Life is absolutely crazy. So recently I've been on this community kick, just keeping my ears and eyes open and bringing it up in every conversation I have. What is community? How can we have it? We need to DO something about all the people being shoved off to the wayside of life!
I've been interested in creating community because I believe it is a lack of good community that is directly contributing to our current social state - which is in dire straits. Children are raised by television sets because their parents are working, our elderly are put away to be kept there until they die, its just out of control the amount of pain being perpetuated by our current situation.
Then yesterday this opportunity comes up that offers a chance to live in within a group of people who are concerned about being intentionally communal. I mean this is just absolutely mind-blowing. What is really amazing is that if it pans out, it would satisfy so many long-held desires of mine all at once, while just creating an amazing atmosphere to step into the next stages of life from.
Needless to say, I am pumped.
Monday, March 16, 2009
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Of One Accord
I've been studying the Mind/Body problem pretty extensively in a few classes lately, and it has been the focus of my thinking as a result. It is interesting to read studies on growth and development of the self in respect to this Mind/Body relationship because there are definite separate forces which drive the self to grow or not.
First of all I think that a human being is composed of many separate things:
1. Mental Faculties (the Mind)
2. Emotional Faculties (the Heart)
3. Physical Composition (the Body)
4. The Self or Essence (the Soul)
I believe primarily that the Soul is the most fundamental yet mysterious piece of every human being. It is the part of us that I think is virtually unknowable in this life.
The Soul's relationship to this world in my conception is that it is given utility of a Mind, Heart, and Body with which to interact and experience and cause change in this world. The Mind, Heart, and Body are only tools used for understanding in this conception.
What I mean by 'Of One Accord' is that these three tools have a tendency to break down if they are not maintained. All things in this world demonstrate this tendency, and if they are not properly cared for, will decompose until ultimately they can no longer serve their purpose. I believe that part of this maintenance is to have these three parts of the person 'aligned', or 'of one accord'.
The Body is our physical piece. It gives us the ability to engage physically with the world - to use our five senses and feel our way in space. It is a tool very equipped for establishing the happenings of the present; such as assessments like cold, hot, soft, hard, sweet, sour, light, dark, loud, quiet, etc.
The Heart is our emotional piece. It gives us the ability to assess the present apart from the physical happenings alone - fire in a fire-pit can inspire joy or contentment, whereas that same size fire in a kitchen can inspire fright. The Heart assesses the qualitative parts of a situation.
The Mind is our mental piece. It gives us the ability to operate outside the boundaries of time and space. The Mind equips human beings with planning and foresight, as well as creativity and conceptualization. Because it can operate outside of time and space, it allows critical thinking. For example: there was rain yesterday, and plants have grown today. Rain must be essential for plant growth. Of course there is much more to that process than those two simple steps, however it illustrates the concept adequately. Assessments can be made of the present from knowledge of the past.
These three pieces are very important for growth of the Soul. If they are not maintained properly and begin to deteriorate, then it becomes useless. An example of deterioration for the Body would be the development of lung cancer from smoking. The Body's desire for the present act of smoking over-rules the Heart's feelings of doubt as to its goodness, and the Mind's knowledge as to its health hazards. In a similar situation with a restored Body, the deteriorated Heart's feelings for the act of smoking in order to be accepted or look cool or be rebellious etc. over-rules the Body's assessment that it hurts the throat and lungs and is producing acid-reflux, as well as the Mind's knowledge of its health hazards. In the last scenario, with a deteriorated Mind, the Mind chooses smoking because of ignorance or naivete and over-rules the Body's assessment that it is painful and the Heart's feelings of doubt as to its goodness.
In any of these three scenarios, there is a lack of unity, resulting in discordance. So the Body is addicted to nicotine, the Heart does not want to stop, and the Mind does not see the need to stop. In order for the person to stop smoking, all three of the pieces must be aligned, 'of one accord'. Of course if one tool is strong enough, the Soul can use it in order to initiate and in time the other tools will follow (for a human being cannot live Mind without Body or Body with Heart, etc).
I believe that when all are aligned and of one accord, then, and only then, may growth take place.
First of all I think that a human being is composed of many separate things:
1. Mental Faculties (the Mind)
2. Emotional Faculties (the Heart)
3. Physical Composition (the Body)
4. The Self or Essence (the Soul)
I believe primarily that the Soul is the most fundamental yet mysterious piece of every human being. It is the part of us that I think is virtually unknowable in this life.
The Soul's relationship to this world in my conception is that it is given utility of a Mind, Heart, and Body with which to interact and experience and cause change in this world. The Mind, Heart, and Body are only tools used for understanding in this conception.
What I mean by 'Of One Accord' is that these three tools have a tendency to break down if they are not maintained. All things in this world demonstrate this tendency, and if they are not properly cared for, will decompose until ultimately they can no longer serve their purpose. I believe that part of this maintenance is to have these three parts of the person 'aligned', or 'of one accord'.
