With the inception of social-networking onto the center stage of our culture, I have been fortunate enough to witness the clearing of trails I thought long since dilapidated, choked with the weeds and thistles of time. It is as if I am bearing witness to the happy ending of some fatuous children’s movie in which the purity of magical golden sparkles rushes and roll across the land; an incoming tide of innocence and delight, transforming a dark and wicked landscape of jagged and sinister silhouettes into a bright Technicolor world of sparrows and shiny eyed squirrels perched upon my fingertips .
In the new and vibrant world I exchange a few hundred words with persons I haven’t seen in years. I learn the fates of my fellow pawns in this cosmic game of chess (perhaps Parcheesi). We fondly recall the inconsequential moments in life, those times we smiled and laughed. We share the moments that changed us, but only begrudgingly and in a hastened pace. Perhaps, we fear that we are not the same persons we once were. The smiles and laughs less honest then they were before. Perhaps, we fear that existence has worn upon us, and only those who knew us when our edges were still crisp, our smiles still vigorous, will perceive the change. Perhaps, I’m full of shit and meandering off the topic of which I intended to address when I began this assemblage of words.
Now that people who actually know me may perchance stumble upon one of the many rumored exploits of mine that, through no fault of volition of my own, have surfaced upon the digital ocean that is the interwebs; I must address the inaccuracy of aforementioned rumored exploits.
1.) My Kardashian Tryst, Or a Tale of Three Sisters
Where the accusation of my Kardashian assignation began I know not. However, it disturbs me deeply that anyone would propagate material so deleterious to my character. Never have I cavorted betwixt the Kardashians three, lathered in Johnson’s baby-oil, squealing in sheer delight as I slid upon their plenteous curves. It is a lie, a desecration of truth, not to be tolerated. That someone would so rakishly throw me into the realm of the profane; it hurts me in a profound manner.
When I had discovered that numerous forum boards, use-net groups, and bbs systems (the latter two aren’t even in popular use anymore, but the fiend covered his bases well) had been inundated with poorly constructed Photoshopped pictures of myself in playful debauchery with the sisters three; some of these vitiate images even included their mother, I was physically sickened. When it was made known to me that similar pictures were circulating via chain e-mails, I was downright revolted. However, the worst blow was struck when I realized that these e-mails had been sent from mine own hotmail account.
Why would some ne'er-do-well endeavor at such lengths to transfigure me into some person of ill repute? I, a man of utmost purity and innocence, surely, deserve not such melodious treatment. Perhaps, the fundamentalists are correct; society is in collapse (they should be correct about something, even a clock and all).
I allowed the rumor to run its course, figuring that the attention span of our current culture would inevitably deposit it amongst the other bones of yesterday’s fascinations. Now I address it directly, lest a acquaintance of days gone past should stumble those bones and breathe life into them like YHWH in the valley with Ezekiel and think I, myself, had belied my relationship with the Kardashians; a relationship of pure and unadulterated distain and mistrust.
They are servants of the underworld, come to strike the final blow upon a grand and inquisitive species. They have come to drag us back into the dark ages, where Byzantine-esque monks feverishly burn copies of Miley Cyrus CDs, and Statesmen, fluorescent orange and chiseled abdomen prominently displayed, make it rain upon scantily clad peasants women. Where intellectuals pen discourse upon discourse highlighting the truth and merit of the Twilight saga, and denounce its assailants with the misguided zeal of Augustine himself. I shudder.
[1] See any fucking Disney movie with a princess, ever
Saturday, August 21, 2010
On Islam: 1
Recently, I had a discussion with my dear-ol’ dad involving the religion of Islam. Of course, this was spurred on by the recent New York mosque proposal. My dad, an Evangelical Christian, insisted that the mosque was to be equivalent to the salt upon the earth of the conquered territory, or in other words a symbol of Islamic victory. He insisted I had to look at “what they believe” and “what the Qur’an” said. So, I; having never been one for accepting second-hand information uncritically, figured I’d crack open a few of the translations available to me, and take a skim through the revelations of the Prophet Mohammed, peace and blessing of Allâh be upon him (LOL, sarcasm).
Anyways, my dad happened to mention on many occasions that Qur’an translations attempted to smooth the rough edges of this particular revelation (kind of like Isaiah 7:14 still reading “virgin” in most modern translations), so he might be skeptical of any quotations I may put forth. I will be using the Pickthall (Muslim) and Palmer (Christian) translations, I would have preferred to use the Arthur Arberry and Sale renditions, but alas, I don’t have either. I also might throw in some quotations from the Hadith.
