Is it just me...
or is it too much of an irony that Al Franken - former comedian - is now a confirmed U.S. Senator? Surely, this must be a joke.
Sadly and surrealy, it is not. If it's a joke, I'm not laughing.
May our nation be kept as safe as possible from the monstrous damage that will come during, at least, the next 3.5 years. Franken must be singing praises to the gods of legal manipulation and truth distortion as I type.
Saturday, July 04, 2009
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Deja Vu, in part
Laura's family had a terrifying experience early Sunday morning. At 4:35am, we got a phone call from a family friend in St. Simons' Island. It was about Laura's brother, Wes. He had been in an auto accident and, since it was very early in the proceedngs, we didn't know much information. We were told a very similar story to that of when Laura's sister, Rebekah, had been in a fatal accident 2 Summers prior. It was eerie.
Since Laura was on the phone getting information, my heart was beating in what seemed like my throat. I wanted to know what was happening and feared so badly that the unthinkable might be possible. Pacing around from bathroom to bedroom, I heard bits and pieces. Finally, I knew that it was serious and we had to get in touch with Laura's parents. Laura initially thought she might not be able to do it. Quickly, she dialed the number. She prepared her Dad and delivered the news. They were ready to leave the mountain cabin in Cherry Log almost immediately, even though they had just only arrived the evening before.
Now it's been 3 days since then. I sit here writing these words in a completely different environment than I would've been 2 years ago. Wes is alive. He has a journey toward complete recovery, but his injuries are all concentrated around his face. He's already speaking, comprehending, and adjusting (albeit groggily) to his post-accident surroundings and conditions. Laura was commenting on how "fascinating" it was to listen to what Wes said and what he was doing. She was almost giddy about it. I believe it's because this is the reality that was nonexistent when Rebekah was in an almost identical situation. This is what might have been, in her case, that Laura never got to experience. Most certainly, it's an arena of redemption and grace this time around. A collective, deep sigh of relief is palpable amongst everyone involved with her family and this community.
Since Laura was on the phone getting information, my heart was beating in what seemed like my throat. I wanted to know what was happening and feared so badly that the unthinkable might be possible. Pacing around from bathroom to bedroom, I heard bits and pieces. Finally, I knew that it was serious and we had to get in touch with Laura's parents. Laura initially thought she might not be able to do it. Quickly, she dialed the number. She prepared her Dad and delivered the news. They were ready to leave the mountain cabin in Cherry Log almost immediately, even though they had just only arrived the evening before.
Now it's been 3 days since then. I sit here writing these words in a completely different environment than I would've been 2 years ago. Wes is alive. He has a journey toward complete recovery, but his injuries are all concentrated around his face. He's already speaking, comprehending, and adjusting (albeit groggily) to his post-accident surroundings and conditions. Laura was commenting on how "fascinating" it was to listen to what Wes said and what he was doing. She was almost giddy about it. I believe it's because this is the reality that was nonexistent when Rebekah was in an almost identical situation. This is what might have been, in her case, that Laura never got to experience. Most certainly, it's an arena of redemption and grace this time around. A collective, deep sigh of relief is palpable amongst everyone involved with her family and this community.
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Ponderings
Had some time to think. Here is the result:
Why do we chase and sprint after all these ghosts? You live a life full of intrigue and expectations that yield a rare sum of light. Beauty pulses all throughout, haunting the edges of days like the tick of a clock. Effort presses onward to finally grasp that thing – that one thing – which will finally bring resolution and bliss.
This is the losing battle. If anything, we discover ourselves to be easily fooled. Like hamsters on the treadmill, it’s a neverending emptying of the pockets to the dealer at the table. Yet, we try and try. It must be noble in the judgement of someone’s eyes, we hope.
Gorgeous sadness. Many have made fortunes mining the misery of our kind. They say if you can’t laugh at it, then you’d weep. The laughing may be a coping mechanism or just a method to stave off the brutal reality of our collective loss. The laughter is rich, however. Humor is a kind balm. The most honest is the dark variety. Here we marry the grim consequences of our actions to the wisdom gained from humble reflection. We can stare ourselves down in the mirror and smile. That’s a victory unto itself.