The Body is our physical piece. It gives us the ability to engage physically with the world - to use our five senses and feel our way in space. It is a tool very equipped for establishing the happenings of the present; such as assessments like cold, hot, soft, hard, sweet, sour, light, dark, loud, quiet, etc.
The Heart is our emotional piece. It gives us the ability to assess the present apart from the physical happenings alone - fire in a fire-pit can inspire joy or contentment, whereas that same size fire in a kitchen can inspire fright. The Heart assesses the qualitative parts of a situation.
The Mind is our mental piece. It gives us the ability to operate outside the boundaries of time and space. The Mind equips human beings with planning and foresight, as well as creativity and conceptualization. Because it can operate outside of time and space, it allows critical thinking. For example: there was rain yesterday, and plants have grown today. Rain must be essential for plant growth. Of course there is much more to that process than those two simple steps, however it illustrates the concept adequately. Assessments can be made of the present from knowledge of the past.
These three pieces are very important for growth of the Soul. If they are not maintained properly and begin to deteriorate, then it becomes useless. An example of deterioration for the Body would be the development of lung cancer from smoking. The Body's desire for the present act of smoking over-rules the Heart's feelings of doubt as to its goodness, and the Mind's knowledge as to its health hazards. In a similar situation with a restored Body, the deteriorated Heart's feelings for the act of smoking in order to be accepted or look cool or be rebellious etc. over-rules the Body's assessment that it hurts the throat and lungs and is producing acid-reflux, as well as the Mind's knowledge of its health hazards. In the last scenario, with a deteriorated Mind, the Mind chooses smoking because of ignorance or naivete and over-rules the Body's assessment that it is painful and the Heart's feelings of doubt as to its goodness.
In any of these three scenarios, there is a lack of unity, resulting in discordance. So the Body is addicted to nicotine, the Heart does not want to stop, and the Mind does not see the need to stop. In order for the person to stop smoking, all three of the pieces must be aligned, 'of one accord'. Of course if one tool is strong enough, the Soul can use it in order to initiate and in time the other tools will follow (for a human being cannot live Mind without Body or Body with Heart, etc).
I believe that when all are aligned and of one accord, then, and only then, may growth take place.
Monday, February 16, 2009
The Times We Are Living In
I've been walking around today with an almost surreal view of my surroundings. I can't believe the things that go on in the world around me. Last night I was watching a documentary on the sex-slave industry. I was sickened to say the least. I cannot describe the pit that the knowledge of these things forms in my stomach. While I know there are people out there fighting this thing, the most alarming factor is this: the industry flourishes as any other capital enterprise - it is meeting a demand.
Are we so depraved? Are we so inhuman? I wish that I could say that we are not, however I am beginning to lose faith.
And after I watched this, I retreated to my room. I was numb. My entire life suddenly seemed meaningless. What is this? What is the value of learning Anatomy and Physiology? What is the value of earning an A on a History and Systems Paper? What is the value of any of my dreams or aspirations compared to these human lives that are being destroyed? What makes this sickness even more bitter is that I thought this, and then rationalized it in my mind. Even if I could save some, there would still be millions exploited. What power do I really have? I can't accomplish any real change from my current vantage point.
Edmund Burke famously said "The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing"
To give you an idea of what he stood for, he was an English member of parliament advocating for the American Colonies.
I don't know how to change things right now. I only know that I don't want them to go on this way.
I would encourage anyone to research this subject and to get involved in some way in opposition to it. I feel as if it is time for me to do more than nothing.
Some links about sex-trafficking:
http://www.rferl.org/Content/UN_Says_Human_Trafficking_Appears_To_Be_Worsening_/1492561.html
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/09/11/earlyshow/main3250963.shtml
Are we so depraved? Are we so inhuman? I wish that I could say that we are not, however I am beginning to lose faith.
And after I watched this, I retreated to my room. I was numb. My entire life suddenly seemed meaningless. What is this? What is the value of learning Anatomy and Physiology? What is the value of earning an A on a History and Systems Paper? What is the value of any of my dreams or aspirations compared to these human lives that are being destroyed? What makes this sickness even more bitter is that I thought this, and then rationalized it in my mind. Even if I could save some, there would still be millions exploited. What power do I really have? I can't accomplish any real change from my current vantage point.
Edmund Burke famously said "The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing"
To give you an idea of what he stood for, he was an English member of parliament advocating for the American Colonies.
I don't know how to change things right now. I only know that I don't want them to go on this way.
I would encourage anyone to research this subject and to get involved in some way in opposition to it. I feel as if it is time for me to do more than nothing.
Some links about sex-trafficking:
http://www.rferl.org/Content/UN_Says_Human_Trafficking_Appears_To_Be_Worsening_/1492561.html
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/09/11/earlyshow/main3250963.shtml
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Twitter: Updated
So I've decided to start a Twitter. In the wise words of my brother (who got them from someone else undoubtedly...as all things go), "No disclaimers". I'm really intrigued to figure out what the heck this thing is, and why its so interesting to everyone. My name is musicnaut for anyone who wants to find me and...I don't know yet what the point of finding me on there would be, but whatever is...do that.