I make no claim to intimate knowledge of Islam, its current apologetic practices, or common interpretation; I seek to examine the words as they are, and not as this person or that envision them to represent.
This post stems from a cursory inspection so I didn’t read past 2. al-Baqarah: The Cow, but it provided enough quotes to get my point across.
Okay, so I’ve heard it said that Islam is the religion of peace, and based solely upon fragmentary excerpts I could see why. However, I am quite positive that verse could be dug up which reflect an entirely different sentiment. Islam and the Qur’an like most religions and “Holy” books take on a variety of facades and meanings.
I could see how an Islamic person could point to numerous verses in the Qur’an condemning violence, and how Jihad can, in many circumstance, be the Islamic equivalent to the Christian “Great Commission”.
I could see how some could say Islamic terrorists of today are just ignoring the tenets of their holy book, but as I stated previously I’m sure a terrorist could point to verses which would justify his actions.
I guess the overarching point I’m getting at is that people should be weary of conclusions they draw about another religion based upon suppositions and commentary from contrary positions. Of course, contrarian opinions are important to familiarize oneself with on any given subject, but one most also take the time to review arguments of the proponent and in the case of religion the original documents. That’s just intellectual honesty, my friends, and it’s lacking in this day and age, perhaps it has always, but needn’t.
I heard it from a rather loony evangelical Christian apologist on a Youtube video once that a good Christian should never accept a quotation of a servant of Satan (by which I assume he meant a non-Christian), so I guess it would be fair to say that one should never, a priori, accept arguments against a faith by its opponents.
I hope to write more articles pertaining to this controversial religion, and religion in general once I've a had a chance to gain a fuller understanding.
Anyways, my dad happened to mention on many occasions that Qur’an translations attempted to smooth the rough edges of this particular revelation (kind of like Isaiah 7:14 still reading “virgin” in most modern translations), so he might be skeptical of any quotations I may put forth. I will be using the Pickthall (Muslim) and Palmer (Christian) translations, I would have preferred to use the Arthur Arberry and Sale renditions, but alas, I don’t have either. I also might throw in some quotations from the Hadith.
I make no claim to intimate knowledge of Islam, its current apologetic practices, or common interpretation; I seek to examine the words as they are, and not as this person or that envision them to represent.
This post stems from a cursory inspection so I didn’t read past 2. al-Baqarah: The Cow, but it provided enough quotes to get my point across.
[Pickthall]
62 Lo! Those who believe (in that which is revealed unto thee, Muhammad), and those who are Jews, and Christians, and Sabaeans - whoever believeth in Allah and the Last Day and doeth right - surely their reward is with their Lord, and there shall no fear come upon them neither shall they grieve.
[Rodwell]
Verily, they who believe (Muslims), and they who follow the Jewish religion, and the Christians, and the Sabeites --whoever of these believeth in God and the last day, and doeth that which is right, shall have their reward with their Lord: fear shall not come upon them, neither shall they be grieved.
[Picktahll]
87 And verily We gave unto Moses the Scripture and We caused a train of messengers to follow after him, and We gave unto Jesus, son of Mary, clear proofs (of Allah's sovereignty), and We supported him with the Holy spirit. Is it ever so, that, when there cometh unto you a messenger (from Allah) with that which ye yourselves desire not, ye grow arrogant, and some ye disbelieve and some ye slay ?
[Rodwell]
Some of the apostles we have endowed more highly than others: Those to whom God hath spoken, He hath raised to the loftiest grade, and to Jesus the Son of Mary we gave manifest signs, and we strengthened him with the Holy Spirit. And if God had pleased, they who came after them would not have wrangled, after the clear signs had reached them. But into disputes they fell: some of them believed, and some were infidels; yet if God had pleased, they would not have thus wrangled: but God doth what he will.
[Pick]
94 Say (unto them): If the abode of the Hereafter in the providence of Allah is indeed for you alone and not for others of mankind (as ye pretend), then long for death (for ye must long for death) if ye are truthful.
[Rod]
SAY: If the future dwelling place with God be specially for you, but not for the rest of mankind, then wish for death, if ye are sincere:
[Pick]
109 Many of the people of the Scripture long to make you disbelievers after your belief, through envy on their own account, after the truth hath become manifest unto them. Forgive and be indulgent (toward them) until Allah give command. Lo! Allah is Able to do all things.