For all this mess we place ourselves in, how do we find a meaning to it? Almost as a gut instinct, we can flail in the pool of excuses and dish out accusations in all directions. No one is safe from these. The last target we would dare to put in our sights is our self. Claiming responsibility is a massive direct hit to the pride we all own.
If, in a lifetime, this level can be reached, there is truly hope. Tragically, we have a blind spot preventing us from achieving it, most of the time. If we treasure the perspective of an outsider, and step outside our own window view, the closer to freedom we would be.
Why do we chase and sprint after all these ghosts? You live a life full of intrigue and expectations that yield a rare sum of light. Beauty pulses all throughout, haunting the edges of days like the tick of a clock. Effort presses onward to finally grasp that thing – that one thing – which will finally bring resolution and bliss.
This is the losing battle. If anything, we discover ourselves to be easily fooled. Like hamsters on the treadmill, it’s a neverending emptying of the pockets to the dealer at the table. Yet, we try and try. It must be noble in the judgement of someone’s eyes, we hope.
Gorgeous sadness. Many have made fortunes mining the misery of our kind. They say if you can’t laugh at it, then you’d weep. The laughing may be a coping mechanism or just a method to stave off the brutal reality of our collective loss. The laughter is rich, however. Humor is a kind balm. The most honest is the dark variety. Here we marry the grim consequences of our actions to the wisdom gained from humble reflection. We can stare ourselves down in the mirror and smile. That’s a victory unto itself.
For all this mess we place ourselves in, how do we find a meaning to it? Almost as a gut instinct, we can flail in the pool of excuses and dish out accusations in all directions. No one is safe from these. The last target we would dare to put in our sights is our self. Claiming responsibility is a massive direct hit to the pride we all own.
If, in a lifetime, this level can be reached, there is truly hope. Tragically, we have a blind spot preventing us from achieving it, most of the time. If we treasure the perspective of an outsider, and step outside our own window view, the closer to freedom we would be.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Sometimes it's necessary
My kids provided a simple, yet effective, example of an important principle tonight. As we were driving in the car, Zoe was yelling, "Silence!!" to her brother. I was correcting her and saying what a paradox it was for her to be screaming the word, "silence," when she was being anything but.
However.... what came to mind is that, sometimes, it's necessary for that type of action to be taken to bring about silence. It's similar to when people complain about war, in some instances. War is a necessary thing at times. When chaos is going on, sometimes you have to go through the means of war to bring about peace. Kind of like screaming "silence!"
I continue to learn tidbits from my kids.
However.... what came to mind is that, sometimes, it's necessary for that type of action to be taken to bring about silence. It's similar to when people complain about war, in some instances. War is a necessary thing at times. When chaos is going on, sometimes you have to go through the means of war to bring about peace. Kind of like screaming "silence!"
I continue to learn tidbits from my kids.
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Looking past the obvious
I think this excerpt is a brilliant illustration:
"Let us begin with a parable. Imagine that a satellite phone is washed ashore on a remote island inhabited by a tribe that has never had contact with modern civilization. The natives play with the numbers on the dial pad and hear different voices upon hitting certain sequences. They assume first that it's the device that makes these noises. Some of the cleverer natives, the scientists of the tribe, assemble an exact replica and hit the numbers again. They hear the voices again. The conclusion seems obvious to them. This particular combination of crystals and metals and chemicals produces what seems like human voices, and this means that the voices are simply properties of the device. But the tribal sage summons the scientists for a discussion. He has thought long and hard on the matter and has reached the following conclusion: the voices are coming through the instrument must be coming from people like themselves, people who are living and conscious although speaking in another language. Instead of assuming that the voices are simply properties of the handset, they should investigate the possibility that through some mysterious communication network they are "in touch" with other humans. Perhaps further study along these lines could lead to a greater understanding of the world beyond their island. But the scientists simply laugh at the sage and say: 'Look, when we damage the instrument, the voices stop coming. So they're obviously nothing more than sounds produced by a unique combination of lithium and printed circuit boards and light-emitting diodes."
