New Scientist, one of my favorite magazines, has provided me with my new favorite sentence: Only humans have religion, because only humans have the brain architecture to imagine things that don't exist.
Thank you New Scientist.
I also want to note that this article is based on the work of Maurice Bloch, and does not necessarily represent the opinions of New Scientist.
It does, however, represent my sentiments entirely.
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Basirah Drenican in a T Tauri wind
Link of the day is a commentary on cognitive surplus, a well thought out, well written look at sitcoms and stasis. The following is not meant as criticism, but as an attempt to add another dimension to what is presented.
I'll admit to staring mindlessly at television screens, feeling ashamed of my inability to find a better outlet for my energy, hoping that society will one day remove the "Under Construction" sign hanging from the dawning epic my generation is due. But I would like to sound a note of caution against interpreting sitcoms as the newest social depressant, a stopgap solution standing on the road to a more useful interaction.
Beyond water cooler conversations there sits the collective stares of a family of four, grouped around microwaved meals, engaging in minor skirmishes brought about by a single inappropriate chuckle, defining social values and identity through the reactions of the viewer. This kind of authoritative storytelling is older than Homer, and it is something which will continue regardless of how easy it becomes to interact with the stories presented.
The creation of content is more personal than reaction borne of consumption, and it is through the latter that social bonding readily occurs, as the gray areas of interpersonal communication are slowly defined through reference to a story outside of ourselves, beyond our control.
I don't think that Wikipedia and YouTube can replace television. If there are too many providers of content, the value of the content decreases in terms of its ability to provide a means of bonding with individuals as yet unknown.
I'll admit to staring mindlessly at television screens, feeling ashamed of my inability to find a better outlet for my energy, hoping that society will one day remove the "Under Construction" sign hanging from the dawning epic my generation is due. But I would like to sound a note of caution against interpreting sitcoms as the newest social depressant, a stopgap solution standing on the road to a more useful interaction.
Beyond water cooler conversations there sits the collective stares of a family of four, grouped around microwaved meals, engaging in minor skirmishes brought about by a single inappropriate chuckle, defining social values and identity through the reactions of the viewer. This kind of authoritative storytelling is older than Homer, and it is something which will continue regardless of how easy it becomes to interact with the stories presented.
The creation of content is more personal than reaction borne of consumption, and it is through the latter that social bonding readily occurs, as the gray areas of interpersonal communication are slowly defined through reference to a story outside of ourselves, beyond our control.
I don't think that Wikipedia and YouTube can replace television. If there are too many providers of content, the value of the content decreases in terms of its ability to provide a means of bonding with individuals as yet unknown.
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Redefining charity
The American people have a can-do spirit that is antithetical to mandated charity. But what Americans love is the chance to take their piece of the pie. We may not want health care, but we sure love pork, (and laughing at foreigners).
That said, we need to alleviate poverty if we want to improve education, because the newest tech-wondrous womping stick ain't going to build itself.
[I'd argue that knowledge of rhetoric might be a slightly useful byproduct of education as well, but that'd be kind of fruity of me. See, look at that, that link's a brilliantly self-indulgent Latin reference. Watch this: Inde poeta dicti sunt saturi, eo quod pleni sunt omni facundia sive a saturitate et copia quia de pluribus simul rebus loquuntur. You know what that is? That's Latin baby. That's me claiming authority under the pretense of class. That could be you, America!]
We've got to trick people into getting help, and disguising charity as competition is the only way to do it. You want health care for your family? Only if you can outdo your neighbour in gator wrastlin'. You want Social Security? Medicare? Be willing to do cartwheels off the Statue of Liberty. Food stamps? Give me Pyramids, monuments to our greatness. Flex for the future, American, flaunt yourselves in an act of validation and claim the fabulous prizes of blood transfusions and Hamburger Helper. And you losers, go forth with a new focus for your shame, forced to accept that welfare check for now, but hopeful that you'll soon be the one on top.
That said, we need to alleviate poverty if we want to improve education, because the newest tech-wondrous womping stick ain't going to build itself.