110 Establish worship, and pay the poor-due; and whatever of good ye send before (you) for your souls, ye will find it with Allah. Lo! Allah is Seer of what ye do.
111 And they say: None entereth paradise unless he be a Jew or a Christian. These are their own desires. Say: Bring your proof (of what ye state) if ye are truthful.
[Rod]
Many of the people of the Book desire to bring you back to unbelief after ye have believed, out of selfish envy, even after the truth hath been clearly shewn them. But forgive them, and shun them till God shall come in with His working. Truly God hath power over all things.
And observe prayer and pay the legal impost: and whatever good thing ye have sent on before for your soul's sake, ye shall find it with God. Verily God seeth what ye do.
And they say, "None but Jews or Christians shall enter Paradise:" This is their wish. SAY: Give your proofs if ye speak the truth.
[Pick]
136 Say (O Muslims): We believe in Allah and that which is revealed unto us and that which was revealed unto Abraham, and Ishmael, and Isaac, and Jacob, and the tribes, and that which Moses and Jesus received, and that which the prophets received from their Lord. We make no distinction between any of them, and unto Him we have surrendered.
[Rod]
Say ye: "We believe in God, and that which hath been sent down to us, and that which hath been sent down to Abraham and Ismael and Isaac and Jacob and the tribes: and that which hath been given to Moses and to Jesus, and that which was given to the prophets from their Lord. No difference do we make between any of them: and to God are we resigned (Muslims)."
From, A Manuel of Hadith,
translated by Maulana Muhammad Ali [1944]:
[Pg. 252]
"And those who strive hard for Us, We will certainly guide them in Our ways" (29:69).
"Strive hard against them a mighty striving with it (the Qur'ân)" (25:52).
"And from among you there should be a party who invite to good and enjoin what is right and forbid the wrong. and these it is that shall be successful" (3:103).
"There is no compulsion in religion" (2:256).
"And fight in the way of Allâh with those who fight with you and do not exceed this limit" (2:190).
"And they will not cease fighting with you until they turn you back from your religion if they can" (2:217).
"And fight with them until there is no persecution and all religions are only for Allâh" (8:39).
"And if they incline to peace, do thou incline to it and trust in Allâh And if they intend to deceive thee, then surely Allâh is sufficient for thee" (8:61, 62).
"He it is who has sent His Messenger with the guidance and the true religion that He may make it overcome all (other) religions." (61:9).
[Pgs, 258, 259]
8 Ibn 'Abbâs reported,
The Messenger of Allâh, peace and blessings of Allâh be on him, wrote to the Cæsar inviting him to Islâm, and sent his letter to him with Dihyah al-Kalbî, and the Messenger of Allâh, peace and blessings of Allâh be on him, ordered him to make it over to the Chief of Busrâ that he might send it to the Caesar.[6]
(B. 56:102.)
9 Ibn 'Abbâs reported,
. . . And this (letter) ran as follows:
"In the name of Allâh, the Beneficent, the Merciful. From Muhammad, the servant of Allâh and His Messenger, to Heraclius, the Chief of the Roman Empire. Peace be with him who follows the guidance. After this, I invite thee with invitation to Islâm. Become a Muslim and thou wilt be in peace--Allâh will give thee a double reward; but if thou turnest away, on thee will be the sin of thy subjects. And, O followers of the Book! Come to an equitable proposition between us and you that we shall not serve any but Allâh, and that we shall not associate aught with Him, and that some of us shall not take others for lords besides Allâh; but if they turn back, then say: Bear witness that we are Muslims."
[5] These instructions were given to 'Ali by the Holy Prophet in the expedition of Khaibar, which shows that invitation to Islâm was the greatest jihâd of Muslims.
[6] This Hadîth which speaks of the Holy Prophet inviting the Cæsar to Islâm forms part of the chapter on Jihad in the Bukhârî, which again shows the wide sense in which jihâd was interpreted by Muslims. The subject-matter of the letter written is produced in the next hadîth, which should be treated as a supplement to this hadîth.
Okay, so I’ve heard it said that Islam is the religion of peace, and based solely upon fragmentary excerpts I could see why. However, I am quite positive that verse could be dug up which reflect an entirely different sentiment. Islam and the Qur’an like most religions and “Holy” books take on a variety of facades and meanings.
I could see how an Islamic person could point to numerous verses in the Qur’an condemning violence, and how Jihad can, in many circumstance, be the Islamic equivalent to the Christian “Great Commission”.
