Let me start this post by saying, "Thank you," to all the folks who have supported my fast from social speaking for Lent. It's the first Sunday of Lent which puts me officially 10% of the way there, and if the final 36 days are as fruitful as the first 4, I'm going to get a lot out of this.
I want to share one particular experience that stands out from my first day of silence. As with any conscious-effort fasting, I've had a few slips of the tongue in these first few days, but the first one was note worthy and, I think, illustrates a really cool development in the world of Craig.
My first slip up was a reflex response to say, "God bless you," when my friend Melissa sneezed. I hope that this doesn't strike anyone as a particularly upsetting slip up, if I can even consider it that. (After all, the point of this whole thing is to learn to listen, not to be rude, and in the case of saying things like "God bless you" or "Please and Thank you," I can hardly see a moral dilemma here regarding my Lenten fast.) The reason I found this particular reflex response noteworthy is because it was just that--reflexive.
So what? Well here's the back story: 4ish years ago, I was climbing with a good friend, Mikey Guarraia. We were working together through a project that he had put up in the gym that neither of us had been able to send. About 2/3 of the way through the climb, Mikey's looking really strong, and I'm convinced that he's going to send. Then Mikey sneezes. The sneeze doesn't pull Mikey off the climb, and I breathe a sigh of relief. Sweet, he's gonna finish it! Then he releases from the wall, hangs on the rope and stares down at me. "What's up?" I ask. "Um, what about 'God bless you, Mikey'?" he replies. Hhmmmm, hadn't really thought of it.
Probably doesn't sound like much of a story, but at that moment I became far more aware of how important little things like saying "God bless you" can be. Mikey was someone I had a great deal of respect for and to see him so disappointed and upset struck a chord with me. I made a conscious effort to start saying "God bless you." It was hard at first. It started by me hearing someone sneeze, and hearing someone else say "God bless you," and me thinking, "Damn, I missed it." Eventually I started to get it. And now, I'm happy to say, that my first slip in my 40 days without social speech was the say "God bless you" as a knee jerk reaction.
This is a simple illustration of personal growth--the same kind of personal growth that I hope to get out of this Lenten experience. Maybe I'll learn to be a better listener, maybe I'll learn to think more before I speak instead of just saying the first thing that comes to my mind, maybe it'll be a totally different outcome. Personal growth isn't always planned or expected; it comes from experiences, some you can predict, others come out of left field, like Mikey's stare while dangling 20 feet above me.
So that was my first realization this Lent, that in some small way, I'm a more polite person than I was 4 years ago. To me, knowing that makes this whole effort of Lent more promising and more rewarding. So thank you all for your support and kind words, and God bless you.
Sunday, March 05, 2006
Monday, February 20, 2006
Lenten Fasting
February 14th would have been my grandfather's 76th birthday. It's still odd to say the words "would have been" because his passing is still so recent, and this is still a year of "firsts since..." The past week has given me plenty of time to think about my relationship with him; a relationship that I credit as being the most influential on who I have become, and who I am continuing to become. With this thought in mind, I've recently been reminded of a conversation I had with my grandfather several years ago about church, religion, and the afterlife. I was a newly confirmed Catholic, and he never had much use for church. That's not to say he lacked faith. In fact, I'd venture to say he was one of the mostly deeply spiritual people I've ever had the pleasure to know. Yet, every Sunday, as my grandmother headed off to church, he'd head for his garden. "I'd rather be in my garden experiencing and doing God's work than at church listening to some version of God's Word."
I recall asking him what he believed about the afterlife. Where do we go from here? What's next? I'll always remember his answer because I believe it illustrated beautifully how he related to God. He told me that he didn't believe that we were alone in the universe, that this planet, and our lives were not so special. He believed that there were other "earths" with life on them, and that when we passed on, we had the opportunity to review our lives, and gain an understanding of where we went right and where we went wrong. Then, we'd be re-incarnated on another planet (either in some other "dimension" or simply on the other side of the universe), and given another chance to do it right. This process would continue, eh believed, until we managed to "get it right." Then we'd have the chance to move on to heaven. I don't know if he realized at the time how Buddhist his belief sounded, but it always rang true to me with a deep sense of awe for creation, and respect for God's work, and what is expected of us as God's children. There was no hell, only second chances, third chances, and so on (after all, we have an eternity)
One thing I'll always remember about my Granddad was that he was a man of action. He'd teach by doing, not by telling. In the family, I think I'll always be remembered as the grandson who posed the question, "Well, Granddad, what are we going to do that's unusual today?" Usually the story is told to illustrate my curiosity, but I've come to think that it's truly more telling of who he was, and who he was teaching me to be. I never would've thought to ask him what story he'd tell me, or what lessons he might be able to share with me, but always what opportunity we had to do something new.
So here's the question...what on earth does all this have to do with Lenten fasting?
I'm a talker, always have been and probably always will be. Of course, if you're reading this, you probably know that already. I've been told that 75% of all communication is non-verbal, and yet, in my life I remain skeptical (maybe it's 50/50). So, in light of the famous quote from St Francis, "Preach the Gospel at all times; if necessary use words," I've decided to give up speaking for Lent. I'm hoping that this sacrifice will teach me two things: first, to become a better listener, and second to learn to express myself and my beliefs through actions. Too often I find myself thinking of the next clever thing to say rather than listening to what is being said. I love a debate more than anyone I know, and can talk circles around almost any argument (Granddad always encouraged me to be a lawyer). I think now it's time to learn more about listening, about the values, experiences, opinions, and beliefs of others. This is an opportunity for action. A time where my opinions can take the backseat and other people can share their thoughts and ideas with me freely (without interruption or correction, as I'm so prone to do).
Those who I've mentioned this to think I'm crazy. I thought I'd die when I went of a 4 day silent retreat, how will I last 40? Maybe that's the challenge. This Lent thing isn't supposed to be easy. It's supposed to be a sacrifice. It's supposed to make you a better person. Hopefully, this year it will.
I have to note a few "exceptions" since so many people also like to tell me "Craig, you can't just give up speaking, you have classes and presentations." Since giving up speaking as a graduate student is not particularly feasible, I will allow myself to speak in class and formal settings where to refrain from speaking would be both disrespectful and detrimental to my educational experience. As April said, "So, you're really just giving up fun talking." Yes.
Also, two other instances merit exception. When asked of his thoughts on fasting rituals, Jesus responded "Can you make the guests of the bridegroom fast while he is with them? But the time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; in those days they will fast." (Lk 5:34,35) Times of celebration are not times for fasting. In light of this, I think it's only appropriate that I speak during my camping trip in Asheville with Annette, as a time to be reconnected with an old friend, and to "catch up" (plus it's rude to camp with someone for 3 days and not speak to them). Also, when my mother and grandmother visit at the end of March, the same rule will apply. In each of these events, I will take care to give priority to listening, and speak only as much as is required by the circumstances. In order to balance these events out, I will carry my fast from speaking into Sundays which are traditionally "feast days" celebrating the Easter Resurrection.
Ok, so that's the plan. You can call my cell during Lent, and I will say hello and goodbye and nothing else in between (except perhaps a grunt to acknowledge that I'm following along and have not hung up the phone) so be prepared to talk. My AIM will be on. You can leave messages but don't anticipate a response. Email still works, and I will respond to those in a business appropriate way, following the same rules I've established for classes and meetings.
I'm really hoping that this proves a beneficial and growth filled period of fasting. (Don't worry, I still have a week and a half to get some talking in before this all starts)
I recall asking him what he believed about the afterlife. Where do we go from here? What's next? I'll always remember his answer because I believe it illustrated beautifully how he related to God. He told me that he didn't believe that we were alone in the universe, that this planet, and our lives were not so special. He believed that there were other "earths" with life on them, and that when we passed on, we had the opportunity to review our lives, and gain an understanding of where we went right and where we went wrong. Then, we'd be re-incarnated on another planet (either in some other "dimension" or simply on the other side of the universe), and given another chance to do it right. This process would continue, eh believed, until we managed to "get it right." Then we'd have the chance to move on to heaven. I don't know if he realized at the time how Buddhist his belief sounded, but it always rang true to me with a deep sense of awe for creation, and respect for God's work, and what is expected of us as God's children. There was no hell, only second chances, third chances, and so on (after all, we have an eternity)
One thing I'll always remember about my Granddad was that he was a man of action. He'd teach by doing, not by telling. In the family, I think I'll always be remembered as the grandson who posed the question, "Well, Granddad, what are we going to do that's unusual today?" Usually the story is told to illustrate my curiosity, but I've come to think that it's truly more telling of who he was, and who he was teaching me to be. I never would've thought to ask him what story he'd tell me, or what lessons he might be able to share with me, but always what opportunity we had to do something new.
So here's the question...what on earth does all this have to do with Lenten fasting?
I'm a talker, always have been and probably always will be. Of course, if you're reading this, you probably know that already. I've been told that 75% of all communication is non-verbal, and yet, in my life I remain skeptical (maybe it's 50/50). So, in light of the famous quote from St Francis, "Preach the Gospel at all times; if necessary use words," I've decided to give up speaking for Lent. I'm hoping that this sacrifice will teach me two things: first, to become a better listener, and second to learn to express myself and my beliefs through actions. Too often I find myself thinking of the next clever thing to say rather than listening to what is being said. I love a debate more than anyone I know, and can talk circles around almost any argument (Granddad always encouraged me to be a lawyer). I think now it's time to learn more about listening, about the values, experiences, opinions, and beliefs of others. This is an opportunity for action. A time where my opinions can take the backseat and other people can share their thoughts and ideas with me freely (without interruption or correction, as I'm so prone to do).
Those who I've mentioned this to think I'm crazy. I thought I'd die when I went of a 4 day silent retreat, how will I last 40? Maybe that's the challenge. This Lent thing isn't supposed to be easy. It's supposed to be a sacrifice. It's supposed to make you a better person. Hopefully, this year it will.
I have to note a few "exceptions" since so many people also like to tell me "Craig, you can't just give up speaking, you have classes and presentations." Since giving up speaking as a graduate student is not particularly feasible, I will allow myself to speak in class and formal settings where to refrain from speaking would be both disrespectful and detrimental to my educational experience. As April said, "So, you're really just giving up fun talking." Yes.
Also, two other instances merit exception. When asked of his thoughts on fasting rituals, Jesus responded "Can you make the guests of the bridegroom fast while he is with them? But the time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; in those days they will fast." (Lk 5:34,35) Times of celebration are not times for fasting. In light of this, I think it's only appropriate that I speak during my camping trip in Asheville with Annette, as a time to be reconnected with an old friend, and to "catch up" (plus it's rude to camp with someone for 3 days and not speak to them). Also, when my mother and grandmother visit at the end of March, the same rule will apply. In each of these events, I will take care to give priority to listening, and speak only as much as is required by the circumstances. In order to balance these events out, I will carry my fast from speaking into Sundays which are traditionally "feast days" celebrating the Easter Resurrection.
Ok, so that's the plan. You can call my cell during Lent, and I will say hello and goodbye and nothing else in between (except perhaps a grunt to acknowledge that I'm following along and have not hung up the phone) so be prepared to talk. My AIM will be on. You can leave messages but don't anticipate a response. Email still works, and I will respond to those in a business appropriate way, following the same rules I've established for classes and meetings.
I'm really hoping that this proves a beneficial and growth filled period of fasting. (Don't worry, I still have a week and a half to get some talking in before this all starts)
Friday, February 03, 2006
Education in America...what does it all mean?
