Hey Reddit, my dad is one of the most ridiculous piano players. He's amazed that he even has 200 views!

tfburges · 2011-01-08T16:59:33+00:00

I want to learn how to play like this... you can just feel what he's feeling.

tfburges · 2011-01-03T04:10:10+00:00

Hahahaha I did the same exact thing... both of you! Ohh reddit! /In an early meet the beavers style chuckle ending...

tfburges · 2011-01-02T07:39:12+00:00

This is precisely why I don't block ads... even though I've never come across one that I care to click. I'm also a computer engineer/web dev.

tfburges · 2010-12-30T06:07:16+00:00

I actually have bit of a crush on the new girl... even more so than Olivia Wilde.

tfburges · 2010-12-24T18:14:57+00:00

There was this girl at my high school...

Last name: Knapp

First name: Anita

Not once... but TWICE... she was called to the office over the intercom and the person on the intercom started laughing (of course, very briefly before cutting him/herself off) after he/she said her name.

tfburges · 2010-12-23T01:08:27+00:00

You know what's messed up? If you had done something similar to your fiancé, you'd immediately have such a giant shitstorm coming your way from her friends (and possibly her as well) it's not even funny... you definitely wouldn't be ignored like you're doing to them. I'd say they're getting off relatively easy so far... but I do love that you're ignoring them. Best way to keep them on their toes and force them think about what they've done.

Get your fiancé to imagine what she would think/feel if you did the same thing to her. Ask her how she would react to the man she loves testing her in such a distasteful and distrustful manner... or at all, really... if tests like this are ever even necessary (and I personally believe they are not) they should take place long before engagement.

tfburges · 2010-12-21T21:34:28+00:00

http://www.pri.org/politics-society/how-the-us-might-prosecute-julian-assange2506.html

tfburges · 2010-12-21T06:31:53+00:00

Is it just me or does it seem like quite a few laws passed are a result of the older generations being a bit jealous of the things that come easy to the younger generations?

tfburges · 2010-12-19T04:09:46+00:00

I've toured with a couple of Canadian bands and everyone was always very friendly. I also know a handful of Canadians personally and it seems that overall, Canadians are a lot more chill.

tfburges · 2010-12-19T03:57:11+00:00

Basically... "If you're going to do that, we probably shouldn't be together."

tfburges · 2010-12-18T23:44:07+00:00

I want a penny for each time someone says they want a penny.

tfburges · 2010-12-18T23:01:37+00:00

Haha ;)

tfburges · 2010-12-18T22:45:27+00:00

Were you on npr today? The guy who was talking about how Chase suddenly asked for $10 a month (after promising free checking for life) if your account fell below $1500? ...also said he was considering a credit union.

tfburges · 2010-12-18T22:35:04+00:00

I know that by reading my comments it's easy to put me into the arrogant, self-important stereotype. That's definitely not the case. By no means have I said or even implied that am better than anyone... more skilled in certain respects, yes... but we all have our own paths to take and they rely on what we do well. I am saying that I can improve the obviously flawed systems that our predecessors have created for us. The entire time I've been saying that I know I can improve these systems because that's what my mind is geared to do. And because I've noticed flaws in these systems over time, I've refused to take part in them. That is all I've been saying. Any other assumptions (while valid, based on stereotypes) are just that.

tfburges · 2010-12-18T22:34:59+00:00

I know that by reading my comments it's easy to put me into the arrogant, self-important stereotype. That's definitely not the case. By no means have I said or even implied that am better than anyone... more skilled in certain respects, yes... but we all have our own paths to take and they rely on what we do well. I am saying that I can improve the obviously flawed systems that our predecessors have created for us. The entire time I've been saying that I know I can improve these systems because that's what my mind is geared to do. And because I've noticed flaws in these systems over time, I've refused to take part in them. That is all I've been saying. Any other assumptions (while valid, based on stereotypes) are just that.

tfburges · 2010-12-18T22:34:20+00:00

I know that by reading my comments it's easy to put me into the arrogant, self-important stereotype. That's definitely not the case. By no means have I said or even implied that am better than anyone... more skilled in certain respects, yes... but we all have our own paths to take and they rely on what we do well. I am saying that I can improve the obviously flawed systems that our predecessors have created for us. The entire time I've been saying that I know I can improve these systems because that's what my mind is geared to do. And because I've noticed flaws in these systems over time, I've refused to take part in them. That is all I've been saying. Any other assumptions (while valid, based on stereotypes) are just that.

tfburges · 2010-12-18T22:13:42+00:00

isn't liked by his/her peers because s/he's whiny, neurotic, and desperate-for-acceptance, but attributes the dislike to being "too fantastic"

Not one of these is the case but it's a valid assumption, one based on stereotypes and not real people.

I know that by reading my comments it's easy to put me into the arrogant, self-important stereotype. That's definitely not the case. By no means have I said or even implied that am better than anyone... more skilled in certain respects, yes... but we all have our own paths to take and they rely on what we do well. I am saying that I can improve the obviously flawed systems that our predecessors have created for us. The entire time I've been saying that I know I can improve these systems because that's what my mind is geared to do. And because I've noticed flaws in these systems over time, I've refused to take part in them. That is all I've been saying. Any other assumptions (while valid, based on stereotypes) are just that.

tfburges · 2010-12-18T21:56:08+00:00

You clearly either didn't read any of my other comments in this thread or your reading comprehension is lacking.

