Creativity. "I am not creative." I'm not sure where that came from. I can recall as far back as first and second grade, regarding creativity.
In first grade, we had an assignment to make a drawing depicting what would happen if our heart were broken -- or what would cause our heart to be broken. I forget the occasion, but in the end we taped them up on our lockers, facing the known world. I told myself I knew well what the teacher had in mind -- we were supposed to conjure sketches of lost puppies, sick family members, and the like. I was uninspired by the assignment, so I took the question literally and stated, "If my heart were broken, I would be dead," and colored a picture of a cemetery -- I had seen a national cemetery from the Civil War on television, with its straight rows of crosses and stars of David, and that's what I drew.
In second grade, we were tasked with crafting a short story. It was to be at least a hand-written, grammar-school-lined page -- maybe more -- which was really long at the time. It could be on anything of our choosing. But, "I wasn't creative," so I said I couldn't come up with anything. After some prodding, I eventually wrote about some tigers and a waterfall, I believe, and, as a seven-year-old, considered the story trite and uninspiring. I probably got an A, which is usually what happened when I did anything in elementary school.
This pattern has continued through to the present day, and I think it is a manifestation of "I'm not good enough," my companion. What is creativity if not expression of opinion? It's saying, "this is where I stand, and this is how I'm expressing that stance." Creativity just happens as we exist. I have a history of believing my opinion has little -- if any -- worth. And as my position changes, as expression of opinion becomes a duty, creativity becomes possible -- or, more accurately, I recognize that creativity has always been there. When we are honest with ourselves, and when we share that without reservation or regret, we create works (and relationships) that perhaps remind us, with a greater clarity, why we love to live in the first place.
Sunday, July 29, 2007
Friday, July 13, 2007
An introduction
A friend of mine once wrote, "No great work has ever been based on hatred or contempt. On the contrary, there is not a single true work of art that has not in the end added to the inner freedom of each person who has known and loved it. Yes, that is the freedom I am extolling, and it is what helps me through life. An artist may make a success or a failure of his work. He may make a success or a failure of his life. But if he can tell himself that, finally, as a result of his long effort, he has eased or decreased the various forms of bondage weighing upon men, then in a sense he is justified and, to some extent, he can forgive himself."
I'll be the first to note I have little experience with the harshness of this world. I've never walked the streets in poverty, gone hungry for a day, hid from the State, nor been forced to fight for my own survival. It has been a privilege to be in the position to share my thoughts.
On the other hand, I have about 24 years of experience with what I would describe as the mental anguish of being human -- something I believe we all have in common. Recently, I've stumbled upon a few things which have, in some ways, cut my angst deeper than usual.
First, let me say that I'm not sure of anything -- my arguments in general are weak, without substantial backing aside from my intellect, experience and feel on how things are going -- which in themselves are not very substantial; however, I think I'm intelligent, and that is good enough for me at this time.
I've been reading a lot of writings by Albert Camus, lately. Since late April, I've read The Rebel in its entirety, most of Resistance, Rebellion, and Death, and his essay, The Myth of Sisyphus. I had my reasons for being propelled into these works, and I'll get into that later.
For those who consider the contradictions of this world – for instance, that man strives for justice while acting with bountiful injustice; or, that we exalt freedom and liberty while building up the State, promoting methods of torture, fear and lies – I highly recommend his work. It resonates with who I am as a human being, and helps me articulate – at least mentally – a reasonable view of this world and an approach to living in its contradiction.
If societal life is a continuous fight for plain language, honesty and creation – which I believe it to be, then you've just read my introduction.
I'll be the first to note I have little experience with the harshness of this world. I've never walked the streets in poverty, gone hungry for a day, hid from the State, nor been forced to fight for my own survival. It has been a privilege to be in the position to share my thoughts.
On the other hand, I have about 24 years of experience with what I would describe as the mental anguish of being human -- something I believe we all have in common. Recently, I've stumbled upon a few things which have, in some ways, cut my angst deeper than usual.