Most talks of education are full of buzzwords and silly ideas about how to make sure that every child receives the same education. We have congressional idiots creating things like the "No Child Left Behind Act" which has proven to be good for little besides giving teachers incentive to cheat on behalf of their students to either gain funding for their schools or avoid scores based probation (if you want to see it in writing just ask and i'll send you the article). I've grown increasingly frustrated with the grade inflation that's occurred in this country. There once was a time when intelligent people graduated high school and got good job, the truly special folks went on to college and were rewarded for it with high level jobs, and master's degrees and phd's held remarkable value. Now, everyone is expected to graduate high school, everyone who wants a job must go to college to get the jobs they used to give high school graduates, and a master's degree is pretty much the usual. It's essential the beauty of capitalism...colleges get to make more money off of more people, businesses save money because they theoretically have to train people less (read:"invest less in their people"), and students get to live off their parents longer. It's a win win win situation, right? Well sure, unless you count the truly intelligent people who actually would like to receive an education for their money and maybe graduate from college with some idea of how to function.
I'm reminded of the quote from George Orwell's Animal Farm, "All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others." I often get accused of being arrogant or "an asshole" for saying thngs like this, but it's true. If you want to understand why American students are falling behind the rest of the world, start looking at the highest level students and how they are held back to be taught the same curriculum as everyone else, and I think you'll soon see where a large part of the problem lies.
(Disclaimer: I don't believe that the phrase "All men are created equal" was inteded to be used as liberally as it often is. I do, however believe that all men should be given the same opportunity for things such as education, and on that level are equal. This is what I'm talking about. We shouldn't reward schools that perform well and punish those that don't...we should treat all schools equally, (regardless of location, socioeconomic background of the students, minority population, etc) in terms of funding, and quality of teachers (which we certainly don't currently do). Rather, we should reward students who perform well on tests by giving them a more rigorous and challenging curriculum, challenging them to fulfill their potential, instead of draggin everyone collectively toward some governmentally defined center.)
(Disclaimer to the disclaimer: I also think that parents need to be held more accoutnable for the education of their children. To put it bluntly, I don't think anyone would be surprised to find out that very often dumb kids come from dumb parents, but we all seem shocked when dumb kinds come from smart parents, or smart kids pop up out of underfunded schools.)
So where is this all going...no where really. But I would like to say this: I think the biggest problem in the American education system is not with the grade schools, but with the colleges and universities. These are supposed to be "institutions of higher education," and in many cases they disappoint. If we're going to force some sort of standard curriculum on students, it should be at college, not at grade school. I say this because you should leave college with the ability to analyze a probelm and form an intelligent thought.
Here's my proposed first semester curriculum for all college students: 3 credits of discrete methods and logic (the nature of true, and false, decision making, and logical thinking), 3 credits of dimensional analysis (so that when you get out of college and some one gives you X cm/rev and Y rev/min and asks you what the speed is in cm/min, you don't need to try to remember a bunch of equations, realize you don't remember them and stare blankly at the page, but you know automatically that if you mulitply the numbers together the revs cancel out and you get the right answer...more importantly you know that adding them together makes no sense at all), 3 credits of debate (so that you can form a coherent arguement and hold a reasonably intelligent conversation), and finally, 3 credits of writing (not creative writing, or technical writing...I'm talking about sentence structure, grammar, and how to develop a paragraph, since aparently we aren;t teaching this in grade school any more.) One 3 credit elective about the real world (Possible titles: "How to find a job: Resumes and Interview Skills," "Managing your Finances" (I could've used this one honestly), or "Most People Are Idiots: How to Deal with them Effectively" (again, I needed this one).
15 credits on how to approach thought and life in an intelligent, rational, and understandable way. I don't think that's too much to expect from a college graduate. Do you?
I'm reminded of the quote from George Orwell's Animal Farm, "All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others." I often get accused of being arrogant or "an asshole" for saying thngs like this, but it's true. If you want to understand why American students are falling behind the rest of the world, start looking at the highest level students and how they are held back to be taught the same curriculum as everyone else, and I think you'll soon see where a large part of the problem lies.
(Disclaimer: I don't believe that the phrase "All men are created equal" was inteded to be used as liberally as it often is. I do, however believe that all men should be given the same opportunity for things such as education, and on that level are equal. This is what I'm talking about. We shouldn't reward schools that perform well and punish those that don't...we should treat all schools equally, (regardless of location, socioeconomic background of the students, minority population, etc) in terms of funding, and quality of teachers (which we certainly don't currently do). Rather, we should reward students who perform well on tests by giving them a more rigorous and challenging curriculum, challenging them to fulfill their potential, instead of draggin everyone collectively toward some governmentally defined center.)
(Disclaimer to the disclaimer: I also think that parents need to be held more accoutnable for the education of their children. To put it bluntly, I don't think anyone would be surprised to find out that very often dumb kids come from dumb parents, but we all seem shocked when dumb kinds come from smart parents, or smart kids pop up out of underfunded schools.)
So where is this all going...no where really. But I would like to say this: I think the biggest problem in the American education system is not with the grade schools, but with the colleges and universities. These are supposed to be "institutions of higher education," and in many cases they disappoint. If we're going to force some sort of standard curriculum on students, it should be at college, not at grade school. I say this because you should leave college with the ability to analyze a probelm and form an intelligent thought.
Here's my proposed first semester curriculum for all college students: 3 credits of discrete methods and logic (the nature of true, and false, decision making, and logical thinking), 3 credits of dimensional analysis (so that when you get out of college and some one gives you X cm/rev and Y rev/min and asks you what the speed is in cm/min, you don't need to try to remember a bunch of equations, realize you don't remember them and stare blankly at the page, but you know automatically that if you mulitply the numbers together the revs cancel out and you get the right answer...more importantly you know that adding them together makes no sense at all), 3 credits of debate (so that you can form a coherent arguement and hold a reasonably intelligent conversation), and finally, 3 credits of writing (not creative writing, or technical writing...I'm talking about sentence structure, grammar, and how to develop a paragraph, since aparently we aren;t teaching this in grade school any more.) One 3 credit elective about the real world (Possible titles: "How to find a job: Resumes and Interview Skills," "Managing your Finances" (I could've used this one honestly), or "Most People Are Idiots: How to Deal with them Effectively" (again, I needed this one).
15 credits on how to approach thought and life in an intelligent, rational, and understandable way. I don't think that's too much to expect from a college graduate. Do you?
Sunday, December 25, 2005
Happy Birthday, Jesus
Let me start by saying Merry Christmas. If I had written this post last week days ago, as I originally intended, it would have been my usually critical rambling. It was going to be directed at what we've come to call Fundamental (or "Born-Again") Christians. It was going to be called "The True Miracle of Christmas," and it was going to (for the second entry in a row) discuss what we choose to believe about God. It was going to say that, for a population that believes every last word in the Bible and every last dogmatic principle that is held by the church as if it came from God (ok, so it did, but that's not the point...) and that context doesn't matter, it's amazing that we celebrate the Immaculate Conception and the Birth of Christ on consecutive weeks. If anything, that (from Mary's standpoint at least) should be considered the true miracle of Christmas. It was going to conitue from there...
It's not going to do that though. Some how, in the last few days befopre Christmas, between last minute shopping, a few late night conversations with good friends, an email debate about replacing Merry Christmas with Happy Holidays, reading Brian Oliu's Christmas diatribe, Christmas Eve Mass at Loyola, some good old fashioned soul searching, and a Christmas baby for a close family friend, I stumbled upon the Christmas Spirit (and this year saying I "stumbled upon" it is being kind to what it took to get me here).
In all of this, I suppose I still could have easily called this entry "The True Miracle of Christmas." I am, as you all know, a great critic of society and a going pundit for the application of common sense. In this role, my intial reaction to the Christmas season, especially this year, was disgust at material America (another "IT" item to purchase for children who don't appreciate what it took to get), frustration with people who care a little too much about how and why people greet them as they enter a department store (the aforementioned Happy Holidays fiasco), and a bit of self-loathing for letting all of this affect the way I felt about the whole holiday (see: my late encounter with the Christmas spirit).
So, for the past few weeks, I've been wandering around, bitter and cynical (and taking a little too much joy in making the point of saying "Merry Christmas" as much as possible to anyone who gave me the chance, just to turn the screws on society). Then it hit me. Somewhere along the line, I stopped saying "Merry Christmas" out of spite for the PC Nazis (*note ironic oxymoron) and started to actually mean it.
It's easy to write about how materialized American society has become and how the month of shopping before Christmas take the focus off of Jesus. It's easy to see how we try to "fill the holes" in our lives, in our self image, in ourselves with all this "stuff" at Christmas. What's harder to say is what this is all about--what it all really means. I mean, sure, we all put the emphasis on the gifts, on buying just the right thing for just the right person. We all want to get certain things at this time of year and maybe in the back of our minds we hope that by getting everyone else what they want, then perhaps karma will repay us and someone will give up what we truly want. Maybe it's not even that. Maybe we just give gifts out of a social obligation, out of the tradition which says that we must exchange gifts at this time of year, for this particular holiday.
But even if all this is true, what I ask this Christmas is simple: "So what?" So what if we march around that malls angry at the guy who took the last Playstation 360, or Tickle-Me-Elmo, or upside down Christmas tree that we were going to get for our kids. So what if we only give because there's a voice in the back of our heads telling us that we'll get what we want, too? So what if we only give out of obligation?
Th point is that, we're out there searching for the perfect gifts for the people we love, and sure we're angry if we think we're not going to have the opportunity to give them. Sure we hope to get something in return for all our hard work and money spent. Sure we have this obligation to give to those we love at this time of year. That's what this season is all about...
It's about Jesus' Birthday. That was God's gift. He went out of His way to give all of us (the people he loved) the greatest gift he could fathom. His Son. And did He give with the hopes of receiving something in return? Of course He did. He gave His Son so that we would all learn how to love him, to "give him thanks and praise," and so that we could all see the life he hoped we would lead, for Him and for each other. Do you think he was a bit frustrated that some of His other gifts hadn't proved effective? Sure. Don't you think He's a bit disappointed that, in many ways, the gift of His Son has also been largely unreturned, or that so many of the attempted returns are so often misguided? Absolutely. Was it a gift out of obligation? Sure it was, which is why, just before He was crucified, Jesus asked out, but was told there was no other way. But it's an obligation on our end, too. We're obligated to retrun the love that He has shown us. We're obligated to give in kind to what we have received.
That's what this season is all about. Sure, many people (myself included) think that much of what we put into this season is misplaced. But the Spirit is there, I think (if not the actions). And at this time of year, especially, that should count for something. So when we see frustrated shoppers and huge numbers of people out in droves, we should remember why they're there, and why they're frustrated. They're only trying to give the best gift possible, to the people they love. And that's what this holiday is all about.
It's not going to do that though. Some how, in the last few days befopre Christmas, between last minute shopping, a few late night conversations with good friends, an email debate about replacing Merry Christmas with Happy Holidays, reading Brian Oliu's Christmas diatribe, Christmas Eve Mass at Loyola, some good old fashioned soul searching, and a Christmas baby for a close family friend, I stumbled upon the Christmas Spirit (and this year saying I "stumbled upon" it is being kind to what it took to get me here).