Update:
I found a use for Twitter! Kind of.....but it is actually pretty exciting for me that I even set it up - perhaps demonstrating how behind the curve I am. Twitter can be used in tandem with Facebook to update status. Not that impressive you say? I agree. What is so amazing however is the incredible ease with which you can set up your mobile phone to update your Twitter. A text message to Twitter equals a text message to Facebook, voila! You can now update your Facebook status from your cellphone, completely devoid of any fancy or expensive web technology on your phone! Trust me, if anyone would have trouble with this it would be me, my phone is completely obsolete at this point - but because all you need is text capabilities, most any phone should be compatible.
I probably won't even use it all that often, but it is very cool to have gone through the process/experience. I'm still on top of the game at this point! Patrick 1, Technology 0.
Just found this article this morning, a real journalist who did pretty much the same thing I did.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/12/technology/personaltech/12pogue.html
Update:
I found a use for Twitter! Kind of.....but it is actually pretty exciting for me that I even set it up - perhaps demonstrating how behind the curve I am. Twitter can be used in tandem with Facebook to update status. Not that impressive you say? I agree. What is so amazing however is the incredible ease with which you can set up your mobile phone to update your Twitter. A text message to Twitter equals a text message to Facebook, voila! You can now update your Facebook status from your cellphone, completely devoid of any fancy or expensive web technology on your phone! Trust me, if anyone would have trouble with this it would be me, my phone is completely obsolete at this point - but because all you need is text capabilities, most any phone should be compatible.
I probably won't even use it all that often, but it is very cool to have gone through the process/experience. I'm still on top of the game at this point! Patrick 1, Technology 0.
Just found this article this morning, a real journalist who did pretty much the same thing I did.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/12/technology/personaltech/12pogue.html
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Sometimes Things Blow My Mind - Unfortunately That Leaves My Brain In My Skull
I realize that the tidal wave of technology is growing at such an incredible rate that we are all closer to being obsolete every second that we are not on a computer. Insanity. The newest technology that I have interacted with is Twitter, and it brings me very close to expletives at how astounded I am. In Twitter's own words, "Twitter is a free service that lets you keep in touch with people through the exchange of quick, frequent answers to one simple question: What are you doing?" It almost sounds like text messaging, but then what the hell do you need a web-page for if that is all it is?
Before I go on (in case you are just slightly more obsolete than I am) here is an example of a Twit(ter?).
http://twitter.com/lynncardona
It is just so incredible to me that Facebook status has been taken and turned into a separate and completely viable entity unto its own! People are you serious?!?! To quote Yeasayer's 2080, "I can't sleep when I think about the times we're living in".
Of course I see that Twitter is the new fastest growing phenomena on the internet, I'm sure everyone will have one in a week and pretty soon we'll all be wearing computer screens on our heads because who needs face to face conversation with one person at a time when you can just throw your comments in EVERYONE'S face with no one ever there to tell you to shutup?
This is why The Matrix is so ironic - it is made to glorify Neo, who would save everyone from the evil Matrix, when really the freaking robots would be hailed as the hero with their cure-all - tubes and wires for everyone!
Reserve yours today!
http://www.thebestcasescenario.com/projects/matrix_regenerator/mr_worklog/mr_images/matrix_complete_16.jpg
Before I go on (in case you are just slightly more obsolete than I am) here is an example of a Twit(ter?).
http://twitter.com/lynncardona
It is just so incredible to me that Facebook status has been taken and turned into a separate and completely viable entity unto its own! People are you serious?!?! To quote Yeasayer's 2080, "I can't sleep when I think about the times we're living in".
Of course I see that Twitter is the new fastest growing phenomena on the internet, I'm sure everyone will have one in a week and pretty soon we'll all be wearing computer screens on our heads because who needs face to face conversation with one person at a time when you can just throw your comments in EVERYONE'S face with no one ever there to tell you to shutup?
This is why The Matrix is so ironic - it is made to glorify Neo, who would save everyone from the evil Matrix, when really the freaking robots would be hailed as the hero with their cure-all - tubes and wires for everyone!
Reserve yours today!
http://www.thebestcasescenario.com/projects/matrix_regenerator/mr_worklog/mr_images/matrix_complete_16.jpg
Monday, February 2, 2009
Wasting My Degree?
It is really interesting whenever I enter into a conversation with someone about the goals and roads that I am walking towards/on. I have had a few people wonder aloud whether I am wasting my degree by not applying it to an occupation somehow right out of college. Of course what they mean is wasting it in the sense that it will not be making me any extra money in itself.
Where I disagree is in the notion that I will not be using it. Sure the piece of paper will have little effect on my career (at least in my short-sighted view from here), however I have obtained absolutely priceless knowledge of the human mind and interpersonal interactions.
