Thursday, December 22, 2005
The Creation of a Hottie
It's well known that the models on the covers of magazines are airbrushed. Some people are trying to make a political issue out of this, which I personally think is ridiculous. That said, the process itself is kind of interesting. This site shows you how this is done. Enjoy!
Sunday, December 18, 2005
Man Got Stones
This Credit for this post is due here. This video has footage of Joe Kittinger's skydive from 31,300 meters. Argh! Hats off to Joe Kittinger!
Thursday, November 17, 2005
12 Step Programs
I have a friend that’s dealing with issues of substance abuse, so I was interested in the “philosophy” behind 12 step programs. I’ve been a fan of “God grant me the courage to accept the things I cannot change, change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference”-quote for a long time now. The point of contention I have with AA is where to draw the line between the things I can change and the things I can’t.
Upon reading the 12 steps, it’s obvious that it was based more on religion than any kind of science or psychology. It’s also obvious what made it work as well as it did, and what it’s shortcomings are. Noticeably absent from the 12 steps is any mention of the destruction to one’s self that substance abuse brings about. It fails to provide any personal motive for recovery. I’m sure that in the meeting the relationship to self-interest is mentioned, but that there’s no mention of self-interest in the anthem of the 12-stepper is significant.
Here are the 12 steps of alcoholics anonymous and my comments:
We admitted we were powerless over alcohol--that our lives had become unmanageable.
In the short term, this is okay. However, as a long-term view, it raises the question, “why am I here?” If I have no control over my reliance on a substance, I may as well just get blasted. The “one-day-at-a-time” philosophy is a good idea in the short-term, because it allows the recoverer to treat his problem in manageable steps. However, in the long term, the recoverer must take on more and more of the responsibility for living.
Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.
Why can’t I restore my own sanity?
Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him.
Why can’t I use my own will to fix my own problems?
Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.
No criticism here: I completely agree. In fact, it ain’t just recoverers that need to do this, it’s everybody.
Admitted to God, to ourselves and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.
Again, I agree. Although given that I’m an atheist, I take it to mean “admitting to myself and others” the nature of my wrongs.
Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.
This is the most damaging part. It implies that I have no responsibility of correcting my own character defects. Does this mean that if I relapse that it’s God’s fault? Where’s the benefit to me for succeeding in my recovery?
Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings.
Same criticism as above.
Made a list of all persons we had harmed, and became willing to make amends to them all.
Completely agree here.
Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.
Completely agree here.
Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it.
Completely agree here.
Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God, as we understood Him, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out.
Waste of time as far as I’m concerned. Time better spent introspecting and working on our issues.
Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to alcoholics, and to practice these principles in all our affairs.
No need to proselytize as far as I’m concerned.
Upon reading the 12 steps, it’s obvious that it was based more on religion than any kind of science or psychology. It’s also obvious what made it work as well as it did, and what it’s shortcomings are. Noticeably absent from the 12 steps is any mention of the destruction to one’s self that substance abuse brings about. It fails to provide any personal motive for recovery. I’m sure that in the meeting the relationship to self-interest is mentioned, but that there’s no mention of self-interest in the anthem of the 12-stepper is significant.
Here are the 12 steps of alcoholics anonymous and my comments:
We admitted we were powerless over alcohol--that our lives had become unmanageable.
In the short term, this is okay. However, as a long-term view, it raises the question, “why am I here?” If I have no control over my reliance on a substance, I may as well just get blasted. The “one-day-at-a-time” philosophy is a good idea in the short-term, because it allows the recoverer to treat his problem in manageable steps. However, in the long term, the recoverer must take on more and more of the responsibility for living.
Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.
Why can’t I restore my own sanity?
Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him.
Why can’t I use my own will to fix my own problems?
Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.
No criticism here: I completely agree. In fact, it ain’t just recoverers that need to do this, it’s everybody.
Admitted to God, to ourselves and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.
Again, I agree. Although given that I’m an atheist, I take it to mean “admitting to myself and others” the nature of my wrongs.
Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.
This is the most damaging part. It implies that I have no responsibility of correcting my own character defects. Does this mean that if I relapse that it’s God’s fault? Where’s the benefit to me for succeeding in my recovery?
Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings.
Same criticism as above.
Made a list of all persons we had harmed, and became willing to make amends to them all.
Completely agree here.
Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.
Completely agree here.
Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it.
Completely agree here.
Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God, as we understood Him, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out.
Waste of time as far as I’m concerned. Time better spent introspecting and working on our issues.
Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to alcoholics, and to practice these principles in all our affairs.
No need to proselytize as far as I’m concerned.
Sunday, November 13, 2005
Personal Value Stresses, Heroes, and Storytelling
I was reading The Online Muse’s blog this morning. She has this entry about heroes in which she refers to Andy Bernstein’s essay on heroism.
This got me thinking about some discoveries I’ve made about myself in the last couple of weeks. Recently, I listened to Dr. Peikoff’s lecture “Integration as the Essence of Personal Identity”, which I thought was fabulous. Dr. Peikoff inspired me to think about the kinds of stories I like, the kinds of music I like, and to seek out common principles among them. The idea is to start with different categories of likes/dislikes, identify common principles uniting them, and then see if you can find relationships between the categories. I asked myself the question: “What is my favorite kind of story?”
I decided that first it has to be an epic tale. Not only does it have to be epic in scale, but also epic in length. I like a good long story with rich detail and lots of events and conflicts. The nature of the primary conflict should have far-reaching ramifications to the entire world (or galaxy, or universe, etc.), but should fundamentally be of an intensely personal, even introspective nature to he heroes. The resolution of that conflict should be an intense struggle, as well as a challenge to the hero’s integrity. The hero’s romance should be deeply entangled in the nature of the struggle as well. The hero should win in the end, and get paid. In other words, it’s not enough that the hero win’s out—he needs to benefit personally from his actions in a manner commensurate with the scale of the battle he has just fought. This is my kind of story.
Then I turned my attention to my taste in music. I enjoy a broad range of musical styles: classical, jazz, big-band, swing, rock, new age, heavy metal. I discovered very quickly that the music I liked was the soundtrack to my kind of story, if you will. On the surface, heavy metal has little in common with swing. However, they are both very emotionally evocative forms of music. Swing has such a cheery style, and metal is menacing—but they are both intense.
My favorite pieces of music tend to be long pieces filled with many emotional schema’s—Beethoven’s 9th Symphony, Tchaikovsky’s Symphony #6, Pink Floyd’s Shine On You Crazy Diamond. I’ve discovered that I enjoy various forms of music for their capacity to stylize elements of “my kind of story.” Metal stylizes the intense conflict. Swing; the raw joy of “getting paid.” New Age; the introspective self-aware nature of the hero. Jazz; the capacity of the hero for unadulterated celebration. Rock is sort of a catch-all category that can take any one of theses emotional contexts and stylize a piece of it.
AC/DC captures that devil-may-care, all-or-nothing approach to conflict that the hero will need to win. Sarah McLachlan captures the deep esteem for romance and introspection that is also part of the hero’s psyche. It’s not the specific content that’s relevant here: it’s the emotional flavor of the music. They are all a soundtrack to my kind of story.
Recently while visiting with M. and Ice Scribe, we debated which was a better science-fiction television show: Battlestar Galactica, or Firefly. I thought it was Battlestar Galactica; of course, Ice Scribe came down firmly on the side of Firefly. She argued that she immediately cared more for the characters in Firefly than in BSG. I could see how the characters in Firefly were more immediately real and colorful, but I still wasn’t convinced. I said that I didn’t value characterization as much as she did; which she (correctly) argued is an extremely important part of storytelling. Let me say it here: I completely agree that characterization is extremely important, and that Firefly does a better job of immediately making you care about the people in it. That said, I still enjoy BSG more. Why?
I think my recent discoveries about “my kind of story” help explain this. What BSG has up front that Firefly lacks is a sense of the epic.
Firefly begins building an epic story in the background within the first few episodes, mainly centering around the mystery that is River Tam; but the episodes themselves are, well, episodic. Joss Whedon did the same thing in Buffy, each season was an epic story filled with many side-adventures along the way. The epic story was advanced in bits and pieces throughout the season until it finally becomes the sole focus of the last few episodes. This is a formula that works, and that I obviously enjoy. However, BSG takes a different approach. Had Firefly lasted on the air, I’m sure it would have been a mighty tale indeed (as the movie proves), and you could certainly see that it was going in an epic direction, but in 14 episodes, it hadn’t really established the epic conflict yet.
BSG begins by casting the entire universe into chaos. There are a few heroes, each with their personal values and value-clashes on whom the fate of the entire human race rests. We do not get to know the heroes as well or as quickly as we do in Firefly, but we are cast immediately into the “hot-grease” of the conflict. The scale and nature of that conflict demands our interest in the question of who the heroes are, or even if they are heroes at all. “Who are these people upon whom the fate of the universe rests?” In other words, the characterization is part of the unfolding mystery and intensity of the tale being told in BSG.
Another difference between the style of the two shows is in what defines a season. Firefly, if it followed the typical Joss Whedon format, would resolve most or all of the existing conflicts by the final episode of the season. The new season would begin by wrapping up any cliff-hangers, hinting at the next great battle, and having many unrelated side-adventures along the way. Part of this is due to the nature of TV as such. Most TV is designed so that you can “drop-in” on a show, catch an episode, and not be lost as to what is going on. Shows like “24” and “Alias” were the first to completely let go of that standard—meaning that to really get the show, you had to watch it from the beginning. It is not possible to appreciate “24” or “Alias” in an episodic fashion.
