(Not particularly in order)
As it often goes with youtube clicking tangents, a string of Ron Paul videos brought me to someone asking Rick Santorum if he's googled himself lately, and then Ali Havens endorsing Dr. Paul, then next thing I know I'm looking at a picture of Kelly Volunteerism at the Manchester Airport in her underwear…
A few more reads about Keene's new Bearcat, etc… and here I am. My ties in Keene date back to 1888 (well, further, but that's what's written in stone at the old homestead)- my grandfather was born and raised in Keene, my mother was born in Keene (but was the rebel in the family and the only one of 4 to be the rebel and move out west, do the California hippie thing), I went to college in Keene, used to work at Bagel Works (when it was still called Bagel Works), and after some adventures, back in the area.
I'm a Pacific Northwesterner through and through (anyone who is or has met Oregonians/Washington/Idaho folk may know what I'm talking about), and getting used to East Coast life has been tough- I'm not a fan of Mass (moved to Waltham in '05). Thankfully NH has more of a "west coast feel" to it, the community, the people, the land, they allow fireworks… haha
I'm a fan of freedom, ride a motorcycle, have more firearms than I can carry, just livin' the dream… (though currently severely underemployed- like one weekend a month).
Anyway, I was a Ron Paul fan before it was "cool" ('07), like being involved in community action (I dress up like action figures for national and local charities, as well as just for all around joy spreading- amazing what the power of a high-five or fist bump can have on a kid- you can read up on the "mission reports" on the below link, if you're curious, would love to find some things to do, support around here!), and I'm kinda bored/lonely/no friends in the area, so figured I'd check out the scene.
I see you've got a lot of activities going on- certainly would jump on workouts and stuff- any snow sporters? I've been boarding at Wachusett a lot lately now that there's actually some snow. When it melts- any ultimate frisbee fans? Or soccer? I love me some pick up sports, lots of great fields/parks in Keene, I'm also just down the road from the very cool Surry Moutain Dam Beach. Movie nights, game nights, let's do it up! I also love to cook… almost as much as I like to eat! Would love to share my feasts- butternut squash enchiladas anyone?
Hope this suffices… haha ;D
http://www.501neg.com/roster/?mode=profile&id=2582&cat=tb
Welcome Dude!
Hello and welcome!
I think you'll find there is plenty to do both activisty and socially.
Outdoor recreation? There's a group all about that and most members are in this area: https://www.facebook.com/groups/171979599518476/
Also, you should come by Social Sundays tomorrow at McCue's and meet some folks. Get details on the Free Keene calendar event: http://calendar.freekeene.com
[quote author=FTL_Ian link=topic=5952.msg57331#msg57331 date=1327202974]
Also, you should come by Social Sundays tomorrow at McCue's and meet some folks. Get details on the Free Keene calendar event: http://calendar.freekeene.com
[/quote]
I saw that, I'm down in Mass at the moment though, picking up my grandparents from Logan tomorrow evening, so no can do.
They've got trivia there Tuesday nights too… and winning= free food! (2nd place also gets a hefty discount off the bill).
Oh, and while it's been some time, I'm a bit of a karaoke fan as well. And live pretty close to the bowling alley (Gino's has it a few nights a week too). Rock on with your free self! 8)
Awesome. I hope you'll stick around.
P.S. No internet at my place, but thankfully I've located a number of wifi hotspots in Keene, so lurking in parking lots… haha.
So my access/participation can be spotty at times unfortunately.
A little more about me, I guess it saves some time during introductions? (a bit scattered)
The last several days I've come across a lot of links, read a lot of articles, watched a lot of youtube videos, trying to get more of a feel for the "community". Of course, the more you dig, the more questions you get sometimes. But also, just eye-opening, and appreciated. I'm definitely one to take things with a grain of salt, and like to take in as many assessments before coming to a conclusion (it's in my nature, and I'm an analyst by trade). Many struck a chord or two, some had me saying "fuck yeah!" and other times just left me shaking my head.
I like Skeptikos's 3 year retrospective http://freekeene.com/2011/11/24/new-hampshire-a-three-year-retrospective-with-advice/
Like all "too good to be true" type ventures, we've all got our… "differences". Factions? I suppose it happens. Even in a in a perfect world, people tend to disagree either on either planning, execution, and/or intent. But hey, that's what makes us great- we celebrate our differences and embrace the diversity, many would argue that it makes us stronger.
