Kirk blAug

Last night, a delightful evening unfolded as the boys and I embarked on an adventure to the Moolah Shrine Circus, courtesy of our company's generous provision of tickets. The atmosphere brimmed with excitement, the air filled with the scent of popcorn and cotton candy, as families and friends gathered in anticipation of the night's performances. The Moolah Shrine Circus, with its vibrant display of skills and entertainment, certainly offered us a night of enjoyment. From the thrilling sphere of death to the graceful arcs of the trapeze artists and the daring feats on the high wires, each act was a testament to the circus tradition. Yet, as we witnessed these performances, a comparison naturally arose in our minds, drawing us back to the cherished memories of Circus Flora, St. Louis's own local circus gem. Circus Flora stands out not just for its acts, but for the way it weaves a captivating narrative through its performances, adding layers of depth and engagement to the spe

Today was one of those days that felt both ordinary and quietly remarkable. My journey began with the weekly commute to the office, a change of scenery from my usual work-from-home routine. The day's first delight was a breakfast burrito from the company café, a savory start that set the tone for the hours ahead. As I settled into my workspace, the day unfolded with a rhythm of productivity. I navigated through my Jira tickets, moving them to the 'done' column with a sense of accomplishment. This small victory was soon followed by a more significant milestone—a glowing yearly review from my manager. It's moments like these that remind me of the progress we make, often without realizing it. Returning home, I was greeted by the calm presence of Jupiter and Tsunami. Tsunami and I ventured out for our routine walk, a time for us to unwind and connect. Later, Jupiter drove me for a to the Mobil, an educational excursion focused on the less glamorous but essential skill of pu

 Lately, my appreciation for Jupiter's burgeoning interest in music, particularly the punk rock I grew up with, has taken on a new dimension. Bands like NOFX and Bad Religion, staples of my youth, now fill our home with familiar chords and lyrics, bridging generational divides with their timeless appeal. Our exploration deepened upon rediscovering the Punk-o-rama compilations, a treasure trove of artists that provided the soundtrack to my teenage years. These compilations have sparked conversations about the bands, their histories, and the broader social context of punk music, allowing me to share my experiences of the punk scene in the '90s. In turn, Jupiter, with his keen musicianship, introduces me to the technical aspects, like the types of guitars used by these punk icons, and impresses me with his ability to play a wide array of punk songs. The culmination of this musical bonding journey is an upcoming trip to Texas for NOFX's final tour, an event featuring a lineup t

Diving into the remake of Mario vs. Donkey Kong has been a captivating journey back into the world of a classic puzzle platformer. The game, a faithful recreation of the original, which Jupiter owns, has provided countless hours of engaging gameplay. Its jazzy soundtrack adds a delightful backdrop to the puzzle-solving antics, enhancing the overall experience. Progressing through the game, I found myself equally challenged and charmed by its clever level designs. Reaching perfect completion on each level up to World 8 was a testament to both skill and perseverance. World 8, however, marked a significant spike in difficulty, demanding as much time and effort as the first four or five worlds combined. The intricate puzzles and obstacles tested my limits, presenting a formidable barrier to the end credits. The real surprise came after overcoming the arduous challenges of World 8. As the end credits rolled, I was met with the revelation of three additional 'expert' worlds, an unexp

Tonight finds me at the Old Rock House, immersed in the unique experience that is a That 1 Guy show. Known for his inventive instrument, the Magic Pipe, That 1 Guy’s performances are more than just concerts; they’re a fusion of sound and visual art that captivates the senses. My introduction to That 1 Guy came long before tonight, a musical encounter that didn't fully capture my attention until Chris, thinking it sounded interesting, gifted me tickets to one of his shows. That evening transformed my appreciation for his artistry. The combination of his music with the coordinated visuals from three projectors created an immersive experience unlike any other. It was an audiovisual spectacle that left an indelible mark on my memory. As I sit here, surrounded by the energy of the crowd and the magic of the performance, my thoughts inevitably drift to the more challenging aspects of my life—namely, the divorce. Coming to terms with the realization that the person I envisioned sharing my

In conversations about generational shifts, I often encounter the viewpoint that children today are living in a world made 'too easy' by technology. This sentiment puzzles me, as it seems to miss the underlying aim that has propelled generations forward: the desire to provide a better life for our offspring. The advent of technology and the ease it brings to our children's lives should be celebrated, not lamented. It's a reflection of progress, of the strides we've made as a society to ease the burdens we once bore. When I playfully tell Jupiter, "You kids these days are so lucky," it's with a genuine appreciation for the advancements that allow him to enjoy a soundtrack to his school day—a small luxury that could have transformed my own educational experience. Labeling the current generation as 'lazy' because of their technological advantages is a misinterpretation of their reality. Today's children, growing up in a digital world, are equi