[I'd argue that knowledge of rhetoric might be a slightly useful byproduct of education as well, but that'd be kind of fruity of me. See, look at that, that link's a brilliantly self-indulgent Latin reference. Watch this: Inde poeta dicti sunt saturi, eo quod pleni sunt omni facundia sive a saturitate et copia quia de pluribus simul rebus loquuntur. You know what that is? That's Latin baby. That's me claiming authority under the pretense of class. That could be you, America!]
We've got to trick people into getting help, and disguising charity as competition is the only way to do it. You want health care for your family? Only if you can outdo your neighbour in gator wrastlin'. You want Social Security? Medicare? Be willing to do cartwheels off the Statue of Liberty. Food stamps? Give me Pyramids, monuments to our greatness. Flex for the future, American, flaunt yourselves in an act of validation and claim the fabulous prizes of blood transfusions and Hamburger Helper. And you losers, go forth with a new focus for your shame, forced to accept that welfare check for now, but hopeful that you'll soon be the one on top.
That Poor Bastard
CNN had a very interesting article on the upcoming trial of the supposed 9/11 mastermind. The title of said article is “Lawyer fears 9/11 mastermind trial will be 'insanity'.” Well, no shit. Now, in no way am I saying that Khalid Sheikh Mohammed is innocent, nor am I even saying he's a good person, but he is still a person, and I am in one-hundred percent agreement with his attorney, Prescott Prince, that he deserves a fair trial (just like any other person in this great country of ours). Though,I also have doubts to the nature of the evidence obtained because of the supposed torture that defendant underwent. So, naturally, because of the nature of the incident, I'm sure he will quickly be found guilty. Again, I'm not saying he's innocent; I'm just supposing that if someone tries to drown you, you are going to tell them what they want to hear. Maybe, I'm not a god-dammed mind reader; it is possible that everyone aside from myself has been through some sort of interrogation resistance training. I think I skipped out of that summer-camp event.
All this is merely pretense to what I actually want to talk about. I want to talk about good ol' Prescott. I want every one to understand that Mr. Prince -this is CNN's own words here- “...is a small-town lawyer who has never taken a death penalty case to trial.” That's right he's never been involved in a case on this scale. I'm in no way implying that Mr. Prince is dumb or inept, but what I am saying is that I think they found someone who is probably under-prepared and willing to ruin his career. Seriously, the reason there isn't a prominent criminal defendant lawyer heading this case is because no one would want to touch the death of their professional life. I know I wouldn't, but shit, maybe I missed that day at summer-camp too. Mr. Prince is an easy mark who is forever going to be remembered as the man who stuck up for one of the country's most vilified criminals, and, of course, lost. Again, who wants that? This poor bastard is a small scale lawyer who may or may not be in too deep of waters, I truly feel sorry for the guy.
Though, he does have a pretty rockin' mustache.
All this is merely pretense to what I actually want to talk about. I want to talk about good ol' Prescott. I want every one to understand that Mr. Prince -this is CNN's own words here- “...is a small-town lawyer who has never taken a death penalty case to trial.” That's right he's never been involved in a case on this scale. I'm in no way implying that Mr. Prince is dumb or inept, but what I am saying is that I think they found someone who is probably under-prepared and willing to ruin his career. Seriously, the reason there isn't a prominent criminal defendant lawyer heading this case is because no one would want to touch the death of their professional life. I know I wouldn't, but shit, maybe I missed that day at summer-camp too. Mr. Prince is an easy mark who is forever going to be remembered as the man who stuck up for one of the country's most vilified criminals, and, of course, lost. Again, who wants that? This poor bastard is a small scale lawyer who may or may not be in too deep of waters, I truly feel sorry for the guy.
Though, he does have a pretty rockin' mustache.