In all of this, I suppose I still could have easily called this entry "The True Miracle of Christmas." I am, as you all know, a great critic of society and a going pundit for the application of common sense. In this role, my intial reaction to the Christmas season, especially this year, was disgust at material America (another "IT" item to purchase for children who don't appreciate what it took to get), frustration with people who care a little too much about how and why people greet them as they enter a department store (the aforementioned Happy Holidays fiasco), and a bit of self-loathing for letting all of this affect the way I felt about the whole holiday (see: my late encounter with the Christmas spirit).
So, for the past few weeks, I've been wandering around, bitter and cynical (and taking a little too much joy in making the point of saying "Merry Christmas" as much as possible to anyone who gave me the chance, just to turn the screws on society). Then it hit me. Somewhere along the line, I stopped saying "Merry Christmas" out of spite for the PC Nazis (*note ironic oxymoron) and started to actually mean it.
It's easy to write about how materialized American society has become and how the month of shopping before Christmas take the focus off of Jesus. It's easy to see how we try to "fill the holes" in our lives, in our self image, in ourselves with all this "stuff" at Christmas. What's harder to say is what this is all about--what it all really means. I mean, sure, we all put the emphasis on the gifts, on buying just the right thing for just the right person. We all want to get certain things at this time of year and maybe in the back of our minds we hope that by getting everyone else what they want, then perhaps karma will repay us and someone will give up what we truly want. Maybe it's not even that. Maybe we just give gifts out of a social obligation, out of the tradition which says that we must exchange gifts at this time of year, for this particular holiday.
But even if all this is true, what I ask this Christmas is simple: "So what?" So what if we march around that malls angry at the guy who took the last Playstation 360, or Tickle-Me-Elmo, or upside down Christmas tree that we were going to get for our kids. So what if we only give because there's a voice in the back of our heads telling us that we'll get what we want, too? So what if we only give out of obligation?
Th point is that, we're out there searching for the perfect gifts for the people we love, and sure we're angry if we think we're not going to have the opportunity to give them. Sure we hope to get something in return for all our hard work and money spent. Sure we have this obligation to give to those we love at this time of year. That's what this season is all about...
It's about Jesus' Birthday. That was God's gift. He went out of His way to give all of us (the people he loved) the greatest gift he could fathom. His Son. And did He give with the hopes of receiving something in return? Of course He did. He gave His Son so that we would all learn how to love him, to "give him thanks and praise," and so that we could all see the life he hoped we would lead, for Him and for each other. Do you think he was a bit frustrated that some of His other gifts hadn't proved effective? Sure. Don't you think He's a bit disappointed that, in many ways, the gift of His Son has also been largely unreturned, or that so many of the attempted returns are so often misguided? Absolutely. Was it a gift out of obligation? Sure it was, which is why, just before He was crucified, Jesus asked out, but was told there was no other way. But it's an obligation on our end, too. We're obligated to retrun the love that He has shown us. We're obligated to give in kind to what we have received.
That's what this season is all about. Sure, many people (myself included) think that much of what we put into this season is misplaced. But the Spirit is there, I think (if not the actions). And at this time of year, especially, that should count for something. So when we see frustrated shoppers and huge numbers of people out in droves, we should remember why they're there, and why they're frustrated. They're only trying to give the best gift possible, to the people they love. And that's what this holiday is all about.
Thursday, December 15, 2005
Thoughts on Katrina
I've been postponing this entry for quite a while now, mainly because, criticism in the immediate aftermath of a catastrophe like the one we experienced with Hurricane Katrina is simply not empathetic. That being said, I feel that sufficient time has passed to allow me to offer a few thoughts and comments on the matter. The second comment will be a bit more serious than the first, and is related to our relationship with God and what we expect from Him (as people, as believers, as Christians, etc.)
The first, however, is simply a story that I found flew directly in the face of common sense and made me really question the connection that some people have with reality. In the "aftermath" (a word which I despise as a mathematician, and self-appointed logistician, because it sheds a rather dark and dismal light on the practice of logical analysis) of hurricane Katrina, one new station was doing a special where they came back to New Orleans with families who had evacuated and filmed them as they took account of the devastation that Katrina had imparted on their lives.
One story aroused in me a state of "shock and awe" (in the parlance of our times). One woman returned to location where her house once existed, and was dismayed that she was unable to find her wedding ring amidst the rubble. Prior to evacuating she had, she explained, taken her ring off and placed it on top of her tallest dresser, reasoning that "the water wouldn't get it there." This amazed me...you are leaving, and yet you place your ring on top of a dresser for "safe keeping" as it were. Why not keep it on your finger? This seems like a much safer place for it, ya know, since you're leaving and all. Ok, that's all I have to say about that (you can fill in the rest).
Now for part B, our relationship with God in regards to this whole disaster. By now most people have heard the stories...Some Christians were praying that God would spare the city of New Orleans from the Hurricane, that he would help to make the dams strong. Others (Pat Robertson) were praying that the Hurricane would hit New Orleans, and rain down righteous retribution on the den of iniquity, and haven for homosexuals, prostitutes, and the dreaded French-American (the likes of which hadn't been seen since Sodom and Gomorrah). Some of those who stayed behind and refused to evacuate the city said that they were waiting for a "sign from God" that trouble was coming, or that they trusted God would save them from suffering.
My response to all of this is simple. I believe that, on the whole, God works in subtle (and sometimes not so subtle) ways. Let's presume for just a second that the Bible is a synopsis of the "big stuff" God has done since the beginning of human history (creation, transfiguration, incarnation, reincarnation, pillars of salt or smoke, burning bushes, sight to the blind, etc etc etc). It comes to a few thousand pages (many of which were spent on tracing David's lineage back to Adam). I don't presume for a second that for the remainder of human history God has been inactive, but perhaps more subtle. Maybe God's messengers aren't always profits with mystical powers and visions of the promised land. Maybe sometimes God sends a weatherman. And that weatherman says, "hey y'all, a big one's comin', ya might wanna leave--I know I am." Is it so hard to believe that the weatherman is speaking God's message, that the map of the enormous hurricane is a "vision from God"? Sure it's subtle, it's secular, it's obvious and blunt. But maybe that's the point.
It's not always big and obvious when God sends a message, most of the time it's subtle. The voice of God isn't always loud and booming. Sometimes (most of the time) it's your mom telling you to be careful walking home, it's a friend telling you everything will be alright after you've had your heart broken, or it's a weatherman telling you to "Get the hell out of New Orleans!!"
The first, however, is simply a story that I found flew directly in the face of common sense and made me really question the connection that some people have with reality. In the "aftermath" (a word which I despise as a mathematician, and self-appointed logistician, because it sheds a rather dark and dismal light on the practice of logical analysis) of hurricane Katrina, one new station was doing a special where they came back to New Orleans with families who had evacuated and filmed them as they took account of the devastation that Katrina had imparted on their lives.
One story aroused in me a state of "shock and awe" (in the parlance of our times). One woman returned to location where her house once existed, and was dismayed that she was unable to find her wedding ring amidst the rubble. Prior to evacuating she had, she explained, taken her ring off and placed it on top of her tallest dresser, reasoning that "the water wouldn't get it there." This amazed me...you are leaving, and yet you place your ring on top of a dresser for "safe keeping" as it were. Why not keep it on your finger? This seems like a much safer place for it, ya know, since you're leaving and all. Ok, that's all I have to say about that (you can fill in the rest).
Now for part B, our relationship with God in regards to this whole disaster. By now most people have heard the stories...Some Christians were praying that God would spare the city of New Orleans from the Hurricane, that he would help to make the dams strong. Others (Pat Robertson) were praying that the Hurricane would hit New Orleans, and rain down righteous retribution on the den of iniquity, and haven for homosexuals, prostitutes, and the dreaded French-American (the likes of which hadn't been seen since Sodom and Gomorrah). Some of those who stayed behind and refused to evacuate the city said that they were waiting for a "sign from God" that trouble was coming, or that they trusted God would save them from suffering.
My response to all of this is simple. I believe that, on the whole, God works in subtle (and sometimes not so subtle) ways. Let's presume for just a second that the Bible is a synopsis of the "big stuff" God has done since the beginning of human history (creation, transfiguration, incarnation, reincarnation, pillars of salt or smoke, burning bushes, sight to the blind, etc etc etc). It comes to a few thousand pages (many of which were spent on tracing David's lineage back to Adam). I don't presume for a second that for the remainder of human history God has been inactive, but perhaps more subtle. Maybe God's messengers aren't always profits with mystical powers and visions of the promised land. Maybe sometimes God sends a weatherman. And that weatherman says, "hey y'all, a big one's comin', ya might wanna leave--I know I am." Is it so hard to believe that the weatherman is speaking God's message, that the map of the enormous hurricane is a "vision from God"? Sure it's subtle, it's secular, it's obvious and blunt. But maybe that's the point.
It's not always big and obvious when God sends a message, most of the time it's subtle. The voice of God isn't always loud and booming. Sometimes (most of the time) it's your mom telling you to be careful walking home, it's a friend telling you everything will be alright after you've had your heart broken, or it's a weatherman telling you to "Get the hell out of New Orleans!!"
Tuesday, November 22, 2005
My Favorite Holiday
What's your favorite holiday? It's one of those questions that, if you actually manage to garner a real conversation out of it can really tell you quite a bit about a person. Seriously, you'd be surprised. It's every bit as good as a list of Top 5 Songs to hear on a Monday morning, and you only have to come up with one answer. Not 5. Super easy.
My favorite is definitely Thanksgiving. Now, I know what you're all thinking ("of course it is Craig -- you love everything about food, and that's what this is all about"). But you'd be wrong. The real reason I love Thanksgiving is because it's the only holiday that's really entirely about the people you get to spend it with.
Here's the way I see it. All holidays are about something. That's why we have them. If they weren't about something, they'd just be regular days (and we wouldn't get to yell at people at the airports because everyone else there is slowing you down and getting in your way on your trip home). Some holidays are secular. Think Fourth of July (or "Independence Day" since everyone has a 4th of July, built right into the calendar). Independence Day is supposedly about the day America claimed its independence from England and started our own country. (It's really about fireworks, barbeques, and Randy Quaid flying his crop duster into the belly of an alien spacecraft) Other holidays are spiritual. I'll go ahead and use Christmas and Easter as examples, which we all know are about presents, eggnog, candy and Jesus (but mostly presents, eggnog, and candy...sorry Jesus, just calling it like I see it -- we have $600 Christmas trees now that stand upside down so there's more room for presents under them -- http://www.usatoday.com/life/lifestyle/2005-11-07-christmas-trees_x.htm). Some holidays are egocentric, like New Year's Eve (trust me, you didn't keep your resolution last year, and you're not keeping it this year -- stop patting yourself on the back acting like you'll be a better person next year, because at the end, you'll still be a shmuck) Still other holidays are fake (see valentine's day, arbor day, take your daughter to work day, and national grilled cheese awareness day).
Thanksgiving clearly falls into the secular category. But what's Thanksgiving about? If I wanted to be cynical, (and when don't I?) I'd say it's a rememberance of the day the Pilgrims gorged themselves on the Native Americans' food in order to store calories for the highly demanding systematic slaughter which they were about to undertake (for which we Americans are supposed to be thankful).