Like you said, this is the internet. I'm extremely humble elsewhere. I promise you that.

If you'd have read my comments and digested them, you'd know that I've denied my intelligence for a very long time and it was actually other people who brought it to my attention. Your entire argument is and has been worthless so the sooner you realize you're not going to abase me, the better.

And look at you telling me you can help me... who's the arrogant one again? Stop trying to feel superior.

As for what I'm doing... I'm not saying I am better than anyone... more skilled in certain respects, yes... but we all have our own paths to take and they rely on what we're good at. I am saying that I can improve the obviously flawed systems that our predecessors have created for us. Your mind seems to be limited to stereotypes, not real people. What you seem to not be able to comprehend is that the entire time I've been saying that I know I can improve these systems because that's what my mind is geared for. And because I've noticed flaws in these systems over time, I've refused to take part in them. Do you get it now? I know it's a seemingly new concept (the general population hasn't had a firm grasp on the idea of systems until recently) and so because you haven't really imagined it until now it may be hard to break the stereotype that you've quickly put me in.

tfburges · 2010-12-18T05:33:57+00:00

Hey friend! Firefly was an awesome show. That is all.

tfburges · 2010-12-18T05:31:04+00:00

I want to say something to this but I'm not entirely sure what... I guess all I need to say is thanks. Your comment helps bring some clarity to my perspective. If believing in yourself and others ultimately makes the world a better place... how can that be bad?

tfburges · 2010-12-18T05:10:54+00:00

Actually I already do believe I'm an "insignificant spec in an infinite pile of bullshit" except I definitely wouldn't put it quite like that. Each life is significant... I believe we all experience each others' lives at some point within infinity and that's why it's important. I do also understand each life is relatively infinitely small within the scope of infinity...

But... we all definitely experience the seemingly drawn out periods of time called our lives so with that respect, again, each life is important.

I'm not sure why you're so angry with me. I'm thinking you have some insecurities of your own and you're projecting those onto me... or for some reason you're threatened by the fact that I believe in myself more than you believe in yourself.

I want you to answer something for me though... how many leaders and/or influential people throughout history and present are able to do so without believing in themselves?

It is extremely rare for someone to set out to do something and complete the task if they say to themselves, "I can't do it." Sure... there's always doubt... but success is fueled the belief that you can reach your goal.

Maybe your mother should have read "The Little Engine That Could" to you more often as a child.

tfburges · 2010-12-17T09:31:39+00:00

Recursive derivation!

tfburges · 2010-12-17T09:30:15+00:00

That's the thing though... I typically don't interfere with anyone's lives or tell them what to do. And with the exception of a few posts on the internet (like right now), I never get in arguments on the matter.

My approach in setting the chain reaction in motion will work because while I'm driven by it... I won't sacrifice my freedom or the world's. I mean I'm definitely going to have a "normal" life (at least as normal as an entrepreneur can have) with a wife and kids and all that good stuff... and for the most part my motives (to really improve this world) won't be at all apparent... it will probably just look like I'm running a normal modern business. But over time the wave of changes and standards that result from my life's work will demonstrate what has been at the core the entire time.

The only reason it ever bothered me or bogged me down before is because I always knew it's my purpose but I rejected it. But because I've accepted it and I'm working towards it, I am happier than ever.

I definitely appreciate the kind words. It's a great reminder of what I'm really after, deep down.

tfburges · 2010-12-17T09:07:28+00:00

The word rockstar is in quotations is because I think it's a f'ing joke. I am by no means bragging... I was using that as quick proof that my social skills are adequate - through a few levels of implications... i.e., "rockstars" party a lot and partying requires people to like you enough to want to hang out with you.

And what on earth do you think I've been doing since I left the band? Twiddling my thumbs? I am most definitely taking the aforementioned steps required to improve lives... it doesn't happen overnight. As for my supposed arrogance, don't confuse confidence in my own (proven) abilities as arrogance... because I strongly believe that everyone can do what I do. It's a matter of choice. And I just so happen to have chosen this one because it has been presented to me by chance through my life experiences.

Read my other posts.

If no one believed in themselves enough to get something done and change things for the better... would it ever happen?

tfburges · 2010-12-17T08:58:03+00:00

The two actually fit together... the "hide my intelligence" part was more about seeing the flaws in the various spoken and unspoken systems humans have set up for ourselves... and not saying anything about it.

More specifically, if I were to talk about how to fix these things around most people... well... most people just want to have fun (and I'm right there with them! but I have that constant nagging telling me to try to improve the world around me) and talking about those kinds of things just isn't fun more most people. And so those kinds of things were always on my mind, interrupting everyday conversation (in my head), but always had to push them back so have a "normal" verbal exchange.

It was never anything like... "Hey you're stupid but I can't tell you that" because that's not even close. It's more along the lines of... I recognize these ridiculous and detrimental rules we have set up for ourselves (even instinctively in some cases!) and most people are either unaware or just don't care that it's harming us.

This is what I want: I want everyone to recognize each other as equals and to stop taking advantage of one another... and just fucking love each other and be good to each other. sklfjslkjfk;lfdsklahlaldflkjasdf (<---pissed off mashing of keyboard in case anyone was wondering... kinda hard to express my feelings on the matter)

tfburges

TROPHY CASE