Monday, April 21, 2008
Beating a Dead B-Movie Acting Horse
Many of you, which is basically no one, will have noticed that I talk incessantly about Ronald Reagan and how much of a douche -for lack of a better adjective- he was. I can't help it, I have nightmares about this man. No joke, I had a nightmare that he was planning to kill the world's homosexual population, and I had to sit and have year long peace talks with him to cease this abhorrent mission. But, in all honesty my main problem with him is the decade that he presided over as king, ahem, president. The eighties were a vapid and vacuous time filled with terrible, terrible movies; not unlike the present day, actually. The presidency mimicked this, reinforcing the virtues of monetary worth and a loathing of all that is different. Different has always meant dangerous, to some extent, but it was truly exemplified in the fearfully conservative ways of our former President.
Now, this is all in loose terms of course. I was barely cognizant, not that it seems terrible different from everyone else, and have since grown up into a bitter old man. It could just have been from no reason at all I suppose.
Now, this is all in loose terms of course. I was barely cognizant, not that it seems terrible different from everyone else, and have since grown up into a bitter old man. It could just have been from no reason at all I suppose.
The Merits of a Society I don't Agree with
For those of you who don't know (and that is everyone in the world) April 21st is National Devil's Advocate Day, which is surprisingly close to opposite day but requires a bit more thinking. Here are some steps to taking part in this fun and progressive holiday/social experiment:
1. Someone says something you don't like, or, think is stupid (that happens everyday for me).
2. Now, instead of just dismissing the ridiculous comment search for an understanding on why they decided to spout said opinion.
3. Then (and this is the tricky part) relay a similar opinion back to them in an effort to create common ground.
4.(This step is optional) Once common ground has been established find ways to coax the target over to your mental ground. Flatter them if you have to.
For instance, Ronald Reagan had nothing to do with the poor economic conditions of 1982. The recession that occurred had more to do with the machinations of Paul Volcker, despite rumors that it was his hand that guided the anti-inflations policies of the eighties.
I also agree that the current value system of the American Public -which includes but is not limited to: Creating royalty out of celebrity, spending oneself into debt due to the need to prove one's worth through wealth, and the shunning of those who have not- is a system that uses the hard and fast rules of social evolution. As a nation we are more competitive and protective of our way of life than many others. We have a pride as a country that is unrivaled, and rightfully so, by any other nation created by man. These my brethren are virtues; these skills and others of our multifaceted American skill-set will see us soaring in to the twenty-second century. Remember clutching on to traditions is the only way to guarantee that our values will be carried from generation to generation, and know that our values are bred in tooth and claw; let us keep them that way.
I hope you have a great National Devil's Advocate Day everyone! I know I will!
1. Someone says something you don't like, or, think is stupid (that happens everyday for me).
2. Now, instead of just dismissing the ridiculous comment search for an understanding on why they decided to spout said opinion.
3. Then (and this is the tricky part) relay a similar opinion back to them in an effort to create common ground.
4.(This step is optional) Once common ground has been established find ways to coax the target over to your mental ground. Flatter them if you have to.
For instance, Ronald Reagan had nothing to do with the poor economic conditions of 1982. The recession that occurred had more to do with the machinations of Paul Volcker, despite rumors that it was his hand that guided the anti-inflations policies of the eighties.
I also agree that the current value system of the American Public -which includes but is not limited to: Creating royalty out of celebrity, spending oneself into debt due to the need to prove one's worth through wealth, and the shunning of those who have not- is a system that uses the hard and fast rules of social evolution. As a nation we are more competitive and protective of our way of life than many others. We have a pride as a country that is unrivaled, and rightfully so, by any other nation created by man. These my brethren are virtues; these skills and others of our multifaceted American skill-set will see us soaring in to the twenty-second century. Remember clutching on to traditions is the only way to guarantee that our values will be carried from generation to generation, and know that our values are bred in tooth and claw; let us keep them that way.
I hope you have a great National Devil's Advocate Day everyone! I know I will!
Thursday, April 17, 2008
The Good Technologies
Okay, so having established that I'm against a hive mind, I still want my very own reinforced exoskeleton. Why research mind control when we could be learning to punch through solid steel?
Thank you, true Americans, for watching pro wrestling and dope-fiend athletes. With you by my side, the nightmare of a wired collective will never burst forth from the pocketbook. Who needs better brains when you can arm wrestle a tractor?