First, let me say that I'm not sure of anything -- my arguments in general are weak, without substantial backing aside from my intellect, experience and feel on how things are going -- which in themselves are not very substantial; however, I think I'm intelligent, and that is good enough for me at this time.
I've been reading a lot of writings by Albert Camus, lately. Since late April, I've read The Rebel in its entirety, most of Resistance, Rebellion, and Death, and his essay, The Myth of Sisyphus. I had my reasons for being propelled into these works, and I'll get into that later.
For those who consider the contradictions of this world – for instance, that man strives for justice while acting with bountiful injustice; or, that we exalt freedom and liberty while building up the State, promoting methods of torture, fear and lies – I highly recommend his work. It resonates with who I am as a human being, and helps me articulate – at least mentally – a reasonable view of this world and an approach to living in its contradiction.
If societal life is a continuous fight for plain language, honesty and creation – which I believe it to be, then you've just read my introduction.
Sunday, July 8, 2007
Honesty and integrity
Today we look at the work 'agreement' I signed about 18 months ago with Artech Information Systems LLC, which I find to be deserving of contempt and scorn. Concisely, I see it as an attack on human dignity.
7. Exclusivity. During the term of this Agreement, Employee will devote his/her full-time to providing services exclusively as directed by Employer and shall not perform services for others.
8. Non-Performance of Services and Non-recruitment. During the term of this Agreement and for 18 months after the end of the employment relationship (whether Employer or Employee initiated the termination), Employee agrees that he/she shall not in any individual or representative capacity (e.g. as a principal, employer, stockholder, partner, agent, consultant, independent contractor, or employee): (a) directly or indirectly provide, solicit or advise another of the opportunity to provide, any services to a client where Employe previously provided services to the client on behalf of the Employer or was otherwise introduced through Employer; or (b) directly or indirectly, retain or solicit for Employee or for another party, the services of any of the Employer's employees or others introduced through the Employer. For purposes of this paragraph, "introduced through Employer" means where a client, employee, contractor, other individual came to the attention of Employee in any manner through Employer, "Client" includes any affiliates, customers or clients of the Client.
16. Breach. In the event of the Employee's breach of paragraphs 7, 8, 12, 13, or 14, Employee acknowledges and agrees that Employer will suffer irreparable harm and money damages would be an inadequate remedy, entitling Employer to seek injunctive relief. Employer's right to seek injunctive relief is without waiver or limitation to any other remedies Employer has at law or in equity.
17. Arbitation [sic]. Except for monetary claims of $5,000.00 or less, Employee explicitly agrees that any dispute in any manner related to Employee's employment with ARTECH, which the parties are unable to resolve through direct discussion, regardless of the kind or type of dispute (excluding claims for unemployment insurance, worker's compensation, or any matter within the jurisdiction of the Labor Commissioner), shall be exclusively subject to final and binding arbitration pursuant to the provisions of New Jersey Permanent Statutes section 2A:24-1, et seq. Employee agrees to submit all such disputes in writing, specifically requesting arbitration, to ARTECH within one year of termination of Employee's employment with ARTECH. Any failure to so request arbitration in a timely manner shall constitute a waiver of all rights to raise any claims, in any forum, arising out of any dispute that was subject to arbitration. The limitation period set forth in this paragraph shall not be subject to tolling, equitable or otherwise. Subch arbitration shall be held in Morristown, New Jersey.
EMPLOYEE AGREES AND UNDERSTAND [sic] THAT BY AGREEING TO THIS BINDING ARBITRATION PROVISION, EMPLOYEE VOLUNTARY [sic] SURRENDER THEIR RIGHTS TO CIVIL LITIGATION, A TRIAL BY JURY AND ANY ASSOCIATED RIGHTS OF APPEAL.