So with BSG. Not only does BSG not wrap up the majority of its conflicts by the end of Season 1, but it plunges humanity into even worse straits. These new cliff-hanger conflicts at the end of Season 1 are not resolved neatly at the beginning of Season 2 either—they become a central part of the storytelling of Season 2. Along the way, the mystery of Cylon motivations becomes filled in a bit, raising new questions; we finally see first major clash of the opposing viewpoints of the military commander and the schoolteacher-president.
BSG, 24, Alias: these shows require an initial commitment from the viewer—a willingness to invest the time in them, to get to know the characters and to see the full nature of the conflict revealed.
None of this should be taken as criticism of Firefly, or of criticism of Ice Scribe’s taste. I’m interested here in why I prefer one show to the other; of what my personal value-stresses are; of what it is that I respond to in literature and music. I have a friend who is enamored of the shows “CSI” and “Monk” precisely because they do not require a great commitment from the viewer—they are the quintessential self-contained types of programs. Watch and episode, miss 20—you’ll still know what’s going on when you watch again. His tastes are a function of what he is looking for in television and are perfectly valid. I want the big, ongoing, intensely personal, epic scale story; so while I can enjoy episodic programs, they are not my favorite.
Now, I’m off to buy the first 3 Harry Potter DVD’s in preparation for the release of Harry Potter 4 on Friday. (
This got me thinking about some discoveries I’ve made about myself in the last couple of weeks. Recently, I listened to Dr. Peikoff’s lecture “Integration as the Essence of Personal Identity”, which I thought was fabulous. Dr. Peikoff inspired me to think about the kinds of stories I like, the kinds of music I like, and to seek out common principles among them. The idea is to start with different categories of likes/dislikes, identify common principles uniting them, and then see if you can find relationships between the categories. I asked myself the question: “What is my favorite kind of story?”
I decided that first it has to be an epic tale. Not only does it have to be epic in scale, but also epic in length. I like a good long story with rich detail and lots of events and conflicts. The nature of the primary conflict should have far-reaching ramifications to the entire world (or galaxy, or universe, etc.), but should fundamentally be of an intensely personal, even introspective nature to he heroes. The resolution of that conflict should be an intense struggle, as well as a challenge to the hero’s integrity. The hero’s romance should be deeply entangled in the nature of the struggle as well. The hero should win in the end, and get paid. In other words, it’s not enough that the hero win’s out—he needs to benefit personally from his actions in a manner commensurate with the scale of the battle he has just fought. This is my kind of story.
Then I turned my attention to my taste in music. I enjoy a broad range of musical styles: classical, jazz, big-band, swing, rock, new age, heavy metal. I discovered very quickly that the music I liked was the soundtrack to my kind of story, if you will. On the surface, heavy metal has little in common with swing. However, they are both very emotionally evocative forms of music. Swing has such a cheery style, and metal is menacing—but they are both intense.
My favorite pieces of music tend to be long pieces filled with many emotional schema’s—Beethoven’s 9th Symphony, Tchaikovsky’s Symphony #6, Pink Floyd’s Shine On You Crazy Diamond. I’ve discovered that I enjoy various forms of music for their capacity to stylize elements of “my kind of story.” Metal stylizes the intense conflict. Swing; the raw joy of “getting paid.” New Age; the introspective self-aware nature of the hero. Jazz; the capacity of the hero for unadulterated celebration. Rock is sort of a catch-all category that can take any one of theses emotional contexts and stylize a piece of it.
AC/DC captures that devil-may-care, all-or-nothing approach to conflict that the hero will need to win. Sarah McLachlan captures the deep esteem for romance and introspection that is also part of the hero’s psyche. It’s not the specific content that’s relevant here: it’s the emotional flavor of the music. They are all a soundtrack to my kind of story.
Recently while visiting with M. and Ice Scribe, we debated which was a better science-fiction television show: Battlestar Galactica, or Firefly. I thought it was Battlestar Galactica; of course, Ice Scribe came down firmly on the side of Firefly. She argued that she immediately cared more for the characters in Firefly than in BSG. I could see how the characters in Firefly were more immediately real and colorful, but I still wasn’t convinced. I said that I didn’t value characterization as much as she did; which she (correctly) argued is an extremely important part of storytelling. Let me say it here: I completely agree that characterization is extremely important, and that Firefly does a better job of immediately making you care about the people in it. That said, I still enjoy BSG more. Why?
I think my recent discoveries about “my kind of story” help explain this. What BSG has up front that Firefly lacks is a sense of the epic.
Firefly begins building an epic story in the background within the first few episodes, mainly centering around the mystery that is River Tam; but the episodes themselves are, well, episodic. Joss Whedon did the same thing in Buffy, each season was an epic story filled with many side-adventures along the way. The epic story was advanced in bits and pieces throughout the season until it finally becomes the sole focus of the last few episodes. This is a formula that works, and that I obviously enjoy. However, BSG takes a different approach. Had Firefly lasted on the air, I’m sure it would have been a mighty tale indeed (as the movie proves), and you could certainly see that it was going in an epic direction, but in 14 episodes, it hadn’t really established the epic conflict yet.
BSG begins by casting the entire universe into chaos. There are a few heroes, each with their personal values and value-clashes on whom the fate of the entire human race rests. We do not get to know the heroes as well or as quickly as we do in Firefly, but we are cast immediately into the “hot-grease” of the conflict. The scale and nature of that conflict demands our interest in the question of who the heroes are, or even if they are heroes at all. “Who are these people upon whom the fate of the universe rests?” In other words, the characterization is part of the unfolding mystery and intensity of the tale being told in BSG.
Another difference between the style of the two shows is in what defines a season. Firefly, if it followed the typical Joss Whedon format, would resolve most or all of the existing conflicts by the final episode of the season. The new season would begin by wrapping up any cliff-hangers, hinting at the next great battle, and having many unrelated side-adventures along the way. Part of this is due to the nature of TV as such. Most TV is designed so that you can “drop-in” on a show, catch an episode, and not be lost as to what is going on. Shows like “24” and “Alias” were the first to completely let go of that standard—meaning that to really get the show, you had to watch it from the beginning. It is not possible to appreciate “24” or “Alias” in an episodic fashion.
So with BSG. Not only does BSG not wrap up the majority of its conflicts by the end of Season 1, but it plunges humanity into even worse straits. These new cliff-hanger conflicts at the end of Season 1 are not resolved neatly at the beginning of Season 2 either—they become a central part of the storytelling of Season 2. Along the way, the mystery of Cylon motivations becomes filled in a bit, raising new questions; we finally see first major clash of the opposing viewpoints of the military commander and the schoolteacher-president.
BSG, 24, Alias: these shows require an initial commitment from the viewer—a willingness to invest the time in them, to get to know the characters and to see the full nature of the conflict revealed.
None of this should be taken as criticism of Firefly, or of criticism of Ice Scribe’s taste. I’m interested here in why I prefer one show to the other; of what my personal value-stresses are; of what it is that I respond to in literature and music. I have a friend who is enamored of the shows “CSI” and “Monk” precisely because they do not require a great commitment from the viewer—they are the quintessential self-contained types of programs. Watch and episode, miss 20—you’ll still know what’s going on when you watch again. His tastes are a function of what he is looking for in television and are perfectly valid. I want the big, ongoing, intensely personal, epic scale story; so while I can enjoy episodic programs, they are not my favorite.
Now, I’m off to buy the first 3 Harry Potter DVD’s in preparation for the release of Harry Potter 4 on Friday. (
Friday, November 11, 2005
A reason to go to Europe
I was reading an interview with Chris Sawyer, creator of Rollercoaster Tycoon when this rollercoaster was mentioned. Now I have a reason to go to Europe!
Wednesday, November 09, 2005
Tuesday, October 18, 2005
Taking a cue from an ex-Limey
| You are a Social Liberal (75% permissive) and an... Economic Conservative (100% permissive) You are best described as a:
Link: The Politics Test on Ok Cupid Also: The OkCupid Dating Persona Test |
Regarding his basic point--I agree that these tests tell as much or more about the tester as about the testee.
Sunday, October 09, 2005
Ideal
A member of my Objectivist Singles group has asked an interesting question: "What do you look for in a mate?" Given that she asked the question under the title "Ideal", I'm going to take the question a bit deeper and describe my "Ideal" romantic partner. These points are not in any particular order, and I have not indicated which ones are "Must-haves" and which ones I will "give" on.
1) Objectivist. Given that I subscribe to the philosophy of Objectivism and rigourously apply it to my life, it only makes sense that any romantic partner desribed as "ideal" should do the same.
2) Intellectual. I want someone that has a passion for using their mind to analyse and understand themselves and their world.
3) Ambitious. I want someone that is not afraid to set and pursue challenging goals.
4) Happy. I'm 30 years old and have already worked through most of my baggage from childhood. I've learned how to be happy and enjoy life--this is an important value that I need to be able to share in a relationship.
5) Artistic. I lack any real artistic ability--nor do I have the wish to put the time into it to create such an ability in myself. However, I have a great love of artistic things. It would be wonderful to have a partner that could enrich my life in this realm.
6) Financially responsible. I've worked very hard to develop financial skills in myself. I don't want to have to go through that again with someone else.
7) Small. I like short, "pixy" women with cute faces. It's my physical preference--and we are talking about "ideal" here.
8) Goofy. I'm a very intellectual person, but I'm also a goofball. It would be great to share that with someone.
9) Adventurous. I'm really not a very adventurous person. As such, I tend to get in a "rut" with my hobbies and work. I'd like to have someone in my life that can help shake things up a bit. Perhaps I can be the "stability" to her.
10) Music Lover. As much as I love music, I could not imagine not being able to share this value with a lover. I need someone to go to the symphony and concerts with.
11) Dog Lover. I have two dogs, and I intend to always have dogs.