Granted, some military goon will fuck it up and apply it to warfare, but the market will win out, right?
Thank you, true Americans, for watching pro wrestling and dope-fiend athletes. With you by my side, the nightmare of a wired collective will never burst forth from the pocketbook. Who needs better brains when you can arm wrestle a tractor?
Granted, some military goon will fuck it up and apply it to warfare, but the market will win out, right?
Who Admits This?
CNN has an article posted about the Military's methods of interrogation on the Afghani detainees. Essentially, the article speaks of whether or not the military tortured the detainees, but there is an absolute gem of a sentence in the article: "But the documents include interviews with some interrogators who acknowledged slapping the detainees -- a technique they learned during survival training at the Army's SERE school."
Let me repeat this because it's so goddamn funny: A technique they learned during survival training... That's right, the army teaches the our soldiers, some of the best equipped women and men on the battlefield, to slap the shit out of people. Okay, come on, you have to be fucking kidding me. They don't get to learn secret ninja techniques, no sir, they just sit and watch HBO's Pimps Up, Ho's Down for hours at a time.
Thank you CNN for such a good laugh.
This was also in another article on CNN. It has to do with the sexual abuses enacted by the church. This, again, is taken a bit out of context but is still hilarious, and probably should be a sentence left out of such discussions: "It is important that those who have suffered be given loving pastoral attention."
I have a sick mind and I fucking love it. I hope you do to.
Let me repeat this because it's so goddamn funny: A technique they learned during survival training... That's right, the army teaches the our soldiers, some of the best equipped women and men on the battlefield, to slap the shit out of people. Okay, come on, you have to be fucking kidding me. They don't get to learn secret ninja techniques, no sir, they just sit and watch HBO's Pimps Up, Ho's Down for hours at a time.
Thank you CNN for such a good laugh.
This was also in another article on CNN. It has to do with the sexual abuses enacted by the church. This, again, is taken a bit out of context but is still hilarious, and probably should be a sentence left out of such discussions: "It is important that those who have suffered be given loving pastoral attention."
I have a sick mind and I fucking love it. I hope you do to.
The Other Eye
A lot of creepy science fiction ideas are slowly making their way from the minds of authors to the supermarket shelves...mind control, mind reading, suspended animation, vat grown meat, killer robots...combine these with the internet and it's like we're on the verge of wiring humanity.
Despite my knee-jerk appreciation for change, I'm not sure about this particular light bulb. These technologies bridge the divide between the inner and the outer, and with them comes the promise of a break with history, a break with the concepts and outlook of a pre-wired humanity. Challenging past conceptions is one thing, destroying our ability to understand the past is another. The living need the dead, despite the latter's desire for brains, and we shouldn't accelerate too quickly away from the ghosts that surround us.
We should also be asking if facilitating communication is worth limiting the extent of independent evolution. Easing the divide between the subgroups that exist within a wider human population, though an avenue to peace, will leave me living in a world without communists and cannibals. I will be bored, and will taunt the global web of minds with looped images of static amoeba until we return to disconnect.
Despite my knee-jerk appreciation for change, I'm not sure about this particular light bulb. These technologies bridge the divide between the inner and the outer, and with them comes the promise of a break with history, a break with the concepts and outlook of a pre-wired humanity. Challenging past conceptions is one thing, destroying our ability to understand the past is another. The living need the dead, despite the latter's desire for brains, and we shouldn't accelerate too quickly away from the ghosts that surround us.
We should also be asking if facilitating communication is worth limiting the extent of independent evolution. Easing the divide between the subgroups that exist within a wider human population, though an avenue to peace, will leave me living in a world without communists and cannibals. I will be bored, and will taunt the global web of minds with looped images of static amoeba until we return to disconnect.
Saturday, April 12, 2008
How is this Romanticized?
It was 80's night down at this bar/club/thing, and because I have quite a morbid curiosity I decided to go check it out. To my surprise, there were no protesters, only people dancing and drinking. Hell, I didn't even hear any one talking about the Gipper, the fucking Gipper for christsake. I do love saying, "the Gipper," though how does one elect a man with that sort of moniker, which, wasn't even rightfully his; Reagan got it because he played some guy in a movie. Even in Hollywood he was a fucking thief. Anyhow, enough about the Gipper.