--- from There is a God: How the world's most notorious atheist changed his mind by Anthony Flew
"Let us begin with a parable. Imagine that a satellite phone is washed ashore on a remote island inhabited by a tribe that has never had contact with modern civilization. The natives play with the numbers on the dial pad and hear different voices upon hitting certain sequences. They assume first that it's the device that makes these noises. Some of the cleverer natives, the scientists of the tribe, assemble an exact replica and hit the numbers again. They hear the voices again. The conclusion seems obvious to them. This particular combination of crystals and metals and chemicals produces what seems like human voices, and this means that the voices are simply properties of the device. But the tribal sage summons the scientists for a discussion. He has thought long and hard on the matter and has reached the following conclusion: the voices are coming through the instrument must be coming from people like themselves, people who are living and conscious although speaking in another language. Instead of assuming that the voices are simply properties of the handset, they should investigate the possibility that through some mysterious communication network they are "in touch" with other humans. Perhaps further study along these lines could lead to a greater understanding of the world beyond their island. But the scientists simply laugh at the sage and say: 'Look, when we damage the instrument, the voices stop coming. So they're obviously nothing more than sounds produced by a unique combination of lithium and printed circuit boards and light-emitting diodes."
--- from There is a God: How the world's most notorious atheist changed his mind by Anthony Flew
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Classic "Deep Thought"
“Probably the saddest thing you'll ever see is a mosquito sucking on a mummy. Forget it, little friend.”
- Jack Handey, from Saturday Night Live
- Jack Handey, from Saturday Night Live
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Irony Alert.
Today, this unfortunate kid came in the door and asked for an application.
You may be (ARE) thinking: what's so funny here?
The whole situation ties together once you know what his T-shirt said:
"Genius by Birth / Slacker by Choice"
Hmmmm....
Friday, March 20, 2009
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
"Ironic" by Alanis Morrissette
This quote from comedian Ed Byrne is right on the money about this song:
"The only ironic thing about that song is it's called ironic and it's written by a woman who doesn't know what irony is. That's quite ironic."
"The only ironic thing about that song is it's called ironic and it's written by a woman who doesn't know what irony is. That's quite ironic."
Monday, March 16, 2009
Promising Signs of a Developing Sense of Humor
My kids love this character, Katie, from the movie (she's NOT in the book!), "Horton Hears a Who!" She is such a bizarre addition to this movie, which is already a bit off-kilter since it's from the mind of Dr. Seuss. The scene pictured above makes them crack up, especially Zoe, who can imitate her to a T.
I love it because the humor is weird. It makes me have hope in my little chillun. They will surely go far.
Watch this to get the full effect.
Saturday, March 14, 2009
"Ministry of Information": A Larger-Than-Life Government
Is our government becoming something akin to this? This movie, "Brazil", is an excellent (and yes, highly surreal - this is a Terry Gilliam film, after all) glimpse into a future that is all too near. Although it leans heavily on themes from George Orwell's prophetic "1984," the story still has its own voice. There are many more scenes similar to this one, but I love the over-the-top satire of what excessive government work looks like. If you get a chance to see this movie, I believe you'll enjoy it. It is difficult to figure out, at times, but that's what makes it awesome; you have to decipher and put some "work" into viewing it to make ends meet. Not an easily digestible piece of art, but well worth it. The set design and camerawork are astounding.
Monday, March 09, 2009
Obama NickJr PSA
OK - try to imagine if there was something akin to this made about President Bush. Having a difficult time? That right. Because it would be something that would NEVER HAPPEN. This is hilarious, in the sense that it makes you laugh at the absurdity and cry at how our children are being indoctrinated.
Wait a minute..... wait a minute. It's not really biased. Especially the part that says, "...and he writes WONDERFUL speeches!"
My face is frozen in a stunned position.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Discovery
Last night, I had a minor epiphany. I went to a local business establishment and ended up talking with the employee at the check-out counter for about 5 minutes. When I had gone to this place before, I remember noticing this guy and kind of laughing to myself. He looked like something out of the early 80's, in terms of what he wore and how his hair was styled. I even remember laughing with my Father-in-law about this same guy as we left this place a few weeks ago.
It's funny, but I realized that stereotypes are the language of an outsider. True, there are reasons for stereotypes. Mainly, that they contain some degree of truth about their subject. But, they paint in broad strokes and are a vague impression of said subject. By no means do they take into account the individual.
As I was driving home, I thought about how nice this guy was. I thought about our discussions involving having children and being a Dad. I thought about how he's working 2 jobs to make ends meet. I also appreciated how truly inquisitive he was about my job and my life after graduating from UGA, among other things. We actually had some similarities.