I could see how some could say Islamic terrorists of today are just ignoring the tenets of their holy book, but as I stated previously I’m sure a terrorist could point to verses which would justify his actions.
I guess the overarching point I’m getting at is that people should be weary of conclusions they draw about another religion based upon suppositions and commentary from contrary positions. Of course, contrarian opinions are important to familiarize oneself with on any given subject, but one most also take the time to review arguments of the proponent and in the case of religion the original documents. That’s just intellectual honesty, my friends, and it’s lacking in this day and age, perhaps it has always, but needn’t.
I heard it from a rather loony evangelical Christian apologist on a Youtube video once that a good Christian should never accept a quotation of a servant of Satan (by which I assume he meant a non-Christian), so I guess it would be fair to say that one should never, a priori, accept arguments against a faith by its opponents.
I hope to write more articles pertaining to this controversial religion, and religion in general once I've a had a chance to gain a fuller understanding.
Black and White
Recently my dad accused me of having no black and white; an accusation which couldn’t be more unjustified. In the following I shall discuss my personal views of black, white, and the intermediate shades which lie between.
To provide context for the origin of this discourse I shall begin by describing some of our conversation, and how the aforementioned accusation was levied against me. My dad was telling me about a study he had heard of in which it was shown that entrepreneurs (from what I gathered) without a college degree did better than those who had a degree. It was my contention that one should be weary of such studies, due to the sheer number of variables involved. Not being privy to the methodology followed by those who performed the study I had misgivings.
How many sources of effect can you think of that influence a person’s success (neglecting for the moment the need to solidly define “success” first)? Just off the top of my head I can think of upbringing, genetic dispositions, personality, and socioeconomic position. Then we have loose factors when it comes to defining a “college degree”. Not all college degrees are the same, masters, bachelors, and doctorates. Then there’s the field of study to which the degree pertains and how it relates to a person’s chosen career path that needs to be considered. Therefore, I feel absolutely justified in approaching this study critically, and skeptically (how I would recommend approaching all studies). Of course, all the information I had in regards to this study were second hand, supplied from my dad, who it seemed hadn’t actually read the findings, but heard about it on a radio program. Such second hand communication of scientific findings via unscientific outlets is, in my opinion, always suspect; there being a tendency for the twisting of conclusions and mining of quotes in order to support sociopolitical presuppositions
Upon relating my thoughts I was then charged with having no “black and white”. However, how my dad came to this conclusion is completely lost to me. In fact, it places my line of reasoning on the exact opposite side of the spectrum in which I was arguing. I have no problem viewing questions or concepts through a monochromatic lens, but only once that boundary is defined as concretely as possible.
It’s completely useless to throw about absolutist appeals this way or that before one thoroughly delineates what exactly is this way and what exactly is that. I’m not one to support solipsistic philosophies or unbridled relativism. They have no utilitarian purpose. I grant that my own consciousness is all I can know in absolute terms to exist. Perhaps, the decryption of the signals from my sensory organs by my brain isn’t an objective process. Operating on the assumption that the way I experience of the universe is untrustworthy, what questions do I ask? How do I proceed to inquire about the nature of anything external to my own cognitive process? Philosophies mired in muddled ambiguity are useless in any real-world sense.
As far as relativism is concerned, only the delusional insist upon denying that context plays an important role in how one must view any given issue.
To provide context for the origin of this discourse I shall begin by describing some of our conversation, and how the aforementioned accusation was levied against me. My dad was telling me about a study he had heard of in which it was shown that entrepreneurs (from what I gathered) without a college degree did better than those who had a degree. It was my contention that one should be weary of such studies, due to the sheer number of variables involved. Not being privy to the methodology followed by those who performed the study I had misgivings.
How many sources of effect can you think of that influence a person’s success (neglecting for the moment the need to solidly define “success” first)? Just off the top of my head I can think of upbringing, genetic dispositions, personality, and socioeconomic position. Then we have loose factors when it comes to defining a “college degree”. Not all college degrees are the same, masters, bachelors, and doctorates. Then there’s the field of study to which the degree pertains and how it relates to a person’s chosen career path that needs to be considered. Therefore, I feel absolutely justified in approaching this study critically, and skeptically (how I would recommend approaching all studies). Of course, all the information I had in regards to this study were second hand, supplied from my dad, who it seemed hadn’t actually read the findings, but heard about it on a radio program. Such second hand communication of scientific findings via unscientific outlets is, in my opinion, always suspect; there being a tendency for the twisting of conclusions and mining of quotes in order to support sociopolitical presuppositions
Upon relating my thoughts I was then charged with having no “black and white”. However, how my dad came to this conclusion is completely lost to me. In fact, it places my line of reasoning on the exact opposite side of the spectrum in which I was arguing. I have no problem viewing questions or concepts through a monochromatic lens, but only once that boundary is defined as concretely as possible.