17. Other Provisions. This Agreement and any attached exhibits, represent the entire agreement of the parties and supersedes and terminates all prior agreements. Any modification of this Agreement must be in writing and signed by both parties. No waiver of any provision of this Agreement shall be effective unless it is in writing and signed by the waiving party; a waiver on any one occasion shall not be effective as a waiver on future occasions. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and shall be binding on the parties, the successors and assigns of Employer and the heirs and personal representatives of Employee. Employee may not assign his rights or obligations under this Agreement. Paragraphs 8, 12, and 14 shall survive termination. If any provision of this Agreement is determined to be unenforceable in whole or in part, all remaining provisions shall be given full effect to the extent possible without the unenforceable provision. This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of New Jersey without regard to choice of law principles.
7. Exclusivity. During the term of this Agreement, Employee will devote his/her full-time to providing services exclusively as directed by Employer and shall not perform services for others.
8. Non-Performance of Services and Non-recruitment. During the term of this Agreement and for 18 months after the end of the employment relationship (whether Employer or Employee initiated the termination), Employee agrees that he/she shall not in any individual or representative capacity (e.g. as a principal, employer, stockholder, partner, agent, consultant, independent contractor, or employee): (a) directly or indirectly provide, solicit or advise another of the opportunity to provide, any services to a client where Employe previously provided services to the client on behalf of the Employer or was otherwise introduced through Employer; or (b) directly or indirectly, retain or solicit for Employee or for another party, the services of any of the Employer's employees or others introduced through the Employer. For purposes of this paragraph, "introduced through Employer" means where a client, employee, contractor, other individual came to the attention of Employee in any manner through Employer, "Client" includes any affiliates, customers or clients of the Client.
16. Breach. In the event of the Employee's breach of paragraphs 7, 8, 12, 13, or 14, Employee acknowledges and agrees that Employer will suffer irreparable harm and money damages would be an inadequate remedy, entitling Employer to seek injunctive relief. Employer's right to seek injunctive relief is without waiver or limitation to any other remedies Employer has at law or in equity.
17. Arbitation [sic]. Except for monetary claims of $5,000.00 or less, Employee explicitly agrees that any dispute in any manner related to Employee's employment with ARTECH, which the parties are unable to resolve through direct discussion, regardless of the kind or type of dispute (excluding claims for unemployment insurance, worker's compensation, or any matter within the jurisdiction of the Labor Commissioner), shall be exclusively subject to final and binding arbitration pursuant to the provisions of New Jersey Permanent Statutes section 2A:24-1, et seq. Employee agrees to submit all such disputes in writing, specifically requesting arbitration, to ARTECH within one year of termination of Employee's employment with ARTECH. Any failure to so request arbitration in a timely manner shall constitute a waiver of all rights to raise any claims, in any forum, arising out of any dispute that was subject to arbitration. The limitation period set forth in this paragraph shall not be subject to tolling, equitable or otherwise. Subch arbitration shall be held in Morristown, New Jersey.
EMPLOYEE AGREES AND UNDERSTAND [sic] THAT BY AGREEING TO THIS BINDING ARBITRATION PROVISION, EMPLOYEE VOLUNTARY [sic] SURRENDER THEIR RIGHTS TO CIVIL LITIGATION, A TRIAL BY JURY AND ANY ASSOCIATED RIGHTS OF APPEAL.
17. Other Provisions. This Agreement and any attached exhibits, represent the entire agreement of the parties and supersedes and terminates all prior agreements. Any modification of this Agreement must be in writing and signed by both parties. No waiver of any provision of this Agreement shall be effective unless it is in writing and signed by the waiving party; a waiver on any one occasion shall not be effective as a waiver on future occasions. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and shall be binding on the parties, the successors and assigns of Employer and the heirs and personal representatives of Employee. Employee may not assign his rights or obligations under this Agreement. Paragraphs 8, 12, and 14 shall survive termination. If any provision of this Agreement is determined to be unenforceable in whole or in part, all remaining provisions shall be given full effect to the extent possible without the unenforceable provision. This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of New Jersey without regard to choice of law principles.