On to Lionel Ritchie, I am ready to say ANYTHING that was done post-Commodores is complete shit, and I hope all of you feel the same. I mean, come on, Dancing on the Ceiling, Three Times a Lady? Mr. Ritchie, go fuck yourself.
The evening wasn't all bad, the beers were cheap and Peter Schilling's Major Tom (Coming Home) was played. Again, it wasn't a total loss.
Oh, and one more thing: I don't really miss leg-warmers.
On to Lionel Ritchie, I am ready to say ANYTHING that was done post-Commodores is complete shit, and I hope all of you feel the same. I mean, come on, Dancing on the Ceiling, Three Times a Lady? Mr. Ritchie, go fuck yourself.
The evening wasn't all bad, the beers were cheap and Peter Schilling's Major Tom (Coming Home) was played. Again, it wasn't a total loss.
Oh, and one more thing: I don't really miss leg-warmers.
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Stolen Goods, Hot Sales, and Cold Cash
An article was up on the ol' CNN stating that U.S. military equipment was being stolen and then subsequently sold on EBay or Craig's List.
This is an odd article -I am well aware that I don't have all the facts- because I don't know where to ethically fall on this argument. I have a hard time believe that ALL of the stolen equipment is going to find its way to malevolent hands; then again, I wonder what would happen if it did. Are the items, such as night-vision goggles and army combat uniforms, so incredibly dangerous that we must pass laws to prevent them falling into enemy hands (whom ever that may be at the time), as well as, civilian hands. Perhaps it depends on the item. Night-vision goggles, well, those are just pretty cool in general and I'm sure military-grade goggles are even cooler. Military uniforms on the other hand could have a bit more of a dastardly use. It wasn't that long ago that Iraqi insurgents sneaked into a military base with such stolen uniforms. Here's the issue that I have: Are these "dastardly villains" doggedly scouring EBay and Craig's List to find the perfect items to complete there plan? Couldn't these evil-doers just home-brew some uniforms and goggles. Even the stolen F-14 parts don't seem so incredibly high-tech that it would be impossible for a foreign nation to whip some up.
The reality then is this: these items are mostly going to fall into the hands of military buffs, odd fat-ass collectors, and 13 year old boys with super-rich parents. I'm not sure that the passing of another stifling law is really the remedy to the problem itself.
On the other hand, I don't wish harm upon anyone in the U.S. armed forces, nor do I want their job to be any more difficult than it already is. So, you can see where the inner conflict happens.
To make matters worse Congressman Chris Shays made this comment, "Do we have a serious theft problem, or do we not even know if we have the ability to know we have a serious theft problem?"
Well, I've worked in retail long enough to know that if you have cool shit, you probably have a theft problem.
-That's all I got.
This is an odd article -I am well aware that I don't have all the facts- because I don't know where to ethically fall on this argument. I have a hard time believe that ALL of the stolen equipment is going to find its way to malevolent hands; then again, I wonder what would happen if it did. Are the items, such as night-vision goggles and army combat uniforms, so incredibly dangerous that we must pass laws to prevent them falling into enemy hands (whom ever that may be at the time), as well as, civilian hands. Perhaps it depends on the item. Night-vision goggles, well, those are just pretty cool in general and I'm sure military-grade goggles are even cooler. Military uniforms on the other hand could have a bit more of a dastardly use. It wasn't that long ago that Iraqi insurgents sneaked into a military base with such stolen uniforms. Here's the issue that I have: Are these "dastardly villains" doggedly scouring EBay and Craig's List to find the perfect items to complete there plan? Couldn't these evil-doers just home-brew some uniforms and goggles. Even the stolen F-14 parts don't seem so incredibly high-tech that it would be impossible for a foreign nation to whip some up.
The reality then is this: these items are mostly going to fall into the hands of military buffs, odd fat-ass collectors, and 13 year old boys with super-rich parents. I'm not sure that the passing of another stifling law is really the remedy to the problem itself.