I had an extremely entertaining conversation with a friend tonight about a realization I had. I was talking about my insatiable appetite for new music. I find on average two new artists to listen to every week. Not full albums or anything like that, simply single songs or perhaps a couple. What I am doing is finding a hook into the artist, something that will bring me back when I have more time or the right mood, and at that point I can dive deeper into their full sound.
So I was thinking about this fact that I am constantly seeking new experiences in music: quickly assessing my initial interest and either diving in or moving on. The really intriguing realization that I had was that I am veeeeery similar in my interactions with people. I am constantly meeting new people - I say hi to most unfamiliar faces. I can say with certainty that I meet at least two new people every week (I met five last night, three on Friday night, I'm way over that estimate it would seem).
I love to meet new people - and in some weird way I treat them similarly to my music library. People that grab my attention immediately I dive right into. Some don't grab me in quite that way and so I move on for the time being, until time or mood strikes me to investigate further. Much like my musical taste, I love to meet people of all backgrounds and places. There is nothing like being surprised at my liking of something I did not anticipate to enjoy at all.
This friend that I was conversing with agreed that her relationship with music is also very analogous to her relationships with people, and we agreed that most people must be this way (from our very limited and egocentric survey, ha)
Of course there are those people, just as songs, that I keep for a very long time indeed. There are songs that I have loved and listen to and still love as much as I did the first time I heard them. There are other songs that I have loved and grown out of. There are songs I have never heard and may never hear. That is the beautiful picture for me to explore, everyday that I live. How awesome is God.
In case you are wondering about the new (to me) artists this week, I'll list three I was really happy with and plan to explore further, as well as my favorite songs by them:
Menomena
-Oahu (I Am the Fun Blame Monster!)
-The Pelican (Friend and Foe)
-Wet and Rusting (Friend and Foe)
Beirut
-My Night with the Prostitute From Marseille (March of the Zapotec & Realpeople - Holland)
-Venice (March of the Zapotec & Realpeople - Holland)
-No Dice (March of the Zapotec & Realpeople - Holland)
J. Tillman
-Steel On Steel (Vacilando Territory Blues)
-Firstborn (Vacilando Territory Blues)
-No Occasion (Vacilando Territory Blues)
I had a bunch more artists I could have put down, this week was definitely fruitful in that respect. There will be more to come in the future for sure ;)
Where I disagree is in the notion that I will not be using it. Sure the piece of paper will have little effect on my career (at least in my short-sighted view from here), however I have obtained absolutely priceless knowledge of the human mind and interpersonal interactions.
I had an extremely entertaining conversation with a friend tonight about a realization I had. I was talking about my insatiable appetite for new music. I find on average two new artists to listen to every week. Not full albums or anything like that, simply single songs or perhaps a couple. What I am doing is finding a hook into the artist, something that will bring me back when I have more time or the right mood, and at that point I can dive deeper into their full sound.
So I was thinking about this fact that I am constantly seeking new experiences in music: quickly assessing my initial interest and either diving in or moving on. The really intriguing realization that I had was that I am veeeeery similar in my interactions with people. I am constantly meeting new people - I say hi to most unfamiliar faces. I can say with certainty that I meet at least two new people every week (I met five last night, three on Friday night, I'm way over that estimate it would seem).
I love to meet new people - and in some weird way I treat them similarly to my music library. People that grab my attention immediately I dive right into. Some don't grab me in quite that way and so I move on for the time being, until time or mood strikes me to investigate further. Much like my musical taste, I love to meet people of all backgrounds and places. There is nothing like being surprised at my liking of something I did not anticipate to enjoy at all.
This friend that I was conversing with agreed that her relationship with music is also very analogous to her relationships with people, and we agreed that most people must be this way (from our very limited and egocentric survey, ha)
Of course there are those people, just as songs, that I keep for a very long time indeed. There are songs that I have loved and listen to and still love as much as I did the first time I heard them. There are other songs that I have loved and grown out of. There are songs I have never heard and may never hear. That is the beautiful picture for me to explore, everyday that I live. How awesome is God.
In case you are wondering about the new (to me) artists this week, I'll list three I was really happy with and plan to explore further, as well as my favorite songs by them:
Menomena
-Oahu (I Am the Fun Blame Monster!)
-The Pelican (Friend and Foe)
-Wet and Rusting (Friend and Foe)
Beirut
-My Night with the Prostitute From Marseille (March of the Zapotec & Realpeople - Holland)
-Venice (March of the Zapotec & Realpeople - Holland)
-No Dice (March of the Zapotec & Realpeople - Holland)
J. Tillman
-Steel On Steel (Vacilando Territory Blues)
-Firstborn (Vacilando Territory Blues)
-No Occasion (Vacilando Territory Blues)
I had a bunch more artists I could have put down, this week was definitely fruitful in that respect. There will be more to come in the future for sure ;)
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Some Sentiments
I feel like one of the guys that crewed the boat in The Perfect Storm. My life has changed in some major ways recently and the result is a certain choppiness to it all. At the same time I am looking ahead to the calm of what it will be when it is over. God has been showing me purpose and direction that has given me a determination and a peace that really transcends words. Though I am assailed, I shall not falter.
