Putting Yourself Out There

It seems like eons  since I last put up a post. Excuses aside...I am helping foster a child, in the middle of remodeling the house, hectic work schedule..you know the usual.

I did want to touch on something that I think is very important in life. A subject that is necessary to be a success. When I define success, I mean being happy with who your are. It is taking a chance. Not being scared to try something, no matter the odds, the shyness you may have or the obstacles in your way.

I love art. I especially like raw, unfinished, low tech music and film. I also dig homemade construction projects. To me, the unique touch someone (even an amateur) can put on a home project is always better than the usual cookie cutter , paint by number way. I think what draws me to this type of work is passion. Someone being so excited about something they use whatever means they can find to get the it done. I believe this is probably one of the many factors that stretch an individuals imagination. Remember the phrase necessity is the mother of invention? I think we can all learn a lesson from this type of persistence. If you really desire to do it. You need to go for it.

I have a few examples. There is a movie callled  The Room. It is knows as one of the worst movies of all time. The acting is terrible, the story is full of holes...and you know I love it. It is so terrible it is bad. Some of my friends think I am crazy when I show them clips of it. The movie has become a Cult Classic and is considered the biggest cult film of the decade. I just adore that attitude. The director had a dream, he chased after it and (maybe not the way he wanted) it had become a huge success. To me, this is what makes life exciting.

Another music album I enjoy is Beck's One Foot On The Grave. From what I understand the album was recorded in a house using very low tech equipment. I think it is fantastic. Though the sound quality is not great there are a few great songs, Rowboat - covered by Johnny Cash on his 'Unchained' Album & Assh**e - recorded by Tom Petty on his 'She's The One' album. Not bad for a low tech album. One Foot On The Grave along with the song Loser (of course recorded in someones living room) actually led to Beck landing one of the most lucrative record deals of the 1990's.

So what Am I trying to sell here? I'm trying to push you into taking a chance and going after something you are passionate about. Life can be boring or it can be full of adventure. It really depends on how you look at it, what you spend your time doing, your attitude on what others think, and if you are willing to go for it.

Will your project always work out? Will others enjoy it? Of course, the answer is no. But does that realy matter?




I doubt if I will return here before the end of the year..but you never know? I want to wish everyone an Awesome Holiday Season! Best wishes in the future, but remember to live in the present. TyGuy

Amputee Views Prevail

As those who have stopped in here from time to time have probably noticed I can sometimes get on a rant. I am a very passionate person, especially when it comes to my personal viewpoints. I will always be a fan of individual responsibility, keeping an open mind and being steadfast in your principles.
While I feel there is nothing wrong with me having those beliefs, I do not think it is useful to use this forum to push them on anyone.

Obviously, You don't have to be an academic to tell we are going through some changing times. Change, while inevitable, can sometimes be painful. I have to admit I don't always accept change without some complaining along the way. So I rant and get on a soap box once in a while. For that I strongly apologize.

This site is about being an amputee. It should always be this blogs goal to help inform people looking for information about being an amputee. It is not my duty to tell others how to believe or think. This site should be used a resource.

As far as my music, science, religious and political views go I will try to exclude them in future post. For those who may have some interest in that area of my life I will continue to include my 'Personal Links' section. Just keep in mind it is just that, an incomplete set of links that delve into things I am interested in. No agenda pushing, just other areas of my life I find interest in.

The rest of this site will contain post about amputee issues, useful amputee links, amputee support group information, prosthetic equipment and so fourth.

Looking forward to chatting at you soon....
Ty W

The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year

The intended purpose of this site is about facing life as an amputee. Even though some of my blogs lately have not focused as much with general amputee issues as as they have on critical thinking and societal concerns. Over time I have come to the conclusion that I would not be a responsible blogger if I did not use this platform to touch on other everyday matters. I strongly feel exposure to alternative viewpoints makes us all better people. I don't expect everyone to agree. I do hope it may give cause to think and look at things from different vantage points.
When faced with adversity, such as being an amputee, It is not wise to always accept all the advice you get without questioning it. Prosthetics and the medical field in general are big business. Anytime you have big money and people that are in a vulnerable state there is a good chance of corruption or being taken advantage of. I do think most people are in the medical field to do the right thing. I would not be a true 'Patient Advocate' if I didn't advise people to be aware and ask question. After all, YOU are your own best advocate when dealing with limb loss or when making other daily living decisions.

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Holiday Cheer!

Here we are approaching Christmas again. Even though it is supposed to be a joyous time, I know it can be difficult for many. Admittedly I find joy in some parts of the season and the festive mood. It also makes me sad because it often appears much of the holiday season seems to be hijacked by commercialism. 

Of course there are the same old cliches every year like, "I can't believe how early they are putting out the Christmas decorations this year". "Only ------- more shopping days left"...and so fourth. Yawn, that's up there with weather references we make trying to fill conversation other months of the year.

My main rub is the shopping and the pressure to buy. As time goes on I seem to get more cynical about commercialism, endless advertising, and out of control corporate greed.

