Tag: life

Random, Thoughts

Thoughts: Choice

Joe Van

https://youtu.be/YQ4l4zA-PVQ Welcome to #53 of Thoughts. In today's episode I go over the topic of: choice, while tying in free will, causality, and determinism. Enjoy! THOUGHTS: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLyW0IXUsqiMV1g7qYcuJxhqxpIszT-o-k REVIEWS: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLyW0IXUsqiMXvgFCWmE9IikMvSXs35HJL Z O N E S: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLyW0IXUsqiMVXwdSqC9X7L1UDDapgcyxT MONKE: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLyW0IXUsqiMX_doqCZdBtnAttTVzQVlxH TIER LISTS: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLyW0IXUsqiMXr-y5V5quN5w-K3-xVPT4U PRIMATE NATION: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLyW0IXUsqiMWM_8uM9jsS-VyxDPEJ8p_V PATREON: https://youtu.be/a_bLwZJzJno SECRET PODCAST: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/jd-streams/id1541025716 UNPLUGGED PODCAST: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChBigRAO1r1s5hlS57jiP8g TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@thejoevandotcom?lang=en

Thoughts

Impossible Places

Joe Van

Impossible places. It’s a vague title, I know, but I didn’t know what to officially call this one. Today, I want to go over the concept of impossible places, but ones you desire deeply to go to. Kind of like the inverse to liminal spaces. Where one gives an eerie sense of familiarity, one that… Continue reading Impossible Places

Thoughts

Neophobia

Joe Van

It’s late at night, and you’re home alone. You’re young and this is the first time it’s happened. You were excited at first but as the sun’s light faded beyond the horizon and darkness covered the outside world, you were compelled to turn on every light in the house. An urging sense of fear overtook… Continue reading Neophobia

Poetry

Carapace

Joe Van

I was born into a opened, burning world. Its wrath is old, tenable, and ceaseless. My fingers coil and brow furrows. I struggle to rise. The air weighs heavy on me. I pain to see through muddied light, but it seems, sadly, only the same sits staring on the horizon. Yet something stirs. Now change… Continue reading Carapace

Random, Thoughts

AUTHORITY Scene Review

Joe Van

https://youtu.be/MjvYxafHFoo Here's the first video of 2022! Welcome back, and to kick things off we're going to start with this little micro review of the novel Authority, from the Southern Reach Trilogy. Here we will go over one single scene in the novel and break down how it nails everything a scene can and should… Continue reading AUTHORITY Scene Review

JD Streams, The JAD: Unplugged

Tech, Ghosts, and Couch Guy – Unplugged #39

Joe Van

Welcome everyone to episode #39 of The JAD: Unplugged! Joe, Aidan, and Derron are here with special guest Michael to give you insight on the topics covered in today's episode: -Technology -Ghosts -Couch Guy PODCAST: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/jd-streams/id1541025716 JOE VAN: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwmAfQyH-NmPbOsDesbyksg DERRON G: https://www.youtube.com/user/TheDerronG MOVIE MOTEL: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCToUfgtdZ2WgEcuXflVg6Ug #Canada #Podcast #Unplugged #Toronto #JoeVan #DerronG #MovieMotel

Thoughts

Pigs

Joe Van

https://youtu.be/3Q-WFUcIKHc So, what the heck are pigs, I hear you ask. A pig is any of the animals in the genus Sus, within the even-toed ungulate family Suidae. Pigs include domestic pigs (Sus domesticus) and their ancestor, the common Eurasian wild boar (Sus scrofa), along with other species. Pigs, like all suids, are native to the Eurasian and African continents, ranging from Europe to the Pacific islands. Juvenile… Continue reading Pigs

JD Streams, Joe Van's Secret Podcast

SP 68: A Relationship with Yourself

Joe Van

Welcome back to episode 68 of Joe Van’s Secret Podcast, where I have on another new guest. We talk about the simulation, relationships, multiple best friends, enjoying just yourself, dealing with realities of life, narratives bad actors with good intentions have, and the supernatural! Enjoy. PODCAST LINK: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/jd-streams/id1541025716 YOUTUBE CHANNEL: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwmAfQyH-NmPbOsDesbyksg