Saturday, June 16, 2007
Semantics and syntax
"I'm not good enough." I'm going to explore what that means to me, today.
As long as I can recall, I've imposed limits on my actions which led to me refusing to pursue what I would consider to be worthwhile relationships.
Now, of course, as a person, I have to impose limits -- it's what we as people do to deal with the world; for instance, we can't fully describe the room we're in -- it would take an infinite amount of words to convey every last detail, down to the atoms and quarks and what they're doing. We're always imposing a limit on reality as we express it in thought. For me, the idea is to trace a frame around a part of reality, make it my own, and that is creation -- and within that creation is virtue and beauty. So, what does that have to do with anything?
Once we recognize that, we can recognize that we make the limits -- or, at least, acknowledge that there are indeed limits, that reality -- the world -- is larger than the limitations we place upon it, and that our perceptions through thought, while based in reality, do not express reality itself. I don't think that we can choose all of the limits; but, we can recognize that language is a limit, and we can choose some limits once we're aware that we have a choice.
What does this mean? Nothing, really. The world is still sitting silently as we struggle over semantics, freedom and justice. But is useful, I suppose, in approaching truth, which seems like a fun thing to do. Then again, my idea of fun is an intense, revolting, intellectual struggle for finding a resolution for the contradictions of history and man's condition. Today, anyway.
So here I am. And I seriously give a shit if a gorgeous, sharp woman would prefer to do something besides be enamored in my presence. Actually, what I tell myself, is that that will never happen -- that's "not for me." And I've been doing that since at least first grade, when I couldn't look into Cheryl's eyes, or talk to her, even, especially after I found out I liked her coloring style (with crayons), which I would go on to emulate for a few years. Obviously, I love it -- I've only been doing it for about 20 years. I'm doing it right now with at least two women, despite recognizing all of this mumbo jumbo, and I refuse to give it up.
My life is not in danger. I'm still alive, but in a reinforcing circle of "I'm not good enough." I get something out of the "sad story" -- aww, poor me. It's not just with women with whom I refuse to talk.
It's with everything: not being a 'safety' in 4th grade; not getting a 'best student award' in 5th grade; not good enough at baseball; 3rd-string basketball in middle school; only JV soccer in 10th grade; not being an eagle scout; not getting into National Honor Society; being voted 'most shy' in my senior class; not getting into MIT; not having enough money to go to Cornell; not getting a full scholarship at UB; not smart enough to write essays, voice my opinion, or be an articulate, outspoken leader; getting kicked out of the honors program at the university; friends I admired cutting ties against my wishes; not getting a job offer from Microsoft; my ex-girlfriend; more friends cutting ties. Clearly, "I'm not good enough."
"I'll show them: I'm awesome; I'll be rich." Who gives a shit? Becoming a millionaire in America as a software engineer is easy, anyway. Billionaire? Ok, that's harder, but why bother? Say you have a billion dollars -- what the hell for. I only need about $12,000 / year to live. Do I really need to be more "free" than that? As if we're free under the State in the first place. What will I have created? And why is creation and production so important?
So, we have a give and take between justice and freedom. If you are completely free, you have the ability to do things that aren't just -- like, kill people; if you are completely just in every aspect, you have no real choice; either extreme isn't very attractive to me. So, pick your place on the line. Moderation is the answer, apparently, according to Camus.
I'm not good enough to figure all this out right now. "How's that going for you?" I'm hungry. Time for breakfast. I've never been better.
As long as I can recall, I've imposed limits on my actions which led to me refusing to pursue what I would consider to be worthwhile relationships.
Now, of course, as a person, I have to impose limits -- it's what we as people do to deal with the world; for instance, we can't fully describe the room we're in -- it would take an infinite amount of words to convey every last detail, down to the atoms and quarks and what they're doing. We're always imposing a limit on reality as we express it in thought. For me, the idea is to trace a frame around a part of reality, make it my own, and that is creation -- and within that creation is virtue and beauty. So, what does that have to do with anything?