But other than that, where does Thanksgiving come from? Well, in 1789 George Washington (POTHUSA 1) declared a "National Day of Thankgiving" which Thomas Jefferson (POTUSA 2) declared was a "crappy idea." Then along came Honest Abe Lincoln (POTUSA 16) who fought a very civil war to free the slaves and then named the last Thursday in November a National day of Thanksgiving after 40 years of nagging by various women's magazine who wanted another reason to spend a long day in the kitchen. After 78 years of debating on what the date should be (in order to provide the required amount of shopping time before Christmas, which is about the presents), Congress declared that the fourth Thursday in November to be Thanksgiving. (paraphrased from http://wilstar.com/holidays/thankstr.htm)
So that's it. That's what Thanksgiving is about. It's about presidents that disagree with each other's policies, and freeing slaves, and women doign what women do best (nagging and cooking), and Congress deliberating for 80 years to make a decision, and preparing for Christmas. So mostly, it's about people. For better or for worse. These are the people we live with and deal with on a daily basis. Sometimes they may be annoying, but it's what we've got, so we may as well enjoy them and be thankful to have them. 'Cause if we didn't have all these people, then we'd be stranded on a desserted island like Tom Hanks in that movie with the volleyball, and then we'd come home and Helen Hunt would have married someone else, and that's just no good. (though the "If you and I were standed on a desserted island, would you...?" line of questioning is also a good way to get to know people -- perhaps better than the holiday question depending on your desired outcome) So be thankful for the friends and the family and the loved ones that God has blessed you with. These are some pretty awesome people, when it comes right down to it, and you should tell them that you're glad to have them around at least once a year.
And that's why I love Thanksgiving. It's a holiday all about the people in your life (and it's a chance to tell them how much they mean to you without having to spend too much money). So here's my part...if you've read this, thank you. It means a lot. I love you. Yes, you. Seriously. THANKS(giving)!
My favorite is definitely Thanksgiving. Now, I know what you're all thinking ("of course it is Craig -- you love everything about food, and that's what this is all about"). But you'd be wrong. The real reason I love Thanksgiving is because it's the only holiday that's really entirely about the people you get to spend it with.
Here's the way I see it. All holidays are about something. That's why we have them. If they weren't about something, they'd just be regular days (and we wouldn't get to yell at people at the airports because everyone else there is slowing you down and getting in your way on your trip home). Some holidays are secular. Think Fourth of July (or "Independence Day" since everyone has a 4th of July, built right into the calendar). Independence Day is supposedly about the day America claimed its independence from England and started our own country. (It's really about fireworks, barbeques, and Randy Quaid flying his crop duster into the belly of an alien spacecraft) Other holidays are spiritual. I'll go ahead and use Christmas and Easter as examples, which we all know are about presents, eggnog, candy and Jesus (but mostly presents, eggnog, and candy...sorry Jesus, just calling it like I see it -- we have $600 Christmas trees now that stand upside down so there's more room for presents under them -- http://www.usatoday.com/life/lifestyle/2005-11-07-christmas-trees_x.htm). Some holidays are egocentric, like New Year's Eve (trust me, you didn't keep your resolution last year, and you're not keeping it this year -- stop patting yourself on the back acting like you'll be a better person next year, because at the end, you'll still be a shmuck) Still other holidays are fake (see valentine's day, arbor day, take your daughter to work day, and national grilled cheese awareness day).
Thanksgiving clearly falls into the secular category. But what's Thanksgiving about? If I wanted to be cynical, (and when don't I?) I'd say it's a rememberance of the day the Pilgrims gorged themselves on the Native Americans' food in order to store calories for the highly demanding systematic slaughter which they were about to undertake (for which we Americans are supposed to be thankful).
But other than that, where does Thanksgiving come from? Well, in 1789 George Washington (POTHUSA 1) declared a "National Day of Thankgiving" which Thomas Jefferson (POTUSA 2) declared was a "crappy idea." Then along came Honest Abe Lincoln (POTUSA 16) who fought a very civil war to free the slaves and then named the last Thursday in November a National day of Thanksgiving after 40 years of nagging by various women's magazine who wanted another reason to spend a long day in the kitchen. After 78 years of debating on what the date should be (in order to provide the required amount of shopping time before Christmas, which is about the presents), Congress declared that the fourth Thursday in November to be Thanksgiving. (paraphrased from http://wilstar.com/holidays/thankstr.htm)
So that's it. That's what Thanksgiving is about. It's about presidents that disagree with each other's policies, and freeing slaves, and women doign what women do best (nagging and cooking), and Congress deliberating for 80 years to make a decision, and preparing for Christmas. So mostly, it's about people. For better or for worse. These are the people we live with and deal with on a daily basis. Sometimes they may be annoying, but it's what we've got, so we may as well enjoy them and be thankful to have them. 'Cause if we didn't have all these people, then we'd be stranded on a desserted island like Tom Hanks in that movie with the volleyball, and then we'd come home and Helen Hunt would have married someone else, and that's just no good. (though the "If you and I were standed on a desserted island, would you...?" line of questioning is also a good way to get to know people -- perhaps better than the holiday question depending on your desired outcome) So be thankful for the friends and the family and the loved ones that God has blessed you with. These are some pretty awesome people, when it comes right down to it, and you should tell them that you're glad to have them around at least once a year.
And that's why I love Thanksgiving. It's a holiday all about the people in your life (and it's a chance to tell them how much they mean to you without having to spend too much money). So here's my part...if you've read this, thank you. It means a lot. I love you. Yes, you. Seriously. THANKS(giving)!
Saturday, November 19, 2005
My Football Fantasy
Fantasy (n): the power or process of creating especially unrealistic or improbable mental images in response to psychological need. (www.m-w.com)
Fantasy football (n): a football competition with imaginary teams which the participants own, manage, and coach and with the games based on statistics generated by actual players or teams of a professional sport (www.dictionary.com)
Professional (adj): characterized by or conforming to the technical or ethical standards of a profession (www.m-w.com)
Which brings us to the topic of the week: Terrell Owens.
I find it incredible how far out of their way sports personalities have been willing to go in the past week in order to add their two cents to the recent TO drama (the verbal assault on the eagles organization and his coach and his quarterback, followed by his physical assault on a teammate, followed by his suspension, followed by his surprise that his actions warranted a suspension). Honestly folks, I'm tired of hearing about it. The only football "fantasy" I have is that we can actually talk about football, and the guys who are actually on the field playing it, instead of some idiot who's no longer on the team (but like the definition says, that's unrealistice). It disgusts me that "the media" is so wrapped up in this "story" that they can't let it rest for thirty minutes without bringing up those wretched letters. No one has anything original to say or any new information to add that will help us to understand the enigma that is Terrell Owens. We've heard the same exact remarks coming out of every single on air sports commentator that has found him or herself within shouting distance of a microphone. In case you've missed it (in which case you've either been in a coma, buried alive, or using the presidential intelligence reports as your only "reliable" news source--and for all of you out there I'm truly sorry) here's the paraphrase:
"Terrell Owens is a jerk. He was a jerk in San Francisco. He was a jerk when they tried to trade him to Baltimore. He was a jerk when he got to Philly. Being a jerk is the reason he was told to leave Philly. No one was surprised by this (no, not even his audacious agent Drew Rosenhaus-who may well have guaranteed taht no one will ever sign him, or anyone else with the initials DR, or anyone who bobs their head uncontrollably when they talk, as an agent becasue of the way he handled this mess). Terrell Owens was paid to be a professional football player. He acted un-professional-ly. TO got what he deserved. The Eagles are currently getting what they signed up for when they paid for him. Period."
There's nothing else to say, really. Nothing. So don't try. Just move on. Please. Let Terrell disappear from our collective consciousness. We as a culture want nothing to do with him. Don't spend 75% of your pre-game for the Coaches vs Cancer College Basketball Tournament talking about Terrell Owens. Don't use TO talk as your filler in golf coverage. Stop writing articles about it. Don't talk about him on College GameDay, or even on NFL Primetime. And don't don't don't, no matter what, WASTE an entire blog entry on him!
We have more important things to talk about. Let's focus on the positive...after all, it's been one whole year to the day since the last time NBA players climbed into the stands and pummeled some fans. Let's celebrate progress. (And let's wear some nice suits while we do it.)
Fantasy football (n): a football competition with imaginary teams which the participants own, manage, and coach and with the games based on statistics generated by actual players or teams of a professional sport (www.dictionary.com)
Professional (adj): characterized by or conforming to the technical or ethical standards of a profession (www.m-w.com)
Which brings us to the topic of the week: Terrell Owens.
I find it incredible how far out of their way sports personalities have been willing to go in the past week in order to add their two cents to the recent TO drama (the verbal assault on the eagles organization and his coach and his quarterback, followed by his physical assault on a teammate, followed by his suspension, followed by his surprise that his actions warranted a suspension). Honestly folks, I'm tired of hearing about it. The only football "fantasy" I have is that we can actually talk about football, and the guys who are actually on the field playing it, instead of some idiot who's no longer on the team (but like the definition says, that's unrealistice). It disgusts me that "the media" is so wrapped up in this "story" that they can't let it rest for thirty minutes without bringing up those wretched letters. No one has anything original to say or any new information to add that will help us to understand the enigma that is Terrell Owens. We've heard the same exact remarks coming out of every single on air sports commentator that has found him or herself within shouting distance of a microphone. In case you've missed it (in which case you've either been in a coma, buried alive, or using the presidential intelligence reports as your only "reliable" news source--and for all of you out there I'm truly sorry) here's the paraphrase:
"Terrell Owens is a jerk. He was a jerk in San Francisco. He was a jerk when they tried to trade him to Baltimore. He was a jerk when he got to Philly. Being a jerk is the reason he was told to leave Philly. No one was surprised by this (no, not even his audacious agent Drew Rosenhaus-who may well have guaranteed taht no one will ever sign him, or anyone else with the initials DR, or anyone who bobs their head uncontrollably when they talk, as an agent becasue of the way he handled this mess). Terrell Owens was paid to be a professional football player. He acted un-professional-ly. TO got what he deserved. The Eagles are currently getting what they signed up for when they paid for him. Period."
There's nothing else to say, really. Nothing. So don't try. Just move on. Please. Let Terrell disappear from our collective consciousness. We as a culture want nothing to do with him. Don't spend 75% of your pre-game for the Coaches vs Cancer College Basketball Tournament talking about Terrell Owens. Don't use TO talk as your filler in golf coverage. Stop writing articles about it. Don't talk about him on College GameDay, or even on NFL Primetime. And don't don't don't, no matter what, WASTE an entire blog entry on him!
We have more important things to talk about. Let's focus on the positive...after all, it's been one whole year to the day since the last time NBA players climbed into the stands and pummeled some fans. Let's celebrate progress. (And let's wear some nice suits while we do it.)
Sunday, November 13, 2005
Perspectives on Time (Part Deux)
One of my favorite riddles is posed, "You walk 100 yards due south, then turn and walk 100 yards due directly east. You then turn and walk 100 yards directly north. At this point, you find yourself standing in the exact place that you started from. Where are you?"
The answer is "At the north pole," but the riddle brings up a rather interesting point regarding our frame of reference. Typically our understanding of space and time doesn't allow the scenario described in the riddle to hold true. In a classical fram of reference, it makes no sense to be able to leave a point and, making 2 turns and traveling in the cardinal direction, return to the point that you started.
I've often wanted to undertake a study of what I have called "frame of reference physics," in which apparent anomalies such as this one are studied. The reason that I find it so interesting is that our system of measure in terms of both time and global geography are fairly arbitrary, and yet we base our entire understanding of the "laws" of physics on an arbitrary frame of refernce.