JD Streams, The JAD: Unplugged

Shoes – Unplugged #34

Joe Van

Welcome everyone to episode #34 of The JD: Unplugged! We re-welcome Aidan A.K.A. Movie Motel, as well as a new guest, Sydney, to give us insight on the topics we cover in today's episode: -Teaching -Shoes -MLK in Fortnight -Scammers -Vacation PODCAST: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/jd-streams/id1541025716 JOE VAN: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwmAfQyH-NmPbOsDesbyksg DERRON G: https://www.youtube.com/user/TheDerronG MOVIE MOTEL: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCToUfgtdZ2WgEcuXflVg6Ug #Canada #Podcast #Unplugged… Continue reading Shoes – Unplugged #34

JD Streams, The JAD: Unplugged

Jolt, Black Box, and Reunited! – Unplugged #33

Joe Van

Welcome everyone to episode #33 of The JD: Unplugged! We re-welcome Aidan A.K.A. Movie Motel to spit more reviews on movies. The topics we cover in today's episode are: -Reunited at long last! -Jolt Review -The way of the world by narratives (A PSA by Joe Van) -Black Box Review PODCAST: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/jd-streams/id1541025716 JOE VAN: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwmAfQyH-NmPbOsDesbyksg… Continue reading Jolt, Black Box, and Reunited! – Unplugged #33

Random

Harambe

Joe Van

https://youtu.be/RlNLMet5IY4 Hola Primate Nation! Welcome to another addition of Monke in Review, where we go over monkes both big and small across history! Today I present: Harambe the gorilla. He changed the world, sadly, in his martyrdom. But with his loss the collective internet began paying more attention to primate treatment in captivity. However, it… Continue reading Harambe

JD Streams, Joe Van's Secret Podcast

SP 67: Social Conventions

Joe Van

Welcome back to episode 67 of Joe Van’s Secret Podcast, where I have on another new guest. We, new occupants of the Toronto life, talk about moving in, the earliest memory anyone has ever had, aggression, depression, being a realist, and living in the world we know. Enjoy! PODCAST LINK: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/jd-streams/id1541025716 YOUTUBE CHANNEL: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwmAfQyH-NmPbOsDesbyksg

JD Streams, The JAD: Unplugged

David Dobrik’s Apology, H3 Policeman, and Justice League Snyder Cut – Unplugged #18

Joe Van

Welcome everyone to episode #18 of The JD: Unplugged! The topics we cover in today's episode are: -David Dobrik's downfall -H3's role in the previously mentioned downfall -Justice League OG and the Zach Snyder cut -The dance of life PODCAST: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/jd-streams/id1541025716

JD Streams, Spoken Thoughts

Z o n e s 3

Joe Van

https://youtu.be/AW0aBQE6KDI Welcome again to Z o n e s. Follow our protagonist between worlds, before and after 'the war'. His journey continues from zone to zone, while life in the city changes. A new mysterious figure haunts his dreams, and new love is sparked. Enjoy!

JD Streams, Joe Van's Secret Podcast

SP 66: A Multitude of Drops

Joe Van

Welcome back to episode 66 of Joe Van’s Secret Podcast, where I have on another new guest. We, new occupants of the Toronto life, talk about moving in, the earliest memory anyone has ever had, aggression, depression, being a realist, and living in the world we know. Enjoy! PODCAST LINK: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/jd-streams/id1541025716 YOUTUBE CHANNEL: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwmAfQyH-NmPbOsDesbyksg

JD Streams, Joe Van's Secret Podcast

SP 65: Cause and Effect

Joe Van

Welcome back to episode 65 of Joe Van's Secret Podcast, where I have on a new guest. Having known each other years until late, we talk about work, early memories, philosophy, the impact we have on others through cause and effect, and the impact that ideas have. Enjoy. PODCAST LINK: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/jd-streams/id1541025716 YOUTUBE CHANNEL: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwmAfQyH-NmPbOsDesbyksg

JD Streams, Spoken Thoughts

Thoughts: Experiences

Joe Van

In this anniversary edition of Thoughts I go over the many concepts related to experiential existence, also known as just experience. Panpychism, dreams, and mindfulness are all fair game in this crazy thing we call life. Enjoy! ARTICLE LINK: https://thejoevan.com/2021/02/22/experiences/ PANPYCHISM: https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/panpsychism/