It’s completely useless to throw about absolutist appeals this way or that before one thoroughly delineates what exactly is this way and what exactly is that. I’m not one to support solipsistic philosophies or unbridled relativism. They have no utilitarian purpose. I grant that my own consciousness is all I can know in absolute terms to exist. Perhaps, the decryption of the signals from my sensory organs by my brain isn’t an objective process. Operating on the assumption that the way I experience of the universe is untrustworthy, what questions do I ask? How do I proceed to inquire about the nature of anything external to my own cognitive process? Philosophies mired in muddled ambiguity are useless in any real-world sense.
As far as relativism is concerned, only the delusional insist upon denying that context plays an important role in how one must view any given issue.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Damn You Coffee-Pot
With a heavy heart I must denounce a certain kitchen container, damn near a reliquary to me. Oh coffee-pot how thou hast let me down. The duties for which you were designed, and I request of you are simple and two fold; 1) you are to store my beloved nourishment of the morning (and occasionally afternoon), 2) you are to transfer your precious cargo to my coffee cup. In the former I find no fault in you. However, in the second you incessantly fail me. This is especially disappointing, seeing as how I perform most of the work in this task. It is a matter of teamwork, and you my friend, are slacking.
“What have I done to deserve you admonishment?” you may ask. Well, I’ll tell you. You constantly drip coffee all over the counter-top. You have a fucking spout coffee-pot. How is it that you cannot manage to channel a liquid from yourself to another vessel when you have I appendage specifically designed to do so? I ask of you very little, and what do you give me in return? A puddle, which I must wipe up for every cup of coffee I seek to enjoy. I realize you do not sleep, and therefore cannot comprehend how easily aggravated one can be upon his revival at dawn. I make excuses for you no longer. Fuck you coffee-pot, I will smash you. I will scatter your specular fragments upon hardwood and grind them to granular white powder beneath my boot. Please coffee-pot I beseech you, do not make me put on my boots first thing in the morning (by which I mean 8-9 o’clock).
I will not suffer you incompetence much longer.
“What have I done to deserve you admonishment?” you may ask. Well, I’ll tell you. You constantly drip coffee all over the counter-top. You have a fucking spout coffee-pot. How is it that you cannot manage to channel a liquid from yourself to another vessel when you have I appendage specifically designed to do so? I ask of you very little, and what do you give me in return? A puddle, which I must wipe up for every cup of coffee I seek to enjoy. I realize you do not sleep, and therefore cannot comprehend how easily aggravated one can be upon his revival at dawn. I make excuses for you no longer. Fuck you coffee-pot, I will smash you. I will scatter your specular fragments upon hardwood and grind them to granular white powder beneath my boot. Please coffee-pot I beseech you, do not make me put on my boots first thing in the morning (by which I mean 8-9 o’clock).
I will not suffer you incompetence much longer.
Tuesday, February 09, 2010
Spirituality
Why is it that people seek some transcendental meaning in life? Why are so many enamored by spirituality, and what is it exactly? Before I continue with my thoughts, I would entreat anyone who reads this to respond with their own definition. I realize that “spirituality” is a nebulous terms that means something unique to each individual.
I am no stranger to the tingling sensation of something greater. I feel it anytime I browse astronomy pictures. When I take moment and try to consider how immense, beautiful, terrifying, elegant, and chaotic this universe is all at the same time. Our universe is estimated to be 156 billion light years across, our galaxy (the Milky-Way) is 100,000 light-years across. Every time you look into the sky you’re looking back through time billions of years. Some might say it makes them feel insignificant, I’m honored.
When I read Homer’s the Iliad and realize that over 2,000 years ago the imagination of mankind was already at work, dissecting its joy and sorrow and reconstructing it in beautiful poetry. When I dig into the authors of the Age of Enlightment and Thomas Paine or David Hume reaches out from the 1700s to move me with words that ring as true today as they did in their lifetimes.