(What the hell am I talking about?) All our laws of phsyics are based on time, in terms of seconds, minutes, hours, and days, but these are all arbitrary units. We want to tell ourselves they're not. We say that one day correlates to one rotation of the earth around its axis. This is not the case however. Assuming (for simplicity) that a year consists of 365 days, the earth actually only rotates 364 times, with one full "rotation" being accounted for by the earth's trip around the sun. From this skewed system of "days" we decide to break down 24 hours, into 60 minutes and further 6o seconds. Then we base our understanding of physics and mechanics on this system. Seems arbitrary.
So what types of mysteries will frame of reference (FOR) phsyics study? Well that's simple. First I intend to return to the source of my interest (the north pole) and prove that the reason that Santa is able to deliver all the presents in a single day is that, at the North Pole, all the "time zones" converge, and time as we have created it does not effectively exist. If Santa were to stand at the norht pole, he would not experience earthly time. Further, if he were to leave the pole for a day, he could easily just walk one turn around counterclockwise and earn that day back. It also explains why Santa is able to live forever, without aging.
Off course, since we know that it's always Christmas at the north pole, a corollary to our prior FOR Law would be that at the beginning of time, the initial moment of creation, was in fact Christmas (i.e. t(0)=Christmas). We can then learn that Christmas is not only the birthday of Christ Jesus, but in fact, the birthday of the Universe, which would kinda make sense if you're Christian, and would go a long way in proving that we're right.
Other things to study would be the behavior of light at 2am of daylight savings time, when the clocks change backwards. We would also examine the relationship between the relative speed of earth's rotation (greater at the equator, essentially 0 at the poles) and centrifugal force (which we're told is an imaginary force, but in FOR physics, is very real) to explain why elves live at the pole, and tall people come from Africa. (This is also compounded due to the lesser effect of gravity at the equator dues to the ellipsoid shap of the earth, not pulling as hard on aAfrican people, which also is why white men can't jump...it's gravity's fault) Finally, we'll determine if people living at or near the equator are more likely to get sick due to the drastic temperature changes associated with constantly switching from winter to summer everytime they cross the line.
These are only the beginning, as there are many other scenarios begging to be examined. One day, I would like to examine how math would work with we only had 8 fingers rather than 10, since this is likely the basis of our system. (As a preview, couting would occur, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 20, 21...etc. 5x2=12. and 4 squared= 20.) The rules are the same, but the answers appear different. You would however find that prime numbers occur in the same order, though traditionally 7, 11, 13 becomes 7, 13, 15...these are prime in our new system, which assumes and eight fingered frame of reference (though you may note that in this system we'd still have ten fingers, but the digits 10, would equal eight in our current system and 8 wouldn't exist, just like 10 is not a single digit now)
This is intended to serve as an overview of frame of refence physics. Hopefully this will help to answer some of life's greatest mysteries.
The answer is "At the north pole," but the riddle brings up a rather interesting point regarding our frame of reference. Typically our understanding of space and time doesn't allow the scenario described in the riddle to hold true. In a classical fram of reference, it makes no sense to be able to leave a point and, making 2 turns and traveling in the cardinal direction, return to the point that you started.
I've often wanted to undertake a study of what I have called "frame of reference physics," in which apparent anomalies such as this one are studied. The reason that I find it so interesting is that our system of measure in terms of both time and global geography are fairly arbitrary, and yet we base our entire understanding of the "laws" of physics on an arbitrary frame of refernce.
(What the hell am I talking about?) All our laws of phsyics are based on time, in terms of seconds, minutes, hours, and days, but these are all arbitrary units. We want to tell ourselves they're not. We say that one day correlates to one rotation of the earth around its axis. This is not the case however. Assuming (for simplicity) that a year consists of 365 days, the earth actually only rotates 364 times, with one full "rotation" being accounted for by the earth's trip around the sun. From this skewed system of "days" we decide to break down 24 hours, into 60 minutes and further 6o seconds. Then we base our understanding of physics and mechanics on this system. Seems arbitrary.
So what types of mysteries will frame of reference (FOR) phsyics study? Well that's simple. First I intend to return to the source of my interest (the north pole) and prove that the reason that Santa is able to deliver all the presents in a single day is that, at the North Pole, all the "time zones" converge, and time as we have created it does not effectively exist. If Santa were to stand at the norht pole, he would not experience earthly time. Further, if he were to leave the pole for a day, he could easily just walk one turn around counterclockwise and earn that day back. It also explains why Santa is able to live forever, without aging.
Off course, since we know that it's always Christmas at the north pole, a corollary to our prior FOR Law would be that at the beginning of time, the initial moment of creation, was in fact Christmas (i.e. t(0)=Christmas). We can then learn that Christmas is not only the birthday of Christ Jesus, but in fact, the birthday of the Universe, which would kinda make sense if you're Christian, and would go a long way in proving that we're right.
Other things to study would be the behavior of light at 2am of daylight savings time, when the clocks change backwards. We would also examine the relationship between the relative speed of earth's rotation (greater at the equator, essentially 0 at the poles) and centrifugal force (which we're told is an imaginary force, but in FOR physics, is very real) to explain why elves live at the pole, and tall people come from Africa. (This is also compounded due to the lesser effect of gravity at the equator dues to the ellipsoid shap of the earth, not pulling as hard on aAfrican people, which also is why white men can't jump...it's gravity's fault) Finally, we'll determine if people living at or near the equator are more likely to get sick due to the drastic temperature changes associated with constantly switching from winter to summer everytime they cross the line.
These are only the beginning, as there are many other scenarios begging to be examined. One day, I would like to examine how math would work with we only had 8 fingers rather than 10, since this is likely the basis of our system. (As a preview, couting would occur, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 20, 21...etc. 5x2=12. and 4 squared= 20.) The rules are the same, but the answers appear different. You would however find that prime numbers occur in the same order, though traditionally 7, 11, 13 becomes 7, 13, 15...these are prime in our new system, which assumes and eight fingered frame of reference (though you may note that in this system we'd still have ten fingers, but the digits 10, would equal eight in our current system and 8 wouldn't exist, just like 10 is not a single digit now)
This is intended to serve as an overview of frame of refence physics. Hopefully this will help to answer some of life's greatest mysteries.
Sunday, November 06, 2005
Perspectives on Time
Sorry it has taken me so long to get back to it, but I finally got around to writing the second post regarding the Afterword to Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance. Most likely it will end up being less about the book than I had originally intended, but regardless, let's get right down to it:
I've found myself spending quite a bit of time looking back at my past, essentially with the hope for taking a toll on how I've gotten to where I am and see if I can project where it may all lead. The truth is that it's a fairly pointless pursuit, attempting to forecast or predict where you're likely to find yourself in 5 days much less 5 years.
So instead of trying to forecast, I've ended up considering who I am currently. This is where the fun starts. The truth is I realize that I've been a bit depressed. It's hard to pinpoint when exactly it started, but I'm leaning toward the end of my senior year (about a year and a half ago). I've certainly had some ups and downs and quite a few drastic life changes in that time, and have had plenty to think about. The sad truth, which is why I find myself depressed, is that in my estimation I've taken a few giant steps backward in my progression in that year and a half time frame. I have come to believe that I was a better person then than I am currently, and I must admit I find that fact extremely frustrating.
Before I go any farther into this discussion let me say that I don't in any way mean to say that I'm unhappy, or at all dissatisfied with where I am or what I've done to get here. I'm having a great time, really loving the people that I've had the opportunity to get to know and befriend, and for the first time in my life, find myself pursuing an career path that I'm really excited about and that I think is a perfect opportunity for me to link some of the extremely stratified areas of my life into something productive. I think I'm really ready to make a run here, but the past few years have been leading up to all this and that's why I've been doing all the introspection.
So here we are. I'm in a good place, surrounded by good people, enjoying what I'm doing, and really feeling that I'm "in my element" (for lack of a better, less cliche term). So why do I say I'm depressed? Well the answer is really quite simple: in spite of how well I seem to be doing, I really think I could be doing much better, mainly in the way I carry myself as a person.
I've somehow managed to get away from who I am as a person (or more accurately, who I hope to be, since as Bill Parcells puts it "what you are is what you are"). In trying to recall myself 2 years ago, I remember a very different person from the one I see in the mirror now. I seem to recall someone full of life, always positive. Someone who always saw the best in people, and tried to bring that out. Someone who could look his friends in the eye and say "I love you" without hesitation or restraint. Most importantly, I remember being a person who was focused on personal growth and who really brought something positive to his community (in many senses of the word community)--someone who had a whole lot of faith in humanity and gave a lot of trust and respect to the people in his life.
Now I'm a cynic. I've become very negative towards other people, and often find myself frustrated by how "stupid" other people can be. I've become far more sarcastic and biting than I've ever been before. Sometimes now I can't even tell when I'm joking and when I'm not. Instead of seeing the good that people bring to the table, I more and more often find myself fixated on the bad or the negative that I see. Instead of trying to improve myself and the people around me, I'm more likely to make a sarcastic remark and move on.
I've also become arrogant and conceited. I fear that I'm far too proud for my own good; that my pride has become a stumbling block that is hindering my growth. (How can someone who knows everything have anything left to learn?) I'm become stubborn and set in my ways. I'm more confrontational than I used to be.
So that's why I say I'm depressed. I feel that I've really let myself down, not to mention the people who care about me and/or are forced to deal with me on a regular basis. I have to admit, that what really scares me is that, in spite of who I have allowed myself to become, I've been very "successful" to apply the materialistic understanding of the word. Life has been good, and many of the projects and ventures I've taken on have achieved their goals.
So anyway, this entry should really serve as an apology.
I want to apologize to the people who have been dealing with me as I've been going through this transformation over the past few years. I count myself extremely blessed that the vast majority of the people who have taken me into their lives recently haven't turned away, even in the moments when I've likely deserved it. If these past few years can really be deemed "successful" it's likely because of the support that I've received from all of you.
I make no excuses for the way I've handled myself recently. I can promise that I'm going to make a concerted effort to turn a corner, and be more like I remember myself being. Hopefully you'll see a new, more open, more positive, and more accepting Craig than the version of me that you've gotten to know.
Again, I'm sorry for what I've become in so many areas of my life. I've in large part lost sight of many of the Jesuit ideals that had helped me become someone who I was really and truly proud and happy to be, because of who I was, and not what I had accomplished. There is something to be said for the process of discernment. Hopefully I don't lose sight of it from here on out.
Anyone who's gotten here, thanks for reading along, and I'm sorry if my words or actions of the past few years have in anyway made you feel small, inadequate, or simply not affirmed in the way that you deserve. I owe so much to my friends, I'm sorry to those who I've let down. You will see a new Craig in the coming weeks, months, and years.
This book has a lot to say about Ancient Greek perspectives and theis meaning
but there is one perspective it misses. That is their view of time. They saw the
future as something that came upon them from behind their backs with the past
receding away before their eyes.
When you think about it, that's a more
accurate metaphor than our present one. Who really can face the future?
All you can do is project from the past, even when the past shows that such
projections are often wrong. And who really can forget the past? What else is
there to know?
I've found myself spending quite a bit of time looking back at my past, essentially with the hope for taking a toll on how I've gotten to where I am and see if I can project where it may all lead. The truth is that it's a fairly pointless pursuit, attempting to forecast or predict where you're likely to find yourself in 5 days much less 5 years.