JD Streams, The JAD: Unplugged

The JD: Uplugged #15

Joe Van

Welcome everyone to episode #12 of The JD: Unplugged! Today we have on a new guest with a wide array of work experience, both inside the film industry and out. The topics we cover in today's episode are: -MOVIES! Snyder's cut, eXistenZ, Strange Days -Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit -Xbox Game Pass -Halo Infinite -Endless… Continue reading The JD: Uplugged #15

JD Streams, The JAD: Unplugged

The JD: Unplugged #14

Joe Van

Welcome everyone to episode #14 of The JD: Unplugged! Today we have on double the dose of guests, both NEW, to talk about their lives. The topics we cover in today's episode are: -Location situations -The last three years for our first guest -Ever-changing work life -Trekking in deep snow -Neanderthals -British Columbia -Travel issues… Continue reading The JD: Unplugged #14

JD Streams, Joe Van's Secret Podcast

SP 64: Cults and Isolation

Joe Van

Welcome back to episode 64 of Joe Van's Secret Podcast, where I have on our new guest from last episode to continue the question train! We talk about our earliest memories, his second-hand experience with cults, a stable outlook on being alone, instinctual fear, and aliens! Enjoy. PODCAST LINK: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/jd-streams/id1541025716 YOUTUBE CHANNEL: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwmAfQyH-NmPbOsDesbyksg

JD Streams, The JAD: Unplugged

The JD: Unplugged #13

Joe Van

Welcome everyone to episode #13 of The JD: Unplugged! Today we have on double the dose of guests, both returning, to talk shop. The topics we cover in today's episode are: -Our Valentines' -Location situations -Talking shop: the creative process -Research -Aidan being an extra -Keeping a grip on I.P.s by any means -Evil Disney… Continue reading The JD: Unplugged #13

JD Streams, Joe Van's Secret Podcast

SP 63: The following program contains mature subject matter. Listener discretion is advised.

Joe Van

Welcome to episode 62 of Joe Van's Secret Podcast! In this episode I talk to a new secret guest about their work, rebellious adventures online, the power of optimism, finding peace in the randomness of our seemingly endless multiverse, and understanding human nature as natural. Enjoy! PODCAST LINK: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/jd-streams/id1541025716

JD Streams, The JAD: Unplugged

The JD: Unplugged #12

Joe Van

Welcome everyone to episode #12 of The JD: Unplugged! Today we have on a new guest with a wide array of work experience, both inside the film industry and out. The topics we cover in today's episode are: -Location situations -Nicknames -Work situations -Derron's lost tooth -Tiff, working out, and work space -Joe's journey to… Continue reading The JD: Unplugged #12

JD Streams, The JAD: Unplugged

The JD: Unplugged #11

Joe Van

Welcome everyone to episode #11 of The JD: Unplugged! The topics we cover in today's episode are: -Location situations -Wisdom teeth -Cleaning Dave & Busters -Savage gifts -Game stonks -Foodies -Female hygiene products overpriced! -Reopening for the virus -Breaking into NASA #Canada #Podcast #Unplugged

JD Streams, The JAD: Unplugged

The JD: Unplugged #10

Joe Van

Welcome everyone to episode #10 of The JD: Unplugged! We have two new guests on this week as we dive into the ever-changing landscape of exponential growth. The topics we cover in today's episode are: -Location situations -Gaming iterations -Cell phones -Marketing -Napping and isolation -Progressive countries and conservative ones -Mounties and inequality -Hope and… Continue reading The JD: Unplugged #10

JD Streams, The JAD: Unplugged

The JD: Unplugged #9

Joe Van

Welcome everyone to episode #9 of The JD: Unplugged! Today we have a guest: Kelechi Ofoha, creator and host of Kelechi TV. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCs22C2JFVLnyuPaaeukFVHw The topics we cover in today's episode are: -Location situations -Business independence -Politicians failing -Finding work -Helping others -Onlyfans -Sound of Metal and finding stillness -Karma -Visual information #Canada #Podcast #Unplugged

JD Streams, The JAD: Unplugged

The JD: Unplugged #8

Joe Van

Welcome everyone to episode #7 of The JD: Unplugged! The topics we cover in today's episode are: -Location situations -Festival food (raised without crans) -Politicians going on vacation -New Year -A 15-year-long dream -Daylight savings -Vaccines -Overthinking -YouTube doc and Sorry to Bother You -Lifetime of work -Art and business #Canada #Podcast #Unplugged