12) Sexually uninhibited. This is very important because sex shouldn't be a source of anxiety for her or for me. Her attitude should be that sex is good and fun, not dirty and shameful.
13) Affectionate. I personally prefer to show/receive love via physical affection--hand-holding, touching, kissing, etc. An "ideal" mate should be comfortable with this. If she doesn't enjoy cuddling on the couch on a rainy afternoon, she's probably not the girl for me.
14) Good Fighter. The reality is that any relationship will have its conflicts. The issue here is that she be able to deal with conflict without over-reacting. In other words, her reaction should be in proportion to the problem--or to paraphrase a popular colloquialism: "Don't scream and yell and throw a tantrum over spilled milk."
1) Objectivist. Given that I subscribe to the philosophy of Objectivism and rigourously apply it to my life, it only makes sense that any romantic partner desribed as "ideal" should do the same.
2) Intellectual. I want someone that has a passion for using their mind to analyse and understand themselves and their world.
3) Ambitious. I want someone that is not afraid to set and pursue challenging goals.
4) Happy. I'm 30 years old and have already worked through most of my baggage from childhood. I've learned how to be happy and enjoy life--this is an important value that I need to be able to share in a relationship.
5) Artistic. I lack any real artistic ability--nor do I have the wish to put the time into it to create such an ability in myself. However, I have a great love of artistic things. It would be wonderful to have a partner that could enrich my life in this realm.
6) Financially responsible. I've worked very hard to develop financial skills in myself. I don't want to have to go through that again with someone else.
7) Small. I like short, "pixy" women with cute faces. It's my physical preference--and we are talking about "ideal" here.
8) Goofy. I'm a very intellectual person, but I'm also a goofball. It would be great to share that with someone.
9) Adventurous. I'm really not a very adventurous person. As such, I tend to get in a "rut" with my hobbies and work. I'd like to have someone in my life that can help shake things up a bit. Perhaps I can be the "stability" to her.
10) Music Lover. As much as I love music, I could not imagine not being able to share this value with a lover. I need someone to go to the symphony and concerts with.
11) Dog Lover. I have two dogs, and I intend to always have dogs.
12) Sexually uninhibited. This is very important because sex shouldn't be a source of anxiety for her or for me. Her attitude should be that sex is good and fun, not dirty and shameful.
13) Affectionate. I personally prefer to show/receive love via physical affection--hand-holding, touching, kissing, etc. An "ideal" mate should be comfortable with this. If she doesn't enjoy cuddling on the couch on a rainy afternoon, she's probably not the girl for me.
14) Good Fighter. The reality is that any relationship will have its conflicts. The issue here is that she be able to deal with conflict without over-reacting. In other words, her reaction should be in proportion to the problem--or to paraphrase a popular colloquialism: "Don't scream and yell and throw a tantrum over spilled milk."
Saturday, October 08, 2005
Not new but...
Hilarious nonetheless. Apparently, according to the Indian Government, there is Life After Death.
Thursday, October 06, 2005
Tuesday, October 04, 2005
Friday, September 30, 2005
The problem with ...
... reduction ad absurdum arguments such as this is that they assume that the ideas proponents would never go as far as the final absurdum. History has shown time and time again that this is not the case. Perhaps today's particular proponent's wouldn't go this far, but if they get their way, then tomorrow's will.
Wednesday, September 28, 2005
Apparently...
... things weren't as bad as reported in New Orleans.
http://www.nola.com/newslogs/tporleans/index.ssf?/mtlogs/nola_tporleans/archives/2005_09_26.html#082732
What a shock--the media reporting uncritically and unquestioningly supposed "facts" that happen to go along with their expectation of how things are.
http://www.nola.com/newslogs/tporleans/index.ssf?/mtlogs/nola_tporleans/archives/2005_09_26.html#082732
What a shock--the media reporting uncritically and unquestioningly supposed "facts" that happen to go along with their expectation of how things are.
Well, duh!
This article purports that the presence of religion in a culture does not necessarily make a society healthier. It misses the point though--the health of a culture is not measured by counting drug-addicts and ghonnorhea cases, but by the general happiness and well-being of its citizens. In this sense, I don't believe that Europe is performing better than the US. However, the article's facts are good intellecutal ammunition against religious types.
Well, duh!
This article purports that the presence of religion in a culture does not necessarily make a society healthier. It misses the point though--the health of a culture is not measured by counting drug-addicts and ghonnorhea cases, but by the general happiness and well-being of its citizens. In this sense, I don't believe that Europe is performing better than the US. However, the article's facts are good intellecutal ammunition against religious types.
Monday, September 05, 2005
Interesting Whale Behavior
Animals are so interesting. http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,168456,00.html
It's amazing how far a perceptual consciousness can take you.
It's amazing how far a perceptual consciousness can take you.
Saturday, August 27, 2005
Wednesday, August 24, 2005
Wednesday, August 03, 2005
It's already starting
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,164548,00.html
And it won't stop until we challenge, not the scope of the eminent domain laws, but the existence of the eminent domain laws.
And it won't stop until we challenge, not the scope of the eminent domain laws, but the existence of the eminent domain laws.
Friday, July 29, 2005
My 30th Birthday
I wasn't going to post anything for my birthday. It's not really a big deal to me really--except as an arbitrary point in time to set goal completion (e.g., be out of debt and in a house by 30--complete). However, I just found out about 10 minutes ago that Ice Scribe and I have the same birthday. That's fun for no reason that immediately comes to mind--just one of those ordinary coincidences that provides a bit of amusement.
I'm not really doing anything to celebrate--I was much more interesting in celebrating the purchase of a new house, and the successful demonstration of a software package I worked on. However, I will be hanging out with some guys from work playing XBox, and watching Battlestar Galactica, having some pizza and beer, and just generally having a regular, relaxing night of it.
So, Happy Birthday to Ice Scribe! and to me as well.
I'm not really doing anything to celebrate--I was much more interesting in celebrating the purchase of a new house, and the successful demonstration of a software package I worked on. However, I will be hanging out with some guys from work playing XBox, and watching Battlestar Galactica, having some pizza and beer, and just generally having a regular, relaxing night of it.
So, Happy Birthday to Ice Scribe! and to me as well.
Sunday, July 24, 2005
Getting used to life as a homeowner
Being a homeowner is kind of fun. I'm starting to get why people enjoy working on their lawns. There's a satisfaction to be gained from sculpting your yard into something attractive and pleasant. I've been trimming the bushes and trees, and planning which trees I'm going to remove and how I'm going to encourage the growth of the remaining trees. There's still a lot of work to be done. The back yard hasn't really been taken care of in years. It's covered in azaleas, pine needles, and a bunch of little annoying trees and prickly bushes. I'm going to be doing some heavy-duty raking and digging-up-of-roots over the next few months.
I've installed a doggy-door in the back door in preparation for the fence that's supposed to be finished tomorrow. I'm looking forward to exposing my boys to the joys of being able to run in and out at will. I've been wanting to provide them with a doggy-door for years now. I'm stoked.
I've done quite a few odd-jobs around the house already--including installing new ceiling fans, a thermostat, and various other items. Over time I'm going to have to spend a lot of time and money getting the house into the shape I really want it in. I'm making a list of things I need done and starting to plan budgeting and timing over the next 5 years. All in all I'm pretty excited about it.
I've installed a doggy-door in the back door in preparation for the fence that's supposed to be finished tomorrow. I'm looking forward to exposing my boys to the joys of being able to run in and out at will. I've been wanting to provide them with a doggy-door for years now. I'm stoked.
I've done quite a few odd-jobs around the house already--including installing new ceiling fans, a thermostat, and various other items. Over time I'm going to have to spend a lot of time and money getting the house into the shape I really want it in. I'm making a list of things I need done and starting to plan budgeting and timing over the next 5 years. All in all I'm pretty excited about it.
Friday, July 22, 2005
What happens to good ideas when reason departs?
Sometimes I'm floored by the brilliant reasoning on the part of our illustrious leaders.
http://www.suntimes.com/output/news/cst-nws-molest01.html
http://www.suntimes.com/output/news/cst-nws-molest01.html
Sunday, July 17, 2005
Thursday, June 30, 2005
A Major Victory
When I first got out on my own, and when I was still very young, I got myself into a great deal of credit card debt. I was working one dead-end job after another, and falling deeper and deeper into the chasm of debt. I decided that a change was in order.
I began studying programming in a bid to start a career. Very soon I found a @#$%-job working as a programmer, making very little money--but gaining experience. I joined a debt-management company at the same time to pull myself out of debt. In the last 5 years, my career has taken off, and I have been siphoning off huge sums of money each month to pay back my debt. I set for myself the goal that I would be out of debt and into my first home by the time I was 30.
I made my last payment to my debt on June 15th.
I closed on a house yesterday--exactly 1 month prior to my 30th birthday.
This is time of celebration and pride for me, as well as a time to plan my next major goals.
I began studying programming in a bid to start a career. Very soon I found a @#$%-job working as a programmer, making very little money--but gaining experience. I joined a debt-management company at the same time to pull myself out of debt. In the last 5 years, my career has taken off, and I have been siphoning off huge sums of money each month to pay back my debt. I set for myself the goal that I would be out of debt and into my first home by the time I was 30.
I made my last payment to my debt on June 15th.
I closed on a house yesterday--exactly 1 month prior to my 30th birthday.
This is time of celebration and pride for me, as well as a time to plan my next major goals.
Wednesday, June 22, 2005
A Salute to Mr. Kilby
I salute you Mr. Kilby. If you are reading this post, or have checked your watch in the last 50 years, or have ever microwaved food, or have done anything at all besides living in a hut in the middle of the forest, you owe this man a great thank you. As inventor of the integrated circuit, he has touched just about every piece of electronic equipment in your life.