Once we recognize that, we can recognize that we make the limits -- or, at least, acknowledge that there are indeed limits, that reality -- the world -- is larger than the limitations we place upon it, and that our perceptions through thought, while based in reality, do not express reality itself. I don't think that we can choose all of the limits; but, we can recognize that language is a limit, and we can choose some limits once we're aware that we have a choice.
What does this mean? Nothing, really. The world is still sitting silently as we struggle over semantics, freedom and justice. But is useful, I suppose, in approaching truth, which seems like a fun thing to do. Then again, my idea of fun is an intense, revolting, intellectual struggle for finding a resolution for the contradictions of history and man's condition. Today, anyway.
So here I am. And I seriously give a shit if a gorgeous, sharp woman would prefer to do something besides be enamored in my presence. Actually, what I tell myself, is that that will never happen -- that's "not for me." And I've been doing that since at least first grade, when I couldn't look into Cheryl's eyes, or talk to her, even, especially after I found out I liked her coloring style (with crayons), which I would go on to emulate for a few years. Obviously, I love it -- I've only been doing it for about 20 years. I'm doing it right now with at least two women, despite recognizing all of this mumbo jumbo, and I refuse to give it up.
My life is not in danger. I'm still alive, but in a reinforcing circle of "I'm not good enough." I get something out of the "sad story" -- aww, poor me. It's not just with women with whom I refuse to talk.
It's with everything: not being a 'safety' in 4th grade; not getting a 'best student award' in 5th grade; not good enough at baseball; 3rd-string basketball in middle school; only JV soccer in 10th grade; not being an eagle scout; not getting into National Honor Society; being voted 'most shy' in my senior class; not getting into MIT; not having enough money to go to Cornell; not getting a full scholarship at UB; not smart enough to write essays, voice my opinion, or be an articulate, outspoken leader; getting kicked out of the honors program at the university; friends I admired cutting ties against my wishes; not getting a job offer from Microsoft; my ex-girlfriend; more friends cutting ties. Clearly, "I'm not good enough."
"I'll show them: I'm awesome; I'll be rich." Who gives a shit? Becoming a millionaire in America as a software engineer is easy, anyway. Billionaire? Ok, that's harder, but why bother? Say you have a billion dollars -- what the hell for. I only need about $12,000 / year to live. Do I really need to be more "free" than that? As if we're free under the State in the first place. What will I have created? And why is creation and production so important?
So, we have a give and take between justice and freedom. If you are completely free, you have the ability to do things that aren't just -- like, kill people; if you are completely just in every aspect, you have no real choice; either extreme isn't very attractive to me. So, pick your place on the line. Moderation is the answer, apparently, according to Camus.
I'm not good enough to figure all this out right now. "How's that going for you?" I'm hungry. Time for breakfast. I've never been better.
Wednesday, May 9, 2007
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
Before I move to Zurich
A great person once wrote, "If we just share all the precious, bottled up passions inside us that we all hold so close, too scared to reveal and expose to the light, for fear of what-have-you, then people will say, 'You know, that's exactly how I feel,' and things will be good."
I thought, "There's some truth to that," and I started writing. So, here's what's on my mind, today:
I think diamonds and cars are a waste of money. I think people take sex and pornography far, far too seriously.
I think if you cook half your meals, refrain from purchasing any food in a bag or box, and buy local first and organic second, you'll live a lot better. I think it's a good idea to exercise eight hours per week.
I think people can and should use the Internet and computer software to organize socially and politically for change. I think most people think they are too busy to do anything about important issues, such as race, gender, pollution and education; I think most people lie to themselves every day and fall for it. I think 10% of the world finishes what they set out to do; those 10% are in charge.