JD Streams, The JAD: Unplugged

The JD: Unplugged #7

Joe Van

Welcome everyone to episode #7 of The JD: Unplugged! The topics we cover in today's episode are: -Location situations -Edgy horror movies -The Wilds, peak boredom -What constitutes true struggles -Moral dilemmas

JD Streams, The JAD: Unplugged

The JD: Unplugged #3

Joe Van

Welcome everyone to episode #3 of The JD: Unplugged. Today we welcome Joe Van's sister to the conversation! The topics we cover in today's episode are: -Our locations -Protest -Lockdown -Businesses and taxes -Toilet paper rolls -Sundays or Mondays -Gendered roles -Mini worlds and babies -Dumb names -Scissors -Mandelbrots

JD Streams, The JAD: Unplugged

The JD: Unplugged #1

Joe Van

Welcome everyone to Derron and Joe's newest podcast series titled: The JD: Unplugged! For episode one we have on friend of the show Aidan from Movie Motel, to talk all things current in our crazy world. We had a blast opening this first chapter and we hope you all enjoy! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_GZQfthyUVU&t=29s

Thoughts

The Final Frontier

Joe Van

https://youtu.be/eTK5G2npZl0 It's hard to articulate, but the void; a word to describe nothing... Nothing, that isn't a thing, but a lack of, like the space between atoms, is the only thing that existed for all of us before we were born. This milestone edition of Thoughts is on the topic: the Final Frontier. None of… Continue reading The Final Frontier

AA EH, JD Streams

AA EH 14

Joe Van

Welcome back everyone to the AA EH, also known as the triple A podcast! Where we talk everything AA from alcoholism to recovery. Today's episode is special in that we have our very first guest on to talk with us! You'll soon find that he comes from quite the distance away but it does nothing… Continue reading AA EH 14

Spoken Thoughts

Thoughts 46: Where Did We Come From? Part Two

Joe Van

In episode forty-six of Thoughts, I continue our journey through the deep history of our species. What did we create on our own and what came instilled in us? How long did we wonder, and what traces of our ancestors can be seen in us today? I hope you all enjoy this take! It was… Continue reading Thoughts 46: Where Did We Come From? Part Two

Thoughts

Work and Happiness

Joe Van

Welcome back everyone to another thought piece by me, ya boy, Joe Van. Today we will be covering work life, and general daily happiness. I first named this piece 'Work', but considering most peoples' work takes up a majority of their life, I had to include happiness. Imagine if humans had the same sleeping cycle… Continue reading Work and Happiness

Spoken Thoughts

Thoughts 45: Aliens

Joe Van

In episode forty-five of Thoughts, I dive deep into the history and lore of aliens, what the word means, and how we've come to understand the possibility of other lifeforms in the universe. Enjoy! https://youtu.be/qIz_3cuvvn0

Spoken Thoughts

Thoughts 44: Where Did We Come From?

Joe Van

In episode forty-four of Thoughts, I go over the vast account of our ancestral lineage. From creation myth, to ancient aliens, to the facts, our time on Earth has been unfathomably long. Enjoy! https://youtu.be/yCY_NR-Ti5Q

Joe Van's Secret Podcast

SP 62: Shadows of Simulations

Joe Van

Welcome to episode 62 of Joe Van's Secret Podcast! In this episode I talk again, for the third time, with our first new guest post-COVID! This time we go over whether or not all of reality is simulated. We also talk about ideas, emotions, the concept of the 4th physical dimension, and personal beliefs. Enjoy!

Thoughts

Where Did We Come From? Part Two

Joe Van

What Is It Like to Be a Bat? is a paper that was written by American philosopher Thomas Nagel, first published in 1974. It was the public's introduction to the idea of, not only, 'I think; therefore I am,' but, 'there must be ways in which it is like to be something, other than our… Continue reading Where Did We Come From? Part Two

Joe Van's Secret Podcast

SP 61: Physiotherapy

Joe Van

Welcome to episode 61 of Joe Van's Secret Podcast! In this episode I interview a newly acquainted gentleman and professional who specializes in the therapy of the body. In his words, he 'beats people up until they're better'. I couldn't have put it better myself. Enjoy!