A name such as his should not pass into anonymity.
A name such as his should not pass into anonymity.
Wednesday, June 15, 2005
Hallelujah
"Well your faith was strong, but you needed proof,
then you saw her bathing on the roof;
her beauty in the moonlight overthrew ya'.
Then she tied you to her kitchen chair
and she broke your throne and she cut your hair,
and from your lips she drew the 'Hallelujah'
well there was a time when you let me know
what's really going on below
but now you never show that to me do ya'
but remember when i moved in you
and the holy dove was moving too
and every breath we drew was hallelujah ".
--Hallelujah, Leanord Cohen
This song is fabulous. The Jeff Buckley performance is really the best. I love it because it takes a word that normally refers to religious ecstacy and transmutes it an expression of intense, nearly unbearable this-wordly pleasure! Hallelujah!
then you saw her bathing on the roof;
her beauty in the moonlight overthrew ya'.
Then she tied you to her kitchen chair
and she broke your throne and she cut your hair,
and from your lips she drew the 'Hallelujah'
well there was a time when you let me know
what's really going on below
but now you never show that to me do ya'
but remember when i moved in you
and the holy dove was moving too
and every breath we drew was hallelujah ".
--Hallelujah, Leanord Cohen
This song is fabulous. The Jeff Buckley performance is really the best. I love it because it takes a word that normally refers to religious ecstacy and transmutes it an expression of intense, nearly unbearable this-wordly pleasure! Hallelujah!
Saturday, June 04, 2005
Update
It's been awhile since I've posted. Things are rockin' and rollin'.
I've been enjoying my summer so far. I've become addicted to the World Of Warcraft MMORPG. I think that this game may server my D&D fix. If I can just get a couple more of my friends playing it, it may replace D&D altogether for me.
In other news, I put an offer on a house yesterday. It's kind of a nerve-wracking experience. If the offer is accepted, I'll have to take complete responsibility for a building. One of the benefits of renting is that if something goes wrong, you just call someone and they fix it. This is a little scary--but I'm ready for it. I've been looking for the right house for the right price for awhile. I think I've found it.
I realized that Jessica has been gone for a year. I've been a single guy for a year. The truth is that the time has gone by very fast. I'm not feeling lonely--and I'm not in a hurry to find/start a new relationship. I'm a happy man living alone with his dogs. I'm sure that this will change at some point, but for now the status quo is good.
I've been enjoying my summer so far. I've become addicted to the World Of Warcraft MMORPG. I think that this game may server my D&D fix. If I can just get a couple more of my friends playing it, it may replace D&D altogether for me.
In other news, I put an offer on a house yesterday. It's kind of a nerve-wracking experience. If the offer is accepted, I'll have to take complete responsibility for a building. One of the benefits of renting is that if something goes wrong, you just call someone and they fix it. This is a little scary--but I'm ready for it. I've been looking for the right house for the right price for awhile. I think I've found it.
I realized that Jessica has been gone for a year. I've been a single guy for a year. The truth is that the time has gone by very fast. I'm not feeling lonely--and I'm not in a hurry to find/start a new relationship. I'm a happy man living alone with his dogs. I'm sure that this will change at some point, but for now the status quo is good.
Sunday, May 08, 2005
The Summer Off
I'm finished with finals now, so I've got the summer off. I purchased Worlds of Warcraft to give me a fun way to spend some time this summer. I'll see if I can hook up with M. and E. in Atlanta on this front.
I'm also thinking of taking guitar lessons for a couple of months. I'd like to work on my finger-picking skills.
The other major thing that's going on is I'm in the market for a house again. This time I think I'll be able to see it through. I've already gone through the loan approval process--now I just have to see if I can find a decent house not too far from where I work.
I did the uber-geek thing and bought opening night (midnight) tickets to see the next Star Wars movie. I'm pretty stoked about that.
This is Mother's Day. I've been thinking about my relationship with my mother and the issue of whether or not there's anything to celebrate in that. I think there is.
When I was growing up, she did provide for all of my material needs. My emotional needs on the other hand were not only not met, but damaged. I recovered from that pretty quickly when I got out on my own, but the end result was that I never really had a close relationship with my mother.
One of the other things that happenend when I got out on my own is that I got in way over my head in credit card debt. I've spent the last four-and-a-half years paying that off, and I'll be done with it in June. My mother has always had perfect credit, so when she offered to "buy" one of my credit cards (basically putting it in her name so she can get me a 0% interest rate) as long as I made the payments, it showed an enormous amount of trust and respect for me.
I can see now that she is (and has always been) an emotionally damaged woman, and that she's trying to do right by me. While I don't think we'll ever be extremely close, I think we can at least move past the hostility and guilt engendered by my disastrous childhood. Now that I'm a happy, healthy adult, the things I went through as a kid don't seem as important to me. I guess if she can let go of it the way I have, she can start to find happiness. So, for this Mother's Day, I wish that my mother will find happiness for herself.
I'm also thinking of taking guitar lessons for a couple of months. I'd like to work on my finger-picking skills.
The other major thing that's going on is I'm in the market for a house again. This time I think I'll be able to see it through. I've already gone through the loan approval process--now I just have to see if I can find a decent house not too far from where I work.
I did the uber-geek thing and bought opening night (midnight) tickets to see the next Star Wars movie. I'm pretty stoked about that.
This is Mother's Day. I've been thinking about my relationship with my mother and the issue of whether or not there's anything to celebrate in that. I think there is.
When I was growing up, she did provide for all of my material needs. My emotional needs on the other hand were not only not met, but damaged. I recovered from that pretty quickly when I got out on my own, but the end result was that I never really had a close relationship with my mother.
One of the other things that happenend when I got out on my own is that I got in way over my head in credit card debt. I've spent the last four-and-a-half years paying that off, and I'll be done with it in June. My mother has always had perfect credit, so when she offered to "buy" one of my credit cards (basically putting it in her name so she can get me a 0% interest rate) as long as I made the payments, it showed an enormous amount of trust and respect for me.
I can see now that she is (and has always been) an emotionally damaged woman, and that she's trying to do right by me. While I don't think we'll ever be extremely close, I think we can at least move past the hostility and guilt engendered by my disastrous childhood. Now that I'm a happy, healthy adult, the things I went through as a kid don't seem as important to me. I guess if she can let go of it the way I have, she can start to find happiness. So, for this Mother's Day, I wish that my mother will find happiness for herself.
Friday, April 29, 2005
Monday, April 25, 2005
Chainfire
Book 9 in Terry Goodkind's series is fabulous. Chainfire is the first of a trilogy that will purportedly end the saga of Richard Rahl. I believe that TG is ending the series with the same conflict that started it, but only time will tell if that is true.
I read the entire 650 page book in one sitting on Saturday, after studying for Accounting of course :).
I read the entire 650 page book in one sitting on Saturday, after studying for Accounting of course :).
Wednesday, April 20, 2005
Aristotle Rules
Excellence is an art won by training and habituation. We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence then is not an act, but a habit.
-Aristotle
-Aristotle
Sunday, April 17, 2005
Miracle
I'm adding Disney's "Miracle" to my list of Damned Good Movies. It follows the story of the 1980 Olympic Hockey Team's struggle for the gold medal. Part of what I love about the film is that it shows the actual struggle of how they did it. Watch it. :)
Tuesday, April 12, 2005
Monday, April 11, 2005
Objectivism vs. Plato, Judeo-Christianity, and Freud
Back in the old-old days a philospher named Plato came along and presented the first integrated philosophical system of ideas in history. This was a great achievement, which makes Plato the greatest historical villain to modern deconstructionist thinkers that abhor "system-building" of any kind (in other words, putting two and two together and getting four.) Plato's system as such is not the focus of this blog, but his view of man's nature is.
As an Objectivist, I get side-tracked into many discussions about politics. I can understand this I suppose--it's not often that most people meet a laissez-faire capitalist--politics as a subject is kind of a bore for me. I observe the trends and do not concern myself with the day-to-day details of who said what and who advocates what program. Capitalism is the most obvious way, to most people, that Objectivism is a radical philosophy.
Capitalism is not the most radical element of Objectivism. It's view of man's nature is. But I cannot justify that statement without showing the view of man's nature that Objectivism rejects, and without showing that that view has dominated the world in one form or another, unchanged, since Plato.
Plato offered a famous metaphor to describe man's nature: he describes a charioteer pulled by two winged horses, each wishing to go in its own direction. The driver must exert himself to rein the two horses and drive them in a common direction lest the whole device be torn apart. The driver in this metaphor is the mind; one horse is supposed to be the spirit, and the other the body.
In Plato's view, man is a trifurcate: a being split into three parts. Each part is in conflict with the other. The desire's of the body are in conflict with the desires of the spirt. The mind's only role in this conflict is to mediate between two sets of conflicting and contradictory desires. Internal conflict, for Plato, is built into man's nature.
Enter Judaism and Christianity. Since Christianity is the flavor of religion that I was brought up on, I'll refer to the Judeo-Christian-Islamist tradition simply as "Christianity" as shorthand. However, my comments apply equally to all.
Christianity holds exactly the same view of man as Plato. The only invention was the personification of the good. In Plato's thought, The Good was an existing thing, much like a table is an existing thing. It had reality all its own, and everything that we saw that we thought was good was really just an imperfect manifestation of this actual Good. If this seems hard to understand, consider that Christianity basically personified The Good and renamed it God. Further, since The Good was personified, may as well personify evil too.