I am graduating from Eastern University with a Bachelors of Science in Psychology this May of 2009. I've been growing quite nostalgic at the thought of leaving. It has been an incredible experience as a whole. God continually points out events and happenings in my life that could only take place because I followed through with the decision to go to Eastern, which I felt God was telling me in a very real way to do.
Living with my grandparents has taught me so much about growing and maturing in a healthy way. I praise God for their love- they have cared for me when others have not. Being a part of my church and some of the ministries they run has been so good to learn from. The jobs that I have had, working in a cafeteria, working with the elderly, working with autistic children, and even landscaping; each has taught me more than I could have ever expected about teamwork and leadership and confrontation/conflict resolution. I am truly blessed to have had so many awesome experiences in such a short time.
I have slowed things down this semester- only school and work for me now. I decided that I wanted to be focused on what God has in store for me in the next stage of my life. I am in a strange time because my life is coming to a close in one stage, and in another I am being born afresh. Here I run a race of transition, one in which it is difficult to know what pace I should be setting for myself. I am truly excited for all that God has for me in the coming years!
I am graduating from Eastern University with a Bachelors of Science in Psychology this May of 2009. I've been growing quite nostalgic at the thought of leaving. It has been an incredible experience as a whole. God continually points out events and happenings in my life that could only take place because I followed through with the decision to go to Eastern, which I felt God was telling me in a very real way to do.
Living with my grandparents has taught me so much about growing and maturing in a healthy way. I praise God for their love- they have cared for me when others have not. Being a part of my church and some of the ministries they run has been so good to learn from. The jobs that I have had, working in a cafeteria, working with the elderly, working with autistic children, and even landscaping; each has taught me more than I could have ever expected about teamwork and leadership and confrontation/conflict resolution. I am truly blessed to have had so many awesome experiences in such a short time.
I have slowed things down this semester- only school and work for me now. I decided that I wanted to be focused on what God has in store for me in the next stage of my life. I am in a strange time because my life is coming to a close in one stage, and in another I am being born afresh. Here I run a race of transition, one in which it is difficult to know what pace I should be setting for myself. I am truly excited for all that God has for me in the coming years!
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Madness in the Senate
I am truly blown away by the antics of the people we put in charge of our country. By now Blagojevich's name is pretty well known, the Illinois Governor charged with being an idiot in broad daylight. That is how I would define it, though it is much graver than that. In reality he was attempting to sell President-Elect Obama's nearly vacant seat to the highest bidder, saying:
"I've got this thing, and it's ****ing golden. And I'm just not giving it up for ****ing nothing. I'm not going to do it, and I can always use it; I can parachute me there"
I'm not going to point out the obvious and say that this guy shouldn't be in office. Everyone knows that. A federal prosecution team is currently putting their case together, which the court will begin hearing on the projected 7th of April, this 2009. Originally they were to try Blagojevich starting on the 7th of January and felt the need for an extension, hopefully because they plan to nail this guy to the wall.
All pending presupposition as to the outcome of Blagojevich's hearing aside, this is only the back-story for the latest events. For some unknown (and a string of other colorful adjectives) reason, Blagojevich is still acting as Governor with virtual impunity. Our representatives in Illinois did nothing to hold him to task presently, such as seeking impeachment. In my wildest of dreams I hope that it is only because they assumed that Blagojevich would be too busy defending himself in court to do anything of real consequence, and completely neglected to be in communication with the prosecution team as to their plan of action - appearing to be caught with their pants down when realizing that Blagojevich is suffering no consequences at least until the time that they do finally bring a statement of impeachment against him.
Alas, it is already too late. The monster has reared its grotesque head. In another incredible twist to the Blagojevich story, Blagojevich used his unchallenged and currently valid authority to appoint Roland Burris to the vacant Senate seat. When Mr. Burris attempted to claim the seat, he was confronted and told that his credentials were not in order, and that he would not be able to proceed to the floor. He was turned away by his own party because of the glaringly obvious reason that he was appointed by a man who clearly has no respect for positions of governing power.
The problem is that in typical political fashion, it is too little too late. Roland Burris was denied on the grounds that the Secretary of State of Illinois, Jesse White, has not certified the appointment. This is merely a stall tactic however, and when Mr. Burris lodges a formal complaint in court he will certainly be motioned into the seat. Hopefully he has the character that Blagojevich lacks. Meanwhile Illinois congressmen are finally getting into gear in dropping a statement of impeachment on Blagojevich's desk.
In other Senate news, there is a huge debate as to who the newly elected Minnesota Senator is: Al Franken or Norm Coleman. The problem stems from an original count that placed Norm Coleman as the winner by 215 votes, which was then reversed to a win by Al Franken of 225 votes. With such a drastic change it seems there is a need for further investigation - both Franken and Coleman need to have respect for the position by ensuring that the correct result is sought carefully and thoroughly.
