre civilization. I recently stumbled upon the following antique that I would proudly display in my home, and probably use from time to time...

​The unisex public restroom, a Cirque du Soliele show of microscopic organisms. For years, I imagined bacteria that could run, jump, pole vault, even breast stroke against a stream of urine. But before you sign me up for germaphobics anonymous, allow me to make an admission.

As you may or may not know, I've been performing once a month with the remarkable Poetry Brothel. When I first came on board, I searched my memory for early experiences with poetry, and sadly found it as dry as the desert I come from.

This morning, after brushing my teeth and admiring my nostrils, I recalled a poem from high school. Somewhere between my morning acne medication and afternoon baseball practice, I read a poem that would stick with me, and find it's way onto the future weblog you're currently reading.

Does our perception of a crime change, depending on the sex appeal or M.O of a criminal? When a mugger uses scare tactics to nab a purse, he's a disgrace to society. But when a woman lifts a wallet under the guise of a seductive kiss, it's sexy. The act becomes romantic, but the crime has not changed, just our perception. 

We grow up in schools where desks are chosen for us, desks that stick rigidly in line, maintaining a rote structure to the cold classrooms of America. Having survived a district with the LOWEST graduation rate in the nation, I feel slightly robbed of creative potential.

As it happens, and by much good fortune, I now choose my desk. An environment that supports the flourishing of work and great ideas. A station that welcomes free thinking and exploration. Something I wish for anyone who enjoys their working life, and finds - or desires - real gratification in daily practice. 

The following video has truly captured my interest. Although, I did thoroughly enjoy a documentary on "Helvetica" font. So it's possible I'm too easy to please. 

Paul Newman uses a psychological technique - Pattern Interrupt - to subdue a perp. If you're interested in the technique, click here to read how it saved me from a fast 5 in the snot box. Otherwise, enjoy this clip. I'm certain you will.