Thoughts

Aliens

Joe Van

What's that, in the sky? It's a bird! A plane! No, it's a U.F.O. BRO! Holy S**T Bro WHAT THE F**K?! Hey everybody and welcome back to another thought piece by me, ya boy, Joe Van! Today we will be going over the topic of aliens! Whether you mean people from another country, an unusual… Continue reading Aliens

Spoken Thoughts

Thoughts 41: Introductions

Joe Van

In episode forty-one of Thoughts, I read to you guys from the beginning page of my four completed novels. I start the narrative with a mini thought piece to prime y'all for the what the story will cover. Let me know if you guys liked this video however you can! It's greatly appreciated. Enjoy! https://youtu.be/sTaHpVYMSbc

Spoken Thoughts

Thoughts 40: Reality

Joe Van

In episode forty of Thoughts, I talk about the one thing we all perceive yet all perceive differently: reality. I go over how much we know or could know about reality, along with how our minds construct the reality we all personally experience. Enjoy! https://youtu.be/ZI_DSEB62pE

Thoughts

Where Did We Come From?

Joe Van

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yCY_NR-Ti5Q Well, once upon a time, Adam and Eve were made by God. According to the creation myth of the Abrahamic religions, they were the first man and woman. Okay, okay, I'm just messin' with you, but for the longest time this story and others (where we all came from one pair) was the only answer we would get… Continue reading Where Did We Come From?

Thoughts

Filberts

Joe Van

Great Value Deluxe Mixed Nuts (with 40% cashews) houses many nuts, one of them being hazelnuts... but on the packaging they refer to hazelnuts as filberts. My girlfriend wondered at first what filberts were and why they didn't put hazelnuts on the can. Great Value isn't a Canadian brand as it is owned by Walmart,… Continue reading Filberts

Spoken Thoughts

Thoughts 38: Ending Adolescence

Joe Van

In episode thirty-eight of Thoughts, I talk about growing up, from childhood to adolescence to adulthood. Life holds so many changes for us and we've charted them to great detail, save narrowly for the ending of adolescence, in my mind. I go over this and what it means to really grow up. Enjoy! https://youtu.be/roRjSVP5K0M

Thoughts

States of Consciousness

Joe Van

When I put together my visualized Thoughts piece: Reality, (that you may or may not have seen yet depending on when you're reading this,) I used psychedelic visuals to start the video, yet at no point did I talk about the mind in that altered state, only that hallucinations are to be taken with care...… Continue reading States of Consciousness

Thoughts

Reality

Joe Van

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZI_DSEB62pE What starts as something almost too simple to even think about, reality is so secretly perplexing that doing a deep dive into what we know will leave one floored. The truth is, we know very little about how we are here. The Big Bang theory is still the best possible take on how our… Continue reading Reality

Thoughts

Astrology

Joe Van

Before getting into it, I just wanted to preface this piece by saying that if you believe in astrology, turn away now! I come at it with my biases and am rude to the subject. Now, with that said... Ahh the reading of one's psychology through the motion of planets and stars, peak science. Welcome… Continue reading Astrology

Thoughts

Ending Adolescence

Joe Van

Adolescence itself is the period following the onset of puberty, during which a young person develops from a child into an adult. We all know about adolescence. Aside from us personally experiencing it, countless coming-of-age movies and shows cover it. Most of the other major life changes are covered as well. Growing up is a… Continue reading Ending Adolescence

Plugs

Proper Introductions 2020

Joe Van

https://youtu.be/Am2x4AGUzp0 Hello one and all! Check out my YouTube channel found through this video here or in my CHANNELS page. I'd love to have a conversation with you about any of the topics I've talked about, and the others I have yet to! Let me know what you think anywhere you can comment, and enjoy!

Joe Van's Secret Podcast

SP 60: Beautiful Simplicity

Joe Van

Welcome to episode 60 of Joe Van's Secret Podcast! In this episode I bring back my first new guest post COVID-19 to continue our deep dive into various subjects! We cover the economy and how by not increasing pay during something like inflation IS in itself an action, we cover our earliest memories, health and… Continue reading SP 60: Beautiful Simplicity

Joe Van's Secret Podcast

SP 59: Context

Joe Van

Welcome to episode 59 of Joe Van’s Secret Podcast! Today I have on my fifth guest post COVID-19. We waste no time jumping into Ang Lee's discography, conspiracies- both ludicrous and true, how separation leads to hate, the new viral 'woke and racist' skit on Twitter, Oakville's checkered past AND present, why Canada should not… Continue reading SP 59: Context