Do not be discouraged - it is important for us as citizens to know that we hold the power to change this country. When we believe that the politicians know better than we do, and that we should let them do what they feel is best, we relinquish our constitutional rights as human beings.
What can we do? We can email these people until their servers crash. Get on this website (that I am now posting for the third time, it is infinitely useful):
Congress - http://www.webslingerz.com/jhoffman/congress-email.html
and tell your representatives that they need to do something. If you aren't from Illinois, email your representatives and tell them to pressure the guys in Illinois to step up. If you are from Illinois, pressure your represenatives to drag Blagojevich into impeachment hearings. Email your representatives, tell them that they need to insist on the importance of truth in the Minnesota Senatorial Election over uncomplicated transition. Yes it is a hassle. Then again, not many things valuable are easily attained.
References:
Blagojevich Indictment:
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-blagojevich6-2009jan06,0,7972612.story
Blagojevich Transcript:
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/09/us/politics/09text-illinois.html?_r=1&pagewanted=2
Roland Burris Turned Away:
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/chi-010609-burris-senate-jan07,0,684314.story
Franken Vs. Coleman:
http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2009/01/06/franken_wins_minn_seat_but_lawsuit_likely/
"I've got this thing, and it's ****ing golden. And I'm just not giving it up for ****ing nothing. I'm not going to do it, and I can always use it; I can parachute me there"
I'm not going to point out the obvious and say that this guy shouldn't be in office. Everyone knows that. A federal prosecution team is currently putting their case together, which the court will begin hearing on the projected 7th of April, this 2009. Originally they were to try Blagojevich starting on the 7th of January and felt the need for an extension, hopefully because they plan to nail this guy to the wall.
All pending presupposition as to the outcome of Blagojevich's hearing aside, this is only the back-story for the latest events. For some unknown (and a string of other colorful adjectives) reason, Blagojevich is still acting as Governor with virtual impunity. Our representatives in Illinois did nothing to hold him to task presently, such as seeking impeachment. In my wildest of dreams I hope that it is only because they assumed that Blagojevich would be too busy defending himself in court to do anything of real consequence, and completely neglected to be in communication with the prosecution team as to their plan of action - appearing to be caught with their pants down when realizing that Blagojevich is suffering no consequences at least until the time that they do finally bring a statement of impeachment against him.
Alas, it is already too late. The monster has reared its grotesque head. In another incredible twist to the Blagojevich story, Blagojevich used his unchallenged and currently valid authority to appoint Roland Burris to the vacant Senate seat. When Mr. Burris attempted to claim the seat, he was confronted and told that his credentials were not in order, and that he would not be able to proceed to the floor. He was turned away by his own party because of the glaringly obvious reason that he was appointed by a man who clearly has no respect for positions of governing power.
The problem is that in typical political fashion, it is too little too late. Roland Burris was denied on the grounds that the Secretary of State of Illinois, Jesse White, has not certified the appointment. This is merely a stall tactic however, and when Mr. Burris lodges a formal complaint in court he will certainly be motioned into the seat. Hopefully he has the character that Blagojevich lacks. Meanwhile Illinois congressmen are finally getting into gear in dropping a statement of impeachment on Blagojevich's desk.
In other Senate news, there is a huge debate as to who the newly elected Minnesota Senator is: Al Franken or Norm Coleman. The problem stems from an original count that placed Norm Coleman as the winner by 215 votes, which was then reversed to a win by Al Franken of 225 votes. With such a drastic change it seems there is a need for further investigation - both Franken and Coleman need to have respect for the position by ensuring that the correct result is sought carefully and thoroughly.
Do not be discouraged - it is important for us as citizens to know that we hold the power to change this country. When we believe that the politicians know better than we do, and that we should let them do what they feel is best, we relinquish our constitutional rights as human beings.
What can we do? We can email these people until their servers crash. Get on this website (that I am now posting for the third time, it is infinitely useful):
Congress - http://www.webslingerz.com/jhoffman/congress-email.html
and tell your representatives that they need to do something. If you aren't from Illinois, email your representatives and tell them to pressure the guys in Illinois to step up. If you are from Illinois, pressure your represenatives to drag Blagojevich into impeachment hearings. Email your representatives, tell them that they need to insist on the importance of truth in the Minnesota Senatorial Election over uncomplicated transition. Yes it is a hassle. Then again, not many things valuable are easily attained.
References:
Blagojevich Indictment:
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-blagojevich6-2009jan06,0,7972612.story
Blagojevich Transcript:
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/09/us/politics/09text-illinois.html?_r=1&pagewanted=2
Roland Burris Turned Away:
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/chi-010609-burris-senate-jan07,0,684314.story
Franken Vs. Coleman:
http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2009/01/06/franken_wins_minn_seat_but_lawsuit_likely/
Monday, January 5, 2009
DJ Earworm is a genius
Here is a classic example of something awesome that should be shared.
http://djearworm.com/no-more-gas.htm
If you are into music in the least bit you need to check this out - it is absolutely amazing! Not only is this guy an absolute wizard with these mash-ups, he's actually intelligent and insightful! Below the song and video mash-ups of 'No More Gas' he posts this:
"…Lately in pop music there’s been this growing undercurrent of dysfunction and desperation.