So instead of trying to forecast, I've ended up considering who I am currently. This is where the fun starts. The truth is I realize that I've been a bit depressed. It's hard to pinpoint when exactly it started, but I'm leaning toward the end of my senior year (about a year and a half ago). I've certainly had some ups and downs and quite a few drastic life changes in that time, and have had plenty to think about. The sad truth, which is why I find myself depressed, is that in my estimation I've taken a few giant steps backward in my progression in that year and a half time frame. I have come to believe that I was a better person then than I am currently, and I must admit I find that fact extremely frustrating.
Before I go any farther into this discussion let me say that I don't in any way mean to say that I'm unhappy, or at all dissatisfied with where I am or what I've done to get here. I'm having a great time, really loving the people that I've had the opportunity to get to know and befriend, and for the first time in my life, find myself pursuing an career path that I'm really excited about and that I think is a perfect opportunity for me to link some of the extremely stratified areas of my life into something productive. I think I'm really ready to make a run here, but the past few years have been leading up to all this and that's why I've been doing all the introspection.
So here we are. I'm in a good place, surrounded by good people, enjoying what I'm doing, and really feeling that I'm "in my element" (for lack of a better, less cliche term). So why do I say I'm depressed? Well the answer is really quite simple: in spite of how well I seem to be doing, I really think I could be doing much better, mainly in the way I carry myself as a person.
I've somehow managed to get away from who I am as a person (or more accurately, who I hope to be, since as Bill Parcells puts it "what you are is what you are"). In trying to recall myself 2 years ago, I remember a very different person from the one I see in the mirror now. I seem to recall someone full of life, always positive. Someone who always saw the best in people, and tried to bring that out. Someone who could look his friends in the eye and say "I love you" without hesitation or restraint. Most importantly, I remember being a person who was focused on personal growth and who really brought something positive to his community (in many senses of the word community)--someone who had a whole lot of faith in humanity and gave a lot of trust and respect to the people in his life.
Now I'm a cynic. I've become very negative towards other people, and often find myself frustrated by how "stupid" other people can be. I've become far more sarcastic and biting than I've ever been before. Sometimes now I can't even tell when I'm joking and when I'm not. Instead of seeing the good that people bring to the table, I more and more often find myself fixated on the bad or the negative that I see. Instead of trying to improve myself and the people around me, I'm more likely to make a sarcastic remark and move on.
I've also become arrogant and conceited. I fear that I'm far too proud for my own good; that my pride has become a stumbling block that is hindering my growth. (How can someone who knows everything have anything left to learn?) I'm become stubborn and set in my ways. I'm more confrontational than I used to be.
So that's why I say I'm depressed. I feel that I've really let myself down, not to mention the people who care about me and/or are forced to deal with me on a regular basis. I have to admit, that what really scares me is that, in spite of who I have allowed myself to become, I've been very "successful" to apply the materialistic understanding of the word. Life has been good, and many of the projects and ventures I've taken on have achieved their goals.
So anyway, this entry should really serve as an apology.
I want to apologize to the people who have been dealing with me as I've been going through this transformation over the past few years. I count myself extremely blessed that the vast majority of the people who have taken me into their lives recently haven't turned away, even in the moments when I've likely deserved it. If these past few years can really be deemed "successful" it's likely because of the support that I've received from all of you.
I make no excuses for the way I've handled myself recently. I can promise that I'm going to make a concerted effort to turn a corner, and be more like I remember myself being. Hopefully you'll see a new, more open, more positive, and more accepting Craig than the version of me that you've gotten to know.
Again, I'm sorry for what I've become in so many areas of my life. I've in large part lost sight of many of the Jesuit ideals that had helped me become someone who I was really and truly proud and happy to be, because of who I was, and not what I had accomplished. There is something to be said for the process of discernment. Hopefully I don't lose sight of it from here on out.
Anyone who's gotten here, thanks for reading along, and I'm sorry if my words or actions of the past few years have in anyway made you feel small, inadequate, or simply not affirmed in the way that you deserve. I owe so much to my friends, I'm sorry to those who I've let down. You will see a new Craig in the coming weeks, months, and years.
Tuesday, October 11, 2005
Sports...I'm in it for the heroes
Before I return to my analysis of Zen (which I'll get to in a few days' time, in a discussion of "Perspectives On Time") I want to take a moment to thank a few of my true heroes.
I love sports. Always have and always will. The thrill of victory, the agony of defeat. Poetry in motion. Do you believe in Miracles? Well I do, and I have to admit that I've recently been quite worried about the state of professional sports in America.
I'm glad to report that in the past week, all my fears have been put to rest.
In the past year, we've heard the stories of Pat Tillman, former NFL player who gave his life for his country, sacrificing life and limb (and not to mention NFL riches) for a cause in which he truly believed. More recently we've heard the stories of hurricane relief in the wake of Katrina and Rita. We've heard of the Manning brothers flying their private jet full of supplies into Mississippi (that's M I S S I S S I P P I for those of you that missed 2nd grade) to deliver food and water to families in need. Joe Horn used his cell phone to call in a favor from a few friends and went shopping for those in need, and even handed out roses to brighten a few days.
With all these wonderful things going on, you can see my cause for concern. Where were the assholes? The drunks? The abusive husbands? The Portland Trailblazers? The guys who make sports in America, so ....uh, well, American? In this country, sports have a history to uphold. From Babe Ruth to OJ Simpson to Jason Kidd--these are NOT our role models, these are our HEROES!
But fear not, American sporting public...Jason Giambi and Marcus Camby have stood up to proudly announce, "The assholes are back, and we will drag sports back into the gutter where they belong!"
So, we thank you Jason Giambi, for graciously accepting your "AL Comeback Player of the Year" Award. Now, you and I both know steroids are banned (not to mention extremely hazardous to your health) and, had you been caught (not that you ever admitted you were guilty, only apologized and asked forgiveness for your "actions"--whatever they were), you would've been suspended, at least for a little while (A very little while if the MLB Player's Union gets their way). Aside from that, however, we were all touched by your incredible comeback from a devastating self-inflicted, steroid-induced bodily failure, brought about by your desire to lie, cheat, and steal your way to the top, at any and all costs, including (but certainly not limited to) your own health. We truly, truly look up to you and the example you set. I can't wait to tell my children about my hero, Jason Giambi.
And to you Mr. Marcus Camby, we are all truly grateful. Very few of us can understand the plight of living off a meager $8 million salary. You must truly be suffering. And when the NBA annouced that it would institute a dress code for players traveling with a team, when not in uniform, I was appalled. Why should the people who pay you your outrageous salaries have anything to say about the way you dress, while repesenting their organization? After all, we love the enormous jeans, XXXXL RocaWear shirts, and remarkable "bling" that your personal style brings courtside as a result of your annual knee injury. So good for you, Marcus, for standing up and demanding what you (and all overpaid NBA players) deserve -- a stipend too allow you to afford the attire that is being so unfairly demanded of you by the league (I'm guessing you wrote off the $500,000 indoor basketball court at your $10 million mansion as a "business expense" as well) . It's bad enough they expect you to behave properly and dress professionally, but to expect you to pay for your own clothes? Well, that's simply audacious.
So thank you Mr Giambi and Mr Camby, for reminding us what professional sports in America is all about -- you. We are a nation indebted.
I love sports. Always have and always will. The thrill of victory, the agony of defeat. Poetry in motion. Do you believe in Miracles? Well I do, and I have to admit that I've recently been quite worried about the state of professional sports in America.
I'm glad to report that in the past week, all my fears have been put to rest.
In the past year, we've heard the stories of Pat Tillman, former NFL player who gave his life for his country, sacrificing life and limb (and not to mention NFL riches) for a cause in which he truly believed. More recently we've heard the stories of hurricane relief in the wake of Katrina and Rita. We've heard of the Manning brothers flying their private jet full of supplies into Mississippi (that's M I S S I S S I P P I for those of you that missed 2nd grade) to deliver food and water to families in need. Joe Horn used his cell phone to call in a favor from a few friends and went shopping for those in need, and even handed out roses to brighten a few days.
With all these wonderful things going on, you can see my cause for concern. Where were the assholes? The drunks? The abusive husbands? The Portland Trailblazers? The guys who make sports in America, so ....uh, well, American? In this country, sports have a history to uphold. From Babe Ruth to OJ Simpson to Jason Kidd--these are NOT our role models, these are our HEROES!
But fear not, American sporting public...Jason Giambi and Marcus Camby have stood up to proudly announce, "The assholes are back, and we will drag sports back into the gutter where they belong!"
So, we thank you Jason Giambi, for graciously accepting your "AL Comeback Player of the Year" Award. Now, you and I both know steroids are banned (not to mention extremely hazardous to your health) and, had you been caught (not that you ever admitted you were guilty, only apologized and asked forgiveness for your "actions"--whatever they were), you would've been suspended, at least for a little while (A very little while if the MLB Player's Union gets their way). Aside from that, however, we were all touched by your incredible comeback from a devastating self-inflicted, steroid-induced bodily failure, brought about by your desire to lie, cheat, and steal your way to the top, at any and all costs, including (but certainly not limited to) your own health. We truly, truly look up to you and the example you set. I can't wait to tell my children about my hero, Jason Giambi.
And to you Mr. Marcus Camby, we are all truly grateful. Very few of us can understand the plight of living off a meager $8 million salary. You must truly be suffering. And when the NBA annouced that it would institute a dress code for players traveling with a team, when not in uniform, I was appalled. Why should the people who pay you your outrageous salaries have anything to say about the way you dress, while repesenting their organization? After all, we love the enormous jeans, XXXXL RocaWear shirts, and remarkable "bling" that your personal style brings courtside as a result of your annual knee injury. So good for you, Marcus, for standing up and demanding what you (and all overpaid NBA players) deserve -- a stipend too allow you to afford the attire that is being so unfairly demanded of you by the league (I'm guessing you wrote off the $500,000 indoor basketball court at your $10 million mansion as a "business expense" as well) . It's bad enough they expect you to behave properly and dress professionally, but to expect you to pay for your own clothes? Well, that's simply audacious.
So thank you Mr Giambi and Mr Camby, for reminding us what professional sports in America is all about -- you. We are a nation indebted.
Saturday, October 08, 2005
Kulturbarer
Who are we?
Where are we going?
What is the mark that our culture, and our generation will leave behind?
As a culture, we appear to be torn in opposite directions, confused, conflicted, stuck in the midst of an enormous paradox. We're obsessed with violence, war, tragedy, and chaos, while we try to lead our lives in the direction of protection, peace, security, and safety. I'm not saying anything new here; we see it and hear it everyday, in music, movies, television, and worst of all the news. We censor more and more, limiting what we allow ourselves and our children to see, hear, and be exposed to, and yet we ourselves, can't seem to turn away from it.
We shield our eyes and our bodies (we censor our fiction, create curfews, legalize unwarranted search and seizure, and pass laws about bicycles helmets and seatbelts), and yet cannot seem to resist the temptation to peak through our fingers at the all too real life horrors that life offers(be they images of the war, aerial shots of areas ravaged by hurricanes and earthquakes, or videos of a family torn down by the murder of a loved one at the corner of Peace St and MLK Blvd) and not so real dramatizations we create to mimic them. So I ask: Who are we? Where are we going? What is the mark that our culture, and our generation will leave behind?
I recently finished reading Zen and the Art of Motorocycle Maintenance by Robert Pirsig, and while I've not yet full processed the novel in order to comment on it directly (though it's certianly a remarkable book and if you haven't read it, you should), I'd like to share a few thoughts regarding the Afterword. I'll have several posts addressing the Afterword in terms of two issues it discusses. For the moment I'd like to focus on culture, what defines it, what moves it forward, and how this relates to our current situation.