Joe Van's Secret Podcast

SP 58: What we Observe

Joe Van

Welcome to episode 58 of Joe Van’s Secret Podcast! Today I have my first NEW guest, post COVID-19. We waste no time jumping into heavy topics such as belief, hard concepts that will ne'er have an answer, working to learn how you want to work, and living situations. It was a blast to have him… Continue reading SP 58: What we Observe

Thoughts

Tolerance

Joe Van

When you think of tolerance, do you think of physical tolerance, or philosophical tolerance? The capacity to endure continued subjection to something, be it a drug, transplant, antigen, or environmental conditions, without adverse reaction, is physical tolerance. The ability or willingness to forbear something, in particular the existence of opinions or behavior that one does… Continue reading Tolerance

Thoughts

Late Nights

Joe Van

I gave you guys a late night thought of mine in Transient Thoughts, and here I just wanted to talk about late nights in general. They are the time of a 24 hour cycle where most people are asleep. It's when it's quietest in your corner of the world, and it's when deep thoughts can… Continue reading Late Nights

Plugs, Spoken Thoughts

Joe Van Recommends

Joe Van

https://youtu.be/J42QWgMhFcU Hey everybody! It's ya boy, Joe Van, comin' back at ya with another piece, but this one's different from the rest. In this piece I wanted to recommend some YouTube channels to you guys. These channels are ones I've come across over years of binge-watching YouTuber content. So, they'll come in no particular order,… Continue reading Joe Van Recommends

Thoughts

Language

Joe Van

At my elementary school, when you rose to grade five, you were inducted to the fictional island of Foo. You learned their language and pastime sports, and near the end of the year you would compete with your peers to claim victory in each category. That was the first and only time I truly learned… Continue reading Language

Thoughts

Halo

Joe Van

https://youtu.be/JUIsH7grZW0 When you first saw Halo, were you blinded by its majesty? Before I jump into the video game that I'm actually referring to, let's cover the other uses of the word. A halo is a disk or circle of light shown surrounding or above the head of a saint or holy person to represent… Continue reading Halo

Joe Van's Secret Podcast

SP 57: Simulated Frights

Joe Van

Welcome to episode 57 of Joe Van's Secret Podcast! Today I have another 2nd time returning guest come back from the top of the year to discuss their experience during Canada's quarantine time. We talk about Black Lives Matters protests, films to watch, Jay-walking, what the odds are that we live in a simulated reality,… Continue reading SP 57: Simulated Frights

Thoughts

The Good Life

Joe Van

What constitutes living a good life? While individual happiness is particular to each person, general well being is quantifiable. A good life includes a healthy diet, or healthy enough for you to still enjoy what you're eating, a moderate fitness regiment, an open dialogue with your inner circle of loved ones, and having a life… Continue reading The Good Life

Thoughts

Substance Abuse

Joe Van

How does someone find themselves at the receiving end of a destructive habit? No one plans to live a life of degradation. It's something that happens slowly, like a frog in boiling water. One doesn't notice that certain actions have a predictive outcome of addiction until they reach that point down the line. It can… Continue reading Substance Abuse

Random, Thoughts

Imagine

Joe Van

Imagine that every person had inside them a blob. This blob would move about throughout their larger life-force, dark and destructive. It would give them sensations to run, or to fight. It would make them see red, or give them tunnel vision. The blob would do its best to create downward spirals. It was all… Continue reading Imagine

Poetry

Open

Joe Van

She opens me up like the warmth of spring to a tulip. It had taken a long time to start crying again; since almost dying in the snow. I melt. It feels so good when it happens, and we make love. We sweat and squeeze. Taste each other. Feel the other’s curves with our hands… Continue reading Open

Thoughts

Being In It

Joe Van

Certainty is an issue with some people. They say that the more you know, the less certain you become about things. Once your perspective broadens from information; academically or otherwise, on whatever subject, the more open-minded you might become. Certainty is something innate. You are either into something, or you're not. And there are many… Continue reading Being In It

Thoughts

Importance

Joe Van

This will be a hot button topic unlike any of the other topics I've written about so far, I feel. What people find important or not important vary radically depending on the individual. Some people find many-a-thing important and therefore sensitive or sacred, while others care so little they couldn't be bothered to know it… Continue reading Importance