In the Christian view of man, man is caught between two powerful yet diametrically opposed forces: God and Satan. God seeks man's moral perfection, speaking through man's spiritual center. Satan seeks the moral corruption of man mainly through physical (worldly) pleasures. The classic animation of a man with a little devil on one shoulder and an angel on the other dramatizes this view wonderfully. Man's only choice in any situation is which of these he is to follow. It is given that he will sometimes choose the path of Satan and corruption, which is why he is incapable of moral perfection. While he is condemned for the evil choices that he will make, it is a foregone conclusion that life consists of this conflict between good and evil, God and Satan, the spiritual and the worldly, and that man's choice in any given situation is simply which of the two paths he is offered he will take. The idea that a man can forge his own path is absent from this view.
Freud secularized the Christian view of man, virtually unchanged. He hypothesized that man is a being of three parts: the id, the ego, and the superego. The id was the low, base, physical and sexual urges that man had. The superego consisted of man's moral leanings which he learned from "society." The ego was his mind. Once again, he was caught between two sets of competing and contradictory urges, and his only choices was which set of urges he gave in to. Once again, conflict is built into man's nature.
We have seen The Good go from an inanimate force, to personified actors, to a secularized sub-feeling learned by social osmosis.
All three of these views share certain characteristics:
They divide man into 3 parts, two of which are primary, and one of which is secondary.
In each case, the two primary parts are spirit vs. physical.
In each case, the least important and least efficacious part is his mind.
In each case, the mind's only role--it's only choice--is to decide which half of himself to give in to.
In each case, internal conflict is seen as the normal and natural state of being for man.
Enter Objectivism. Objectivism sweeps this view of man out the door in its entirety. Objectivism says that man is an integrated being--his mind is a part of his body; his body is an extension of his mind. The two should be in harmony. The role of the mind is to create the path, and the role of the body is to follow it. His mind and body are not in conflict, and the act of satisfying the needs of his mind and body define "The Good." The mind's role is that of the basic tool of survival. Man must think, act on the basis of his thinking, produce via his actions, and consume the products of his effort. Each part of this chain is as important and necessary as each other part. Internal conflict is seen as abnormal, unnatural, and the to-be-unexpected. When internal conflict occurs, the mind must be used to identify the source of the conflict and resolve it.
The intent of this post is not to justify Objectivism's view of man, but only to show what that view is in contrast to the prevailing view of the last 2500 years, and to illustrate that it is Objectivism's view of man's nature that is the most radical element of the philosophy.
As an Objectivist, I get side-tracked into many discussions about politics. I can understand this I suppose--it's not often that most people meet a laissez-faire capitalist--politics as a subject is kind of a bore for me. I observe the trends and do not concern myself with the day-to-day details of who said what and who advocates what program. Capitalism is the most obvious way, to most people, that Objectivism is a radical philosophy.
Capitalism is not the most radical element of Objectivism. It's view of man's nature is. But I cannot justify that statement without showing the view of man's nature that Objectivism rejects, and without showing that that view has dominated the world in one form or another, unchanged, since Plato.
Plato offered a famous metaphor to describe man's nature: he describes a charioteer pulled by two winged horses, each wishing to go in its own direction. The driver must exert himself to rein the two horses and drive them in a common direction lest the whole device be torn apart. The driver in this metaphor is the mind; one horse is supposed to be the spirit, and the other the body.
In Plato's view, man is a trifurcate: a being split into three parts. Each part is in conflict with the other. The desire's of the body are in conflict with the desires of the spirt. The mind's only role in this conflict is to mediate between two sets of conflicting and contradictory desires. Internal conflict, for Plato, is built into man's nature.
Enter Judaism and Christianity. Since Christianity is the flavor of religion that I was brought up on, I'll refer to the Judeo-Christian-Islamist tradition simply as "Christianity" as shorthand. However, my comments apply equally to all.
Christianity holds exactly the same view of man as Plato. The only invention was the personification of the good. In Plato's thought, The Good was an existing thing, much like a table is an existing thing. It had reality all its own, and everything that we saw that we thought was good was really just an imperfect manifestation of this actual Good. If this seems hard to understand, consider that Christianity basically personified The Good and renamed it God. Further, since The Good was personified, may as well personify evil too.
In the Christian view of man, man is caught between two powerful yet diametrically opposed forces: God and Satan. God seeks man's moral perfection, speaking through man's spiritual center. Satan seeks the moral corruption of man mainly through physical (worldly) pleasures. The classic animation of a man with a little devil on one shoulder and an angel on the other dramatizes this view wonderfully. Man's only choice in any situation is which of these he is to follow. It is given that he will sometimes choose the path of Satan and corruption, which is why he is incapable of moral perfection. While he is condemned for the evil choices that he will make, it is a foregone conclusion that life consists of this conflict between good and evil, God and Satan, the spiritual and the worldly, and that man's choice in any given situation is simply which of the two paths he is offered he will take. The idea that a man can forge his own path is absent from this view.
Freud secularized the Christian view of man, virtually unchanged. He hypothesized that man is a being of three parts: the id, the ego, and the superego. The id was the low, base, physical and sexual urges that man had. The superego consisted of man's moral leanings which he learned from "society." The ego was his mind. Once again, he was caught between two sets of competing and contradictory urges, and his only choices was which set of urges he gave in to. Once again, conflict is built into man's nature.
We have seen The Good go from an inanimate force, to personified actors, to a secularized sub-feeling learned by social osmosis.
All three of these views share certain characteristics:
They divide man into 3 parts, two of which are primary, and one of which is secondary.
In each case, the two primary parts are spirit vs. physical.
In each case, the least important and least efficacious part is his mind.
In each case, the mind's only role--it's only choice--is to decide which half of himself to give in to.
In each case, internal conflict is seen as the normal and natural state of being for man.
Enter Objectivism. Objectivism sweeps this view of man out the door in its entirety. Objectivism says that man is an integrated being--his mind is a part of his body; his body is an extension of his mind. The two should be in harmony. The role of the mind is to create the path, and the role of the body is to follow it. His mind and body are not in conflict, and the act of satisfying the needs of his mind and body define "The Good." The mind's role is that of the basic tool of survival. Man must think, act on the basis of his thinking, produce via his actions, and consume the products of his effort. Each part of this chain is as important and necessary as each other part. Internal conflict is seen as abnormal, unnatural, and the to-be-unexpected. When internal conflict occurs, the mind must be used to identify the source of the conflict and resolve it.
The intent of this post is not to justify Objectivism's view of man, but only to show what that view is in contrast to the prevailing view of the last 2500 years, and to illustrate that it is Objectivism's view of man's nature that is the most radical element of the philosophy.
Tuesday, April 05, 2005
Another Goodie
Much of the social history of the Western world over the past three decades has involved replacing what worked with what sounded good.
Thomas Sowell, Is Reality Optional?, 1993(1930 - )
Thomas Sowell, Is Reality Optional?, 1993(1930 - )
Monday, April 04, 2005
"Craziness!"
As my friend M. is wont to say.
It's been a busy few weeks. I had an early shot at one of my fondest dreams awhile back. Didn't get it, but it was still great to be that close to it, if even for a brief moment. There'll be other opportunities though.
The past couple of weeks at work have been amazing. The new software design principles I've been studying are really starting to pay off. I'm getting an enormous amount of work done in a very short period of time.
School is getting boring. The classes are still challenging, but I'm just ready to be studying programming! Physics is great and all, but it's a huge gear-shift from my work. I've still got a semester or two of this kind of mess in front of me, so I'd better suck it up.
Mudvayne is coming out with a new album soon. That should be fun. A good metal album is a great way to relieve some stress. Garbage is coming out with a new album too--a good pop album is also a great way to relieve some stress.
Paying taxes blows. I'm going to have to send Uncle Sam around $2k this year. That's gonna' hurt.
Michael Crichton's "State of Fear" is a fun read. It's short on plot, but it's got a lot of really interesting (bibilographed) facts on the environmental movement. Good stuff!
I saw The Incredibles for the first time recently. Excellent movie. I now have 4 favorite animated features:
It's been a busy few weeks. I had an early shot at one of my fondest dreams awhile back. Didn't get it, but it was still great to be that close to it, if even for a brief moment. There'll be other opportunities though.
The past couple of weeks at work have been amazing. The new software design principles I've been studying are really starting to pay off. I'm getting an enormous amount of work done in a very short period of time.
School is getting boring. The classes are still challenging, but I'm just ready to be studying programming! Physics is great and all, but it's a huge gear-shift from my work. I've still got a semester or two of this kind of mess in front of me, so I'd better suck it up.
Mudvayne is coming out with a new album soon. That should be fun. A good metal album is a great way to relieve some stress. Garbage is coming out with a new album too--a good pop album is also a great way to relieve some stress.
Paying taxes blows. I'm going to have to send Uncle Sam around $2k this year. That's gonna' hurt.
Michael Crichton's "State of Fear" is a fun read. It's short on plot, but it's got a lot of really interesting (bibilographed) facts on the environmental movement. Good stuff!
I saw The Incredibles for the first time recently. Excellent movie. I now have 4 favorite animated features:
- The Nightmare Before Christmas
- Antz
- Fantasia 2000
- The Incredibles
I know, Iknow--everyone says "What about Shrek?" I still haven't seen Shrek. 1 or 2. I imagine they'll be fun and I'll have to expand my list to 6 favorite animated movies.
Here are some recent 1 line movie reviews:
Aliens vs. Predator: sucks
Hero: sucks
The Village: pretty, but sucks
Dodgeball: sucks
Open Water: sucks worse than sucks
Battlestar Galactica is the best sci-fi show ever on television. The actors are amazing. The directing style and cinematography are outstanding. It isn't a show "about people in stretchy pants with bumpy heads who spend 20 minutes talking about technology that doesn't exist," it's a show about people in a dramatic setting. It is superbly executed. I highly recommend it to anyone, sci-fi fans and non-sci-fi fans alike.