I think Libertarian politics should be applied on a federal level. I think Green politics should be applied on a local and state level. I think people should have a choice on all levels. I think equal opportunity for advancement should be the government's only goal; everything comes from there.
I think if instead of race, people were to work the problem of poverty, the problem of race would solve itself. I think we are all uncertain of ourselves during many times of our lives, and those who are not have not experienced enough.
I think most things today are not hard in the United States. I think we're lucky, to live here and now. I think the people before us accrued an enormous amount of knowledge, and we should take advantage of it. I think we have an enormous responsibility to help the rest of the world -- the 5.7 billion other people -- be in a position to make their own decisions, like us, without fear of disease, drought, starvation or attack.
I think violence is a symptom of absolute failure.
I think we are the only cause of our problems, today, here. I think there is a lot of work to do in our own town. I think educating our selves, our elders, our siblings and our children should be the utmost. I think treating our towns as if we will live here for the next million years is a good idea. I think it's healthy to know you're going to die in about 50 years. I think humility is important.
I think candor and trust are the only way to go. I think writing on the weekend is important. I think playing sports is a good social activity. I think we are easily impressed upon by others, subconsciously.
I think the great leaders and writers of the past were just people, like you and I. I think Shakespeare and Plato were men; I think it's important to remember that. I think great music should have something to say.
I think reading is important. I think self-reflection is helpful; I think after a while you just have to try it. I think if you focus on yourself, and you act upon your passions, dreams and ideals, everything else will follow.
I think the benefits of wind power, recycling, reusing, voting, being active in politics, bicycling, and reducing poisons in the home are so obvious and elemental, I almost forgot to include them here.
I think traveling should involve a lot of walking, a few maps and train tickets, a relaxed attitude, and not a lot of fancy hotels.
I think tickling is overrated. I think moaning during sex is a good idea. I think everyone should get themselves off as often as they'd like.
I think it's good to not take yourself too seriously. I think I've written enough.
I thought, "There's some truth to that," and I started writing. So, here's what's on my mind, today:
I think diamonds and cars are a waste of money. I think people take sex and pornography far, far too seriously.
I think if you cook half your meals, refrain from purchasing any food in a bag or box, and buy local first and organic second, you'll live a lot better. I think it's a good idea to exercise eight hours per week.
I think people can and should use the Internet and computer software to organize socially and politically for change. I think most people think they are too busy to do anything about important issues, such as race, gender, pollution and education; I think most people lie to themselves every day and fall for it. I think 10% of the world finishes what they set out to do; those 10% are in charge.
I think Libertarian politics should be applied on a federal level. I think Green politics should be applied on a local and state level. I think people should have a choice on all levels. I think equal opportunity for advancement should be the government's only goal; everything comes from there.
I think if instead of race, people were to work the problem of poverty, the problem of race would solve itself. I think we are all uncertain of ourselves during many times of our lives, and those who are not have not experienced enough.
I think most things today are not hard in the United States. I think we're lucky, to live here and now. I think the people before us accrued an enormous amount of knowledge, and we should take advantage of it. I think we have an enormous responsibility to help the rest of the world -- the 5.7 billion other people -- be in a position to make their own decisions, like us, without fear of disease, drought, starvation or attack.
I think violence is a symptom of absolute failure.
I think we are the only cause of our problems, today, here. I think there is a lot of work to do in our own town. I think educating our selves, our elders, our siblings and our children should be the utmost. I think treating our towns as if we will live here for the next million years is a good idea. I think it's healthy to know you're going to die in about 50 years. I think humility is important.
I think candor and trust are the only way to go. I think writing on the weekend is important. I think playing sports is a good social activity. I think we are easily impressed upon by others, subconsciously.
I think the great leaders and writers of the past were just people, like you and I. I think Shakespeare and Plato were men; I think it's important to remember that. I think great music should have something to say.
I think reading is important. I think self-reflection is helpful; I think after a while you just have to try it. I think if you focus on yourself, and you act upon your passions, dreams and ideals, everything else will follow.