Poetry

Up

Joe Van

I race this high, and I don't know why. It feels good, anonymity of a hood. My loved ones shan't know, like discovery of a cove. Darkness shrouds it, as the feeling clouds it. Peace will not hide, what the high surly finds. It must have an end, to this high I defend. One day… Continue reading Up

Thoughts

Longevity

Joe Van

What would you say is the deepest sensation? An orgasm? True happiness? Peace? You might say 'sleep' sarcastically, but no. It is purpose. It is the absolute and ultimate drive of intelligent life. It is what lies behind our every action and reaction. Every want, every need is predicated by our life purpose. It is… Continue reading Longevity

Plugs

A Slice of Deviance

Joe Van

Here is an excerpt from my first novel: Deviance. You can find a link to its Amazon page 'Here'. * V took a seat. She looked a little bewildered. “You feeling anything?” asked Nathan. “I don’t know… maybe? I think I feel something.” He took a seat next to her. “It’ll probably take a while… Continue reading A Slice of Deviance

Thoughts

Perspective

Joe Van

     Perspective is in my opinion one of the most incredible assets any person can have. It gives the ability to fully actualize yourself in whatever way you see fit. And the thing about this claim, is that having perspective gives you your way of seeing. So you can’t even be in a situation… Continue reading Perspective

Thoughts

Being Alone

Joe Van

I have to start this by making sure everyone knows as a basic fact that we are all alone, at every moment, inside our heads. Now, with that being said I will begin with a question. When you imagine being alone, are you sad? Or are you relieved? As an evolutionary fact we humans are… Continue reading Being Alone

Thoughts

Hidden Magic

Joe Van

There's a hidden magic in people. It comes out like fire as a child. Like a smile on an old face, or the fury in a friend seeing you get beat up as they come to help. There need not be any enemies. A kid can make friends with a rock but two old friends… Continue reading Hidden Magic

Thoughts

If We Could Live Forever

Joe Van

We all know there are certainties about the human race. We were built to survive. To know the enemy, and strike them down. We yearn to live not only in the short term, but honestly to the majority of people, forever. Religions give so many people the hope. But in that context however, many troubles… Continue reading If We Could Live Forever

Poetry

Soothing Edges

Joe Van

When did the sun leave me? The dark is so sudden. It shocks by contrast of a stark blue glow. The glow clicks and rattles quietly so as not to disturb those sleeping. Global communities soothe away the edges. It feels nice to hurt a little, be it a sting behind the eyes or a… Continue reading Soothing Edges

Thoughts

Circle K Rounded Up Mac’s Milk!

Joe Van

Vancouver is a nice place I hear. I’ve never been, is what I’m inferring. Though I’ve lived in this country of Canada for 25 years now, I’ve never traveled west of Ontario. However, there is a connection Vancouver now has with the city I was born and raised in: Burlington, and it is for what… Continue reading Circle K Rounded Up Mac’s Milk!

Thoughts

Duality

Joe Van

There are always two sides to things. There is this and that. There is me and them. There is will and won't, is and isn't. Here and there. Right and wrong. Will they, won't they. How and haven't. Why and why not. Two extremes; light and dark. Dimorphism. Males and females split things rather cohesively,… Continue reading Duality

Poetry

Budding Romance

Joe Van

I spend nights alone. I spend days with friends, only sometimes. Days pass. Nights crawl. My hobbies lie, and parents spy. Who’s that? A face. A name. A friend. She’s cute, but no way, taken. Her name is Hope, Forsaken. I see trouble, no, prosperity from lonely. We develop, like film. Feel the screen. Hear… Continue reading Budding Romance

Thoughts

Intentions

Joe Van

There was once a naive wish that was lost. The wish, was that we lived in a world where it was easier for everyone to express themselves without fear of holding back, instead of the world we live in now where we tow the line. The social psychology of humanity today is the same as… Continue reading Intentions

Poetry

Grandeur

Joe Van

A small child watches the sun set. They feel amazing, alive; filled with a visceral sense of awe. In that moment, everything is beautiful. The outline of the sun becomes visible in its dying descent. It is a waving sphere of burning glory, stretching across the universe and back. The child looks on for as… Continue reading Grandeur