Pirsig hits the mark in saying that the entire notion of a culture-barer has little American use, though it certainly should. The critical point in all this, is the recognition that culture changes; it's not a fixed entity, written in stone for all of history, constant from one generation to the next. Unfortunately, we as Americans don't tend to like the idea of a changing culture. We resist change more than we should, and in doing so, fail to understand the causes of the changes we see. We have a collective "when I was your age" mentality, and always aim to go back to the way things were before, when politicians were honest, children were safe, and elders were respected. Of course, the only way to go back is to go forward, for what other way is there?
Ok, so here we are, 200+ years after the "birth" of our country and the formation of its initial nacent culture (and by that I mean the Constistution, the notion of the American Dream, and of Democracy, and all such well and good things). So what is our culture? What is being American all about? Well, it's about upholding the Constitution (and taking prayer out of schools, or fighting to put it back it in, and the Scopes Monkey Trial, and Roe v. Wade, and the Bill of Rights) and it's about the American Dream (and the "melting pot," and segregation--both mandated and "cultural," and rising up from rags to riches, and trickle down economics, and child labor, and child labor laws) and it's about Democracy (and how it is sooooo great for everyone to have a say that we should force it on all nations around the world, without giving them a say).
So what's the point? The point is, our culture has changed and is changing and will continue to change, whether we like to admit it or not. The American Dream is not what it once was, and the Constitution doesn't necessarily mean the same things it used to (that's why Justices are supposed to interpret and not just uphold the law), and our Democracy is really a Republic, always has been, and that's probably not changing, so get used to the fact that politicians weren't honest, aren't honest, and won't be honest--we're stuck with 'em.
The question really is, how will everything that's happening right now impact our culture and in what direction will it move? Who wins the cultural tug-of-war? Do we accept all for one and one morality for all? Or do we value diversity, and personal choice? Do we continue to live in fear, on heightened alert, and try to vaccinate ourselves against every evil? Or do we open our doors and let in the good and the bad that the rest of the world has to offer, take some risks, and say "maybe there is more to living than simply being alive." What is it about life that we actually value? Are we here for nothing more than to allow our heart to beat for a given period of time (which will be as long as we can possibly manage to sustain it, by any means necessary, regardless of what the rest of our body has to say about the matter?
These are the questions that we as Americans must begin to answer, because we cannot continue the tug-of-war that we're currently in. We are a country divided, and we have to find the middle ground. But don't worry, we've been here before:
Pirsig's solution was internal. Success is the ability to connect with what you do. Success is an internal attitude toward the work you do, and the external rewards will fall inline. "Success" is a means, not and end.If you act successfully, the rest of the American dream will follow.
I think we're in the midst of a similar cultural upheaval. This time we are confronting, not success, but fear. Our current "traditional" culture tells us to protect ourselves from our fears. Don't let the external get to us: Wear helmets, label everything with warnings, don't talk to strangers, stay safe by using metal detectors and security searches. The current "rebelious" culture tells us to confront our fears head on, and defeat them. The external world can take it's best shot, we're up to the challege: Play extreme sports, watch as Steve Irwin wrestles with crocodiles and snakes, and as the contestants on Fear Factor flex their "courage," fight a "war on terror" to show them we're not afraid.
I want to offer an alternative to these attitudes. Like Pirsig, I want to offer an internal solution. Recognize that fears are internal--not an external force to be protected against or to challenge. In fact, fears are the emotional antithesis to hope. Fear is characterized by an internal focus on the negative or harmul side of what is possible. Hope is characterized by an internal focus on the positive or life-giving side of what is possible. The choice between fear and hope is and internal attitude adjustment. We cannot live without Fear, but we can also not afford to continue to be fixated on it.
Where Pirsig offered the notion of Quality of experience (you'll have to read the book for the full explanation) as an alternative to the notion that success (and failure) are external or material, I'd like to offer Choice as an alternative to the idea that fear is an external force we must deal with. We can Chose to be Fearful and Hopeless, or to be Hopeful and Fearless.
So what does this mean for our culture? Probably nothing. Personally, I'd love to see the culture shift and take on the attitude that our experience of fear is a choice. I'd love to see us focus more on our Hope for what Good we may offer as a collective whole to the rest of the world, rather than focus solely on our Fear of the Bad that the world may offer us and on protecting ourselves from it. Will we make that choice? Only time will tell.
Where are we going?
What is the mark that our culture, and our generation will leave behind?
As a culture, we appear to be torn in opposite directions, confused, conflicted, stuck in the midst of an enormous paradox. We're obsessed with violence, war, tragedy, and chaos, while we try to lead our lives in the direction of protection, peace, security, and safety. I'm not saying anything new here; we see it and hear it everyday, in music, movies, television, and worst of all the news. We censor more and more, limiting what we allow ourselves and our children to see, hear, and be exposed to, and yet we ourselves, can't seem to turn away from it.
We shield our eyes and our bodies (we censor our fiction, create curfews, legalize unwarranted search and seizure, and pass laws about bicycles helmets and seatbelts), and yet cannot seem to resist the temptation to peak through our fingers at the all too real life horrors that life offers(be they images of the war, aerial shots of areas ravaged by hurricanes and earthquakes, or videos of a family torn down by the murder of a loved one at the corner of Peace St and MLK Blvd) and not so real dramatizations we create to mimic them. So I ask: Who are we? Where are we going? What is the mark that our culture, and our generation will leave behind?
I recently finished reading Zen and the Art of Motorocycle Maintenance by Robert Pirsig, and while I've not yet full processed the novel in order to comment on it directly (though it's certianly a remarkable book and if you haven't read it, you should), I'd like to share a few thoughts regarding the Afterword. I'll have several posts addressing the Afterword in terms of two issues it discusses. For the moment I'd like to focus on culture, what defines it, what moves it forward, and how this relates to our current situation.
There is a Swedish word, kulturbarer, which can roughly be translated as
"culture-bearer" but still doesn't mean much. It's not a concept that has much
American use, although it should have.
A culture-bearing book, like a mule, bears the culture on its back. No one
should sit down to write one deliberately. Culture-bearing books occur almost
accidentally, like a sudden change in the stock market. There are books of high
quality that are an important part of the culture, but that is not the same.
They are a part of it. They aren't carrying it anywhere.
Pirsig hits the mark in saying that the entire notion of a culture-barer has little American use, though it certainly should. The critical point in all this, is the recognition that culture changes; it's not a fixed entity, written in stone for all of history, constant from one generation to the next. Unfortunately, we as Americans don't tend to like the idea of a changing culture. We resist change more than we should, and in doing so, fail to understand the causes of the changes we see. We have a collective "when I was your age" mentality, and always aim to go back to the way things were before, when politicians were honest, children were safe, and elders were respected. Of course, the only way to go back is to go forward, for what other way is there?
Ok, so here we are, 200+ years after the "birth" of our country and the formation of its initial nacent culture (and by that I mean the Constistution, the notion of the American Dream, and of Democracy, and all such well and good things). So what is our culture? What is being American all about? Well, it's about upholding the Constitution (and taking prayer out of schools, or fighting to put it back it in, and the Scopes Monkey Trial, and Roe v. Wade, and the Bill of Rights) and it's about the American Dream (and the "melting pot," and segregation--both mandated and "cultural," and rising up from rags to riches, and trickle down economics, and child labor, and child labor laws) and it's about Democracy (and how it is sooooo great for everyone to have a say that we should force it on all nations around the world, without giving them a say).
So what's the point? The point is, our culture has changed and is changing and will continue to change, whether we like to admit it or not. The American Dream is not what it once was, and the Constitution doesn't necessarily mean the same things it used to (that's why Justices are supposed to interpret and not just uphold the law), and our Democracy is really a Republic, always has been, and that's probably not changing, so get used to the fact that politicians weren't honest, aren't honest, and won't be honest--we're stuck with 'em.
The question really is, how will everything that's happening right now impact our culture and in what direction will it move? Who wins the cultural tug-of-war? Do we accept all for one and one morality for all? Or do we value diversity, and personal choice? Do we continue to live in fear, on heightened alert, and try to vaccinate ourselves against every evil? Or do we open our doors and let in the good and the bad that the rest of the world has to offer, take some risks, and say "maybe there is more to living than simply being alive." What is it about life that we actually value? Are we here for nothing more than to allow our heart to beat for a given period of time (which will be as long as we can possibly manage to sustain it, by any means necessary, regardless of what the rest of our body has to say about the matter?
These are the questions that we as Americans must begin to answer, because we cannot continue the tug-of-war that we're currently in. We are a country divided, and we have to find the middle ground. But don't worry, we've been here before:
The book also appeared at a time of cultural upheaval on the matter of materialIt is cultural upheaval that brings cultural change. In the 1970s when Zen was published, the upheaval was over the American notion of success. Two conflicting cultural forces were putting their energy into controlling external forces. The "traditional" culture controlled success by setting the acquisition of material (read: external) things as the main measure of success. The "hippies" asserted freedom as their goal, exhibiting their control over the external world by refusing to succumb to its control.
success. Hippies were having none of it. Conservatives were baffled. material
success was the American dream. Millions of European peasants had longed for it
all their lives and come to America to find it--a world in which they are their
descendants would at last have enough. Now their spoiled descendants were
throwing that whole dream in their faces, saying iit wasn't any good. What did
they want?
The hippies had in mind something that they wanted, and were
calling it "freedom." but in the final analysis "freedom" is a purely negative
goal. It just says something is bad. Hippies weren't really offering any
alternatives other than colorful short-term ones, and some of those were looking
more and more like pure degeneracy. Degeneracy can be fun but it's hard to keep
up as a serious lifetime occupation.
Pirsig's solution was internal. Success is the ability to connect with what you do. Success is an internal attitude toward the work you do, and the external rewards will fall inline. "Success" is a means, not and end.If you act successfully, the rest of the American dream will follow.
I think we're in the midst of a similar cultural upheaval. This time we are confronting, not success, but fear. Our current "traditional" culture tells us to protect ourselves from our fears. Don't let the external get to us: Wear helmets, label everything with warnings, don't talk to strangers, stay safe by using metal detectors and security searches. The current "rebelious" culture tells us to confront our fears head on, and defeat them. The external world can take it's best shot, we're up to the challege: Play extreme sports, watch as Steve Irwin wrestles with crocodiles and snakes, and as the contestants on Fear Factor flex their "courage," fight a "war on terror" to show them we're not afraid.
I want to offer an alternative to these attitudes. Like Pirsig, I want to offer an internal solution. Recognize that fears are internal--not an external force to be protected against or to challenge. In fact, fears are the emotional antithesis to hope. Fear is characterized by an internal focus on the negative or harmul side of what is possible. Hope is characterized by an internal focus on the positive or life-giving side of what is possible. The choice between fear and hope is and internal attitude adjustment. We cannot live without Fear, but we can also not afford to continue to be fixated on it.
Where Pirsig offered the notion of Quality of experience (you'll have to read the book for the full explanation) as an alternative to the notion that success (and failure) are external or material, I'd like to offer Choice as an alternative to the idea that fear is an external force we must deal with. We can Chose to be Fearful and Hopeless, or to be Hopeful and Fearless.
I'm not offering Hope as an alternative to Fear (for that is not new anymore than success as an alternative to failure was new to Pirsig's audience), but rather Choice as an alternative to slavery. Fear is not something to fight against, because if we do we fight aginst ourselves. We cannot as a people allow our fears to continue to overwhelm us and take us hostage. We must chose Hope.