I think the benefits of wind power, recycling, reusing, voting, being active in politics, bicycling, and reducing poisons in the home are so obvious and elemental, I almost forgot to include them here.
I think traveling should involve a lot of walking, a few maps and train tickets, a relaxed attitude, and not a lot of fancy hotels.
I think tickling is overrated. I think moaning during sex is a good idea. I think everyone should get themselves off as often as they'd like.
I think it's good to not take yourself too seriously. I think I've written enough.
Saturday, March 3, 2007
Winter Bicycle Clothing
I've learned a few things while commuting by bike in Corvallis, Oregon: Biking in the cold and rain can be quite enjoyable, thanks to nylon and polyester. With three layers, I'm more comfortable with temperatures in the high 30s / low 40s than I am during the summer.Base layer: I love my Patagonia "baselayer" -- their term for long underwear; I use their Capilene 3 long-sleeve shirt and "pants." They're warm and thin, very comfortable clothing while sweating, and they help me cool down very quickly. Air cuts through them easily. As the term baselayer implies, you'll probably want to put something over these; I do.
Middle layer: Any sweatshirt will do. This layer is what gets dirtiest, as your sweat goes into it, and some water will get to it.
Jacket: I use a simple, non-breathable nylon bicycle jacket, made by J&G, an Oregon company. Costing about $40, it's good, but not perfect. It's great at stopping the wind, which is very important, and you will stay dry, for the most part (which I will explain). The fleece around the neck is a nice touch, and the cut of the jacket (with extra-long arms and back) works well for biking. If I had to choose again, I'd probably go for a more-upscale jacket, which runs about $135.
There are two downsides to the cheaper jacket: 1) There is no fabric covering the zipper, and your shirt will get wet (under the zipper) if it's raining at a good pace, and 2) You will get hot during longer / harder rides, as water vapor can't easily escape; it's probably not much fun when it's warm out, like in the 70s. The underarm zippers, which I thought were a gimmick while I was shopping, do keep me significantly more comfortable when they are open -- and water doesn't usually find its way in there, so I leave them unzipped.
Pants: Polyester / nylon "exercise" pants work great when it's not raining. Combined with the baselayer above, I stay warm, but never hot. When it's raining, I use rain pants. Again, I went with a cheaper, non-breathable pair, but I would recommend going with a more-expensive, breathable pant -- $80 at the local cycle shop. Every pair of rain pants I've seen is designed to easily put on while you're wearing shoes, which is useful; they also roll up small, so I keep them in my panniers (bags).
Hat: Every piece of clothing is important, but you'll never find me on my bike in the winter without a winter hat. It keeps my ears warm and my hair dry. My hat is acrylic; I suppose any will work.
Gloves: My gloves are waterproof, windproof and breathable. About $25. I'm not sure what the "waterproof" is supposed to mean, exactly. I think it means there is some waterproof fabric somewhere on the glove, but your hands will get wet with time; however, they do stay warm. The fleece on the top is nice for wiping your nose; it may be gross, but it is nice and necessary. Like most gloves, they take a while to dry out.
Shoes: I use regular sneakers. This is a bad idea if you're not comfortable with your feet slipping from time to time. They will get beat up from the rain and general dirt that gets kicked up from the road, but they work fine. As long as you avoid storming through large puddles, your feet will stay reasonably dry; if you do decide to go through puddles, your feet will be soaked.
I've shopped for shoe covers / something for my feet, but everything I've found looks incredibly lame / excessive / expensive for short trips around town. Before Burley only made "the world's finest child trailers," they apparently made some good rain gear, including shoe covers, but they don't make those anymore.
I don't know it all, but like I said before, I think every piece is important. Expect to spend a bit of money -- probably more than you'd prefer (you can easily hit $350 before the day is done) -- but you might be surprised at how fun it is to stay out in the rain and the cold with the proper clothing.
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