Rest in peace Terri Shiavo. Let me say this now: if I'm ever unconscious for more than a year--kill me. Is that clear enough? I'm not a doctor; I don't understand the medicine; I don't care about the medicine; if I'm unconscious for a year, I'm not coming out of it. So just stop wasting everybody's time and just let me die. I won't hate you for it. Scout's honor.
Alright--that's about everything that I've been meaning to blog about for awhile. I keep wanting to write these blogs on these various topics, but never really having the time to do them justice. I guess this is my Jack-in-the-box blog.
POP!
Thursday, March 24, 2005
Racquetball
I played racquetball for the first time tonight. It's much more different from tennis than I expected. There's not as much chasing the ball . It's much more aggressive, and much less about finesse and aim. Finesse and aim are an important part of the game as you get better, but it's a much more accessible game to begin with.
And it's hard. It was good exercise, and the hour-and-a-half I spent playing went by rather quickly. I'll have to consider getting a membership to the gym for this game now.
And it's hard. It was good exercise, and the hour-and-a-half I spent playing went by rather quickly. I'll have to consider getting a membership to the gym for this game now.
Tuesday, March 22, 2005
Back in the Saddle Again
It's been awhile since I've blogged, so here's what I've been up to:
Reading (some): I've finished "Lord Hornblower" and "Admiral Hornblower in the West Indies," the final novels in the Horatio Hornblower series. Hornblower is an interesting hero for sure. I've started Michael Crichton's "State of Fear," and Stephen Donaldson's "The Mirror of Her Dreams."
I'm also reading several books on programming theory, as well as applying the new concepts I've learned in the past few months to my day-to-day work.
I just finished watching M. Night Shamylan's "The Village," which I thought was fairly interesting, but it didn't have the "gotcha" ending that his other movies have had, nor did it really end the story well. It was still an interesting watch though.
In music I'm looking forward to getting the new album from Tori Amos and the upcoming album from Mudvayne.
I'm supposed to be on spring break this week, but I'm a bit behind on some of my homework so I've been studying as well as trying to get all my other mess taken care of. Somewhere in this week I need to squeeze in learning to play racquetball with my friend J..
I've become an addict of the sci-fi channel's "Battlestar Galactica." If you haven't seen it, it's the best sci-fi program that's been on tv in years, (although I'm sure Ice Scribe would still prefer "Firefly.") I think I like a lot of sci-fi because it provides an interesting tapestry against which to explore philosophical and psychological issues. Sci-fi, more than any other genre, asks and answers the question "What would happen if..." Battlestar Galactica captures that spirit in spades while presenting a slew of heros who are both larger-than-life and down-to-earth. That's a hard tightrope to walk, but the writers for that show are doing it.
Reading (some): I've finished "Lord Hornblower" and "Admiral Hornblower in the West Indies," the final novels in the Horatio Hornblower series. Hornblower is an interesting hero for sure. I've started Michael Crichton's "State of Fear," and Stephen Donaldson's "The Mirror of Her Dreams."
I'm also reading several books on programming theory, as well as applying the new concepts I've learned in the past few months to my day-to-day work.
I just finished watching M. Night Shamylan's "The Village," which I thought was fairly interesting, but it didn't have the "gotcha" ending that his other movies have had, nor did it really end the story well. It was still an interesting watch though.
In music I'm looking forward to getting the new album from Tori Amos and the upcoming album from Mudvayne.
I'm supposed to be on spring break this week, but I'm a bit behind on some of my homework so I've been studying as well as trying to get all my other mess taken care of. Somewhere in this week I need to squeeze in learning to play racquetball with my friend J..
I've become an addict of the sci-fi channel's "Battlestar Galactica." If you haven't seen it, it's the best sci-fi program that's been on tv in years, (although I'm sure Ice Scribe would still prefer "Firefly.") I think I like a lot of sci-fi because it provides an interesting tapestry against which to explore philosophical and psychological issues. Sci-fi, more than any other genre, asks and answers the question "What would happen if..." Battlestar Galactica captures that spirit in spades while presenting a slew of heros who are both larger-than-life and down-to-earth. That's a hard tightrope to walk, but the writers for that show are doing it.
Tuesday, March 08, 2005
Wednesday, March 02, 2005
Vanessa Renee
I've been listening to a lot of Vanessa Renee lately. Her second album is a much stronger effort, and many of the songs containt brilliant lyrics and emotionally evocative melodies.
My favorite song off her new album is "Candy" which has a lyric that I absolutely love: "All I want to know is who you are, when you're by yourself." She captures that feeling of trying to penetrate the facade that most people erect around their true self.
"Free" is also a fabulous song. It's about the desire to get away from it all for a little while and just relax in the mountains. That's a feeling I identify with pretty strongly right now. I want to rest!
"Some Girls" reminds me of the standard "Peel me a grape," but in reverse. Instead of telling her lover to do crazy things for her, she tells him that that may be what some girls want, but "all I want is you." The lyrics are highlighted by humor and alliteration.
Still, to listen to a Vaness Renee CD doesn't do her justice. To really appreciate her, you have to see her live. She tells these cute little stories between songs that draw you in and help you undestand the lyrics quicker. Actually, that's not really right--what she does with the stories is make you want to listen closely to the lyrics.
Stylistically, she's groping towards jazz. She's in an in-between Tori-Amos-Sarah-Mclachlan-Norah-Jones-Diana-Krall stage right now. That's not to take anything away from her though--as an artist she's found her voice. All that's left is to find her tune, if you follow me.
If I end up moving to Washington she will be something about the Greenville area that I sorely miss.
My favorite song off her new album is "Candy" which has a lyric that I absolutely love: "All I want to know is who you are, when you're by yourself." She captures that feeling of trying to penetrate the facade that most people erect around their true self.
"Free" is also a fabulous song. It's about the desire to get away from it all for a little while and just relax in the mountains. That's a feeling I identify with pretty strongly right now. I want to rest!
"Some Girls" reminds me of the standard "Peel me a grape," but in reverse. Instead of telling her lover to do crazy things for her, she tells him that that may be what some girls want, but "all I want is you." The lyrics are highlighted by humor and alliteration.
Still, to listen to a Vaness Renee CD doesn't do her justice. To really appreciate her, you have to see her live. She tells these cute little stories between songs that draw you in and help you undestand the lyrics quicker. Actually, that's not really right--what she does with the stories is make you want to listen closely to the lyrics.
Stylistically, she's groping towards jazz. She's in an in-between Tori-Amos-Sarah-Mclachlan-Norah-Jones-Diana-Krall stage right now. That's not to take anything away from her though--as an artist she's found her voice. All that's left is to find her tune, if you follow me.
If I end up moving to Washington she will be something about the Greenville area that I sorely miss.
Still busy
I think I may have bitten off more than I can chew this semester. To paraphrase Kant, "I have found it necessary to limit accounting to make room for Physics." Tomorrow I have an accounting test for which I am woefully underprepared.
I'm not too worried about it though--worst case is that I have to work extra hard during the latter part of the term to bring my grade back up. I think I've hit my stride in Physics so that shouldn't be too much of a problem.
I'm not too worried about it though--worst case is that I have to work extra hard during the latter part of the term to bring my grade back up. I think I've hit my stride in Physics so that shouldn't be too much of a problem.
Monday, February 28, 2005
And the corollary...
Rules for Non-Pet Owners Who Visit and Complain About My Dogs:
- They live here; you don't.
- If you don't want their hair on your clothes, stay off the furniture.
- I like my pet(s) better than I like most people.
- To you it's an animal. To me, it's an adopted child who is short,hairy, walks on all fours and is speech-challenged.
- Dogs and cats are better than kids. They eat less, are easier to train,usually come when called, don't ask for money, never drive your car, don'thang out with losers, don't drink or smoke, and don't worry about the latest fashions.
Memo to Pets
You may have seen this already, but I wanted to share it anyway...
Memo to the Family Dog and Cat
Memo to the Family Dog and Cat
- When I say move, it means go someplace else. It does not mean switchpositions with each other so there are still two of you in the way.
- The dishes on the floor are yours and contain your food. All otherdishes are mine and contain my food. (Please note: placing a paw ornose-print in the middle of my dinner does not stake your claim on it, nordo I find it aesthetically pleasing in any way.)
- The stairway was not designed by NASCAR and is not a racetrack. Beatingme to the bottom is not the object. Tripping me doesn't help because I fall
- I cannot buy anything bigger than a king size bed. Locate your innerbeast and remember that sleeping animals can actually curl up in a ball, soit is not necessary to sleep perpendicular to each other, stretched out tothe fullest extent possible.
- My compact discs are not miniature Frisbees.
- For the last time, humans like to use the bathroom alone. If by somemiracle I beat you there and manage to get the door shut, it won\'t help toclaw, whine, meow, bite the knob, or get your paw under the edge and try topull the door open. (Trust me, I have been using the bathroom foryears...canine or feline attendance is not mandatory.)
- When you see me asleep on the couch, it is not funny to make a suddenleap onto my stomach and drop a chew toy, bone or jingle ball on my crotch,no matter how much that makes other family members laugh.
- Dog: Don\'t think for a minute that making a sad face and whimperingpathetically will get you out of trouble when I find a puddle of pee on thecarpet. The face and the whimpering only validate that you knew it waswrong when you did it.
- Cat: My sitting down to bite into a juicy sandwich is not a signal foryou to begin gagging loudly and then hocking up the most disgustinghairball in history.
- Dog and Cat: The proper order is kiss me, then go lick yourself. Icannot stress this enough.