My spirituality is scholarly. I am touched deepest when I learn something new about the world, the mind, society, the cosmos and how they work. I’ve been told this is “sad”, and I fear that no matter how many books I read, hours I spend pondering, or lively discussions I have this is one sentiment I will never understand. In truth I say “my spirituality” only for poetic reasons, and the lack of a more accurate term. What some people might call their soul, I call my mind and am no less mystified for it.
For claims made of the functioning of the physical world I demand empirical evidence, for those of a philosophical nature I demand sound logic. Perhaps, these limitations enforced upon me by my own intrinsic nature will hinder me from experiencing “spirituality” as most people do. Though I’d like to think what I experience is basically equivalent to what others do, and if it is not than it is I who is sad for them.
I am no stranger to the tingling sensation of something greater. I feel it anytime I browse astronomy pictures. When I take moment and try to consider how immense, beautiful, terrifying, elegant, and chaotic this universe is all at the same time. Our universe is estimated to be 156 billion light years across, our galaxy (the Milky-Way) is 100,000 light-years across. Every time you look into the sky you’re looking back through time billions of years. Some might say it makes them feel insignificant, I’m honored.
When I read Homer’s the Iliad and realize that over 2,000 years ago the imagination of mankind was already at work, dissecting its joy and sorrow and reconstructing it in beautiful poetry. When I dig into the authors of the Age of Enlightment and Thomas Paine or David Hume reaches out from the 1700s to move me with words that ring as true today as they did in their lifetimes.
My spirituality is scholarly. I am touched deepest when I learn something new about the world, the mind, society, the cosmos and how they work. I’ve been told this is “sad”, and I fear that no matter how many books I read, hours I spend pondering, or lively discussions I have this is one sentiment I will never understand. In truth I say “my spirituality” only for poetic reasons, and the lack of a more accurate term. What some people might call their soul, I call my mind and am no less mystified for it.
For claims made of the functioning of the physical world I demand empirical evidence, for those of a philosophical nature I demand sound logic. Perhaps, these limitations enforced upon me by my own intrinsic nature will hinder me from experiencing “spirituality” as most people do. Though I’d like to think what I experience is basically equivalent to what others do, and if it is not than it is I who is sad for them.
Saturday, February 06, 2010
Eternity
I’ve never understood the human desire for eternal life. I can on some level comprehend the fear of death, though it isn’t one I hold myself. However, the wish for perpetual consciousness is one that can only be made before really taking a moment’s pause to reflect upon its consequence. Yet, people throughout history have sought to prolong themselves, in one form or another, forever.
Can you imagine what it would be like to have had every thought you could ever possibly have? To truly suck the well of experiences dry? What is to be done when every occurrence is exhausted? As far as I’m concerned the limitations of one lifetime is in no way restrictive to me. Perhaps, in the end I may lament on missed opportunities, but I say that is better than to lament on no more opportunities to be had.
Time is a fundamental dimension; necessary to our comprehension of reality. What happens when it is removed? What does any given moment mean without one to precede it and another to follow? This is basically what eternity is; not an unending procession of time but an absence of time all together.
So some people might fear death. Perhaps because they think we can’t imagine it. We have nothing to measure it by; there is no personal experience to subject it to (try sleeping on it, perhaps you'll gain some understanding). I on the other hand grasp a lack of consciousness, and I would far more look forward to that then trying to beat my paddle-ball high-score of 23e+10.
Can you imagine what it would be like to have had every thought you could ever possibly have? To truly suck the well of experiences dry? What is to be done when every occurrence is exhausted? As far as I’m concerned the limitations of one lifetime is in no way restrictive to me. Perhaps, in the end I may lament on missed opportunities, but I say that is better than to lament on no more opportunities to be had.
Time is a fundamental dimension; necessary to our comprehension of reality. What happens when it is removed? What does any given moment mean without one to precede it and another to follow? This is basically what eternity is; not an unending procession of time but an absence of time all together.
So some people might fear death. Perhaps because they think we can’t imagine it. We have nothing to measure it by; there is no personal experience to subject it to (try sleeping on it, perhaps you'll gain some understanding). I on the other hand grasp a lack of consciousness, and I would far more look forward to that then trying to beat my paddle-ball high-score of 23e+10.