Leona Lewis talks about love in terms of flesh wounds, Akon sings of girls being dangerous, Danity Kane complains of being damaged, Ne-Yo is unable to control himself, Rihanna is going crazy.
Meanwhile a burning hunger for more cries out: The Pussycat Dolls, Britney, and Lupe Fiasco all desire fame, attention, recognition, and they encourage the listener to feel the same way. All this, mixed in with Madonna’s pre-apocalyptic pop song plus Estelle and Kanye’s transatlantic lovefest, starts to paint a picture of where our culture is today, overwhelmed by our own raging appetites, even as we run out of what we need.
And you can dance to it!"
If you can't appreciate this guy for his music, you have to hand it to him for his understanding of our culture.
http://djearworm.com/no-more-gas.htm
If you are into music in the least bit you need to check this out - it is absolutely amazing! Not only is this guy an absolute wizard with these mash-ups, he's actually intelligent and insightful! Below the song and video mash-ups of 'No More Gas' he posts this:
"…Lately in pop music there’s been this growing undercurrent of dysfunction and desperation.
Leona Lewis talks about love in terms of flesh wounds, Akon sings of girls being dangerous, Danity Kane complains of being damaged, Ne-Yo is unable to control himself, Rihanna is going crazy.
Meanwhile a burning hunger for more cries out: The Pussycat Dolls, Britney, and Lupe Fiasco all desire fame, attention, recognition, and they encourage the listener to feel the same way. All this, mixed in with Madonna’s pre-apocalyptic pop song plus Estelle and Kanye’s transatlantic lovefest, starts to paint a picture of where our culture is today, overwhelmed by our own raging appetites, even as we run out of what we need.
And you can dance to it!"
If you can't appreciate this guy for his music, you have to hand it to him for his understanding of our culture.
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Rights and Privileges
Right (definition 1) - in accordance with what is good, proper, or just
Privilege (definition 1) - a right, immunity, or benefit enjoyed only by a person beyond the advantages of most
Below is a link to the full constitution, marked at the Amendments:
http://www.usconstitution.net/const.html#Amends
As citizens of the United States, we are given great rights. We have the right to free speech, the right to bear arms, the right to resist search and seizure (barring probable cause), and on it goes.
We also have a great many privileges - perhaps we are over-privileged. Individual car ownership is a good example. Driving is a wonderful and enjoyable thing for most people, granting autonomy and control to the individual. However, owning a car is not a right. It is a privilege. Here is where I think in the United States, we have lost sight of that line.
In the definitions provided above, it is clear that a right is in accordance with what is good, proper, or just. Ownership of a car may or may not fall into that category, depending on how one argues. I don't think that an argument of owning a car as being 'just' would be very compelling though. A privilege is defined as a right, immunity, or benefit enjoyed only by a person beyond the advantages of most. This is where we have become blind to the world. In my opinion, we who live in the United States have come to believe that something such as owning a car is a right. This is because a privilege is a right enjoyed only by an overwhelming minority, and owning a car is not just enjoyed by the minority in the United States. No, in fact most people in the United States are able to own a car, or multiple cars. So to own a car is not enjoying a right beyond the advantages of most is it?
That is true - until you start to actually look at the idea of rights and privileges in a global perspective. Suddenly the picture changes entirely. Not only can we quickly realize that owning a car is beyond the advantages of most, we realize that also is the ownership of a computer, television sets, land area per person, and large houses (Sourced from NationMaster - actual websources below)
It is quite clear that we enjoy 'rights' beyond the advantages of most. I'm not writing this to make people feel guilty for owning these things - I would be a hypocrite. I'm just trying to put it into perspective. We don't deserve these things, we are blessed with these things. So we should remember that. I am tired of hearing stories about people like Stephanie Muir and her crusade against Facebook (Facebook Won't Budge) over them taking down her breastfeeding pictures. Facebook is not a right, it is a privilege. When you sign up for it, you agree to the Terms of Use, in which is stated:
".....you agree not to use the Service or the Site to: upload, post, transmit, share, store or otherwise make available content that, in the sole judgment of Company, is objectionable or which restricts or inhibits any other person from using or enjoying the Site, or which may expose Company or its users to any harm or liability of any type."
Don't confuse the issue here - I'm not saying whether breast feeding pictures are offensive or not. All I am saying is that she needs to accept the fact that Facebook can do whatever they want as far as their policies are concerned. She thinks that they are being unfair - I think they run the site according to user responses. People were complaining about the breast feeding pictures and she needs to understand that.
Here are some reference links for anyone who gets heated enough to question my radical claims of American wealth or anything else I put in here. If you spot anything questionable let me know and I'll look it up.