Thursday, February 17, 2005
Break ups
Last year in April I broke up with my girlfriend of 3 years. Today, I was on the receiving end of a breakup that was much, much more painful. My housekeepers left me.
It was such a beautiful relationship in the beginning--I would leave a check for them on the dining room table, and I would come home and see that they had done such nice things with my clutter, and that my carpet was vacuumed, and my bathrooms had been cleaned.
Alas, today I got a "Dear Chris" letter. I find it hard to recall all that was said--I only know that it was something about "not having enough time to clean." Does that mean that I let my house get too dirty? Does that mean that my house is too big to clean for the money? Is it something I did?
Oh, it feels like I'll never have it so good again. Where will I ever find another house cleaner that I can afford?! What will I do?!
It was such a beautiful relationship in the beginning--I would leave a check for them on the dining room table, and I would come home and see that they had done such nice things with my clutter, and that my carpet was vacuumed, and my bathrooms had been cleaned.
Alas, today I got a "Dear Chris" letter. I find it hard to recall all that was said--I only know that it was something about "not having enough time to clean." Does that mean that I let my house get too dirty? Does that mean that my house is too big to clean for the money? Is it something I did?
Oh, it feels like I'll never have it so good again. Where will I ever find another house cleaner that I can afford?! What will I do?!
Tuesday, February 08, 2005
Maria Mena on growing up.
This is an issue that I'm well beyond, as anyone over 17 really ought to be. What I find interesting however, is the skill with which Maria Mena captures that whole teenage period where you're trying to find yourself, and your earliest experiences with love involve some re-defining yourself to make your significant other happy. Jeez I'm glad that part of growing up is behind me.
I wish you'd see it in my face
But I'm caught up in those long lost days
And how can I even make you see
When I don't even know me
Following my footsteps home
This time I'm walking all alone
Trying hard to be someone I don't even know
I feel like a shadow
Walking behind who you think I am
I wish you'd see it in my face
But I'm caught up in those long lost days
And how can I even make you see
When I don't even know me
Following my footsteps home
This time I'm walking all alone
Trying hard to be someone I don't even know
I feel like a shadow
Walking behind who you think I am
Monday, February 07, 2005
A perspective on medicine you don't hear very often
... and one with which I agree.
I've always been struck by the phrase "you can't put a price on life." Apparently you can.
What you can't do is rationally offer a rational person anything in exchange for their life--any value the person might obtain is null absent their life. What you can do is offer to perform a service that will save their life--for a fee.
When my friend George was dying of liver cancer 4 years ago, the hospital had published year-end reports. Of the 30,000 people they saw that year and treated, only 3,000 people had insurance or paid by other means. 1 in 10 distince people paid. This does not account for the fact that of the distinct people that paid, they had higher average number of visits than people who did pay. This is because when you can get something for free, you tend to take advantage of it more often.
This means that your medical costs (inclusive, as in including what they charge you directly, what the government takes from you, etc.) are at least 10 times higher than they would be if everyone paid their own way. This means that George's many $2k per day hospital stays should have been around $200 per day, and would have been had he not been paying for 9 other people besides.
I've always been struck by the phrase "you can't put a price on life." Apparently you can.
What you can't do is rationally offer a rational person anything in exchange for their life--any value the person might obtain is null absent their life. What you can do is offer to perform a service that will save their life--for a fee.
When my friend George was dying of liver cancer 4 years ago, the hospital had published year-end reports. Of the 30,000 people they saw that year and treated, only 3,000 people had insurance or paid by other means. 1 in 10 distince people paid. This does not account for the fact that of the distinct people that paid, they had higher average number of visits than people who did pay. This is because when you can get something for free, you tend to take advantage of it more often.
This means that your medical costs (inclusive, as in including what they charge you directly, what the government takes from you, etc.) are at least 10 times higher than they would be if everyone paid their own way. This means that George's many $2k per day hospital stays should have been around $200 per day, and would have been had he not been paying for 9 other people besides.
Friday, February 04, 2005
Smallville and Shakespeare
Okay, so I'm a sucker for Smallville. I find delicious tension in the relationship of the young Clark Kent and Lex Luthor. Every now and then I learn something as well. I'm going through season 2 right now, and I came across a great song by Sheila Nichol's called "Love Song." Additionally, there was a great quote from Shakespeare:
Who will believe my verse in time to come,
If it were fill'd with your most high deserts?
Though yet, heaven knows, it is but as a tomb
Which hides your life and shows not half of your parts.
If I could write the beauty of your eyes
And in fresh numbers number all your graces,
The age to come would say 'This poet lies:
Such heavenly touches ne'er touch'd earthly faces.'
So should my papers yellow'd with their age
Be scorn'd like old men of less truth than tongue,
And your true rights be term'd a poet's rage
And stretched metre of na antique song:
But were some child of yours alive that time,
You should live twice; in it and in my rhyme.
~ Sonnet XVII, Shakespeare
Who will believe my verse in time to come,
If it were fill'd with your most high deserts?
Though yet, heaven knows, it is but as a tomb
Which hides your life and shows not half of your parts.
If I could write the beauty of your eyes
And in fresh numbers number all your graces,
The age to come would say 'This poet lies:
Such heavenly touches ne'er touch'd earthly faces.'
So should my papers yellow'd with their age
Be scorn'd like old men of less truth than tongue,
And your true rights be term'd a poet's rage
And stretched metre of na antique song:
But were some child of yours alive that time,
You should live twice; in it and in my rhyme.
Poetry is something I need to learn more about. There have been so many times when I've swelled with emotions I wanted to express, and was unable to find a word or gesture that brought justice to my experience. Shakespeare, like all great artists, makes it seem effortless.
~ Sonnet XVII, Shakespeare
Thursday, February 03, 2005
Wednesday, February 02, 2005
It's been a good day...
Today is good. Firstly, I got my loot from www.amazon.com:
I had some successes at work today too--always a reason for celebration! I love my work--every day is a new adventure, a new, tougher problem to solve, a new chance to pit my talents against the available technology, a new opportunity to master new skills. Things are still extremely busy here, but today was a good day.
- Season 2 of Penn & Teller's Bullshit
- Faith No More's Introduce Yourself
- Design Patterns, Elements of Reusable Object-Oriented Software
- Chainfire, Book 9 of the Sword of Truth series
- Admiral Hornblower in the West Indies, the last of the Horatio Hornblower series.
I had some successes at work today too--always a reason for celebration! I love my work--every day is a new adventure, a new, tougher problem to solve, a new chance to pit my talents against the available technology, a new opportunity to master new skills. Things are still extremely busy here, but today was a good day.
Wednesday, January 26, 2005
Reboot
It's been awhile since I've had time or energy to blog. School and work are really taking an enormous amount of my time. I'm taking Physics and Accounting II this semester, neither of which are particularly easy courses.
At work right now I'm something of a bottleneck as well. I'm the only one with a current license to the software we use to develop installation packages, and I'm building 3 separate installers, all of which have an extremely high priority.
In addition to the needs of work and school, I'm also going through something of a revolution in the way I think about the craft of programming. I recently read a book that was, as M. described it, the Atlas Shrugged of programming. It's given me a lot to think about, and many new areas of software theory to explore. So I've been spending my evenings reading about design patterns development principles.
I haven't even had much time to read. Since I finished Debt of Bones, I've started the 10th Horatio Hornblower novel, but I haven't made much headway.
Still, all of this is good in a sense. While it is stressful and difficult to be as busy as I am, getting my degree is a high value for me, taking on more responsibility at work is definitely part of the career-path I've chosen, and the theoretical tools I'm developing for my career are going to have a huge impact on both the quantity and quality of my productivity. I'm going to have to arrange for a rest in the next month or so though. Even if it means taking a couple of vacation days or something.
At work right now I'm something of a bottleneck as well. I'm the only one with a current license to the software we use to develop installation packages, and I'm building 3 separate installers, all of which have an extremely high priority.
In addition to the needs of work and school, I'm also going through something of a revolution in the way I think about the craft of programming. I recently read a book that was, as M. described it, the Atlas Shrugged of programming. It's given me a lot to think about, and many new areas of software theory to explore. So I've been spending my evenings reading about design patterns development principles.
I haven't even had much time to read. Since I finished Debt of Bones, I've started the 10th Horatio Hornblower novel, but I haven't made much headway.
Still, all of this is good in a sense. While it is stressful and difficult to be as busy as I am, getting my degree is a high value for me, taking on more responsibility at work is definitely part of the career-path I've chosen, and the theoretical tools I'm developing for my career are going to have a huge impact on both the quantity and quality of my productivity. I'm going to have to arrange for a rest in the next month or so though. Even if it means taking a couple of vacation days or something.
Sunday, January 23, 2005
It's been busy
It's been an extremely busy time for me. I'm taking Physics and Accounting II this semester, so my brain is pretty tired from that. Additionally, MS has introduced me to what he termed the "Atlas Shrugged" programming--an assessment with which I have to agree. I've been busy digesting the contents of "Agile Software Development" and learning about Object Oriented Design Patterns. Between all this, I've barely had time to breathe.
Sometimes it's hard being so goal-oriented :).
Sometimes it's hard being so goal-oriented :).
Wednesday, January 19, 2005
Maria Mena
I almost hate to say it, but her song "You're the Only One" really appeals to me. She's definitely all pop star at this point, but she is clearly distinguished from the Christina Aguilera / Brit'ney Spears crowd. First of all, she writes her own songs. That's a big deal for me as I don't believe that anyone that doesn't know how to write their own songs really knows how to sing.