Tuesday, February 02, 2010
The Value of Ideas
Some might say all beliefs are equal. They might say you cannot weigh an idea. They might say that there is no quantifiable attribute to a concept. They may say that anything can be true, and I say this is false. Ideas have value, and perhaps more of it than anything you can lay your hands upon. We live in a universe of cause and effect, and dogma is the greatest cause of action among man. However being the greatest doesn’t always make it great.
You cannot measure the worth of doctrines with graduated cylinders, scales, or rulers. By what then is a doctrine to be measured? Perhaps we cannot measure with numbers the cause, but we can the effect. If someone says to you “think as I think and you will be happy” should they not be happy? If they say “think as I think and you will be just” should they not be just? If they say “think as I think and you will be moral” should they not be moral? If he is, is the one standing next him? How about the one standing next to her?
Scrutinize the ranks of those who claim truth and beauty for those who exhibit revolting deceit. If you see a blanket of light with a few holes of darkness, then perhaps it is an idea worth holding. However, if you find but sparkles of light among an ocean of stormy black, then it is your duty to mankind to denounce such an idea.
It matters not how lovely a seed if all it bears are poisonous thorns.
However, more important than searching the multitudes of those who stand opposite you, is searching those who stand amongst you, and more important than that is searching yourself.
You cannot measure the worth of doctrines with graduated cylinders, scales, or rulers. By what then is a doctrine to be measured? Perhaps we cannot measure with numbers the cause, but we can the effect. If someone says to you “think as I think and you will be happy” should they not be happy? If they say “think as I think and you will be just” should they not be just? If they say “think as I think and you will be moral” should they not be moral? If he is, is the one standing next him? How about the one standing next to her?
Scrutinize the ranks of those who claim truth and beauty for those who exhibit revolting deceit. If you see a blanket of light with a few holes of darkness, then perhaps it is an idea worth holding. However, if you find but sparkles of light among an ocean of stormy black, then it is your duty to mankind to denounce such an idea.
It matters not how lovely a seed if all it bears are poisonous thorns.
However, more important than searching the multitudes of those who stand opposite you, is searching those who stand amongst you, and more important than that is searching yourself.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
The City Market Bell-Pepper
I ran down to the local City-Market this evening for a bag of charcoals, and as I approached the check-out lane I was greeted by a single Bell-Pepper. It was perched upon the little fridge where they keep drinks, just sitting there staring at me like “sup?”
I thought, “Don’t ‘sup’ me Bell-Pepper, you don’t fucking belong here among these sugar saturated sodas, bottle waters, and fruit juices. You’re a Bell-Pepper, and Bell-Peppers are disgusting.”
I understand you may thinks that’s an awful hard stance to take on the Bell-Pepper, but I don’t give a shit. The Bell-Pepper will never fit in with beverages. When’s the last time you enjoyed a cool refreshing glass of Bell-Pepper juice? Never, that’s when. So shut your whore mouth, and quit thinking shit opposing my point of view. You’re just making yourself look stupid.
Perhaps, the Bell-Pepper was exiled by the Bell-Pepper society. Perhaps, he had a torrid affair with a Peblano and most Bell-Peppers are, let’s say, old fashioned and don’t agree with inter-pepper relationships. So, the Bell-Pepper decided to take to the road with his Peblano lover. See the world, and experience the magic it has to offer with his soul mate. They slipped away and under the plastic-bag dispenser made their plans. They would escape the bigotry of their antiquated views pepper peers, and find happiness in another aisle far away.
However, that night as the Bell-Pepper cautiously tossed almonds at the Peblano’s bin, his dreams, his plans for the future, everything he had come to live for were destroyed. It was as if his little pepper heart were thrown in a Ronco food processor and puréed into a delicious salsa to be enjoyed with nachos during the upcoming UFC 106 (Go Griffon!). The beautiful Peblano appeared from the bin’s rim, tears in her eyes, and unable to look at the poor Bell-Pepper. She would not be coming.
The distraught Bell-Pepper meandered across the white tiles, no purpose left, no friends, no where left to turn. All was lost. He looked up towards the fluorescent lights.
“WHHHHYYYYYY. Why hast thou forsaken me!?”
Then the fridge caught his eye; the ledge beckoning him, offering resolution. He clambered his way up its side somehow, not easily seeing as how peppers have no limbs, unless you count the stem, but I don’t.
Perched upon the ledge looking down at the tile floor many feet below he inhaled deep. He was afraid. He knew not what awaited him on the other side of splatterdom. He wasn’t sure he had the seeds to find out. That’s where I entered the story, and rolled him off.