The unending pressure placed on society to buy things year round is enormous. I guess what's most appalling is how we are made to feel like we 'need' many often useless and materialistic items. Because you know, we got to have the latest, greatest, electronic devices that often seem to be outdated within weeks of purchase by the 'new and improved' versions. Or hey the neighbors and friends have it, so we got to get it as well...and the cycle of buying things we are made to think we need continues. All of this shopping pressure appears to peak during the final months of the year in Christmas shopping. I know this fact is easily understood by most, but also ignored and overlooked as we mindlessly shop our hearts away.

What I want to do with this blog is point out the ridiculousness that has seemed to overtake us. I think the point can definitely be argued that we are brainwashed to buy and be 'good consumers'. I know brainwashed is a strong term, but I think the examples I will reference make a strong point.

What is sad about the video below is it's truthfulness. I can't tell you how many women in my life from my mother, former girlfriends to current girlfriend that pick up the Sunday ads and and without missing a beat reliably leaf through them. Looking for that deal that they didn't even know they needed until they saw it. Advertising definitely works. Don't even get me started on Groupons or home shopping networks such as QVC. I strongly feel it is a sickness. Even though I have often pointed it out...it seems to make no difference. My comments appear to fall on deaf ears as the mindless years of 'programming' work their magic on the engrained gatherer part of our Hunter-Gatherer DNA.


Lee Camp - Advertisements Are Assholes


Black Friday. To me, this next video is the saddest. It displays the whole brainwashing advertisement, materialism values that unfortunately seem to be the norm. I really have no comment, just a question, "What the hell have we become?"


Black Friday Madness

Lastly, the next clip features comedian George Carlin as he points out some hard hitting truths about society. What I find interesting is his rant is several years old and more relevant (check out the social security comment) than ever.


George Carlin - Consumerism

With all of this in mind I want to wish everyone a very happy holidays season. I don't want to be a total cynic. It is my hope this may cause some to reflect on what the real meaning of the holiday season should be. Things do not bring happiness. Enjoying the people in your life, being grateful for how blessed we are and finding honest genuine happiness that can't be bought it was I feel we should focus on. Going into debt to by trendy gadgets or live beyond our means is no way to live. It certainly cannot lead to lasting happiness.

I am looking forward to a promising 2013. I plan on drastically changing the format of this blog. It is my goal to make this site more than just a hobby. I am seriously considering writing a book and posting more media based blogs...with accompanying self produced videos and so fourth. I have a lot of ideals. I feel it may be the right time in my life to take action on some of them.

Times are changing...So am I.
TyW

Please feel free to contact me with comments or to say hello:
tyswilson@gmail.com

The Lee Camp video is take from the
Peter Joseph series Culture In Decline Episode #3 C.V.D.

George Carlin Official Website

Arrogant Self Promotion

I still have a few loose ends that I have to tie up before I can post the personal blog that I want. It is a project of the heart that I feel I really need to share. As I think my experience and story can be beneficial to many. So that will definitely be fourth coming

Until that time I figured I would throw out a promo video that I participated in.

My employer, Orthotic and Prosthetic Centers, recently shot a video. It was a lot of fun.

I need to state this site is a distinct and different entity than O&P Centers. In no way do the views I express here represent the views of O&P Centers. I just thought it would be fun to add the video, as it shows some of what is possible to those that wear prosthetic devices.

Thanks. Happy Holidays! TyW

Fifteen Thousand Plus!

Since I started this site almost three years ago...I never had big expectations. It was always my hope that if someone came to this page and it made even a small difference, it would be a worthwhile effort.

Roughly 16 new people find their way to this page every day. I have gotten phone calls and email from all over the world. I can't explain how good of a feeling that is. 

I know my spelling and grammar are often mangled...I never claimed to be an articulate writer. I am sincerely honored that people take time out of their lives to give this site a view every once in a while.

Thanks a zillion - Ty

Wake Up Call

I am in the middle of composing a blog about 'Fabricating A Prosthesis'. It has become quite a project. It looks like it is going to take me another week or so to finish it. I wanted to do a nice detailed post with some pictures attached and so fourth.

In the mean time I decided to drop in something this week...to try and let go of the disdain I held from my last writing. I ran across a great video project about 4 months ago. Wake Up Call is a series of videos put together from clips of ' The Joe Rogan Experience'. Yes that Joe Rogan, the host of Fear Factor. Apparently Rogan is quite an ambitious individual. In addition to Fear Factor Rogan  runs a radio/podcast program, is himself a mixed martial arts champion, has toured as a stand up comedian, is a common UFC commentator and delves in many other things. I had no ideal he was as positive, spiritual and thought provoking as he is. I just assumed he was another roided out meat head. I guess that just goes to show you not to make assumptions. 

The videos are put together by Dominoes Falling Production. One of Dominoes declared mission statements is, "We make films from a collaboration of many different types of media ". That is exactly how these Rogan videos are comprised. There are clips from his show, movies, music, pictures and lots of other media forms eclectically strung together to weave a common theme. 