I saw him in a new light because I had begun to get to know him. It was a simple thing, but profound. I think if we all knew people better, it would go a long way toward increasing our understanding and empathy. Of course, you can't know everyone on that level. Simply being aware that there's "more than meets the eye" is a powerful reminder that everyone's life is a novel - full of detail and unique experiences. That being said, we're all more similar than we imagine.
It's funny, but I realized that stereotypes are the language of an outsider. True, there are reasons for stereotypes. Mainly, that they contain some degree of truth about their subject. But, they paint in broad strokes and are a vague impression of said subject. By no means do they take into account the individual.
As I was driving home, I thought about how nice this guy was. I thought about our discussions involving having children and being a Dad. I thought about how he's working 2 jobs to make ends meet. I also appreciated how truly inquisitive he was about my job and my life after graduating from UGA, among other things. We actually had some similarities.
I saw him in a new light because I had begun to get to know him. It was a simple thing, but profound. I think if we all knew people better, it would go a long way toward increasing our understanding and empathy. Of course, you can't know everyone on that level. Simply being aware that there's "more than meets the eye" is a powerful reminder that everyone's life is a novel - full of detail and unique experiences. That being said, we're all more similar than we imagine.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Good Point
This is a hypothetical question posed to Pres. Obama. It contains some surprising figures, comparing the economy in the 80's to our current one. Interesting points by Larry Elder.
"Mr. President, this is a two-part question. In your opening statement, you called today's economic situation "the most profound economic emergency since the Great Depression" and later "the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression." But in the 1981-82 recession, unemployment reached 10.8 percent in 1982 versus 7.6 today. Reagan inherited an annual inflation rate of 13.5 percent, while you, sir, came in with a 0.1 percent inflation rate. Prime interest rates reached 21.5 percent at the end of 1980, compared with 3.25 percent at the end of 2008. Reagan did not ask for a "rescue" or "bailout" package. He cut taxes and slowed the rate of domestic spending. Unemployment, inflation and interest rates went down. The Treasury collected more revenue than ever. First, how then -- at least so far -- is this the greatest economic crisis since the Great Depression? And second, given Reagan's success, why not cut taxes, reduce domestic spending, and leave taxpayers and consumers with more money to save, spend and invest?"
The Old Gipper was a wise one. Here is the link to the full article this question originated from. Here's one more bonus quote from Ronnie:
"Government's view of the economy could be summed up in a few short phrases: If it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it. And if it stops moving, subsidize it." - Ronald Reagan
"Mr. President, this is a two-part question. In your opening statement, you called today's economic situation "the most profound economic emergency since the Great Depression" and later "the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression." But in the 1981-82 recession, unemployment reached 10.8 percent in 1982 versus 7.6 today. Reagan inherited an annual inflation rate of 13.5 percent, while you, sir, came in with a 0.1 percent inflation rate. Prime interest rates reached 21.5 percent at the end of 1980, compared with 3.25 percent at the end of 2008. Reagan did not ask for a "rescue" or "bailout" package. He cut taxes and slowed the rate of domestic spending. Unemployment, inflation and interest rates went down. The Treasury collected more revenue than ever. First, how then -- at least so far -- is this the greatest economic crisis since the Great Depression? And second, given Reagan's success, why not cut taxes, reduce domestic spending, and leave taxpayers and consumers with more money to save, spend and invest?"
The Old Gipper was a wise one. Here is the link to the full article this question originated from. Here's one more bonus quote from Ronnie:
"Government's view of the economy could be summed up in a few short phrases: If it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it. And if it stops moving, subsidize it." - Ronald Reagan
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Sweet Words
I've noticed, since the first time Obama came on the scene, how everyone is so amazed at his eloquence. His way with words. I admit, he is a polished speaker, no doubt about it. If that is all he is, though, we might as well have elected a trained actor or a poet. If someone is applauded merely for their ability to speak words in an artful way, is that enough?
There could be a man on the corner of the city sidewalk, who plays with words like an artist. He could also be mentally deranged. But, hey, his words sound great!