On the other hand, I don't wish harm upon anyone in the U.S. armed forces, nor do I want their job to be any more difficult than it already is. So, you can see where the inner conflict happens.
To make matters worse Congressman Chris Shays made this comment, "Do we have a serious theft problem, or do we not even know if we have the ability to know we have a serious theft problem?"
Well, I've worked in retail long enough to know that if you have cool shit, you probably have a theft problem.
-That's all I got.
Saturday, April 5, 2008
Elliot Carter is Genius, and so is Cheap Steak
Friday, the fourth of April, there was quite a special event at Powell Symphony Hall. David Robertson conducted four astounding works of Elliot Carter in honor of Carter encroaching upon his hundredth year. (Yes, in December 2008, Elliot Carter will be one-hundred years old, and he still composes. Insane? Well, Carter isn't, but the concept... probably.) Four pieces were performed: Holiday Overture, Of Rewaking, Four Pieces for Timpani and Oboe Concerto; Of Rewaking and the pieces for the timpani were jaw-droppingly brilliant.
Ok, enough of waxing Carter's car.
Not quite as astounding as the great Elliot Carter, and far more awkward, was the rockin' meal I had (pre-symphonic glory).
The cafeteria line never tasted so good. I was dished up some sweet vittles: steak, shrimp, bake potato and texas toast; all for a damn fine eleven bucks. Where's the awkward, you ask. Well, the big white elephant of discomfort sits heavy in the decor of the room. All things told it seems like a dressed up, Sunday dinner type of place, and yet, there sits some jackass in sweat pants and walking in is some punk kid: me.
My Burning Need for Attention
I write on a blog, it's about my opinions and views. I am always honest. I love his and her towels.
Thursday, April 3, 2008
White-Trash on the Net: it's a Beautiful Thing
This lovely post was found on a missed connections on Craig's list. God damn I love missed connections.
"Hey dude - saw you at scnuks on hiway k on sunday. you looked hot and sweet (with your gotee and tats). I saw you checking me out. I was with my niece and 3 kids. I had on the cardinal swetshirt. maybe you want to partywith me some time? I cant host now right now as my sister and her kids are stying with me. lets get together soon.
me - 42, dark blonde, feathery hair, cardinal swetshirt, tight jeans, white minivan with kshe sticker. contact me and tell me what your bumperstiker say on your camarro - it crack me up."
And please, if you are that hot and sweet guy, host a get together at your place and get her away from her damn family. Oh yeah, way to go on that bumper-sticker.
"Hey dude - saw you at scnuks on hiway k on sunday. you looked hot and sweet (with your gotee and tats). I saw you checking me out. I was with my niece and 3 kids. I had on the cardinal swetshirt. maybe you want to partywith me some time? I cant host now right now as my sister and her kids are stying with me. lets get together soon.
me - 42, dark blonde, feathery hair, cardinal swetshirt, tight jeans, white minivan with kshe sticker. contact me and tell me what your bumperstiker say on your camarro - it crack me up."
And please, if you are that hot and sweet guy, host a get together at your place and get her away from her damn family. Oh yeah, way to go on that bumper-sticker.
More Interesting Shit
-I know, I know, you heartless bastards all laughed, when you read the headline 70 Year Old First Grader, well fuck you. Now, I know what you're thinking: You laughed too! And, that's true so: fuck me too.
-Well, if you're like me you'll be happy to know that internet porn will soon be taken to new heights.
-And lastly, this is a bizarre piece of news the article claims that the hawk was being protective; I say the hawk thought she didn't like the red sox enough.
-Well, if you're like me you'll be happy to know that internet porn will soon be taken to new heights.
-And lastly, this is a bizarre piece of news the article claims that the hawk was being protective; I say the hawk thought she didn't like the red sox enough.
What?! So he's Pregnant!
I'm not sure if anyone has heard about the pregnant guy, though it was on Oprah, and I know EVERYONE watches Oprah. I personally think it's fantastic; in no way am I against this guy having a baby, but on the other hand I am sort of anti-baby. They smell.
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