I enjoy the message these videos try to spread. In addition to that, I think the videos tap into the future of what global media is about. Cable TV is about to die. The internet is where it all will all be soon. Seriously why move your schedule around programming when you can stream whatever content you want, when you want, at a fraction of the price? What is even more amazing is the producers of much of this programming will be us! Think about how many news stories have come about from the common person blogging about it or that have surfaced from cell phone videos? Power to the people!

I am not saying that big networks are going to die (at least not without fighting - hence the mass of copyright and downloading laws), there will always be big network programming and news. What we will no longer have to accept is what the big media tell us is good.  Now we have a lot more say and intimate choice in what we decide to place our eyes on. We don't have to settle for recycled remakes or reality TV if we don't want it. 

Some of you won't get this. That is fine go ahead watch the bachelor, syndicated reruns, and reality train wrecks so you can gab about it with your co-workers or be in the know when they discuss it on morning radio.  I do not think you are a bad or dumb person if this is your choice. I am sure others would consider my viewing preferences and weird or eccentric. I just think there is so much more out there. How about something that makes a difference and spreads a positive message?

You can Google any subject you want, anything you have ever been interested about and find video or other forms of media about it. Even better you can add to that information and maybe help others learn more about your common interest. It is a big world out there.

As mentioned, I think these 'Wake Up Call' videos are wonderful. The main thing they tap into is finding happiness within yourself. This is always one of my big themes. For if you can't be happy with you...How can you make another happy? You deserve to be happy! Life is too short, you should enjoy your moment here. You have ability to help others find joy in their journey as well.

One word of caution. Some of the subjects and language in these works are a little uncomfortable, even for me at times. I do not agree 100% with everything that is said. What I do agree with is their right to say it. I also know that the people whom put this series together definitely have a message to spread. A message of  being good, believing in yourself and thinking for yourself . Proceed with caution and please try to keep an open mind. You never know where expanding your views may take you. 

Wake up call is a 7 video series. I highly encourage you to give them a chance and explore them. If you don't feel you can sit through a bunch of videos I get it. I would encourage you to at least check out the 
Wake Up Call Chapter 2 - It Starts With A Question  video. As I feel it really touches on the main themes being expelled here.    

Thanks Ty

Me, You & The Universe

Can you define happiness? I am sure we can all come up with an ideal of what it is. If you could find total happiness what would it be worth to you? I'd like to think it would be worth a lot to any of us. The simplest definition I can come up with for happiness is: Living a care free life.  As a thought that actually sounds pretty easy doesn't it? Think of it. A life where you get up each day and never get upset or bothered about anything.

We all know it isn't easy. Think of all the successful people in this world. People that seem to have it all and still can not find peace in their lives. I could name names.  I am sure you can envision people (many celebrities come to mind) that you would think should be happy, but obviously are not.

The realization is that we trick ourselves. We say if we only had this or that we wouldn't have any problems. This is short sighted. New problems, and opportunities, come and go everyday. Money and fame does not make us immune from problems. I don't know how many times I have thought, 'Man if I didn't have this commitment' or 'If only I had more money' I would be happy.

The evidence shows a different story though. You see rich people, poor people, healthy people, sick people that all seem to have varying levels of happiness.

So what is the key? I wish I knew for certain. That question is right up there with the meaning of life. I am sure the answer to both questions are probably related. Actually, I think I have a good ideal of how to be happy. I believe we all do. It is just so easy to get caught up in meaningless  distractions that have no relationship to true happiness or well being. There are many events and circumstances that if we let them, will drag us down.

There are really only a small set of  rules that need to be followed for true joy to be reached in our lives.This list is not the end all, but I do think that if most of us honestly followed these rules we would be quite blissful.

1. Be grateful for what you have.
2. Remember that life is a gift.
3. Refrain from dwelling on the past.
4. Do not worry about the future.
5. Actively follow your dreams.
6. Be happy with who YOU are.
7, Do not get distracted or upset by negative forces. 

Of course, all of these rules can really be broken down into one big rule. 

                                        LIVE IN THE MOMENT

The past is gone. The future is uncertain. All you really can do is make the most out of what you have right before you, right now, this place, and this time.

All of this is easier said than done. As mentioned I know we all can think of those we thought had it all whom led terrible, unhappy lives. There's the bills, unfriendly people, bad drivers, bad news, pressure from work, feeling inadequate, wishing things were different, envy, feeling sorry for yourself, and a zillion other distraction to get you off track.

My advice is when things seem bad or when you get upset you stop...breath, think, and remember to  LIVE IN THE MOMENT. 

I don't know if you have heard that we all have star dust as part of our DNA? The theory is that the universe was formed from exploding stars. Everything in our universe was formed from the material of these exploding bodies. Everything including you and me. we are made of the chemicals that shine bright up in the sky and give us immense beauty. We are formed from the same elements that make up some of the most adorned objects in the universe, including the sun. You are part of that greatness!

A star is not most beautiful when I gazed upon it yesterday. I am not certain I or it will be there tomorrow. A star is most beautiful as I watch it's glow 'RIGHT NOW IN THIS MOMENT'.

Shine On!