The point I'm making is that wordplay, alone, is a cheap prize. Something else to be treasured, but rarely is these days, is wisdom. Is Barack Obama a wise man? That's where I'm not sure.
He is the product and darling of the university system. Where our universities were once institutions of deep learning, nowadays, they are a far cry from those past places. Now, we have loads of professors who are learned and intelligent people, no doubt, but aren't necessarily wise. Some are, I'm sure. The vast majority, though, are persons whose minds are full of knowledge. Is knowledge enough? Obama has plenty of knowledge, I would imagine.
Ultimately, our world is caving in on itself and the emptiness of our own vanity. We love to appear smart. We love to appear beautiful. Do we love wisdom? I don't see our government being guided by wisdom. The stimulus package just passed in the Senate looks eerily similar, in concept, to Roosevelt's "New Deal." We're still haunted by some of these New Deal systems: social security, Fannie Mae. Are they still causing trouble today? Yes. Just look at the role Fannie Mae played in the recent housing debacle.
Some verses from 2 Timothy come to mind:
"For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths." 2 Timothy 4:3&4
This brings to mind all kinds of things - from talk shows, to infomercials, to educators, to government leaders.
Who is truly wise in this day and age?
There could be a man on the corner of the city sidewalk, who plays with words like an artist. He could also be mentally deranged. But, hey, his words sound great!
The point I'm making is that wordplay, alone, is a cheap prize. Something else to be treasured, but rarely is these days, is wisdom. Is Barack Obama a wise man? That's where I'm not sure.
He is the product and darling of the university system. Where our universities were once institutions of deep learning, nowadays, they are a far cry from those past places. Now, we have loads of professors who are learned and intelligent people, no doubt, but aren't necessarily wise. Some are, I'm sure. The vast majority, though, are persons whose minds are full of knowledge. Is knowledge enough? Obama has plenty of knowledge, I would imagine.
Ultimately, our world is caving in on itself and the emptiness of our own vanity. We love to appear smart. We love to appear beautiful. Do we love wisdom? I don't see our government being guided by wisdom. The stimulus package just passed in the Senate looks eerily similar, in concept, to Roosevelt's "New Deal." We're still haunted by some of these New Deal systems: social security, Fannie Mae. Are they still causing trouble today? Yes. Just look at the role Fannie Mae played in the recent housing debacle.
Some verses from 2 Timothy come to mind:
"For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths." 2 Timothy 4:3&4
This brings to mind all kinds of things - from talk shows, to infomercials, to educators, to government leaders.
Who is truly wise in this day and age?
Saturday, February 07, 2009
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Enemy Territory for News?
Anyone else find it funny that the headquarters for both Fox News and CNN are located in areas that (generally) are opposite the political persuasion of each station? You'd think someone would suggest a location swap.
Maybe it's good for them, in some way. The antagonism might serve as a fuel, of sorts.
Maybe it's good for them, in some way. The antagonism might serve as a fuel, of sorts.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
New Musics!
First, U2 is back on the move. Their new album is on the horizon (oh. that was horrible.. he he). Here is the first single:
Get On Your Boots
This new Coldplay video is quite clever, I think. Puppets - ha!
Life in Technicolor ii
Get On Your Boots
This new Coldplay video is quite clever, I think. Puppets - ha!
Life in Technicolor ii
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Change has come, indeed
Well, here we are - officially into the Obama administration. It's funny, but there's been a complete and utter turn-around in the general media's attitude. On everything and everywhere you hear the message of "Let's work TOGETHER!" and "We are one." Where was this feeling for the last 8 years? So, now we're supposed to be one, big family? Obama IS magic!
This article by David Limbaugh (note to those who hate Rush: this is NOT *that* Limbaugh) says it better than I can. My above-written paragraph is just a synopsis of one of his points.
I do acknowledge the historical implications and importance of Obama being President. Of course. But, I'm appalled (not surprised, though) at how the media has turned on a dime and changed it's tune. It's all very, very subjective.
This article by David Limbaugh (note to those who hate Rush: this is NOT *that* Limbaugh) says it better than I can. My above-written paragraph is just a synopsis of one of his points.
I do acknowledge the historical implications and importance of Obama being President. Of course. But, I'm appalled (not surprised, though) at how the media has turned on a dime and changed it's tune. It's all very, very subjective.
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