This book [Zen] offers another, more serious alternative to
material success. it's not so much an alternative as an expansion of the
meaning of "success" to something larger than just getting a good job and
staying out of trouble. And also something larger than mere freedom.
it gives a positive goal to work toward that does not confine. That is the
main reason for the book's success, I think. the whole culture happened to
be looking for exactly what this book has to offer. That is the sense in
which it is a culture-bearer.
So what does this mean for our culture? Probably nothing. Personally, I'd love to see the culture shift and take on the attitude that our experience of fear is a choice. I'd love to see us focus more on our Hope for what Good we may offer as a collective whole to the rest of the world, rather than focus solely on our Fear of the Bad that the world may offer us and on protecting ourselves from it. Will we make that choice? Only time will tell.
Thursday, October 06, 2005
What's in a name?
Last night I found myself watching a painfully unfunny comedian from New York (imagine that...) who miraculously brought up an issue in his bit that has been bouncing around my head for a while now. He posed the question, "why do we feel the need to rename other countries?" For instance, why do we look at Espana, and turn around and say, "Nope, we're calling you Spain." It's an interesting phenomenon that has always puzzled me, though we as Americans are not the only culprits, and it's not always a bad thing (in China, the United States is called "Meiguo", which tranlates to "the beautiful country"--a very nice gesture, which goes a long way in explaining their obsession with photographing EVERYTHING they see!--but I digress)
This phenomenon is not limited to countries, though. We do it with people entering the country as well. I'll use my good friend Steve "The Sizzler" Andon as an example (hope you don't mind buddy). Note that his last name is Andon. As the story goes, the very first "Andon" to enter the country was Mister Andon Papasian, who was deemed to have an unacceptable name by some clown at Ellis Island, and was given the more American name (and by American, I mean the American verision of Italian) Anthony Andon ("the first shall be last and the meak shall inherit the earth...yada yada yada").
This is all well and good I suppose, but it doesn't just stop with foreign countries, or immigration officials. The question that started it all for me was in fact: When, exactly, did Cristobol Colon become Christopher Columbus? I'm fairly confident that he didn't pass through Ellis Island on his way into the not yet named America (though I'm sure it did have a name, just not one we like to write in history books), and if he did he would've received a name like "Chief Sails-In-Circles" or "Whitey Likes-the-Pipe", but certainly not Christopher Columbus.
I'm still hoping that one day we can stop the linguistic pissing contest of trying to rename every foreign thing in our own language in a lame attempt to domesticate it, and allow places, people, and whatever else to have the name that they were originally given (though I really don't know how we'll get our hands on Adam's original list)
This phenomenon is not limited to countries, though. We do it with people entering the country as well. I'll use my good friend Steve "The Sizzler" Andon as an example (hope you don't mind buddy). Note that his last name is Andon. As the story goes, the very first "Andon" to enter the country was Mister Andon Papasian, who was deemed to have an unacceptable name by some clown at Ellis Island, and was given the more American name (and by American, I mean the American verision of Italian) Anthony Andon ("the first shall be last and the meak shall inherit the earth...yada yada yada").
This is all well and good I suppose, but it doesn't just stop with foreign countries, or immigration officials. The question that started it all for me was in fact: When, exactly, did Cristobol Colon become Christopher Columbus? I'm fairly confident that he didn't pass through Ellis Island on his way into the not yet named America (though I'm sure it did have a name, just not one we like to write in history books), and if he did he would've received a name like "Chief Sails-In-Circles" or "Whitey Likes-the-Pipe", but certainly not Christopher Columbus.
I'm still hoping that one day we can stop the linguistic pissing contest of trying to rename every foreign thing in our own language in a lame attempt to domesticate it, and allow places, people, and whatever else to have the name that they were originally given (though I really don't know how we'll get our hands on Adam's original list)
Wednesday, October 05, 2005
The Syllabus
Welcome to my blog. Before charging ahead with my initial purpose, "blogging" as it were, I feel that it could prove helpful to start off with an introduction of sorts. With that in mind (and in order to hopefully establish some reasonable expectations for what you may hope to garner from this blog) I present to you "Life in the Doghouse: A Syllabus"
Important Details
In lieu of an EVite...
What: My blog
Where: Here (offmyleash.blogspot.com)
When: Whenever I deem appropriate, or more specifically, whenever you feel the urge to read it
Who's Invited: Anyone who may or may not be at all interested in anything I may or may not have to say, though some level of interest in the subject matter is both encouraged and strongly recommended.
Objectives
We perpetually find ourselves living life at the end of a very tight leash. Always struggling against societal constraints and attempting to fit into behavior patterns aligned with "normalcy" (a word created by former president Harry Truman, and resurrected recently by the ever delightful Dubya...normality is likely a more proper noun form, though normalcy has been admitted into the dictionary).
In my blog I aim to run freely about, chasing bees, cars, cats, bicycles, or my own tales--off my leash, as my URL indicates. I do not intend to be politically correct or overly sympathetic. I will not go out of my way to offend anyone any more than a dog goes out of his or her way to find an acceptable "dumping ground" (note the use of gender inspecific gramatical construction) and while I will follow the custom of changing the names and faces to protect the innocent, I will make no such promise to the guilty.
Subject matter
So what will my blog cover? The short answer is everything. I intend to make observations on life as I see it. Anyone who knows me is naturally frightened at that notion. History has shown that "as I see it" often will not jive with "How you see it," "How they see it," or "How we have come to understand that it should be seen."
In some cases this will be very positive, affirmative, and reassuring. i will often make an effort to share those things that amaze me, leave me inspired, delighted, and more alive, as well as those that simply amuse me. Other entries may be consist of constructive, critical, albeit cynical analyses of our world from my realm of experiences.
In general, I will address observations I make in places of learning--classes, lectures, churches, bowling alleys and other aporting arenas, parking garages, the mall the gym the cafeteria (or any other public places denoted by use of the article "the"), and anywhere else that my experience leads me (and perhaps in some cases, where I can only imagine my experience could have potentially led me if I had been so inclined--extrapolation, if you will). It is of the utmost importance to recognize opportunities for learning and growth at every juncture, and in every experience, not only when hunched over a tiny writing surface attached to a hard plastic seat which was ergonomically designed for some sort of large feline (a "jungle cat" perhaps) or Tom Hanks, but certainly not a typical human form.
Entries may take on any form I deem appropriate and may include but are not limited to: essay, rambling, poetic lyric, list--either ordered or disorder, alliteration, pleasantly purple power point presentation, debate, dialectical inquiry, or diatribe (which is either the act of dividing a given Native American community into 2 equal parts, or the length of the line required to do so--how these "equal parts" are to be determined, either by number, by summed competencies, by gender, or in some other fashion, may be discussed at a later time.)
Use of Parenthetical Remarks
As you have likely noticed, I enjoy using parentheses (or is it parenthesi?) in my writing. These sidenotes often can be (and likely should be) disregarded, ignored, or laughed at. They will likely induce reactions ranging from nausea, disorientation, fits of laughter, or in extreme cases, catatonic states of confusion. Read only if after discussing with your doctor. Women who are pregnant or who may become pregnant should not...oh nevermind
Grading
There will be no grading -- mostly because there's no "roster" or "roll" of any sort, but also becasue most grades are a bogus representation of your ability to utilize a restricted timeframe to regenerate your professor's views and opinions on highly controversial and often insignificant subject matter. Attendance, however, is mandatory.
Beware of Dog
As Jim Carrey once said "Before Ace Ventura, no one had considered talking through their ass." Consider this an indication of things to come. You have been warned .
In Conclusion
That covers the scope and depth of material to be covered in my blog. Again, please do not take my remarks personally and understand that if it's said here, it probably needed saying. I encourage you to offer comments, remarks, suggestions, love letters, or hate mail.
Important Details
In lieu of an EVite...
What: My blog
Where: Here (offmyleash.blogspot.com)
When: Whenever I deem appropriate, or more specifically, whenever you feel the urge to read it
Who's Invited: Anyone who may or may not be at all interested in anything I may or may not have to say, though some level of interest in the subject matter is both encouraged and strongly recommended.
Objectives
We perpetually find ourselves living life at the end of a very tight leash. Always struggling against societal constraints and attempting to fit into behavior patterns aligned with "normalcy" (a word created by former president Harry Truman, and resurrected recently by the ever delightful Dubya...normality is likely a more proper noun form, though normalcy has been admitted into the dictionary).
In my blog I aim to run freely about, chasing bees, cars, cats, bicycles, or my own tales--off my leash, as my URL indicates. I do not intend to be politically correct or overly sympathetic. I will not go out of my way to offend anyone any more than a dog goes out of his or her way to find an acceptable "dumping ground" (note the use of gender inspecific gramatical construction) and while I will follow the custom of changing the names and faces to protect the innocent, I will make no such promise to the guilty.
Subject matter
So what will my blog cover? The short answer is everything. I intend to make observations on life as I see it. Anyone who knows me is naturally frightened at that notion. History has shown that "as I see it" often will not jive with "How you see it," "How they see it," or "How we have come to understand that it should be seen."
In some cases this will be very positive, affirmative, and reassuring. i will often make an effort to share those things that amaze me, leave me inspired, delighted, and more alive, as well as those that simply amuse me. Other entries may be consist of constructive, critical, albeit cynical analyses of our world from my realm of experiences.
In general, I will address observations I make in places of learning--classes, lectures, churches, bowling alleys and other aporting arenas, parking garages, the mall the gym the cafeteria (or any other public places denoted by use of the article "the"), and anywhere else that my experience leads me (and perhaps in some cases, where I can only imagine my experience could have potentially led me if I had been so inclined--extrapolation, if you will). It is of the utmost importance to recognize opportunities for learning and growth at every juncture, and in every experience, not only when hunched over a tiny writing surface attached to a hard plastic seat which was ergonomically designed for some sort of large feline (a "jungle cat" perhaps) or Tom Hanks, but certainly not a typical human form.
Entries may take on any form I deem appropriate and may include but are not limited to: essay, rambling, poetic lyric, list--either ordered or disorder, alliteration, pleasantly purple power point presentation, debate, dialectical inquiry, or diatribe (which is either the act of dividing a given Native American community into 2 equal parts, or the length of the line required to do so--how these "equal parts" are to be determined, either by number, by summed competencies, by gender, or in some other fashion, may be discussed at a later time.)
Use of Parenthetical Remarks
As you have likely noticed, I enjoy using parentheses (or is it parenthesi?) in my writing. These sidenotes often can be (and likely should be) disregarded, ignored, or laughed at. They will likely induce reactions ranging from nausea, disorientation, fits of laughter, or in extreme cases, catatonic states of confusion. Read only if after discussing with your doctor. Women who are pregnant or who may become pregnant should not...oh nevermind
Grading
There will be no grading -- mostly because there's no "roster" or "roll" of any sort, but also becasue most grades are a bogus representation of your ability to utilize a restricted timeframe to regenerate your professor's views and opinions on highly controversial and often insignificant subject matter. Attendance, however, is mandatory.
Beware of Dog
As Jim Carrey once said "Before Ace Ventura, no one had considered talking through their ass." Consider this an indication of things to come. You have been warned .
In Conclusion
That covers the scope and depth of material to be covered in my blog. Again, please do not take my remarks personally and understand that if it's said here, it probably needed saying. I encourage you to offer comments, remarks, suggestions, love letters, or hate mail.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)