Also empathized with a fellow wounded warrior, I feel similarly in a lot of respects, but also know that as a kind-hearted, semi-worldly person I make an impact on everyone I meet, friend or foe, and try to make as much of a positive influence as I can.
http://www.first-draft.com/2011/05/i-didnt-fight-for-your-freedom.html
Felt pretty "validated" with this article. While I was never "diagnosed" as "gifted", this is something I've struggled with in school, the workplace, other people, life…
http://www.giftedguru.com/?p=494
I like the idea of Robin Hood and his Merry Men, I unfortunately haven't been so lucky to be graced with their kindness and have gotten a few parking tickets myself in Keene.
I dunno… I'm not a vindictive or malicious person, but I do tend to be begrudging… very, very begrudging. That nice, naive, trusting, open-minded, doggedly loyal person who wants so much to wear his heart on his sleeve who still somehow sorta exists after all heart-break and betrayal and disillusionment… the world's full of liars, cheats, and thieves, and somehow they can often sniff me out of a crowd…
I was an environmental policy major at Keene State, basically a tree hugger in suit, trying to pursue a path in the system, to fight the system. I was a bit more drawn to the boots on ground impact though- taking several trips to Mexico to aid in the rescue of Olive Ridley sea turtles.
I've driven cross country from Boston to Seattle, down to LA and back during a 6 week excursion, only once staying in a hotel, the rest of the time rekindling old friendships, meeting estranged family, or enjoying the kindness of strangers (http://www.couchsurfing.org/ anyone?)
A bi-product of two very different parents-
My father, Richard Koenig, http://oregonshout.ning.com/profiles/blogs/richard-koenig-bio has spent the better part of his life fighting corruption in the state of Oregon, only to find himself confined (again) http://oregonshout.ning.com/profiles/blogs/richard-koenig-update http://oregonshout.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-ohu-abuse-of-richard–koenig.
And my mother (they were never married, and not together too long), is an herbalist and naturopath http://www.spiritherbs.com/.
I'm the oldest of several cousins, one of which I didn't realize was actually indirectly telling me about you guys last month when I was headed in for jury duty last month (he's from Seattle, and seems to know very well of some of the Free Keene efforts)- "Nullify! And are you really near Keene NH? There is a long history of nullification in Keene. http://fija.org/category/jury-nullification/"
Anyway, save ya on some of the background investigation/research (though I am fully aware that my cyber footprint is huge, and a simple google search will comprise mostly from my 3.5 years of hell on recruiting duty- hey, front page of the Boston Globe… haha). Understandable, you wanna know what kind of nuts, good or bad, you're letting into your circle of trust.
Google may not bring up something a little more personal and humanized like this though (it's old, and pretty untouched, back in the day when young htmlers practiced their web building skills through copy and paste, trial and error). But I think it still helps paint the picture. http://www.angelfire.com/me2/jakers/
And that's about it, in a very large nutshell… I try to make no false pretenses about who I am or what I do, and hope to meet many others that are the same. Mutual respect, kindness, and compassion goes a long way, don't you think?
(Also, I have 2-3 extra rooms, and a big ass barn, would really like the idea of opening it up to more people- could really use the financial help, for one, but of course one needs to be wary… just wish it didn't HAVE to be so)
Oh right, and I'm a big sci-fi fan, who dresses up as characters from the universes of Star Wars, Predator, and Aliens…
And I'm not a fan of drama llamas… that is all. ;D
Aannd (sorry, god I need more to do today! I went down to the Surry volunteer Fire Department to see if they need any help… no one was there)… last "self-promotional" post, I swear! haha
We'll see where we all end up when the dust settles, but it won't matter in under a year, when election season comes… I mean the end of the world and the beginning of the Zombie Apocalypse! :Z haha
I've been a member over here for a while http://www.zombiehunters.org/- "Zombie Squad's mission is to educate the public about the importance of personal preparedness and community service, to increase its readiness to respond to disasters such as earthquakes, floods or zombie outbreaks."
Not that I'm very active, but I wouldn't be surprised if there were some other dual members out there…
Excellent. If you are looking to rent out rooms, you should post details in the Keene housing subforum here - have you seen that area yet? Many potential movers look there for options.