The U.S. Constitution (this deserves to be posted on every website) -
http://www.usconstitution.net/const.html
House sizes in the U.S. -
http://fortworthology.com/2008/10/20/square-feet-per-person/
NationMaster Information (I actually went through the labor of finding each stat individually for the readers benefit...treasure those links)
Global comparisons:
Televisions per capita - U.S. #3
http://www.nationmaster.com/graph/med_tel_percap-media-televisions-per-capita
Computers per capita - U.S. #4
http://www.nationmaster.com/graph/med_per_com_percap-media-personal-computers-per-capita
Cell Phones per capita - U.S. #4
http://www.nationmaster.com/graph/med_tel_mob_cel-media-telephones-mobile-cellular_percap
Land Area per person - U.S. #54
http://www.nationmaster.com/graph/geo_are_lan_percap-geography-area-land-per-capita
Motor Vehicles per capita - U.S. #1
http://www.nationmaster.com/graph/tra_mot_veh-transportation-motor-vehicles
Lastly, the article from the New York Times that inspired me to begin with:
http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/01/02/breastfeeding-facebook-photos/?ref=technology
Privilege (definition 1) - a right, immunity, or benefit enjoyed only by a person beyond the advantages of most
Below is a link to the full constitution, marked at the Amendments:
http://www.usconstitution.net/const.html#Amends
As citizens of the United States, we are given great rights. We have the right to free speech, the right to bear arms, the right to resist search and seizure (barring probable cause), and on it goes.
We also have a great many privileges - perhaps we are over-privileged. Individual car ownership is a good example. Driving is a wonderful and enjoyable thing for most people, granting autonomy and control to the individual. However, owning a car is not a right. It is a privilege. Here is where I think in the United States, we have lost sight of that line.
In the definitions provided above, it is clear that a right is in accordance with what is good, proper, or just. Ownership of a car may or may not fall into that category, depending on how one argues. I don't think that an argument of owning a car as being 'just' would be very compelling though. A privilege is defined as a right, immunity, or benefit enjoyed only by a person beyond the advantages of most. This is where we have become blind to the world. In my opinion, we who live in the United States have come to believe that something such as owning a car is a right. This is because a privilege is a right enjoyed only by an overwhelming minority, and owning a car is not just enjoyed by the minority in the United States. No, in fact most people in the United States are able to own a car, or multiple cars. So to own a car is not enjoying a right beyond the advantages of most is it?
That is true - until you start to actually look at the idea of rights and privileges in a global perspective. Suddenly the picture changes entirely. Not only can we quickly realize that owning a car is beyond the advantages of most, we realize that also is the ownership of a computer, television sets, land area per person, and large houses (Sourced from NationMaster - actual websources below)
It is quite clear that we enjoy 'rights' beyond the advantages of most. I'm not writing this to make people feel guilty for owning these things - I would be a hypocrite. I'm just trying to put it into perspective. We don't deserve these things, we are blessed with these things. So we should remember that. I am tired of hearing stories about people like Stephanie Muir and her crusade against Facebook (Facebook Won't Budge) over them taking down her breastfeeding pictures. Facebook is not a right, it is a privilege. When you sign up for it, you agree to the Terms of Use, in which is stated:
".....you agree not to use the Service or the Site to: upload, post, transmit, share, store or otherwise make available content that, in the sole judgment of Company, is objectionable or which restricts or inhibits any other person from using or enjoying the Site, or which may expose Company or its users to any harm or liability of any type."
Don't confuse the issue here - I'm not saying whether breast feeding pictures are offensive or not. All I am saying is that she needs to accept the fact that Facebook can do whatever they want as far as their policies are concerned. She thinks that they are being unfair - I think they run the site according to user responses. People were complaining about the breast feeding pictures and she needs to understand that.
Here are some reference links for anyone who gets heated enough to question my radical claims of American wealth or anything else I put in here. If you spot anything questionable let me know and I'll look it up.
The U.S. Constitution (this deserves to be posted on every website) -
http://www.usconstitution.net/const.html
House sizes in the U.S. -
http://fortworthology.com/2008/10/20/square-feet-per-person/
NationMaster Information (I actually went through the labor of finding each stat individually for the readers benefit...treasure those links)
Global comparisons:
Televisions per capita - U.S. #3
http://www.nationmaster.com/graph/med_tel_percap-media-televisions-per-capita
Computers per capita - U.S. #4
http://www.nationmaster.com/graph/med_per_com_percap-media-personal-computers-per-capita
Cell Phones per capita - U.S. #4
http://www.nationmaster.com/graph/med_tel_mob_cel-media-telephones-mobile-cellular_percap
Land Area per person - U.S. #54
http://www.nationmaster.com/graph/geo_are_lan_percap-geography-area-land-per-capita
Motor Vehicles per capita - U.S. #1
http://www.nationmaster.com/graph/tra_mot_veh-transportation-motor-vehicles
Lastly, the article from the New York Times that inspired me to begin with:
http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/01/02/breastfeeding-facebook-photos/?ref=technology
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