Ha, ha fucking pepper. You didn’t deserve to live anyways. You were an outcast, exiled by your own people, abandoned by the only pepper you ever loved. You were a Bell-Pepper, and Bell-Peppers are disgusting. I hope you survived the fall, only to be crushed under the wheel of a shopping cart… or better yet the wheel of one of the fat-people buggies, as the beverages cheered from the shining glass home. Ha, you thought they would take pity on you? You were evicted from a circle of bums around a trashcan fire, and you had the gall to try and crash on the Queen’s couch? You deserve your foul fate.
I thought, “Don’t ‘sup’ me Bell-Pepper, you don’t fucking belong here among these sugar saturated sodas, bottle waters, and fruit juices. You’re a Bell-Pepper, and Bell-Peppers are disgusting.”
I understand you may thinks that’s an awful hard stance to take on the Bell-Pepper, but I don’t give a shit. The Bell-Pepper will never fit in with beverages. When’s the last time you enjoyed a cool refreshing glass of Bell-Pepper juice? Never, that’s when. So shut your whore mouth, and quit thinking shit opposing my point of view. You’re just making yourself look stupid.
Perhaps, the Bell-Pepper was exiled by the Bell-Pepper society. Perhaps, he had a torrid affair with a Peblano and most Bell-Peppers are, let’s say, old fashioned and don’t agree with inter-pepper relationships. So, the Bell-Pepper decided to take to the road with his Peblano lover. See the world, and experience the magic it has to offer with his soul mate. They slipped away and under the plastic-bag dispenser made their plans. They would escape the bigotry of their antiquated views pepper peers, and find happiness in another aisle far away.
However, that night as the Bell-Pepper cautiously tossed almonds at the Peblano’s bin, his dreams, his plans for the future, everything he had come to live for were destroyed. It was as if his little pepper heart were thrown in a Ronco food processor and puréed into a delicious salsa to be enjoyed with nachos during the upcoming UFC 106 (Go Griffon!). The beautiful Peblano appeared from the bin’s rim, tears in her eyes, and unable to look at the poor Bell-Pepper. She would not be coming.
The distraught Bell-Pepper meandered across the white tiles, no purpose left, no friends, no where left to turn. All was lost. He looked up towards the fluorescent lights.
“WHHHHYYYYYY. Why hast thou forsaken me!?”
Then the fridge caught his eye; the ledge beckoning him, offering resolution. He clambered his way up its side somehow, not easily seeing as how peppers have no limbs, unless you count the stem, but I don’t.
Perched upon the ledge looking down at the tile floor many feet below he inhaled deep. He was afraid. He knew not what awaited him on the other side of splatterdom. He wasn’t sure he had the seeds to find out. That’s where I entered the story, and rolled him off.
Ha, ha fucking pepper. You didn’t deserve to live anyways. You were an outcast, exiled by your own people, abandoned by the only pepper you ever loved. You were a Bell-Pepper, and Bell-Peppers are disgusting. I hope you survived the fall, only to be crushed under the wheel of a shopping cart… or better yet the wheel of one of the fat-people buggies, as the beverages cheered from the shining glass home. Ha, you thought they would take pity on you? You were evicted from a circle of bums around a trashcan fire, and you had the gall to try and crash on the Queen’s couch? You deserve your foul fate.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Mike Tyson Conquers Soul of Paparazzi
Recently, Mike Tyson, was arrested for ripping out the heart and eating the children of a paparazzi photographer. Of course by “ripping out the heart” and “eating the children of” I mean punching his face, but Mike Tyson always put shit in a more meaningful way. Of course by “shit” I mean fists, and by “more meaningful way” I mean people’s faces.
Seriously, I can’t think of anyone more deserving of having their snot-box smashed. Paparazzi are filth and don’t deserve any protection under law. If you’re going to run around sticking your Nikon D3 in people’s faces, then you should be prepared to swallow it. You should be prepared to have your lens glass smashed into tiny of little fragments which would then be inserted into your face to form complex geometric patterns, or perhaps fractal renderings of some sort.
Template for lens glass insertion
Seriously, I can’t think of anyone more deserving of having their snot-box smashed. Paparazzi are filth and don’t deserve any protection under law. If you’re going to run around sticking your Nikon D3 in people’s faces, then you should be prepared to swallow it. You should be prepared to have your lens glass smashed into tiny of little fragments which would then be inserted into your face to form complex geometric patterns, or perhaps fractal renderings of some sort.
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