Perhaps one might argue that most pop is fluff. I actually agree, but fun fluff is still fun. I'll be watching this girl to see what she does when she grows older. I've often wished that Christina Aguilera would do a jazz album as her voice is definitely suited to that style--I think that Maria Mena is fine where she is right now, but as she matures, I believe that her music will too.
SOUNDTHESIRENS.COM - Review :: Maria Mena - White Turns Blue
Perhaps one might argue that most pop is fluff. I actually agree, but fun fluff is still fun. I'll be watching this girl to see what she does when she grows older. I've often wished that Christina Aguilera would do a jazz album as her voice is definitely suited to that style--I think that Maria Mena is fine where she is right now, but as she matures, I believe that her music will too.
SOUNDTHESIRENS.COM - Review :: Maria Mena - White Turns Blue
Tuesday, January 18, 2005
Monday, January 17, 2005
Debt of Bones
Debt of Bones is a novella written by Terry Goodkind that takes place in his Sword of Truth universe. It does not stand on its own as a work in that assumes a reader-familiarity with the world and various peoples and cultures. Ordinarily, this would be a severe criticism. However, this novella was commissioned specifically for a collection of novellas by favorite authors, set in their favorite universe, for the fans of that universe.
As such, I would not recommend reading this book to anyone that has not read at least the first 6 Sword of Truth novels. In addition, there's not a lot of book to justify a hardcover purchase. Get the paperback instead.
For fans of the series, this story delivers all the best features of Goodkind's heros--self-reliance, clever, unexpected risks, lucid reasoning, and awesome power.
As such, I would not recommend reading this book to anyone that has not read at least the first 6 Sword of Truth novels. In addition, there's not a lot of book to justify a hardcover purchase. Get the paperback instead.
For fans of the series, this story delivers all the best features of Goodkind's heros--self-reliance, clever, unexpected risks, lucid reasoning, and awesome power.
Naked Empire
I'm a week overdue to report on Naked Empire. This is the 8th book in Terry Goodkind's Sword of Truth series. Since Faith of the Fallen, Goodkind has been much more explicitly philosophical in his novels, integrating philosophical issues with the plot in a fantasy setting. In the previous book, Goodkind took a side-trek with a completely new character who it turns out is the sister of the hero. He introduces other characters in the previous book that end up playing a pivotal role in "Naked Empire."
This is part of the reward of reading a fantasy series--you get to see apparently minor characters set up pivotal events without realizing what they're doing until it's way late in the game. This is a hallmark of the skill of Goodkind's storytelling as well--he is very good at bringing in that long-overlooked-supposedly-irrelevant fact that serves as the linch-pin of the entire plot.
As much as I have enjoyed his books so far, Naked Empire is not his best work in my opinion. Unlike his other novels, the climax isn't as ... clear and necessary. Despite my misgivings, it still stands as a seminal work of fantasy fiction. Goodkind is clearly in the elite of fantasy authors. I highly recommend him to anyone.
This is part of the reward of reading a fantasy series--you get to see apparently minor characters set up pivotal events without realizing what they're doing until it's way late in the game. This is a hallmark of the skill of Goodkind's storytelling as well--he is very good at bringing in that long-overlooked-supposedly-irrelevant fact that serves as the linch-pin of the entire plot.
As much as I have enjoyed his books so far, Naked Empire is not his best work in my opinion. Unlike his other novels, the climax isn't as ... clear and necessary. Despite my misgivings, it still stands as a seminal work of fantasy fiction. Goodkind is clearly in the elite of fantasy authors. I highly recommend him to anyone.
Wednesday, January 12, 2005
Friday, January 07, 2005
Wx Plotter Fun Tests - Nerd Quotient
Apparently, I'm not as nerdy as I thought. I'll have to work on that.
Wx Plotter Fun Tests - Nerd Quotient: "
"
Wx Plotter Fun Tests - Nerd Quotient: "
"
Thursday, January 06, 2005
Loreena McKennitt: The Visit
I'm listening to "Tango to Evora" from "The Visit" right now. I haven't listened to Loreena McKennitt in years. I've forgotten how good some of her stuff is. I love this song in particular. It's very old-world. It brings back nostalgic memories of one of the best relationships I ever had--we met over Tori Amos, Sarah McLachlan, and Loreena McKennitt.
B. was happy to see that I liked Tori and Sarah, but when she saw my Loreena CD's as well, she was intrigued. Thus began a very strange, intense, and easy relationship. I still mourn the way she and I got along--I've never had that again with any woman. I had no idea at the time how rare that was. When I have that again I'll have to take better care of it.
B. was happy to see that I liked Tori and Sarah, but when she saw my Loreena CD's as well, she was intrigued. Thus began a very strange, intense, and easy relationship. I still mourn the way she and I got along--I've never had that again with any woman. I had no idea at the time how rare that was. When I have that again I'll have to take better care of it.
Wednesday, January 05, 2005
My New Toy
Last year I started a new annual tradition, and this is the first year I was able to cash in on it. I decided that I would set all of my change aside as soon as I got home. So, over the course of the year I collected around $40 in change which I deposited a couple of days ago. Add to that a $50 Amex Gift Card I got for Xmas and I've got fundage for a fairly nice and frivolous present for myself.
Here's what I decided on.
http://media.zzounds.com/media/brand,zzounds/606cg_top-69877e7132baef2e67e3e72c2e5ff773.jpg
The people at www.zzounds.com were great too--they had the order processed and shipped within 2 hours. I sprung the $7 for 2-day shipping, so it should arrive by Friday. I've been trying to get back in to playing the guitar lately, so this should provide ample motive to play more. I'm especially looking forward to combining several effects. I had written something years ago that made use of Chorus, Reverb, Delay, and a Volume pedal. It'll be fun to try to ressurect that old tune.
If this goes well then I'll have to get a decent loopback recorder.
Here's what I decided on.
http://media.zzounds.com/media/brand,zzounds/606cg_top-69877e7132baef2e67e3e72c2e5ff773.jpg
The people at www.zzounds.com were great too--they had the order processed and shipped within 2 hours. I sprung the $7 for 2-day shipping, so it should arrive by Friday. I've been trying to get back in to playing the guitar lately, so this should provide ample motive to play more. I'm especially looking forward to combining several effects. I had written something years ago that made use of Chorus, Reverb, Delay, and a Volume pedal. It'll be fun to try to ressurect that old tune.
If this goes well then I'll have to get a decent loopback recorder.
Tuesday, January 04, 2005
On Altruism and Peanut Butter
Hilarious. The logical end of altruism. That's probably not accurate though--I'll probably come across an even more ridiculous story tomorrow.
It must suck to be that kid--but jeez where does all this accomodating everybody else end? Here's a tip--if you are the one that has a problem, then you (or in this case your parents or guardians) are the one that has to take responsibility for dealing with said problem.
It must suck to be that kid--but jeez where does all this accomodating everybody else end? Here's a tip--if you are the one that has a problem, then you (or in this case your parents or guardians) are the one that has to take responsibility for dealing with said problem.
The Worst Thing ...
...about being sick is not the actual illness; it's looking at your house after you've been debilitated for 3 days. My house is a mess. My nightstand is covered in empty, pulpy glasses that used to contain Orange Juice. There are clothes and dog toys on every floor in every room. The trash needs to go out, bills need to be paid, groceries need to be bought. Argh! It makes me want to be sick again just thinking about it. I guess what it really boils down to is the lost time--it's not only the time you lost doing things that are fun, productive, or relaxing, but also the time you're going to lose trying to catch up and get your life back in order.
Monday, January 03, 2005
Saturday, January 01, 2005
The Aviator
I saw this movie yesterday. It's a biography, so it doesn't have much in the way of plot. However, it is very well done, and serves as a reverent, but honest portrayal of Howard Hughes. As one of the more controversial figures in recent American History, it's hard to for an objective opinion about him without extensive reading. The movie serves as a brief introduction to his life and his madness which for me is the springboard for a more in depth study of this figure.
Despite his madness, he was able to soar (no pun intended) to magnificent heights in the airplane production world. He nearly died (twice!) test-piloting his own planes. Yet he still test-piloted the plane that everyone said would never fly. He was consistently able to see farther and do more in his field than anyone else. People thought he was crazy for this reason, knowing nothing about his actual psychological problems. But in this area, he was genius.
I have no way of attesting to the accuracy of the film as I have done no other study of Howard Hughes. I can only say that the film paints an interesting picture of the man, and was extremely well executed in every way.
Despite his madness, he was able to soar (no pun intended) to magnificent heights in the airplane production world. He nearly died (twice!) test-piloting his own planes. Yet he still test-piloted the plane that everyone said would never fly. He was consistently able to see farther and do more in his field than anyone else. People thought he was crazy for this reason, knowing nothing about his actual psychological problems. But in this area, he was genius.
I have no way of attesting to the accuracy of the film as I have done no other study of Howard Hughes. I can only say that the film paints an interesting picture of the man, and was extremely well executed in every way.
The Pillars of Creation
Book 7 of the Sword of Truth series by Terry Goodkind is quite different than any that have come before. It is the first in his series that does not make the slightest pretense at being focused on his primary hero. Instead he built a story that was only tangentially related to his primary hero, but focused on a completely new character. In fact, he does not have a single scene in the book for the first 550 pages. The most interesting thing about the way the story is built is that his new character is good, but is at odds with the primary hero. Thus it becomes the most interesting type of conflict: that of the good against the good.
If you expect this book to be about the hero Richard, it will disappoint you. But if you take the book on its own merits, it's still a pretty good story. Not one of Goodkind's best, but still good by any standard.
If you expect this book to be about the hero Richard, it will disappoint you. But if you take the book on its own merits, it's still a pretty good story. Not one of Goodkind's best, but still good by any standard.
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